To get away from the incessant political and insurance ads, I decided to go back to a simpler time and began binge watching the antics going on in Mayberry.

While watching “The Andy Griffith Show,” I came to the conclusion that a certain fruit-named company ripped off what was to become a standard of communication devices that we now take for granted and, it originated almost 60 years ago. If you think about it:

Andy would pick up the phone and say “Sarah, get me the mayor” (phone book).

Andy would pick up the phone and say “Sarah, any messages?” (message recorder).

If Andy got another call while he was talking, Sarah would break in to tell him (call waiting).

She would tell him who called (caller ID).

If Andy was going to Wally’s, he’d tell Sarah to call him there if he was needed (call forwarding).

Plus, the operator’s name was Sarah (fruit company, Siri) — coincidence? Don’t think so.

And … on one episode, Barney rigged up a Rolleiflex camera to get a picture of whoever it was that was breaking into a store, foreshadowing video surveillance.

Just another example of a show that was decades ahead of its time.

Just saying.

Frank Capezzuto

Hempfield

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