Beware of Pranksters: Today is April Fool's Day

OK, I'm a stick in the mud. I love a good laugh, but never at the expense of others, which is what today is all about! 

So here's a little history. April Fools' Day or All Fools' Day is celebrated every year on 1 April by playing practical jokes and spreading hoaxes. In the 1700s, English pranksters popularized the annual tradition of April Fools’ Day by playing practical jokes on each other. It has been celebrated for several centuries by different cultures. Its exact origins remain a mystery.

Many media sources will report fake stories, which are usually explained the next day or below the article in tiny print. Companies need to be wary of that their jokes don't backfire. Back in 1996, Taco Bell took out a full page ad stating that they were purchasing the Liberty Bell and renaming it the "Taco Liberty Bell." I bet you some marketing reps lost their job that day. You can read more about the Taco Liberty Bell hoax at Hoaxes.org. 

My mother used to do little things to get my father - which she did - EVERY year. It was something so simple, like "Tony, your toast is burning!" My poor dad, never saw it coming - or did he? Was he just playing along to make my mom's day? So who really got pranked?  

So enjoy the day! You can still be funny without being a fool yourself. If your a prankster, keep in mind the safety and feelings of others. If you get pranked, laugh and the world laughs with you!