Have you seen the remote control? That’s a common question in our house, with the next one being, “Which remote control?”
We have the TV remote control. The sound bar remote control. And the Firestick remote control.
The most frequently lost remote control, though, is that slick metal one for the Apple TV. When we first misplaced it, I became so frustrated that I bought another one. Then I found the old one. Now we have two Apple TV remotes to lose. And we do. Frequently.
I have learned that the most common spot to look for missing remotes is in the couch, as they often slip through the cushions. Since I am the designated person to do the search, I find many other hidden treasures — a dozen or so hair scrunchies, some pocket change, more bobby pins than I can count, and a few kernels of popcorn.
I remember when we had TVs without remote controls. Being the youngest child, I was the one who was told to change the channel. When that plastic knob would break (as it often did), I would have to use the pliers to turn to another station. Seriously.
I also remember buying my first VCR, which came with a “corded” remote. It was about 6 feet long and had more tangles that a string of Christmas lights. It didn’t last long.
The first TV I personally bought was in 1990, and it was a console set on a swivel base that had a great picture and an incredible booming sound from its wooden enclosure. TVs didn’t need sound bars back then, but those who bought them did need ibuprofen after moving the 150-pounders (which I did up and down stairs more times than I want to count). Most importantly, this TV came with a remote control. No pliers.
It’s too bad life doesn’t have a remote control so we could turn down the volume, press mute, change the channel to a different scene, or simply press off — all at the click of a button. That sounds nice, but it’s probably best that a life remote doesn’t exist. It would likely fall between the cushions, too.
Have a fantastic Friday, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
Editor and Publisher
Times Vedette digital editions
shane@gctimesnews.com
641-332-2707