Queso vs. Salsa: 30-second Epic Debate

Delicious creamy queso or fresh, spicy salsa? The debate has been around for thousands of years. Historians record that Cain and Abel brought the two substances into this world and one of them even committed a homicide during the debate just so his side could be crowned victorious. Unfortunately that part of the Bible was omitted so it's up to the historians of today to vouch for one or the other. Will the same happen between Sean and Sam when given just 30 seconds to tell their side of the story? Will someone die? Let's hope not. Check out the videos:

Big City Life or That Suburban Freestyle?

Another day, another item they clash on -- city or suburbs -- where's the most ideal place to live? Sean and Sam have been exposed to both lifestyles and experienced a variety of environment changes in their combined 43 years on Earth. But if given the opportunity to pick one particular living situation, which would they choose?

Sean (for Urban Living):

Growing up in a suburban life has had quite a positive effect on me, being safe, trusting my neighbors and having a large yard to run around in and host neighborhood home run derbies. But as I got older and moved to East Lansing, as well as experiencing congested urban life overseas and in Oklahoma City, I have to say my mind on the perfect lifestyle has changed. I love being as close to people as possible, even if that means shoving individuals into an apartment building. Human interaction is what life is all about in my eyes. I love city markets, family-owned electronic stores and sandwich shops that no one's ever heard of in a gridlocked cityscape -- businesses every 10 feet. Public transportation, such as my personal favorite, subways, are great for getting around in large cities. Not needing to use a car is ideal and allows you to enjoy the outdoors more.

I feel that in a suburban life, we depend too much on cars. We hardly spend anytime outside in between traveling from building A to building B. Even ATM stops don't require you to step your sneakers on the pavement. City life, for the most part, is a more healthy choice, if lived correctly. Getting out in the morning to get the daily news at the corner store sounds ideal to me, as opposed to having it thrown onto your driveway by the punk paperboy. New York City, Chicago, Miami and Los Angeles are four of my most coveted locations and I desperately want to move to one of them soon. It's tough to find major media jobs in them as a 22-year-old recent graduate, but I won't stop till I get something I want -- in a city, not a suburb with a white picket fence. Not my style.

Sam (for Rocking the Suburbs):

For a gal who has lived in a major city for the better part of the last year, I detest urban areas. My ideal home is actually something like my parents house in Brighton. It's somewhat secluded but close enough to civilization that you have all the conveniences of urban living. When living in suburbs you can sleep in ease with the windows open, listen to the crickets sing you to sleep, and breath fresh air. Those are just a few of the things I have come to miss during my year in Denver.

Cities have a 'hard' feeling. People move faster and smile less. On any given weekend in the suburbs you can find children playing outside, dads mowing lawns, and people barbecuing. Little things like that are lost in the hustle of a city. Even in a 'friendly' and safe city like Denver it's rare to see children playing outside, or neighbors chatting on the sidewalk. Now that the temperatures are warm I often ride with the windows down during my frequent visits to Boulder. As soon as I reach city limits, I can tell I'm back in real life. The air becomes fresh, the noise level drops, the traffic dies down, and the blinding lights dull. As soon as I hit that point, I feel as if a headache has just disappeared. Big cities are attractive to many 20 somethings like myself; however, I think going out to the cool new bars and running a muck all night is over-rated. I'd rather live in a place where you can feel safe while taking an evening stroll and have late-night bonfires with your friends. I suppose, the slower more traditional lifestyle just happens to be my style.

Sunday Funday: Issue #1

Welcome to the first installment of Sunday Funday, where 10 completely random questions are proposed and answered by Sean and Sam. Suggestions for upcoming weeks are recommended but until then, get to know the duo a little better with this 10:

Ideal Vacation Spot?
Sam: Moab, Utah. If you haven't been there I honestly don't know how I could possibly describe it to you. The desert -- so desolate and dry, can actually be a very enchanting place.
Sean: Sydney, Australia. After visiting, I can say that there is literally no place on Earth like it. The things you can do and the city's layout makes it unbelievable in every way.

