We Are_?

BBC Article, ABC Article, World Anti-Doping Society

The scenarios if legalization does or does not happen both have advantages as well as disadvantages. However, arguing for or against the use of performance enhancing drugs will only go so far. With this last entry I hope to show how the issue is currently playing out and how policies are changing moving forward.

As science continues to advance, it is impossible for lawmakers to always stay one step ahead. Even if the goal is to eliminate performance enhancing drugs scientists have said there will be ways for athletes to go undetected. For example, genetic therapies have already been tested on animals to be injected directly into the muscle, lung, or other target area. According to BBC, these therapies would be impossible to detect. Other ways to go undetected include the use of patches.  Skin patches can deliver a steady dose of a drug, making it harder to spot the use of enhancements. Although people will argue for or against legalization, it is important to note that some drugs may be available to athletes no matter what the law.

Even with drugs becoming harder to spot, experts within the Sports Anti-Doping foundations are pushing for change. An article published on ABC’s website said experts are pushing to have tighter export laws from other countries. While the US does monitor for the use of PEDs many of the drugs come from foreign countries. Australia is a big producer of one PED and it is found that these drugs are often misdirected towards athletes. Although exported for medical use, PEDs end up in the hands of athletes.   Head of the Australian Anti-doping Authorities said,

“I went to San Diego in America, I went to Interpol in Lyon in France with the drug enforcement agency, and it was quite obvious to everybody involved that there were a large number of drugs being not only sent directly from manufacturers in Australia but also diverted from veterinary and other purposes.”  Companies who manufacture the drugs being exported have even agreed and are pushing to change exporting laws.

In addition to changing the access to PEDs the World Anti-Doping Society has continued to update rules and regulations each year. The World Anti-Doping Society monitors the rules for doping across all sports. Each year they put out a list of changes to the rules from previous years. Looking at the changes over the past 3 years more and more substances are being clearly labeled as “prohibited.” For example for the 2014-year peptide factors, growth hormones, and related substances were added to the list of prohibited substances.  Many other drugs were added as well. In addition, this year monitoring programs were changed to more accurately monitor for certain substances.

Although some will argue against the laws prohibiting PEDs, it appears that steps are still being made to prevent the use of drugs in sports. While drugs will continue to advance, many organizations like the World Anti-Doping Society will continue to try and create new regulations. Whether you believe in legalization or support laws prohibiting, it is clear that the issue will continue to evolve just as it is starting to do today.

Need more things to do in Barcelona?

From the Vadhoo Islands to Paris France, this blog has traveled around the world. While there are still many destination vacations I hope to add to my list, I thought I would end this blog with one of the first trips I really wanted to take. When I was in high school it seemed as if everyone went on the study abroad trip for foreign languages. If you took French you would go to France for 10 days and if you took Japanese you would go to Japan. Most of my close friends took French and all went to Paris the summer after 9^th grade. I took Spanish and wanted nothing more than to go on the trip to Barcelona. Although I was unable to go, my mom reminded me I would have plenty of time to travel the globe later down the road. From that moment I knew that no matter what, I would make it a point to do that trip on my own.

While going with my class would have been fun, I know that making it one of my destination vacations will make it even better. First, instead of staying wherever the school budget could afford, I would spend my time at the Hotel Arts.  Those of you who have been following my blog know by now that I tend to gravitate towards the beach scene, and this hotel just happens to be on the coast! This hotel sits right at the waters edge while still in a prime location to explore all the city has to offer. According to the website it has, “easy access to beaches and the cultural centre.”

Although I will enjoy lounging out by the hotel’s beachfront pool and restaurant, most of my time will be spent exploring the city.  Some of the more common attractions that are a must-see include visiting the Parc de la Ciutadella. This park has everything from lush gardens, old monuments, museums, a boat lake, and even a zoo! What better way to spend a nice day than exploring all of the history and sites Barcelona has to offer?
I plan to spend a good amount of time exploring the different sites and monuments like Montjuic Castle, Parce de Joan Miró, and Museo de Picasso. However, I also want to see all of the culture and entertainment the city has to offer. For this reason I would make sure to visit a local concert. There are many live music venues like Apolo and Razzmatazz and also large concert halls. One of the most famous is L’Auditori that hosts classical, jazz, “world music performances”.

