Assessing Ad Impact: Magazines a Most Cost Effective Medium

Dynamic Logic, a company specialising in advertising accountability research, recently updated their database of client-commissioned CrossMedia Research accountability studies. The new aggregation, which contains 39 studies, continues their work on how television, magazine and online advertising combine to impact the attitudes and intended behavior of consumers as they go through five identified stages of the buying process, i.e., the purchase funnel.

In an article posted by the Magazine Publishers of America showed for the first time, Dynamic Logic went beyond analysing advertising effects for these three media and looked at the cost of generating results for each medium individually as well as in combination with others, expressed as return on investment (ROI). Looking at consumers reached by each medium they found:

• Overall, magazine advertising drove consumer attitudes and intended behavior more effectively and efficiently than viewing television advertising alone or, TV in combination with online advertising.

• Across the 39 studies, adding magazines to TV and online had the greatest impact on consumer attitudes and intended behavior in three out of five stages: aided brand awareness at the top of the purchase funnel, and brand favorability and purchase consideration/intent at the key conversion and action stages at the bottom of the funnel. For ad awareness, magazines and TV virtually tied in their contribution.

- For the consumer packaged goods category (17 studies), magazines when added to TV and online were also the largest contributor in three out of five stages: ad awareness, brand favorability and purchase consideration/intent.

- For the non-packaged goods category (22 studies), as with overall results, magazines when added to TV and online were the largest contributor for aided brand awareness, brand favorability, and purchase consideration/intent.

• Magazines were the most cost effective medium throughout the purchase funnel, looking at two related measures of ROI-cost per person and people impacted per dollar spent-from ten CrossMedia Research studies for which ROI was available:

- Based on cost per person, magazines were the most efficient medium in three out of five stages of the purchase funnel. The combination of magazines and online was most efficient for the remaining two stages

- Based on people impacted per dollar spent, magazines were the most efficient medium in four out of five stages of the purchase funnel. TV + magazines + online was most efficient for the one remaining stage.

A New Breed of Publisher Emerges

Independent Magazine Publisher's editor, Jon Barrett, stated:

"Publishing Expo offered the opportunity to delve deep into the heart of the magazine publishing community and explore the current and future plans of decision makers.

"Firstly, many publishers have surfaced from the downturn in good shape thanks to their focus on efficient, well managed publishing processes. These companies are capitalising on this strength to take market share from weakened competitors or replicate their successful publishing model in new sectors.

"Secondly, we spoke to a new group of young, entrepreneurial publishing professionals who, in a more buoyant market, would have likely been lured into a different industry. The downturn has driven them to explore different opportunities and they are oozing with the energy, enthusiasm and willingness to direct their education and passion to a magazine launch.

5 min management course

Lesson 1:
 A man is getting into the shower just as his wife is finishing up her shower, when the doorbell rings.

 The wife quickly wraps herself in a towel and runs downstairs.

 When she opens the door, there stands Bob, the next-door neighbour.

 Before she says a word, Bob says, 'I'll give you $800 to drop that towel.'

 After thinking for a moment, the woman drops her towel and stands naked in front of Bob, after a few seconds, Bob hands her $800 and leaves.

 The woman wraps back up in the towel and goes back upstairs.

 When she gets to the bathroom, her husband asks, 'Who was that?'

 'It was Bob the next door neighbour,' she replies.

 'Great,' the husband says, 'did he say anything about the $800 he owes me?'
 Moral of the story:
 If you share critical information pertaining to credit and risk with your shareholders in time, you may be in a position to prevent avoidable exposure.
 Lesson 2:
 A priest offered a Nun a lift.

 She got in and crossed her legs, forcing her gown to reveal a leg.

 The priest nearly had an accident.

 After controlling the car, he stealthily slid his hand up her leg.

 The nun said, 'Father, remember Psalm 129?'

 The priest removed his hand. But, changing gears, he let his hand slide up her leg again.
 The nun once again said, 'Father, remember Psalm 129?'

 The priest apologized 'Sorry sister but the flesh is weak.'

 Arriving at the convent, the nun sighed heavily and went on her way.

 On his arrival at the church, the priest rushed to look up Psalm 129. It said, 'Go forth and seek, further up, you will find glory.'
 Moral of the story: If you are not well informed in your job, you might miss a great opportunity.
 Lesson 3:
 A sales rep, an administration clerk, and the manager are walking to lunch when they find an antique oil lamp.

 They rub it and a Genie comes out.
 The Genie says, 'I'll give each of you just one wish.'
 'Me first! Me first!' says the admin clerk. 'I want to be in the Bahamas , driving a speedboat, without a care in the world.'
 Puff! She's gone.

 'Me next! Me next!' says the sales rep. 'I want to be in Hawaii , relaxing on the beach with my personal masseuse, an endless supply of Pina Coladas and the love of my life.'

 Puff! He's gone.

 'OK, you're up,' the Genie says to the manager.
 The manager says, 'I want those two back in the office after lunch.' Moral of the story: Always let your boss have the first say. Lesson 4
 An eagle was sitting on a tree resting, doing nothing.

 A small rabbit saw the eagle and asked him, 'Can I also sit like you and do nothing?'
 The eagle answered: 'Sure, why not.'
 So, the rabbit sat on the ground below the eagle and rested. All of a sudden, a fox appeared, jumped on the rabbit and ate it. Moral of the story: To be sitting and doing nothing, you must be sitting very, very high up. Lesson 5
 A turkey was chatting with a bull.

 'I would love to be able to get to the top of that tree' sighed the turkey, 'but I haven't got the energy.'
 'Well, why don't you nibble on some of my droppings?' replied the bull. They're packed with nutrients.'

 The turkey pecked at a lump of dung, and found it actually gave him enough strength to reach the lowest branch of the tree.

 The next day, after eating some more dung, he reached the second branch.

