10 Resolutions to Make in the New Year

Resolution, n – A commitment that an individual makes that brings positive benefits to his/her life

I love the new year, because it’s the time when we start everything on a fresh note. It’s when we set new resolutions, positive intentions of what we want to accomplish for the year. In today’s post, I’m going to share top 10 resolutions to set for the new year. These 10 resolutions cover important areas, and when accomplished, will bring about great benefits to your life.

1. Spend more time with family. How many of us often prioritize work over family? Our family is the closest kin we have in the world, so spend more time with them. Let go of work for just an hour a day, and swap that with some quality family time instead. Check with your family members how they are doing at work, in school, and in their relationships.
2. Get Fit / Exercise more. Do you know that over 60% of Americans are overweight or obese? A healthy body is the key to a healthy life. Very few of us exercise as frequently as we would like. When things get busy at work, our gym sessions are usually the first to go. Unfortunately, that also means an increasing waistline and wider hips as the years go by. I’m planning a 21-day healthy living challenge on my blog with the start of 2011, where I’ll be exercising regularly and eating healthily (resolution #3) for 21 days straight. Since it takes 21 days to make or break a habit, these 21 days will help to set the positive habits in place for the year and beyond.
3. Eat healthily. The modern lifestyle has become one that’s filled with fast food and junk food. Time to take these out and eat some healthy food. Recently I’ve taken a huge liking for salad bars. They’re amazingly filling, and extremely refreshing change.
4. Connect with friends. Make it a point to meet up with friends regularly. Remember at the end of the day, our relationships are what give us the biggest fulfillment in life. Go take your phone book and call up your good friends from the past. Or simply use Facebook and search for them. Arrange to meet-up and catch up over a cup of coffee. I recently met my good friend over dinner and it was great meeting her after a long time. We made the commitment to meet up at least once every month so we wouldn’t lose touch.
5. Learn something new. Learning never stops. Life is our school, and there are things to learn everywhere we go. Go learn a new language, take a new course, read new books, learn a sport, and more. Check out these 42 helpful tips on how to improve yourself.
6. Meet new people. A new year is a great time to forge new friendships, while maintaining old ones of course. We can never have too many friends. Get out there and meet new people! Venture out of your social groups. Meet people whose work inspire you. Network with the top people in your field. Get to know your friends’ friends.
7. Meditate. If there’s only one habit you’re going to pick to cultivate, I’ll recommend you pick meditation. Meditation calms your mind and quietens your soul. It’s where you connect with your subconsciousness and unleash that idea genius in you. I’ve gotten some very interesting ideas from my meditations. If you’re new to meditation, it’s very easy to get started. Read: How To Meditate in 5 Simple Steps. 
8. Do more kind deeds. I think there’s never an end to how much we can help others. The more we give, the happier we’ll be. I’ve dedicated my life to helping others grow, and every day I get more satisfaction from my work than the day before.
9. Get rid of clutter. New year is the perfect time to declutter your environment. Do a spring cleaning of your home, your wardrobe, your bedroom, your storeroom and your work desk. You’ll find that removing clutter has a therapeutic effect: As you clear the clutter, you’re inviting new things to enter your life.
10. Stop procrastinating. How much time have you wasted in your life procrastinating? Honestly, life’s too short to be procrastinating it away. Start 2011 on a high note – it’s time to cut off all the bad procrastination habits and do everything you’ve been putting off. If you need some help, check out: 11 Practical Ways To Stop Procrastination

Skins fall short Against Patriots 34-27

With no support of a chance to win against the New England Patriots, the Washington Redskins played with heart and nearly pulled off a major upset.  Near to the end of regulation with 29 seconds remaining from the Patriots’ 9, Redskins wide receiver Santana Moss bobbled a short pass from quarterback Rex Grossman into the arms of Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo to seal the victory, 34-27.

“I was just thrilled that the defense made a huge play,” Grossman said about the final drive. “They kick a field goal and it is pretty tough to score twice. I was just pumped up that we had an opportunity. And then [we] converted some big third downs and kept moving the ball, and all of a sudden, we are in the position to tie the game, or go for two to win it.

