Additional
April Fool's Day Content
April Fool's Day Content
Site Map
April Fool Categories
April Fool: Recurring Pranks
April Fool: Regions
April Fool: Perpetrators
April Fool: Serial Corporate Pranksters
April Fool: Settings
April Fool's Day Archive, Contents:
| Before 1900: | Origin of April Fool's Day | 1700-1799 | 1800-1899 |
| Early 1900s: | 1900 | 1901 | 1915 | 1919 | 1920 | 1923 | 1925 |
| 1930s & 40s: | 1933 | 1934 | 1936 | 1937 | 1938 | 1940 | 1949 |
| 1950s & 60s: | 1950 | 1957 | 1959 | 1960 | 1962 | 1965 | 1969 |
| 1970s: | 1970 | 1971 | 1972 | 1973 | 1974 | 1975 | 1976 | 1977 | 1978 | 1979 |
| 1980s: | 1980 | 1981 | 1982 | 1983 | 1984 | 1985 | 1986 | 1987 | 1988 | 1989 |
| 1990s: | 1990 | 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 |
| 2000s: | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 |
| 2010s: | 2010 | 2011 |
category
War and Military
War and Military
Astro Boy to the Rescue (2003)
The Tokyo Shimbun reported that the Japanese government was planning to send robots modelled on the 1960s cartoon character Astro Boy to assist with post-war reconstruction in Iraq. They noted: "It is partly aimed at showing the world the right way to use science technology following the loss of confidence in US high-tech weapons."
| Categories: International Relations, Technology, War and Military, Newspapers, Japan, 2003. |
Kenya's East African Standard reported that the US forces in Iraq were actively recruiting reinforcements from Kenya, Ethiopia, and Sudan. Troops from these regions were supposedly better adapted to desert conditions which were giving the US forces a "rough time."
| Categories: International Relations, War and Military, Newspapers, Africa, 2003. |
South Africa's Afrikaans-language Beeld newspaper scooped its rivals by reporting that, in a last minute deal to avoid war, Iraqi President Saddam Hussein had accepted an offer of exile in South Africa. In exchange he would run South Africa's oil industry. Details of the arrangement included: Hussein would be given a game farm on which to live, and he would travel in a jet outfitted with a missile defense system. The US was said to be happy about the deal because it would make Hussein "somebody else's problem."
| Categories: International Relations, Politics, War and Military, Newspapers, Africa, 2003. |
The Return of Idi Amin (2001)
Tanzania's Sunday Observer reported there was panic in the town of Tabora when former Ugandan dictator Idi Amin was seen walking down the main street of the town dressed in a kilt. Accompanying him were an entourage of armed, semi-naked warriors, 37 of his children, and a member of the Saudi royal family. The Observer noted: "Unfortunately, because of the presence of the Saudi prince, nobody was allowed to photograph this unique whistle-stop visit." At the time, Amin was actually living in exile in Saudi Arabia. He had been deposed from power in 1979 by rebels backed by Tanzanian forces.
| Categories: Politics, War and Military, Newspapers, Africa, 2001, Fake Warnings. |
Arm the Homeless (1999)
The Phoenix New Times ran a story announcing the formation of an unusual new charity to benefit the homeless. Instead of providing the homeless with food and shelter, this charity would provide them with guns and ammunition. It was named 'The Arm the Homeless Coalition.' The story received coverage from 60 Minutes II, the Associated Press, and numerous local radio stations before the media realized the article was a hoax. The Phoenix New Times's joke was actually a reprise of a 1993 prank perpetrated by students at Ohio State University.
| Categories: Social Commentary, War and Military, Newspapers, United States, 1999. |
Diamond-Encrusted Grenades (1996)
| Categories: War and Military, Newspapers, Russia, 1996, Fictitious Products. |
Privatizing the Army (1988)
The Daily Telegraph reported that Margaret Thatcher was considering privatizing the Army and selling off the Brigade of Guards. According to the article, "Strict flotation terms would prevent hostile foreign interests gaining majority control over the brigade."
| Categories: Government, War and Military, Newspapers, United Kingdom, 1988. |
An unknown prankster planted a 16-foot missile decorated with the hammer and sickle symbol of the Soviet Union outside of Andrews Air Force Base near Washington, DC. The missile was point-down in the ground, as if it had landed nose-first and become embedded in the ground. It was clearly visible to commuters on their morning drive into work. A sign near the missile read "April Fools... Courtesy of Mothers Against Missiles." Park police quickly cleared the missile away.
