You saw my story on the salt assault.. now I ask you; should the government regulate how much salt companies can put in their foods??

Think about that before you anwer. I'm not talking about setting a guideline-- I'm talking about a hard and fast rule.

CLICK HERE to sound off

Now, if tell-it-like-it-is-Rick is reading... I know what he'll say. I have a good guess what Roger would say. Blog Buddy Joe, McGorge Scott, Sean, and Rob.... not so sure.

Getting away from the salt is tough, especially if you eat a lot of processed foods. So, what's the solution?

The group pushing for the salt regulations is a little controversial (at least depending on whom you ask). Here's a link to its website:

http://www.cspinet.org/

And a link to the industry group that generally opposes them:

http://www.consumerfreedom.com/

Email time!!

Brenda wants to remind people that when you deep fry that turkey next year in peanut oil-- that you make sure no one coming to dinner has nut allergies.

We were saved from a catastrophe when I happened to ask, just in conversation, what oil they (my cousin and his family) fried the turkey in. My child was just about to put her first big bite into her mouth when he and his wife replied in unison, “peanut oil”. For my daughter, ingesting lots of turkey fried in peanut oil could literally kill her or make her very, very sick. We would have needed to call an ambulance and wouldn’t have known what was happening or why. Saved! Just in the nick of time!

GOOD POINT!!

Sean writes about the insomnia story: I had a funny thought. You're normally trying to help people wake up and then you do a story about helping them fall asleep. :) Although, the easier it is to go to sleep, the easier it is to wake up in the morning.

Jim writes: The sleep study at 11 p.m. I couldn't stay awake that late, but I wake up at 4 a.m. in the morning, or sometimes earlier. That was an awful lot of advertising for a sleep study. I slept through it.

I'm glad I could put you to sleep. ;-)

Steve writes: Keep up the great work on the Blog from a regular reader, (or is that a "bleader" in context??) P.S. Missed the Insomniac Story at 11:00pm last night, was napping, before waking up at an UNGODLY HOUR. Usually, just before your 4:30am broadcast starts.

It's online if you want to see it. And yes.. 4:30 IS EARLY!!! I'm amazed I don't have sleeping problems myself!

And now, an all-caps message to one regular reader: Rob: HAHA ROB. HAPPY MONDAY TO YOU! THAT MEANS FRIDAY IS YOUR TUESDAY. I'LL THINK ABOUT YOU ON YOUR WEDNESDAY WHILE I'M AT VAN HALEN.

McGorge sent this artsy shot of last night's snow.. remember he's up in the Gorge where they got pounded:

sstricklen@kgw.com is Stephanie Stricklen's email address

Posted by Stephanie Stricklen at 11:21 AM | Permalink

I just sailed right past Tuesday and into Wednesday. Nice. One day closer to the start of my very busy, overscheduled weekend. That's alright. What can you do?

If you want to learn more about the Tamiflu story.. here are additional details from an AP article in the New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/28/health/policy/28fda.html

And I mentioned the asthma drug Serevent: http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D8T6OH200.htm

I hope that helps.

Onto some fun photos! With the possibility of snow in the forecast in the hills here, I can almost hear McGorge Scott saying, "HEY.. it's already snowing here. We're used to it, people!"

I took these of Dave, who wants a new puppy...... perhaps THIS puppy from Pet Of The Week. Her name is "SnuggleBug". Really? Could that be any cuter? I mean, throw in a litter of them and maybe it could be cuter. Maybe.

:: (this is where you are supposed to click for stephanie stricklen's email address) ::

Posted by Stephanie Stricklen at 11:22 AM | Permalink

Another Monday almost over. Phew. Monday's feel to me like starting a long run on an incline. I know it'll get easier as the week goes on.... but, it's still a Monday.

Okay: 5PM folks-- you want that additional information about the breast cancer/dense breast study: http://health.usnews.com/usnews/health/healthday/071126/urban-women-may-have-greater-breast-cancer-risk.htm

One thing this article doesn't mention is that really, the only way to know if you have dense breasts or fatty breasts is to have a mammogram. Contrary to how it sounds, you can't just tell by the way they look or feel.

