TV Tuesday: Getting Tips

[yourlibrarian]

Have you ever watched a "how to" type show to learn how to do something? How well did it work for you and what was it? And if you haven't, have there been things you've learned from TV shows that you use regularly?

Comments

[jo]

When I first got an air fryer earlier this year, I discovered that one of the many TV stations included in my cable package had a program called "Jamie's Air Fryer Meals" -- starring Jamie Oliver. It appeared to be a new show (or at least, new to that cable station), so I programmed my cable box to record it and future episodes. Of which there appear to have been a grand total of two. I googled, as that didn't seem right, but yep, two eps only. I watched both, and even tried 2 or 3 of the recipes (also all available online). That's probably the closest I've come. I mean, I've watched other cooking shows over the years, but to me those weren't/aren't really "how to" as I already know how to cook using conventional cooking methods -- mostly they just give me ideas. But I was new to using an air fryer, so there was more of an "how to" aspect to that one.

[yourlibrarian]

Wow, two episodes for a show! I mean, I've seen British TV have 2 season episodes but those are generally dramas. I guess there weren't many possible meals that would be any different from regular ones?

[yourlibrarian]

I've watched short YouTube videos to find out various things (how to disable our "smart" thermostat, for example, or video game walkthroughs), but I can only think of one how-to show I've watched. Soon after I started making jewelry, a friend suggested I take a look at a program focused on beading. However it was very "recipe oriented", that is, it would walk you through how to create a particular item rather than teaching you techniques you could apply to your own designs. I think I watched maybe 2-3 episodes but wasn't very interested.

[rogueslayer452]

When I was a kid I remember there was a program, Mark Kistler's Imagination Station, where he would walk through drawing steps and techniques. Some of those techniques I still kind of use today in my own little drawing and doodles.

Otherwise, nowadays there are just YouTube videos I watch where I can learn how to do something, though I try to look for ones that are helpful and straight to the point rather than meandering with talking too much and trying to promote something.

Every Man is a Custom Marble Island

[executrix]

After profound immersion in decorating shows, I went hog-wild with marble Con-Tact paper in the kitchen and the bathroom. I even found a piece of plywood with "FRAGILE: AEGEAN MARBLE" stenciled on it. I covered the part that wasn't lettered with...marble Con-Tact paper. I also set up a coffee and tea station, and every time I use it (which is at least once a day) I mutter, "Coffee and tea station...SHOOT ME NOW." I bought books of chintz and wallpaper samples at a yard sale and am seriously contemplating using them to create a chair rail.

Re: Every Man is a Custom Marble Island

[yourlibrarian]

Oh wow, this brought back to me a friend who went on a decorating kick and did this very thing 🙂 I also remember she decorated some walls with painted sponge marks.

[kalloway]

Like, I was raised by feral contractors but also watched a lot of This Old House over the years and while nothing specific comes to mind, I know I internalized a lot of little tricks and also a lot of SAFETY.

[tinny]

on tv, no. Youtube, hell yeah. The most recent ones I dove into were Thai Cooking and Acrylic Pouring. :D

[yourlibrarian]

It makes me wonder if fewer of these shows are being made.