About the graphic on tps index page..

probably been asked many a time before, but how do you make realistic cables like those on the left? quite an amazing texture

heres a good site on making wires. Hope this is what you wanted.
http://www.phong.com/tutorials/wire/

Ah Pank....I cant think of a bigger ego boost than having everyone (including me) ask at one time how you made that graphic.....to answer the posters question....good luck. As far as I know nobody has a clue as to how to recreate that effect. Pank has also not released how to make it...with good reason. Better find another idea

the truth is out there...

hehe, if i came up with something like that, i don't think i'd be incliened to share it either