Favorite Song Lyric?
Sam: "This is the first day of my life, glad I didn't die before I met you. But now I don't care I could go anywhere with you. And I'd probably be happy." (From Bright Eyes' "First Day Of My Life")
Sean: "Your eyes are the only stars I want to see. And your lips, is the only air I want to breath." (From Hit the Lights' "All or Nothing")

Would you rather know when you're going to die or have it be a suprise?
Sam: I would rather not know when I am going to die. I feel if I knew I would spend my days thinking about what's in-store instead of living my life.
Sean: The element of surprise is what keeps us going every morning we wake up. Knowing that any moment could be our last. If we know the last moment, it takes all of that away.

Books or Magazines?
Sam: Books! Non-Fiction to be exact. I love to feel like I'm learning something while reading, not just getting an interesting story. For the past couple years I've been especially interested in the Beatnik generation. I think I would have fit in well with that crowd.

Sean: Magazines. As a media journalist, I appreciate how the layout of a magazine is formed and everything that goes into it for a weekly, biweekly or monthly. And after taking Magazine Writing last semester, I'd officially obsessed with the whole concept.

Favorite finger?

Sam: Ring. Ha, it's my thinnest.

Sean: Right index finger. I have no idea why.

Favorite non-alcoholic beverage?

Sam: Water. I wish I could say something more interesting, however practically every beverage I consume is water.

Sean: A bottle of water is my favorite. But when I feel like adding some flavor, I pour in a packet of Raspberry Lemonade powder from Crystal Light. Only 10 cals a pack? Yum.

Favorite thing about the opposite sex:
Sam: High fun factor! My next boyfriend will have to be an extremely fun and adventurous guy. I'll never again date someone who isn't ready to be random, go on adventures, and laugh until his stomach hurts.

Sean: A sense of humor. If a girl doesn't obsess over comedic TV shows, movies and stand-up routines like I do, it just won't work. And the ability to laugh off a joke is necessary, too. Playfulness (in humor) needs to exist to keep it spontaneous.

How old do you want to be when you get married and why?
Sam: I'd like to be married by 26. The more time I can have with the love of my life -- the better.

Sean: I'd like to marry at 27 or 28 years old, giving me six more years to really establish myself in the journalism world before settling down.

Best place to obtain world news?

Sam: CNN

Sean: The Onion. Ha! I check CNN, too. But didn't want to agree with her.

Fashion item you own that you couldn't live without?

Sam: Sweat pants, comfort comes first!

Sean: My sunglass collection. Sunglasses are life and a part of my body.

Bonus -- Fav. breakfast item, lunch item and dinner item? (Just one single food)

Sam: Pancakes, salad, hot dog surprise

Sean: Sunnyside-up eggs, chicken caesar salad and spaghetti

Five Favorite Flicks

Everyone has movies that just "get them." Movies that, no matter how many times you watch them, never get old. Movies that can be quoted from start to finish and movies that never fail to squeeze a few tears out of you. Movies are a great escape from everyday life, and since they surfaced in the 1890's, Americans have been hooked. Sean and Sam have differing opinions on what makes a good movie (what's new?), but both agree nothing quite matches the magic of a good motion picture. What are your top 5 movies of all time?

Sam:

Practical Magic: This has to be my favorite movie of all time. Something about the magic in the movie always leaves me in a great mood (and secretly wishing I myself was a witch). I'm notorious for loving movies with no bad guy or serious dilemma, and although this movie has a bad guy it's mostly fun-loving and light. My kind of movie!

Point Break: Keanu Reeves, Patrick Swayze, and Gary Busey. Ha, how could you ever go wrong?! Point Break is my guilty pleasure movie. Something about the surfing, skydiving, and Bode's (Patrick Swayze's character) free spirit get me every time. I understand why many make fun of the surfer flick, but it's certainly found a permanent place in my heart.

