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The National Cancer Institute (NCI), the federal government's principal agency for cancer research and training, has identified the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center as one of the nation's 51 comprehensive cancer centers. This designation places USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center among a select group of institutions providing leadership in cancer treatment, research, prevention and education.
To be recognized as an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center, an institution must hold an NCI Cancer Center Support Grant and meet specific criteria concerning breadth and depth of basic research, clinical research, and population-based research. In particular, in the area of clinical research, a comprehensive cancer center is expected to initiate and conduct investigator-initiated, early phase, innovative clinical trials and provide leadership for, and participate in NCI cooperative groups. The NCI also evaluates the public information, education, service and outreach activities of the institution. After a thorough peer review process, the NCI Executive Committee makes the final decision in granting comprehensive status.
USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center received its comprehensive cancer center designation in 1973, two years after it was founded. It was one of the first eight institutions in the country to be designated by the NCI as a comprehensive cancer center. Since 1973, the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center has been continuously supported by an NCI Cancer Center Support Grant.


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Expedited Passports & Travel Visa Services
The Passport and Visa Company works with the US Dept. of State Passport Agencies, Consulates and Embassies to ensure the acceptance and fast processing of an applicant's passport or travel visa.
Expedited U.S. Passports
US Passports
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Need a passport in a hurry? Let our trusted team of professionals expedite the processing of your passport. Based in Austin, TX with operations in Houston and Dallas, you can rest assured we have the necessary resources to provide fast, secure, and professional services for your travel documents, including 24 hour service.
The Passport and Visa Company is a registered agent with government agencies to provide customers with the most efficient method of obtaining passports and travel visas. By working with the U.S. Department of State Passport Agencies as well as Consulates and Embassies, The Passport and Visa Company ensures fast processing of all passports and travel visas for both U.S. citizens and foreign nationals. Call us today, and we will fully explain all passport fees, passport requirements, and all other critical passport information. We also take passport and travel visa photographs.
New U.S. Adult Passport
A U.S. Adult Passport is valid for 10 years. A New U.S. Adult Passport is required for passport applicants 16 and older who fall into one of the following categories:
1. This is your first time applying for a passport.
2. Your previous passport was issued when you were under the age of 16.
3. Your passport was issued more than 15 years ago.
4. Your expired passport is not in your possession.
5. Your current valid passport is damaged.
6. Your valid passport is lost or stolen.
Apply for a New U.S. Adult Passport
New U.S. Minor Passport
A U.S. Minor Passport is valid for 5 years. Every minor, no matter their age, must have a valid passport to travel overseas. A minor under the age of 16 must submit their application in person with their "legal" parent(s) or guardian(s). If both parents or guardians cannot be present, the minor must have documentation for parental consent. A minor the age of 17 can apply for a passport with ONE parent or guardian present, if they have their own proof of identification.
Apply for a New U.S. Minor Passport
U.S. Passport Renewal
A U.S. Passport Renewal is valid for 10 years. A Passport Renewal is required if your current passport has expired. To make this application, you must be in possession of your expired passport, and it must be undamaged. This undamaged passport must have been issued to you when you were over the age of 16 and no more than 15 years ago. If you have changed your legal name since your expired passport was issued, you must be able to document it to submit an application for passport renewal.
Name Change Passport
A Name Change is required if your current passport was issued within the past one (1) year and you have since changed your legal name. If this passport was issued more than one year ago, you must apply for a Passport Renewal. If this passport is damaged, however, you will have to apply for a New Adult Passport rather than renewal.
Lost or Stolen Passport
To replace a lost or stolen passport, your missing passport must still be valid. If the missing passport has expired, you will need to apply for a New U.S. Adult Passport.
Replace Lost or Stolen Passport
Secondary Passport
A secondary passport is issued at the discretion of the U.S. Department of State to frequent travelers that do not have time to acquire travel visas between trips. Additionally, a secondary passport may be issued for security reasons.
