Every year, you tell yourself you're going to hit the gym, lose some weight and get into shape. That's great, but this year, why not try one of these New Year's resolutions for the hipster:

1.

Take the initiative to cut down your carbon footprint. Get a canvas grocery bag and refrain from taking home more plastic bags at the grocery store. Visit one of the many farmers markets once a week and purchase local fruits and vegetables. Carry a reuseable bottle for water and cut back on buying bottled water.

2.

Do something new. Take a drum, dance or theater class, try stand-up paddling or capoeira. Get DJ lessons. Be adventurous, and get involved in something that you've always been interested in.

3.

Bond with your friends. Have a weekly get-together or play hoops with your homies. It will help strengthen friendship, as well as keep you socially active.

4.

Do a good deed. From giving blood to being a Big Brother or Big Sister, this is the year to give back to your community. Spend 10 hours a month doing something for others — the rewards outweigh the commitment.

— Lacy Matsumoto

RELEASES

RAGING 'REASON'

"Appeal to Reason" (Geffen /Interscope), the fifth album from Chicago quartet Rise Against, is a collection of lacerating broadsides against what the band regards as American aggression overseas and misplaced priorities at home.

Hard-core punk is a clear influence on singer Tim McIlrath, who flings accusations in a voice stretched thin with intensity on "Collapse (Post-Amerika)." He shows a more tuneful side with the sing-songy pattern of "Audience of One." Most of the songs are packed full of galloping drums and serrated, chugging guitars. The pummeling rhythm on "Kotov Syndrome" gives way to a bristling, tuneful breakdown, while "Entertainment" is a relentless, breakneck-speed assault on vapid pop culture. Essential download: "Kotov Syndrome."

— Eric R. Danton, Los Angeles Times

ON THE WEB

BEYONCÉ MANIA

Beyoncé's video for "If I Were a Boy" has been watched by more than 34 million people on YouTube. In it, she imagines life if gender roles were reversed between her and her boyfriend, offering the particular thrill of seeing Beyoncé as a police officer — which, if it ever happened, would surely cause such a rash of speeding (with hopes of a ticket from the pop star) that roads would resemble "Grand Theft Auto."

Now "Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)" is catching up, with at least 22 million views and countless bedroom copycats.

"Single Ladies" is simple, imitable and iconic. It's just Beyoncé dancing in a black leotard and heels (and a bizarre metal glove), flanked by two similarly dressed female dancers on a plain white studio set.

Naturally, Beyoncé's "Single Ladies" is one of the most viewed videos at MTVMusic, too.

— Jake Coyle, Associated Press

SALES & BARGAINS