DV, by DV

[MidOHasp]

First of all, I come in peace.

I’m just going to cut, paste, and respond. I think I’m entitled to that…

DV:
In no way are any of my comments going to be given with ‘an attitude’!

JP:
Just wanted to remind you that you said that and then explained how your attitude and emotions molded each of your responses. You’re entitled to that, but it’s just one of those things . . . saying you “don’t mean to ________” doesn’t always mean you’re going to hold true to that… Just an observation. No biggie…


DV:
If you haven’t been here since the inception of the “Fling”, then please read page 4 of this thread…”

JP:
I have done that, both in this thread, and on the DVSF website many times. Probably 5. I understand the roots from that and from many other sources as well.

DV (paraphrase):
Over the last 2 years or so, small few of Central Ohio guys trying to undermine event and take it over

JP:
That is the first I’ve heard of that. I know some of you who have no idea who I am or what I am all about are laughing your asses off right now. Laughter is good for you. But seriously, as you’ll find out later, Ed is talking about times I haven’t even been around, so he’s not talking about me. I think he’ll verify that. But honestly, all joking aside, I didn’t know this.

DV:
You know in fact one of the biggest events for individual Cobras ever, was cancelled within days of the event!”

JP:
I don’t know what you’re talking about. Seriously – that’s not with the “smartass” tone – sometimes I hate online debate. I just don’t know. The event itself was canceled way before a few days out, so that can’t be it. AutoX? Mid-Ohio run? I’m just asking, honestly.

DV:
Hmmm, major attitude boiling up. . . . . . JP, fella you do not have a clue!

JP:
I’ll address that later. Trust me.

DV (not a quote or paraphrase, just “From DV”):
Mike Braatz and his “incorrect” figures from CF, etc…

JP:
I guess I would assume that CF would know what was donated to them, but I also guess I have no idea on that. This young grasshopper is young, inexperienced, and clueless. Sorry, that was kind of smartass, but seriously… I’d just assume CF would have their numbers pretty darned close?! I will maybe come back to this later.

DV (paraphrase, I may be paraphrasing incorrectly, if so . . . SORRY!):
We raised $12,000 in 3 months, that’s like $48,000 in a year.

JP:
That’s like me showing a loan officer my first paycheck with a sign-on bonus so she can find out how much I make in a year. Just multiply by 26!! I must be a millionaire!

DV:
87 days, 87 days, EIGHTY-SEVEN DAYS!!!

JP:
And for having it go the way it did with only 3 months plus whatever holdover from pre-sniper planning you could use is a commendable feat. We are grateful for the event being what it was, especially on short notice. I know we all breathed a huge sigh of relief and happiness the day the Fling was “back on”

DV:
Have anyone of you ever asked where the money was going and didn’t receive a direct answer?

JP:
Respectfully, yes. I truly believe that question has been asked more than once and has NOT been answered clearly, directly, etc… Back to that later.

DV:
Please explain bigger? More Cobras? Yes. More Cobra families? Yes.

JP:
Of course that’s what I mean. Also, to address your question about big being bad, no I don’t think so at all. I don’t mean to say that there is a correlation beyond coincidence between size of fling and size of donation. I think they are largely unrelated (or should be), but that you can’t argue with what’s happened from a purely numerical perspective. That’s all. God, don’t turn people away! I would never think anything like that!!

DV:
Helluva implication JP (in response to me asking, “…where is all that cash going?”):

JP:
Not at all. Just a question that you say is welcome. Maybe phrased in a mean or implicating way, but I really don’t think so – I’ve re-read it a dozen times and asked others to read it, too. People who would be honest with me – who have no problem telling me I’m an asshole! I like to know how EVERYTHING works – down to the simplest stupid crap. I got in a lot of trouble when I was a little kid – broke a lot of stuff. I spend a couple hours a month on www.howstuffworks.com just learning how things work that I didn’t know about but I use daily. If I touch it or am a part of it, I have to know how it works. I just want to know where the cash goes. Of the hundred or so (God knows how many) drag runs that were made (I know I made maybe 20?) on Sunday, where does that money go? Is that in the same “pot” as any checks that may have been sent in as donations (above and beyond registration fees, etc… which I understand are NOT donations!)? Are there multiple pots? I just want to know. I want to know what expenses were covered out of what, etc…?

