Pomelo - An Outstanding Student Short by Eric Zhu

This is a very impressive animated short by Eric Zhu who created it while on the Intro to Animation course at Tisch School of the Arts (New York Universities renowned arts and performance school) in 2025.  It tells the story of two children from  very different backgrounds who meet during a time of intense warfare.  Each child has been separated from their parents, so the two set out to find them.

I struggled a little to place the conflict at first, because the children have been given such European sounding names (and American voices).  However, looking closely, I think it is set during the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945).  The main giveaway was the downed Japanese Mitsubishi A6M “Zero” fighter that the children come across, easily recognisable by its round red Hinomaru insignia on the wings and fuselage. The Zero was Japan’s primary carrier-based fighter in World War II and was widely used in the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945) and throughout the Pacific theatre.   The next clue was the uniform of the soldiers that the children encounter - the soldiers are wearing khaki uniforms with round helmets featuring a star, typical of the Chinese National Revolutionary Army during the 1930s–1940s.  

Finally, the town that the children walk through has a tattered flag hanging from one of the houses (above), a red field with a blue canton and white sun. Before the Communist Party took over mainland China in 1949, the Republic of China (ROC) was the official government of China and this was its flag (since 1912, after the fall of the Qing Dynasty). It is now known as the Taiwanese flag because the ROC government relocated to Taiwan after losing control of the mainland.

The kids are essentially stick figures, their simple forms emphasising their fragility and vulnerability. In contrast, the backgrounds are stunning - almost Ghibli-like in their richness and detail. Zhu’s choice to use two very different styles is significant, even if it is unusual, as it creates a striking visual and emotional contrast. It is as if the children are not quite part of this greater world of warfare, but exist as more innocent, delicate presences within it. Yet the difference between the two isn’t jarring; rather, they complement each other beautifully (and this “experiment” could have failed very easily). The simplicity of the characters draws attention to the intricate, albeit horrific, world around them, while the lush, detailed environments make the children’s vulnerability all the more poignant, creating a harmonious balance that is both visually striking and emotionally resonant.

The film’s title, Pomelo, works as a quiet, symbolic metaphor. Like the fruit which is associated with home and everyday life, it evokes innocence, comfort, and safety. This contrasts with the film’s world of violence and disruption, suggesting the delicate presence of childhood and normalcy amidst trauma and fear.

Watch Pomelo below:

The French Dream - Remarkable Drone Footage of Historic Western France

The French Dream is a quietly cinematic travel film by Patrick Morris, better known as the Drone Biker. Travelling through Europe on his motorbike, Morris combines road travel with aerial filmmaking, capturing landscapes from both ground and sky.

In this film, he explores parts of France including the Loire Valley, the Dordogne, and the Périgord - La France de l’Ouest. These are regions shaped by rivers, stone villages, and long, long histories, and the video takes its time to observe them. Castles emerge from morning mist, fields stretch beneath wide skies, and small towns appear seemingly untouched by the urgency of modern life.

Rather than aiming for spectacle, The French Dream focuses on mood and atmosphere which allows the spectacle (and this part of France is truly spectacular) to effectively reveal itself. The camera lingers, allowing light, movement, and sound to do the work. It’s a reminder that travel doesn’t always need narration or drama; sometimes it’s enough simply to look carefully.

I particularly liked the shots at 2:49 of the video of Beynac-et-Cazenac in the Dordogne Valley, southwestern France (and pictured at the top of the post). The castle is Château de Beynac, a medieval fortress perched on a limestone cliff above the River Dordogne, with the village of Beynac clustered along the riverbank below. It’s one of the best-preserved and most recognisable castles in the region - and a frequent subject for drone footage and travel films.  Having visited in my youth, this brought back a whole host of happy memories.

Morris’s film offers a calm, reflective view of France - one that invites the viewer to slow down and appreciate the quiet details of place and history.  I must say, it has made me want to pack a bag and head for France…

Turbulence

This animated short perfectly captures the type of flyers an anxious passenger is always bound to encounter on a flight – and how a little turbulence always brings out the, err, best in people.  Our anxious flyer gets to be told off for squealing a little too loud by the father of the babies who have been squawking all through the flight.  He is sandwiched between a man whose relative has explained everything to him – it’s all down to aerodynamics – and a young businesswoman whose use of similes brings no comfort whatsoever.

