Isms: Views on life in rural America

There's something about a bad boy.

For instance, my favorite literary character is MacBeth, Shakespeare's good-boy-gone-bad. In the beginning, MacBeth is kind, maybe even an overachiever. But once he tastes sweet success, the passion for power and ambition culminate in his undoing.

My favorite character from a TV show is Tony Soprano, whose storyline in the David Chase-inspired show mirrors MacBeth. There's something lovable about Tony, but you wouldn't want to cross him or you may find yourself swimming with the fishes. By the way, if you haven't seen episode 33, take me to the river takes on...