Hardcoding Widgets onto a custom Dashboard

While I love the custom Dashboard (ability to push news and other dynamic content to everyone), I'd additionally like to have hardcoded widgets on the dashboard (so you can access your contacts or change your status).  I know it can be done, but am lacking a starting-point from where to begin hacking.  Has anyone attempted this yet, and if so - any luck?

Beginning Developers

Beginning Developers

This space is for newcomers, who wish to build a new plugin or to customize an existing one to their liking