COMPETITION: Win Under the Vines: Series 1 on DVD

Following its transmission on the BBC, Acorn Media International announced Under the Vines Series 1 is set for release on DVD and digital from 2 June.

And to celebrate, we have a great competition for you and a chance to win a copy on DVD

Synopsis:

Renowned New Zealand star Rebecca Gibney (Wanted, Packed to the Rafters, The Flying Doctors) and British acting favourite Charles Edwards (The Crown, The Terror, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power), are thrown together as two unlikely city slickers who inherit a failing vineyard in rural New Zealand.  

 

Sydney socialite Daisy Munroe (Gibney) hops on a plane to Peak View, New Zealand for a holiday at her recently deceased stepfather’s winery, which she intends to sell. Little does she know that the vineyard has a co-owner, grumpy, British lawyer, Louis Oakley (Edwards), who has recently been disbarred and is heading to the remote wine region in order to escape a spiralling series of unfortunate life events.  

 

Despite neither of them having done a hard day’s work in their lives and both despising each other on first meeting, the two must somehow make Oakley Winery successful so they can sell up, split the profits and get out. But nothing is ever as easy as it seems and the inexperienced duo face their own personal and financial crises, while fighting off the attention of a neighbouring vineyard who has their sights set on swindling the newcomers. 

Escape Under the Vines for a delightful TV romp through scenic sights with laughs a plenty and maybe a refreshing drink or two along the way. 

Out Now at - https://amzn.to/45tjuoZ

Enter Below

Who plays British lawyer, Louis Oakley in Under the Vines?

Send your name, address and of course the answer to competition365@outlook.com

Quick Terms and conditions

1. Closing date 09-06-25

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.

COMPETITION: Win The Madame Blanc Mysteries: Series 4 on DVD

The imitable Sally Lindsay is back in The Madame Blanc Mysteries Series 4 for more awesome amateur sleuthing, French finds and delightful drama in the fabulous French town of Sainte Victoire.

And to celebrate, we have a great competition for you and a chance to win a copy of Series 4 on DVD.

Synopsis:

If you’re in need of some escapist charm, this much-loved series is guaranteed to please with its lovable cast, unusual antiques, murder, mystery, sunshine and laughter.  

 

Following its Channel 5 transmission, The Madame Blanc Mysteries Series 4 and Series 1 – 4 Box Set are set to arrive on DVD 2 June 2025, courtesy of Acorn Media International, just in time for some summer sleuthing. The Madame Blanc Mysteries Series 4 will also be available to download and keep weekly after each episode airs. 

 

We return to sunny Sainte Victoire with our favourite cosy crime fighting antiques dealer Jean White (Lindsay). The series three finale saw an end to Dom (Steve Edge – Benidorm, The Reluctant Landlord) and Jean’s will-they-won’t-they, delighting fans when Dom (Edge) finally told Jean how he felt. But the course of true love never did run smooth and the couple must now navigate their budding romance together, while solving a brand-new set of mysteries.. 

 

From a brutal murder in a magical Christmas market to the unravelling of a curse from an Egyptian God, the dynamic duo has a fresh slew of mysteries to solve and as always, end up in La Couronne with Uncle Patrick (Tony Robinson – Blackadder, Maid Marian and her Merry Men, Man Down) to enjoy a well-earned glass of wine.  

 

Series four sees the return of an impressive abundance of guest stars including co-writer Sue Vincent (Mount Pleasant, Bad Move) as mechanic Gloria Beaushaw, Robin Askwith (Confessions of a Window Cleaner, Bless This House) and Sue Holderness (Only Fools and Horses, The Green Green Grass) as Jeremy and Judith Lloyd James and Alex Gaumond (Derry Girls, Death in Paradise) as Chief of Police André Caron. 

 

Sainte Victoire also sees some new faces as Samantha Power (Ackley Bridge, Brassic), Charlie Condou (Coronation Street, Nathan Barley), Richard Blackwood (EastEnders, The Richard Blackwood Show), Danny Hatchard (Eastenders, Our Girl), Graeme Hawley (Finding Alice, Coronation Street), Lorraine Burroughs (Sweetpea, DCI Banks) and Edward MacLiam (Doctors, Holby City) guest star. 

  

Pack your sun cream and magnifying glass and take a sun-soaked trip to Sainte Victoire for a treasure trove of delightful mysteries infused with heart and humour in The Madame Blanc Mysteries Series 4. 

Out Now at - https://amzn.to/3YY4vQ3

Enter Below

Who plays Uncle Patrick in The Madame Blanc Mysteries?

Send your name, address and of course the answer to competition365@outlook.com

Quick Terms and conditions

1. Closing date 09-06-25

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.

Young Gambler Claims Casinos Owe Him $800,000 After Voided Wagers

 

A 24-year-old self-taught gambler is accusing major casinos of unfair play after they refused to honour his winning bets, despite a potential payout of over $800,000.

Thomas McPeek, who lives in the suburbs with his parents, says he spent months analysing betting markets and carefully structuring parlay bets that led to massive wins at two casinos in the United States. His gambling journey took him from Indiana to Iowa, where he placed a series of intricate sports wagers using kiosks instead of approaching betting clerks, hoping to stay anonymous and avoid detection.

“I was holding what should have been $800,000 worth of winning tickets,” McPeek said in an interview at his family home, surrounded by sports memorabilia. He claims his wins were the result of extensive preparation, referencing stacks of notebooks filled with research and betting strategies.

