complimentary issue
| october 2015
Judge Rebecca Simpson county court at
money talk: homebuyers profile P. 26 jll: changing of the guards P. 16
P.14
law 1 judge passes inspirational rulings
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NC E 1943
6 Cover Story
Rebecca Simpson
22 Social Security
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As a child, her Honor Becky Simpson dreamed of a career as a child psychologist.
Don't Repeal Pension Offset People who spend the bulk of their careers working at jobs not covered by Social Security.
Kristen Ishihara
14 Community Connections
24
Bags, Boots and Bingo
23 The Word Guy
Fundraiser Benefits Abused Children.
Should We Bust "Bust"? “Break” or “Burst.” Pistachios
20 Living Well
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Pros and Cons of Coffee
News of coffee's potential impact on health has for years gone back and forth.
24 Mind, Body, and Soul Pistachio
They are lower in calories and fat, and higher in fiber, and Changing Profile Of Home Buyers Cover Photo by Tye Jackson
vitamins
Editor's Note
S
o much has happened in our city since last month and infinitieplus magazine is bringing you important stories about people, health and upcoming fundraisers in our community.
Our cover story is about Judge Becky Simpson. Her story is an inspiration to any woman and man for that matter. Simpson's “Can do attitude” is contagious because we as Americans like to work hard. More importantly, even those she sentenced to prison appreciate her work. Please go to page 11 and read the letter she received from an inmate. In addition, her story starts from page 6. Furthermore, “Boots, Bags and Bingo” the event that raises funds for Martin House Children Advocacy Center is slated for Saturday November 14. The Martin House Children’s Advocacy Center is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to ensure that every child who is suffering from abuse has an opportunity to be heard, feel protected, and receive services that are vital to his or her continued safety and future wellbeing. Please see page 14 for more details. The Junior League of Longview elected new officers. Their information is on page 18. There is more. Do not forget go through the whole magazine. Enjoy the cartoons, mind muscle and food. Thank you for your support and we will see you again in November. Thanksgiving is almost here- unbelievable!
Helping Women Now Breast Cancer Awarenes Month Thank You for Your Support
Joycelyne Fadojutimi
The Magazine for Living Life Beyond, Plus One... Publisher/Editor
Joycelyne Fadojutimi Photographers Joycelyne Fadojutimi Graphic Artist Jade Joseph Elevera Social Media Specialist Jesse Thornton Contributing Writers Joycelyne Fadojutimi Will E. Sanders Zig Ziglar Charlyn Fargo Tom Margenau Jim Woodard Adam Holland Public Relations Joycelyne Fadojutimi Distribution Teddy Larose Rachel Larose •OUR MISSION• To enrich the localglobal community with the “just in time”knowledge to assure future life successes. •OUR VISION• To become an information oracle of functional and constructive reports that serve the needs of all people. 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 are copyrighted 2014. Any reproduction or use in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. infinitieplus reserves the right to edit and make appropriate modifications. The opinions published by contributing writers do not necessarily reflect the views of infinitieplus or its advertisers.
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517 Mobberly Avenue Longview, Texas 75602 www.infinitieplus.com
VOLUME 4 | NUMBER 10 www.facebook.com/IPmagazine2
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COVER STORY
Rebecca Simpson
Judge Passes Inspirational Rulings
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By Joycelyne Fadojutimi
As a child, her Honor Becky Simpson dreamed of a career as a child psychologist. Her parents were parishioners at the Worldwide Church of God, and little Becky absorbed their powerful spiritual convictions as she grew up in Big Sandy, Texas. It was not an era when little girls thought of being lawyers or judges. Young women married, bore children and stayed home to raise them while husbands worked to support families. The schools were smaller, too.
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Of the 18 members of her high school graduating class, 12 had started first grade with her. Along with all her female classmates she took home economics while the boys were in shop class. Still, this curriculum failed to satisfy her growing enthusiasm for a fulfilling life apart from the tedium of most women’s domestic calling. In hopes of achieving her ambitions she enrolled in California’s Ambassador College and threw herself into her studies.
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Judge Rebecca "Becky" Simpson works on her ipad. www.facebook.com/IPmagazine2
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Judge "Becky" Simpson (middle) teaches aerobics at Parkeway Fitness Center. Becky Rowe and Terrie Lindsey in attendance.
However, after two years of demanding academia she learned the school was not even accredited. Shifting her focus towards law she returned to East Texas and went to work as a file clerk in the Smith County District Attorney’s Office, learning the ropes and doing the work of a paralegal in her first steps toward a life in the courtroom. She climbed the ladder to become office manager, learning in the process how much she loved to help others. Yearning to specialize in a legal field that would make a positive difference in lives of people, she decided to further her education. Attending the University of Texas at Tyler (UTT), she majored in criminal justice, studied and worked with grim determination, holding down her 40-hour-per week job while carrying a 12-hour college course load. After graduating from UTT, she moved on to South Texas Law
School in 1981. The serious nature of her goal was evident through how she not only tape recorded every lecture, but later transcribed them on a typewriter wordfor-word. She must do her best in law school and in every other endeavor. “Thirty-five years ago there weren’t many women lawyers,” she later said in an interview with infinitieplus magazine.“It was very intimidating.” Still, she never forgot Who was making it all possible. “God gives each and every one of us certain talents, and if you take these talents and apply them you will go farther in life,” she says. In 1984, she graduated from law school and passed her bar exam in the class’ top 10%. She went to work at the Gregg County Court House, where she was assigned to County Court Law 1.
