Most of us have probably heard by now about the Carnival Splendor's cruise mishap where an engine fire knocked out power on the ship, leaving 4500 people stranded in the ocean during what was supposed to be a week of fun in the sun.  No toilets.  No food.  No lights.  No elevators.  Massive vacation fail!

I’m so glad that everyone turned out okay, but I must admit that I had a peculiar fascination with the ordeal.  As I watched the news unfold, I found myself considering the plight of the Splendor’s passengers and wondering, what would I do if I was stranded on a ship that caught on fire and lost power for days?  If the situation had been worse and it became a matter of survival, could I have made it?

Maybe the best defense is a good offense, since it’s bordering on paranoia to “plan” for such disasters (on your vacation or otherwise.)  Maybe it’s not such a bad idea to beef up your knowledge of survival skills.  Not just for cruise mishaps, but for many of the wacky situations that life can throw your way!  What do you think?

How about a survival guide for...

- Being married to a Catholic

- Going to your high school reunion

- Cooking in a southern kitchen without a can of cream of mushroom soup

- Being an airline passenger

- Coaching youth softball

- Defending yourself against a robot uprising

Or, perhaps for more serious circumstances…

- Parenting gifted children

- Managing difficult employees

- Facing issues in divorce (for women) 

- Dealing with an IRS tax audit (and if that doesn't go well, see the next title...)

- Getting through federal prison camp