The perception of the American nerd has changed in the late 20th century. No longer are these social outcasts pushed away. Rather, they are often embraced and sometimes even celebrated as Benjamin Nugent describes in his new book. The movie "Revenge of the Nerds" (left) showed how nerds can be "cool." Here is a look at some of the other well-known nerds in our society and how they found a way to fit in.