Originally published on: 2/27/2006 6:27:00 AM

The DVD's themselves were on knitting, silicon mold making and creating instructional DVD's. The knitting one was of "craft store" quality, obviously produced by a company that does this sort of thing. The other 2 were more garage-style productions. All 3 had valuable information and were worth watching. I see several others on the site that I'll likely be renting including basic welding, and a few on automotive topics to expand my knowledge in those areas.
As far as the service itself, it's really hard to have the clock ticking on DVD rentals these days. I subscribe to Netflix on the 8 at a time plan, but I have held on to a movie for several weeks before returning it because I haven't had time/mood to watch it. A fixed 1 week interval just chafes after that kind of freedom.
I understand the situation they're in for dealing with the producers of these DVD's. I just long for the day when this kind of library can be available on a more reasonable set of terms.
I already pay ~$100/month for access to every DirecTV channel and $40/month for effectively unlimited DVD movies. I'd love for there to be a way to do the same for this kind of stuff.
My grandmother has Parkinson's and has had it for quite a few years. Before she came down with symptoms, she used to crochet and knit. When her hands started shaking, she was unable to finish an afghan for an upcoming family wedding.
Rather than let it go unfinished, my grandfather learned how to do it from her and finished it for her. He has continued that through grandkids being born and other weddings, etc. It's served as a symbol to me for all that he does to take care of her. That gesture sums up the dedication he has to her and the vows they took in 1946.
I deeply admire my grandfather (for this and a whole lot more) and am learning to knit in large part as homage to him and how he stepped in to take care of my grandmother.
March 1st 2007