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.