"God gives each and every one of us certain talents, and if you take these talents and apply them you will go farther in life"
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She spent a year and a half prosecuting misdemeanors and felonies, participating in more than 50 trials for such offenses as aggravated robbery, aggravated assault and sexual assaults. As the sole female prosecutor, she was assigned all of the sexually assault juvenile cases. In 14 years before the bench, she argued literally every type of criminal offense, including two capital murder trials. Working with Child Protective Services (CPS) she handled Class A misdemeanors, family violence, illegal possession and theft. It all was the next step onto the bench. Simpson ran for and was elected to the post of Juvenile Court Judge, bringing along years of experience as an attorney in this field in which her love for children and families is her most valuable asset. Her greatest joy is helping Judge Rebecca Simpson juveniles overcome their lifealtering issues and problems. Now in her fourth term, she has been living her dream for 16 years while still making time for CPS duties. “Sometimes the child’s parents are in the courtroom standing before the judge themselves,” she said.“The juveniles in my court usually become adults while still dealing with the system.” That is not all. According to Simpson, there are three categories of criminal offenders: * The first class of offenders are the criminals who actually enjoy their lifestyles. They do not see anything wrong with their actions, or they just don’t fear the consequences. Nothing will help them. * The second class of offenders are the people who have addictions-mostly alcoholics and illegal drug users. They are the Driving While Intoxicated (DWIs), engaged in family assault because they are drunk or on drugs. There is good news for this class of offenders. Gregg County has many programs that can help them get on the right track. And, the court allows them to avail themselves to these resources. * The third class of offenders are individuals who are usually the unemployed. They are in trouble because their situations are circumstantial. They need help with anger issues and finding employment. People in this group have made some bad choices. Consequently an assessment is done to determine what life skills they need. For some it is as simple as assisting them with employment which puts them right back on track. For others, it may be re-tooling with appropriate education www.facebook.com/IPmagazine2
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or working on anger issues. These group of people do have choices. It is important to note Simpson’s thoughts on these matters obviously come from someone both compassionate and eager for justice. “In each situation we do a risk management to figure out where to actually start with each individual,” she said.“Juveniles are our main concern, and we are all about helping them get back on the right track.” Still, the children are not her and her colleagues’ sole concern. “We try to focus on the parents as well,” she said. “Parents who go to the parenting program come back very thankful.” Such programs make it possible for parents to not photo by Tye Jackson repeat their mistakes. By teaching parents how to improve their own lives, the courts also improve children’s and employers’ lives. Being a county court of law judge, Simpson does not impose sentences. She does, however, make certain she fully understands the specifics of each case so that the actions she does take are the correct ones. “Usually first-time offenders get a second chance,” she said.“Sometimes I send them to jail for a weekend for an eye-opening experience.” The gratitude she receives from those she helps is a reward for which she works very hard. Those who share their grateful stories give her great fulfillment in her life’s work. “When people come to me expressing their gratitude while informing me how they have turned their lives around--it just excites me,” she said.“You have to be a little bit understanding of peoples’ backgrounds before judgement. Change takes time. That’s why I see a lot of repeat offenders.” In addition, Simpson points out that every judge, prosecutor, defender, clerk and paralegal must have this same philosophy. Concentrating on each valued individual until his/her case is fully settled is a must before moving on to the next one. She is also very enthusiastic about several non-profits including the DORS, CASA and Community Healthcore. Her parents were terribly proud of her many accomplishments. Her mother meticulously kept a scrapbook containing newspaper clippings chronicling every one of her court cases. Simpson’s mother’s untimely death infinit ieplu s
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sadly came before her daughter became a judge. Her father, however, was there to see her on the bench. His delight and pride in her accomplishments was yet another reward for her. Nonetheless, personal tragedy has accompanied her fruitful career. Apart from her parents’ passing she lost her husband in 1988. They had married while she was in law school, and he was a tough act to follow. She never remarried. She did move to Longview to be closer to her profession, but her losses were a heavy burden even for someone of her abilities. She commenced a regimen of weight lifting and cardio to bolster her emotional and physical health. Besides their calming effect, her workouts are a mentally serene influence. On top of all her other responsibilities she took time to become a certified physical fitness trainer. “I truly love it, and I never accept any form of payment for the fitness classes,” she said. This expanding chapter of her life is yet another expression of her passion for making others’ lives better. “There are multiple programs to assist anyone who is interested in getting and keeping fit,” she said.
HIGHLIGHTS
lShe has had a job since she was 12 years old. lShe even financed a sewing machine when she was only 13 years old. lSimpson never thought she could be an attorney. lBut she started thinking, if this person can be an attorney, I can be one too. lShe is a certified group fitness instructor and does it free of charge lJudge Becky Simpson works judiciously. lSimpson is 62 and she likes being single.
