14 Basic Skills All Men Should Possess

[anjinha]

How many can you do? :D

http://www.manolith.com/2009/07/07/man-skills/

[Iscariot]

They need to master #15: build a website that doesn't crash browsers.

[Keniff]

All of them are easy - 14/14

[racers]

13/14
#1 I have never had access to a manual
#4 Very hard if you have a girl trying to tell you where to turn :p

[dukebound85]

7, 9, 11 id be iffy on

aka, cook a perfect steak, write effectively, and sew a button

edit: i can write pretty well and i could sew if i had to and i could cook a steak. those are just my weak links

[rdowns]

13/14 - I don't do oil changes.

And technically, while I can sew a button, my dry cleaner takes care of that for me when needed.

[rhsgolfer33]

13/14.

Never had access to a manual transmission to learn on. I'll probably buy my first Porsche and have to call my dad to come down to the dealer and drive it home for me. :p

[sushi]

How many can you do? :D

http://www.manolith.com/2009/07/07/man-skills/
That's it?

Not much challenge there.

[r.j.s]

My wife still gives me a hard time about the laundry every once in a while, but other than that, piece of cake.

[anjinha]

I'm surprised so many of you know how to do laundry and sew a button...

[techfreak85]

i got 12/14.

EVERYONE should know how to drive a stick. in fact, my first car is probably going to be one.:D

[dukebound85]

i got 12/14.

EVERYONE should know how to drive a stick. in fact, my first car is probably going to be one.:D

why should everyone know how to drive a stick?

[Iscariot]

I'm surprised so many of you know how to do laundry and sew a button...

I've known how to sew a button since I was eight. I can also hem, take in pants at the waist, and even take in shirts. I also have a sewing machine.

[Sideonecincy]

I can do 6 of these...maybe 7

Build a fire, balance the checkbook, laundry, write effectively, navigate a map, hook up an entertainment center...and possibly, dress properly

[techfreak85]

why should everyone know how to drive a stick?

cause its a good skill. and idk it just buggs me when people dont know how.:rolleyes:

[sushi]

why should everyone know how to drive a stick?
You never know when that skill might come in handy.

[bruinsrme]

The breast stroke is iffy at best but the others no biggie.
Sew a button, bareeze. Being in the military sewing was a life saver as well as a money saver.

Driving a stick, while i agree it is important I don't want one in my truck. But in a little economy box; absolutely.

[Keniff]

why should everyone know how to drive a stick?

If you get a flat battery in an Automatic car, it's impossible to move.
OK, you could say, get some jump leads, but what if there aren't any around (even though you may have a pair in your car, there might not be another car around)

At least with a stick, there's a good chance you can give it a jump start by pushing it...

Also, more people fall to sleep at the wheel, when using an automatic...

[dukebound85]

If you get a flat battery in an Automatic car, it's impossible to move.
OK, you could say, get some jump leads, but what if there aren't any around (even though you may have a pair in your car, there might not be another car around)

At least with a stick, there's a good chance you can give it a jump start by pushing it...

Also, more people fall to sleep at the wheel, when using an automatic...

i disagree with that last sentence. the rest are good points

[Signal-11]

14/14. Too easy.

I'm working on some from this 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." - Robert Heinlein

[OutThere]

I only drive stick, and I've never had to change my own oil or tire but I know how. I've never had a checkbook or felt the need for one, so I guess I can't count that one, however I'm plenty skilled at math to get the job done. :p

I'd be surprised how many people actually satisfy some of these...most Americans don't know how to 'Dress for the Occasion'.

Fixing toilets really isn't that hard and more people should know how to fix them...I've been to so many houses with toilets that run or don't flush right. I rebuilt/replaced the entire inside of an ancient toilet in my house last year, it wasn't fun but it wasn't hard either.

Also: many of the comments on that page are asinine, macho manly-men taken to an extreme. :rolleyes:

[rhsgolfer33]

14/14. Too easy.

"A human being should be able to... set a bone..." - Robert Heinlein

If setting a bone means what I think it means, I've got that one down.

[Tomorrow]

I can and have done all of them; I no longer have a manual transmission, and I no longer change my own oil. Back in the day when you could just dump it on the ground, yes. But now that you have to take it in to be recycled, and it costs like $3 extra to get them to do it for you, I don't see the point.

And I'll be happy to start this "flame" war - in order to cook a truly perfect steak, you need a fire burning wood or charcoal. Gas is for grilling chicken and hot dogs.

Let the "flames" begin! :cool:

[rhsgolfer33]

And I'll be happy to start this "flame" war - in order to cook a truly perfect steak, you need a fire burning wood or charcoal. Gas is for grilling chicken and hot dogs.

Let the "flames" begin! :cool:

See, for my perfect steak you need an 1800 degree broiler (though my at home broiler with a far lower temperature has to suffice), a nice cast iron pan, and some butter. Though, steak is pretty good in many other preparations.

[anjinha]

I want proof!!! Keep the steaks coming!! :D

[OutThere]

And I'll be happy to start this "flame" war - in order to cook a truly perfect steak, you need a fire burning wood or charcoal. Gas is for grilling chicken and hot dogs.

Let the "flames" begin! :cool:

I'm a fan of combining wood and charcoal...small pieces of wood with rather big flames to put a sear on the steak, then charcoal to cook it more slowly once the wood has been removed/burnt out. A nice marbled rib-eye cooked that way will blow your mind. Mmmm. :D

[Tomorrow]

I'm a fan of combining wood and charcoal...small pieces of wood with rather big flames to put a sear on the steak, then charcoal to cook it more slowly once the wood has been removed/burnt out. A nice marbled rib-eye cooked that way will blow your mind. Mmmm. :D

Hand-sprinkled with a pinch of kosher salt and topped with some garlic butter...I know what I'm doing this weekend!!

