When I was a kid, I would hand the phone off to my brother. He would then speak loudly in mock Arabic or mock Swedish or whatever struck his fancy that day. I loved listening to him.

Now, I use caller ID. If it ain't a known friend or relative, or the office, or the hospital, I don't answer it. That no one's time gets wasted.

I'd really like to know how to handle door-to-door religious canvassers. I don't really want to read the Watchtower, thank you very much. I have my own church (one that has more dignity than to send people out 'converting' by knocking on doors) and am not about to be converted by a stranger on my doorstep waving a pamphlet. They've ignored every "No Solicitation" sign I've put up so far.