>

News Media

If you think Google really changed its name to Topeka, read on … – USA Today
If you buy that, you'll also probably believe that Google's announcement that it has changed its name to Topeka. Or take a look of possibilities opened up …

Biz Break: Apple iPad a winner– Plus: Google’s Topeka (at least on 4/1) – San Jose Mercury News
Schmidt is now CEO of online advertising juggernaut Google, which changed its name today to Topeka, after the city in Kansas changed its name (unofficially, …

April Fool’s: Meet John Hopkins and Google goes to Topeka – Baltimore Sun (blog)
It changed the name on that page to Topeka — playing off the mayor's decision to change the city's name to "Google" in a bid for the company's high-speed …

The Best April Fools Day Jokes: Obama’s Seder, Topeka, Starbuckets, and Justin … – TMD Celebrity News
No Related Stories at this time! In these tough economic times, media of course takes any excuse to lure readers in with the myriad bad jokes, puns, …

Flood problems remain…Stocks gain…Topeka search engine – 9&10 News
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — For at least one day, Topeka is one of the most popular Web sites in the world. It's all part of an April Fools' Day prank by Google, …

It’s been a successful regular season for the Topeka RoadRunners, one filled … – Topeka Capital Journal (blog)
A future meeting with the Bandits is looming out there if Topeka can make it past the first round. In the personal best department, Erik Higby led the NAHL …

April Fools 2010: Google Topeka and Illinois Pet Tax Prank – World Buzz Now!
Yesterday a lot of people were shock with the Google Topeka change name and the Illinois Pet Tax that was spreading around, it was kind of funny that way, …

It’s not Topeka, but ten (+1) things to do in Langley – Seattle Post Intelligencer (blog)
Langley is nice, but if you're lusting for Topeka, here's more information about this city in Kansas. Made famous on April Fool's Day 2010 by Google.

Hot Trends: Auto Sales, RIM, Topeka – TheStreet.com
The change is meant to poke fun at Topeka, Kansas, whose mayor unofficially changed the city's name to Google, Kansas, for the month of March in an effort …

Twitter Activity Snapshot

• Hot: Google changes name to Topeka for April Fools’ http://bit.ly/cpkRV1
• South Central Topeka, KS – WX @ 04:45 AM: NO CURRENT ADVISORIES; Temp 66.2°F; RH 54%; Winds WSW @ 3.8 mph
• `≠FF ☎ liarist.com/topeka.liar @assetebooks @WeatherPlanet @HedgedForex @MoneyCrawler @2sexychloe @mrenlightenment @dougieslap…
• Let me Google… er, ‘Topeka‘ that for you… http://www.katu.com/news/89684452.html
• `≠FF ☎ liarist.com/topeka.liar @robertdem @joanneedley @maximumprofit1 @lindsays36 @vadioandhertz @2012keekee @Hugs4theworld…
• `≠FF ☎ liarist.com/topeka.liar @iamstephanie_ @troywilson @sp0rtsinvestor @Halloween4U @PowerCV @IMSuccessHere @Maljong @PanarinV…
• `≠FF ☎ liarist.com/topeka.liar @stunt_p @KevinMinott @ScarecrowWPWW @tweetfreeleads @JanSimpson @SLCCStudent @TAP_Guru @FreePerClick…
• April Fools 2010: Google Topeka and Illinois Pet Tax Prank: World Buzz Now!
  Yesterday a lot of people were shock w… http://bit.ly/aVklCn
• `≠FF ☎ liarist.com/topeka.liar @mark_ress @iTradeAussie @lambarg @FreeAlarmSystem @gregjon @MelTominaga @fejcavalcante…
• `≠FF ☎ liarist.com/topeka.liar @jtdachtler @marketingisus @TheGentlyTunes @softwarecentral @KurvyKitty @vitalyvt @acregar…
• South Central Topeka, KS – WX @ 04:40 AM: NO CURRENT ADVISORIES; Temp 66.2°F; RH 53%; Winds S @ 5.1 mph
• RT @DavidArchie: April Fools Day… I never got into this holiday. Going to Google this morning and seeing Topeka really confused me though lol.
• `≠FF ☎ liarist.com/topeka.liar @wordlinx @johngreco11 @Tyler_Pettis @mm0591 @Goodolds @jonjohnson @kinseys @sharefeed…
• `≠FF ☎ liarist.com/topeka.liar @WealthAnnex500 @BetaGescheit @EXPRSO @j9photography @interNETworkWiz @SusanBoylesCat @nathaliagrego…
• `≠FF ☎ liarist.com/topeka.liar @tommylinsley @GetEventJobs @AussieLifeCoach @FunMoneyLeads @rejectnation @any_phillips…

