April in history according to an eternal pessimist.

1st April 1976

BBC Radio 2 warned listeners of the upcoming Jovian-Plutionan gravitational effect that was going to suddenly reduce the Earth’s gravity. Indeed, the radio station received many telephone calls from listeners, confirming the phenomenon taking place. Little did they know it was just an April Fools’ joke.

2nd April 1725

A boy named Giacomo was born to a family of Venetian actors. For most of his childhood, he was considered sickly and mentally handicapped. And yet, Giacomo Casanova grew up to be the most famous seducer in history! Even the greatest pessimist would have to admit that this was quite a feat.

3rd April 1679

Edmond Halley met Johannes Hevelius in Gdańsk. What a conjunction! Gdańsk became the astronomical centre of the universe. For once.

4th April 1507&n