What a man needs to know

[moses]

Inspired by Leisureguy, and at Mitch's suggestion, I thought I would start this thread.

What are the fundamental things that a man should know how to do, in a pinch (or as a matter of course)?

Already named:
-Tie a Bowtie
-Use a fountain pen
-Drive a stick (personally, I think this one is key)
-Communicate in Morse Code (personally, not so sure, but ok....)
-Handle and use a gun safely
-Sharpen a knife
-Change both oil and tires on a car

Additional things that occur to me:
-Cook a meal good enough to impress a lady (worth more than everything else here combined)
-SHAVE :wink:
-Grill
-Start a fire

[Kyle]

A man needs to know how to complete an honest day's work and how to accept responsibility for his actions, be they right or wrong. Also, a good command of etiquette and manners are a big plus.

[mrob]

A man should know how to. . .

Make *good* chili
Give a baby a bath
Distinguish decent beer from poor beer
Grill a steak to medium rare
Disagree without being disagreeable
Take one's job seriously, but not one's self
Make a child laugh
Make one woman happy
Be a good friend

Sorry for getting sappy at the end there.:redface:

[Dinder1]

I think every man should be able to cook a good meal! I find it amazing that some guys can hardly boil water!
Cheers, DJ.

[Austin]

Be a good husband/boyfriend and parent.

[moses]

Distinguish decent beer from poor beer

AMEN, brother.

[ouch]

Disposing a body in a rolled up carpet.:cool:

[kd7kip]

"To ride, shoot straight and speak the truth"

-Scott

[Tito]

This post brings up 2 sides of the same coin...

Manly:
Ski Moguls, Double Blacks, Off Piste
Tie Bowline Knot
Throw a Perfect Spiral
Roll Your Own Smoke
CB Talk
Boo Jeff Gordon

Gentlemen:
Respect Others!!! And their differences.
Remember Names
Formal Table Setting

Whew... good thread!

[JMT]

Fix a toilet
Shave with a straight razor (knowing how does not mean you have to)
Do laundry
Open a non twist-off beer bottle without a bottle opener

[finegelernt]

Open a non twist-off beer bottle without a bottle opener

Without using ones teeth, may I add.

[Jim]

What a man needs to know:

How to be a friend

Get a crying baby to sleep

Make a good cup of coffee

Fix what’s broke

How to take the long view

Know when to walk away or stay and fight

how to learn from his mistakes

Know when to confess

Know when not to confess

How to be accountable

How to have fun with a kid

How to tell your wife she should not wear something

How to be a good neighbor

That the world was here before him and will be after he is gone

How to kill something and eat it with respect

How to comfort someone grieving

Patience

That he is only a part of something bigger

Jim

[Tye]

Tidy up a crime scene and get rid of incriminating evidence.

[TheChefs]

I can't believe that operating remote control isn't mentioned.

I would also add deadlifting at least your own body weight, but preferbly at least one and half times of it. And if not being able to do it, at least knowing how to pick up heavy objects safely.

[rtaylor61]

How to be a gentleman. Read the John Bridges books for more info.

Randy

[moses]

Tie Bowline Knot


With only one hand....

[moses]

How to tell your wife she should not wear something


That is a skill and a half, or three....

[roughrider]

I think every man should be able to cook a good meal! I find it amazing that some guys can hardly boil water!
Cheers, DJ.


Boil water. Haha. :lol:

[Jonnybc]

I think every man should be able to cook a good meal! I find it amazing that some guys can hardly boil water!
Cheers, DJ.

I can boil water:

John: Make me a cup of tea!
SWMBO: Of course, anything else you'd like?

I'm glad she doesn't read this!

Actually, cooking is an important attribute for a man.

[Andre]

A man should know how to look you in the eye when he shakes your hand.

A man should behave like a gentleman in mixed company.

He should not only know how to tie a tie, but to know when his suit actually FITS properly.

A man knows how to shave and groom himself properly.

He should be as good as his word at all times, and you should be positive he's doing the right thing, whether you are watching him or not.

He should know stuff about tanks and airplanes.

He should be comfortable enough with in his manhood that he no longer feels the need to prove it with hyper-macho and boastful behavior among friends, and can be tender with his family.

Andre

(knowing how much Varget should be used in a .308 with a 169gr bullet is a plus).

[boboakalfb]

Be a good husband/boyfriend and parent.

Husband AND Boyfriend at the same time? Well I guess this isn't how to be a Gentleman. :biggrin:

[NMMB]

There are some things on this list that I think are at least vital to know (and some more important than that), like "Know when to walk away or stay and fight", "cook a good meal" or "How to tell your wife she should not wear something" , for instance. On the other hand, there are certainly things here that I don't think are of any importance at all (No offence intended for those who suggested something that I consider inconsequential) like "Throw a Perfect Spiral", "stuff about tanks and airplanes" or "Communicate in Morse Code".

