AFL: Curving the Curve

Dips takes time out after some hard yakka to reminisce – on oil heaters and premiership droughts broken, bulbs dormant and thorns more active. [Perhaps JTH has done the same Youtube searches? Ed.]

Almanac Poetry – A Beer With No Pub

Dips has had enough! Airing his frustration in satirical verse, it’s time to re-open the pubs and let the good times roll he urges. [Ed: We’ll drink to that!]

Footy: The Rise of the Fall

Dips muses on the push to bring back footy (prematurely?) and the nature of the AFL beast that demands a conversation be had on the merits of the spectacle and its perhaps seedier underbelly.

Almanac Surfing: Surfing and the middle-aged accountant

Following Dips O’Donnell’s excellent Queen’s Birthday weekend surfing piece, we thought we’d let you know where it all started. Here’s Dips’ first crack at the caper, a piece which was published in Long Bombs to Snake I.

Those Other Days Are Gone

In this ever-changing world, a poignant futuristic (and historical) story from Dips O’Donnell, father and son discuss footy in the good old days.

Two Ply in the Tempest

We may well be enduring our biggest challenge for decades, but Dips O’Donnell ponders the possible constructive lessons we just might learn, possibly even emerging as a better society.

Almanac Lunch (Report): 1989 The Great Grand Final

Dips O’Donnell enjoyed the cracking Almanac lunch at Perc’s North Fitzroy Arms on Friday. Tinsel Tony Wilson, Dean Anderson and Darren Flanigan told some great stories. Many more are told in Tony’s wonderful book: 1989 The Great Grand Final.

Mysteries of the New World

Dips is worried that he may be off the pace in the modern world, mystified at the (ab)use of language as he understands it. Are you able to offer him any assistance?

A sustainable Almanac? $5 on the 5th of every month

It’s a while since this letter from Dips O’Donnell was first posted. Worth reading the comments which have been added since:

Dips O’Donnell is the Almanac’s accountant. This letter explains his way of keeping the Almanac going.

His approach is in keeping with his unheralded genius. He’s inviting readers to make a regular contribution on one day each month. He suggests $5 on the 5th or $6 on the 6th or, in general terms, $x on the xth for all x <=28. (Memberships and one-off contributions are also welcome).

Nominations: Conversation of the Year.

Dips O’Donnell has nominated his conversation of the year. It’s a beauty. Have you got one to share?

AFL: What’s the point?

Dips is in the dumps! Where’s the game going? What are the marketing types up to? Is there only one possible (disturbing) end to it all?

Flashback: Summer

Back in 2009, Dips O’Donnell was ruminating about the four seasons. When thoughts turned to summer, he pondered the clash between the elemental forces of the season – commerce and cricket. He feared that commerce was winning.

Turning Water into Wine

This is not just the season of atonement for footy clubs. An invitation to Yom Kippur has Dips O’Donnell remembering a far off time and place. Did John Kennedy ever coach at Masada?

Almanac Swimming: Kate O’Donnell wins gold!

We have a swimming champ in the Almanac family. Kate O’Donnell performed brilliantly at the DSSA National Swimming Championships on the weekend and her proud dad Dips O’Donnell has passed on Coach Tracey Drewitt’s report.

Umpire and Fans: Yelling at the sky

Dips O’Donnell tries to unpick the latest controversy regarding umpire abuse. His advice to the people in green? Don’t take it personally, because it isn’t really about you.

Round 7 – Geelong v Essendon: Cats and cup cakes

Dips O’Donnell is a man of impeccable manners so when he is caught at a birthday party with the footy on the TV in the next room he finds himself locked in battle with his own conscience.

The State of the Game: Part 3

Why, oh, why did the spider swallow the fly? Dips wonders why, and I guess we all wonder why, but you can make up your own minds!

Round 2 – Geelong v Melbourne: Lights On Lights Out

Dips O’Donnell endures the damp conditions at Kardinia Park and likes what he sees as the Cats extinguish the Demons’ fire in their Round 2 match.

Almanac (Pro) Running: Death of a Friend

Dips O’Donnell is concerned. We all know how much the Stawell Gift means to the O’Donnell family. Well, things have taken a turn, resulting in a summit on Friday night. [Dips at his finest – JTH]

Cricket memoir: Dips’ finest hour

There has been a number of posts on the site recently about backyard cricket, backyards, and early childhood memories. We reprise a cricket story from 2009 by Dips about his backyard cricketing exploits. Have you a story to tell?