After listening to a variety of music, I would make sure to visit some of the retail areas for an afternoon of shopping and dinning.  For food of course I would have to try tapas. This dish is served throughout the city, but one site recommended El Jabalí. In addition the popular restaurant, Cinic Sentits, is well known for cooking up “local classics.” This Catalan restaurant prepares the food right at the table as guests watch! After grabbing a bite at one of these many restaurants my next stop would be the shops.  The one area that really caught my eye was the Placa de Saint Josep Oriol. This area has streets filled with all types of artists and small boutiques.  I would also stop by the Portal de I’Ángel where most of the up and coming designers go.

From shopping, dinning, site seeing, and relaxing, a vacation in Barcelona is the perfect way to cap off this blog. This trip would incorporate some of my favorite activities all while allowing me to explore a new culture.  Although there are still many places I would like to see, this blog is a great start! Now I’m off to (hopefully) begin exploring the world… Adios!

Check Out the Hotel’s View!

Parc de la Ciutadella

Sites Used: University of Southern California, Delta College, Live Science 

While some believe that PEDs should be legalized many, including everyone who commented on the last post, think it is important to remain firm on the stance against legalization.  So what will happen if nothing changes? What if rules and regulations continue to enforce the current laws in the same manner?  This entry will focus on the future of sports if the system stays as is.

Currently there is a very fine line between what is legal and what is not in the field of sports. According to the University of Southern California, the current laws have a difficult time, “defining the border of what is doping and what is not.”  The World Anti-Doping Agency was created in 1999 to navigate the rules and regulations surrounding performance-enhancing drugs. However  as science has advanced lawmakers have had trouble defining what is legal and what is not. For example, according to the National Institute of Health,  the USDA said currently drugs are allowed for “therapeutic restoration”, meaning the drug can be used to restore normal health. However this raises the question of what is “normal health”? The site said, “Where does restoration of normative function end and the beginning of performance enhancement start?”

Questions like this have created a blurry line of who is allowed to use certain drugs and under what context.  Many doctors besides psychiatrists are prescribing drugs to athletes when they do not fully understand the ramifications. If this continues many ethical dilemmas will continue to plague athletics. These questions will continue to arise forcing the athletic and medical community to continuously discuss legalization or policy changes.

While dilemmas will arise, If USDA does nothing to change the current laws it may continue to save the lives.  According to Live Science legalizing drugs would further increase the number of people willing to dope. The article said, “Without the moderating effect of the fear of getting caught, dangerous levels of doping would be expected to grow more prevalent in many sports. “ While laws may not stop it, they do help control the number of people who use drugs and the amount they use.

Keeping current laws may also help maintain the integrity of the sports. Although some will argue that these drugs are part of the natural progression, many have noted that making the drugs legal would change the entire game.  According to Delta College, “the use of performance-enhancing substances is not only illegal, it is also morally reprehensible in that it violates the virtues of honesty and trustworthiness, which go to the heart of the fairness and integrity of competitive sport.” If the drugs remain illegal, the face of the game is less likely to change with honesty and trustworthiness put on the back burner.

The issues surrounding policy change in the field of PED are very complicated. On the one hand, if the laws do not change  ethical questions will continuously be raised.  With science advancing many feel that the laws become outdated very quickly. However keeping the current regulations in place has proven to save lives. While it may not completely prevent drug usage, it does limit it. It has also prevented athletics from becoming less focused on trust and honesty. For now PEDs remain illegal and the hypothetical questions raised in the intro are becoming a reality. Society is beginning to see what will happen if nothing changes and the laws remains. So the next question is, even if the drugs are not legalized, do the laws need to change? If so, how?

Want to Learn More? Check out the resort or local attractions 

Just Hang out!

Or Dive Right In!

Today while I was watching Survivor I started thinking about a show I used to watch when I was younger called Endurance.  It was a version of Survivor for kids to compete. My favorite season took place on these beautiful beaches in Fiji and ever since then I always said I would love to visit the islands.

For this week’s destination vacation I chose to stay on one of the more secluded islands in Fiji in order to get the true Endurance experience. I chose to stay on the Toberua Island at the Toberua Island resort.  This island is tucked away and according to Fiji Travel, it is private.  With the “private island experience” you never have to worry about over crowded beaches or too many tourists.

Instead, the island is filled with tropical gardens, white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, and exotic marine life.  All of these beautiful sights can be observed while staying at the luxurious resort.  Because of the small size of the island, all of these attractions are right at your doorstep. The rooms are right on the beach overlooking the water.

While at the hotel I would make sure to take full advantage of all of the amenities. This would include many water activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, sailing, and even off shore diving! In fact I think off shore diving would be the highlight of the entire trip. With the clear water of the South Pacific Ocean, there is so much to see under the sea.  Some of the most common creatures include dolphins, sea turtles, eels, sea snakes, corals, and many different types of fish. What better way to explore the marine life than to dive right in?

