infinitieplus magazine

infinitieplus July 2023

VOL. 13 NO. 7 LONGVIEW BUSINESS MAGAZINE

State of the Economy CITY SLATES JULY 4TH FIREWORKS, FREEDOM CELEBRATION

TEXAS BANK AND TRUST NAMES PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST AWARD WINNERS

ARABELLA OF LONGVIEW HOSTS CHAMBER BUSINESS MIXER

UT TYLER SCHOOL OF MEDICINE RECEIVES $500,000

FLIP THIS MAGAZINE

Editor's Note

Arts and Culture The Magazine for Living Life Beyond, Plus One…

Hello Longview, Texas, and our Global Audience, We hope you are doing well with your loved ones, friends, and neighbors. We are extremely excited to bring you this July edition of infinitieplus magazine.

For photography professionals and enthusiasts, please, check out the annual Texas Bank and Trust Photography Contest from page 4.

One of the foremost stories is State of the Economy with Ray Bostick, Gregg County Commissioner Precinct 2, Shawn Hara with the City of Longview, and several others.

The story is on page 15.

Are you ready for July the 4th celebration? This year is like no other. There will be a hotdog, barbecue, and ice cream eating contest. To get more ideas on how to win this contest see the story on Longview Fire Department and

Longview Police Department Donut eating contest. There is a method to this madness- that is if you plan to win. The story is from page 2 of Women Today. So, go ahead and flip this magazine for that story. You will be glad you did.

Oh! by the way, did I mention that talented artists, Ryan Matthew, and Marc Broussard are slated to perform free of charge for July 4 celebration. Read all about it from page 3. But wait. There is more.

Want some inspiration-then you are reading the right resource.

Please read, the Hippocratic Oath by Glenn Miller on page 7 and be Godinspired for excellence.

There are many interesting stories in this edition. Be sure to read them.

Thanks for your support. We look forward to serving you again in August by God’s grace. Remain blessed.

Happy 4th of July

Joycelyne Fadojutimi PhD Publisher

Proud member of:

Publisher / Editor Joycelyne Fadojutimi, PhD Photography Joycelyne Fadojutimi Graphic Designer Kuneho Designs Contributing Writers Glenn Miller Mechele Agbayani Mills Mary Hunt Robert Goldman Dr. Michael Guido

For advertising Email: joy@infinitieplusmag.com www.infinitieplusmag.com OUR MISSION

To enrich the local-global community with the “just in time knowledge,” to assure future successes

OUR VISION

To become an information oracle of functional and constructive reports that serves the needs of businesses and communities.

Submission Deadline: The first of every month prior to month of issue. infinitieplus magazine is not responsible for any discrepancies or changes since the publishing of this issue. At the time of publication, to the best of our knowledge, all information was accurate though not guaranteed.

The entire contents of infinitieplus magazine is copyrighted 2023. Any reproduction or use in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. infinitieplus magazine reserves the right to edit and make appropriate modifications. The opinions published by contributing writers do not necessarily reflect the views of infinitieplus magazine or its advertisers.

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njoy a free concert on the live music stage featuring Marc Broussard at 8 p.m. and Ryan Matthew as the opening act at 6:30 p.m. Bring a chair and enjoy the free show from talented artists.

Fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m.

In addition, the event in 2023 will feature a cruise night and patriotic car show

plus entertainment and vendors inside the Maude Cobb Convention Complex.

New this year will be a hot dog eating contest, barbecue eating contest, and ice cream eating contest.

Registration for the contests will take place on the day of the event.

The concert and fireworks and parking are free. Food and beverage will be available for purchase from vendors during the event.

Ryan Matthew Dougherty got his start as a self-taught musician, by playing for churches and with local friends. Born in New Jersey but making his way to

Shreveport at a young age, he was always interested in music. His first instrument was the drums, but he quickly took to bass guitar. From there, he taught himself to play electric and acoustic guitar.

Ryan has played with nationally touring artists of different genres. From rock bands to country artists, he has traveled the United States playing with people such as Neal McCoy,

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VOLUME 13 | ISSUE 7

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City slates July 4th Fireworks, Freedom Celebration Featuring hot dog, barbecue, and ice cream eating contest

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Find the nearest ALLPOINT ATM location @ www.texasbankandtrust.com

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Arts and Culture The American Tragedy, and The Gray Schuler Band. Through his career as a touring musician, he has played venues such as Madison Square Garden, The Hollywood Bowl, and Wrigley Field.

Ryan now resides in Longview, TX and continues to pursue his passion by traveling to Nashville for writing sessions and playing acoustic and full band shows in surrounding areas. While his original music has a singer/ songwriter feel, he also, covers many artists and genres of music during his shows, Ryan Matthew performs at 6:30 p.m.

Marc Broussard Marc Broussard is an artist with a unique gift of channeling the spirits of classic R&B, rock, and soul into contemporary terms.

His father, Louisiana hall of fame guitarist of “The Boogie Kings” nurtured

Table of Contents Marc’s musical gifts at an early age, and the vibrant Lafayette, Louisiana music scene gave Marc the opportunity to practice his craft consistently from childhood through early adulthood.

After releasing a successful independent EP at age 20, Marc signed a record deal with Island Records. Marc’s song

“Home” was successful at radio and catapulted him onto the national touring stage. Marc released multiple albums with major labels over the next 10 years but has recently returned to his independent roots having released multiple successful original and covers records. The covers records have largely benefited charities via his SOS Foundation (Save our Soul). Marc’s latest blues cover record, S.O.S. 4: Blues for Your Soul featuring Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith, is out now. Marc Broussard performs at 8 p.m.

Symbol for Freedom by Gary Christian: Landscape /Nature

Features

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he beauty of Texas came alive, once again, through the photographic images on display for Texas Bank and Trust’s 41st Annual Photography Contest and Exhibition. Forty-three of the 209 photo entries were honored at a recent annual awards reception, The special reception marked the kickoff of the one-week photo exhibit at the Main Bank in Longview.

Representing 37 com-

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munities, 75 photographers submitted images depicting life in Texas. Cash prizes were awarded to winning photographs in four categories— Fine Art, Human Interest, Landscape/Nature, and Spirit of Texas—in addition to the Chairman’s Award, the Vice Chairman’s Birthday Card Award, the President’s Award, the Christmas Card Award, the OMNIClub Birthday Card Award, and Best of Show. Winning photographs will appear in the

Texas Bank and Trust 2024 Collector’s Calendar.

