Beware! It’s April Fools’ Day

Don't say you haven't been warned.  It's April 1st and the pranksters are out there.

The origin of April Fools' Day dates back to the 16th century.  Some historians believe the tradition started in France and was brought over to the United States from England.

Don't think that just friends and family members might be in on the act.  Over the years some large corporations have pulled off some hilarious April Fools' jokes.  Here are a few of my favorites.  Enjoy!

On April 1st 1996 Taco Bell took out newspaper ads saying it had purchased the Liberty Bell and would rename it the "Taco Liberty Bell."  Hundreds of ticked off people showed up in protest at Independence Hall.

Another fast food chain, this time Burger King, had a full page ad proclaiming they were introducing a new version of the "Whopper" for left handed people.  The ad said the burger would have the same ingredients of the traditional "Whopper" except the condiments would be rotated 180 degrees for lefties.

Met fans, here you go.  Sports Illustrated in April 1985 proclaimed the Mets were going to bring up this pitcher from the minor leagues who could throw 168 miles per hour.

And, from our friends across "The Pond".  In 1980 the BBC broadcast a report that Big Ben's analog clock would be replaced by a digital readout.  Needless to say this caused quite a stir.

If a there's a day on the calendar that will make us smile or give us a chuckle, I'd say it's a wonderful day.

By the way, this weekend on New Jersey 101.5 we're celebrating Bruce Springsteen and New Jersey artists on a "Proud to be New Jersey Weekend."  And that's no April fools.