As medical students, we spent many hours learning various techniques to tie suture knots (stitches). I pass these skills on to the medical residents that assist me. Thus, this video given at a TED conference has special meaning to me both as a podiatrist and as a foot surgeon: tying your shoes so they won't slip open. Go ahead and try it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAFcV7zuUDA
On the subject of tying shoes, you may want to check this website with 18 different methods for tying your shoes: http://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/knots.htm