During one of our many visits to the World Table Tennis Championships, we decided to sit in the stands with some of our friends. Generally, due to our role as journalists, we sat either in the press seats, or on photographer’s stools next to the courts. But this was the opening ceremony, and we chose to enjoy it with our friends. Seated behind us was a group of very vocal German fans, and while their enthusiasm was laudable, it got a bit much when the one right behind us pulled out a huge wooden ratchet noisemaker and started twirling it right over our heads. The noise was deafening and made any conversation completely impossible.

Soon, one of our friends was getting a bit annoyed, but he didn’t really want to make a scene. I could see in his expression that he was formulating a plan. He is a man of means, and as such he is used to finding monetary solutions to problems that often please both parties. After a few minutes, he turned around and said to the German fan: “Man, this thing is so cool! Can I buy it from you? I’ll give you $50!” The German was surprised by the generous offer for an item that in his home country probably cost no more than $10. He hesitated for a second, but then he shook his head and said: “Oh, no thanks. I don’t want to sell it.” My friend, undeterred, countered: “How about $100?” The fan – even more surprised – paused and looked at his friend, who gestured he should take the offer. So he shrugged as if to say: “Really? It isn’t worth anywhere near that, but if you really want it…” and he handed the racket over while my friend gave him a $100 bill.

Fully satisfied with having solved the issue elegantly my friend turned forward, with the massive ratchet in his hand and a big smile on his face, while the German fan dug into his bag – and pulled out another one.