Eddy pranks the Sunrise Team0:29
Sunrise co-host Edwina Bartholemew had Kochie fooled when she announced she was engaged to her long time partner Neil Varcoe today using Natalie Barr's ring. Courtesy Sunrise.
Sunrise co-host Edwina Bartholemew playing an April Fool’s Day prank on Kochie. Picture: Twitter/Sunrise
IT’S April Fool’s Day today, and Australian celebrities and companies have gotten into the spirit by having a lend of their colleagues and customers in some very creative ways.
Here are some of the jokes already online:
EDDY PRANKS SUNRISE TEAM
Sunrise co-host Edwina Bartholemew had Kochie fooled when she announced she was engaged to her long time partner Neil Varcoe today. To carry out the joke she used Natalie Barr’s ring and put it on her hand. She eventually fessed up to the prank.
.@edwina_b...you got us! #sun7 #AprilFools pic.twitter.com/sbSMh6WsRD
— Sunrise (@sunriseon7) March 31, 2016
THE TODAY SHOW FOOLS DICKIE
The Today Show targeted Richard Wilkins today with a fake new report on all New Zealand born Australians having to pay a one off 10 per cent superannuation levy to the NZ government.
NATARSHA BELLING PRANKS HER BOSS
Studio 10 host Natarsha Belling was already at work ready to host the show, but she called the show’s executive producer Rob McKnight to tell her boss she had slept in. He told her it was okay, but he was filmed while going into panic mode. Her co-host Denise Drysdale also rang in to say she had “hit the snooze button". He soon realised something was up, and was told it was an April Fool’s Day prank. Luckily he took it well, and laughed with sighs of relief.
MORE: Ten of the best April Fool’s Day jokes ever
AUSTRALIAN OPEN TO GET ‘TIMBER SURFACE’
The Australian Open Facebook page posted a video claiming the courts would be re-surfaced with timber for 2017 today. They claimed Australia would be the first to host a “timber court tournament”. Nice try guys!
COLES UNLEASHES THE ‘HOVER TROLLEY’
Coles took to Twitter to announce their new ‘Hover Trolleys’ would be coming to their supermarkets. But their futuristic design didn’t fool everyone.
Introducing Coles NEW hover trolleys! Gliding into a store near you soon…#hovertrolley pic.twitter.com/eX3NabBcoI
— Coles Supermarkets (@Coles) March 31, 2016
FLAMINGO RAFTING AND V8 PARASAILING
Red Balloon released a new inflatable flamingo rapids experience. At $495, it allows you to explore the majesty of the Nymboida River without ugly safety equipment, or rafts. Other experiecnes on offer for April Fool’s day include V8 Parasailing, and an Activewear Styling Session. They are also releasing a Blindfolded Cooking Class.
TRY LIVING ABOVE THE LINE
The ‘Live Below the Line’ organisation put up a spoof campaign titled ‘Live Above the Line’ today, saying: “Did you know that there are only 1810 billionaires living in the world today? And this year, we’re standing with them.”
Since 2010, Live Below the Line has encouraged over 45,000 Australians to eat on $2 a day for five days. But their April Fool’s Day prank asked Australians to take a new challenge: eat on less than $10,000 a day for five days, to raise funds and awareness for those living above the poverty line. “We’re calling it Live Above the Line, and we’re doing it because wealthy people deserve their own fundraising campaign, too.”
Rich people have problems too, according to the Live Above the Line campaign. Picture: Supplied
FORD OFFERS ‘MOOD TECH’
Today, Ford Australia teased fans with new wearable technology that connected them to their car like never before. With new ‘Mood-Ion Technology’, it would monitor a wearer’s body temperature and use cameras to track eye movement and feed this information into the vehicle. They tweeted that mood lighting runs through colour shades to “resemble a nightclub when the wearer wants to belt out a tune”. They also tweeted: “In selected Ford vehicles, there will be options to have the glove box retrofitted with a convection oven”.
