I dropped my remote control last night (actually, one of four that I have on my coffee table for various electronics), and it got me thinking about the remote controls we had when I was a kid. We didn't have one, that is, at least not for the big Magnavox cabinet TV (a real piece of furniture), nor the Sony Trinitron after that (so futuristic because it had separate push buttons for each channel!).

Here's an RCA ad from 1961 for a remote. I'd rather have this than the confusing mess I have now. Love the opening special effects with the glittery star thing. And what the heck is that next to the TV, a hookah?