Comments on: 14 Basic Skills All Men Should Possess

By: Steve

Steve — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 00:36:41 +0000

Real men drive automatics because real men are secure enough in their manhood to let their gears be changed for them.

By: Andy K

Andy K — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 16:12:14 +0000

Most men will buy diamonds at some point in their life…and it won’t hurt to do it like a man. Know your stuff so you can do it with confidence. Every one involved will feel better…and it will something you can pass on to your buddies. You’ll be the “go to” diamond guy.

By: JanSimpson

JanSimpson — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:15:05 +0000

Nice post – however – everyone should know how to do these things

By: Mike

Mike — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 06:31:43 +0000

What a stupid article. Who is this writer to determine what skills are necessary for men to have?! It’s such a generalization of what is “expected” of men. The two most stupidest are the changing of the oil and cooking the perfect steak requirement. Sorry, but anyone living in a population of more than 100 people can take their car in to Jiffy Lube for 20 bucks. Articles such as this one are meant to manipulate/control men into feeling bad about themselves for not being (or possessing skills) what someone else thinks you should be. Anyone can come up with their own opinion of what a “man” is, then post it in an article, and have gullible men believe it as a universal truth.

By: Nealz2k

Nealz2k — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 15:06:21 +0000

Where are two BIG ones?

Tie a Tie
Polish your shoes

By: DJ Unknown

DJ Unknown — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 02:48:18 +0000

#1 – Learning right now.
#2 – Irreverent. Computer + plus good speakers + broadband = Portable entertainment.
#3 – Support the local economy. Watch the plumber the 1st time, so it can be done by yourself the rest of the time.
#4 – GPS & Maps are only as good as the roads are. If there are out-to-date GPS and/or Maps, then using a compass works.
#5 – Irreverent. I do not own a car. Changing oil in some others’ car was not discussed.
#6 – Irrevelent. Online banking and ATM balancing w/ Quicken and/or something similar.
#7 – Irrevelent. I am a flexiterian and non-red meat eater. I do not use a grill.
#8 – Irrevelent. I know survival training from my Military days and know how to use my pants as a floatation device.
#9 – I write for the school newspaper. The editor of paper told I me write better than some of the staff. I am an Engineer Major.
#10 – I dress for praticality because I ride a bike. Make sure the fabrics you wear can be worn in church and in a construction site.
#11 – Learned how to crosstitch in Boy Scouts. I have yet to use this skill as the buttons I have have yet to fall off.
#12 – Relevent. I do it weekly, 2x loads.
#13 – I do not own a car. I do, however, own a bike. In which case, I carry a bike pump, tire patches, and a cell phone.
#14 – Irrevelent. I do not have the space to build one and it pollutes the air. Use non-toxic portable Sterno cans.

Thank you.

By: Tom

Tom — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 18:53:32 +0000

The canada blow was low. I do have a good job, and am
rather happy to be living here compared to recession
ravaged america.

By: Michael

Michael — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 08:47:42 +0000

A great starter list – it looks like it really got the discussion going. I thought I’d contribute to the conversation by adding instructions for each skill:

http://taoofbachelorhood.com/2009/07/10/how-to-perform-14-basic-skills-part-1/

And LOL at the “shave your balls.” Gillette is really working hard to make us all look like either competition swimmers or gay porn stars, I can’t decide which.

By: Islandidea

Islandidea — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 20:18:55 +0000

I recently discovered my husband doesn’t know how to use a screwdriver. a FREAKIN’ screwdriver. I almost divorced him on the spot. Also men should know how to use a hammer, anchor bolts, a drill, socket wrenches and allen wrenches. The basics of putting together an IKEA or Target bookshelf.