After a long day in the water I would take some time to relax in the many hammocks located right on the beach! Later I would love to take the resort’s cultural lesson and learn about the natives in the two local villages.  With all of the beauty of the island, it is important to learn about the people who have preserved it. The lesson offers tours of the local towns including special monuments and activities. For example tow of the common local experiences include a traditional kava ceremony and meke dance.

With so much to see and do Fiji, especially Toberua Island, is on my list of places to visit. From the deep history of the island to the beautiful scenery, the island has something to offer anyone looking for an exotic vacation.   I will definitly be ready to sail away to the Fiji islands!

Great Places to go in Epcot       Learn More about the new Fantasyland 

This weekend I had the opportunity to see one of the most talked about movies of the year, Frozen.  I have to say, ever since I walked out of the theater I have been singing, “Do you want to build a snowman” and “Let it go”. With all of this Disney magic running through me, I thought this week it would be appropriate to talk about one of my less unique, but still exciting dream vacations: Disney World.

Now before you think that I have been deprived of a childhood, I have to say that I have been to Disney plenty of times during my elementary school days. However, the last time I was there I was 10 and still afraid of half the attractions. Not to mention Disney has done a lot of renovations in the last nine years. From the new fast pass system and park hours to the expanded Fantasy Land, Disney has change quite a bit recently.

In order to embrace all of the change as well as reminisce my childhood memories, I would stay at the Grand Floridian Resort. This resort is the most deluxe resort at Disney, complete with its own beach pool, lagoon, sailboat rentals, and Disney character breakfast.  What could be better than waking up to my favorite Disney characters? While that’s tough to beat, the prime location of the hotel is one of my favorite perks.  Hop on a monorail and you’re in the heart of the Magic Kingdom!

For someone who hasn’t been to Disney in a while, the first thing I would do in the Magic Kingdom is get on my favorite childhood ride, Splash Mountain. Then, I would head over to the new Fantasy Land that opened this spring. With a second Dumbo ride, a new Snow White roller coaster and many other attractions, any tourist would have to stop here.  After a ride through Bear Country, I would be ready to go on the one of the most famous attractions that I was too scared to go on as a kid. Now, I’m ready to brave the outer space on Space Mountain. Don’t laugh! I’ve grown up a lot since then.  I’m even ready to head over to MGM and ride the Tower of Terror and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.

After facing my childhood fears in the Magic Kingdom and MGM, I would have to spend most of the remaining time at Epcot.  Like most young kids, I was never thrilled to spend my time learning about different cultures when I could be meeting Mickey. However, now I would love to spend time in the different countries, trying food and watching entertainment from across the globe. From dinning in Paris to grabbing a quick snack in Tokyo, Epcot is a great way to try a mix of all cultures. One popular blog recommended trying Le Cellier Steakhouse in Canada and Teppan Edo in Tokyo.

In addition to the food and festivities, Epcot has two of my favorite attractions: Test Track and Soarin’. Although I was only 10 when I was last there, I remember that my entire family had a blast flying across the world in Soarin’ and testing cars on Test Track. I would also love to see the IllumiNation firework show before heading off to Downtown Disney for a night on town.

As you can see my days in Disney would be quite full. While some may say Disney is just for kids, I think it can make a great destination vacation for the child in all of us.  Instead of spending my time singing, “Let it Go” I’m ready to just go…all the way to Disney World!

Sites Used:

Forbes         German University Paper       Live Science 

From discussing the health issues to looking at the fairness of performance enhancing drugs, this blog has examined many key aspects. But what would actually happen if these drugs were legalized? This entry will focus on what the future of sports will look like if the drugs are legalized.

One of the biggest issues centers around whether the drugs would level the playing field.  However what is less controversial is the fact that the playing field would be higher. Athletes would be able to swim faster, jump farther, and climb higher than before. There are associated health risks and debates about whether this defeats the purpose of competing. However it is clear that new records and levels of play would be reached.

Forbes sports writer, Chris Smith explained that if the drugs were legalized fans would get a “better show”. He said, “”A huge part of watching sports is witnessing the very peak of human athletic ability, and legalizing performance-enhancing drugs would only help athletes climb even higher.” Putting the ethical component aside, the drugs would increase the level of play.  An article on Live Science went so far as to question whether Lance Armstrong would have won if all other athletes were using drugs. It said, “In an alternate reality in which cyclists were free to use whatever substances and however much of them they pleased, victory might go to the elite competitor who was willing to adopt the most extreme performance-enhancing drug regimen. Would Lance have what it takes?”

