A Different Kind of Global Warming

Japan, which lent the name of its sixth-largest city to an international protocol on climate change, is not resting on its global-warming laurels. First, reports BBC News, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi urged Japan's office workers to ditch their neckties to save on air conditioning. Now, "lingerie giant" Triumph has developed a fluffy, heated bra for winter wear. The idea is that, with the Japanese government requesting people to set their thermostats no higher than 68F (20C) this winter, a little added warmth might be welcome.

We hope this will not only help prevent global warming but also provide a little fashion chic to the office," the company said in a statement.

The "Warm Biz" bra, which comes only in white, features a pendant shaped like a chili pepper dangling on its front.