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The latest and one of the fastest growing new things in plastic surgery is "revirgination," a surgical procedure to reattach the hymen.

The Wall Street Journal reported:

Hymenoplasty, a controversial medical procedure known mostly for its prevalence in the Middle East and Latin America, is becoming popular in the U.S. Although there are no hard data, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons says vaginal surgery, including hymenoplasty, is one of the industry's fastest-growing segments. Gynecologists are marketing hymenoplasty in magazines, local newspapers and online. They report business is booming.

The story continues:

Once reserved for problems such as injuries related to childbirth, vaginal surgery is now being used for cosmetic purposes, as well as to avoid social disgrace. Women can even redesign the look of their private parts. It's part of the overall boom in the plastic-surgery business. Last year, 9.2 million cosmetic procedures were performed in the U.S., 24 percent more than in 2000, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Troy Robbin Hailparn, an obstetrician and gynecologist, advertises vaginal cosmetic surgery on 23 billboards around San Antonio. Edward Jacobson, a Greenwich, Conn., OB-GYN, offers vaginal-makeover packages for international patients that include airfare, limousine travel and hotel accommodation. Dr. Jacobson says he has advertised in Glamour, Harper's Bazaar and Allure magazines. Last year, David Matlock, an OB-GYN in Los Angeles, discussed his "Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation" practice on "Dr. 90210," a reality show on the E! cable network.

The ethics committee of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, concerned about the marketing of revirgination, sent a letter to several cosmetic gynecologists in June 2004 voicing its unease. The college, which hasn't taken a formal position on the matter, said it worried that doctors may not be able to fully inform their patients about the procedure because it doesn't appear in the medical literature.

Thomas G. Stovall, a recent president of the Society of Gynecologic Surgeons, a top professional body, says "hymen repair is a totally bogus procedure." In general, he says, surgery marketed to improve one's sex life rarely works. As for hymen replacement, "most importantly, it doesn't make you a virgin again." 

The Dark Side of Pro Bass Fishing

The (San Diego) Union-Tribune has a wonderful story that peeks inside the world of competitive fishing tournament cheating. 

Disability Rights Groups Supporting "The Ringer"

A new movie called "The Ringer" is about a guy who fakes a disability in order to rig the Special Olympics. Here's the surprise: disability rights groups support the movie because it normalizes people who live with disabilities. What would your Special Olympics organizers have to say about the movie?

The Best Sports Moments of 2005

I know that sports nuts have all sorts of criteria for analyzing what is the sports story of the year, but for me, one moment stands above all others in 2005. It was not Tiger winning another green jacket or the White Sox winning The Series. I didn't get that worked up about Jack Nicklaus' retirement or the Patriots' winning the Super Bowl or Lance Armstong finishing first again. All of those were historic, but still not my number one single moment.   

For me, it was in the stretch run of the Preakness when Afleet Alex, the horse who also was being used as a fundraiser for pediatric cancer research, barreled toward home at 40 miles per hour. Then, the thoroughbred -- with Jeremy Rose aboard -- stumbled and nearly fell (see photo). Rose grabbed the stud's mane and held on for dear life. Alex powered himself up, regained his stride and won the race. Despite the stumble, his time was the fasted since 1998. Alex went on to smoke the field in the Belmont a couple of weeks later.

It should be a metaphor for us all in 2006.  

Alex, by the way, earned 2 million bucks this year and, about to turn age four, is set as a stud for life. Now that is a happy ending.    

Editor's Note: Al's Morning Meeting is a compendium of ideas, edited story excerpts and other materials from a variety of Web sites, as well as original concepts and analysis. When the information comes directly from another source, it will be attributed and a link will be provided whenever possible.