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Happy New Year!

THIS ISSUES

CONTENTS

Cover Photo: Gainsboro Studio - Joan Bateman NEW YEAR Time Square Page 6 -Scott Cowan Notes from N’Kenge -N’Kenge

Page 8

Registered Retirement Savings Plans -Edward Jones

Page 10

Tax Free Savings Accounts - Dan Hein

Page 12

It’s Not You, It’s The Time Of Year -Scott Stenbeck

Page 20

Think You’re Paying Too Much for Groceries? Page 24 -Scott Cowan The Fashion Files Page 26 Issues Regarding Firearms -Lavar Payne, MP

Page 30

SPOTLIGHT MAGAZINE

EDITOR SCOTT COWAN (403) 504-7092

PHONE (403) 504-7092

ART DIRECTOR JOAN BATEMAN

scott-cowan@live.com

DESIGNER CARL GEORGE

EMAIL

ADDRESS 377 - 4 Street SE Medicine Hat, AB T1A 0K4 For a complimentary subscription to Spotlight, forward your email to:

info@spotlightmagazine.ca

Published and Printed by Spotlight Magazine

Disclaimer: No responsibility can be taken by Spotlight Magazine for any errors or omissions contained herein. Furthermore, responsibility for any losses, damages or distress resulting from adherence to any information made available through this magazine is not the responsibility of Spotlight Magazine. The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Spotlight Magazine. Comments are welcome.

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I am 100% committed to the Wildrose party, our principles, members and voters!

The Best to You in The New Year!

A I I

t this very special time of year, I wish you all a very Safe, Happy, and Spiritual Holiday Season!

hope we are all able to spend time together with out neighbours, friends and families.

am very grateful to be your representative for Cypress-Medicine Hat! hope and pray 2015 will bring you, and yours; peace, properity and happiness.

DREW BARNES MLA Cypress - Medicine Hat

#5, 1299 Trans Canada Way SE Medicine Hat, AB T1B 1H9 Phone: 403 528-2191 Toll Free: 1-866-339-2191 E-mail: cypress.medicinehat@assembly.ab.ca

5

Time Square

W

hen my wife told me she wanted to cross something off her bucket list, I was intrigued. Then she told me she has always dreamed of being in Time Square to see the ball drop. My idea of a vacation in January involves beaches, palm trees, and drinks out of coconut shells. But, standing in sub-zero weather, in the street, with literally millions of people wasn’t on my radar. However when your wife says, “Well you can stay home if you want to…” you know it’s time to pack the long johns.

I

n order to even be in view of the ball drop, one must head for Time Square about 9am. If you are lucky and the police barricades are not up yet, you can make it to an assigned corral. We were there about 11 am and people were already being denied entry. We actually ducked through the side entrance of a hotel and came out the front, behind the officer that had turned us away. A couple of barricades later and some whopper lies, we made it to the Square. Police pack thousands of partiers into literal cattle fences. Once inside you can not leave, or you’re denied re-entry. My wife crossed ten feet of side walk into a MacDonald’s for nature’s call, and some food. It took twenty minutes of begging and an interview with a supervisor to be allowed back inside. I also had a $200 dollar brief case confiscated, no bags let inside. I ended up giving it to some one who was not going to get access, or I would have been rejected. So keep in mind, if you need to use the facilities, or eat something, you may as well go home. About fourteen hours later, after staying in this enclosure touching your neighbor on four sides, standing for the duration, a few tons of paper streamers dump from the tops of buildings; and the ball drops. Fourteen hours for about fifteen minutes of action.

H

aving said all that I must say, the excitement is unparalleled. You spend the day and evening talking to those cloistered beside and around.

The day includes listening to A-list entertainers on stages along the street. Most people have fantastic access. Police and fire have hallways in and among the corrals allowing emergency staff and celebrity access to the stages and media stations.

People sing, tell jokes, and occasionally gripe to

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Joan & Scott Cowan someone who steps on their feet, or steals a spot closer to the stage. My daughter’s boyfriend came strolling down the street with police escort, in his dress Marine uniform. The officer motioned for us to join them on the VIP walkway. We were taken to a military corral. Not so crowded, and in full view of the main stage. We were now in clear view of the ball drop. Over twenty people asked if they could have their picture taken with our marine.

T

he time actually passes quickly. When you get close to midnight, say 11:30, the crowd gets wild. The party really takes off! Keep in mind, no liquor involved. When the ball actually drops, and the confetti and streamers fall, it is a moment you’ll never forget. The traditional New Year’s music and the reality of being there is some what over whelming! Strangers are kissing while every one else is shaking hands and hugging. It is a moment of unity seldom experienced. The sheer volume of paper falling from the rooftop is phenomenal! Police and fire fighters that to be honest, are sometimes and necessarily, unruly with patrons, are arm in arm singing as are the millions they spent the day controlling. It does make the endless hours of waiting worthwhile.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2015!

