How do I get rid of the Start Menu "zombie" icon?

Windows 7 has a large icon above the username on the right-hand pane of the Start menu. By default it is a faceless torso in a blue collarless shirt that I call the "zombie icon". (I don't know the icon's real name: it's so useless that Microsoft doesn't even discuss it when describing the Start menu. (Although "Molly Clark" has a zinnia icon instead of a zombie icon.)

The zombie icon fades from one pointless icon to another as you move your mouse over "Documents", "Computer", "Devices and Printers" etc. This icon is a waste of space and the fades are distracting.

How do I make it go away?

Try one of those:

• http://www.vistax64.com/general-discussion/194952-hide-remove-user-picture-start-menu.html
• http://www.sevenforums.com/customization/11213-remove-user-picture-start-menu.html
• http://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/619531-remove-start-menu-user-picture-frame/