For the insomniacs who are reading this.. wide awake at 11:30pm.. GET OFF THE COMPUTER. Just kidding. But Dr. Root did say that the computer can amp you up.. it has to do with the light coming from the screen. Same goes for the TV. It sends a signal to your brain that makes it want to fight sleep.

Here are some additional tips that will hopefully help you!!
http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/tc/insomnia-treatment-overview

Here is a link to Dr. Roots clinic.. Oregon Sleep Associates: http://www.oregonsleepassociates.com/

Sean writes about the egg selling story (actually, he's more writing about one of the responses it got): As for the controversy of selling women's eggs, people have to realize that what they believe is right might not be right for someone else. What's scary is that it's becoming more common among health care workers. For instance, some pharmacists refuse to fill prescriptions for birth control or assisted suicide. The pharmacy staff is supposed to do what the doctor thinks is best for the patient, not what their own personal beliefs think is best. After all, in most cases the doctor knows the patient a lot better than the pharmacy does.

He included this along after Blog Buddy Joe put his trademark arrows on that picture of me.

He used a software program to tweak it.. looks like an oil painting or watercolor! Cool.

Eric sent along this nifty blog since I've been on my spider kick lately: http://www.darkroastedblend.com/2007/11/glamorous-insects.html I mean... WOW!!

Sherrie sent along a little Thanksgiving well-wishes with a new snapshot of her Ed... who looks spoiled, as always!

Allright: another Monday down. See you TUESDAY!
Click to email Stephanie Stricklen

Posted by Stephanie Stricklen at 11:53 AM | Permalink

Yup. Workin' this Thanksgiving.. just like I have for the previous 10 years. One of these days I will have SO MUCH SENIORITY I will never have to work a holiday again. That should come about 2020. In the meantime, I'm actually not whining. I'm just thrilled they (by they I mean "the managers") let me stay on my morning show schedule. I used to fill in a lot on the later shifts, and there was talk about that this Thanksgiving and Christmas. But, I gotta be honest with you-- I'm just not fired up to switch my schedule 180 degrees. I love my current schedule, so I'm thrilled they worked with me on that. Yay Rick, yay Rod.. thanks!

Email/picture time!!

Kristen writes about the egg donation compensation story: I am an egg donor and have been since 2001. Not a donor during college
years but only after the birth of my own children. I have 3. When I signed
up I did not even know that it paid. The compensation back then was very
low. I hate the negative attention that media sensationalizes. Many
beautiful things have happened during my experience...even met children I
have help bring life to. College girls are a good group to seek in because
their schedules are flexible and college experience usually implies some
kind of elevated level of responsibility ( a plus in any job market or on
any application). Lets do a fair two sided story.

We could just as easily focus on the "vain" television media industry that
seeks attractive "picture perfect" broadcasters with college education.
Potential parents know there are no guareantees. They are just hoping for
the greatest odds of a positive outcome. Like any parents, they fall in
love with their children even if they do not produce 2000's on their SAT's
18 years down the road.

Wait.. did she just call me vain?

Look, I'm thrilled Kristen had a wonderful experience. Truly. I know a lot of women do. And other women experience the miracle of childbirth because of the gift that women like Kristen share. But you're kidding yourself if you don't think some folks are essentially paying top dollar to breed a baby of their choice. And no amount of debate will convince me that's ethical or justifiable. Compensation for time and trouble? Sure, I get it. Payment that might make a woman do it because she needs the money? Problematic. Top dollar for a woman's eggs because she's broke, incredibly intelligent, beautiful by our standards, and athletic? Scary.

I stand by the story and wouldn't change a thing. Now I'm off to go look at myself in the mirror some more.

Another woman called me.. furious about the story for a totally different reason. She finds egg donation appaling. She mentioned her religious beliefs saying she can not justify this "casual sharing of eggs" under any circumstances. I believe she likened it to sex for money.

I'm still totally open to discussion on this..Email Stephanie Stricklen @ sstricklen@kgw.com

Let's switch gears...

Rob writes about the Steph twin Matt found in Rome... 1st. Happy Thanksgiving to you.

They (who ever THEY are) say we have twins some where in the world .... I think Mr. Z just found yours!

