Geek Syndicate Issue 8 | Page 11

Geek Syndicate Image © BBC Worldwide, 2013 was something about it that I loved. It was also one of the first non-fiction books I read outside of my studies. It opened my eyes to different ways of thinking and each time I reread it I find something new to ponder over. It also led me to read ‘The Art of War’ a few years later. TV - The Great British Bake Off (BBC One) Overview: A team of home bakers from various parts of the UK get stuck in a large marquee. Once there they must bake various dishes week after week until someone is crowed the winner. Think Gladiator with baked goods. Image © ABC, 2012 Why I love it: This has only been a very recent addition to my TV but it’s now a firm favourite. I usually shy a away from reality based TV but GBBO is a great antidote to some inane stuff that goes in shows. Also a lot of the TV I watch, whilst solid entertainment, can be incredibly bleak at times (yes Game of Thrones and Criminal Minds I mean you) so it’s nice to have something which is inoffensive, light and in which people seem to go out of their way to be nice to each other. There’s no gunfire or explosions but there’s a serious level of tension in the air when a judge is about to deliver a verdict on someone’s signature dish. Another hopeful faces the Sharks in their Tank Bake Off. Make sure you avoid a Soggy Bottom Leo TV- Shark Tank (ABC) Overview: People pitch a product or business idea to a group of “sharks”, multi-millionaire investors and entrepreneurs featuring the likes of FUBU creator Daymond John and Dallas Maverick owner Mark Cuban. If any of the sharks bite (sorry for that joke), a deal can be made where they shark can invest in the contestants business for a share of the company or profits. If no one is interested, the contestant leaves empty handed. Why I love it: That’s honestly pretty hard to say. I’m not much for reality television, but there’s something about people pitching what amounts to their life works to a group of millionaires in hopes that just one might give them money that really makes it an interesting show. Beyond the sheer fascination with the premise, there have been some incredibly cool products featured on the show, including 11