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CBS MoneyWatch
April 1, 2007 11:20 PM

Google flush with laughs after porcelain prank

By
Steven Musil
Topics
Google

Google was apparently trying to bowl over Web surfers with its April Fools' Day prank Sunday by offering a service that lets people stay online when they are on the john.

The Web search giant launched a gag offer on its home page called "Dark Porcelain" that that offered high-speed wireless Internet access via consumers' toilets.

Google said its "Toilet Internet Service Provider" (TiSP) would be available in three speeds: Trickle, The No. 2, and Royal Flush. Google's prank included an online installation guide, an FAQ and a press release quoting Google co-founder and President Larry Page.

"There's actually a thriving little underground community that's been studying this exact solution for a long time," Page said in the facetious statement. "And today our Toilet ISP team is pleased to be leading the way through the sewers, up out of your toilet and--splat--right onto your PC."

The service, which uses the central sewer system to connect your home to the Internet, works with Microsoft's Windows Vista operating system, but is incompatible with septic tanks, the company's site said.


  • Steven Musil is the night news editor at CNET News. Before joining CNET News in 2000, Steven spent 10 years at various Bay Area newspapers. E-mail Steven.

Add a Comment See all 22 Comments
by stratus666 February 4, 2010 10:50 AM EST
Daffy64

You are an idiot.

You also have insecurity issues
Reply to this comment
by daffy64 February 4, 2010 1:28 PM EST
May be an idiot, but I'm not shipping my transportation money to YOUR country.

Have a great day.
by geminispyder-2009 February 4, 2010 10:35 AM EST
The reason Toyota sales will pick up right where it left off before this crisis started is because the Japanese have enough pride that, for a screw up like this, those responsible will either resign or just outright off themselves rather than try to shove the blame on someone else.
Reply to this comment
by HGOODGUY February 4, 2010 9:36 AM EST
Unfortunately Toyota has a problem that is typical of large companies that have unparalied growth.
Everyone tells them how great they are and they start to believe it and, as a result, something bad happens.
I don't think that Toyota suffers from arrogance and smugness but rather paying less attention than they should have to these impending problems.

I leave all the arrogance and smugness to GM!!
Reply to this comment
by jgg000101 February 4, 2010 9:32 AM EST
Save the Planet. Hit a Tree.
Reply to this comment
by r_mcdonald1 February 4, 2010 8:49 AM EST
If we had the same level of media scrutiny in the 70's when Ford had it's recall after recall, and Firestone had it's problems with the 721 tires, we would have a different face on the automotive industry here.

I cannot believe that the American public resorts to "panic" so very easily in instances like this. What a bunch of wusses.
Reply to this comment
by taiotoshi8602 February 4, 2010 9:38 AM EST
<< I cannot believe that the American public resorts to "panic" so very easily in instances like this. What a bunch of wusses. >> ..... I don't think the problem is that the American public "panics" as much as the media sensationalizes every detail and makes it appear that people are in a panic.

Maybe we will have to bail out Toyota soon.
by daffy64 February 4, 2010 8:41 AM EST
Brakes? On a Prius? Who cares. Most of the time when I see these putt-putts they are in the left lane, driving 5 under, and holding up the rest of the commuting world.

If ever there was a car defined by the people who buy it, it's a Prius. The joke about Porches and porcupines. Just a different kind of prick.

--

That's right. Americans should consume as much fuel as possible. Global warming is a myth and Canada, Venezuela, and Saudi Arabia need the money. After all, without it, how could we have "free" health care?

Keep up the good work.

-A Canadian.
Reply to this comment
by brooky22 February 4, 2010 8:26 AM EST
There are millions of Toyota's out on the road around the world. Are people going to stop driving them? I say not because I bet the millions of them out there will never have an issue.This whole thing is really blown out of whack.There have been many recalls from many makes and manufacturers for years. Why is this one so different?
Reply to this comment
by book_of_wally February 4, 2010 7:49 AM EST
Terrorist plan to use Toyotas in suicide bomb attacks because they now know they have an excuse to run road blocks.
Reply to this comment
by rightbehind February 4, 2010 9:59 AM EST
Are you a defence lawyer?
by book_of_wally February 4, 2010 7:41 AM EST
Short sell Toyota at the open!
Reply to this comment
by donjschulze February 4, 2010 7:31 AM EST
Regarding the Toyota Executive who said he meant to say this and he thought he said that.. He's an executive. He's the guy they sent to speak. If he can't say what he means, then he shouldn't step up to a microphone and say anything.
Reply to this comment
See all 22 Comments
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