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A grateful inmate writes Judge Simpson
Dear Honorable Becky Simpson, My name is ____ I’m 34 years old. Have been coming before you since I was 17 years old. You may not know me by name. But sad to say you do know me by face. I have a long and terrible criminal record. Each time I have came before you. I had the “Intention” of it being my last time. Each time I got caught up with the wrong people. Each time lead me right back to stand before you. Now the reason that I’m writing you is to inform you. I have given my life back over to GOD since I last saw you not long ago. You have given me several chances that I was not ready for that I thought I was. Although you know nothing of me personally but only under your profession. That only high lights our faults and mistakes. You look at the worst in us and have hopes for the best. I’d like to apologize and say from the bottom of my heart that I’m sorry for over the years. Not meeting all of your chances that you have given me in life. For disappointing you by being a reappearing face in your court room. Also for failing the justice system. I hope to receive your forgiveness for that. God has placed it on “My heart” to say thank you for being you and the person that you are. For giving so many chances in your court that I have failed to do anything with. To acknowledge your great job as a honorable judge. To let you know you are doing a great job and appreciated by even the offenders of law. Thank you for having faith in the people who come in front of you even when no one else in their life does. Cause in my case and so many others your faith in them maybe the only faith anyone has in them. Thank you for your understanding. Also thank you for your wisdom in knowing that even wrong doing people can still be saved and that hope is still able to be had. In closing again I want to personally thank you again and congratulate you on the great job you have done over so many years. Too often people in your position are taken for granted and talked bad about. But in my years of dealing with you on a professional level. I’ve always thought of you to be good at your job and fair. In my attempts to walk with God. I just wanted you to be acknowledged and appreciated. So thank you on my behalf and all others who have come before you. Thank you for you time and your grace. Respectfully Inmate 0000
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HUMOR
t A e l n i a r L e n n I u g F n s i ’ t t y u n e C e w T e l c n U By Will E. Sanders
I’ve done some pretty uncouth things in my day, but cutting in line at a funeral, even by my standards, pretty much takes the cake. We’ve all fallen victim to someone cutting in front of us while in line. Now, imagine you’re at a funeral, patiently waiting like everyone else and up comes me. And I cut you! Oh, sure, it was purely unintentional, but that hardly justifies it. I think you’ll find cutting is universally unacceptable behavior. No matter where you travel in the world, the core social structure of line-cutting is strictly adhered to and its punishment carefully administered. During the Middle Ages, line-cutting would get a fellow hung, drawn and quartered — probably. However, line-cutting dates back much further than that. When Noah rounded up two of every animal and lined them up to board the ark, the dinosaurs — because they were such prima donnas — tried cutting in line. As punishment, Noah killed all of them, and that’s what really happened to the dinosaurs. So there, I’ve just settled the age-old debate: God is real, and science is a complete waste of time. Personally, I think all the rage about this whole immigration thing relates to cutting specifically — we’re not mad you’re coming here illegally; you’re cutting ahead of others who are patiently waiting their turn to be citizens. And it makes no matter where someone cuts, either. It’s insulting regardless of the time or location, but one could argue that doing so at a funeral is when the offense is at its highest degree of severity. I don’t think I need to write Dear Abby about this, do I? I think it can be agreed between all of us that cutting in line, especially at a funeral, is generally frowned upon behavior. The funeral in question was for my uncle Teeny, who despite his name wasn’t tiny. Nobody ever called Teeny by his actual name, and I doubt many knew what it even meant or how he became “Teeny” to begin with. Once I arrived at the funeral, I noticed some people mingling near the guest book, which I signed and then got in (what I thought was the back of) the line. 12
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An older woman behind me grumbled, but I thought nothing of it. Had I turned around, I would have noticed that this woman was my co-worker Rob’s mother, but I’ll get to that later. Teeny was one of my favorite uncles, hands down — an interesting choice of words since Teeny only had half of a thumb. Rumors abound regarding how he lost it, but over the years, I consistently heard three stories. Teeny sucked his thumb a lot when he was a child, and then one day POP! it came off in his mouth like a faulty lollipop. At some point, an alligator bit his thumb in half — “So I bit the alligator back,”Teeny always told me. Anyway, my personal favorite, despite errors in American history:“The Cherokee took it from me during the Indian wars.” In actuality, Teeny (real name Robert A. Shroyer), tragically lost it as a kid while his friends were playing with a hatchet. Let this serve (or is that sever?) as a message to all the children out there to never play with crude weaponry. Even in his casket, Teeny was still smiling at the world. As I walked by, I half expected Teeny to wink at me or pop his dentures out like he always did. One thing’s for sure, somewhere in heaven at this very moment uncle Teeny is popping his dentures out for somebody. After that, I got in my car and headed home, totally unaware that I had cut in front of Rob’s mother, who apparently knew my uncle. The next day, Rob brought this to my attention at work. Suffice it to say, I was mortified to death. I’m forced to wonder how many times in my day-today life I exhibit unsavory actions against the social decorum without realizing it or having it brought to my attention somehow by a close associate. In my defense, however, let me say this: I was blood and Rob’s mother was not. I think blood should grant cutting privileges for the purposes of funerals, and weddings for that matter. And who knows, maybe someday that philosophy will be the socially acceptable rule of thumb. www.infinitieplus.com
