With football season quickly approaching, I must make a comment about these sideline TV reporters, both men and women, spewing unnecessarily during the football games. Have you ever heard such dumb questions they ask coaches at halftime or after the games are over?

Trailing by 35 points at halftime in a game last season a trim young lady, who probably aspired to be a model, asked the losing coach, “what will you tell your team in the locker room, what do you expect in the next half and why do you think you are so far behind?” I am sure that coach would like tell that reporter, “just get lost.” Or he could have voiced an eloquent soliloquy, saying, “Let’s just break away for a few moments and examine your questions about this football game. I am sure you know how it is played and you know all the rules. But, if you don’t know I will explain the basic rules of the game. Each team gets the opportunity to score a touchdown, which would be six points, and then there is an opportunity to score an extra point. This can be done in two ways. The ball can be kicked between the two uprights for one point or it can be run or passed into the end zone for two points.”

In situations like these, coaches could use their wit and sarcasm to highlight the absolute dumbness of these reporters. The embarrassment to them would probably send them scrambling to the nearest keyhole to hide and it probably would prevent their confronting that coach again.

What’s that saying? “People can ask the dumbest questions.”

Now let’s take a look at a dab of news from 1966. A&P had a big winner in its Mystery Cash Contest in the fall that year. Thelma Whidbee of Lottie collected the $500 cash prize. Store manager Hugh Malone made the award to her.

County and state authorities posted big rewards leading to the capture of thieves who stole copper from Southern Pine Electric Cooperative.

Local banks announced savings would be insured up to $15,000, for an increase of $5,000. This resulted from a nationwide ruling by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

Cpl. Larry Sims of Huxford was given a Merit of Commendation award for heroic service in the Vietnam War. The son of Jeanette Smith, he was recognized for helping rescue Marines in a hostile war zone.

The Atmore Saddle Club brought a big circus to town. Kelly Brothers Circus entertained folks here for two days and nights with thrills from its exciting three rings.

Moving on, here is a piece of nostalgia that has vanished from the scene. I am talking about the Crown Victoria Ford automobile. This car was discontinued a couple of years ago after serving America for many years.

It was the car of choice for many TV shows and movies. While it was not a Crown Victoria, a Ford of another description was used on the Andy Griffin Show.
Not only were these cars popular in the movies, but many police departments used them in their business.
I read where some of these cars are still in use today, just waiting for them to totally wear out.
And, how about my Oldsmobile? You know, this car is also out of production. But I see no reason to get rid of it. It is still stylish, and who knows, it may one day become a collector’s item.

Not only are some automobiles vanishing, but so are the bright and colorful gasoline signs and marquees. Years ago, Gulf, Sinclair, Cities Service and Woco Pep were quite popular. The Gulf sign was easy to recognize by its large bright orange color, Sinclair was easily identified by its dinosaur, Cities Service had the green and white cloverleaf emblem and Woco Pep was known for the big letters.

I bubble over when I talk about my new 3D/HD smart TV. It brings out the kid in me. Actually, it is a computer built into the TV set. The feature that really unwinds me is voice recognition. I can hold my remote close to my mouth and utter words depicting certain locations and “Bingo,” up pops what I want to watch.

We spent a couple hours the other night “voicing up” old nostalgic show and songs. I would say “Jalisco Rancho Grande” and then enjoy The Polka Band’s rendition of that song. I wanted to watch some 1950s TV shows and I exclaimed “Mr. Lucky” and “Meet McGraw” and sure enough there they were on my TV screen just waiting to unfold enjoyable scenes from the past.

Another show we watched that night was “The Real McCoys.” Fast forwarding, we briefly watched portions of “Shotgun Slade,” “The Green Lantern,” “The Big Sky” with Kirk Douglas, “Tombstone Territory,” Tom Conway as “The Falcon,” “The Shadow” and even “Captain Marvel.”

The 3D feature is equally tranquilizing. It is truly amazing to watch all those characters and scenes literally come to life, triggered by the “magic glasses” required to view 3D shows. And late at night before falling asleep the TV music channels sends us off into dreamland. We particularly enjoy music from the big band and full orchestra days, as well as music from the islands.

Next week, I’ll have more from those memorable years gone by.

“…yes … it always whispers to me … those days of long ago…”

You can email Lowell McGill at exam@frontiernet.net.