Official Minutes – HVBS Meeting on Wednesday, August 6, 2003
The Northern Group arrived at the Hoffman House for HVBS fifth meeting of 2003 at 11:16 AM. While awaiting the arrival of our Southern Sage we greeted owner Ginny as she parked her car. Geronimo, according to our Official Chronometer, arrived at precisely 11:27 AM. The membership quorum decided to reside inside in air-cooled comfort and was cordially received by Ginny and Pat Bradley – and by the bartender! Selecting our table around the corner, members ordered their beverages.
The discussion began on the topic of a temporary change of venue. Per the agenda, Geronimo took umbrage at Shadow’s use of the term "complete failure" referring to his intensive search effort scouring every possibility on both sides of the Hudson north of Poughkeepsie. All to no avail, since Geronimo reported finding no other location, that would satisfy HVBS high standards, superior to the Hoffman House. Invited to "dissertate" on the Raccoon Saloon, Shadow stated that "Timing is everything". Although Deliberator stated that he would "go where the car goes", Shadow elaborated that the Northern Group would have to start 45 minutes earlier and also leave earlier to keep the same time frame. Geronimo then offered the possibility of the group staying in a motel (or at 3 Schyler Drive) overnight which members thought too elaborate. Motion was made and passed that our next meeting be scheduled at the Hoffman House.
PC Wiz
, equipped with his new clear glasses, reported how pleased he is with the clarity of his vision, although he is convinced he should use the glasses for driving. Geronimo told of passing his motor vehicle vision test and receiving a driving license renewal without glasses. Although PC Wiz’s surgeon recommended photo-chromic lenses he opted for separate dark glasses. Both Shadow and Geronimo had used them in the past and didn’t care for them. Shadow then demonstrated his unique magnetic clip-on dark glasses – very impressive.
Concerning the bar smoking bans (Federal and State): Members supported the ban, especially considering employee exposure, while PC Wiz and Shadow reiterated that they thought it an unlawful interference in individual rights. Shadow reported that in areas close to the border bar patrons are going to Pennsylvania (and New Jersey). PC Wiz raised the question of the flood of illegal immigrants and the fact that one of President Eisenhower’s first acts was to expel the illegals. Geronimo opined that legal immigrants are no problem which met with warm approval.
On the question of Democratic presidential candidates: Deliberator stated that Senator Edwards was far behind and reminded us of the probation of Governor Dean’s son. Geronimo felt that Senator Lieberman was the only one to support. On the subject of Kobe Bryant Geronimo projected that this case (which can take a year or two to come to trial) may be worse than OJ.
In our tech section PC Wiz strongly supported the costly purchase of an LCD flat screen monitor for new computers. He thinks it has a marvelously bright clear display and a very pleasing appearance (not bulky). Deliberator raised the issue of usefulness in all applications and PC Wiz admitted they are not preferred for high-speed games (not a problem in ordinary use). Geronimo and Deliberator projected a purchase late this year or early next year. Our friend is still "deliberating" over the DVD drives – burning or just a player with a CD-R burner. PC Wiz’s recommendation is a DVD drive and the second drive a CD-R burner. A CD-ROM holds 700 MB. (plenty) while a DVD holds 4.7 GB. – something useable only for videos or many picture files (and takes 15 minutes to record). Geronimo stated that DVD’s future is to show photos on your TV – a good point to take into consideration.
In our "Sports Zone" members predicted the Yankees will make the playoffs and Boston will fade. Deliberator opined that Soriano "stinks" although he was remarkable last year and that Matsui was doing a good job. Geronimo said that Posada is terrible catcher which met with general approval. Shadow said in his opinion the All Star game is a popularity contest – an exhibition that is meaningless. All agreed. On the subject of the Cooperstown Hall of Fame the general opinion was that the standards are lower than in previous years. On the issue of pitchers batting all members thought, as a player in the rotation, they should come to bat. Shadow reminded us of terrific hitting pitchers from the past, especially Don Newcomb of the Brooklyn Dodgers who set a pitcher batting record. Geronimo raised the issue of Clemens in the Hall of Fame – probably not as a Yankee (which he wants) but as a Boston Red Sox where he played longer.
Wonder of wonders – all members participated in coffee and dessert. HVBS Official Scheduler Deliberator offered the date of Wednesday September 24, 2003 as the date for our next meeting (at the Hoffman House). It was ratified. Then to "Financial follies" - evidently applying not to national money problems but to the HVBS bill at the Hoffman House. After a careful scan for accuracy by our cash guru Deliberator, the bill and cash for three was passed to Geronimo to pay with plastic. Bantering about the waitress’s tip concluded in Deliberator agreeing to a lower share if he received a refund of the difference – 50c or even 25c as the case applied. Eventually the bill was paid as reckoned. The meeting was adjourned.
