Rabbit Trails First Friday in January

Links to articles that I’ve found compelling, convicting, or convivial, favorite quotes, a little food, a little music, a beautiful painting; here are just a few rabbit trails to follow…

First – Investigative journalism has taken a hit in the last several years. Sharyl Attkisson, Emmy Award winning investigative journalist, formerly of CBS, and the author of Stonewalled: My Fight for Truth Against the Forces of Obstruction, Intimidation and Harassment in Obama’s Washington is hosting an independent Sunday morning show called Full Measure. Airing on the web, and Sinclair Media stations, the weekly Sunday show will report on stories that the networks won’t touch. From the website: “The show format will include a major investigative piece each week on topics ranging from immigration issues at home and abroad, government waste, national security concerns and vulnerabilities, whistleblower reports on government abuse and misdeeds.” Here’s a link to What’s Coming Up on Jan 3rd.

Second – In case you didn’t know, Screentime is Making Kids Moody, Crazy and Lazy. When even psychologists realize that the medicine isn’t working – but a month-long fast from electronic devices does – it’s time to listen.

Third – We are in the season of Christmas, yes – until Epiphany! So, I’m posting this lovely video of Alison Krauss and Yo-Yo Ma performing the ancient Wexford Carol.

Fourth – Homeschooling is the new path to Harvard – The Daughter is pursuing music, so these are not the schools that she is particularly interested in, but we do like to have this sort of article to share with the few people around us who still look askance at Home Education.

Fifth – The latest issue of Southern Living is packed with really great recipes! I like the new editor. He seems to be returning Southern Living to the magazine that I loved for years, that was packed with ideas and recipes that were actually do-able. For a few years there, I would page through, sigh, snort and toss it in the recycling bin – not this issue. The focus is on “delicious One-Pot, One-Pan, One-Dish wonders and to our joy, there is also a section called “Sheet Pan Suppers.” There are six recipes (gorgeous full color photos) that all involve roasting vegetables and meat on an aluminum foil lined Sheet Pan. This super easy and healthy style of cooking is great for our hectic schedule. Here’s a link to the recipes for the January 2016 issue.

Sixth – This particular First Friday, also happens to be the first day of 2016. The classic New Year’s poem is Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s In Memoriam, also known as Ring Out Wild Bells.

Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky,

The flying cloud, the frosty light:

The year is dying in the night;

Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.

Ring out the old, ring in the new,

Ring, happy bells, across the snow:

The year is going, let him go;

Ring out the false, ring in the true.

Ring out the grief that saps the mind

For those that here we see no more;

Ring out the feud of rich and poor,

Ring in redress to all mankind.