But it's not the suit - yeah right

Why doesn't FINA get it? Competitive swimming has all but lost the concept of fair and natural perormance by allowing the Speedo LZR and now Arena...or Jaked suits. Success in swimming is now determined by the suit/equipment/performance-aid of specific manufacturers. What ever happed to athletic prowess? I believe this is really bad long term for swimming. Check out the piece just published in The Science of Sport.

"In less than 10 years, a grand history of human physical endeavor has been undone by a few individuals. It is obvious that the current FINA executive and Bureau are incapable of controlling swimming to make it the test of the human vs. human it has traditionally been.

Why haven't FINA acted to save the sport from the intrusion of technology that makes competitions unfair? What is FINA's motive? One can only speculate on a range of motives from incompetence to undisclosed personal incentives.

We are watching the most rapid decline in the concept of fair and natural performance in the sport's history. Swimming medals, once determined by 1000ths of a second of natural talent, now are determined by the suit/equipment/performance-aid of specific makers. Manufacturers are now aggressively escalating the violation of the sport's traditional competition ethics while the Nero-like FINA members sit idly by, seemingly frightened to act in the Circus that continues to unfold." -- SOF

Criminally Fit

NO PILATE ZONE
Ever think you could get arrested for exercising? Well, that's what happened to Kieran Clark. He has been exercising regularly in the same spot for the last 25 years but recently police arrested him.

The world is getting crowded. Some of the most beautiful views in the country are privately owned. In Santa Monica, the Fourth Street median is very much like any other boulevard. It is public property. Unlike all property it is located in a posh neighborhood with breathtaking views of the beach and ocean. As a result, many people come to this spot to enjoy themselves. The neighborhood residents, in an attempt to address the noise, garbage, and crowds fought to pass ordinances prohibiting people from squatting in front lawns. The law was also origionally intended to keep homeless people from camping out in the boulevard. Recently, police have began to heavily patrol this area. In fact, a police vehicle now sits in the area all day. Watch the video and decide yourself if this is a case of the law run amok or a good example of zoning to control a crowded space. I believe in private property but also realize that ownership of certain assets carries a special responsibility to society in large. This responsibility goes beyond the letter of the law and strikes at basic human decency. This responsibility cannot be legistlated it is completely up to me. If I am a stickler for seclusion, I wouldn't buy a property in a high traffic area to begin with. This is controversial because it pits the individual rights of people against the public. Enjoy and comment. Happy Thanksgiving!