 Finally after a fourth night, the turkey was proudly perched at the top of the tree.

 He was promptly spotted by a farmer, who shot him out of the tree.
 Moral of the story: Bull Sh*t might get you to the top, but it won't keep you there.. Lesson 6
 A little bird was flying south for the winter. It was so cold the bird froze and fell to the ground into a large field.

 While he was lying there, a cow came by and dropped some dung on him.

 As the frozen bird lay there in the pile of cow dung, he began to realize how warm he was.
 The dung was actually thawing him out!
 He lay there all warm and happy, and soon began to sing for joy.
 A passing cat heard the bird singing and came to investigate.
 Following the sound, the cat discovered the bird under the pile of cow dung, and promptly dug him out and ate him.
 Morals of the story: (1) Not everyone who shouts on you is your enemy.

 (2) Not everyone who gets you out of trouble is your
 friend.

 (3) And when you're in deep trouble, it's best to keep
 your mouth shut!

 THUS ENDS THE FIVE MINUTE MANAGEMENT COURSE

2010 HOROSCOPE

ARIES - The Aggressive
Outgoing. Lovable. Spontaneous. Not one to mess with. Funny.. Excellent kisser EXTREMELY adorable. Loves relationships, and family is very important to an aries.  Aries are known for being generous and giving. Addictive. Loud. Always has the need to be 'Right'. Aries will argue to prove their point for hours and hours.  Aries are some of the most wonderful people in the world.
 
TAURUS - The Tramp
Aggressive. Loves being in long relationships.  Likes to give a good fight.  Fight for what they want. Can be annoying at times, but for the love of attention.  Extremely outgoing. Loves to help people in times of need. Good kisser. Good personality. Stubborn. A caring person. They can be self centered and if they want something they will do anything to get it. They love to sleep and can be lazy.  One of a kind. Not one to mess with. Are the most attractive people on earth!
 
GEMINI - The Twin
Nice. Love is one of a kind. Great listeners. Very Good at confusing people... Lover not a fighter, but will still knock you out. Geminis will not take any crap from anyone. Geminis like to tell people what they should do and get offended easily.  They are great at losing things and are forgetful.  Geminis can be very sarcastic and childish at times and are very nosey.  Trustworthy. Always happy. VERY Loud. Talkative. Outgoing. VERY FORGIVING. Loves to make out. Has a beautiful smile. Generous. Strong. THE MOST IRRESISTIBLE.
 
CANCER - The Beauty
MOST AMAZING KISSER. Very high appeal. A Cancer's Love is one of a kind.. Very romantic... Most caring person you will ever meet in your life.  Entirely creative Person, most are artists and insane, respectfully speaking. They perfected sex and do it often.  Extremely random. An Ultimate Freak. Extremely funny and is usually the life of the party.  Most Cancers will take you under their wing and into their hearts where you will remain forever.  Cancers make love with a passion beyond compare. Spontaneous.  Not a Fighter, But will kick your ass good if it comes down to it. Someone you should hold on to!
 
LEO - The Lion
Great talker. Attractive and passionate. Laid back. Usually happy but when unhappy tend to be grouchy and childish. A Leo's problem becomes everyone's problem.  Most Leos are very predictable and tend to be monotonous. Knows how to have fun.. Is really good at almost anything. Great kisser. Very predictable. Outgoing.  Down to earth. Addictive. Attractive. Loud. Loves being in long relationships. Talkative. Not one to mess with. Rare to find. Good when found.
 
VIRGO - The One that Waits
Dominant in relationships. Someone loves them right now. Always wants the last word.. Caring.. Smart. Loud. Loyal. Easy to talk to. Everything you ever wanted.. Easy to please. A pushover.  Loves to gamble and take chances. Needs to have the last say in everything..  They think they know everything and usually do.  Respectful to others but you will quickly lose their respect if you do something untrustworthy towards them and never regain respect.  They do not forgive and never forget. The one and only.
 
LIBRA - The Lame One
Nice to everyone they meet. Their love is one of a kind. Silly, funny and sweet. Have own unique appeal. Most caring person you will ever meet! However, not the kind of person you want to mess with...you might end up crying. Libras can cause as much havoc as they can prevent.  Faithful friends to the end.  Can hold a grudge for years. Libras are someone you want on your side.  Usually great at sports and are extreme sports fanatics. Very creative.  A hopeless romantic. 

SCORPIO - The Addict
EXTREMELY adorable.  Loves to joke. Very Good sense of humor. Will try almost anything once.  Loves to be pampered.  Energetic. Predictable. GREAT kisser. Always get what they want..  Attractive.  Loves being in long relationships. Talkative. Loves to party but at times to the extreme.  Loves the smell and feel of money and is good at making it but just as good at spending it!  Very protective over loved ones. HARD workers. Can be a good friend but if is disrespected by a friend, the friendship will end. Romantic. Caring.
 
SAGITTARIUS - The Promiscuous One
Spontaneous. High appeal. Rare to find. Great when found.. Loves being in long relationships. So much love to give. A loner most of the time.  Loses patience easily and will not take crap.  If in a bad mood stay FAR away.  Gets offended easily and remembers the offense forever.  Loves deeply but at times will not show it, feels it is a sign of weakness.  Has many fears but will not show it.  VERY private person.  Defends loved ones with all their abilities.. Can be childish often. Not one to mess with. Very pretty. Very romantic.. Nice to everyone they meet. Their Love is one of a kind. Silly, fun and sweet. Have own unique appeal. Most caring person you will ever meet! Amazing in bed..!!! Not the kind of person you want to mess with- you might end up crying.
 
