Americans like to laugh and make jokes. (36)______ practical jokes, which ar

Americans like to laugh and make jokes. Especially practical jokes, which are jokes intended to trick or people deceive in some harmless way, are always popular. In the United States and a few other countries the first day of April, April Fools Day, is a day devoted to such harmless practical jokes and an excuse for every American to fool his friends and neighbors. When I was a college student, our daily college newspaper, which was read by most of the people who lived in the city near the college as well as by students, always had a special April Fools Edition. One year the paper said that a beautiful park in the center of the campus was to be turned into a parking lot. Another year the paper falsely reported that a Russian submarine had been seen in the lake which is on the campus. It was surprising that many people believed these stories. But probably the most successful practical joke of all time was a national radio broadcast by Drson Wells. Mr. Wells told his audience that the Earth was being invaded by Mars. His description of this invasion from outer space was so realistic that he caused a panic and was actual responsible for the deaths of several people.