Armageddon: This tear jerker gets me without fail. And everyone needs a good movie to pull at the ol' heart strings once in a while. Plus, Owen Wilson, Ben Affleck and Bruce Willis. Zang!



Elf: I love Christmas movies; nothing can make me feel like a kid again like a good movie encompassing the spirit of Christmas. The Santa Clause was a close second to this masterpiece, but nothing can beat Will Ferrell's antics in this hilarious holiday comedy.


Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone: I enjoy all the Harry Potter movies but The Sorcerers Stone ranks in my top 5 of all time. In my opinion, the first of this series is the most magical and makes you feel like a Hogwarts student yourself. Harry, Ron and Hermione are great in the flick and this movie has a lighter side unlike most of the later ones. Also, I think I have a soft spot for magic, notice the trend?

Runners Up: Big Fish, Love Actually, Transformers

Sean:

Ocean's Eleven: The comedic side of ripping off millions beyond millions of dollars in the three biggest casinos in Las Vegas makes it brilliant. The cast is absolutely incredible, meshing together so well that two more movies came along after it. You root for the robbery to happen -- not always a crowd reaction within cinema. George Clooney and Brad Pitt play a tremendous 1-2 punch.

Angels in the Outfield: It doesn't matter if you're 5 or 55, this movie will hit you, whether you're laughing, crying or pumping your fist when Mel Clark strikes out the side. The story of a foster boy seeing Angels on a baseball field and becoming a part of the organization is exactly how a plot should be written. Danny Glover shines in this one.

The Break Up: Vince Vaughn was already known for his relatable comedic performance in plenty of other movies. But in this one, with Jennifer Aniston, he is a normal Chicago resident who fights through the hardships of being in a committed relationship. With his quick wit, it's easy to see where this one is going. John Michael Higgins (Richard) is my favorite character in the movie. "...and Gary! On the kickdrum! Come, come, on the kickdrum!"

Happy Gilmore: It'd be impossible for a Adam Sandler movie not to hit my Top 5 list. Although it was a tough choice which one was my favorite, I'd have to say I've been most loyal to Happy and his Pro Tour shenanigans. A hockey player turned golfer already sounds hysterical but cast the lead actor as Adam Sandler and you've got a winner.

Wedding Crashers: I hate to not broaden my horizons, putting another V. Vaughn movie on here, but I adore everything about this one. Christopher Walken, Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams and rising star Bradley Cooper do one hell of a job and make every scene a side-splitting laugh fest. The writers for this movie are brilliant and completely understand what wordplay is.

Runner Up: Liar Liar, Anchorman, Major League 2

Twitter vs. Facebook

Facebook stormed onto the scene in 2005 with a social networking site that overwhelmed people to the fullest -- featuring wall posts, poking, biographies, picture sharing and more. Millions of college students across the nation signed up for accounts and soon let it consume their lives. For a few years, it put MySpace to shame. As Mark Zuckerberg, the creator, began to fill it up new layouts, irritating advertising and people of all ages, not needing a college e-mail address to sign up, it fell off a bit. Twitter jumped in and said, "Hey, I'm going to take some hits away from you now letting my users Tweet, share pics/links and get notifications about jobs, event openings and more. Now, the heated battle continues and poses the question -- Which is better, Twitter or Facebook? Are they worth comparing? Sean and Sam obviously think so.

Sam (for Facebook):

I use both Facebook and Twitter, so I can't be too critical of America's favorite new social network. However, I am a Facebook fan to the core. I've been using Facebook since I graduated high school and I suppose it's found a special place in my heart. I think Facebook is a better way to stay connected and in touch with people than Twitter. In my opinion, Twitter is simply a series of status updates that I usually don't need to know about my friends and acquaintances.

Facebook provides information like current job, birth dates, pictures and political/religious views. While Twitter simply shares what someone is doing at that moment. Aside from a few close friends who I enjoy knowing what they're doing every minute, I typically don't care about having a live feed on peoples days. If I want to say in touch with someone, I would rather receive general information -- not what they ate for lunch.