I guess my big misunderstanding just hinges on this. That’s why I want to know. Because honestly, my assumption isn’t the best. I know I’m probably missing something, but I just figure…with the numbers I understand, I don’t get it. I’m sure I wasn’t the only person to send in a nice donation. I paid my registration. I gave a bunch of drag runs down Main St. I know others did the same – I’m completely confident that several and/or MANY did so to a bigger extent than I did!! When I write all that down, the left column doesn’t come close to the right column. All I’m saying is I’m missing something, that’s all!

If the registration isn’t really meant for CF, and it’s meant for our picnic – and whatever’s left over goes to CF if there is any, fine. Totally fine! I think you SHOULD be paid for every hour of time you put into this event, and it sounds like you’re not. To me, that is an issue – probably shocking to hear that from ME! But it’s TRUE! I hate to see your son go through hell to help you make this happen. That shouldn’t have to happen.

But if the registration doesn’t cover what it needs to cover, then are we sending donations to pay for the event to be run? Are we drag racing to pay expenses? IF NOT, then HOW would we pay for that stuff otherwise? Good grief!

Before anyone thinks I’m making any accusations of anything, I am NOT. I’m ASSUMING that my math up there kind of has to be at least close to true. I don’t think that means anyone is stealing from anyone. Jesus! What it means to me is . . . charge more for registration. If the event that the registration fee covers can’t be covered by $100 per Cobra Family, then make it $200. Make it whatever it needs to be to pay everyone to make the event happen – the event that we all somewhat decide we want.

Dead serious. Serious as a heart attack. I’d pay $500 if that’s really what it took. My confusion stemmed from being under the impression that expenses were covered by registration fees. Is what I’m asking making sense? All I want is to understand how it works – just like the washing machine I broke when I was 10.

DV:
‘WE’ took in a helluva lot more than that. The $8,000 that you have misquoted is what ‘WE’ GAVE/DONATED to CF, NOT what we took in.

JP:
I know I’m young and inexperienced, but I know. I understand that whole aspect of NET vs. GROSS. But thanks. I like how you say I misquoted that number. Who knows? I had an email forwarded to me in AUGUST, originally from Suzana Mueller, stating that when all was said and done, the total number that was donated (NET) was $1,022.00.

$536 from 50/50 proceeds
$466 from misc. donations
$20.00 from auction

First of all, what was the 50/50? The raffle? Couldn’t have been. I haven’t said anything about this email before because it just doesn’t look like it even had to do with our event. I sent in $450 in donations from the generous people who attended a dinner I put on. That leaves $16.

The only reason I post that now is because I’m sitting here just asking questions, not accusing anyone of anything. That should be SOMEWHAT apparent, now, I hope! But the number Ed is sticking to is $12,000. The number someone else (Braatz??) gave was $8,000. What on earth is this $1,022 number? I’m just asking for someone to set me straight on it – tell me “That was miscellaneous CASH collected THAT weekend. It did not include donations sent in before, after, or the money from the drag racing.”

Just tell me that and watch me say . . . “OKAY!”

I just want to know, but don’t jump me for quoting $8,000. That’s the number I’ve heard the MOST. I’ve also seen $1,022. At least I’m not quoting THAT one!

(continued...)

[MidOHasp]

DV goes on basic diatribe about my inexperience w/ the Fling…

JP:
Ed, you say a little later, ”It WAS NOT a slam or dig against you in any way. Only wishing you had been here from the beginning.” Fair enough, but it’s about the way you present something. Here is how you’ve presented it so far, and I don’t think I’m really taking much out of context.


Forgive me for shooting straight, but wasn't Fling IV your first Fling with a Cobra? I think you and your Dad attended the event on Saturday for the III. Forgive me if I'm wrong. All I'm saying is you have missed a lot of growing pains fella.

Fair enough. I was offended then, but I can see how you meant it well. I’m reasonable like that.


JP, fella you do not have a clue! (Please re-read page 8 of this thread where I posted about your lack of knowledge about the Fling.)


Well, a little more harsh. I could see that it may be innocent, but think I’m reasonable for taking very personal offense at this point.


JP, do you know the original DVSF was to be four hours only on a Sunday afternoon? Of course you don’t, you weren’t around then. Do you know that the first Fling was to be in the central U.S. in a ‘Wal-Mart’ parking lot? Of course you don’t. Did you know that Dr. ‘D’ (Semko) is ‘the’ one that suggested that we hold it at my small shop? Nope, don’t reckon you knew that either. Did you know because of the “family” that the first Fling was instantly turned into a full day event on Sunday and then to both Saturday and Sunday, before I could even respond to the first, ‘all day’ Sunday post? Of course not…

First, that’s kind of an asshole way to put all of that, and I know you are not that. Second, you’re just wrong on all accounts! I knew ALL of that. I know Dan Semko fairly well, thanks. He and I have talked off-line about this stuff plenty. Trust me, as far as history of the Fling goes, I’m well versed.

