The North American house hippo is one of those quirky commercials that has stuck with people for decades. Released in 1999 by Concerned Children’s Advertisers in Canada, it was designed to encourage kids and families to be critical of what they see on TV. The ad shows a tiny, hamster-sized hippopotamus quietly living in a regular Canadian home, doing things like making a nest out of socks and nibbling on crumbs. It’s presented so matter-of-factly that for a moment, you almost believe such a creature could exist.
The twist, of course, is that the house hippo is completely fictional. The commercial wraps up with a reminder not to accept everything on television as truth. This clever mix of whimsy and education helped the ad become a cult favourite. Even years later, the house hippo remains a symbol of media literacy, reminding viewers to question what they’re shown rather than just taking it at face value.
The task was to purposely create an anti-climax for a TV show. And he did that to an ultimate degree.
Taskmaster is a British comedy panel show created by comedian Alex Horne and hosted by Greg Davies. Since its debut in 2015, it has become a beloved fixture on UK television, known for its unique format where contestants, usually comedians, compete in a series of unusual and often absurd challenges set by the Taskmaster himself, Greg Davies. The show combines clever creativity, humour, and unpredictability, with Alex Horne serving as the assistant who explains the tasks and keeps track of scores. Taskmaster has received critical acclaim for its fresh take on the panel show format and has inspired international versions around the world.
Acorn Media International has announced the release of Whitstable Pearl Series 3, set for its DVD and digital release on 4 August, alongside the Series 1 to 3 Box Set, following its run on U&Drama.
And to celebrate we have a copy of Series 3 on DVD to give away!
Synopsis:
Return once again to Whitstable, the idyllic 16th century seaside town, famous for its oysters. The series is based on the bestselling novels by local writer Julie Wassmer (Eastenders) and brought to life by co-creator Øystein Karlsen (Exit, So Long, Marianne), the award-winning Norwegian filmmaker. The highly-anticipated third series of this much-loved crime drama sees the return of Howard Charles (Top Boy, Shadow and Bone) as the brooding DCI Mike McGuire, Frances Barber (Silk, The Chelsea Detective) as Pearl’s mum Dolly, Rohan Nedd (Harry Wild, Blue Story) as Pearl’s son Charlie and Robert Webb (Peep Show, That Mitchell and Webb Look) also resumes his role as Pearl’s boyfriend Tom, rounding out a stellar cast.
Series three finds the Whitstable Pearl restaurant thriving and so is Pearl’s (Godliman) detective sideline. After a short hiatus, DCI Mike McGuire (Charles) returns to Whitstable, re-energised, and determined to make progress in his quest for self-healing. He and Pearl continue to make a formidable team as they work through various cases together – Pearl never needing Mike’s help as much as he needs hers. As cracks start to show in Pearl and Tom’s relationship and Mike finally comes to terms with how his wife died, will the duo finally acknowledge their deep feelings for one another?
Take a trip to the beautiful coast with Whitstable Pearl Series 3 for a fresh helping of suspense, secrets and seaside charm.
Send your name, address and of course the answer to competition365@outlook.com
Quick Terms and conditions
1. Closing date 11-08-25
2. No alternative prize is available
3. When the competition ends as indicated on this page, any and all entries received after this point will not count and emails blacklisted due to not checking this page first.
4. Winners will be chosen randomly and will be informed via email.
5. Entries that come directly from other websites will not be accepted.
"The Landlord" is a short comedy film starring Will Ferrell, released on April 12, 2007. In this hilarious sketch, Ferrell plays a tenant who has a memorable and awkward encounter with his landlord. The film is known for its absurd humour and Ferrell’s signature over-the-top performance. It captures the often uncomfortable and bizarre dynamics that can happen between tenants and landlords, turning a common situation into a comedy highlight.
Will Ferrell is an American actor, comedian, writer, and producer best known for his energetic and often absurd comedic style. Rising to fame as a cast member on "Saturday Night Live" in the late 1990s, he became a household name with hits like "Anchorman," "Elf," and "Step Brothers." Ferrell’s unique blend of physical comedy and deadpan delivery has made him one of the most influential comedic actors of his generation. Beyond acting, he has co-founded the comedy website Funny or Die and continues to produce and star in projects that push the boundaries of humour.
