Almanac Music: Chester Bennington, gone too soon

Deborah Tayloe, of North Carolina, relfects on the passing of Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington.

Almanac Music: New Lost World

In these trying political times, Peter Crossing looks at the power of music in making a change in society.

Short Story: You can’t buy that (introducing Barry Mitchell).

Not every day a 200 game VFL/AFL player bobs up as a writer. Barry Mitchell makes his debut for the Almanac with this short story.

Harry Beitzel: Pioneer and founder of the Australian Irish connection 70 years on

Stephen Alomes is pushing for the AFL to recognise the efforts of Harry Beitzel for his passion and efforts with International Rules.

The Coach

It seems like footy is all the rage in Heaven. St Peter is coach. It’s team meeting time and the saints are having a good hard look at themselves. Anne Chomiak makes her Almanac debut with this amusing short story.

Almanac Music: The Shortest Song in the World

Mickey Randall, the Almanac’s micro-grindcore correspondent. Earache, my eye.

The red and white home of Swan for life Jan Courtin

Jan Courtin had the opportunity to showcase her love of the Sydney Swans recently. Watch the video of Jan showing her Swans memorabilia and read the story.

The gospel according to Harry

Robert Allen wrote a fascinating piece about Harry Bietzel a few years ago. This captures the man and his journey pretty well.

Vale Harry Beitzel

We have lost another footy broadcasting great in Harry Beitzel. Share your memories of Harry from his umpiring and broadcasting days.

Enjoying the ride

The question ‘Is football fun anymore?” is the springboard for E. Regnans’ dive into a discussion of the contemporary moment – in and beyond sport.

Haiku Bob – Round 20 – lessens the dread

A big Collingwood win makes Haiku Bob’s life a little easier and brings a smile to his daughter’s face.

Almanac Obituary: Farewell to Mr Footscray

Katie Hall remembers Ron Palmer – Mr Footscray.

Almanac Music: Wichita Lineman and me

Glen Campbell has died at the age of 81. We re-visit Mickey Randall’s story from last year.

“And I need you more than want you
And I want you for all time..”
Mickey Randall on a magnificent song of hope and love; Glen Campbell with Jimmy Webb’s ‘Wichita Lineman’.

Haiku Bob – Round 19 – not cut out

A fifty point lead that got away kept Haiku Bob up all night. It was just one of those days for Collingwood.

Hail to the Chief

Peter Baulderstone has found some leaked tapes from the Oval Office. But he’s not sure which one.

Round 18 – Haiku Bob (with fiftieth birthday words)

Happy 50th Haiku Bob. And a great comeback win for your boys as a present.

Jim, Keith, the Land Rover and the Chicken Salt Sign

Nick W, of the Victorians for South Australian Heritage Association, wants answers. What has happened to the Adelaide Oval Chicken Salt sign? [With this story, he may gain Life Membership – Ed].

Haiku Bob – Round 18 – the aftertaste

Still time for Collingwood? Haiku Bob ponders the question.

Emma Quayle: A Giant Success

Deakin student Marnie Cohen interviewed GWS recruiter and former Age journalist Emma Quayle about her journey in footy. [This is a truly fascinating interview – MNQ].

Pardon me, Pastor, pass the pasta

Mickey Randall says he’ll be back to the Dine Divine, a warm and wonderful place for Sunday night pasta, that sits, geographically, and gastronomically at the centre of Sassafras.