With the approach and recent arrival of a new year, many of us have probably been reflecting on some of life's essential, and most basic, questions. What are my hopes and dreams? How can I better myself this year? Will the Tarheels win the NCAA championship, and if yes, will Harrison Barnes stay another year? And most importantly, what is happiness?

Peter Edmondson, current fellow to Japan, has discovered an answer to this last question, in part by a nudge from a few of his enthusiastic students and an exhibit based on Charles Schultz's beloved Peanuts. For more insight, check out Peter's newest blog post: http://spaceshipsarecool.blogspot.com/

Here's a little excerpt to whet your appetite...

"They began associating me with Charlie Brown's best friend so much so that according to them I look like Snoopy. For now, while the only similarity I see is that we are both white, I will take it as a compliment to mean I'm cute, adorable and have multiple personalities. A couple of the students even started calling me Snoopy until they realized I was not amused by their nickname for me. And then, on the week before winter break one of my students gave me this: a small poster and a free ticket to a Snoopy art exhibit..."

So, to another year, and to appreciating the little things in life like fuzzy sweaters--especially fuzzy sweaters for Ohio's winters! Happy new year!