Lady sings the blues and battles drugs problem by Richard Jones

The United States vs Billie Holiday (MA 15+)

BillieGreat 20th century female jazz and blues singers often formed strong bonds with violent and controlling men. Billie Holiday, one of the greatest of them all, was no exception. She’s bullied, hurt and financially ripped off by a succession of husbands, managers and lovers. But Billie has a largely supportive male entourage who tour with her on the road from the small town, smoky bars to larger jazz clubs. Continue reading

Selling milk-based products to the masses in 1820 by Richard Jones

A look at First Cow (PG)cow

These days everything we need can be bought at specialist downtown shops and supermarkets. We also can have food and beverages delivered after ordering on-line so it takes time to remember how different things were back in the 19th century. In those far distant times a simple beverage such as milk wasn’t available in bush or outback locations. Continue reading

Contrasts and comebacks Schloithe and Schlensog by Les Everett

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South Fremantle’s Blake Schlensog. Photos by Les Everett

WAFL round seven

In a round full of interest and some surprise the performances of the WAFL’s two AFL-linked teams were remarkably contrasting. West Coast, featuring just six AFL-listed players, were absolutely thrashed by East Fremantle. Peel, with five AFL-listed players, kicked eight straight goals in the first quarter and led all day to beat Perth. Continue reading