VOLUME 10.14
Couture Fashion Week Coverage Page 26
Sardi’s of NewYork Page 24
Breast cancer month with Blair Gripp & Stubbs Page 6
Billy Porter
Tony Award winner Star of “Kinky Boots”
Happy Halloween! Photo: Chiun-Kai Shih
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Page 26
Private Function, Birthday or Special Event Today! Cover Billy Porter: photo by Chiun-Kai Shih Notes from N’kenge 5 N’Kenge Breast Cancer Month 6 Blair Gripps & Stubbs What extracurricular activities are section 7 expenses? 11 S co t t S t e nb e ck
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Spotlight Around the World - New
York
Interview With Grammy & Tony Award Winning Star Of Cyndi Lauper’s Broadway’s Show “Kinky Boots,” Billy Porter!!!
NOTES
N’kenge
from
Today’s an exciting day. I’m in the dressing room ofPortera fantastic multi-talented star of Kinky Boots. I met Billy several years ago when I was cast in his show “Being Alive.” It was a great experience being able to work with Billy Porter, and the great American musical theater composer Stephen Sondheim. Watching the progress of Billy’s amazing career has been both exhilarating and inspiring!!! N’Kenge: Thank you so much for being so gracious to allow me backstage right before a show. Please share with Spotlight readers at what age did you discover that you have this amazing God-given talent to sing? Billy: I started singing in church at around five years old. In school I sang in choir. In middle school around 6th grade, I was introduced to the musical theatre after school program. I actually didn’t understand musical theater so they explained we were to do a show. I auditioned and was cast with the leads. It was my first show, “Babes in Arms”. Everybody was double-cast, but me. There were like 100 people in the show. I thought that’s interesting, I wonder why that is. Then I was watching the Tony Awards that year. Just by accident, I didn’t even know what the Tony Awards were. “Dreamgirls,” was up for best musical. I saw that piece with Jennifer Holliday and the whole company. It was the first time that I had seen African American people performing, that was when it clicked. This was fun, and what I enjoyed could actually make me money. So I started to kind of instinctively find my way because I didn’t have anybody guiding me. Really because nobody in my family knew how to help. So I sort of went in search of it. You know, luckily and blessedly- things happened.
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N’Kenge: What a great introduction to the musical theater world. When did your interest begin when it came to writing and directing? Billy: In the 80s the market was really limited in terms of how African American people in general were cast. Then you layer on top of that, I’m gay. I’m out and I’m not interested in lying about it. So all those layers of like marginalization, and pigeon-holing, became so monstrous. It began to manifest in the type of work, or lack of work that was available to me. I looked at the landscape and thought: if this is all that’s available to me, A: I’ve done it for a decade plus B: I have something more to say and C: If that’s all
there is, I’m really done. So then the question became, what am I going to do? There is nothing to do if I’m being really honest with myself. That was where the idea of teaching and giving back came. Stepping outside of myself and writing/ creating work to address what I perceive to be the issue or the problem. Taking charge, and just trying to be a solution to what I perceive as problems. So I don’t become a bitter, jaded, Queen. That was the inspiration behind the how and why. I didn’t know that I had that in me.I was just going on a fishing expedition. I just started trying stuff. After awhile it was like-well gosh, I’m good. Dare I say, I enjoy it. I actually prefer being on the other side of the table. Now George Wolf says its because I’m a bossy bitch with control issues. Which very well may be a part of it. (laughs) I don’t think that it’s an accident that “Kinky Boots” in all of its loveliness and glory and fabulousness ultimately, at the core its about humanity. It’s about growth. It’s about learning to accept others. It’s about changing the world when you change your mind. It’s about love. There’s a message that surpasses the glitz and glamour and fun. So its not a mistake, its not lost on me that the journey has led me to this kind of material. That’s what I asked the universe to receive. N’Kenge: What is the next thing for you beside world domination? Billy: I’m the kind of person that likes to walk through open doors. I don’t want to limit myself. I will say that there’s a part of me that is really drawn to telling stories on the small screen/tv medium. I feel like we can affect change in that medium. I see it happening all the time with things like Will and Grace, with Modern Family. There’s a way that we as creative people can change thought. I don’t think that its an accident that it took having a fictional Black President multiple times in the world in different stories for the world to get comfortable with the idea of having a real black president. We expand when we can use the arts as a tool, as a teaching tool. So, I’d love to do that, create for TV. I’d love to continue on Broadway, direct, keep writing and teaching. I just want to do as much as I can. To watch the full interview online and hear more about Cyndi Lauper and more, go to DIVANKENGE Youtube Channel!
