Whisky, Words and Wine

This week Jack manages to throw the whisky down his mouth rather than all across his desk, and practices word of the week: “scambiari” – meaning sharing and exchanging. Graham sees Art in the theatre (not the gallery) - in a play which questions the value  of art and friendship - and also sees a bit too much of Elle Fanning in “Margo’s Got Money Troubles” (not to be watched with children or parents, or on planes). We discuss reality but find that it isn't,  and that Claudia Winkleman isn’t Graham Norton. But watching people watching TV is strangely compelling (and hilarious). Jack does some research for his upcoming book titled “Doctors Who: Where Are They Now?” while Graham time travels back to ancient Egypt to satisfy his map fetish. Question of the week: will Jack be in Dire Straits and get arrested at the airport for carrying so much high-tech gear that he could be mistaken for a spy?   Wine: Brokenwood Shiraz 2022 – Hunter Valley Whisky: Loch Lomond 18YO Single Malt Word of the week: Scambiari:  sharing and exchanging information Reading: - -  The History of the World in 47 Borders - John Elledge  -All the Colours of the Dark (finished) Watching: -Criminal Record – Apple TV – Peter Capaldi, Cush Jumbo -Unchosen – Netflix – Christopher Eccleston, Asa Butterfield - Margo’s got Money Troubles – Apple TV - Elle Fanning, Nicole Kidman  -The Claudia Winkelman Show (BBC/Channel 10) -GoggleBox (Channel 10) Listening: -“If Everyone Hates Meetings, Why do we have so many of them?” – No Stupid Questions podcast, Angela Duckworth, Stephen Dubner -Lulu – with Louis Theroux (Podcast) -Mark Knopfler music -Adrift – Apple podcast

Jack was so excited about telling us about his Scottish Cosplay weekend, that he spills his 18yo Scotch . Recovering, he discusses a great distillery in Kinglake, Victoria. While Graham thought Jack throwing his Scotch around was hilarious, he gives another curmudgeonly review of  a top-rating comedy format on TV, but he did manage a lot of laughter at a Melbourne Comedy Festival gig with up-and-coming comedian Rohan Arneil. Jack revisited Brigadoon, complete with Highland Games, kilts, and the aforementioned cosplay. Meanwhile Graham pretended to be a Bonsai expert and probably condemned numerous miniature trees to a slow death at the hands of the random members of the public he advised. There is talk of books (briefly – both are slow readers!) and Graham focuses on mushrooms as a murder weapon; as well as reality shows, Big Mistakes, Guests, and an unfinished series. Jack finds his perfect podcast episode which combines business and music and we find out why we are able to listen to music in the comfort of our own home without paying for it. Whisky:  Kinglake Distillery Double Wood Single Malt Wine: Leogate Estate Temrpanillo (Hunter Valley) Reading:  The Mushroom Tapes – Helen Garner, Chloe Hooper, Sarah Krasnostein - All the Colours of the Dark TV/Streaming:  The Guest -– Survivor (US and Aus)(Channel 10) -Master Chef Australia (Channel 10) -Race Across The World (BBC/Channel 10) -I, Jack Wright – Britbox -Big Mistake – Dan Levy, Netflix Listening – Business History, Pushkin Podcasts, Jacob Goldstein, Robert Smith – 18 March Ep : History of Song Copyright -Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band Comedy: Rohan Arneil, Melbourne International Comedy Festival

