Funny pranks: Rickrolling

Charles Fudgemuffin takes a look at one of the biggest worldwide internet pranks.

An inflated balloon which I'm never gonna let down.

A few weeks ago I briefly mentioned the 'rickrolling' phenomenon which for anyone who doesn't know, is the art of posting a link to a seemingly relevant subject, only to instead sneakily redirect the user to the video for Rick Astley's 'Never Gonna Give You Up'.

I have to admit, I'm not really a massive fan of Rick Astley's music, but I am a fan of foolish japery, so the idea of someone clicking on a link expecting to find information about a serious subject, only to instead be shown a cheesy video of Rick Astley singing 'Never Gonna Give You Up' appeals to my weird sense of humour. It also apparently appeals to Rick Astley, as he has called the rickrolling phenomenon 'bizarre and funny'.

Over time, variations on the rickrolling theme have developed, with ever more elaborate 'Rick Astley' related pranks being sneakily implemented. Here are a few notable rickrolling examples...

10 cool internet Easter eggs (part 4)

Another selection of hidden internet tricks.

An artist's impression of an Easter egg
(non-internet variety).

As it's Easter I figured it would be the ideal time to round-up another selection of weird tricks and novelties (commonly known as Easter eggs) found hidden on various websites.

This latest batch includes Easter eggs inspired by Doctor Who, Star Wars, the end of the world and even myself, Charles Fudgemuffin! So read on to discover the latest selection of Easter eggs found hidden around the internet...

Update: This article was published in 2014. Sadly, many of the featured links and Easter eggs are no longer active. For examples where that is the case, I'm afraid you'll just have to take my word for it that they were really amusing Easter eggs. And as a word of advice, perhaps you should have got here sooner!

1) Doctor Who's Tardis spotted on Google Maps

First up is an Easter egg found on Google Maps which Doctor Who fans will appreciate. If you go to Earls Court Road in London you'll notice a police telephone box which looks suspiciously like the Tardis. If you hover your mouse over this telephone box and then press the 'up' arrow on your keyboard, you'll be transported inside of the Tardis!

You can find the exact map co-ordinates of the police telephone box at the following link:
Doctor's Who's Tardis spotted on Google Maps