I actually do know someone who became homicidal because the neighbor was making noise. The murder trial started yesterday. Earplugs are much safer and more effective than firearms. As for the people at the door, I put a sign on mine that says "NIGHT SHIFT WORKERS. WE SLEEP DAYS! PLEASE DO NOT DISTURB". Seems to have worked -- I actually work at home and really don't like being interrupted by salesmen. As for the phone, get an answering machine and turn off the ringer when you want to sleep. Don't worry about missing a really important call -- if it's that important, they'll find some other way to reach you if you don't answer.