For the first time in three weeks there weren’t any issues with the production of last week’s podcast so no groveling apology required. This week however Graham had another senior moment and mentioned a Youtube video he had twice previously recommended (over to our editor to remove it). Graham goes all French on the wine, while Jack goes all Scotch on the Scotch. Both had great reasons to celebrate with their better halves this week and have another drink (or three). Both are happy to be able to claim they are neither Boomers nor Gen Xers, but “Cuspers” (though this probably doesn't add much to their collective street cred). Jack offers a range of Scottish altitude measurements (including a “Graham”) but settles on “Corbett” - a peak between 2500 and 3000 feet (remember that measurement? – in modern parlance it is between 750 and 900 metres) We held our breath as the Artemis astronauts returned from their jaunt around the moon, marveling at the high tech means of slowing down (bits of material on the end of ropes). Musically, Jack enjoyed a gig - Diesel and various members of the Barnes Family, while  his own band, Electric Avenue will be on the radio – JJJ’s “Unearthed” station. Meanwhile Graham revisits Soul Queen Renee Geyer’s back catalogue. Jack also watched the “Take That” doco. They both watched “Last One Laughing (well Graham did, - all 6 tedious hours of it) – while Jack cleverly just watched Youtube where the single laugh that was to be had in each episode was distilled down to a few seconds, - it seems funnier that way.  There is a British remake of a very funny French Series called “Ten Per Cent” about a bumbling talent agency  - the British one not as good as the French one but no subtitles needed. There was some cycling, with the Paris-Roubaix “Hell of the North” race, a spy series finishes, and a new series called “Fear” starts. Email: [email protected] Whisky: Loch Lomond 12yo single malt Wine: Chateau Palais Cardinal St Émilion Grand Cru 2019  (Bordeaux) Word of the Week : Cusper, - people born between 1956 and 1964 who are in denial about being either Boomers or Gen Xers. Books: All the Colours of the Dark – Chris Whittaker -What I Have Done – Ben Elton TV/streaming: Take That – Netflix Doco -Fear  -Amazon Prime limited series -Last One laughing – Jimmy Carr et al, Netflix -Paris-Roubaix cycling race – SBS TV -Ten Per Cent – Amazon Prime Music: Emma Louise “Sunshine for Happiness” Album – 1 May release “Electric Avenue” – hear them on “JJJ Unearthed” Diesel (guest stars VOH, Jimmy and Jane Barnes) Geelong Choral Festival Our theme tune is composed and played by Jack Crumlin  (he will think of a title soon)

In a world that currently seems apocalyptic, the Artemis moon shot has provided a welcome distraction this week and has revealed word of the week “bacronym”. Whisky also provides a distraction this week, particularly the Kentucky kind (which isn’t whisky at all – but “Bourbon whiskey”) – Jack has sent one of his bandmates off to taste Bourbon across America and report back.. Speaking of the Dark Side of the Moon (were we?) Graham enjoyed being made to Shut Up and Listen. And speaking of blue moons (again, were we?) Graham confuses the film of that name - about a washed-up and ageing lyricist who has an inappropriate crush on a younger woman - with Blue Lagoon (an inappropriate film about an underage romance on a dessert island). Anyway – both Jack and Graham can recommend the Blue Lagoon Moon film. We do a spot of naming and shaming ……(Blake) Jack has done some more song requests and braces for Graham’s “notes”, while Graham’s recent musical escapade surpasses Jack’s (extremely low) expectations. Jack spends time with The Correspondent and has an existential experience with AI music (which he does not rate as A1) while Graham re-lives life in England by spending time with Ben Elton. And both have birthdays coming up (one of which belongs to one of them). Email us: mailto:[email protected] – Jack will sing any request……… Wine:   Austins Pinot Noir, 2022 (Moorabool Valley, Geelong, Australia Whisky: Loch Lomond Whisky Books: - The Correspondent – Virginia Evans -What have I done? – Ben Elton Heard: - Dark Side of the Moon – Pink Floyd (Vinyl) -13 Minutes: Artemis  podcast (BBC) - Science Friction: Artemis Explained podcast (ABC) -What Went Wrong podcast (Lawrence of Arabia episode)– Lizzie Bassett and David Winterbauer -Chat 10 Looks 3 – Leigh Sales and Annabell Crabb podcast -“Just Get a Job”  podcast – Jamie Mackinlay – Ep 94: Sovirez (band)   Seen: - Deadloch Series 2 – Limited series, (Streaming - Amazon Prime) The Pact (Steaming -BritBox) Blue Moon – Ethan Hawke, Andrew Scott, Margaret Qualley (Film – 4.5/6) Experienced: “Shut Up And Listen” club – Barwon Heads Hotel, Darren O’Mahony

