1. On a bright, clear Summer morning PC Wiz transported the Upstate Upstarts, arriving promptly at the Hoffman House at 11:24 AM, immediately followed by Geronimo at 11:26. We encountered a cordial welcome from Hostess Ginny Bradley and our Official Waitress Erin. Upon selecting our inner end table, PC Wiz noticed that the window air conditioner was not running (it having disturbingly blown on Geronimo at our last meeting). Ginny noted that they now had central air coming out of the floor vent; Erin commented that she enjoyed serving our table to cool off near the vent. During our beverage ordering (all beers on this hot summer day, including a Killian's Red for Geronimo) PC Wiz confirmed Erin's name and was given her full given name - Erin Kathleen Kelly Marie Murphy - Ruzzo. Deliberator stated that he is acquainted with a Ruzzo - not related to her. A toast was made to Good Health and PC Wiz added a special toast honoring Geronimo for his efforts in sending us his e-mail selections: some outstanding videos and world commentaries.
2. Shadow raised the subject of the situation in Hazleton, PA in which the local law restricting jobs and housing to illegal immigrants, the town being under severe financial stress from the increased population and benefit demands, was declared "unconstitutional" by a judge. Shadow opined that 100% of the illegals should be sent back to their native countries. Geronimo brought up the despicable case of the two border guards, Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean, given 11 and 12 years for shooting an illegal smuggling drugs across the border (the smuggler was given amnesty to testify against the agents). Geronimo commented that he was glad, the way things are going in this country, not to be 25-30 years old today. Shadow seconded the sentiment. All present being children of legal immigrants Deliberator observed that he had no parents growing up and was on his own at 21. On the National scene, Deliberator stated that he "can't stand Obama", PC Wiz thought he was not qualified for the Presidency while Hillary Clinton (certainly no favorite at HVBS) appeared to be unstoppable in getting the Democratic nomination. In the other party, Shadow thought Senator McCain "too old"; PC Wiz is leaning toward Fred Thompson, while Deliberator prefers Rudy on the Republican side. Members decried the vast sums of money being spent on political campaigns: Deliberator declaring the squandered money could "eliminate welfare".
3. To Deliberator's question of who, after the U.S., would become a dominant World power: With the U.S. weakened by the Iraq and Afghanistan struggles, Shadow predicted that Asia would become the next dominant culture. Geronimo contributed that in China wages are 70c an hour and it has become the World's largest producer of violins and violas - showing the power and breadth of their economy. PC Wiz's new "GE" window air conditioner was, no surprise, made in China. PC Wiz , dismissing Russia as a candidate, mentioned his sources predict an increasingly competitive Indian economy. The ancient Chinese curse seems to be coming true - We certainly live in "interesting" times. On a local note Geronimo mentioned that Channel 75 now carries women's Roller Derby - the "Hudson Valley Horrors".
4. Geronimo offered a couple of suggestions of good movies he has recently viewed via his Netflix subscription. They were "Chocolat" (2000), a woman and her daughter open a chocolate shop in a small French village and "Zodiac" (2007), the San Francisco serial killer case. Geronimo , mostly listening to New York City stations, remarked on the case of Robin Roberts, anchor of ABC's "Good Morning America". HVBS members wish her well with her breast cancer operation. His favorite program is "CBS Sunday Morning" with Charles Osgood. Shadow repeated his support of Bob Schieffer's CBS "Face the Nation". An impromptu comment by Shadow noted that he has never seen anyone "nurse a beer like PC Wiz". Geronimo had a recent wine tasting session with son Dan and managed to keep up with him. Shadow noted that it bothers young sons if you keep up with the drinks, noting Randy and Bobbi had recently thrown a Summer party for about 50 people fellow employees, friends, neighbors and family. Geronimo asked Shadow for an explanation of their "theme" parties. Shadow then mentioned Randy's Sunday "Angel Flight" where they fly seriously ill people for consultations and operations. In this case taking a young girl and her mother on the first leg to Bradford PA where they were picked up and flown to Detroit. Shadow was able to follow the flight minute by minute on his computer!
5. In our Tech Section PC Wiz informed members that he had replaced his CD "burner" with an HP DVD-CD burner to have more capacity for back-ups and slide show discs. Deliberator asked for advice on his printer problem - occasional black lines (never color) across the sheet. PC Wiz had no suggestions while Geronimo suggested updating the "driver" (software that runs the printer) by going to the HP web site. Geronimo mentioned a problem with his "Ctrl" key not working with certain program key combinations. Geronimo reported that Dan has a new computer with a 30" monitor! HVBS members remember when the latest televisions had 7" screens - we certainly live in an age of technical wonders. Shadow, asked by Geronimo how work is going, reported that he is working about half-time and that things have changed - not for the better. He has been given a computer to use at work and is becoming accustomed to the new technology. Geronimo was enthused about the new Google maps that Dan introduced him to. They can be customized with your own notes on directions and printed out - very convenient.
6. Deliberator declared it was time to discuss sports. Geronimo is glad Proctor is gone while Shadow considered Farnsworth "a head case". PC Wiz noted he can pitch a ball at 98 mph but is not a reliable pitcher while Mussina pitches good games and bad games. Deliberator questioned what will happen to Giambi when he returns - perhaps a pinch hitter? Turning to the Giants: Geronimo wondered if Strahan will return - Shadow, convinced the team has deep problems and will have a bad season, glad if he doesn't. Deliberator opined the players are behaving like "cry babies". The Mets are cruising along with members wondering why Tom Glavin, trying for his 300^th win, was taken out of the recent game in the 6^th inning leading 2-1 (game lost in the 13^th). Shadow proposed a new game rule where teams could "bank" extra runs over +1 for use in future contests - this would have given the Mets a 12 run "kitty" (not likely). Concerning Michael Vick, the Atlanta quarterback, Shadow was of the opinion that his career is over because of the many people that abhor animal cruelty. Members touched on the spectacle of the drugging scandals of the present Tour deFrance 2007. Shadow pointed out that PC Wiz made an error in the agenda referring to a hockey season that had ended long ago. PC Wiz apologized and said he was misled by the Ranger web site which had not been updated and every day (replay) hockey games on TV not clearly labeled.
7. HVBS members ordered their coffees from Official Waitress Erin; PC Wiz and Shadow ordered desserts. HVBS Official Scheduler Deliberator proposed Wednesday September 5, 2007 (5 weeks) for our next meeting. There were no objections and the meeting was adjourned. In the parking lot members were chatting as Hostess Ginny walked up wearing dark glasses which she gave to Geronimo! Lucky we were still there and thanks to Ginny.

Thanks to Deliberator and Geronimo for critical corrections.

HVBS Official Scribe Laureate PC Wiz

August 8, 2007