Thanks for your insight, @mcdawg!!

Intriguing find on that survey, Meagan. I see they claim to have done 300,000 interviews in 2011... Just wow! Relating to this issue, there is a quote by Mahatma Gandhi that I really like: "Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony."

I think that quote reveals its truth pertaining to what you've posted about. People who don't attend church can be happy, and people who do attend church can be happy. What's at the heart of this is people developing their own values and insights on life that contribute to their well-being. Perhaps because churches often consist large congregations, people sense their values being reinforced. As the link you posted pointed out, "these findings may arise because churchgoers are around their friends on Sunday, thereby boosting socialization and their moods." As a church-goer myself, I, too, feel the positive impact of that on my life. My faith has molded me into who I am today--what I think, what I say, and what I do. However, I respect that others can find their happiness from other places. Like how @dinodungdan brought up the value of strolling through the woods in the Spring. There is a beauty in that that transcends the struggles of everyday life. It can provide one inner peace and happiness.

Sounds real-ly cool. But I can't help but wonder how real stuff like that actually is. Seems to me like a ton of scripted things are happening with the illusion of it being reality. It still provides me some kicks and grins every now and then though.

I've auditioned for many plays in my life, but nothing like a reality show. Don't think I would ever do that to be honest. But I wish you the best, Blake!!

I would argue that just because someone is wearing a hoodie doesn't mean they're trying to be "hood." There are a plethora of things that can give people the wrong impression. I think this brings forth controversy in one arena because some wonder if the same response would have been given by Zimmerman if a white woman, for example, were walking around with a hoodie on. It's not my place to judge here, without knowing all the facts. However, I don't think it's fair to trace hoodie wearing to being a gangster. For example, I put a hoodie over my head when I get cold sometimes. While there are many video tapes of people breaking the law in hoodies, there are also many of people without hoodies doing the same. It's merely impossible for us to get inside the heads of others are discovery their motives for wearing a hoodie.

Would Martin still be alive if he weren't wearing a hoodie? I don't know. What his exact reasons were for wearing the hoodie, I can't say. But what I do know, and what I can say, is that people will continue to judge other people based on appearances. That's the society we live in.

I'm in. Look out for the Sultans of Swat!

The video was moving. I am morally against what Kony is doing. But I think it's also worthwhile to for those who wish to be informed on this issue to also read the critiques of the Invisible Children organization and its 2012 Kony campaign, like this one: http://siena-anstis.com/2012/03/07/on-invisible-childrens-kony-2012-camp...

Not too shabby. I just found myself typing the "Van Arsdale" name into google. Found out that Dick Van Arsdale scored the first two points for the Phoenix Suns franchise. Saw that he was named to the NBA All-Rookie Team in 1966 with his brother Tom Van Arsdale.

Not a bad choice at all. I recall UNLV handed my alma mater, North Carolina, its first loss this season. Rice has done a quality coaching job, even though his squad did take a tough loss at New Mexico recently.

I can't compete with your use of language above... 'Tis a shame indeed.

@itscomplicated: Thanks for your $.03. Some solid choices there. Although, after a tough loss at UGA this past weekend I'm unsure about Florida's Billy Donovan winning it. You're correct about him having the Gators as contenders year in and year out. If I was a coach, Florida sure wouldn't be on my list of favorite places to travel to for an away game.

Meagan, perhaps you should consider using "Accio," a summoning charm from Harry Potter. In this case you would say "Accio JK's new book" to have it summoned to you. It would be quite impressive and save you the wait in line. Please note that the summoning charm is limited to items and small animals. So, for example, you CAN NOT summon me to make you tea and crumpets for your reading pleasure. #sorry

@slickmcdight: Does this mean your vote is coach K, from Duke? If so, that wouldn't be a bad vote at all. The Blue Devils are now ranked No. 3 in the nation.

@theold33: Who does Bubba say is an active coach of the year candidate?