Apply for a Secondary Passport
Add Travel Visa Pages
You may apply to add travel visa pages if your current valid passport has run out of pages and the passport expiration date is at least one (1) year away. Otherwise, you must apply for Passport Renewal.
Travel Visas
Need a Travel Visa, but not sure what type you need? Our most commonly requested visas include Business Visas, Tourist Visas, Work Visas, and Student Visas. Aside from the reason for travel, each unique type of travel visa varies in Max Validity, Max Stay, and Entry Type. We know all the different requirements can quickly become overwhelming. Let us guide you through the process of obtaining a travel visa, and rest assured that you have all the needed paperwork for your next trip. We also expedite Transit Visas and provide Voucher Services for travelers heading to destinations like Russia.
Business Visa
If you're a Consultant conducting business as an individual or work for an employer requiring international travel for business meetings or business negotiations, we can get you there fast and easy with the necessary travel documents. Whether your trip is planned or urgent, getting you the necessary Business Travel Visa is our specialty.
Work Visa
Are you lucky enough to travel to a great new country for work? Our experience in providing customers with Work Visas will allow you to focus on other tasks listed on your never ending to-do list. By providing us with your travel details, we will prepare all the needed documentation.
Tourist Visa
Our most requested Tourist Visas include Brazil, China, India, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Kenya, and Tanzania. Not traveling to one of those counties? No problem. With our 20+ years of experience, we have the prerequisite knowledge needed to obtain travel visas for any international destination.
Student Visa
Have you decided to study abroad? Regardless of where you have decided to study, United Kingdom, Brazil, or Spain, we specialize in knowing all of the unique requirements for each country. Even better? We know just how long it will take to process your student visa and get it in your hands ready for travel. Don't miss your first semester, or even your first class. Give The Passport and Visa Company a call today, and ensure that you will have all requirements fulfilled before your departure date.

subset: commoncrawl


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International Day of the World's Indigenous PeoplesAug 9, 2014
The interests of the indigenous peoples must be part of the new development agenda in order for it to succeed. […] Together, let us recognize and celebrate the valuable and distinctive identities of indigenous peoples around the world. Let us work even harder to empower them and support their aspirations.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
2014 message on the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples
Statement by Patrick Keuleers, Director a.i. of the Democratic Governance Group and Chairperson of the UNDP Indigenous Peoples Liaison Committee (IPLC)
On 09 August 2014 the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples is commemorated to promote and endorse the rights enshrined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and to honour diverse indigenous cultures and recognize the achievements and valuable contributions of indigenous peoples worldwide. With this year's theme, Bridging the gap: implementing the rights of indigenous peoples, we aim to highlight the importance of implementing the rights of indigenous peoples through policies and programmes, at both the national and international level, by working together with member states, the United Nations system, indigenous peoples and other stakeholders.
2014 is an important year for indigenous peoples worldwide with both the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples (WCIP) and the UN Climate Summit taking place in New York this September. The Second International Decade of the World's Indigenous People (2005-2014) is also coming to an end and the international community is defining the vision for the future development framework. 2014 is therefore a time to reflect on the good practices, gaps and challenges ahead and to further strengthen international cooperation to advance the implementation of the rights of indigenous peoples everywhere.
The integration of indigenous peoples' rights and needs into key development processes such as the post-2015 development agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals remains very important and the upcoming WCIP will be an opportunity for indigenous peoples to continue to contribute to the shaping of the future development agenda. There is growing international advocacy for more credible and effective systems of governance and accountability and an expectation that the post-2015 development framework will be people-centered and human rights-based.
Tackling exclusion and inequalities, that affect the most marginalized peoples will require more attention to the respect for the rule of law and access to justice. Working in synergy, indigenous systems of governance can add value to decision-making processes, especially in matters of local governance and the delivery of services. Indigenous peoples and their institutions also play a vital role in the implementation and monitoring of development initiatives as proactive and positive actors in the overall socio-economic development of their communities and society.