We look skyward this week as Jack nerds out on the Artemis moonshot, while Graham watches “Blue Moon”  a sad depiction of Broadway lyricist Lorenzo Hart – he wrote the classic Broadway hit “Blue Moon”. Artemis was of course was Apollo’s sister in Greek mythology – so a nice reference back to the first moonshot – the Apollo missions - which were 50+ years ago. How such a woke naming convention survived the MAGA censors is anybody’s guess….. Completing our Oscars watching, Graham reviews One Battle After Another – a slightly unhinged tale of rebellion and nefarious establishment institutions with an outstanding performance by Leonardo di Caprio More music chat as they lament the ageing process and the inability to remember anything, and Graham wonders at how two Scotsmen chatting can completely defeat an AI transcription bot. And more moonshot chat (Jack just cannot let it go – lucky the mission only lasts 8 days!), and he looks forward to channelling  Maria Kondo this long weekend. Happy Easter everyone!!!! Feedback/Comments: [email protected] Word of the Week: “Latibulate”: Vb – to find a corner to hide in Drinking: Wine: Picardy Red Blend 2021 (Merlot/Cab Sav/Cab Franc) Pemberton, Western Australia. Whisky: Johnny Walker Blue Label Reading:  -The Bookbinder of Jericho – Pip Wiliams -Damascus Station – David McCloskey - Four Weddings and an Encore - River of Fire -Manhunt (book) – Colin Sutton Watching: - Detective Hole (Scandi Noir) - Netflix -Manhunt – Martin Clunes -Blue Moon (film) Ethan Hawke, Andrew Scott  (4*/6*) -One Battle after Another  - Leo di Caprio; Sean Penn (4*/6*) - Patience – ABC iView Listening: -Ill-advised – Bill Nighy (podcast) - 13 minutes: Artemis moonshot  (BBC podcast) -“Just Get a Job”  podcast – Jamie Mackinlay – Ep 94: Sovirez (band) -Why Me” – Big Daddy Voodoo (see Youtube) -“Everybody Laughs” – David Byrne Gigs:  -    Cerbrano/Moss/Icehouse/Barnes – Centennial Vineyard concert  

The boys have been walking this week – albeit a thousand km apart. Jack for a cause, Graham just because……Both were rambles to remember not just for the spectacular coastal scenery but for the people they shared their walks with and who they met on the way. Drinking-wise Jack gets the Monkey off his Shoulder while Graham heads down Polish Hill River. Both have rekindled the Kindle and seem to be reading multiple books at once – never good for finishing anything. Graham has found a spy thriller worthy of a modern Le Carre, while Jack has sampled Four Weddings and an Encore, and has put aside his Mother Tongue (this being a Gaelic-free zone this week). Martin Clunes is enjoyably cast against type again, but the audience at Jack’s house turn on Rachel Weisz within seconds (whereas Mrs Bond had Graham at the mere suggestion of a gown-town whodunnit). And there was catching up to be done with favourite Sumo and music history podcasts. Pinball wizardry ensues. Drinking: Wine: Paulett “Antonina” Polish Hill River Riesling 2023, Sth Australia Whisky: Monkey Shoulder Blended Speyside Whisky Walking: -        Walk for a Bloke, Sydney -        Great Ocean Walk, Victoria Reading:  - The Bookbinders of Jericho – Pip Williams -Four Weddings and an Encore – Amanda Pelman -Damascus Station – David McCloskey Watching: -Choral – Ralph Fiennes (film) -Manhunt – Martin Clunes -Lupin – Omar Sy (Netflix) -Vladimir – Rachel Weissz – (Netflix) Listening: -SumoMainichi – Dave and Amy (podcast) -The History of Rock in 500 Songs – Pinball Wizard, Pt 2 episode Feedback/Comments: [email protected]    

