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
Ferida's Backyard Blog: Whitetail Deer, Tiger Lilies and Adaptable Geese
Ferida Wolff writes: When nature changes, it's not only the geese that must adapt. Temperatures are rising. The ocean is heating up and heading inland, threatening some shore communities and islands. Some areas are becoming parched and fires are more common and difficult to control. Extreme weather patterns are cropping up. Can we change our habits to help minimize the effect of global climate change? Can we recognize the importance of our behavior on nature? Will we need to be as adaptable as Canadian geese? more »
Briefing Summary “Chronic Pain in Women and its Relationship to Opioid Addiction” July 12, 2017
The pharmacological effect is so powerful that it can activate a chain of events that can result in addiction. The main cause of opioid death is when the drug binds to the receptors in the brain stem that control breathing. When the drug manipulates that area it triggers respiratory depression, and an individual can stop breathing. more »
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Tricking Consumers Into Expensive Pay-by-phone Fees
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is concerned about companies misrepresenting the purpose and amount of pay-by-phone fees, which can result in consumers incurring charges for services they don't need. For example, a recent Bureau enforcement action alleged that a company and its service provider misled consumers into paying a $14.95 pay-by-phone fee by deceptively calling it a "processing" charge. The fee was actually for posting payment to the account the same day. more »
Elaine Soloway's Rookie Widow and Transplant Series: Public Transit, Treasure Hunt and Coin-Operated Laundry
"Can you get Felix off his screen?" were daughter Jill's first words after her welcoming hug. My six-year-old grandson was prone on the couch, his eyes focused on an electronic pad and his thumbs swiftly pressing buttons. I considered my daughter's challenge as one crucial for me to accept and win. I took a few moments to contemplate their backyard. It held a lemon tree, Ping-Pong table, hammock, outdoor sofa, potted plants, a coiled water hose, and other items I could foresee as props in a game. "How about a treasure hunt?" I said to Felix. more »