CAPRICORN - The Passionate Lover
Love to bust. Nice. Sassy. Intelligent. Sexy. Grouchy at times and annoying to some.  Lazy and love to take it easy.. But when they find a job or something they like to do they put their all into it.  Proud, understanding and sweet.  Irresistible.. Loves being in long relationships. Great talker. Always gets what he or she wants. Cool. Loves to win against other signs especially Gemini's in sports.  Likes to cook but would rather go out to eat at good restaurants.  Extremely fun. Loves to joke. Smart.
 
AQUARIUS - Does It In The Water
Trustworthy. Attractive. Great kisser. One of a kind, loves being in long-term relationships. Can be clumsy at times but tries hard.  Will take on any project.  Proud of themselves in whatever they do..  Messy and unorganized. Procrastinators.  Great lovers, when they're not sleeping.  Extreme thinkers. Loves their pets usually more than their family.  Can be VERY irritating to others when they try to explain or tell a story.  Unpredictable. Will exceed your expectations. Not a Fighter but will Knock your lights out..
 
PISCES - The Partner for Life
Caring and kind.. Smart. Likes to be the center of attention. Very organized.  High appeal to opposite sex.  Likes to have the last word. Good to find, but hard to keep. Passionate, wonderful lovers.  Fun to be around. Too trusting at times and gets hurt easily.  VERY caring. They always try to do the right thing and sometimes gets the short end of the stick.  They sometimes get used by others and get hurt because of their trusting.   Extremely weird but in a good way. Good sense of humor!!! Thoughtful. Loves to joke. Very popular. Silly, fun and sweet. Good friend to other but needs to be choosy on who they allow their friends to be.

African priest comic strip

Article on Haiti from The Sunday Standard ( Botswana ) of 24.01.10.

Loose Canon contributes regularly to newspapers.

Haiti and the blacks!
by Loose Canon
24.01.2010 4:23:39 P

I hope black people will learn a lesson from the earthquake that hit Haiti .
If they don’t learn anything from it, then I throw up my hands in despair and give up.

Let’s start with a few basic facts.
Until the earthquake, I never knew there was a place called Haiti . I was taught geography at school but I cannot remember a time when the mistress told us about Haiti . It must have been one of those insignificant countries that we had no reason to know about.

I was fairly good at geography because I knew which country was on which continent. I also knew many capital cities. But as for Haiti I was clueless.

Now the whole world, including myself, knows about Haiti . I heard news of the earthquake on the radio. I wondered where Haiti was and what sort of people lived there.

Finally, when I switched on the television, I was informed that Haiti is an island out in the Caribbean . Television pictures revealed a place populated by black people.

From the non-stop television coverage of the earthquake, I got to learn about the history of Haiti . It was not a good history lesson. It would seem throughout it’s existence Haiti has suffered a series of natural calamities. In the process it has sunk even deeper into poverty and deprivation.

Like all places populated by black people, Haiti is poor. As I watched the television images, I felt very sorry for that forsaken place. Then I was hit by a thunderbolt.
I wondered what if there were no white people. You see, when the earthquake hit Haiti somebody had to come to its assistance. There had to be a rescue effort. The Haitians who survived of course did their fair bit by digging out their families from the collapsed ramshackle buildings.

But such was the scale of the devastation and the loss of human life that a bigger effort was needed. For that sort of work, you need heavy lifting gear and other sophisticated rescue equipment. I have been following the story of the earthquake keenly. I can attest to the fact that the first people to arrive with sniffer dogs were white crews from all over the world.

The aeroplanes that set off carrying water and food were from white countries. Not only that, the teams of volunteer doctors that I saw on television comprised white people from across the world. As the sniffer dogs went into action, the organized rescue teams that carried the stretchers were made up of white people.

It was announced that a mobile hospital was on the way. It was coming from a white country. For all intents and purposes in the aftermath of the earthquake, Haiti was literally swarming with white people. They had all arrived to save the poor blacks. And the locals were so happy to see them. Granted there were teams from the Orient such as the Chinese and Japanese. They too had quickly left their homes and families to go and assist the stricken people of Haiti .
It is obvious to everyone that this was a devastating earthquake and the work to repair Haiti and return it to a modicum of normalcy will take many years. Somebody had to commit funds to this effort. Most of the countries that have committed funds to aid the recovery are white. In fact, it would seem the whites are running the show in Haiti .

What is my point?

My point is that ever since Haiti was hit by the earthquake I have not seen any of my folks from Africa . Unless the television cameras deliberately ignored them, I never saw a rescue team from my motherland. Nor did I see any sniffer dogs from down here.
Heck, I never saw a single traditional doctor busy divining where to find people buried under the rubble.

Haiti is a land of black people. I would have expected the place to be swarming with black people helping their own. They were nowhere to be seen. I never saw any ships from black countries pulling into the harbour.

As the air traffic circled above the small airport, none of the planes was reported as coming from Africa . The blacks were nowhere to be found. They issued tepid statements of condolence to the people of Haiti and a few of the African countries donated small amounts of cash.

Granted that was better than nothing. But I must say I was disappointed. I was sad because the blacks did not behave as I had expected. You see, for far too long black countries have been insolent to the point of being abusive. They have a tendency of insulting the white man and telling him to keep out of their countries. In Fact, black people have the temerity to tell white people they can perfectly survive on their own.
So I had expected the black countries to be consistent and behave true to form. Why didn’t black countries tell white countries to stay away from Haiti because we were quite capable of leading the rescue effort? We should have insulted them as we often do at international forums.

There, our countries insult white countries and accuse them of imperialism and neo colonialism. I was extremely disappointed when our countries failed to accuse white people of practicing imperialism and neo colonialism by coming to rescue the blacks of Haiti .

We should have told them we have better sniffer dogs that have been taught only to rescue black people. We should have told their ships to stay away and their planes not to overfly Haiti because we were up to the job with our own ships and aeroplanes.

We should have brought in our traditional food instead of the strange rations the Haitians are not accustomed to.

