1/3 Morning Communiqué

THESE DAYS

Average mercury concentrations in the freshwater fish of the eastern states of the U.S. and eastern provinces of Canada exceeded the EPA's recommended level for safe consumption by up to 20 times.

The Ritz-Carlton hotel chain has begun offering dog massages for $130 a pup.

By the time most Canadians went to work on Tuesday, January 2, the country's highest-paid CEOs had already earned the average employee's annual salary.

MINNESOTA BLOG OF THE DAY

Check out some fun New Year's Eve party pics at Hedy De Vine: Brunette Phantom.

[Minnesota-based blog directory]

TIME WASTERS

Pop Culture Addict's Top Ten Lamest Superheroes of All Time

For MacAddicts: What the symbol on the Apple key means

FREEDOM OF SPEECH

"Jessica and Ashlee will reap the dismal crops they are sowing. Their breasts will sag and their faces will wither and they will be left with nothing but a hollow shell."

— Reverend Bob Harrington, admonishing singing sisters Jessica and Ashlee Simpson, as well as their father, former Baptist minister Joe Simpson, for using sex to sell their music [h/t Current Music Blog]