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INSPIRATION
What You Could Do If You Didn't Know You Couldn't By Zig Ziglar
Many years ago, when I got involved in positive thinking, inspiration and motivation, I read about a man who was pinned beneath the family car when the jack slipped. His wife, who was average size and strength, lifted the car just enough for him to slide out from under it. There was much speculation as to how she was able to do that, because most everyone doubted that she could lift the car again. Some say she was able to lift the car because she had no idea what she couldn’t do, and her subconscious mind “kicked in” and supplied the needed strength. Others say that love lifted the car, because her husband, the man she loved, had his life in jeopardy, so she was able to lift the car. There may be some who will contend it was because she was a math major, and deep down, knew that she plus God equals enough, and with God’s help, she could and would lift the car. Whatever the reason, she was able to do it. It makes us wonder sometimes about the many things we could do if we didn’t know that we couldn’t do them. Many people never make a serious effort to achieve worthwhile objectives because they assume they can’t reach them. Here’s another story that demonstrates what even a little extra effort can produce. Sir Walter Raleigh was attending a prestigious boarding school when he was a youngster. He was an excellent student, and wanted to be No. 1 in his class. However, one lad always finished ahead of him, so he determined to discover the secret. Each night, when he prepared for bed, he looked across the grounds that separated his room from that of his competitor, and noticed that his candle was still burning. One night, he noticed that the other boy studied only about 15 minutes longer than he did. After that, Sir Walter Raleigh studied an extra
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20 minutes every night, and at the end of the year, he was the No. 1 student. I’ve often wondered how many students miss out on a college scholarship because they did not study an additional 20 minutes each day. Research shows that more than 98 percent of all scholarships are either academic or hardship, so some deserving students miss out not because of lack of ability, but because of lack of effort. Many times, people grow frustrated because promotions or raises don’t come as fast as they think they should, so they jump ship, when just around the corner, the promotion awaits. In the field of athletics, we have all seen the tired athlete near the end of the game simply run out of gas and lose because he or she had not been expending the effort on a daily basis to get into tip-top condition for the event. Yes, as Joe Frazier, the former Heavyweight Champion of the World, said,“You can cheat on your roadwork, and nobody will know until you step into the ring, and then, the bright lights will expose your lack of training to the world.” It’s true. A little extra effort separates the winners from the could-have-beens. I have often used the phrase “and then some,” pointing out to my audiences that you should keep every promise, and then some; give your clients or customers everything they expect, and then some; give whatever you do an honest effort, and then some. I first learned those words from former Secretary of State James Byrnes, who used that phrase when someone asked him to explain his success in life and in the political arena. I believe that little extra effort, that going ahead from where they are to do the best they can with what they have, and then some, is what separates the successful from the would-be successful. Take that approach, and I’ll see you over the top!
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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
“Bags, Boots & Bingo" Fundrais “Bags, Boots & Bingo”, a fun and unique fundraising event benefiting The Martin House Children’s Advocacy Center is set for Saturday, November 14th, 2015, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at The Reserve located on Highway 259 north of Longview.“Bags, Boots & Bingo” offers an afternoon of bingo, door prizes, refreshments, and special surprises for all who attend while raising money to assist child abuse victims. Bingo game winners take home fabulous designer handbags or beautiful boots as the prizes, and all attendees are eligible to win door prizes. Seating is limited so buy your tickets now! Tickets are just $35 in advance, $40 at the door, or reserve a table for 6 for $300. Ticket price includes bingo game cards, refreshments, and entry into door prize drawings. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 903-807-0189, or visit Aesthetica, 1618 Judson Road in Longview or buy online at www.TheMartinHouseCAC.org. The Martin House Children’s Advocacy Center is a non-profit organization whose mission is to ensure that every child who is suffering from abuse has an opportunity to be heard, feel protected, and receive services that are vital to his or her continued safety and future wellbeing. Each year more than 500 children who were alleged or confirmed victims of abuse, were served by The Martin House CAC. Forensic interviews, mental health counseling and ongoing advocacy support are the primary services offered. For more information about The Martin House Children’s Advocacy Center or “Bags, Boots & Bingo”, please contact Roxanne Stevenson, Executive Director, at 903-807-0189 or Roxanne@TheMartinHouseCAC.org.
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ser Benefits Abused Children
Bingo • Door Prizes • Special Surprises Saturday, November 14th 1:00 - 3:30 pm The Reserve • Hwy. 259 North, Longview
Win A Beautiful Designer Handbag or Pair of Boots $35 per Ticket in Advance $40 per Ticket at the Door Includes Bingo Game Cards, Refreshments, & Entry into Door Prize Drawings
$300 per Reserved Table for 6 Includes Bingo Game Cards, Refreshments, Entry into Door Prize Drawings, & Program Listing
For Tickets, call 903.807.0189 purchase online at www.TheMartinHouseCAC.org or visit Aesthetica at 1618 Judson Road in Longview All proceeds benefit The Martin House Children’s Advocacy Center, a non-profit organization whose mission is to ensure child abuse victims have an opportunity to be heard, feel protected, and receive services that are vital to their continued safety and future well-being.
