Doris O'Brien is a retired college Speech teacher and banker. She has published two books of humor (Up or Down With Women's Liberation and Humor Me a Little) and for many years contributed light verse to the Pepper 'n Salt column of the Wall Street Journal. She is an avid writer of letters to the editors.
Doris celebrated her 50th wedding anniversary in the same year she welcomed her first grandchild. She now lives in Pasadena with a great view of the San Gabriel mountains — and the annual Tournament of Roses Parade.
She can be reached by e-mail: witsendob at (@) gmail.com
Conserving and Sharing Music Heritage from the Golden Age of the American Town Band
"A summer band concert in a white gazebo is always a highlight of small town life. The BandMusic PDF Library might just inspire such a musical gathering, as they offer up hundreds of pieces of band music at no charge. On their homepage, visitors can find Featured Content, such as the complete score for the Bacchanal from Samson and Delilah and the band music transcription of Verdi's Luisa Miller." more »
Hopper Drawing at the Whitney Museum of American Art: "It took me ten years to get over Europe"
Edward Hopper drew inspiration for his urban landscapes from the streets and architecture of New York City, which he prowled from his home base in the Village. His trademark preoccupation with ordinary subjects — diners, bridges, roads, boarding houses, bedrooms and gas stations — and a fascination with solitary figures and their reveries, defined him. His figure paintings, many of women and many of his wife-turned-model Josephine, are infused with ambiguity, tension and poetic longing. more »
Transportation Security: TSA Could Strengthen Oversight of Allegations of Employee Misconduct
The GAO found that in 2011, a TSO at the Orlando International Airport pleaded guilty to federal charges of embezzlement and theft for stealing more than 80 laptop computers and other electronic devices, valued at $80,000, from passenger luggage. TSOs engaging in misconduct raise security concerns because these employees are charged with helping to ensure the security of our nation's aviation system. more »
Summer Cookies: Aunt Rickie's Icebox, Mom''s Iced Orange Drop, Aunt Myrtle's Ginger and Jean's Oatmeal Chocolate Chip
Cookie lovers probably would agree that nothing makes lazy summer afternoons more pleasant than relaxing on the porch or shaded patio with a plate of cookies and sweet mint ice tea. Children come home from swimming or playing ball with ravenous appetites, and they like a cold glass of milk with their cookies. Such afternoon cookie breaks are the essence of easy summertime living. more »