Happy Thanksgiving to you, too!! :-)

Michael Convery (who does our traffic reports) emailed me: Checked out your blog today ( I was really bored -- HA HA ) and the euro chick in that picture might have a similar facial structure, but unless my eyes need to be checked-- she's got gray hair and I'm not talking about a few... I'll take the American Stricklo anyday.
Thanks again for the Hot Cocoa this Morning and have a great Holiday.

Nuts, I thought she was blond. Maybe I'm the one who needs the eyes checked. I bought Convery hot chocolate after he WHINED LIKE A THREE YEAR OLD IN THE CANDY AISLE OF WAL MART about me going on a coffee run last week and not bringing him anything. The whole point of including his email was to tell you that. Still bored, Convo??

Tom popped by: Just wanted to wish you and yours a Great Thanksgiving.

Back 'atcha. May you be super-stuffed with awesome food, relaxed, and enjoying time with loved ones!!

Neil writes about my Monday absence: I missed you this morning, You- the one who is always covering for everyone else! You took this morning off and missed up my whole morning! My Wife and I think you should up-date your picture, You are much cuter now. Boy have you grown in the business.

I know, I know... but there is the problem, my friend. I can not update a darn thing on our website (besides news stories.. I do publish my own.. but that's all they let me do). So, for now and into the immediate future, think of it like a scavenger hunt: how many Steph hairstyles can you find? (Hint: now I think there are only 3...... maybe 2. There used to be, like, 4.)

Mark writes about Nick who does weather in our 4:30am show: I think it's kinda "cute"... From my standpoint, it sounds like Nick has a "thing" for you... "The all knowing Stephanie"... It's kinda cute... Oh, and I *LOVE* the glasses... They make you look edumacated.

See, I am such a huge Nick fan I would have thought it would look the other way around. He's fabulous!

Blog buddy Joe makes the following suggestion right before I shoot it down: So I'm sitting here at my desk, and I came up with a fantastic idea! (Yes, I really should be working...don't tell my boss)

P.S. In order to prevent the 'Man Council' from pulling my 'Man' membership card, it's important for me to say that I don't actually watch 'Dancing with the Stars', I just happen to see it when Mary is watching it! ;-)

I have the Man Council on speed dial. They're on their way. And here's why I'm shooting it down: I couldn't live with myself if I got schooled on the dance floor by anchors whose names rhyme with Beff Hianola and Meeve Bunn.

And finally, I leave you on this Thanksgiving with a photo perhaps more Christmas-y in feel, courtesy of McGorge Scott:

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Posted by Stephanie Stricklen at 9:02 AM | Permalink

That egg price story I did Wednesday at 6am really only scratches the surface. By the time I set up what the issue is..well, I'm 1:10 into a story that can't run a single second longer than 1:30.

So.

My solution is to hopefully lure you into reading a little more about it. This is the heart of the story.. brokers who mine college campuses looking for smart, attractive women who-- because college is expensive-- are probably broke.

http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/health/2006-03-15-egg-donors-usat_x.htm

And: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/15/health/15cons.html

Okay.. onto the Zaffino BorderClash stuff at Nike. I soo love that he posted another blog to my response to him. LOL. I did get the heck out of there.. he's totally right. That's why I missed all the photos! And, I gotta be honest: Gina and I finishing first for the women was a fluke (at least for me). All us gals started out together, but then the trail gets pretty narrow and you can really only get two people across. I was right behind Gina and Joe Arndt and assumed the pack was still with us. But we moved on ahead, and you know what-- by the time I noticed it the run was almost done. I'll take it though, because when it comes to running, I'm usually only concerned with not finishing last.

Hey.. if you didn't check Matt's blog you have to see this photo he posted. This gal looks soo much like me it's WILD. Matt took this photo in Rome..

What do you think.. looks like me?? Click here to email Stephanie Stricklen

Posted by Stephanie Stricklen at 5:43 AM | Permalink

Allright, before I get to the whole "denied by Zaffino" rant.. let me give you the important stem cell stuff.

This article that Karen Kaplan wrote for the LA times is really well done..
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-sci-stemcells21nov21,0,2192969.story?coll=la-home-nation

This from Alan Boyle has great info, an interview and a link to the report: http://cosmiclog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/11/20/474428.aspx

OK. Dudes. And dudettes. Did you see Matt's weather blog-- all about BorderClash at Nike and the media race?

