Almanac Book Review: ‘Chance’ by Andrew Rule

Roger Lowrey has loved The Punt since he was a youngster so it’s no surprise he was drawn to Andrew Rule’s latest book, ‘Chance’. Roger, a seasoned Almanacker,offers his review of this book about the shenanigans of some colourful Australian racing identities. And about what people are willing to do to engineer a sting. [Fine review of a great book – JTH]

Almanac Rugby League: Redcliffe-based Dolphins to join the NRL (and the QCup Grand Final)

The Redcliffe-based Dolphins consortium has won the licence to become the NRL’s 17th team in 2023. Ian Hauser suggests that ‘now the fun begins’! He also comments on last weekend’s exciting QCup Grand Final between the Norths Devils and the Wynnum-Manly Seagulls.

Almanac Cricket: Fixture schedule for the Australian 2021/22 summer

With the cricket season upon us and the First Test less than 60 days away (Covid permitting), The Footy Almanac provides the current schedule for the 2021/22 Australian summer.

The Tsundoku Files: Brave?

Who would open a book shop in this climate? Well, John Butler has; he explains the what/why/hows of the process.

Almanac Cricket: Ashes Already Alight

Once, and even still, in jeopardy, the Ashes now look inevitable, with England this week announcing their squad to contest Australia in November. Citrus Bob previews what Australia and England’s outfits may look like in Brisbane – or wherever the First Test is played.

Almanac Life: Mystery Pub – The Beer Smells Like a Microphone in John Doe’s Local Bar

It’s Mystery Pub weekend for Mickey Randall, who pays John Doe’s Local Bar a visit.

Almanac Music: Sunnyboys

Matt Zurbo shares more music experiences from his younger days; this time, a performance by the Sunnyboys, and a girlfriend named Sonja. [Warning: Adult themes mentioned. -Ed]

Almanac Music: ‘Nina Simone Sings the Blues’

Nina Simone had a stellar but at times controversial career over her fifty years in the music business. ‘Nina Simone Sings the Blues’, recorded in 1967, is fine example of this great artist in one of the many musical phases she passed through.

Almanac Poetry: ‘Wiregrass Cuts’ – Tommy Mallet

A wiregrass cut is one of the hazards working in the bush Tommy Mallet’s poem suggests.

FEARLESS 2021 – Grand Final: The Big Dance goes national for the second year running

A final Fearless wrap up of the AFL Grand Final for 2021 between the two best sides of the season.

Almanac Teams: Catch 22 (1980- )

Rodney Boyd’s obscure Number 22s include names from the Netherlands, USA, PNG and one figure so imposing he might as well have had his own country!

Almanac Poetry: Vienna Dream

Although they lived in the same city – Vienna – in the same era, there is a school of thought that Schubert and Beethoven never actually met. Along these lines, this week’s poem from Kevin Densley speculates upon what a near-miss would have looked like.

Almanac Life Lessons: I must not argue with the umpire

E.regnans recalls being unfairly dismissed from a game of primary school “Cutter’s Out”. Oh, the injustice!

Almanac Poetry: No Straight Lines – Robyn Black

Robyn Black is a well known Goulburn Valley poet and her latest release is ‘No Straight Lines’ published by Ginninderra Press.

Almanac Poetry: ‘Bunyip’ – Robyn Black.

‘Bunyip’ by Robyn Black is from her latest book of poetry, ‘No Straight Lines’.

Almanac Book Review: ‘Bradman vs Bodyline’ – Roland Perry

Joe Root will be a welcome arrival for the Ashes while a ruthless predecessor is again under scrutiny nearly 100 years after his successful but ill-starred campaign, writes Ron Reed in his review of Roland Perry’s new book, ‘Bradman vs Bodyline’.

Almanac Racing: Sal’s preview: Guineas Day Preview – A Hit for Six

Sal Ciardulli checks out the form for the Caulfield Carnival and Royal Randwick this weekend and selects his tips for a winner or two.

Almanac Life: Friday Night Rivers

The gathering storm, the carpark, a mystery man, and squawking magpies are all part of Kate Birrell’s day before she sets off on her jog.

Almanac Archives: Raising Arizona

From the Footy Almanac Archives ten years ago, these thoughts were on Trucker Slim’s mind.

Almanac Life (and Music): Sheepish Confessions

Sheepish confessions … we all have things we like that make us feel a little embarrassed, whether it be a band or film, or something similar. In this Friday’s column, KD makes a sheepish confession, and invites Almanackers to share one of their own.