Miley Cirus

Melissa Lou Etheridge

Ryan Secrest

Blondie

New Years Eve in Time Square -- There’s nothing like it!

Celebrity Photos by Joan Bateman - Gainsboro

7

Spotlight Around the World - New York

NOTES FROM

j a n hg

f h g j g N’Kenge d f s r d s f B

irdland - The Legendary Jazz Club nested in the heart of Manhattan on West 44th Street, renewed its lease for another 20 years. I had the privilege to sit down with owner and friend, Gianni Valenti as he celebrates this special moment. He made a promise to Charlie Parker’s widow Doris that he would keep the venue open for 50 years inspired by her husband known as “Bird” when he signed a lease 30 years ago to re-open the club. The club was named after Charlie “Yard bird” Parker who was their regular headliner.

N G

’Kenge: were

Being you

the a

owner of musician

Birdland, yourself?

ianni: I was, actually my father was a musician, saxophone player and when we came here, we had lessons from my Dad. I would go back and forth playing the clarinet and saxophone but it wasn’t something I really loved. So when I was in High School I got enough nerve up to go to my Dad and say “you know Dad, saxophone/ clarinets really are not for me”. So I became a bass guitarist, and that I did through college. I have always loved music, but once I got into the industry from the business end of it, the rest was history.

had to go through music. I was very fortunate. I had a place on the east side and a place on the upper west side.

Birdland in the 60s closed. We had a lack of enthusiasm for our music. We turned our back on our heritage. This was our music, an American tradition. I think I’m placed on this earth to make sure this tradition never ends. If I do 50 years, I’ve given it my all and then we move on to the next thing, and hopefully my son will take it over.

N G N

’Kenge: Yes that would Is your son interested

’Kenge: Well I’ve met him awhile back at one of the shows and you can see how much enjoyed the music and he seemed like a great gentleman.

G

ianni: You’ve really got to be devoted. You’ve got to really want it because it’s a tough business whether you’re doing it from my end, or from an artist’s end, and it’s in demand of your whole life.

N

’Kenge: Indeed.

You do this business because you love it and have the passion for it

N

G

ianni: You’ve got to put everything else aside. I’ve sacrificed a lot being here for 30 years but like I said, it’s fulfilling and I love it.

G

N G

’Kenge: What did you do before you dedicated 30 years of your life into Birdland?

ianni: I was in High School and with the University of Georgia and I wasn’t happy there. Something was drawing me back to New York. I went to NYU, and I finished my studies there doing the graduate program.

In the meantime, I worked to pay for school and housing.

I started working in the industry. I started out in the kitchen, and then became a waiter, then a bartender, then a manager, and then I opened my first restaurant.

So I started out in the restaurant industry but always

8

great. music?

ianni: He loves theTheatre,he loves music.He may not be a jazz fan yet but I think I’m going to have to push him there.

’Kenge: That’s great. Did you do any touring before you made that transition?

ianni: I played in bands throughout college, but it was more rock, played the bass through the alphabet, nothing serious. But my love for music never changed. My biggest thrill is to be around everything in life.

I mean I look and it’s been 30 years, and I have to tell you, time has flown. I am blessed to be able to share, meet and become friends with the artists, and the guests that come in. It’s a dream come true.

be in

N

’Kenge: Is it true what I read in the press that you’re opening up a new place?

G

ianni: Yes because I have so much time, fourteen year old son, 40 employees

N G

’Kenge: Ha ha and you said God I need to do something else because I just have ALL this free time

ianni: Actually a very dear friend of mine we all know Michael Feinstein came to me. They were at the Regency for many years until they closed that spot to renovate. Michael and I had dinner and we both agreed that there should be another Feinstein’s in New York.

Ironically, we are a city of 8 million plus people and 2 million visitors a year. There aren’t that many venues for an artist to perform and not that many venues for our guests to visit. It’s become more and more difficult. It’s not like we don’t want them. It’s very very expensive now to lease places, large spaces that make a good payment.

jghnasgfhjgdf There are a few around that do well, and present great music. I just felt that Feinstein’s did a great job for so many years and it was a shame. So we decided that we will open up, and we should be open in a year from now.

You might be doing another interview in the new space.

N ianni: I could not imagine a greater Ambassador G of music and human being. I love him and what he brings to the table and I’m blessed to have him. I’ve ’Kenge: Michael

I

can’t wait; I can get together.

It’ll be

you and fabulous.

been hit twice. Doris Parker and Michael Feinstein. hat’s really interesting is it gives us another genre W to deal with. That American songbook pop theatre performance. They love their artists and I love being apart

of that. As you know when you’ve performed here with the Broadway series and we have a great time. So for me it’s exciting because it’s another aspect of the music and its all from the same tree. We can’t say: I’m only going to do this, or I’m only going to have this kind of music. I like to think that we can be more eclectic with Michael’s room.

We’ll share some artists and this will work well for us and make me happy.

I know it’s Amazing.

