So Remote

I have faint memories of having only a couple of fuzzy channels to choose from as a little tyke, but for much of my childhood there were the three black-and-white major networks, a PBS station, and perhaps two UHF stations if the weather was OK. Then we got a new TV, and that was a huge deal to see Gilligan "in living color." And by the way, the classic debate- Ginger or Maryann? The correct answer is Jeannie.

Now the cable system has again changed their channels and numbering system, as apparently I was beginning to learn where things were. Now the channels go up to 1951! There are likely some holes in the line-up, and a good many of them are pay stations, but so much redundancy and parsing the demographics/psychographics ever finer. Sixteen free news stations (plus 3 HD news channels) and more than that again in various language news channels. Two horse racing stations? Fourteen HBO options? and on and on. By the time I go through the electronic guide, the shows are over.