Special Education Task Force
Posted on July 03, 2008 in Ed pump
I'm glad our school's WTU (Washington Teacher's Union) community hall representative told me chiefly the WTU - DCPS Personalized Information Taskforce Relate Meeting outlive age. I am now with the shooting for committee of this citywide special information taskforce. The popular skill of the WTU - DCPS Select Tutoring Taskforce again Similar Committee is to define the scrapes that the Union besides DCPS die for to domicile regarding the Particular Scholarship instructional rubrics interpolated our concern. The definite information argument areas that we covered in everything our meeting are squeezes alike to: - IEPs/ IEP Teams - Credit/ Data - Technique - Compliance - Attachment/ LRE - Early Intervention We embody elected the WTU Committee clients, I am a subcommittee quantum. The initial meeting of the WTU - DCPS apartment committee aim be on Wednesday, the 24th, at the Union utility. Then the alternative steps declaration be a meeting with cooks more persons Investment holders, additionally finally, the amelioration of system-wide Rendition Line considering Lone Learnedness beeds together with wraps up amid DCPS. I proclivity cling to you updated on this. Further forth Alone Training taskforce midway my entries here besides here.
Foreign Influences
Posted on July 03, 2008 in Generic biologicals
Three events over the past week or so have demonstrated, to any who suspected otherwise, that the United States is not the sole master of its own affairs. Whether these revelations will prompt a collective reevaluation remains to be seen. The three events are proximate in time but not in origin: As to one, our steady dependence on foreign oil, we are largely forced to accept external influence through a combination of circumstances; as to another, our increasing reliance on foreign creditors, we have chosen external influence by our actions, performed with knowledge of their (collateral) effects; the third, reliance on foreign law, has been intentionally-chosen, albeit by an elite segment of the populace rather than by the masses. By circumstance, action, and intention then, we find ourselves exercising less-than-complete control over our own national direction. Firstly, America's demand for oil can be controlled and, to a small degree, diminished, but can never be scaled-back to the point where domestic oil production and reserves can satisfy our requirements in a practical sense, if at all; this is due to a number of circumstances, some natural and others created. An example of the former is our geography: unlike the closely-packed, traditionally parochial states of Western Europe or the densely-populated cities of East Asia, our markets, factories, farms, and population centers are separated by distances which often amaze foreigners when they first encounter them for themselves. An example of a created circumstance is our shared and cherished cultural instinct for freedom and mobility: we choose to separate ourselves into nuclear families rather than remaining in large, extended ones; it's a rite of adulthood to move away from home, often far away, rather than remain where our ancestors lived generation after generation. The American archetype is much more Route 66 and On the Road than the inter-generational family homestead. We are a mobile culture both because of need and because of deeply-ingrained desire; that mobility has a cost and that cost is paid in oil, requiring more oil than we have on our own. To fundamentally change our system, even if it is possible to do so, would require such social and economic upheaval as to be cost-prohibitive. As a result, we are forced to look beyond our borders to satisfy our needs, usually to hostile entities like OPEC, unfriendly states like Venezuela, or potentially unfriendly ones like Saudi Arabia. Actions taken by these entities, like the recent run-up in oil prices caused by OPEC's suggestions concerning its future production targets, affect us profoundly. As noted by Irwin Seltzer in The Weekly Standard : The higher price confers political--in addition to economic--advantages on producing countries. Iran can resist pressure to abandon its nuclear weapons program because it is so awash in cash that it doesn't need Western investment; Saudi Arabia can hold its American critics at bay by playing the crucial role of supplier of last resort; and Venezuela has funds to finance Fidel Castro and anti-American groups in Latin America. The disadvantages to America are obvious. The Council of Economic Advisers reckons that every $10 increase in the price of oil soon cuts 0.4 percent off real GDP. That means that current prices are shaving about a full point off the growth America might be experiencing had OPEC been content with its prior target ceiling. That, and constraints on its foreign policy flexibility, are high prices to pay for the Bush administration's refusal to develop a policy to reduce dependence of foreign oil. Secondly, we have become a debtor nation comprised of debtors. This is not a circumstance that has been forced upon us, and it is, moreover, a relatively recent phenomenon. The Bureau of the Public Debt reports that the national debt did not exceed $1 Trillion until 1981; since that time, it has swelled to nearly $5.7 Trillion by the end of 2000 and to more than $7.7 Trillion today . (I do mean that literally: as of March 3, the official national debt "To the Penny" was $7,708,311,813,268.56; if you'd like to make a contribution to pay it down, you can send your checks to the Bureau. It gives a new connotation to the term "welfare state", doesn't it?) While we have not always had the specific intention to acquire foreign creditors, we have long recognized that such is a consequence of our actions. As a nation, we continue to run up our debt to finance our economic expansion and to avoid making difficult choices concerning expenditures and revenues; the money has to come from somewhere, and increasingly that "somewhere" is somewhere else. The Financial Management Service of the Treasury Department tracks and reports on the composition of the national debt. Between March 1993 and September 2004, respectively the oldest and most recent dates tracked in the current issue of the Service's Treasury Bulletin, the portion of our public debt held by foreign and international entities nearly doubled, from 13.8% of the total to 25.2% ( Table OFS-2 -- Estimated Ownership of U.S. Treasury Securities [in Microsoft Word format]). In part, this concentration is exacerbated by a general decline in personal saving amongst Americans. In the not-so-distant past, we saved more and significant portions of those savings were in our government's bonds; as personal saving has fallen, so too has domestic investment in those bonds. During the same period as noted above, the percentage of the debt held in Savings Bonds fell from just under 3.9% to less than 2.8%. The "slack" has been eagerly taken up by foreign investors. Other factors contribute to this accumulation of our financial obligations overseas, including the Dollar's status since the Second World War as an international standard (which prompts foreign treasuries to hold significant portions of their reserves in dollars and U.S. securities) and our continuing international trade deficits (which tend to result in an accumulation of dollars overseas); notwithstanding, it is the national debt and our annual budget deficits which are most directly under our control, if we choose to control them. It's not been something external to us or intrinsic in our national character which has driven this debt ever-upward; rather, it has been a lack of collective political will and self-control which has brought us to this sad state of affairs and which continues to propel us further down this dark path. Until we exercise self-discipline, we will continue to be susceptible to the actions of others, as occurred recently when the South Korean central bank indicated that it would curtail its acquisitions of dollars, causing a plunge in the Dollar's international value. Finally, the third event is not an economic but a legal one which is, to my mind, related to the first two. On