The film is a collaboration between Tumblehead AnimationStudio and Houdini3D and I for one (despite being an uneasy flyer to say the least) found it very amusing.  Perhaps I related to the main character a little too much, but the final comment from the air steward at the end of the film put the metaphorical icing on the cake (as that really did happen to me once!).  Turbulence is not going to put you at your ease if the thought of flight makes you anxious, but at least it shows us that we are not on our own in that respect.

Watch Turbulence below:

Ten Short Films That Will Have You Reaching for the Tissues

I don’t know about you but I will shed a tear very easily when watching TV or film. Perhaps I am easily emotionally manipulated, but I have to say that I enjoy a good old fashioned weep-fest every now and then.  There must be something in the air post-Christmas that engenders the need in me to watch movies that are almost guaranteed to make me cry (I am fully equipped to sob from the beginning of ET, right to the end; please don’t judge, it's pavlovian). However, sometimes I need a quick fix (as it were) but often you have to wait a good hour before you get to release the blubbering. 

While a build-up can be recommended, we all lead busy lives and sometimes it’s best to get straight to the point.  So, here are ten short films that had me reaching for the tissues – and I don’t mean just sad tears – most of these films deal with issues that life can spring upon us.  Yet the emotional release they offer is ultimately uplifting rather than crushing. These are stories about connection, kindness, resilience, acceptance and love - the sort that sneak up on you, catch you off guard, and leave you smiling through the tears. If you’re short on time but in need of a cathartic cry, these films go straight for the heart, no slow burn required.  (There are one or two films produced as long-form adverts included, but as they function as complete short in and of themselves, just ignore the company name at the end).

Tissues at the ready?

A Little Help

Sometimes, we all need a little help.  It stars Sarah Carmel as Holly (I see what you did there), and Charles O’Neil as John, A Little Help was directed by Phil Beastall.   It is the only Christmas story in this particular list, but it’s a lovely take on a simple act of kindness.

The Monument to the Battle of Nations: The Biggest Monument in Europe

The shadow of a new war was already casting a long shadow in 1913. Yet it was the year when the people of the city of Leipzig in the German state of Saxony saw the completion of their monument to a battle which had taken place exactly a century before.

The Monument to the Battle of Nations commemorated the defeat of Napoleon at the Battle of Leipzig. However, for almost a century after its inauguration, this remembrance of a battle of the past would be used by one group or another for their own ideological purposes.

Image Credit Flickr User Christian

In 1813, the coalition armies of Russia, Prussia, Austria, and Sweden had fought against the French army which also contained Polish and Italian troops not to mention Germans from the Confederation of the Rhine. Little wonder it also became known as the Battle of the Nations: involving over 600,000 soldiers, the battle was the largest in Europe preceding World War II. The monument certainly reflects the immensity of the conflict.

The Mandem Before Christmas

Fancy a hilarious take on "What's this?" From The Nightmare Before Christmas? Then here you go! The Mandem Before Christmas will have you smiling almost instantly. Created by Munya Chawawa (above, middle), this may be a new name to Kuriositas readers outside of the UK, but in the constituent parts of the British Isles, he’s one of the sharpest and most recognisable satirical voices to emerge from social media in recent years. Chawawa first built his reputation on short-form comedy videos that parody British politics, race, class, masculinity and pop culture. He often plays multiple characters himself, switching accents and personas to expose the absurdities of public life and to question the stereotypical portrayal of Black people (especially young Black men) in the media. His humour is fast, referential and rooted in contemporary Black British culture not to mention popular culture in general, but its targets - hypocrisy, privilege and power - are universal.

The Mandem Musicals is Chawawa’s "stage" extension of that online persona. The title hinges on the word “mandem”, a piece of British urban slang derived from Caribbean English and if you are outisde of the UK you will probably need a mandem definition. Broadly, it means “the group” or “the guys” - your crew, your friends, your people. While often associated with young men, especially in London, it’s as much about identity and belonging as it is about gender.  Watch The Mandem Before Christmas below.

The concept of The Mandem Musicals is deliberately playful: Chawawa takes the polished, emotionally earnest world of the musical theatre and collides it with the bravado, slang and social codes of “the mandem”. The result is a satirical mash-up where drill culture, boy-band harmonies, political commentary and West End-style numbers coexist - subversively, and very deliberately so.

This latest instalment, The Mandem Before Christmas, riffs on the familiar structure of a Christmas special, but subverts its cosy traditions. Instead of nostalgia and goodwill, Chawawa uses the seasonal format to interrogate contemporary British life, although – it must be said – very, very gently.  Yet certain stereoptypical expectations are usurped brilliantly and with fantastic comic flair.

