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Things that people don’t know how to do anymore

Canuck
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I’ve never used a slide rule. But I am certain they operate much like a traditional metric vernier caliper which I often use (when I can’t find my digital vernier caliper). I feel sorry for anyone who has never learned to use a metric vernier caliper.
 
Pastorbottle
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wagudc wagudc
I had a retired prof give me a slide rule. I am too young to have ever needed to use them. I understand the principle of using lengths to add and subtract. I also understand how on the logarithmic scale multiplication and division become addition and subtraction. So in theory I should be able to use the slide rule, but in practice the writing is way too small for my aging eyes.
+1 on the eyes
 
Pastorbottle
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Canuck Canuck
I’ve never used a slide rule. But I am certain they operate much like a traditional metric vernier caliper which I often use (when I can’t find my digital vernier caliper). I feel sorry for anyone who has never learned to use a metric vernier caliper.
Eyes are to old for these too……I’ve had to go digital on all my measuring gear, Mitutoyo have done well outta me
 
M
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Buying your cds, cassette, vinyl from local record store. Every week, when I go to the store ( since 1986) I feel like a dinosaur ( I mean most of their clients aren't teenagers).
 
Fallout Boy
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Put these items in the right order without hurting yourself and show a sharp image using all the objects. You have 36 attempts!

OOO.jpg
 
Turpinrr
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Canuck Canuck
I’ve never used a slide rule. But I am certain they operate much like a traditional metric vernier caliper which I often use (when I can’t find my digital vernier caliper). I feel sorry for anyone who has never learned to use a metric vernier caliper.
I spent my whole working life in engineering including an apprenticeship but I doubt I could read an imperial vernier if I could actually see it
 
Syrte
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I’m reading that writing by hand creates cerebral activity which is beneficial for learning. Writing by hand creates more “hooks” for memory - as we know well, when we take notes by hand it fixates the content, activates multiple senses and connects various parts of the brain.

Also worth noting the Chinese are enacting laws to prevent kids from being on line too long.
There’s no point engaging in weapons races and economic warfare when the West is rushing towards the cognitive decadence of future generations.
 
DrmexicoII
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Can't believe this hasn't been mentioned yet: operating a phone without it being on loudspeaker. It seems the yoof of today aren't aware there's a tiny speaker situated at the top of the device that you can place next to your ear SO THAT NO-ONE ELSE HAS TO HEAR THE CONVERSATION! I blame the Apprentice TV show for this.

I would also include general mobile phone / tablet usage. I probably remind me kids (I say remind, my mrs says shout at) pretty much every day to mute their bloody devices. When I want to watch a video or listen to a podcast I put my headphones on. LIKE A NORMAL PERSON.
 
DrmexicoII
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Oh, and the number of people at work who don't appear to know the difference between "Reply" and "Reply to All" on an email is quite astounding.
 
Mad Dog
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X350 XJR X350 XJR
Or writing it for that matter.
I am definitely guilty of this.

When I was a police officer twenty years ago, we used printing to complete all of our reports…and I’ve found that ever since then, I print everything [except when a signature is required] and never use cursive.

IMG_3464.jpeg
 
Archer
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wagudc wagudc
I had a retired prof give me a slide rule. I am too young to have ever needed to use them. I understand the principle of using lengths to add and subtract. I also understand how on the logarithmic scale multiplication and division become addition and subtraction. So in theory I should be able to use the slide rule, but in practice the writing is way too small for my aging eyes.

I remember in grade 9 math class, there was a giant slide rule on the wall for teaching people how to use one, but it disappeared after that year.
 
Dan S
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Slide rules are obviously long obsolete, but it is clear to me that routine use of a slide rule reinforces a deep understanding of logarithms, which is helpful for mathematical intuition.
 
Archer
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ahartfie ahartfie
Use a percolator.
IMG_0042.jpeg

My parents had a glass one that you heated up on the stove.
 
MRC
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samweldspoorly samweldspoorly
I feel like asking what that is will reinforce the thread topic lol.
Gestetner? An instrument of torture used by teachers, club newsletter editors and other amatuers who needed to print things without the expense of a proper printing press. Eg for a local motor club newsletter:
1) write month's copy out longhand (compose it too, ever get contributions? Thought not.)
2) take sheet of Gestetner paper and insert into typewriter that has had ribbon removed (manual of course)
3) type from longhand version (this makes holes in front sheet)
4) examine sheet for typos, spelling, punctuation, etc
5) apply nail varnish to fill up the holes where correction is needed
6) re-insert sheet to typewriter and try to line up exactly as before
7) type corrections over nail varnish
8) insert sheet to Gestetner m/c
9) apply ink to Gestetner roller trying to keep it off hands and clothes
10) load blank paper
11) turn handle on side making typed sheet and blank paper go through one turn in contact with inked roller
12) examine printed paper and decide if the previously unnoticed mistakes are within normal operating parameters or IF the whole boodly thing needs to be retyped GOTO 3
13) print off as many copies as required
14) collate, staple, stuff into envelopes
15) not blameable on Gestetner but unless somehow pre-printed the address labels now need to be written out, postage stamps licked (uggggh!) and whole mess taken to post-office
 
Scarecrow Boat
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ahartfie ahartfie
Use a percolator.
I love using my percolator. It belonged to my grandmother and when she passed, it was one item I really wanted to keep. I have many fond memories of spending the occasional weekend at my grandparents house as a kid. Waking up early in the morning to the sounds and smells of breakfast being made, filling the house. This percolator was always in action and it created such a rich coffee aroma. I loved the smell of coffee as a kid. I’m 35 now and each time I use this I can’t help but smile- the rich aroma fills my house and transports me back in time as those memories come back into view.

IMG_4231.jpeg
Edited:
 
X350 XJR
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Archer Archer
My parents had a glass one that you heated up on the stove.

Mine too, Pyrex.

p1.jpg p2.jpg
 
Archer
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Yep - exactly like those above.
 
lillatroll
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Pastorbottle Pastorbottle
BTW here in Oz we don’t do gas stations….. we have petrol stations or service stations also known as servos.
Why do Australians put an o on the end of everything? How did it come about in the first place?Does anyone actually pronounce the full word,or does everyone just cut every word to a minimum and just stick an o on the end?
 
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