N’Kenge: I hope I can convince my son to be apart of Gianni: this industry. It’s important that if we’re not going

to be artists, than we need to be business partners of venues, and run them properly and take care of the artists.

So hopefully we get more people involved and get more clubs in New York.

’Kenge: In your journey on owning your own N restaurant where you started in the and rkitchen djob before worked your way knowing everybody else’s you

sf

started owning your own place. Then there is the booking of Artists and keeping the doors open. How different is that?

ianni: I did something very unusual 30 yrs ago. I took G a Jazz club and dropped a restaurant in the middle of it. Something that was not very common, unheard of

at the time. People would come in and go, oh you serve food here. So we had to educate them and then you have to deal with the booking end, and the booking end you have to be able to fit in artists that might not be too big or too loud. And that’s my dream. To stay in the industry for as long as I possibly can and hopefully people can enjoy what we’re doing. We work hard at what we do. Like I said, its not easy.

It’s an amazing labor of love here at Birdland N’Kenge: and thank you so much.

Gianni: Thank you for having me.

N’Kenge is a Pop/Opera Singer who currently plays the role of Mary Wells in Motown: The Musical that she originated on Broadway!

Visit her @ w w w. n k e n g e m u s i c . c o m

9

Spotlight - Finance

T

2B-40 Strachan Court S.E. Medicine Hat, AB Bus: 403-504-0550 Fax: 877-335-9404 jackson.woodruff@edwardjones.com www.edwardjones.com

Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.

RRSP Strategies for Your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s & 60s

F W

inancial strategies change as you advance through life.

ith only a minority of Canadians in the workforce covered by an employer pension plan (about 40%, according to Statistics Canada), many of us will have to look after ourselves in our retirement years.

T

he Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and its close cousin, the Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA), will likely be the most important tools available to support our financial needs in retirement. Here are some key strategies to keep in mind at various stages in your life:

his is where an RRSP becomes a young person’s best friend. Unlike a traditional bank savings account, an RRSP allows you to make tax-deductible contributions for retirement to grow quietly at a steady pace.

Since the money is only taxed if withdrawn before retirement, there is less temptation to spend your savings.

F

inally, now is the time to start developing a relationship with a trusted financial advisor. Don’t worry that you don’t have major investable assets yet. A good advisor will appreciate your earnest desire to save for the future, and will provide a financial strategy to help you achieve both your short-term and long-term goals.

Your 40s

B

y now, there will be many different interests competing for your money. From children to home ownership to vacations and hobbies, money will likely appear to be going out as soon as it is coming in. It’s also at this stage when most people who haven’t begun saving will realize the error of their ways. Don’t worry, it’s not too late.

T

o get on track and begin surging forward, this is an even more critical time to have a relationship with a good financial advisor to help identify your current expenses and income available for a flexible savings plan.You should begin thinking of longer-term goals and objectives, such as envisioning your retirement objectives and choosing a path to get there.

I

f you already have savings in place, this is the time to determine whether your money is working hard enough for you.

Your 20s & 30s

I

f you walk away with just one pearl of wisdom at this early stage in your life and career, it is this — absolutely do not waste your single biggest asset: time.

W

hile spare cash at this age may seem modest and there will be plenty of competing interests for your money, you have time on your side to allow even the smallest savings to become significant 30 or 40 years down the road. As those who wait until later years to save will tell you, delays in saving have a dramatic effect on your final balance going into retirement.

10

F

Your 50s

or many, these are the years when income potential is peaking and that means having a very clear picture of what you are spending year-to-year, and whether you are on a path to live the lifestyle you desire in retirement. Your financial advisor can help you determine whether you are contributing enough to your RRSP and TFSA to meet future goals. Again, you may also want to re-examine and lower your exposure to market risk in your investment portfolio, including your retirement savings plans.

Whether you are ready to retire or just considering another chapter in your life, this is when you will begin taking a hard look at your income needs year-to-year and your outside sources of funds, such as government retirement benefits, rental properties and savings.

It is also an important time for both you and your spouse or partner to talk about how you want to spend future years.

Some couples are surprised to learn of each other’s different expectations for living stan-

dards in retirement.

From a financial perspective, you need to know how much you have to rely on savings and investments, and whether you are on track. The reality is that your portfolio must not only provide for your current income needs, but also must be able to sustain your needs throughout your retired years, which can be 25 years from now.

Edward Jones, Member Canadian Investor Protection Fund.

Crossword Answers

Your 60s

11

Spotlight - Finance

TFSA’s WORK – Get one working for you!

TFSA vs RRSP – Which is your best option?

Since the TFSA appeared in 2009, many have questioned whether to contribute to a TFSA or RRSP for their retirement savings. While both plans allow your investments to grow tax-free inside the plan, there are major differences in the tax treatment of contributions and withdrawals. TFSA contributions are not tax-deductible and all withdrawals are tax-free. With an RRSP the opposite is true: contributions are tax-deductible and all withdrawals (including any income earned while inside the RRSP) are taxed as ordinary income when withdrawn.

