Wednesday, September 12, 2007

You should know how by now

Popular mechanics posted a list of the top 25 skills every man should have...

Here is the list:

1. Patch a radiator hose

2. Protect your computer

3. Rescue a boater who as capsized

4. Frame a wall

5. Retouch digital photos

6. Back up a trailer

7. Build a campfire

8. Fix a dead outlet

9. Navigate with a map and compass

10. Use a torque wrench

11. Sharpen a knife

12. Perform CPR

13. Fillet a fish

14. Maneuver a car out of a skid

15. Get a car unstuck

16. Back up data

17. Paint a room

18. Mix concrete

19. Clean a bolt-action rifle

20. Change oil and filter

21. Hook up an HDTV

22. Bleed brakes

23. Paddle a canoe

24. Fix a bike flat

25. Extend your wireless network

I can actually do all these things and have done them... well, retouching photos - not so much. Can't really think of a need unless you are a 'graphic designer' or single... but I know how.

This list started me thinking - what skills do you acutally *need* these days? Has our society progressed so much that basic, life sustaining skills (hunting/gathering) are no longer *that* necessary. Who needs to hunt for dinner when it is far easier to drive through McDonalds (by the way I do not eat fast food, i.e. McDonalds, Burger King, Wendy's, KFC, etc.. - so that was more of an illustration than a statement of fact from my perspective)!

Why do you need to know how to build a fire, just flick a switch and it comes on, or pour that firestarting juice on the briquettes and viola ~ fire!

Are the basic skills needed today all related to technology? How about basic handwritting skills? Math skills? Manners and etiquette? We all know that thx 2 txting sp isn't needed. I need a translator!

How about you? What do you think?

1 comment:

MLasch said...

What if I can do most of those things? Does that make me a man??