I am so disappointed by the black leaders that I hope never to hear them again bleating about how bad white people are. The earthquake in Haiti was the most opportune time to show the whites, once and for all, that we don’t need them.

From now onwards, I want black leaders to shut up and never accuse ever white people of being bad. I am sick and tired of big words such as imperialism and neo colonialism which are unable to rescue victims of the earthquake.

I hope this is not the last earthquake that hits a black country. I want the next one to specifically hit the residence of Old Man in Harare . Then we will see if he will abuse the white crew coming to rescue him and Pretty Face!

Have a history teacher explain this----- if they can.

Abraham Lincoln was elected to Congress in 1846.
John F. Kennedy was elected to Congress in 1946.

Abraham Lincoln was elected President in 1860.
John F. Kennedy was elected President in 1960.

Both were particularly concerned with civil rights.
Both wives lost their children while living in the White House.

Both Presidents were shot on a Friday.
Both Presidents were shot in the head

Now it gets really weird.

Lincoln 's secretary was named Kennedy.
Kennedy's Secretary was named Lincoln .

Both were assassinated by Southerners.
Both were succeeded by Southerners named Johnson.

Andrew Johnson, who succeeded Lincoln, was born in 1808.
Lyndon Johnson, who succeeded Kennedy, was born in 1908.

John Wilkes Booth, who assassinated Lincoln, was born in 1839. Lee Harvey Oswald, who assassinated Kennedy, was born in 1939.

Both assassins were known by their three names.
Both names are composed of fifteen letters.

Now hang on to your seat.

Lincoln was shot at the theater named 'Ford'.
Kennedy was shot in a car called ' Lincoln ' made by 'Ford'.

Lincoln was shot in a theater and his assassin ran and hid in a warehouse.
Kennedy was shot from a warehouse and his assassin ran and hid in a theater.

Booth and Oswald were assassinated before their trials.

A blonde gets a job as a teacher

She notices a boy in the field standing alone, while all the other kids are running around having fun.

She takes pity on him and decides to
speak to him.

'You ok?' she says.

'Yes.' he says.

'You can go and play with the other kids you know' she says.

'It's best I stay here.' he says.

'Why?' says the blonde.

The boy says: "Because I'm the f*ck*ng goal keeper"

Signs of a STROKE

Blood Clots/Stroke - They Now Have a Fourth Indicator, the Tongue

STROKE: Remember the 1st Three Letters.... S. T. R.

STROKE IDENTIFICATION:
During a BBQ, a woman stumbled and took a little fall - she assured everyone that she was fine (they offered to call paramedics) .she said she had just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes.

They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food. While she appeared a bit shaken up, Jane went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening

Jane's husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital - (at 6:00 pm Jane passed away.) She had suffered a stroke at the BBQ. Had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Jane would be with us today. Some don't die. They end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead.

It only takes a minute to read this so please read on...

A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke...TOTALLY. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.

RECOGNIZING A STROKE

Thank God for the sense to remember the '3' steps, STR . Read and Learn!

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.

Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:

S *Ask the individual to SMILE.

T *Ask the person to TALK and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently)

(i.e. It is sunny out today.)

R *Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call emergency number immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

New Sign of a Stroke -------- Stick out Your Tongue

NOTE: Another 'sign' of a stroke is this: Ask the person to 'stick' out their tongue.. If the tongue is 'crooked', (if it goes to one side or the other), that is another indication of a stroke.

New Kiwi Research Offers Hope In Fight Against Prostate Cancer

New Kiwi research into current prostate cancer treatments could help save lives and ease the suffering of those with this disease.

Every year 3000 Kiwi men are diagnosed with prostate cancer and around 600 die. This makes prostate cancer the second largest cause of male cancer deaths in New Zealand, after smoking-associated cancers.

The Chief Executive of the Cancer Society, Dalton Kelly, says the research being carried out is crucial to improving survival rates and treatments of prostate cancer and has been made possible with funds from a charitable donation by Movember.

Movember is a month-long charity event that aims to raise awareness about men’s health issues.

Last year Kiwi’s raised more than $900,000 with the funds split between two New Zealand charities – the Cancer Society and the Mental Health Foundation for its “Out of the Blue” depression awareness campaign.

Movember funds are providing further financial support for an ongoing study into the use of hormone therapy to treat prostate cancer and financing another study on improving the health and well-being of men with prostate cancer through a programme of physical activity.

The Medical Advisor for the Cancer Society, Associate Professor Chris Atkinson, says prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among males and many need to undergo androgen deprivation therapy (ADP) as part of their treatment.

“Locally advanced cases are more successfully treated by radiation and ADP rather than with just radiation treatment alone. The unfortunate down-side of the ADP hormone treatment is that it can cause side-effects,” he says.

Atkinson says patients undergoing ADP treatment for an extended period can develop osteoporosis.

The RADAR Prostate Cancer Trial is investigating how to prevent osteoporosis by studying the impact on bone density that varying lengths of ADP treatments have. Scientists will also determine if the incidence of osteoporosis can be reduced with the use of bone-hardening drugs (bisphosphonates).

The study is headed by Wellington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Associate Professor David Lamb. Once completed, it is estimated 1060 men with prostate cancer will have participated in the clinical trial in New Zealand and Australia.

Atkinson says if the main hypothesis is confirmed, then around 1000 of the 4000 Australians and New Zealanders who present with localised prostate cancer each year will benefit greatly from the research.

“The results of the study, as they continue to be analysed, will alter how treatment for men with prostate cancer will be managed in the future. This is a hugely positive step for the treatment of prostate cancer,” he says.

The second study to be assisted with Movember funding looks at physical activity programmes as a way to improve the health and well-being of men with prostate cancer who are using ADP hormone therapy.

The year-long study at Auckland University of Technology (AUT) will investigate whether a programme of physical activity can enhance the health and quality of life of prostate cancer patients undergoing this hormone treatment.

