There was a time when finger-snapping chewing gum and cans of snake-in-the-mixed-nuts were the gold standards in April Fool's Day shenanigans. These days, though, tomfoolery's gone high-tech. Because prank-playing now leans more toward Web capers than Whoopie Cushions, we give you the following 10 sneaky (but harmless) email gags:
1. GPS cell-phone tracking
Incorporating something called "repeater triangulation" -- and more than a little invasion of privacy -- this real-time cell-phone tracking system uses satellite GPS and Google maps technology to pinpoint a mobile phone's exact location. Just enter the cell number in need of tracing; within moments, the system will provide disturbingly accurate video results.
2. Drivers' license search
Did you know that the National Motor Vehicle License Organization (NMVLO) now offers a free searchable database of more than 121 million U.S. drivers' license photos? It's true: Type the name of any licensed driver in the online box, and the NMVLO will provide you with electronic access to that person's complete driving history.
3. FBI criminal records look-up
Follow this link, and you can easily, for free, look up any FBI criminal records in your name -- or at least check to see if the FBI has ever had a file on you. (You might be surprised.)
4. Monitor-cleaning software
Is your computer's image looking a bit grimy? That's because the interior of all computer screens is covered with bacteria, germs, dust and tiny electro-static charges that can be as dangerous to your health as cigarette smoking. The Centers for Disease Control recommended that all individuals who use a computer take steps to reverse and correct this potentially dangerous problem. Click to clean the inside of your computer monitor now.
5. Free anywhere phone calls, from any PC
We're not talking about Skype, or another one of those pseudo-revolutionary P2P telephony devices you've been hearing about. Nope: Thanks to the principles of "acoustiphotoelectromagnetic resonance," you can keep in touch with friends and family across the globe by doing nothing more than talking into a color-sensitive panel on your computer screen. Nothing to download, nothing to install -- that's innovation!
6. Amazing Magic Cyber Camera!
This online digital camera (still in beta-testing stage) allows users to snap high-res, printable photos of themselves from their own computers -- even if their computers aren't equipt with picture-taking hardware. Want to try it out for yourself before passing it on? Sit in front of your monitor, look into the the lens, say "cheese" and click.
10. Your refrigerator's running: The next generation
For many of us, making prank phone calls was one of life's greatest thrills -- at least until everyone went and added caller ID. With the help of this terrific Web tool, though, now you can re-live those halcyon days of "May I speak with Al? Al Koholic?" Just type in the phone number you want to prank -- up to 3 per day, free of charge -- select a caller voice from the drop-down menu, and enter whatever personal message you'd like to have delivered. So long as the number of your intended "victim" is in the U.S. or Canada, your prank call will be executed exactly as prescribed.
8. ComputerTan.com
This "TAN-tastic" and "revolutionary new online service" allows you to catch some rays as you sit in front of your computer. More convenient (and safer) than spending the afternoon in direct sunlight -- or heaven forbid, at the tanning booth -- this technological breakthrough works by converting your PC's electrical impulses into radiated, factor-free UV rays. Who doesn't want to be a glowing beacon of health all year 'round? For a free five-minute trial, just click and follow the video guide's simple instructions.
9. Warning! Warning! Internet overload!
Just a gentle, genuine reminder from someone who cares: Every once in a while, it's a good idea to step away from the computer. And what better time to take a breather than than when you've come to the end?
10. RickRollin' (Again)
Finally, what would a roundup of April Fool's pranks be without a look back at last year's runaway favorite? This obsessively popular bait-and-switch revolves around popster Rick Astley's 1987 hit, 'Never Gonna Give You Up' -- which some would say fell under the "practical joke" umbrella even before it formally turned into a gag. In any event, here's how it works: Claiming a forwarded Web link is relevant to whatever topic's at hand, pranksters in reality send targets masked URLs to Astley's music video. When unsuspecting receivers click on the links, they are said to have been "RickRolled." (Go ahead, try it. You'll be happy you did.) Here are some URLs for your forwarding convenience, all masked and ready to Roll: -- apoke.com
-- twitterranking.com
-- potdispensary.com
-- nudecamdance.com
And with that, our list of 10 April Fool's e-antics has come to its end. But before we leave you to attend to your emailing frenzy, can we interest you in a handful of delicious mixed nuts?
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