Regardless of whether Alberto Contador knowingly took the drug or he accidentally ate meat that contained the banned drug Clenbuterol, he still needed to be suspended and stripped of his results.

Either way, even in a small amount as he tested for, Clenbuterol would have given him an unfair advantage.

It causes an increase in aerobic capacity, central nervous system stimulation, and an increase in blood pressure and oxygen transportation. Something that would help an elite cyclist.

My biggest disappointment is for Andy Schlek who now wins the 2010 Tour de France (TDF). He has the title, but never had a chance to stand on the podium or ride other races as winner of the TDF. He has been robbed of that.

The same goes for Italy’s Michele Scarponi is set to take the Giro 2011 title. He misses out on all the celebrations of his win.

Time will tell if Contador comes back to professional cycling. Early indications from his brother/manager is that he will.

Time will also tell how he is seen by the public – as a great cyclist and great climber or the one who lost the TDF and Tour of Italy because of a positive test to a banned substance.

As it turned out I was really glad I watched it as I learned a lot about society, governments and changing legislation.

On one side of the debate was the progressive party. They wanted to give the people the freedom to do what they wanted in their own homes. If two people wanted to watch porn that should be ok they said. The lawmakers saw themselves as progressive and moving with the times – the 1960s.

On the other side there were people who were against the changes and said that it was wrong. Because most of them were Christian people standing up for they believed was right, they were laughed down and told they were living in the dark ages.

The committee of about 10-12 looked at the issue and all decided pornography should be legal in Denmark. They recommended to the Parliament for the change to the legislation and this happened in 1969.

What the people against the legalisation of pornography were saying is that changing legislation often opens a can of worms that no-one can foresee. As it turned out they were right.

After the change a flood of things happened that they did not foresee. Child pornography was legal, animal pornography was legal, it was legal to sell hard core movies in local shops, clubs opened where lives shows were performed and they began exporting it illegally to the world. It was a long way from two consenting adults in there own home.

Years later they went back and interviewed the original people on the committee who recommended the changes to the legislation. All but one wished they hadn’t recommended the change and saw it as one of the biggest mistakes of their life. Why? Because they didn’t see the bigger picture and the can of worms it may open.

The key thing in all of this is when we change laws that relate to human relationships and sexuality it always comes with a can of worms. There are always extra changes that many people do not see initially. It is never just about two people in their own homes. It is always about society at large.

If Parliament makes something legal, then it is considered right and ok by the government. As a result it effects society at large including news coverage, the videos we see for sale at the shop or video store, the teaching of our kids in our schools, it even makes its way into churches.

Changing the laws in Parliament that involve human relationships and sexuality is never just about two consenting adults in their own homes… it is always about society at large.

God Bless,

Dave

One thing that has stuck in my mind since is the security measures that were took place to make the visit safe for him. Hundreds of security personnel, attack helicopters, special attack proof limousines, hundreds of machine guns and more.

A description of his limousine “The Beast” was very impressive. It’s own oxygen system, 100mm reinforced doors, puncture proof tyres, and it’s own defence system to name a few.

As I watched his motorcade travel around Australia I couldn’t help but think about Jesus and when He visited this world.

He was born as a vulnerable baby in a manger, He was born to normal parents, He rode a donkey, He spoke in public daily, He walked the highways and byways with a small group of people. He didn’t have a motorcade or a security force.

Jesus’ security was found in the Father and in His mission. He came for a purpose and nothing would happen to Him until His purpose was complete. He lived out the Father’s plan and completed it.

Now I am not saying President Obama should not have a security force to protect him. After all they are protecting Obama himself and the Office of President. I just found the the difference between Jesus and Obama’s visit very interesting to watch. They were poles apart.

It still amazes me that the God of the universe was born in a humble stable and a mingled daily with the people. It says a lot about who God is and the lengths He will go to be near us.

God Bless,

Dave

I can see how this would cause a big storm seeing the great advances that have been made in this area over the last few years. Most would agree there is still a lot to do though.

One thing that I have realised since reading the Bible is there is a higher standard to follow that just racism laws. God tells us that we are made in His image and for me that is more important.

God made each of us and He made us unique. Whatever language we speak, whatever country we live in, whatever country we born in or whatever the colour of our skin, we are all created by God.

For me that is enough reason to not treat others differently or unfairly or abuse them. God loves each of us deeply, Jesus died for each of us individually, we are all vitally important to God.

Let’s remember today that while we may look or sound different, we are all made by God and He deeply treasures each and every one of us.

God Bless,

Dave

One thing I don’t like is the way the girls are dressing on the show. Both the backup dancers and the contestants. I am wondering why girls think that they need to be nearly naked to be a performer?

Last night in particular two contestants looked like they forgot to put their dresses on in the rush to get on stage! I am wondering where modesty has gone?

