Official Minutes – HVBS Meeting on Wednesday, March 16, 2005
On a glorious clear, but cool, March day Deliberator piloted the Northern HVBS special to a rendezvous at Roudigan's at 11:15 AM - one hour and five minutes from PC Wiz's residence. Geronimo arrived at a timely 11:23 AM. Members being assembled, we entered the premises and selected our familiar corner table in the elevated section. We were soon pleasantly surprised by our Official Waitress Jessica. After exchanged greetings, Jessica brought us up-to-date by mentioning she had gotten 91 on a recent test. Members sympathized, remembering their own problems with the advanced math. Orders were for three Killian Reds (the day before St. Patrick's day eased the choice) and the usual Diet Pepsi for Geronimo. HVBS members toasted the holiday and PC Wiz toasted Geronimo for his efforts ("what work?") in assembling, sorting and censoring, and sending along the voluminous e-mail jokes and videos. Particularly outstanding were the Patches (the horse) and elephant with the soccer ball videos! Deliberator was toasted for being "half-right" in predicting the New England score in Superbowl XXXIX.
The meeting got off to a fast start with Geronimo asking about PC Wiz's adopting the free AVG, same as installed for Deliberator, instead of his Norton SystemWorks. PC Wiz explained, despite a month to go, the updates had stopped. The Norton website stated that SystemWorks 2003 was no longer supported with no way to inquire. Shadow offered their address off the box but PC Wiz (as Deliberator) is completely satisfied with the AVG. PC Wiz offered an article in PC World on his purchase of CounterSpy, a top-rated spyware program. It removed spyware from his machine that had slowed it down. Deliberator is using SpyBot, AdAware and CWShredder (which PC Wiz had been using) but found the $20 CounterSpy superior (but alas, not perfect). Deliberator reports that his computer is operating well since the recent overhaul. Shadow told of a cell phone size device that can disable all cell phones within a 200 foot radius - marvelous for public events which have to ask the public to turn off their cell phones. Deliberator asked about the function of firewalls - the explanation did not go too well (it being kind of an esoteric subject). Net conclusion - use the built-in Windows XP firewall (although it only controls incoming Internet traffic). Deliberator has some protection with AOL, Geronimo, Shadow and PC Wiz prefer to use free personal ZoneAlarm.
When asked about his house guests, Geronimo said things were going OK so far. His primary concern is the household "utilities" - especially water use and the septic system. Shadow said he was surveying the issue of toilet paper use - Shadow, Deliberator and PC Wiz using Scott Tissue (Deliberator - OK for septic tanks). Geronimo demurred, saying that the paper required the "right pressure" and they preferred Quilted Northern rather than Scott - no splinters or roughness. Deliberator reported that the day after auto inspection of his Chrysler Town & Country the vehicle started running rough. It required new high-tension wires and spark plugs (platinum) and is again performing in tip-top shape.
In sports Geronimo stated that 40% of U.S. players are playing in Europe and asked HVBS resident hockey scholar and fan Shadow what the future held for the sport. Shadow said he didn't know - the positions hadn't changed and he feared for the future of what is, essentially, a marginal sport in the U.S. Geronimo brought up the recent NASCAR cheating by Jimmie Johnson and the Hendrick team. Shadow explained that they had inserted spacers in the fuel cell to displace fuel - resulting in a lighter, faster car. The crew chief was fined $35,000, pocket change to these people, and the cheating continues. Which brought us to the baseball steroid drug problem. Geronimo suggested there should be an annex at the Cooperstown Baseball Hall of Fame for the records produced by "juiced-up" players like Barry Bonds (and Mark McGwire). Concerning Yankee chances, Shadow opined that, in his view, pitchers Carl Pavano and Jaret Wright would determine how they will do. He also decried the fact that high school sports prospects felt compelled to use drugs to be competitive in pro sports - a deplorable situation.
In our political segment, Deliberator stated that the Mohonasen school district is facing a 10% rise in taxes. Shadow reiterated that the excuse is the cost of salaries and health care which brought up the rise of taxes to replace the stock market losses in the State retirement plan. No private plan is so reimbursed for losses. Geronimo explained that though his pension is part of the State retirement system, his medical insurance is a county plan that is subject to the County Legislature's whim. Geronimo asked the unanswerable question - will the NY budget be on time this year? Deliberator opined that George Pataki will not run again. On the hot issue, Social Security, Geronimo said the Bush proposal was made to force Congress to do something. Deliberator suggested raising the FICA tax to the $162,000 level that Congress makes to help with the financing. Shadow insinuated that the funds collected on the income tax on 85% of SS should be put into the SS fund instead of being spent in the general fund - a great idea. PC Wiz cannot understand why there is no planning to "fully fund" the plan like any private annuity and has no confidence in adding a small "privatized" portion to be separately invested.
We then turned to health coverage - an important topic. Shadow said 50-60% of retired couples have to work because of health and pharmacy costs. Geronimo said the 2006 drug plan may cause employers to delete health benefits to retirees despite government incentives. Deliberator stated that GE only furnishes a $25 deductible plan for drugs - very valuable and in jeopardy. Shadow mentioned he is now on a statin -luckily, so far, furnished by doctor samples. Geronimo brought up the NYS EPIC drug plan - considered the best in the country. Unfortunately, none of the HVBS members can qualify. On a happier note? Geronimo is in the process of purchasing a new GE stove top (the original has only one working position on some burners - high). Unfortunately, they have changed the "standard" 30" size and there is a problem with the countertop opening. We are hoping for a solution to this problem (shim the opening?).
HVBS
members, sated with the generous Monterey Jack wraps for Geronimo and Shadow, Mediterranean wrap (with black olives) for PC Wiz and a St. Patrick's day Rueben for Deliberator, bypassed dessert to have a final cup of coffee. HVBS Official Scheduler Deliberator offered two choices for our third meeting - Wednesday April 27th or Wednesday May 4th. The day was not decided upon and Shadow, the scheduled Northern driver, stated that he will determine the venue at a later date - at least one week before the meeting. Evidently the weather will be an important factor - if inclement it could possibly be at the Charlton Tavern! We all hope good judgement will prevail.
Thanks to Geronimo for his correction of a medical error, Deliberator and Shadow for their reviews.
