It's like Big Brother but actually way, way cool and not creepy at all... of course, I'm talking about tonite's story on the OHSU/Intel partnership.

Here's just a sampling of the sorts of devices they are working on:

~~Computer games that can tell if you are experiencing cognitive decline.

~~Canes that send feedback on well you are using them (like if you're off balance).

~~Walkers that will remind you to use them if you forget.

~~Chairs that can tell how long you've been a couch potato (which is important to determine a person's overall health).

~~Medicine trays that will alert you if you pop open the wrong day or take your medicine at the wrong time.

~~Beds that can tell how soundly you are sleeping.

~~Location devices that can tell if you are moving around with purpose, aimlessly, or not at all.

You get the idea. And the grant that Intel gave OHSU helps researchers bring this technology from the lab right into the homes of about 20 to 30 qualified seniors.

Read the release here: http://www.ohsu.edu/ohsuedu/newspub/releases/012407aging.cfm

Now, I'm not in a position to tell you if you're qualified or not.. but I can point you in the right direction:

Call OHSU's "ORCATECH" @ 503-494-7198

ORCATECH is the name of the program and stands for: ORegon Center for Aging & Technology
Or email here: orcatech@ohsu.edu
Or check out the website here: http://www.orcatech.org

Pictures, pictures!!

Okay, I said it was Ed on a Sled, but it's really Ed on a Saucer. Ed on a Sled just rhymed. :-)

And here is that photo of the new Dr. McDreamy!! His name is Jack and he's a relatively new addition to my friends' Jodie and Eric's clan:

CUTE. There, I said "cute" like I always do but this time I did it in ALL CAPS which is like cute squared... or super-cute.. or cute with an extra shot of espresso.

Tomorrow... the funniest little kid I ran into while I was on snow coverage-- and I've got the photos to prove it AND why Chance and Drake now have me rethinking my puppy-policy (whoops-- it's 4:45pm and this chicka needs makeup!!)

Gotta scoot. Email me:Stephanie Stricklen