1. Meeting day started ominously with snow, 2" at the Shadow residence and about 1" at PC Wiz and Deliberator, and a rash of accidents on the Northway. However, our Northernmost member made the courageous decision to proceed on our perilous journey. We arrived safely at Roudigan's at 11:15 AM with Geronimo second by inches. Entering the premises the HVBS troupe went to our familiar corner table and the young hostess promptly removed some of the settings, including the glasses and napkins. On being questioned about Official Waitress Jessica, she said Jessica had quit and was now working at "Guido's". Our new waiter, Alberto, promptly arrived and took our beverage orders, two cabernets, a Heineken for Shadow and the usual diet Pepsi with lemon for Geronimo. HVBS toasted to the long-awaited restoration of the Songana Bed and Breakfast.
2. The discussion centered on son Danny's new position with Boston Acoustic in product development and marketing. He and Chaco have three months in a company supplied apartment to make their own arrangements. PC Wiz queried Geronimo on the visa question concerning Chaco, opining that marrying an American automatically cleared all such questions. Geronimo clarified the situation by stating that she still required visa permission and, in fact, had to be back by a certain date not to have problems with immigration officials. Updating members on Songana, Geronimo mentioned that the water pump had begun to leak. He had to find a new firm to replace it and his regular plumber informed him that they didn't work on water pumps. Luckily, he found a reliable replacement that replaces the original Meyer pump (now made in China) with an American-made pump by Gould (the new Gould pump's quality being like comparing a Cadillac to a Yugo!). Geronimo reported he enjoyed the best shower in 15 years with the new pump's pressure.
3. Deliberator reminded the group that April 29 is both associate member Kay and his birthday. Geronimo also reported that he is in the market for a new washer - dryer combination. Shadow highly recommended the Fisher and Paykel washer and dryer that he bought. It has automatic sensors that control the water level and cycle times and therefore uses a minimum of water while doing a fantastic job. It was pointed out that the F&P dryer in the combination is made by GE. After Alberto had delivered our lunch Shadow noted that the hostess had also taken the napkins. He went to the next table, appropriated the cloth napkins and distributed them to "thanks" to the "solid guy from Burnt Hills".
4. Shadow raised the issue of NY State voting machines - a $249 million advance plus $49 million additional and nothing has been done to upgrade the voting system (including an upgraded computer voter registration to control voter fraud). As HVBS members commented on the crooks in our government the restaurant sound system started playing the Godfather theme; how appropriate! On the national scene, Deliberator commented that Bill Clinton is a master politician; PC Wiz concurred and raised the issue of Hillary Clinton in this year's election. Geronimo replied sharply that he didn't want to discuss her, to which Shadow agreed. There was some discussion over the illnesses of Congressman Sweeney and Governor Pataki. Shadow mentioned his research into pre-need burial plans and highly recommended a Federal Trade Commission report (available on the web) on Funerals: A Consumer Guide. None of the members presently have such a plan. Geronimo mentioned interest in a long term care insurance plan which would cover home care. Deliberator, who has such coverage, recommended it.
5. In sports, Geronimo reported that Johnny Damon, the new Yankee, had hurt his shoulder playing in the World Baseball Classic. He has been taken out of the lineup of Team USA with tendinitis which should clear up by starting day. Shadow says talk is that Carl Pavano is the key to the season while Randy Johnson has been a big disappointment. On the subject of Barry Bonds (terrible-Deliberator) Shadow has concluded that he is a crook as bad as Pete Rose. Geronimo, commenting that the Yankee pitching staff is terrible, asked HVBS members their impression of the Winter Olympic Games. While Deliberator rated them as "all right" Shadow, on a scale of 1-10, gave them a "5". Geronimo brought up the pathetic performance in the games of Bodie Miller, known for his reckless style, to general agreement. In football Shadow stated that the Giants are standing pat while the Patriots, being disseminated, are history. Geronimo thought there is magic in Eli Manning's arm.
6. Shadow brought up the new device called "Squeezebox" PC Wiz has purchased to play music from his Dell directly to a stereo via a wireless router. Geronimo asked for further information and re-affirmed that he intends to not renew his XM satellite radio subscription. Deliberator, who has Sirius satellite radio on his Buick, finds he is not interested in using it but has to ponder renewal of the OnStar system for $99 a year. It offers hands-free telephoning which, together with the emergency features, members thought a great innovation to have on a car. Geronimo was asked about the problem with his left heel. It is called fasciitis - due to an injury to the plantar fascia: a fibrous band running from the heel to the toes. So far he has endured two painful cortisone injections. In the spirit of the season, Shadow informed HVBS that he has joined the 21^st century by "e-filing" his income taxes with much more prompt refunds. Deliberator reported he has done all the preliminary work on his returns and now just has to fill out the forms. While he still finds it necessary to itemize deductions, other members have given up the struggle and opt for the standard deduction.
7. Alberto brought us our final round of coffee and PC Wiz ordered the only dessert, a slice of warm apple pie. HVBS Official Scheduler Deliberator proposed Wednesday May 3, 2006 for the third meeting of this year. The date was ratified although the location is somewhat in doubt until PC Wiz makes the determination. Shadow suggested trying our original Hoffman House headquarters again. The meeting was adjourned to the jelly bean dispenser (no fat- Deliberator).

Thanks to Geronimo and Deliberator for their painstaking review.

HVBS Official Scribe Laureate PC Wiz

March 23, 2006