THE SENIOR MEN'S CLUB OF NEW CANAAN
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 7, 2008
President Dick DePatie opened the meeting with 136 members present, and a membership of 482. One new application is pending .
Minister of Health Bob Moylan reported all members are well.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Bill Knobloch noted a Lyme Disease panel will talk on 3/14 @ 7PM
Bill Sessions said a Stay Put meeting on 3/13 @3:30PM at the Historical Society. Ron Keagy told of a stamp club meeting at Lapham on 3/11 at 1PM. Marvin Neuman suggests collecting remembrances from WWll, Korea,atc. For recordings. Dick Depatie says we need E-Mail addresses from members.
ACTIVITIES: Bridge, racquetball and paddle as usual. Amateur Chefs will meet on January 20 , Photography 4/12, 4F's on 3/28 @ Nino's, Golf on 4/28 on Richardson course
COUTH: March 14 in Stamford for the Irish Dance Company. Both April 23 and 30 for the Johnson Glass House. $ 35 pp.
HUMORIST Bob Moylan reviewed the many proposed generic names for Viagra, such as mycoxaplopin, ibpokin, etc. Pepsi may market a new product containing Viagra called "Power Drink" so that a gentleman can have a stiff one before bedtime.
SPEAKER: Nick Accagnino introduced Steve Halliwell an expert on Russia and Russian finances. His experience goes back to his first visit in 1963. Oil is the important word in Russia as their financial and political success depend on it. Oil and other l resources account for the 6.7% growth in GDP last year. The o\price of oil could drop to $40 bbl and their budget would still balance. Banking is still underdeveloped and credit cards are only beginning to be used. Consumer borrowing as a % of GDP is among the lowest in the world. The retailing business is in early stages of development so that distribution of goods is not easy. Putin has made some progress, but the power structure is typical Russian; Vertical- power at the top, but little power down the line. Foreign debt has almost disappeared, and their reserves are over $400 billion. The stock market has been a roaring success, rising 57% annually for seven years.
The bulk of top government offices are held by KGB people and no business can operate without permission from the government. Because of all the problems( including massive corruption) a strong military is necessary. Biggest needs: Infrastructure investment, social reform, foreign policy and basic freedoms.
Harry Hitch, Secretary