Today, a very deep topic entered my mind during work. I have been thinking it over for a few hours now, and I find my mind still boggled. I warn you, I am about to delve into an area of discussion that goes as deep as some major questions being brought up in the world today, such as: Was the world created by god in seven days, or is it the result of a scientific phenomenon such as the big bang? Is homosexuality spiritual, brought about by the way you are raised, or just genetic? If the plural of goose is geese, why is the plural of moose not meese? Beware, for the question below blows all of these topics, and others, out of the water.

I'll start with how this question was spawned in my mind. It is a rather short and simple story, yet it is responsible for starting the most significant inner-debate I've had in years.

Today at work, around 1:30 I'd say, my co-worker asked of me a simple favor. She asked me if I could go grab her some chips. I further inquired as to what kind she would prefer, to which she replied, "any is fine." I danced back to the snack shelf, snatched a bag from the chip variety pack, and then started my short trek back to said co-workers office. I then looked down at the bag I had chosen, and it was then that my mind gave birth to a very simply stated, yet controversial question.

Are Cheetos chips?

The first reaction might be "no," but stop! Think about it for a bit. It's true that they aren't shaped like a chip, but is that truly the definition of a chip? Or is it something deeper? Cheetos are packaged the same, they come in "chip variety packs," are made by a chip company, (Frito-Lay) and have the same crunch a chip has! Can the fact that Cheetos are shaped as long chunks rather than thin triangles really rule out the possibility that these wonderful cheesy treats are not considered a chip?

On the other hand, maybe they don't want to be considered a chip at all. Perhaps they aim for a likeness to that of the pretzel. Pretzels have a similar crunch to chips, and in most cases are packaged in nearly the same way (extra air pumped in to trick us into thinking there is more than there really is and everything). However, no one considers a pretzel a chip, they consider a pretzel a pretzel. Perhaps it is the same for the Cheetos. Perhaps, a Cheeto is just that, a Cheeto.

After thinking about it, and writing on the subject, I still find myself searching for an answer. My mind is at war with itself, my opinions divided in a civil war, one fighting for dominance over the other. Will the issue ever be settled? I can't say for sure.

Please, I invite everyone to share with me their opinions on this matter. Help me put an end to the turmoil boiling inside my mind!