For my 21st birthday a few days ago I received a banjo. I had never played this instrument before, but I was enamored with its snappy tones and wanted to give it a go. As I held the hefty wood and...

Growing up, I never really had friends, but we always had a pet in the house. Our one dog, Lucy, was a pitbull and she was my best friend growing up -- as sad as that may sound to some people. I grew...