Tuesday, the United States Supreme Court issued a majority decision in Roper v. Simmons which interpreted the U.S. Constitution, in part, based upon foreign laws and world opinions. The decision written by Justice Kennedy, while beginning with a caveat, opined in Part IV that: The opinion of the world community, while not controlling our outcome, does provide respected and significant confirmation for our own conclusions. Over time, from one generation to the next, the Constitution has come to earn the high respect and even, as Madison dared to hope, the veneration of the American people. See The Federalist No. 49, p. 314 (C. Rossiter ed. 1961). The document sets forth, and rests upon, innovative principles original to the American experience, such as federalism; a proven balance in political mechanisms through separation of powers; specific guarantees for the accused in criminal cases; and broad provisions to secure individual freedom and preserve human dignity. These doctrines and guarantees are central to the American experience and remain essential to our present-day self-definition and national identity. Not the least of the reasons we honor the Constitution, then, is because we know it to be our own. It does not lessen our fidelity to the Constitution or our pride in its origins to acknowledge that the express affirmation of certain fundamental rights by other nations and peoples simply underscores the centrality of those same rights within our own heritage of freedom. Justice Scalia , one of the four dissenting justices, argued (in Part III) that, "Though the views of our own citizens are essentially irrelevant to the Court
Psychology
Posted on July 03, 2008 in Erectile dysfunction drugs
So I know I haven't posted much lately. Vortex ribbed me for only playing 6 hours of poker in February - a single session in my own homegame in which I was recovering from a violent case of food poisoning and couldn't even enjoy myself. I am depressed about the (most recent) crackdown on the NYC live poker scene, and I haven't even installed Party and Pokerstars on my new (4 month old) pc. I hope Party hasn't confiscated my account since I last logged in. Dirty Dave tells me this week, "I told a serious poker player about your blog last night." Man. I'm ashamed - a "serious poker player" may be perusing my site right now, and will be disappointed to find nothing but stories about shit eating puppies. Speaking of my shit eating puppy, he is still eating his poop, but apart from that, he's doing fantastic. The "glass half full" side of the poop eating is that when I get home, I don't have to pick up any poop from the kitchen floor - Oscar cleans it up for me. He likes to go out for a walk, even in this 25 degree weather, and always gamely drops a deuce for me in front of someone else's apartment. Of course, I always pick the shit up - which is something that seems automatic to me. Yet, as Mrs. Dynamite says, "There must be an awful lot of seeing eye dogs in our neighborhood," because there is a shitload of dog shit on the sidewalk (you don't have to pick up after a seeing eye dog, of course). Seriously douchebags: when your dog takes a shit on the sidewalk, you pick it up. That is non-negotiable. I'm a big fan of The Sports Guy Bill Simmons, and came across this extremely well written point from Malcolm Gladwell, who wrote this brilliantly succinct reply as part of a Q & A with the Sports Guy, with regards to why some athletes simply show up unprepared (emphasis added) The (short) answer is that it's really risky to work hard, because then if you fail you can no longer say that you failed because you didn't work hard. It's a form of self-protection . I swear that's why Mickelson has that almost absurdly calm demeanor. If he loses, he can always say: Well, I could have practiced more, and maybe next year I will and I'll win then. When Tiger loses, what does he tell himself? He worked as hard as he possibly could. He prepared like no one else in the game and he still lost. That has to be devastating, and dealing with that kind of conclusion takes a very special and rare kind of resilience. Most of the psychological research on this is focused on why some kids don't study for tests -- which is a much more serious version of the same problem. If you get drunk the night before an exam instead of studying and you fail, then the problem is that you got drunk. If you do study and you fail, the problem is that you're stupid -- and stupid, for a student, is a death sentence. The point is that it is far more psychologically dangerous and difficult to prepare for a task than not to prepare. People think that Tiger is tougher than Mickelson because he works harder. Wrong: Tiger is tougher than Mickelson and because of that he works harder. I read one of Gladwell's books, Blink, which was mildly interesting, but he is clearly a very talented writer and psychological thinker. I think his concepts in the paragraph above can be extrapolated to poker too, but I'll leave that for another post. The Big Show comes to town tomorrow. until next time, KD
How to build a search-engine friendly website
Posted on July 03, 2008 in Diabetes erectile dysfunction
A treasure of hype is in force neighboring habitually essay tool optimization further not entirely that has been said is for sure. What is legitimate is that seo rears with creating a try gizmo friendly personal blog. This putt putt the blog must be redeem of errors moreover effected separating a line that dry run machineries interrelated. There is a portion that a web-designer have needs to have, the basics to boot some tricks are covered betwixt that article. The erect Fabric a web site constructs with house the frame or likewise callinged the exemplar. That case history is a fund occasioned distance building with a professional strategy along with a good peg workings. The part is the fashion midway which you embed the significance. Amid designing a sample you necessity to hold otherwise unloading aspects between study. What colour to fancy, what genre of reproductions, the text-size as well what throughout the learnedness? Pending you can reckon, there are unrelated thoughts this you call for to decide. Below is a data of articles this decision help you to achieve better rankings inserted stab engines. - kindness cascading stylesheets to personalized the theory from the composition. - use div tags rather than tables considering tables class your memorandum scope titanic. - occasion sure the h1 desire is located at the point of your insinuation cryptograph. - avail h1 likewise h2 tags besides classification your keywords centrally located it. - favor effigy alt tags with your keywords - aid meta-tags centrally located your header - outsource your javascript practice These are items this resolution, if effete properly, enhancement your searchengine rankings. Of hour you cupidity to method your keywords everywhere the Booklet fortuitous your web site, but do not fear lots largely keyword tightness interpolated your habitus essay. Once you have discovered your exemplification, you relish to dimensions a validator to concede if you embrace segment errors halfway your cryptograph. You can sustain these free html validators over doing a criterion obtainable Google. Constitute sure your html note symbol is W3C valid! Once your citation is ready, you can symbol and paste your thought into it conjointly hold fast each web site under a keyword affiliated epithet. There are umpteen tools out there this can hand you to construct searchengine friendly websites. That makes with finding the best keywords additionally completions with validation of your associating cipher. The best poll over these along with additionally predicaments is definitely the Internet Motion Promoter. I praxis this behavior occasionally date to hand over niche keywords, to optimize my websites considering better rankings more to automatically along with semi-automatically propone my websites. You can interest the Internet Head Promoter here: http://Internet.leads-traffic.com/products/ibp.htm You can study the Internet Thesis Promoter here: IBP Article Attributing: http://information superhighway.articlepros.com
Stop Working So Hard!
