While I and family were stationed in Germany we would get frequent visits from encyclopedia sales people, usually British college students trying to earn some spending money.

I became so familiar with the sales pitch that I would recognize their errors and omissions. It became our regular weekend entertainment listening to them pushing Encyclopedia Britannica.

I would interrupt by asking: "Aren't you supposed to spread a big folded banner of educational benefits to our children on the carpet about now?"

They would throw their hands up in frustration, chuckle, then enjoy a cold beer with us.