By: Dawn

Dawn — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:34:19 +0000

Yikes…I’ve just discovered I’m a man and nobody told me…lol Actually, there was one I don’t know if I can do…I can put an entertainment center together but can’t hook the electronics up, so I say the one ability cancels out the other. Besides, Brent added a few more to the list and I can do some them…
15. Perform reasonably well in a fist fight – Not sure…took kung fu but never actually had to use it on anyone but I have a mean jab – uppercut not so good.
16. Fire a gun – BB gun, rifle, handgun – got that covered
17. Grow tomatoes – I killed cactus so I don’t have this skill
18.Catch, clean, & cook a fish – I’ve caught and I’ve cooked but yuck – I don’t want to clean it! WOW – I am DEFINITELY a girl!!!
19. Skin a buck. – Nope…but I’ve named the ones on my guy friend’s walls…Does that count? Yes…he thought I was crazy too. Named the pheasant and longhorn too…
20. Care for an infant – That’s what those mechanical swings are for…
21. Train a dog – Someday when I get one
22. Throw a ball – Definitely! And I don’t throw like a girl either.
Now that I’ve looked at this, I’m pretty sure I’m a girl…cause look how much I wrote! ;) And yes, we girls appreciate a man that can do all 14 of the above…And if you open my door for me, I’m just going to tell you, your mama raised your right!

By: Dawn

Dawn — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:33:56 +0000

Yikes…I’ve just discovered I’m a man and nobody told me…lol Actually, there was one I don’t know if I can do…I can put an entertainment center together but can’t hook the electronics up, so I say the one ability cancels out the other. Besides, Brent added a few more to the list and I can do some them…
15. Perform reasonably well in a fist fight – Not sure…took kung fu but never actually had to use it on anyone but I have a mean jab – uppercut not so good.
16. Fire a gun – BB gun, rifle, handgun – got that covered
17. Grow tomatoes – I killed cactus so I don’t have this skill
18.Catch, clean, & cook a fish – I’ve caught and I’ve cooked but yuck – I don’t want to clean it! WOW – I am DEFINITELY a girl!!!
19. Skin a buck. – Nope…but I’ve named the ones on my guy friend’s walls…Does that count? Yes…he thought I was crazy too. Named the pheasant and longhorn too…
20. Care for an infant – That’s what those mechanical swings are for…
21. Train a dog – Someday when I get one
22. Throw a ball – Definitely! And I don’t throw like a girl either.
Now that I’ve looked at this, I’m pretty sure I’m a girl…cause look how much I wrote! ;) And yes, we girls appreciate a man that can do all 15 of the above…And if you open my door for me, I’m just going to tell you, your mama raised your right!

By: Lydia

Lydia — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 20:57:33 +0000

Hilarious! I’m a liberal hippie fag, I guess, but I happen to be female and know how to do all of these things and then some. What’s sad to me is that there are people on here who love the environment and yet imply that environmentalists are at odds with building fires or being outside. What planet are they from? The people I live around and love are people who spend their time kayaking, climbing, and biking, and fight to preserve the environment so “liberal hippie fags” who live in NYC city can put off the survival course for a few years. Yeah, those people may be out of touch, but if they were sprawled all over our countryside instead of packed into high rise buildings sharing their commute with thousands of other people, there would be a lot more of a fossil fuel issue.

Number one should be “Stop being oblivious.” Pay attention to your effect on the world around you on every level. If everyone were to do this, more people would find joy in driving a stick shift, following a map, changing oil, helping other people by doing for them what they cannot.

By: dog named spam

dog named spam — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 16:38:10 +0000

I think a lot of these things can be grouped under Making Things—taking raw materials (dirt, dead animals, veggies, needle+thread) and turning them into something useful.

In a way, cleaning, gutting, and cooking a fish you caught yourself isn’t really that different from building a hipster fixed-gear bike from scratch or hooking up an entertainment system. Or, rather, the difference lies in the materials and context, not in the skills necessary for success. They all require a willingness to take a series of small risks, learn as you go along, and get your hands dirty.

By: Womanolith

Womanolith — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 16:15:20 +0000

What a stupid list. I mean, come on–Laundry!?! Cooking?! Even Ryan and Billybob’s mommas could do these things.

By: BigJ

BigJ — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:54:53 +0000

This is practically an advertisement for the Boy Scouts. I have four sons and we love scouting because it’s a great driver to get us all out and doing something constructive. And, yes, cooking meals and mending clothes are all taught as part of scouting–as well as swimming, first aid, safe fire management, wilderness survival (which is handy since we actually live in the wilderness), forestry, nature conservation, knife and firearm handling, archery, fishing, auto mechanics, engineering, science, orienteering, carpentry, etc…

The added bonus with the BSA is that scouts learn about ethical choices and responsible leadership.

The BSA motto is, “Be prepared.” While many of the skills on this list may not be required of us daily; some of them may not make sense in our lifestyles at all. But part of being prepared is acquiring skills you may need in an emergency situation.

