Friday Odds & Sods is In It To Win It

Now that we have reached the halfway point in January, Dear Reader, I wonder if it is not about time to start coming to some conclusions about the tenor of 2015.  Certainly, world affairs seem to be taking the same downward slope that they have been since lighting a fire was deemed the disruptive innovation (or is that innovative disruptor?) of 100,000 BC. Nevertheless, as long as the sun will rise tomorrow, one has the obligation to hope for better things.  Here's hoping that this week's Odds & Sods provides a note of inspiration for all and sundry

• From the archives of the Metropolitan desk, the story of Freedomland, the greatest theme park the Bronx has ever seen.   
• Speaking of archives, for legal historians or anyone with an interest in crime and punishment, this site contains the complete proceedings of the Old Bailey from 1674 to 1913.  
• Finally, two stories to provided a glimpse of The Way We Live Now and a new spin on an old adage: Social media giveth and social media taketh away
• For this weeks song, a number that I find myself coming back to every now and again this time of year