Man wanted family to eat him at his funeral

A man asked his family eat his body at his funeral, reported the Daily Star. As cannibalism is illegal in the UK, the family were “told in no uncertain terms” that they could not eat their loved one, added the tabloid. Other bizarre requests in a survey of funeral directors included a man who wanted to be dressed as Santa Claus in his coffin, and a fan of Sugar Puffs cereal who wanted all the mourners to be dressed as the Honey Monster. “Each year, there are some great examples of how people include personal touches to make their loved ones’ funerals really special,” said a spokesman.

South Korea president ‘not influenced by sage’

The president of South Korea is suing over claims that he was influenced by a Rasputin-like soothsayer in his decision to abandon the presidential palace. The legal action is the latest effort by President Yoon to “quell rumours that his political judgement is clouded by superstition”, said The Times. The president admits knowing Cheongong, a white-bearded sage, but he said that “raising absurd fake allegations that a fortune-teller was involved in the decision process is an insult to public servants and the people”.

Mystery over ball on Japan beach

A mysterious large, metal ball has washed up on a beach in Japan. Police called the bomb squad when the object first appeared on the coastline of Hamamatsu city but no immediate danger was found. The ball, which is thought to be iron, has a rusty appearance and there are two raised handles on the surface. A local jogger dismissed the fuss that has surrounded the object. “It’s been there for a month,” he told public broadcaster NHK. “I tried to push it, but it wouldn’t budge.”

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