The Juror for this year’s competition was Mike Elswick, an award-winning journalist and freelance photographer, who spent the bulk of his professional career in East Texas. He served in a variety of roles between 1983 and 2013 with Cox East Texas and M. Roberts Media, including serving with the Longview NewsJournal and the Marshall News Messenger.

Cargill Long Trail #2 by Nancy Miller: Landscape/Nature

In Every Issue Spotlight Women Today Inspiration Business and Finance Puzzle

Texas Bank and Trust names Photography Contest Award Winners

Austin Skyline by Tom Rice: Landscape/Nature

Grubs Up Community Connections Alexis Kinaid, Arabella of Longview rendered a first-class service, second to none at the recent Arabella Business Mixer.

Tosh Swinford, Mandy Parker, and GM John Follett, of Sparklight, attended Arabella of Longview Chamber of Commerce Business Mixer

About the Cover Stagecoach Road: Landscape/ Nature by Stephen Lane

Contd. on Page 14

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This year’s state of the economy gathering was about Longview Chamber of Commerce inter-city visit to Billings Montana.

Billings, with a population of 171, 000, is the largest city in Montana. Ray Bostick, Gregg county commission precinct 2; Lori Ivey, a local insurance agent; Dr. Rodney Ellis, director, UT Longview Center and Shawn Hara, City of Longview community relations person gave presentations on their group’s observation and take-away from Billings. www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine | https://twitter.com/infinitieplus | infinitieplus | July 2023

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Inspiration

Hippocratic Oath GOD’S WORD: “When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you. Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’” – Luke 10: 8-9

By GLENN MILLER

W

Bundles Bundles Bundlesof of ofjoy. joy. joy.

It’s It’s It’swhat what whatwe we wedeliver. deliver. deliver.

From From From the thethe day day day you you you find find find out outout to tothe to thethe day day day you you you deliver, deliver, deliver, there’s there’s there’s nothing nothing nothing more more more important important important to toLongview to Longview Longview Regional Regional Regional Medical Medical Medical Center Center Center than than than your your your and and and your your your baby’s baby’s baby’s health health health and and and well-being. well-being. well-being.

This This This isiswhy why is why we wewe provide provide provide extra extra extra amenities amenities amenities such such such as asprivate as private private rooms, rooms, rooms, spacious spacious spacious birthing birthing birthing suites, suites, suites, childbirth childbirth childbirth classes classes classes and and and breastfeeding breastfeeding breastfeeding support. support. support.

And And And ififyou you if you and and and your your your newest newest newest addition addition addition need need need aalittle little a little extra extra extra help, help, help, we wewe offer offer offer perinatal perinatal perinatal services services services that that that include include include maternal-fetal maternal-fetal maternal-fetal medicine medicine medicine specialists specialists specialists and and and aaLevel Level a Level IIIIIINICU. NICU. III NICU. For ForFor more more more information information information about about about our our our labor labor labor and and and delivery delivery delivery services, services, services, visit visit visit LongviewRegional.com/baby.

LongviewRegional.com/baby.

LongviewRegional.com/baby.

hile most everyone today is aware of the Hippocratic Oath; an oath supposedly declared by doctors upon graduation from medical school, you may not be aware that most medical schools no longer incorporate this in the ceremony or if they do, use a modern version of the traditional oath that was penned in 1964 by Dr. Louis Lasagna, former Principal of the Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences and Academic Dean of the School of Medicine at Tufts University: I swear to fulfill, to the best of my ability and judgment, this covenant: I will respect the hard-won scientific gains of those physicians in whose steps I walk, and gladly share such knowledge as is mine with those who are to follow.

I will apply, for the benefit of the sick, all measures [that] are required, avoiding those twin traps of overtreatment and therapeutic nihilism.

I will remember that there is art to medicine as well as science, and that warmth, sympathy, and understanding may outweigh the surgeon's knife or the chemist's drug.

I will not be ashamed to say "I know not," nor will I fail to call in my colleagues when the skills of another are needed for a patient's recovery.

I will respect the privacy of my patients, for their problems are not disclosed to me that the world may know. Most especially must I tread with care in matters of life and death. If it is given me to save a life, all thanks. But it may also be within my power to take a life; this awesome responsibility must be faced with great humbleness and awareness of my own frailty. Above all, I must not play at God. I will remember that I do not treat a fever chart, a cancerous growth, but a sick human being, whose illness may affect the person's family and economic stability. My responsibility includes these related problems if I am to care adequately for the sick.

I will prevent disease whenever I can, for prevention is preferable to cure.

I will remember that I remain a member of society, with special obligations to all my fellow human beings, those sounds of mind and body as well as the infirm.

If I do not violate this oath, may I enjoy life and art, respected while I live and remembered with affection thereafter. May I always act so as to preserve the finest traditions of my calling, and may I long experience the joy of healing those who seek

my help.

As I read this, I can’t help but to think that the concept idealized in the oath is much the same calling that each follower of Christ should prescribe to. Each day, you and I come in contact with others who are hurting from emotional, spiritual or physical pain and in need of healing or comfort. Like the trained medical physician, we, too, have been given the experiential knowledge of God’s healing touch and, having been given authority in His name, are obligated to be God’s instruments of healing and help.

The ministry of reassurance to those who are struggling with why tragedy happens.

The ministry of being present to those afflicted with loneliness.

The ministry of sharing to those who are without.

The ministry of prayer to those who seek to call on His name.

The ministry of encouragement, to those who think they can’t go on.

These are all gifts of God for the people of God, made manifest by the people of God. And that’s you and me, folks.

2901 2901 2901 N. N.Fourth N. Fourth Fourth Street Street Street • • Longview, Longview, • Longview, TX TX75605 TX 75605 75605 • • 903-242-3490 903-242-3490 • 903-242-3490 • • LongviewRegional.com LongviewRegional.com • LongviewRegional.com www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine | https://twitter.com/infinitieplus | infinitieplus | July 2023

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Business and Finance

Business and Finance

Arabella of Longview hosts Chamber Business Mixer

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rabella of Longview Chamber business Mixer was a hit.

Despite Texas hellish summer, it did not disappoint. It was a full house as businesses arrived in a cool room to network and momentarily relax before heading home for the day.

