My blog buddy Codepoke recently posted, in response to this Popular Mechanics list of 25 Skills Every Man Should Know, his manly exploits and conquests. I will do likewise but in a more condensed fashion:
1. Patch a radiator hose: Once upon a time I used to work on my cars using a timing light, tach/dwell meter ... but alas I no longer bother and pay another to even change my oil.
2. Protect your computer: I am a spyware, antivirus freak and do backups all the time.
3. Rescue a boater who has capsized: Not me
4. Frame a wall: Done all sorts of construction ... but not too good at it.
5. Retouch digital photos : Did this really make it? Yes, I use Picasa all the time.
6. Back up a trailer: I have never been able to do this ... even on my riding lawn mower.
7. Build a campfire: Haven't been camping in a while but I have built camp fires.
8. Fix a dead outlet: Replaced many of these guys.
9. Navigate with a map and compass: Nope, never ws a boy scout.
10. Use a torque wrench: Yes, my dad was a mechanic and had several of these guys.
11. Sharpen a knife: I have but my wife is actually better at it than I am.
12. Perform CPR: Only in a CPR class.
13. Fillet a fish: Nope
14. Maneuver a car out of a skid: I have and have not :(
15. Get a car unstuck: Brings back bad memories - but yes I have.
16. Back up data: Yes, see #2
17. Paint a room: Since I was about 7 years old I have been spackling and painting.
18. Mix concrete: Yes, someone needed to put that basketball hoop up.
19. Clean a bolt-action rifle: Yes, if you caount an M-16 - even though I hate guns.
20. Change oil and filter: Yes, see #2
21. Hook up an HDTV: Yes, but I have had to make many tweaks
22. Bleed brakes: Nope, too risky for my comfort level
23. Paddle a canoe: Yes, but this brings back some painful memories
24. Fix a bike flat: Grew up doing this all of the time.
25. Extend your wireless network: Yes, mostly at work.
I think I count 19 out of 25 affirmative responses. Maybe I am more manly than I think I am :)
1. Patch a radiator hose: Once upon a time I used to work on my cars using a timing light, tach/dwell meter ... but alas I no longer bother and pay another to even change my oil.
2. Protect your computer: I am a spyware, antivirus freak and do backups all the time.
3. Rescue a boater who has capsized: Not me
4. Frame a wall: Done all sorts of construction ... but not too good at it.
5. Retouch digital photos : Did this really make it? Yes, I use Picasa all the time.
6. Back up a trailer: I have never been able to do this ... even on my riding lawn mower.
7. Build a campfire: Haven't been camping in a while but I have built camp fires.
8. Fix a dead outlet: Replaced many of these guys.
9. Navigate with a map and compass: Nope, never ws a boy scout.
10. Use a torque wrench: Yes, my dad was a mechanic and had several of these guys.
11. Sharpen a knife: I have but my wife is actually better at it than I am.
12. Perform CPR: Only in a CPR class.
13. Fillet a fish: Nope
14. Maneuver a car out of a skid: I have and have not :(
15. Get a car unstuck: Brings back bad memories - but yes I have.
16. Back up data: Yes, see #2
17. Paint a room: Since I was about 7 years old I have been spackling and painting.
18. Mix concrete: Yes, someone needed to put that basketball hoop up.
19. Clean a bolt-action rifle: Yes, if you caount an M-16 - even though I hate guns.
20. Change oil and filter: Yes, see #2
21. Hook up an HDTV: Yes, but I have had to make many tweaks
22. Bleed brakes: Nope, too risky for my comfort level
23. Paddle a canoe: Yes, but this brings back some painful memories
24. Fix a bike flat: Grew up doing this all of the time.
25. Extend your wireless network: Yes, mostly at work.
I think I count 19 out of 25 affirmative responses. Maybe I am more manly than I think I am :)
I'll have to check, but was the author bouncing off the older Robert Heinlein list?
ReplyDelete"A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly.
Specialization is for insects."
I love both these lists and I'll have to check myself: even though I'm a girl, some of the Pop Mech list skills I should have anyway.
I liked this so I took your idea made a post on it!
ReplyDeleteGreat list, KB, and thanks! I don't think there's a better reason for mixing concrete than putting up that hoop. :-)
ReplyDelete