Popular News for Topeka

03/25/2010: Compliance Order Issued to Kansas Department of Corrections for Asbestos Issues at Topeka Correctional Facility
Compliance Order Issued to Kansas Department of Corrections for Asbestos Issues at Topeka Correctional Facility (KS): http://bit.ly/dafbLE

RoadRunner fans go gaga over Google – KSNT.com – News, Weather, Sports – Topeka, Kansas
RoadRunner fans go gaga over Google: The Topeka RoadRunners took part in the “BIG” push to bring Google’s exper… http://bit.ly/aigs1Z #fb

Think Big Topeka | Facebook
Think Big Topeka Fan Page! http://bit.ly/a67nOq #TBT #1G4Topeka

City of Topeka – Hotels / Lodging
DUI Enforcement this weekend: http://www.topeka.org/city/comm_view.php–pr=3332

Top Links

April fools jokes: Google version : Topeka
April fools jokes on the Internet version enlivened by Google. The joke made by the king of the Internet makes some Google fans love him. 5 joke created by

Related search terms: Brown V Board of Education of Topeka Kan, Brown V Board of Education of Topeka Kansas, Topeka Kansas, City of Topeka, Linda Brown Biography, Topeka Capital Journal, Brown Vs Board of Education, Brown V Board of Education Summary, Plessy V Ferguson, Linda Brown, Miranda V, Rosa Parks

Topeka: Breaking News Updates

Topeka Google April Fools’ Prank: Google Changes Its Name To Topeka
For April Fools’ 2010, Google has gone Topeka. Google replaced the multi-colored ‘Google’ logo on its homepage with the word ‘Topeka,’ a reference to Topeka, Kansas. At the bidding of its mayor, Kansas’ capitol city temporarily renamed itself ‘Google, Kansas’ as part of its effort to be chosen as one of the sites for Google’s experimental, ultra-fast broadband network. Google explained the prank on its official blog: Early last month the mayor of Topeka, Kansas stunned the world by announcing that his city was changing its name to Google. We’ve been wondering ever since how best to honor that moving gesture. Today we are pleased to announce that as of 1AM (Central Daylight Time) April 1st, Google has officially changed our name to Topeka. We didn’t reach this decision lightly; after all, we had a fair amount of brand equity tied up in our old name. But the more we surfed around (the former) Topeka’s municipal website, the more kinship we felt with this fine city at the edge of the Great Plains. Check out the April Fools’ Google ‘Topeka’ logo below: More on Google.

Is Google REALLY Changing Its Name To Topeka–
Many are wondering: Is Google really changing its name to Topeka– No, it’s an April Fools’ prank — and just one of many, being April Fools’ Day 2010. The move is in response to Topeka, Kansas, renaming itself Google for a day, and it is all in good fun. Tomorrow, Google will be Google again. Topeka is one of several cities vying to host Google’s experimental, ulta-fast broadband network. Read more about Google’s April Fools Day prank here, including their official statement on it. More on Google.

April Fools: Google Changes Name to Topeka
Search Engine Giant Returns Favor to Kansas City that Changed its Name to Google.