I didn’t live through the Protestant Reformation or fight in the Revolutionary War, but I do know a LOT about both of those things.

DV:
Tell me JP, just who are the “few” locals? Are you one of the “few” locals? Me thinks, YOU THINK YOU ARE. Check Hotfingers post on page 16. Obviously, I am NOT the only on that thinks so too!

Well, if I could actually put something fun together for everyone while sitting in Cleveland, Ohio, where I live, I’d be HAPPY to! But no, that’s not who I meant. I meant people who have already shown their ability to help out like Rick Dorman! Maybe Mike Braatz or Frank Forestiere! Or many of the other Central Ohio guys that are really talented! But of course I’d never say NO if asked for help – just like last year!! Didn’t end up getting to make any real vital contributions, but I was there willing to help if you remember!!

I know you and Jack aren’t the only two people who think this is my plot to take over the world, but you and Jack and those others are wrong. Everyone is wrong about something, Lord knows I’m not going to hold it against you or Jack or anyone else. I hope to be able to shake hands and have a beer with any or all of you next year. But just because a couple of people have publicly said they think I’m trying to take the damned thing over, doesn’t mean I am – in the slightest.

DV:
By the way I wouldn’t dare “PM” you as you suggested, it needs to be done here.

JP:
Touche’
I’m glad it’s public. You said what many are thinking about me. I’m responding honestly, and if some still feel that way after this, it’s gonna remain that way. Short of anything unreasonably nasty or wrong said to or about me, this is my last post here – unless of course Dorman gets me riled up about something…

DV responding to Clayhouse’s posts. LMAO!! Clay, you have a new nickname.

JP:
DV, Clay is a friend of mine and I think was trying to keep me on course. Obviously, he didn’t do a real good job of that – he made me look like a basturd. I can’t fault him for that because I know his heart is in the right place. JPSF? Jesus. At that point I should have just said “OK, I’m leaving this thread forever!!” I had expressed to him, a friend, that I was unsure about what was going on in this thread. He said a couple of things that I think hurt me here. He apparently doesn’t know me well enough yet that I have the whole “making myself look like an asshole” thing under control.

In closing, I hope it has become more obvious that I’ve just not been the best at asking questions without sounding accusatory. Ed has rekindled the offer to ask the questions and to expect a direct answer. Is it OK for me to look at the numbers that I have been given and to say, “I need more information. Option E, not enough information to answer the question. Neccesito mas informaccion, por favor.” ?? I’ve had a chance to go back, look at all I’ve said and realize that maybe it’s sounded like I’ve made some outright accusations. I don’t want to do that. I just want to know how it all works, just like the ol’ washing machine.

Ed, if you have anything more to say that is angry or mad or something, I think having responded opinions here amply, we can take the rest off line. Trust me when I say if you want to call me, or will accept a call from me, I think it can be civil, friendly, or more. I don’t hold grudges. Sorry if I’ve done anything here that would make someone hold one against me.

PEACE

My home number is 216/320-9779
My cell number is 440/479-6878

Matter of fact, anyone who wants to chew me up is welcome! I'm a big boy! Especially after all the halloween candy at work today! I do mean well, here, and I'm not good at it! I don't think I should burn in hell over it...

But Ed, if you want to bring closure to this, here, privately, hell I don't care - that's what I want. I want to know how it all works, where it all goes, and I want to be friends with everyone. At least civil, friendly acquaintances!!!

[Double Venom]

Dave,
Professionally written and direct questioned. For that I thank you. In truth, I do remember you and I, along with your brother have many conversatons about the first event. What I maily remember is the many discussions that we had about how you guys could help. I also remember saying, 'not to worry' I could do it. Even then it was nearly impossible for you guys to come in to meet with the people we needed to meet with. Of course at that time it was only the City of London, CIty of Columbus and a few County Sheriffs.

I don't remember any acounting questions, although I WILL be the first one to say, there is NO doubt that your memory is far better than mine. I also can not, for the life of me remember being called or told that I would be thought of as 'slippery'!

Seriously, and I'm not being argumentative, or whatever, but please show me or tell me where a response from me would indicate being 'slippery'?

