Public service work deals with some of life’s most serious challenges. But at the root of seriousness often lies silliness, and vice versa. Midway through the year, we’re taking stock of a few government stories that have given us cause to stop, chuckle and ponder how absurd the world of government can be.

US Treasury Secretary, Janet Yellen, may have eaten hallucinogenic mushrooms on a trade mission to China 🍄

The central banker ordered a mushroom dish known for its trip-inducing properties. This high finance / mushroom connection isn't without precedence: magic mushrooms were first popularised in the west by the Vice President of JP Morgan. It’s unclear what effect this’ll have on trans-Pacific trade relations. (The Times)

Burnout in government: A Medieval perspective 📜

A handwritten note from the 1370s has been identified as a request for holiday leave by none other than Geoffrey Chaucer, a civil servant better known for writing _The Canterbury Tales. _ (The Guardian)

In Poznan, Poland, 8 clams get to decide if people in the city get water or not 🦪

It’s actually a smart case of bio-engineering, rather than a weird clam thirst ploy. (ZME Science)

South Koreans woke up 1-2 years younger 👶

South Koreans used to start counting their age in the womb, and added a year on their first New Year’s Day. Following standardisation, South Koreans are now officially 1-2 years younger than they were under the old system. (AP News)

Lisbon’s traffic wardens turn violent 👊

The traffic authorities explained their “new philosophy” following reports of parking wardens attacking motorists. (Portugal Resident)

We’ll stay temporary, thanks 🚧

Residents in Reston, Virginia, have resisted an attempt to rename “Temporary Road”, which picked up the name in 1984 after town planners forgot to label a new street. It joins “Inaccessible Island” in the South Atlantic for best-named places. (Washington Post)

Make sure to share your own thoughts with the author by leaving a comment below