Topeka ‘renames’ itself ‘Google, Kansas’
At 79, Bill Bunten doesn’t exactly understand the Internet boom. The Topeka, Kansas, mayor has an e-mail account, he said, but his assistants take care of most of his online communications and tend to search the Web for him..

Topeka: Google’s April Fools Prank
Google renames itself to Topeka for April Fool’s Day..

Google Becomes ‘Topeka’ as April Fool’s Day Hits Web
.

Google-as-Topeka tops Web’s April Fool’s gags
Want to read this story later, but afraid you’ll forget where you saw it–.

Why Does Google Say Topeka– Google Changes Its Name For April Fools’ (PICTURE)
Are you wondering: Why does Google say Topeka– We’ve got answers: the name change from Google to Topeka is an April Fools’ prank. Google replaced the multi-colored ‘Google’ logo on its homepage with the word ‘Topeka,’ a reference to Topeka, Kansas. At the bidding of its mayor, Kansas’ capitol city temporarily renamed itself ‘Google, Kansas’ as part of its effort to be chosen as one of the sites for Google’s experimental, ultra-fast broadband network. Google explained the prank on its official blog: Early last month the mayor of Topeka, Kansas stunned the world by announcing that his city was changing its name to Google. We’ve been wondering ever since how best to honor that moving gesture. Today we are pleased to announce that as of 1AM (Central Daylight Time) April 1st, Google has officially changed our name to Topeka. We didn’t reach this decision lightly; after all, we had a fair amount of brand equity tied up in our old name. But the more we surfed around (the former) Topeka’s municipal website, the more kinship we felt with this fine city at the edge of the Great Plains. Check out the April Fools’ Google ‘Topeka’ logo below: More on Google.

Google, Kansas: Topeka Mayor Renames City In Bid To Win Google Broadband
Hoping to improve the city’s chances of being the test site for Google’s ultra-fast broadband experiment, the Mayor of Topeka, Kansas has issued a proclamation that his city be known as ‘Google, Kansas–the capital city of fiber optics’ for the month of March. As Topeka’s name cannot legally be temporarily changed to ‘Google,’ the proclamation instead calls on residents to refer to the city as ‘Google’ for the duration of March. Topeka Mayor Bill Bunten credits a local news personality Jim Ogle with the idea of a temporary name change. The CJOnline writes, Ogle told the council Monday about how Mayor Joan Wagnon in August 1998 issued a proclamation temporarily changing Topeka’s name to “ToPikachu” in recognition of the nationwide kickoff here of the “Pokemon” media franchise, which features a fictional species of creatures named “Pikachu.” Ogle said that if Topeka could change its name “for a small doll that sounds like I sneezed,” it could certainly do the same for Google. The hope is that the ‘Google, Kansas’ proclamation will help distinguish Topeka from other cities vying to be chosen by Google to try out the ultra-fast broadband network the company will be testing. The Associated Press reports: A campaign to make Topeka a test site for a new, ultrafast Internet service is gathering speed. Google Inc. announced plans Feb. 10 to build and test new high-speed broadband networks in one or more places around the country. The company says the system of fiber-optic cables would deliver Internet connections 100 times faster than most systems now available. Over the past week, Topeka city officials have announced they’re completing Google’s request for information from potential trial communities. The City Council has indicated that it’s behind the effort. And a group called “Think Big Topeka” is campaigning to build community and government support. Google has given communities a March 26 deadline to submit the completed requests for information. More on Google.

Topeka Images

>

Related search terms: Brown V Board of Education of Topeka Kan, Brown V Board of Education of Topeka Kansas, Topeka Kansas, City of Topeka, Linda Brown Biography, Topeka Capital Journal, Brown Vs Board of Education, Brown V Board of Education Summary, Plessy V Ferguson, Linda Brown, Miranda V, Rosa Parks

Breaking News: Topeka

Topeka ‘renames’ itself ‘Google, Kansas’
At 79, Bill Bunten doesn’t exactly understand the Internet boom. The Topeka, Kansas, mayor has an e-mail account, he said, but his assistants take care of most of his online communications and tend to search the Web for him..

