But how are their genetically distinct Photoshop skills?

"Area 51 is in New Mexico..."
What? Is this more disinformation?

I love Syd Mead. In the mid 70's, I used to pore over copies of Automobile Quarterly looking for his illustrations. Between him Peter Elson, Robert McCall and other visionaries, I didn't need the "real" future.

Interesting to note the menagerie of apparently bio-engineered beastly "pets" throughout Syd's work.

Spamglish = the new LOLspeak

My middle finger is so sore from all that right-clicking. Free stuff just isn't what it used to be. :)

@ #5 (Mikey Likes BoingBoing) очень смешно!

Mmm, MacPaint I love you.

@ Steve Stair: Yes, it's the demo song in the freeware app Reaper.

I wouldn't necessarily take the imaginary creation of fiction writers (however brilliant they may be) as convincing evidence over the rigorous research of psychological experts. Having just read "Look to Windward" I vaguely remember that passage about torture - but I recall a character explaining that it was something that happened in the past and was not a matter of course - especially for Culture agents. If you are seeking anecdotal fiction torture resources to use as fodder for either side of the debate, you need look no further than Orwell's "1984." Room 101. I think the case could be made that torture not only was an effective method of exercising power, it arguably made everyone happier in the end.

Curb your god.