There was miscellaneous scrumptious cuisine from delish cookies, garnished fruit, and veggie trays to numerous steamy hors d'oeuvres.

In addition, attendees washed down their selections with assorted beverages including chilled beer, wine, or good old-

fashioned water.

To sweeten the pot, Arabella gave away prizes donated by various businesses.

Jana Stewart and Jill Franklin at Arabella Business Mixer

Arabella Exec. Dir. Jeremy Burris calls winner while Nekeita Fluellen hold prize

Gayle and Rick Poland attend Arabella Chamber Business Mixer.

Arabella Chamber Business Mixer.

Arabella of Longview served assorted hors d’oeuvres at the recent Chamber Business Mixer

Paula Loden at Arabella Business Mixer.

LET'S GET YOUR HOME

DON'T WAIT! CALL ME TODAY Real Estate, LLC Longview Office 903-212-2121 8

Hallsville Office 903-660-7493

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Humor

Humor

Do You See You as a CEO?

D

By ROBERT GOLDMAN

o you want to be a CEO? Before you answer, wait a minute.

Think about the pressures. Think about the responsibilities. When Harry Truman was president, he had a sign on his desk that read, "The buck stops here." The buck also stops at the desk of a company's CEO, which is not all bad news.

Consider Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Google. The bucks that stopped at his desk in 2022 totaled $228 million.

Of course, you don't make that kind of money without a lot of hard work. For CEO Pichai, that hard work included laying off 12,000 Google employees, all of whom surely sympathized with Mr. Pichai, who took "full responsibility" for problems in the business but fired them anyway.

And what about poor Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple? Cook, who is taking a 40% pay cut, is targeted to receive only $49 million in 2023, a pittance compared to the $99.4 million he took home in 2022. Ouch!

Expect to see a significant increase in mac-and-cheese dinners in the Cook household this year.

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Despite the lavish compensation received by CEOs, not everyone is interested in the job, or so I learned from an article in the DealBook section of The New York Times.

Written by Ravi Mattu, the headline asks the question, "Who Would Want to Be a CEO?" Before you raise your hand, or stick out your hand, palm up, consider the comment of Stanford University professor Nicholas Bloom.

"It's frankly a horrible job," Bloom writes. " It consumes your life. It consumes your weekend.

It's super stressful. Sure, there are enormous perks, but it's also all encompassing."

As encompassing as working the night shift at Taco Bell? I think not. But, at least, at Taco Bell, you do get the perk of all the enchiritos you can eat.

If you still want to become a CEO, the article lists a number of factors you must consider, to which I have added a soupcon of my own advice to give you an extra push up the org chart.

express their opinions are sure to face blowback. Still, there are some critical issues on which your conscience could demand you speak out.

For example, you will certainly

I've yet to hear one CEO comment on this critical issue, which is an opportunity for you to stand up and speak out.

Yes, it will take courage, but that's what leaders do.

No. 3: "What does the fight

to get employees back in the office reveal about the end of top-down management?"

Why are CEOs so cray cray about having their employees in the office?

Well, when you park your Lambo in way to integrate artificial the garage at night and open the door intelligence?" the next morning, you want it to be there. Why should it be any different Mattu writes, "The with your employees? transformative potential of the The bottom line? If you're rapidly advancing technology unhappy about being made to return is forcing CEOs in every sector to the office, cheer up. You could be to balance the opportunity it presents with the disruption it will forced to report to your CEOs garage.

Fortunately, none of these issues inevitably cause." are a problem when you work at Or we think he wrote it. It Taco Bell. You really can't work could also have been written by from home and not even the most ChatGPT, or my own personal advanced AI program can take your AI program, ChumpGPT. When job. You may not make $228 million I queried the Chump chatbot about disrupting my job, it replied, a year, or even a measly $49 million, but hey, who can put a price on all "You really should relax. Artificial intelligence is a warm, fuzzy puppy, those free enchiritos?

Bob Goldman was an advertising and there's no reason to be worried executive at a Fortune 500 company. it will take your job."

He offers a virtual shoulder to cry on It also told me it had booked at bob@bgplanning.com. To find out a vacation for me at the luxurious more about Bob Goldman and read Three Camel Lodge in Mongolia features by other Creators Syndicate and not to worry about any work writers and cartoonists, visit the that was due, since it would be Creators Syndicate website at www. happy to handle it in my absence. creators.com.

I see no reason to worry. You?

No. 2: "What is the right

No. 1: "CEOs who speak out

publicly should expect to be clobbered."

In a world rife with controversy, CEOs who openly

want to be forthright in your support of Ariana in her outrage over Tom's affair with Raquel on "Vanderpump Rules." (Unless you think Ariana has overreacted and should accept Tom's apology.)

Photo credit: Reinhart Julian at Unsplash

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Tips for grilling

Grubs Up

the perfect burger

H

amburgers are a staple at backyard barbecues. Though burgers are a relatively simple food, mastering the technique to grill burgers is no small feat, as there is more to great grilled burgers than simply firing up the grill and dropping down a patty.

 Choose fresh ground beef that has a decent

percentage of fat. The fat-to-lean meat ratio should be around 20 percent fat to 80 percent meat. Spend a little more to get freshly ground meat that has not been previously frozen.  Don’t overwork the burgers with a lot of handling. This will warm up the fat in the burger, which causes it to emulsify and could make the meat rubbery.  Reconsider adding a lot of herbs, spices or addins to the burgers, as such items can detract

from the flavor of the meat. Extra herbs and spices also may require extra mixing, which can lead overhandling.  Push a dimple into the top of the burger, which will help prevent the burger from expanding upward and out while cooking and rounding out in the process. The dimple will keep the top of the burger flat, which facilitates easy topping.

Make sure the grill is hot. Burgers do well with high heat and will cook relatively quickly.  Resist the urge to push down on the patty with your spatula. This will cause the juices to spill out and may result in a dry, tough burger.  Let burgers rest before serving. This lets the juices redistribute throughout and makes for a moist and tasty first bite.

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Arts and Culture Contd. from Page 4

Business and Finance

STATE OF THE ECONOMY Inter-City trip to Billings takes center stage

T

By IP STAFF REPORT

his year’s state of the economy gathering was about the Chamber’s inter-city visit to Billings Montana. Billings, with a population of 171, 000, is the largest city in Montana.

