... A Compulsive Talker friend has trapped you, and you, being a Kind Person don't want to hurt the CT's feelings. ... When you can't last out a moment longer, you press the Secret Control in a pocket or handbag handle and yes, your Latest Fully-featured Cellphone rings imperatively. ... With a Polite Excuse you listen intently to nothing, saying to your CT, with Complete Honesty, "Sorry I've just got to run. See you again," ... and scram.-- rayfo, Nov 16 2000 Gratutious Link http://www.purrsia....l/ff300/fv00228.htmA comic strip using the 'Obvious Distraction' line. [StarChaser, Nov 16 2000, last modified Oct 04 2004] Beeped again! I'll buzz off.-- rayfo, Nov 16 2000 Or just claim its on vibra mode.-- imagooAJ, Nov 16 2000 ahh, gadgetry. modern man's fallback for having never learned tact.-- absterge, Nov 16 2000 Why not just do this " hey is that Elvis" and when they turn around you run-- batgirl, Nov 17 2000 <dramatic point> 'Look! It's an obvious distraction!' "Where?" <running feet>-- StarChaser, Nov 18 2000 Misread as *serffone*. Try that one on for size.-- dsm, Jun 16 2002 random, halfbakery