forewarned, my drugies

[the_siobhan]

From okoshun. This list of 25 skills every man should have from PC Magazine. Stuff I can do is bolded, things I may have done once and/or think I know how to do but have not done is italicized. Things I'd like to learn how to do, but have not yet had a chance to is in red.

1. Patch a radiator hose
2. Protect your computer
3. Rescue a boater who has capsized
4. Frame a wall[1]
5. Retouch digital photos[2]
6. Back up a trailer[3]
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[4]
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

[1]I suspect I will be learning this one sooner rather than later.
[2]Yes I know it's simple. No I don't expect to get around to it any time soon.
[3]To be fair, it's been a while.
[4]I've actually done this once, but it was a while ago.

This particular list reminded me of Robert Heinlein's list of things that every human being should be able to do. So I tried to apply the same rules to it.

1. change a diaper
2. plan an invasion
3. butcher a hog
4. conn a ship[5]
5. design a building
6. write a sonnet[6]
7. balance accounts
8. build a wall
9. set a bone
10. comfort the dying
11. take orders
12. give orders
13. cooperate
14. act alone
15. solve equations
16. analyze a new problem
17. pitch manure
18. program a computer
19. cook a tasty meal
21. fight efficiently
22. die gallantly[7]

[5]What does "conn" mean?
[6]This fits into the category of "been a while"
[7]Like anybody can know until it happens

I find the evolution pretty interesting. I'm curious to see how the list looks in another 20 years. (splice a gene. build a generator...)

Comments

[hobbitbabe.livejournal.com]

I believe conn means navigate.

[the-siobhan.livejournal.com]

Ah.

Well I can't do that either. :-)