Watch and Learn

[co_delphi]

Whenever I was bored I found myself willing to watch almost anything on TV and commonly found something interesting on TLC or the local PBS station and as such watched alot of Bob Vila or This Old House. My total knowledge of all things tool and woodworking related came from junior high shop class around 10 years ago but for some reason I seem very home fix-it adept. Just last week I fixed the toilet (broken seals), built a bookcase, and built overhead shelves. I don't remember being this knowledgable so I have to wonder if anyone else can attest to actually learning from just watching?

[Roxie]

Course you can.

My wardrobe and self-esteem has got an incrediable boost since watching "What Not To Wear".

While it may seem trivial, I know how to dress myself to look my best now. What colors look best, what fits my specific body type, etc... And please believe, people do pay attention to your details.

[Mechs]

I've learned Stuff from the History Channel. Does that count?

[akitaka]

@co_delphi: I'd probably be as well off as you, had I watched the shows to learn. Everything thus far has been trial and error; especially with water-related problems (namely, the toilet). Shelves are cake, and electricity is so-so (installing/fixing room lights can sometimes be a pain). Now, if you could tell me how to fix the roof...I'd be in your debt (it has soft spots now; water damage).


As for myself, physical activity that requires unusual movement is my general talent. I can pick things up in as little as a week (which is the amount of time it took me to know the Longfist 1 form back when I did wushu).

Currently, in Capoeira, I've somehow managed to pull off oodles of techniques that I was in total fear of, a year back. If you tell me to do a no-handed cartwheel, or a back-flip (with back-hand spring), I'd have finished it before your sentence.
Only a handful of students can do the same, and they've been taking classes for at least 2 years. It will be about 3 months by now, since my joining.

Ironically this was non-existant before highschool; sports were not my thing, though that could be because I've never marveled at ball sports from the beginning.

[co_delphi]

Now, if you could tell me how to fix the roof...I'd be in your debt (it has soft spots now; water damage).

Roofing I have done and unfortunately it typically all needs to be re-done (sorry there are no quick fixes I kow of that will be anywhere near as efficient as a newly installed roof.) Typically a roof with water leakage is due to improper installation or due to vegetation growing in between. If it is vegetation you can lift a potion of the shingles and re-tar the area, but it still won't fix the damaged wood.

As for myself, physical activity that requires unusual movement is my general talent.


Sorry, I had my mind in the gutter as soon as I read this line. All I could think was Kama Sutra. :)

[akitaka]

On the roof: The house I live in was built in the early 60s, and I doubt a new roof installment was in place before my family and I even moved in. The tar sealant is cracked in some areas.

On Kama Sutra: I've never read that, but am probably flexible enough to pull those type of...hrm 'positions' off...

[freeradicals]

I've learnt how to catch pokemon. First weaken it using the main pokemon(etc, pikachu) then throw an empty pokeball at it to catch it. The emphasis is on EMPTY pokeball. As a beginner you tend to make mistakes and throw the wrong balls around and that doesn't make you a good pokemon master.

[Annoying MSN Person]

Not my words, but can't be screwed saying what's already out there a hundred times over.
Everything I ever needed to know in life came from TV.

"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles": If you ever for some reason lose your body, you can encase your brain in a fish bowl, attach robot arms to yourself and attempt world domination with your evil sidekick, Shredder. It will work until you're foiled by four mutant turtles and a rat. Speaking of which, if you ever run into a mutant rat while hanging around in the sewer, get him to teach you all of his cool Ninja tricks. This is how I became a Ninja. You might even meet a really hot reporter in a yellow jumpsuit. Also, TMNT was the origin of our generation's love for pizza. Michelangelo loved it, and we all wanted to be Michelangelo, so bring on the Pizza Hut.

"Full House": The most wholesome family programming of all time. What didn't we learn from DJ, Uncle Jesse, Steph and Uncle Joey? Even that kooky Danny Tanner knew what he was talking about. Here are some good lessons: If you're seven years old, it is not a good idea to take Uncle Jesse's car without permission, as you will inevitably drive it into the house. If your crazy neighbor Kimmie tries to make cooler friends than you, just remember--even though you may be upset--that she'll come back to you in due time. If you're interested in a rock star who worships Elvis, be prepared that he will spend more time and money on his hair than you do. Also, don't worry if you get a zit on the day you have yearbook pictures. Everybody gets zits--see if anyone wants to play "Connect the Dots." Oh, "Full House," you were so good.

"Fresh Prince of Bel Air": Will and Carlton were role models for everyone. I learned all my dance moves from Carlton (thus explaining my lack of suitors). Will taught us a plethora of things, including a really sweet rap. First, the more attitude you have, the better. Don't pretend to be preppy just to impress a girl--she probably likes bad boys anyway. Flat tops are so hot. If you find a best friend named Jazz, you will increase your cool quotient by 200 percent. There is no defining the awesomeness of this show. I have no words.

"Saved by the Bell": Zack Morris = a stonewashed denim god. The lessons learned from this show are so extensive that I can only touch on a select few. If your cell phone is larger than 3" x 5" x 2," you are using a dinosaur. Date the beach resort owner's daughter, if only to make her dad angry. When you go to college, everything changes. Caffeine pills are not cool, just ask Jessie Spano. Calling your girlfriend "Mama" and having her call you "Papa" is the most awesome thing ever. The Max is always the place to be, and the Sprain is the dance of the century. Find yourself a Kelly Kapowski. And last, but not least, everybody needs a dorky but lovable friend named Screech.

[NERD]

I learned how to paint from this guy. I owe him for getting into an art school.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/70/Bob_at_Easel.jpg

Well, not really. I mean, though he makes it look easy, it's pretty hard, and the problem with his method is that the paintings are all gonna look very similar. Still, Bob Ross kicked ass. RIP.