Introducing #SYNCMoodTech, an innovative new wearable technology to connect you & your vehicle like never before!https://t.co/HNcflvISvl
— Ford Australia (@FordAustralia) March 31, 2016
GROUPON PLAYS THE TRUMP CARD
Groupon is offering one Aussie family the chance to escape this world and retreat to an island paradise if Donald Trump becomes the next US President. The family would relocate to a Trump-free ‘Isle of Eden’ for four years – equivalent to Trump’s presidential term. The trip would be an all-expenses paid holiday with no access to the outside world.
Groupon offers a holiday away from Donald Trump if he becomes President. Picture: Supplied
INTRODUCING THE VODA-DRONE
Vodafone created the Voda-Drone to extend the Vodafone network with an on-demand service to reach and cover the remaining 3 per cent of the population that isn’t covered by the network in Australia.
“Ensuring Voda-Drone maintains a light weight frame to cover long distances, Voda-Drone sees the traditional drone camera compartment replaced with a wireless modem to beam down coverage to those in video need,” a Vodafone statement said.
An April Fool’s Day prank from Vodafone. Picture: Supplied
“With Sophisticated Evasion Nuisance Detection and Unmanned Provider Status, the drone will evade trees, birds and even people on ladders to ensure all flora and fauna is safe while you browse, share and enjoy the world of entertainment online.”
If it was real, users would send their local Vodafone store a message of “Voda-Drone”, and it will be deployed at high speed and travel to their location within 30 minutes to share Wi-Fi down to their device.
NISSAN’S PLAYING CUPID
Nissan Australia wanted to try and connect single drivers with its N-Connect App. Based on a study by the University of Cambridge, Nissan drivers were dubbed the most “loyal” and “friendly” among European car owners. Users of N-Connect would be able to meet others by hitting on a love symbol inside the car to show their interest in each other.
INTRODUCING THE DOGTASKER
Airtasker launched a new service called Dogtasker, where pet owners can sign up and cash in on their pooches that could do everyday tasks like making deliveries, walking, gardening, you name it!
WEIRDEST ANIMALS OF THE OUTBACK
As an April Fool’s Day prank, the DesignCrowd community has created the strangest wildlife to ever come out of the outback. Here, they created hybrid camel-kangaroos.
It’s a camel, no it’s a roo, it’s a leaping camel kangaroo. Picture: Supplied
A DATING SITE FOR ANIMALS
Australia’s online dating site eHarmony, in partnership with WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo in Darling Harbour, announced the launch of aHarmony, a revolutionary new dating platform specifically designed for animals, where pet owners can find fluffy, scaly or even prickly partners using eHarmony’s famous Compatibility Matching System. WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo’s vets and keepers have reportedly been working closely with eHarmony’s relationship experts to perfect the dating website’s well-known compatibility matching system for animals, working with different animals at the Zoo including Davey the Quokka, Jack the Koala and Candy the Sugar Glider.
The spoof aHarmony dating site for aniamls features a profile for Jack the Koala.
TALKING PARROT DOES PIRATES OF THE CARRIBEAN
Audible, the Amazon-owned company and learning provider of digital audiobook, announced the release of Parrots Of The Caribbean, the world’s first audiobook performed entirely by a talking parrot. The engaging tale of lawless adventure on the high seas is now available for exclusive download at Audible.com.au. The parrot, named Jack Sparrow, was enlisted for this production following pleas from Australian Audible listeners for more non-human recordings. Originally from the Caribbean, Sparrow the parrot stood out against 45 other hopeful animal contenders from around the world.
Audible announces a talking book voiced by a parrot. Picture: Supplied
MEET THE ‘CARDASHIANS’
Industry super fund-owned bank ME announced they were releasing a new line of credit cards with no limit to help you keep up with the latest fads and fashions. The only barrier is your ego. There are four credit cards to choose from: cim, chloé, courtney and cris. Each card in the set is vanilla scented and available in different shades of nude.
The fake cards being offered by ME today as a prank. Picture: SuppliedSource:Supplied
HECS YOUR HOLIDAY
Student Flights announced that university students can now put their holiday expenses on their HECS account. The HECS Your Holiday scheme is an exclusive agreement with government officials, allowing students to defer travel payments until they start earning post-university.