There is, however, a skill that we should all know (and it is key to many of the things listed about) that I don't think has been mentioned (please correct me if it has been listed); we all need to know how to listen. Knowing how to listen will make us better husbands/boyfriends, better friends, better neighbours, better parents, better co-workers and better people in general. In addition to knowing how to listen, we need to know when to listen... because if we aren't listening when we need to be, well, then what is the benefit of being able to listen?

[Tito]

There are some things on this list that I think are at least vital to know (and some more important than that), like "Know when to walk away or stay and fight", "cook a good meal" or "How to tell your wife she should not wear something" , for instance. On the other hand, there are certainly things here that I don't think are of any importance at all (No offence intended for those who suggested something that I consider inconsequential) like "Throw a Perfect Spiral", "stuff about tanks and airplanes" or "Communicate in Morse Code".

There is, however, a skill that we should all know (and it is key to many of the things listed about) that I don't think has been mentioned (please correct me if it has been listed); we all need to know how to listen. Knowing how to listen will make us better husbands/boyfriends, better friends, better neighbours, better parents, better co-workers and better people in general. In addition to knowing how to listen, we need to know when to listen... because if we aren't listening when we need to be, well, then what is the benefit of being able to listen?


So what about the old man that's hard of hearing? :w00t:

[NMMB]

So what about the old man that's hard of hearing? :w00t:

There is a world of difference between hard of hearing and hard of listening... and please note, not all old men who appear to be hard of hearing are indeed hard of hearing.

Consider the following story...A few years back I had the pleasure of meeting the grandfather of a ex of mine. I helped her grandmother decorate the house for Christmas since she was a in need of assistance and he [grandfather] was too sick to help. When the decorating was finished I picked some trash/litter (it all fit inside of my fist, so there wasn't much - this will be a more significant detail later) and was told that the closest trash can was in the kitchen where grandfather was watching TV... Now to set up the story properly I must note that the decorators were in an adjacent room, but the door to that room was closed and we were talking in quiet-to-normal voices. I went to the kitchen to find the trash can and found grandfather watching TV in the dark with the volume turned down very low (so low that it would be difficult for most people to hear it). When I walked in and couldn't see the trash can he whispered to me "it's under the sink" then added "sshhhhh" and winked. He wasn't hard of hearing at all - he simply didn't feel like talking to people anymore. I didn't tell his family about his hearing-ability until after he had passed away - I wanted him to have as much peace as possible for the rest of his life.

[JAG]

NMMB:

I would say you listened well. Good on ya!

Bob

[msandoval858]

All are very good suggestions, however one important one I've found.

Foot massage... master that and see what kind of points your score with the wife/girlfriend :w00t:

[AACJ]

I agree with most of what has already been posted. I found a list that George Washington compiled called "Rules of Civility" while he was a teenager, he sought to MASTER these traits and use them in his life. Some are outdated due to technology and the times, but a lot make perfect sense.

Here they are (my apologies for the long post):

The Exercise of a Schoolboy*
George Washington, sometime before the age of 16, transcribed Rules of Civility & Decent Behaviour In Company and Conversation. (Original errors in numbering have been corrected; original spelling is unchanged.)

1st Every Action done in Company, ought to be with Some Sign of Respect, to those that are Present.

2d When in Company, put not your Hands to any Part of the Body, not usualy Discovered.

3d Shew Nothing to your Freind that may affright him.

4th In the Presence of Others Sing not to yourself with a humming Noise, nor Drum with your Fingers or Feet.

5th If You Cough, Sneeze, Sigh, or Yawn, do it not Loud but Privately; and Speak not in your Yawning, but put Your handkercheif or Hand before your face and turn aside.

6th Sleep not when others Speak, Sit not when others stand, Speak not when you Should hold your Peace, walk not on when others Stop.

7th Put not off your Cloths in the presence of Others, nor go out your Chamber half Drest.

8th At Play and at Fire its Good manners to Give Place to the last Commer, and affect not to Speak Louder than Ordinary.

9th Spit not in the Fire, nor Stoop low before it neither Put your Hands into the Flames to warm them, nor Set your Feet upon the Fire especially if there be meat before it.

10th When you Sit down, Keep your Feet firm and Even, without putting one on the other or Crossing them.

11th Shift not yourself in the Sight of others nor Gnaw your nails.

12th Shake not the head, Feet, or Legs rowl not the Eys lift not one eyebrow higher than the other wry not the mouth, and bedew no mans face with your Spittle, by approaching too near him when you Speak.

13th Kill no Vermin as Fleas, lice ticks &c in the Sight of Others, if you See any filth or thick Spittle put your foot Dexteriously upon it if it be upon the Cloths of your Companions, Put it off privately, and if it be upon your own Cloths return Thanks to him who puts it off.

14th Turn not your Back to others especially in Speaking, Jog not the Table or Desk on which Another reads or writes, lean not upon any one.

15th Keep your Nails clean and Short, also your Hands and Teeth Clean yet without Shewing any great Concern for them.

