Issue:

DEAR FELLOW MEMBERS,

The commonly cited “Murphy’s Law” states that what can go wrong will go wrong – usually with a myriad of unforeseen consequences. It has been suggested Murphy’s Law be included in studies of physics, though I’ve yet to see a book titled: Black Holes, Quarks and Murphy.

Journalists are not well known for their grasp of quantum physics but they are familiar with Murphy’s Law. When dealing with breaking news and dozens of moving parts, Murphy’s Law truly comes into its own. My memorable experiences of Murphy were running a newsroom with about 200 staff on dozens of news beats. The lesson learnt was you cannot fight Murphy’s Law, you can only embrace it, laugh along with the absurdities and carry on.

I’m rambling on about this because the FCCJ’s move to a new Club is prime territory for Murphy: new untested facilities and hundreds and hundreds of moving parts. FCCJ staff members have been working long days and, in some cases, overnight, to prepare for the move, but thanks to Murphy’s Law it will take months to bed down operations in the new Club. Stuff happens. We ask your patience and cooperation to make this work. And, of course, suggestions are welcome.

While on the subject of welcomes, the Board met on Oct. 24 and Treasurer Willem Kortekaas gave an update on the donation drive. We have a long way to meet our financial targets, but it was very welcome to hear about the generosity of members. A big Thank You to those who have contributed, and much encouragement to those who are considering the same.

At the Board meeting we passed a number of resolutions. They include:

Hiring an auditor for fiscal 2018/19 and a tax advisor. The Board also authorized publication of minutes of meetings, excluding items discussed in “executive session” that can include personal information and other confidential data. The minutes will be posted on the members-only section of the Club’s web site. It will be announced when the first report is posted.

Finally, we have tempered our ambitions somewhat on the Nov. 22 Gala Opening of the new Club as we believe we were being, well, overly ambitious considering the short time to prepare.

It will be a Grand Opening Party for members and guests, including several entertainment events. Taiko Drummers and Kagami Biraki are just a couple of them. More details will follow. I’m not sure about inviting Murphy, but he usually just shows up anyway.

– Peter Langan