Can someone please splain me what this means:

Washing days boost Unilever profits

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/2756171.stm

Well, washing day was traditionally Monday(tradition long gone!). And Unilever make soap powder etc. So I guess it refers to increased profits from this area of their business. I couldn't open the link, so can't check.

I like dxb's analysis. Washing Days is being used as a(n) <fill in correct name of rhetorical device here> for the sale of laundry products.

I remember something in Income Tax instructions about "wash sales" having something
to do with the way stock income was to be reported. But since I was not an investor,
I don't remember the details, and it would be a pain to look up, but I'll try.
Edit It was easier than I expected. Here's URL
http://www.turbotax.com/articles/FAQonWashSales.html

I could open it, Dex, and you're right: Strong sales of washing and laundry brands have boosted profits at consumer goods group Unilever. (Hope you don't mind the new "name"; I just made it up; not altogether sure that I like it, myself. But I'd really like something "prettier" thatn dxb! )
I admit that the headline by itself had me wondering how someone could wash a day.

wondering how someone could wash a day

I must admit this interpretation never occurred to me. Wouldn't it be Washing days boosts Unilever profits?

Dex. Makes me feel like doing a midnight runner.

Wouldn't it be Washing days boosts Unilever profits? Yepperoonie; I was doing my usual scan-and-run. And, by the way, making a point of referring to Anna's post.

a midnight runner.
Er--you're leaving your wife? Becoming a PI?

Dexy's Midnight Runners, you must remember 'Come on Eileen' or perhaps you are too young come to think, try this:

http://www.spiritonline.com/dexys/article3.html

"Gino! Gino! Gino!"

Ok--thanks. I wasn't much into popular music for some of that time; possibly they weren't that big, over here? Guess I'd better drop the 'Dex', anyway! I had thought about DeeBee, and didn't like that at all. Ah well, I reckon I must resign myself to reality--not something I'm fond of doing, at times! dxb it is.

Didn't know the name of the band, dxb! But, WHAT A SONG!!! An all time great it is! Am humming it already and methinks its going to stay with me all day!
Thanks a bunch!

methinks its going to stay with me all day!

I know the cure for that.

Nope. I just found a site where I can read the lyrics while listening to the melody--neither is familiar.
http://users.cis.net/sammy/eileen.htm

I know the cure for that.

All right, I shall bite......What?