Official Minutes – HVBS Meeting on Wednesday, October 16, 2002

  1. Borne Southward by PC Wiz's Stratus through an ill wind, the indefatigable HVBS Northern group arrived at the appointed Hoffman House headquarters with time to spare at 11:20 AM. Not so our Southern anchor as the Shadow astutely noted observing his chronometer at "11:33". This was hotly disputed by Geronimo who referred to his trusty Timex at an exact "11:30". Grouping under the patio canopy after sprinting through the rain, we entered the premises noting the absence of owners Ginny and Pat. We were ushered to the corner table by the window by our latest official waitress, the charming Kerry, whom Shadow promptly offered an HVBS application. Libations followed our usual trend with Deliberator and Shadow opting for the acceptable vintage wine and Geronimo and PC Wiz ordering beer.
  2. With a Greek toast by Geronimo the debate commenced. Shadow supported the idea for Florida voting machines in the e-mail sent by Geronimo and humorously mentioned the smooth-running Iraqi elections which ran at low cost, with paper ballot results the same day and no "hanging chads". All supported the color-coded shaped blocks for the challenged voters of that state. PC Wiz mentioned the flight of Shadow and Randy to Poughkeepsie's airport's Sky Acres restaurant for breakfast. Geronimo opined that visibility was better downward with a high-wing plane while Shadow thought the low-wing had more visibility. Geronimo and Shadow recounted their lunch with former co-worker Charlie, now 89, whom Shadow had not seen for 30 years. PC Wiz, relating to the adoption of a permanent logo, showed three possibilities responding to member's suggestions. Logo #2, motion by Shadow seconded by Deliberator, was adopted by a unanimous vote. Geronimo thereupon made a motion to consider PC Wiz the HVBS "Official Scribe Laureate" and extend his term to lifetime. The vote was 3 aye and 1 abstention (PC Wiz) in favor including, by general agreement, a 100% raise in pay (let’s see now - two times 0 = 0, hmmm.).
  3. Geronimo related his leaf-blower woes: one tire low on air left the rim and required commercial air to reset the tire. PC Wiz mentioned his local Mobil station now charges 50 cents for air - confirmed by Geronimo who required two payments to finish the job. Of course, then he found the fertilizer spreader frozen from deposits. Geronimo thereupon announced his determination that at age 75 he would do no more yard work and that his motto is, "if anything dies, it will not be replaced". When PC Wiz mentioned the serious State and local deficits coming up, Geronimo volunteered the fact that there is no NYS Income Tax on municipal pensions (now with a COLA) while other pensions are eligible for a $20,000 exclusion. Deliberator stated that one of the reasons he stays in New York State is the low taxes on pensions. Shadow related a recent scare concerning their new clothes washer. A large puddle of water on the floor was resolved to be from a furnace condensate tube that had fallen off the laundry tub (whew, a close one!).
  4. PC Wiz queried Geronimo about his new digital camera. It is an Olympus D-550 3 megapixel camera whose complexities, especially the photo modes, require that he study the manual. Geronimo has pledged to bring the camera to our December meeting for pictures. Geronimo mentioned that he has no CD burner which PC Wiz feels is very necessary to store the large photo files. Since Danny is in Oregon it will fall on Information Technology daughter Sharon to help in the installation although PC Wiz suggested checking new computer prices, which include all the new features, first. It seems that Deliberator is running Windows with no updates, no updated virus program and no fire wall with no problems so far to the amazement of the group. Shadow mentioned the number of unauthorized "hits" they receive each day from unknown sources with their ZoneAlarm fire wall. Concerning the usually required reboots after updates, Geronimo suggested holding down the shift key for a faster reboot - good tip.
  5. In our political section members agreed that the judges of Senator Torricelli had "no guts" and, motion by Shadow seconded by Geronimo, that President Bush was going to be a one term President. He was given credit for Iraq's inspection movement which would not have happened otherwise, although support for a war was mixed. Members noted the poll showing 69% opposition to Hillary Clinton running for President. In the Governor's race Geronimo feels that Tom Golisano is "bad news" although PC Wiz and Shadow reiterated their determination to vote for him. Deliberator is opposed to his free college education proposal by diverting lottery earnings and cannot support him.
  6. The sports review concerned Yankee plans for the next season. Since Clemens has 293 wins it was thought likely he would be back at least to complete 300. Geronimo mentioned that Mussino has had a "rough stretch" and all agreed "El Duke" should not return. It was mentioned that Frank Thomas of the White Sox had his pay cut to $250,000, perhaps a trend for the overpaid baseball players. Concerning the World Series, Deliberator is for the Anaheim Angels because of Gene Autry. Members agreed although professing not much interest in the contest. Shadow brought up the NY Rangers lackluster 2-2 record with one game almost lost. In football Shadow reiterated that "Fassel has to go". He finds he cannot watch the Giants games because of their inexplicable substitutions and strategic lapses. Geronimo said he watches the games until the tide turns because of Giant miscues.
  7. All ordered coffee, except Geronimo who opted for tea, from Kerry. Not sure what varieties were available, Kerry checked and Geronimo ordered English Breakfast. Upon checking the package, Geronimo found it to be from Harney and Sons - a premium brand unknown to members. Deliberator asked if Geronimo had Japanese tea at Danny's wedding. He said he didn't prefer green tea. Previously, patrons had occupied the table behind us. The chairs were quite close and Shadow moved his chair to make room for the lady behind him. Deliberator noted that our table could be moved closer to the wall and the situation was relieved. Now the party left with the lady thanking us for the courtesy and, to his consternation, pointed directly at Geronimo and said, "There's the trouble maker" - to uproarious laughter.
  8. Attention turned to the date of our next HVBS meeting. Deliberator was consulted and the previous tentative date of Wednesday December 11, 2002 was ratified. This outstanding meeting was thereupon adjourned and members dashed through the rain to their vehicles.

Thanks to Geronimo, Deliberator and Associate Member Shirley (Shadow's proxy) for corrections and comments.

HVBS Official Scribe Laureate PC Wiz

October 30, 2002