16th Do not Puff up the Cheeks, Loll not out the tongue rub the Hands, or beard, thrust out the lips, or bite them or keep the Lips too open or too Close.

17th Be no Flatterer, neither Play with any that delights not to be Play'd Withal.

18th Read no Letters, Books, or Papers in Company but when there is a Necessity for the doing of it you must ask leave: come not near the Books or Writings of Another so as to read them unless desired or give your opinion of them unask'd also look not nigh when another is writing a Letter.

19th let your Countenance be pleasant but in Serious Matters Somewhat grave.

20th The Gestures of the Body must be Suited to the discourse you are upon.

21st: Reproach none for the Infirmaties of Nature, nor Delight to Put them that have in mind thereof.

22d Shew not yourself glad at the Misfortune of another though he were your enemy.

23d When you see a Crime punished, you may be inwardly Pleased; but always shew Pity to the Suffering Offender.

24th Do not laugh too loud or too much at any Publick Spectacle.

25th Superfluous Complements and all Affectation of Ceremonie are to be avoided, yet where due they are not to be Neglected.

26th In Pulling off your Hat to Persons of Distinction, as Noblemen, Justices, Churchmen &c make a Reverence, bowing more or less according to the Custom of the Better Bred, and Quality of the Person. Amongst your equals expect not always that they Should begin with you first, but to Pull off the Hat when there is no need is Affectation, in the Manner of Saluting and resaluting in words keep to the most usual Custom.

27th Tis ill manners to bid one more eminent than yourself be covered as well as not to do it to whom it's due Likewise he that makes too much haste to Put on his hat does not well, yet he ought to Put it on at the first, or at most the Second time of being ask'd; now what is herein Spoken, of Qualification in behaviour in Saluting, ought also to be observed in taking of Place, and Sitting down for ceremonies without Bounds is troublesome.

28th If any one come to Speak to you while you are are Sitting Stand up tho he be your Inferiour, and when you Present Seats let it be to every one according to his Degree.

29th When you meet with one of Greater Quality than yourself, Stop, and retire especially if it be at a Door or any Straight place to give way for him to Pass.

30th In walking the highest Place in most Countrys Seems to be on the right hand therefore Place yourself on the left of him whom you desire to Honour: but if three walk together the middest Place is the most Honourable the wall is usually given to the most worthy if two walk together.

31st If any one far Surpassess others, either in age, Estate, or Merit yet would give Place to a meaner than himself in his own lodging or elsewhere the one ought not to except it, So he on the other part should not use much earnestness nor offer it above once or twice.

32d: To one that is your equal, or not much inferior you are to give the cheif Place in your Lodging and he to who 'tis offered ought at the first to refuse it but at the Second to accept though not without acknowledging his own unworthiness.

33d They that are in Dignity or in office have in all places Preceedency but whilst they are Young they ought to respect those that are their equals in Birth or other Qualitys, though they have no Publick charge.

34th It is good Manners to prefer them to whom we Speak before ourselves especially if they be above us with whom in no Sort we ought to begin.

35th Let your Discourse with Men of Business be Short and Comprehensive.

36th Artificers & Persons of low Degree ought not to use many ceremonies to Lords, or Others of high Degree but Respect and highly Honour them, and those of high Degree ought to treat them with affibility & Courtesie, without Arrogancy.

37th In Speaking to men of Quality do not lean nor Look them full in the Face, nor approach too near them at lest Keep a full Pace from them.

38th In visiting the Sick, do not Presently play the Physicion if you be not Knowing therein.

39th In writing or Speaking, give to every Person his due Title According to his Degree & the Custom of the Place.

40th Strive not with your Superiers in argument, but always Submit your Judgment to others with Modesty.

41st Undertake not to Teach your equal in the art himself Proffesses; it Savours of arrogancy.

42d Let thy ceremonies in Courtesie be proper to the Dignity of his place with whom thou conversest for it is absurd to act the same with a Clown and a Prince.

43d Do not express Joy before one sick or in pain for that contrary Passion will aggravate his Misery.

44th When a man does all he can though it Succeeds not well blame not him that did it.

45th Being to advise or reprehend any one, consider whether it ought to be in publick or in Private; presently, or at Some other time in what terms to do it & in reproving Shew no Sign of Cholar but do it with all Sweetness and Mildness.

46th Take all Admonitions thankfully in what Time or Place Soever given but afterwards not being culpable take a Time & Place convenient to let him him know it that gave them.

47th Mock not nor Jest at any thing of Importance break no Jest that are Sharp Biting and if you Deliver any thing witty and Pleasent abstain from Laughing there at yourself.

48th Wherein wherein you reprove Another be unblameable yourself; for example is more prevalent than Precepts.

49th Use no Reproachfull Language against any one neither Curse nor Revile.

50th Be not hasty to beleive flying Reports to the Disparagement of any.

51st Wear not your Cloths, foul, unript or Dusty but See they be Brush'd once every day at least and take heed that you approach not to any Uncleaness.