Ray Bostick, Gregg county commission precinct 2; Lori Ivey, a local insurance agent; Dr. Rodney Ellis, director, UT Longview Center and Shawn Hara, City of Longview community relations person gave presentations on their group’s observations and take-aways from Billings.

Bostick spoke of Billings business improvement district.

According to Bostick, the cleanliness of the Billings business district was remarkable.

“Longview has tree leaves and cigarette butts to deal with,” he said. One of his group’s take aways from Billings is the importance of murals. Murals decrease graffiti. In addition, every space in Billings has a purpose. For example, they turned their alleys into public spaces. Bostick was impressed with Billings. He reminded attendee that Gregg county economy depends on Longview.

Shawn Hara said this was his first inter-city trip. He discussed Billings Business Improvement

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District, what Longview already have and how the City plus businesses can work together and continue to move the city forward.

Lori Ivey talked about unlocking Longview’s potential.

She lavished praise on the Chamber for their behind the scenes work to make inter-city trips possible.

Dr, Rodney Ellis, director, UT Longview Center spoke about retaining talents that already exist in Longview. When young people leave Longview and never come back it contributes to talent drain.

Ellis gave example of what Billings is doing to retain their young up and coming leaders. In addition, he expounded on the impact of education in Longview’s economy and future growth.

Dan Droege, Ryan Reynolds and Jim Wallace

Dr. Valerie Baxter

Catherine Camp

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Body, Mind and Soul

Body, Mind and Soul

Can't Focus at Work?

Blame a Cheeseburger

I

By ROBERT GOLDMAN

could be wrong, but I'm going to guess you've made a money blunder or two in your life. For many of us, it was a nonstop series of blunders that finally brought us to our financial knees.

Who wants you to eat healthier? Your mother. Your doctor. And your brain.

That's why, instead of that cheeseburger, you should eat a strawberry, or a walnut, or a fish.

Not your pet goldfish, of course.

Think how guilty you'll feel frying up Li'l Flipper, whose workday consists of traveling endlessly in circles, never getting anywhere. Of course, you identify. That sounds like your workday, too.

But I digress. It happens all the time, since I can't focus at work, either. Then I read "Eating for Impact: 6 Ways to Eat for Focus," a recent posting on MyFitnessPal.com by Stephanie Nelson, RD.

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Turns out the key to better focus is a very advanced, high-tech tool. It's called a fork.

What you eat has always been a big part of business success. Ask anyone who has gone to lunch with clients who order doublethick steaks with extra fries, slathered in duck fat. You know your chance of success with these people is less than zero when the server delivers your garden salad with dressing on the side.

Working from home also makes managing your diet more difficult. When you work in an office, you are limited by what is available at the company cafeteria.

Resisting a soggy burrito or a moldy meatloaf is not a challenge, but having your refrigerator next to your desk opens you up to a number of workflow problems, like the cartons of Cherry Garcia that keep appearing on your desktop.

According to Nelson, eating the right foods will "protect your brain health by reducing inflammation and promoting

blood flow."

If your last meeting with your manager increased your inflammation 500% and slowed your blood flow to a trickle, here are five menu ideas for you to focus on, along with some highly unfocused digressions from youknow-who.

No. 1: Start with a wellbalanced meal.

You want carbs, protein, and fat. Nuts are great source of fat, as any squirrel can tell you. (Any of your squirrelly co-workers in marketing will tell you the same thing, but who wants to listen to them?)

No. 2: Take note of which foods trigger brain fog.

Consider breakfast. Does coffee wake you up to all the work you've neglected to do? Coffee definitely has to go. On the other hand, a breakfast of spaghetti carbonara is guaranteed to erase any memory of the assignments you failed to

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complete, allowing you to start your day stuffed, happy and stupid. Delicious!

No. 3: Protect your brain health early.

As unfocused and forgetful as you are today, it's never too late to "eat lots of fruits and vegetables, especially brightly colored ones like berries, leafy greens and citrus fruit." To save time, all these ingredients can be whipped up into a tasty smoothie. For maximum benefit, add a jigger or three of corn liquor -- organic, of course. You won't be sharp as a tack, but you really won't care.

No. 4: Reduce inflammation with berries.

Berries provide flavonoids, which "slow cognitive decline with age by reducing inflammation."

You can eat the berries -- Flavonoid shortcake! Yum! -but for fast-acting brain health, apply the flavonoids directly to

your head. In meetings, bring a blueberry scone and slowly rub it into your hair. Guaranteed, there will be an instant increase in focus.

Best of all, the focus will all be on you.

No. 5: Load up on leafy greens.

Green leafy vegetables like chard and kale improve brain health by providing vitamin K, which "reduces cell death by protecting your nerves, helping to decrease how quickly your brain ages." Since you still have the brain of a moody 14-year-old, it will not be necessary to eat chard or kale ever again as long as you live. Bet you feel better already.

If the thought of leaving all those juicy cheeseburgers behind is

too depressing, remember that you don't need to have a perfect diet; you only have to have a better diet than your co-workers. It's a great reason to be the person who brings doughnuts to work every morning.

It will not only make you popular, but with your colleagues paralyzed from sugar-induced brain fog, whatever little work you do will surely stand out.

And don't worry about eating better than your managers. The typical managerial diet of truffles, lobster tails and caviar is the reason their decisions are always so wrongheaded and ridiculous. All you have to do is hope someone higher up on the org chart will focus long enough to notice.

In the meantime, please pass the flavonoids.

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17

Business and Finance

Business and Finance

Choosing a Mortgage Lender

D

By MECHELE AGBAYANI MILLS

espite high prices and rising interest rates, this year’s housing market is competitive, and houses are selling quickly.

If you’re in the market for a new home, be prepared, and remember you can make your offer more competitive by getting preapproved for financing before even bidding on a house. This lets sellers know that you are serious and provides reassurance that the sale will close without issues.

That means many prospective home buyers shop for a mortgage lender before finding the right home. To get the best deal, compare all the costs and understand how mortgages work. Fortunately, shopping around, comparing prices, and negotiating deals can save you thousands of dollars.

Whether you are buying a home, refinancing, or taking out a home equity loan, follow these tips to help make your search for a mortgage lender a success.

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interest rate on a mortgage. Typically, one discount point equals 1% of the mortgage amount and will reduce your interest rate by .25%.