[m3coolpix]

That list is:

a-Too short
b-Too easy

Where's the list item for repairing your own A/C unit (or washing machine/dryer/dishwasher) in your home? BTDT (A/C on Monday, silly washing machine tomorrow).

Where's the listing for rebuilding a motor on a big block v8? BTDT (last year).

Where's the listing for teaching a 5 year old to swim? (doing currently).

Where's the listing for teaching a 6 year old how to do all their math (doing currently). Yes I have two kids 14 months apart.

Where's the listing for preparing (from scratch) a perfect Cajun Gumbo? (do all the time, as well as all of the daily cooking).

I'll quit showing my age now.....

[Signal-11]

See, for my perfect steak you need an 1800 degree broiler (though my at home broiler with a far lower temperature has to suffice), a nice cast iron pan, and some butter. Though, steak is pretty good in many other preparations.

/twitch

I'm all for different strokes for different folks but anyone who needs a skillet to cook their steak always lose me at that step.

[Tilpots]

See, for my perfect steak you need an 1800 degree broiler (though my at home broiler with a far lower temperature has to suffice), a nice cast iron pan, and some butter. Though, steak is pretty good in many other preparations.

Cast iron pan = FAIL. Man privileges revoked.:p

(I just stuck my tongue out at you = My man privleges revoked);)

((Now I winked at you = My manhood questioned)):o

(((Jeez, now I've lost my confidence = Aww who gives a ****))):cool:

I'm back! Manhood's rough.

[Abstract]

cause its a good skill. and idk it just buggs me when people dont know how.:rolleyes:

That's a good reason. I better get on it then. ;)



The only thing I can't do is roadside assistance. I don't have the equipment or the know-how for it.

I learned to drive stick (poorly) in around 15 minutes when I was forced to drive a manual for 500 km, but I haven't had the opportunity to try it since.

[Vulcan]

I feel unmanly, I can only do 8.

[dukebound85]

That's a good reason. I better get on it then. ;)



The only thing I can't do is roadside assistance. I don't have the equipment or the know-how for it.

I learned to drive stick (poorly) in around 15 minutes when I was forced to drive a manual for 500 km, but I haven't had the opportunity to try it since.

the only real manual to learn is that of a motorcycle

[Diane2boys]

[

[Signal-11]

That list is:

a-Too short
b-Too easy

Where's the list item for repairing your own A/C unit (or washing machine/dryer/dishwasher) in your home? BTDT (A/C on Monday, silly washing machine tomorrow).

Where's the listing for rebuilding a motor on a big block v8? BTDT (last year).

Where's the listing for teaching a 5 year old to swim? (doing currently).

Where's the listing for teaching a 6 year old how to do all their math (doing currently). Yes I have two kids 14 months apart.

Where's the listing for preparing (from scratch) a perfect Cajun Gumbo? (do all the time, as well as all of the daily cooking).

I'll quit showing my age now.....

'Scuse us while we get off your lawn. :p

Some of that stuff's just a little too specific. Like, I know Toyota diesel engines fairly well and in a pinch, I could swap out the engine of a Landcruiser but if something wrong with my mom's Camry, I'd rather she just take it to the shop.

[Diane2boys]

[

[dukebound85]

I must say, if you learn how to drive a sick shift first, it makes learning to ride a motorcycle much easier.......

that much is true.

after driving a manual car for 8+ years, a motorcycle was easy to pick up...just in reverse

[Signal-11]

that much is true.

after driving a manual car for 8+ years, a motorcycle was easy to pick up...just in reverse

I like my motorcycle to be easy to pick up because I'm always dropping it.

[jknight8907]

All super easy.

[OutThere]

/twitch

I'm all for different strokes for different folks but anyone who needs a skillet to cook their steak always lose me at that step.

Cast iron pan = FAIL. Man privileges revoked.:p

(I just stuck my tongue out at you = My man privleges revoked);)

((Now I winked at you = My manhood questioned)):o

(((Jeez, now I've lost my confidence = Aww who gives a ****))):cool:

I'm back! Manhood's rough.

Don't hate before you know what you're talking about...the super high heat salamander broiler is used for just about any steakhouse steak you'll eat at a restaurant, and cooking a steak in a skillet holds the juices rather than drying it out.

[anjinha]

So, who's going to cook me a steak? :D

[JNB]

I'm almost embarrassed to say I had them all down by the time I was 12. Well, except for GPS, but it didn't exist in 1968. :o

Thing is, there's a critical skill missing there, and it's the one most men miss altogether. ;)

[Iscariot]

"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." - Robert Heinlein

That's a much better list. I would add the skills necessary to survive a natural or man-made disaster to that; I feel functional fitness is something humans ought to possess.
ok, that's just sexy.......:p

:cool:

[r.j.s]

Well, except for GPS, but it didn't exist in 1968. :o

That's no excuse.

[IBradMac]

Can't sew, thats about it out of that list.

I can build a mean fire! :)

[Signal-11]

Don't hate before you know what you're talking about...the super high heat salamander broiler is used for just about any steakhouse steak you'll eat at a restaurant, and cooking a steak in a skillet holds the juices rather than drying it out.

How thin are your steaks and how long do you cook 'em that they dry out???

Besides, a Real Man (TM) cooks his own steak and doesn't need some dude in a bow tie to bring it out to him.

This is my 500th post.

[dmr727]

So, who's going to cook me a steak? :D

::raises hand::

Ooh ooh! Me! Me! Ooh! Ooh!

[anjinha]

I've known how to sew a button since I was eight. I can also hem, take in pants at the waist, and even take in shirts. I also have a sewing machine.

