Mixed reactions to Gardenite reality tv series

Gardenites today got a glimpse at their lives through the lens of 'Reality TV' as they previewed several episodes of 'In the Night Garden', a television production which has recently completed filming in the garden. 'In the Night Garden' has followed the daily lives of several Gardenites, showcasing their 'upsys and downsies' in the words of the media release for the show.

However, following the Gazebo-hosted viewing, many gardenites expressed disappointment and anger at what they described as 'exaggerations, misrepresentations and selective editing' on the part of producers of the show. Upsy Daisy explained that she felt her love of flowers had been 'overplayed' and stated that she rarely chased her bed. 'It's not really me', she stated, 'I mean, I love my bed, but the show makes it look like I luuurve my bed, if you know what I mean'. Other residents disappointed by their on screen portrayal included Makka Pakka who argued that careful editing and 'faked situations' had made him look like 'a total nut job'. 'I wondered why producers insisted that I wash everyone's faces almost every time the camera was on me. Now I know. They needed an 'OCD' character for this so-called 'reality' show' he fumed, adding that he planned to seek legal advice, 'right after I go and wash my hands'. Tombliboo Oo confirmed the 'un-reality' of the filming process: 'let's just say the waist bands of our pants were somewhat loosened, for comedy effect'.

Other residents were more positive about the show and their portrayal. Mrs Pontipine expressed delight at seeing her family on television  'I never dreamed that I would be a tv star when I was fleeing Soviet Russia with only my hat, coat and binoculars', she stated. Haa Hoo X stated that, contrary to expectations, the camera had 'removed five pounds' with respect to the Haa Hoos.

 Media reviews of the show have also been largely enthusiastic. While some reviewers have expressed confusion about the premise, most agree that the characters are interesting enough to keep the show going. Upsy Daisy comes in for praise as a 'strong female lead' and has been compared favourably to Reality TV megastars such as Kim Kardashian and Snooky.

In the Night Garden will screen nightly on local television.

Read more...

Makka-Pakka-rena dance craze sweeps night garden

A new dance craze has hit the garden, with gardenites swinging their arms from side to side and clapping awkwardly. The Makka-Pakka-rena, as it is known, is so popular that it looks set to be even bigger than the Iggle Piggle Shuffle craze of the early 1990's. The dance, which is often performed to the beat of a nonsense word chant, has become so pervasive that the teeny tiny Pontipines have 'updated' their traditional circle dance to include some of the Makka-Pakka-rena moves.

Um-dum-agga-pang! The Tombliboos do the Makka-Pakka-rena.

Many health officials have welcomed the craze, suggesting that anything that helps residents get more exercise is 'a good thing'. However, several doctors have warned that the Makka-Pakka-rena may have dangerous health outcomes if used carelessly. 'The dance involves lots of twisting from side to side,' said one concerned doctor, highlighting the possibility that gardenites may injure their backs if not properly warmed up before they attempt the 'rena'.

Speaking from inside his cave, Makka Pakka confirmed rumours that he is behind the popular new dance. 'Yes, I started the Makka-Pakka-rena', stated Pakka. He explained that he was not sure where the idea for the dance came from: 'I was just inspired, I heard a voice in my head chanting some words and suddenly I was swinging from side to side, clapping and jumping'. While acknowledging the risks to residents, an unrepentant Pakka said that he feels 'extremely proud' that his creation has become so popular.  'I'm just glad to be able to give something back to the community here in the garden', he stated.

Read more...

The Ball still at large

Night garden authorities are seeking information as to the whereabouts of the Ball, after several reports of public nuisance and grevious bodily harm. The Ball has not been seen since it bounced into Makka Pakka, knocking him into his Ogg-Pogg. Witnesses say that this act was deliberate, and sources report that it is only one of a string of similar incidents.

Sneaky tactics
Iggle Piggle, who claims he has also been a victim of the Ball's antisocial behaviour, said that the Ball lures gardenites into playing with it before turning on them. 'It's the bouncing,' he explained, 'It makes it look like something fun to throw or kick around'. Iggle stated that he was playing with the Ball when it suddenly built up speed by bouncing against several trees, before throwing itself toward him and knocking him to the ground. Other residents have been similarly tricked by the devious sphere. 
 
Authorities report that they have no firm leads as to the Ball's whereabouts at this stage. 'Unfortunately information so far has only resulted in the detainment and subsequent release of the oval HaaHoo in a case of mistaken identity. But there are not many places that the Ball can hide in the night garden once we have ruled out the Tombliboo residence, Upsy Daisy's bed and Makka Pakka's cave, so we are confident that we will find it soon,' said a source.

Readers should take note of the following description of the Ball: round, bouncy, caucasian, with a distinct jingling sound as it moves. Anyone who sees the Ball should contact authorities and approach it with caution.

Read more...

Excitement builds over 'Night Garden's Got Talent'

News that auditions will begin soon for The Night Garden's Got Talent has gardenites in a frenzy of excitement. The Gazebo has been confirmed as the judge, and the Disembodied Voice, known to residents as 'Barry', will be the host.

