Good Books - old times.

[stui magpie]

I think we had a thread on this but I can't find it.

Cruising the market this morning picked up Paul Hogan's autobiography. I loved Hoges growing up, so snaffled that. Only printed in 2020, cracking read so far, in my head it's like he's narrating while I read.

It was in 1972 when the rigger from the bridge got his break on New Faces as a knife throwing tap dancer by dissing the judges and went from there to an "everyman" casual spot on the new Mike Willesee show commenting on the news.

He got paid $30 cash to do a 3 minute grab on a topic that he'd be given on the day for Willesee. That was close to 2 days take home pay working as a rigger on the Sydney Coathanger

The work boots, footy socks, stubbies (shorts) and shirt with the sleeves ripped out weren't a costume, that was what guys wore to work in 1970 in the construction caper. At least in Sydney.

Anyhow, have a Winfield.

[ronrat]

Hoges was booked for a gig at Croydons Dorset Gardens Hotel circa 1974. It sold out with about 1500 patrons for dinner and a show, The same night Eddie Charlton was giving a snooker exhibition in the main front bar. Hoges wandered in and had a few pots and then Charlton turned up and they both got on the p155 and Hoges became his doubles partner in pool against all comers. Bar shut at 10.15 and Hoges was still there drinking.

The punters who had paid good money for the show were not impressed when Hoges arrived 2 and a half hours late and full as a boot. He couldn't stand up and the publican cancelled the show and had to return the money and hoped the beverage consumption recovered the cost of the meals. The publican took him to the motel on site and threw him into a room to sober up and told Hoges he would not be paid.

He was never booked at that venue again and neither was Charlton.

[stui magpie]

And that was the 70's.

[Skids]

I just started reading "Sapiens" a brief history of humankind.
Very interesting so far.

It's the first book I've been able to get into since reading The Tattooist of Auschwitz and its sequel Cilkas Journey, both excellent.
Looking forward to the TV series...

https://www.stylist.co.uk/entertainment/tv/the-tattooist-of-auschwitz-sky-tv-series-adaptation/665110

[Dark Beanie]

Haven't been reading much but have I am reading Sapiens too.
Agree, very interesting

Started reading the 2nd book, Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow before finding out about Sapiens, so went back to the first book.

[stui magpie]

Does sound interesting https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sapiens:_A_Brief_History_of_Humankind

Not sure if It would work for me, might have a look and find out.

[roar]

^^ It's a very good book. As is the follow-up, Homo Deus.