The power of social media

Ok, so DARPA, that secretive and sometimes downright spooky research arm of the Defense Department (which totally intrigues me) put out a challenge to find 10 moored, 8-foot, red, weather balloons at 10 fixed locations. The balloons were strategically scattered around the United States and nine days were allowed to find the balloons for a $40,000 winning prize. So, imagine DARPA's surprise when the contest was won in under nine hours. How? Read here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2009/dec/07/darpa-challenge