I have a dress that needs to be taken in... ;) *hint hint*

[Diane2boys]

[

[Signal-11]

So, who's going to cook me a steak? :D

I grilled steak both yesterday and today. 1 1/4" ribeye. You can't have any. :p

[OutThere]

How thin are your steaks and how long do you cook 'em that they dry out???

Besides, a Real Man (TM) cooks his own steak and doesn't need some dude in a bow tie to bring it out to him.

This is my 500th post.

I'm not saying that they'll really dry out, so much as just have less juice.

A good steak should be 2" thick, maybe 2.5". Easier to cook it properly.

Don't hate on waiters. I don't wear a bowtie.

[macdim]

See, for my perfect steak you need an 1800 degree broiler (though my at home broiler with a far lower temperature has to suffice), a nice cast iron pan, and some butter. Though, steak is pretty good in many other preparations.

Whoa Whoa Whoa Whoa...

1. Take steak out of package with bare hand
2. Slap on hot grill
3. Wait 1 minute
4. Flip
5. Wait 1 minute
6. Enjoy the bloodbath

[Signal-11]

I'm not saying that they'll really dry out, so much as just have less juice.

A good steak should be 2" thick, maybe 2.5". Easier to cook it properly.

Don't hate on waiters. I don't wear a bowtie.

Yo, I wasn't hating on waiters. I was just doing the Real Man thing. If I took it too far, my apologies.

And you know that searing "to seal in the juices" thing is just a myth, right?

[rhsgolfer33]

Don't hate before you know what you're talking about...the super high heat salamander broiler is used for just about any steakhouse steak you'll eat at a restaurant, and cooking a steak in a skillet holds the juices rather than drying it out.

Precisely. Most high end steakhouses prepare their steaks this way. You sear the steak on both sides for a short period of time (various reasons for this, coloring, juices, etc), some people (including me) then top the steak with a small scoop of butter, the steak is then quickly put into a high temperature broiler with a meat thermometer in it (some restaurants use the plate on which the steak is served at this point), the steak is then removed about 5 degrees before the temperature at which desired level of rareness (or not so rareness) is achieved, it then sits in the pan for approximately 5 minutes, and is then served.

You can replicate it at home with decent success. If you have access to dry aged meat or prime cuts you'll achieve a higher degree of success than with your local supermarket cuts (though these still turn out pretty well).

[JNB]

I have a dress that needs to be taken in... ;) *hint hint*

Well, take it off and hand it over… :p

[Signal-11]

Whoa Whoa Whoa Whoa...

1. Take steak out of package with bare hand
2. Slap on hot grill
3. Wait 1 minute
4. Flip
5. Wait 1 minute
6. Enjoy the bloodbath

Package?

You mean you didn't butcher the cow, age the steak, build the oven AND the fire yourself? GTFO!

BTW, I built a brick oven once, ostensibly for pizza but the steaks I tried weren't bad.

[Abstract]

Thing is, there's a critical skill missing there, and it's the one most men miss altogether. ;)

Most of the men here have mastered that skill after visiting THIS (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=656325) thread. ;)


Or are you talking about less self-indulgent skills?


How thin are your steaks and how long do you cook 'em that they dry out???


It's not really about whether you dry them out. It was meant in relative terms. Using a skillet may keep more juices in.

And a broiler is the best way to cook a steak. ;)

[redwarrior]

Well, take it off and hand it over… :p
No, that is one that they all have down pat. Wait... what? :D

[OutThere]

Yo, I wasn't hating on waiters. I was just doing the Real Man thing. If I took it too far, my apologies.

And you know that searing "to seal in the juices" thing is just a myth, right?

It's not about searing to seal in the juices...you sear the outside so you have a nice charred 'maillard effect' crust, but you don't want it to be at searing temperature the whole time or you'll burn the outside and leave the inside raw.

[Signal-11]

I'm almost embarrassed to say I had them all down by the time I was 12. Well, except for GPS, but it didn't exist in 1968. :o

I would say that the GPS line has to go. Replace GPS with compass.

Thing is, there's a critical skill missing there, and it's the one most men miss altogether. ;)

You gonna enlighten us?

[spaceboots06]

http://theacademicvagrant.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/joecamel.jpg

http://static.manolith.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/10.jpg

Anyone else see a similarity?

When advertisers created Joe Camel they decided to make his nose resemble a penis and nostrils testicles because that somehow made children think that men smoked cigarettes.

The article is suggesting that real men write; look at the crumpled paper, doesn't it look like a penis? And the stain on the wall?

Just my 2 cents.

[sushi]

I'm working on some from this 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." - Robert Heinlein
That is a much better list.

Surprised at how many I've done from that list. :)

I no longer change my own oil.
Likewise. I used to change the oil/filter all the time. But now I find it easier to just take it into the shop.

And I'll be happy to start this "flame" war - in order to cook a truly perfect steak, you need a fire burning wood or charcoal.
Definitely a good way to do it. :)

But there are other techniques out there involving a pan that are scrumptious as well.

So, who's going to cook me a steak? :D
::raises hand::

Ooh ooh! Me! Me! Ooh! Ooh!
Dang, dmr727 beat me to it.

Well, except for GPS, but it didn't exist in 1968. :o

Old fart. :p

Looks in the mirror and realizes the kettle is calling the pot black.

Whoa Whoa Whoa Whoa...

1. Take steak out of package with bare hand
2. Slap on hot grill
3. Wait 1 minute
4. Flip
5. Wait 1 minute
6. Enjoy the bloodbath
I think that you might have over cooked it. :p

I love my steaks bloody rare!

[anjinha]

I love my steaks bloody rare!

Me too. ;) *hint hint*

[rhsgolfer33]

A good steak should be 2" thick, maybe 2.5". Easier to cook it properly.

