University President Lee Bollinger suddenly resigned late last night.
Just kidding.
Today, many students will be hoping their friends fall for jokes like that one, and participating in the tradition of performing practical jokes on April 1st, better known as April Fools' Day.
LSA first-year transfer student Seth Myers plans to continue the tradition.
"Last year my roommates and I didn't like a certain group of individuals on the hall. They were always getting on our nerves so we caught a few of the many squirrels on campus and put them in their room," Myers said. "You should have seen the looks on their faces.
"We were rolling around on the floor laughing for an hour straight, but we got in a lot of trouble also," Meyers said. "Hey, it was worth it and we might just do it again or something worse if we're up for it."
Lila Green, a University lecturer for first-year Medical students and author of "Making Sense of Humor," tries to inspire her students to make humor a part of their personal lives.
Green said the annual tradition of pulling practical jokes should continue, but not only on April 1.
"Seinfeld is not about anything real funny. It takes a look at life from a point of view that makes us laugh hysterically," Green said.
"It's important for us to take a step back and laugh at ourselves for our many imperfections," she said.
Being funny may be hard work, but everyone should try to make people laugh, Green said.
"I don't think everyone can be funny. I know, however, that all people can laugh. It's important that people go out and make a concerted effort to look for funny things," she said.
"Laughter is one of the best stress relievers. Your body can lose control for a few moments and not have a care in the world, and this is perfect on April Fools' Day."
Green said sometimes she laughs so hard, it hurts.
"When I'm with my friends I laugh to the point where I spit up food, wet my pants and begin to cry," Green said.
Green said making people laugh can come from a wide range of topics.
"I think practical jokes, if correctly done, are all right. Jokes can be done in many different ways whether it be putting baby pictures up or singing ," she said.
A student in the Michigan Union yesterday said she thinks help from friends makes practical jokes more fun.
"My friends and I are usually inspired by sitcoms. When we watch Cheers and see the episodes where there are bar wars, we want to emulate the fun they're having, almost. You got to loosen up and have some fun and not be so serious always, especially on a day like this," she said.
"We're still kids and we have the right to act a little childish, whether it means throwing a water balloon or TP-ing a house. We don't want to laugh at someone but laugh with them - that is why I like to pull jokes on my friends."
Nursing junior Mark Thomas is also a strong supporter of April Fools' Day.
"I used to make prank calls all the time when I was a kid. It's fun getting a rise out of people," Thomas said.
"My friends and I wanted to pull something on the new president to kind of welcome him to the University - but it isn't worth the risk," he said.
 |
 |
 |
 |
| JENNIFER BRADLEY SWIFT/Daily | |
| Lila Green, a University lecturer, shows off what April Fools' Day means to her. Green is the author of "Making Sense of Humor." | |
|---|---|