“It’s just frustrating to play well and move the ball and then be in the position to win the game. To have it go the other way is frustrating.”  

The Redskins' (4-9) affair with the Patriots was back and forth, as it appeared that the team who had the ball last was going win as they matched touchdowns with touchdowns and field goals with field goals.

Despite outstanding numbers, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, who finished 22-of-37 for 357 yards, three touchdowns and an interception, struggled to complete passes to his pass-catchers throughout the contest, especially in the red zone.  Brady’s passes were either too high or behind his targets.  If Brady was at his normal best, the Patriots would have had scored close to 50.

“We are always trying to score. We moved the ball pretty well,” Brady said. “We just didn’t necessarily get it in the end zone when we needed to get in the end zone. The frustrating part about today is that we left a lot of points on the board. The defense finished the game well and made a great play at the end to really save us.”

Scott Cunningham/Getty Images

However, the Redskins were moving the ball as well.  Grossman was making his normal bad passes mixed with timely, clutch attempts to his receivers.  Grossman finished 19-of-32 for 252 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.

Clearly, the best aspect of the game concerning the Redskins was how balanced their offense was for the first time this season, but it is all about finishing.

“I don’t think there’s any question about it,” Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan said. “We made some plays. Unfortunately, we had a few penalties late in the game that really cost us. That holding down there on the 10-yard line, the one they called on [Maurice] Hurt.  We had a couple mistakes down there—pass interference.

“We had a chance to finish a couple drives and we didn’t. We set ourselves back a little bit. Overall, I was pleased with the effort, displeased not being able to finish it and do what you need to do to win.”

The Redskins’ rookie running backs carried the load for Washington. Roy Helu finished with 126 yards on 27 carries and Evan Royster contributed with 44 yards off six carries.  Helu became the first rookie running back to host three consecutive 100-plus-yard games.  The Redskins were fluent in their offense, in dramatic fashion converting on big third-down plays.

“It’s huge (the running game). Unless you have a one-dimensional offense, you have to have a balance,” Grossman said. “The runs have to put you in good positions to throw the ball, put you in third and manageable, getting first downs on first down, or getting first downs on second downs to keep you out of third downs.  Or getting big chunks helps open up the play-action pass. 

Scott Cunningham/Getty Images

“It’s everything to this type of offense and it was a pretty special today.  Every time I’d come out of my fake, [Roy] Helu was running down the field making guys miss, stiff-arming guys, and running through some wide open holes and making some plays.  It was good to see.”

The Redskins defense struggled to tackle Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski as he over-powered, carried and dodged defenders all afternoon for 160 yards on six catches and two touchdowns (a career high).

Nevertheless, when it was time to make a play, the defense responded.

On 3rd-and-4 at the Redskins’ 4, Brady targeted wide receiver Tiquan Underwood for the touchdown.  Redskins cornerback Josh Wilson played the ball and got the interception at the back end zone to give Grossman and the offense an opportunity to win or force overtime.

After the interception, Brady and offensive coordinator/quarterback coach Bill O’Brien got into a nasty shouting match from the sideline.  About two minutes after argument, Brady and O’Brien were going over game notes.

“I made a terrible play, so he just let me know I made a terrible play,” Brady said. “It’s football man, it’s a game of emotion. It’s athletics…I was looking there and then I was trying to throw to Tiquan [Underwood] in the back and was trying to get it over [tight end Rob Gronkowski] and there were two other guys on him and I put too much air on it. I gave the DB a chance to make a play.”

Grossman orchestrated a 13-play drive, which could have ended with a touchdown to set up extend play.  Moss caught an apparent touchdown with 1:15 remaining in the contest, but the play was called back due to his "questionable" offensive pass interference penalty. Instead, the drive ended with the ball bobbling off Moss’ hands into Mayo’s arms.

Patrick McDermott/Getty Images

“[I] didn’t make the play, plain and simple,” Moss said. “I didn’t make the play but, you know, it’s football.”

