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.

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Album Reviews

Daisy Do! 
Upsy Daisy NGMI


The title says it all on Daisy's fifth studio album. Daisy Do! is an intimate album, inspired, says Daisy by her deeply rooted love of music and singing. More experimental than previous albums, Daisy Do! is a mesh of styles from the operatic "Ah-ah-ah-ah Daisy" to the reggae inspired "Do-Daisy-Do". "Pip-pip Onk-onk" combines racing melodies, soaring harmonies with poetic storytelling: 'Riding on the Ninky-Nonk/My stop comes up/Pip-pip onk-onk!'. Previous albums have proved that Daisy is a talented songwriter and producer, and this album is no departure. It's hard to believe that Upsy could produce an album to top previous successes like Megaphone Musings or the rap/hip hop album What's My Name?, both of which went double platinum, but Daisy Do! looks set to do just that.*****

Ombli Bombli (Instrumental)
The Tombliboos Gardenite Records

The long-awaited debut album from The Tombliboos is just what fans were hoping for. This group already have a large following from their spontaneous and perky live shows, but the album has been a no-show for several years. 'We just kept putting it off', said Un, the ostensible leader of the group. 'We've had, like, so much on these past couple of years, sitting in a studio wasn't a high priority'. The tracks move from lively and loud ("Trousers", "Blocks"), to soft and thoughtful ("Teeth", "Bedtime"). A whole album of instrumental music may not be everyone's cup of pinky-ponk juice, but trust us, this is the perfect sound track to your next dinner party. There are no jarring notes to this wonderful debut. ****

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Porker Pakka sheds pounds

Portly gardenite Makka Pakka has recently been seen sporting a more svelt figure. Speaking exclusively to The Daily, Pakka reveals that his fat-busting fitness secret is simple: stone lifting. 'Actually the weight's been coming off gradually ever since I became interested in stones. I feel lighter every day', he stated.

Makka Pakka: Before his transformation (left) waving to the Ninky-Nonk as it passes him by and after (right) with his trim new figure, striding easily through the garden without the help of his Ogg-Pogg.

With a new spring in his step, Pakka, 45, has been seen washing faces with more than his usual vigor, and reports that he even managed to catch the Ninky-Nonk without resorting to the use of his trumpet. Stone lifting is not Pakka's only secret, he reveals. 'I've also cut down on Pinky-Ponk juice and have started to use my exercise Ogg-Pogg at home when watching telly. I even sleep with a stone to keep myself motivated'. 

Pakka 'a good example'
Night garden health authorities have expressed relief that at least one plus-sized resident has taken a 'stepping stone' towards good health. 'We are concerned about the growing girth of some of the night garden residents. Even the so-called 'teeny tiny' Pontipine parents are carrying considerable excess weight around their middles, and this a well-known indicator of risk for heart disease and other health problems. Makka Pakka is setting a good example and we hope other residents will follow his lead'.

Makka Pakka has offered his advice and support to other gardenites seeking sleeker figures. 'I feel my journey could inspire others, and I've got some practical tips to offer as well. Naming no names, but you don't slim down by lying around in bed all day, and carrying a blanket around is hardly weight-bearing exercise,' he says. Pakka has even developed his own range of fitness equipment, including the Makksimiser(TM), which Pakka describes as a cross between the Cardio Twister and the Denise Austin Power Belt, 'but with more stones'.

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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.

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Upsy Daisy Lip Sync Scandal

The night garden has been rocked by admissions that well-known singer Upsy Daisy was lip syncing to a pre-recorded track at her concert last Tuesday night. 'Her lips didn't move in time with the song', said one concert attendee, 'it was a dead giveaway'. Another noted that the song she sang was identical to one that she had sung previously.

Upsy 'Virus'
In a press conference held today, Upsy Daisy's manager stated that the singer had a 'virus' and was unable to perform on Tuesday. 'Rather than disappoint her fans, Upsy decided to mime', he confirmed.  He added that Ms Daisy was still recovering from her alleged illness, and was spending a lot of time in her bed. 'She sends kisses to all her fans,' he said.

Cease and desist: Pontipines
In related news, the Pontipine family have taken out a court order against Upsy Daisy demanding that she cease and desist from her megaphone concerts altogether. The family argued that the noise level generated by Ms Daisy and her megaphone exceeds maximum safety levels recommended by teeny tiny doctors. 'Our children are at risk of severe damage to their hearing if these concerts persist', stated Mr Pontipine.

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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.

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Tombliboos hold music appreciation evening

Gardenites were tonight treated to a musical feast when Un, Oo and Ee Tombliboo of 1 Large Bush Way, Night Garden, held an open music appreciation evening. 'We thought it was time to share our music with others', said Un, 'Our art deserves to be heard'.

Pontipines, Makka Pakka 'not fans'

Notorious night garden resident Makka Pakka, 35, attended the Tombliboo's musical evening, but explained to The Daily that he was no music lover. 'I was merely hanging around waiting to wash the Tombliboo faces', he said. Nearby residents Mr and Mrs Pontipine and family declined to attend, but reported that the Tombliboo music was audible from their home. 'Those three are louder than Upsy Daisy, and she has a megaphone', said Mrs Pontipine. 

No pants necessary
When asked by The Daily if they wore Tombliboo trousers during the meeting, the Tombliboos shook their heads in unison. 'They just fall down', explained Oo. Other pant-less gardenites, including Iggle Piggle welcomed this 'no shirt, no shoes, no pants, no problem' policy in the midst of an evening of high culture. 'It's about time the garden loosened up', he said, 'I never wear pants, and I'm glad to see the Tombliboos doing the same'.

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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.

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