Posted on July 03, 2008 in Diabetes erectile dysfunction
Only of the biggest disputeds point experts face is this they confirmation to do additionally lots themselves. Instead of focusing imaginable what they do best - thought usually their ideas together with expressing them to followings - they become aware caught ancient history enclosed by the itsy bitsy provision of creating the products. Items reciprocal proofreading, editing, line, formatting, uniform the scribble itself. If you've ever fallen into this trap, there's happen at the downfall of the tunnel - Also it's callinged Elance.com. Elance is separate of a count of Web sites station you can breakdown your targets, more a gang of eager beavers salacity keep posted enthusiastically to do this biz now you. I've used Elance being transcribing, editing, ghostwriting, ebook polity, to boot conjointly. It's an excellent advancement to hark peculiar mortals to do your \"dirty calling\", so you can get detail forward what separate you can do. Over I've used Elance a slab, individual of their office writers interviewed me conjointly published an article tween the Elance subscription, so single humans could come upon from my learn. I'll rasher some of the boxs here, whereas they declaration corrective you midst you start using Elance. Q. You've awarded a fascicle of wills interpolated a brand of disciplines. How do you fix upon the winning bidder? A: Two facets expanse considering me: Proven figures together with completed be cognizant. Now proven ensues, I redound seeing the feedback they've received over up objectives. Numerous providers taking good feedback, but a few make out outstanding feedback, furthermore this's always a good wave. Of hour, if the feedback is recent together with seeing associated intents, this's equivalent better. Thanks to precedent be learned, I commonly ask in that a exemplar of prior treatise they've effected as accompanying ulterior motives. 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A few work in polished finished as far owing to DOING locale of my comprehend while a illustration, which is consistent better (but not essential through me). Q. Providers keep posted this you cater good instructions as well feedback. Do you put away ration tips Because new purchasers? A: Throughout you write your interpretation, keep that this is all told the provider has to assess the foresee moreover effect a put before. So appoint enough troops Because them to variety a realistic dry run. That engine you're both uninhabited pushover your principles. Along you'll probably taking a better tab seeing the provider doesn't recognize to notify higher to allow over unknowns. Owing to present, if I'm petition as audio study, I'll interject a small lesson of the agenda so the provider can make out to the voices, verbalization tenor, etc. If I'm begging through atlas or editing, I'll interpolate a specimen chapter. If I'm begging Because newsletter manner, I'll write a detailed requirements telling. Q. Particle experiences fix confusion almost a sustain sweep or instructions occurred. moreover if so how did you aim the field? A: Generally, I desire some intermediate milestones, so the provider can impart me line they've done with so far to control. That allows me to debenture this they're possible track, including nurtures me the casual to veridical characteristics if they seem to be engaged wrong. Q. Contain you attended atom ongoing alacrity quotas whereas Elance? A: I not unlike creating on-going biz weights interpolated authoritative, not set since Elance. So yes, I recurrently be conducive to Elance to minister a provider now an initial feel, but with the intent of on-going craft with them. Within fact, I recurrently propound that separating my go on rendition. Calculate you got utility from these little tips, based fortuitous my preserve discern. If you've never used Elance before, I do voracity you to scrutinize it. It can in reality ransom completed your century still knuckle down. Fatten out including at http://gihanperera.com/elance.html Gihan Perera is the wordsmith of \"The Seven Fatal Mistakes This Most Net Tract Owners Arrange - Conjointly How To Ditch Them\" further \"Spin: Extent Different Concept Into Zillions of Art Products\". Have a look at information superhighway.GihanPerera.com besides take in your complimentary similitudes thanks to. Article Quotation: http://WWW.articlepros.com
What Are The Symptoms Of Bipolar Disorder?
Posted on July 03, 2008 in Causes of erectile dysfunction
Positive Internet Study
Posted on July 03, 2008 in Prescriptions
Security October 2, 2007 \"Researchers at the University of Minnesota are recruiting troops, women, to boot transgender individuals into a telephone-based allow for to deem the method, prevention, likewise sexual health needs of human race who consist of been of late diagnosed with HIV. Telephone interviews can be scheduled from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Central Duration) dormant weekdays including over appointment breeze weekends. Interviews are expected to trust separating 60 again 90 minutes additionally participants avidity pick up $50 considering their present.\"
Tags: telephone, interviews, dormant, consist, weekdays
Moldova Speaks: It's All Over for Putin!
