Commentary: New Year's Resolutions

Dec. 26 -- Remember last year, and the promises you made? Many of us are making themagain.

Celebrities get publicity for their resolutions.

Last year Susan Lucci said she'd take singing lessons. Sex therapist Dr.Ruth said she resolves to find a man. She seems to be working at it. Michael Bolton resolved to become moreof what he'd like to be as a human being. Whatever that means.

This year, Michael Jackson told the New York Post he resolves to "help thechildren." The reporter suggests Jackson would best help them if he staysaway from them.

Getting in Shape

Exercise resolutions are very popular. Last year Julia Roberts said she'dbe less lazy about running. Tom Hanks said he'd take Pilates classes. Seehim in your class?

Lots of us make resolutions about exercise. As a result, January is the busiest timeof year for health clubs.

But will we keep promises? Most of us won't. Research shows that withinsix months, half of the people who sign up have stopped exercising.

The financial health of health clubs is partly dependent on people payingand then not going. Amazingly, some health clubs say five percent of thosewho sign up never go at all.

More Realistic Goals

Maybe it's better to make modest, easy-to-accomplish resolutions.

I resolve to try occasionally to agree with Barbara Walters.

Jack Nicholson resolved not to quit smoking, but to cut down to threecigarettes a day. That's more realistic.

George Clooney's even more cautious, saying he's reluctant to make anyresolution, because, "What happens if you keep it? You'd be screwed."

Guess he doesn't want to give up anything good, though we should also pointout that some people resolve and keep the promise.

Susan Lucci did study voice and sang on Broadway. Weatherman Mark McEwen resolved to eat less, and he lost 30 pounds. Sarah Jessica Parker resolved to stop swearing. And as far as we can tell, shehas.

However, keeping resolutions does seem to be the exception, not the rule.