For the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) success in furthering human development is inextricably linked with human rights; we cannot achieve either in exclusion of the other as they are in fact mutually reinforcing. Human development is not possible where discrimination, injustice, and social exclusion prevail, and where there is a lack of recognition of the value of different worldviews that groups and communities bring to society.
Indigenous peoples' collective and individual rights, livelihoods and world views must be recognized if development processes are to be inclusive and sustainable. UNDP is committed to creating spaces for and guaranteeing the effective participation of indigenous peoples at all levels to ensure that their voices are heard and that they contribute to policy-making and programme formulation and implementation. Thus, guaranteeing access to opportunities and supporting an enabling environment in which indigenous peoples are empowered and can develop their full potential to lead dignified lives in harmony with their world vision.
As we are commemorating the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, UNDP will continue to engage and support alliances and collaboration between different partners to put an end to exclusion and discrimination and to enable indigenous peoples to fully exercise their rights in free, diverse and inclusive societies.Contact information
Shireen Said
Policy Advisor on Human Rights
Tel: +1 212.906.6602
Email: email@example.com


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Tomorrow, on November 18, the worlds of fashion, retail, and tech will join forces for the kick off of Decoded Fashion's two-day New York Summit. Rebecca Minkoff, Nordstrom, Barneys, kate spade, Google, Style.com, and more will meet to discuss wearable tech challenges and the latest ideas around retail innovation.
One of the highlights of the summit will be the finals of the Beautiful Function wearables competition, which aims to identify the most consumer-friendly and beautiful wearable device launched this year. Five finalist startups, chosen because of the striking design and functionality of their wearable, will pitch live on stage to a panel of industry leaders on November 18. All finalists' wearables cater to the U.S. market, are ready to market today and are currently available for pre-order. The winning team will be featured on Style.com.
The finalists are:
Cuff: Cuff serves as an alert system, with the ability to track your fitness and send notifications. The interchangeable modules, called CuffLincs, connect directly to an iPhone or Android application.
Jon Lou: The 314 handbag charges your smartphone and lights up to help you find your interior items. With powerful off-the-grid energy developed at MIT, you can keep an iPhone 6 charged for one month. Made in Italy.
Kovert Designs: Kovert's modular collection of smart designer jewellery allows customers to insert the Altruis Stone into different ring, bracelet and necklace designs. Using their app, the user can set the smart stone to vibrate for particular notifications (filtered by key contact or keyword). Kovert will be announcing a small handful of collaboration collections with brands/designers in 2015.
Machina: A hoodie with speakers integrated into it. It allows its wearer to hear music without having to insert headphones into their ear. Music can be controlled via Bluetooth, using an iPhone, iPod or Android device.
Viawear: Tyia, Viawear's smart bracelet, sends notifications using gentle vibrations and color. Tyia is designed to make things easier, richer, more beautiful and more focused, helping you connect with real life instead of just your digital one.
The competition judges are:
Myf Ryan, Marketing, Director UK & Europe, Westfield
Dirk Standen, Editor-in-Chief, Style.com
Olivia Kim, Director of Creative Projects, Nordstrom
Simon Collins, Dean, Parsons The New School for Design
"There is a lot of excitement, but also confusion about the possibilities for wearables and fashion today. During next week's summit, we will reveal big players outside of everyone's radar. We will discuss what matters in the immediate future and expose the technology that will help get us there," said Liz Bacelar, founder and president of Decoded Fashion. "The Decoded Fashion Summit is about being ahead of the story, discarding pre-conceived notions and learning new possibilities emerging around the world."
Decoded Fashion New York will take place on November 18-19, 2014 at Metropolitan West. The full agenda can be found here.


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Maj. Jose Lasso, the 96th Maintenance Squadron commander, and Senior Airman Mark Blinn, a lead standardization crew member with the 96th Maintenance Group, were recently named 2012 Lt. Gen. Leo Marquez award recipients.
Maj. Jose Lasso, the 96th Maintenance Squadron commander, and Senior Airman Mark Blinn, a lead standardization crew member with the 96th Maintenance Group, were recently named 2012 Lt. Gen. Leo Marquez award recipients.