Student Flights general manager Sean Martin said the agreement was a coup for cash-poor but time-rich students for whom the biggest road block to travel was the upfront expenditure.
“Our customers have a bucket list a mile long but often without the holiday funds to fulfil it,” Mr Martin said.
“With this scheme they don’t have to choose between purchasing next semesters’ text books and taking that trip to Europe.
“With HECS Your Holiday, they can have both.”
If only it were true....
The HECS your Holiday Scheme would be a dream come true for students ... if it were real. Picture: SuppliedSource:Supplied
PERFECT MATCH VIA A BURRIT-OH!
Zoosk, an online dating company, created ‘Burrit-OH!’, a mobile dating site that uses a new, game-changing burrito compatibility framework to match potential daters and firmly insert burritos into every aspect of the online dating experience.
Zoosk Software Engineer said:“Today’s daters are more sophisticated than their predecessors. “They’re tired of matching on trivial things and are looking for a more meaningful way to connect. We’ve found that way, and that way is burritos.”
Burrit-OH! matches singles on a deeper level of compatibility — not age, location, life goals or core beliefs — but their true burrito compatibility. Do you and your date both like the ‘butt’ (also known as the bottom or end) of the burrito best? Are you both carne asada lovers at heart? Or do you think people who put peas in burrito-rice are evil individuals bent on destroying all that is good and true in this world? Burrit-OH! takes all that into consideration.
The online dating site will be around until next week.
How the Burrit-Oh! dating app works. Picture: Supplied
SPORTSBET SUSPENDS ALIEN LIFE BETS
Online bookmaker sportsbet.com.au announced it has suspended betting on the existence of extra-terrestrial life. The decision was made after having some legitimate close encounters with new account holders wagering supernatural amounts at odds of $501. Sportsbet has also, as a result of the abnormal betting signs, beamed in the price of Australia having first contact with the otherworldly beings from $7.50 into $2.50. “We’ve gone were no bookie has gone before and declared the truth IS out there and suspended betting on their existence,” said Sportsbet.com.aufo’s conspiracy correspondent Will Byrne.
The truth IS out there, Sportsbet claimed today in an April Fool’s Day prank. Picture: Supplied
TEN TO AIR THE BACHELOR: THE SENIOR YEARS
News Corp Australia’s opinion site RendezView announced that Network Ten television executives have given the green light to a spin off called The Bachelor: The Senior Years.
The show would feature romance seekers aged 65 and over.
Why should young people have all the fun? Romance seekers aged 65 and over will be the stars of The Bachelor: The Senior Years. (Pic: iStock)Source:istock
THE TRAVELODGE ‘COLD CALL’
Travelodge Hotels announced they were launching a novel new service that guarantees its overnight hotel guests will get out of bed and to their early morning flights on time.
Known as the Travelodge Cold Call, it involves a hotel team member delivering a splash of cold water to the face. Travelodge customers were told they could request the service when they book a room via phone. It will be available between 4am and 6am weekdays.
The company employed Australian comedian and host of I’m A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here NOW! Joel Creasey to trial the service.
Joel Creasey trying the Travelodge Cold Call out. Picture: SuppliedSource:Supplied
As Travelodge’s brand ambassador, Creasey was the first guest to trial it.
“I’ve never felt better. Waking up to a splash of cold water has amazing benefits that you just can’t get with a phone call. It de-puffs the eyes, tightens the skin, fights wrinkles plus, it wakes you up for a productive day ahead,” he said.
CONTIKI GOES INTO VIRTUAL REALITY
Contiki unveiled ‘Virtually Unlimited’, a new, hi-tech way of travel that offers five guided three-dimensional virtual reality experiences. The travel company announced that 10 ‘Virtual Experience Centres’ (VEC’s) would open across Australia today, offering three-hour virtual trips for $149 per person. Travellers would be able to go to virtual destinations including Oktoberfest in Germany, Machu Picchu in Peru and Iguazu Falls on the border between Argentina and Brazil.
The company also launched a video with their April Fool’s Day joke to impress their customers.
