• The current version of the 2010 state budget raises the tax on alcohol to 6.5 from five percent. [Bostonist]
• The new branch of The Upper Crust is really, really loud. [Universal Hub]
• Venezuela has banned Coke Zero, citing the beverage’s possible health risks. [WSJ]
• In an alarming sign for T.G.I. Friday’s, the chain has rolled out five major promotions in 2009 alone. [Salon]
• Poultry was the number one source of food poisoning in 2006. [NYT]
