Winery scam; Martini Madness sold out and other food and wine events; Disappeared restaurants updates; nibs and sips (Sonoma Index-Tribune) Martini Madness sold out ... As some of you may have, I received an e-mail purportedly from one "Anna Maldonado" who identifies herself as "an American" and whose e-mail address appears to be an Italian hosting site called Katamail.com . She says she lives and works in Bangkok, Thailand, and that "when I was around last time I got a bottle of one of your wines from a friend as a gift and I love ... [News Source]

UF’s EPI poised to fight tomorrow’s diseases (The Gainesville Sun) By DIANE CHUN Staff writer Within these walls, researchers are preparing to do battle with the next wave of infectious diseases that could plague our times. (Photo by Tricia Coyne/The Gainsville Sun) [News Source]

Prion protein is not all bad (Science News) Molecule important for normal nerve function [News Source]

Ranchers might have to spend more to promote beef consumption (Bakercityherald.com) With consumer demand for beef down, and America’s cattle herd shrinking in response, officials from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association warn ranchers that an increase in the $1 per head National Beef Checkoff may be needed to bolster beef marketing. [News Source]

Haggis, a Scottish staple that’s been banned here, may soon reappear on American tables (New York Daily News) Authentic haggis, a Scottish staple at Robert Burns suppers, may reappear on American tables following a 21-year ban. Officials are reconsidering lifting restrictions, which means that cooks could start preparing the oatmeal-based dish with sheep's lung o. [News Source]

‘Frozen’, ‘Zombietoberfest’ Among Best of the Arts for 2009 (The Lakeland Ledger) By JIM GERACE The Reporter correspondent ORLANDO | It's that time of year when we look back and remember all the great things about the past 12 months. Considering the economy, politics and celebrity losses, 2009 seems to be difficult to present in a favorable light. [News Source]

Football fixtures and results for January 23, 24, 27 (Isle of Wight County Press) SATURDAY, JANUARY 23 Sydenhams Wessex League, Premier Division: Brading Town 3, Alton Town 1; Alresford Town 1, Newport 1; Cowes Sports 0, Hamworthy Utd 4. [News Source]

Prions ‘may keep nerves healthy’ (BBC News) Experiments on mice may give a hint as to the normal function of the protein most usually linked to vCJD. [News Source]