B-List

According to Wikipedia:
  <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rube_Goldberg_machine>

"A Rube Goldberg machine is a fabulously overengineered apparatus that
 humorously performs a very simple task in very indirect and convoluted
 fashion."

The Wikipedia article describes the history of the machines, including
similar concepts from around the world, and a list of examples from TV
and movies.

Originally they were cartoon drawings, by Reuben Lucius Goldberg:
  <http://www.rube-goldberg.com/>

The site features a gallery of the artist's work:
  <http://www.rube-goldberg.com/gallery.php>


[B-List Flashback] Clik Clak and The (Honda) Cog:
  <http://b-list.blogspot.com/2007/01/clik-clak-cog-and-nutcracker.html>


Mechanical Rube Goldberg machines (via YouTube):

1. "National Japanese Collegiate Rube Goldberg Competition"
  <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bdk5m5IT8NY>

2. "Japanese Rube Goldberg Contest"
  <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kvdq8cRNBM>

3. "MythBusters Rube Goldberg Machine"
  <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCYg_gz4fDo>

4. "Rube Goldberg Officeplace Contraption"
  <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J16dyV4Du8>

5. "Rube Goldberg Machines" (more from Japan)
  <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtVkzgKObv0>