Depending on how long you plan to keep your home and your mortgage, this extra cost may or may not make sense. This calculator will help you figure that out.

How to shop for a mortgage lender Know how much you can spend upfront.

Before you ask for information from a lender, it is a good idea to know how much you can spend on a loan and the maximum monthly payment you can afford.

This information will be crucial to your negotiations, so review your budget beforehand.

Get to know your loan options.

Loan options include loan terms, interest rates, and the loan type. The loan term refers to the length of the loan, which may be 15 or 30 years. Shorter loans usually have higher monthly payments with lower interest rates.

Interest rate types may be fixed or adjustable. Fixed-rate loans are lower risk but carry higher interest rates. Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) have lower interest rates, but the rates can change over time.

Loan types may be conventional or part of a government program.

Understanding the options will help you choose the best loan for your situation.

Understand the difference between a broker and a lender.

According to ConsumerFinance. gov, a lender is a bank or other financial institution that loans money directly to you. A broker acts a middleman, comparing loan options on your behalf. The Federal Trade Commission adds, “Whether you are dealing with a lender, or a broker may not always be clear.

Some financial institutions operate as both lenders and brokers. And most brokers’ advertisements do not use the word ‘broker.’ Therefore, be sure to ask whether a broker is involved.” You’ll want to know since brokers usually pay a service fee separate from the lender’s fees.

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Get information from multiple lenders and brokers before making a decision.

Get as much information from each lender as you can. Keep your options open since different lenders may offer different rates, advises the FTC. Ask about interest rates, loan types, annual percentage rates, points, down payments, mortgage insurance, and all other fees. This will help you get a clear view of the actual cost of the mortgage.

Understand whether you should pay points.

Your mortgage lender will likely give you the option of paying for discount points. Mortgage points are fees you pay a lender to reduce the

Working with a broker? Make sure they find you the best deal.

If you prefer to hire a broker to shop for you, know that while brokers can access several lenders, they aren’t obligated to find the best deal for you unless they sign a contract to act as your agent.

Be prepared to negotiate the best deal.

Loan officers and brokers can keep some or all of the overages (the difference between the lowest available price and any higher price you agree to) of a loan as extra compensation. This means you can negotiate a price lower than what they initially offered. The best way to negotiate is to have the broker or lender give you a written list of all the costs and fees of the loan.

Then, ask if they will reduce or waive completely one or more of the fees. You can also show them a competitor’s offer to see if they will give you a better deal.

Watch out for scams.

Shopping around for a mortgage lender will help you get a general idea of how much a loan costs, which will help you spot and avoid any offers that seem too good to be true. Be wary of unsolicited calls and emails offering you great rates on a mortgage or “no-cost” loans. Never give in to high-pressure sales tactics. ConsumerFinance.gov warns about a phishing scam where con artists attempt to divert your closing costs and down payment by suggesting that you wire the money into a fraudulent account right before your loan closes.

For more information See BBB's Home HQ for information on buying, selling, building, and where to find help for improving the inside and outside of your home.

Visit the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau’s mortgage page to learn more about how mortgages work.

Learn about reverse mortgages by reading the BBB Tip: Understanding Reverse Mortgages.

When shopping for a lender, always look for businesses that follow BBB Accreditation Standards and BBB Standards for Trust. Search for a reputable mortgage lender near you.

For more tips on how to be a savvy consumer, go to bbb.org. To report fraudulent activity or unscrupulous business practices, call BBB at 903-5815704 or report it via BBB ScamTracker.

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19

Brain Teaser

Education GRUBS UP

BRAIN BRAINTEASERS TEASERS

UT Tyler School of Medicine

Receives $500,000

T

Grilled Sirloin Sliders

Banana Split Kebabs

30

20

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Take this Super Quiz to a Ph.D. Score 1 point for each correct answer on the Freshman Level, 2 points on the Graduate Level and 3 points on the Ph.D. Level.

Subject: PRIZES, MEDALS AND AWARDS In which field is the award given? (e.g., Franz Kafka Prize. Answer: Literature.)

PH.D. LEVEL FRESHMAN LEVEL GRADUATE LEVEL 11. The Ashes 1. Academy Awards 6. Mark Twain Prize

Answer________

Answer________

Answer________

2. Grammy Awards

7. Clio Awards

12. Ryder Cup

3. Tony Awards

8. Davis Cup

4. Emmy Awards

9. America’s Cup

Answer________

13. Man Booker International Prize

5. Stanley Cup

Answer________

10. Vince Lombardi Trophy

14. LEAF Award

Answer________

15. Robert Frost Medal

Answer________ Answer________ Answer________ Answer________

Answer________

Answer________ Answer________ Answer________ Answer________

SCORING 24 to 30 points - Congratulations, doctor.

18 to 23 pts - Honors graduate.

13 to 17 pts - You’re plenty smart, but no grind.

5 to 12 pts - You really should hit the books harder.

1 pt to 4 pts - Enroll in remedial courses immediately.

0 pts - Who reads the questions to you?

Comedian Billy Billy Crystal Crystal with a ‘Mark ‘Mark Twain’ Twain’ trophy Super Quiz is a registered trademark of K. Fisher Enterprises Ltd. © 2017 Ken Fisher North America Syndicate Inc.

ANSWERS 1. Film industry 2. Music industry (recording) 3. Stage and theater 4. Television 5. Hockey 6. Humor 7. Advertising 8. Tennis 9. Yachting.

10. Football American) 11. Cricket 12. Golf 13. Literature 14. Architecture 15. Poetry

What’s more American than a burger? This slider version will be an instant hit, and ready in just 13 minutes!

The banana he Byers Familysplit kebabs are a Foundation healthy, kid-friendly spin gave on aaclassic. $500,000 gift to The University of Texas at Tyler School Directions Ingredients of Medicine.

The some gift will be fluffy center from • 12 miniature buns • Remove of the used to name a professorship or dinner rolls the buns so that they will sit well on top of in family medicine, which • 3/4 pound lean burgers; set aside. will significantly in the ground sirloin • Combineaid sirloin with Worcestershire recruitment of nationally • 1 tablespoon and pepper, form into 12 (2-inch) flat patties.

Worcestershire sauce recognized faculty.