That is a nice size steak, though sometimes I like the even thicker ones that some restaurants serve, especially topped with some foie gras, man I'd kill for one of those right now (though I'd probably topple over and die if I had any more fat today, considering I've consumed the high quality food of both In N Out and Taco Bell).

[m3coolpix]

Whoa Whoa Whoa Whoa...

1. Take steak out of package with bare hand
2. Slap on hot grill
3. Wait 1 minute
4. Flip
5. Wait 1 minute
6. Enjoy the bloodbath

For some....that's still way overdone. One lady at our company Christmas party (at a nice TX steakhouse) told the waiter to waive the flames towards her steak and that's all it needed.....

[Abstract]

Likewise. I used to change the oil/filter all the time. But now I find it easier to just take it into the shop.


I don't know how it works in every country, but in many countries, it's also more environmentally friendly to take it to a shop and have them deal with the oil.

[Iscariot]

I have a dress that needs to be taken in... ;) *hint hint*

Postage too and from Canada

…and your measurements ;)

[dmr727]

I don't know how it works in every country, but in many countries, it's also more environmentally friendly to take it to a shop and have them deal with the oil.

Exactly. When I include the disposal fees, it's just as cheap to have someone else do it. There's satisfaction to doing it yourself, but that seems to wear off pretty quickly. :)

[dukebound85]

I don't know how it works in every country, but in many countries, it's also more environmentally friendly to take it to a shop and have them deal with the oil.

in the us, you can take your oil to a service place and have them dispose of it

Exactly. When I include the disposal fees, it's just as cheap to have someone else do it. There's satisfaction to doing it yourself, but that seems to wear off pretty quickly. :)

when labor rates are 60-80 an hr and they charge a half hr for the service, ill gladly pay the disposal fee

[Tomorrow]

::raises hand::

Ooh ooh! Me! Me! Ooh! Ooh!

Dang, dmr727 beat me to it.


God, we're pigs - you both beat me to it. :o

Precisely. Most high end steakhouses prepare their steaks this way.

That depends. I've visited plenty that use a Mesquite or charwood fire. THE Steakhouse at Circus Circus is a great example.

I like using the high heat of wood chunks even more so than charcoal; see below.

...but you don't want it to be at searing temperature the whole time or you'll burn the outside and leave the inside raw.

In other words, pretty much perfect.

[Signal-11]

http://theacademicvagrant.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/joecamel.jpg

Here's a picture of a camel I was once suckered into buying. Different one from the one in the picture thread. If you notice, his nose does look like wang.

BTW, camel meat tastes terrible.

[r.j.s]

Here's a picture of a camel I was once suckered into buying. Different one from the one in the picture thread. If you notice, his nose does look like wang.

BTW, camel meat tastes terrible.

How the hell did you get suckered into buying a camel?

[dmr727]

when labor rates are 60-80 an hr and they charge a half hr for the service, ill gladly pay the disposal fee

I dunno Duke - I've been getting it done for about $25, and I'm having a hard time justifying doing it myself at that price.

[sushi]

You mean you didn't butcher the cow, age the steak, build the oven AND the fire yourself? GTFO!
Exactly!

On a side note, we used to age 10-14 days. Pretty messy but great meat afterwards.

Me too. ;) *hint hint*
Come on over! :D

I don't know how it works in every country, but in many countries, it's also more environmentally friendly to take it to a shop and have them deal with the oil.
True. And it's better than how we used to do it just dumping it on the ground.

Exactly. When I include the disposal fees, it's just as cheap to have someone else do it. There's satisfaction to doing it yourself, but that seems to wear off pretty quickly. :)
Disposal fees can be expensive.

Plus, if you take it to the dealer, many times they will fix other little things for free or for a small charge.

when labor rates are 60-80 an hr and they charge a half hr for the service, ill gladly pay the disposal fee
For me, convenience counts.

When I was in the states, I would take my car into the dealer early. They would provide me a loaner for the day. Then after work pick up my car on the way home. Simple.

Plus I didn't have to maintain any tools, the drip pan, jacks, etc. nor did I have to purchase the filter and oil. That in itself saves time and time is money. :)

So it is more than paying a simple disposal fee.

God, we're pigs - you both beat me to it. :o
Oink. Oink. :D

[Signal-11]

How the hell did you get suckered into buying a camel?

Long story, told a bit of it here (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=336174&page=123#3065).

Long and the short of it is that I was on the Niger/Nigerian border and I had to get some stuff across the border in short order but I couldn't do it by road. I found out that the nomadic guys with the camels cross all the time and no one bothers them. I tried to hire them, but they insisted that I had to buy the camels. It was a very one sided negotiation because they knew I had the money and the ice packs that were keeping my stuff cold were melting.

[rhsgolfer33]

That depends. I've visited plenty that use a Mesquite or charwood fire. THE Steakhouse at Circus Circus is a great example.

I like using the high heat of wood chunks even more so than charcoal; see below.


Quite true, but, at least based on my experience, they are somewhat less likely to be found, especially amongst high end restaurants. I suppose experiences will vary, truth be told, I don't much care how my steak is prepared as long as the person doing it is highly skilled and the final product on my table looks and tastes great.

[rhsgolfer33]

I dunno Duke - I've been getting it done for about $25, and I'm having a hard time justifying doing it myself at that price.

I got mine done for about that including a car wash the other day, I definitely can't justify changing my oil at that price when a car wash is included.

[sushi]

Sometimes they have winterization specials. I can get oil/filter change, lube job, radiator flush, coolant replacement, air filter replacement and some other for about $75.

Oil/filter change is about $15 plus the parts.