Google, Kansas: Topeka Mayor Renames City In Bid To Win Google Broadband
Hoping to improve the city’s chances of being the test site for Google’s ultra-fast broadband experiment, the Mayor of Topeka, Kansas has issued a proclamation that his city be known as ‘Google, Kansas–the capital city of fiber optics’ for the month of March. As Topeka’s name cannot legally be temporarily changed to ‘Google,’ the proclamation instead calls on residents to refer to the city as ‘Google’ for the duration of March. Topeka Mayor Bill Bunten credits a local news personality Jim Ogle with the idea of a temporary name change. The CJOnline writes, Ogle told the council Monday about how Mayor Joan Wagnon in August 1998 issued a proclamation temporarily changing Topeka’s name to “ToPikachu” in recognition of the nationwide kickoff here of the “Pokemon” media franchise, which features a fictional species of creatures named “Pikachu.” Ogle said that if Topeka could change its name “for a small doll that sounds like I sneezed,” it could certainly do the same for Google. The hope is that the ‘Google, Kansas’ proclamation will help distinguish Topeka from other cities vying to be chosen by Google to try out the ultra-fast broadband network the company will be testing. The Associated Press reports: A campaign to make Topeka a test site for a new, ultrafast Internet service is gathering speed. Google Inc. announced plans Feb. 10 to build and test new high-speed broadband networks in one or more places around the country. The company says the system of fiber-optic cables would deliver Internet connections 100 times faster than most systems now available. Over the past week, Topeka city officials have announced they’re completing Google’s request for information from potential trial communities. The City Council has indicated that it’s behind the effort. And a group called “Think Big Topeka” is campaigning to build community and government support. Google has given communities a March 26 deadline to submit the completed requests for information. More on Google.

User-Submitted Links for Topeka

Google’s Funny time units – April Fools Prank after Topeka
Google displays funny time units on search results page. Another April Fools prank.

Google Officially Changing Its Name To Topeka
www.google.com

Google changes it’s name to Topeka
Google makes a name change!

Google changes name to Topeka
Google changes it’s name to Topeka

Google Has Renamed Itself Topeka
Today we are admiring to advertise that as of 1am (Central Daylight Time) April 1st, Google has clearly afflicted our name to Topeka

April Fools News : Google now Topeka!
On April 1st Google fools around with a new name. Topeka!

Google changes name to Topeka (PIC) view!
Google changed their logo to Topeka.

Google changes company name to “Topeka”
Early last month the mayor of Topeka, Kansas stunned the world by announcing that his city was changing its name to Google. We–ve been wondering ever since how best to honor that moving gesture. Today we are pleased to announce that as of 1AM (Central Daylight Time) April 1st, Google has officially changed our name to Topeka.

Google has officially changed it’s name to Topeka
Early last month the mayor of Topeka, Kansas stunned the world by announcing that his city was changing its name to Google. We–ve been wondering ever since how best to honor that moving gesture. Today we are pleased to announce that as of 1AM (Central Daylight Time) April 1st, Google has officially changed our name to Topeka.

News Media

Our Voice in Topeka – Peabody Gazette Bulletin
He asserted to all House members we cannot leave Topeka without a tax increase to balance the budget. Therefore, he proposed a ¼-cent sales tax increase and …

LEGISLATURE DELAYS HARD CHOICES ON STATE BUDGET – Kansas.com
TOPEKA — Lawmakers left town this week without doing the one thing they must in the 90-day session: Pass a balanced budget. …

Topeka Man Arrested In Alleged Murder-For-Hire – WIBW
Topeka (WIBW) – A Topeka man is behind bars, accused of trying to hire a person to kill someone. 20-year old Joel Phoenix was arrested early Wednesday …

