I've always liked the space orks from the Warhammer 40k universe. It's like a bunch of English football hooligans scourging space.
I must admit i've also started to really take a shineto the Ferengi after I rewatched star trek DS9, pure capitalism at it's finest!
Wang's carpets. Two-dimensional carpets of algae-like stuff that communicate by touching and their touch simulates six-dimensional world and interactions.
Can be found in Diaspora by Greg Egan.