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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Board photo left to right (front row): Kristi Kemper (Recording Secretary), Kristin Bates (Nominating Chair), Erin Brogoitti (Member-At-Large). (Back row): Jessica LaRue (Treasurer), Kristen Ishihara (President-Elect Elect), Taylor Clark (President), Crista Black (Executive Vice President); and Melanie Northcutt Crocker (President-Elect Elect). 16
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Vice President Council photo, from left to right (front row): Kendrah Tennison (Vice President-Community), Crista Black (Executive Vice President), Ashley Pate (Assistant Treasurer). (Back row): Lauren Henson (Vice PresidentCommunication) and LaCee Holly (Vice President-Membership). www.facebook.com/IPmagazine2
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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Junior League of Lon Council Member The Junior League of Longview, Inc. recently nominated and elected individuals to serve as their Leadership Board and Vice President Council. At the Board helm are President, Taylor Clark; President-Elect, Kristen Ishihara; President-Elect Elect, Melanie Northcutt Crocker; Executive Vice President, Crista Black; Treasurer, Jessica LaRue; Nominating Chair, Kristin Bates; Member-at-Large, Erin Brogoitti; and Recording Secretary, Kristi Kemper. The new Vice President Council consists of overseer, Executive Vice President, Crista Black; Assistant Treasurer, Ashley Pate; Vice President-Community, Kendrah Tennison; Vice President-Communication, Lauren Henson; and Vice President-Membership, LaCee Holly; This year, the Junior League of Longview is kicking off it’s 76th anniversary with the upcoming Poverty Conference on October 15th and Monster Dash on October 17th. The League strives to continue its legacy of promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving our community through effective action and leadership.
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ngview Nominates New rs to Leadership
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Pros And C
LIVING WELL
By Charlyn Fargo
News of coffee's potential impact on health has for years gone back and forth. Initially, concerns centered on caffeine, a naturally occurring stimulant. The positives about coffee centered on antioxidants, compounds generally associated with potential health benefits. Robert Sheeler, M.D.,? and medical editor of the Mayo Clinic Health Letter, says it appears coffee may be just fine for most, and possibly even of some benefit.
Here is a look at coffee's pros and cons as related to health, based on the research. Coffee may protect against: 1. Type 2 diabetes. Researchers found that compounds in coffee — chlorogenic acid and caffeine — may thwart protein formation that contributes to the death of pancreas cells. Normally, pancreas cells produce insulin. An earlier study of younger and middle-aged women found that drinking two or more cups of coffee a day was associated with a substantially lower risk of Type 2 diabetes. 2. Parkinson's disease. Numerous studies indicate regular coffee consumption may reduce the risk of Parkinson's disease. 3. Various cancers. A recent study found that women who drank coffee reduced their risk of endometrial cancer by 20 percent. A recent analysis of multiple studies suggests there may be a correlation between drinking coffee and a reduced risk of pancreatic cancer. One study 20
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found that drinking an additional two cups of coffee a day was associated with a 43 percent reduced risk of liver cancer. 4. Alzheimer's disease. A recent review of multiple studies reported there's a trend toward a protective effect from coffee, but more study is needed to determine if the trend is significant. Coffee may possibly be harmful to: 1. Bone health. Caffeine is known to increase the amount of calcium that's passed in urine. It may also interfere with how well calcium is absorbed in the digestive tract. One study found that women who drank 20 ounces of coffee — about 2 1/2 cups — or more on a daily basis had a modest increase in fractures related to osteoporosis. However, other studies have found that if coffee drinkers get adequate calcium, the effect is minimized. 2. Blood pressure. For people who consume coffee only occasionally,?there may be a temporary rise in blood pressure. However, regular coffee drinkers appear to develop a tolerance so that there isn't much effect on blood pressure. 3. Lung health. A recent overview of 13 different studies concluded that high or increased coffee consumption might increase the risk of lung cancer. However, the authors of the overview also cautioned that other factors — specifically the effects of smoking — might have affected their findings. More study is needed to determine a connection — if indeed there is a connection. The bottom line is, for most healthy adults, moderate doses of caffeine — 200 to 300 mg a day, which is two or three cups of regular brewed coffee — are fine. Coffee is among the top-10 food sources of antioxidants, and it's also a major source of chlorogenic acid, which is one of its star players for antioxidant activity. Antioxidant activity associated with coffee has been linked to protective effects on multiple diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Information courtesy of Mayo Clinic Health Letter.
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Cons of Coffee Q and A Q: Is it true that you need to eat red grapes to get resveratrol, the compound found in red wine? A: No, but it's a common misunderstanding because of the many news stories about resveratrol and red wine. Resveratrol is a phytochemical found in grape skins of all colors and is produced by plants to fight off fungus. The amount of resveratrol in grapes depends much more on growing conditions than on the color or type of grape. Much of the resveratrol is in the grape's skin. Red wine contains much more resveratrol than white because red wine is made by fermenting grapes with skins; for white wine, the grape skins are removed before fermenting. Alcohol — including red wine — increases risk for several common cancers, so it's best to avoid or limit
alcohol to no more than one standard drink (5 ounces of wine) per day for women, two for men. In laboratory studies resveratrol can inhibit cancer development. However, most of this evidence comes from cell studies using concentrations of resveratrol much higher than a person is likely to reach. We don't have nearly enough good research to make resveratrol content a sound basis for choosing specific types of fruit. Grapes also contain a variety of other phytochemicals and we need more human studies to understand their potential cancerprotective effects. Red grapes' color comes from anthocyanins, compounds being studied for potential antioxidant and cancer-protective effects, too. But the potential for health protection from grapes and other plant foods, including beans and whole grains, comes from more than any one function or compound.
THRIVING.
THE TEAM AT LONGVIEW REGIONAL HELPED CAROLYN SURVIVE, AND THRIVE.
When Carolyn found a lump in her breast, her doctor recommended a 3D mammogram at Longview Regional Medical Center. The lump turned out to be a form of cancer that required surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. “I had a whole team of people working together to provide care, answer every question, and help my life go on as normally as possible,” said Carolyn. “They even scheduled my treatments around trips to see my grandchildren. The healthcare system at Longview Regional is second to none.” Contact the Center for Breast Care of Longview Regional Medical Center at 903-232-8596 for information or to schedule your 3D mammogram.