When asked if Grossman played better without suspended tight end Fred Davis, knowing he could not rely on his tight end, Redskins wide receiver Donte Stallworth suggested otherwise.

“It was difficult to tell because I was focusing on getting away from my man to get open,” Stallworth said with laughter, who led the team in receiving yards with 96.  “After I review some game tape, then I will know how Rex performed.  But Rex don’t get enough credit.  He’s a solid quarterback who knows how to get the job done and he did everything he could to help get us a win. 

Creating a Memorable Christmas

Focus on Fun

Rather than focusing on giving the perfect gift and making sure your house looks just so before guests arrive, lighten up and focus on making the day fun. If you are hosting a holiday party or meal, this applies to both you and your guests. Bring out some old family photos, give some gifts with a sense of humor, or set up a game. Rather than thinking of the holidays as some of kind of precious moment, consider it a party; whether you’re throwing it or attending it, do your best to make sure it adheres to the #1 tenet of any good party — it’s fun.

Toast to Traditions

Traditions help make the holidays memorable and give everyone something to look forward to every year. Whether it's making gingerbread cookies or engaging in some winter sports before dinner, this is a great way to put the focus on people rather than presents. If you don’t have a tradition yet, start one.

Forget Perfect

Martha Stewart may lay a beautiful table, but rumor has it she sleeps only a few hours each night! Perfection comes at a cost, both to you and your wallet. Focus on the things that are really important, recruit your family members for help, and accept that life is not a magazine; in many ways, it's better.

Give Great Gifts

An amazing gift isn't one that costs a fortune, but one that makes you truly excited about bringing it to the recipient on the big day. Don't trudge to the store and buy things because you feel you have to. Instead, find or make gifts that have meaning for you and those who receive them. Most importantly, forget about cost and worry about choosingsmall gifts your family and friends will truly use and enjoy. This is definitely more work than buying big, flashy presents, but you’re likely to feel better about thoughtful gifts you can really afford. Chances are, those who receive them will too.

Be Realistic

Problems and conflict with family often weigh on us during the holidays because we think it's a time when those issues should just disappear and be replaced by love and goodwill (like on TV!). It's not gonna happen, and you're likely to enjoy your holidays a lot more if you adjust your expectations accordingly.

by Tara Struyk  Wise Bread 

Happy ThanksgivingI

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, rather than feeling gloomy and blue as I have for most of this week I thought I would make and effort to see If I could list some things that I am truly thankful for.

1. My wife: She's my best friend and her love and support is always there for me. I probably don't show and tell her that enough but after 23 years I think she knows it.

2. My children: Watching my kids grow up. There have been so many special times I couldn't even list them all. With all the ups and downs that parenthood brings I'm so thankful to have them.

3. My parents: I'm thankful for the support and love they have shown me in trying times and in good times. They have always been there.

4. My friends: Even though I don't have many close friends I do have quite a few what I'd call acquaintances. These along with my true few friends a am thankful for.

5. My siblings: It was a blessing to grow up with brothers and sisters. Even though we've grown apart over the years, I know they all still care about our well being and would be there in a pinch.

6. My health: I thankful that I am healthy. Through age 52 I really haven't had any health issues. I put my body through hell from time to time but everything checks out good. Good genes I guess. Thanks to Mom and Dad again.

7. My job: With so many Americans unemployed I am thankful that both Maureen and I have jobs.

8. eBay and the Internet: This is something I truly enjoy doing. Saturday mornings looking for bargains and then listing and reselling these things on eBay. We've almost hit 2000 feedback. The Internet has opened so many other doors for us.

9. Golf: Nothing like an enjoyable round of golf. If I get to walk the 18 holes it's even that much better. I sure wish I could do it more.

10: The Teamsters: The Teamsters have done so much for me. They have accounted for my job security, good health care and benefits. My position as president of Local 67 has given me the ability to help save jobs, negotiate good wages and keep local employers in check.

11. Travel: I've been fortunate over the past 8 years to travel on business 2-3 times per year. Our trip to Hawaii last November was full of special memories.

