09 Jul Hooked on HGTV?

One of the dangerous things about finally having cable TV, is tuning in to HGTV. For one thing, the network gives Erin way too many ideas for projects for us to tackle around the house. For another, it reveals my lack of ability to do most of the do-it-yourself projects that show up on the network’s programs.

What we noticed tonight, after several hours, was how diverse the network is with its shows’ hosts — especially the number of Asian Americans.

First we watched Hong Kong-born Vern Yip in “Deserving Design,” sort of a scaled-down version of the ABC hit show “Extreme Makeover Home Edition,” in which Yip, a doctor-to-be turned architect and designer, does makeovers of parts of a home for someone who deserves it. In this show, he helped a woman with cancer redo her kitchen and bedroom.

Then “Design on a Dime” featured Kahi Lee as tonight’s featured designer on the show’s revolving list of hosts. She helped a couple remake their drab backyard on a $1,000 budget.

Third (and fourth) on the network, actress and standup comic Suzanne Whang hosted “House Hunters” and “International House Hunters.”

We stayed tuned in partly because of the homes and projects, but also because of the APA talent. It’s still rare to see Asians Americans on TV, so it was a refreshing evening of viewing — and dreaming about home projects.

Now, if I can just disabuse Erin of the crazy idea that I know how to use a hammer, saw and screwdriver.