Writers Trail Scientists in Important Survey

Scientists rule. We, however, namely editors and writers who pride ourselves in burning the midnight oil and downing buckets of a certain brown liquid to prompt ideas and make important deadlines, are a laggardly number five according to this 'Which Profession Drinks Most Coffee' survey on caffeine consumption trends in the workplace (USA). Given that pushing yourself beyond the limit with the help of legal stimulants is considered praiseworthy and admirable in this day and age, we, namely editors and writers, have with this survey just suffered a serious drop in the hardworking cred stakes.

Alas, there's no mention of tea anywhere. Poor, uncool tea just doesn't count. It simply doesn't evoke the same image of a dishevelled, obsessed individual in dire need of a shower gulping one strong, hot beverage after another whilst solving all manner of problems which, like any good home renovation program on TV, must be unraveled by a certain cut-off time or the end of the universe will ensue. Tea reeks of enjoyment, of relaxing afternoons in the garden, leisurely reading and possibly cucumber sandwiches. I doubt anyone will ever do a survey about workplace tea drinkers, and even if they did, no-one would want the brag rights to being named the number one sippers of special leaf brews.

I suspect there's a general perception of a certain air of slackness about we Earl Grey lovers that isn't compatible with the modern world's productivity mania.