9/25 Morning Communiqué

THESE DAYS

San Francisco, New York, Washington, and other big cities are keeping bluegills—also known as sunfish or bream—in tanks constantly replenished with water from the municipal supply, and sensors in each tank work around the clock to register changes in the breathing, heartbeat and swimming patterns that occur in the presence of toxins.

Researchers say they have identified an "on-off" switch in the brain that controls the emotional response to fear, and said it might some day be manipulated to help patients with anxiety disorders.

MINNESOTA BLOG OF THE DAY

Black Java focuses his camera lens on Lake Street and Hennepin Avenue at the Uptown Mpls Blog.

[Minnesota-based blog directory]

TIME WASTERS

A graph showing Halliburton stock from 2003 to the present

How evil are you? Take the quiz. Contrary to popular belief, I am "good."

FREEDOM OF SPEECH

"It's an energy drink, and it's a fun name. As soon as people look at the can, they smile."

— Jamey Kirby, inventor of new energy drink Cocaine