Today, the real 'fake news' day

Pranks and fake news from around the world on April Fool's Day


News Desk April 01, 2018
PHOTO: Queensland Police Service Facebook

Today is the day for real fake news. It's April 1, which means companies, newspapers and jokesters around the world try to make fools of us with pranks, reported The Telegraph.

Here's a round-up of some of the jokes so far.

Burger King

It's Easter, so of course chocolate needs to be on everything. Burger King certainly think so, creating its first Chocolate Whooper.

The fast food chain got into the spirit early this year, posting a video on Friday announcing the release of a dessert version of its signature Whopper burger. “Coming soon to your local Burger King. Maybe,” it teased.



According to the video, the Chocolate Whopper includes a chocolate cake bun, a “flame-grilled chocolate patty,” raspberry syrup instead of ketchup, white chocolate rings that resemble onions, candied blood oranges rather than tomatoes, milk chocolate “leaves” of lettuce and vanilla frosting “mayo.”

That actually sounds quite tasty.

Brexit themed 'Divisive and dangerous' emojis

The Observer newspaper has opted for a Brexit-themed spoof this year. It reports that an Italian firm is planning to cash in on the debate by creating official Brexit and Remain emojis, dubbed Brexit Bulldog and Starry Blue.

Brexit Bulldog and Starry Blue. PHOTO: Guardian Design Team Brexit Bulldog and Starry Blue. PHOTO COURTESY: Guardian Design Team

A paid-for app download is due to be launched on Sunday, giving people the option to use the emojis to give their social-media profiles a Brexit “brand identity, ”Scherzo Primavera reports for the newspaper.

The European Collective – a group of pro-Brexit Conservative MPs –and the Remain Group – an umbrella organisation representing pro-EU MPs – both condemned the app as “making money out of politics.”

“Nobody who campaigned in the referendum wanted to give shadowy organisations the chance to exploit British voters,” the groups said in a joint statement. “Brexit is far too serious a matter for foolish jokes.”

Coca-Cola’s three new flavours

Coca-Cola is reportedly launching three news flavours for the "Instagram generation" avocado, sourdough and charcoal.

The company said research showed their new flavours were among the most favoured by the "brunch-loving, superfood-snacking millennial", the Sunday Mirror reports.

The three new flavours include Avocado, Sourdough and Charcoal. PHOTO: The Sunday Mirror The three new flavours include Avocado, Sourdough and Charcoal. PHOTO COURTESY: The Sunday Mirror

Coca-Cola said in a statement to the newspaper, "Not only do they promise to be the perfect tasty, sugar-free refreshment, but they’ll also double-up as the ideal accessory for any brunch time social media photo – guaranteed to see the ‘likes’ rolling in."

Google Maps

Last year, Google launched the Google Gnome, an Artificial Intelligence speaker for your garden. This year, the internet giant is having some fun marking April Fool’s Day by incorporation Where’s Wally? (Waldo in America), with its Maps service.

PHOTO: Google Maps PHOTO COURTESY: Google Maps

When you open the app, a playable version of Where's Wally pops up. "He shared his location in Maps, but he's in a crowd. Find him and his friends as they travel around the world," a message reads.

Australian police

The police Down Under love a social media joke, especially the Queensland Police Service.

This year, it cracked an Easter-themed joke. In a statement on Facebook, it said police were investigating after "many children have woken up to find fruit hidden inside Easter Egg wrappers."

PHOTO: Queensland Police Service Facebook PHOTO COURTESY: Queensland Police Service Facebook

"Eggsperts say parents might be playing the April Fool or it could be a case of sour grapes," they said.

Virgin Australia

Richard Branson often gets in on the April Fool's Day fun. This year, his airline Down Under, Virgin Australia, launched Spin Class, the world’s first in-flight cycling studio.

The new cabin class allows passengers to burn calories on board during long haul international flights.



Virgin Active Cycle Head Coach, Emma Masters said, “Each Spin Class has been designed to achieve optimal in-flight heart rate and maximum calorie after-burn in the case of the Jetlag Buster and Spin & Sleep classes. For those looking to relax, the Cruise in the Clouds options provides a more laid-back workout.”

SodaSoak

SodaStream has introduced SodaSoak, a sparkling water marker for the bath.

Game of Thrones star Thor Bjornsson and reality star Reza Farahan featured in the launch the SodaSoak which told viewers the SodaSoak "didn't just stop at tickling your tongue."



Daniel Birnbaum, CEO of SodaStream said, “SodaStream is always looking for disruptive ways to create moments of joy and April Fools’ Day is the perfect time to do so.”

As for Icelandic man mountain Thor Bjornsson, he’s on a war against plastic. “The thing about SodaStream’s campaigns,” he said, “is that they address important themes — health and wellness or the global plastic bottle pollution problem — in a lighthearted and funny way that keeps a finger on the pulse of pop culture.”

This story originally appeared in The Telegraph

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