- Answering Machine Joke Triggers Terror Raid. In case that news story has disappeared off the Yahoo server, authorities raided a Danish family's home after mistaking a message on their answering machine for a plea for help.

The message said: "We have been taken hostage by two children. Hurry. Help us after the beep. Now!" Obviously, this was a joke about their children. Friends who heard the message, thought it said: "We have been taken hostage WITH two children." And called the police. Oops.

We've done stuff like this. Not quite the same result. Thank goodness - our friends can take a joke.