We are definitely in the world of digital technology. Google TV, which never got off the ground, has now fallen by the wayside. However, that is not the case for the cell phone industry. How you ever heard of as many new terms and new pieces of equipment as there are in circulation today?

Names such as smartphone, iPhone, iPad, Droid, Galaxy and Blackberry leave me totally in the dark. But, my grandchildren readily identify with these names and feel right at home with them. I bet yours do too.
Other technical names like tablet, notebook, Chrome, Bing, Roku, Xbox 360, Boxee, wi-fi, Facebook, and app have meaning to relatively only a few. It all supports my earlier columns, which revealed a new world of communication was coming. And, now it is here.

Digital TV, which includes “Smart TV” and 3D TV, are now selling like hotcakes and the prices are tumbling left and right. I have a new 3D TV and the picture is beyond description. Watching golf matches is almost like being there. Movies are so life-like.

So, good luck as you “sail into the future” in this new era. If you want to really learn about it, check in with your children and grandchildren. They can tell you all about it; better yet, they can show you how to work these things.

By the way, one of Google TV’s downfalls was with the networks. They refused to let it carry some of their shows. Roku, the $59 set top, appears to be the “going thing” right now. Movies and TV shows are beamed right to your big HD TV through a DSL internet system.

Who knows, tomorrow morning we may have a new set of terms and equipment. Those west coast technical computer-phone “nerds” apparently never sleep, always digging, digging and coming up with new innovations.
Now, let’s take a look at 1954.

Buster Joyner’s “Ice cream Parlor” on South Main was one of our favorite places, and it served as the main hang out for local and area teens. His best selling lunch was the “Chicken in the Basket,” a meal consisting of two pieces of chicken, fries, roll and a drink. And, the price was only 75 cents. His huge “Spinning Wheel” milk shakes were also a hit. Buster debuted that popular shake when he operated a similar business in Bay Minette.

Bristow’s Drug Store, Reid Drugs and Escambia Drugs were also popular gathering places for morning and afternoon coffee drinkers.

Grimsleys, a long-time clothing store, advertised a half priced sale on all merchandise in an Atmore Advance double truck (two page ad in the center of the paper). Later that year, the store celebrated its 48th anniversary.

The Advance also carried several “spot ads.” This is a one column by one inch ad. One of those ads was Ceomulsion, which was said to be good for children’s coughs and bronchitis. Strange, you seldom see that ad these days.

Vaughan’s Grocery in Walnut Hill advertised fryers at 45 cents a pound and one dozen oranges for 20 cents.
Several from here won $10 prizes for individual recipes in a contest sponsored by Hass Davis Packing Company of Mobile. Back then, we all enjoyed those fine meats from that firm. One of those winners was Mrs. B. Singleton from Monroe County.

Popular hit songs from 1954 included “This Old House” and “Hey There” by Rosemary Clooney, and “Three Coins in the Fountain” by the Four Aces.

Rev. N H McCrummen, pastor of Atmore First Baptist Church, announced that 279 were in attendance for the first 1954 mid week prayer services.

That year, “Little John” Harvey said he watched a Frisco train travel over the Highway 31 bypass at exactly the same time an L&N train passed under it. Many old timers always said that was a rare occurrence.

Well, this is the day for opening ceremonies. Where? Walmart, of course. Coffee sessions, hair salons and church socials have been filled with conversations about our Atmore Walmart. Now, folks will be flocking to today’s big opening.

That stretch of Highway 21, already flourishing with casino traffic, will be packed from the Florida state line to Interstate 65. Our local store made its presence known a few days ago with colorful-attractive ads on its own Facebook page. Just go online and take at look at all the bargains and sales items offered this week.

Remember, too, to be careful as you drive to the store. Watch out for the traffic and drive with a “cool head.”

More news next week.

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