The Yin and Yang of Catitude
Britain’s top feline diplomat has come out of retirement for a new, ‘purr-fect’ job. Palmerston, former chief mouser at the Foreign Office, is now the U.K.’s chief four-legged representative in Bermuda. The news, posted Wednesday on Palmerston’s official DiploMog account on social network X, comes more than four years after it was announced that he was retiring from public life to a “quieter and easier” life in the countryside. Palmerston was a rescue joined the diplomatic service in 2012 and gained a large following online with his charming cat tales and for fulfilling his duty with elegance and a devoted work ethic. Andrew Murdoch and his family cared for Palmerston after the government change 2018. Andrew was recently sworn in as the new governor of Bermuda. He then convinced Palmerston to leave retirement and join his administration as a feline relations consultant.
Retirement isn’t for everyone — just ask Palmerston the cat, who formerly served as chief mouser for the U.K.’s Foreign Commonwealth Office in London. After a few years enjoying a life of leisure, the diplo-cat — named after the country’s longest-serving foreign secretary — is back on the job, this time in Bermuda. “Diplomacy and a purr-fect role have lured me out of retirement,” the post said. “I’ve just started work as feline relations consultant (semi-retired) to the new Governor of Bermuda. I’ve been busy meeting very welcoming Bermudians.”
The Foreign Office said Palmerston “will attend only the meetings he deems important, offering advice when necessary and indulging in well-earned naps.” Palmerston, who is named after the longest-serving British Foreign Secretary, Lord Palmerston. He was regarded with affection and showered with treats by Foreign Office staff, occasionally bringing them dead mice in return.
Feline Valentine
Palmerston is not the only cat gaining international recognition. The Odessa Zoo in Ukraine has announced an unexpected winner for its annual “Couple of the Year” contest – a cat and a sheep. “Masazhik,” the cat, and “Bagel,” the lamb, were selected for this year’s prestigious title after beating several other animal pairs. Masazhik, whose name translates to “massage therapist,” has become a familiar sight at the zoo, often spotted comfortably perched on Bagel’s back. The adorable duo will receive their official Couple of the Year award during a public ceremony on Valentine’s Day.
English Diplomacy
This help-wanted ad was rejected as discriminatory by a British job center. Try to spot the problem: “Domestic cleaner required for local hospital. Must be fluent in English for health and safety reasons. Previous experience preferred. Must be reliable and hard-working.”
Give up? The offending line was the last, “must be reliable and hard-working.” The reason? They could be sued for discriminating against unreliable people.
My British friend was really proud of his heritage until he found out that his great grandfather was from Transylvania.
Now he can’t even look at himself in the mirror.
Did you know that camels are not indigenous to Australia? They were shipped there by the British. Oddly enough, so were the Australians.
A Slice of Pie in Jamaica Will Cost $3.00. Same Slice in Bermuda, $3.50. The Bahamas, It Will Cost $3.75.
These are the pie rates of the Caribbean.
February 20th Birthdays
1991 – Lucy Watson, 1966 – Cindy Crawford, 1929 – Amanda Blake, 1949 – Ivana Trump
1989 – Jack Falaheen, 1978 – Jay Hernandez, 1963 – Charles Barkley, 1983 – Justin Verlander