As a result, when deciding whether to make a TFSA or RRSP contribution, the most important financial factor is your marginal tax rate today, and your expected marginal tax rate in retirement.

Ideally investors should maximize contributions to both plans to take full advantage of tax benefits. When this is not possible, the following guidelines can help you decide between a TFSA or RRSP contribution: If you’re in the top marginal tax bracket, maximize your RRSP contribution first, and then contribute excess funds to your TFSA to build your retirement assets. Use your income tax refund to top-up your TFSA for continued tax-free growth.

If you’re just starting your career, consider delaying your RRSP contributions until you’re in a higher tax bracket. The RRSP tax deduction won’t save you as much tax today as it might in the future. Instead, contribute to a TFSA for tax-free growth and later, when you’re in a higher tax bracket, you can withdraw from your TFSA to make an RRSP contribution and capitalize on the larger tax deduction. You can then contribute your income tax refund to your TFSA. Other important factors to consider RRSPs offer a psychological advantage for saving, because withdrawals trigger tax consequences – and you lose the contribution room forever. TFSA withdrawals are tax-free, so you may be more inclined to take needed funds.

If you’re going to receive a generous company pension when you retire, a TFSA may be more advantageous. Any RRSP/RRIF withdrawals were added to your income – along with your pension income – and could put you in a higher tax bracket, triggering the claw back of Old Age Security (OAS) payments. In 2014, OAS benefits start being clawed back when your net income exceeds $71,592.

While the plan you contribute to may change from time-to-time, depending on your income and financial goals, a general rule of thumb would be that if you contribute to an RRSP, use the resulting tax refund wisely, and if you contribute to a TFSA, try not to withdraw funds unless necessary – especially if you are using the account to save for retirement.

Planning opportunities TFSAs are ideal for implementing a variety of planning strategies, including:

Income splitting – You can gift funds to your spouse or common law partner (spouse) to allow your spouse to contribute to his or her own TFSA (subject to your spouse’s personal TFSA contribution limit). Income earned within a spouse’s TFSA will not be attributed back to you.

Consider holding investments in your TFSA that would otherwise be taxed at high rates outside a registered account, such as interest income.

If your marginal tax rate is 40 per cent at the time of the TFSA and RRSP contributions and withdrawals, your tax savings will be identical. However, if you’re in a higher tax bracket when making your TFSA and RRSP contributions than when making your withdrawals, the RRSP provides more tax savings than the TFSA. However, if you’re in a lower tax bracket when making your TFSA and RRSP contributions than when making your withdrawals, the TFSA provides more tax savings than the RRSP. If you expect your marginal tax rate to be lower when you retire, then an RRSP is generally more beneficial. If you expect your marginal tax rate to be higher in retirement than it is today, then contributing to a TFSA may be the better option.

It’s also important to note that for many, an RRSP offers a higher contribution limit than a TFSA. The RRSP contribution limit for 2014 can be as high as $24,270, whereas the TFSA contribution limit is $5,500. Ideally investors should maximize contributions to both plans to take advantage of the income tax savings benefits whenever possible.

The benefits and flexibility provided by a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) make it ideal for saving for multiple financial goals. While TFSA contributions are not tax deductible, the contributions grow tax-free, can be withdrawn tax-free at any time, and there are no restrictions on how you use the funds once they’re withdrawn from your TFSA. Whether you’re saving for a new car, advanced educational degree, home purchase, your child’s education or retirement, a TFSA can help you reach your financial goals sooner.

TFSA Contributions – Once you reach age 18, you can make TFSA contributions of $5,500 annually (increases will be indexed to inflation in $500 increments). Unused contribution room – dating back to 2009 when TFSAs were first introduced, or the year you turned 18 – carries forward and can be used in a future year. If you’ve never contributed to a TFSA, your contribution limit for 2015 could be as high as $36,500.

TFSA Withdrawals – Withdrawals are tax-free and will be added back to your TFSA contribution room at the beginning of the following year. Also, withdrawals won’t impact eligibility for federal income-tested benefits and credits such as employment insurance benefits, child tax benefit or the GST credit.

TSFA Investment options – Generally, investments that qualify for an RRSP can also be held in a TFSA - equities, bonds, mutual funds, GICs and exchange traded funds (ETFs).

For more information, contact:

Dan Hein, BRE

Associate Investment Advisor BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. Medicine Hat, AB Tel.: 403-528-6771 Dan.Hein@nbpcd.com www.bmo.com/nesbittburns Opinions are those of the author and may not reflect those of BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. (“BMO NBI”). The information and opinions contained herein have been compiled from sources believed reliable but no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to their accuracy or completeness.

BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bank of Montreal. The comments included in the publication are not intended to be a definitive analysis of tax law. The comments contained herein are general in nature and professional advice regarding an individual’s particular tax position should be obtained in respect of any person’s specific circumstances. ®“BMO (M-bar Roundel symbol)” is a registered trade-mark of Bank of Montreal, used under licence. ® “Nesbitt Burns” is a registered trade-mark of BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bank of Montreal.

If you are already a client of BMO Nesbitt Burns, please contact your Investment Advisor for more information.

Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund and Member of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada

12

Dreaming Up

the Ideal Retirement Is Your Job. Helping You Get There Is Ours.

Maybe your idea of retirement is having a second career or working part time, volunteering or indulging in your favourite hobbies. Doing the things you want to do is what retirement should be about.

Before you make your retirement investment decision this year, let’s talk about: • Whether you’re saving enough • Whether your retirement plan needs some adjustments to help you reach your retirement goals • How much you want to spend in retirement • How you can reduce your taxes* *Edward Jones, its employees and Edward Jones advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Review your situation with your tax advisor or legal professional for information regarding, or issues concerning, the tax implications of making a particular investment or taking any other action.

To see if your retirement plan matches your idea of retirement, call for a personal retirement review.

Jackson D Woodruff Financial Advisor .

2 B-40 Strachan Court S E Medicine Hat, AB T1B 4R7 403-504-0550

www.edwardjones.com Member – Canadian Investor Protection Fund

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While under new management the Chippewa Cree Tribal Community is hoping you’ll visit and experience the great enjoyment shared by all our customers. We also offer our Wheel Spin 7 days a week, where one lucky customer EVERY HOUR has a chance to win up to $10,000 and on given days even more!

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An Opportunity For Motivated Individuals

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CROSSWORD PUZZLE Down

1. Glenn Close is Alex Forrest in this 1987 movie (5,10) 3 . A r n o l d S c h wa r z e n e g g e r p l ays t h e t i t l e r o l e i n t h i s 1984 movie (3,10) 4. Clive Owen is Louis Sa li n g er i n th i s 2 0 0 9 m ov i e (3,13) 7 . A r n o l d S c h wa r z e n e g g e r i s H a r ry Ta s k e r i n t h i s 1 9 9 4 movie (4,4) 8 . J o h n T r av o lta i s E d n a Turnblad in this 2007 movie (9) 9 . T o m C r u i s e i s D av i d A a m e s in this 2001 movie (7,3) 1 0. Leo n a r d o D i Ca pr i o i s H o wa r d H u g h e s i n t h i s 2 0 0 4 movie (3,7)

Across 2. Tom Cruise is Vincent in this 2004 movie (10) 5. J oaqu i n P h o en i x i s J o h n n y Cas h i n t h i s 2 0 0 5 m ov i e (4,3,4) 6. Maggie Smith is Mother Superior in this 1992 movie (6,3)

1 1 . D u s t i n H o f f m a n i s R ay m o n d B a b b i t t i n t h i s 1 9 9 8 m o v i e ( 4 , 3 ) 1 2 . J u l i a n n e M o o r e i s C l a r i c e S ta r l i n g i n t h i s 2 0 0 1 m o v i e ( 8 ) 13. J ess i ca A lba i s S u e Sto r m i n t h i s 2 0 0 5 m ov i e (9,4) 14. Brad Pitt is Achilles in this 2004 movie (4) Answers on page 11

19

Spotlight - Law

It’s The Time of Year, It’s Not You.

I

don’t know how much of this article will be considered actual “legal advice.” I wanted to write concerning the holiday season, Scott Stenbeck and all the separations that occur this time of year. The most common dates of separation where I register statements of claim for divorce, are between December 26 and January 1st. I think this probably contributes to why we see so many unhappy people around the holidays. It is a very emotionally loaded time of year. A lot of folks with whom we interact separated around the holidays. If not them possibly their parents, or one of their kids, or they have someone else close to them that commenced action during the holidays. I thought that this month I would elaborate on why, in my experience, it happens so much during this time of the year.

I

think the first reason so many separations occur during the holidays is that were it not for Christmas, the couple would have already split. Because there are children involved, they try “holding it together” to give the kids one more Christmas with the family together. This happens a lot. In the case of low conflict divorces and separations where most things are handled by consent, the timing actually works well. If people get assistance from counsel right away, everything can usually be handled and settled well before the next Christmas season. So no one has a pending divorce or separation hanging over their head through the holidays.

P

robably the next biggest cluster of reasons are the extra stressors that the holidays put on a family. The biggest one is likely financial. I saw in the Medicine Hat News just yesterday that household debt in Canada is now reported at its highest level ever. Something like 164% of disposable income. It is common for families to finance the holidays, and pay the bills up until the next Christmas.

This year the falling price of oil, and our labor dependence on same, is going to make it even harder for a lot of families. Financial stress is a big cause of separations. It is magnified at this time of year.