The Air Force award is given to maintainers who demonstrate the highest degree of sustained job performance, job knowledge and job efficiency in the aircraft, munitions and missile and communications/electronics maintenance categories.
The Airmen were recognized in the missiles and munitions category. Lasso was named field grade manager of the year, while Blinn was named best missile technician in the Airman category.
Lasso, stationed here since June 2012, has 220 people under his administrative and operational command. He is also a functional commander for 50 aircraft integration equipment and transient alert personnel.
�We provide munitions and maintenance support to various airframes, such as F- 15, F-16, CV-22, C-130 aircraft, and we support numerous ground and flightline operations customers,� he said.
One of Lasso�s key responsibilities is the precision measurement equipment labora-tory, where equipment used in every phase of aircraft maintenance is calibrated, he said.
Lasso said winning the award is a reflection of his squadron�s professionalism.
�This is more of a squadron award, than an individual award,� he said. �Like the say-ing �it takes a village� to raise a child, it takes a bunch of people to raise professionals. In that regard, I�ve been fortunate to be surrounded by a group of professional individu-als.�
The Cali, Colombia native enlisted in the Air Force in 1992, with no intentions of stay-ing.
�I got out after my first four years and nine months, as a senior airman,� Lasso said. �I�m proud of what I did then - it set a foundation for many different things I�ve done in my career.�
During a three-and-a-half year break in service, he earned his master�s degree in aeronautical engineering.
�Then I became a commissioned officer, not expecting to be a commander at any given point,� he said.
Lasso described himself as being passionate about what he does.
�I love candid conversations with my troops,� he said. �I find that my troops are con-fident, cool, calm and collected. That�s my style of leadership as well. As I make my rounds through the squadron, I find my troops saying �come over here, sir, let me show you what we do. I�m happy for their confidence in me and their comfort level with me.�
Lasso doesn�t plan to finish his career after completing his tour here.
�I�m going to keep going,� he said. �I think I still have a lot to offer. I love to push people to become successful. I want to continue to pull people, too.�
Blinn�s award win came as a surprise.
"When I heard I won the award, my reaction was �really?�� he said. �I received e-mails from many people I didn�t know, congratulating me. It hasn�t been easy, but I�m glad that a year�s worth of work has led to this. It was a team effort.�
Blinn, from Lansing, Mich., enlisted in the Air Force in May 2009 and has been sta-tioned here since February 2011. He works on weapons systems for various aircraft, including the F-4, F-15, F-16, F-35, A-10 and C-130.
�About 50 percent my job is evaluations,� he said. �We ensure the flightline person-nel have the most current technical data, knowledge and training on what they need to know and what they need to apply in their job. At scheduled monthly evaluations, we either tell them they�re doing a great job or we tell them what they need to study up on or fix. We also test all the new munitions for our airframes that come to Eglin. We either break them and send them back, or approve them and send them out.�
Blinn said what he likes most about his job is the people he works with.
�I have great leadership,� he said. �They�ve gotten me to where I am today. I work with a lot of positive people. We�re all smiles and high fives. Our squadron commander talks to us regularly and give us what we need to do the job.�
Two award package bullets he said he�s most proud of are writing technical orders on C-130 missions and working off-duty with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on Eglin�s range.
Blinn likes being outdoors and was encouraged to join the Air Force by family mem-bers who served in the military.
�My father and grandfather were in the Army and my uncle was in the Navy,� he said. �As a child, I liked activities like hunting and fishing. I always thought the military would be a good fit for me. They said �join the Air Force, it�s the best thing for you.� I believed them and here I am.�
Blinn, with a mixture of confidence and caution, said he wants to make the Air Force a career.
�I like serving at Eglin,� he said. �It�s a beautiful place. We have a great mission. With sequestration and rollbacks coming, I�m a little scared about the future, but it just drives me to work harder and be better than the next person.�


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Wilmington, DEHome Menu
Trained and certified professionals manage the recruitment process for the City's approximately 1100 full time employees and up to 600 limited service employees. Classified, or merit, employees must be hired through a regulatory process of job postings, testing, qualifications appraisal, departmental interviews, selection and placement into positions. The Mayor also appoints personnel to staff the current administration. Limited service personnel are hired when necessary for departmental operations.
