Sheriff: Make a Pledge to Not Text and Drive

The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office asks people to make a New Year's resolution in 2013 that could save a life or prevent a crash.

Editor's Note: The following was taken from a Hennepin County Sheriff's Office e-newsletter. A new survey indicates that while 97 percent of teens know texting while driving is dangerous, 43 percent of them admit to sending a text while driving – and 75 percent say the practice is common among their friends.The survey found that teenagers feel pressure to quickly respond to text messages – and adults are also setting a poor example by texting while driving themselves.   Make a New Year's resolution in 2013 that could save your life or prevent a crash. Take a pledge NOT to text and drive and ask your family members to do the same. Remember, it is illegal to text and drive in Minnesota.   Create a new habit:  Put your phone in the glove box …

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Parents: What Are Your New Year's Resolutions?

Tell us in the comments section of this article.

Parents Talk: What's Your New Year's Resolution?

Have you resolved to have a family movie night each week? Take more time for yourself? Share your 2013 resolutions in the comments section below.

I make new resolutions every year. There's something about Jan. 1 that makes me want to start some things fresh. And usually I'm able to stick to about half of them—like giving up watermelon for the month of February or taking a nap once a week. (Wink) Try as I might, I haven't been able to convince myself that a gym is a great place to be three times a week—however, I'll give it another shot in 2013. Patch wants to know what resolutions you've made for the new year. Have you vowed to have a family movie night each week? Take a family vacation to Yellowstone National Park? Make a standing date with your partner? Or maybe you've decided to count to three before yelling at your clumsy nine-year-old for breaking yet another glass dish. Tell …

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Editor's Notebook

Looking Back on New Year's Resolutions Past; Looking Forward to the Future

Happy New Year's!

Ah, yes. Time to make some New Year's resolutions ... again. At this time last year I said, I wanted to: Well, I did take two trips by plane; however, they were both domestic. I read two books; and started about 6 others, and I did make it out to volunteer a couple times. And well, as for the other stuff, not so much success—as my scale and hair would tell you. But, at least I tried, and try again I will do. My new New Year's resolutions are: What's your top New Year's resolution? Tell me in the comments section and select an answer from the poll below. Happy New Year!

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Caitlin Burgess

10:42 pm on Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Well, I have been there once before a few years ago and didn't have enough time to explore. I also have family there I'd like to see. My grandfather came over from there in the 1910s and my dad is a first generation American, which makes me want to see "the home land" even more. And, to be honest, I've watched "P.S. I Love You" one to many times and find myself optimistic!   more ›

12 Days of Hannukwanzaamas

New Year's Resolutions

Who started the tradition of making New Year's resolutions?

Civilizations around the world have been celebrating the start of each new year for some 4,000 years. Traditions include going to parties, eating special foods, watching fireworks and, of course, making resolutions. Who started the tradition of making New Year's resolutions? Editor's Note: Select your answer in the poll below and tell us how you know the answer in the comments section. The answer will be posted later in the day.

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Caitlin Burgess

1:08 am on Saturday, December 31, 2011

Ha! Close. The answer is: The Babylonians!   more ›

Keep Your New Year's Resolutions in Richfield

Richfield Patch's Emily Schmidt lists common New Year's resolutions and several services in Richfield to help keep them.

As we near the end of 2010 and reflect on all the year had to offer, I ask you one question, "How did you do with those 2010 New Year's resolutions?" You might rattle off all of the personal progress you made this year as a direct result of keeping promises to yourself and, if you're that person, I don't think I like you very much. Maybe you didn't make any resolutions, knowing full well that you would instantly forget them, or at least decide to forget them when it mattered. But, if you're anything like me, you strive for personal betterment and really mean well, but come up short on follow-through. Richfield is full of opportunities turn over a new leaf and Richfield Patch has your guide, so come December 2011 you'll be begging someone …

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