Did you see the photos?

Did you see ME?!

Of course not. And while I'm just teasing Matt, I'm not in his photos because I bailed after the media race. Gina and I were the top female finishers, so I hear. We held hands across the finish line, because yes-- we are that goofy.

Dave Osborne.. who works for ClearChannel sent me this photo of the two of us from BorderClash:

So yes, I was there. :-)
sstricklen@kgw.com

Posted by Stephanie Stricklen at 11:47 AM | Permalink

Alright, another special report in the can!

Tonite I'm chucking olives at McCormick and Schmick's for charity. If I can toss an olive from 20 feet into a martini glass I get $10,000 for charity-- all for the Alzheimer's Association. So, wish me luck!!! I think I'll wear my "Stricklen" Blazers jersey the team made for me-- for good luck!!

In the meantime, McGorge Scott has more spider drama unfolding at his place in the Gorge!

I'm thinking if there is indeed a faceoff, the black spider will win. She just looks tough.

And Rob writes about his favorite team: Blazers, hmmm okay..
GO HAWKS, yeah they suck right now, but I am a hockey guy.
Hey you asked!

Good for you for not being a fairweather fan!!

I LOVE hockey.. it's a lot of fun for me to watch and I grasp it better than other sports like football (same goes for Lacrosse.. another sport I totally dig). I remember my first real football game-- which was actually like 2 years ago. We were in Seattle watching the Seahawks and I was floored at how hard it was for me to follow the ball. When you watch on tv, the photographers do all the work for you. Seeing it live, I often had no clue what was going on until someone chucked the ball. I still had a fantastic time.. always do. I think I lack sports knowledge because the only sport I did as a kid was competitive swimming... so I didn't get any exposure to sports in general. but like I said, I enjoy it.. can't think of a sport I detest....... so..

Hey.. I find the oddest stuff online: http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/california/la-me-banks13oct13,1,3868104.column?coll=la-headlines-pe-california&ctrack=1&cset=true

See ya! Click here to email Stephanie Stricklen

Posted by Stephanie Stricklen at 10:19 AM | Permalink

So-- the Fertell story is kind of interesting, eh? It's amazing all the things you can now do at home that used to require visits to the doctor. Here's a link to the Fertell website:

http://www.fertell.com/

And because you know I love my Mayo Clinic links: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/infertility/DS00310/DSECTION=7

Email response time: McGorge Scott sent these two fun photos!!

Check out this shot:

Scott writes about the snoring story: I’m having déjà vu about this one. I actually started writing you about the last snoring story you did. Except this time I’m actually going to tell my wife about this one, because she tells me she’s been karate chopping me during the night time to get me to stop.

I also want to say thanks for helping out the community doing services like feeding the hungry, more people need to do these things. Not enough people do it, especially this time of year.

Well, thanks for the nice compliment about the Blazers Harvest Dinner-- and don't mess around with that snoring business. If those lifestyle changes don't work (sleep on your side, lose weight if you need to, steer clear of alcohol or any sedatives as they make things worse), get it looked at. Your wife can thank me later when she finally gets a good night sleep. ;-)

Sean writes about my basketball knowledge: You say you don't know much about the game of basketball. So start studying:

http://www.nba.com/nba101/index.html

Truthfully, I'm not totally knowledgeable about basketball. My sports are baseball (Mariners), football (Seahawks), and NASCAR (Greg Biffle).

Sweet. Can I put you on speed dial?

Debi writes: Greg who??? LaMarcus is on what team and what do they play?? Trailblazers...is that a hiking group??.....just kidding. Now you know what
I know about sports..except for the BEAVERS. I am beginning to know a
little about the game. My husband does the football thing more.

A Beavers fan in da house... duly noted!! Any Ducks out there?? We've been all over that story in the 4:30am show.

Click here to choose your college team and email Stephanie Stricklen

Posted by Stephanie Stricklen at 11:40 AM | Permalink

Snoring and Greg Oden. All in one happy little headline. I would have put "Snoring and LaMarcus Aldridge" but I was worried that was too long. Let's get to snoring first.

