Google Data Centers

Not wacky, just impressive due to the scale and smart design:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-10784_3-9955184-7.html?tag=nefd.lede

They probably have 200,000+ servers, and petabytes of data. Each chunk of data is stored in 3 places, to ensure replication success if 2 servers fail at the same time.

Computers in cars -- Future BMW iDrive

This is BMW's iDrive system on steroids:

http://www.bimmerfile.com/2008/05/31/exclusive-more-customizable-idriverther-customizable/

Some items include:

1. Radio station automatically selected by time of day: NPR in the morning, classical in the afternoon
2. Auto download of your favorite CD tracks to your car
3. Program the heater to turn on 5 minutes before you get in the car
4. Program the seat heater to run for 5 minutes every 30 minutes while you're shopping
5. Multiple horn honk "tones" you can program: short-tap, double-tap, long press.
6. All buttons, sounds, and lights are programmable
7. If you crash, LCD displays emergency contact info (if it isn't cracked)

You program most of this stuff from your home computer.

Lite-Brite

A retro toy... now in Javascript:

http://www.sfpg.com/animation/liteBrite.html?147#