Stumbling across that 'Thriller in Manilla' vid (about prisoners in Cebu learning to dance in unison to 80's hits by Michael Jackson and the like) got me thinking about what other programs are happening to give prisoners something to do in international jails..?.. Rio de Janeiro hosts a regular beauty pageant for inmates - as do many others around the world.

The V-Raw exhibition kicked off at China Heights Wednesday night.  It was great to see so many fresh new artists being given a platform to show their skills.  The event was a huge success with all artworks quickly snapped up via auction - raising a whopping $4,500 for Reach Out.  Stay tuned for more V-Raw projects coming soon and head to their website to find out info on this awesome initiative and how to get involved.

Ok, well it's not actually Manila - but it is the Phillippines so you know what I mean.. Even if Michael Jackson wasn't sent to prison at least his moves were.  Check out this rehabilitation programme in Cebu where prisoners are learning to dance in unison to 80's hits by MJ and the like.  Better to be a zombie than bored it would seem.

YEN is pleased to support the Wayside Chapel in Kings Cross on their annual fashion show – which will fuse elements of local, underground music, fashion and art to become an amazing fundraiser event held at the GaelicTheatre in Surry Hills.  The event will play host to an awesome line up of indie acts from Make Yourself Records such as Fait Accompli, The Ripping Dylans and Tokyo Blonde and will feature one off artworks for sale from local up and coming artists such as loveariel and smitten by stephanie. A fashion show styled by Marnie Skillings, Fleur Wood & YEN fashion director Imogene Barron will feature cute and crazy outfits using clothes from the Wayside Chapel’s Op Shop ‘Beatniks & Bohemians’. Keep Thursday, November 1 free and stay tuned for more info coming soon!  Tickets are only $22 and available now through moshtix and remember they go to charity!!

Check out the works of Steve Gorrow and the Insight design team in the Renault New Generation Art Collection as part of Art Sydney this weekend - Australia's biggest Art Fair at 26-28 Royal Hall of Industries. Head to the Art Sydney website for more info.

Look out Johnnie & Kevin 07 -  serial killer Ivan Milat's sister-in-law is running for parliament. Getting the attention of the mainstream news channels and pro-gun groups alike, Lisa Milat, the Liberty and Democracy Party's (LDP) ACT Senate candidate, (& the wife of Milat's brother Walter) is on the campaign trail. Although LDP no doubt has many points on its agenda, all things considered it certainly made for some fun news grabs over my Vita Brits this morning hearing her talk about a more relaxed approach to gun control & legalising euthanasia... Check out more info at ninemsn.

We want to let you know that a history making campaign to improve the lives of animals worldwide is now underway, and WSPA needs you to help make it happen. WSPA's 'Animals Matter To Me' is a global effort to obtain a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare. We'd really appreciate it if you could head to the petition that WSPA has setup - here you'll be able to learn more about this vital initiative an make a difference by signing the petition.  Please pass this information onto your friends and family and ask them to lend their support also.  You can do this online by clicking 'Email this' at below left, or if you've recieved this by email, simply forward it on to your contacts.

Thanks everyone for your help - this is very important.