And trying to switch from VHF (standard stations) to UHF (where Public Broadcasting Stations were usually found): had to switch the antenna (either the one on the roof or the ‘rabbit ears’. Sometimes a big old thunderstorm would knock the roof antenna out of kilter and Dad would have to climb up and readjust it while Mom, my neighbors, my sister and I would stand in strategic places in the house and the yard, shouting instructions a la “the Telephone Game”: “Too fuzzy” (echo echo echo), “Back a little bit” (echo echo echo), “Whoa, too far!” (echo echo echo), and so on until it looked good. I was the tv watcher until Mom and Dad realized I definitely needed glasses. I was delegated to yard echo and Dad had to crawl onto the room again. I got glasses the next day.
And that’s how networks set their schedules. They would put a mediocre show between two good shows on the theory tht the average clod would be too lazy to get up from his seat to change the channel.
Mr. Crane – congratulations! Well deserved! Thanks for all the laughs. A strip I can relate to all too well. Imagine if they had all the channels they do today and no remote. Not much channel surfing would be going on.
As I remember, there were only 3 VHF channels (at most) in my area to watch – ABC, CBS, and NBC (UHF came later). Not enough exercise to kill ya there, Gramps!
Actually, back then we moved around more, whether to change the channel or “manually” raise the windows in the car or open doors (no automatic door openers). It helped to keep us more active, little by little. I think this is why the current generation of elderly will be the healthiest – they moved more and ate fresher, more wholesome food.
gocomics almost 11 years ago
“Don’t touch that dial!” is a classic TV phrase. I remember Stan Lee saying it during Saturday morning cartoons.
pawpawbear almost 11 years ago
Depends on how far to the TV from your chair.
Templo S.U.D. almost 11 years ago
I wonder if infomercials still say, “don’t touch that dial!” now that are remote-controlled televisions.
Llewellenbruce almost 11 years ago
Nelson probably ever heard of a black & whiteTV either.
emjaycee almost 11 years ago
And trying to switch from VHF (standard stations) to UHF (where Public Broadcasting Stations were usually found): had to switch the antenna (either the one on the roof or the ‘rabbit ears’. Sometimes a big old thunderstorm would knock the roof antenna out of kilter and Dad would have to climb up and readjust it while Mom, my neighbors, my sister and I would stand in strategic places in the house and the yard, shouting instructions a la “the Telephone Game”: “Too fuzzy” (echo echo echo), “Back a little bit” (echo echo echo), “Whoa, too far!” (echo echo echo), and so on until it looked good. I was the tv watcher until Mom and Dad realized I definitely needed glasses. I was delegated to yard echo and Dad had to crawl onto the room again. I got glasses the next day.
reatta45 almost 11 years ago
That is also why so many knees and hips are going bad & need replaced…
jnik23260 almost 11 years ago
And that’s how networks set their schedules. They would put a mediocre show between two good shows on the theory tht the average clod would be too lazy to get up from his seat to change the channel.
luckylouie almost 11 years ago
TV’s had remote controls back in the 50’s, too. “Johhny, change it to Channel 5.”
GROG Premium Member almost 11 years ago
I suppose if that 60’s Batman TV show were being produced today, they’d change “don’t touch that dial” to “don’t touch that remote.”
CeeJay almost 11 years ago
Brian Cane won the Reuben Award (2013) for cartoonist of the year. Long rule Pickles!!!!! Go, Cane, Go!!!!
Mneedle almost 11 years ago
Does anyone (other than me) remember the TV with a round screen?
Dry and Dusty Premium Member almost 11 years ago
Congratulations Mr. Crane!
jtviper7 almost 11 years ago
On TV in the old days they would say " Don’t touch that dial ".
pekenpug almost 11 years ago
Mr Crane, congratulations on your Reuben award! “Pickles” rocks!, as they say nowadays….well, Nelson probably says that, anyway.
Perkycat almost 11 years ago
Mr. Crane – congratulations! Well deserved! Thanks for all the laughs. A strip I can relate to all too well. Imagine if they had all the channels they do today and no remote. Not much channel surfing would be going on.
lover.snoopy almost 11 years ago
to all troops: Thank you, and god bless.
dtegtmeier51 almost 11 years ago
As I remember, there were only 3 VHF channels (at most) in my area to watch – ABC, CBS, and NBC (UHF came later). Not enough exercise to kill ya there, Gramps!
lightenup Premium Member almost 11 years ago
Actually, back then we moved around more, whether to change the channel or “manually” raise the windows in the car or open doors (no automatic door openers). It helped to keep us more active, little by little. I think this is why the current generation of elderly will be the healthiest – they moved more and ate fresher, more wholesome food.
twieliczka almost 11 years ago
I would think all that getting up and walking to the TV would keep you in better shape and give you a longer life.