Heaton: Top 8 April Fool’s Day Pranks

April Fool’s Day is a holiday of joy for pranksters and a day of dread for their targets, but some companies like to get into the spirit of the day with advertisements and products that can fool even the most clever consumer.

BMW Instant Messaging (2007): A new technology that allows drivers to communicate messages via their windshield. The system is called Reactive User Sound Electronic (RUSE). To use RUSE, the driver simply says what’s on their mind, and the system translate those words into a message. It enables BMW drivers to communicate advice, warnings, helpful driving tips and salutations to other drivers without the strain of rude hand gestures.

Flying Penguins (2008): The BBC announced that camera crews filming near the Antarctic had captured footage of penguins taking to the air. Presenter Terry Jones explained that, instead of huddling together to endure the Antarctic winter, these penguins took to the air and flew thousands of miles to the rainforests of South America where they “spend the winter basking in the tropical sun.

Squeez Bacon (2009): Online retailer thinkgeek.com unveiled Squeez Bacon. A ready- to-eat bacon paste in a tube. It was described it as “the world’s most perfect food.” Squeez Bacon® is fully cooked 100% bacon. Due to the patented electro-mechanical process by which Squeez Bacon® is rendered, it requires no preservatives or other additives. Each serving is as healthy as real bacon, and equivalent to 4 premium slices of bacon!

WD-40 Aftershave (2010): The maker of WD-40 lubricating spray announced it was expanding it’s lines to men’s grooming products. The aftershave would come in the famous blue and yellow can, and like the standard multi-purpose product it would have a “smart straw” option for those who require a more precise spray.

Ikea HUNDSTOL Highchair For Dogs (2011): Ikea Australia introduced the HUNDSTOL Highchair for Dogs, as part of an effort “to accommodate the growing demand for furniture that reflects today’s modern family.” The chair was designed with the dog’s comfort in mind, with a hole in the back of the chair for the tail, and paw grips on the seat for stability. Two inset bowls could be easily removed for washing.

Peugeot Mood Paint (2012): Peugeot announced that the Peugeot RCZ would be the first car to come with “mood paint.” This paint consisted of a “specially developed psychochromatic coating” that altered its molecular structure to emit light at varying wavelenghts — “literally changing the color of the car to reflect how you’re feeling.”

Military Working Cats (2013): The U.S. Army announced it was enlisting cats to reduce military spending. The news release said “a young, healthy cat can jump over eight feet in a single bound so if an enemy approaches a cat, the cat will be able to jump on him and either disable him, or claw him to death if he fails to stop resisting capture.”

Total Temperature Control (2014): Virgin America partnered with Nest to offer personalized in-flight climate control, allowing airline passengers to be able to customize their own personal climates at 35,000 feet. Preset climates were offered, including “Cancun Afternoon,” “Pittsburgh Polar Vortex,” and “Oxford in August.”

Tim Heaton is a HottyToddy.com contributor and can be reached at tim.h.heaton@gmail.com. His new book, “Momma n’ Em Said: The Treasury of Southern Sayings” is available on Amazon.