Graham makes the most of being stood up by having a “readaway” (word of the week). A mention of Seattle prompt musings about how flying fish in the Pike Place Market  took over management theory. Graham has been out and about at different music events and found himself standing when everyone in the venue was crouching (story of his life!), which led to a discussion on the economics of live music events. We talk Oscars, (noting Jack’s withholding of vital information on one of the winning films), and What Went Wrong on various films. In sport we watch the Matilda’s win their way to the final of the Women’s Asian Football Cup competition (and what about THAT goal by Sam Kerr – delivreed with the same precision as good as her shoulder charge of a pitch invader at Chelsea), and the March Grand Sumo tournament reaches fever pitch (for Graham anyway). Jack reads  a real page-turner for all those interested in Scottish WW2 history, while Graham savours (ie reads slowly) a Damascan spy thriller. And both look forward to a bit of a walk in the coming week.   Whisky : Lagavulin (Islay) Wine:  Tait Basket Press Shiraz, 2021 (Barossa Valley, Sth Australia) Films/TV: - Marty Supreme -Sinners -Patience (TV) -Out there (TV – Martin Clunes) Books: Podcasts: -The Book Club (Goalhanger pods) -“What Went Wrong” – Forrest Gump episode                                     - “Casablanca” episode -“Sumomainichi” – Amy and Dave Music: -Anna Lapwood, Organist -Playlunch (Rock/Funk – Australia) -Electric Avenue (Rock – Australia)

“Sgriob”  - say no more (Bill Bryson knows though).  We welcome new listeners from around the globe, - and wonder how  WW&W is topping the pod charts in Hong Kong. What is “value for money” in a wine/whisky? And are you drinking too much if your name is on the cellar door of a local winery? Discuss. Jack channels Lulu (doesn't look so good in that miniskirt though) but balks at shaving his wonderful head of hair to sing Midnight Oil songs. While watching “Trespasses” Jack reminisces over his first car. Graham is confused as to who owned his first car, but more confused by the opening scene in Emerald Fennell’s “Wuthering Heights” – his review of the film reflects on what they left out, (most of the book), what was introduced into the story (the spirit of the Marquis de Sade), and the inventive use of farmyard implements. Overall it is well-acted with very high-production values which is worth seeing. But if you have read the book try and overlook the fact that the film  relates to it only in its location and the uniformly horrific personalities of its characters. Following on from previously mentioned films about arcane pursuits (refer “Marty Supreme” and pong pong) Graham nerds out on an excellent doco on Netfix called “Queen of Chess” about the characters in the life of the world’s first female (and youngest ever) Grand Master (Mistress?) Chess player. Spoiler: Garry Kasparov is not such a nice person…. Meanwhile, we return to the gentler pursuit of reading and learn about “parallel reading”, and a new spy thriller. Jack is into “Mother Tongue” an excellent Bill Bryson book on the derivation of the English Language (noting that it contains some Gaelic…). On the listening front Jack continues to unearth local artists worth supporting, while Graham regresses to artists who are closer to being buried than unearthed (but who produced the  greatest guitar solo of all time). Whisky: Black Douglas (sans Coke) Wine: 6ft 6  Shiraz, 2023 Reading: Damascus Station” David McCloskey (who isn’t Scottish)                   “Mother Tongue” Bill Bryson Watching: Trespasses (SBS TV)                   “Wuthering Heights” – Emerald Fennell, Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi                   Grand Sumo Tournament (NHK World stream)                   “Queen of Chess” – about Judit Polgar - Netflix Email us: [email protected]

What were you listening to in 1976? (for our younger listeners ask your parents …..or grandparents).  Although it was a golden time for great music, the top 10 for that year was, well, mixed.  No Deep Purple or Billly Thorpe, but it did give us Bohemian Rhapsody, and Rumours.  Jack tells an improbable story about it being warm enough in Glasgow to warp a vinyl record in the sun (more likely he left it on a heater), has a disappointing whisky tasting, and laments the 50 wasted years since someone told him he was a good singer.  Meanwhile Graham finished the bleakest book ever written (Wuthering Heights), pontificates about drinking leather, conspires to delay an aircraft so a friend has no choice but to listen to the pod, and is let loose on the mean streets of Melbourne at ridiculous-o’clock. Drinking: Lark Muscat Barrel Single Malt (Tasmania, Australia)) Leogate Estate Tempranillo 2021 (Hunter Valley, Australia) Heard: lots of 1976 songs Sovirez (Glaswegian Funk Band)  Seen: Sinners – Michael B Jordan (film) When Something is Wrong with my Baby – Jimmy Barnes and John Farnham (live) - Youtube Read: Wuthering Heights – Emily Bronte Lulu (Autobiography) 1976 music charts