The Tuesday 11pm story is on snoring solutions.. here's the clinic/doctor I featured:

http://www.oregonsleepassociates.com/

And of course, you know I love my Mayo Clinic online resources, right?

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/snoring/DS00297

Also: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/snoring.html

Now, what do Greg Oden or LaMarcus Aldridge have to do with snoring?

Nothing.

But, I did get to spend some time around them for the Blazer's Annual Harvest Dinner. It's an opportunity for disadvantaged folks in the area to come to the Rose Garden and get a hot meal, hook up with local resouces, and just relax-- even if only for a few hours. It's this wonderful event that I love doing, but I have to say this year was my favorite. I was dishing up ham next to Greg Oden and LaMarcus Aldridge.

Now, I need you to understand this... coming from the girl who actually asked Russ Lewis if basketball had a "halftime"... I am totally behind this Blazer's team. The more I interact with and occasionally cover the players.. the more my old notions about the team change. Let me give you an example.. I respect smart. And LaMarcus is a smart guy. It was so nice to talk to him about non-basketball stuff like our high school jobs.. and about general stuff.. and to give each other a hard time. I didn't have a clue who he was when he walked in yesterday. Someone had to tell me. But I can promise you that I'll now look forward to reading those Blazers stories in our morning show. And it's fun to have someone like him to root for. I think I should start a Blazer's fan club for people who don't know the first thing about basketball. Could you just imagine us at the games-- yelling "TOUCHDOWN" and stuff like that.

I'm game.

And by the way, resist the urge to ask LaMarcus how tall he is. I'm telling you because I watched like 30 people ask him (including myself) one after another. Can you imagine how old that would get? Everyday. All day. And each time he just smiles and answers the question.

I meant it when I told him I think he should just wear a shirt or a sign that says "I'm 6'11".

Click here to tell Stephanie Stricklen what you think about the Blazers.

Posted by Stephanie Stricklen at 12:30 PM | Permalink

This is moving like wildfire across the health wires today-- and it has an OHSU tie-in!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/main.jhtml?view=DETAILS&grid=&xml=/earth/2007/11/12/sciclone112.xml

The whole cloning debate is a facinating one that really drives people to opposite ends of the spectrum. Usually, careful persuasion can tip the balance of an argument.. but it seems to me when it comes to cloning most people either feel it's right or wrong. End of story. Not up for debate. At any rate, I thought you might be interested to know anout the Primate Center's discovery.

Tell-it-like-it-is Rick writes: Sorry to hear you received a not so nice voice mail. You always have a great smile and do a good job. My wife and I always enjoy your news reporting.

Naw, no biggie. It's just part of the territory. Did I ever tell you about all time favorite caller? This woman used to call (a couple times) and suggest different plastic surgery options for my face-- because she found me "distracting". Are you serious?! That had to be one of the all time bests, in my book. It's a story that I take way too much pride in repeating, even to this day.

Tom writes: I always read your blog, when you get the time to post. How could someone say they don't like you. Obviously you have great taste in coffee.

Perfect timing, Tom. Read on.

Blog Buddy Joe (and new dad) is better at labelling photos than me. My arrows are always hand drawn and sloppy: case in point.. this photo showing the wad of loose change Joe Becker carries around in his pocket. He's about as stealthy as a foghorn.

Well, Blog Buddy Joe got ahold of my coffee photo from Friday and really nailed it:

I drink decaf-- maybe half-caf at the most.. and sucked down the ENTIRE triple shot like it was no one's business. About 15 minutes later, I remember turning to our special projects producer Rich and marvelling that I wasn't wired at all.

And then it hit me.

It took like an hour but I started sweating, figeting, and... talking. More than normal. I will say this... I was WAY productive. Even if I wondered if my heart would stop. :-)

See you manana.. Click here to email Stephanie Stricklen

Posted by Stephanie Stricklen at 10:57 AM | Permalink

I positively love payday Fridays. I mean, who doesn't. A Friday without a paycheck is still pretty sweet, but the added bonus of extra money in the ol' bank account makes me a very happy girl.

I also used to work weekends-- actually in my previous two jobs and when I started here. So, as someone who hadn't had a weekend off for a long, long time... Fridays feel even extra special.

