1. In keen anticipation of the scheduled HVBS meeting, Shadow piloted the Northern Contingent to an early 11:15 arrival at Roudigan's Steak House. Members sat on a bench in the shade near the entrance awaiting Geronimo's grand entrance. A striking red auto entered the area but was dismissed because of incorrect color and, as Deliberator stated, the wrong license plates. However, it was indeed Geronimo in the stunning new Acura (with less miles than on his car). It seems that Geronimo had his vehicle in for servicing and the dealer spotted a chip of paint missing at the edge of the front bumper. No touch-up for them - the bumper is being repainted. Entering the premises a bit before the 11:30 opening, members seated themselves in our familiar separate area at a suitable round table seating five. The hostess said our waitress would arrive shortly.
2. Our Official Waitress, Jessica, remembered our distinguished group from our March meeting. Shadow and Deliberator ordered Sam Adams ales; Geronimo, admirably sticking to his diet, a diet Pepsi and PC Wiz, just to be different, a glass of Merlot. PC Wiz, in a telephone call to Geronimo, had learned that our message central had been out of operation due to a near lightning strike which actually opened their garage door. Geronimo related that they had lost power for 10 hours, including their cable connection. In further news, Geronimo received a wireless, optical mouse as a Father's Day gift. The installation was not smooth - keyboard and mouse lost most of their function. A cross-country call to "consultant" Dan solved the issue using a different connection (USB instead of PS2). Shadow reported that they had also suffered a lightning strike that had destroyed the modem card - identified after a lengthy call to Dell. Now sporting a new modem (installed by Associate Member Shirley), Shadow has in addition purchased a new surge suppressor that also protects telephone and cable, for $23 at Wal-Mart!
3. Deliberator reported that he was very pleased with his DSL service, the only problem being a blinking modem caused by a bad connection; easily corrected. Shadow related that they had dropped their dial-up Localnet Express higher-speed service because of screen freeze problems. It seems all is well at this time. Shadow recounted his Father's Day gift - an invitation by son Randy to a flight to Nashua, NH with breakfast at the airport restaurant (PC Wiz was also invited). It was a beautiful clear day and a great experience. Shadow also mentioned Bobbi's birthday party where, being invited to "mingle", he had a good time happily mingling with the numerous guests. Geronimo asked Bobbi's age and was informed "40", which reminded members of the inexorable passage of time. In June Geronimo and Associate Member Kay vacationed in Cape Cod at a fine motel in Chatham. They visited the glass museum in Sandwich and Heritage Plantation. Deliberator concluded that Geronimo started his serious diet since Cape Cod (confirmed). Although on a low "carb" and low calorie diet, Geronimo admitted he loves potatoes and pasta. At Shadow's query concerning their forthcoming visit to the "Queen City of the Hudson", Geronimo said not to be concerned, he would adjust his diet so that "food would not be a problem".
4. In our sports section, Shadow offered kudos to Geronimo on the Greek 1-0 victory in soccer. He also opined that starting pitcher Mussina is bad and hasn't "shown him anything" in his last five starts. Mussina evidently starts strong and fades fast. Deliberator commented on the bad base running of Posada and Williams (Bumbles according to Geronimo). A complicated discussion ensued over whether a runner struck by the ball is automatically out. It depends, it seems. Shadow reaffirmed his disdain for the designated batter rule in the American League, citing great pitcher - batters in the past. HVBS members agreed with his diagnosis and urged the end of designated batters. Shadow raised the issue of NASCAR's limiting the seasonal points battle to the top ten drivers. The points rules already being suspect in that winning drivers do not necessarily win the contest, Geronimo turned to the subject of the baseball playoff system with its "wild card" teams. Deliberator felt that there should be no wild cards - that the top teams only should be in the playoffs. Shadow said that it should also apply to hockey where teams with a losing season can get into the playoff money with a wild card. Deliberator brought up the Tour de France with Lance Armstrong having gotten the section yellow jersey. He and Shadow have been watching it on our OLN (Outdoor Life Network) Channel 75 station. In our political section Deliberator said that he felt Vice Presidential candidate John Edwards, a trial lawyer who has grown rich on suing big businesses, "is smart as a whip, and I like people with brains even if I don't always agree with them."
5. PC Wiz felt that he was not the best choice for Kerry: he cannot deliver North Carolina (not a key state) and reinforces Kerry's liberal record. A better choice would have been Senator Gramm of Florida or Governor Bill Richards of New Mexico. Geronimo made his "last statement on this matter" stating that if Senator Ted Kennedy is prominent in the campaign he will not vote Democrat. Deliberator correctly stated that, in any event, the Presidential election would not be decided in New York, with PC Wiz in complete agreement. Shadow lightened the moment by bringing up the large number of books Bill Clinton has sold. HVBS members then discussed the Mary Jo White "investigation" of the charges against Bishop Hubbard of Albany (at $770 a billable hour). PC Wiz was not convinced by the conclusion and opined (although not a Catholic) that the bishop should have been removed long ago just due to his actions protecting pedophiles in the Church.
6. Official Waitress Jessica arrived to take orders for coffee and dessert. PC Wiz broke the ice by ordering a slice of apple pie. Shadow and Deliberator asked if they could "split" a dessert. Jessica said it was no problem. Geronimo passed (although holding his spoon at the ready for sampling). On arrival, members gasped as it was apparent that, instead of an extra dish, two full desserts had arrived. HVBS Official Scheduler Deliberator suggested that we hold our next meeting on Wednesday, August 25, 2004. The date was readily agreed to but not the venue. Shadow suggested holding it at the Saratoga track restaurant. Geronimo balked at the distance he had to travel - Shadow countered by offering overnight accommodations at Chez Vogt. Members more realistically concluded that it should either be Roudigan's or, for a new experience, the Raccoon Saloon (a short trip for Geronimo but longer for the Northern Contingent. This issue will have to be settled before our next session, perhaps at the coming summit meeting between Geronimo and Shadow this weekend.

Thanks to Geronimo and Deliberator for substantive corrections (scribal errors).

HVBS Official Scribe Laureate PC Wiz