Bothered by telemarketers?
Evert Fruitman had a unique way to deal with them.
His motto: annoy them like they annoy you.
We visited Evert a couple of times over the years.
I just learned Evert passed away.
He was a unique and funny guy, and he used both of those qualities when dealing with dozens of robocalls and telemarketing calls a week.
He first would grab his nearby flute.
He'd answer the phone, let the telemarketer talk, and then blast them with a little "Ode to Joy."
Evert usually follows it up with comments like "you people are liars and thieves" or "just go away and leave us alone."
His number is part of the Do Not Call Registry, but that doesn't seem to matter.
"I've asked them in the past would you please stop calling me ..doesn't work," said Evert.
He usually meets his goal of getting a dial tone.
But once, after a performance, we heard a telemarketer say, "I like that."
Evert was an original.
