"The goal was to create original titles (book, videos, games, etc.) on topics that would not be economically viable if published using traditional methods, or covering topics that might be of interest to a limited audience that would nevertheless find the titles useful (what some call the 'long tail')," he said.

The machines - up to 10 PCs for a single sub-sub-genre - then work on compiling thousands of individual titles around the topic, which take about an hour each to compile.

"These genres create wholly original content or conclusions ... much the way consultants draw original conclusions from data they analyse," Parker said.

"If data need to be collected online as on author would, then this process is fully automated - much the way bloggers 'read' things online and then create comments based on what they have read."

Basic English errors in Parker's computer-compiled responses to interview questions highlight the fact that his processes aren't infallible.

To be sure, Parker does not believe his technology will render all human authorship obsolete - only that which is "mundane" or uneconomical to otherwise produce.

(Excerpted from) Asher Moses - Automaton Author Writes up a Storm, The Age, 21 April 2008.

I am so sad to hear this piece of news.

I have also read all the accounts posted in Chev's Facebook leading to the unfortunate event.

9 ounces (1 cup plus 2 Tbsp ricotta cheese)
½ cup low fat milk
2 large eggs, separated
¾-1 cup all-purpose flour (add more to make batter thicker if necessary)
1 tsp baking powder
Pinch salt
Canola oil for the cooking the cakes o the griddle

Add ricotta, milk, and egg yolks into a bowl and mix well to combine. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt, and gently whisk to make a smooth batter.

In a glass or metal bowl, whisk egg whites until they become foamy, then fold them into the ricotta mixture.

Heat the oil on a griddle or large frying pan. Pour batter onto the griddle. Cook for about 1 minute until golden, then flip and cook another minute. Keep the cooked hotcakes warm by tenting them with foil on a large warmed plate, while you make the rest.

Serve with honeyed peaches and nectarines below, or with a topping of your choice, such as maple syrup, fresh berries, or wild honey.

Peaches and Nectarines in a Honey Syrup

¾ cup water
1/8 cup good honey
2 Tbsp sugar
A few dashes each of ground cinnamon and nutmeg
¼ tsp pure vanilla extract
1 large ripe peach, sliced
1 large rip nectarine, sliced

When ready, place hotcakes on a plate, layering with cooking fruit and drizzling with more of the honey syrup. Garnish with a couple of slices of ripe but uncooked fruit slices, if desired.