To show that mandem musicals are not just for Christmas, take a look at the Puffers in Summer video from, well, the summer innit.

At their core The Mandem Musicals expose contradictions in modern identity. What makes Chawawa distinctive is his fluency in multiple cultural registers - from internet comedy to muscial theatre - and his ability to let those worlds clash in ways that are both funny and revealing. In short, The Mandem Before Christmas isn’t just a musical comedy; it’s a cultural translation exercise in itself, showing how a specific local slang and sensibility can be used to tell stories that resonate both in the UK and far beyond.

Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band Delivers Jaw-Dropping Halftime Drill at College Football Playoff Game Against Miami

The Texas A&M Aggies’ marching band halftime performance during the College Football Playoff game against Miami has prompted an outpouring of admiration from viewers, many of whom describe it as nothing short of breathtaking. Commenters repeatedly emphasise the astonishing precision of the formations, noting that the clean lines, flawless timing and large-scale coordination are harder to achieve than most people can imagine. Several former marching band members admit the performance left them speechless, fully aware of the staggering number of collective hours required to perfect such complex routines.

What stands out for many viewers is the sense of artistry on display: this is described not merely as entertainment, but as a high level of creative, multi-tasking performance involving hundreds of disciplined performers moving as one. Others go further, suggesting this is what major sporting halftime shows should look like, with some even claiming it surpasses the spectacle of the Super Bowl - achieved without CGI, celebrity gimmicks or distractions.

Beyond the technical excellence, commenters express pride and optimism, praising the dedication and teamwork of the young men and women involved. For many, the performance serves as a powerful reminder of what collective effort, discipline and shared purpose can accomplish - and why college marching bands continue to inspire awe across generations.  Watch the marching band perform below.

 

Kawai Yuto: Japanese Boy Sensation Sings “Kimi wo Nosete” from Studio Ghibli’s Laputa: Castle in the Sky

A short time ago, we featured Kawai Yuto on Kuriositas for the first time.  I had been entranced by his vocal performance of Meguru Kisetsu which translates as “The Turning Seasons” – a song taken from the Studio Ghibli film, Kiki’s Delivery Service.  I had seen Kawai Yuto clips on my feed and became so fond of his rendition that I did some research into him which became a feature on this site.

As he is currently feted as “少年歌唱王” (boy singing king) in Japan, I felt it only appropriate to feature more of Kawai Yuto.  Imagine my intense pleasure, then, when I discovered that the song that made him globally famous was not the only time that he had taken a Studio Ghibli track and made it his own.  The song he sings below is “君をのせて (Kimi wo Nosete / Carrying You)” from Laputa: Castle in the Sky, a 1986 animated film by Hayao Miyazaki (宮崎駿) that combines adventure, fantasy, and environmental themes. It has had a lasting impact on animation worldwide, inspiring generations of filmmakers with its imaginative world, strong storytelling, and memorable music.

Take it away, young Kawai Yuto!

In the original, the song was written by Hayao Miyazaki, co‑founder of Studio Ghibli (lyrics), and Joe Hisaishi (music) and sung by Azumi Inoue over the film’s closing credits. It has become one of Studio Ghibli’s most iconic and beloved pieces, celebrated for its gentle melody and themes of wonder and adventure.  Of course, you can see the castle in the sky in the background as Yuto sings his rendition, but there’s a little more to the history of the song that makes it even more special.

The song is also notable because it is one of the very rare instances where Hayao Miyazaki (宮崎駿) wrote the lyrics himself. Normally, Studio Ghibli’s music is composed by Joe Hisaishi (久石譲), and lyrics are handled by other writers or the composers. Miyazaki’s involvement ensured that the words perfectly captured the adventurous and soaring spirit of the film, reflecting the characters’ journey and the film’s themes of wonder and freedom. This makes the song uniquely “Miyazaki” in style and a special part of Ghibli’s musical history.

Kawai Yuto’s performance here is from 한일톱텐쇼 (Korea–Japan Top Ten Show), a Korean music entertainment programme broadcast on the MBN network in which active singers from South Korea and Japan compete by performing well-known songs from both countries, ranging from classic pop to modern K-pop and J-pop. The show presents weekly matchups and musical battles for national pride, often revealing the top charts based on viewer engagement and performance view counts.