52d In your Apparel be Modest and endeavour to accomodate Nature, rather than to procure Admiration keep to the Fashion of your equals Such as are Civil and orderly with respect to Times and Places.

53d Run not in the Streets, neither go too slowly nor with Mouth open go not Shaking yr Arms kick not the earth with yr feet, go not upon the Toes, nor in a Dancing fashion.

54th Play not the Peacock, looking every where about you, to See if you be well Deck't, if your Shoes fit well if your Stokings sit neatly, and Cloths handsomely.

55th Eat not in the Streets, nor in the House, out of Season.

56th Associate yourself with Men of good Quality if you Esteem your own Reputation; for 'tis better to be alone than in bad Company.

57th In walking up and Down in a House, only with One in Company if he be Greater than yourself, at the first give him the Right hand and Stop not till he does and be not the first that turns, and when you do turn let it be with your face towards him, if he be a Man of Great Quality, walk not with him Cheek by Joul but Somewhat behind him; but yet in Such a Manner that he may easily Speak to you.

58th Let your Conversation be without Malice or Envy, for 'tis a Sign of a Tractable and Commendable Nature: And in all Causes of Passion admit Reason to Govern.

59th Never express anything unbecoming, nor Act agst the Rules Moral before your inferiours.

60th Be not immodest in urging your Freinds to Discover a Secret.

61st Utter not base and frivilous things amongst grave and Learn'd Men nor very Difficult Questians or Subjects, among the Ignorant or things hard to be believed, Stuff not your Discourse with Sentences amongst your Betters nor Equals.

62d Speak not of doleful Things in a Time of Mirth or at the Table; Speak not of Melancholy Things as Death and Wounds, and if others Mention them Change if you can the Discourse tell not your Dreams, but to your intimate Friend.

63d A Man ought not to value himself of his Atchievements, or rare Qualities of wit; much less of his riches Virtue or Kindred.

64th Break not a Jest where none take pleasure in mirth Laugh not aloud, nor at all without Occasion, deride no mans Misfortune, tho' there Seem to be Some cause.

65th Speak not injurious Words neither in Jest nor Earnest Scoff at none although they give Occasion.

66th Be not forward but friendly and Courteous; the first to Salute hear and answer & be not Pensive when it's a time to Converse.

67th Detract not from others neither be excessive in Commanding.

68th Go not thither, where you know not, whether you Shall be Welcome or not. Give not Advice without being Ask'd & when desired do it briefly.

69th If two contend together take not the part of either unconstrained; and be not obstinate in your own Opinion, in Things indiferent be of the Major Side.

70th Reprehend not the imperfections of others for that belongs to Parents Masters and Superiours.

71st Gaze not on the marks or blemishes of Others and ask not how they came. What you may Speak in Secret to your Friend deliver not before others.

72d Speak not in an unknown Tongue in Company but in your own Language and that as those of Quality do and not as the Vulgar; Sublime matters treat Seriously.

73d Think before you Speak pronounce not imperfectly nor bring out your Words too hastily but orderly & distinctly.

74th When Another Speaks be attentive your Self and disturb not the Audience if any hesitate in his Words help him not nor Prompt him without desired, Interrupt him not, nor Answer him till his Speech be ended.

75th In the midst of Discourse ask not of what one treateth but if you Perceive any Stop because of your coming you may well intreat him gently to Proceed: If a Person of Quality comes in while your Conversing it's handsome to Repeat what was said before.

76th While you are talking, Point not with your Finger at him of Whom you Discourse nor Approach too near him to whom you talk especially to his face.

77th Treat with men at fit Times about Business & Whisper not in the Company of Others.

78th Make no Comparisons and if any of the Company be Commended for any brave act of Vertue, commend not another for the Same.

79th Be not apt to relate News if you know not the truth thereof. In Discoursing of things you Have heard Name not your Author always A Secret Discover not.

80th Be not Tedious in Discourse or in reading unless you find the Company pleased therewith.

81st Be not Curious to Know the Affairs of Others neither approach those that Speak in Private.

82d undertake not what you cannot perform but be carefull to keep your promise.

83d when you deliver a matter do it without passion & with discretion, however mean the person be you do it too.

84th When your Superiours talk to any Body hearken not neither Speak nor Laugh.

85th In Company of these of Higher Quality than yourself Speak not til you are ask'd a Question then Stand upright put of your Hat & Answer in few words.

86th In Disputes, be not So Desireous to Overcome as not to give Liberty to each one to deliver his Opinion and Submit to the Judgment of the Major Part especially if they are Judges of the Dispute.

87th Let thy carriage be such as becomes a Man Grave Settled and attentive to that which is spoken. Contradict not at every turn what others Say.

88th Be not tedious in Discourse, make not many Digressigns, nor repeat often the Same manner of Discourse.

89th Speak not Evil of the absent for it is unjust.