Types of Positions
The City recruits for a wide range of skilled and unskilled positions, ranging from General Laborers, Sanitation Workers and Construction Inspectors to Engineers, Firefighters and Police Officers. Financial, administrative, legal and parks maintenance personnel are also employed.
Applying for a Position
Classified Positions
Classified positions may be posted open competitive (open to current City employees and individuals not employed with the City), or internal (open only to current regular employees). These vacant positions are posted for a minimum of 10 calendar days on the City website, in the Department of Human Resources, and on the City job hotline at (302) 571-4666. Vacant job notices are also sent to area establishments for posting.
Applications and job descriptions may be obtained Monday through Friday at the Louis L. Redding City/County Building, Department of Human Resources, 4th Floor, 800 French Street, Wilmington, DE 19801 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Apply online at: https://empss.wilmingtonde.gov/ESS/employmentopportunities/default.aspx
To apply for a full-time position with the City of Wilmington, a completed employment application must be submitted to the Department of Human Resources by the end of business day on the date of the job closing.
Applicants must possess a GED or a high school diploma and the minimum qualifications for the position posted to be considered. Following the applications review and screening, an interview panel evaluates the candidate's required knowledge, skills and abilities and their suitability for the vacant position. Selection is based upon the results of this process, passing a criminal background investigation and passing a physical examination including substance abuse testing. Once hired by the City of Wilmington, the minimum probationary period is 90 days.
Uniformed Services
Recruitment for positions as Police Officers or Firefighters are initiated when the number of vacancies can fill an Academy class. The City's uniformed positions have higher minimum qualifications including a minimum age limit, possession of a valid driver's license and United States citizenship among others. The recruitment process is also more rigorous involving physical agility testing, written examination, an oral panel interview and a Chief's interview. If interested in a Firefighter position, please complete the Firefighter Interest Card and return it to the Department of Human Resources at the City of Wilmington.
Limited Service personnel include temporary staff hired through the City or through an agency. Depending on annual funding, the City hires youth for summer employment. Recruitment for these programs begin in the spring each year.
Reasonable Accommodation Request
The City of Wilmington is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Anyone requesting special assistance or a reasonable accommodation during the selection process should contact the ADA Coordinator at (302) 576-3147 or TTY (302) 571-4568.
Residency Requirement Summary
The City of Wilmington requires that all new employees are to establish City residency within six months of their date of hire and to continue their residency within the City limits for five years.
View the City of Wilmington map showing the city boundaries
View the City of Wilmington neighborhoods map
Live Near Your Work Homebuyer Assistance Program
The City coordinates with the State of Delaware's Live Near Your Work (LNYW) program to provide up to $5,000 in homebuyers assistance for newly hired employees, first-time homebuyers, and those employees choosing to purchase a residence in one of the City's unique and culture-blended neighborhoods.
Download the Live Near Your Work Homebuyer Assistance Program packet.
Directions to the Louis L. Redding City/County Building
Travel I-95 South, following signs for CHESTER/WILMINGTON Take exit 7A (SR-52 South/Delaware Avenue) Turn left at traffic light onto 11th Street Turn right at 13/N. King Street Turn left at E. 9th Street Turn right at N. French Street Louis L. Redding City/County Building will be on the left.
Travel I-95 North Take exit 7 Merge left onto Adams Street Turn right onto 11th Street Turn right at 13/N. King Street Turn left at E. 9th Street Turn right at N. French Street Louis L. Redding City/County Building will be on the left.


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Visit Vocations Toronto at www.vocationstoronto.ca, a resourceful site in answering these questions.
All of history and all of reality comes from the loving hand of God, who
loves us. God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit are
completely involved in this love story for each one of us personally and
for our whole human reality. God invites us to live completely. In order
to live completely, we are invited to understand how He created us, for
what He created us and that His love for us is not burdensome.