Many commenters on this video focus on the extraordinary purity and emotional impact of Yuto’s voice, frequently describing it as clear, crystal-like and almost heavenly. Several viewers say his singing feels calming and restorative, with one remarking that the voice was so soothing it seemed to relieve physical pain. Others compare the sound to something angelic or from a fairytale, noting how it “cleanses” or “purifies” the heart. The commenters repeatedly emphasise how deeply his voice resonates emotionally, with some admitting it brought them to tears or gave them goosebumps.  Yes, I guess that is pretty much how I feel too.  The clarity and purity of his voice, added to the nostalgia of hearing Kimi wo Nosete again – and sung like - this does make me feel all woolly inside!

Those for Whom the Moon Does Not Shine

You know when something sticks in your head and it keeps returning, time after time? This is something I have felt about this animated short – but even though I first watched it a few weeks ago I thought I would wait till this time (Christmas!) to share this with you.  I don’t know why, but it just seems to fit the season really well.  I guess it is because it brings with it a message of hope and love.  In the original French, Ceux pour qui la lune ne brille pas, is a project by a number of students at Ecole MoPa, a higher-education animation school in France specialising in 3D animation and film.

The plot itself is fairly straightforward, even though the animation is labelled a “philosophical fantasy”.  A dog has been tied to the moon and is desperate to escape so he can run along the rings of a nearby gas giant (perhaps a star).  Yet when help comes in an unexpected form (yes, a giant giraffe!), his escape could mean the end of him – and his unlikely rescuer.

Perhaps the dog’s captivity on the moon symbolises the limits of freedom and the search for meaning. His desire to escape reflects the human drive to define one’s own existence, yet when help arrives, freedom becomes complicated by the risk it poses to himself and to others. The film uses this fantastical scenario to explore the tension between desire and responsibility, suggesting that true liberation involves ethical awareness as well as personal courage.  Oh, and never forget who your friends truly are!  Over to you to make it meaningful in terms of your own life experiences!

This beautiful animated short was directed by Solène Marché, Lou Thoby, Tom Saurel, Evelyne Philippart, Marie Fantini and Amélie Soto, whose careful collaboration gives the piece a confident and unified vision. The film is further enhanced by an original score composed by Matéi Pouzet-Oprean, which is beautifully crafted and adds emotional depth, atmosphere and sensitivity, elevating the impact of each scene which left that lasting impression on me – and, I hope, on you too.

Popular Slot Themes Explained for Sweepstakes Casino Players

A Theme for Every Mood

Slot themes turn a simple reel spin into a tiny world with its own characters, icons, and soundtrack. That world is often the fastest way to tell whether a game will feel exciting, cozy, spooky, or silly.

Because themes cover almost every hobby and genre, it helps to think of them like streaming categories. The right theme can make it easier to stay engaged, even when trying a new title for the first time.

In Short: Themes are a shortcut to finding games that feel familiar. They also make browsing faster.

Match Themes to Familiar Interests

Choosing a themed slot is simplest when it connects to an existing interest, such as movies, travel, history, or sports. Fans who follow fight nights can keep that same vibe going by checking UFC Live Odds before settling on a game with a combat or arena-style look. The same approach works for any theme: start with what already feels fun, then narrow down to a style that matches the mood.

Interest-first browsing also reduces decision fatigue when a lobby offers hundreds of options. Instead of scanning every thumbnail, focus on a few theme lanes and explore from there.

The Parcel Song – Flo and Joan

Have you ever waited for a parcel, the delivery of which has been promised between 10am and 2pm? And then waited? And waited? If so, then your experience is shared by many, many people (why didn’t I just say “countless”?), including Flo & Joan.  Here the siblings sing about one such experience.  I felt the line “They said it would come between 12 and 2, but as we know in the delivery world, 12 till 2 is code for your parcel will arrive at any time except for 12 till 2” summed it all up perfectly.  The song goes on with the parcel being tracked by app, and the discovery is made that while once it was getting closer, now it is in Belgium (the Dick Van Dyke reference is particularly amusing at this point). 

Perhaps I am giving too much away, here – so listen to the rest – there are plenty more lyrical treats in store.  I am fairly sure that many of you will find some relief in this shared experience of everyday frustration, as the sisters build it up to its illogically logical end..! I especially like the epic quest nature of the song and the rather deft way a wind machine was used to give full-on Bonnie Tyler Total Eclipse vibes.

Who are these performers, then?  I have to say this is the first time I have come across them, despite the fact they have been performing together professionally for almost ten years. Flo & Joan are a British musical comedy duo made up of sisters Rosie Dempsey (“Flo”) and Nicola Dempsey (“Joan”). They perform clever, original comedy songs that blend sharp wordplay, observational humour and musical talent - often on piano and with tight vocal harmonies. Their comedic stage names come from their grandmother and her sister (who I bet they performed for as children).  If I had to describe what they are like lyrically, I guess I would suggest imagining a world where Victoria Wood could have children with Fascinating Aida with perhaps a little Kirsty MacColl spliced in there for good measure - not to mention a sprinkling of Pam Ayres, perhaps.  They’re astute, sweary, honest – and funny.

