March 9-15, 2006

List Cap

Case Studies

Five Awesomely Unnecessary Classes

Christian Polidoro

Various days and times, $2,500-$3,000, Alhambra Sports Center, Swanson and Ritner sts., www.chikarapro.com

There's a right way and a wrong way to get smashed over the head with a steel chair. Mike Quackenbush and his trainers will teach you this and other skills every amateur wrestler should know. Be prepared to adopt a signature move. Our favorite is the "boot to the groin."

2-4 p.m., Sundays, $35-$50, Tokio Japanese Restaurant, 122-124 Lombard St., 215-922-7181

The art of sushi rolling began centuries ago in Southeast Asia as a way to preserve fish. The stinkers were pressed with salt and layered with cooked rice, then fermented under a stone for months. Madame Saito teaches the basics, from rolling the bamboo sheet to constructing nigiri-style sushi. We hear girls are really impressed by a guy who knows how to roll tuna.

7-9 p.m., Thursdays from April 20-May 18, $85, Scribe Video Center, 4212 Chestnut St., third floor, 215-222-4201

Ever since Michael Moore's Fahrenheit 9/11 grossed $120 million, Hollywood has been gobbling up documentaries left and right. Learn how to break down your ideas in a one-page treatment, create a production schedule and budget and operate a digital camera. Maybe Grampa on the Can will be next year's March of the Penguins.

6-9 p.m., Wed., April 5 and 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat., April 8, $155-$185, Delaware County Community College, 901 South Media Line Rd., Media, 610-359-5000, www.dccc.edu

If Lost has taught us anything, it's that we always have to be prepared for whatever curveballs life throws our way — including polar bears. This course covers everything from finding water and building a fire to overcoming loneliness while stranded. Have these people never heard of cell phones?

7-8:30 p.m., Thursdays from March 16-April 6, $85, Haverford Free Library, 1601 Darby Rd., Havertown, 610-446-8022

Devout beer enthusiast Peter Cherpack is on a crusade to change beer's low-life reputation. Upcoming classes include a lecture by beer historian Rich Wagner, beer tastings at the Manayunk Brewery and a special beer dinner at Gullifty's Restaurant. By the end of this course, you'll be funneling triple bocks at your next party.