Nice update TVR. I like the second wallpaper/last thumb, the sliding is amazing with that camera. I'm not sure about the look of first blurring, but I tried it many times. The image seems "rare" for me, or unbelieveable, rather you liked that ghost effect
About the lasso tool, I supose you have tried some methos in PS. I usually use (As many people) the poligonal tool, it's very quick, and you doesn't need any tablet. For maximum resolution is better to use vectors as you know, but for 72dpi the poligonal tool is just enough.
I've acquired a Trust tablet last week, but it have a problem... and althought you were a great drawer, they aren't the same. The feelings of the paper is different than the plastic. If someone have tried a Trsut and a Wacom, could be interesting to know a comparative since the personal experience.
Salu2.alexwrc