Carolyn Northcutt Breast Cancer Survivor
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Appointments are on a first-come, first-served basis. A physician order is not required, but the patient must provide a physician’s name when an appointment is made. If the person does not have a physician/provider, a list will be provided for the patient’s selection. All mammogram reports will be sent to the physician/provider and follow-ups are the responsibility of the patient.
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SOCIAL SECURITY
Strengthen the Government Pension Offset ... Don't Repeal It By Tom Margenau
I have written many past columns about provisions of Social Security law that impact people who spend the bulk of their careers working at jobs not covered by Social Security. (Since 94 percent of Americans work at jobs where they pay into Social Security, I sometimes think I devote way too much time to this topic that affects only a small percentage of my readers. But they are a very vocal minority!) Today's column is devoted to one of those provisions that impact nonSocial Security covered workers. It's called the government pension offset, or GPO. It essentially says this: Non-Social Security retirement pensions will be treated just like Social Security retirement pensions in that they will offset any spousal benefits potentially due to the retiree off of a husband or wife's Social Security record. So anyway, here is the email that sparked today's column. Q: I have written to you before about the government pension offset. You wrote back and said it was fair. But please see the attached link that shows Congress is trying to repeal the law. If it is unfair, why is it being repealed? A: Almost every year for the past 30 years, various bills have been introduced in Congress to try to repeal the GPO. By the way, these bills are usually written by union lobbyists representing groups impacted by GPO and are sponsored by a clueless politicians pandering for votes from said unions. And every year, the bill goes down to defeat. Why? Because it would make no sense to repeal the legislation. The following examples explain why I believe GPO should be
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expanded, and not repealed. Fred and Wilma both worked at jobs covered by Social Security. Fred gets $2,000 per month in Social Security retirement. Wilma gets $2,100 per month in her own Social Security retirement. Fred dies at age 73. Wilma, who is 71, will not get a nickel of Social Security widow's benefits, because her own Social Security benefit offsets her widow's rate dollar for dollar. (One Social Security benefit has always offset another Social Security benefit.) Their neighbor, Barney, worked at a job covered by Social Security and he gets $2,000 per month in Social Security retirement benefits. His wife, Betty, was a teacher in a state where teachers do not pay into Social Security. She gets $2,100 per month in a teacher's retirement pension. Like Fred, Barney dies at age 73. Before the GPO law was in place, 71 year old Betty would have received Barney's full Social Security pension, or $2,000, in widow's benefits in addition to her own full teacher's pension. Why should Betty (the teacher) get a widow's benefit when Wilma (the non-teacher) doesn't get widow's benefits? The GPO law simply eliminated that loophole. So again I must ask: Why should the GPO be repealed? In fact, even with the GPO law, Betty the teacher comes out ahead of Wilma the non-teacher. All of Wilma's Social Security retirement benefit offsets her possible widow's benefit, meaning Wilma (the nonteacher) gets nothing. But only two thirds of Betty's teacher's pension offsets her widow's benefits. Two thirds of her $2,100 teacher's pension is $1,386. So you deduct
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that from Barney's Social Security, and that leaves $614. In other words, Betty, the teacher, still gets $614 in widow's benefits, even with the GPO, while Wilma, the non-teacher, gets nothing. Instead of repealing the GPO law, I think it should be expanded. And to explain why, I will introduce you to a third couple: Dudley and Nell. Nell is a U.S. citizen who worked her whole life in this country and is now retired and gets $2,000 in Social Security benefits. Her husband, Dudley, is a Canadian citizen who worked for 30 years in Toronto before moving to the U.S. about 10 years ago where he met and married Nell. Dudley gets $2,100 per month in the form of a Canadian Social Security benefit. Sadly, Nell dies. Because Dudley
does not get an American Social Security retirement benefit, and because the GPO law does not include foreign government pensions, Dudley will quality for a full widower's benefit off of Nell's Social Security record. In other words, he will get $2,100 in his Canadian retirement pension and he will get $2,000 in Social Security widower's benefits. So finally, let's review our three widowed spouses and try to decide what is fair and not fair. First, we have Wilma, the nongovernment employee who gets her own Social Security retirement check of $2,100 and does not qualify for any widow's benefits on her husband's Social Security record. Second, we have Betty, the teacher who did not pay into Social Security,
Should We Bust ‘Bust’?
who gets her own teacher's retirement check of $2,100 and who also qualifies for $614 in widow's benefits on her husband's Social Security record. And finally we have Dudley, the Toronto native now living in the U.S. getting $2,100 from the Canadian Social Security system and who also is receiving $2,000 per month from his wife's U.S. Social Security account. So should the GPO law be repealed, allowing Betty to get the same benefits Dudley is getting? (And where does that leave poor Wilma?) Or should the GPO law be strengthened, so that Canadian citizen Dudley isn't allowed to reap U.S. Social Security benefits that neither Wilma nor Betty can get?
