THE emails and calls came in thick and fast in the run up to April 1.

 

We had press releases about flying caffeine drones, goldfish trackers (with 'a fish called Wander' in the subject note) and the spinning Hydro, pinged over to us by giggling PRs.

April Fools' Day is thankfully behind us for another year - because it causes untold stress in the newsroom.

The problem is that we can't tell what's real and what's not.

One of our digital writers was convinced that the Hydro was about to use "arenamotion" technology to become the world's first rotating venue.

And why not? It turns different colours AND it pulled off hosting the MTV EMAs.

Community Safety Glasgow got in on the act by announcing they were introducing 'robo-cop' patrollers, while Tunnock's said they were becoming the first firm to sponsor zebra crossings...by painting them like caramel wafers.

Meanwhile, Tennent's Lager said it was planning a T-Tap to allow fans to pour themselves a pint straight out their kitchen sink.

Let's be honest: in this day and age any of these things could be true.

Technology is so advanced and the world is so weird that nothing is surprising anymore.

For example, if you'd have told me 10 years ago that we would have self-service tills in supermarkets I'd have laughed in your face.

That could have passed off for an April Fool.

Then there are inventions such as the selfie stick. Imagine hearing about a camera phone on a stick that allows you to take pictures of yourself?

Not so long ago you would have spat out your cup of tea. An April Fool for sure.

What about smartphone apps like Shazam, which identify music as if by magic?

Then there are the stories that ran across newspapers and websites yesterday that are apparently true but could be pranks.

A study in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery found that cats hate heavy metal music but are fond of classical music.

Who knew such a journal existed, or is this one long joke?

What about Maple the border collie who can play the drums to Seven Nation Army by the White Stripes?

David Cameron claiming he is Kim Kardashian's 13th cousin tops them all.

At least he's got a family reality show to fall back on if he's out of a job after the election.

He's no April Fool.