‘Vagina Monologues’ To Raise Money For Topeka Women – WIBW
TOPEKA, Kansas – Three performances of The Vagina Monologues will be offered April 2, 2010 at 5:30 pm and April 3 at 11:00 am and 4:00 pm The Vagina …

RoadRunners go all-in for dream – Topeka Capital Journal
Forward Martin Sundstedt has played three years for Topeka, but he has yet to garner a Division I scholarship offer despite steady improvement — proof that …

Topeka Man Arrested For 30 Year Old Killing – WIBW
TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW)_ Police in Colorado think a 52 year-old Topeka man may have had a hand in a slaying 30 years ago. Roderick Elias was arrested on Tuesday …

Topeka chamber celebrates big year in 2009 (Really) – REjournals.com
And yes, he was talking about the economic development in a city, in this case, Topeka. Jenkins is senior vice president of economic development for the …

Warm weather brings new threat – Topeka Capital Journal
Temperatures on Wednesday afternoon topped out at 83 degrees in Topeka, marking the warmest day in the capital city since Sept. 22. …

Local census efforts push on – Topeka Capital Journal
Shawnee County residents who didn't receive a census form in the mail may call the Topeka census office at (785) 338-9660. By Tim Hrenchir Though US census …

News Activity for Topeka

03/25/2010: Compliance Order Issued to Kansas Department of Corrections for Asbestos Issues at Topeka Correctional Facility
Compliance Order Issued to Kansas Department of Corrections for Asbestos Issues at Topeka Correctional Facility (KS): http://bit.ly/dafbLE

RoadRunner fans go gaga over Google – KSNT.com – News, Weather, Sports – Topeka, Kansas
RoadRunner fans go gaga over Google: The Topeka RoadRunners took part in the “BIG” push to bring Google’s exper… http://bit.ly/aigs1Z #fb

Think Big Topeka | Facebook
Think Big Topeka Fan Page! http://bit.ly/a67nOq #TBT #1G4Topeka

City of Topeka – Hotels / Lodging
DUI Enforcement this weekend: http://www.topeka.org/city/comm_view.php–pr=3332

Recent Twitter Posts on Topeka

• I #deadass believed that shyt for a minute. lol. I think that is really a Pokemon name. Topeka the little walking egg.
• (6) ..on this April Fools Day – check this out. http://www.google.com/ (Don’t forget – Topeka changed its name to Google, KS)
• South Central Topeka, KS – WX @ 04:45 AM: Wind Advisory; Temp 65.5°F; RH 62%; Winds SE @ 7.0 mph
• Thought Google seriously changed its name, then realized that its April Fools so its probably not true. Topeka, my ass.
• oh and yes I am aware that topeka is located in kansas… but google made them more popular…
• WTF–! Google changing their name to Topeka & Topeka, KS being changed to Google–! This gotta be a big a** April Fools joke right–!
• Volcanic Now: "topeka" ★ Google Trend: http://bit.ly/9BKmmv ★ Amazon Search: http://bit.ly/aLUqEU
• Thank God I’m not the only one who noticed, its April fool joke re definitely! RT @VisH2So4: Google changing name to Topeka — huh
• Google is now Topeka: Google’s lame attempt at April Fools Day 2010 http://bit.ly/dqIXON
• #Topeka…– Ain’t that wat Pikachu evolved into–
• Topeka was a good April Fools joke Google .. now change it back I want my google
• RT @cheth LOL @Google Rebranded as Topeka! – http://bit.ly/adyNxZ #aprilfools
• TOPEKA sounds like something you clean your teath out with! or some dodgy foreign word for ikea lmao.
• LOL @Google Rebranded as Topeka! – http://bit.ly/adyNxZ #aprilfools
• Google become Topeka #aprilfools http://bit.ly/9SWmj6

Topeka Images

News Media

Good news for unemployed Topeka residents – Examiner.com
This means that struggling Topeka residents may continue with insurance and unemployment funds depending the outcome of the Senate vote. …