The Word Guy
By Rob Kyff
Q. On the evening news the other day, a reporter said:“The home invaders busted through the front door.” I felt the hair on the back of my neck begin to rise. Could you possibly clarify the proper use of “bust”? — Ann Roper, Pittsburgh, Pa. A. Hearing “bust” used to mean “break” or “burst” can indeed raise our hairs. But I’m afraid we “bust” busters should be raising the white flag instead. The verb “bust” has always been a rogue with a tainted past. It first vaulted into English around 1800 when people started dropping the “r” sound from “burst.” Since then, this plucky little rascal has sowed his wild “oaths,” especially in spoken English, and acquired several new meanings along the way. Without squirming too much, we use “bust” to mean “tame” (bust a bronco),“destroy” (bust a trust), “arrest” (bust a drug dealer) and www.facebook.com/IPmagazine2
“demote” (bust a lieutenant). Other meanings of “bust” proliferate in vivid idioms such as “go bust” (fail economically),“bust your butt” (work to exhaustion), “bust your chops” (verbally torment) and “bust a move” (dance energetically). Nevertheless, many of us cringe when “bust” is used to mean “break” or “burst.” Partly it’s because English already has perfectly good words (the aforementioned duo) that mean the same thing. So we want a toy to “break,” not “bust,” police to “break down,” not “bust down,” a door, and a balloon to “burst,” not “bust.” Another, more subtle concern is ambiguity. ”Bust” has taken on so many meanings that it’s sometimes hard to tell which one is intended. For instance, does the TV reporter’s sentence you cite (“The home invaders busted through the front www.infinitieplus.com
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door.”) mean that they broke down the door or that they burst (rushed) through the doorway? Truth be told, many respected and bespectacled publications occasionally bust the prohibition on “bust”:“Hungry elk and deer are busting their fences” (Time);“Police officers ... busted their way with sledgehammers into 11 houses” (The New York Times);“James boxes — or did, until his jaw was busted” (The New Yorker). What to do? For now, I’d avoid the use of “bust” to mean “break” or “burst” because it makes you sound jocular, even uncouth. But the muscular bouncer standing outside Club Standard English, who, in decades past, would have busted the nose of “bust” every time it tried to sneak in, is occasionally lifting the velvet rope and letting the little scamp in.
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MIND, BODY, & SOUL
PISTACHIO
Pistachios are a good source of protein, fiber, magnesium, thiamin, and phosphorus.
By Charlyn Fargo
Pistachios can be part of a heart healthy diet.
W
When comparing pistachios to some other nuts, they found they are lower in calories and fat, and higher in fiber, phytosterols, gammatocopherol, vitamin K and certain carotenoids.
Here are other findings from the review:
1. When on calorie-restricted diets, inclusion
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of nuts can help dieters stay on track. One study The mineral content of pistachios could also found that when individuals consumed 20 percent play a helpful role in controlling blood pressure of their calories from pistachios, they had a levels and the prevention of bone-related diseases. significant decrease in waist circumference and a trend toward a reduction in body fat. 5. Pistachios contain phenolic compounds, carotenoids and other bioactives, which are responsible for their golden, green and purple Pistachios are a good source of fiber. hues. These compounds can help protect against Increased fiber intake has been shown to aid cardiovascular disease and cancer, and help in weight loss and lower the risk of diabetes, prevent vision loss associated with aging. cardiovascular disease and some types of cancer. Pistachios also have a low glycemic index, which can help curb hunger pangs and lower blood Pistachios have the highest phytosterol glucose. content of all nuts, and several studies have
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6.
3. Pistachios are chockfull of vitamins and
shown an inverse relationship with phytosterol consumption and cholesterol levels.
minerals. Thiamin (vitamin B-1) is found in pistachios and plays an important role in the body's ability to metabolize carbohydrates.
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MONEY TALK
Changing Profile of Homebuyers By Jim Woodard
T
he profile of today’s homebuyer is changing and reveals some surprises. Current firsttime homebuyers are older and more likely to be single than first-time homebuyers in the 1970s and 1980s, according to a new Zillow analysis. The study found that Americans are renting for an average of six years before buying their first homes. In the 1970s, they rented for an average of 2.6 years.
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They’re also spending a bigger chunk of their incomes to buy. In the 1970s, first-time homebuyers bought homes that cost about 1.7 times their annual income. Now they’re buying homes that cost 2.6 times their annual income. Part of that can be attributed to the housing markets millennials are moving into: more expensive cities on the coasts where there are growing job markets. The average first-time homebuyer is about 33, at the front end of the millennial generation. Their median income is $54,340, which is about the same as what first-time homebuyers made in the 1970s, when adjusted for inflation. In the late 1980s, 52 percent of first-time homebuyers were married. Today, only 40 percent are married, it was noted in a Zillow report. “Millennials are delaying all kinds of major life decisions, like getting married and having kids, so it makes sense that they would also delay buying a home,” said Zillow chief economist Dr. Svenja Gudell. “We know millennials value homeownership and want to buy. The next challenge will be figuring
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out how they can save for a down payment and qualify for a mortgage, especially while the rental market is so unaffordable all over the country. The last hurdle will be finding a home they like amidst very tight inventory, especially among starter homes.” Q: Are home sales rising? A: Yes, but only slightly. Pending home sales were mostly unchanged in July, but rose modestly for the sixth time in seven months, according to the National Association of Realtors. The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, marginally increased by 0.5 percent to 110.9 in July, from an upwardly revised 110.4 in June, and is now 7.4 percent above July 2014 (103.3). The index has increased year-overyear for 11 consecutive months and is the third-highest reading of 2015, behind April (111.6) and May (112.3). Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, says the housing market began the second half of 2015 on a positive note, with pending sales slightly rising in July.“Led by a solid
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gain in the Northeast, contract activity in most of the country held steady last month, which bodes well for existing sales to maintain their recent elevated pace to close out the summer,” he said. Q: Are home foreclosures and all-cash transactions decreasing? A. Yes, most analysts report lower numbers for these situations. RealtyTrac, a source for housing data, released its July 2015 U.S. Home Sales Report, which shows sales of properties in foreclosure and cash sales were down from a year ago to multi-year lows. At the same time, year-to-date U.S. home sales in 2015 are at an eight-year high, and the U.S. median home price in July was at an 82-month high, it was reported. Q: Are homes becoming more affordable? A: Many buyers are finding themselves in an affordability squeeze. Even with rising home prices over the past few years, many homeowners who have considered selling are deciding not to because they are caught in an affordability squeeze that is compounded by a lack of inventory, according to findings from the California Association of Realtors. More than one-third (35 percent) of homeowners have considered selling their home in the past year, and of that share, about two-thirds (64 percent) are reluctant to sell because they are finding they can’t afford the home they really want, the survey found. CAR’s Survey of California Homeowners also found that more than half (59 percent) of homeowners have not seriously considered selling their home in the past year, with more than half (60 percent) saying their current home will be their retirement residence. For those who have been in their home 15 years or more, that figure rises to 70 percent who indicated they have not considered selling because their current residence will be their retirement home. But for others (44 percent), the affordability crunch, higher property taxes and home prices are keeping them in their current home.
