Everyone had a cheap Japanese-made transistor radio in the 60s, with an ear plug. You could fall asleep at night listening to WMCA or WABC, a night Yankee game with the Angels, WFIL or a Phillies game, and tons of other night college basketball games or stations from other cities that drifted in and out of range. No boom boxes yet. No VCRs, Nintendo, DVDs, cell phones, Blackberries or smart phones. One TV per home and everyone watched the same shows - ABC, NBC or CBS. Maybe the Yankees on WPIX channel 11 and the Mets on WOR channel 9 sponsored by Ballantine, Schaefer and Rhinegold beers. Maybe some families had a small B&W TV with rabbit ears as an extra set.
Life was simpler. Families were closer. You knew your neighbors. People went to church and had picnics and block parties together. People were more active and were in better shape. No one seemed to be overweight even thought there were no fitness centers. No one was on meds except old folks. People ate at home. Kids did not graze on junk food all night. People did not seem to need therapists and anxiety medication. We played baseball with taped-up bats and balls without umpires and uniforms. Basketball shirts against skins, winner stayed on the court to play again. Football without the right equipment.
I was also lucky because my father had, at times, a Department radio in an old spare red chief's car (with bell) for a civil disturbance duties he had in the 60s. I could transport myself into the War Years radio traffic from Bushwick, the S. Bronx and other neighborhoods. "Is there any truck available for a working fire in ......? Send PD for a gang fight down the block...." Listening for an hour or two on a busy summer night (usually any night) was much better listning to the no-talent actors on Jersey Shore.
;D 8) 8)