http://www.winternet.com/~mikelr/flame3.html

I always thought this was closer to the mark.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Kenneth Smith" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, July 09, 2001 7:32 PM
Subject: Re: [SCUBA-SE] Bob & Ken, place your bets...


> Crusty,
>
> I have just returned from a deserved week out in Asia diving the
> Philippine reefs and islands (between a few torrential rains) and have
> sent an email to Bob on this matter. I will be sending you my check for
> what I would believe would be a clear 'charity' based on Bob's
> abstanance from his 'normal' mode for 90 days. I do hope that this has
> some benefit tot he group, at least for the 90 days.
>
> Bob, BTW, found this site today (didn't look for it- it was presented to
> me)- http://www.winternet.com/~mikelr/flame41.html
>
> Now, Crusty, I don't mind if you take off with my portion of this... :)
>
>
> Regards
> Ken
>
> Crusty Russ wrote:
> >
> > Dear Friends,
> >
> > I choose not to get involved in pointless bickering, bear (Feeesh)
> > baiting, and the splitting of hairs over points more related to personal
> > attack than scuba.  My feeling about this instance is no different,
> > concerning a recent heated exchange between Ken Smith and Bob Ling.
> > However, what is different is the fact that challenges in the form of a
> > wager and counter wager were exchanged and accepted between Ken and
> > Bob.  Check the archives back to about 6/25/2001 and search for posts
> > made by both of them.
> >
> > Last Wednesday, I received a check from Bob Ling in the amount of
> > $20,000, which, at his insistence, I deposited on Friday.  I confirmed,
> > to my disappointment, that this was not a gift to me, but instead is to
> > cover his portion of the wager between him and Ken.  :-)  As of this
> > morning, I have received no communication from Ken nor the $2,500 he
> > agreed to stake against Bob's $20Gs.  I assume that both parties are
> > serious...Bob certainly is.
> >
> > I usually try to stay out of these squabbles and don't care enough about
> > the original sentiments that precipitated this wager to even comment.
> > However, since I've been cast in this role and have reluctantly
> > accepted, I'll hold the bets and stand ready to punch anyone in the beak
> > who doesn't play fair.  As far as judging a 'winner', I'll leave that
> > completely to Ken and Bob to agree upon, as I suggest you all do.
> >
> > I apologize in advance to all for any part I may be playing in
> > furthering the squabble between these two, but perhaps this will bring
> > it to a close...an 'obese possibility' (fat chance).  In any case, I
> > have decided not to leave the country with Bob's money until I am at
> > least able to add Ken's portion of the wager to it.  :-)
> >
> > Best regards,
> > Russ
>