12. Cancun: My trip to Cancun, Mexico last spring with Jamie was just as special. Fond memories.

13. American: I'm thankful to be an American. Even with all our faults it's still the best country in the world and I get to vote.

14: Quitting: I'm glad I was able to quit smoking cigarettes, even though I'll occasionally enjoy a good cigar.

15: Gadgets: Computers, Laptops, iPad, iPhone, iPad. All have made me learn and communicate better. I could do without TV because of all the crap they show.

16: Digital Cameras: Made it so easy for me to record special occasssions and other cool things.

16: Music: I'm thankful for my ability to play rhythm guitar. I truly enjoy strumming chords to background music.

17: The seasons: Even though I hate this season becasue of all the work it creates, I am thankful that our weather changes 4 times a year.

18: Mistakes: I'm thankful for the mistakes I've made. They've given me the chance to learn from them and get better.

19: My Home: Even with a mortgage, I'm thankful that I have a place to hang my hat and call home.

20: Simple Things: All the Beautiful and simple things that I take for granted. Sunshine, rain, snow, smells, flowers, trees, animals, newspapers and on and on.

There you have it 20 things I'm thankful for this Thanksgiving. Have a great Holiday.

Our Trip to New Orleans

We traveled to New Orleans because of the Annual Employee Benefit Conference I attend every year around this time. We arrived around noon and after checking into the Hotel we ventured out for lunch. I can't recall the name of the restaurant but it featured Cajun food. I had cup of Gumbo which was delicious, then we both tried Po-Boy sandwiches, Maureen with shrimp and I had the fish. They too were very good.


After a short walk we came upon the Mississippi River and decided to take a ride on a Steamboat. It was a two hour cruise up and down the river. It was nice seeing the port of New Orleans from the river. The narrator did a good job explaining the sites along the shore. There was a jazz band inside playing typical New Orleans jazz. It was a sunny afternoon and a very pleasant boat ride. The picture is at the back of the boat. Notice the huge red paddle, which powered the ship through the water.

Later that evening we walked about 5 blocks and found ourselves on Bourbon Street for the first time. It was Saturday Night of Halloween weekend and it was crazy. Wall to wall people. You could barely get down the street it was so packed. Many were dressed in costume but we had decided earlier we would dress up on Halloween night. It made the streets of Vegas look tame. All kinds of strip clubs, queers and pornography. I did not care for all the Homosexuals. Way to many of them and they were right out there. The group of 12 dressed as the Christmas reindeer took the cake. There were plenty of young people having a good time and we did too.

Monday was Halloween. We dressed up to attend some parties that were being sponsored by some of the vendors at the conference. This picture was taken on a balcony at the first party we attended. That was fun being up on a balcony watching the folks parade down Bourbon street. We had plenty of beads to toss their way. We stayed there a couple hours and then went further down Bourbon Street to another event which was being sponsored by Aetna. They had the entire club rented out and once inside everything was provided they even had dancing upstairs. We had a good time there. Next we headed to the last party which was another block down the street at club 51. There was a line outside because they were at capacity so as 2 came out they let 2 in. We only waited about 10 minutes and decide that was enough let's head back. Good thing we did because about a half hour later there was a shooting right there outside of club 51. the news account the next morning said there were 3 separate shooting Halloween night on Bourbon street 2 people killed 16 injured, 1 conference attendee had be hit in the arm. As we were walking back to the hotel you could tell it was a whole different type of folks coming in, thug types from the inner city. It didn't look good. Glad we got out of there. That was our last at Bourbon street.

Tuesday while I was at the conference and before her flight home Maureen signed up with the Concierge at the hotel for a swamp tour. Here is a picture of her with the tour guide. It sounded like a fun. They picked her up at the hotel and took them right to the marina where they got onto one of those airboats and were taken out into the Louisiana swamps in search of alligators. They saw a bunch of them and in fact some pretty close up to the boat.