I would much rather a girl/lady sing a song and maybe dance a little, than parade around the stage with nearly nothing on and dance sexually. I would rather be dazzled by a great voice that is fully clothed!

One positive of lasts nights show is that both of my young girls really noticed it and said it was not right.

Come on Xfactor and similar tv shows. The girls don’t need to be naked to be performers. Let’s have some modesty back please.

God Bless,

Dave

Wow. I just finished watching the first episode online of the SBS Docmentry “Go back to where you came from”. It is very powerful stuff. Here’s some of the show information…

“Six ordinary Australians agree to challenge their preconceived notions about refugees and asylum seekers by embarking on a confronting 25-day journey. Tracing in reverse the journeys that refugees have taken to reach Australia, they travel to some of the most dangerous and desperate corners of the world, with no idea what is in store for them along the way.

Deprived of their wallets, phones and passports, they board a leaky refugee boat, are rescued mid-ocean, experience immigration raids in Malaysia, live in a Kenyan refugee camp and visit slums in Jordan before ultimately making it to the Democratic Republic of Congo and Iraq, protected by UN Peacekeepers and the US military. For some of them it’s their first time abroad. For all of them, it’s an epic journey and the most challenging experience of their lives.”

It is a real eye opener for the participants of what refugees actually go through. Even watching online it has a powerful effect on you.

If you are interested in watching it you can view Episode 1 here online. Episodes 2 & 3 will be on SBS One tonight and tomorrow night at 8.30pm.

God Bless,
Dave

PS. I must give a warning for swearing and the “F” word. It is used a few times in the midst of high stress, but it is in context with the pressure they are under.

The Australian Reader’s Digest Trust Survey asked more than 1000 Australians to rate 100 well-known people on how much they believe in them, with number one position being the most trustworthy.

Topping the list as the most trusted person was public health specialist and former Australian of the year Fiona Stanley, followed by Australia’s first female Nobel Laureate, Elizabeth Blackburn.

I found it really interesting to note that people trusted those who help others. It says that, “in Australia we tend to place our faith in people who save our lives, care for us, protect us and give back to us.”

Among those in the bottom 10 are media mogul Rupert Murdoch at 90, embattled sports agent Ricky Nixon at 93 and actor Mel Gibson at 96. Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard came in at number 97 and Cricketer Shane Warne came in at 100, making him the list’s least trusted.

I also found the most trusted occupations very interesting too. “For the eighth year in a row, paramedics take top spot as the most trusted profession in the land, while journalists find themselves struggling behind sex workers, lawyers, bankers and tow-truck drivers.”

The bottom of the least trusted occupation list were pretty much what I would have expected. Taking out the bottom five places are taxi drivers, real estate agents, car salesman, politicians and telemarketers.

I find it so interesting that self-less people who help others are always in the top half of the lists.

God Bless,
Dave

1. The Bible reading – Romans 12:1-18 was a great passage. It talks about being a living sacrifice, not to be conformed to the standards of the world, being humble, using our gifts to serve others, loving things that are good, sharing with those in need, keeping your spiritual fervour, being faithful in prayer and being joyful in hope. It is a great passage to guide our lives.

2. The sermonettes – All the messages spoken by the various Ministers were right on the money. They encouraged the couple to focus their lives on God and raising your children to follow God. They also talked about marriage being a covenant between two people before God, that it was God’s best for us all and that marriage can help us to be all God intends us to be.

3. The prayers – The prayer that the couple wrote themselves was also very good. “God our Father, we thank you for our families; for the love that we share and for the joy of our marriage. In the business of each day keep our eyes fixed on what is real and important in life and help us to be generous with our time and love and energy. Strengthened by our union, help us to serve and comfort those who suffer. We ask this in the spirit of Jesus Christ. Amen.”

All in all from a spiritual perspective I think it was done really well. I hope and pray they have a long happy life together and that they will be a blessing to many many people in the work they do together.

God Bless,
Dave

I found it quite useful and thought I would share a few snippets. You can find the full article here

Nuclear power

A nuclear reactor produces electricity from pellets of enriched uranium that fit into fuel rods. The energy from the nuclear chain reaction heats water, producing steam to drive turbines that in turn produce power. The rods are encased in a steel reactor vessel, that in turn is protected by a containment vessel – essentially a thick shell of reinforced concrete designed to prevent any radioactive gas or material escaping.

What is a meltdown?

A meltdown occurs when fuel rods melt at extremely high temperature, which has the potential to cause an explosion that breaches the reactor and spews radioactive material into the air.

You can click on the image below to see the process below…

The Greek word that is used in the New Testament for saint is hagios (G40). This touches on things like being “sacred (physically pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially consecrated): – (most) holy (one, thing), saint.”

However when we look and see how the term hagios (Greek) or saint is used, it is used as a noun and nearly always is used in the plural form. It is used to describe a group of Christian people in a place ie the saints in Ephesus.

Here are a few examples of how it is used in the New Testament…