Summer's a slog A new survey of Irish commuters has confirmed what most of us already know - we find it more difficult to work in the summertime.
Of the 139 commuters, 82 per cent said that it was harder to knuckle down to work during the summer months. More than half (52 per cent) said that gazing out the window at glorious weather was the worst part of summer working, with 30 per cent citing the discomfort of restrictive office clothes.
They also said that employers could create a happier summer workforce by introducing half-day Fridays (62 per cent) and providing free soft drinks (15 per cent). The survey of 139 people was commissioned by the "functional" drink Active 02 Fitness.
Clampdown on loud telly ads
Italy's government plans to clamp down on broadcasters turning up the volume when they show advertisements to get viewers' attention.
Communications Minister Paolo Gentiloni said research showed that Italy's three main channels on average raised the volume on adverts by 50 per cent, compared with ordinary programming, even though this is banned under Italian law.
Fit to bust over new sculpture
A "Presidential Bust" of Senator Hillary Clinton was unveiled yesterday in New York.
Sculptor Daniel Edwards, who also created a life-size nude of Britney Spears giving birth on a bear-skin rug, said that he wanted to capture Clinton's age and femininity in the sculpture.
Edwards said that his work featured a soft "presidential smile" and wrinkles framing her eyes. "The key was to reveal her chest a little bit. She usually covers herself up, but I don't think that's necessary," he said. - (Reuters)