• Preheat a lightly oiled grill pan over • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper “Imoderate am grateful thehot Byers heatto until but not smoking.

• Olive oil cooking spray Cook burgers over heat, turning, Family Foundation for moderate helping us • 2 ounces extra-sharp and evenly topthe with cheese, continue to grow School of about 2 minUT Tyler from the Byers Foundation to establish professorships in the Cheddargift cheese, utes per sidecan for better medium or until cheese is accepts a $500,000 Medicine so we address School of Medicine.

Pictured are (l to r): Aliceson Howell, Jim Regester, Brandi Regester, Dr. thinly sliced melted.

(Use a meat thermometer toKirk check the health care needs of East Calhoun, Brent Byers, Patrick Willis, Dr. Brigham Willis and Dr. Archie Tucker.

• 24 small dill pickle slices thatsaid burgers have reached 160°.) Transfer Texas,” UT Tyler President the burgers to a plate, and grill the buns, cut Prepcare Time: 5 minutes Kirk Calhoun, MD, FACP. Willis, founding dean of the changer for health and the sidesgift down, minutes or until toasted.

Cook Time: minutes School of Medicine.

This was 1-2 given in honor economy of East Texas and8we Sandwich Yield: Makes 6 servings With a mission to improve of Lewie• and Elaineburgers Byers. between Lewie buns are with pleased to join with others 2 pickles per vice slider. servedabout as the executive who have helped(serving to makesize: this2 asliders)educational and health care president for both Austin Bank outcomes for East Texas and reality.” and Texas National Bank in Rusk.

The Byers Family Foundation beyond, UT Tyler offers more He founded New Birmingham was established in February 2023. than 90 undergraduate and Ingredients • 12 large strawberries, Directions Resources, a producer of iron ore, programs to 10,000 Theand mission foundation • 2 c. chocolate chips graduate • 2 bananas, cut into rinsed, dried halvedof the • Make kebabs: Thread two iron ore1”aggregate sand. students. Through its alignment is to support and promote • 1/2 c. peanuts, chopped pieces and frac• 24 1” pieces pineapple eachHealth banana,Science pineapple, and His wife, Elaine, worked for the with pieces UT Tyler philanthropic endeavors which strawberry onto skewer.

Texas Department of Human Center and UT Health EastRepeat provide community access to process to assemble 23 more Services as services to the aging Texas, UT Tyler has unified theseskeweducational opportunities and ers.

Place all on parchment-lined and disabled program manager. entities to serve Texas with quality health care and benefit human bakingcutting-edge sheet.

“We are excited to offer our education, research, services, art, and culture in the • In a microwave-safe support to the UT Tyler School and excellent patient care. bowl, East Texas region. melt chocolate in the microwave of Medicine,” said Brent M Byers, Classified

by Carnegie as a “This gift allows us to find in 30-second intervals, stirring president of the Byers Family doctoral research institution and in and retain faculty who provide between, completely smooth.

Foundation. “We feel attracting

by U.S. Newsuntil & World Report the highest quality of education • Drizzle chocolate over fruit dynamic professors to our region, to our medical students who as a national university, UT Tyler kebabs and top with chopped peaespecially in family medicine, is has campuses in Tyler, Longview, can then go out and serve the nuts. Freeze until ready to serve. a priority.

This Palestine, and Houston. community,” said Dr. Brigham Yield: 24 school servingsis a game-

SOLUTION

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31

2131

OPINION

OPINION

Photo credit: Brett Jordan at Unsplash

Can a Lady Ever Use the F-Word?

use "f—-" in my journalism, I long wanted free rein to use "damn."

True, Clark Gable's last line in "Gone with the Wind" was nearly cut because he said "damn" — as in "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn." But that was 1939.

Who gives a damn about damn these days?

The F-word is something else.

It's still jarring to hear it thrown around the street by wellgroomed young people. And too often it detracts from meaningful conversation in movies and streaming series. The writers probably think of it as a way to make a character seem tough.

Humphrey Bogart didn't need it.

The 1951 American classic "The Catcher in the Rye" raised more than a few eyebrows when its young protagonist used the F-word. The author J.D. Salinger's intention was to underscore the kid's phony bravado.

By FROMA HARROP

I

asked my dear friend Mimi whether a lady can ever use the F-word. Mimi is a product of old guard propriety, which to me, makes her an impeccable source on these matters. Mimi's answer was short: "No." But she wanted to elaborate.

"Well," she added, "I've just started using the word s—." If you knew Mimi, you'd understand what an enormous accommodation that was to the 21st century.

The F-word is in the Oxford English Dictionary, fully spelled out and taking up nearly two

10 WOMEN TODAY

columns. The word's not new.

The dictionary suspects it dates back to Middle English. It notes that "f—-" has been regarded as "a taboo-word for centuries" and "until recent times not often recorded in print but frequent in coarse speech." As you undoubtedly know, it refers to copulation.

I confess that I've blurted it out on rare occasions — and mainly for literary effect. I never use it in ordinary conversation and certainly not in published writing.

I asked my editor at Creators Syndicate about this and other

obscenity often seems placed to make their insights sound more exciting than they are.

The "Star Wars" franchise was recently warming up to set off the F-bomb in its latest offering.

The plan was to let it burst from the mouth of Maarva Andor without even a "pardon my Middle English" in front. Disney said nope. And so "F—- the empire" was rewritten as "Fight the empire."

How the Galactic Republic feels about this, we do not know. Maarva may be irked, but not me. Frankly, my dear, I don't give a fig.

Follow Froma Harrop on Twitter @FromaHarrop. She can be reached at fharrop@gmail. com. To find out more about Froma Harrop and read features by other Creators writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators webpage at www.creators.com.

Download your electronic copy at

rules governing words her writers may use, specifically the word "damn."

"Good question!" Alessandra Caruso wrote back. "AP does suggest avoiding profanity — including 'damn' — unless absolutely necessary, so my recommendation would be to use 'darn' or some other G-rated alternative." She added, however, "If you do wish to use 'damn,' I would send it through with an editor's note (as opposed to, let's say, the F-word, which I would send through as 'F—-'). Hope this answers your question."

It did. But while I would never JULY 2023

It was distracting for the rich Roy children in "Succession" to say "f—-" more often than they said "and" especially because the writers also blessed their conversations with clever thoughts. Perhaps that, too, was intended to show bravado.

