It's been a rough year for nerds

Kurt Vonnegut
Robert Jordan
Madeline L'Engle
Fred Saberhagen
Lloyd Alexander
Gary Gygax
Mr. Wizard
...
And now Arthur C. Clarke

The past 12 months have been pretty rough on the brainiacs. The next nerd you meet, give him/her a hug and a little bit o' "Live long and prosper". S/he probably could use the smile right now.