90th Being Set at meat Scratch not neither Spit Cough or blow your Nose except there's a Necessity for it.

91st Make no Shew of taking great Delight in your Victuals, Feed not with Greediness; cut your Bread with a Knife, lean not on the Table neither find fault with what you Eat.

92d Take no Salt or cut Bread with your Knife Greasy.

93d Entertaining any one at table it is decent to present him wt. meat, Undertake not to help others undesired by the Master.

94th If you Soak bread in the Sauce let it be no more than what you put in your Mouth at a time and blow not your broth at Table but Stay till Cools of it Self.

95th Put not your meat to your Mouth with your Knife in your hand neither Spit forth the Stones of any fruit Pye upon a Dish nor Cast anything under the table.

96th It's unbecoming to Stoop much to ones Meat Keep your Fingers clean & when foul wipe them on a Corner of your Table Napkin.

97th Put not another bit into your Mouth til the former be Swallowed let not your Morsels be too big for the Gowls.

98th Drink not nor talk with your mouth full neither Gaze about you while you are a Drinking.

99th Drink not too leisurely nor yet too hastily. Before and after Drinking wipe your Lips breath not then or Ever with too Great a Noise, for its uncivil.

100th Cleanse not your teeth with the Table Cloth Napkin Fork or Knife but if Others do it let it be done wt. a Pick Tooth.

101st Rince not your Mouth in the Presence of Others.

102d It is out of use to call upon the Company often to Eat nor need you Drink to others every Time you Drink.

103d In Company of your Betters be not longer in eating than they are lay not your Arm but only your hand upon the table.

104th It belongs to the Chiefest in Company to unfold his Napkin and fall to Meat first, But he ought then to Begin in time & to Dispatch with Dexterity that the Slowest may have time allowed him.

105th Be not Angry at Table whatever happens & if you have reason to be so, Shew it not but on a Chearfull Countenance especially if there be Strangers for Good Humour makes one Dish of Meat a Feast.

106th Set not yourself at the upper of the Table but if it Be your Due or that the Master of the house will have it So, Contend not, least you Should Trouble the Company.

107th If others talk at Table be attentive but talk not with Meat in your Mouth.

108th When you Speak of God or his Atributes, let it be Seriously & wt. Reverence. Honour & Obey your Natural Parents altho they be Poor.

109th Let your Recreations be Manfull not Sinfull.

110th Labour to keep alive in your Breast that Little Spark of Celestial fire Called Conscience.

Finis

[AACJ]

As an addendum to my post, both George Washington and James Madison were two of the original founders of the company I work for, so I have a great inspiration and mentors I can aspire to be (although I don't want to become president).

[Gatorade]

A real man needs to have one of these:


http://techepics.com/files/hemi_grill.jpg

Yep. It's got a HEMI.

[rtaylor61]

A real man needs to have one of these:


http://techepics.com/files/hemi_grill.jpg

Yep. It's got a HEMI.

A butler?

Randy

[dj88onmc]

A real man needs to have one of these:


http://techepics.com/files/hemi_grill.jpg

Yep. It's got a HEMI.

Yeah, so how well does it cook?

[kasabian]

All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten

* Share everything.
* Play fair.
* Don't hit people.
* Put things back where you found them.
* Clean up your own mess.
* Don't take things that aren't yours.
* Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.
* Wash your hands before you eat.
* Flush.
* Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
* Live a balanced life-team some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work everyday some.
* Take a nap every afternoon.
* When you go out into the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands and stick together.
* Be aware of wonder.

- Robert Fulghum


:biggrin: :thumbup1:

[nichhel]

I'm going to go with Cooper here:



A young man should be computer literate, and moreover should know Hemingway from James Joyce. He should know how to drive a car well - such as is not covered in "Driver Ed." He should know how to fly a light airplane. He should know how to shoot well. He should know elementary geography, both worldwide and local. He should have a cursory knowledge of both zoology and botany. He should know the fundamentals of agriculture and corporate economy. He should be well qualified in armed combat, boxing, wrestling, judo, or the equivalent. He should know how to manage a motorcycle. He should be comfortable in at least one foreign language, and more if appropriate to his background. He should be familiar with remedial medicine.


It's a bit of a militaristic list :biggrin: and it's funny that Cooper should include computers first.

To that I'd add:

be able to play Go
drive a stick-shift
know how to treat a lady
shave himself to the highest standard
dance a waltz, tango, and a fair foxtrot


Seconding others:

tie a bowline knot (with his teeth)
start a fire, fix a car, (shush a baby, quiet a woman)
make (MANY) women happy :biggrin:



dan

[crispy]

Yea, being able to drive stick is really important. I can't remember how many times I ended up driving home drunk friends who had manual transmissions. :a54: The ironic thing about it was that I learned to drive stick that way! lol.

[kennethw]

I couldn't throw a football to save my life. I hate guns (I like explosions though). I don't have a car, so no oil changes required. I smoke salmon over natural lump charcoal though; starter fluid is for Mach3 users.

