A Halloween display so scary that a neighbour called 911

A Halloween decoration hanging in the window of a North Dakota home is so scary that it prompted calls from concerned neighbours and at least one plea for police assistance. The sign reading “Help Me,” which appears to be written in blood, is part of Becky Muhs’ display for her favorite holiday at her West Fargo home.

WDAY-TV reports that Muhs and her husband began getting messages from neighbours over the weekend asking if they were OK, and one neighbour even dialed 911, leading to a visit from a police officer. Muhs says the incident ended in a laugh and that the officer didn’t ask her to take the sign down.

(AP)

Rock used as doorstop is a meteorite worth $100K

A Michigan man curious about a rock he’d used for decades as a doorstop now knows its secret: it’s a meteorite worth $100,000. In fact, the nearly 23-pound hunk of iron and nickel is the sixth largest meteorite found in Michigan, according to the Smithsonian Museum and Central Michigan University.

David Mazurek said he took his doorstop to the university for examination after seeing reports in January of meteorite pieces selling for thousands of dollars. “I said, ‘Wait a minute. I wonder how much mine is worth,’” Mazurek said.

University Geology Professor Mona Sirbescu first identified the piece as more than just a rock. She then sent two small slices of the rock to the Smithsonian for confirmation. “I could tell right away that this was something special,” she said. “It’s the most valuable specimen I have ever held in my life, monetarily and scientifically.”

Mazurek said the meteorite came with a barn he bought in 1988 in Edmore. He said the farmer who sold him the property told him it landed in his backyard in the 1930s.

“The story goes that it was collected immediately after they witnessed the big boom and the actual meteorite was dug out from a crater,” Sirbescu said. More tests are being conducted to see if the meteorite contains rare elements. “What typically happens with these at this point is that meteorites can either be sold and shown in a museum or sold to collectors and sellers looking to make a profit,” Sirbescu said.

The Smithsonian and a mineral museum in Maine are considering purchasing the specimen. Mazurek said that when he sells the meteorite, he’ll donate some of the money to the university. “I’m done using it as a doorstop. Let’s get a buyer!” Mazurek said.

(AP)

Demand for a new Brexit ‘Wooferendum’

Around a thousand dogs and their owners marched on Britain’s parliament on Sunday demanding an end to Brexit via a second vote on the terms of the country’s exit from the European Union. Organisers of the so-called “Wooferendum” campaign argued that animals would suffer from leaving the EU, saying there would be a shortage of vets and a rise in pet food costs.

Bulldogs, both English and French breeds, were among those walked through central London to Parliament Square. One grey Schnauzer wore a homemade banner declaring “Brexit’s Barking Mad”.

The march backed a wider campaign for a ‘People’s Vote’ on Brexit, at which Britons would have the chance to vote on whatever Brexit deal Prime Minister Theresa May is able to bring back from Brussels.

At several ‘Pee Stations’ along the route, dogs were encouraged to urinate on images of Brexiteers like former foreign minister Boris Johnson and ex-UK Independence Party leader Nigel Farage — key faces in the 2016 Brexit referendum campaign.

(Reuters)

Man sings Garth Brooks song for 36 hours

A Washington state karaoke host is raising money for breast cancer awareness by singing the same Garth Brooks song for 36 hours straight. Cliff Satterwhite, a Seattle-area karaoke host, said he is raising money for the Real Men Wear Pink breast cancer awareness campaign and marking October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month by holding a one-man 36-hour karaoke session with “Friends in Low Places” as the only song. This will mark Satterwhite’s fourth marathon karaoke fundraiser.

“My attempt will feature one singer, one song, no sleep breaks and only a 2-5 minute break between songs for water, food and bathroom, that’s really what sets it apart,” he told KCPQ-TV. “The last three years have taught me so much in terms of preparation, pace and when and what to eat. I’ve learned those are all key factors in the success of this event.”

The goal of the attempt, which began Tuesday at Stars Bar and Grill in Federal Way and is scheduled to end around noon Wednesday, is to raise at least $10,000 for the breast cancer awareness campaign.

(UPI)