Resolution

New Year's Eve is behind us. For many, the resolution dieting has begun. But some of us aren't ready to give up on the celebrating and don't consider how many calories alcohol packs. A 1.5-ounce serving of 80-proof alcohol has 96 calories alone, no mixers. This WebMD article advises to avoid dessert drinks in disguise with lots of mixers and lots of heavy beers and drink water in between. RA Shushi in Harbor East has also come up with some cocktails that are under 200 calories each.

The overuse of suspension in some schools is largely a function of the need for greater teacher and staff training in conflict management techniques ("Punishment of last resort," Dec. 29). Frequently, teachers, staff and even some administrators lack an understanding of cooperative discipline techniques and restorative practices tools, relying solely on punishment models for misbehavior. Positive behavior intervention programs can be effective in encouraging students who have the skills to self-manage.

After reading the article in Tuesday's newspaper, "Stop reading this and pay attention to the road" (Dec. 27) I am more determined to take heed to sound advice regarding the mobile devices while driving, and others should, too. A law has been enforced, but it's not enough to deter harmful accidents for both the driver and other drivers on the road. I would suggest that all drivers start using common sense and consider life the most precious commodity given by God. Simple advice to all drivers is "Put all distracting devices down until you reach your destination.

New Year's resolutions are the kiss of death. We all know this. So instead of drafting some sweeping resolution we know darn well we'll never keep, how about thinking small for 2012. How about trying one thing — maybe two — that just might nudge you a tiny bit closer to "fit" and "healthy. " And don't take it from us — we asked local folks who each, in their own way, have already resolved to live healthy, fit lives, to share one fitness secret and healthful eating tip. These things work for them.

Americans should be thankful that the values that define America - personal liberty and individual pursuit of happiness - are increasingly embraced around the globe. The Arab Spring and upheavals in Russia are affirmations that even more of humanity finds hope in democracy. The remarkable economic progress of Brazil, China and others are tangible proof of the power of individual enterprise and ambition. For much of the last century, America has used its wealth to promote those values and build international institutions supporting them, and we are succeeding.

You're hosting a party, and your guests are going to be streaming through your door in just a few days to ring in the new year. But you've still not pulled all the details of food, drink, decor and so forth together. Here are a few suggestions from Helene Miller and Heidi Klotzman of Heidnseek Entertainment, a special-events firm (and b partner) that caters to young professionals, to have an unruffled holiday party. •Don't fake it. The most important thing is that the party — from the decor to the canapes — should reflect your personality.

The thought of exercising anything more than good judgment on New Year's Day is probably the last thing many people want to do. Traditionally, it's a day of rest -- and for some recovery -- and watching football. That still will be the case for some, but Nita Settina is hoping Marylanders will take advantage of a new program established by the association of state park directors: First Day Hikes in all 50 states, including at 17 of Maryland's 66 state parks. Settina, superintendent of the Maryland Park Service for the past four years and an avid hiker since her childhood in Western Pennsylvania, said her interest in the program is two-fold: familiarizing local residents with the trails and helping them find a healthy, lifelong activity such as hiking.

(Dec. 20) Rep. Donna F. Edwards offered a resolution on the House floor Tuesday that would disapprove of Florida GOP Rep. Allen West for telling reporters recently that Nazi propagandists would be proud of the Democrats' “propaganda machine.” Reading from the resolution, the Prince George's County Democrat called comments by the Tea Party conservative “offensive” and said they diminish the memory of Jews killed in the Holocaust. The House voted 231-188 to table the resolution.

College football Ambrose a finalist for Coach of Year Award Towson's Rob Ambrose was named a finalist Tuesday for the Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year Award. As a finalist, Ambrose is among the top five coaches in the Football Championship Subdivision in regard to on-field performance and success in the community and the classroom. If Ambrose is selected, via a combination of fan voting and votes from the media and National Football Foundation, he will be honored at the BCS National Championship and receive $50,000 to give to a charity of his choice and a $20,000 scholarship to the Towson Alumni Association.

The Prince George's County Council on Tuesday shelved a zoning bill that would have effectively banned slots in that county. Instead, the council approved a resolution in a 5-to-4 vote that would essentially leave the controversial issue in the hands of the Maryland General Assembly and county voters. The resolution conditions the approval of slots on a majority vote of county residents in a statewide referendum. Prince George's County is not one of the five designated slots locations in the state.