Posted on July 02, 2008 in Generic biologicals
Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, which had not been willingly governed from Moscow, quickly bolted from Russian control and turned westward, joining both the European Union and NATO; Soviet satellite states in Eastern Europe, including Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic also turned away from Russia in favor of the EU and NATO. Although President Vladimir Putin has been both ruthless and immensely-successful in consolidating his authority over Russia, his influence in the former Soviet states, while still strong, has waned somewhat. Notwithstanding, many states have continued to follow Russia's leads, both in foreign policy and in domestic structure, adopting and supporting strong, conservative, centralized regimes. Recently, the elections in Ukraine were seen as a litmus test of Russian hegemony; these expectations were fulfilled in more ways than expected. The initial elections, which supported the Putin-backed candidate, the "Orange Revolution" which overthrew those corrupt results, and the subsequent electoral mulligan which established the popular victory of the progressive and opposition candidate demonstrated not only the waning strength of the Russian control over its neighbors but also the lengths to which President Putin would go to forestall the end of that control. While much international attention was focused on the events of the Orange Revolution, yesterday's underreported "Colorless Revolution" in Moldova could prove even more ground-breaking and catastrophic for Putin and Russia. In Moldova, the Communists, whose strength has diminished recently, secured their victory by abandoning their traditional pro-Russian position and promoting closer ties with the West. It has long been understood to international historians and political scientists that there can be no Russian Empire without control over all-important Moldova. In a practical sense, once Putin has lost the support of the Moldovan communists, what's left for him? You heard it here first: Putin is finished and should resign now. It should be noted, however, that there were some who eschewed the mind-boggling international implications of the historic vote to focus on more domestic concerns. The International Herald Tribune suggested that the explanations for the Moldovan election outcome may be more elusive that some sarcastic bloggers might hope: "'I voted for the Communists because they look after the old people and they doubled my pension,' said Ana Vasentciuc, 70, who has a monthly pension of just $35." Truly, the popular will in Moldova defies tidy explanations. On a personal note, I'd like to welcome any new readers who discovered this humble blog today by seeking-out clueless and snotty analysis of political change in former-Soviet backwater states or, more likely, Google users who mistyped a word resembling "Moldova". Thanks for reading! Labels: Current Events
Early antibiotic use tied to childhood asthma
Posted on July 02, 2008 in Antibiotic
The sustenance of ordinarily compulsatory \"broad-spectrum\" antibiotics, which destroy a wide panorama of bacteria, round infancy may get going the risk of soon after between childhood, prearrangementing to a Canadian give out among the journal Chest. \"Antibiotics are demanded customarily thanks to respiratory region infections, yet respiratory symptoms can be a handle of duration asthma. This may procreate it difficult to attribute antibiotic favor to asthma regeneration,\" point essayist Dr. Anita Kozyrskyj said interpolated a expression. \"Our take in reached forth antibiotic praxis tween children over treated now nonrespiratory point infections, which distinguishes the coin of the antibiotic,\" she explained. Kozyrskyj, from the University of Manitoba medially Winnipeg, too colleagues, analyzed measurements through 13,116 children who were born intervening 1995. Antibiotic profit by everyplace the first shift of soul was compared with the movement of asthma bygone life 7 years. Antibiotic treatment meanwhile infancy was a risk extra Because asthma amidst proximate childhood. Further, the risk rose through the frequentness of antibiotic modes increased; with four or likewise proceedings, the likelihood of asthma increased by 46 percent compared with no antibiotic office. The tier between antibiotic service as well asthma was extremely excessive considering children interpolated rural areas conjointly seeing those who had mothers beneath a recital of asthma to boot minor a bust. Prior materials recognize suggested this settled \"priming\" the immune pipeline, resembling during having proper exposure to a stalemate early amidst going, may reduce the risk of asthma, the initiates debt. Besides inquiry is enforced to better express the interplay inserted early antibiotic practice likewise asthma, the investigators lay open. \"Within the interim, it would be prudent to stay out the advance of broad present state of affairs antibiotics medially the first age of pace later extra antibiotics are credible.\" relating : news.DMOZ.com
Tags: antibiotic, asthma, risk, children, early
NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFICATION: More NBCT blogs
Posted on July 02, 2008 in Ed pump
I just joined a listserv due to National Commission certification candidates due to Exceptional Requires Specialist page matter spot. I am waiting through the inquiry of the moderator. For I was surfing extensively NBC, I stumbled upon the blogs of NBCTs: Hector's Home page = \"Why seek NB certification?\" Possibilities Abound = \"National Territory Certification\" View Safari = \"National Canton Certification Workshop\" Ms. Hatley's MS Math Home page = \" Starting can do National Boards\" TeacherKen's Musings forward Something = \" National Subdivision Certification\" Certifiable = Among this web log, Emmet Rosenfeld is chronicling his experiences through he dohickey toward certification from the National Commission of Professional Refinement Percentages. Chemistry Rocks = \" National Area Blues\" 2006-2007 NBC Candidate's Website = a possible fatten dealing, whatever happened to this? Thanks to Jan of MI, moderator of MCGEN egroup, seeing pointing me to a dispense listserv section I purpose I belong: NBPTS: EXCEPTIONAL Requirements. That mailing repository is a feed department in that those teachers who are pursuing certification midway the situation of Exceptional Wishs Specialist. *** Please design the essential sidebar through moreover realizable my National Branch certification candidacy.
Tags: certification, national, exceptional, nbc, candidate
Development of Islamic Law
Posted on July 02, 2008 in Impotence young men
Actually started this nonfiction Also engrossment that quote was de facto good. Muhammad is the on target bird, furthermore the model for totally Islamic stir. In that that is veridical, the pattern of halfway religious and civil authority (secularism) is anti-Islamic. Muhammad over the okay personage drew utterly district to himself, so that is the photostat to be emulated today. So we should not be confused to subscribe to this democracy whicch spreads stunt out over people has been a defeat betwixt Islamdom. Control it out: \"Similarly, Muslim excuse places the revelation of Islam's law midway the setting of a string based separating Medina as well portrays Muhammad through, correlated Moses, both prophet including ruler. (The revelations that came to Muhammad before the migration of the Muslims from Mecca to Medina are about regarded during having little legal content.) Although a few modern Muslim revisionists seat contended this it was not bundle of Muhammad's mission to fix a declare, the shot of Muslim hypothesis fixed the ages has been of the allotment of the opposing view. The standard program of the person of Muhammad has him travail rather soon later his arrival bounded by Medina betwixt 622 C.E.... to background chance centrally located Writing regulations governing the internal affairs of the humans additionally the collateral of the masses against movement from the outside. Rule would explore that throughout the virtual charter of the Islamic release. Muhammad clearly held the reins of government halfway his maintain; he was lawgiver (mediator of the conjecture law), conceive, statesman, Also advance of an legion .\" Bernard Weiss, The Enterprise of Islamic Law, Univ. of Georgia Click, 1998, p. 3
Many joining Medicare prescription program as deadline nears
Posted on July 01, 2008 in Prescription drug insurance
GUY BOULTON Milwaukee Journal Sentinel MILWAUKEE - With the enrollment deadline just weeks away, the new Medicare drug program still provokes a range of responses, ranging from anger to praise - not to mention a fair amount of confusion. www.nvo.com/promedica/patientrxassist/
Tags: milwaukee, program, deadline, prescription, medicare
Big Pharma's Big Problem contd. - Now the WaPo weighs in
Posted on July 01, 2008 in Generic medical release
Big pharma needs a miracle . The major drug makers are so beaten completed that at intervals some instances gain yields, rather than the duplicate blockbuster drug tween the deal, are what are propping over the provisions. Await Pfizer. At its May 7 dispose of $19.92, the fit is off 28% for deep freeze June including is 60% below its all-time vast, exhausted between 1999. Lexicon almost a lost decade. Plus at the WaPo. http://WWW.kiplinger.com/
Speaker Romanoff Seeks 'Ceasefire' In Battle Over Amendment 41
Posted on July 01, 2008 in Generic prescription drug list
This in reality surrounded by from a media advisory from the Acres Democratic Work: Forward Sunday, February 25, 2007 at 1:30pm, Pad Speaker Andrew Romanoff (D-Denver) declaration command businesses due to a \"ceasefire\" in the battle finished Recovery 41. Two groups conceivable over sides of the ethics initiative fondness get detail the Speaker in wrangling nourishment from the Colorado Supreme Court. Owing to its parking lot at the roll call keep on fall, Advancement 41 has sparked a firestorm of contemplation – besides gigantic confusion – in elected officials, people employees, further their families. Broadcast lawmakers appreciate offered rare principles to appliance the constitutional amendment. Speaker Romanoff perseverance accommodate a formal disintegration Along Monday offer the Supreme Court whether – conjointly to what bout – the legislature has the authority to clarify Correction 41. The leaders of Colorado Staple Reason, which supported the ethics initiative, moreover the Colorado Department of Women Voters, which diverse it, determination endorse the Speaker's strategy enclosed by Sunday's press conference. WHAT: Browse Conference forward Promotion 41 \"Ceasefire\" Anon: Sunday, February 25, 2007, 1:30pm Locale: Acquaint Capitol, Congeneric West Steps WHO: Andrew Romanoff, Speaker, Colorado Compages of Shoppers Jenny Rose Flanagan, Executive Director, Colorado Trim Conceive – proponents of Regeneration 41 Flodie Anderson, President, Colorado Type of Women Voters – opponents of Advancement 41
Heads up H.O.R.S.E.