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Breast Cancer
B
By Dr. Ken Blair
reast cancer is a malignant tumor or a collection of cancer cells arising from the cells of the breast. Most of these arise from the cells that line the milk ducts or the glands that produce the milk. Other less common types arise from the tissues that support the breast tissue. Metastases, or tumors that spread to the breast from elsewhere in the body can also occur in the breast. Breast cancer can also occur in men and accounts for about 1% of breast cancer cases. The following discussion pertains largely to breast cancer in women.
Other than skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women and accounts for 1 of every 3 cancers diagnosed. Astonishingly, the chance of a women developing breast cancer during her life is 1 in 8 and it is one of the leading causes of cancer related death in women. According to the American Cancer Society, over 200,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer are diagnosed each year and nearly 40,000 women die of breast cancer each year. The risk factors for developing breast cancer are: increasing age, previous breast cancer, a parent, sister, brother or child with breast cancer, radiation therapy to the chest between the ages of 10 and 30 years, with other weaker risks including dense breast tissue, obesity, use of oral contraceptives, smoking , and excessive use of alcohol. There are 2 genes that have been identified that are associated with a high risk of breast cancer and genetic testing can be considered for a woman with a strong family history. The signs and symptoms of breast cancer include most commonly a new lump but also abnormal nipple discharge or redness, pain, swelling or skin dimpling. Mammography is the preferred exam for breast cancer detection, especially in women over 40 years, the age group with the highest risk. Early cancers can be detected with mammography before any symptoms develop. Ultrasound and MRI are also useful in selected cases and are especially helpful in younger women whose breast tissue tends
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to be dense and is harder to evaluate. Ultrasound and MRI are not considered as screening tools for breast cancer detection and should be used in conjunction with mammography. Thermography, a test that supposedly detects tumors as “hot spots” on a scan due to increased blood flow has not proven effective and has been discounted by the Federal Drug Administration of the United States.
tissue is dense and the tumor is very small. Ultrasound can also be performed in certain cases, for example, to determine if a lump is solid and requires further follow up or intervention or a cyst and can be left alone. Sometimes very early tumors manifest themselves as small abnormal appearing calcifications that may require biopsy for determination. Most breast calcifications are, however, benign.
A mammogram is an x-ray test that produces images of the breast. Today’s digital equipment uses a very low dose of radiation, about the same amount as the atmospheric radiation received while flying coast to coast across Canada. Typically 2 images done in different positions are taken of each breast but extra images are sometimes required to clarify areas that might be suspicious. Any clinic in Alberta such as Blair, Gripp, Stubbs and Associates Radiology in Medicine Hat must be accredited to perform mammography. The accreditation process is very vigorous and includes equipment performance parameters verified by a medical physicist as well as independent assessment of selected images by the Canadian Association of Radiologists. All technologists performing the examinations and radiologists interpreting the images must also be accredited. Quality control procedures are routinely performed weekly between the formal accreditations.
What if your mammogram is abnormal? Do not panic. The vast majority of abnormal mammograms are due to benign conditions. However a biopsy may be required for final diagnosis. This can be done under ultrasound guidance using a biopsy needle to remove a small tissue sample or may require surgery to remove a larger area. In Alberta screening mammography typically begins at age 40 years and continues yearly until age 70 years after which exams are performed every 2 years. Mammograms can begin at an earlier age in high risk cases after consultation with your doctor. In Alberta women 50 years or older may “self refer” for a screening mammogram. If you have read this far and are in the age or risk group described above, you should consider having a mammogram done.
A mammogram can detect cancers at an early stage, hopefully when they are still “curable.” Screening mammography overall has helped reduce breast cancer deaths by up to 30%. Mammography can also detect other non-cancerous lumps, normal and abnormal calcifications, or cysts. However, up to 15% of breast cancers cannot be detected by mammography, especially if the
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What extracurricular activities are section 7 expenses?