[dukebound85]

I dunno Duke - I've been getting it done for about $25, and I'm having a hard time justifying doing it myself at that price.

hmm i just checked the laws here and its against the law for places to charge a disposal fee here in NY. thats good news i suppose

[jecapaga]

See, for my perfect steak you need an 1800 degree broiler (though my at home broiler with a far lower temperature has to suffice), a nice cast iron pan, and some butter. Though, steak is pretty good in many other preparations.

At 1800 degrees or even far less, butter will burn well before any meat you're cooking is done. Especially cast iron. You should use an oil with a very high smoke point before it burns. I use grapeseed oil. You can add butter at the end briefly I suppose to get a quick glaze working and before it has time to burn.

[TuffLuffJimmy]

why should everyone know how to drive a stick?

It's a good skill to have, stick cars are more fun, and I feel it's a little lame if you don't know how to drive a stick. Plus, what if you're in a situation where you need to rush someone to the hospital and there's only a manual transmission car available? Sure, that's not probable, but it is possible.

[NT1440]

cause its a good skill. and idk it just buggs me when people dont know how.:rolleyes:

When are you ever going to really need that?

[DoFoT9]

im fairly certain i can do all of them :)

[Zombie Acorn]

I can do all of them, some of them I choose not to.

[TuffLuffJimmy]

When are you ever going to really need that?

You won't but manual cars sort of have a dingus persona, like a car that babies you because you don't really know how to drive. I think of it like the california roll of cars.

[Abstract]

Ok, now lets start a list of all the basic skills women should have. ;)


I bet this list would probably be viewed as sexist by most of the population, while a list regarding men is not sexist at all, but that's OK. The world is a strange place. Besides, we all know that women should be skilled at cooking, cleaning, baking, and naked pillow-fights. ;)

[TuffLuffJimmy]

Ok, now lets start a list of all the basic skills women should have. ;)


I bet this list would probably be viewed as sexist by most of the population, while a list regarding men is not sexist at all, but that's OK. The world is a strange place, this is the internet, and few of us know each other. Besides, we all know that women should be skilled at cooking, cleaning, baking, and naked pillow-fights. ;)

Well the first in the list, and most important, would be have babies and various sex acts. Of course.

[Sun Baked]

I'm surprised so many of you know how to do laundry and sew a button...

The doing own laundry is a survival instinct to keep the SO from going through the pockets and finding we bought a new toy, or mistress.

At least this way if we forget the evidence, it has a greater chance of becoming pocket lint.

[Signal-11]

Ok, now lets start a list of all the basic skills women should have. ;)

Abstract, there's no way that this ends well. You know that, don't you?

[Abstract]

I know, but that never stopped me from trying. :p

[Signal-11]

Well, since I can't let you go down alone....

For me, women who can't cook lose their luster.

[jecapaga]

I know, but that never stopped me from trying. :p

New thread, you have some great points. Now how do you carefully construct 14 skills women should possess? Do it. :D

[Abstract]

I'm doing this right before going to bed, so some of these are off the men's list:


1. Cook.
2. Bake cakes and cookies, and other good stuff.
3. Drive well, automatic or manual. :p As long as she doesn't scare the passengers, it's fine.
4. Balance a chequebook/checkbook.

Well the first in the list, and most important, would be have babies and various sex acts. Of course.

That will be 5 and 6. ;) If women can figure out another place to put those fetuses, then by all means, go ahead. Until then, they're going continue living rent-free inside women.

7. Dress for the occasion. By 'occasion', I can't see any occasion to dress really skanky.
8. Sew. Everything.



The rest can be seen in these wonderful guides for women. Yes, they're probably 100 years old, but that's where I've learned everything I know about women. ;)

[spaceboots06]

-Being flexible
-Cooking
-Not complaining
-Acting intelligent

[sushi]

Ok, now lets start a list of all the basic skills women should have. ;)
Abstract, there's no way that this ends well. You know that, don't you?
I know, but that never stopped me from trying. :p
Oh oh.

Well, since I can't let you go down alone....

For me, women who can't cook lose their luster.
All for one and one for all! :)

-Being flexible
My mind is in the gutter... :D

[jecapaga]

My mind is in the gutter... :D

It always was

[Music_Producer]

I'm doing this right before going to bed, so some of these are off the men's list:


1. Cook.


Man, just cooking will be good enough for me (not saying the others are not important but I couldn't care about them if I was hungry or had boring food all the time!)

Women seem to be losing their talent/love for cooking - my grandma cooked the best, my mom did good - and the wife.. :eek: :p

[Queso]

All except the steak. Couldn't give a toss about that one though :)

[robbieduncan]

14/14

[arkitect]

These are hardly challenging…

Sew a button? I can hem a pair of trousers and do you some curtains. ;)

[c-Row]

Ok, now lets start a list of all the basic skills women should have. ;)

- not needing the man to have to ask four or five times "What's wrong, honey?" before giving an answer

[jav6454]

#6 and #11 are sorta not that common for me (I barely use checkbooks since I have my own books and I don't tear buttons off), but I can handle them. Other than that perfect 14/14

[Dagless]

I wonder if the Liberal Police would slam a thread that had "14 basic skills all women should possess".

Oh it seems Abstract got there first, damn you! :)

[Tomorrow]

For me, women who can't cook lose their luster.

My wife can cook as long as the box/bag/can it comes in has directions for how to cook it. I'm the cook at our house. :cool:

[Diane2boys]

[

[macdim]

I think that you might have over cooked it. :p

I love my steaks bloody rare!

For some....that's still way overdone. One lady at our company Christmas party (at a nice TX steakhouse) told the waiter to waive the flames towards her steak and that's all it needed.....

