Things to resolve in the new year

Yet, here are some resolutions for everybody, not just those challenged when the clock strikes midnight and everybody is throwing out their ideas for 2004.

Be aware before Election Day. If the recall hoopla taught us anything the last year it is that nothing is set in stone and that state residents are willing to shell out millions to change their mind. While the ability to switch gears is admirable - and goes way beyond a woman's prerogative - our state could have used those funds for much better things like health care and public safety. So in coming years, especially the upcoming presidential race, let's actually read the voter pamphlet and watch a few debates before picking a new leader. It's easier, less costly and keeps us from being the punch line on late night talk shows and in other silly countries like France.

Wash your hands. It sounds so simple and we've probably been hearing it since before we could walk, but this simple hygiene procedure is often forgotten. The idea of dipping into a bowl of mints at a restaurant or shaking hands with somebody who has just returned from the rest room without the customary wash is gross enough; magnify it with the ongoing flu epidemic and frightening SARS outbreak of this past year. We may not have cures for these two things but we do have prevention.

Don't let your kids sleep over at Neverland. Like washing your hands, this is something that one shouldn't have to resolve. Heck, you shouldn't even have to tell people, particularly parents, that sending youngsters to hang out with a suspected pedophile is asking for trouble. Yet, they do. While here in Northern California there is a very slim chance that Michael Jackson will be hosting a slumber party, the reality that you may live in the vicinity of or become friends with a sex offender is not. Know your neighbors and check out your neighborhood on the Megan's Law databases.

Know your food. The current brouhaha over mad cow disease has some consumers up in arms that cattle are fed parts of other cows and that some sick cows are still slaughtered for sale. I was appalled to learn that calves' brains are often considered 'meat by-products' and funneled into bologna and hot dogs. But these are not new practices; they just aren't widely publicized.

During 2003, lawsuits were filed over transfat and the silver decorative balls used commonly on Christmas cookies. In both cases, the suits contended that people are at risk because they don't know what they're eating.

Be aware of your food. You cannot trust the food industry for full disclosure when money is at stake. You also cannot place blame on them for you not paying attention to what lurks in a meal - especially anything processed beyond comprehension. If health and nutrition are important, it is your responsibility to know what you put in your body.

Shelve overused words. From this day forward, no more shock and awe, metrosexual, bling-bling, governator, bootlylicious or Bennifer. Enough said.

Protect your privacy. San Mateo County and the state of California tried protecting consumers' financial privacy this year by banning the sharing of information between third parties. However, Congress pre-empted the laws by renewing the Fair Credit Reporting Act which allows some sharing between banks and financial institutions. Customers are back at square one with the onus on them to halt the distribution - something you only know if you read the very fine print on those obnoxious inserts that come with banking and credit card statements. This year, take a stand against the practice by telling them 'no' in writing.

While you're at it, take privacy one step further. With identify theft crimes on the rise, good investments of time and money include a paper shredder, regular checks on your credit report and a search of the Internet to see how much information about you is easily accessible in cyberspace.

If all else fails, resolve not to make a resolution. That at least is something easy to keep. Or if 365 days is just too long to fathom, split the difference with a "first 100 days" idea similar to the president or governor when they take office. Wait - it's not like they typically meet all their goals either. Thank goodness for them - and us - that there is always 2005.

Michelle Durand's column runs every Monday and Thursday. She can be reached by e-mail: michelle@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 104. What do you think of this column? Send a letter to the editor: letters@smdailyjournal.com.