John Lennon was shot dead forty-five years ago today, December 8. In this previously unpublished short memoir by Kevin Densley (possibly the first chapter of a book-length work, he says), he paints a vivid picture of the impact upon him of Lennon’s murder on the day – combined with a portrayal of central Melbourne in 1980, and other issues in his own life around that time. [A few names of actual people involved have been changed – Ed.]
Almanac Music: Why Dating a Married Woman is not a Good Idea in Song and Story.
December 5, 2025 by 4 Comments
George Smith refers to a number of songs and movies highlighting the trials and tribulations of dating a married woman and why it is not a good idea.
Almanac Music: Vale – Steve Cropper: A music legend
December 5, 2025 by 2 Comments
With the passing of Steve Cropper another void is left in the music world. A guitar great, songwriter, producer and producer he will be sadly missed. RIP Steve Cropper,
Almanac Food (Christmas Treats): Oldies but goodies
December 4, 2025 by 7 Comments
With the Festive Season upon us, we thought we’d reprise editor Ian Hauser’s ‘Christmas treats’ post from a couple years ago. Ian will be making his 2026 batch of rum balls in the coming days so that they’re suitably fermented in time for Christmas.
We all have ‘treats’ that go with our experience of Christmas. Ian Hauser shares a couple that have their roots in his childhood.
Almanac Reviews: ‘The Thing With Feathers’ and ‘Nuremberg’
December 3, 2025 by 1 Comment
The Wilsons have seen plenty of films of late. Here, Ian reviews two more films that were average at best.
Almanac Books: ‘Champions of Carlton’ – Miles Wilks
December 2, 2025 by 10 Comments
Blues fans, here’s the book you’ve all been waiting for, ‘Champions of Carlton’ – it’s a cracker!
Almanac Literary: The Furphy Anthology 2025 – launched Nov 20 and released Dec 1
December 1, 2025 by Leave a Comment
The Furphy Anthology 2025 was launched at a spirited event at the All Nations on November 20 and is now available for purchase.
Almanac Poetry: A Disguised Version of a Repressed Wish
December 1, 2025 by 2 Comments
Sigmund Freud famously described dreams as a disguised version of a repressed wish. Today’s poem by Kevin Densley is a jokey take on this idea.
Almanac Music: Aussie Album Review – Skyhooks ‘Living in the 70’s’
November 30, 2025 by 22 Comments
To acknowledge the passing of Skyhooks guitarist Bob ‘Bongo’ Starkie, we reprise Smokie’s review of the seminal album ‘Living in the 70’s’.
Almanac Music: ‘Living in the 70’s’
November 30, 2025 by 14 Comments
To acknowledge the passing of Bob ‘Bongo’ Starkie, we revisit Glen!’s tribute to ‘Living In The 70’s’.
Almanac Music: Dylan Cover Songs – International Style #8: Gospel Artists Do Dylan
November 25, 2025 by 9 Comments
More exceptional research by Karl Dubravs uncovering covers of Dylan’s Christian related music as recorded by Gospel singers, some who are well known, and others not as well known.
Almanac Reviews – The British Film Festival, Week 3: Continued excellence at the BFF25
November 25, 2025 by 2 Comments
The Wilsons are making the most of BFF25, even if it squeezes the budget somewhat. The quality of the films make it worthwhile.
Almanac Lunches: The Geelong Almanackers and friends invite you to lunch
November 25, 2025 by 8 Comments
The Geelong Almanackers and friends are having an informal gathering and lunch on Friday 28 November and we invite you to join us.
The Steam Room
November 24, 2025 by 9 Comments
For Smokie, the steam room is a place of contemplation. For $20 per month [A veritable bargain, mate – Ed.]
Almanac Poetry: Old Regret
November 24, 2025 by Leave a Comment
‘There was movement at the station…’ This previously unpublished poem from KD takes as its point of departure the name of the stallion mentioned in Banjo Paterson’s famous poem ‘The Man from Snowy River’.
Almanac Music: ‘Calling Occupants’ – Songs Involving Planets
November 21, 2025 by 91 Comments
The latest installment in KD’s popular music odyssey concerns songs involving planets. As is always the case, readers’ song choices and comments are warmly welcomed.
Almanac Cricket: Exhibition – Sunraysia’s Pioneering Cricket Association
November 21, 2025 by 4 Comments
With the Ashes series commencing today, avid cricket lover, writer, historian and artist Heather Lee also reminds us this time ninety years ago a pioneering cricket competition was about to commence – the Red Cliffs & District Ladies Cricket Association. Heather’s exhibition celebrating the history of the association is currently showing in Red Cliffs. [Heather will present match reports during the Ashes series. Welcome Heather. – Ed]
Almanac Literary: Neil Cordy chats to Kelvin Templeton about the experiences which influenced his novel ‘Collision’
November 19, 2025 by 2 Comments
Football, at senior level everywhere, was a violent game. Neil Cordy takes us back to those days of the 1970s and talks with Kelvin Templeton about the experiences on which key elements of his novel ‘Collision’ are based.
Almanac Reviews: Week 2 – The British Film Festival, and one of the best films of 2025
November 18, 2025 by 2 Comments
It’s Week 2 of The British Film Festival. Ian Wilson reviews four of the films, including a candidate for one of the best films of 2025
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