While legalizing the drugs would increase the level of play, it could easily be increased to an unhealthy degree. While this is more controversial, it has been said that allowing athletes to use such drugs would increase risky behavior as athletes go further and further to be the best. In a paper written by a German University, the authors say it is unquestionable that if legal, athletes will take more risks.  The question is whether this risky behavior will be controlled or reach dangerous new heights.

In addition to increased risky behavior, performance-enhancing drugs would change professional, collegiate, and high school sport organizations. Rather than handle convoluted regulations, the organizations would have clear-cut rules to follow. For example currently certain substance are banned from the MLB while others are not.  Smith said, “legalized performance enhancing drugs help avoid the murky area of deciding what might be ‘too enhancing,’ but they would save the bureaucratic trouble and possible embarrassment that accompanies disputed tests…” It is debated whether or not this should remain the top priority of these organizations, but it is clear that if the drugs were legalized this would no longer be their responsibility.

While there are many ethical questions and debates about the legalization of such drugs, it is clear that legal action could change the sports industry completely.  Many believe the industry has already started to change on its own. the past 20 years.  The next blog will examine what would happen if the industry continues to evolve without new laws or changes.

Panama, Mexico, Costa Rica, Jerusalem this spring break my friends got to travel the world. Unfortunately, the only famous destinations I got to see were from TV shows on Netflix.  While it was nice to have a week to relax, hearing stories of places I have only seen in pictures made me think about the iconic locations I hope to one day visit.  For this reason, this week I decided to pick one of the most popular and famous tourist destinations in the world, Paris France.

Of course when I first arrive I will be sure to take part in all of the standard tourist activities. From climbing the Eiffel Tower, touring Louvre Museum, and exploring the cathedral of Notre-Dame, I want to see all of the sights I’ve seen in my textbooks.

While I would naturally spend a good portion being the average tourist, the trip couldn’t be added to the bucket list without some special adventures.  Like most of my other entries, I want to have some unique experiences.  First I would head off to the Palais Royal where according to one site, “You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time as you get a taste of what shopping in Paris was like 200 years ago!” As a shopaholic I would love to experience the French culture through their fashion.

Some other unique experiences would include a trip to the FunFair Musem. This museum has a collection of rides dating back to the 1800s. I would also make sure to take a boat tour of the Seine River (though this is more common). After a busy day I would stop by the Parc des Buttes Chaumont that is a lesser-known park filled with trails and beautiful views.

With so much to do throughout the days, I will also make sure to hit some of the lesser known restaurant and café treasures.  During the day I would make sure to stop by the Angelina salon and patisserie for what has been called the best hot chocolate in the city. The café is known throughout the world and has even appeared in movies and books. However, when it comes time for dinner, I would be sure to stop at the Le Fumior right near the Louvre Museum.  From the pictures the place seems to have the quaint charm of a local café, but also transforms into one of the top bars in the city.

After spending my days touring and feasting, of course I would want to come back to a 5 star hotel. What better place to stay than La Tremoille? With 1800s architecture and 2014 amenities, it is the perfect place to stay in the heart of the city.  After all, I will need a good place to sleep after a busy day in the city of lights.

Wanna Learn More? Check out these sights that gave me inspiration…

9 Unusual Things to do in Paris

Time Magazine Top Places to Visit

Best Hotels in Paris 

Websites used in this entry: Think Steroids, British Journal of Sports Medicine,  Hasting Center for Ethics

With the winter Olympics in the spotlight over the past week, this week’s topic for sports enhancement drugs seem very fitting.  While the first entry focused on health concerns, this week will discuss the issue the following issue: Do sports enhancement drugs make the competition less about the sports and give an unfair advantage?  Starting with the Ben Johnson’s steroid use in the 1988 Olympic games, the issue of the fairness of sports enhancement drugs has been widely debated.

While many people are quick to argue against the use of such substances, there are reasons why some feel that the use of these drugs are just a part of the development of sports.  First, according to “Think Steriods.com”, sports enhancement drugs are based on advances in the sciences.  Many times athletes from the wealthier nations are able to afford the newest advancements and are therefore ahead of banned substance regulations.  However, athletes from less wealthy and scientifically advanced nations do not have access to these new drugs that are not yet illegal. Instead, they cannot use more common substances that are already banned while the athletes from richer areas get away with using substances that may make the sport just as unfair as the already banned products.  Banning substances does not make the sports fairer, but rather enables the athletes from richer areas to go undetected. It also allows others who cannot afford the new technology to have an unfair disadvantage.  The only way to make this “fair” is to legalize the drugs so that all have equal access.

