25 Manly Skills

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 :)

3 comments:

  1. I'll have to check, but was the author bouncing off the older Robert Heinlein list?

    "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.

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  2. I liked this so I took your idea made a post on it!

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  3. Great list, KB, and thanks! I don't think there's a better reason for mixing concrete than putting up that hoop. :-)

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