What is it about April Fool's Day that just makes me smile inside?

Think about it. Here's a day which has absolutely no official meaning or purpose ... it isn't some major birthday or special commemoration day ... it doesn't close schools, banks, or government offices ... yet it's one of the most "recognizable" days on our annual calendar. AND ... it's a day for fun. Wow. Imagine that.

It's the only day I know of, when ... in every corporate boardroom - worldwide - major announcements, both positive and negative, have their own special "preface": "...Well, I realize it's April Fool's Day ... but ... we just bought the Brooklyn Bridge AND the entire nation of FRANCE, all in the same deal..."

Actually, it's said that the nation of France had something to do with the evolution of what we now know as April Fool's Day. Seems that way back yonder, old Pope Greg changed the calendar to his own (the Gregorian), changing the "beginning of the year" from around April 1st to January 1st. Many paysan (peasants) in France either didn't get the word, or didn't like the change, and thus... they were called "fools". It's still a big celebration day in France, especially among school children.

Anyway, it's a day which makes me smile and take notice. A little extra "alertness" is called for ... FUN alertness - not the kind that comes with "color codes". So, enjoy!