In addition to giving an unfair advantage to wealthier areas, the British Journal of Sports Medicine stated that sports enhancement drugs do not violate the “spirit” of the games. The journal states that many athletes are biologically fit to compete at the higher levels. However, unlike other animals, human athletic potential is not solely based on nature.  A great athlete must use judgment in deciding how hard to train and how to compete.  This judgment should also be allowed when determining what drugs to take. The journal stated, “Far from being against the spirit of sport, biological manipulation embodies the human spirit—the capacity to improve ourselves on the basis of reason and judgment.” In this view, drugs embody the idea of sports and are therefore fair.

While some believe these drugs are fair, much more often people will say they unlevel the playing field.  According to the Hastings Center for Ethics, technology would trump all ability, making the playing field unfair to those who have trained and have the talent.  In addition, if the drugs were legalized all previous records that were earned “fairly” would be beaten and the new records may become meaningless.  The records would simply improve as technology improves.  Hastings Center for ethics concluded this argument by stating, “…we may lose whatever is most graceful, beautiful, and admirable about sport.”

With both sides giving strong arguments, it is clear that there is no easy decision regarding the fairness of these drugs.  As the current rules stand, these substances are banned in most sporting events, including the Olympics. However, the fairness will most definitely continue to be discussed.

Learn more about the 4,000 mile run across the country!

With all of the hustle and bustle of THON preparations, I’ve decided to make this week’s location less of a vacation and more of a philanthropic adventure. In fact, I won’t even have to leave the United States.  This week’s destination will actually be multiple locations as part of the cross country run for the Ulman Fund.

Yes you heard correctly, this run is across the country!  It is called the 4k for cancer. It starts in California and is run in a relay style fashion to Maryland in forty-two days.  Each day an individual may run anywhere from 4-8 miles. Then, a bus picks the person up when the runner meets the next person. In total, it is a four thousand mile run and is held to benefit the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults. This foundation provides education and support for young adults directly affected by cancer as well as individuals who are indirectly affected.  In order to participate, runners apply and must be selected. However, they also must raise a minimum of $4,500.  Along the run the group stops at cancer centers to deliver “chemo care” packages and to donate the money/scholarships that have been raised in preparation for the trip.

As an avid distance runner as well as the daughter of a cancer survivor, the idea of running across the country to help young adult battling cancer resonates with me. In addition, I have never had the opportunity to see the other half of the country, so traveling the nation on foot sounds like an amazing adventure.  While most of the time is spent running and visiting patients, the foundation website says there is still time to explore the different locations.

4k for Cancer is currently taking applications for the summer of 2015 trip.  Runners must be between the ages of 18-25 to apply. The route for next summer will include Napa valley, Carter lake, the painted hills of Oregon Craters of the Moon National Monument, Yellowstone national park, the grand Tetons, the Badlands, the great lakes, and Niagara falls. I don’t know about you, but while this may not be a relaxing get away, I think it would be an experience of a lifetime! Who knows, I might just be crazy enough to apply…

From listening to different views, asking questions, and keeping the conversation moving, the moderators in any deliberation have an important role. As a moderator, there are certain values that need to be recognized and acknowledged. I think that as a moderator it is important to make sure that everyone’s voice is heard. I know that sometimes there are people who are more introverted and less willing to share. However, in order to fully see all of the different perspectives, it is important to find ways to let all voices be heard. As a moderator, I think one should pay attention to who has talked and try to include new voices in the discussion by asking questions to certain people and advancing the conversation.

In addition to making sure that all voices are heard, I think the moderator has to work to make sure he or she doesn’t accidently include his/her own voice in the discussion.  I know that unlike the introverts I discussed in the previous paragraph, I am often too willing to step up and share my views. I think it will be challenging but necessary to make sure that when I am the moderator I am asking fair questions to advance the conversation without injecting my own opinion. As a moderator I will have to work to make sure I do not enter the deliberation with preconceived ideas. I think that many people already have opinions on the topics and it can be hard to enter without letting these beliefs affect your views.

I think that if the moderators work to include all voices and keep their own voices from entering, the deliberations will be very successful. In addition, entering the deliberation with a clean slate and putting aside preconceived ideas will further enhance the quality of discussions. With these values, the deliberations will be a success.