That is how I like it. Anything less than that and it's a little too raw for me. Anything more, and the taste is lost. Many people I know can't watch me eat a steak like this.

[Melrose]

I can't swim (No. 8 I think) and the only manual transmission I ever drove was a Freightliner FLD-120, around a parking lot (no trailer attached).

Other than that, I love to cook (and pretty good at it I think) and I certainly know how to dress up for an occasion.

I'm surprised playing an instrument isn't on there. I thought every chick was attracted to a guy who could tickle the ivories or pluck a few strings..

The Women's List
- Be able to dress up without looking like a hooker. I hate girls who think dressing up simply means tight, revealing clothes.

- Be able to cook. And this doesn't mean using the can opener or doing the 'cake box brownies' either. Although, I have to say this is minor since if she's tender hearted or has some other very redeeming quality I can cook.

- Has similar taste in music.

[c-Row]

The Women's List
- Be able to dress up without looking like a hooker. I hate girls who think dressing up simply means tight, revealing clothes.

Well, there's an occasion for everything, but not necessarily. The right woman looks sexy even wearing a potatoe sack.

[Diane2boys]

[

[arkitect]

^^^^^
God, that must itch like hell…

[Diane2boys]

[

[arkitect]

lol, yeah but she pulled it off famously! even got the diamond necklace going for her :D

Oh, I agree. :)
She definitely had the curves for it…

[leekohler]

I possess all but the breaststroke. I hate water. I can swim, but I don't like to.

[mperkins37]

14/14 no sweat.

[sushi]

That is how I like it. Anything less than that and it's a little too raw for me. Anything more, and the taste is lost. Many people I know can't watch me eat a steak like this.
I love Korean Yuke.

Good raw tasty spiced beef.

As for steak, I can handle up to medium rare. More cooked than that, and I won't eat it.

so it would seem :D

http://crystellehandbags.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/marilyn-in-potato-sack-dress.jpg
Nice dress! :)

Like the potato sack.

^^^^^
God, that must itch like hell…
Agree. While it looks good on her, it doesn't look comfortable.

[Abstract]

LMAO! the marriage list.....:rolleyes: Just cal me June....;) :D

Hai, ahm Rabert, but you can cal me Bab. :p

[Diane2boys]

[

[jzuena]

I can't swim (No. 8 I think) and the only manual transmission I ever drove was a Freightliner FLD-120, around a parking lot (no trailer attached).

Did you learn the fine art of double clutching?

Driving a manual transmission is easy. Driving a manual transmission when your clutch has died requires a little more skill. Starting from a red light at a busy intersection with a manual transmission when your clutch has died requires more still. Starting from a red light at a busy intersection with a manual transmission when your clutch has died without looking like a fool should be the goal. Unfortunately I was a little shy of that final goal when driving my car from work to get a new clutch when it failed. But I did get the car roughly 5 miles to the garage in one piece.

[Raid]

So I'm running a macro right now and it will take at least 20 minutes to run. I think I can kill that here. :D

All of the listed tasks I can do:
1) Drive Stick: My car has a 6 gear manual transmission, I wouldn't mind adding two more gears. :)

2) Hook Up an Entertainment Center: Been there, done that... and my cable management looks much better than the websites picture.

3) Fix a Toilet: I've had to fix flappers and valves on toilets in old apartments before, the simple mechanics make it easy.

4) Navigate a Map and Use GPS: I navigate for my Dad, map reading is really not that hard, and the basic rule of a good navigator is to make sure the driver knows about the next turn ahead, and you know at least the next two turns ahead.

5) Change the Oil: How hard is it to remove a plug, drain, replace plug and refill with oil? The tricky part is also changing the filter (and not getting a hand/fingers covered in used motor oil).

6) Balance a Checkbook: I'm an analyst... I balance usually a paycheck in advance. (I can't help it) :o

7) Cook the Perfect Steak: This is the most subjective one on the list. While I know how to cook a steak that's perfect for me, others might disagree. One thing I do know is that all must agree on what method to use before putting meat on the grill, otherwise you end up with bad steak.

8) Swim the Breaststroke: Not only do I know this basic swimming stroke, I also know that it's the most energy efficient stroke. Maybe that's why they say you need to know it "if your life depended on it".

9) Write Effectively: Ok this post maybe a bad example... However some of the calculations I use need to be expressed in a basic form so that the general public can understand how a figure is reached. It's a pain as sometimes the wording must be very succinct, but I can hammer it out a polite and eloquent response if need be.

10) Dress for the Occasion: The wife says I clean up nice.

11) Sew a Button: Easy, I'm not fast at it but I can sew it up so it doesn't fall off again.

12) Do Laundry Properly: For guys this is easy, all we really need to know is separate whites, darks, and colours and know what's dry clean only. Live with a woman and you'll be taught all about the 'delicate' cycle.

13) Handle Roadside Emergencies:Knowing how to change a tire and boost a battery should be required for every driver.

14) Build a Fire: Very easy, but very important to know in a survival situation. I made my first bow-drill fire starting device in my teens while at camp, it was actually a great feeling of accomplishment to get a small smoky ember to light a big fire.

[Mousse]

I possess all but the breaststroke. I hate water. I can swim, but I don't like to.

I'm adept at the breast stroke, but I can't swim.:confused::confused: :eek: ;) :p:p

That list seems pretty arbitrary. So knowing how to swim the breaststroke is important? WTF?:confused:

I'd saying being able to jackknife a trailer is a more important skill for a man. When will swimming the breaststroke be important to a man, other than in a swim competition? If you need to rescue someone, swimming freestyle is a better choice. Being able to back up a trailer properly, THAT is an important skill for a man. At some point in man's life he will tow a trailer (more likely than swimming the breast stroke:rolleyes:).