Rob writes about the voicemail love I got from that viewer: Why do some people have to leave such messages ..... I work at a hotel, so I get the occasional grumpy person, and I just don't understand why some people feel like they have to take out all their frustration on me (or in this case you). Do these people understand just how bad they're making themselves look or better yet .. do they even care? Just don't let them get to you!

I'm with you.. if someone wants to make a point, I'm all for it. I also have very thick skin (you have to when people routinely feel the need to tell you they hate your hair/jacket/necklace/eyebrows/etc). But once in a blue moon you get someone who is over the top-- and all you can do with those folks is listen to the message, smile, play it for a few folks, delete it, and find a common ground. In this case-- he and I totally agreed: I wasn't going to call him back. :-)

NOTE: Our general manager DJ just brought me Stumptown coffee. ME. Isn't that supposed to work the other way around? Is it brown-nosing to say that I totally love her!?! She really is fabulous.

What else: OH YES.. the puppy email is a hoax. You don't have to send it to me. Speaking of puppies-- Lynne sent these two puppy photos! First is Hunter and second is Kiki. CUTE (it's been a while since I've used my crutch-word).

Scott Buendia who is a fitness instructor for the city of Hillsboro sent me this article: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119431190803983349.html

I know Scott will be happy to hear me say I'll stick to the tried and true method of "calories in-- calories out" to get the definition I want. :-)

And with that.. have a wonderful weekend!! I'm emceeing a Credit Unions For Kids event tonite that benefits the Children's Miracle Network and then spending some quality time with some girlfriends I don't get to see nearly as much as I'd like!
Click here to email Stephanie Stricklen

Posted by Stephanie Stricklen at 8:14 AM | Permalink

I probably don't have to say this, but if you call and leave me an angry voicemail in which you call me names, make generalizations about my character, and cap it off with a healthy dose of swearing-- you ARE right: I'm not going to call you back. But, I will probably play your message for other folks in the newsroom.

On a totally different note.. I'm still buried in special reports, although I expect that to change here shortly as I'm making some great progress.

Wendy writes about the arthritis story:
I was diagnoised with Osteo Arthritis 2 years ago. My knees were killing
me, also my wrists, big toes and hips. I didn't want to take an
anti-inflamtory unless absoulutely necessary. I have been religiously
taking Chondrotin and Gluclosamene. My pain is mostly gone. Every once in
a while one of my knees will bother me for a couple of days. I am a
believer in them.

A couple of emails to share about Dr. John Corso's book: "Stupid Reasons People Die"

Mary writes: Thanks for this story. I'm going to check out his recommendations. For five years I've struggled with a disease (?) that has stumped the best doctors in the country--no kidding. Still undiagnosed, but not giving up. I think it's thyroid related, but must be extremely rare. I have all the symptoms of MS, and was originally diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder, Spino Cerebellar Ataxia--my mother had the same symptoms at the same age. This is a real puzzler. I'm planning on going skiing once I'm well--no matter how long that takes. It's the one thing I wished I'd done more of and realized I might never get the chance again.

Sean writes: I'm not sure if "stupid" totally fits with what Dr. Corso is trying to teach people. Stupidity is if a health provider tells you to have a test and you ignore the advice. But many people aren't told about these tests and/or can't afford them (many people are unemployed without insurance or have jobs that pay very little and have few benefits).

Besides the need for patient compliance, doctors need to work with patients in the sense of what needs to be done, how to make it affordable and be willing to answer any questions and concerns patients may have.

And Andrew writes: Dr. Corso's claims about screening tests are largely based on faith... the scientific evidence just doesn't exist to support many of his claims.
Before you expoise yourself to CT X-ray radiation unnecessarily, please look into the huge questions that have yet to be answered about whether this test really makes sense for low risk individuals.

So, I went to my friends' house to let their dogs PupPup and Tater out.. I'm chasing Tater around the yard trying to get her to go to the bathroom (she holds it because she knows once she goes it's time to go inside) and I turn to look at Pup and this is what I see.

I mean, I had my eyes off him for one minute!! Those dogs are like kids.. smart, too. I could not help but laugh at him with his filthy nose-- and then Tater got all fired up and started racing around him in circles.

