Ok, about to get really geeky here, but I seem to remember from my misspent youth (Trekie girlfriend in high school) that the definition above, wherein matter was disassembled and the pattern recreated at a different spot was the definition that Star Trek used. Wasn't there something (in the books or technical manuals if not the tv show) about Bones feeling really uncomfortable with this idea, because there was a point (however infinitesimal) where he did not exist, and in that moment, something could go horribly wrong? I mean I understand that the public understanding of the concept is something entirely different, but didn't Star Trek get that right?

As an addendum, check out the Spineocrat cartoon. It reinforces what I just haphazardly said beautifully.

Alright, if we had only been doing stuff like this on the public airwaves five years ago, we wouldn't be chuckling at it now. Seriously, this is brilliant, but why can't we do ad campaigns like this? Other than the fact the whole democratic party hasn't been able to get up off it's collective !@#$ for the past 30 years. It's enough to make me think that the last effective liberal president we had was Nixon.

But... but... if he does that at the end, how is he going to cross it off the list?

Just to point out the obvious... The curiosity cabinet has it parallels in what boing boing does today. I love the way in which this site showcases the work of others for the edification of all. Keep it up guys.

Look, I know this stuff generates hits, and I know that I am just feeding into this by responding, but seriously? I have my own horrid fascination with all things bright and shiny that correlate to the darker side of human nature, but I really wish that we would not generate traffic for things like this... I know it doesn't change anything, but at least I wouldn't feel like I had done my own little part to increase their profile. This sale is another example of the trivialization of horrendous pain and suffering, and while I recognize their right to do it, I certainly don't endorse it. I think I'm going to go off and be sick now.