Every year we have laid out all the expenses to CF, immediately after each Fling. They never seemed to care but for the check they received. That is until this year. As mentioned earlier, I WILL be posting more information regarding not only CF, but as you have asked, full accounting. It will be done, when it is done. That means as soon as I can possibly do it. YES, I know it should have been available the Monday after. Well it wasn't, still isn't, but it certainly will be. This delay will be explained in full.

The only thing I am at liberty to say at this point is; there were a lot of acts of.......lets just say acts, behind the scenes this year. I am and will get to the bottom of them. When that is done, possibly sooner than later, I WILL post a full spread sheet of the Fling.

Funny how this thread has gone where it has gone, covered so much, so little and the bottom line was simply...'we want to see the books'.

All you had to do was ASK!
Ed"DV"Combs

[Double Venom]

I'm honestly trying to stay on top of this, as Turk suggested. At least for the next few days or so I will be checking this thread every hour or so...minus some sleep time. I no sooner posted my response to Dave than I see JP posted his.

JP...lets have a beer. But, lets have it here. Real quickly though, Rick Dorman, as I have repeatedly stated was and still is a tremendous help. Frank 'F' was also a great contributor for DVSF III, asked again to help with DVSF IV, he simply stated he didn't have the time.

The, now in the open, "BIG ONE", contributions and cost. JP, as I wrote the above, it will ALL be posted. You think the numbers you posted in your latest thread from "CF" are confusing, what do you think it is doing to us? Now I've got to go back and see where she came up with 'those' numbers!

JP- Semko is a bad influence No offense, but you should have been here from the beginning! (That was typed with a poopy grin!)

As the Cobra turns will continue! All your latest comments will be answered too.
Ed "DV" Combs
PS...Dorman can get anyone fired up! Just ask Randy!

[clayfoushee]

I left this thread a long time ago because I thought it had become completely destructive. But, just for the record, "JPSF" was a COMPLETE joke.....holy cow!

I see in retrospect how it was taken the wrong way. I never cease to be amazed at how internet and e-mail words are constantly misunderstood.

JP is a good friend who is many years my junior, and I was simply cheering on a very, enthusiastic, smart, passionate, young guy who I've gained a lot of respect for. Nothing more, nothing less................. We don't agree on a lot of things, but I respect him. I do tend to stick up for my friends.

Now I am completely done with this. I hope there is a Fling.

[Hotfingrs]

JP,

You want to attack me in a forum that I'm not even a member of...again you just joined that forum so you could defend all the people attacking you. You want to say anything about me or to me, do it in a forum that I'm a member of, not behind my back. I stand behind anything that I have said about you, and always will, but I least I post it on a forum where you are.

[DaveSemko]

Jack,

I think he'd rather attack you on the road in a Cobra... but knows he can't keep up :-)

Then again, as I recall, there weren't too many people that did run the speed through the trap on Main St.

[bnewell]

this is strictly from the "cheap seats"......this thread has really turned by stomach. I told myself that I was not going to post a comment but now I am torqued. "I" think it is getting more "destructive" than "constructive" and turning into a total "CLVSTER FVCK".

I have only been to 1 Fling and that was 2003. I paid my $100 several months before the event, attended the Saturday night event @ The Lube for a few hours and had to get back home that night. I did not receive my name tag, t-shirt or whatever else came with it. Did I give a sh!t......he!! no. I ended up buying a t-shirt at The Lube, had a great time seeing old friends and just looking at the cars.

I really don't care who's party it is...call it Ed's party or call it whatever you want. However you look at it, it "WAS" and hopefully "WILL BE" a great party. To have 300+ cars roll into the Columbus area, there needs to be some type of organization and iteneray. If a charity gets a few bucks out of it, all the better. And if they don't, where is the problem??

Otherwise, why don't we just all (300+ of us) just meet somewhere during the 3rd week of July, 2005. Heck, it doesn't have to be Columbus, lets go to YOUR backyard. We can just meet in some parking lot somewhere (hope its a big one) and when we are done doing whatever we did, we can just leave. We don't need no stinkin plans or schedule. We'll just go with the flow. I'm sure most restaurants would love to see 300+ people pulling into their establishments. I'm sure we could do burn-outs in all of the towns we drive through. I'm sure the local cops wouldn't mind our little cruises through their towns/country sides. I'm sure that we could just show up with no prior announcement and everything would be "JUST FINE".

