i read something potentially really cool in "wired" magazine. i'm gonna try it and if it works, i'll let you know if you should do it too! anyway, it goes like this. if you get constantly berated with telemarketing calls, like i do, particularly in the early evening hours, here's a trick to replicate what the "telezapper" does, (if you don't have one-i don't). most telemarketers use what is called "predictive dialer", which are pc's with software designed to dial every number in a phone exchange until it gets lucky. their computer is waiting for a short burst of audio, your "hello" followed by silence. It will then log your phone nuber as valid and transfer you to an available telemarketer. that's why there is usually a short delay before someone comes on the line. How slimy is this?!? here's how you beat them at their own game, using their technology. do a search on google on a file name called "sit.wav" and download it. that file is the famous three beeps you here when a number is out of service, "doo-dah-dee, we're sorry...". the actual frequency of the tones are: 985.2 Hz, 1370.6 Hz, and 1776.7 Hz. when the telemarketers software hears these tones, it thinks it has reached a number that is disconnected and no longer in service so your number is removed from the list of valid numbers. simply record the tones (the first tone is key) onto your answering machine, before you leave your actual greeting, and let the homemade telezapping ensue! your friends may think the tones are weird, but they'll get over it. anyway, as i said, i'm gonna try it and give you my results. this may be the best post i have ever made. thirdthoughts - not only entertaining but educational as well!