h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Anybody come across any obvious April Fool stories in the media yet? I'm looking through the BBC website for stories, but they all seem too bizarre to be made up, or have too much evidence around the web.

Anyone faring better?


Geggs

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-21991622

I've been had. I'll reveal all later.


ps If you'd like to add your joke to the bottom of this entry, please do so. A517240


cheers

Ah, but Icy, the version of the story in the Indy explicitly states that it isn't an April Fool, as far as they know.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/entire-troupe-of-300-circus-fleas-killed-by-freezing-weather-in-germany-8555528.html


Geggs

Given the recent tendancy for lazy journalists to pick their stories up from other outlets (The Onion?) without checking the facts, the Independent may say they're not aware, but who knows?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/video/2013/apr/01/guardian-goggles-video

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-21988418

seriously?

Oddly, yes. Ant &Dec are actually at number one in the singles chart. Really.

Of course, people may have been buying it for a joke...


Geggs

Guardian Goggles, though, must be an April Fool story.


Geggs

Good grief, you're right, Geggs. Even university parasitologist Dr Heinz Mehlhorn exists.

Is there any point having April Fools Day any more when reality is this?

Not a news story but I mpayed Guild Wars 2 yesterday and they changed the log-in music to a 1980s style computer sound and added a Super Mario style dungeon with old fashioned graphics.

Although Guardian Goggles was clearly a joke (even if you believed it, surely the exaggerated head thrust to look at anything would have given it away ) it's scarily feasible.

Deb

Scottish Rugby Union
"Glasgow Warriors cite nail treatment for Pro12 success
Play mediaGlasgow Warriors trio Al Kellock, Duncan Weir and Jon Welsh reveal one of their secrets: hand and nail-care by local beautician Angela Parileno improves their ball-handling. BBC Scotland's John Beattie reports."

Opens into BBC iplayer clip
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/scotland/21989628

Hmm. That surname is an obvious anagram, I think.


Geggs

I nearly got caught out just now on Twitter when Ben Dirs (BBC Boxing correspondent) tweeted that David Haye's forthcoming fight would be against Mike Tyson.

At least I assume it is an April's fool, with Boxing one can never quite be sure!

FB

Train spotting 'goes 21st century'
"Could train spotting provide the key to the future of the rail network?

From today numbers on the side of trains, traditionally noted down by enthusiasts, are being replaced by barcodes which spotters can more simply photograph on their smart phones and upload online.

Some are up in arms but the brainwave from North Yorkshire Moors Railway has wider implications for the rest of the network.

Northern Rail has adopted the idea and is asking passengers to join in taking photos of trains while they wait at stations to help provide more network information and cut costs.

The BBC's Nicola Stanbridge reports."

Again opens up into a BBC iplayer clip: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-21993455

Some companies try too hard -

http://youtu.be/H542nLTTbu0

YouTube closing down

Google Nose

https://www.google.com/intl/en/landing/nose/

I just tried Google Nose, and it seems a bit random at the moment. I tested it three times from the same spot in the kitchen and it came back with three different identified smells: Campfire, Wet Dog, and Success.


Geggs

And in the living room it returned Airport Terminal, The Beach and Diaper.


Geggs