Can you set your VCR?

While I don't understand how it could be so tricky (that's the techie geek in me, I figure) I've got to ask this, just to see. Can you set your VCR? (or if you don't personally own one, consider "your" replaced with "a")

We've had several different types of VCRs... and still do. *sigh* I, honestly, have conquered them all with little issue. OK - if I'm really being honest here I must admit that every so often I do the brilliant thing of taping some hour long show by setting the timer from 8:58 to 9:02 .... Yep - I tape those opening credits and then the VCR calls it a day. But this is something I believe (hope?) that I've grown out of. I'm guessing that even you competent VCR-setters have had similar experiences on rare occasion, haven't you?

I've really progressed though... I can set something up to tape off of satellite TV now. That's setting two (count 'em: two) timers to work at the same time! And so far, no 4 minute shows taped yet! ;)