I think something everyone has been missing: A man should have a sense of humor.

[olkev]

Ditto Randy!

First line out of the book:
A gentleman knows how to make others feel comfortable.

Here's a GOOD one!
After business hours, a gentleman does not carry his cellular phone into a restaurant. (THAT could be a whole other thread)

A gentleman knows that "please" and "thank you" are still the magic words.

[Mottern Man]

I think it is time this one got dug up too!

A man should know how to put his Cell Phone on Vibrate when in public.

[SaveFerris]

I'm kind of depressed after reading this... there's so much I really don't know how to do.

[Mottern Man]

I'm kind of depressed after reading this... there's so much I really don't know how to do.

Their is a book called "How To Mow The Lawn" The Lost Art of Being a Man.

Start with that. :smile:

[Mottern Man]

Open a non twist-off beer bottle without a bottle opener

Bic lighters work real well for this! :thumbup1:

[SaveFerris]

I can't shave with a straight, can't start a fire, can't cook *well*, don't think I've ever used a fountain pen, most embarassing perhaps, I've never driven a manual, never handled a gun... garh!!. where to start, where to start...

[Mottern Man]

I can't shave with a straight, can't start a fire, can't cook *well*, don't think I've ever used a fountain pen, most embarassing perhaps, I've never driven a manual, never handled a gun... garh!!. where to start, where to start...

With the first one. :smile:

[papasmurf]

A man must know how to program his VCR/DVD player

I cant believe nobody mentioned that one .

[farace]

I learned manual on a 1929 Model A that my dad had when I was in high school. What a wretched piece of machinery that was. But every other car seemed easy after that. Now I just wish I could heel-and-toe. (And my Alfa has a hemi . . .)

I would add to the list that every man, if he's going to have children, must accept the responsibility that comes with fatherhood, know when to be your child's best friend and know when, no matter how you want to, you can't be your child's best friend (know when to be a dad, and when to be a father.). Enjoy them thinking you can do or fix anything, but know when to let them know you're fallible. Let them see you make mistakes and see you own up to them. And, actually, teach them everything else in this thread that they should know how to do.

[ouch]

I learned manual on a 1929 Model A that my dad had when I was in high school. What a wretched piece of machinery that was. But every other car seemed easy after that. Now I just wish I could heel-and-toe. (And my Alfa has a hemi . . .)

I spent years learning how to do that right. Now I drive a car with a CVT. :crying:



I would add to the list that every man, if he's going to have children, must accept the responsibility that comes with fatherhood, know when to be your child's best friend and know when, no matter how you want to, you can't be your child's best friend (know when to be a dad, and when to be a father.). Enjoy them thinking you can do or fix anything, but know when to let them know you're fallible. Let them see you make mistakes and see you own up to them. And, actually, teach them everything else in this thread that they should know how to do.

[moses]

Bic lighters work real well for this! :thumbup1:

Interesting.... Not sure I see that, but I suppose I could figure it out. Chopsticks are fast and easy. But disposable ones only - don't cut up the ends of somebody's nice ones....

Hell, if you don't care about it, the edge of a table works fine too.

-Mo

[TimmyBoston]

Mo, Thanks for starting this thread :thumbup:

Doc, thanks for digging it up, it's well worth it!

The one problem I have with it though, is I haven't noticed many explanations of How to do things, just what to know.

We've got an amazing list of what to know, know we need to explain how to do these things. (The ones that can be explained, of course)

Now get explaining!

:biggrin:

[Xert]

Interesting.... Not sure I see that, but I suppose I could figure it out. Chopsticks are fast and easy. But disposable ones only - don't cut up the ends of somebody's nice ones....

Hell, if you don't care about it, the edge of a table works fine too.

-Mo

Use your thumb as a leverage point and pry with the bottom of the lighter...much like a chopstick would work, I imagine.

[papasmurf]

best way to open a beer is with a ring as you are wearing the ring just slide the bottom of it over the cap and pop the cap the same way you would if you had a bottle opener works like a charm and it is some thing most men have with them all the time .



as for programing your VCR/DVD player your on your own i can tell you how to program mine but not sure that would help unless you have the same one lol

[Mottern Man]

Mo, Thanks for starting this thread :thumbup:

Doc, thanks for digging it up, it's well worth it!

The one problem I have with it though, is I haven't noticed many explanations of How to do things, just what to know.

We've got an amazing list of what to know, know we need to explain how to do these things. (The ones that can be explained, of course)

Now get explaining!

:biggrin:

I have an Idea Mr. Timmy :biggrin:

How bout we get a list going of things we should know and then we have a how to guied with links to outside info like how to light a pipe and then set it up with links on/for pipe smokers.

Any Thoughts?

[Mottern Man]

Interesting.... Not sure I see that, but I suppose I could figure it out. Chopsticks are fast and easy. But disposable ones only - don't cut up the ends of somebody's nice ones....

