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midnightsmum

Weekend Trivia -- Sunday

Happy Sunday morning, Cottagers!! It is a white and sunny morning here, and cold. It think I will stay inside and play with all of you today, if that is OK?

Well, we are fast approaching the end of the year, time for many of us to make our New Year resolutions. I plan to go back on my diet, and hopefully lose another 20 pounds before Summer.

The ancient Babylonians made promises to their gods at the start of each year that they would return borrowed objects and pay their debts. The Romans began each year by making promises to the god Janus, for whom the month of January is named. In the Medieval era, the knights took the "peacock vow" at the end of the Christmas season each year to re-affirm their commitment to chivalry. At watchnight services, many Christians prepare for the year ahead by praying and making these resolutions. There are other religious parallels to this tradition. During Judaism's New Year, Rosh Hashanah, through the High Holidays and culminating in Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement), one is to reflect upon one's wrongdoings over the year and both seek and offer forgiveness. People may act similarly during the Christian fasting period of Lent, though the motive behind this holiday is more of sacrifice than of responsibility, in fact the practice of New Year's resolutions partially came from the Lenten sacrifices. The concept, regardless of creed, is to reflect upon self-improvement annually. So, not an easily answered question, where the practice comes from, eh?

So, here are the top 10 resolutions that Americans, and I suspect Canadians make each year, according to a study by the University of Bristol. Can you put them in the correct order?

Quit Smoking
Help Others in Their Dreams
Fall in Love
Getting Organized
Spend Less, Save More
Lose Weight
Enjoy Life to the Fullest
Staying Fit and Healthy
Learn Something Exciting
Quit Smoking
Spend More Time with Family

What percentage of Americans make resolutions:
A. 22%
B. 49%
C. 15%

What percentage succeed?
A. 40%
B. 12%
C. 8%

And finally, what percentage never make resolutions?
A. 80%
B. 49%
C. 24%

Well, there, that should be fun, and stimulate some conversation. I had a great cartoon to add for this, but Photobucket is being hateful today!! Well, and yesterday, to be honest. So let's try to work this out, shall we? And I do have some great tips on succeeding in your resolutions, according to this study!!

As always, I will be back with clues, and hot/cold directions.

Nancy.

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