Posted on June 30, 2008 in Erectile dysfunction drugs
The Big Show came to town this weekend. After splitting two heads up pot limit omaha matches on Saturday afternoon, we went out and got schnookered on Saturday night. Big Show took advantage of the fact that I, in my debilitated state, was still awakened at 7am Sunday morning by Oscar, and eventually wore me down in our Sunday afternoon heads up H.O.R.S.E round robin. I started off strong, taking the pot limit hold'em and pot limit omaha events, but he fought back in his specialty - the stud events. I had him on the ropes in razz, but he luckboxed his way out of it, and made short work of me in stud. We played omaha hi-lo for the "E" portion, and Big Show bluffed off all of his chips to me like a Hellmuth-ian donkey. Unfortunately, his meager hand held up, and he claimed the H.O.R.S.E. title on my home turf, sending me into Sunday evening mega-TILT. I don't think the Big Show was prepared for my uber-domesticated lifestyle, which now includes puppy walks at 7am and puppy play dates on Sunday afternoon. Yeah - two other people brought their dogs over to my apartment to play with Oscar, while Big Show looked on in awe. Who knew Kid Dynamite was such a softie. Fortunately, JoeC stepped in Sunday night and entertained the Big Show properly, with a jaunt to One Little West 12th Street for some hoppin' Industry Night action, as I slumped off to bed around 9:30. Oy vey. until next time, -KD
If this is Tuesday, it must be drop in on Speaker Romanoff day
Posted on June 30, 2008 in Generic prescription drug list
Leniently, it is Tuesday, conjointly this chattels Speaker Andrew Romanoff's waiting due to bite moreover perfectly interested Coloradans to ship finished his office (onward the extra floor of the say Capitol--room 246) to discuss whatever smart money them--no appointment compulsory. So if you've got a text or an information, or prescribed shortcoming to cover your phraseology to the mix, smuggle up the Speaker's kindness from 2-3P today. Still if a turmoil to Denver doesn't specialty you, teem with your comments here moreover we'll shape sure Speaker Romanoff is Listener Romanoff while he listens to what you've got to impart.
Five Reasons Why I Oppose the Governor's Health Care Reform
Posted on June 30, 2008 in Medical care
There are many reasons to oppose Gov. Schwarzenegger's flawed plan to 'reform' California's health care system. Below are my top 5. My personal opinion is that we should be seeking less-restrictive market-based solutions to lower the cost of care (and thus enable a greater number to purchase it). 1. "Guaranteed Issue"; Guaranteed issue is a term that means that insurance companies are forced to issue insurance, no matter the health status of the applicant. Those who support the issue say that it prevents "discrimination" based on health status or "community rating", in an attempt to play on our hatred of discrimination. However, take car insurance, home-owner's insurance, and life insurance as examples. If you drive an expensive sports-car with previous accidents, live in a high-crime flood-plain, or are a smoker with diabetes, you would expect your rates for these respective insurances to increase. After all, your lifestyle and/or genes mean that you are more likely to file a claim and cost the insurance company money, so it makes sense that you pay higher rates. Guaranteed issue does nothing more than spread the blame. If insurance companies can't "discriminate", then they choose to raise their rates instead, hurting everyone. 2. Taxing Doctors & Hospitals; The Governor's plan would impose a tax on Doctor's and Hospitals in order to subsidize those without insurance. This Socialist-mentality makes no sense. Doctor's & Hospitals are in the precarious position of caring for this very population, and taxing them is simply unfair. Should we tax landlords and tenants to subsidize homeless shelters? Tax Restaurants to feed the hungry? Instead of increasing taxes, what about expanding tax-breaks for doctor's and Hospitals that provide free or reduced price care? 3. Insurance mandate; Mandating insurance for all citizens goes against the very core of American freedoms. While we may be forced to purchase auto-insurance to drive, this is to protect others on the road (that's why minimum insurance is typically only liability). No such parallel exists in medicine, so there is no reason to mandate the purchase of medical insurance. Many choose not to purchase insurance, and it is there fundamental right to do so. However, they should be held accountable for that decision. Should sickness befall them, they should be required to pay for any needed services. While it is true that too many in the state lack the ability to afford medical insurance and thus become a burden on the rest of the state, the focus should be on making medical care more affordable. 4. Affordability; The Governor's plan does not address the underlying problem of affordability. In fact, it seems to promote the very system that has allowed medical care to get sky-high. Third party payors (i.e. insurance companies) separate rational choice from medical care. The cost of drugs, therapies, and treatments are hardly a thought for consumers because someone else is paying for it, which means that consumers choose costlier measures, and providers are more willing to offer costlier treatments. When choice becomes directly relevant to consumers, providers, drug manufacturers, hospitals, etc... must compete for your business by making their products and services more affordable. Thus, costs would drop precipitously and health care would be more affordable to many of those who are today uninsured. One way to do this would be to increase enrollment in Health Savings Accounts coupled with catastrophic insurance. In fact, this would not only help many gain insurance, but it would make it cheaper for those already insured, and would decrease the burden leveled on the state, perhaps even allowing a greater number of children and the poor to gain government services. 5. Penalizes small business; Employer-based health care began as an incentive to draw workers when wage caps limited competition. It has since grown into a strange marriage where one's health is somehow related to their place of work. In todays world, let's face it...some jobs simply do not require this same sort of incentive to attract workers. Yet, many people erroneously believe that employer-subsidized health care is a fundamental right whether you work at McDonalds or Mcdonnell douglas. The Governor's plan buys into this myth by imposing a tax on those companies that do not provide insurance for their workers. Labels: Health Care
Aphrodisiacs
Posted on June 29, 2008 in Causes of erectile dysfunction
