A sustainable Almanac? $5 on the 5th of every month

February 5, 2020 by 25 Comments

It’s a while since this letter from Dips O’Donnell was first posted. Worth reading the comments which have been added since:

Dips O’Donnell is the Almanac’s accountant. This letter explains his way of keeping the Almanac going.

His approach is in keeping with his unheralded genius. He’s inviting readers to make a regular contribution on one day each month. He suggests $5 on the 5th or $6 on the 6th or, in general terms, $x on the xth for all x <=28. (Memberships and one-off contributions are also welcome).

Kansas City – not a part of Kansas: a historical look on the ups and downs of a great American town

February 4, 2020 by 4 Comments

Sean Mortell examines the background history of the Kansas City Chiefs who came from behind for a stunning victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl 2020.

Man Hating …… Cow

February 4, 2020 by 6 Comments

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]

Almanac Cricket: A hot, sweaty tri-series & Canberra’s summer of cricket.

February 4, 2020 by Leave a Comment

We’ve got an old-fashioned tri-series underway at the moment, with Australia taking on both India and England in women’s T20. Max Wiggins has been in prime position to take it all in and shares his thoughts on a long hot summer in our nation’s capital.

Almanac Baseball: ABLCS Aces v Giants

February 4, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Brian the Ruminator is back again, this time looking at the Australian Baseball League scene and the upcoming championship series featuring the Melbourne Aces and the Adelaide Giants.

David ‘Malt’ Wildy: Sobers, Richards, Wildy

February 4, 2020 by 40 Comments

League footballer, state cricketer, record breaking commentator, newspaper columnist, fireman – there’s not much David Wildy hasn’t done according to Rulebook.

Super Bowl LIV – Mahomes seizes the moment in a see-sawing contest we’ll never forget.

February 3, 2020 by 4 Comments

What a Superbowl for the ages! Backs to the wall, the weight of history and expectations dragging them down, Kansas City Chiefs broke a multi-generational drought to best San Francisco 49ers with an amazing come from behind effort. Sean Mortell has all the details.

Super Rugby 2020: Round 1 Ruminations

February 3, 2020 by Leave a Comment

It’s early into 2020 and we have the first of the football codes’ competitions underway – Super Rugby. Brian the Ruminator is on deck to breakdown the games of each round and attempt to untangle the state of the game of Rugby Union.

Aspiring Young Writers’ Group: Flash of Inspiration

February 3, 2020 by 3 Comments

Ben Kirkby and the young writers are at it again. This time they’re looking at what helps them with ideas for stories.

AFLW – Pre-season: A rekindled passion for St Kilda

February 2, 2020 by 7 Comments

There’s world-weariness. And there’s even footy-weariness, when spirits are down. But Yvette Wroby is back. And it’s the Saints AFLW team and the Saints return to Moorabbin which have given her something to smile about, and write about, again. Here comes 2020. And more hope.

The Australian Open Revisited (or ‘A Day at the Tennis’)

February 2, 2020 by 8 Comments

Paul Spinks enjoys a massive day at the Australian Open – the middle Saturday – the first time he’s been in quite a while. He recounts his experience (includes some supporting pics).

Almanac Footy Teams: Spielen ist der Anruf! (or a team of players with Deutsche names)

February 1, 2020 by 230 Comments

Glen! has put together a team of footballers with German names. Any other suggestions?

Almanac (Local) Cricket: Pomborneit CC 2019/20 Season – January Review

February 1, 2020 by 3 Comments

Catch up on all the latest news, results and upcoming events at the Pomborneit Cricket Club with the Bulls’ January review newsletter. #gopombobulls

The Odd Friday Lunch: Mark LoGiudice Carlton FC President (Feb 7)

January 31, 2020 by Leave a Comment

What are Carlton’s prospects for the 2020 AFL season? Find out from President of the Carlton FC, Mark LoGiudice who is guest speaker at the first Odd Friday Lunch of the year.

Almanac Tennis: The Lessons of Ash Barty

January 31, 2020 by 6 Comments

It’s back to school week, so time for some homework. Former teacher Ian Hauser suggests that Ash Barty might provide a helpful focus to learn some useful lessons.

Almanac Cricket – It ain’t easy being Green: A BBL Finals preview by a Melbourne Stars fan

January 30, 2020 by 9 Comments

The BBL Finals are looming. Fans of the Melbourne Stars, like Joseph Ryan, have some painful memories to overcome but will still be there, hoping to hold the trophy aloft next Saturday.

Almanac Cricket (Umpiring): Age no impediment, or guarantee

January 30, 2020 by 5 Comments

A charming yarn from John Gascoigne about umpiring under-age cricketers, the perils of a flat hearing-aid battery, and the mysterious (temporary) disappearance of an old bat.

John “Patto” Patterson: from Legacy larrikin to living legend

January 30, 2020 by 3 Comments

Racing is all about people, and one such person is John “Patto” Patterson, Clerk of the Course at Flemington for over 50 years. Roger Lowrey reviews a recent biography of this legend by Trevor Hastings.

Almanac History – January 30 over the years

January 30, 2020 by 18 Comments

The Almanac investigates January 30 – major events, births, cricket and the arts. There are too many to choose from, but Ian Hauser remembers some that left an impression on him.

‘Dual Gift Winner Relives The Dream……’ by KB Hill

January 30, 2020 by 1 Comment

Jason Boulton had a distinguished career as a professional runner. KB Hill tracked him down to get the whole story.