I believe Twitter is great for politicians, public figures, newspapers and television stations. Twitter provides short and sweet up-to-date news. It's been a wonderful way for Iranians to spread the word and for news stations to get information out. However, for the average Joe, I just don't see Twitter being a very useful mode of communication. If you do happen to have a serious status update, Facebook provides the update feature along with all of its other amenities.
I'm not sure if I can totally stand behind either network though. I've spent plenty of evenings sitting on Facebook wasting time, avoiding homework and other responsibilities -- I'm sure Twitter has had the same effect on others. What happened to telephone calls and sending mail for keeping in touch? Sadly those, more personable, forms of networking are becoming a lost art.

Sean (for Twitter):

This is monumental for me to back either side, because I think social networking is slowly destroying personal relationships in this world. Face-to-face contact is losing its value, but since I know the world is becoming more of a technological place, it's necessary -- especially in media and in getting your name out there -- to be signed up for as many as you can. Following and being followed on Twitter is simple, easily navigable, useful and worthwhile. Sharing incredible, humorous or groundbreaking stories or links is fun and educational. TwitPic allows pictures too. Tweeting between people is normally short 'n sweet, using just 140 characters, so the obnoxiousness is usually left out, because you only have room for the important stuff. Facebook bombards you with newsfeed, scandalous photos of people you probably shouldn't have added as a friend anyways, pointless applications that coincide with what chain letters were in email and so many other features that, at the end of the day, are kind of trashy. It can be addictive but stalkerish too.

Twitter, for the most part, is a more professional atmosphere and realm where you can easily create a "work Twitter" and a "personal Twitter" if you so please -- which many people do. Tweeting is a conversation starter. "Hey, I saw your Tweet about ... I totally agree ..." It's the old-style water cooler that I wasn't immediately on board with, but since comparing it to Facebook and all the cons that consistently pop up within Zuckerberg's creation, I have to side with it. I'm growing up and "FB" is beginning to appear childish and immature to me. I have to constantly defriend people because I don't care and I have absolutely no desire to see what they're up to. With Twitter, that's so much easier to get exactly what you want -- and only what you want. Follow me: @seanely1

Stereotyping Shenanigans

Everyone, at one point in their lives, has been a victim of stereotyping. Everyone, at one point in their lives, has stereotyped. It happens all the time, and it's usually not accurate or fair. Here Sean and Sam talk about how others often view them.

Sean:

As a fair-skinned, redheaded Irishman and a babyface from the suburbs of Detroit, a lot of stereotypes and assumptions get thrown my way. I've grown up with my peers always being looked at by outsiders as 4-5 years younger than my group of friends. At 22, I'm always given a triple-take from my I.D. to my face when buying alcohol, whether it be at a liquor store or an Applebee's. And being from the Detroit area, I'm automatically stereotyped (in OKC, at least) to probably have been laid off in whatever I did before now. "Oh, you're from DETROIT?!" And apparently being an Irishman from Detroit also means I'm a drinker who avoids crime on a regular basis. I've actually been associated with that ... more than once.

Fraternities are easily the most judged and ripped on organization in the history of stereotypes. Although I never came off as a "frat boy," I was almost immediately labeled as one and looked down upon by people simply because I wrote Greek letters on my chest. It was as if no matter where I was, the label followed me around. When I mentioned it to a large group of people recently, eyebrows went up. I don't get it -- is it really that bad? And finally, the profession as a journalist. Many times I come across as someone who can tell a story to help a group or get the word out. But other times, I'm the paparazzi, a mosquito just buzzing around and annoying the public, avoiding swats from flyswatters. In court the other day, I approached a woman in a case wanting to help tell the whole truth so nothing was left out of the article. "No way, no comment, please leave," I was told. Stereotypes -- they're everywhere. There's no running. But if you can learn to forget about what other people think and live your own life, it'll never matter.

