Another April 1st came and went this year, and that means that the Internet was FLOODED with so much bogus news that it was very difficult to sort the real deal from all of the “jokes.” For the most part, this tradition which has taken the Internet by storm, is bothersome and terribly annoying to guys like me who like to share with you what’s going on in the entertainment world. But amid all the rubbish there are some really funny bits, and more than a few ideas that could actually be really cool were they to ever happen. Here are 5 of my favorites that I came across on Friday.
5. Gmail Motion
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bu927_ul_X0&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]
While this idea isn’t really that cool, it tickled me pink to imagine people making some of these gestures in front of their home computers. There is a point where technology gets so easy to use it is basically retarded. The day I have to look like I’m playing charades with myself to work my technology is the day i go back to using a typewriter and snail-mail. Sometimes the price of progress is just too high.
4. John Scalzi’s Fake Fantasy Novel
This one was an experience. Author John Scalzi (Old Man’s War) launched a prank of such elaborate proportions on his blog that Tor and artist John Stanko were in on it. If that horrendous title and character that is the spitting image of Justin Long aren’t enough to convince you of this project’s phoniness, then go read the sample chapter that Tor posted here. It’s hilarious.
3. Lil’ Harry Adventures
This is the second half of a two part prank by Author Jim Butcher of the Dresden Files and I’m kinda sad isn’t true. I actually think it’s a great idea, and there hasn’t been a decent toy in a happy meal since the ’80s. Also, kids need to get their magical education from multiple sources other than Harry Potter. Here are the details of this project from his site.
Don’t miss the highly anticipated Dresden Files spinoff, Li’l Harry Adventures™. Teach your kids how to “spell” with these delightful stories, in which our plucky 8-year-old hero solves mysteries at the orphanage and learns about the true meaning of friendship!
Issue 1: Who Stole Stevie’s Lucky Socks? (coming 6/13/2012)
Issue 2: The Mystery of the Haunted Broom Closet (11/7/2012)
Issue 3: Li’l Harry vs. the Monster Under the Bed (2/27/2013)
Issue 4: Even Sasquatch Loves Broccoli! (7/30/2014)Li’l Harry Adventures™ is available only through participating McDonalds locations, with the purchase of 1 or more Pepsi products.
2. Roswell AP Mobile App Prank
This one is a late addition that bumped a previous qualifier. It get’s points for its simple but elegant execution. A husband changed his own name in his wife’s iPhone to “AP Mobile” and then sent her the above text message. When she turned her phone on in the morning this was the first message she saw. I bet her reaction was priceless.
[Source] BoingBoing
1. The Aurors: A Harry Potter Drama
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WhhS2maFEs&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]
This is easily the coolest April Fools prank I came across this year. The Aurors is so well put together that it kinda pisses me off that it’s not real, because I would totally watch this show. It could make for excellent drama and the fan base is already built into it.
Those are some of my favorites from this year. What are some of yours? Post links in the comments below.