The other stuff, I have no problem with. Although I can't drive a stick or dress for the occasion. Mousse not much man.:(:(:(

[jecapaga]

lol, yeah but she pulled it off famously! even got the diamond necklace going for her :D

I believe that to be a pearl necklace.

[Diane2boys]

[

[SLC Flyfishing]

14/14

Though the perfect steak is completely subjective.

SLC

[Badandy]

14/14

Though the perfect steak is completely subjective.

SLC

Agreed. I order my steaks medium and can't stand steak-snobs belittling my choice as not being a real steak (or even passable steak) just because you they like it a different way.

[bbotte]

I do almost all of them at least once a year if not multiple times. 14/14

[killerrobot]

Balance a checkbook? As soon as banks went online I got rid of paper checks.
I think they should have just said manage your bank account.

Getting a button attached to a shirt is no problem - whether you want to count what I do to it as sewing is another question. ;)

[anjinha]

Now I'm really craving a nice steak. I just went to the store but couldn't find any decent meat. :(

[Badandy]

Now I'm really craving a nice steak. I just went to the store but couldn't find any decent meat. :(

How is that possible?

[SLC Flyfishing]

Now I'm really craving a nice steak. I just went to the store but couldn't find any decent meat. :(

Are people still eating beef in Portugal? When I was there we were advised against it because of the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

SLC

[anjinha]

How is that possible?

It's a small store and it closes in 15 min, it didn't have much choice available. Should have gone there earlier.

Are people still eating beef in Portugal? When I was there we were advised against it because of the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

SLC

I don't think people ever completely stopped eating beef here. Creutzfeldt-Jakob wasn't specific to Portugal anyway and it hasn't been a concern for a while.

[fireshot91]

Wow. A (Portuguese?) girl that can cook steaks. ;):D

[anjinha]

Wow. A (Portuguese?) girl that can cook steaks. ;):D

Oh yeah! :cool:

[localoid]

A good steak is great, but when I can get it, I prefer the other red meat -- bison (http://www.bisoncentral.com/bison-cooking-health.php?c=67&d=99&a=1056&w=2&r=Y).

[Eraserhead]

11+/14, I know if I could handle roadside emergencies, or change a tyre (though the car probably has instructions for those - so I probably could figure it out :p.)

I also don't generally carry matches/lighter with me to light a fire either - though if I was travelling in remote mountainous areas I probably would :p.

[LumbermanSVO]

Did you learn the fine art of double clutching?

Driving a manual transmission is easy. Driving a manual transmission when your clutch has died requires a little more skill.

Sounds like you learned the even finer art of floating. I've done it on all my cars, even the high spun 4 bangers. I do it everyday in my Kenworth. My shifting is actually MUCH smoother when floating than when double clutching.

[EX1127]

Lets see here iv got 11/14

Can't do 1 and 8 because of cerebral palsy in right side of body:mad: (iv ran a marathon if that redeems at least the swimming:cool: )

Need to work on grilling steaks haven't tried to much

and i can do about any of the other things. It amazes me how many people can't even do simple laundry.:rolleyes:

[sushi]

Did you learn the fine art of double clutching
Learned to do that as a teenager working on the farm driving large farm trucks.

I believe that to be a pearl necklace.
Snort! :)

A good steak is great, but when I can get it, I prefer the other red meat -- bison (http://www.bisoncentral.com/bison-cooking-health.php?c=67&d=99&a=1056&w=2&r=Y).
Bison is great. A buddy of mine has a bison ranch. Good eating. Tasty.

Sounds like you learned the even finer art of floating.
I've done that a bit, but it's been many years since I drove a stick. I would definitely be rusty at it.

[Jaffa Cake]

I got six out of fourteen.

However, I can/do/have...

Navigate without GPS and on occasion without a map either
Explain the offside rule
Assemble flat-pack furniture with ease
Drink proper twig beer
Done it with a girl

...which probably puts me on about thirty points or something. Ace.

[Abstract]

Can't do 1 and 8 because of cerebral palsy in right side of body:mad: (iv ran a marathon if that redeems at least the swimming:cool: )


Yes, I think you've redeemed yourself. ;)

Congratulations. It's quite an achievement, even for those without any issue to handicap them. :)

[spaceboots06]

I possess all but the breaststroke. I hate water. I can swim, but I don't like to.

Sounds like someone has some childhood fears they need to get over. :p Watched Jaws when you were too young? I remember when it first came out, hahahaha.

The OFFICIAL list of all skills men should possess

1.) Drive drunk without getting into an accident or arrested.
2.) Always win a bar fight.
3.) Own more than one wife.
4.) Never let your country lose a war.
5.) Know how to use any item as a weapon.
6.) Never have an empty wallet.
7.) Never let your woman/women have your car keys.

[EX1127]

Yes, I think you've redeemed yourself. ;)

Congratulations. It's quite an achievement, even for those without any issue to handicap them. :)

Thanks haha to make it even more impressive my left knee gave out at mile 16... i walked 10 miles to finish:o

[sushi]

Thanks haha to make it even more impressive my left knee gave out at mile 16... i walked 10 miles to finish:o
Awesome! That's quite and achievement. :)

[ski2moro]

14/14

And for the stick shift part. Pay attention, Young Padawan, and remember my words. "Always teach your daughter to drive a stick shift." That way, if the loser of a boyfriend gets too drunk to drive, she can safely drive his car home.

[Bfat567]

10/14......crawls back into dark corner to cry a little

[EX1127]

Drink proper twig beer



What is twig beer??

[InvalidUserID]

The OFFICIAL list of all skills men should possess

1.) Drive drunk without getting into an accident or arrested.
2.) Always win a bar fight.
3.) Own more than one wife.
4.) Never let your country lose a war.
5.) Know how to use any item as a weapon.
6.) Never have an empty wallet.
7.) Never let your woman/women have your car keys.