Sam:

Being a former environmental science major, a gal who doesn't own a hair brush, and a person who, from time to time, gets pretty deep about music-- I am constantly stereotyped as a stoner/hippy. Sure, you could call me a hippy (okay fine, you can definitely call me a hippy), but I am not part of the marijuana smoking crowd. I sometimes even find it offensive that because I love trees and don't wear 'cool' clothes, people automatically assume I smoke pot. It's funny how when people find out one thing about you, they typically make several other inferences.

Although, I believe stereotypes are true to a point. After all, they don't just appear out of thin air; there usually is some truth to them. For instance, some things you would assume about me are very correct; I shower less than most (that could just be a Mercy High School thing), and yeah, I do have at least 5 long flowy dresses and prayer flags hanging in my room. But did you know I sleep with a doll and that I am very skeptical of the whole Earth warming theory? I guess it all just proves you should never judge a book by its cover!

How you can peg those Michigan kids

Although Sean and Sam no longer live in the Great Lakes State, they certainly haven't lost sight of their roots in the Mitten. Not to mention, other people from across the country sure don't let them forget, constantly asking where they're originally from. Michigan — the greatest of 'em all. Watch them talk about why they are Michigan kids at heart, down to the core.

Barack Obama's Progress vs. John McCain's "What if he had been elected..."

It seems like just yesterday the Obama/McCain heavyweight matchup was taking place, both candidates taking shots at one another, whether one was looking or not. But the questions seem to find their ways to the surface, even now: "Is Barack living up to the hype?" or "Should McCain have been elected to fix this economy quicker?" Sean and Sam REALLY don't agree on this issue. Sean, raised red, is blue and Sam who's always been red, hasn't let that color fade.

Sean:

Words cannot describe the emotional feeling Barack Obama brings over me while conducting Q&A sessions with both the media and general public. Maybe it's because I'm a news reporter for a major metro paper, sure. But in my mind, it's because Obama legitimately cares about the state of this economy. The reason I know this? When asked a question, Obama looks directly at the person posing the inquiry, tilts his head to the side, reflects in deep thought and contemplates all possible sides to an answer. I can't tell you how refreshing it is to see a president take the time to think before speaking, making sure to cover all sides of a topic -- much different than someone else I've known for the past eight years. A journalist's dream? ... or an American's? Easy: both. Plus, simply saying, "We'll get him my friends," doesn't put anyone at ease. Walk it, don't talk it. What, were you waiting to get elected before you told us how to catch Osama Bin Laden? You don't need the title of "President" to do that.

There's no doubt in my mind that Obama was a better choice for our American president (over McCain) because there's a lot to be said for a young, energetic persona in a leader, both physically and mentally. This country would have been doomed to hand the country -- in the state it was in -- over to such an elderly man who's ideas for policies were as ancient as the fillings in his teeth. America is different from our momma and poppa's nation. We're expanding. Not only are we more accepting of race, gender and ideals than ever, but we're shifting to a more versatile world. Obama is a much better pilot in that cockpit than McCain. Sometimes image and body language tells a much more in-depth story than people think.

Obama's stimulus plan is dishing out money to people who need it more than ever and being in Oklahoma City and writing stories on the city council, I see it first hand. Also, Obama admitting his mistakes as a teen smoker in front of the nation takes guts. Signing the tobacco legislation will help reduce the amount of smoking and smoking-caused deaths, especially at a young age. Smokers can complain all they want -- this is a good thing for our nation's youth, regardless if you "know what I'm doing to my body and it's my choice." He's thinking about the future of the world; this is by all means acceptable. Not only do I agree with Obama's plans for this country, but being in good enough shape to transition the White House and Washington from a golf community to a basketball one truly catches my attention. Not only am I a hoops guy, but I'm a fan of a president who is healthy enough to run a game of 3-on-3 without having to call EMS. America -- we're headed in the right direction. Our leader is confident and I am too, because of his assurance. We'll climb out of this hell Bush's Administration threw us into. Give it time. We're golden.

