Online how-to videos sources of fun and info

I have an addiction to online how-to videos, which in and of itself is probably not that bad because I now know how to survive in a blizzard in sub-zero weather utilizing some dryer lint, a tarp and a decent sleeping bag.

I will never, ever actually be out in the wilderness with just a tarp in any weather below 60 degrees, and I do not carry dryer lint around with me on purpose, but I now have the knowledge. What is becoming a problem, however, is that these videos are costing me sleep as I find myself watching them at 3 and 5 in the morning.

I actually watched a woman in Germany in a sleeping bag under a tarp next to a lake explain how tired she was because she’d had a fitful night. I honestly can’t tell you which was sadder: her story or me watching it.

You can find all kinds of things online.

A couple of weeks ago, a former co-worker was kind enough to give me his parents’ 1957 RCA Victor stereo console. I’m thrilled to have it and looking forward to refurbishing it, which means, of course, spending hours watching videos on replacing capacitors, resisters and tubes. Don’t be jealous.

Anyway, last week I stumbled across a guy who goes by the name Glasslinger, who is an absolute savant when it comes to this stuff. His videos are detailed and amazingly informative, and surprisingly entertaining, with a heavy emphasis on surprise.

The first video of his I watched featured what sounded like an older man talking over shots of his hands taking the tubes out. I did notice in one shot that his shirt sleeve seemed to have a bow on it. Then in the second video he appeared to be wearing nail polish and earrings.

Then I found a video of his titled “Restoring a 1949 TV Set.” For this one, he decided to appear on camera in what looks to be a red wig, red lipstick and nails and a bright red dress with gingham shoulder pads and a matching apron.

For my taste, it was a lovely outfit, if a bit overdone for a TV-repair video, but I’m not here to judge a man’s choice in clothing.

But the best part, aside from the informative video, was the very first comment from a viewer. Someone named Diecast Jam wrote: “An old tv repairing an old TV, my kind of channel.”

You get one of those in a lifetime, folks, and kudos to Jam for hitting it out of the park. Well done.

And thanks to Glasslinger for the excellent videos and help.

Barry Courter