Watch The Parcel Song below.  It was filmed at The Royal Court London. There is a full special currently streaming on Sky Max/Now TV starring Flo & Joan so maybe flick over there while you are waiting for your next parcel…

Him & I

Sometimes, the best short films are the ones where, to the casual observer, nothing much happens. There is no zombie apocalypse, no invasion from the far reaches of space, no tanks, no guns, no death and destruction.  Now, don’t get me wrong – those films most certainly have their place on Kuriositas but so do films like Him & I (written and directed by Jason C Nwachukwu).  The premise is very simple, a mother tells her 12 year old son that he is adopted.  A week later they have the most pivotal conversation of their lives.  So, on a very human level, this film tells one of the most important stories it can – one of profound humanity and love, underlined by beautiful performances from the cast (T'Nia Miller and D'Angelou Osei Kissiedu).

Despite his young age, Osei Kissiedu has quite an impressive resume, having already appeared in a number of TV shows and short films.  However, it is T'Nia Miller that you are probably most likely to recognise.  You might recall her as the Twelfth General in the Doctor Who story Hell Bent, or as Cherise Nuland in The Peripheral or even as Victorine LaFourcade in The Fall of the House of Usher. Miller is known for playing complex, emotionally layered characters marked by intelligence, vulnerability and quiet intensity (and even a bit of occasional evil).  Here she plays an ordinary mum, terrified of losing her relationship with  her child.  Her quiet delivery gives the performance a raw authenticity, allowing the fear to surface without ever tipping into melodrama.

Him & I was created by MYM (Million Youth Media), one of the UK’s fastest-growing independent youth platforms. Founded by Fully Focused Productions, MYM is a youth-led media organisation known for producing films that are raw, socially engaged and aimed at challenging perceptions. Its work is largely developed by young creatives collaborating with industry professionals, while also showcasing emerging filmmakers from across the UK and beyond.

The Pink Robin: The Gloriously Pink-breasted Bird

The robin, both European and American is famous for its red breast.  The subject of nursery rhymes and Christmas cards the male of the species is resplendent in red. Australia, too, has a robin.  One might, of course, expect this particular country to produce something a little different: it has form, after all.  So, step forward the pink robin, Australia’s passerine of pulchritudinous pinkness.  Our sibling site, the Ark in Space has the full story.

Image Credit

Mongolian Jingle Bells

Ümmet Özcan’s Mongolian-style version of Jingle Bells is a surreal cultural collision that transforms one of the world’s most familiar Christmas songs into something ancient and otherworldly. Stripped of its cosy festive cheer (wait, though, everyone in the video is having a whale of a time, grinning away and bouncing about like crazy), the melody is reborn through throat singing, pounding tribal rhythms, and steppe-inspired instrumentation, making it sound less like a carol and more like a ritual echoing across the Eurasian plains. The result is strangely hypnotic: a reminder of how deeply flexible music can be, and how a tune associated with sleigh rides and snowmen can be reimagined as a shamanic chant.

Ümmet Özcan is a Turkish-Dutch DJ and producer (yes, he is not Mongolian!) who has carved out a distinctive place in electronic music by blending modern techno with ancient, almost mystical sounds. Originally rising to prominence in the hardstyle and trance scenes, Özcan later reinvented his style, drawing inspiration from shamanic rhythms, throat singing, ancestral chants, and traditional instruments from Central Asia and beyond. Tracks like “Xanadu” and “Kurgan” feel less like club music and more like sonic rituals, evoking forgotten cultures and spiritual journeys. This fusion of cutting-edge production with echoes of humanity’s distant past has earned Özcan a global following—and a reputation as an artist who turns dance floors into something closer to a modern-day ceremony.  For now, though, just enjoy jingle bells!

Doctor Who – Every Doctor’s Catchphrase

If you conducted a street poll in the UK and asked the participants what is the most famous catchphrase from the TV show Doctor Who, the most likely answer would be “Exterminate!”, the phrase screeched out by daleks whenever and wherever they threw their collective rattle out of their metaphorical pram.  Whether on Earth, Skaro, Spiridon or Vulcan*, it wouldn’t be long before they resorted to extermination to get what they wanted which was often, truth be told, the extermination of one thing or another, so at least the daleks could be trusted to get down to business fairly quickly.  So their cataclysmic catchphrase (often repeated in the homes and streets of the UK by young children with cardboard boxes over their heads) is something almost every adult born in the UK would recognise.