The Trial of Tim Heidecker is not your typical courtroom drama. In fact, it is not a real trial at all. Instead, it’s an elaborate and clever piece of comedy crafted within the satirical universe of On Cinema at the Cinema, a web series starring Tim Heidecker and Gregg Turkington. What makes this “trial” stand out is how it blurs the line between fiction and reality, creating a captivating mock trial that feels surprisingly authentic.
At its core, the series presents Tim Heidecker as a man facing twenty counts of second-degree murder, linked to a fictional tragedy known as the Electric Sun 20 incident. The production mimics the style of a televised courtroom trial, complete with tense exchanges, witness testimonies, and dramatic legal maneuvers. But all of this unfolds as part of a larger comedic narrative rather than actual legal proceedings.
The Trial is deeply rooted in the world of On Cinema, a show that parodies film reviews but has expanded into a sprawling comedy universe. Over time, Tim and Gregg’s on-screen rivalry has evolved into a saga with spin-offs, live specials, and even mock political campaigns. This trial adds another layer to that story, giving fans an immersive experience that mixes satire, performance art, and dark humour.
What makes this mock trial particularly engaging is how committed everyone involved is to the bit. The acting is so convincing that viewers can easily forget it’s all fiction, which has helped the series gain a devoted cult following. Fans passionately debate the outcome and align themselves as “Timheads” or “Greggheads,” treating the mock drama with genuine enthusiasm.
The Trial of Tim Heidecker is a unique blend of comedy, theatre, and media satire that pushes the boundaries of traditional storytelling. It showcases how far a joke can go when the performers fully embrace the premise, making it a standout piece in the landscape of modern digital entertainment.
Screen icons Greta Scacchi and Bryan Brown are back as Darby and Joan, once again hitting the open road for more crime-solving adventures in the heart of Australia.
And to celebrate we have a copy of the series 2 on DVD to give away!
Synopsis:
The second series picks up one year on and the friendship between Jack (Bryan Brown – Cocktail, Anyone but You) and Joan (Greta Scacchi – White Mischief, Bodies) is stronger than ever, however, the road ahead is still rocky. Jack is determined to clear his name after a scandal that ended his career is unearthed. Convinced that someone out there holds the key to what really happened on that fateful night, he sets off to investigate. Ever persistent and endlessly curious, Joan insists on joining the hunt but as their journey leads them through more stunning landscapes and puzzling cases, it becomes clear that someone is following their trail.
As they travel through Queensland their quest becomes a race against time. Can the dynamic duo really uncover the truth after all these years, or will their search for answers only unearth more questions?
From windswept coastlines to dusty desert towns, Darby and Joan delivers another dose of sun-drenched escapism with heartwarming chemistry, quirky mysteries and a deeper dive into the secrets that still haunt Jack. There’s never been a better time to hit the road with this unforgettable pair as the second series arrives just in time for some summer sleuthing.
For irresistible leads, breathtaking scenery and an undercurrent of intrigue, strap in and get ready to hit the road again with Darby and Joan. There’s more charm, more twists and more heart as their journey continues…
What is the name of the character played by Bryan Brown?
Send your name, address and of course the answer to competition365@outlook.com
Quick Terms and conditions
1. Closing date 04-08-25
2. No alternative prize is available
3. When the competition ends as indicated on this page, any and all entries received after this point will not count and emails blacklisted due to not checking this page first.
4. Winners will be chosen randomly and will be informed via email.
5. Entries that come directly from other websites will not be accepted.
In the summer of 1988, Wembley Stadium was packed for Nelson Mandela’s 70th birthday tribute concert, a star-studded event celebrating the South African leader’s life and struggle. One of the evening’s biggest draws was Stevie Wonder. But when his hard disk with all his pre-recorded tracks went missing, his set was suddenly impossible to perform. The audience waited. Backstage, organisers scrambled.
In that moment of chaos, someone made a bold call. Tracy Chapman, barely known beyond a handful of radio stations, had already played a short set earlier in the day. With time to fill and nerves running high, she was asked to go back out. Alone on stage, guitar in hand, she played “Fast Car”.
It was quiet at first. Then the crowd leaned in.
The simplicity of it, just her voice and that aching, restless melody, cut through everything. No big production. No lights or effects. Just a song that landed exactly where it needed to.
In the weeks that followed, the ripple effect was massive. Sales of her debut album exploded. A million copies were sold within a month. That one unexpected encore launched her into global recognition.
Stevie Wonder got his gear working eventually. But by then, Tracy Chapman had already arrived.
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