Contiki Managing Director Katrina Barry said they had been experimenting with virtual reality for more than 18 months.
Travel the world with Contiki's virtual travel1:00
Contiki announces the world's first 'Virtual Reality' travel itineraries for the low budget cost of $149.00.
“As people increasingly become time-poor and technology improves, Contiki is redefining travel and taking it to the next level. Our new ‘Virtually Unlimited’ product is the future of travel and a disrupter to the entire tourism industry, especially for airlines and accommodation providers,” she said.
“One of the main benefits of our ‘Virtually Unlimited’ itineraries is that travellers get the high of travel without the investment. They don’t have to leave the country, don’t need to take weeks of leave and don’t have to save up for flights and accommodation, and we predict this is the way people will ‘travel’ in the future. All it takes, is a three-hour visit to one of the ten Contiki ‘Virtual Experience Centres’ in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns, Perth, Darwin, Adelaide and Hobart,” she added.
SYDNEY TO GET A SECOND HARBOUR CROSSING
The Daily Telegraph announced that an exact replica of the Sydney Harbour Bridge will be built alongside the current crossing in a radical plan to reduce congestion and boost tourism.
State government sources yesterday confirmed to the paper that original plans to build a second tunnel crossing have been scrapped in favour of what is sure to be a controversial multibillion-dollar project.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE MEETS HOMEWARE
Houzz Australia, an online platform for home renovation and design, released Houzz Smartz, the first artificially intelligent-enabled line of home products and furnishings to help a home look and feel its best.
Supporting multiple languages, Houzz Smartz products would ensure that a room looks perfect everyday. They have in-built sensors to detect dirt, smudges and wrinkles.
RAY WHITE SELLS PRESTIGE KENNEL FOR $1.25M
Selling a home to pets? Well that’s what Ray White did today with their joke announcement that one of its agents, Evan Williams, sold what has been dubbed a “poochie palace” in Sydney’s north for $1.25 million.
The sale was reported to be part of the company’s launch of a new specialist program featuring qualified agents selling homes to pets.
SUPERBOWL CHAMPS EYE AFL FRANCHISE
The Herald Sun reported that Superbowl champions the Denver Broncos are on the lookout to purchase an AFL franchise with North Melbourne leading the pack.
VIRGIN LAUNCHES KIDS-ONLY CABIN
Even the airlines are getting in on the jokes, with Virgin Australia posting a video to their Facebook page announcing the launch of Kids Class, a cabin devoted solely to child travellers. One bemused Facebook commenter, who may or may not have got the joke, asked that the cabin at least be “sealed and noise-proofed”.
SECRET PLAN TO RENAME VICTORIA
News.com.au claimed there was a plan to rename Victoria after Queen Elzabeth II in honour of the Queen’s 90th birthday. The report said the website had seen documents from a group of backbench MPs. It had high-level support with Opposition Leader Matthew Guy cautiously lending his backing to the idea. But Premier Daniel Andrews office has gone silent on the issue.
A USED CONDOM REWARDS PROGRAM
Ansell introduced an eco-friendly program, enabling customers to save on their future condom purchases by mailing in their used recycled condoms. They claimed it would be a way of “saving the environment, staying safe and saving money”.
NEW DELIVERY SERVICE BY CAMEL
Thirsty Camel has launched a new service offering delivery by live camel in selected areas. Customers interested in using the service can order online at thirstycamel.com.au and select the ‘Camel Delivery’ option for the next available Camel.
KRISPY KREME’S 3DOUGHNUT PRINTER
Krispy Kreme launched a 3Doughnut Printer that allows consumers to print their own doughnuts in 3D. The printer also comes with 12 pods of Krispy Kreme’s world-famous special glaze, and was priced at $8,990.
The limited edition 3D Doughnut printer used in the prank. Picture: SuppliedSource:Supplied
AN AERIAL TELL MACHINE SERVICE
Now this would be awesome. The Bank of Melbourne claimed they were offering an Aerial Teller Machine service. “The next update to our app will include a button that will activate the service and summon an Aerial Teller Machine to your current location, allowing you to withdraw cash just like a regular ATM,” a Facebook post read.
