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April Fools Day is believed to have originated in France around 1582 when the use of the Gregorian calendar was adopted by Charles IX. Prior to that time, the New Year occurred on April 1st, and, for some time after that, many refused to adopt January 1st as the first day of the year. Those who kept with the April tradition were ridiculed by their peers and labeled "fools." This catalyst evolved into a day of mischievous pranks, which spread to England, Scotland and, finally, the American colonies. And it continues to be a favorite day to make mirth to this day. Of April Fool's Day, Mark Twain said: "The first of April is the day we remember what we are the other 364 days of the year."
Environmental issues take the spotlight on Earth Day, which is April 22. Initiated on April 22, 1970, by Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin, the environmental awareness day continues to inspire the nation to conserve, recycle and search for alternative sources of energy.
Easter falls on April 11th of 2004; Good Friday is on the 9th. Passover begins at sunset on April 5th and ends at sunset on April 12th.
The Detroit Pistons win the NBA Championship over the Los Angeles Lakers with four games to one in the series; Detroit's Chauncey Billups is MVP. The Pistons win three straight games at home to lock the championship title, which is the third in the history of the franchise.
Mel Gibson's controversial film, "Passion of the Christ," premieres and does great at the box office, while the Abu Ghraib prison scandal comes to the attention of Americans via a segment on 60 Minutes on April 28th. In addition, an article about the issue is written by Seymour M. Hersh and appears in the New Yorker magazine.
Here are some helpful April links:
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Earth Day Network - Ecology network provides a summary of news, programs, events and research resources.
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