Students Across Topeka Celebrate Dr. Seuss – WIBW
TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW)_ No, they didn't eat them with a mouse, or eat them in their house. But, Topeka Collegiate students enjoyed a very special lunch Tuesday …

City of Topeka gets national recognition – KTKA.com
This is the second year in a row that Topeka has received the Energy Star National Award. In 2008 they received regional recognition. …

Project Topeka Closer To Goal – KSNT
Project Topeka is getting closer to it's goal for the year… thanks to several state agencies. Members of the Kansas National Guard picked up food …

Will Google Be Enticed To Think Big Topeka– – Appscout
We haven't seen Topeka, KS grace AppScout's columns since Google Maps began blurring faces there in June '08. Oh Topeka, AppScout hasn't forgotten you. …

Postal Service considers dropping Saturday service – KTKA.com
Topeka — The United States Postal Service is considering stopping its Saturday delivery service with hopes of cutting down its multi-billion …

Cowgirls to host Topeka Hayden – Abilene Recorder Chronicle
The Abilene Cowgirl basketball team begins its Class 4A post-season run tonight when they play host to Topeka Hayden in the opening round …

Local reaction to Supreme Court gun case – KTKA.com
One Topeka gun shop owner, who's also a former state legislator expects the Supreme Court to uphold the second amendment. Jerry Aday owns Holsters and More …

Links dump: Flash game, new ‘Rockford Files,’ Topeka changes name to Google – Providence Journal
Thinking for three: Home Sheep Home. Simple Flash game based on solving problems to get your three …

Most-Discussed News Articles

Topeka to be “Google, Kansas” | CJOnline.com
Topeka to be “Google, Kansas” | CJOnline.com http://bit.ly/dt9hh9 #1G4Topeka AWESOME

Topeka Throws Hat in the Ring for Google Ultrafast Internet
Topeka Throws Hat in the Ring for Google Ultrafast Internet: The Washington Post reported in early February that G… http://bit.ly/c2Epzg

The Associated Press: Topeka aims to become Google Internet test site
Topeka aims to become Google Internet test site: TOPEKA, Kan. — A campaign to make Topeka a test site for a new, u… http://bit.ly/blbCgJ

Topeka aims to become Google Internet test site (AP)
Topeka aims to become Google Internet test site (AP) – http://bit.ly/avLaYG

Topeka courts Google broadband with temporary name change
This might go a little far in terms of PR gimmicks. And I highly doubt you’ll see any Seattle politicians follow suit. But you’ve got to give the mayor of Topeka, Kansas some credit for creative thinking.

User-Submitted Links

Topeka, KA Changes Their Name To Google,KA
WTF Awesome!

Topeka unofficially rechristens itself ‘Google’
There’s a “Wizard of Oz” joke to be made here: The city of Topeka, Kansas has unofficially changed its name to “Google” in an attempt to get on the Mountain View tech giant’s radar as a test bed for new fiber-optic technology that would bring it Internet connections at top speed.

Topeka ‘renames’ itself ‘Google, Kansas’
At 79, Bill Bunten doesn’t exactly understand the Internet boom. The Topeka, Kansas, mayor has an e-mail account, he said, but his assistants take care of most of his online communications and tend to search the Web for him.

Topeka renames itself ‘Google, Kan.’
Topeka changes its name to Google to try to win a super-fast broadband network

Topeka, Kan. renamed to Google, Kan. »
Topeka’s mayor says the city shall temporarily be referred to as

Related search terms: Brown V Board of Education of Topeka Kan, Brown V Board of Education of Topeka Kansas, Topeka Kansas, City of Topeka, Linda Brown Biography, Topeka Capital Journal, Brown Vs Board of Education, Brown V Board of Education Summary, Plessy V Ferguson, Linda Brown, Miranda V, Rosa Parks