And let me leave you with this from Time magazine: http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1679981,00.html?cnn=yes

Click here to email Stephanie Stricklen

Posted by Stephanie Stricklen at 8:49 AM | Permalink

Quick links for you on the arthritis story:

Rebound Clinic
http://www.reboundmd.com/contact/index.htm

Mayo Clinic link to alternative treatments for osteoarthritis:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/arthritis-treatment/AR00046

Link to the Arthritis Foundation:
http://www.arthritis.org

And some more on Glucosamine and Chondroitin, now. The Mayo Clinic link above really does an excellent job of breaking down the sum total of the research.. which is what doctors try to consider when making recommendations. BUT, maybe you remember this 2006 study:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=16495392

Well, chances are what you remember actually isn't the study, but rather how the lay press played it up (OH NO! IT DOESN'T WORK.). Anyway, it's worth bringing up briefly here just to say that it is one in a number of studies. It's a decent study too.. but as one of my doctor friends like to remind me: "One study does not a recommendation make". As the evidence I showed you above points out-- the sum total of the research out there still suggests that these two supplement may help you. Like anything, it won't work for everyone. But between the Mayo Clinic link above, the Arthritis Foundation link here: http://www.arthritis.org/general-medication-questions-1.php#6, and the doctor I spoke to.. I feel pretty good about it.

Did those supplements work for you?? Email me here!!! CLICK to email Stephanie Stricklen

Hey-- no time for pictures... I must scoot!! :-) Until manana.

Posted by Stephanie Stricklen at 11:14 AM | Permalink

Hey there.. still cranking out my special reports. Did you see my interview with Patrick McEnroe? I had a blast-- he's very engaging. I didn't know the tickets to the Davis Cup sold out in 30 minutes for the finals-- PHEW, that's fast, eh? He said he has been overwhelmed with friends asking him for tickets, lol. We did a live interview this morning and I did a later one that will run in this weekend's Sports Sunday (the irony being that it's me.... doing a sports interview.... in Sports Sunday).

Steven sent these pictures of his totally beautiful cats.

But this one made me laugh.. I used to have a cat that would do this and I was always terrified I'd give him a 60 minute spin in the dryer on accident. Never happened, but I did once lock him in there after he found his way under some towels.

And a different Steve sent this photo of his puppy taken from his iPhone-- although I'm too tired to tell if he was serious when he said this was his Milo-- or if he just meant it in general terms. I need a nap. LOL!!

Click here if you, like Stephanie Stricklen, like animal photos.

Posted by Stephanie Stricklen at 11:18 AM | Permalink

Tonite's story (Friday) is essentially all about the stupid reasons people die. Preventable stupid reasons people die. Here's the website for Dr. John Corso.. the doctor we interviewed for this story:

http://www.drjohncorso.com/

We rarely do stories on books people have written.. but this one struck a chord with a number of the decision makers around here. Dr. Corso was nice enough to drive all the way to our studios for an interview with us. And I have to tell you, even though my total cholesterol is 108 (no joke).. I WILL pay out-of-pocket for an ultrafast CT scan of my heart. I mean, what's $100 for peace of mind?

REMINDER: set your tivos, dvr's, vcr's.. or alarms and please check out the in-depth version of Jake's story that runs Sunday in the 7am hour of our weekend morning show (....probably after 7:30-- ahem, but you didn't hear that from me).

And here is Jake's website:

http://www.jakesake.com

As I mentioned in yesterday's blog entry.. meeting the Derings was a real treat. Jake is one super special boy who really does inspire everyone he meets!!

Debi writes about McGorge Scott's smiling spider: Hope you are feeling better this week. I think that spider was CREEPY!! I do not like spiders and am very much afraid of them and snakes too!! So...you are going to Maui in January!! You will love it. We lived on Oahu for 7 yrs. and Maui was my absolute favorite island. It is beautiful. Take the road to Hana, the sites along the way are incredible. Go to 7 pools, it is beyond Hana and is breath taking. Take lots of pics and post them!!

Thanks for the recommendations!! I'm logging them as we speak!!

And look at what the producer for my show made for me!!

Kate is pictured in a previous blog of mine wearing a sweater/shirt set that matched our multi colored scripts. Those earrings are so darn cute.. I LOVE them!!