The unusual tilt in the Earth’s axis is corrected this week when Jack gets back to whisky and Graham to wine. And like a latter day Joe Cocker,  Jack goes full Rock God by imbibing whisky before, during and after his gig (although where Joe measured it in bottles per performance, Jack takes delicate sips from a hip flask). The morning after, he is reading “How to make a good coffee”. Graham goes deep into nouns for rooms, and ends up in a sluttery having first visited a boudoir and a growlery (its not what you think…..), and then wheelie gets into a new crime podcast. Jack has outsourced his book reading to Carole who is getting into an Australian classic from the Nobel-prize winning author Patrick White. Interesting but annoying fact:  his Nobel citation noted that he introduced a “new continent” into literature  - which is such a Northern Hemisphere view - Australia is in fact the oldest continent on Earth, with the longest continuous living culture – nothing new about it. Tropfest is back (a wonderful short-film festival returning after a few years sojourn), but Tehran gets more improbable, and Boris does over England.  Meanwhile – satisfy your tennis cravings with a three part series “Goolagong” which provides some surprising information about the struggles and determination of a brilliant athlete. And Shetland is running a new immigration program as series 10 of the murder mystery runs out of victims. Books: How to make great coffee Voss – Patrick White McCartney Vol 1- Paul McCartney Movies: Tropfest winners (Stan) Streaming/TV: Goolagong (ABC iView) This is England (ABC iView, BBC) Tehran, Series 3 Shetland series 10 Podcasts: The Case of… The Wheelie Bin Murders (ABC Listen app) Whisky: Talisker Single Malt (Skye) Wine: Somerled Mclaren Vale Shiraz, 2021

Jack gently steers Graham through this episode as he finishes  his Aussie Whisky odyssey - it's a big one – 64% proof. Word of the week is from Jack (or more specifically his Mum) – after rattling through a few Scottish descriptions for a no-hoper, he finally settled on the “drookit”……. What is white, spectacular, and completely nuts? Discuss. And something else that is white is a ping pong ball  (well they were in the 1950’s) - Marty Supreme is….well….hectic. But a great watch. Others on the watchlist include “Kangaroo Island” (film)  - brooding family drama set on the gorgeous eponymous island, as well as “The Island”, and the New Zealand “cosy crime” dramedy “The Brokenwood Mysteries”. Lots more Indy music listened to and Electric Avenue get ready for their next gig (no truth in the rumour that the band cornered the market in tickets to the gig). Oh, and apparently Paul McCartney is a good singer…. Books: Wuthering Heights and McCartney (ongoing) (we are slow readers!) Film: Marty Supreme (3.8/5) Kangaroo Island (3.5/5) TV/Streaming: Milano Winter Olympics Tehran The Brokenwood Mysteries (NZ) Listening:  Ruth Picker “Song Tailors” Magma  (band) The History of Rock in 500 Songs: Pinball Wizard (Pt 1) (podcast) Empire (Podcast) – 1857 Delhi rebellion (not recommended), and Yalta Conference (recommended)