Wednesday, the conference was over adn I had the entire day to go sightseeing. I spent the morning at the National World War II Museum. Then I walked through the warehouse district and made my way to the french quarter. Many street musicians and artists along the way. The weather was perfect that day. Sunny and in the low 70's. Once in the French quarter I walked through the St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest in the US. Beautiful inside. This is a picture from across the street.

World Champion Chile Eating Contest

We went toe the Taste of DC today and witnessed a World Record Eating Competition. It was sponsored by Ben's Chili Bowl. The current world record was 1.5 gallons of chile in 6 minutes.

WASHINGTON - Joey Chestnut won the World Chili-Eating Championship Sunday at Taste of D.C. by downing two gallons of Ben's Chili Bowl chili in six minutes.

Chestnut was expected to eat nearly three gallons during the contest. He won a $3,000 cash prize and broke the world record.

Tim "Eater-X" Janus -- the number 3 ranked eater in the world -- and Bob "Notorious B.O.B." Shoudt -- the number 4 ranked eater in the world -- both ate one a half gallons of chili and tied for second.

Some had thought Shoudt, who holds the world record in chili spaghetti, would walk away with the title.

Sonya "The Black Widow" Thomas, the 105-pound eating phenom out of Alexandria, Va., ate 10 pounds of chili. She came in fourth place.

Thomas more recently took home the female champion title at the Nathan's Hot Dog eating contest on July 4.

Chestnut was seeking redemption after losing to Thomas over Labor Day weekend in a buffalo-wing eating championship.

Juliet Lee, the 100-pound mom from Germantown, Md., also competed in Sunday's event.


Ben's Chili Bowl made more than 30 gallons of the contest. All competitors were required to use spoons during the event.

The inaugural event featured two days of contests -- an amateur championship on Saturday, featuring a field of amateurs selected from The Taste of DC crowd; and the World Championship on Sunday.

Sunday's event was a Major League Eating-sanctioned event.

Taste of D.C. is the area's largest food, wine, beer, and cultural festival. This year, attractions will serve up over 60 of the area's best eateries, wine and beer pavilions, musical acts, and a family-friendly zone.

Savage in Limbo

Went to see Savage in Limmbo on Sunday night at the MetroStage in Alexandria Virginia.
Here is a review By: Steven McKnight
Once in a while all of the stars align to create a magical theatre event like MetroStage’s production of John Patrick Shanley’s Savage in Limbo. The script, the cast, the direction, the performances, and the venue are all so perfectly in tune that the production inspires nothing but praise.

The title character of the play, Denise Savage (Natascia Diaz), visits a seedy bar one Monday night full of determination to break out of her own personal limbo. Although 32 years old, she has yet to experience much of life, especially when it comes to sexual relationships. That puts her in stark contrast with Linda Rotunda (Veronica del Cerro), a promiscuous acquaintance from high school days. She’s trying to cling to her boyfriend Tony Aronica (Michael Kevin Darnall), who has suddenly decided he wants to start dating “ugly girls.”
Also among the denizens of the bar is April White (Jenna Sokolowski), another former classmate at St. Anthony’s. Her original career aspirations were as pure as her last name (become a nun and go to India). Instead, she’s become a slightly unbalanced alcoholic, making her a suitable companion for the businesslike and taciturn bartender Murk (Sasha Olinick).
John Patrick Shanley may be best known for his Oscar-winning screenplay for “Moonstruck.” Yet he is among the finest playwrights of his generation, as more recently demonstrated by Doubt, which earned him Tony and Pulitzer Awards. Few people can write successfully for realistic characters in such a lyrical manner. Shanley can be fiercely funny or brutally honest while still maintaining compassion for the lovable losers that populate many of his works.
Carolyn Griffin’s casting of Savage in Limbo is insanely inspired, especially since so many choices are against type. Who would picture the charismatic and outgoing Natascia Diaz as a dowdy loner? How do you imagine Veronica del Cerro, so classy and optimistic in My Children! My Africa!, as the slutty and discouraged Linda? What is there about Sasha Olinick’s work as Mozart in Amadeus or other roles (other than consistent excellence) that would indicate he would be so perfect as Murk the bartender? We now have an early frontrunner for the year’s best cast.

