[rb2k_]

Kind of a stretch to call that a "basic life skill".

In my last 30 years, I never had to fight anyone or differentiate a Monet from a Van Gough or a Beethoven from a Rachmaninoff. Then again, I don't life in crime heavy neighbourhoods or go to dinner parties that fancy.

Maybe that's something for the next 30.

[lotsofmangos]

You should get out more, I've needed those skills in one evening.

edit - Defending yourself is a basic life skill. Not ever getting into a fight means you are already fairly good at it.

[jessaustin]

Let me guess: when you drink beer, you prefer Dos Equis.

[lotsofmangos]

Wasn't familiar with the advert till I just looked it up. But no, I have to say, that if I am feeling pretentious, I would have to claim to be more Churchillian in my tastes. What really sets you up for breakfast is some Carlsberg Special Brew, washed down with a nice glass of Buckfast Tonic Wine.

[collyw]

Buckfast Tonic Wine. Are you a Weegie?

Yeah, getting intimidated by neds was part of my growing up. You learn how to show them enough respect not to annoy them, without looking wimpish enough for you to be an easy target.

Some people must have proper sheltered lives.

[sehr]

Some people must have proper sheltered lives.

It is a software dominated forum. This is just an anecdote, but I'd guess >80% of the developers I have met are from comfortably middle - upper middle class families/areas.

[collyw]

You can see by the replies that they think this sort of thing is unacceptable. It is in a way, but it doesn't stop it being the norm for many, many people growing up. And that's in a developed country. Some kids are growing up in war zones.

[lotsofmangos]

So they don't like the bucky?

[rgrieselhuber]

His name is spearchucker, so it may not be a stretch to call that a basic life skill in his neighborhood.

[Spearchucker]

I'm aware of the connotation. I chose the name based on my favourite character in MASH. HN offers no way of changing my name. Another basic life skill is asking rather than assuming.

[rgrieselhuber]

It was just a joke, spearchucker.

[guard-of-terra]

Why would you want to change it?

[Spearchucker]

Some view it as a racial slur.

[BugBrother]

What... against whom?

OK, I don't expect rationality from racists or anti racists (but then, in Sweden "anti racist" seems to be a code word for antisemite. No, sadly not joking.)

But... I can't off the top of my head name a culture that has never used spears and javelins.

Edit: First, spears is an universal farmer's weapon most everywhere. Second, thanks guard-of-terra: It is a shame -- considering all the English I have consumed for decades (both professionally and in literature etc) -- that I don't even seem to know the basic racist insults. :-)

[guard-of-terra]

Well, indo-europeans are known as civilization of peasants, I can see how we may exclude ourselves from spear chuckers.

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=spear+chucker

[Spearchucker]

I understand that not everyone lives the same kind of life, so have a look at this - it's full of seemingly inane or useless skills some consider basic life skills: http://www.amazon.com/The-Modern-Gentleman-2nd-Edition/dp/16...

I'm interested in these things because I can't predict the future, but like to prepare for it. Also because knowing how to mix a drink or who composed Peter and the Wolf makes for interesting conversation with people I naturally feel comfortable around. Each to their own I guess.

[judk]

Basic life skills for the upper crust, coasting through life on privilege and shibboleth.

Statistically speaking, not interesting or relevant to almost anyone, and a net drag on society in general.

[Spearchucker]

Upper crust?!? Dude you have no idea. But thanks, I'll take this as a compliment.