Writers 
A day does not pass without entertainment without expensive subscription plans, smartphones and high speed internet. One time, a single TV had the power to unite an entire neighborhood. Those were good old times again when people knew their neighbours and kids could run around in the streets without a care in the world and a TV show was a shared experience for all.
It was a major purchase in many neighborhoods to have a television. There weren't enough households to have one for everyone, so, consequently, the house with a TV was often the gathering place. At the end of the day, children would gather outside waiting for the programme that they had been talking about all day. They would be accompanied by adults, who would sit in benches, plastic chairs or wherever they had space.
There was no need for an invitation. Everyone knew their way when TV turned on.
The game of football was particularly dynamic. If it was a big game, it could get pretty electric. They cheered, laughed, cheered, tolled, cheered, and cheered even more in response to each goal as if they were in the stadium. Those who weren't normally football fans might be interested just because everybody else in their midst was watching.
Unforgettable moments were also made on television dramas and comedy shows. After the show, families and neighbours enjoyed silly characters and commenting on the drama scenes. In some cases, people would even forecast what would occur in the subsequent episode. The television wasn't just a device; it was a means to come together to communicate.
The gatherings also helped build better relationships. Children were able to get to know other children in the neighbourhood and adults could talk with each other, share ideas and support each other. Neighbours were more likely to notice and support someone if they were experiencing a difficult time. The sense of community life was enriched by the opportunity for more face-to-face interaction.
In today's world, technology has revolutionized how we are consuming entertainment. Almost anybody can obtain a personal screen in their pocket. We can see movies whenever we like, watch football games on the web, listen to music and talk to people thousands of kilometres away. These advancements have been helpful, but they also have impacted the way we connect with the people that are closest to us.
Multiple individuals can be in the same room, but each person viewing a different screen. It may be that we have more entertainment than ever, but less time with those around us.
The good old times bring to mind that happiness is not always about more! Often from the giving of what we have. It was enough for one TV, a couple of chairs, some kids who were curious, some fans who loved to watch the football, some neighbours who were friendly.It was just enough of one TV, a few chairs, some children who were curious, some football fans who loved to watch the football, and some friendly neighbours.
Maybe, the actual takeaway from those days is that technology isn't evil. Instead, it is important to not let technology supplant the connection that should be made with people. The neighborhood was united by a TV. We have a vast array of devices that can reach out to us and today it's still up to us whether we choose to reach out or not.
The good old times might be over, but the good ol' fashioned attitude does not have to go. We can still sit down, laugh together, sit together to watch something together, and just be together. After all, the best entertainment was never the entertainment that was on the screen, it was the people sitting next to you.