Ralphs has begun playing Christmas music in some stores, Franklin Avenue says. That's just wrong in so many ways, but I feel especially bad for the checkout clerks.

* Pam emails: "It is true! They had the holiday music up and running on Sunday at the Ralphs at Crenshaw/Rodeo. The manager said it was part of a promotion for sparkling apple cider and such. He also said I wasn't the only one to complain... I can't remember how many days it was to run, but he said things would go back to normal soon."

** More Xmas in October: Stephanie writes, "I walked into Rock & Roll Ralph's (Sunset/Poinsettia) this weekend and as I walked up to the deli counter some customer in line was singing Jingle Bells. I think my mouth dropped as I looked at him and then heard the music, and before I could stop myself "Oh, no" slipped out of my mouth. The guy suddenly realized he was singing along with Jingle Bells on October 3 -- and then decided it was great. Even though I said "It's insane" he actually said "Merry Christmas" to me with a great big smile. Yikes." And from Miriam: "So frustratingly, hideously true. Heard Christmas music Sunday afternoon at Ralphs in Westwood: the guy next to me at the deli counter thought someone had just slipped in the wrong tape. Nothing like browsing box upon box of Halloween candy with "Noel" running in the background."