Ciao! sstricklen@kgw.com is Stephanie Stricklen's email address.

Posted by Stephanie Stricklen at 10:28 AM | Permalink

You have to check out my 5pm story tonite.. Thursday!!

Please (I'm asking nicely..how 'bout that!)

It's on this amazing little boy Jake who has a disorder so rare.. I bet most doctors could go their entire lives and never see someone with it.

Here is Jake's website, created by his parents to serve as information and outreach for other families with kids like Jake.

http://www.jakesake.com

Chellie told me when she first heard Jake's diagnosis, the amount of information on the internet was either so limited, or so depressing.. that she didn't want any other parent to feel like that. Her hope is that as families find this website, they'll have a sense of optimism as they face what will be a very tough fight.

Because of the normal time constraints in our 5pm show, I actually wrote two versions of this story. The other one (which is about twice as long.. and my favorite because we get to hear so much more from Jake, Chellie and Steve) will run this weekend. I'll update you when I know exactly when it will air-- but you can look for it in the morning show on either Saturday or Sunday.

Okay.. let me switch gears now and get to the rest of your emails and comments..

Steve writes about that sign I found in the OHSU Center for Health and Healing bathroom: Just think how many people a sign like that actually helps. Scary. You did a great job at the Harvest of Hope fundraiser by the way...

Thanks!! And about the sign-- totally! I was talking with an OHSU PR gal and we joked that it's like those warnings: Do not drink this bleach, Don't use curling iron while sleeping, Do not eat glass.. anyway-- is it because someone actually did those things? Really?! Because if you're tempted to drink the water right out of the urinal.. I'm not convinced you can read the sign in the first place.

Terrance writes about Van Halen: Van Halen has never impressed me that much Steph. I would rather fly to see Iron Maiden in Los Angeles in February than ride the max to see VH.

I know. Don't get me wrong.. I only know the songs with big radio play-- and probably couldn't tell you the titles. BUT, it really will be a fun time no matter what! And about 40 of us at the station are going. I mean, I went to see Barry Manilow for crying out loud and I am soo not a 'fanilow'... and was very surprised at how good of a time I had!! So, I think I'll probably totally groove on VH.

Tell-it-like-it-is Rick writes: Stephanie, I hope you feel better soon. You looked great at the Doembecher auction.

First of all, I am a non-smoker, but the way we are treating smokers is sinful. If the Portland city council had any guts they would ban smoking in the City of Portland, period! Stop nickle and diming the smokers to death. Smoking is legal, how in the heck can you tell a smoker that they can not smoke within 50' of a building? Smokers are a very large minority group. For the life of me, I do not know why the smokers don't vote all these anti-smoking undemocractic council members out of office.

Discuss. ;-)

Amy writes: Hope you are feeling better this week!! ;) I have meant to email you for awhile but life sometimes gets in the way! Plus with kids in school (my youngest is in preschool, yay!) we have had plenty of 'bugs'.....both sick bugs and real ones. Yes, we had the joy of experiencing lice a few weeks ago. It sucks. The lice have been gone now but oh boy...I swear anybody talks about it and you will itch. In fact, have you itched your head yet since reading this??! ;) Hope your next week goes much better workwise since you mentioned in your blog that last week was kind of tough. Have a Happy Halloween!!! ( I can't believe it's that time already, and then the holiday season starts! Yikes!!)

GAACK-- totally itchy. You know.. I have been wanting to do a story on drug-resistant lice. I somehow... somehow managed to not ever get lice as a kid. And considering how common it is, I find that surprising. But just imagine if your kid gets lice and the little buggers don't die off from the medicated shampoo!! That's like insult piled on injury!! Would make a good story, no?

Picture time!!

Michael has me all fired up for my Maui trip in January with the girls after he sent along some vacation photos.

And McGeorge Scott sent this awesome spider shot-- since we've all been having "Are we afraid of them or are we not" discussion:

Aww.. he's smiling! Sort of.

Okay, I'm off to shoot some more special report stuff.. Talk to you soon!!!
Stephanie Stricklen is not afraid of spiders.

Posted by Stephanie Stricklen at 7:03 AM | Permalink