Smokie has poured over a recently released book by Gigs and Tim Rath that documents the history and colour of that most universal of footy accessories, the jumper.
Almanac Book Review: ‘The Footy Jumper Book’ by Tim Rath and Andrew Gigacz
May 11, 2023 by 4 Comments
Almanac (Local) Footy: ‘Known Knowns’
April 14, 2023 by 4 Comments
As Williamstown CYMS prepares for Round 1 of the VAFA premier B season against St Bernard’s, Smokie provides a preview.
Almanac Life: Amy Adams on the London Tube
February 27, 2023 by 23 Comments
Smokie gives us a new definition of ‘Trainspotting’ (Tubespotting?) as he recalls the evening that he stood next to Amy Adams in a carriage on the London Underground.
Almanac Music: The Best Australian Albums of 2022
January 2, 2023 by 6 Comments
Having listened to over 60 new albums by Australian artists in 2022, Smokie Dawson gives us his thoughts on the best of the crop.
Almanac Music: Midnight Oil – From the Astor to the Palais
September 16, 2022 by 7 Comments
Smokie saw Midnight Oil for probably the final time on Wednesday evening. He offers a brief reflection on a four-decade journey with the band.
Almanac Local Footy: The Sandlot
September 3, 2022 by 5 Comments
As the Williamstown CYMS Under 19s prepare for their second-semi final against Old Xavierians, Smokie looks back at music and films which were used for pre-match ‘psyching’ in his day – and suggests a film which would be a sure-fire winner.
Almanac Life: Death, Taxes, and the Passing of Time
August 5, 2022 by 11 Comments
Smokie ponders the inevitability of the unstoppable passing of time
Almanac Life: The Last Payphone
July 13, 2022 by 7 Comments
An icon of the 20th Century, the public payphone booths have now been eradicated from the streets of Manhattan. One of the few technologies that were of popular use to the common person is now slowly fading away and memory-holed as time progresses. Smokie shares his fond memories over the years of how the payphone played an essential role in his day-to-day life and routine.
Almanac (Local) Footy: I’ve been to Bali too
June 24, 2022 by 8 Comments
Jordan De Goey’s recent travails had Smokie reminiscing about a trip to Bali thirty years ago. Thankfully, smart phones and social media were years away!
Almanac Footy: The Legend of Gil
June 16, 2022 by 4 Comments
Smokie Dawson recalls the legend of the ‘player’ with the name of Gil Spencer at the Williamstown CY’s U19s nearly forty years ago.
Almanac Life: The Williamstown Walkers
May 27, 2022 by 16 Comments
Today marks twelve months since Smokie’s mate Netto was taken far too early. But the Williamstown walking group that he started endures.
Almanac Life: 13 Passengers
May 13, 2022 by 8 Comments
Smokie recalls the time he crammed himself and thirteen passengers into his EH Holden wagon. [Not sure he had much say in it – JTH]
The Fearon Reserve: Our Field of Dreams
April 1, 2022 by 5 Comments
The new VAFA season commences tomorrow and, in B Grade, Williamstown CYMS take on Old Carey at the Fearon Reserve. Smokie tries to explain what “The Fez” means to CY’s people.
Almanac Tennis: Game, Set and Match to Martina
March 29, 2022 by 12 Comments
Martina Navratilova is a true champion – both on and off court. Smokie tells of his Twitter exchange with Martina, and the gift he received from her in the post.
Almanac Tennis: Martina and My Tennis Ball
January 28, 2022 by 13 Comments
Smokie recalls Martina Navratilova thwacking his tennis ball at the 1983 Australian Open.
Almanac Music – The Best Australian Albums of 2021
December 22, 2021 by 8 Comments
Courtesy of further lockdowns, Smokie listened to plenty of Australian music in 2021. Here are his best of the year.
Almanac (Travel) Book Review: ‘The One That Got Away’ by Ken Haley
November 17, 2021 by 2 Comments
Ken Haley journeyed through the Caribbean as Covid-19 was taking hold across the world, and documented his travels in “The One That Got Away”. Smokie reviews the book here.
Almanac Music – Aussie album review: Weddings Parties Anything ‘Roaring Days’
October 6, 2021 by 12 Comments
In the 15th of his reviews of classic Australian albums, Smokie looks back on “Roaring Days” by Weddings Parties Anything, an album to which he has found himself turning during Melbourne’s lockdown
Almanac Book Reviews: ‘Neil Harvey – The Last Invincible’ by Ashley Mallett
September 1, 2021 by 3 Comments
Smokie Dawson gives his thoughts on Ashley Mallett’s bio of Neil Harvey, an extraordinary cricketer and the final survivor of the famous 1948 Invincibles.
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