Almanac of Absurdities 12/7

1941, Imperial Japanese Navy executes surprise attack on the Pacific Fleet, anchored at Pearl Harbor Hawaii. Simultaneously a brilliant tactical move by the Japanese but a fatal strategic one, as the enraged US Public is instantaneously united against the Axis. Nuclear Ass Kicking to follow. 1999, The RIAA sues Napster. Birthdays: Department Store Founder Richard Sears, Tom Waits, Rube Goldberg.

Almanac of Absurdities 12/6

On this date in 1240, A Mongol Horde under the command of Batu Khan invades the Russias. This day in 1969, Hell’s Angels Members, hired as security guards at a Rolling Stones’ concert in Altamont California, kill 18 year old Merideth Hunter near the stage. Hunter had allegedly drawn a gun after an altercation with the Angels in the early part of the concert. Dave Brubeck’s Birthday. The Master is 90, and still plays.

Almanac of Absudities 12/5

On this date in 1933, Utah, of all states, ratifies the 21st Amendment to the US Constitution and effectively ends Prohibition. Utah. Seriously. In 1941, General Georgy Zhukov launches a massive counter attack against the Nazis in the Battle of Moscow. Many historians say this is the day Hitler lost the war. Birthdays: Walt Disney, Little Richard.

Almanac of Absurdities 12/4

On this date in 1875, Former New York Politician “Boss” Tweed escapes prison and flees to Cuba, then Spain. In 1971, Someone attending a Frank Zappa concert in Montreaux Switzerland fires a flare gun and sets fire to the Casino, which burns down, (inspiring “Smoke on the Water,” but you knew that.) Wink Martindale’s birthday.

Almanac of Absurdities 12/3

On this date in 1976, Bob Marley survives an Assassination Attempt, but plays with the Wailers two days later. 1979, Eleven concert goers are killed in a rush for seats at a concert by The Who in Cincinnati. Birthdays: General George McClellan, Kim Dae Jung, and Ozzy Osbourne.

Almanac of Absurdities 12/2

On this date in 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte crowns himself the Emperor of France, even though Pope Pius VII came all the way from Rome to do it for him. Oddly Enough, on this day in 1908, Emperor Pu Yi ascends the throne of China. He’s shorter than Napoleon, but then He’s only two years old. Birthdays: Circus Owner Charles Ringling, and Britney Spears.

Almanac of Absurdities for 12/1

On this day in 1955, Rosa Parks refuses to give up her seat to a white man while riding on a Mobile Alabama City Bus. She’s arrested, but that’s not the end. In 1960, musicians Pete Best and Paul McCartney are deported from Hamburg Germany after setting fire to a condom in the ladies room of a Reeperbahn theatre. Birthdays: Richard Pryor, Bette Midler, and Billy Paul who did “Me and Mrs. Jones”