In August, McPeek visited the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Indiana, reportedly turning $30,000 into $350,000. A month later, he wagered again at the Isle Casino in Bettendorf, Iowa, this time winning another $450,000. Both casinos are operated by Caesars Entertainment.

But when McPeek returned to collect his winnings, the casinos refused to pay. According to McPeek, Caesars voided his tickets and pointed to house rules regarding structured betting and anti-money laundering regulations.

A printed policy sheet handed to him during his visit to the Iowa casino in January cited concerns around repeat wagering patterns and attempts to evade scrutiny. “Of course it’s not fair,” McPeek said. “They waited until the bets won before deciding not to pay me.”

McPeek admits to betting in small increments across numerous tickets to avoid triggering alerts, even changing his appearance with sunglasses and disguises to reduce recognition. “I just want to fly under the radar,” he said.

He has since been banned from several casinos, including Horseshoe and Blue Chip in Michigan City. While Blue Chip also barred him after a significant win, they did pay out over $127,000 before doing so. Caesars, however, has not issued any payment.

McPeek’s complaints to state regulators in Indiana and Iowa have so far seen limited success. Indiana’s gaming commission backed Caesars’ decision to void the bets. Iowa’s regulatory body is still reviewing the case.

Experts are split on the issue. Mike Lawton, a retired Nevada gaming regulator, suggested there may be behind-the-scenes details justifying the casino’s stance. Another former industry professional, Scott Morrow, was more critical of McPeek’s approach, arguing that his tactics aimed to circumvent established rules.

However, professional betting author Eli Feustel took McPeek’s side. “If Caesars had voided the bets before the games were played, it would have been fair. Waiting to see if he won first is the problem,” Feustel said.

McPeek is now considering legal action to reclaim his earnings, potentially setting the stage for a court case that could shine a spotlight on how far casinos can go to deny payouts based on player behaviour.

As it stands, his fate may ultimately be decided by a judge.

Urban Kayaking Through NYC’s Polluted Hutchinson River

In a recent YouTube video titled Urban Kayaking | Exploring a Polluted Industrial River in NYC, creator Two Feet Outdoors takes viewers on a sobering yet fascinating paddle through a little-known stretch of the Hutchinson River. Launching from Mount Vernon, New York, he follows the waterway south into the Bronx, navigating through a landscape dominated by industry and heavy pollution.

In his own words, he expected the river to be toxic, but was still taken aback by the scale of the contamination and even witnessed what appeared to be active pollution during his trip. Despite the environmental damage, the video captures a surprising amount of wildlife, offering a stark contrast between nature’s resilience and the industrial sprawl that surrounds it.

This urban kayaking journey highlights the often-overlooked waterways of New York City and raises questions about environmental responsibility and restoration. 

Atlanta's 'B.A.N.' Episode Tackles Transracial Identity with Sharp Satire

 

In the Atlanta episode titled "B.A.N." (Black American Network), the show delves into a satirical exploration of race and identity. The scene features a 17-year-old Black teenager, Antoine Smalls, who identifies as a 35-year-old white man named Harrison Booth. Smalls claims to be "transracial" and expresses his desire to undergo a "race transition surgery" to become white. The mockumentary-style interview humorously highlights the absurdity of his assertion while subtly critiquing the commodification and fluidity of identity in modern society.

While the scene is played for laughs, it raises uncomfortable questions about how race is perceived and constructed. Smalls’ mother dismisses his claim, arguing that identity cannot be altered through superficial means, which serves as a powerful counterpoint to the notion of "transracial" identity. By weaving this commentary into its trademark humor, Atlanta challenges viewers to think critically about the complexities of race, privilege, and how society interacts with these issues.

Atlanta Season 1, Episode 7.

The Hidden Truth Behind Luxury Brands: Chinese Manufacturers Speak Out

 

For decades, designer brands have woven a tale of Italian craftsmanship and exclusive luxury, but the truth behind these high-end items is more complicated. In this DOCO MiNi, we uncover how Chinese manufacturers, long relegated to producing goods for top fashion houses, are now revealing their role in creating the luxury items we covet.

These manufacturers use the same materials, work with the same skilled hands, and operate in the same factories that produce luxury goods for major global brands. The difference? The label – and the massive markup. As these manufacturers skip the branding and the inflated prices, the distinction between designer goods and non-branded items becomes clearer than ever. The luxury market, once shrouded in prestige, is now being seen in a new light.

Exploring the Funeral Scene in Garth Marenghi's Darkplace

 

One of the most memorable moments from Garth Marenghi's Darkplace comes in the first episode, during the funeral scene for the character Larry Renwick. After a tragic incident involving Renwick’s death, the funeral takes an unexpected turn, perfectly capturing the show’s signature blend of absurdity and horror parody.

The scene, meant to be a somber farewell, quickly spirals into chaos when Renwick's body inexplicably reanimates. The situation goes from bizarre to hysterical as characters Rick and Thornton, unable to deal with the situation in a typical TV drama way, resort to firing multiple rounds into Renwick’s corpse and finally setting him on fire with a flamethrower. This moment epitomizes the show's tone, which lovingly mocks the over-the-top antics of 1980s horror TV, complete with intentionally poor production values, glaring continuity errors, and awkward editing. The funeral scene is just one example of how Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace subverts traditional horror tropes while keeping viewers in stitches.