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GRUBS UP
GOLD COIN By Adam Holland
Marinade 1 teaspoon – Dry white wine 1 teaspoon – Sugar 1/2 teaspoon – Kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon – Fresh ginger, minced 1/4 teaspoon – White pepper 1 Tablespoon – Toasted sesame oil 2 cloves – Garlic, minced 1/2 lb. – Ground pork 1 lb – Eggplant, peeled (slender, Asian style is preferable but not required) All-purpose flour, for dredging Your favorite Tempura batter Vegetable or peanut oil for frying Combine all marinade ingredients in bowl, add pork. Mix well and let sit for as long as it takes to prep the remainder of the recipe, about 20 minutes. Heat oil to 350F.
Szechuan Garlic Sauce
Cut slender eggplant into 1-inch slices, or ‘coins.’ If using large round eggplant, cut in half lengthwise, then cut in half lengthwise again. Cut each slice almost in half – enough to allow it to be stuffed. Place about 2 Tablespoons of raw marinated meat mixture in each eggplant ‘coin.’ Prepare Tempura batter, preferably in a stainless bowl. Place stainless bowl atop another bowl filled with ice. Dredge each piece of stuffed eggplant in flour, then dip in cold batter. Place carefully in hot oil. Fry for about 3-4 minutes; remove and set aside. Repeat until all ‘coins’ are cooked. Allow oil to reheat, then fry each piece for another minute, or so, until golden. Serve immediately drizzled with Szechuan Garlic Sauce. Makes four dinner servings, or about 10 appetizer-sized servings.
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2 Tablespoons – Dry rice wine or dry white wine 1 Tablespoon – Fresh ginger, minced 3 Cloves – Garlic, minced 1½ Tablespoons – Ground fresh chile paste -or- chile garlic sauce 2 teaspoons – Sugar 2 teaspoons – Cornstarch 1/2 cup – Vegetable or chicken stock, preferably low sodium* 1½ Tablespoons – Dark soy sauce *(slightly less if using non-low sodium stock) Optional: 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro; 1 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes (for a little extra kick) Mix the stock and cornstarch in small bowl and set aside. Combine remaining ingredients in a small saucepan and heat to near boiling. Add stock mixture to pan, stirring constantly until thickened.
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A golden batter surrounds creamy eggplant and savory marinated pork. Szechuan garlic sauce brings it all together.
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JUST FOR LAUGHS
1. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What would a group of emus be called? 2. SCIENCE: What is the only known metal that turns to liquid at room temperature? 3. MYTHOLOGY: In Greek mythology, what was the name of the ship that Jason used in pursuit in the Golden Fleece? 4. AD SLOGANS: Which company’s ads claim its services are “So easy a caveman can do it”? 5. FAMOUS QUOTATIONS: Which ancient philosopher once said, “If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading”? 6. MEDICAL: What is the condition called cyesis? 7. TELEVISION: Who used to sign off his program with the words, “Good night and good luck”? 8. LANGUAGE: What is the American equivalent of the British term “braces”? 9. MOVIES: In which film is “The Children’s Marching Song” performed? 10. LITERATURE: What is the subject matter of the book “Ten Days That Shook the World”? © 2014 King Features Synd., Inc.
1. A mob 2. Mercury 3. The Argo 4. GEICO 5. Lao Tzu 6. Pregnancy
10. The Russian Revolution 9. “The Inn of the Sixth Happiness” 8. Suspenders 7. Edward R. Murrow
Riddle Time
What comes down but never goes up? Answer: Rain www.facebook.com/IPmagazine2
1. Arcade, Arcane 2. Oasis, Basis 3. Canter, Center
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4. Peony, Phony 5. Sheer, Sheen 6. Bikini, Biking
7. Sally, Silly 8. Quilt, Quill 9. Tryst, Trust
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10. Outlet, Outset
© 2014 King Features Synd., Inc.
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