| Categories: War and Military, Freelance Pranksters, United States, 1986, In The Wild. |
“Berri Berri Funny” (1986)
Israel Radio broadcast that Nabih Berri, leader of the Shi'ite Amal movement, had been assassinated. The news caused an immediate flaring of tensions in the region. However, Israeli officials quickly denounced the report as a hoax. The false report was traced back to an army intelligence officer who had planted the news item in the broadcasts of the Israeli Army's intelligence monitoring unit, from which it had been picked up by Israel Radio. Israel's Defence Minister, Yitzhak Rabin, announced that the unnamed officer would be court-martialed. Most commentators found the hoax to be in poor taste. "Berri Berri funny," one foreign correspondent commented.
| Categories: Death, Poorly Received, War and Military, Military Personnel, Israel, 1986. |
Soldier magazine revealed that the fur on the bearskin helmets worn by the Irish guards while on duty at Buckingham Palace keeps growing and needs to be regularly trimmed:The most hair-raising fact about the bearskins has been discovered by scientists recently. The skins retain an original hormone, which lives on after the animal has been skinned. Scientists call it otiose and it is hoped it can be put to use in medical research — especially into baldness.
The article quoted Maj. Ursa who noted, "Bears hibernate in the winter and the amazing thing is that in the spring the skins really start to sprout." An accompanying photo showed Guardsmen sitting in an army barbershop having their helmets trimmed. The story was picked up by the London Daily Express and run as a straight story.
| Categories: Fashion, War and Military, Military Personnel, United Kingdom, 1980. |
Soviets Land in Kankakee (1969)
The Daily Journal, based in Kankakee, Illinois, reported that a Soviet space capsule had landed just outside of the city. Apparently the cosmonauts had seriously miscalculated their trajectory during reentry. The Soviet government was said to be keeping its silence about the capsule. An accompanying photograph showed a space capsule with a hammer and sickle displayed on its side. The article said that one of the cosmonauts was named Lirpa Loof, who had been missing for over a year. Many people drove to the supposed site of the landing to see the capsule.
Spacecraft Lands Safely In Kankakee
World headlines are being made in Kankakee today with the first landing of a spaceship on American soil having taken place here.
Air Force and NASA officials are expected momentarily to inspect the ship on N. Hobbie Avenue.
The National Guard has replaced police, firemen and sheriff's deputies who assisted state police with guarding the site early this morning. Arrival of special troops from Ft. Sheridan, Chicago is expected momentarily.
The craft, which landed during the night is thought to be a Russian ship which miscalculated during reentry.
The Russians, who rarely announce space feats until they are well under way, have made no comment to international speculation that the ship is theirs.
The familiar hammer and sickle, symbol painted on the craft, plus the fact that the ship has made a land and not a sea touchdown, has prompted the unconfirmed announcement that the ship does belong to Russia.
Residents of Kankakee reported they were frightened by brilliant lights from the ship about five minutes after the entire Kankakee area was shaken about midnight by what was thought to have been an explosion or heavy sonic boom.
By the time police and firemen arrived at the landing site, the astronauts (or cosmonauts) were pulling the parachute into the craft, locking the doors from the inside.
However, once NASA officials are in charge, it is hoped the ship's occupants can be induced to open the locks and confer with the Americans. Linguists from Chicago are on route to act as interpreters during the interrogation.
Either by accident or pinpoint maneuvering, the landing was effected so intricately that no signs of damage to surrounding property are visible, and no injuries have been reported.
Observers at the scene say there appear to be at least three men aboard who have been seen looking from a window.
Photo Caption: Capsule Landing In Kankakee Startles World
Kankakee is in the headlines today with the unexplained appearance of this spaceship on N. Hobbie Ave. Official photograph of the bizarre occurence is being used by courtesy of Dnamra Keitsrok. One of the cosmonauts is thought to be Russian Lirpa Loof, missing for the past year.
World headlines are being made in Kankakee today with the first landing of a spaceship on American soil having taken place here.
Air Force and NASA officials are expected momentarily to inspect the ship on N. Hobbie Avenue.
The National Guard has replaced police, firemen and sheriff's deputies who assisted state police with guarding the site early this morning. Arrival of special troops from Ft. Sheridan, Chicago is expected momentarily.