The late film director John Frankenheimer once claimed that casting is 65% of directing. That may be a stretch, but Lise Bruneau’s contributions to the success of the production are also considerable. Even though the writing of Savage in Limbo is exquisite, it is a challenging play to direct due to the some sudden shifts in tone, the need to manage both pointed exchanges and long solo runs, and the simple setting. Yet Bruneau’s direction is pitch perfect, fully realizing the wicked humor of the piece while letting the characters pour out their emotional difficulties.
The play develops a wonderfully offbeat romantic triangle between Denise, Linda, and Tony. Without ruining any of the play’s turns, Denise’s burning desire to change her life prompts some novel offers to Tony. Tony, a romantic player who just had his first tryst with an intellectual girl capable of discussing the former So-VI-et Union (funnier than you can imagine), is a potential kindred spirit to Denise because he’s trying to decide if he wants more from a relationship than he’s known with Linda. Linda, who manages to plow forward despite the fact that “my life eats it”, has a major bombshell to drop which could change the relationship she shares with Tony. Natascia Diaz, Veronica del Cerro, Michael Kevin Darnall all nail these parts with bravura acting that makes it seem like these roles were written especially for them.
Though the roles of Murk and April are smaller by comparison, Sasha Olinick and Jenna Sokolowski are equally polished. Olinick maximizes the comic opportunities of his role while also revealing a touching depth of compassion for April. Sokolowski is similarly skilled in her comic timing and her ability to connect with the pathos of her role.
Savages in Limbo was originally produced in 1985 but the work hasn’t aged a day, unlike this reviewer. (Oh to be able to proclaim with urgency “I’m 32” once again.) It is a timeless play about the human condition and whether we can commit to making meaningful changes in our lives or just talk a good game and remain in limbo. Denise’s appeal to the group that “We’ve got to break the sameness!” is one of the most heartfelt pleas in modern theatre.
John Patrick Shanley’s Savage in Limbo pulls off the neat hat trick of offering resonant life observations, unexpected comic jolts, and cathartic personal connections. It is a perfect play for an intimate venue like MetroStage. You should definitely make the trek to visit the regulars in this bar before closing time.

Redskins vs Cardinals

Maureen and I went to the Redskins game yesterday.
I was fortunate enough to procure tickets from a business associate of Teamsters Local 67. Our seats were on the club level so we decided to go early to walk around and have lunch in one of the restaurants. The orange parking pass got us pretty close to the stadium. As we walked nearer the stadium we saw a little crowd gathering and decided to investigate. NRG, the company that is providing solar power to Fed Ex Field was putting on an event (NRG Bowl) with 4 celebrity quarterbacks. The way it worked was, four people would enter at a time. Each was paired with one of the quarterbacks, then for 30 seconds the quarterback fed footballs to you, which were thrown through a hole in a target about 10 yards away. The contestant who hit the target the most won a nice Redskins hat. I was paired with Joe Montana. He did a great job feeding me the ball. I was throwing every couple seconds and hit the target eight times, which was good for the win in my group. I shook hands with the other three Theismann, Flute and Rypien on the way to the prize table. Maureen went next and was paired with Mark Rypien. The competition was pretty weak and they let her move up a little, so she won too. We got 2 hats and 2 tee shirts.

The game was very exciting. It started off early with Rex throwing a couple of picks and Arizone taking the lead 7-0.

The Skins came back in the second with a nice rushing attack that lead to a Gano Field goal and a Fred Davis TD. Skins lead at he half 10-7. Beanie Wells scored early in the third giving the Cardinals 14-10 Lead. Gano cut it to 14-13 with another field goal.

Then the Redskins looked to suffer a dagger, as Arizona star wideout Larry Fitzgerald caught a 73-yard pass from Kolb for a score that would give the Cards a 21-13 lead.

At that point, it was up to the Redskins offense to carry to load and lead a comeback charge - something that seemed unlikely immediately after the score.