International studies have indicated that physical activity can reverse many of ADP’s negative side-effects but until now, not enough has been done to investigate how many patients regularly undertake physical activity.

If successful, the study headed by AUT University Senior Lecturers Dr Justin Keogh and Dr Daniel Shepherd, will be used to create a physical activity programme for patients that will aim to reduce, if not reverse, the impact that this drug treatment has on patient’s health and well-being.

“The implications of this study for prostate cancer patients undergoing ADP treatment are huge. Many patients struggle through a myriad of negative side-effects when fighting cancer and any progress in this area, which can help make them more comfortable during this difficult time, will be well-received”, says Atkinson.

Mr Kelly says the results of the AUT study are of great interest as the research is expected to be relevant to national health strategies including those of the Cancer Society of New Zealand and the Cancer Control Council.

Movember organiser Jim Slattery says New Zealand men and women should be extremely proud that the money they have raised will have such a profound impact on men’s health.

“The Movember Foundation is delighted the money donated to the Cancer Society has gone to such worthy projects and we look forward to raising even more this year in aid of charity.”

For more information, visit www.movember.co.nz.


About Movember

The Movember Foundation is a not for profit, charitable organisation that implements the Movember event each year. The Movember event creates awareness around men's health issues and raises funds for carefully selected beneficiary partners in each country that are also charitable organisations, with a focus on prostate cancer.

2008 figures
Number of participants: 13,000
Amount of money raised: $927,000

Trial 1: To improve the health and quality of life of prostate cancer patients on androgen deprivation therapy by programmed physical activity.

Dr Justin Keogh and Dr Daniel Shepherd - AUT

Trial Summary

This study seeks to improve the health and quality of life of prostate cancer patients (PCA) on androgen deprivation therapy (ADP). Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in males, with many patients undergoing ADT to slow disease progression, most often resulting in severe physical and quality-of-life adverse effects. International research indicates physical activity reverses many of these ADT side effects, but it is unclear how many of these patients regularly perform physical activity. Our aim in this study is to investigate the physical activity attributes of prostate cancer patients on ADT with age-matched non-sufferers to look at factors that influence physical activity in these populations and parameters relating to improving quality of life. This evidence base will inform the design, evaluation and practical implementation of effective physical activity programmes for PCa-ADT patients, with the aim to reduce, if not reverse, the drug treatment effects on the patients’ health and wellbeing

* A number of validated questionnaires of physical activity behaviour and intention and QoL will be completed by the subjects. Demographic and relevant medical data will also be obtained.

Physical activity behaviour will be quantified using the Leisure Score Index. Physical activity and intention and determinants will be assessed using TPB constructs on a 7-point Liket scale. Quality of Life will be assesses using the EORTC QLQ-C30 v.3.

Dr Justin Keogh - Biography
Qualifications: PhD, BHMS (Hons)
Senior Lecturer at AUT: Exercise Science Stream – Human Movement
Leadership positions:
Acting Head Postgraduate, SSR
Human Movement Stream Leader
Paper leader - Human Movement Studies, Advanced Human Movement Studies


Dr Daniel Shepherd - Biography
Qualifications: BA, BSc, MSc (1st class), PhD (Auck)
Senior Lecturer at AUT and Head of Post Graduate Studies, School of Public Health and Psychosocial Studies.
Dr Shepherd’s teaching areas of expertise include Psychometrics, Psychophysics and Psychophysiology. His areas of research include Quality of Life, Recovery Models in Mental Health, Noise annoyance and Schizophrenia

Trial 2: RADAR Prostate Cancer Trial - TROG Trial Renewal Grant
Associate Professor David Lamb

Trial Summary

As prostate cancers grow, they are more likely to spread outside the prostate, so cancers that are locally advanced at presentation often relapse when treated with radiotherapy only. Half of patients who relapse will subsequently die as a direct result of cancer progression. There is increasing evidence that addition of hormone treatment (androgen deprivation) to radiotherapy improves control rtes for more advanced prostate cancers. Control is a maximal with 3+ years of androgen deprivation, but such extended treatment often leads to loss of bone density (osteoporosis) and brittle bones that facture easily.

The RADAR trial is comparing the benefits of six and eighteen months of androgen deprivation. Also, the trial is addressing whether osteoporosis can be prevented with a bisphosphonate called zoledronic acid. This medication may assist in preventing the development of secondary bone tumours.

The new funding is required to enable to completion of patient recruitment, initial follow up and the pathological sub study. The latter part of the study is important for identifying patients who are most likely to benefit from the combined approach.

Associate Professor David Lamb - Biography
Qualifications: M.B. B.S (London)
Co-Chair of RADAR Trial
David is Head of the Radiation Service at the Wellington Cancer Centre. He has a strong background in clinical research, and was a founding member of the Trans-Tasman Radiation Oncology Group (TROG) in 1989.

He is the Principal Investigator for the RADAR Study where his responsibilities include:

- Recruitment and follow-up of patient in Wellington
- Supervision of the NZ RADAR coordinator position
- Reporting to the Regional Ethics Committee

As a member of the Trial Executive Committee, he is involved in the overall management of the study.

Movember Gala Partes

It’s time to celebrate the mo and the month of Movember bringing a new level of awareness to prostate cancer and men’s depression at the spectacular annual Gala Partes.



Mo Bros (dressed to suit their Mo) and Mo Sistas (dressed to suit their Mo Bro) come together for one night to show off their moustache growing efforts and compete for a number of title accolades – including Best Mo in Character, Miss Movember and, of course, Man of Movember 2009



The famous galas will be held in Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland. The first 100 people to the Auckland event get a free CC and dry so don’t miss out! For more information and to buy tickets visit http://nz.movember.com/events/gala-partes/



Christchurch Gala: Thursday 26 November, 6pm, Iconic Bar, 200 Manchester St, Christchurch

Wellington Gala: Friday 27 November, 6pm, Four Kings Bar, 7-11 Dixon St, Wellington

Auckland Gala: Saturday 28 November, 6pm, Northern Steamship Co, 122 Quay St, Auckland

Men & Drinks....

After the party, as the couple was driving home, the wife asks her husband
"Honey, has anyone ever told you how handsome, sexy and irresistible you are to women?"
The flattered husband laughed and said, "No, dear, they haven't."
The wife yells


"Then what the F*#k gave you THAT idea at the party?!!"

Thanks guys!

I just want to thank all of you for your educational e-mails over the past year. I am totally screwed up now and have little chance of recovery!!!!!!!!

I no longer open a public bathroom door without using a paper towel or have them put lemon slices in my ice water without worrying about the bacteria on the lemon peel.

I can't use the remote in a hotel room because I don't know what the last person was doing while flipping through the adult movie channels.

I can't sit down on the hotel bedspread because I can only imagine what has happened on it since it was last washed.

I have trouble shaking hands with someone who has been driving because the number one pastime while driving alone is picking ones nose (although cell phone usage may be taking the number one spot).

Eating a little snack sends me on a guilt trip because I can only imagine how many gallons of Trans fats I have consumed over the years.

I can't touch any woman's purse for fear she has placed it on the floor of a public bathroom.

I MUST SEND MY SPECIAL THANKS to whoever sent me the one about poop in the glue on envelopes because I now have to use a wet sponge with every envelope that needs sealing.

ALSO,  now I have to scrub the top of every can I open for the same reason.

I no longer have any savings because I gave it to a sick girl (Penny Brown) who is about to die in the hospital for the 1,387,258th time.

I no longer have any money at all, but that will change once I receive the $15,000 that Bill Gates/Microsoft and AOL are sending me for participating in their special e-mail program.

I no longer worry about my soul because I have 363,214 angels looking out for me, and St. Theresa's Novena has granted my every wish.

I no longer eat KFC because their chickens are actually horrible mutant freaks with no eyes or feathers..

I no longer use cancer-causing deodorants even though I smell like a pig on a hot day.

THANKS TO YOU I have learned that my prayers only get answered if I forward an e-mail to seven of my friends and make a wish within five minutes.

BECAUSE OF YOUR CONCERN, I no longer drink Coca Cola because it can remove toilet stains.

I no longer can buy petrol or diesel without taking someone along to watch the car so a serial killer won't crawl in my back seat when I'm filling up.

I no longer drink Pepsi or Fanta since the people who make these products are atheists who refuse to put 'Under God' on their cans.

I no longer use Cling Wrap in the microwave because it causes cancer.

AND THANKS FOR LETTING ME KNOW I can't boil a cup of water in the microwave anymore because it will blow up in my face. Disfiguring me for life.

I no longer check the coin return on pay phones because I could be pricked with a needle infected with AIDS.

I no longer go to shopping malls because someone will drug me with a perfume sample and rob me.

I no longer receive packages from UPS or Fed Ex since they are actually Al Qaeda in disguise.
 

I no longer answer the phone because someone will ask me to dial a number for which I will get a phone bill with calls to Jamaica , Nigeria, Uganda , Singapore , and Uzbekistan ..

I no longer buy expensive cookies from Woolies since I now have their recipe.

THANKS TO YOU I can't use anyone's toilet but mine because a big brown African spider is lurking under the seat to cause me instant death when it bites my butt.

I just want to thank all of you for your educational e-mails over the past year. I am totally screwed up now and have little chance of recovery!!!!!!!! I no longer open a public bathroom door without using a paper towel or have them put lemon slices in my ice water without worrying about the bacteria on the lemon peel. I can't use the remote in a hotel room because I don't know what the last person was doing while flipping through the adult movie channels. I can't sit down on the hotel bedspread because I can only imagine what has happened on it since it was last washed. I have trouble shaking hands with someone who has been driving because the number one pastime while driving alone is picking ones nose (although cell phone usage may be taking the number one spot). Eating a little snack sends me on a guilt trip because I can only imagine how many gallons of Trans fats I have consumed over the years.   I can't touch any woman's purse for fear she has placed it on the floor of a public bathroom. I MUST SEND MY SPECIAL THANKS to whoever sent me the one about poop in the glue on envelopes because I now have to use a wet sponge with every envelope that needs sealing. ALSO,now I have to scrub the top of every can I open for the same reason. I no longer have any savings because I gave it to a sick girl (Penny Brown) who is about to die in the hospital for the 1,387,258th time. I no longer have any money at all, but that will change once I receive the $15,000 that Bill Gates/Microsoft and AOL are sending me for participating in their special e-mail program. I no longer worry about my soul because I have 363,214 angels looking out for me, and St. Theresa's Novena has granted my every wish. I no longer eat KFC because their chickens are actually horrible mutant freaks with no eyes or feathers.. I no longer use cancer-causing deodorants even though I smell like a pig on a hot day. THANKS TO YOU I have learned that my prayers only get answered if I forward an e-mail to seven of my friends and make a wish within five minutes. BECAUSE OF YOUR CONCERN, I no longer drink Coca Cola because it can remove toilet stains. I no longer can buy petrol or diesel without taking someone along to watch the car so a serial killer won't crawl in my back seat when I'm filling up. I no longer drink Pepsi or Fanta since the people who make these products are atheists who refuse to put 'Under God' on their cans. I no longer use Cling Wrap in the microwave because it causes cancer. AND THANKS FOR LETTING ME KNOW I can't boil a cup of water in the microwave anymore because it will blow up in my face. Disfiguring me for life. I no longer check the coin return on pay phones because I could be pricked with a needle infected with AIDS. I no longer go to shopping malls because someone will drug me with a perfume sample and rob me. I no longer receive packages from UPS or Fed Ex since they are actually Al Qaeda in disguise.   I no longer answer the phone because someone will ask me to dial a number for which I will get a phone bill with calls to Jamaica , Nigeria, Uganda , Singapore , and Uzbekistan .. I no longer buy expensive cookies from Woolies since I now have their recipe. THANKS TO YOU I can't use anyone's toilet but mine because a big brown African spider is lurking under the seat to cause me instant death when it bites my butt. AND THANKS TO YOUR GREAT ADVICE I can't ever pick up $5.00 dropped in the parking lot because it probably was placed there by a sex molester waiting underneath my car to grab my leg. I can no longer drive my car because I can't buy petrol from certain fuel companies! I can't do any gardening because I'm afraid I'll get bitten by the Violin Spider and my hand will fall off.   I now keep my toothbrush in the living room, because water splashes over 6 ft. out of the commode.

If you don't send this e-mail to at least 44,000 people in the next 70 minutes, a large dove with diarrhea will land on your head at 5:00 p.m. Tomorrow afternoon and the fleas from 12 camels will infest your back, causing you to grow a hairy hump. I know this will occur because it actually happened to a friend of my next door neighbors' ex-mother-in-law's second husband's cousin's beautician . . .

Savour The Taste of a Stress-Free Christmas

Christmas is the time when we celebrate the good things in life; friends, family and a blissful summer holiday after a truly hectic year.
But before we can carve the Christmas turkey and toast the season with a well-earned glass of bubbly – there’s the Christmas shopping to be done!
Last minute dashes in your office lunch hour, long queues, packed carparks, blistered feet and over-extended credit cards can often put a dampener on the festive season.
But now you can enjoy the taste of a truly stress-free Christmas with edibleblooms.co.nz.
The team at edibleblooms.co.nz create and deliver gorgeous bouquets that resemble flowers but are actually made up of tasty treats including only the finest chocolate on the market. These fabulous arrangements promise to provide a delicious experience and put a smile on the face of those lucky enough to receive one.
The perfect gift for your sister, boss or great-aunt Mary there’s an ediblebloom treat that will suit everyone’s taste and best of all they can be ordered online from your office or home.
The online store at edibleblooms.co.nz has a huge selection of bouquets starting from only $35 so you’ll be able to make the recipient feel indulged no matter how modest your budget.
This year break with tradition and send your loved ones the gorgeous Green Chocolate Christmas Tree.  A delectable alternative to the conventional Christmas tree, this bloom stands approximately 70cm high and is designed to wow.
With over 100 gourmet chocolates, the large Green Chocolate Christmas Tree is the perfect gift idea or tree substitute for people that love their house to remain pine-needle free and have a discerning palate when it comes to chocolate!
Celebrate the spirit of the season with the beautiful Christmas Bloom in traditional, festive colours. A delicious table centre or gift featuring 30 quality chocolates, this bouquet comes in a keepsake gold satin box and is sure to be a winner with adults and children alike.
Forget about socks or a boring summer shirt – when it comes to knowing what your man wants this Christmas edibleblooms.co.nz have done the thinking for you with the Corona Christmas Hamper.  This perfect, no-fuss gift for guys features an appealing combination of beer and chocolates in a keepsake stocking – a pressie he’s sure to savour!
Whether you're out to impress a corporate client or spoiling your sweetheart, the Luxury Moet Bloom is the ideal way to do it!  A bottle of luxurious Moet & Chandon takes centre stage amidst a red sea of Ferrero Rocher and Belgian milk chocolates.  Created for those who want to make the ultimate statement with their gift giving, the Luxury Moet Bloom is sure to delight.
After something a little bit simpler?  Then the Christmas Health, Wealth and Happiness gift could be the answer. This mouth-watering treat features heart and star shaped Belgium chocolates, gold chocolate coins and mint chocolate, all beautifully presented in a keepsake red pale.
Edibleblooms.co.nz also offers fresh fruit bouquets for a healthy yet decadent treat and nationwide delivery.
With such an amazing selection to choose from, edibleblooms.co.nz shows you how to spoil someone special without the stress this Christmas. All orders include a card and tasteful gift wrapping.

For more information visit www.edibleblooms.co.nz

For Everyone Who Has Ever Missed A Deadline

Grow a Mo for Charity this Movember!

Men get ready to grow your mo for Movember! The month-long charity event kicks off on November 1st when Mo Bros grow moustaches of every size, shape and colour to raise money and awareness for men's health.

Women can also show their support by becoming a Mo Sista and encouraging all the guys they know to take part.

You can register online now at www.movember.co.nz so make sure you sign up before Movember officially starts.

About Movember

Movember (the month formerly known as November) is an annual, month-long charity men’s health charity event that raises money for Cancer Society of New Zealand and the New Zealand Mental Health Foundation. At the start of Movember, guys register with a clean shaven face and have the remainder of the month to grow and groom their moustache, raising as much money and awareness as possible to benefit men’s health.

Movember culminates at the end of the month at official Gala Parties in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch - the highlight of any Mo Bro’s and Mo Sista’s social calendar. Borat look-a-likes will battle it out for their chance to be crowned the much coveted ‘Man of Movember’.

 

PEEK AT SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY TROPHY CABINET

RUGBY WORLD CUP SEVENS TROPHY

THE SUPER 14 TROPHY

THE FREEDOM CUP TROPHY

ALL BLACKS VS SPRINGBOKS

THE NELSON MANDELA CHALLENGE PLATE

AUSRALIA VS SPRINGBOKS

THE BRITISH AND IRISH LIONS SERIES TROPHY

TRI-NATIONS TROPHY

THE WEB ELLIS CUP AKA WORLD CUP TROPHY


......THE HOLDER OF ALL OF THE ABOVE ..... SOUTH AFRICA ....

