Monday 29 May 2017

Given various frustrations thus far was surprised to have full replay of America's Cup day 2 at Darwin Hotel bar this morning. It couldn't be that easy of course as the audio was muddy and out of sink and ambient noise made any utterances emanating therefrom unintelligible. However, got to see races at least and finally figured how to mirror computer on our big 19" flat screen TV so have video of highlights and helmsman conferences from Youtube and AC website. Search for more satisfactory solution ongoing.

Tuesday

So here's the concept. Yacht and boat clubs have TVs, right? Since there's nothing much to do in Darwin besides watching sports (slight hyperbole), the coverage probably includes that, right? Members are interested in boats, right? Probably have some interest in racing boats, right? Anyway they won't have recovered by 1130 from the night before so won't be around to complain, right? Should be able to watch America's Cup racing on either Darwin Trailer Boat Club or Darwin Sailing Club TV, right? Went to DTBC first because they have the best setup. Although the manager had heard of it no one at the club had a clue that an America's Cup was being run. Handed me the remote to have my way with the really huge screen. YES!

Wednesday

Somebody may have spread the word as several club members were in attendance for racing today. Hope they aren't disappointed when it doesn't go tomorrow at 1130. Replay changes to 1630, then no racing next day, then 0830, then back to 1130. Apparently Fox Sports either doesn't care if people get in the habit of watching the AC or something more important like wrestling, tiddlywinks or grass growing is preempting. Guess most people think yacht racing is even more boring than soccer. Harrumph. May not have seen boats that go nearly 50 knots with closing speeds 70 or 80 as they cross or realized that short attention spans are accommodated as each race's six lengths of the Great Sound only takes about 15 minutes. This ain't yer granny's America's Cup. It's an extreme sport and isn't even my idea of what the Cup should be, but man is it good.

Thursday

Checked on winch stems and they're in Changi, Singapore. Have been informed of arrival Tuesday from Sydney. Apparently no one is aware of the border force black hole there that randomly emits shipments on an obscure bureaucratic timetable. Nevertheless could have operative primary winches in the foreseeable future.

Saturday

Winches still in Changi. Hoping for this month.

** Seriousness alert **

Just emailed buddies in Florida with some perspective for Americans that is completely inappropriate to the tone of this blog. DO NOT read further. You have been warned.

For the last 40 years counting 9/11 (2983 civilians killed in that unique event, otherwise 41 by foreign born terrorists) the odds in US of getting killed by any act of terrorism including domestic, non-Islamic is 1 in 48,000 (1 in only 249 to be otherwise murdered). Also, to be killed by: refugee terrorist - 1 in 46 million, illegal immigrant - 1 in 138 million, visa waver program entrant - zero. Politicians and bureaucrats have taught us to be afraid and most of us have bought the line. So, how about we toss an additional half trillion dollars at it and create as much inconvenience as possible, OK? Sure! It's all that's keeping us safe, right? Sure! How many billions of dollars and how much aggravation at airports (mostly cosmetic) should we tolerate to prevent 6 deaths a year? Wars on - you name it - poverty, drugs, terror and ultimately individuals no matter how ostensibly well intentioned are primarily a way as Jefferson opined as a general tendency for "government to gain ground and liberty to yield.” Franklin had a comment too: "Those who would give up essential liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety”.

If you read this you have only yourself to blame, but I feel better. Thanks.

Jack