Nerd 2.0

I admit it; I am a nerd. I'm one of those guys that get called to come over and install some software, remove a virus, configure a firewall, or connect some new peripheral. I'm one of those nerds who never calls tech support or Geek Squad because we feel that we can do a better job of configuring our own electronics and thinks it is ridiculous the prices they charge for such services. To be honest, I enjoy helping others with their techie support issues.

And like most nerds, my interests extend well beyond just computer hardware and software, video games, and electronics. Oh yes, there's much more "nerd" under the hood of this nerd mobile. I also enjoy classic nerdy things like board games (Catan with its various expansions). I like some of the Japanese cartoons that have made their way onto American TV. It's no surprise that most of my closest friends share many of the same interests.

Sometimes I get so excited about some new piece of technology or some new gadget that I bought (like the Sony HDRCX500V HD camcorder, or the Logitech G15 gaming keyboard with LCD) that I just go on and on about it with my friends telling them about how cool it is and listing all of its features. Meanwhile, my wife just blankly stares at us because she is incredulous that I can't see how "nerdy" I am sometimes. Haha, she says that I'm "geeking out". I guess it's like the nerd equivalent to "rocking out" to a new hit song or something.

Like I said before, I'm proud to be a nerd. But sometimes, I read something so "nerdy" that I just have to stop and tell myself, "Wow! That was really nerdy!" One of those moments happened this weekend. One of my best friends, A.D. posed the question on his Facebook status, "Who would win in a fight? Goku or Superman?"

For those of you who don't already know, Goku is a fictional character and main protoganist from the anime series Dragon Ball. He possesses superhuman strength and practices martial arts. He has cool spikey hair that gets even cooler when get gets angry. He can transform himself into more advanced states such as Super Saiyan where he becomes stronger, faster, and can perform more special abilities. And everyone already knows what Superman can do with his superhuman strength, x-ray vision, and powers of flight.

Anyways, back to my friend's innocuous question. A bunch of his friends (myself included) with various levels of nerdiness provided their opinions on the subject. Some people felt that Goku would win because his devastating attacks would destroy Superman. Others contended that Superman would easily win because he does not take 30 episodes to perform an attack. This is a slight exaggeration to the fact that Goku would often charge up and then talk and talk while fighting an opponent. This process could easily span several episodes before actually performing a major attack. Back and forth it went. 27 comments later, there was still no clear winner.

That's when it struck me. "Wow! That was pretty nerdy!" Why are we arguing about two fictional characters from two completely separate universes? Does it even matter what the result is at the end of the day? *blink blink* *blink blink* I now know how my wife feels when she sees me "geeking out".

So I'm gonna have to rethink this whole "being-a-nerd" thing. You know how a new product gets released and it has a version number? The first iteration is usually 1.0. Then down the road, they come up with an improved version with some bug fixes and a list of new features and call it version 2.0. Well, that's why I consider myself a "Nerd 2.0". I'm a nerd but with some slight improvements. Let me explain.

When you think of a nerd (at version 1.0), the stereotype that comes to mind is a geeky guy with glasses and probably lives in his mom's basement. He's knowledgeable with computers, electronics, and other technology. He's up-to-date with the latest Internet memes and talks in l33t speak. He's fluent in both Klingon and Shyriiwook (Wookiee). His main weakness is awkwardness in social situations, especially in dealings with the opposite sex.

Well, that's why I'd like to think of myself as being a "Nerd 2.0". I can "geek out" with the best of them but I think I do alright in many social situations. I love having my friends over. I love following sports and even play a few of them. And no, Ultimate Frisbee is not a nerd sport! I sometimes leave the nerd cave and experience sunlight (i.e., hang out with my friends). I managed to get married so I think that automatically makes me at least "Nerd 1.1" or something.

So anyways, back to that original question: "Who would win in a fight? Goku or Superman?" Well, the answer is simple. It doesn't matter because whoever won would lose to my boy, Wolverine!