"Will & Grace," the first network show to feature openly gay men, made history again when, in 1999, a character used an F-word, in this case referring to the anti-gay slur. Sponsors pulled out, and the episode vanished.

Interestingly, the Katy Independent School District in Texas canceled a visit by noted novelist Emma Straub over her use of the F-word on social media.

Odd that Straub would do that, given she is a noted writer of children's picture books.

Many younger online political commentators throw around the F-word with abandon. The

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WOMEN TODAY

11

HUMOR

HUMOR

Do More to Do Less at Work

By ROBERT GOLDMAN

W

ho's your business hero?

Is it the hardcharging, hard-working CEO who saves a company from bankruptcy?

Or the high-tech entrepreneur whose years spent slaving away in a cold garage creates an entirely new industry? Or the spunky intern who works around the clock to help their team avoid a company-wide cutback?

Not me.

My business heroes are people who work hard to not work at all. They get paid. They even get promotions, but when it comes to getting things done, they don't. In fact, they don't even try. They're so busy trying to look busy that they don't have time to get busy.

If you aspire to be my kind of business hero, Emily Stewart can help. Stewart is the author of a recent Vox article, "How Some People Get Away with

8 WOMEN TODAY

Doing Nothing at Work."

Like fintech employee Nate, who "works one hour a day at most." Nate would definitely qualify as a hero, except for the fact that he is not working because he is not being given any work to do.

"I don't have a problem with being asked to do work," Nate confesses. "It's just that I'm not really being asked."

Clearly, Nate's attitude is reprehensible. The truly heroic non-worker goofs off on principle. When given work to do, the right response is not relief, but resentment. "You can pay me, but you can't own me" is the proper attitude toward any manager rude enough to assign you work to do. "I'm going to take a long lunch, instead, and yeah, it's going on the expense account."

"Funployment" is a name for those fortunate enough to have a job, but no actual work. This happens frequently in poorly managed companies, which, if you're honest, has to describe

any company that would hire you.

Of course, if you're working from home, not working at home should be your jam. Your 65-inch Neo-QLED TV with Wrap-Around Sound is only a click away. And what desperate office worker would not rather spend their workdays bingeing on "Desperate Housewives," especially if they can get paid for it?

(Speaking of clicks, be careful if your company has installed insidious click-counter software.

It's a pain to get up from the Barcalounger every 15 minutes and jiggle your mouse, but be honest: It beats working.)

To help you succeed at work by not working, here are a few "don'ts" that should reduce your daily allotment of "do's."

No. 1: Don't worry about your manager.

Haters gonna hate and managers gonna manage, but even the most hateful managers won't care if you're not working, just as long as JULY 2023

you don't get caught. Having direct reports who don't report is not a good look for a manager, but if you can stay below the radar, you won't get into trouble. In fact, your chances of getting fired are significantly reduced, since the less you do, the fewer blunders you'll make. Plus, your no-work manager will be happy to have a no-work pal to hang with during those endless, arduous hours doing nothing.

No. 2: Don't be afraid to go into the office.

It's a drag to be dragged from your cozy home office hidey-hole. Ease the pain by thinking of yourself as an intrepid explorer out to discover new places to hide JULY 2023

out during the workday (skip the supply closet. That's my spot.) You could also use your tech savvy to crash your computer, or put your nose to the grindstone and disconnect all power to the building. Sitting in the dark with a bunch of disgruntled co-workers who can't get their work done is not only relaxing, it's romantic.

No. 3: Don't assume anyone knows you work there.

There's an endangered species in companies today: the middle manager. They're dropping like flies, these interstitial individuals who come between you and upper management. As result, the top brass may no longer know

you work there (which, of course, you don't.)

No. 4: Don't admit you aren't working.

You've achieved the ultimate in workplace success -- permanent paid vacation.

Don't ruin it by not griping constantly. "I've got too much to do," is a classic complaint, as is "Looks like I'm going to have to pull another allnighter," and "These deadlines are killing me. I've got to get a new job."

You won't, of course.

Applying for work takes a lot of work and could distract you from the one job that is absolutely essential for every workplace slacker: asking for a raise.

WOMEN TODAY

9

EDUCATION

EDUCATION

Financial Aid Assistance:

Proceed With Caution

By MICHELLE MILLS

A

s the June 30 federal FAFSA deadline is here, many students are searching and applying for grants and scholarships to fund their college education. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average tuition of approximately $22,000 at 4-year institutions. This creates a challenge for prospective college students which is made more difficult by scammers looking to take advantage of students and parents searching for financial aid opportunities.

The Better Business Bureau receives numerous reports of scholarship scams every year.

Multiple reports were submitted to BBB Scam Tracker in 2022, detailing consumer interactions with unethical businesses claiming to provide students with financial guidance.

For students struggling to pay tuition, a sudden offer of a grant or scholarship could look like a dream come true, or it could be bait for a scam. This con hooks victims with the promise of money, but upfront “fees” never actually materialize into those much-needed funds. In a recent

6 WOMEN TODAY

twist, these scammers claim to help with student loan forgiveness.

Better Business Bureau (BBB) recommends caution when dealing with companies which offer assistance in finding financial aid opportunities. Students and their families should be wary of websites, seminars, or other schemes that promise to find scholarships, grants, or financial aid packages for a fee.

HOW THE SCAM WORKS

Scammers typically claim to represent the government, a university, or a nonprofit organization. The details vary, but the con is the same. The scammer will pose as a financial aid representative using words like “National” and “Federal” to sound more official. They claim you have won a scholarship or a grant (without ever applying) and ask for payment of a one-time "processing fee." In another version, the scammer pressures you into applying for a “guaranteed” scholarship or grant, if you pay a fee to apply.

Once the fee is paid, the money is never sent. When attempting to contact a representative, it is quickly discovered that the company has set so many conditions

that it is almost impossible to receive a refund.

In another variation, a check arrives for the scholarship with instructions included to send back payment for taxes or fees.

The check turns out to be a fake, and you’re out whatever money was sent.

A consumer reported this version recently: “The business claims to have been around for 14 years, but the website has been up for two... The financial aid workshops are pitch meetings where they try to get you to pay $2,000 for help with college admissions, but it turns out that help is limited to exchanging text messages with an unknown person. The contract's fine print states that the person you are texting is not a professional and has no expertise in college admissions or financial aid.”

