Ok, I am sure that I am really behind the times! My 11 year old daughter just taught me about alt codes. She explained that first I have to have the number lock key on. Then holding the alt button and a number (on the key pad) down will produce a cute icon. These are great to use as bullets or fun icons while typing. Here are some examples:
☺ alt 1
☻ alt 2
♥ alt 3
♪ alt 13
♫ alt 14
Have fun!