R

elated to that is also stress in terms of time. The days of one income earner and a partner full time in the home, have almost gone extinct. There are some families that can still do it, but with a lot of sacrifice. Consequently there are two parents, maybe one with shift work or other types of odd hours. It is difficult to co-ordinate schedules to have that idyllic family Christmas. That includes not just the day itself. But the time spent running 20

around and all other things that have to happen to buy gifts, arrangement dinner, and so forth. This can lead to a lot of disagreements. “I need you to pick up two gifts for Jimmy after work.” “I can’t, I have to work until 7 tonight, you need to figure it out.” “I already did the malls yesterday, and wasted my whole afternoon. I have to get this house in shape for my parents.” “What do you want me to do, quit my job”, etc., etc.

I

think that the two above items tie into that Christmas ideal. We think we are all supposed to deliver for our families. This standard we have in our heads, promoted by culture and media. Unfortunately, no one in the real world can seem to live up to its rules. There is a picture of lots of leisure time playing family games. Sledding or skating in the days around Christmas. A relaxed morning opening gifts, a wonderful meal, and so forth. Reality for most people is that mom and dad work right up until December 23 or 24. Maybe one of them has to work a late shift that goes into the early morning hours of December 25. Mom and Dad paint their best positive faces on Christmas morning. Meanwhile as the kids open gifts, parents are wondering how to pay the credit card bill in January. Fatigue is a powerful factor. Although kids are happy and excited, their overworked parents just don’t have the mental endurance to fully engage. And so on. Then we blame ourselves, and our marriage and partner for our inability to live up to an ideal.

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astly, I think the holidays have a lot of separations because of the convergence of two major events, Christmas and New Year’s. it is a significant marker in time. It reminds us that another year has elapsed. Whereas at other points in the year the days just seem to go past.

Most of us marry or decide to cohabitate with someone that is mostly alright, if they would just fix or change a couple things….

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lternately, sometimes traits in a partner that we just can’t stand show up after they move in or become a spouse. Gradually they become more and more grating.

The holidays are a time of year when we often look across the dinner table, or down the sofa at a partner, and note that it has been five, ten, or twenty years. They still don’t pick up after themselves, or still don’t acknowledge our efforts in the relationship. They still don’t treat us with respect, and so forth. We then confront the reality. If we are unhappy, continuing on with someone who hasn’t changed in all that time, may just be throwing more good years after bad. I suppose the points above reinforce

what I have written many times before. What creates divorce and separation has nothing to do with the individuals involved. It seems to be a product of the world in which we now live. Rather than sit and stew, worried or ashamed, get in to see a professional. Find out your options and where you stand, as quickly as you can. If you are on speaking terms with your ex and working well together, that’s great. You need to do what you can to settle any outstanding issues. Get them done with before anything happens to change circumstances. If you have a strained relationship with your ex, you need to get any outstanding issues firmed up quickly. They will fester and

escalate into a situation that does become high conflict. If you have a combative relationship with your ex, circle the wagons and get prepared to protect your rights as quickly as possible. The things that happen early in a separation can have lasting consequences for how the matter is ultimately resolved. Regarding what you are “stuck with,” in terms of property division, child and spousal support, and parenting arrangements. As the title of this article indicates, if you find yourself in this situation after the holidays this year. It has more to do with the time of year than who you are, don’t beat yourself up.

Stenbeck Law Office (866)783-6232

1018 Allowance Ave. S.E., Medicine Hat, AB, T1A 3G8

WWW.CITYSIGNSANDCANVAS.CA

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Spotlight - Opinions

Think You’re Paying Too Much For Groceries Now?

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onsider the fact California’s almost completely out of the vegetable business. Drought has caused an eleven trillion gallon loss of water reserves. This represents approximately three years of needed H2O to support agricultural fruit and vegetable production. Farmers are planting alternate crops such as walnuts needing far less water. We’re forced to import veggies from Mexico and Australia. Calculate import costs in grocery stores? Not to mention tomatoes are picked green for shipping. They’re so hard, you could break plate glass. On arrival they’re gassed to change the color red.

A few months ago President Obama made an incredibly revealing statement. He said,” the reason North Americans waste so much food is because it is too cheap.”

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could write volumes refuting such comments. But let’s examine the subject of food costs only. True, we eat too much. Large numbers of Canadians and our American cousins are obese. It’s a national problem. We consume copious amounts of fast food, trans fats, and it’s all better deep fried. We even have Florida’s Epcot theme park mostly centered around food. We do business lunches, watch sports while shoveling food down our throats.

We get engaged over dinner. Food is no longer about feeding our body. We’ve substituted necessity for pleasure experiences. Our belts and dress sizes scream for relief.

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ast year in Alberta, calves sold for $800,and put out to pasture. Later, ranchers sold a 700 lb. cow to feed lots for about $2000 per steer. They’d be finished to about 1200 lbs. and shipped to slaughter houses. The feed lot operator would realize about $3500 per animal.

