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By United Press International
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NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS

Traditionally, dieting and weight loss top the list of New Year's resolutions made by Americans each year. However, a national survey of nearly 1,500 people -- sponsored by General Nutrition Centers (GNC) -- finds that this year, the top two spots are filled by resolutions to enjoy life more (67 percent) and spend more time with friends and family (59 percent).

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"Clearly this year Americans are determined to improve themselves from the inside out," said Mike Meyers, President and CEO of GNC. "In the wake of recent tragedies, Americans are focused on improving both their social and physical well-being in the New Year."

This year's resolution list also includes promises to eat healthy (55 percent), improve relationships (54 percent), exercise (50 percent), manage finances better (49 percent), manage stress better (45 percent), show more patriotism (45 percent), manage time better (43 percent), lose weight (38 percent), quit a bad habit such as smoking (28 percent) and participate in volunteer work (27 percent).

-- What are your resolutions for the new year? Are they different from those of past years? Why or why not?


INTRIGUING PEOPLE

People magazine has named its "25 most intriguing people of 2001." Half of them are entertainers.

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The publication fails to mention Osama bin Laden among its most intriguing individuals, in the same way the suspected terrorist mastermind was not chosen "Person of the Year" by Time magazine. If he's worth $25 million dead or alive, how can the multi-millionaire mastermind of al Qaida and financiers of the Taliban be ignored by Time and People?

Topping the list is San Francisco Giant outfielder Barry Bonds, followed by President Bush, Mariah Carey and Rep. Gary Condit, D-Calif. Nicole Kidman, Harry Potter, David Letterman, Madonna and England's Prince Harry round out the top 10 on the list.

Also making the grade: Julia Roberts, Katie Couric, Reese Witherspoon, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Jennifer Aniston, singer Diana Krall, Kim Catrall, Kelly Ripa (Kathie Lee Gifford's replacement), Condoleezza Rice (Bush's national security adviser), Mel Brooks, 9/11 widow Lisa Beamer, stem-cell scientist James Thomson, author Jonathan Franzen, psychic John Edward, space tourist Dennis Tito, and the cast of TV's "Friends."

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-- Who would be your picks for the most intriguing people of 2001, and why?

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