Five ethically dubious foods, taste-testing Toronto’s burger joints, presidentially pardoned turkeys end up at Disney World

• After the explosion in popularity of this video showing a still-live deep-fried carp being eaten, the Guardian compiled a list of morally dubious eating trends. Chinese chefs figured out that placing a wet cloth over the fish’s head before deep-frying its body will ensure that it’s still gasping when it reaches the plate. Equally squirm-inducing are the traditions of eating live octopus or the still-beating heart of a snake. [Guardian]

• With the gourmet burger craze taking hold across the city, the Star’s Amy Pataki samples various incarnations to see which ones deliver in the flavour department. She concludes that in most cases, the trend is a good thing, and ranks the newest spot, Oh Boy Burger Market, as the best.  [Toronto Star]

• In a strange tradition officially established by George Bush Sr. in 1989, the American president pardons two Thanksgiving turkeys every year, permitting them to live out the rest of their days without being eaten. Curious about the practice, a blogger looked into the fates of the birds and discovered that they are sent to Disney World. This lot is less ideal than it sounds. The farm-raised turkeys usually don’t live very long: the weight-gaining food they were fed all their lives combined with years of genetic modification means they are prone to serious health problems. [Mother Nature Network]

• Grub Street has posted a slide show of an NYC McDonald’s that now looks like a posh hotel lobby rather than a grimy fast food joint, thanks to a recent renovation. The restaurant is awash with Danish furniture, flat-screen televisions and Wi-Fi in a trend that has taken place at thousands of outlets in France and the U.K. We’re doubtful, though, that the glam and glitter can improve the smell. [Grub Street]

• In the ongoing Cadbury saga, Hershey Co. and Ferrero International SA revealed Wednesday that they are sizing up the British confectioner, though neither company would confirm reports that they have both been quietly discussing a joint bid. This is bad news for Kraft, which has been trying for weeks to nab Cadbury. [Globe and Mail]