I recently checked into Google Gadgets again after using it on Windows for many years.  At times gadgets
(also know as widgets to many others) can be relatively helpful, but I just enjoy them for the eye candy.
There’s basically two components to the Linux version:  the actual gadget browser and the gadget library.

First put the Google Gadget repository into your sources list.  Open Terminal and type:

sudo gedit /etc/apt/sources.list

and add the following lines:

deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/googlegadgets/ubuntu hardy main
deb-src http://ppa.launchpad.net/googlegadgets/ubuntu hardy main

Now save and exit.

Update your source list:

sudo aptitude update

Install Google Desktop Gadgets:

sudo aptitude install google-gadgets

Now that the application is installed, you need to run it:

Hit Alt+F2 to open Run Application.  Type “ggl-gtk” and click Run.
A square multi-colored icon should appear in your system tray. Right-click on it to get a drop down menu. Select “Add gadgets…” and the gadget browser should appear. You can now add gadgets and they will appear on your desktop.

If you would also prefer the sidebar along with the gadgets then hit Alt+F2 and type “ggl-gtk -s -bg” and click Run. You should now see the sidebar along with your gadgets where they can be docked and undocked to your liking.

That’s it! If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me.