Twitter Activity Snapshot for Topeka

• RT @mdh:Topeka, KS, renamed itself Google, KS, (for March) to woo Google to build a facility in there. Obsequious, yes, but also funny.
• Oh, Topeka. Don’t ever change. http://url4.eu/1XLX2
• Topeka ‘renames’ itself ‘Google, Kansas’ – CNN.com – Yes… My Google stannery continues… http://tumblr.com/xhj709nyc
• Topeka ‘renames’ itself ‘Google, Kansas’ NYC decides NOT to call itself "BING." Vegas considers renaming to "Yahoo!"
• Topeka Kansas has changed its name to Google Kansas for a month #wow #skynet
• Sears, Roebuck and Co.: Receiving Associate (TOPEKA, KS) http://bit.ly/d7uha1 #SearsJobs #Jobs #TweetMyJOBS
• Topeka ‘renames’ itself ‘Google, Kansas’ NYC decides NOT to call itself "BING." Vegas considers renaming to "Yahoo!"
• Last Click News – : City of Topeka becomes ˜Google’ city for March http://bit.ly/aCknD7
• is the city of Topeka ever going to fix the stupid f*cking roads…every time i go somewhere i worry im going to have to get a new tires
• #Topeka #Google on 1 Fav Source+23 others like CNET News-Topeka unofficially rechristens itself ‘Google’ http://bit.ly/dkORU7
• Topeka becomes Google, Kan., for a month – Los Angeles Times http://url4.eu/1XL5t
• broadband: Topeka becomes Google, Kan., for a month – http://bit.ly/clsfHo
• Topeka unofficially becomes ‘Google, Kansas’: TOPEKA, Kan. — Topeka’s mayor says the city shall temporarily be ref… http://bit.ly/cdZklH
• I’m at The Limon’s (2316 SW 13th St, Wayne, Topeka). http://4sq.com/bGNZBa
• Sears, Roebuck and Co.: Tire/Battery Installer (TOPEKA, KS) http://bit.ly/cQwgbt #SearsJobs #Jobs #TweetMyJOBS

Breaking News for Topeka

Topeka ‘renames’ itself ‘Google, Kansas’
At 79, Bill Bunten doesn’t exactly understand the Internet boom. The Topeka, Kansas, mayor has an e-mail account, he said, but his assistants take care of most of his online communications and tend to search the Web for him..

Google, Kansas: Topeka Mayor Renames City In Bid To Win Google Broadband
Hoping to improve the city’s chances of being the test site for Google’s ultra-fast broadband experiment, the Mayor of Topeka, Kansas has issued a proclamation that his city be known as ‘Google, Kansas–the capital city of fiber optics’ for the month of March. As Topeka’s name cannot legally be temporarily changed to ‘Google,’ the proclamation instead calls on residents to refer to the city as ‘Google’ for the duration of March. Topeka Mayor Bill Bunten credits a local news personality Jim Ogle with the idea of a temporary name change. The CJOnline writes, Ogle told the council Monday about how Mayor Joan Wagnon in August 1998 issued a proclamation temporarily changing Topeka’s name to “ToPikachu” in recognition of the nationwide kickoff here of the “Pokemon” media franchise, which features a fictional species of creatures named “Pikachu.” Ogle said that if Topeka could change its name “for a small doll that sounds like I sneezed,” it could certainly do the same for Google. The hope is that the ‘Google, Kansas’ proclamation will help distinguish Topeka from other cities vying to be chosen by Google to try out the ultra-fast broadband network the company will be testing. The Associated Press reports: A campaign to make Topeka a test site for a new, ultrafast Internet service is gathering speed. Google Inc. announced plans Feb. 10 to build and test new high-speed broadband networks in one or more places around the country. The company says the system of fiber-optic cables would deliver Internet connections 100 times faster than most systems now available. Over the past week, Topeka city officials have announced they’re completing Google’s request for information from potential trial communities. The City Council has indicated that it’s behind the effort. And a group called “Think Big Topeka” is campaigning to build community and government support. Google has given communities a March 26 deadline to submit the completed requests for information. More on Google.

Topeka Images