And every adult born in the UK has one actor they call “my Doctor” which usually refers to the doctor they were first exposed to – usually at the ripe old age of four or five when they could safely scuttle behind the back of the sofa if anything got too scary for them.  For me, Tom Baker was “my Doctor” – he took over the reigns of the role in 1974 when I was nine.  Although I can remember Jon Pertwee’s doctor from first broadcast, Baker’s incarnation was the one that properly and thoroughly hooked me on the show for many years to come.

I won’t be giving much away by telling you his best known catchphrase (you can see it on the thumbnail of the video below!).  “Would you like a jelly baby?” has to be one of the more memorable of the Doctor’s catchphrases, surely.  I did not particularly like it as a child – I thought it was terribly childish, to be honest (even at that age, I must have had some subconscious desire for Doctor Who to be treated as serious science fiction).  You have to remember that Doctor Who, at this time, was one of the few TV shows for kids that didn’t treat its audience like children. Yet on mature reflection, it’s a completely brilliant catchphrase.  After all, how best to undercut the tension of a situation than by offering your enemy a sweet?  Food is, after all, a universal language…

The video below covers the catchphrases of all the Doctors (although the claim that Hartnell’s is “mmm?” is rather weak, despite the fact that @whoooob, who created this video, only had to use four episodes to get enough clips of Mr Hartnell doing this).  It was fun watching them all in a single video and being able to compare and contrast.  Like one of the commenters on the video, I hadn’t realised how often 12 (Peter Capaldi) told people to shut up!  However, if I run through the lot that might present too many spoilers (sweetie), so press play and get nostalgic for whichever Doctor your heart claimed as your own as well as enjoying the rest.

*Vulcan does not refer to Spock’s home world, although a crossover between Doctor Who and Star Trek might be fun.  It was the name of a colony planet in The Power of the Daleks, the first story of the Doctor’s second incarnation.

The Astonishing Art of Arcimboldo

Rudolf II - Holy Roman Emperor - Wikimedia

You meet them sometimes: people who just seem to have been born out of their time, somehow not quite at home or comfortable in the time period in which they find themselves. As far as his art is concerned, this is certainly the case with Giuseppe Arcimboldo (left).

You might, unless you know his work already, think that the above was created at some point in the twentieth century.

Reversible Head with Basket of Fruit, c 1590 - Wikimedia

Yet Arcimboldo was born in 1527. His conventional works have fallen in to oblivion but what survive are his masterful and imaginative portraits which are made from objects, such as fruit, flowers, fish, books and vegetables. These everyday items are arranged so that they become recognizable as something quite different.

Goldfish

Before you watch Goldfish, written by and starring Jessica Kinsella, if you live outside the US you may not be familiar with the popularity of White Elephant gift exchanges in Jewish American social life. These light-hearted rituals are a common feature of synagogue events, holiday gatherings, and community socials. Borrowed from wider American culture, they value humour over usefulness: the pleasure lies less in the gift itself than in the laughter, storytelling, and social mixing it generates. In a community that often uses comedy to navigate tradition and expectation, the White Elephant exchange works as an easy icebreaker, reinforcing connection and shared identity through collective amusement rather than formality. Or does it (in this particular case)?

OK, explanation over - and yes, you probably could have worked that out anyway. Jessica, convinced that her “brilliant and hilarious” White Elephant gift will inevitably attract a potential future husband, settles on… a goldfish. Acquiring said goldfish proves more challenging than anticipated, and the reactions of the other guests at the party are, unsurprisingly, not quite what she had in mind. This may not be the moment when Jessica finds her match. Or is it?

This is a very tightly scripted piece with a satisfyingly circular ending, delivering a final punch just when you think it has already landed (wait and see - you’ll know when you know). It is also tightly directed by Alexis Krause.

The Gift of Giving

This award-winning Christmas short film by Nando Dietz tells the story of Horst, who plays Santa in a local department store.  However, when the day is done and he is finished giving out the gifts to children, he returns home alone.  Yet his little acts of kindness towards others have been noticed and some new friends will ensure that he doesn’t have to face a lonely Christmas at home.

Heart-warming as this is and at an appropriate time of year when so many people do feel their isolation from others even more – I think the message is that we should do a little good every day, as if it is Christmas day on all of the days of the year.  You might notice a banner in German at the end of the film – translated it means: “We don’t believe in Santa Claus. But we believe in people.”  That’s cool.

