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Would you OK a knowledge swap?

I suppose many of us are masters of at least a few trivia categories.

For instance, I have fairly decent familiarity with a couple of limited aspects of sports and pop music. But I have often thought I would gladly trade that knowledge for an ability to identify trees and plants by name.

Then, just this morning, I thought of something else I wish I knew. As the early light was changing the color of the sky, birds along my bike route were chatting up a storm. I found myself wishing I knew what kind of birds made each of those sounds.

So what if, instead of being able to name 1960s Top 40 songs in two or three notes, I could identify the birds voicing every cheep, chirp and chuckle? That would be sweet.

Oh, I know what you’re thinking: “You can still learn, can’t you?”

Sure. I guess. But some of my stored knowledge was acquired as a result of childhood obsessions. Talking total immersion here. I’m not sure where I’d find a spare 50,000 hours today.

What do you wish you knew (instead of something you actually do know)?

* This story was originally published as a post from the blog "The Slice." Read all stories from this blog