Around Town Communication goes to places never imagined Amy Rosen My son recently found our family's original car phone from the 1980s in the basement. It was a full-size portable phone in a bag with a rechargeable battery that could be plugged into the cigarette lighter - an amazing invention at the time, like something out of a James Bond movie or "Get Smart" (minus the shoe). My son called it a "dinosaur." Well, that dinosaur gave me peace of mind should there be an emergency. Prior to that I had a CB radio but never used it for fear of the intentions of my potential rescuer. Besides, I couldn't get comfortable saying "ten-four, good buddy." So I generally relied on good luck and pay phones. I started thinking about how far cell phones and communication as we know it have come and how we've assimilated over the years. Nowadays I am uncomfortable if I forget my cell phone when I leave the house even if I'm just going down the road. What if I get stuck? It's not like there's a pay phone on every corner in New Jersey. Checking my mail has taken on a new meaning - there's e-mail and snail mail (delivered by the mail carrier). I check both. Modern advancements allow for tiny cell phones packed with enormous capabilities. In addition to keeping us connected to the world, they can take pictures, play music and do many other things beyond my technical ability. When I need help figuring out my phone, I turn to the experts - my kids. The younger generation knows every aspect of the newest technology - and most grownups are aware of that fact. For example, we were at a Broadway show when a technically challenged senior citizen in the audience experienced trouble with a function on his cell phone during intermission. Someone offered to help, but instead of looking at the phone, he scanned the audience until he spied my son a few rows back and handed him the phone. Even though it wasn't the same make as my son's phone, my son solved the problem and received rave reviews for his efforts. I wonder, if we are so advanced in our forms of communication, why don't I hear my kids' voices when I know they are talking to their friends? They often make plans without uttering a word out loud. When I was their age, I was happy to have my own phone extension, but we don't need those anymore. Kids today often rely on text messaging on their cell phones and instant messaging or e-mail on their computers. They are communicating, but their mouths don't move. With all the advances in communication it's a bit ironic that we've taken a step back to the days of smoke signals and telegraphs - both forms of silent communication. All use their own language of abbreviations and symbols, and people far away can receive their message. As with all advancements, there are also drawbacks. It dehumanizes conversation. We can't hear each other's voices and intonations, so messages can be taken the wrong way. It also makes it easier for people to harass and bully each other when they feel protected by anonymity, which very often leads to compromising a person's integrity. Of course these actions can and do occur very often through oral communication, but the written paper trail offers proof that can be used to vindicate or convict someone. Untrue rumors can be painful to anyone, but this form of bullying can be especially traumatic to a young adult in school. Another sticky problem among teens occurs when someone gets access to another person's cell phone and sends nasty messages to all of that person's contacts as a joke. The consequences are no joking matter to the victims. And then there is the matter of cell phones in schools. While some administrators feel the need to ban communication devices, in post 9/11 society I think it is imperative that no one be denied the right to carry a phone on their person, including at school. In an emergency a cell phone can be a lifeline. Given the tragic events in New York City on Sept. 11, 2001, it is surprising a ban on such devices was initiated in that city's schools. In my opinion, administrators who allow kids to carry a phone to school with the stipulation that it may only be used after school offer a reasonable compromise. Enough trepidation for one column. There are many advantages to mobile and cyber communication. They allow us to communicate at our own pace. It is also a convenient and inexpensive channel for networking, whether it's businesses, dating or special projects. For instance, my sons are musicians. Their newest band, Soundwaves, features the unique sound of steel drums. They recorded themselves and posted a song on a server called MySpace. Within days they had lots of fans. To top it off, a talent scout liked their sound and invited them to play at a club in New York City. Not bad for a fledgling band! I was amazed and impressed at the instant boost and recognition this technology was able to provide. In the past it would take a band months, if not years, to accomplish that much. Speaking of music, I love that cell phones allow people to give the world a little peek into their souls through personalized ring tones. Sometimes when I hear a ring tone I like, my eyes close for a second and it relaxes me, but then it ends suddenly and I'm disappointed. I welcome the occasional music that comes from the cell phones in our otherwise quiet office. It's like a mini symphony. I've come to recognize the ring tones and to whom they belong. At a local bookstore I heard a co-worker's ring tone and I looked around for her, but someone else seemed to share her musical taste. I was disappointed. On several occasions while waiting to pay at that same bookstore, the person in front of me started talking. I began to respond, but realized they had a wireless phone attachment in their ear. If my phone rings and I have to answer it while I'm paying for something, I always apologize to the cashier for being rude. The other day the tables were turned. I went to pay at the milk store and the young cashier was talking to himself. I noticed the big blue pimple in his ear and realized he was on the phone. He never stopped talking to his friend for one second while I paid. I suppose the shoe was on the other foot. Maxwell Smart would not be amused! Amy Rosen is a Greater Media News-papers staff writer.