Almanac Poetry: Amherst Wisdom

Kevin Densley based this poem upon a line from a well-known Emily Dickinson poem; Dickinson (1830-1886) was born and lived most of her life in Amherst, Massachusetts.

Almanac Football: A great Football Rivalry – Fitzroy versus Essendon 1979-1986

Philip Mendes presents an historical account of the intense footy rivalry between the Essendon and Fitzroy Football Clubs during the years 1979 – 1986.

Almanac Life: Elizabeth South Primary, Grade 7, 1972.

Swish reckons that 1972, his final year of primary school at Elizabeth South was up there with his best. [Fine memoir – JTH]

Almanac Life: Yarrawonga Rhythm

It’s summer, and for Dips O’Donnell that means Yarrawonga, days on the lake, water skiing, a good book, and a quiet beer as the sun slowly sets.

Almanac music: We’re back baby, we’re back (*while acknowledging that COVID is still rampant in the community)

Trucker Slim is back in his element attending live music once more after the Covid hiatus as he explains.

Almanac Book Review: ‘The Sawdust House’ – David Whish-Wilson

Braham Dabscheck reviews David Whish-Wilson’s recent release, ‘The Sawdust House’ a work of historical fiction which examines the life and times of Yankee Sullivan a champion bare-knuckle fighter, while using the novelist’s tools to make big picture statements on the human condition. [Outstanding review of what must be a top-rate work of historical fiction – JTH]

Almanac Music: Six Heartland Songs

In this Friday’s piece, KD puts forward six of what he calls ‘heartland’ songs, in other words, six songs that ‘get him where he lives’. He encourages Almanac readers to respond with some of their own.

Almanac Exercise: Patawalonga parkrun

Mickey has been out pounding the pavement in the Patawalonga parkrun. He enjoyed it so much he’ll be back on Saturday.

‘The legend from Pelluebla South…’ by KB Hill

KB Hill has a unique way of catching up with the legends of local sport up Wangaratta way. This time he catches up with nonagenarian Bruce Wright.

Almanac Life: When Robo-author comes knocking

As the editor of the Almanac website, John Harms receives many emails from content providers. In the light of the recent Nick Cave discussion, he explains what he’s been receiving in recent times.

Almanac Comedy: Favourite Comedies #11

Comedy favourite number #11 in Ian Wilson’s series is the cartoon creation ‘Looney Tunes’ featuring so many fantastic characters such as Bugs Bunny, The Roadrunner, Daffy Duck to name a few.

Almanac Music: Andrew Fithall’s ‘My Gigs of 2022’

It was (mostly) back in the live music saddle for Andrew Fithall’s 2022; he shares his year in performances attended all over the land.

Small steps, big steps: the story of O Tecnico and his boys

This is the story of a team of young players and their coach. By John Harms. [First published in 2018]

Almanac Poetry: Journey into the Underworld

Jean-Paul Sartre famously wrote that “Hell is other people.” In this wry poem, Kevin Densley observes that it can be as simple as one mate’s dunny!

Balcony Banter: On being the Captain

How do you compare the respective responsibilities of the captains of the South African Test team and the Williamstown Colts Fifths? Hugh Jones contemplated this question in a recent contribution to the MCC Members Blog ‘Balcony Banter’.

Almanac Life: A Futile Search for Inheritance

Money is not everything in life, upbringing will bring you all the riches you need reflects Ian Wilson remembering the sacrifices and love of a supportive family.

Almanac Music: Vale David Crosby – ‘Almost Cut My Hair!’

Another musical giant in David Crosby has passed away. The influence he exerted in bands such as The Byrds, Crosby Stills & Nash, and Crosby Stills Nash & Young will be remembered forever.

The Keilor Sports Club: ‘The Country Club in the City’ (Part 3)

Nick Marshall continues his series about the Keilor Sports Club. Part 3 looks at the various clubs and organisations that are a part of Keilor Sports Club.

Almanac Books: I’m looking for a copy of…

Ian Hauser is looking for a particular book and wants to know if you can help him acquire a copy.

Almanac Music: Vale Renee Geyer

Modern Australian music has lost one of its greatest voices with the passing of Renee Geyer this week after complications following surgery.