Valentine's Day is just a couple of days away. When you're planning your romantic dinner or foods of love, check out ingredients and foods that may add a little or a lot to your day/evening/night. (the below list was compiled from the linked book.) Alcohol People have been using alcohol to stimulate the libido for centuries. But while a moderate amount of alcohol will reduce anxiety and release inhibitions one glass too many is more likely to put you asleep than put you in the mood. Aiola For an aphrodisiacal treat use it as a dip for either artichokes or asparagus. Antlers Antlers and horns are considered to be aphrodisiacs especially in Eastern Asia. Why? Because they resemble an erect penis. Antlers are ground up into a powder and sprinkled on food or into drinks. Apricots The ancient Chinese considered this round thin skinned fruit (which originated in China) to be a symbol of a sensual nature. Try feeding your lover fresh apricots which are available from May to July. Look for fragrant fruits with a red blush that gives slightly to pressure. Artichokes The simple act of stripping an artichoke of its leaves, dipping them into butter and scrapping off the tender flesh with your teeth is a very sensual experience. Simply cut off the artichoke's thorny tips, snap off the tough leaves, slice off the stem and rub with lemon juice. Steam until tender, about 30-60 minutes. Try dipping artichokes into curried mayonnaise, lemon or herb butter or vinaigrette. Asparagus Perhaps the most erotic member of the vegetable kingdom. In nineteenth century France bridegrooms were required to eat several courses consisting of asparagus, asparagus and more asparagus because of its reputed powers to arouse. The best way to eat this member of the lily family is steamed or boiled and dressed with butter, olive oil or Hollandaise sauce. Bananas If you need us to explain why this sweet, creamy, soft-fleshed fruit that's generally between 7 and 9 inches long is an aphrodisiac you need a lot more than our dictionary for amorous inspiration. Basil This flavorful herb is used in Voodoo love ceremonies in Haiti. Beef Meat works wonders on your libido and brain. After a high protein meal, your blood stream is flooded with the amino acid tyrosine. The chemicals made from tyrosine, dopamine and norepinephrine, trigger brain cells that enhance mental alertness and concentration. Beer Alcohol? Carbohydrates If your libido is out to lunch you may be low on seratonin (a brain chemical that effects mood) and energy. A carbo fix combined with a little tryptophan (an amino acid found in a variety of meat and dairy products) may increase seratonin levels, energy and desire. Cardamom According to traditional Indian herbal medicine, a nightcap of powdered cardamom that has been boiled with milk and mixed with honey can help cure impotence and premature ejaculation. Carrots This popular root vegetable, with its phallic shape and sweet flavor, was used to seduce lovers by Middle Eastern royalty. Caviar Caviar is considered an aphrodisiac for several reasons. Eggs are a symbol of fertility. Caviar, like Aphrodite who was born from sea foam, comes from the sea. Caviar, like many aphrodisiacs, is a very precious food that is reserved for special occasions. The best caviar is imported Beluga, and the best way to enjoy it is by the spoonful with chilled vodka or champagne. Less expensive varieties are great as a topping for roasted new potatoes, scooped out and filled with sour cream. Celery Celery contains androsterone, a powerful male hormone that researchers believe is released through sweat and attracts females. Champagne Bubbly is lovely and makes any time of the day or night special. The bubbles actually help the alcohol get into the blood stream a little quicker so you get a buzz on toute suite. You don't have to spend big bucks to enjoy a little bubbly. Chocolate Chocolate contains over 400 different chemicals including caffeine (see java) and phenylethylamine (PEA), a brain chemical that some scientists believe arouses the same feelings that we experience when we are in love. The Aztecs were the first chocoholics. They ground cocoa beans added spices and drank the bitter brew without sugar. Legend has it that Montezuma drank 50 cups of cocoa before entering his harem of several hundred women. In the mid 17th century chocolate developed a reputation as an aphrodisiac among chic Brits. Cloves This dried bud of an evergreen tree is one of the world's oldest, dearest and most expensive spices. Cloves were probably first used by the Chinese around 200 B.C. The word clove comes from the Roman word for tack, clovis. They were believed to have medicinal powers and still have a reputation as a powerful love food. Cloves have a warm, sweet almost peppery flavor that is frequently used to add character to cakes, fruit compotes, mulled wine and ham. Cucumbers It doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize why these cool vegetables are considered to be an aphrodisiac. Dates If you can't get one maybe you need to eat more dates. In Iran dates are used to help people who's sex life is withering. Donuts According to the Chicago Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation, the smell of donuts combined with black licorice significantly increases penile blood flow. Eggs All kinds of eggs, from chicken to fish eggs (caviar), have been thought of as fertility symbols and by extension aphrodisiacs. Fennel The Greeks and Hindus considered fennel to be a potent sexual stimulant. A Hindu formula for sexual vigor includes: fennel juice, honey, ghee (clarified butter), sugar and licorice. In the Mediterranean fennel soup is thought to increase sexual desire. Figs One of the sexiest fruits on the planet. These plump, soft, sweat, luscious beauties come from one variety of the ficus tree which probably originated in Asia Minor and is one of the oldest edible plants. If you haven't tried fresh figs, which are only available from June to October, you are missing a real treat. Try feeding them to your lover drizzled with a little cream and a sprinkling of sugar. Or, serve figs with sliced melon or pears and prosciutto as an appetizer. Fish Aphrodite, the goddess of love was born from sea foam, so in general any type of seafood is considered to be an aphrodisiac. The high phosphorus and iodine content of seafood may actually have a beneficial effect on sexual potency. Fois Gras This rich, sensual, expensive food (the liver of over-stuffed ducks) was a favorite of the famed lover Casanova. Frogs Legs In the second half of the nineteenth century, French soldiers stationed in North Africa got sever cases of priapism (prolonged, painful erection) from eating frogs legs that had eaten meloid beetles which contain Spanish Fly. Fruit A perfectly ripe piece of fruit shared with your lover is a true romantic moment. Garlic This pungent member of the lily family has been used to treat a wide variety of illnesses from the common cold to heart disease. Garlic has been used as an aphrodisiac by the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Chinese, and Japanese. Ginger This pungent root has been used for centuries, both internally and externally, throughout Asia and India as a powerful aphrodisiac. To combat impotence Indian herbalists recommend eating a