what do I need to build a programmable circuit for some LEDs?

Very cool! Thanks! I will start there! I'll research arduino and those 8x8x8 cubes. I will experiment on a smaller scale for sure. But in the mean time I am going to continue with the desk build because I want to get as much of the bulk work done as possible before school. I don't really care if the circuit building and coding takes awhile. I love this stuff. Learning is just as cool as the overall finished product so I'll drag it on for as long as needed. It's all enjoyment for me regardless. As for the number on LED's the desk is using,... I think I will keep the number pretty high despite it being more of everything and more difficult to do. I like a challenge and plus if I nail it,.. it will be that much more rewarding. Plus I dont want the look of the LEDs while performing whatever it is that I coded to appear choppy due to large spacing between them. More LED's with tighter spacing will mean greater resolution for the effects. But I will start small no doubt.