Hell, if you don't care about it, the edge of a table works fine too.

-Mo

I wish I had a video camera but, all you do is hold the beer at the neck close to the cap making a fist, then take bottom end of lighter place it under the cap and above your hand and pop it off.

Using the edge of a table works but their is a high chance of breaking the bottle.

[Mottern Man]

The list so far.

Tie a tie
Tie a bowtie
Use a fountain pen
Drive a Stick
Mores code (basics like SOS)
Handle a gun
Sharpen a knife
Change oil/tire
Start a fire (with and with out a match/lighter etc)
Cook a basic meal
Make a good chili
Grill a steak
How to eat seafood (crack lobster, crab, and most of all how to shuck an oyster)
Give a baby a bath
Change a Diaper
Make a bottle
Dispose of a body (Jay can take this one):sneaky2:
Tie a Bowline and other basic knots
Roll a smoke
Light a cigar
Light and smoke a pipe
Set a table and use the right utensil
Use the right glass for the right drink (HIIIIIIIIII BALLLLLLLLL):biggrin:
Pick the right wine with the right meal (do not go overboard with this)
Fix a Toilet
Do Laundry
Iron a shirt
Fold a shirt
Open a beer with out a bottle opener
Make Coffee
Hunt, Gut, and eat with respect (thanks Jim)
Fish
Program a VCR/DVD player/TV/Remote
Throw a spiral
Play catch
Waltz

[moses]

Use your thumb as a leverage point and pry with the bottom of the lighter...much like a chopstick would work, I imagine.

Makes sense. Btw, the way I always did it with chopsticks, is a little different, using the length of the stick. Hold them upright on the table, together. Holding the beer against them, rest the edge of the cap on the ends, with the palm of your hand on the cap. Use the palm of your can to push down on the cap, especially the side opposite the chopsticks. Takes a little practice, but once you get the hang, you can do it very quickly, and very controlled, so no breaking bottles or beer flying around or anything like that.

Btw, as for the breaking bottles opening on the edge of a table, I assume you mean, swinging the bottle down in a quick motion, so the cap catches and pops off. Fast, and looks kinda cool, but like you say.... I always do the same thing as with the chopsticks. Hold the bottle in my left hand. Catch the edge of the table under the edge of the cap. Press down on the opposite side of cap with the palm of my hand. Never broken a bottle that way.

-Mo

[Dennis]

I must have a great start on being a man. I can do just about everything in the list so far save a few things. I second the notion that a man needs to be responsible for his actions. As a father now, I can't remember what it was like now when I had no children and that is perfectly fine with me.

Dennis

[Mottern Man]

Makes sense. Btw, the way I always did it with chopsticks, is a little different, using the length of the stick. Hold them upright on the table, together. Holding the beer against them, rest the edge of the cap on the ends, with the palm of your hand on the cap. Use the palm of your can to push down on the cap, especially the side opposite the chopsticks. Takes a little practice, but once you get the hang, you can do it very quickly, and very controlled, so no breaking bottles or beer flying around or anything like that.

Btw, as for the breaking bottles opening on the edge of a table, I assume you mean, swinging the bottle down in a quick motion, so the cap catches and pops off. Fast, and looks kinda cool, but like you say.... I always do the same thing as with the chopsticks. Hold the bottle in my left hand. Catch the edge of the table under the edge of the cap. Press down on the opposite side of cap with the palm of my hand. Never broken a bottle that way.

-Mo


The way I do it is just rest the cap on the lip of the table and take my other hand and tap the top, pops right off, however if I have had a few too many some times I A. hit to hard or B. slip and drop it, with the lighter no problems.

[farace]

I'm sure a lot of the needed instructions must be on the WikiHow site.

[moses]

Unfortunately, I am looking at the things I suggested, and can't really figure out how to give instructions for any of them.....

Cook a meal that is good enough to impress a lady - definitely not something you can really give instructions for online. Here's my suggestion for this, if you don't know how to cook, or do it much. Find a good cookbook (Joy of cooking is good). Pick out a recipe for a meat and a couple of veggies that sound good together. A potato dish and another veggie is safe. Look for simple things, not too many steps. Practice until it comes out really good, and save this meal in store for when needed. Oh, and don't forget desert. Once you've got one meal including desert lined up, start learning another.

Grilling - Likewise, hard to give instructions. Gas grills are pretty easy to operate. Just remember to preheat. Charcoal, well, pile up a couple double handfuls of charcoal. Soak with lighter fluid. Let soak in a minute. Hit with a match. Let it burn till you don't see much black left on the charcoal, and it is glowing red down inside the pile. If in the meantime it seems to have gone out, don't worry, it probably hasn't. Once glowing red inside, spread out to form an even bed, then put the grill on and start cooking. Oh, this is less important with other things, but if you are grilling fish or chicken with the skin on, make sure to rub the grill down with oil right before you put the meat on. These things with stick like the dickens.