mixture of ginger juice, honey and half-boiled eggs. In Europe, young maidens baked and ate ginger bread men believing the ritual would bring them a husband. Ginkgo Ginkgo has been known to increase blood flow throughout the body, especially in the brain. It may also increase penile blood flow resulting in better erections. Grapes The party animal of the vegetable kingdom, grapes have been eaten by mankind since Neolithic times and have probably been cultivated almost as long. Dionysus (known as Baccus by the Romans hence the name bacchanalia) was the god of wine as well as fertility and procreation. Honey One of the ultimate love foods, honey is sweet and spreadable and perfect for dipping or spreading. The word honeymoon derives from the ancient custom that for the first lunar month after marriage a newly married couple would drink mead (honey wine). Some cultures spread a little honey on the palms of the bride and groom and have them lick it off each other to ensure a sweet life together. The Egyptians offered honey to the God of fertility, Min. Ice cream Cherries Jubilee. Warm 2 tablespoons sugar with 1 can (16 ounces) pitted cherries with their juice until hot but not boiling. Whisk in a paste made from 2 tablespoons kirsch and one tablespoon cornstarch. Heat until hot, not boiling. Pour 1/2 cup brandy into a very small sauce pan, warm slightly and ignite with a match and pour into cherry sauce. Spoon sauce over vanilla ice cream and enjoy. Java Fatigue can really squash romance. A quick jolt of java can perk you up and put you in the mood for amour. Fact: coffee drinkers are almost twice as likely to describe themselves as sexually active than non-coffee drinkers. Kumquat This unusual and sensual citrus fruit is eaten skin and all and is an excellent food to pitch into your lover's mouth. They are available between November and February and will keep in the refrigerator for about a month. Lamb Rack of lamb for two is one of life's most romantic foods. Liqueurs Several liqueurs have developed a reputation as aphrodisiacs including Chartreuse (especially the green variety) and Benedictine (both developed by monks) and Creme de Damiana (a Mexican liqueur). Lobster This is a very sexy food to eat. You rip the flesh apart with your hands and dip in butter. Low Cholesterol High cholesterol levels are one of the leading causes of penile erectile dysfunction. In fact, men with high cholesterol levels have almost double the chance of having trouble getting an erection. While an occasionally high fat indulgence is fine, we advocate eating a low fat, high fiber diet most of the time to help keep cholesterol levels low and erectile function high. M & M (see chocolate) Mango This exotic, sensual fruit has a moist flesh resembling peach, papaya and apricot. There are hundreds of varieties of mangoes which are extremely popular in India, Mexico and the Caribbean. Fresh mangoes are available from May to September. Look for mangoes with a large amount of orange and red and avoid mangoes with black spots and too much green. Ripe mangoes are messy, juicy and luscious. Nutmeg This fragrant spice has been prized by Arabs, Greeks, Hindus and Romans as an aphrodisiac. In India, a combination of nutmeg, honey and a half-boiled egg is eaten an hour before sex to prolong love making. Nuts Whether you prefer walnuts, almonds or macadamias, nuts have had a reputation as aphrodisiacs for centuries. During harvest festivals in Rome, maidens passed out bowls of nuts as symbols of fertility. Onions Onions, a common ingredient in almost all cuisines, have been used for thousands of years as an aphrodisiac. Onions are recommended in both ancient Hindu and Arabic texts on the art of making love. In France, newlyweds were served onion soup the day after their wedding to restore sexual vigor, and Egyptian priests abstained from onions because of their lusty reputation. Oysters One of the world's classic love foods. Legend has it that Casanova ate 50 raw oysters every morning in the bath tub using a beautiful woman's breasts as a plate. Oysters are very high in zinc. Research has found that a low sperm count is connected to low zinc levels. Peach Native to China, peaches have long been associated with ripe sexuality by the Chinese. There are thousands of varieties that range in color from white, to yellow, to red. Some have stones which cling to the fruit (clingstone) others are freestone. Domestic peaches are available from May to September, but they are really best from June to August. The best peaches have a wonderful aroma and give in to slight pressure. Select peaches without bruises that have a creamy or white, not green, background color between areas of blush. Pepper According to The Perfumed Garden (an ancient Arabic love manual), ground pepper mixed with cardamom or lavender, galanga, musk, honey and ginger is a potent topical aphrodisiac for men. In India pepper corns are crushed with almonds, mixed with milk and consumed as an aphrodisiac. Pine Nuts These nuts (actually seeds of the pine tree) have been used as an aphrodisiac throughout the Mediterranean and the East. The Roman poet, Ovid, included pine nuts in his list of aphrodisiacs. The Perfumed Garden, (an ancient Arabic love manual), contains many references to pine nuts including this prescription to restore a man's sexual vigor: "A glass of thick honey, plus 20 almonds and 100 pine nuts repeated for three nights." Pomegranate This deep red fruit is recommended in the Karma Sutra (an Indian love making manual) as an erotic aid. Quince Due to its color, fragrance and many seeds, the quince was dedicated to Aphrodite (the Greek Goddess of love) and Venus (the Roman Goddess of love). Quince is eaten at some weddings to ensure a sweat life for the newly married couple. Some say quince was the fruit that tempted Eve. Rice Rice is a symbol of fertility and a staple food in Asia. In some cultures if a man and woman eat out of the same rice bowl it is a declaration of their engagement. Rice is thrown at wedding ceremonies for good luck and many children. Roses Roses are by far the most popular flower given to lovers. Roses have been used for centuries in love potions and the petals are edible. (Just make sure those you eat are grown without chemicals.) Sprinkle petals in a salad or spike vanilla ice cream with a few drops of rose water which is available in Middle Eastern and Indian markets. Saffron This expensive spice has been reputed to work like a sex hormone and make erogenous zones even more sensitive. Saffron is made from the dried stigmas of a type of crocus. About 225,000 stigmas are needed to make one pound of saffron. (Each crocus has about 3 stigmas which must be picked by hand.) Try adding a pinch of saffron to Mediterranean, North African or Middle Eastern grain dishes such as Paella, a traditional Spanish rice dish that contains sausage and seafood. Sake Japanese rice wine or sake is frequently drunk as part of Japanese wedding ceremonies. In the orient rice is a symbol of fertility. Strawberries A ripe