1. On this cloudy November morning Deliberator piloted the Northern Group into the Hoffman House parking lot at a precise 11:20 AM (by the Buick's chronometer). At 11:24 we were joined by Geronimo and our HVBS group entered the premises. The hostess, prodded by the bartender, allowed us to select our own table - near the window for better light. Our Official Waitress, Amy, soon arrived to take beverage orders. Members ordered wine with Geronimo (I drink my wine in the evening at home) opting for a diet Coke. The cabernet was so outstanding that PC Wiz asked Amy the name of the winery (Forest Glen). Owner Ginny cordially greeted us from the bar.
2. Not surprisingly, our discussion started with a replay of the recent election. Shadow noted that only 34% of the registered voters voted in this notably "dirty" election (most notably the dirtiest election in New Jersey between Senator Robert Menendez (D) - appointed by Gov. Corzine and State Senator Thomas Kean (R)). In the Sweeney - Kirsten Gillibrand contest PC Wiz commented on the conflicting State Police reports and felt Sweeney had committed himself to release it but took his lawyer's advice not to (Shadow pointed out the lawyer in question is E.Stewart Jones, a very prominent trial attorney). Concerning the comptroller race Deliberator thought Callaghan a "jerk" who couldn't handle Saratoga's finances; voting for the incumbent Alan Hevesi (also supported by Geronimo: he took good care of the state employee (my) pension plan). PC Wiz, swayed by Hevesi's "mistake" and a possible grand jury indictment, voted for Christopher Callaghan. HVBS members gave three votes to John Faso (R) for governor. Deliberator, the exception, preferred the landslide winner Eliot Spitzer's (D) proposed tax plan. Shadow, reporting that he had voted for the Green Party Candidate, Rachel Treichler, for Attorney General, summarized that "politics suck" and urged us to other topics.
3. The first personal update came from Deliberator who received a laser treatment to reduce the pressure in one eye. PC Wiz informed the group that he had the same treatment in both eyes at the time of cataract surgery and the results have been quite good. Concerning the agenda item, Geronimo informed us that there has been no improvement in the condition of his foot - walking farther than from the restaurant parking lot is very painful and quite impossible. The podiatrist's remedies have Geronimo on his third set of shoe inserts with no improvement. Asked how he had managed on the Greek trip, he said the condition has gotten worse and, if it does not improve, he is contemplating the major surgery option that will mean a long-term foot cast. Shadow jocularly asked if Geronimo had considered amputation as a solution; he replied he is thinking about it. Associate Member Kay is doing very well - resuming her exercise routine - but presently has some fluid under her knee cap. Shadow informed us that he is having a colonoscopy interview in December since it has been five years while PC Wiz is scheduled to have his procedure on February 26. Sounds like a real growth business to invest in!
4. PC Wiz brought the HVBS up-to-date on his recent purchase of a 4-cylinder 2007 Toyota Camry LE. Shadow and Deliberator responded that they would not buy a "foreign" car: Deliberator either a GM or Chrysler product, Shadow, not surprisingly, something in the Chrysler line-up and both preferred larger engines. Deliberator informed us, if all goes well, he is contemplating the purchase of a new vehicle (probably the Buick Lucerne or similar large car) in 2009. Shadow, projecting possibly one more new car (he has owned 17 new vehicles) in his future, told us he will consider a car with a telephone and GPS navigation system. Geronimo, stating that Kay is very satisfied with her Honda Accord 4-cylinder, asked about our local gasoline prices. Deliberator had just filled his Buick at Hess for $2.299; Geronimo stated his prices ranged from $2.33-$2.38. Geronimo then updated us on his brother's situation: the condo has been sold and his brother is going to move into an apartment. Geronimo explained that he has always lived in a city environment and is used to apartment dwelling.
5. In our "Sports Spotlight" section Shadow rejected the idea of re-visiting the HVBS Giant season predictions in view of the actual mid-season performance; Geronimo seconded the motion. Members were unanimous in standing on their original predictions. Geronimo commented on the quarterback situation that "Eli (Manning) is not like his brother" to general agreement and predicted further that "he won't make it". Shadow zeroed in on Coach Tom Coughlin, expressing the conviction that he just doesn't have what it takes to be a coach and had opposed his originally being hired. As to the Yankees, Geronimo thought Sheffield (age 37) leaving was no great loss. Shadow then brought up the case of Boston winning the negotiating rights to star Japanese pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka for 51 million dollars. They must now negotiate a contract with him within 30 days or he will return to Japan. The spending of such staggering sums on professional sports, which spotlights the scarcity of talent, is out of control. Shadow was questioned about hockey; he said the season was going quite well with the NY Rangers in second place. In commenting on the situation, the dropping of the TV graphics following the puck location came up with Geronimo reiterating that he liked the graphics since he has difficulty following the puck; Shadow was glad the feature had been dropped.
6. Turning next to our "Tech Review", Deliberator had a question about AVG anti-virus 7.1 being discontinued in January. PC Wiz explained that he would automatically get a message with an "update" button for the new free version 7.5 in the near future. It was suggested if he wanted to update now it was possible to Google "AVG free" and go to the special site for free users to get the new 7.5. Geronimo repeated his advice to immediately update Internet Explorer to the new version which is much more secure. Both PC Wiz and Shadow have done so while Deliberator reminded us that he uses the AOL browser which is a "horse of another color", not affected by the update.
7. HVBS members then turned to the final round of coffee with PC Wiz opting for the only dessert (pumpkin cheese cake). As our Chief Financial Officer Deliberator calculated members share of the bill a discussion ensued concerning the amount of the tip for Amy. Deliberator had added about 20% (which PC Wiz admitted he usually added) while Geronimo balked at more than 15%. Shadow pointed out that waitresses have a specially low minimum wage and depend on tips (which Internal Revenue estimates for their income tax); he further explained that he does subtract the sales tax before figuring the tip. At this point HVBS Official Scheduler Deliberator proposed January 10, 2007 (with January 17 as an alternate) for our next meeting date. Shadow said "weather permitting", since he is the designated Northern driver for the meeting. All agreed that the meeting date was quite flexible, being in mid-Winter. The meeting was adjourned.

Thanks to Deliberator and Geronimo for the kind remarks and Shadow for the addition of his Rachel Treichler vote in Item 2.

HVBS Official Scribe Laureate PC Wiz