Minneapolis naming and branding agency Pollywog has assembled a list of the top 10 best local-brand names. What’s No. 1? The Electric Fetus, the south Minneapolis record store that was also once called the "worst business name" by National Lampoon. Other brands on the list: Geek Squad, WoofDah, Wild Rumpus, Toro, Flutter, Origami, Surly, The Bad Waitress Diner and butter, a local bakery.

Food and bombs bring home the federal bacon. Agribusiness giant Cargill and weapons maker Alliant Techsystems are the two Minnesota companies on a new list of the 100 largest recipients of federal tax dollars, the Minnesota Independent's Paul Demko notes. Edina-based Alliant Techsystems took in $315 million in federal contracts during the first quarter and Cargill of Minnetonka made $160 million, according to the ranking at FederalSpending.org.

Just in time: Northwest Airlines has unveiled a new website. It's wider, easier to navigate and will be obsolete when the airline soon ceases to exist. Northwest started the redesign in early 2007, before the news broke that Delta would be acquiring the company. After the merger is complete, the airlines "will work together to develop a single website supporting the new combined airline."

More Northwest: The airline is adding a new $80 fuel surcharge for flights beginning Jan. 10. Rick Seaney of farecompare.com tells the Associated Press the hike is notable because Northwest has typically followed its competitors instead of initiating fare increases. Meanwhile, the Strib's Liz Fedor reports that we shouldn't expect airfares to drop even as oil prices subside some.

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