But score they did, as Grossman led a touchdown drive that culminated in a fourth-down, 18 yard throw in the right corner of the endzone to Santana Moss to make the score 21-19.

The Redskins failed on a two point conversion to tie the ballgame up. After forcing an Arizona three and out, the offense had to march down field yet again for the winning score. With the offense failing to capilaize in the red zone, it was up to kicker Graham Gano to boot the Redskins to a fourth quarter lead.

Gano proved clutch when he sent his field goal attempt through the uprights from 34 yards, giving the Redskins a 22-21 lead that would stand.

What a fantastic finish to a fantastic day.

Nats vs Dodgers

We went to see the Nationals play the Dodgers at Nationals Park yesterday with Jenna, Maureen, Nephew Zachary and his girlfriend.

The Washington Nationals put together one powerful start Monday.
Morse hit two of Washington's four homers and John Lannan pitched into the sixth inning to lead the Nationals to a 7-2 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers. Morse,Ian Desmond and Jayson Werth all went deep in the first inning as Washington grabbed a 4-1 lead. The Nationals had dropped 10 of 12, while the Dodgers came in winners of 11 of 13. All four homers -- Morse hit No. 26 in the sixth inning -- came against Hiroki Kuroda (11-15), who entered with a career-high four-game winning streak. The right-hander had a season-high nine strikeouts, but gave up five runs and eight hits in six innings.

Lannan (9-11), who had lost his previous four starts, allowed one run and five hits in 5 1/3 innings. Collin Balester, Tom Gorzelanny, Tyler Clippard and Sean Burnett combined for the final 3 2/3 innings.

Morse drove in three runs and was one of five Nationals with two hits. The first baseman-outfielder leads the team in home runs, average (.315) and RBIs (82).

"Over the course of my career I've hit behind some pretty good hitters. Mike is having a big year," said Werth, who often followed Ryan Howard and Chase Utley in Philadelphia's lineup before signing with the Nationals last winter.

"When I signed here he was one of the guys I really liked and thought he had a chance to be a really good player. He's really done a good job this year and turned himself into a force to be reckoned with and a guy going forward who's going to be a pillar in this organization."

Kuroda had never allowed three or more home runs in the same game, let alone the same inning. The four-year veteran threw 114 pitches.

"Usually, when you don't pitch good, it's that first inning," Los Angeles manager Don Mattingly said. "(Kuroda) got himself into a groove and pitched well after that. He gave us some chances to kind of creep back in."

Lack of run support was a factor in Lannan's skid as the Nationals scored a combined five runs in that stretch. They nearly generated that output in the first inning against Los Angeles.

Jamey Carroll and Matt Kemp hit consecutive doubles in the first to give the Dodgers the lead, but Desmond led off the bottom half with a drive to left-center on a 1-2 slider.

"They kind of had the momentum right there in the first inning," said Desmond, who has two leadoff home runs in the last three games. "It was nice for us to answer back and then continue to keep it going the rest of the game. That's something we haven't done this year."

After Rick Ankiel singled and Ryan Zimmerman's fly ball was caught at the wall, Morse's drive cleared the fence in left. Werth followed with another shot to left, also on a slider, for the fourth set of back-to-back home runs by the Nationals this season.

"I didn't have my slider in the first inning, or throughout the game," Kuroda said through an interpreter.

Los Angeles put two on with no outs in the fourth inning but Russ Mitchell grounded into a double play that nearly was a triple play, and Tony Gwynn Jr. flied out to left to end the inning.

Lannan was removed after Juan Rivera's single in the sixth and James Loney singled against Balester with two down. Gorzelanny entered to face lefty batter Gwynn, who struck out on a foul tip.

"I felt pretty good. A little hiccup there in the first, but I settled down after they scored," said Lannan, who threw 27 of his 94 pitches in the first inning. "It's always a little bit of a comfort when you can go out there and just try and get ahead knowing that you have a lead."

Justin Sellers hit an RBI double in the ninth for Los Angeles.

Ankiel doubled in Desmond in the seventh, and Wilson Ramos had an RBI single in the eighth.