Remember, people, Obama was handed a White House with loads of unfathomable problems, filld with ones we'll never know about because we don't get backstage passes in the mail. McCain probably would have given those away in a raffle or something, but he lost. Too many Americans are jumping down the President's back far too soon. It takes more than seven months to fix a country that Bush single handedly attempted to destroy, whether his small brain knew it or not.

Sam:

It's true folks. I, the Bohemian college student, casted my vote for McCain-Palin this November; and in all honestly I am happier by the day with the position I took. McCain was the experienced candidate. He has served as an Arizona senator for 25 years, and to this day he has an 65% approval rating among Democrats and Republicans alike. Our president is like a doctor -- he fixes booboos and makes sure we're on the healthy track. Would you want the doctor with 25 years of experience or 6 years? I think I know which you would have chosen.

McCain and Obama were both straight forward about what they wanted. Let's take taxes. McCain wanted a cut and Obama wanted a raise. Did the Obama voters realize we're currently experiencing a recession? Tell me why in this day and age you want almost 50% of your paycheck going to the government. The last time taxes were raised during a recession was in 1929 by Herbert Hoover. You know what happened that same year? The stock market crashed and the recession became the GREAT depression. When Tim Russert brought up Hoovers mistakes and the similarities with our current situation, Obama brushed off the stats. I don't know about you, but I believe, like McCain, in learning from our mistakes and I'd rather not come of age in a great depression.

Nationalized health care is another issue I strongly disagree on, but first, let’s take a jog down memory lane. Do you remember the last time you visited the Secretary of State? Do you remember how long you waited and how most of the employees didn't really care how long you waited? How about if they were closing and you weren't waited on? Tough luck, huh? Well that's a government run business for you, and that is what our health care will become if/when nationalized. Now don't get me wrong, I don't blame the employees. It's the way they are treated that reflects the quality they produce. But, I can sure as hell tell you that I don't want my health care plummeting to that quality. Instead of nationalizing health care, McCain focused on the fundamentals -- proposing to make health insurance innovative, portable, and affordable; ensuring care for high-risk patients and lowering health care costs. That is something I could stand behind.

Conversely, I hope we can reach a solution to the health care problem so people can get the medical attention they deserve. I just don’t think Obama’s plan is the answer. Still, I understand why people voted for an Obama-Biden ticket. He's a smooth talker and wanted change. It just seems to me people got too caught up in the Obama fad rather than focusing on the issues.

P.S. Inviting Iran over for dogs on our 4th of July. Really?!

Disney Diva Drama!

It's questionable whether you could find two other 20 somethings more interested in the Disney Channel than Sean and Sam. On any given Sunday, you can find us catching new episodes on Disney. So, it's no surprise we have some strong feelings on which teen diva rules the school.

Sam:

In the epic battle between tween queens Miley and Selena, I am G Team (aka Team Selena Gomez) all the way. Miley we know you're hot stuff being two superstars in one, but really, what more are you than a gal who lucked out with a catchy show? Sure, you can belt the tunes but so can Britney and Lady Gaga ...

Selena is a good actress and good singer; she got where she is today with hard work and talent. Besides, there are already signs of Miley falling into the classic diva downfall. Dressing promiscuously, dating older men, offensive YouTube videos, and inappropriate photo shoots. If you ask me, Miley's time in the limelight may be coming to an end more quickly than we thought.

Hey Sean, I thought you were all about being G?

Sean:

Umm, if you want the best of both worlds in life, you'll have to go with Miley Cyrus, also known as Hannah Montana. Billy Ray Cyrus is a legend (no laughing!) and is still pumping out singles far after "Achy Breaky Heart." There's no doubt his daughter would possess more talent than any child her age known to man. Disney has given her the stepping stone she needed, but this teen sensation is ready for the big stage after her young years. Disney or no Disney, she'll be hitting iTunes Top 10 lists for years to come, probably even transitioning into a rebel once she hits 18. She'll be a mix of Christina Aguilera, Pink and Ashlee Simpson with her own identity. Watch it happen.

