Cultural dissonance

Just found out from the little_details community that in the US probation officers are armed. Wow. Just, wow.

See, I know lots of probation officers in Britain. They are all social workers, are unaffiliated with the police, and absolutely none of them carry a gun. Ever. I admire probation, who do a difficult job (mostly) pretty well and they're usually nice, caring people who genuinely care about the convicted criminals who are their clients. The idea that they'd need to be armed, given that they're there to help, is just... mind-boggling.

I know the US is a completely different culture (actually, several different cultures, I think, given the vast differences in outlook across the various States) from the UK but I've spent quite a bit of time there (and love parts of the US with a passion) and then I learn something like this and it smacks me in the face with its strangeness.

I wonder if probation is armed in other countries where the police are also routinely armed. Anyone know?

How not to sell

Just received a call from a broadband company.

Saleswoman: I'm from [company whose name I can't remember]. We'd like to offer you 8MB broadband speed.

Mandragora: Oh, well, I'm really not interested because I'm just about to be upgraded to 10MB. Plus, I need unlimited downloads. Do you offer unlimited downloads?

Saleswoman (ignoring question): Oh, but this is free.

Mandragora (raising eyebrow and drawling): *Really*. Permanently free?

Saleswoman: Well, no, but you get the first two months free.

Mandragora: So, not free at all then.

Saleswoman: Oh, but you can cancel after two months.

Mandragora: Yes, but what's the point? Why go through all that hassle and bother just for two months?

Saleswoman: It won't be any trouble at all, it can all be done through your BT phone line.

Mandragora: I'm not with BT, I get my phone through the cable company.

Saleswoman: Oh. Um, but this is free.

Mandragora: For two months only, yes, I heard you the first time. So, to sum up, you want me to pay for a service that is less speedy than the one I'll shortly be getting, *and* with limited downloads, even though I've already told you that I require unlimited downloading capacity *and* I'll need to change my phone to BT as well?

Saleswoman: But, you must not be getting very good speed.

Mandragora: I'm presently on 2MB, shortly to be upgraded to 10MB with unlimited downloads at no extra cost, and I also save on the telephone costs because my phone is cable also. Why would I want to switch to a less good service again?

Saleswoman: Er, have a nice day and goodbye.