We’ll keep you updated with jokes across the country, but here’s what’s been happening around the world.
GOLD COAST WARNS KIWI TOURISTS
Gold Coast Tourism announced new rules aimed at stopping Kiwi travellers from raining all over New Zealand’s number one holiday destination.
With the introduction of its new Gold Coast Weather Protection Unit (GCWPU), it will target the source of the problem; Kiwi travellers bringing the bad weather with them. The unit will conduct searches on all suspicious travellers passing through the Gold Coast Airport looking for signs of now prohibited items, including:
* Pessimistic clothing or footwear, including sweatshirts, jackets, hoodies, beanies, scarves or
* Items carrying traces of precipitation
* Items exposed to rain, fog, snow, hail or storms in the last 10 days
* Umbrellas, rain jackets, ponchos or gumboots
* Thermal or woolen clothing including merino and polypropylene
* Hot water bottles or wheat bags
The fake rules imposed on New Zealanders coming to the Gold Coast. Picture: Supplied
JETSTAR ASIA ADOPTS ‘SINGLISH’
Jetstar Asia released a video on its Facebook page claiming it will be adopting Singlish as its official language, complete with cabin and flight crew using Singlish on flights.
The publicity campaign was indeed an April Fool’s Day joke.
PUTIN SPOTS A YETI IN SIBERIA
The Siberian Times reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin “personally witnessed” three Yetis while on a recent helicopter trip to a remote location famous for claimed sightings.
“He and his entourage saw an adult male and female, and a smaller child Yeti, at a distance of about 150 metres,” said Dmitry Ivanov, a national park wildlife expert who was with the group.
Leave them in peace...! Vladimir Putin sights Yeti family during short trip 2 remote Siberia https://t.co/etiVZGde2K pic.twitter.com/2B2h8X6LRg
— The Siberian Times (@siberian_times) March 31, 2016
SONY CREATES A GHOST-CATCHING DEVICE
Sony said they had developed a ghost-catching device known as the Proton Pack. Weighing 6.66 kilograms, the Pack incorporates the same STAMINA Mode featured in Sony Mobile Communications’ latest XperiaTM smartphones, allowing its user to keep the battery going longer. The Proton Pack integrates the same super slow motion capture capability as Sony’s Cyber-shot RX series premium compact cameras, allowing users to capture matter in
960 frames-per-second high frame rates and accurately record the movement of its target. Its embedded Sony 4K Ultra Short Throw Projector allows users to view captured matter in real time.
JOE JONAS PRANKS PITCH PERFECT 2 STAR
Famous singer Joe Jonas, 26, pranked the actress and pop singer Hailee Steinfeld while she was in Australia and in a radio interview with Smallzy’s Surgery on Nova 96.9 FM. Joe, whose band DNCE is featured in her new song and music video Rock Bottom, called in and called himself “Harry”. He imitated a British accent while on-air with her.
“My first question is, it’s kind of weird, but can you send me some of your toenail clippings in the mail?” he asked.
“Is this for real?” she replied.
He then went on to say: “What was it like working with DNCE and that Joe Jonas?”
“It was really great,” she said.
“I had a wonderful time collaborating with them. I love Joe and the band. Yeah.”
But Steinfeld thought there was something that wasn’t right. Eventually Smallzy confirmed it was Joe, who was the caller.
SINGER FAKES ENGAGEMENT TO COMEDIAN
They had the whole world fooled — well almost everyone. Actress and pop singer Jessica Lowndes, 27, announced her engagement to comedian Jon Lovitz, 57, over the weekend.
The two had been working on the prank for months, with Lowndes teasing her fans on Instagram with captions hinting at a “new man in [her] life.” People started to catch on to the identity of her new “love” after she posted a picture of with rose petals and the caption “I LOVE itz.”
She also posted a photo of his hand on her leg, saying: “His hands are wise and tell a thousand stories... #smitten #hatersgonnahate”.
Soon enough the pair fessed up, saying it was an early April Fool’s Day prank to help promote her new music video for Deja Vu.
