by Chris Alexion, Copyright November 04, 2006, all rights reserved. 195 views
WASHINGTON–Organizers of the National Spelling Bee this week announced a crackdown on steroids and other unauthorized performance enhancers rampant among contestants.
Roger Diaz, NSB spokesman, said yesterday that the organization has been investigating the use of performance enhancers in the competition for eight months. The investigation has yet to require the revocation of spelling titles or criminal charges, but Diaz noted that several high-profile spellers have been implicated in the process.
The NSB investigation has sparked the release of tougher regulations, including a beefed-up section on banned substances. Caffeine, which officials say has been used so that students could stay up later memorizing words, is no longer allowed. Ginko-Biloba and Ginseng are also among the prohibited substances; these herbs are believed to give users an unfair memory advantage.
1 • LHR • November 04, 2006 • 2:23 PM
Where will it end? Now they are abusing substances like caffeine, Ginko-Biloba, and Ginseng — of all things!
2 • Hans Bluedorn • November 08, 2006 • 8:19 PM
I think they should ban the drinking of Red Bull in public places.
3 • Jenn • November 16, 2006 • 3:41 PM
Oh great!! Do you think inspectors might come chop down our Ginko tree?!
This was funny!
=)
4 • Brian Bosse • November 21, 2006 • 11:59 PM
I think it is terrible that these people can put forth such unsubstantiated allegations, thereby ruining the reputation of these fine upstanding contestants. Thank goodness for those few brave individuals such as Barry Bonds and Lance Armstrong who have the moral courage to speak out against such wanton slander. The NSB's intentions are nothing more than to bend the will of the people to their brand of fascism phonics. 'Gnome' and 'gnat' will always be spelled with a 'g' and I don't need caffeine to know that 'i' comes before 'e' except after 'c'…
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