More tips on google

Google makes your life easier with great search, but did you also know it’s loaded with pranks, goofs, and put-ons?

1. Google Calculator
Thanks to Google Calculator, you can use the Google search box for serious number crunching–anything from converting currency to solving advanced math equations. But things don’t always add up the way you think they will with Google Calculator. Try searching for “answer to life the universe and everything,” “number of horns on a unicorn,” or “once in a blue moon” for unexpected computations.

2. Google Earth Flight Simulator
Buried in the free mapping program Google Earth is a nifty flight simulator that lets you either hop into the cockpit of an F16 fighter jet or a lightweight SR22 propeller-powered airplane. To access the flight simulator in Google Earth, open the program and press Ctrl-Alt-A on your keyboard (Command-Option-A on a Mac). In addition, Google provides keyboard shortcuts for desktop pilots.

3. Unsanctioned Googles
To find this hidden Google treasure, type ‘Google Gothic’ into the Google search field and–instead of hitting the Search button–select ‘I’m feeling lucky.’ You’ll see Googoth, a specialized search engine that caters to “dark, gothic, industrial, and alternative topics.” This search site is not related to Google. Another specialized site unrelated to Google is Google Loco, a parody of Google that’s rife with bouncy characters and flashing colors. Tip: Try Google Loco in Internet Explorer for an even better, muy loco experience.

4. Picasa’s Mysterious Bear(s)
Google’s free image editing and management software Picasa has a wild side that few people know about. Open Picasa and press Ctrl-Shift-Y, and a teddy bear will pop up. Keep pressing those keys and watch out for the sloth (or sleuth) of red-bowtied bears that take over the program.

5. The Many Faces of Pegman
To use the Google Street Views feature in Google Maps, you move what Google calls the Pegman (he’s visible in this video) to a specific spot. When you do, up pops the Street View window. To keep things interesting, Google dresses up Pegman on special occasions. For instance, during the week of Christmas, Pegman becomes a snowman; at Halloween, Pegman dons a witch costume; on Valentine’s Day, Pegman stands on a heart instead of his usual green circle; and whenever Pegman sets foot on Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley, California, he becomes a tie-dye-shirted hippie.

6. Free Internet!!!
Cheapskates rejoice. If you ever wished for no-cost broadband Internet access without having to steal it from your neighbor or discommode yourself in any way, Google’s free (but advertising-supported) TiSP service is a dream come true. To get TiSP (short for Toilet Internet Service Provider), you first obtain a free self-install kit from Google. Next, you flush one end of the fiber-optic cable (included in kit) down the toilet and then wait for about an hour while the line is connected to the Internet via a “Plumbing Hardware Dispatcher (PHD).” Now hook up your Google wireless router and you’re done. Yeah, it was a Google hoax.

7. Cooking With Spam
If you go to your Spam Folder in Gmail, you’ll notice that where you might expect to see an ad of some type, you instead see a recipe that features Spam as the main ingredient. Spam Imperial Tortilla Sandwiches, anyone? Or how about Spam Quiche? For other gastronomical options that feature the pink slab, keep checking your Gmail Spam box.