1. In a very light drizzle PC Wiz drove the Upstate Upstarts, arriving at the Hoffman House at a respectable 11:24 AM. Along the way Shadow had pointed out snow on the peak of one of the Catskill Mountains. Geronimo was just parking the Acura so it was, essentially, a dead heat. After greetings, Shadow thanked Geronimo for nominating him for President (the opening shot a video on the Internet). Shadow promised, upon being elected, to create a new Cabinet position for Geronimo -- Secretary of Extermination. Geronimo accepted, saying "I can do that". Deliberator had missed the video and Geronimo promised him a new reference if he can't find the e-mail. Upon entering the premises, we were greeted by Official Waitress Erin and the bartender. Seated at our usual table Geronimo managed to level his chair and we ordered beverages. It was quite cool in the room so Erin started the gas fireplace. She suggested a hot apple cider to warm us. PC Wiz and Geronimo ordered the drinks - Geronimo being assured the beverage would have a stick of cinnamon in it (it did). Upon arrival of our drinks, including coffee for Deliberator and some wines, we toasted Shadow on his pending Birthday.
2. Geronimo informed us he had just come from the Citi Smith-Barney office across the street. He had signed up for an annuity investment in place of mutual funds. Shadow said the latest news was that KeyBank had asked for Government aid. Banks are failing this year in large numbers and there is no way of telling who is next. Geronimo raised the issue of the proposed "stimulus package" which none of the HVBS members expected to help the situation at all. Deliberator noted that these ideas are coming from Fed Chairman Bernanke and Secretary of the Treasury Paulson - hopefully helping people other than those on Wall Street. Geronimo informed us that a local Chevrolet dealer is closing and, noting the current stock price of Ford at around $2, said he heard a large investor was dumping Ford. As in the Country, financial affairs dominated the opening of our session. All HVBS members have received the 2008 Middle Class STAR rebate check. Geronimo asked Shadow how his work was and he said "very busy" so he is putting in more hours than he would wish. Geronimo thanked him for his contribution to Social Security taxes and PC Wiz noted that the increase for next year has been set at 5.8% (the largest increase since July 1982, an indication of inflation).
3. Deliberator reported that he had a "great trip" to Washington DC. In answer to Shadow's query, he said he had managed to visit the WWII, Vietnam and FDR memorials, a visit to the Arlington National Cemetery and the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; also enjoyed a play at the Kennedy Center. Deliberator also had planned to go to the Bureau of Printing to see our money being produced. Unfortunately, it was closed for the weekend. He also met a friend, renewing an acquaintance of many years. Deliberator was particularly enthusiastic about the Washington DC Metro subway system; clean, modern and fast. Shadow informed us that he had worked on the subway system in its construction phase to seal serious water leaks. At this point, Shadow referred to a folder he had with photos of his most recent project - the Crown Point Covered Pier restoration on Lake Champlain next to the bridge across the lake. The pier, built in 1929, was originally used for the steamboats plying the lake.
4. Geronimo then inquired about Shadow's reference to the Company he works for as a "small business", eligible for Government programs. Shadow explained it was based on the Company's gross income. DeBrino's gross in the $12 million range fits that category. Geronimo then reminisced about his Dad's restaurant business which operated on a cash basis. Asked about how Grandson Ryan is doing at SCCC, Deliberator said he really didn't know specifically but Ryan seemed to be settling in satisfactorily. His worst subject in High School, history, is still giving him problems. Everything is going routine with Mark, although there have been no wage increases (per a question by Shadow); PC Wiz asked about how Mark's Lasix surgery is standing up and Deliberator said his vision is excellent. Deliberator also mentioned that his kidney functions are testing high in recent tests. Shadow reported his recent PSA had risen with some concern from his doctor. It was both Geronimo and Deliberator's experience that the numbers will rise and fall in successive tests. PC Wiz reported that Consumer Reports "On Health" recommends slow response to prostate test results, especially in older patients.
5. Returning to the economy, HVBS members admitted to not following their portfolio's as closely in these days of a generally sinking market. Geronimo opined that the basic problem with the economy was greed and there would be no more "golden parachutes" - to general approval. Shadow gave us his method of coping with the stress of our times - "a few beers will mellow you out". Shadow noted that he is going to contend with the recession by filling his wine rack. Deliberator laughed, noting that it now only took one drink for him, unlike earlier times. PC Wiz pontificated on his theory that the cholesterol medications (warnings on the label) we are all taking affects one's use of alcohol by stressing the liver. He has gotten his cardiologist's permission for a glass of wine a day.
6. Shadow said that, regarding the economy, people today have "never gone through the past two months". Deliberator expressed his feelings that the 50's and 90's decades were good and that, perhaps, the Eisenhower 50's was his happiest decade. Geronimo and PC Wiz agreed; Shadow narrowed the period down to the mid-50's and the mid-70's for him. PC Wiz lamented that GE is no longer the Company he worked for: no longer (seemingly) interested in manufacturing (spinning off Appliances and Lighting?), becoming just another company interested in making money in finance.
7. Turning to sports, all members agreed to Deliberator's rooting for the Tampa Bay Rays. He also opined that the NY Giants have a tough schedule for the rest of the season. Shadow was uncertain his prediction of 12-4 would hold up. In our Tech Topics section, Shadow elaborated on problems with the family computer. Associate Member Shirley had a computer tech recommended to her by the lawyer who rents the Broughton Foundation office space. Geronimo was surprised the call didn't go to "Computer Geeks" whom PC Wiz recalled were recommended by Consumer Reports. However, all went reasonably well, with the computer back in operation with Windows XP Professional at a relatively modest cost. Of course Geronimo has the services of computer expert son Dan who, when Geronimo had a problem, removed and completely re-installed the Windows operating system. PC Wiz approved, although personally although reluctant to re-install the system himself, noting that it removes a lot of "detritus" that Windows accumulates over time.
8. Asked by Geronimo about the present state of Fritzi's vision, Shadow said the doctor found continuing deterioration of his sight. His next visit to the doctor will be in one year. Geronimo reported that Mandy is going deaf and he has to repeat commands to her. Official Waitress Erin arrived to solicit orders for desserts and coffee. All ordered coffee and PC Wiz, as expected, ordered the Bailey's cheese cake. PC Wiz asked for less "decoration" of the plate by the chef since the sticky syrup got on his fingers. Erin said she was responsible for the plating and would leave out the syrup - very satisfactory. A taste of the cheese cake was so satisfactory that Geronimo later ordered a serving also. Shadow, our birthday celebrant, generously offered to buy HVBS members a drink, on his tab. There were no takers. Deliberator then tallied up the bill - Shadow's being complimentary due to his pending birthday and Geronimo put it on his credit card. HVBS Official Scheduler Deliberator proposed Wednesday, December 3, 2008 for the date of our final meeting of this epochal year. It was accepted and the meeting was adjourned.

Thanks to Deliberator for the dessert correction and Geronimo's review.

HVBS Official Scribe Laureate PC Wiz