Legends of the fall

So I stumbled across a story by Chicago Public Radio titled "The Fall Guy". It was a collection of stories of people who, in a sense, have taken the fall for something. It was actually quite interesting. The first story however, got me thinking. It was about an Irish hood in Boston who would always take the rap for his buddies. It seems as though that personality trait is not as existent these days. As are some other things. I don't know a whole lot of people (outside my group of friends) who would take the heat for someone, just for the fact of not ratting them out.
It was a thing my father taught me at a young age (obviously not my father and me in the picture). Never rat out your friends. It's one thing if you witness a crime and you answer some questions. But never blatantly tell on a friend.


There seem to be quite a few things that fathers aren't teaching young lads these days. In fact, most fathers aren't teaching anything. So I decided to ponders some of these things and compile a short list......

1. Never rat out a friend.
2. Everyone is going to commit a crime at some point in time. This may be speeding, stealing a candy bar, or bank robbery. Don't commit crimes against people. It's one thing to swipe a ipod from Best Buy, it's another thing to knock down an old lady and take hers.
3. Hold open doors. Not just for good looking women, but for elderly, children and yes, even dorky guys.
4. Read. Read. Read. Put down that XBOX and pick up a book. And I mean a good book. Skip the Twilight and Harry Potter and grab Ulysses or Huck Finn.
5. Learn to cook. Taking the time to prepare, cook and serve food makes it so much better than someone else doing it. Have at least 5 good dishes you can whip out whenever the need arises.
6. Write a handwritten letter whenever possible. Emails and texts are fine, but there's just something about someone writing you something.
7. Don't waste time hating political people/commentators. Sure, most politicians are idiots. But nobody cares what you think about Obama, Palin or anyone else. Keep your thoughts about religion and politics to yourself.
8. Learn the names of the members of the Supreme Court. They make some of the most important decisions in our country. You should at least know their names.
9. Enjoy classical music. Go see a concert (preferably outdoors). And take some time to relax. I know it sounds corny, but put some music on, have some nice red wine, food and chill. There's nothing better than all of your senses going at once.
10. Travel. And travel like a traveler. Don't go to a different country and stay at the Holiday Inn and only eat Mcdonalds. Challenge yourself to be different and try different things. If something isn't to your liking, change your liking. Sure, the sites are good, but spend time living "Like the Romans do". Eat at small shops, and enjoy the cities and countries for what they have to offer. If it wasn't for Mike, I would have taken a trolley car all over San Francisco and never had the experience I did. The best way to see London was from the back of a bike--ok, a scooter.
11. Have a passion. Whether that's gearing, skiing, reading or painting. Have something that you enjoy doing that can ease stress.
12. Take time to be alone. Go out in the woods or something for a weekend alone. It's amazing what you might find.
13. Buy lemonade from a kids' stand whenever possible.
14. Listen to records once in a while. They sound better, and let's face it--are better on any given day than your ipod.
15. Remember those kids games you used to play?? Play them again. Get some people together for some dodgeball or kickball. Your inner child is dying to get out....