Almanac Literary – ‘Moratorium’ Scene 3: Extract and conscription deferral.

Neil Anderson provides a further extract from his play ‘Moratorium’, this time from Scene 3.

Almanac Literary – ‘Moratorium’ by Neil Anderson: An extract

‘Moratorium’ is a recently written play by Neil Anderson reflecting times of civil unrest, the Vietnam War and conscription during the 70s. Neil has provided a sampler from Scene 1 of his play.

Almanac Cricket: New book now available – ‘A View of Australia from Fine Leg’

To raise money for Gotcha4Life Craig Dodson took on the task to play in ten games of cricket with ten different clubs across Australia. Craig has now published ‘A View of Australia from Fine Leg’ detailing his journey and his fundraising efforts. You can order copies now.

Spanish Flu, the COVID-19 pandemic and the AFL/VFL

Covid-19 and its effect on the AFL 2020 has Richard Davis wondering if or when the season may resume.

In isolation in a Sydney hotel, what goes through your mind?

Richard Marlow, the former Arctic warrior, is now in isolation in a Sydney hotel with a further stint in Queensland to follow. He tells us what’s going on in his mind.

Frank Hyett: Successful sportsman, unionist, politician and victim of the Spanish flu.

The Footy Almanac reprises a story from 2011 about WW1 Spanish flu victim Frank Hyett. Hyett was a successful sportsman, unionist, and politician who Glen! was seeking information about at the time. He received a terrific response as indicated in the comments section.

Coronavirus Crisis: A challenge and opportunity for country clubs

Roger Spaull expresses his concerns for country footy clubs in this time of Covid-19. He also suggests there may be opportunities to be accessed as he outlines in his letter to The Weekly Times.

All it takes is a smiling Shrek

Teddy bears, and chalk drawings on the footpath not only bring joy to children but also to senior citizens as Jan Courtin explains.

Pets Allowed in Rental Properties: They Deserve a Home Too

Deakin Uni Journalism student, Shannon Cole reports on the consequences caused by the change to Residential Tenancies Act 1997 to allow pets in rental properties.

Half time

Oh to be a fly on the wall in Round 1 – Matt Zurbo takes us into the “fictional” inner sanctum of a club in the time of coronavirus.

Two Ply in the Tempest

We may well be enduring our biggest challenge for decades, but Dips O’Donnell ponders the possible constructive lessons we just might learn, possibly even emerging as a better society.

The Great Climate Comeback: Sport’s Role in Averting Climate Crisis

A summer of wild weather and devastating bushfires has impacted large areas of Australia, energising the climate debate and leading to widespread calls for urgent action. Anthony James draws our attention to the work of Dr Shiela Nguyen from the Sports Environment Alliance.

Mysteries of the New World

Dips is worried that he may be off the pace in the modern world, mystified at the (ab)use of language as he understands it. Are you able to offer him any assistance?

Best go through puberty on a Tuesday

It’s Sex Ed night for Mickey Randall and the boys as they attend the obligatory primary school Growth and Development session as he explains in his inimitable style.

Man Hating …… Cow

Anne Cahill Lambert is disappointed by the tired old misogynist rants towards women that have no place in today’s society, but unfortunately continue to receive media attention. [I’m with you all the way ACL! – Col]

Breeders Kill Shelter Animals’ Chance to Have a Life

Deakin Uni journalism student Shannon Cole examines the many issues surrounding pet breeding, animal rescues, and pet adoption.

On Fires and Fairness

In his thought-provoking article, Edward P. Olsen wrestles with the emotion and angst provoked by the recent bushfires, wondering about the fairness for those affected, and the dilemmas confronting those wishing to make appropriate responses.

To drive or to walk? That is the question.

Shannon Cole explores getting kids into more exercise by encouraging them to walk to school rather than being driven by their parents.

Letter of reply to Paddy Grindlay’s “Black Summer”

From a position of scientific qualification, knowledge and expertise, David Wilson presents his point of view on climate change, with the intelligence, authority and passion of one educated with the facts, to offer his support for Paddy Grindlay’s “Black Summer”. [Fantastic ER! Eds]

Black Summer

Paddy Grindlay has a message for Scott Morrison, a message he articulates so well in this time of catastrophe and emergency, his thoughts and words we emphatically embrace. [Well said Paddy! Eds]