Official Minutes – HVBS Meeting on Wednesday, September 5, 2007
On our post-Labor Day meeting, the Northern Contingent of HVBS was transported by Deliberator, arriving punctually at 11:20 AM followed by the arrival of Geronimo at a respectable 11:24 AM. Upon entering the building we were cordially greeted by owner Pat Bradley in a white apron. Also welcomed by Official Waitress Erin sitting on a bar stool and hostess Ginny sporting newly blonde hair. Sitting at our usual debating table, PC Wiz again selected the end of the table to get enough light to make somewhat legible notes. Asking about drinks, Erin got orders for two merlots, diet coke with lemon for Geronimo - with Deliberator making the tough decision to go for a cabernet. With the mention of Deliberator's grandson Ryan off to college, Erin informed us that she had just seen her daughter off to college in a difficult separation. A toast was offered to Good Health and a Happy 78th Birthday to Geronimo (September 4).
Shadow
then raised an issue he wanted to "get out of the way": the HVBS tabulation of predictions for the Giants in the coming season. Shadow predicted a 4-12 season with Coach Coughlin out and Eli Manning a "flop" to general consternation by the members for the negative prospect. PC Wiz, respecting Shadow's expertise, shaded his prediction to 5-11 while Geronimo forecast 6-10 and Deliberator, the optimist of our group, anticipated a record of 7-9. Which raised the subject of Atiim Kiambu (Tiki) Barber who intensely dislikes Coach Coughlin; claims, because of the player he was, the coach cost him $14 million. Tiki, now a TV personality for NBC Sports and the Today show, was lambasted by Shadow for his premature retirement announcement before the end of last year's season, hurting the team's performance. PC Wiz mentioned that Michael Vick, involved in the animal cruelty case, had just "found Jesus". Geronimo concluded that Vick is a "phony". Relating to the Yankee season, Shadow commented that Mike Mussina's "confidence is shot" resulting in being taken out of the rotation; Geronimo contributed the fact that Mike is 38 years old, perhaps accounting for his unreliable pitching. Members were confident that the Yankees, who have a good record in Yankee Stadium, would make the playoffs with the wild card but probably not make the Series. Concerning NASCAR, Shadow commented that he doesn't follow the races anymore - it is all about money now, no sport.
In our Personal Updates section Deliberator asked Geronimo how his foot is doing. He replied that it seems to be getting better but the progress is agonizingly slow - still quite painful. Turning to the two-week visit by his grand-daughters, Geronimo said it went better than expected. The first week they went to horse camp so that was "OK". The second week he and Associate Member Kay took them to the Great Escape in Lake George where they had a great time (and where, no surprise, they charged $3.60 for a bottle of water). They also had a surprisingly fine dinner in a Lake George restaurant whose outer appearance was very plain. Deliberator reported that grandson Ryan is off to the Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica with his new 2007 Chevy Trail Blazer SS. Ryan chose Mohawk Valley partially because of their excellent bowling team and found that "jocks" receive special treatment - getting double credit: PE and bowling. To Geronimo's query if he would see Ryan's grades, Deliberator informed us of the "FERFA" law which rules that, being over 18, the grade announcements go to him (but Deliberator is confident Ryan will show them to him). The only exception to FERFA is if the education is paid for by someone else - in which case a waiver is required.
Grandson Mark
has had elective surgery: lasix surgery for both eyes to correct myopia. He reports perfect vision and no more fragile glasses or delicate contact lenses. Since there is no insurance coverage for this surgery Mark is making monthly payments to cover the $3000 cost. Deliberator also updated us that his grand-daughter's engagement has been announced and the wedding is planned for next year. Shadow reported that he and Associate Member Shirley recently sent a package to Christopher in Iraq. The postage was $7.75, which is the cost to New York City where the transportation to Iraq is taken over by the military.
In our Tech Topics section Deliberator notes that his PC is faster since Ryan left. He gave Ryan a laptop for his college work and reported that the college specifies what anti-virus program you must use: Norton, McAfee or AVG paid. Deliberator then asked members to explain the use of anti-spam, anti-virus and fire-walls; except for the AVG free anti-virus, he has never used the others. Shadow, Geronimo and PC Wiz tried to explain what each did (and how important fire-wall and spyware programs are because of the threat from criminally-minded malicious hackers). By subscribing to AOL (for the instant messaging for Ryan) Deliberator automatically has McAfee anti-virus and a down-loadable fire-wall, so he has had protection which will stop if he drops AOL. At that time members advised him to stay with AVG anti-virus, and get the free ZoneAlarm fire-wall (better than XP's built-in). PC Wiz and Shadow subscribe to the anti-spyware CounterSpy, while Geronimo uses the duality of Ad-Aware SE Personal and Spybot Search & Destroy. Shadow then mentioned a letter he received from Verizon promoting an upgrade (from $14.95 to $29.95 a month) to higher-speed DSL service. He says that they are perfectly satisfied with the service as it is and do not intend to change it.
Official Waitress Erin
arrived with the requisite coffee and inquired about possible desserts. Members referred her to PC Wiz - who was trying to make up his mind, eventually deciding on the strawberry cheesecake. Shadow then also made a selection. Our HVBS Official Scheduler Deliberator then suggested Wednesday October 10 (alternative date - October 17) as the date for our next meeting. The dates were tentatively adopted depending on Shadow's vacation plans. The meeting was then adjourned.
Thanks to Shadow for his review and the corrections from Deliberator and Geronimo.