As for the actual cooking. Most important rule, as with cooking most meats most ways - DO NOT OVERCOOK. Seasonings are a little complicated to get into here. Except that there are a ton of commercial marinades, grilling sauces, and BBQ sauces, and most of them will taste good slathered on a porkchop or a piece of chicken and grilled.

Most things are better cooked with the lid closed.

And don't neglect that a lot of veggies are really good on the grill. Here is a sure winner. Zucchinis. Slice in half lengthwise. Coat with salt, pepper, and olive oil. A little soy sauce or balsamic vinegar if you are so inclined. Grill till relatively soft, and a little charred, but not soggy or really charred. Really easy, and will impress every time.

Start a fire. - Well, if you have the right materials, pretty easy. Start with paper. Newspaper will work, but brown paper grocery bags are much better. Twist up as tight as you can (tear the grocery bags in half, lengthwise, first). The lay small sticks on top, half a dozen or so, then bigger pieces (1-3 inches). Once it gets going good (that means the wood burning well, not just the paper), go ahead and add some large logs. Not that slit wood catches A LOT easier than unsplit.

-Mo

[Thomas]

My grandfather told me that a gentleman has standards, but is always courteous and makes everyone comfortable in his presence. He doesn't gossip or publicly call out a person on his/her failings. He will stand up for what is right, and has the courage and skill to speak up where warranted, whether words of condemnation or comfort.

He never taught me skills, but I've been able to make do and don't feel poorer for it.

[moses]

My grandfather told me that a gentleman has standards, but is always courteous and makes everyone comfortable in his presence. He doesn't gossip or publicly call out a person on his/her failings. He will stand up for what is right, and has the courage and skill to speak up where warranted, whether words of condemnation or comfort.

That sums up a lot of things very well. Much more important things than the skills, of course.

-Mo

[farace]

Re: Cooking, I suggest finding something deceptively easy but impressive, and master it. For instance, if you can play with Play-Doh, you can make homemade pasta, but people are all sorts of impressed when you do. You don't even need a pasta machine; a rolling pin and a sharp knife are all you need to make tagliatelle.

Re: Grilling, check out the Weber website (http://www.weber.com). Lots of great info. Key thing to know about burgers: Only flip them once. Finish one side, flip, finish other side. I'm a vegetarian (and Bob Barker says in this month's Esquire that real men are vegetarians!) and I always get the burger grilling chore at family gatherings because I'm the only one that does it right.

[Jfala]

Most of what I believe a "real" man needs to know has already been mentioned, however I will add: a real man needs to know how to give love, receive love, and tell those in his life that he loves them.

I know this is dripping with sap. :redface:

Thanks.

Jeff

[Lynchmeister]

As an addition to the grilling tips. Rather than lighter fluid, you can also use a chimney starter - http://virtualweberbullet.com/chimney.html - a few crumpled up pieces of newspaper, a match, and you're good to go. I bought one this year and can't believe how I ever got by without one!

+1 on the grilled vegatables. I'll throw in my vote for asparagus.

[farace]

I do love my chimney starter. In one episode of Good Eats on Food Network, Alton Brown seared tuna by putting a grill right on the chimney. It's like a jet engine running when the coals are good and hot.

[Doc4]

A man's gotta know his limitations ... and how to expand them.

Above the door of the Delphic Oracle were inscribed two mottos: "Know Thyself" and "Everything in Moderation".

A man should know something about everything and everything about something.

[analog_kid]

While knowing how to drive a stick is important, I would put knowing how to back up a trailer ahead of it. And doing it well.

One thing to this day that I still look to my dad when not knowing what to do is what to say at formal events, be it weddings or funerals(mostly the latter). I never know what to say, I'm terrified that I will say the wrong thing and offend someone. Thankfully most of the time my dad is there as well and I keep a bit of distance and watch what he does. It's amazing, he just seems to be able to put you at ease simply by speaking. He isn't one to talk a lot, he says what's on his mind. I delivered a speech at my brother's wedding that I still remember, and gave a great eulogy at my great uncle's funeral.

Everything else can be summed up in this way: "If she doesn't find you handsome, she should at least find you handy." Thanks Red Green Show! It's better to be a jack of all trades than a master of one.

[TimmyBoston]

A gentleman needs to know how to appreciate fine whisky.

[moses]

A gentleman needs to know how to appreciate fine whisky.

I dunno about that. But knowing how to drink cheap whiskey is a a plus. :wink:

-Mo

[farace]

A gentleman needs to know how to appreciate fine whisky.

I haven't made it that far yet. I had a friend who knows single-malts pick one out for me to try, as I really had no idea what they were like. I have to say, its pleasures still elude me. (On the other hand, I love Cynar. To each his own.)

[Lynchmeister]

I do love my chimney starter. In one episode of Good Eats on Food Network, Alton Brown seared tuna by putting a grill right on the chimney. It's like a jet engine running when the coals are good and hot.

...where do you think I got the idea...:whistling: :biggrin: