I don't have any moral objections to gambling, but I know some people do. Truthfully, I actually enjoy playing Texas Hold 'Em and I'm just bad enough to be a bit unpredictable on the table which actually helps me win (or at least play long enough to enjoy myself).

Now the one time I played for charity ((as Annie Duke (who rocks), Phil Helmuth, and Devilfish either played or helped out))-- THAT was a pathetic showing on my part. But, oh, did we have a blast afterward. It was a very fun night and for a good cause!! I still bring the coaster Annie had to make for me so I would know what hands are better than others... now more for 'luck'. Isn't that sad, though.. that I had to have a cheat-coaster?!!!

But, for me it's just a game. It's not that way for everyone. And Oregon health officials are coming up with ways to reach more and more people-- like the video we did the story on Tuesday at 5pm.

To get a copy of the video for your youth group or organization.. call Greta @ DHS (503)945-6187.

To get help with problem gambling call: (877) MY-LIMIT

Here are 4 photos from yesterday's promotional shoot that didn't make the cut. I wonder why? Yes, I'm a total ham. You so don't have to tell me.

It'll be nice to soon have only one haircut on KGW.com. I think I'm up to 4 styles now including these photos. If I had money to offer I'd give away a prize for finding all the different 'looks'.

**Finally** EMAIL response time ((it's about time, eh?))

McGorge Scott sent this little gem-- and I know how you groove on his animal photos:

Amy writes: Love the haircut!! I missed the newscast tonight so I didn't see it live but the pics look good. ;) Speaking of pics...I love the one of your friends kids! Very darling....where did she have them taken or did she do them herself?

I just called her to ask and she tells me she had them taken in Seaside at a place called the Old Tyme Photo Shop on Broadway... so the next time you hit Seaside...
:-)

Rick writes: Well, I caught the noon news, and I'll have to say that the new 'do looks great. I bet that you got more email on this topic than any of the health news items.

Yup. You're right. As some of us joke... it's all about the hair! But hey-- I did ask for your opinions, so, I know... let's hear more about my hair.

Liz writes: I love your hair cut. Its very flattering and looks pretty easy to take care of! Of course you are going to have worse “helmet hair” than ever…

I hope not. I'm avoiding hairspray as much as possible. Let me know if I look like a Leggo toy with snap-on hair.

Evelyn writes: I've never e-mailed you before, but after reading your blog re:your decision to cut your hair, I had to give you my input. Yea!! Good for you. I know changing ones hair is a big decision, however, you look so much younger. The "librarian hair" (your words) always made you look so severe and prim & proper, which from your on-air personality I knew not to be true. You have a beautiful smile and great sense of humor. Your new style will be very freeing and the look more sophisticated. Looking forward to seeing you on the news with your new look!

How sweet are you?? Thank you so much. Yea, truthfully, cutting off the hair doesn't feel like a big decision. It's fun to hear from everyone-- but I'm not very attached to it and if you ask Randi (previous blog posting-- she's my stylist at WACK'S) she'll tell you I start to get stir-crazy when it stay the same for a long time. ((PS. The underside is bright red. It's my way of having a little fun without getting fired.))

Michelle writes: Just saw you on the news, on the navy ship, and I love your haircut. It's looks great, frames your beautiful face, and, YOU ROCK!!!!.

Full disclosure. Michelle is one of my good "diva club" friends (Remember the cookie basket from the Divas?). But I didn't have to pay her for that email. Nor the other diva Sunny who emailed me: I just saw you on the news tonight---you got your hair cut! It is so cute on you! Great story too but your hair... fabulous! But I DO owe Sunny an adult beverage for mentioning the story.

Randy (who also liked the hair) writes: And I appreciate your dedication to your Blog. There is something new almost every day.
We plan on checking out the Body Worlds, it looks interesting. Thanks for covering!

It's just like my last blog entry-- blogs require daily feeding.

John writes: What's this stuff about you co anchoring the 4:30 AM news? I enjoy watching you, but that presents a major challenge to my retired lifestyle. Maybe I'll just have to start staying out later like I did in my younger days and watch you when I get home.

Good luck with the early getups.

Now, that's the attitude. As you get home be sure to look for the Vern Fonk commercial that only runs overnights. It's in our 4:30am show. Shipoopie!! Oh yeah, I'm still doing stories for the 5pm, too.

Julia writes: I don't get home from work in time to watch the 5;00 p.m. news, so this morning when you appeared on the morning news, I realized I hadn't seen you for quite awhile! Just wanted to send you a note to say I just realized I've missed you! You do a great job and I appreciate your skills. You're lookin' good, too! Hope life is treating you well. Keep up the good work!

Your check is in the mail.

Linda writes: So are you doing mornings all the time now? Or just filling in? I tuned in today and I like the new haircut!!

Full time gig. But, again, I am doing stories in the 5pm newscast. It's the best of all possible worlds. I get a little bit of anchoring and a whole lot of reporting!

Sally writes: I am not a blogger, and I'm not really even a very advanced computer user, however, I do watch KGW every morning as I get ready for my day. This morning as I was doing my hair, which I've been unhappy with for a couple of months, I saw you and your new (to me) hair style and really liked it. Is there any way you could update your picture on the web site so I could show my hairdresser your hair cut? I feel a little funny asking, but I thought it wouldn't hurt to try.

It's fun to "see" you all every morning and get info about the world. locally and otherwise. I can't imagine working the schedule that you work. More power to you.

What, the goofy promotional pictures aren't working for you? YES-- we are working on updating all the pics and I am REALLY flattered you like the style that much. Thanks for makin' my day!

And with that (there's about 10 more hair emails but I think I'm going to look like an egomaniac if I keep posting your very kind emails)....... I think I'm ready to ask our web guru Frank to turn comments back on for this blog. We'll turn 'em off if I get 600 spam emails, but hopefully the new filter will catch those. Cross your fingers.

AND THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR EMAILS!! :-)
Click here to email Stephanie Stricklen