"All My Children" is a long-running TV hit that premiered on this day in 1970. Are your fluorescent tubes long-running, too? How long? Five years? Ten years? Fluorescent lights provide years of trouble-free service, but as do soap opera stars sooner or later they go bad. When they do a burned-out tube isn't always the problem. If it's getting dim or flickering, it might be nearing the end of its life. Is it darkening at one end? If so, replacing the tube might solve the problem. If the ends aren't dark, look for other problems. Wiggle the tube to establish good contact in the socket. If it's flickering, also try reversing the tube. If problems persist, it might be the starter. Remove the tube and look for the starter at one end -- near the socket. To remove it, turn the starter counterclockwise. Replacements are readily available. And that's the On The House tip for today.