1- On a gray mild day Shadow ferried the Northern Contingent of HVBS to its appointed rendezvous at the Hoffman House in Kingston. We arrived a trifle early at 11:15. Our Southern hostage to nuclear melt-down made his appearance promptly at 11:20 AM. A startled Geronimo commented on our early arrival and Shadow confessed it was due to "my heavy foot". We assembled and entered the premises.

2- Greeted by our second-time waitress, Vickie, members were allowed to take any location and selected our traditional corner table. To open the proceedings, two Merlots were ordered with PC Wiz and Geronimo "killing" three Killian's Reds which PC Wiz commented "tasted unusually good". Our general discussion opened with Deliberator mentioning how well he liked the new photos taken at our last session. However, he was outvoted 3-1 on the issue of replacing the photos in our logo with the new photos. (PC Wiz has reworked the original logo to lighten the photos and awaits comments). Geronimo bringing up the news item about the destruction of a 9-11 community memorial in California by hoodlums. Shadow decried the issue of governmental "security" restrictions which, according to an article in Trains magazine, are resulting in train fans being arrested or questioned for photographing - or merely watching from public property - the passing of trains. After discussing the loss of freedoms because of the terrorists, Shadow informed the HVBS group about his recent broken tooth. A trip to the dentist for a "temporary" repair cost $271 - the recommended fix being a root canal and crown which he predicted could cost a staggering $1800! Geronimo and Deliberator sympathized with his plight, having their own experiences concerning dentists.

3- Geronimo brought up the agenda item concerning "domicile damage" suffered by the Shadow and family. He informed us that Kemper insurance had sent a claims investigator, incidentally also an contractor interested in the job, to estimate water damage to the front bow window. The damages, in an estimate running to four pages, came to $5200. Members, surprised at the conflict of interests, agreed that the company should have independent claims adjusters. On the question of sanctuary in case of Indian Point nuclear plant meltdown raised by Geronimo - members readily agreed with Deliberator offering space for three unequivocally. On the question of the recovery of "Hoppy" (associate member Kay) Geronimo informed us that she is doing fine and, invoking the Deity, that his household duties including cooking have been relieved.

4- On the political front the apparent coming war with Iraq was uppermost on the agenda. Shadow quoted Britt Hume as stating that the UN had shown it "had no value". Members were shocked, but not surprised by the actions of France. Geronimo commented, to general approval, that the war should have started "two weeks ago". When the question of Democratic candidates came up there was no clear front runner though Deliberator showed support for John Edwards, the Southern young conservative. Geronimo announced that there are plans to construct a high-voltage DC transmission line to NYC along the railroad tracks on the East bank of the Hudson. PC Wiz had not heard of the project and mentioned GE experiments years ago on DC transmission. Deliberator clarified the confusion over conversion of DC to AC by the use of an inverter. DC, of course, does not radiate power from the lines and has less losses and no health effects as alleged for high-voltage AC lines.

5- In the computer tech section Deliberator responded to the question of installing his scanner. He said he really didn't need a scanner - if he wants copies he goes to his church and uses their copier ( the Eleanor Gahan Memorial Copier). Shadow related how Associate Member Shirley had a problem with their new XP Dell. It had frozen so badly she called a Dell tech who quickly restored the machine. Deliberator's frozen computer wouldn't turn off even with the start button so they had to unplug it. It then responded. PC Wiz found the use of Scandisk, which Ryan aborts, essential for the health of Windows 98. His machine still periodically "blue screens" and Geronimo brought up the age of our computers - Deliberator's at 5 years and PC Wiz's and Geronimo's both at about 4 years of age. PC Wiz is still contemplating a new Dell. Geronimo informed us, concerning car prices, that Kelley Blue Book is now owned by MSN. Both he and PC Wiz prefer Edmund's site.

6- Our financial section concentrated mostly on the school tax situation - lower State aid forecast and the continuing wage and health care premium increases. Deliberator's son John, President of the Mohonasen school board, is facing a 14% tax increase, Shadow's Burnt Hills - Ballston Lake district is trying to cope with a 15% increase by eliminating proposed jobs. Geronimo reported that his Arlington district voted against all propositions on the school ballot. To relieve the tension, Geronimo asked if anyone knew what the derogatory word describing Italians "wap" really meant. To general bewilderment he explained - it simply meant "Without A Passport". We are all glad that has been straightened out. Shadow then told about his friend and co-worker "Nemo". He was noted, regardless of instructions on cleaning paint brushes, for discarding used brushes and always buying (company tab) new brushes, and other tools, for every job. Shadow thinks he had more tools in his garage than the company had!

7- In our sports section Shadow commented on the RPI hockey team defeating Union twice. They are now going to play Cornell - rated 2nd in the nation! Way to go, RPI!! Concerning the Rangers, they have now been six years out of the playoffs. He also reported they are going to have their first black player - acquired from the Boston Bruins. Opinion was that they need a new team instead of "regurgitated players". Geronimo opined the Knicks are the worst team in basketball. With the Yankees hope is eternal. The controversy over David Wells book was discussed and it was brought up that he had pitched a perfect game. It was commented that Cuban and Japanese players are coming here for the big money.

8- Coffee was ordered to round out the meeting. PC Wiz tried the special - spiced pears with crumb topping. Very nice! With the desserts Vickie brought the bill and Deliberator, as is our custom, carefully tabulated the total. His diligence uncovered charges for a "coke and special meal" which had gone to the next table. Thank you, Deliberator! Our Official Scheduler, Deliberator, then proposed the dates, Wednesday May 7 or May 14, for our next meeting. Wednesday May 7, 2003 was chosen and ratified and our second consequential meeting of 2003 adjourned.

Thanks to Deliberator and Geronimo for assisting PC Wiz's foggy notes.

HVBS Official Scribe Laureate PC Wiz

March 24, 2003