I’ve been jumping back into Google Maps as game engine mode, and was made a aware last night that a fun little bug/easter egg still exists in the API. Around 8 months ago, it was a pretty big deal for a day or two when it was discovered that Google suggested swimming the Atlantic Ocean in order to drive from Chicago to London. Soon after, the bug was closed and Google Maps is now unable to calculate routes from the Americas to Europe.

I just found out that the bug/easter egg isn’t completely gone. If you query any driving directions from North America to South America, the API still suggests taking a dip.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out that Steven Poole has had his book Trigger Happy available as a free download. While I greatly appreciate the sentiment being expressed here, I doubt this act of altruism will make the book any better.