Actually, I got called by Obama and was told to vote cos he's black. February and all.

relavent/slightly OT:

since my office is closest to the front door, i have to deal with insurance salesmen and all other manner of soliciters. after 3 in one day, i decided to augment our "No Soliciting" sign:

[www.flickr.com]

Hmm, as much as I am against fast-tracked national legislation that impacts the everyday life of all citizens, I think this might not be too bad.

Though, they still decided to include the hypocrite clause that all Congressional bills tend to add (FTA): "It's important to note, however, that one type of annoying call that the DNC Registry won't block (obnoxious family members notwithstanding) are those political calls we have all become so familiar with lately. Better start toning up your "hanging up" arm now-those things are only going to ramp up between now and the November election."

I disconnect my answering machine and hook up the fax machine to my land line when the droids come a callin'. It still doesn't stop the police officer guild or the intl order of firemen in red trucks (or whatever their groups are called) from asking for donations. At least the "Congratulations you've won a trip to Mexico" calls have stopped.

@nutbastard: haha! cant stop laughing at that sign. *smirk*

I have the three tones that normally precede 'The number you are trying to reach has been disconnected' at the front of my voicemail...makes dialing machines take you off their list, most telemarketers doing the same, not bothering to wait 2 extra seconds for my actual message.

As a preventive anti-telemarketer tactic: if you don't want them to call you; don't fill out that lousy form at the mall with hopes of riding in that Hummer.

I find it always helps to ask telemarketers, "Uh....hey...uh....what are you wearing?" (In as creepy a voice as you can)

I work at a mortgage broker, and sometimes I'll work with the telemarketing division. Don't go to a website like freecreditreport.com as they sell your information to companies like us, who then precede to all you in an attempt to get you to re-fi, etc.

call*

I just tell the telemarketers that "my parents are not home right now". Or I do some variations like if they ask for me, I would say "My uncle is in the toilet right now... No it looks like it's going to take a while... yes... a looong while..."

Since I don't use my land line for anything but the DSL, I put the world's longest, ramblingest message on the answering machine and turn the ringer off.

People who want to leave a message have to be pretty freakin' determined to do so...

@nutbastard: I don't know what is funnier: That sign or you playing segway polo with Woz!!

@everyone: I am amazed that this law doesn't cover those political robo-calls.

Note to Congress: Do not Call means Do not Call. I got 6 freakin calls the two days preceding super Tuesday from Mitt alone. Karma, dude.

shit, you're right... he DOES have too much hair!

And all this time I thought it was the chin.

@fallenturtle: Nah, it was the magic underwear.

@johnnyabnormal: I always wondered where he kept the rabbit...

@nutbastard:
Funny........I did laugh out loud for a bit, but its a hekavalota sign for such tinsie font eh? (Not nit-pickin its just all I got)

Obama is not muslim. Why do people think that? He's Agnostic turned Methodist.

@orionburch: Wha? Who said that? Well, I'm voting Huckabee. I want my kids reading Bibles in public schools and none of that evolution devil-speak, either. Besides, Romney said if you vote for billary or a black teenager that the terrrrrerrrrists have won! God bless the GOP. Amen. Now excuse me while I go drive my Hummer around the block to find something to shoot at.

@johnnyabnormal: Really? Politicians wrote it and you're amazed? I'm going to assume that you were being sarcastic and the tone just didn't come across. I for one am not at all surprised.

@rsquared: No, meant in here. I didn't see anyone say he was Muslim in this thread. I'm well aware of the religi-nuts in media/politics and their shrill cries. The first time I think my vote actually means something is when I help elect an Atheist. :)

That's funny - I was just watching this movie literally right now :-)

Obama is a Christian of the (United Church of Christ. And Telemarketers, simply Love them, I can't get them to grovel enough just cracks me up. Whatever their selling, try it. Whether voting, buying stocks or a yacht.

I recommend bankruptcy. That'll stop the telemarketers as well as the mailers for new credit cards without a call to a registry.

If that's not an option for you, when a telemarketer calls and begins their script, interrupt the message with "What's your favorite color? (telemarketer answers) Mine too. Are you married? (telemarketer answers) [if not] Are you seeing anyone? (telemarketer answers) Do you have any pets? (telemarketer answers)Well (telemarketer's name), it was great talking to you but take my name off your list."
This conversation stops the calls every single time and makes telling them to eff off more entertaining. :)

The Telemarketers are like the telephone spammers. Except they know your phone number and where you live.
[www.i-guide.ro]

If it's a real person, just tell 'em "oh hey, I'm real busy right now, can I have your home number so we can talk later?"

I want to know what to do about the random cell phone text messages that spam everyone and costs the receiver money?

Find a number that has been disconnected. Record the tone (it's like do-do-dee, then "We're sorry but the number you are trying to reach has been discounted").

Play the tone into the beginning of whatever message you'll leave. Mine goes something like, "do-do-dee. Please leave your name and number at the beep."

The tone lets other computers and autodialers know that you're phone number is disconnected and should prevent (autodialers at least) from getting through.

The more fun alternative method is:
Step 1: Put phone down on the counter.
Step 2: Put ear plugs in.
Step 3: Pick up Air Horn.
Step 4: Give a nice long blast into the phone.
Step 5: Hang up phone.

If you have a GF like mine, you may wish to skip step 6.

Step 6: Remove earplugs.

@Out2gtcha:

it's an 11 x 17 print - the big stuff is like 168 pt font and the little stuff is like 44 pt. it's PLENTY big.

The best way EVER to handle telemarketers [www.esnips.com])

@nutbastard:

very clever

@orionburch:

Because his middle name is Hussein?