Official Minutes – HVBS Meeting on Wednesday, January 10, 2007

  1. On a cold, clear morning with an overnight lake effect flurry, Shadow ferried the HVBS Northern Trio into a threateningly dark sky with snow flurries to our anticipated meeting at the Hoffman House. We arrived at 11:19 AM with Geronimo making his appearance a minute later. The ever alert Deliberator noted that Geronimo had forgotten his glasses - alas, left at home. Hostess Ginny, hearing us enter, gave us a cheery greeting along with the friendly bartender. Per Shadow's suggestion, PC Wiz was preparing for a photo when our Official Waitress Amy kindly volunteered. Members then ordered drinks: cabernet sauvignons for Deliberator and Shadow, merlot for PC Wiz and, after a two year hiatus on alcoholic beverages, Geronimo opted for a pinot grigio - a fine choice in a white wine. The toast, the annual procrastination award, was in honor of Shadow with his peerless prediction of the 8-8 Giants season record.
  2. Shadow, admitting he had erred in the team not making the playoffs, nevertheless thought they didn't deserve the honor, going one-and-done for the second year in a row. As to coach Coughlin's future: Shadow, considering him a wimp, gave him one more year; Geronimo commented that he is a "bum". As to quarterback Eli Manning, Deliberator noted that he showed no enthusiasm, to general agreement. Geronimo said that the Eagles were also hurting which resulted in a close 23-20 playoff score. Shadow then turned to the Rangers, noting they are the same - with four consecutive wins, then a loss - as the NY Giants, "schizophrenic". Turning to baseball, Geronimo noted that the "big unit" Randy Johnson is gone after two years (to the Arizona Diamondbacks) and no one is sorry, Deliberator noting the Yankees will offset $2 million of his 2007 salary of $16 million. The discussion then turned to the Hall of Fame inductees; with .278 average Cal Ripken admitted (based mostly on his 2,632 consecutive games) and Mark McGwire rejected because of steroid use. Deliberator thought this a precursor for Barry Bonds rejection. PC Wiz noted that sports commentators are noting that Bonds made his records before he took steroids while McGwire's were after use (and his refusal to testify at the Congressional hearings.
  3. Official Waitress Amy took our lunch orders: three HVBS members going for the "special"; black bean soup and a ham sandwich. Deliberator, asking about bread choices, opted for French bread, Geronimo also ordered the bread regardless of his feelings about the French. On top of this, Shadow ordered the "French dip" menu item to general laughter. The subject of Christmas came up and Shadow said they had a good time with Russell and grandson Alex visiting from Virginia. Shadow took them to the bobsled run in Lake Placid and showed HVBS members a photo of himself and Alex with the bobsled and team that took them on a ride down the run. PC Wiz had an overnight guest, Russ' stepson Christopher, on his way back to Camp Drum. He was taken on an airplane flight down to NYC by owners Randy and Don; PC Wiz showed members a print-out of photos taken from the air on a grand, clear day.
  4. Geronimo and Kay had a family dinner at Sharon's home in Connecticut with son Danny and Chaco present. Geronimo received a gift of a one-year subscription to Netflix from Danny. Although members were familiar with the Netflix name Geronimo fielded questions concerning the service. By e-mail Geronimo and Kay set up a list of movies they would like to view. The first on the list is mailed, with e-mail confirmation, and can be kept indefinitely - no late fee. It is returned in a post-paid envelope, e-mail confirmation when received, and the next video mailed (with confirmation). The cost is $119.88 for one year ($9.99 a month unlimited) and they are quite pleased with the service. To PC Wiz's query about movies members would like to see, Deliberator, who enjoys seeing movies in a theater, highly recommended movies starring Matt Damon (The Bourne Identity, etc.). Deliberator, noting that PC Wiz had not mentioned him in the "Member Update" in the agenda (an oversight which will not be repeated in the future), updated us on family events since our last meeting. Deliberator's granddaughter has graduated with an MBA (congratulations) and has taken a position with Seton Health (St. Mary's Hospital) in Troy. Grandson Ryan is expected to graduate high school in June and grandson Mark has been appointed Manager of the Dunkin' Donuts on Route 7 in Latham; HVBS congratulations to Mark on his promotion!
  5. To PC Wiz's query about the results of the MRI taken of his foot, Geronimo said it has been quite discouraging, with a disagreement between the orthopedist's as to the results. Dr. Shen had told him "no surgery is 100%" and suggested taping the foot. It is still painful to put pressure on the heel (PC Wiz helpfully suggested walking on tiptoe) and Geronimo says he has become a "couch potato".
  6. In the news, Shadow remarked on his approval of Governor Spitzer moving his family into the Governor's Mansion in Albany, Governor Pataki having been notably absent in Albany for the last 12 years. HVBS members noted the passing of President Ford, universally praised for his performance as President after Nixon. Shadow said he had visited the Ford Museum in Grand Rapids and recognized it immediately in the TV coverage. Deliberator commented on the withdrawal of his favorite, Evan Bayh, that he saw no satisfactory candidate. Geronimo mentioned John McCain while PC Wiz thought he was too old to run for the Presidency. Geronimo then raised the issue of Hugo Chavez in Venezuela, an avowed enemy of the U.S., cozying up to dictators such as Castro. Since Venezuela bought out the Citgo company, Shadow noted with satisfaction that 1700 7-11's had kicked out Citgo as their supplier of gasoline.
  7. Official Waitress Amy, returning to re-fill coffee cups, asked for dessert orders. As seems to be our tradition, only PC Wiz ordered; a tempting slice of pumpkin cheesecake - tastes offered to other members. In a lighter vein, Shadow related his trials with the Daily Gazette; he has cancelled three times and still receives papers! PC Wiz noted that newspaper circulations are dropping, including the New York Times and Wall Street Journal while the NY Post is growing - now the Nation's fourth paper. Although Shadow said he can get the news elsewhere, Deliberator said he likes the newspaper for convenience (and the obituaries). The meeting adjourned abruptly when a dispute over the Iraq war became a bit boisterous.
  8. Since the date of our next session had not been set, PC Wiz was sent back to the tavern to inquire about their Winter shut-down schedule. Fortunately so, since Pat Bradley said they will be closed from February 15 to March 14, 2007. A tentative date of Wednesday March 21, subject to approval by Geronimo, has been set by HVBS Official Scheduler Deliberator for our second meeting of 2007.

Thanks to HVBS members for their detailed scrutiny of this critical historical document to be certain of its exactitude.

HVBS Official Scribe Laureate PC Wiz

January 19, 2007