An interesting fact for those already bewildered that we have passed the final bank holiday weekend of the year - today (27 August) is officially the least romantic on the calendar.
Well, according to Stoves' new cooking appliance brand Accolade it is. Various factors were looked at by the company, such as high divorce rates in September, lower champagne sales in August and reduction of table bookings for two people in the same month.
And the reason for this sudden insight into the machinations of the human heart? The launch of the new brand and its accompanying hunt for a favourite recipe. How romantic.
Recently, I got to see the Thames from a different angle. On a boat. It was all part of the Co-op's attempt to advertise its new sustainable fish sourcing policies.
Our vessel ploughed along the waterway, under Tower Bridge and eventually to Canary Wharf. On the Prince Madog the company had emblazoned a huge logo, outlining its strategy and visible from a distance.
How (darkly) funny it was then to witness – as the boat stood quayside in east London – the captain and his friends sneakily clamber onboard with a few Tesco bags with their dinner inside?
Last week it was revealed that Tesco is to try and create new inroads into the American market via its Fresh & Easy (F&E) stores.
If the move were to materialise, then it would see the retailer boost its presence away from the west coast in the US to Chicago.
But concerns have been raised. The Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy has said that the creation of more F&E stores might be bad news for local areas after its developments in LA.
James Quinn's informative piece in the Daily Telegraph looks at the reasons why Tesco may not be welcome everywhere in the US.
"We want them to engage in the community, and talk to us," senior retail analyst at the alliance Elliott Perry said.
John here. This blog is now in my hands, officially. It's the part of the site where I can take a leftfield glance at the grocery retail industry.
Whether it's the curiously early release of Christmas items or more hard-hitting comment on potential takeovers, the blog will look to get involved.
Everyone knows the retail sector is bulging with eccentrics, mad professors and crazy goings on – so what better way to chronicle these baffling times?
Still basking in the glory of summer, yeah? Wandering around in just a pair of shorts hoping the mysterious orange ball will make another appearance in the sky? Stop. Summer is over. At least on the Morrisons calendar.
The supermarket has officially revealed its Christmas party range – celebratory food for the celebration season.
Its portfolio includes Morrisons mini smoked salmon terrines for £2.99 and mini toad in the holes for the same price.
We are now on the final straight towards mince pies and unwanted socks. And here I was just beginning to feel at home in 2008, with one eye on the bank holiday weekend.
But don't worry, you won't find it in the chiller cabinet next to the yoghurts - its being offered to the supermarket's beef farmers in a move to help them produce top-quality herds.
A typical semen straw - as they're apparently called - normally retails at £20.
