Category Archives: Australia

The Adventures of Alvin Sputnik: Deep Sea Explorer

Manitoba Theatre for Young People is digitally staging a performance of this award-winning Australian production from now until October 24.

“The seas have risen, billions have died and those who are left live on farms atop skyscrapers, atop mountains. The scientists have tried everything. Floating islands sank, space probes found nothing, and the giant sponges, visible from the moon, are now rotting icons of failure.”

The play explores the unknown and the magic that exists deep in the oceans. Watch the trailer and then book a stream of The Last Great Hunt’s The Adventures of Alvin Sputnik: Deep Sea Explorer today and enjoy the magic in your home.

Tickets are only $15, available at MTYP or by calling 204-942-8898.

The Southern Yarn August/September, 2021

Yarn Aug/Sept 2021

The August/September issue of The Southern Yarn is available for download. 

Here’s Charlie’s editorial to get you started:

Well, the severe drought foreshadowed by last winter’s minimal delivery of snow is now manifesting itself big time in the form of wildfires. The inconvenience of smoke in our air is nothing compared to the sad ordeal of having to leave one’s home and belongings to the mercy of the wind and flame. When it last struck Australia in 2019-2020, Canadian firefighters were quick to respond. Now, Aussie counterparts are deployed to help contain the blazes in Northwest Ontario. 

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Southern Yarn – April/May 2021

The April=May issue of The Southern Yarn is available now read it online now, or await your version on glorious yellow bond paper through the post, if you prefer. 

Here is the Editorial, by Charlie Powell, just to get you started:

It seems like the “dry” has started here in Manitoba – so little snow during winter that there is no spring runoff! The rural community is worried, therefore we all should be. “The Dry” also makes the list of top 25 Aussie films at the box office. Of course, we all know which one is still way out ahead of the rest … see NewsfromOz, p.5. You’ll also learn who owns some of the iconic brands downunder. Speaking of which – I recently gratefully accepted an unfinished jar of Vegemite with a Best Before in 2016! Still good, and still Yum!! As we commemorate ANZAC Day again this year, whether at the usual outdoor service or virtually, pay attention to the Padre. Just as chaplains play an important role in our annual services of remembrance, they played an even more vital role in the trenches. One such example is featured in this month’s Getting to know, p.6. And, speaking of the clergy, the Bird I view this issue is the Cardinal, p.8. All this and so much more – thank you to our advertisers and contributors – Judy, Jenny, Peter, Margaret, Ed, Malcolm, Terry.

You can check out all the past issues of our Yarns page.

Yarn February-March 2021

The Southern Yarn – February March 2021

The February-March issue of The Southern Yarn is available for download now. Also check out the back issues at our dedicated Yarns page.

To get your started, here is the Editorial:

A common theme to much of our content for this issue is “nostalgia” – not by design, it just turned out that way. You will especially find some of that if you follow the links provided in the OZ and NZ News to the respective Film and Sound Archives – thank you to Ed in Adelaide for those. Maybe during the pandemic lockdown(s), you watched a Bond movie, or two. A run of them was offered by a TV channel here in the ‘Peg. “Getting to Know ..” on p. 7, explains the inspiration for the 007 super spy. Do you remember Chips Rafferty? Did you know he was born in Broken Hill? When we lived in Laidley, Queensland, a special treat was to cool off with a Weis Bar – a uniquely molded ice cream made with real fruit. Sadly, they’re no longer being made up the range in Toowoomba (p. 5). And I’m showing my age, but I used to enjoy listening to “Dad and Dave” on the ABC. Dave and his girlfriend, Mabel, are featured in this month’s Bush Yarn (p. 6). There is much more to reminisce over if you keep reading.

Thank to Ed, Jenny, Judy, Peter, Brian, Lucia’s sister in NZ, and our sponsors.