When it said recently it expected the UK economy to shrink slightly in the first quarter of 2012, I did wonder whether the downbeat prediction would turn out to be a counter-indicator - a sign that we had definitely avoided a double dip.

BBC: Britain's zig-zag economy

The waiting area at the pharmacy counter at my local drug store has a cute little sign that asks customers to keep their distance to respect the privacy of someone picking up a prescription.

FORBES: Litigants Want a Prescription for Privacy at the Pharmacy