Due to the sensitive personal and financial information provided for scholarship and grant applications, it is important to be cautious when choosing one to apply for. Of the 2.47 million fulltime students enrolled in postsecondary institutions during the 2018-19 school year, 84% were awarded financial aid through student loans or federal, state,

JULY 2023

local, or institutional grants.

On average, students were awarded slightly over $5,000 from federal grants, such as FAFSA, and more than $11,000 from institutional grants. While the amount awarded varies depending on the institution (public versus private or two-year versus four-year), applying for grants and scholarships is a great way to help ease the financial burden of attending college.

Legitimate companies are helping students find aid with some results. However, students and parents can usually find the same awards and others on their own by searching online. Prospective college financial aid offices can also help, especially if it is a college the student is seriously considering attending.

It is generally free to apply for scholarships.

More information is available online at studentaid. gov for the different financial aid options. Even if you don’t think you qualify for financial aid, review the Federal Student Aid website options, as many colleges and universi-

JULY 2023

ties use it for non-need-based office whether they have exawards. perience with the company.

To protect students and • Be skeptical of glowing sucparents searching for financial cess stories touted on webaid opportunities from falling sites or at seminars. Ask victim to scholarship scams, instead for the names of the Better Business Bureau families in your community recommends following these who have used the service guidelines: in the last year. Talk to them • Beware of unsolicited offers. and find out about their exTypically, winning a scholarperience with the firm. ship or grant that wasn't ap- • Ask about fees associated plied for is impossible. Ask with a professional financial how the organization got aid search and determine if your name and contact inthe company provides reformation, and then verify funds. Get the information it with the source outside of in writing, but realize that the email, phone number, dishonest companies may or website they used to conrefuse to give refunds detact you. spite stated policies.

• Take your time. Avoid be- • Be aware that a check can ing rushed or pushed into bounce even after the bank paying for help at a semiallows cash withdrawal nar. Use caution if a reprefrom the deposit. Check sentative urges you to buy processing is a confusnow to avoid losing an oping business, as is the terportunity. minology. Even if a bank • Ask lots of questions. Be representative says that a cautious if a company is check has “cleared,” it is not reluctant to answer quescertain that it won’t be detions about the service or tected as a fake weeks latthe process. If the company er. One thing the account or seminar representative is holder can be sure of is that evasive, walk away. they will be responsible for • Ask your guidance counselany funds drawn against or or a college financial aid the amount.

WOMEN TODAY

7

COVER STORY

COVER STORY

responders, so it just seemed like a natural fit."

She went into detail as to how her company conceived and executed this production, and the motives pursued and accomplished by the participants.

"Events like this take a village, and we have such a great team here at Julie Woods and Associates Real Estate that consistently come together to celebrate our community," she said. "The LPD and LFD were so enthusiastic and such great sports. They jumped on board immediately, and the rest is history."

Before the firemen and cops got started, Woods asked the audience who would win. The police were favored. It turned out to be a false prophecy. The officers did start out in the lead in the Donut Pong contest, but the firemen burned their opponents

in the Donut Toss competition and never looked back. Although police officers are famed for gorging on donuts, but the other team had a novel tactic.

The firefighters soaked their donuts in water, making them soggy, soft, and easy to gulp down and send the LFD to a lead it never relinquished. By the time the LPD caught on to what was happening it was too late-the contest was over, and the firefighters hefted the trophy in triumph.

Held against a backdrop of COVID-19 and other threats to the public, the Donut Lympics exhibit positive community engagement at its finest.

"It is not often that we go out and just have fun with our police and firefighters," Woods said. "They are always working hard for us, and we just feel like the community really comes

DONUT LYMPICS

Patrol Sergeant Donald “Chip” and wife Scarlett Koepke

LPD and FLD compete in Donut race:

together when there is an opportunity to celebrate our first responders, have silly games, visit with each other, laugh, act a little goofy and of course eat donuts."

It is a truly sweet way to show appreciation.

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4 WOMEN TODAY

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Gina Grantham strikes a pose with firefighters

Julie Woods and LPD

Julie Woods and LFD

Julie Woods and Associates Real Estate Firm

IV THERAPY

FACIALS LASH LIFT & BROW LAMINATION

LASER HAIR REMOVAL SKIN TIGHTENING SKIN RESURFACING/IPL/PHOTOFACIAL VEIN TRETMENTS

WAXING BOTOX FILLERS VITASHOTS WEIGHT MANAGMENT

JULY 2023

JULY 2023

WOMEN TODAY

5

COVER STORY

COVER STORY

Fire Engine topples Cop Cruiser

LPD and LFD Donut eating Contest

By JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI, IP MAGAZINE

I

www.infinitieplusmag.com

t turned out to be a flaming upset as the favored police officers came up short in their donut-eating contest with the men and women of the Longview Fire Department (LFD.) Captain Clint Steelman, however, had his own ideas going into the savory competition, and was confident of his firefighters' gastrointestinal ability.

"When you exercise you have energy to do anything, including eating because you need energy from the food to exercise," he said.

Firemen Joshua Mosley and Brad Conrado could not have agreed more.

"Absolutely we will win this competition," said Mosley.

"We are more ready for this competition," added Conrado, "Let the best team (us) win."

Longview Police Department (LPD) Officer

2 WOMEN TODAY

Chris Dotson chimed in with his own opinion.

"Not so fast. We came here to win," he said. "Fire fighters sit around and eat a lot. They practice year-round for this, but they won't win."

It was all the brainchild of Julie Woods and Associates Real Estate CEO Julie Woods.

This donut eating, donut throwing and racing was called Donut Lympics 23, and eager crowds swarmed to The GREEN to watch this event designed to honor and assist the city's vital first responders.

This celebration has grown from a simple handing out of donuts to making them the objects of a delightful game.

"We have been celebrating Donut Day at Julie Woods and Associates Real Estate Firm for five years, and it is always a blast," said Woods. "We are always looking for an excuse to honor and recognize our first

Grant and Brynn Woods attend Donut Lympics

JULY 2023

JULY 2023

WOMEN TODAY

3

WomenToday July 2023

Fire Engine vs Cop Cruiser Financial Aid Assistance:

Proceed With Caution p. 06

Do More to Do Less at Work

p. 08

Can a Lady Ever Use the F-Word?

p. 10

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