Topic: Fina

The international swimming federation FINA voted to restrict transgender athletes from competing in women's elite races. Meanwhile, in California, Assemblyman Scott Weiner has proposed a law to decriminalize loitering for the purposes of prostitution. In a humorous contrast, a mayor in Hudson, Ohio, recently claimed that allowing ice fishing shanties on a local lake would lead to prostitution.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy is identified as a primary beneficiary of the Libyan victory, potentially securing interests for the oil company Total Fina. While Sarkozy celebrates a new baby and a military win, he faces domestic pressure to secure European Stability Fund money for failing French banks. Meanwhile, Libyan Prime Minister Mahmoud Jibril threatens to resign amidst leadership chaos.

The swimming timing system provided by Omega, known as ARES, is scrutinized following Michael Phelps' close finish in the butterfly. FINA rules require a simultaneous two-hand touch in butterfly races, which some observers believe was not clearly met. Additionally, the sudden dominance of Jamaican runners is noted as suspicious, while Phelps' appearance is compared to a Wallace and Gromit claymation character.