Almanac Literary – Williamstown Literary Festival June 14th – 16th

The Willy Lit Fest takes place 14th – 16th June and is sure to be a great event, as it always is. Among the program participants this year are some well known Footy Almanackers. Check it out.

Almanac Beer – Review: Coopers XPA

The V8 punch Mickey Randall was expecting from the new Coopers XPA beer was not to be, unfortunately for him, it was a lightweight punch, and left him at the starting line.

Haiku Bob – Round 10: filled to the brim

Haiku Bob reflects upon another Pies win, in haiku of course!

Almanac TV: A brief letter of thanks to Ricky Gervais for “After Life”

E.regnans is quite taken with Ricky Gervais’ “After Life”, available on Netflix. (Warning – there is some explicit language in this piece).

Almanac Travel and Soccer: Valencia messes with Messi’s Barca

Ian Hauser sends news of his tour of Europe which has taken him to Spain where he couldn’t help but notice, despite the barriers, that a big game of soccer was being held.

Almanac (Post) Modern Life: Interpreting Likes

“What does it mean to like a post?” asks Edward P. Olsen. This piece on the nature and influence of social media takes the recent Folau-Ablett situation as its stimulus. It’s a piece in that fine tradition of ‘Thinking Out Loud’ as EPO tries to make sense of it all for his own understanding. Maybe others can offer some thoughts.

Almanac Art: Kate Birrell – Street Rhythm exhibition

Kate Birrell’s exhibition of Melbourne urban life, Street Rhythm, has opened at Chapel Off Chapel. Pictures and details within.

2019 Federal election – a sport perspective

Sport may not have captured many headlines during the Federal election campaign, but Greg Blood thinks it came out a significant winner. He looks at the comparative policies and funding proposals of both parties.

Bob Hawke, Brutalism and Banana Bread: Melbourne Trip 2019

Almanac lunches, Barrie Cassidy, the MCG and a selection of notable pubs: Mickey Randall and company take in the full Melbourne cultural experience, with nods to the departed Bob Hawke, and philosophical consideration of the nature of banana bread.

A student’s tribute to Bob Hawke

Sean Mortell is a first year university student – doing journalism. He discusses how the public memory of Bob Hawke has informed his understanding of him. [Very interesting to see what is strongest in the public memory – Ed]

Bob Hawke

Rod Oaten with some thoughts on Bob Hawke.

RIP Hawkie – The Punter’s Pal

Bob Hawke was the greatest Australian of Peter Baulderstone’s lifetime. He reminisces about Canberra politics in the 1980’s and the great man’s love of sport and people. Hawke’s prodigious achievements and his all too human failings made most Australians fall in love with him. (Share your memories of Hawke the man, politician and sports lover – Ed.)

Everyday Obituaries: Brendan ‘Bourkie’ Bourke

Bourkie, one of life’s great characters, died a few weeks ago. His funeral was a magnificent tribute to his rich life. This is PJ Brangan’s eulogy introduced by John Harms.

Haiku Bob – Round 8: moments that linger

Haiku Bob recreates the tension of an unexpectedly close day at the footy.

Footy Poetry – Hanger

Damian Balassone on Ashley Sampi. A nod to past and present events.

Almanac Art – Kate Birrell: Street Rhythm Exhibition 21 May (opening night function) – 9th June

“Street Rhythm” is an exciting new exhibition of Kate Birrell’s recent paintings. The exhibition will be held at Chapel off Chapel, Prahran from 21st May to 9th June. Join Kate for Opening Night from 6.00pm to 8pm on Tuesday 21st May.

Reds Foundation (Fitzroy FC) Political Lunch with Hung Le

Book now for lunch with Hung Le speak at the Reds Foundation and Fitzroy FC on Saturday 18th May at the Brunswick St Oval..

Almanac Music: Introducing Heed the Porter (especially today, May 10, because their single comes out today)

Heed the Porter are an alt rock/blues band from Brisbane. They have much to offer. Do yourself a favour…

Almanac Anniversaries: A Quick Thank You from Matt Zurbo

Matt Zurbo looks at the clock and realises he’s been writing for the Almanac for ten years. He’s a do-er. But he stops for a minute to think about why. [Thanks Matt. It’s yours as much as anyone’s. – JTH]

Haiku Bob – Round 7: nature calls

Haiku Bob is grappling with more than football.