25 skills every grown person should master

a couple days ago, we reviewed a list of 25 skills every guy should master, according to popular mechanics. it is an interesting list, but i disagree that some of the items are worthy -- items that i have, and items that i have not, mastered. the audience for popular mechanics is mostly male, so we will forgive their direction of the list towards guys; however, there are some lifeskills that every grown adult person should master. [okay, okay, every adult living in modern society. i do believe you know what i mean here. sheesh.]

• paddle a canoe - this could come in handy not only for one's amusement, but also in cases of flood. yes, this is a good one.
• extend your wireless network - uh... hire this one out.
• back up computer data - if you have a personal computer in your home, you should have mastered this basic skill.
• paint a room - not necessary for one's survival, but a worthy skill, perhaps.
• sharpen a knife - yes. this one stays on.
• retouch digital photos - no. not really a necessary lifeskill.
• back up a trailer - yes.
• build a campfire - yes, for both the enjoyment & emergency survival aspects.
• protect your computer - again, if you have a personal computer in your home, you should have mastered this skill -- that is, you should not own a personal computer if you cannot do this.
• rescue a boater who has capsized - yes.

that concludes a review of the portion of the list that i have mastered. next time, we'll look at the other parts of the list, and perhaps construct a list of our own. are you excited?