Top 10 Ways to Improve Your Google Search

Computer users are familiar with the power of the Google internet search, but many people don't realize how to maximize their search effectiveness. Here are a few useful tools and tricks that I learned while attending “Even More Googlicious”, a knowledge session taught by Jim Spellos at MPI’s MeetDifferent conference in February.

1) Use the plus and minus signs. Place a “+” or a “-“ immediately before a word to ensure it is included or excluded in every search result. For example, type “restaurant portland Oregon +Thai +Chinese +sushi –burgers” to find asian restaurants in Portland and ensure no burger joints turn up in your search.

2) Never search just one word. The more specificity you include in the search box, the better results you will receive.

3) The first shall be first… Words are given importance in the order they appear. Put your most crucial search terms first and they will be given top priority.

4) Use "quotation marks". Putting a phrase in quotation marks will ensure the words are found in that specific order. For example, “red bicycle” will provide results with only red bicycles, rather than red items and a variety of bicycles.

5) Find synonyms. Placing a “~” immediately before a word will also search synonyms of that word, which will expand your results.

6) Make everything lowercase. Although most searches are not case sensitive, it is safest to use all lowercase text to ensure no results are accidentally excluded from your results.

7) Use the “search within results” link. This is an easy way to narrow your search further.

8) Try the “advanced search” button. This link provides some easy tools for refining your search capabilities.

9) Search number or dollar ranges. By placing two periods between numbers, you can narrow your search to numbers within a range. For example, type “HDTV panasonic $100..$1,000” to find TVs in your price range.

10) Go deeper. Don’t limit yourself to the first page of results. Read through at least 3 – 5 results pages before giving up!

- Bethany Johnson, Associate Producer

President Kevin Olsen brings his family to Nicaragua

After several trips to volunteer at a Samaritan's International Compound in Nicaragua, President and Founding Principal of One Smooth Stone, Kevin Olsen, brought his family in January. Over the 5 days, Kevin’s wife, Carol, and their two daughters, Emily (age 11) and Abby (age 7), joined a team of 13 adults and 16 children from Ginger Creek Community Church to plan a baseball camp for local kids, distribute clothing and shoes donated by Illinois families, and construct walls on a home for an impoverished family. Partnering with the non-profit organization Feed My Starving Children (FMSC), the team also handed out nutritious meals from a food distribution center in Pucha Quape where FMSC feeds 25,000 starving children a day. The organization makes a great impact in combating hunger, especially at the local dump (La Chureca) where thousands reside.

After returning from the trip, Kevin remarked that the experience greatly impacted his two girls. “It was my third time in Nicaragua, but our first time as a family. This trip solidified the relationship our family will have with the people in Nicaragua for years to come.” Emily already has plans to return in the summer with her youth group, and Abby is eager to go back and see her friends in Nicaragua. They both gained a new understanding of what it is like to live without the comforts of their home in Illinois, as well as had the opportunity to meet people who were very poor, but still deeply content.

Emily Olsen hands out shoes

Kevin makes friends with a Nicaraguan girl

Abby enjoys connecting with a new friend!