The problem with search engine is they only show you what is the most relevant to your search query. It doesn’t take TIME into consideration. Well, maybe it does, but not as flexible as you want it. Here is why.

For example, if you type Penang into Google, you’ll get to see all links that is related to Penang. You’ll get tourism links, maps, wikipedia entry and a couple of hotel guides to make your stay in Penang pleasant.

 

What if you want to know what happened in Penang recently? Do you type What Happened in Penang? Or Penang Happenings? You’ll get unrelated results! Take a look.

Nothing important right? The first link actually gave you link that comes from the year 2007. That is exactly not what you wanted. What if I tell you there is a way around this? Take a look at the screen shot below. I asked Google to show me web pages that are created only within the last 24 hours. Won’t that give me the latest news and happenings in Penang? Take a look.

Oh look. Very recent happenings in Penang. Now, that’s more like it.

This is, of course, not limited to Penang. You can search for any location in the world. What if you want to know the latest election results of your country? Latest promotion in your local super mall. Latest news on your favourite celebrity?

Haha, even the latest torrent in Mininova is displayed. Latest YouTube of her and latest lyrics of her songs too. If are her fan, you’ll be very excited to check it out right?

 

Tell me how to do it

Now, how to make this happen? It is actually very simple. It is one of those hidden options within Google which is rarely visited and appreciated. This is what you have to do.

Step One. Beside the Search TextBox, there is a link called ‘Advanced Search’. Click on it.

 

Step Two. In this page, look for ‘Date, usage rights, numeric range, and more’. Click on it to see more options. The one you are looking for is called 'Date: (how recent the page is)’. Select ‘past 24 hours’.

Step Three. When done, click on Advanced Search button and you will be brought back to the search result page with all the fresh results.

Step Four. Now, beside the Search Button, you’ll see the Date selection choices, so you can continue to use it. It will go away after a while, so you have to go back to Advanced Search to find it again.

 

So there you have it, the easiest and best way to search for the most recent news on just about anything you are interested in. Now go ahead and search for your blog’s name and see what you get!

(photo by TheGiantVermin)