Very classy.

1) Promoting drunk driving, very responsible.
2) Because, as we all know, bar fights are usually over important topics
3) I wonder what your mother would have thought if your father did this...
4) OK...I guess.
5) Marshmallows. What now, MacGyver?
6) The only sensible one so far!
7) Remember that when she is the only one capable of driving you to the emergency room.

[OutThere]

Done it with a girl

I think that puts you ahead of most guys on here. ;)

[EX1127]

5) Marshmallows. What now, MacGyver?

Marshmallow+ esophagus = ;)

[NoSmokingBandit]

I got 12 of them. I dont have a checking account so i dont know how to balance it (i assume it cant be too awful hard), and i have no freaking clue how to do laundry. When i move out i am so screwed.

[benlangdon]

13/14
don't know how to balance a checkbook.
what is that anyway? :rolleyes:

seriously, i have written checks only for tickets i have gotten.
how hard can it be. add, then add some more, see if what you spent is the same as what was taken and if you have enough.


The OFFICIAL list of all skills men should possess

1.) Drive drunk without getting into an accident or arrested.
2.) Always win a bar fight.
3.) Own more than one wife.
4.) Never let your country lose a war.
5.) Know how to use any item as a weapon.
6.) Never have an empty wallet.
7.) Never let your woman/women have your car keys.
add a number 8 to that
8.) Chainsaw.

where is the girls list?
1.) Cook everything but steak.

[mscriv]

14/14 here. It's a pretty basic list. In fact I used my basic automobile skills tonight when I jumped the family vehicle after my wife was stranded and put a new battery in myself. It's now good as new for our family trip tomorrow.

One I would definitely add to the list is know how to be a gentleman and treat a woman like a lady. I don't care who or where you are, basic manners are never out of style.

As far as Abstract's list of basic skills every woman must know. Well, I'm a gentleman, so I can't really talk about that in public. :D

[jalagl]

Never had to change the oil of a car, and if there's something I HATE is to change a tire. I'd rather call the roadside emergency from my insurance company (have 3 "emergencies" per calendar year) and have them change the tire (I've done it once, wouldn't hesitate to do it again).

Other than that, no problem with the other 12 :D

[jecapaga]

Sounds like someone has some childhood fears they need to get over. :p Watched Jaws when you were too young? I remember when it first came out, hahahaha.

The OFFICIAL list of all skills men should possess

1.) Drive drunk without getting into an accident or arrested.
2.) Always win a bar fight.
3.) Own more than one wife.
4.) Never let your country lose a war.
5.) Know how to use any item as a weapon.
6.) Never have an empty wallet.
7.) Never let your woman/women have your car keys.
8.) Never post useless blather on the internets

While your first 7 mean nothing, you've definitely failed on number 8 many, many times.

[jodelli]

Did you learn the fine art of double clutching?

Driving a manual transmission is easy. Driving a manual transmission when your clutch has died requires a little more skill.

Yeah, as I said in another thread somewhere, synchromesh is for pansies. ;)

I've used GPS, Loran C, and the North Star.

Cooked a steak that was perfect for me at least.

Started fires and put them out as well.

Swim over and under the surface every which way.

Replaced, unplugged and cleaned toilets, sewn my own clean laundry, fixed flat tires and broken throttle linkages and burnt my fingers on the oil pan plug.

Checkbook, what's that? Oh yeah those paper things I use Excel for.


Dressing for occasion, not so much.:(

[benlangdon]

just because someone mentioned double clutching im unsubscribing.
fail.

[rhsgolfer33]

The rest can be seen in these wonderful guides for women. Yes, they're probably 100 years old, but that's where I've learned everything I know about women. ;)

Thanks Abstract! I think I'll fill these out for my girlfriend, out of curiosity.

Apparently there is one for women to fill out about men too. I was curious an googled the Dr.'s name (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_W._Crane).

[SuperCompu2]

12/14

Breast Stroke is useless for me, I swim fine. Thanks.

I've simply never had to change oil, but I assume it's rather straightforward!

[Abstract]

Thanks Abstract! I think I'll fill these out for my girlfriend, out of curiosity.

Apparently there is one for women to fill out about men too. I was curious an googled the Dr.'s name (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_W._Crane).

I know there is. I only posted pages 5 to 9. ;)

Wouldn't want the women to get a 4 page checklist of all the things we DON'T do. :D

[rhsgolfer33]

I know there is. I only posted pages 5 to 9. ;)

Wouldn't want the women to get a 4 page checklist of all the things we DON'T do. :D

I see, perhaps these posts should be deleted so the women folk don't get any ideas involving google? ;)

Values were certainly somewhat different back then, though there are still a good few things on that sheet that many men would like today. Its interesting to see how some norms have changed over time and others have persisted.

[Jaffa Cake]

What is twig beer??It is beer what is made from twigs. Or real ale (http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cask_ale), if you prefer.

[Signal-11]

Abstract, there's no way that this ends well. You know that, don't you?I know, but that never stopped me from trying. :pWell, since I can't let you go down alone....All for one and one for all! :)


Or, as I once had an 11 year old cousin tell me in a most serious manner: Bros before hos. ;)

[spaceboots06]

While your first 7 mean nothing, you've definitely failed on number 8 many, many times.

The unspoken one is to never make things up, and I think you've violated that.

[Abstract]

5) Marshmallows. What now, MacGyver?


I could get creative with that.

[takao]

swimming breaststroke is now somehow manly ? i would have understood if it asked for swimming butterfly...

i only really learned breaststroke, front crawl, backstroke and then briefly sidestroke which i already forgot completly