Watch The Gift of Giving below:  

The Shyness of Trees - Nominated for the 2026 Academy Award for Best Animated Short

Parents age, get old and die.  That’s the way of things but often it comes way too soon, even when they have reached a good age.  The adult children left behind are sometimes far less willing to accept (or even welcome) the inevitability of death than the parent. 

Such is the case with Hélène, a 40 year old who arrives to visit her mother and is shocked by what she discovers.  It seems that her mother has let herself and her home “go” and she has formed a strange bond with the large tree that overlooks her property – not to mention the bugs that live in and around it. Yet over the space of the next few hours, she will reconcile not only to her mother’s imminent death but to her acceptance of this glorious circle of life.

The Shyness of Trees was created by Sofia Chuikovska, Loick du Plessis D’Argentre, Lina Han, Simin He, Jiaxin Huang, Maud Le Bras, and Bingqing Shu.  It was done during their time at Gobelins (a prestigious Paris-based school internationally renowned for its excellence in animation, visual effects, and digital arts education.).  It has been nominated for the 2026 Academy Award for Best Animated Short and richly deserves this – although I am sure that some of the neo-animators involved must now be wondering how they go on to surpass this!

Watch The Shyness of Trees below:

 

From Tap-Out to Cash-Out: High-Performance Habits for Gamers and Fighters

Why Habits Beat Hype on Big Cards

Event nights bring storylines, walkouts, and sudden swings. That buzz is fun—but it also tempts quick choices unless there is a plan. High-performance habits from the gym and the film room translate perfectly to social play when emotions run hot.

Bottom Line: Build the routine before the rush.

Calibrate the Day: Pre-Session Check

Decide your format, your round length, and a simple finish line while the mind is calm. For a quick overview of how sweepstakes play is organized and the tools available, scan this homepage to maximize rewards with Yay Casino. End this prep by writing a one-line plan you can actually execute.

What This Means: Choose the lane first, then press go.

Find the Optimal Zone: Calm Intensity Over Max Hype

Performance tends to peak at moderate arousal. Too little energy and focus drifts; too much and attention tunnels. A steady breath, upright posture, and short pauses keep decisions in the sweet spot where reads stay clear.

Bottom Line: Keep excitement in the middle of the dial.

Kylie Minogue's XMAS makes the Official Christmas Number One in the UK - 2025

Kylie Minogue's single XMAS is now the official Christmas Number 1 in the UK.  Yes, yes, yes – we don’t really “do” Christmas at Kuriositas (I seem to be saying that a lot recently) but this is quite the toe-tapper.  Plus there’s a blissfully silly dance routine that is fairly straightforward to learn (think YMCA but… camper) to go with.  I have to say, of course, that having grown up with Kylie (not literally but I did meet her briefly at a party once) that this isn’t what I would consider her best work.  Yet it has certainly hit a nerve in the UK.  It's her first Number 1 since Slow in 2003. No one puts Kylie in a corner for long. Well, what's a decade or two between friends?

It comes from her Kylie Christmas (Fully Wrapped) album, originally made specifically for the Christmas market (didn’t that used to be a sign of a career on the wane?) in 2015.  XMAS has been added as a new bonus track for the reissued album, which is faring far better in 2025 than it did in 2015.  Then it reached Number 12 in the UK chart, whereas in 2025 it  has reached the top spot.  Now she has the double whammy of a single and an album at the top of the charts.  The album received average reviews on its initial release with most praise going to Kylie’s cover of The Pretenders’ 1983 hit 2000 Miles. XMAS is now its natural successor.

The video for XMAS features Kylie in a variety of Christmas outfits, but starts with her surrounded by numerous little helpers, who she proceeds to teach the moves to go with the letters X, M, A and S.  They’re pretty quick learners and soon her whole yuletide entourage are splaying their arms about like there’s no tomorrow.  Soon, the song and dance routine spreads around the world.  Well it would, wouldn’t it? 

The video concludes with Kylie in full on sexy Santa mode (those candy stripe trousers must have been sprayed on, frankly) with boundless energy and fake snow.  The outro is a simple X-M-A-S repeated with little oh yeah we’re going asides and so horribly catchy that for the next week or so the nighttime streets of the UK are bound to be full of very drunk people reproducing the lyrics at the top of their voices as tunelessly as possible before doing the same in the local kebab shop. Before violently puking everything up on the way home. A country must have its traditions, after all.