"Hannah Montana" is a hilarious show, even for a little bit older audiences. "Wizards of Waverly Place" is too, but nothing will ever be able to trump a show with Cyrus (father and daughter), Mitchel Musso, Emily Osment (Haley Joel's sister) and a 30 year old who plays a 16 year old? The show simply has it all and gets millions of viewers even on its oldest of reruns. For God's sakes, even the Miley and Mandy show on YouTube is more popular than anything Selena does.

Really, Sam? There's nothing more "G" than Miley busting out "The Climb" in front of 40,000 strong -- trust me. I win.

What's Your Genre?

He loves country. She loves indie. They occasionally cross over but more often than not, they butt heads and insult each other's tastes on a regular basis. All in good fun though, I think? What do you prefer -- country or indie? Both? Neither? Let 'em know.

Sean:

When individuals describe their interest in music as, "I like EVERYTHING...everything except country, that is," I cringe and throw them into a category filled with people who refuse to give the idea of "culture" a chance. It's one thing if you've listened to Hank Williams Jr., George Strait, Willie Nelson, Alan Jackson and Kenny Chesney and didn't think it was your thing. But those who immediately scream, "Change it," when southern twang comes onto the radio aren't respected by me. And you shouldn't respect them either. Country music comes from a long line of culture traced back to a much simpler time when music was all anybody had. Strumming the steel chords of a guitar helped those in the South forget about being poor and material-less.

Indie music is great and there's no way I can sit here and knock it. It's a unique genre that refuses to sound like anything mainstream. Even certain Indie music sounds nothing like other Indie music. But when it comes to comparing the two -- country and indie -- I have to stand behind a genre that combines line dancing, the 1920s, gospel, hillbilly sounds and the man who really originated it all and gave it a voice, Elvis Presley. Although Presley is normally associated with rock, his Southern roots shine too far through, beginning as a country star before rockin' out a new genre. Rock is what it is because of country -- and everyone loves rock. Memphis and perhaps Nashville would never be what it is today without him. And if you could only name one artist to associate with the idea of "music," you'd rattle off Elvis Presley. Country music is the definition of music, whether you think it's all about cowboy boots, trucks and shotgun racks or not. This is where culture originates in music, just strummin' on the banjo or acoustic guitar. It's bliss.

Sam:

I can actually pinpoint when my love of indie music originated. I was 7 years old and my dad bought me my first CD, Frente- Marvin the Album. The Australian pop/rock group introduced me to the world of independent labels and I've been hooked ever since. I still whip out my Frente CD from time to time, for the shear reason that indie music, like Frente, never gets old or outdated.

Indie music consists of groups/artists that have not been signed to labels. Most likely they haven't been signed because they have a different sound or because they suck (every genre has bands that suck, and indie is not excluded). However, the bands that are worthwhile are extremely original, and because of that originality- they are timeless. Most of the normal country/pop/rap heard on the radio will not be enjoyable in 20 years, it may not even be enjoyable in 20 days. Popular music changes, but if it was never popular in the first place, how can it go out of style?

I like comparing indie music to run-way fashion. A select few can see pieces on the run-way and recognize the beauty, while most scoff at the garments eccentricity. Nevertheless, most clothing seen in trendy stores was originally based off of run-way fashion. Indie music is the same way. Few can recognize its greatness, but when toned-down versions of indies musical styles surface on the radio, crowds love it.

Bark vs Meow

It's the age ol' debate. Dogs or cats? They're natural enemies and in their everlasting battle for popularity, most of us humans have chosen sides. See what we have to say on the matter.

Sean:

Since grade school, before I could even take a step through my front door, Chuckie came screaming from the living room, through the kitchen and leaping onto my legs at the landing. He was thrilled I was home. Chuckie, a miniature dachshund (weiner dog) is my pride and joy. Dogs are feel-good pets that give you all the attention you could ever want. They require more care than cats, but it brings a true bond with them. Sure, feeding them and taking them out takes work, but there's nothing like the feeling of Chuckie whining in happiness after setting his bowl down full of Eukanuba.