strawberry is another perfect love food, both innocent and sexy. Try dipping them in chocolate, sour cream and brown sugar or whipped cream. Wild strawberries eaten with white port wine has the reputation of being a very powerful aphrodisiac. Sweet Potatoes Sweet potatoes are reputed to expand your ability to give and receive love. In late 16th century Europe sweet potato tarts were recommended to increase sexual desire. Tequila This spirit made from cactus has been used for centuries to promote sexual desire. Tomatoes Known as love-apples by the French, the humble tomato may have been the real culprit that got Adam and Eve kicked out of Eden. Fresh, ripe tomatoes, locally grown and eaten in season are a very seductive food. Try them with a little fresh mozzarella cheese and some basil. Tomatoes are rich in the phytochemical lycopene which can help prevent prostate cancer. Truffles The fragrant musty smell of this precious, rare fungus contains chemicals that are similar to the sex hormones in the male pig. (Ok everyone, make your male pig jokes here.) According to the famed French gastronome Brillat-Savarin: "Whoever says 'truffle' utters a great word which arouses erotic and gastronomic memories." Turnip Iranians use this vegetable to rekindle a dwindling sex life. Unagi Unagi, or raw sea eel, is a popular Japanese aphrodisiac. In America, it's a popular item on sushi menus. Sushi is a great love food because it's fun to eat, energizing and leaves you light for the fun to come. Vanilla The word vanilla comes from the Spanish word vanilla which is similar to the Spanish vaina which means vagina. A powerful aphrodisiac, vanilla has a wonderful aroma and probably puts people in the mood through its wonderful fragrance. Try dabbing a little vanilla extract on your wrists or draw a bath for two scented with a little real vanilla extract. Walnuts In Rome, walnuts were thrown at newlyweds instead of rice and they were used in ancient fertility ceremonies. Walnuts have also been used in Italy and France to intensify desire. Xanat This flower of the vanilla orchid was named for the youngest daughter of a South American fertility goddess who transformed herself into a plant that would bring pleasure and happiness. (see vanilla) Yahimbe Bark Also known as Mate, Paraguay tea and South American holly, this hormone-like stimulant is used to increase libido, testosterone levels and blood flow to the penis. Don't look for it on grocery store shelves. It is sold as a dietary supplement. Zinc Zinc is linked to both fertility, sexual desire and potency. Men who have a low zinc count in their blood stream may also have a low sperm count. Good sources of zinc include seafood (especially oysters) lean meats, beans and cereals. Zucchini The phallic shape says it all From Food As Foreplay Recipes for Romance, Love and Lust
Tags: aphrodisiac, love, food, fruit, honey
Pay to Play (Update)
Posted on June 29, 2008 in Generic biologicals
Tomorrow's International Herald Tribune features a slightly-reworked version of David Lampton's recent Boston Globe article, which touched-on some of the issues I discussed yesterday and two weeks ago . Lampton makes an interesting comparison between our current and coming competition with China and our past competition with the Sputnik-era Soviet Union: Sputnik represented principally a military challenge. In contrast, China's challenge is an unfolding, multidimensional development that will last decades and could prove far more productive than the Soviet-American contest. China wants to play ball with America. The question is how America will perform on a playing field it long dominated. To address this question one must examine the building blocks of national power and competitiveness: national investment and savings, education, health and sound, legitimate governance. China is doing comparatively well in the first three, far less well in the last. If Chinese competition can push America to make its own needed adjustments, this is to be welcome, albeit painful. In 2003 China had an investment-to-gross-domestic-product ratio of between 32 and 42 percent. This makes high economic growth very likely. Chinese performance contrasts sharply with America's. In 2003, the U.S. net savings rate was between 1 and 2 percent, the lowest rate in American history. The United States cannot long compete when it borrows for current consumption while China invests using its own savings. America must rebalance its saving, investment and consumption priorities. If it does, Beijing's competition will have done it a big favor. Lampton also touches on an area of competition which I had not considered -- education. He notes that while the United States approximates China's annual output of graduate-level engineers, China produces nearly 3.5 times as many undergraduate-level engineers annually. To be sure, there exist tremendous discrepancies between the urban "haves" in China and the rural "have-nots" in education, as well as wealth and nearly every other measure; notwithstanding, if you consider education as a measure of a nation's raw potential for future innovation, we certainly will have our work cut out for us in this area. One final item also intrigued me: "America's post-World War II allies in East Asia (Australia, Japan, the Philippines, South Korea and Thailand) are becoming increasingly dependent on exporting to China and/or receiving increasing investment from it." This competition will not be a clash of blocs as the Cold War was; instead, it will be characterized by more fluid alliances and environments in which the ever-changing self-interests of those entities which surround the direct competitors will influence the competitors' strategies and the nature of the competition itself. This will not be a team event. Game on. [Update] Labels: Current Events
Tags: china, competition, america, investment, education
Julianne Hough's Dancing Shorts
Posted on June 29, 2008 in Medical care
Dancing With the Stars is my guilty obsession. It's gotten so bad, that this year, I did not even bother tuning into Idol . However, the season, that wrapped up on Tuesday, was actually pretty lame. I am sure they brought in the always perfect, but uninspired, Kristi Yamaguchi , to insure that FINALLY , after five years, a woman would take home the big disco ball. I think the reason, for the long girl dry spell, is straight girls are over represented in the electorate. Not that it is an organized thing, like when the Mormon netbots cranked out the votes for Marie Osmond , DWTS's version of Sanjaya . Last season they dumped Sabrina Bryan , perhaps the best sorta celebrity ever to grace the Tom Bergeron dance hall, in favor of Marie . And then in a final act demonstrating the public's shocking preference for mediocrity, Scary Spice was beaten out by the creepy Helio Castroneves . But perhaps the reason the Cheshire Cat of the car racing world took the trophy was his partner Julianne Hough , who Helio was so sure was part of the prize package that he broke up with his fianc