THERE IS ONLY ONE OTHER MAJOR TROPHY LEFT WHICH WE DON’T HAVE, AND THAT IS:

THE SIX NATIONS TROPHY 

THE REASON: WE DON’T PLAY IN THE SIX NATIONS!

 

 

The Vinyl Room Adds Designer Flare to Kiwi Homes

Kiwi homeowners can now liven up neutral décor and make a real statement without having to hire an interior designer or buy expensive artwork.

Adhesive vinyl wall graphics by New Zealand design company The Vinyl Room are proving to be a big hit with people who want to add their personal touch to a room without causing any long-term damage to walls or other surfaces.

The Vinyl Room’s extensive collection of unique designs are perfect for decorating entranceways, living rooms, office spaces, kitchens, bathrooms and children’s nurseries.

“It’s a really cost-effective way to decorate,” says Michaela James, founder and designer of The Vinyl Room. “Our best seller is the blossom wall graphic, which is my personal favourite, closely followed by the Kiwiana collection which includes the hugely popular Toi Toi and Flax designs.”

Custom designs are also available and great for Christmas presents, allowing people to turn their favourite painting, drawing, sketch or inspirational quote into an eye-catching piece of art.

James says the affordable New Zealand-made vinyl graphics are easily applied the same way a simple sticker is, and are suitable for surfaces such as walls, tiles, windows, ceilings, floors, metal and plastic surfaces.

“When you want to remove the sticker, all you have to do is use a hair-dryer to warm up and reactivate the glue – then carefully peel it away. It’s as simple as that,” she says.

Since establishing The Vinyl Room in March this year, James has noticed many interior decorators are also using her wall graphics as a tool to customize and complement the environments they design.

“There are up to 80 different colours each style can be printed in, so the customer or designer can choose which colour will best suit their interior. We are constantly creating new designs so there is something to suit everyone’s tastes and décor.”

The wall graphics are also ideal for people who are renting and want to add some personality to their living space without any great cost or inconvenience to their landlord.

“Renovating doesn’t need to be expensive or require a lot of time and we have collections of designs to make things easy,” James says. “For example, if you are decorating a bach we have lots of beach and coast-themed designs.”

For inspiration on how you can liven up your home, or ideas for easy Christmas presents visit www.thevinylroom.co.nz.

ABOUT MICHAELA JAMES
Michaela James has lived in the Bay of Plenty since 2001. She is a qualified graphic designer with a media arts degree, and a 30 year old mother of two. She also runs her own successful design company Design Juice, which she established in 2004.
Michaela’s father is a design and arts teacher and she and her sister have carried on the family tradition in arts as designers.

ABOUT THE VINYL ROOM
The wall graphics are vinyl stickers easily applied with a peel and stick motion – just like a simple sticker.
Custom printing of personal artwork and quotes onto vinyl stickers is also available.
All wall graphics are made to order and delivered within 5-7 working days nationwide.

The Parrot

At dawn the telephone rings, 'Hello, Senor Rod? This is Ernesto, the
caretaker at your country house.'

'Ah yes, Ernesto. What can I do for you? Is there a problem?'

'Um, I am just calling to advise you, Senor Rod, that your parrot, he is
dead'

'My parrot? Dead? The one that won the International competition?'

'Si, Senor, that's the one.'

'Damn! That's a pity! I spent a small fortune on that bird. What did he die
from?'

'From eating the rotten meat, Senor Rod.'

'Rotten meat? Who the hell fed him rotten meat?'

'Nobody, Senor. He ate the meat of the dead horse.'

'Dead horse? What dead horse?'

'The thoroughbred, Senor Rod.'

'My prize thoroughbred is dead?'

'Yes Senor Rod, he died from all that work pulling the water cart.'

'Are you insane?? What water cart?'

'The one we used to put out the fire, Senor.'

'Good Lord!! What fire are you talking about, man??'

'The one at your house, Senor! A candle fell and the curtains caught on
fire.'

'What the hell?? Are you saying that my mansion is destroyed because of a
candle?? !!'

'Yes, Senor Rod.'

'But there's electricity at the house!! What was the candle for?'

'For the funeral, Senor Rod.'

'WHAT BLOODY FUNERAL??!!'

'Your wife's, Senor Rod', she showed up very late one night and I thought
she was a thief, so I hit her with your new Tailor Made Super Quad 460 golf
club.'

SILENCE . . . . . . .. . . LONG SILENCE . . . . . . . .

'Ernesto, if you broke that driver, you're in deep shit!

Japanese Hotel service

A Canadian salesman checked into a futuristic hotel in Tokyo Japan ......
Realizing he needed a haircut before the next day's meeting, he called down to the desk clerk to ask if there was a barber on the premises.

'I'm afraid not, sir,' the clerk told him apologetically, 'but down the hall from your room is a vending machine that should serve your purposes.'

Skeptical but intrigued, the salesman located the machine, inserted $15.00, and stuck his head into the opening, at which time the machine started to buzz and whirl.



Fifteen seconds later the salesman
pulled out his head and surveyed his reflection, which reflected the best haircut of his life.

Two feet away was another machine with a sign that read,
'Manicures, $20.00'.


'Why not?' thought the salesman. He paid the money, inserted his hands into the slot, and the machine started to buzz and whirl.



Fifteen seconds later he pulled out his hands and they were perfectly manicured.

The next machine had a sign that read, 'This Machine Provides a Service Men Need When Away from Their Wives, 50 Cents.'

The salesman looked both ways, put fifty cents in the machine,
unzipped his fly, and with some anticipation, stuck his manhood into the
opening. When the machine started buzzing, the guy let out a shriek of agony and almost passed out.

Fifteen seconds later it shut off.

With trembling hands, the salesman was able to withdraw his tender unit..........



which now had a button sewn neatly on the end.