Brian, I don't find this remarkable at all. When a very close family member dies, especially unexpectedly at a very young age, the survivors are under tremendous emotional stress. It's easy to become so numbed that normal logic fails one, and the fact an inventory was taken goes unnoticed in the flood of emotional preoccupation, or the normal conclusion that an inventory implies a subsequent offer is overlooked. I think most folks would agree with Jim that to buy stuff for pennies on the dollar at that point from a distraught widow temporarily unable to apply her usual logic is a dishonorable think to do.
Regards,
Jerry Moos
Brian Baylis wrote:
> Listmembers,
>
> I very recently had an experience that illistrates beautifully how the
> logic and reasoning system works, and why I like it so much.
>
> I don't want to stir the pot, I simply had a legitimate question in my
> mind upon hearing for the first time the story about the "unscrupulous"
> dealings with the Mario tools. I could not understand why the widow
> would sell Marios' tools and fixturing to one party for $800 knowing
> that another party had valued them at $20,000 and was trying to raise
> $5,000( more if he could get it) for their purchase. One has to assume
> either the widow didn't know party B was offering that much money for
> the stuff, or she was prone to going contrary to every human urge to
> take the offer from the highest bidder. Especially considering the huge
> difference in the two offers. One would assume if party B took an
> inventory, that the widow was aware of at least a pending offer.
>
> So given the fact that the goods were sold to party A for $800, one has
> to ask "why on earth would someone do that?" That's the usetteling
> question that has been haunting the inner reaches of my mind since I
> heard the story. Either Marios' widow was embarrassingly stupid ( I
> never met her, but knowing Mario the odds are definitely against it), or
> some other reason has to be present.
>
> I was sanding a frame earlier today. During this operation which
> requires concentration, my mind is focused and in a Zen state of sorts.
> I'm concentrating on work but my mind is open and I'm having dialog and
> pondering my thoughts. Suddenly I become consciously aware that the
> answer to "that question " has arrived. It's called an "Ahh Haa" moment
> my some people. "Oh yeah, now I understand. That makes perfect sense!"
> It explains all of the questions associated with it and does not
> contradict any of the known evidence in the case. Plus it "feels" right.
> Amazing thing really.
>
> And as is frequently the case with answers of this sort, come the
> unavoidable and ever popular "more questions". You know; Why Daddy?, Why
> Daddy?, Why Daddy?...
>
> Because, because, because.
>
> I hope this is within the bounds of our freedom here. A legitimate
> statement has been made. I believe a legitimate question is in order.
> I hate to leave things of import and interest hanging. I feel better
> when all the parts fit and everything is in line. Bad habit, I guess.
>
> Brian Baylis
> La Mesa, CA
> Oh, did I forget to finish the story? Damn....Guess you'll have to do
> some thinking of your own. "Ahh Haa" monents are fun.