By: Howie

Howie — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:45:13 +0000

Apparently many of these commenters think “complain and harp bitterly(as long as its anonymously electronic) about a time waster list that truly means nothing” belongs at the top of the list!

By: nutmeag

nutmeag — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:18:26 +0000

Why exactly would you need to take a woman shopping with you? Wouldn’t the better option be taking someone fashion-conscious? Because I’m a woman, but wouldn’t trust my fashion opinion.

I also don’t know many women who could sew on a button (seriously, do parents teach their children nothing these days?). Luckily, I can do it just fine, along with simple hemming.

And I’ll second (3rd, 4th?) the additions of
-caring for an infant/toddler
-pleasing a woman
-simple carpentry

By: JaimeInTexas

JaimeInTexas — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:45:12 +0000

I am not nor have been a motorcycle rider but a good friend of mine is. Motorcycle riding, like bicycle riding, is one activity that teaches you to be aware of your surroundings. Growing in a crime ridden place does too. Next to motorcycle riders driving a small stick-shift car is the best thing that teaches awareness. A stick-shift driver just knows speed in relation to RPM and gear, which translate to stopping, acceleration, turning, etc. I think it was Mrk Twain that said “A hanging in the morning has a way of focusing the mind.” Kind-of like driving these days.

CJamesCote: Although I agree with your bike riding pet peeve I must also say that I have seen way too many bicycle riders who think they can break every rule of the road with impunity.

By: stephen lee

stephen lee — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 07:37:07 +0000

Shave your balls.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TiJNewpCnY&feature=player_embedded

By: Billybob

Billybob — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 02:01:56 +0000

Ryan, nice work man. Isn’t it great how these liberal, hippie fags go on talking about other people wronging the environment when they are all apart of the same problem. I just love listening to those people, contemplating when they will grow up, graduate 2nd grade, and get a real life. Why would I want to build a fire? Hm, maybe in case the electricity goes out and it is 15 degrees outside in NYC and I need heat, and a way to cook food for my vegetarian, homo-loving friends that don’t know how to build a fire. Get a life all of you losers who sit around on message boards like this all day and make stupid comments that further prove how ignorant 99.9% of liberal fags are in our country. Just because you can’t do any of the things on here, you want to go around telling people how wrong they are for being able to actually accomplish something with the life that God gave them. Go suck a big one.

By: Ryan

Ryan — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:19:33 +0000

Adam, you’re clearly gay. I hate these obamaniac tree hugging liberals that think my F-150 super cab is somehow melting the ice caps ON MARS. Starting a fire, swimming, cooking, growing and hunting your own food? WTF is wrong with any of that? You know, for people who claim to just LOVE the environment so much, you sure are opposed to actually interacting with it. Isn’t that why you choose the big cities? Adam, I don’t consider your 5 minute walk down the concrete pavement that displaced millions of creatures to get to work as being environmentally sound. Fool.

By: Roxy

Roxy — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 23:10:56 +0000

Wow – men really are idiots. Especially the ones disagreeing (probably because they CANNOT do any of those, or the add-ons). And as a woman – I do not find this article sexist, and I myself, indeed can do that whole list, except change the oil, as well as the add-ons, including fighting (just becuase I’m a girl doesn’t mean I didn’t throw punches w/ my little sister or cousins growing up) The oil thing was because my father never taught me because he said all the extra checks the shops do usually catch things I would neglect that could cause serious harm. And if a man out there in my life wanted to teach me, I would learn.

This article is a great start for men to realize their dependence on woman as well, and to be a man of 2009 – being able to drive a stick just in case is just as handy as being able to sew a button.
My motto – if you can – learn it. And if you dont’ want to – you are a lazy bum – get off your ass and make something more of yourself!

By: FranchiseCoach

FranchiseCoach — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 20:59:02 +0000

What! Sew on a button to be a MAN?! Should we also know how to make the perfect Chef Salad or bake the ultimate Flan. We are hard-wired to be a bit clumsy…..well, for obvious reasons. James Bond could empty out the bar, but I’ll bet never sewed on a button.

By: jtan

jtan — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:56:39 +0000

24. Learn to catch your mistakes and/or laugh at yourself

15. Learn to count

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:55:06 +0000

All of these are things that women should know how to do, as well. It’s a stupid list.