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ypical steers yield 55% meat. The cow is now half the weight to generate profits for operators who harvest the animal. There’s necessary mark ups on beef being sold to wholesale vendors. They pay for trucking, cold storage, pickup and delivery. He adds his profit and sells directly to the super market. Your favorite butcher then has to trim fat , package, and allow for spoilage. All this to get to your BBQ.

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ere’s where it gets scary. Recently, a rancher I know took his trailer to buy calves. He was willing to pay a maximum of $3000 per head. He took his trailer home empty. We’re facing a 200%+ increase, beginning with the guy literally at the bottom of the food chain. You do the math.

t’s true less fortunate countries struggle with average food costs of 40 - 60% of income. North Amerihate to predict $25.00 lb. steak, but that’s what I see in 2015. cans spend about 15% from paychecks maintaining our portly lifestyle. However, is it the Presidents job to tell he advent of fast food giants dictate more choice us to hit the gym? Or the first lady’s through her school cuts being ground into hamburger. A filet mignon lunch famine program, to change American habits? Whopper with cheese please, and pass the grey poupon mustard. To which the high school Burger King server replies, “I’ll hy is food “too cheap?” One can argue the free need a reservation and credit card in advance sir.” enterprise system with all its failures, provides affordable pricing through s the great liberal democrat Carl Marx said, supply and demand. We can cite facts prov“Hungry people are easy to manipulate?” ing 200 years of freedom has determined merica is approaching exponential food the superior economic model in America. cost increases, while simultaneously alAt the end of the day I ask, “Mr. President, lowing poor uneducated immigrants to enter why should I pay more for my Big Mac? the country. Who will 30 million new, hungry nfortunately through government immigrants vote for in the next Presidential manipulation, and bad luck, we’ll election? The guy who be digging deeper when dining out. That’s says, get a job! Or the if we can still afford restaurants at all. one promising increased Grocery prices are going to sky rocksocial services at tax payet. No matter where you stand on er expense? the raging immigration debate. I have one question.

How is America going to feed 30 million new low income people?

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Scott Cowan scott-cowan@live.com

Spotli g ht is Cutti n g Ed g e.

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he eclectic mix of editorial enhances our demographic. People read us because they love and appreciate our tell it like it is content. Medical, financial, political, high fashion, celebrity interviews, we cover it all.

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e are excited to unveil our next transformation. We are launching the magazine on the Samsung Smart TV platform in February 2015. Spotlight Magazine is going GLOBAL!!!

Statistically over 35% of the homes in North America are able to receive and read our magazine via their television screens. The numbers in France, Britain, Europe, Russia, and Japan are more spectacular. Spotlight will be available in over 100,000,000 homes!!!

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his is not just the internet...we will be identified on the platform with icons such as Netflix and others. We will not be lost in cyber-space. In the coming years Smart TV will eclipse lap tops as the preferred method of surfing the net. Isn’t a 50 inch monitor better than a 17 inch screen?

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hat this means for our advertisers is incredible! No other magazine can offer millions in distribution, world wide appeal, and affordability for emerging companies, as well as the giants. Millions of people are now surfing applications on their TV. Spotlight is one of the first general interest publications to appear in this exponentially growing market application. Spotlight is setting the bar all others will have to follow. YOU can be one of the first to set the trend, and most important, be noticed by millions. Leave your competition, mired in the mediocrity of traditional tired ideas. They’ll watch you, and have to catch up. Your business was successful because you were first and the best. Join Spotlight in this emerging technology.

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ecause your customers are already there.

Mitch Pileggi Star of: X-Files, Stargate Atlantis, Sons of Anarchy, and the new Dallas

VOLUME 7.14

PRIME MINISTER of the Bahamas,

PERRY CHRISTIE,

Talks with Spotlight page 28

NOTES FROM N’KENGE: Tony Nomine

page 14

CHARL BROWN

SPOTLIGHT COVERS

The Tony Awards in

NEW YORK CITY page 22

spotlightmagazine.ca Cover photo Joan Bateman / Gainsboro Studio

What People are Saying about Spotlight Magazine We’ve heard directly and indirectly from a growing chorus of our readers. Not only is Spotlight great for our business, it turns out our column is engaging and useful for others. Many new customers we previously had not met. We applaud Scott and his team for ongoing format improvements and increased distribution - great job! Shine on Spotlight!!!

Dan Hein BMO

We love advertising in this magazine. We find it to be one of the most professional publications out there, the quality of the magazine from design, articles, advertisements, and the uniqueness of Spotlight itself; makes it a keep sake. I’ve found this magazine has staying power, they are kept for long periods of time in waiting area’s in multiple businesses. This makes it great for advertisers, they are seen over and over. For the price you will not find a better publication out there. Thanks, Scott.

Todd Boschee, Auto’s R Less

Since becoming involved with Spotlight Magazine my business has changed dramatically. Space does not allow for the number of positive comments I could make. I highly recommend advertising in this publication. As a photographer, I have now done business in Las Vegas, New York, Los Angeles, and other exotic locations, specifically because of Spotlight.