Interesting line: "this night can be the gateway to a lifetime of happiness." Makes it sound like a tall task. However, from the guy perspective, I don't think Valentine's Day should be about impressing the significant other. Rather, it stands as another opportunity to show them they are loved. People recognize Valentine's Day as a special day. But if a guy truly cares he will show that consistently, and not just on a day known for its consumerism. I think the day is cool and all, but I'm sure my view of it has been clouted by what I've seen in the movies or on television. The gateway to the lifetime of happiness I think takes time, and is a plant of slow growth. So yes, Valentine's Day can be a huge success. But I believe there is much more substance in showing someone you care consistently, and not solely going all out on V-Day. Your final question has me pondering what I could cook up for a candlelit homemade dinner someday. Not to impress, but because I think it's more meaningful than an elegant restaurant even though they are both grand.

I don't know if I really answered your question, so I'll end with this: My ideal Valentine's date would consist of enjoying time spent with someone I care about and who cares about me, whatever that may entail.

p.s. Something as thoughtful and magnificent as this would be a good start: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6XGUhzfutc&feature=related

So I'm guessing you have the Bulls and Heat pegged to meet up in the Eastern Conference Finals? It would be fun to see the Pacers make a run in the playoffs.

@mcdawg: I gotcha. Hence my name as TarDawg, after graduating from UNC and now being at UGA in grad school. I enjoy football myself. Hopefully we can have some interesting spring football discussion posts on here soon.

@mcdawg: Good call. You deserve kudos. So kudos! Duke pulled out a 85-84 win with a three at the buzzer. Thus, my score was wrong, and my prediction for the outcome. However, Tyler Zeller did have a great game as I envisioned. He finished with 23 points and 11 rebounds. The Tar Heels couldn't put away the Blue Devils in the end though. Yet another great finish to an epic college basketball rivalry.

@Blake Ansley: Okay, I see that you and Joe are favoring the Heels. Is anyone out there siding with the Blue Devils?

Don't worry, I won't tell Joel. No way she'll know!

The brown M&M's commercial was pretty funny to me. I also enjoyed the E-Trade commercial with the baby speed dating. I feel bad for not remembering the Doritos one you posted above.

Which was your favorite, Ms. Frye?

I've got the Giants winning 27-24. Write that down.

Ha. Don't worry, I haven't forgotten your Bobo comments of the past. He happens to be one of those recruiters helping to reel in the 18-year-olds to play college ball. Even if you aren't too high on Bobo's skills coaching the offense, he recruits well.

And like I was saying, this drama appears absent from the college basketball signing day. Two different worlds.

If I had the answers to the questions you just posed I could be making plenty of money. You pose great questions. And I would only assume that these things are already happening some, regardless of the use of the word "system". For example, I'm sure a good musician has gotten a scholarship to become an accountant. I'm also sure that my brain is about cut off due to lack of sleep. Keep the posts coming regarding future sports posts of mine. Let's keep the sports discussions flowing, and hopefully get more people involved. Thanks, again!

Love your insight. I'm not separating athletes because I think they're any more special than any other college student. Just doing my job (as a sports intern) and posting sports content!

I heard sports analysts talking on TV the other day about some college basketball freshmen who may leave school early for the NBA. So I just wanted to see what people's takes were on players only spending one year in college then going to the pros. You've gone above and beyond what I was asking, in a good way. Thanks again for your opinion!

True. When I said "those" I was referring to my previous sentence about student-athletes who do graduate. Nobody is perfect, but I realize that many youngsters look up to the student-athletes they see competing on television.

I agree with your point about other professions. However, my post pertains to athletes and education. There are many people out in the world who come from backgrounds where they are unable to attend college. As of now, there is a system in place where athletes have the option to get an education that may not have been possible otherwise. Not all of these athletes go on to the professional ranks in sports. Some of them, thanks to a college education, end up becoming successful business managers, doctors and engineers. Thanks for the feedback! I appreciate and respect your opinion.

You bring up an interesting perspective regarding the life of the student-athlete. I have heard from others who disagree with athletic scholarships. I must point out though that certain family situations may cause some athletes to not be able to attend college otherwise. Two sides to the story. I can't help but applaud the young men and women who come out of tough family situations and are able to graduate with a quality college education, while also finding success on the playing field. Those student-athletes are unquestionably good role-models to many youngsters in our society.