introThe Most Useless Machine EVER!
And yet everyone wants one!!!?
Update June 8, 2010: Make Magazine's amiable editor-in-chief, Mark Frauenfelder demonstrated the Useless Machine on The Colbert Report!
Update July 22, 2010: Useless Machine Featured in Vol 23 of Make Magazine:
http://makezine.com/23/uselessmachine/
Read about this and other useless stuff in my blog at www.saskview.com
Thanks Everyone for all the cool comments and suggestions! Keep 'em coming.

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step 1Background
According to Wikipedia, Claude E. Shannon built the first “Ultimate Machine” based on an idea by Marvin Minsky.
The only design I could find uses a PIC microcontroller but I consider this to be overkill (not knowing how to write code for micros may have had some influence on my humble opinion...).
Additionally, the microcontroller version really doesn't shut itself off. It's circuit remains powered even when the switch is in the off position.
Knowing a little bit about servos and basic electronics, I felt sure that I could build the machine using a simple analog circuit. My main goal however was to have the machine REALLY turn itself off.
The machine in THIS instructable accomplishes that!

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http://cgi.ebay.com/Micro-9g-Mini-Servo-Futaba-Hitec-HS-55-GWS-walkera-RC-/300440091987?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Radio_Control_Parts_Accessories&hash=item45f39ffd53
Concerning microcontrollers: I haven't bought any on Ebay and can't recommend anything. I know you won't go wrong if you purchase from any of the sites listed at: http://arduino.cc/en/Main/Buy
As of now, I've found a battery holder and will be purchasing the servo you linked to. I also found this toggle switch (2x for $2.30): http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280526670655&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT and so once I find a Micro Switch, I can head over to Michaels and pick up a box. I'm going to need two toggle switches (as a minimum) cause the diagram is a little hard for me to follow, so I can mess up without worry. Thanks for all your help, SaskView.