Regarding Chrome: It (webkit) renders faster than Geko. No arguments. That being said, it can be touchy/glitchy and I personally just don't like it. (Not sure about Webkit vs Firefox 3.6 though)
Regarding LightScribe: Have had LightScribe capable burners since Samsung first released them (about 3 years or so ago).
Regarding GNASH: It is still at about Flash7 level, so not terribly useful. However, it is open source so people will likely prefer that option.
Regarding Google Gadgets: Desktop widgets like OSX Dashboard Widgets or Vista/7 Sidebar widgets. Small (usually Javascript/XML) applets that reside on the desktop that typically perform net related functions: check weather, stocks, exchange rates, check inbox, etc.
Regarding Rainmeter: Unrelated to Google Gadgets. It is a stand-alone gadget/interface program that allows the user to script gadgets/interfaces in plain-text .ini files. It is fully open source and has a very avid community.
This is a picture of Enigma (a Rainmeter Config):
http://i39.tinypic.com/23l5e8.jpgThis is a picture of Syn (my Rainmeter config [binary clock/calendar]):
http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa316/Saijin_Naib/Syn_Updated.pngAs you can see, Rainmeter is very flexible and can meet the needs of the user. All they have to do is choose what configs to run. It is also insanely light on resources.