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Above is one of the TVC's that form a dark new RSPCA campaign highlighting the link between domestic abuse and animal cruelty. WARNING - it is very full on and depicts what has been described as "ferocious domestic violence". This hard-hitting new direction for the RSPCA is in aim of educating the public on the scope of incidents the organisation deals with: "There is a perception abroad that it has plenty of support and money; that it rescues kittens stuck up trees and finds nice new homes for unwanted dogs", explained the agency behind the camapign, "But there is a dark side to animal welfare and it is this, plus the enormous and varied workload of the RSPCA, that we want to bring to public attention." These particular ads were inspired by the correlation between animal abuse in childhood and psycotic behaviour in later life, as well as recent research that showed many women stayed in an abusive domestic relationship because they feared what their partner might do to their pet. It's not yet known whether TV networks will broadcast the clip - are they right to be hesitant or is this something that Australia needs to see?

The other day I was walking in the city when someone yelled "new beer". Thinking they said "Free Beer" I pretty much tripped over myself; arriving at the scene red-faced and panting only to be offered a postcard. My dissapointment was short-lived though as I noticed the little, lemon-scented seeds imbedded throughout the card and the claim that "this ad can be planted'. Yes; bury the card, show it some love and a drought-resistant native bottlebrush you shall soon have!! This cool little campaign is for Cascade Green; a new, 100% accredited carbon-offset beer that uses recycled packaging and soy based inks; lightweight glass and sustainable growing methods. Phew, I don't normally need an excuse for a cold beer but the oppurtunity to minimise my saquatchian carbon footprint (and beer belly - it's low carb) is a pretty good one.

The original oracular spectacular that is Animal Collective will soon be officially releasing (the thing’s already all over the intertubes) “Water Curses”; an EP follow up to, and collection of outtakes from, last year’s acclaimed “Strawberry Jam”.  The album’s title track is currently available in digital format and the band have just released a typically weird and wonderful video to accompany it. Enjoy it above.

On Thursday April 24, Sydney's Black and Blue gallery presents 'Sau Paulo. NewYork. Japan"; an exhibition of Photographs by Natasha Phillips, Vlad da Cunha and Josh Raymond. Although the three artists are based in Australia, they have each taken photos in one of the three titled cities - centering the exhibition around the complexities and ambiguities of encounters between visitors and the inhabitants of these often magical places. Sau Paulo. New York. Japan runs until May 11.

The CURVY crew hit Brisbane last Thursday night to celebrate the launch of the fifth edition. In keeping with the low-maintenance, no-attitude fashionista style that the Brissie peeps embody, the launch of YEN's all-girl annual art book, CURVY, was hosted at Blonde Venus (a treasure trove full of all the latest and edgiest designer labels). The gallery space was chokers all night, resulting in a constant stream of earnest art folk who queued to view what CURVY 5 had to offer this year. But in true YEN style we kept everyone's toes tapping to tunes from DJ Matt and drinks courtesy of V and Singha Beer.

Do fixed gear bikes and neoteric architecture often leave you feeling cold? Is there a place in your heart that cannot be filled by Wes Anderson and leather biker jackets alone but rather, longs for a fan-filmed sci-fi video and a homemade sequined sweater every now and again? Well then The Uncool-Hunter is the website for you. Launched in 2005, the Uncool Hunter aims uncover "the kitsch, the bizarre, the freakish, the surreal, the hyper real, the sub-professional, or everything that does not fit in the cool or elite culture". Have you ever seen those glamour shot wrestling photos that are always at Surry Hills markets? Well, imagine an entire website of that. Bliss.

I watched a film that aired on the ABC last Thursday night and it had me in great pain both physically and emotionally. The film, The Oasis, takes a look at the homeless youth of Sydney and the daily horrors they have to face. From a young age the youth in this film have gone through unspeakable traumas and have been abandoned by their families; leaving them to turn to the streets, crime, drugs and alcohol. The only hope these teens and young adults seem to have comes in the form of Oasis Youth Support Network run by Captain Paul Moulds (pictured above) - he is one truly amazing human being. You've gotta watch this film. Head to the Oasis site so you can learn how you can help these kids and the other 22,000 teenagers that are homeless across Australia every night. If you need help or know of someone who needs help contact Lifeline 24 Hour Counselling - 13 11 14.