Joan Bateman Gainsboro Studio www.gainsboro.ca This is the best advertising I’ve ever had. I receive calls from all across the country.

Scott Stenbeck, Lawyer

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Spotlight - Fashion

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Photos: Joan Bateman Gainsboro Studio 27

Photos: Joan Bateman Gainsboro Studio

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etsey Johnson is a legend in the fashion industry. This season’s “Pre-nup collection,” was the apex of couture. Each creation was more stunning than the last. Generally you see a couple of show stoppers in any designer’s repertoire, but this one they should have provided oxygen respirators for the audience. So many patrons gasping for breath created a vacuum in the auditorium.

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here was a spectacular tiered cupcake dress, tutus, and enough lingerie to make Victoria Secret’s envious.

The crowd went wild over a neoprene crop top of rhinestones spelling “pre-nup,” the name of Johnson’s collection. This was her tribute to the gay community.

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ready to wear creations. A white sequined tux was spectacular, and a textured silk gown with pearls was stunning. Models included house wives, transgender & drag queens.

This isn’t the Mercedes norm Betsey blazes her own trail.

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t the end Sharon Needles, (one of Ru Paul’s favorites) carried her off stage. But not before Betsy wowed the audience with a show ending cartwheel down the runway and her signature splits!

For those readers unfamiliar with fashion, you may also know Betsey as a contestant on “Dancing With the Star’s.” At 71 years of age, Johnson, proved again her last career consideration are physical limitations.

Scott Cowan scott-cowan@live.com

Designer Betsey Johnson

Photos: Joan Bateman - Gainsboro Studio

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Spotlight - Politics

LAVAR PAYNE

MP, Medicine Hat, Alberta

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ur Conservative Government continues to work with individuals, farmers, ranchers and sport shooters and to fix some issues regarding firearms.

That is why we are bringing in new legislation Bill C – 42 the Common Sense Firearms Licensing Act. This Bill C- 42 has a number of amendments which will simplify parts of the legislation and that are common sense items.

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he amendment to the Authorization to Transport requirements will be eliminated for restricted and prohibited firearms for lawful activities. These include transport to a shooting range, returning to an individual’s home on the transfer of ownership, going to a gunsmith, gun show or a Canadian port of exit and to a peace officer or a Chief Firearms Officer (CFO) for verification, registration or disposal. For the purposes of transporting he amendments will change a firearm an individual will not be the Firearms Act and the required to be a member of a club.

Criminal Code of Canada some areas as follows: here have been a number of concerns from individuals •Create a six month grace period at who have called me or writthe end of your five year license to ten to me regarding the expiry of stop people from immediately becoming criminalized for paperwork their licence and have not either delays received their new licence or did not even get a notification that their •Streamline the licensing system by eliminating the Possession Only licence had expired and now were Licence (POL) and converting all considered criminals. One of the existing POLs to Possession and amendments will provide licensees Acquisition Licences PALs) with a six-month extension period beyond the expiry date on the li•End needless paperwork around Authorizations to Transport by cence in which to renew it. There making them a condition of a li- would be a penalty for possessing cence for certain routine and law- a firearm after the grace period if ful activities an individual fails to renew their licence.

•The discretionary authority of CFO’s be subject to limit by reguhe amnesty is still in place lation for owners of the CZ 858 or the Swiss Arms family of ri•Make classroom participation in firearms safety training mandatory fles purchased when they were for first time license applicants considered restricted or non-re•Amend the Criminal Code to stricted but have since had that destrengthen the provisions relating termination changed to prohibited. to orders prohibiting the passion e have seen the recent of firearms where a person is conannouncement by the victed for an offence involving domestic violence NDP Leader of the Opposition in which he wants to •Provide the Governor in Council with the authority to prescribe track all firearms again. It appears firearms to be non-restricted. Such Mulcair has taken a page from the decisions will be carefully consid- Liberal platform for some form of ered and take into account advice a gun registry. Looks like he wants more bureaucrats to check forms from firearms experts

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on those who legally own firearms but he has forgotten that criminals don’t participate in filling out forms; they really don’t want others to know if they possess a firearm.

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he Leader of the Liberal party continues to spread false information on Bill C-42 the

Common Sense Firearms Licensing Act. He has indicated that individuals would be able to take their firearms in their vehicles to shopping malls and other public places where he indicates thieves would take them. He is either ignorant or not telling the truth in order to raise funds for his party.

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irearms owners can count on our Conservative Government to ensure that we will

protect their rights. Our Conservative Party is the only party who will ensure that hunters, farmers, ranchers, aboriginals and sports shooters are treated with respect and without harassment.

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continue to diligently and conscientiously serve you in the Medicine Hat Constituency. If

you have any questions, comments, or concerns, I welcome your calls, emails and conversations. You can reach me in Ottawa, or through my offices in Brooks, Taber and Medicine Hat.

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