Kind of reminds me of when I used to throw a party every year. The 1st year I supplied (1) keg of beer. 2nd year it was (3) kegs of beer.........(5) years latter I wrote the check for (37) kegs of beer + plus renting the Bud trailer and all of the taps. It was that year that I had to charge $5 at the gate. No one ever b!tched about the $5....it hopefully covered costs including fireworks and man, did we ever have a great time!!!!! That was the last year for the party......just tooo much for me. All of my volunteers to help cover the beer cost until we collected the money at the gate and the volunteers to clean-up the next day were no where to be found when the time came.

Not saying that the Fling has no volunteers, just the opposite. But the view is always easy from the "cheap-seats".

With that being said........

Who is up for the task?????

What are the dates??????

Where are we meeting??????

Can we come a day or two early????

If I do come early is there anything planned???????

What hotels/motels??????

Where are we eating????

Do we have to eat there again?????

How many people are coming???

What will we be doing??????

Will the weather be nice??????

What if it rains?????

Where is the website....I need to register NOW.....it is only 8 months away!!!!!!

Hurry up and respond, I need to put in for vacation time.

What is the cost???????

Lets give $$$$ up front to help cover any costs so that we can have a great/safe time...........................





COST???? WHAT THE HELL IS THAT FOR???????



Okay, I'm done......have a great evening!!!!

Brian

[Excaliber]

KISS

Thanks Ed for all the good work you have done, my friend. I appreciate it.

Ernie

[bnewell]

Ernie ~ thanks for reminding me..........after all of my ranting and raving, I forgot the most important thing............

Thanks Ed.......You Da Man!!!!!!

Brian

[snake oil]

Hey Ed,

Windy City is booked at the Hampton.
We'll be there.

KISS

Arcenio

[MidOHasp]

Jack,

Whatever - I don't think I've ever "attacked" you, just brought up the fact that you have attacked me - here and elsewhere.

OK, so you're one person who doesn't seem willing to change your mind at all.

Big loss on my part, I'm sure.

I'm always willing to forgive, forget, like I've always said. Offer always stands - always.

In the meantime, thanks Ed for the quick response, and thankfully I can stop losing sleep over this, now, right?

JP

[Hotfingrs]

JP,

It's amazing that you join a different forum, and start posting the same crap there, that you posted here, and 1 page later the thread is locked down. BTW save your sarcasism for someone that cares about it.

[PatBuckley]

Jack,

There are quite a few people, me included, who do not think that what JP posts is crap.

It seems to me that he has been trying to cool things down, but you insist on acting like you want to keep the fight going.

This is not a fight, It is a difference of opinion on a subject that a lot of people care about.

Pat Buckley

[MidOHasp]

You're the ONLY one taking PERSONAL pot-shots at me, here. "Why" is beyond me.

I went to that forum to say thank you for a fun weekend I had with those guys 2 weeks before, saw I was getting pot-shots taken at me there and said what I said in response. The thread was locked down because they don't entertain that type of discussion there, unlike here. It's not like I went and lit the place on fire with napalm.

Please stop with the pot-shots or maybe this one will get locked down, too. I suppose you will blame me for this one, then, as well?

[Hotfingrs]

You're certainly entitled to your opinion, as am I. There are quite a few on this forum and the other that also see JP the way I do.

[MidOHasp]

God Bless America for that, Jack. Anyone is entitled to think I'm a raging ass. I think some people are upset with me, but I don't think a large number of people think I'm a raging ass. Maybe you and Newell and some others, maybe many! I don't know!! You are all entitled to that!!

I'm just saying that I HAVE been trying to cool this thread off and you seem to want to keep it a dogfight with you and me in it. I just don't understand why?

It's like an attitude of "well, you started it, you aren't allowed to try to finish it. You said bad things, you can't go back on them, you can't try to fix it, you can't show any remorse or regret, you can't try to smooth things over - EVER!! You screwed everything up and you will pay for that forever!!!"

If that was how everything worked, we all would've been hung from trees a long time ago..............

[DaveSemko]

Yeah, but lots of folks think Cobra's should have Ford engines...

What do we know :-)

[Hotfingrs]

You're the ONLY one taking PERSONAL pot-shots at me, here.

saw I was getting pot-shots taken at me there

Seems to be a pattern wherever you post....Have to start wearing Kevlar helmet for all the pot shots being taken

[MidOHasp]

I wear a batting helmet whenever I walk out the front door!

But there are a lot of members here. All I'm saying is you were the only one here (at least publicly!)... I'm sure plenty were behind my back.

And it's not a pattern wherever I post. Just in this thread and on the one elsewhere, and I'd say I've earned that. I'm OK with it, just figure it might stop some day!! I'll check back tomorrow!