New Year's Resolutions

Sigh. It's that time again. The time to make the same old resolutions - lose some pounds, eat less, exercise more, spend less, save more, stop shopping, get out of debt, and quit some of those habits that annoy your significant other so much - in short, give up everything you enjoy and add some stuff you hate. That lasts for about a week. I think one year I only lasted a day. But this is the time of year that health clubs love. Everybody is determined to lose weight so on January 2 they all sign up for club memberships. Those who actually use the gym hate this time of year because it's so crowded. But by March, no worries. Most people have given up and gone back to their bad habits.

But there are some who actually do manage to quit smoking or lose weight. How are those people different from the ones who fail? Have you managed to conquer your demons and actually follow through on a New Year's resolution? If so, share your secret with the rest of us.

In the meantime, perhaps some of these items from your friendly library will help. We're rooting for you!

How to Quit Smoking







How to Lose Weight



How to Get out Of Debt

How to Get Help for Various Addictions


How To Love Exercising





How to Stop Shopping


How to Stop Being Annoying

Golden Age of Hollywood

Is there anyone out there who misses the glamour of the old Hollywood movie stars? Does Angelina Jolie measure up to Elizabeth Taylor at her most beautiful?

(Photo in the public domain)
Can Brad Pitt compete with Clark Gable as Rhett Butler? I remember seeing Gone with the Wind for the first time and hearing audible gasps from the audience when Rhett Butler first appears at the foot of the stairs.

(Photo in public domain)
And what about all of those wonderful MGM musicals? Do Rent and Mama Mia compare with Singing in the Rain or Brigadoon?

(Photo in public domain)
Will there ever be another Mildred Pierce or Jezebel?

(Photo in public domain)
Who even remembers Joan Crawford, Bette Davis, Susan Hayward, Barbara Stanwyck, Errol Flynn, Gary Cooper? Nobody wore shoulder pads better than Joan Crawford, nobody said "What a dump" (Beyond the Forest) better than Bette Davis and nobody swashbuckled better than Errol Flynn. If none of these names rings a bell, chances are you were born after 1970 or you are not a movie buff. I fear there will come a time when those names and performances will be forgotten. And we will be the worse for it. But for now at least, your library lets you relive the Golden Age of Hollywood. Why not take a break from the holiday rush and bask in some classic cinematic moments. Check these out! And weigh in. Who do you think was or is the most beautiful actress of all time? Most handsome actor? Do you have a favorite film from the "Golden Age?" Share your votes here.

Elizabeth Taylor in Giant

Clark Gable in Gone With the Wind

Singing in the Rain

Brigadoon

Joan Crawford in Mildred Pierce

Bette Davis in Jezebel

Susan Hayward in I Want To Live

Barbara Stanwyck in Double Indemnity

Gary Cooper in High Noon

Errol Flynn in Captain Blood