'It's the perfect role for me', said Barry, 'I'm totally comfortable saying things like 'what will you be doing today, Makka Pakka?' or 'The Tombliboos are playing Tombliboo music!'' I think my ability to explain what is going on to an audience will be invaluable to viewers of Got Talent'.

The audition process will kick off on Wednesday, and The Daily is able to bring readers this list of confirmed auditionees:
* Upsy Daisy (song and dance routine)
* Makka Pakka (stone stacking)
* Tombliboo Oo and Ee (piano and drum musical duet)
* Tombliboo Un (trouser twirling)
* The HaaHoos (synchronised swaying)

A garden insider reports that Iggle Piggle is also considering auditioning and has been seen practicing a daring bull fighting number using his red blanket. The Pontipine family have expressed disappointment that their proposed chimney jumping act was turned down by producers as 'too dangerous'. 'My children do it all the time, it's traditional in our culture', explained Mr Pontipine. The family are considering auditioning for Got Talent with a folk dancing act instead.

Read more...

COMMUNITY NOTICES

Night garden dance-a-thon
A community dance-a-thon will be held at the Gazebo this evening. Registration not required. Bring your dancing shoes for a fun community evening. Residents and guests welcome. All enquiries to Upsy Daisy.

Tooth brushing course
Registrations are now open for a three day intensive course on oral hygiene. The course will cover correct tools, frequency and Tombliboo technique. The cost of the course includes a comprehensive toothbrushing handbook and a giant toothbrush. Please see Tombliboo Un, Oo or Ee to register.

Those Mysterious HaaHoos
The Gazebo will host an information session for interested residents on the origin, history and modern cultural significance of the HaaHoos on Monday evening at 5pm. The session will include detailed pictures and stories about the HaaHoos. HaaHoo X will attend to conduct a demonstration of a traditional HaaHoo welcoming ceremony. Registration is required for catering purposes.

Cleaning Service Price Increase
In Your Face Cleaning Services regretfully announce a 10% price increase for all residential and commercial cleaning services effective October, 2011. The price rise is to cover the increased cost of soap as a result of the Carbon Tax. A copy of the new price schedule is available from Makka Pakka.

Notice of Planning Application
Notice is hereby given that an application has been made for planning approval for the following development:
Site: 1 Large Bush Way, Night Garden
Proposal: Extension to existing bush; expansion of entrance way
Applicants: Un Tombliboo, Oo Tombliboo, Ee Tombliboo
The application and associated plans and documents will be available for inspection at the Council Offices during normal office hours for a period of fourteen (14) days from the date of publication of this notice, during which time any resident may make representations in relation to the proposal by letter addressed to the General Manager, Night Garden Council.

Lost and Found
Mr Pontipine would like to speak to anyone who has information as to the whereabouts of his mustache. The mustache was last seen flying through the air last Thursday. There is a reward for information leading to the mustache's return.

Read more...

Carried Away: Pontipine bed joy ride terror

An innocent game of hide and seek turned to terror for eight Pontipine children in the night garden today. The children told The Daily exclusively that they were hiding in Upsy Daisy's bed when the bed began moving autonomously. The bed, a second generation Slumbertron 2000, was purchased by Upsy Daisy several years ago, and only responds to her commands. When invaded by the Pontipine children, explains Upsy Daisy, the bed just took off. 'Only I am allowed in my bed', she said. 'Mwah!' she added.

"Scared": Pontipine parents
'We were scared' says Mrs Pontipine, nervously stroking the binoculars around her neck. 'When the bed took off like that, we didn't know if we would see our children again'. Mr Pontipine believes the children could have been killed. 'That bed is completely out of control. Anything could have happened', he said.

The Pontipine children managed to jump from the bed and into the safety of the Pontipine family chimney. All say that they will think twice before playing hide and seek in the night garden again. The Pontipine family are seeking legal advice regarding the situation, and are considering suing Upsy Daisy for the 'pain and suffering' caused by the bed's reckless behaviour. 'Upsy Daisy needs to take responsibility for her bed's actions. She can't just kiss this away', said Mr Pontipine.

Upsy not to blame
Iggle Piggle, a frequent visitor to the night garden and well known associate of Upsy Daisy, claimed in an interview this evening that Ms Daisy was not to blame for her bed's behaviour. 'The bed has malfunctioned since Upsy purchased it. She has followed the manufacturer's instructions to the letter, but it keeps running away. Frankly, if the Pontipine children get in Upsy Daisy's bed, they do so at their own risk'.

Wottingers: No comment
The Wottingers, who instigated the hide and seek game with the Pontipines, had no comment to make about the Pontipine children's misadventure. They did, however, point out that the rules of hide and seek usually preclude the hiders from moving location while the seekers are looking. 'If they hadn't moved from the flower pot to the bed, maybe this wouldn't have happened', said one Wottinger. The failed game has not harmed relations between the Wottingers and their Pontipine neighbours, however. 'We're still on waving terms', said Mrs Wottinger.

Read more...