Hey man! The techincal writer lady here keeps reminding me of that...

i.e. - that is
e.g. - for example

Just in case anyone else wants to know

Exactly! That's why I have that tag line in my sig....

That's exactly what I've discussed with each son and nephew right before giving each (in turn) their first (BB) gun...

This goes for young women, to.

Study math, history, geography, the sciences, and psychology, these will all come in handy.

Learn to think for yourself, to question, and when to have faith. To read, and to read between the lines. To listen, and to see.

When to speak, and when to keep your mouth shut.

Know the law of the land.

Learn how to walk a mile in another's shoes.

Listen to your mother, she usually knows what she's talking about. So does your father. Become friends with your grandparents.

How to say you screwed up.

How to ask for help.

To heal, to lead. To cook, to sew, to tend the crops, and the animals. To track, to hunt, to trap, to fish, to butcher, to preserve, to tan. At least one more langauge, even if it's just a working knowledge. How to use a computer, and a slide rule. How to light a fire, how to build a shelter, how to build a home. To drive a car, a truck (at least to move it), to ride a motorcycle, a bicycle and a horse, to sail (both with a motor and sails). To use a gun, a knife, a sword, a staff, an axe, hands, feet, teeth, and the random barstool, when to use each, and how to avoid using them. How to run, and climb, and how to fall. How to drink safely and responsably. How to use a rope. How to use a hammer and a screw driver; basic wood and metal working. How to fix most household items, including electronics. To use a map, gps, a compass, and the stars.

How to relax, to dream, to have fun. How to be serious.

And you should know yourself.

Uhmm.... yeah. I know I left stuff out, but between that and what others have said, I think that young people today really aren't learning their lessons. And I'm saying that as a ripe old fart of 29, who spends his day surrounded by 18 and 19 year olds. :P

Thing I left out #1: How to make beer, mead, wine and whiskey, at least in theory.
Thing I left out #2: How to read the *censored* directions before trying something, or asking silly questions.
Thing I left out #3: How to use a library, including the Dewey Decimal System.
Thing I left out #4: How to appreciate the beauty of silence. AKA, that the single digit numbers on the volume and the headphone jacks on the stero aren't just for show.

Thank you <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Pete

A young man should know consequences and coping skills. There is a consequence to every action or lack thereof and sometimes you have to cope with the results without pestering the question, "Why?"

A young man should know not only etiquette, but how to show respect for everyone. He should also know the consequences for being disrespectful and the consequences for being disrespected. He should learn to cope with a good butt kicking when he's deserved it and he should know not to be boastful and quietly cope with winning a battle he's engaged in. He should know both verbal and non verbal means of defense.

A young man should know what battles to fight and why. He should be able to take a stand on an issue and not back down from that stand until he's proven wrong. Hence, the young man needs to know how to listen to reason and how to apply what he's learned. He should know how to and be able to to say he's sorry if he is proven wrong.

A young man should write down his beliefs and refer to them frequently to make sure he's still on the right track in holding his stand. He should also write down his goals in life and review those goals daily - not a day should go by that he hasn't done something to advance those goals.

A young man needs to know life skills - how to file his taxes, buy a house, patch a roof, hammer a nail, make a straight cut with a saw, etc. That does in fact mean learning outdoor and urban survival skills and learning to be preared in the event of an emergency. If he's learned all or most of the above, I'm quite sure the young man wouldn't be the type to rely on a government to come bail him out in an emergency...

M

Here are my thoughts.

A young man/woman should know the following:

Be able to change the oil in a car.

Be able to change a tire on a car.

Know fire arm safety.

How to handle a knife.

How to sharpen a knife.

Know to stand up when a lady enters a room (for the men)

Know to stand up to shake someones hand.

Know to look someone in the eye when shaking a hand.

Know how to shake hands. Not limp, too firm, grasping only the fingers etc.

Know how to start a fire and keep it maintained.

Know how to balance a checkbook. (goes with basic math I guess)

Know how to save some money for a rainy day.

Know basic manners (please, thank you, etc.)

I have enjoyed watching this thread develop! Maybe I am the only one that likes to ponder these types of questions but I think it is important to think about things like this to either better your self or as a goal to help the next generation.

As a kid my parents taught me many of the skills I have since needed. They always told me that when I went to college I would need to know this or that. At the time I thought mom was just conning me into ironing or repairing my own clothes, but sure enough those skills came in handy when I needed to repair a rag wing aircraft and the cooking skills kept me from being too hungry while being on my own.

My personal list of things to know varies as I think of new or different things but it always comes back to the basics of taking care of yourself and those around you. I also think you should know how to fit in socially with those around you whether you are at church, a deer camp, an opera, a gun show or hanging at the Four Seasons.

Even if your social graces are a little rusty, knowing enough to keep you moth shut and your eyes open until you see what’s going in will save you a lot of trouble.

knowing enough to keep you moth shut and your eyes open until you see what?s going in will save you a lot of trouble.
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Nuff said <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
Mike