So will it join the pantheon of great Christmas Number Ones?  Lyrically, it’s fluffy.  Musically it’s as close to simple as simple can get.  And the dance moves are silly to say the very least. But it worms its way into your head like a great big giant wormy thing. So yes – absolutely.

Watch XMAS below.

Here are the songs that make up this year's UK Christmas Top Five

Number 5 - Together for Palestine – Lullaby

Number 4 - Brenda Lee - Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree

Number 3 - Mariah Carey - All I Want for Christmas Is You

Number 2 - Wham! - Last Christmas

Number 1 - Kylie Minogue - XMAS

Game Worlds Where Casinos Become Part of The Atmosphere and Plot

Casinos in computer games have long ceased to be simply isolated game scenes or a way to foolishly kill time until the next plot development begins. Modern developers strive to use gambling establishments as a fully-fledged element of the game world, where actions subtly influence the atmosphere, character development, or plot twists. This is precisely what online casino real money can offer, but it’s worth studying reviews from Slotozilla experts beforehand.

These virtual temples of luck become symbols or backdrops for dramatic events, reflections of social issues, or the culmination of spectacular and unforgettable gaming moments. The most important and most shady casino in the life of the average player is not Bakasaray, but a virtual Las Vegas.

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Grand Theft Auto Series—Crime, Wealth, and High-Risk Culture

Rockstar Games has mastered the art of casino integration across the GTA franchise. Each installment uses gambling venues to satirize American capitalism and the "risk as lifestyle" mentality. The series treats casinos not as isolated locations but as functioning ecosystems where crime, luxury, and social mechanics intersect. The franchise elements that define GTA casino culture include:

• slot machines with progressive jackpots;

• high-stakes poker rooms;

• heist planning headquarters;

• money laundering fronts;

• VIP membership systems;

• luxury vehicle rewards.

Curiously, the gambling business is booming. The American Gaming Association estimates U.S. commercial casinos will generate a record $71.9 billion in 2024, the fourth straight year of all-time highs.

Meanwhile, the online casino industry was worth $19.11 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to $38 billion by 2030 These trends in real life are mirrored in gaming where casinos are getting more advanced and functional. 

Silent Night

A young woman lives on her own in the middle of a forest.  She comes into contact with a wolf and her cub, keeping a respectful distance but nevertheless entranced by them.  However, the winter is cold and the wolf is forced to hunt the sheep of a local shepherd, with a tragic confrontation ensuing.  The young woman is both emotionally and physically involved in the conflict but can she create new bonds from those already shattered? The ending is deliberately ambiguous but richly nuanced.

This is a simple story but beautifully told and animated.  As a student film , it is particularly impressive.  The characters are skilfully and beautifully rendered, the art perfectly capturing the subtlety of portraying both human and canid emotions and reactions.  Hats off, too, to those involved in the backgrounds – just gorgeous.  The crew for Silent Night comprised Kylian Albert, Marius Authier, Audrey Calmant, Emilie Gardette, Sarah Josephine, Léonie Laporte, Tancrède Picquet, and Juliette Re – all students at ArtFx School of Digital Arts.

Watch Silent Night below:

The Unexpected History of the Number 21

The number 21 seems simple at first glance, but it carries a history far richer than most people realise. It is the target every player chases at the blackjack table, a milestone birthday, a symbol in ancient stories, and a subtle favourite in mathematics. This one number keeps showing up where meaning matters. Image source

In this piece, we examine why 21 has become such a cultural anchor through superstition, storytelling, games, patterns, and personal milestones. By the end, you may never look at this familiar number the same way again.

21 at the Gaming Table: Why the Number Became Iconic in Card Play

The number 21 did not become famous by accident. Blackjack is the reason it turned into a cultural icon. In the early days of the game, long before casinos and bright lights, players enjoyed the simple thrill of trying to hit a total of 21 without going over.

The rules were easy to learn, the pace was fast, and the tension kept players returning. Over time, blackjack evolved and gained new twists and house rules, but the target number remained the same.

Today, the game has grown even more popular through online blackjack tables, where anyone can join with a single click. This shift increased accessibility and made the number 21 a fixture in modern gaming culture. People play on their phones and laptops, and the chase for a perfect hand has become a familiar rush for millions.

The appeal of aiming for 21 may come from the balance of risk and reward or the feeling that the number sits at a sweet spot. It is high enough to feel like a victory yet close enough to danger to raise the heartbeat. It feels simple, straightforward, and complete. That balance is the authentic charm of 21.