The craft, which landed during the night is thought to be a Russian ship which miscalculated during reentry.
The Russians, who rarely announce space feats until they are well under way, have made no comment to international speculation that the ship is theirs.
The familiar hammer and sickle, symbol painted on the craft, plus the fact that the ship has made a land and not a sea touchdown, has prompted the unconfirmed announcement that the ship does belong to Russia.
Residents of Kankakee reported they were frightened by brilliant lights from the ship about five minutes after the entire Kankakee area was shaken about midnight by what was thought to have been an explosion or heavy sonic boom.
By the time police and firemen arrived at the landing site, the astronauts (or cosmonauts) were pulling the parachute into the craft, locking the doors from the inside.
However, once NASA officials are in charge, it is hoped the ship's occupants can be induced to open the locks and confer with the Americans. Linguists from Chicago are on route to act as interpreters during the interrogation.
Either by accident or pinpoint maneuvering, the landing was effected so intricately that no signs of damage to surrounding property are visible, and no injuries have been reported.
Observers at the scene say there appear to be at least three men aboard who have been seen looking from a window.
Photo Caption: Capsule Landing In Kankakee Startles World
Kankakee is in the headlines today with the unexplained appearance of this spaceship on N. Hobbie Ave. Official photograph of the bizarre occurence is being used by courtesy of Dnamra Keitsrok. One of the cosmonauts is thought to be Russian Lirpa Loof, missing for the past year.
| Categories: International Relations, Space and Astronomy, War and Military, Newspapers, United States, 1969, Loof Lirpa. |
Atomic Sub in Bedford (1960)
The Pennsylvania Bedford Express ran a photograph on its front page of an atomic submarine floating in the Raystown River. The paper was subsequently flooded with calls from its readers: "Was there really a sub in the river? Where is it now? Has it left yet?" The image had been created by a Gazette photographer who superimposed a picture of the sub onto a picture of the river. The Raystown River is only three feet deep in the Bedford area. [Syracuse Herald-Journal, Apr 2, 1960.]
| Categories: War and Military, Newspapers, United States, 1960, Photo Hoaxes. |
Runaway Missile (1959)
The Light of San Antonio, Texas reported that a huge army missile had accidentally escaped from Kelly Air Force Base during testing, "screamed over San Antonio," and crashed into a water tank near Trinity University. An accompanying picture showed the missile embedded in the ground as water from the tank poured over it. An Airforce Colonel was quoted as saying, "We're spending a great deal of money and much of this nation's international diplomacy is based on the armed strength this and other units like it achieve. So I hope you'll understand why I have no more time for this damned April Fool gag."
| Categories: War and Military, Newspapers, United States, 1959, Photo Hoaxes, Fictitious Disasters. |
Atmospheric Energy Harnessed (1923)
The Deutsche Allgemeine Zeitung reported that a Russian scientist, Professor Figu Posakoff, had discovered a method of "harnessing the latent energy of the atmosphere," the energy displayed in thunderstorms and other atmospheric catastrophes. Harnessing this energy would allow the Soviets to hurl objects "of any weight almost unlimited distances."The prospects opened by the new invention are of incalculable importance and certainly surpass by far the discovery of steam and electric power. This discovery was the reason for the military blockade of Uralsk and vicinity while for weeks the experiments proceeded with astounding results, which extended far into the Caspian plain and Siberia, the details of which are being kept strictly secret.
The Soviets were said to have promised to use this discovery only for peaceful purposes. However the Allgemeine Zeitung noted that it would certainly give the nation a powerful advantage in warfare.
The New York Times ran the story on its front page on April 3, having failed to realize that it was a joke.
| Categories: Energy and Fuel, Science, War and Military, Newspapers, Germany, 1923. |
Peace Treaty Signed (1919)
The Associated Press reported that a prankster started a rumor alleging that Colonel House had announced that the peace treaty ending World War I had been signed: "The report rapidly spread over all Paris and the telephone wires to the American headquarters in the hotel de Crillon became hot with inquiries as to the truth of the rumor. It did not take long however, for inquiries to realize the character of the report when they were reminded that today was April 1st." The Treaty of Versailles, which marked the formal end of the war, was signed on June 28, 1919. [Daily Northwestern, Apr 1, 1919.]
| Categories: International Relations, War and Military, France, 1919. |