With this Sunday celebration, we continue our journey back into Ordinary
Time in the Church year and the readings reflect the beginnings of the
public ministry of Jesus. This is the time when Jesus begins to emerge
from His hidden life in Nazareth and begins to preach the Kingdom of God.
The Gospel of John shows us this special relationship of Jesus and John the
Baptist. The stories of the childhood of Christ in the other Gospels have
indicated that Jesus and John the Baptist are cousins. Those Gospels have
indicated that John the Baptist, even in the womb, somehow recognizes the
role of Jesus Christ. The Gospel of John is focused on showing us that
John the Baptist recognized Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God.
The First Letter to the Corinthians points out that all of this is about
our becoming holy in God. To be holy is to be set aside for God, to use
our time for God, to see all things in God and to dedicate all of our life
to God. That is a high calling and one that only God can make possible for
My sisters and brothers, as we begin Ordinary Time, let us realize that
this call of God to us must eventually consume every aspect of our life.
It does not make us crazy. Instead, we actually begin to live a fullness
of humanity that brings deep peace and contentment - and even normality - into
our lives. Let us walk in the light of the Lord.
Reflections are available for the following Sundays:


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Suspect caught on surveillance
A miniature horse owner says a man is torturing and sexually abusing her horses, and she caught him on camera doing it.
The owner, Abby Conder, says her horses have been brutalized and the veterinarian confirmed the horses were sexually assaulted, so she went to the Marion County Sheriff's Office. She said they haven't been much help.
"We've been told that we have to catch him in the act, but we don't want to die trying to protect our horses," she said.
She said they bought a dog to protect the horses, but the dog was beaten to death.
That's when they set up surveillance and a live Internet feed.
On Saturday, the cameras caught the suspect, she said.
"They are tied in the corner to the fence where they have been abused and been tortured," she said.
Conder is hoping someone will recognize the person in the video.


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Once you have done that it's very important to wash the rice and grain thoroughly in plenty of changes in cold water to remove any starch and impurities prior to cooking. This is an important step in recipe preparation and should not be overlooked.
I find that the holes in a standard colander are too large to drain and often than not end up with half the grain rice falling through. To make my life easy I have started using the OXO Rice and Grain Colander.
It has holes designed to allow water to drain slowly to wash impurities and starch from the rice and grain.
The water pools before draining to show when water is clear and grains are clean. The small, square holes help prevent tiny grains from falling through, and the extra drain holes in the pour spout remove excess water and keep grains contained.
As always I love my readers to try products I feature at simplyfood . OXO have been kind and have agreed to send one OXO Rice and Grain colander to a simply food reader.
How To Enter:
- Simply complete the Rafflecopter widget below to verify your entries
- Entries can be via blog comment, Facebook, Twitter etc
- Please read the rules they form the terms and conditions of this Giveaway
- Closing date – 8th August 2016 12.00 am
- Entries open to over 18 years old and UK residents only


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As Mai Ratakonda noted in the previous post, last Wednesday the International Olympic Committee announced the recommendations of a panel of "experts" on the manner in which the Olympics should "handle" persons with "Disorders of Sexual Development." They concluded that the IOC should approach female athletes whose sex has been questioned, treat them as having a medical disorder, and they will be referred to special clinics for diagnosis and treatment, or as they call it, "management." The recommendations address Olympic athletes whose "true" sex is called into question because they deviate from a socially determined female norm. The meeting of experts was convened by the IOC in response to the Caster Semenya case. (An earlier blog post addressed Semenya.)
The recommendations raise a number of problems. First, it seems that for athletes who wish to compete in the female division and who have had their "sex" challenged, they will have to agree to examination and treatment in order to remain eligible. "Those who agree to be treated will be permitted to participate," said Dr. Maria New, an IOC hired panel participant, an expert on sexual development disorders, and a controversial figure in the intersex world insofar as she has been a strong advocate for genital surgeries for babies born with "ambiguous genitalia." "Those who do not agree to be treated on a case-by-case basis will not be permitted" to compete. Dr. New suggests that the best first step in identifying and treating athletes of questionable sex is that "photographs of [those] athletes [be sent] to experts like her. If the expert thinks the athlete might have a sexual-development disorder, the expert would order further testing and suggest treatment."
