A philosophical Tommy Mallet faces a problem often confronted in a kids swimming pool. [CAUTION: Language warning – Ed]
Almanac Poetry: E(a)rnest
December 30, 2024 by 4 Comments
Some iconic writers, like Ernest Hemingway, have been imitated so often that their output can no longer be read as the fresh, new, innovative literary work it originally was – this is the issue tackled by Kevin Densley’s latest (and previously unpublished) Almanac poem. [Or: The importance of being the old man and the sea – Ed.]
Almanac Music: So You’re Overseas And Suddenly….(Part 4)
December 30, 2024 by 1 Comment
More Aussie songs that warm the cockles of Aussie hearts when heard while travelling overseas.
Almanac Poetry: ‘In With Me’ – Tommy Mallet
December 27, 2024 by 2 Comments
A poem by Tommy Mallet about working in the bush with a couple of back-packers. [Language warning – Ed]
Almanac Life: Travels with ‘The Little Champ’
December 25, 2024 by 5 Comments
Andrew Fraser recalls a rich history of interstate travels for sport, particularly those involving his Mum, better known as ‘The Little Champ’.
Almanac Life – More Gold from Nanna’s: Finding Nanna’s records
December 24, 2024 by 11 Comments
On Christmas Eve, Family Harms will play some Christmas carols (via Youtube? Or what’s this thing called Spotify?) as they have forever. John Harms has found more gold from Nanna, the record collection, and brings you a selection of those albums including one long-lost LP from the mid-80s.
Almanac Book Reviews: ‘The Football War: The VFA And VFL’s Battle For Supremacy’ – Xavier Fowler
December 24, 2024 by 2 Comments
With the recent release of ‘The Football War: The VFA And VFL’s Battle For Supremacy’ by Xavier Fowler, Braham Dabscheck uses the book as a foundation to analyse the conflict surrounding the development of footy in the early twetieth century.
Almanac Music – Not Quite Bob: Paul Kelly…of course
December 24, 2024 by 6 Comments
With ‘How to Make Gravy’ recently adapted to film, we reprise Trevor Blainey’s classic’Not Quite Bob’ piece with one of Australia’s finest musicians – Paul Kelly. Time to make gravy!
Almanac (Last-minute) Gifts: So what would I like for Christmas?
December 24, 2024 by Leave a Comment
John Harms has his own wish-list for Christmas. The thing he most wants is to go secondhand T-shirt shopping with son Theo, but he’s also on a few other possibilities. [Hint kids – Dad]
On William Hogarth’s The Graham Children (1742)
December 23, 2024 by 2 Comments
This week’s poem by Kevin Densley concerns a group portrait of children by English painter William Hogarth. KD states: ‘This ekphrastic poem mainly deals with happiness and melancholy, the inevitable passing of time, and children and pets. ‘
Mystery Pub: Home of the $5 Schnitzel*
December 23, 2024 by Leave a Comment
That’s good schnitzel shopping – I believe. Mickey and Claire wander over to the Woodville Hotel where they observe Sunday afternoon for an hour or so. [Contains harsh words about sour cream and chilli sauce – Ed]
Almanac Music: So you’re overseas and suddenly …. (Part 3)
December 23, 2024 by 2 Comments
Ian Wilson continues his songs to remember home by for Aussies travelling overseas with Part 3 this week.
Earthquake in Port Vila, Vanuatu – How you can help
December 20, 2024 by 1 Comment
A message from editor Jarrod Landells on the impact of the Vanuatu earthquake and how you can lend a hand.
Almanac Music: ‘I Can See You, Your Brown Skin Shining in the Sun’: Songs Connected to the Beach
December 20, 2024 by 69 Comments
This week’s theme in KD’s epic series about popular song is songs connected to the beach – and they don’t have to be specifically ‘summer songs’, either. As usual, readers’ input is most welcome.
Almanac Poetry Reviews: High praise for Kevin Densley
December 19, 2024 by 6 Comments
Footy Almanac mainstay, Kevin Densley, who picks up stacks of Brownlow votes each season, has received a super review for his poetry collection ‘Please Feed the Macaws…I’m Feeling too Indolent’.
The Almanac Team – Maz and Dermie of Diskman: Cats and KISS
December 19, 2024 by 2 Comments
Dermie and Maz of Diskmandotnet have looked after all of the Almanac’s website needs for over a decade. So, who are they? [Thanks for another excellent year Dermie and Maz – JTH]
Almanac Book Reviews: ‘The Season’ by Helen Garner – Strange and splendid beauty
December 17, 2024 by 7 Comments
We welcome Matt Gately to the Almanac family with his first piece on the site, an informative review of Helen Garner’s latest book, ‘The Season’. [Welcome aboard Matt – Ed]
Almanac Footy Songs: Glenn Butcher – Footy Fan’s Lament (Swans Song)
December 17, 2024 by Leave a Comment
After Sydney lost the AFL Grand Final against Brisbane, Glenn Butcher wrote a lament expressing his disappointment of his team’s loss.
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