It used to be way back then that people always had to be timely because there was no available technology to let each other know if something else had come up or if someone was about to be late to something. So if someone isn't there at a certain time, there's a chance that the person would get left behind.

Today, because of things like text messaging and cell phones, you can be late to anything, as long as you call in and touch base with whoever you are meeting with. Forgot the directions to someplace? No problem, just call to let them know you're late because you didn't read a map.

Don't get me wrong, I'd still much rather have the technology than to do away with it, but the lack of timeliness is one of the biggest downsides.

agree..another thing modern technology has removed is the mystery behind a phone call. It used to be, the phone would ring and you'd answer it and say "hello!" Now, you can see who's calling and choose whether or not to answer. There are even phones out there that will shout out the caller's ID. My parents have one such phone and whenever someone calls, the phone speaks in a computer voice the caller's ID. This is one more step toward not even having to move when the phone rings to know who's calling and whether or not you should answer. Another step can be taken by having Satellite Television. Most satellite receivers require a telephone cable to be connected to them to ensure the device is connected to the registered users home and not someone else. With this setup, the caller's ID is displayed on the television screen, this is ideal for lazy people who don't want to get up from their obviously useless programming to see who's calling.

Whatever happened to analog telephones and tape-recording answering machines?

I tend to answer all my calls because I think the other person would just try to call back again if I don't. I've always been good with remote communication, whether its by phone, text message, email, etc.