Imagine, for a second, how this will work: a world-class athlete, such as Caster Semenya, will have her female credentials questioned by another athlete – likely someone who just lost to the athlete whose female-ness is being questioned. That athlete will then have to remove her shorts, have her genitals photographed, and then have those photos sent to Dr. New for review. Applying what seems like a "know it when you see it" standard of abnormality, Dr. New may then determine that the athlete be further tested and treated/managed for her "Disorders of Sexual Development" as a condition of further eligibility in IOC-sanctioned competition. This new procedure creates a climate whereby female athletes who run too fast, throw too far, or jump too high "for a woman" stand likely to have their sexual identity challenged, thereby exposing themselves to the humiliation of genital photography and the shameful suggestion that they are freaks. Look what happened to Caster Semenya and Santhi Soundarajan who endured a similar sexual inquisition and attempted suicide as a result to know where this is leading.
Second, as if the privacy and shaming of the IOC panel's recommendations weren't enough, this new approach to policing the boundaries of women's athletics smacks of sex discrimination. Many of the world's top athletes have some physical "endowments" that explain, at least in part, their advantage over competitors. Take Michael Phelps, who won an amazing 8 gold medals in the last Olympics. Swimming fans are in awe of Phelps' disproportionately large "wing span" (basically, really long arms), the fact that he is double jointed, and has huge feet. "His size-14 feet reportedly bend 15 degrees farther at the ankle than most other swimmers, turning his feet into virtual flippers. This flexibility also extends to his knees and elbows, possibly allowing him to get more out of each stroke," wrote Scientific America in a special story on Phelps' physical endowments. Phelps isn't seen as having a joint or foot "disorder." He isn't forced to have pictures taken of his body that will be reviewed by medical experts who apply a loosey goosey standard to evaluate whether he needs treatment in order to make him more normal, and thereby allow him to continue competing. No, he's just built for his sport in ways that give him enormous advantages over the average person. We stand in awe of him, not in judgment.
Only those endowments that are regarded as sex-related trigger an investigation into whether a female athlete is eligible for competition in a women's division. But who's to decide which are and which are not "sex-related"? Consider Lance Armstrong's exceptionally large lung capacity and low heart rate which are looked to to account for his unbelievable success in biking (doping allegations aside). Not only are his physical advantages not treated as disqualifying, his body has been transformed into a lesson plan for high school biology classes. But maybe he should be referred to the sex police. Research shows that females demonstrate a somewhat different and better pattern of cardiac adaptation to exercise than do men, and as a result have better oxygen extraction by their working muscles due to greater capillarization and more mitochondria. So, in effect, Lance Armstrong's body is more "feminized" as compared with the other male competitors. But you don't see him getting called out for being insufficiently male and from having an unfair advantage over the other men in the Tour de France because his capacity to process oxygen is more typical of female than male athletes, do you? His endowments are not seen as sex-related, they're just the envy of top cyclists. Hmmm.
So too, small male jockeys or petite male coxswains aren't seen as cheaters (girly men competing in male sports) in the same way that Semenya was. Yet their light, lithe bodies are prized in their sports precisely because they are smaller than the average man. No sex police here.
Men, it seems, can compete under the influence of abnormal hormonal levels or other body functions so long as they use what "god gave them," but women, it seems, may not. As Alice Dreger recently commented on the new recommendations:
That, then, raises the apparently unconsidered question of why athletes competing as women would be subject to such androgen-capping, while athletes competing as men are not (unless they dope). If we women naturally make all those same hormones – and we do – why do the guys get to keep all they naturally make, and we don't?
Good question. And it raises a serious suggestion of sex discrimination in athletics.