Almanac Life: The Strand Hotel

Williamstown has lost its fair share of pubs over the years, but there is one pub that Smokie misses the most

Almanac Fiction: Swifty Taylor and the Errant Husband (Episode 8)

In the denouement to series 3 of Swifty Taylor’s adventures, Swifty has a final confrontation with Max

Almanac Fiction: Swifty Taylor and the Errant Husband (Episode 7)

Swifty heads back to Port Douglas, where he wrestles with his conscience

Almanac Golf: The Last Golf Game

Smokie reveals that he has not played golf in thirty years, and that his last game was at Oakmont in Pittsburgh, home of numerous US Opens, and one of the toughest golf courses on the planet. [The Footy Almanac reprises Smokie’s cracking golf piece playing the course the US Open will be played on this week. – Ed]

Almanac Fiction: Swifty Taylor and the Errant Husband (Episode 6)

In Episode 6, Swifty secures one of the things he has been seeking, putting another brick in the wall.

Almanac Fiction: Swifty Taylor and the Errant Husband (Episode 5)

Swifty makes small talk with Max, then chats to his new friend Jess.

Almanac Fiction: Swifty Taylor and the Errant Husband (Episode 4)

Swifty continues to make some pertinent observations

Almanac Fiction: Swifty Taylor and the Errant Husband (Episode 3)

Swifty continues to battle the North Queensland humidity as he tracks his quarry.

Almanac Fiction: Swifty Taylor and the Errant Husband (Episode 2)

Episode 2: Cairns, chinos, and clues. Swifty’s stakeout in FNQ begins.

Almanac Fiction: Swifty Taylor and the Errant Husband (Episode 1)

Fictional Williamstown gumshoe Swifty Taylor is back!! Join him for a third gripping series of noir mystery and mayhem.

Almanac Life: The Campers

A local backstreet suddenly became a popular spot for campers and backpackers. Smokie explains what happened next.

Almanac Music: Aussie Album Review – Harem Scarem ‘Pilgrim’s Progress’

‘Pilgrim’s Progress’, the debut album of Melbourne band Harem Scarem, is the 19th in Smokie’s series looking back at classic Aussie albums.

Everyday Obituaries: “Oo-roo, Dad”

Smokie’s dad, Eddy Dawson, recently passed away. Here, Smokie shares the words that he offered at the memorial held for his father. (Simply beautiful, Smokie – Ed.)

Almanac Cricket: First Test, Sri Lanka v Australia – Galle or Nothing?

Smokie Dawson reports from Galle after Australia demolished Sri Lanka in the First Test. But what of the future of Test cricket in Sri Lanka?

Almanac Cricket: First Test, Sri Lanka v Australia – Greetings From Galle

Smokie Dawson reports from Galle on Day 1 of the First Test between Sri Lanka and Australia. What were the chances of running into some folk from Williamstown?

Almanac Music: The Greatest Christmas Song of All

Smokie delves into ‘Fairytale of New York’, which he believes is the greatest Christmas song of all

Almanac Music: The Best Australian Albums of 2024

Smokie has listened to over 120 new Australian albums this year. Here is his best of 2024.

Almanac Travel: Coincidence and Empathy

Smokie recalls the time in New York that he met an upset girl. Is there such a thing as a coincidence?

Almanac Life: A Week at Fiskville

Smokie recalls the week he spent at a fire-fighting training course

Almanac Travel: New Orleans, 1990

Smokie tells the story of his visit to New Orleans in 1990