Taking dogs for walks not only makes them happy, but is healthy for their caretakers as well. Can you imagine taking a cat for a walk or telling a cat to fetch? If you asked a cat, "Wanna go for a ride?" They would look at you and walk away. Dogs were meant for an active human lifestyle and cats were meant for older women who never leave the house. Both are good, but go with a certain type of person. For me? Not to say anything about Sammy's lifestyle, but I'm a dog person. Catch my drift? Mmhmm...

Sam:

Traverse is the friendly fat kid that had my heart from day one. I got Traverse when he was 2 weeks old; I fed him from a bottle, held him until he fell asleep, and took him everywhere with me the first 2 months of his life. Ever since then we've been inseparable and I believe everyone needs that kind of companionship in their lives. Nothing makes me happier than coming home after a long day and chilling with Traverse watching our favorite TV shows.

Cats! They're so independent; sure they need you but they don't need to smother you like a needy boyfriend. I don't need a bro stifling me with his constant presence and I don't need a pet to do it either. Traverse, I know you love me...even if you do give me the cold shoulder when I try and brush you. Now that's a real relationship.

Traverse doesn't need me to be home every 4 - 6 hours so he can go to the bathroom. Most likely he prefers my absence when doing his business. Traverse eats when he pleases and exercises when he pleases; no schedules for that little guy. And having no schedules happens to match my schedule perfectly :)

Despite what you've heard about cats they are just as in love with their owners as dogs. Traverse may not tackle me like Dino from the Flintstones every time I walk in the door; however, every night as I get ready for bed Traverse makes himself comfy at the bottom of my bed. He's ready to take a snooze with his favorite person in the world and that my friends is priceless.

What are you? A dog or a cat person? Or is it possible to be both?

Five vital essentials

Sometimes people exaggerate and say, "God, I could NOT live without Frank's Red Hot Sauce! I would just die." Well, that's a pretty bold statement. What if you could only pick five things in life to live with? Would you really pick it then? What are five things you couldn't live without?


Sean:

1. XBox 360: Nerdy, sure. But it's more than just first-person shooters or going for 70 yards with Javon Ringer in NCAA Football 2009. It's about Xbox Live and staying in touch with friends over the wire while playing games. It's evolved into more than gaming.
2. Digital recorder: I don't know how journalists of the past did their jobs without one. Not a day goes by where I'm not interviewing someone with the thing. Thank you Olympus VN-4100. Yes, I do accept gifts for mentioning your name.
3. Baller ID bands: I actually feel naked without one or two around my wrists. It may sound weird but honestly, they're part of my skin.
4. Detroit Tigers: Thinking of a life without Tigers baseball is like living in a world without oxygen. It's not possible. Thank you, God, for making them.
5. Sam & Co: Without people in your life, what do you have? She's the stabilization in my life and a crutch whenever things fall to the wayside. I need her and a few others to keep me grounded and sane.

Sam:

1. Music: I don't necessarily need an iPod, but I do need music. Having a bad day? Having a good day? Nothing "understands" and can channel how I'm feeling like music. The song that currently encapsulates my mood: "Daylight" by Matt and Kim
2. Traverse: If you didn't know that I couldn't live without Traverse Barker Primeau, then I don't believe you know me very well. Sixteen pounds of best friend is what he is.
3. Tequila: In my opinion tequila is necessary for every occasion whether good or bad.
4. Bobby-Pins: I may have the record for thickest hair on the planet. At any given time you can find about eight bobby pins in my hair just holding things together. A couple weeks ago I was walking into the bathroom and a bobby pin shot out of my head and hit the wall (which was at least two feet away). I laughed a little to myself.
5. Sean Ely: The guy's my best friend! Sean helps me keep my eye on the prize and is an inspiration to a gal like me who is currently weathering a quarter life crisis. Not to mention, I could never live without all of my other best friends and family; they all mean the world to me.

Thanks for reading. More to come soon. What are your five?