Lots of music listening this week, although Graham doesn't Shut Up and Listen. Jack finally finishes Traitors but has a different response to the finale to Graham  (who has largely forgotten it given how long Jack has taken to catch up). Meanwhile Jack tries to inveigle Graham into watching yet another Scottish crime drama, this time on a remote Scottish island (there’s a surprise!) . This is on a recommendation from “Sue from Next Door “(Thanks Sue!). Despite the scepticism it does actually sound interesting, despite Jack’s attempts at Gaelic.  While on the subject of Scotland, we note that the Scots sold their country to England - which created Great Britain - (well England was never going to defeat them in battle). Music includes Slade (oxymoron anyone?), David Byrne/Talking Heads, Electric Avenue, and local Indie music scene – including Shane Pacey. And we listened to a break down of the Beatles “A Day in the Life”. Graham is reading Wuthering Heights ahead of going to see it (hope there are no spoilers….), Jack continues with Paul McCartney’s Bio. Watched: -Tehran  (Apple) (rating: 4/5)                   -Steal (Apple)  Rating: 4/5) Music: - Shane Pacey – Cross of the Heart Slade David Byrne/Talking Heads Books:   -Wuthering Heights – Emily Bronte                -McCartney – Paul McCartney Podcasts – The Secret Life of Books -Sophie Gee and Jonty Claypole                   -Nobody Saw it coming – Marc Fennell, ABC                   -Empire – William Dalrymple and Anita Anand                   -Rockonteurs – featuring Don Powell, ex-Slade – Gary Kemp and        Guy Pratt YouTube: “The song that broke every songwriting rule” (A Day in The lIfe ) - David Hartley Whisky – Overeem Sherry Cask Single Malt (Tasmania) Wine -   Gerard Bertrand Cote de Rose,  Shiraz/Cinsault Rose

Graham can't tell his Freds from his Keiths but still loves his Playlunch. Jack is gasping for a Scotch, but enjoyed a great Einaudi gig at the Opera House. Graham has been spending too much time watching various things including Marty Supreme, (at the cinema) and a lot of streaming such as the return of Shrinking (had to press pause before he wet himself) and a new thriller starring Sophie Turner - “Steal”. Jack braves the Sydney Harbour sharks and dives into Desert Island discs, and also Strangers on a Bench (tissues required). And both recall various random facts (and fiction) involving Paul McCartney and his music. For a change of pace Graham questions his own biases after listening to “No-one Dies Here” an amazing podcast about the North Richmond Injecting Room, and ponders the Venn diagram of life that introduced this to him.  But after that sobering interlude, we can all relish Suzie Dent's “most enjoyable” words of 2025 - Binfluencers unite!    Music: Paul McCartney – “Ram” Playlunch – “Keith ” from “Sex Ed” album Ludovici Einaudi Movies:  Marty Supreme  (4.5/5) Streaming:  Steal (Prime) thriller Shrinking – Apple  (comedy – cry-laughing) Tehran – Season 2 and 3 Podcasts: Strangers on a Bench – Episode 47 – Tom Rosenthal No-One Dies Here  - Michelle Ransom-Hughes Instagram:  Suzie Dent   - most enjoyable words post

……… Jack still hasn't finished Traitors UK and Graham can barely contain himself. Retreating to less emotional ground Graham and Jack discuss the various dictionaries’ “Word of the Year” – some land well, but “Vibe Coding” (which is two words) is ridiculous (….Collins Dictionary I am looking at you!), and not being 15years old, both are baffled by  Dictionary.com’s  choice of “Six/Seven”. Meanwhile Jack is reading McCartney (post Beatles) (a gentler time when none of the 2025 words of the year had been invented). Jack dives into The Bay – another crime drama (in which no Scotsman are harmed), but not much else because he has been glued to the Australian Open Tennis (but cannot resist mentioning an obscure Scotsman – a perennial non-winner of the event). Graham hasn't watched the tennis but has watched the Netflix Doco “Ballkids” about the 12-16 year olds who are the true heroes of the AO tennis courts. Finally, radio (yes, it does still exist) and Triple J’s annual “Top 100” list – 2million people from around the world voted this year, - the number 1 was Olivia Dean (who Jack has spoken of in a previous pod) while Graham mentions the memorable “Keith” from the Aussie group “Playlunch” (I know I said “Fred” but it is actually “Keith” - senior moment).  we discussion  episode of the “What Went Wrong” podcast on the near disaster of a pilot for the Game of Thrones series - it almost didn't happen, and it wasn't because they couldn't capture a real life dragon> Electric Avenue’s new single “Behind Closed Doors” didn't make the Top 100 cut ........but only because it hadn’t been released!…..but next year……..And you can get it now at http://electricavenue.hearnow.com/ Wine: Artemis Pinot Grigio, NSW Southern Highlands Whisky: Morris of Rutherglen “Muscat Barrel Single Malt” Songs: Keith, by Playlunch              Triple J Hottest 100 – ABC LIsten app Podcast “What Went Wrong” Game of Thrones episode  (Lizzie Bassett and Chris Winterbauer)                “Sumomainichi” podcast – Dave and Amy

