It's Friday night. You've worked all week, and you're tired. Or maybe you haven't worked all week and you're old and tired. Or maybe you have worked all week and you're all of the above. At any rate, you've just settled down with the dinner that you have spent thirty minutes preparing, and the phone rings. You know that ring, and you know they want to sell something, or get you to give something or just plane annoy you. I have a new tactic. It goes like this. "No, I'm not interested." Hang up the phone. They haven't even had the opportunity to ask you if you want to change your phone service, if you want new windows, siding or a security alarm system because they just happen to be in your area.

You didn't have to listen about circus tickets, light bulbs, the gift packet you will receive in the mail along with your contribution blank, the symphony season charity or explain why you don't need any siding on your house that is brick. If I want to reduce credit card debt, consolidate bills, take out a second mortgage or go to Florida, I know who to call, how to shop around and how to get the services I need. I don't want some telephone voice telling me what I do or don't need or explain to a complete stranger why I don't need it. They will talk and argue with you for hours.

Likewise, I don't appreciate an answering machine tape full of long spiels about the cruise I've won or the mortgage opportunity of a lifetime. The tape is so full that even my doctor couldn't remind me of my appointment tomorrow if he wanted to. Let me tell you, "I'm not interested!" followed immediately by-Click!!