The Almanac has moved.

I'm Marching on, just like time. I've established a new site for the Almanac of Absurdities, and you can now join me with audio support, no less, on timemarcheson.wordpress.com. Change your links. I'm not going to be updating here.

Almanac of Absurdities 1/19

On this date in 1419 a different Norman Conquest: Rouen surrenders to Henry V, as the king retakes Normandy, ending the 100 Years War. On this date in 1953, Lucy gives birth on “I Love Lucy.” Its estimated that 68% of all the television sets in existence at the time are tuned in. In 1978 the last real German VW Bug rolls off the assembly line in Emden. They'll continue to be made in Latin America until 2003. Birthdays: Edgar Allen Poe, Richard Lester.

almanac of Absurdities 1/18

On this date in AD 474, 7-year-old Flavius Leo Junior, Grandson of Byzantine Emperor Leo I takes his late grandfather's throne. He dies in November of the same year of a mysterious and sudden ailment. Historians suspect he may have been poisoned by his mother in order that his non-imperial father might finally ascend the throne, which is how it turned out. 1944 The 3-year seige of Leningrad is finally broken. Birthdays: Cary Grant, Oliver Hardy, Ray Dolby.

Almanac of Absurdities 1/16

On this date in 550 AD the Ostrogoths overrun Rome after a long seige. On this date in 1572, Thomas Howard, 4th Duke of Norfolk goes on trial for treason after attempting to cozy up to Mary, Queen of Scots, and plot against the life of Queen Elizabeth I. England heads off the so called “Ridolfi” plot, and, later, “Heads Off” Norfolk as well. Today is the birthday of Frank Zamboni, Ethel Merman and “They Live” Director John Carpenter.

Almanac of Absurdities 1/15

On this date in 1558, 25 Year Old Elizabeth Tudor is crowned Queen of England at Westminster Abbey in London, anointed by the Bishop of Carlisle. On this date in 1889, the Pemberton Medicine Company was founded. The company became very wealthy selling a medicinal beverage that was laced with Cocaine. Now the company is called Coca-Cola. 1919, 21 people are killed in the Boston Molasses Disaster.

Almanac of Absurdities 1/14

On this date in 1847, the Mexican War in Alta California came to an informal end with the signing of the Treaty of Cahuenga, which sent the rebellious “Californios” back to their ranchos and property after giving up armed insurrection, and, not incidentally, their collection of Artillery. And you thought it was just an offramp. 1968, Johnny Cash plays Folsom Prison. “...shot a man in Reno...”

almanac of Absurdities 1/13

On this day in 1129 AD, The Council of Troyes gives the Church's Full Approval to the “Poor Fellow Soldiers of Christ and the Temple of Solomon,” better known to conspiracy theorists as The Knights Templar. On this date in 1967, at San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, the “Human Be-In” seen by some as the early winter start of the Summer of Love. So cold in the city, sometimes you can't tell.