On the whole, there is a general consensus that alcohol advertising plays a role but how much of a role is still open to debate, and research.

This dramatic increase in alcohol ads seen by our children in 2002 suggests the problem got worse. While a step in the right direction, the industry's new marketing codes lag far behind its aggressive marketing practices.

The more alcohol advertising kids are exposed to, the more likely they are to drink, and drink heavily. We have stronger and stronger research showing there is a link to advertising.

This is the most solid piece of research evidence to come forth to date linking exposure to alcohol advertising and increased youth drinking.

In light of a recent study that seems to indicate a direct correlation between alcohol advertising and increased teen drinking and another study showing the numbers of people, other than teen drivers, being killed in crashes involving teens, it's more important than ever before to make sure there is a dialogue with teens about issues that could impact their futures. Whether teens spend time at a bowling alley, a friend's house, a coffee shop, or online text-messaging, The Spot shows teens that it is up to them to make sure their 'spot' is filled with positive influences and not with harmful substances.

We had to keep it close with the distance races, basically anything we can get Dominic and Jennings in. They're our best two runners, hands down.