In a city packed with top colleges and brilliant thinkers, the word "nerd" is bound to strike a nerve. "Nerd" and "Geek" are commonly considered insults, but many Bostonians have shrugged off the label and are either enjoying success or are on their way to success in scholarly pursuits. So-called nerds live here in a fairly safe haven. But sometimes, nerd contempt bubbles up. Witness the anger against MIT student Star Simpson, who walked into......

Update: The Cambridge Chronicle hopped right on it and, while they couldn't reach the owner, things aren't looking so good for the burnt caramel: "Toscanini’s Ice Cream, a mainstay for cool treats in Central Square since 1981, may not ever open again, and its owner, Gus Rancatore, owes the state’s Department of Revenue more than $167,000 in back taxes." (Thanks, Ron!) Another Update: The Web Outside is already running a campaign to save--or at......

Tonight, Zeitgeist Gallery in Inman Square is hosting the record release party for Fischerspooner's new album Odyssey. Odyssey, the long-awaited follow-up to NYC art-pop duo Fischerspooner's groundbreaking debut, #1, was released in the U.S. yesterday. The event is from 5 pm - 10 pm. Inspired by the success of their salon in Williamsburg, Brooklyn's Fischerspooner are showing reproductions of the art and photography on display in the NY Salon in four additional cities nationwide......