Lightning has taken out Graham’s internet and TV; Jack goes back to the future with vinyl and cassette tapes (remember those?) - who knew how much friction is involved?. Graham gets Traitorous, and both discuss “What You Can Know – Ian McEwan’s new book on a near-future partial apocalypse caused by …. you and I (and don't they hate us for it in the future!). Jack does some Crime (in Scotland of course), Graham gets excited about barely-clad large men (ie its Sumo before you jump to any conclusions). We avoid a debate about which is the best city in the entire Universe (Melbourne or Sydney). Graham looks forward to some Australia Day lamb, and Jack to the Australia Day release of Electric Avenue’s new song “Behind Closed Doors” (it's a good one!). And a shout out to our listener in Romania…..!! Music:  Status Quo: Piledriver album   ​Electric Avenue: Behind Closed Doors single (released on 26 Jan) ​Triple J Top 100 (Listen for this on the last weekend in January) TV/Streaming: The Traitors UK (Channel 10, Australia, BBC UK) ​​Crime (UK) – Britbox ​​Scoop – Netflix ​​Greenland (where-ever) Books: This Way Up (When Maps Go Wrong) – The Mapmen ​Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York; Andrew Lownie Drinking: Magarey Lane “Glenroy” Cabernet Sauvignon   (a 97 point wine – get some!) Classic Gin and Tonic: Husk Distillery  Burnt Orange Ink Gin, Fever Tree Indian Tonic, with home-dried orange garnish (by Graham).

Why is Jan 1st the start of the year? Why wasn't Xmas Day a holiday in Scotland? Why is Graham drinking whisky? Jack has his band (Electric Avenue) but why should everyone also see  "My Brothers Band"? Why did the bus get lost? What is so exciting about books about maps? What were Jack and Graham's New Year resolutions? These and many more questions will probably not be satisfactorily answered but we had fun trying...... Films: "Lost Bus", "Breakdown 1975", "Nuremberg", "My Brother's Band", "Now You See Me" Books: "What we can know" Ian McEwan; "The Proving Ground" Michael Connolly; "Churchills History of Ungentlemanly Warfare" Giles  Milton; The Great Zoo of China" Matthew Riley Upcoming Concerts: Electric Avenue @ Mosman Whalers (or is it Mosman Wailers?); Ludovico Einaudi - Sydney; Anna Lapwood, Organist, Sydney and Melbourne

Following their resoundingly successful "Top 3 Xmas Songs" list, Jack and Graham are emboldened to name this year's top 3 podcasts heard, films and TV seen, books read, live performances seen, and places visited. Graham hasn't quite recovered from forgetting "Adolescence" and leaving it off his "Top 3" altogether, and the only thing they agreed on was "All Her Fault" (Starring Sarah Snook) at #3 on their lists of Streaming/TV shows. Except for that, it is clear they have absolutely nothing in common......  Jack's Whisky of the year was Glenkinchie Single Malt, Lowland Scotch, while Graham's best wine was the 2004 Rockford Basket Press Shiraz from Barossa Valley, Sth Australia Let us know what you agreed or disagreed with by emailing us at [email protected]

