Also an interesting route if you want to go this way, the wrestling team. Unless you go to a school too small to have one (as I did). More important (by far) than the "azz kicking" skills you learn, is the social interaction and camaraderie. This is what "cool kids" typically pick up on with regards to your stereotypical "loner nerd". I went the basketball route, being that I'm quite tall and we had a grand total of 4 sports at my school. I rode the bench for 4 years, but picked up social experience and gained respect. Not for my abilities, but for my willingness to stick with it and play despite the fact I got tossed around a lot. Still got made fun of for being too smart and whatnot, but it was good natured ribbing. Sports also helped me see the difference between joking around and actual mean spirited teasing. With my lack of social skills, I hadn't realized a difference.
I also now have a life-long love of fitness, and am far more athletic than I ever was in high school. Just like engineering and mmorpgs, it just takes time to grind.
Slashdot Mirror
Also an interesting route if you want to go this way, the wrestling team. Unless you go to a school too small to have one (as I did). More important (by far) than the "azz kicking" skills you learn, is the social interaction and camaraderie. This is what "cool kids" typically pick up on with regards to your stereotypical "loner nerd". I went the basketball route, being that I'm quite tall and we had a grand total of 4 sports at my school. I rode the bench for 4 years, but picked up social experience and gained respect. Not for my abilities, but for my willingness to stick with it and play despite the fact I got tossed around a lot. Still got made fun of for being too smart and whatnot, but it was good natured ribbing. Sports also helped me see the difference between joking around and actual mean spirited teasing. With my lack of social skills, I hadn't realized a difference. I also now have a life-long love of fitness, and am far more athletic than I ever was in high school. Just like engineering and mmorpgs, it just takes time to grind.
Regarding the end of item 3 on page 2. Someone should really tell all of the Manuels to get out of town.