[JG1222]

Back in the day, when there was only one "cable" company and everyone had the same remote control (not so far back that the remotes were still attached with a wire), we never used to creep around the windows of houses in the neighborhood where we rented to change the channels, increase volume, etc. to unsuspecting people who were watching TV.

We also NEVER used a potato knocker. For those of you who have never heard of one, picture this: Get yourself a wire clothes hanger (like the kind your get when you pickup your shirts at the dry cleaner). Put your finger out and hold the "hook" end with one hand. With the other hand, put your finger dead center on the bottom of the horizontal part (where a pair of pants would hang) and pull apart. Now, with the end that has the hook on it, cram a raw potato on the end like you were hooking a worm. With the other end, bend it so it will hang on the lower part of someone's screen door (this was back in the day as well, when everyone had those silver aluminum bottoms on the doors).

Tie a piece of fishing line to the end with the potato and run across the street or hide behind a bush with the other end. Tug on the fishing line and the potato will "knock" on the bottom of the door. Do it 2-3 times and stop. Watch in amazement as the front light comes on, and someone opens the inside door and looks around, wondering where their unexpected visitor went. When the door shuts, count to 60 and "knock" again. Repeat until you get caught or wet yourself laughing.

DISCLAIMER: In this day and age, I wouldn't even attempt or recommend something like this (today someone is likely to get themselves shot when they choose the wrong house), but in "simpler times"...