So we were browsing Netflix the other day, adding movies and a few workout DVDs to our queue, when we stumbled upon the Special Interest section. One click, and it was as if we had stepped onto a college campus. There was the Art & Design department, Technology, Food & Wine, Mind & Body, Dance, Hobbies & Games, even Homework Help. In 15 minutes we had picked an entire semester’s worth of courses.
If you’ve been considering going back to school, learning new skills, or just giving yourself an intellectual break from Dora the Explorer, then consider that the opportunity to do it inexpensively could be as close as your DVD player. Here’s just a sampling of what you can turn yourself on to:
John Cleese’s Wine for the Confused. A funny, useful, snoot-free guide from the witty Monty Pythonite.
Rivers and Tides. The story of Andy Goldsworthy who creates art from found objects. Inspirational and instructive for the whole family.
e2: Design. A PBS series on green architecture narrated by that well-put-together Brad Pitt.
Eating Well for Optimum Health. Andrew Weil, MD, explains how.
Infant Massage: The Power of Touch. If your little guy is rubbing you the wrong way, perhaps you need to turn the tables.
Golf for Dummies. If you’ve been thinking about giving golf a try, stop puttering around.
House of Blues Presents: Level 1 Blues Guitar. If you can play ’em, maybe your family will understand the next time you get ’em.
Drool School: Family Dog Training. Other videos show you how to control your pet; this teaches you and the kids.
The French Chef with Julia Child. If you enjoyed Julia and Julia, it’s time to watch the original 18-episode series that started it all—and get started on that boeuf bourguignonne.
Dare to Repair: A Do-It-Herself Guide to Home Improvement. Granted, this is very basic stuff, but if the toilet’s hopelessly clogged, what’s a girl to do?
How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way. Stan Lee himself (the creator of Spider-Man and the Incredible Hulk) is your coach.
How to Dance Through Time. Six video volumes detailing everything from the polka to the tango. History, plus step-by-step instruction.
Rodney Yee Yoga. Start with his beginner’s course, then slowly work your way up to advanced.
How to Become a Ventriloquist. Just imagine the look on your kids’ faces when you’re yelling without moving your lips.
In some cases, I could have just waited until the movie hit Blockbuster's 5 for $20 bin! LOL Still, the library is a great, often untapped resource!
Dress Up a Plain Suit
