New Year's Resolutions

New Year’s resolutions started more than 150 years before the birth of the Christ. During the early days of the Roman Empire the mythical King Janus was placed first on the Roman calendar, thus, making January the first month of the year. Legend has it that Janus was of two faces, one which could look to the past and one that could see into the future. It was believed that Janus had the power to forgive the people’s minor transgressions. Many Romans felt that Janus would bring blessings on them for the coming year if they gave small gifts to each other, or made a self-commitment to atone for previous misdeeds.


Here we are several thousands of years later at the beginning of a new year. The tradition of New Year’s resolutions continues. Some resolutions include such matters as visiting Aunt Minnie more often, avoiding that second helping at dinner, reading more books, cleaning out the closet, etc. Most resolutions will be forgotten or dropped in short time. What if we extended our New Year’s resolutions beyond our thoughts of correcting some petty self-indulgences and make New Year’s resolutions about something having a greater meaning?


Since much time is spent watching mindless programs on television, or rushing to see some celebrity, a resolution can be made to give some of life’s precious moments to attend ceremonies that honor those who served this country so faithfully and honorably, both living and dead. These men and women deserve as much attention and honor as some athlete or television celebrity.


Trent Williams' and Fred Davis' resolution is to put down the pipe, the joint, the bong, whatever you bought at your local head shop. I'm not here to judge. When your football career is over, do what you want, but if you're extracurricular activities affect your job, then it's a problem. No employer wants an unreliable employee, or teammate in this case.


Nationals owner Ted Lerner's resolution is to keep spending on the big league club despite the first-year miss with Jayson Werth.


Jayson Werth's resolution is play like the guy that was in Philadelphia. This is not Philly. D.C. fans are easygoing but like anyone else, we have our breaking point.


Bryce Harper's resolution is to stop cheering for the Yankees immediately. We have not had the pleasure of seeing your game at the big-league level and we have a bit of a complex around these parts. Any player that is ever good ends up leaving and becomes a success with other franchises. Most of us expect you to sign with the Yankees someday, just don't be so obvious about it. Let us enjoy this while we can.


Maryland football coach Randy Edsall's resolution is this: if you want your players to be held accountable, then practice what you preach already. Clearly your approach was not right last year. The 2-10 mark, exodus of players and empty seats at Byrd Stadium prove it, not to mention the hire of an offensive coordinator (who is one and done) that played a system that was not to the strengths of your talented young QB Danny O'Brien.


The "dream job" after just one season has been a nightmare for the Terps faithful. Guess what coach: your fingerprints are all over it. Call your buddy Tom Coughlin and ask him how he lightened up.


London Fletcher's resolution is to start campaigning now for the 2013 Pro Bowl like one of those Heisman candidates, because clearly letting the play do the talking is not working. The other idea is just embrace your inner Susan Lucia and roll with it.


Rex Grossman resolution is to come into a post-game press conference and own his mistakes. Stop blaming others.


Teddy Roosevelt's resolution is to win a damn race already!