Graham goes bananas with the Venn diagrams of life, Jack relives the past with an old friend, gives feint praise to the streaming series Hostage, and wonders if the characters in Down Cemetery Road were just "too too much".  Graham and Jack pull back from the brink of getting too serious when discussing House of Dynamite and moral dilemmas. New podcasts listened to - "What Went Wrong" - a pod about movie disasters (not all were disaster movies), and Desert Island Discs (a venerable radio program now in the world of Pods - only 2000 episodes to binge........). Finally we are doing our best not to be "interesting", but instead to be "intriguing", "fascinating", "absorbing, and "engrossing". And if you are in Albury, NSW, make sure you have a meal at "Sen" in Olive Street - the best VietNamese food I have had outside of Vietnam. email us at: [email protected]  

It turns out Graham is a bit of a Xmas Grinch, not helped by the fact that Jack sings Xmas songs and sends the audio to friends, so the anticipation is terrible. Top 3 Xmas songs from Jack (actually 4, you'd never guess he was once an accountant...) - (approved by Carol) included Xmas Song - Nat King Cole, Driving Home for Xmas - Chris Rea, Come Home for Xmas - The Eagles, and Its Xmas Time - Status Quo......  while Graham struggled to find 3 but ultimately came through with #3 White Xmas (Irving Berlin/ Bing Crosby), #2 White Wine in the Sun (Tim Minchin) and #1 How to Make Gravy (Paul Kelly). Jack finished the  Ann Cleves novel "The Killing Stones", while Graham finished The Bookshop" by Penelope Fitzgerald (who only started writing novels when she was in her 60's but ended up writing 23!). Films watched include "Now You See Me, Now You Don't" (the third in that franchise of Robin Hood Illusionists), and "Jay Kelly" (Cooney and Sandler in an unlikely but likeable pairing). Jack got his music rocks off on the "Rockenteurs" podcast, while Graham got some interesting but ultimately useless information about Mick Herron from "The Rest is Entertainment" podcast. Our listeners are liking an earlier recommendation for the "Strangers on a Bench" podcast. Useless fact of the week: People who come from the Orkney Isles (off the coast of Scotland) are called "Orkadians" - very Tolkeinesque.   Comments, advice and requests can be sent to [email protected]  

Jack and Graham discuss Jack's band recording the eponymous "Electric Avenue Sessions". Films include Nuremberg (in cinemas now starring Rusty Crowe and Rami Malik), House of Dynamite (Netflix - starring Rebecca Ferguson and Idris Elba) and Wicked (Disney: which includes an actor who Graham doesn't rate as great although does indeed grate). Podcasts include Graham's new favourite "Illadvised" by Bill Nighy; and "The History of Rock Music in 500 Songs" by Andrew Hickey, and "Stranger on a Bench"  (not to be confused with "Stranger Things" which Jack also mentions, which is .......strange). Graham is reading "The Bookshop" by Penelope Fitzgerald.  Drinking: Suntory Hibiki Whisky (Japan), and Leogate Estate 2022 Creek Bed Semillon (Hunter Valley, NSW) - both excellent. We receive some feedback (always welcome) - some which has resulted in this extended notes section, and one which caused us to invent a new drinking game! Email us at: [email protected]

More than just golf, Traitors deliver, and The Church go to the Pub. Recommendations: Books: Jane Harper  Last One Out Streaming/TV: Celebrity Traitors UK  (Channel 10, Australia,  BBC UK) All her fault - starring Sarah Snook (Foxtel Australia); Karen Pirie (Scottish crime drama)

We have both been to see Bruce Springsteen the Movie and ponder on the state of both recorded music and movie theatres, have watched Slow Horses, and remember fast horses when we first met (is there a more flimsy excuse for a public holiday....?). And of course we review our current whisky and wine indulgences.

Graham and Jack cover a wide range of topics in this week’s podcast from Scottish pubs with no whisky to celebrity traitors !

More observations from Graham and Jack over wine and whisky. Graham admits to cheating on Jack but gives him some tax advice, and this week they also cover spies, murder mystery and tipping points !

The Venn diagrams of life, Graham is so-so about Anora, Jack is effusive about Shetland (the TV show and the actual place),  both revisit last week's recommendations and have some great new podcast recommendations.