1. After a snowy weekend, the Hoffman House parking lot was gratifyingly clear of snow as Shadow eased into a parking place with the Northern contingent at 11:21 AM. Our redoubtable Southern mainstay, Geronimo, arrived at a punctual 11:24. Inside we were greeted by our hearty hostess, Ginny, who informed us that our corner table was reserved. Deliberator noted the other table was also set up (confirmed) so PC Wiz suggested the next table over which had light from the window (desirable for writing illegible notes). Before being seated PC Wiz asked our capable waitress to take our annual HVBS Official Portrait. Two flashes later members ordered suitable thirst-quenching beverages. A toast was offered to our armed services and Shadow volunteered that Russell’s stepson Christopher, in the Army, was going to be sent to Korea for a year.
2. Geronimo, questioning PC Wiz’s use of the word "hotspots", quickly ran through the details of his recent tour which included DisneyWorld. He flatly declared that Orlando, Florida was off his list of places to move to – and that included the Raleigh, NC area with their high automotive traffic. Although many pictures were taken we have yet to see them. Geronimo has acquired a new special DVD player that can play CD slide shows from digital photos on the family TV. Sounds great! Concerning the storm mentioned above, Geronimo stated that once again Poughkeepsie had the heavier snow with 18 - 20 inches while PC Wiz and Shadow were in the 16" range. Shadow informed members of associate member Shirley’s re-election for another year to the post of President of the charitable Broughton Foundation.
3. Concerning Thanksgiving, Deliberator informed us that he had purchased a complete, and I mean complete, dinner from Canali’s Restaurant. It contained a 20 lb. turkey for $118 that he is planning to use for 5 meals! Sounds like a great deal! Shadow brought up a luncheon he attended with his boyhood scoutmaster and his wife. He had a very enjoyable time with the "sharp-as-a-tack" 90 year old. Unfortunately his wife is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
4. In our political segment Geronimo questioned PC Wiz’s use of the colorful term "Governator" applied to Governor Schwarzenegger. It took but a moment for him to make the connection to "Terminator". PC Wiz brought up his critical bond issue failing in the legislature (since compromised and passed) and members compared it to our problems in New York State – also using bonding to avoid budget balancing. Shadow raised the issue of Governor Dean’s sealing of his state records – not unprecedented but, as Geronimo stated, making sure there is no "dirt" on him in the campaign. Shadow brought up the recent column by George Will, "the thinking man’s man", outlining Dean’s lack of intelligence on the campaign issues. On the issue of VP Gore’s endorsement of Dean, Geronimo considered him the voice of the establishment. Deliberator opined that Senator Lieberman is smarter than President Bush.
5. In a surprise statement, Geronimo informed the HVBS membership of his intention to purchase a new 2004 Accura. First question raised concerned use in every-day activities. Geronimo told us, no surprise here, that associate member Kay’s car would be used more intensely, especially since daughter Sharon is going to purchase an SUV. Members cheerfully toasted Geronimo for his "expensive" new car. Geronimo said his dealer sells only Accuras; Shadow commented that he, personally, would only purchase a car from a single make dealer. Deliberator said he was thinking of a Buick Park Avenue, since Chrysler had no model for him, in 2005 when grandson Ryan will be 16.
6. Our tech section opened with Shadow trying to pin Deliberator down to a definite statement that he will purchase a new computer in the near future. He ended up with a definite "yes" but then Deliberator hedged with "but I’m not sure when". Mentioning some of the problems with his Windows 98 machine, "always when Ryan is using it", PC Wiz asked if he or Ryan had ever re-installed the operating system. Upon his negative reply, PC Wiz stated that, because of problems with file corruption, Windows 98 has to be periodically removed and re-installed. Windows XP does not have this problem and should be trouble-free. Geronimo complained that his cookie display showed icons so he had no idea of which to delete. PC Wiz told him to go to the "View" menu and click on "list". Members gave Geronimo a commendation for humor. Concerning his e-mailings, he informed us that he had recently received several notices of e-mail viruses. Upon checking, he found that they were all hoaxes and did not send them on to us. Geronimo was prepared for our meeting with printed copies of many great jokes. The best, judging by the laughter, concerned the rejection of a candidate for Pope because he would have become "Pope Sicola".
7. On the hot topic of sports the Yankees situation was the first to be raised. Shadow mentioned that Pettite has to agree to arbitration but all felt that he would sign up again. Wells has signed for $3 million, although for a minor league team. Deliberator stated that Don Mattingly, the new Yankee pitching coach, will face getting Giambi out of his hitting slump as his first trial. PC Wiz remarked that since Schilling had signed with the Red Sox, who are getting pennant fever, there was a rumor that they were serious about Alex "Arod" Rodriguez. The New York Giants came in for scathing criticism. Geronimo is determined to write a letter to owner Wellington Marra urging him to fire Coach Fassel and quarterback Kerry Collins. Shadow said to add his name to the letter. At this point in the season (4/9), and in view of the dismal Giant record, members re-examined their original pre-season predictions. Shadow – 11/5 to 4/12; Deliberator – 10/6 to 5/11; Geronimo – 9/7 to 6/10; PC Wiz – 5/11 (expecting one more win).
8. Although everyone had a round of coffee, only two members opted for a dessert – a notable walnut crème broulet with caramelized sugar topping for PC Wiz and an apple "something" for Shadow. HVBS Official Scheduler Deliberator sounded out the membership on holding a meeting in January (Hostess Ginny confirmed their February closing). Members noted that we had eight meetings this year (due to a weather cancelled December 2002 confab moved to January) and decided on a March get-together. Deliberator suggested Wednesday, March 10, 2004 which was duly ratified. This eventful meeting was adjourned at 2 PM.

HVBS Official Scribe Laureate PC Wiz