Is Reality TV Dead?

For as long as I can remember there's always been some form of reality TV out there. Whether it was talent shows like Pop Idol, The X Factor or Britain's Got Talent... or even shows such as Big Brother where members of the public auditioned to be chosen as part of a select few, there's always been something.

Although most of these shows are still around today, it just doesn't seem to be the same as it used to. I don't know if it's simply because I've grown up and the appeal just isn't there for me anymore, or if these shows just aren't as good as they used to be. This seems especially poignant with all the new types of reality TV that are coming onto the scene, such as Geordie Shore, which over the past couple of years has quickly become a favourite amongst viewers. All of it does makes you wonder as to how much the old reality TV format is still working, especially with viewing figures decreasing.

When I think of talent shows nowadays all I can think of rather than actual talent is how it seems as though they're simply exploiting those with any kind of 'sob' story. As the years have gone on I've gotten increasingly bored of hearing about them regardless of how devastating and upsetting they're meant to be. It's not just me being a heartless person, it's the fact that they're shoved in your face from how much certain companies and corporations want to capitalise from it, that it's easy to become desensitised to it all.

I do think that some forms of reality TV are dead and that they should end rather than be tediously dragged out for years to come. What do you think though? IS reality TV dead?

Truly, Mase.

Personal Statement Blues

Piecing together the perfect personal statement is not easy. It's deemed as being the key ingredient as to whether or not a University offers you a place on their course, dependant on how well you present yourself through it. Although conveying exactly what you want to say in a precise manner comes relatively easy to some, it doesn't for me. For a while now I've been struggling to figure out what I want to say and exactly how I want to say it. I'm constantly finding myself writing things, deleting them to then re-write them all over again to just delete them once more, it's turning into a vicious cycle of not knowing how to portray myself. The thing with me is that I'm perpetually fearful of not being good enough (especially in terms of my writing techniques and skills considering how I want to go into Journalism) as well as the thought of getting no offers at all. When I envisioned doing my personal statement I did not picture myself having such a hard time trying to figure out how to fit everything into it, suffice to say that it is definitely a lot harder then I first imagined it to be. From here on out though I guess I'll just have to see what happens...

Truly, Mase.

American Horror Story: The Return

Finally after a long wait American Horror Story is back for it's second season. This time round though we'll be seeing all new changes, especially seeing as how this season is set in an Asylum. Although it was first thought that none of the original cast from season one would be returning, over time it proved to not be the case as a few familiar faces will once again be gracing us with their presence.

Due to Jessica Lange's highly praised performance last season, this year's is seemingly conceptualized around her. Her character is that of Sister Jude, the nun who runs the Asylum and a force to be reckoned with.

Jessica, however, is not the only main cast member from last season to return as Evan Peters is back as an accused serial killer and inmate of the Asylum who insists that he was abducted by aliens and did not do what he is accused of.

Only one episode may have aired for now, with the second airing in a few days, but a lot of the background and characters have already been introduced to us at this point and we already get a little bit of an idea as to how things will pan out over this coming season. Evidentially more is yet to come and if all goes to plan, this season could very well reach the high ratings and levels of praise that last season got. Definitely something to keep your eye on.

Truly, Mase.

Cushion Frenzy

In October's issue of Style at Home (@styleathomemag) there's a feature that comprises of 50 cushions from just £5, which I loved. Therefore, because of this (and because I have no life) I decided I myself would do something similar in terms of finding cushions that I really liked from multiple sources and with varying prices but all under £100. Unlike Style at Home however, I chose to pick just 10 cushions opposed to their 50.

1 - Tesco/£6.96
2 - H&M/£9.99
3 - Etsy/Approx £19.10

4 - Etsy/£28
5 - Culture Label/£28.60
6 - Ohh Deer/£30
7 - We Love Cushions/£34.99
8 -Zazzle/£54.40
9 - Heal's/£58
10 - Suzy Reed/£70.00

Some of the cushion designs that you can find if you take the time to actually look are really amazing. Out of this selection though, the New York skyline and Debbie Harry ones are my favourites but all would definitely be worth buying if I had the money.

At times nothing is more useful than a cushion. Whether it's to hide behind whilst watching a Horror or to place a plate on whilst having some food, they're a handy item to have lying around the house and at some point or another you'll find that they're going to come into use.

Truly, Mase.