Balcony Banter: All in the family

In a recent post on the MCC Members blog ‘Balcony Banter’, the Almanac’s ‘Citrus’ Bob Utber chronicled the link between the Collins family and the Melbourne Football Club.

Almanac Life: Work/Life Balance

After a forty year working life Noel McPhee reflects on the various jobs he held over his career as he now prepares for retirement.

Almanac Melbourne Cup: The Almanac Trifectas and Sweep

After much deliberation and a three vote performance from R. D. Lowrey, this is what the Almanac punting fraternity settled on.

Almanac Music: Snooks Eaglin – New Orleans bluesman and legend.

Bluesman Snooks Eaglin is one of the greats of the New Orleans music world. Check out some fine blues from one of the legends of New Orleans.

Almanac Poetry: ‘Finding Me’ – Robyn Black

‘Seeing Me’ is a poem of finding self by Robyn Black from her most recent release ‘No Straight Lines’.

Almanac Books: ‘Not Playing The Game’ – Xavier Fowler: Edited extract

In his newly released book ‘Not Playing the Game: Sport and Australia’s Great War’, Xavier Fowler examines the portrayal of sport during the nation’s war effort in World War I. This is an edited extract.

Almanac Music: Neil Young

In Matt Zurbo’s continuing musical adventures he recalls the opportunity he had to interview Neil Young for his sister’s rock magazine.

Almanac Poetry: ‘Jono’ – Tommy Mallet

Mateship in the bush is the theme of Tommy Mallet’s poem, ‘Jono’.

Sal’s Preview – Melbourne Cup: What’s the incentive?

Sal bemoans the lack of field depth for the Melbourne Cup this year, but he might just have some insights to incentivise punters.

Almanac Teams: 24/7 (1980- )

A handy side is Rodney Boyd’s best of Number 24, plenty of leadership options and a forward line that might leave you with a crick in the neck!

Almanac Books: ‘The One That Got Away: Travelling in the Time of Covid’ by Ken Haley

Walkley-winning journalist and author Ken Haley has been involved with the Almanac for a long time. His new book ‘The One That Got Away: Travelling in the Time of Covid’ is released today (Nov 1).

Almanac Melbourne Cup Eve Beers: Three Nation Turf Talk

Join us for Three Nation Turf Talk: the Almanac’s Melbourne Cup Eve drinks and chat to pic The Cup trifecta.

Almanac Poetry: Jack-o’-lantern

This week’s poem from Kevin Densley is a new piece about that classic symbol of Halloween, the Jack-o’-lantern.

Almanac Cricket: Remembering Ashley Mallett and Alan Davidson.

It’s been a sad day for Australian cricket with the passing of two former Test greats, Ashley Mallett and Alan Davidson. Wayne Ball remembers the two greats.

Grand Final 2021 – Melbourne v Western Bulldogs: Once Upon a Time in the West

Gareth Meyer and his mate Matt did something different during the AFL Grand Final 2021, they exchanged commentary with one another via text message using favourite footy cliches.

Almanac Books – ‘Barty: Much More Than Tennis’ – Ron Reed and Chris McLeod

Australia’s pre-eminent tennis player – perhaps our No 1 sports personality overall – is back in the spotlight, says Ron Reed, the author of a soon to be released updated book about her, ‘Barty: Much More Than Tennis’.

Almanac Poetry: ‘Changeling’ – Robyn Black

‘Changeling’ is a moving poem from Robyn Black’s collection ‘No Straight Lines’ of a daughter given up at birth by her mother and the anguish felt.

Almanac Books: ‘Not Playing the Game’ – Xavier Fowler

With release of his book ‘Not Playing the Game: Sport and Australia’s Great War’, author and historian Xavier Fowler provides some background information regarding the writing of his book.

Almanac Music – Gough and The Whitlams: we’ll play chess and drink claret

Mickey and Claire are off to see The Whitlams tonight. It got him thinking about possible links between music and Prime Ministers.

Sal’s Preview – Derby Day: It’s Christmas Day for Punters!

It’s Derby Day on Saturday and Sal is here with all of the insights you’ll need to find more than a couple winners.