In case you missed the news, Google recently turned 10. You might have missed the celebrations, after all the firm didn't exactly mark the anniversary with an Elton-John like fancy dress carnival of excess. But it did make a bit of a splash this week.

Perhaps the most interesting about Google's tenth birthday is the launch of a timeline and associated web sites that the online giant has released. Not only does it cover its history but it also shows you how great the company is and how happy all the staff are.

Did you know that they once bought a load of silly putty? That there is a T-rex on campus, or that the firm randomly gives out bicycles to its staff? You do now.

Does that make you happy? Or does it make you feel like the kid at the party that the magician didn't want anything to do with?

Never mind, you can participate in the celebrations in some way. Google has launched a competition that will help its users save the planet or something. No prize money is involved directly, but it might go some way to helping you find a place in heaven. If you believe in that sort of thing.

We would have been happy with a slice of cake, but you can't have everything.

Author: David Neal

24 Sep 2008