S
omething that comes up quite often around September, as kids are put back in school and activities, are what qualifies for “Section 7” expenses. Child support is composed of two amounts. The first called the “section 3 or table amount.” It’s the amount generally derived from comparing the payor’s income to the child support guideline table or some variation of that, depending on the particular custody arrangements. The second additional amount is what’s called the “section 7” amount. That is the “extras”. Section 7 expenses are generally split between the parties pro rata according to their income. For example, if an expense were $200, and the payor earns $80,000 and the support recipient earns $20,000, the payor pays $160 of the $200 expense. The amounts in the child support tables were derived by studying what typical families of certain incomes generally spend on children. Therefore, the section 3 or table amount is taken to include the usual expenses that would generally be incurred for a family of that income level raising children. The table amount does not, however, cover exceptional expenses that can come up. Common section 7 expenses are child care costs so that the custodial parent can work, and significant medical expenses not covered by benefits. The section 7 expense that I see create the most difficulty. However are claimed extra-curricular expenses. The actual wording of section 7(1)(f) of the Federal Child Support Guidelines that deals with extra-curricular activities requires the extra-curricular expense to be exception and unexpected. What I usually tell people
is that for most families, the cost of annual registration in soccer, for example, is going to be included in the regular guideline child support. However, if the child ends up being some exceptional soccer talent and gets invited to a soccer camp that costs $2,000, and the parents decide he should go, then that is going to be a section 7 expense that gets split pro rata.
“
The Court found that the definition of extraordinary expense in section 7(1)(f) of the Guidelines was not an endorsement to have the payor parent pay a share of extracurricular activities. That in fact, the cost of the same is included in base child support. It is only something exceptional that attracts a section 7 contribution. This is examined and laid out at paragraphs 50,53, 58 and 59 of that
..because the expense often doesn’t justify action
Of course, the letter of the law and what actually happens day to day in chambers applications are sometimes different things. As well, a lot of time parties just agree that all extra-curricular are section 7 expenses, and they split it all. There are also parties that agree one party will just pay all of one activity while the other parent pays all of a different activity which can often be a reasonable split. If you are doing something already and it is working for you, the point of this article is not to disrupt or cast doubt on working agreements. Usually the routine sports registrations are small amounts and don’t make a huge difference to either parent one way or the other. Although I have seen many cases where children are in several activities, or very involved in one, where it does get to be over $10,000 a year. When the matter has been contentious, I have had occasion to argue this particular point in divorce and family law several times, with success, in Court. The guidelines as they pertain to section 7 expenses have been interpreted by the Courts in reported cases. The case of Raftus v Raftus, from the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal, which has been cited with approval by our own Court of Appeal, discusses what a section seven expense entails. In that case, the Applicant wished to have an additional contribution over base table support for extra-curricular activities of a further $175 per month.
“
Scott Stenbeck
decision. As I mentioned, this case has been applied in our Court of Appeal in a case called Rolls v. Rolls, with the similar result. At paragraph 7 of that case of disqualifying additional payments for dance lessons, golf, Tae Kwon Do and cadets as section seven expenses. Now, the above case law is of course what comes out and goes into a brief or before a judge where people can’t agree on what is fair. I generally don’t encourage going to Court if section 7 expenses are not large. If it is the only issue the parties have, because the expense often doesn’t justify action. Also, just because something is in a case doesn’t mean that is the way it always goes. I have argued for inclusion of extracurricular expenses with success as well, usually by pointing out subtle differences between the case that I have before the Court and the above precedents. I think that as in most areas of divorce and family law, if parents can work it out amongst themselves, that is always better. With the payor being mindful that they need to pay reasonable support. Counterbalanced by the recipient being aware that not everything will be an additional expense on top of the table amount.
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Authors: Charles Lamman and Sean Speer
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News that Burger King and Tim Horton’s are merging and that the new company will be headquartered in Canada has taken the business and political world by storm. U.S. politicians and left-of-centre groups denounced the transaction as “tax dodging” and warned of a public backlash against the well-known burger chain. Canadian politicians have refrained from saying much about the deal but spoke positively about the country’s corporate tax regime. What are we to make of this late-summer kerfuffle?
Canadian governments of all political stripes got this message loud and clear over past two decades. The federal government – starting with the Liberals, and followed by the Conservatives – cut the general corporate income tax rate from 28 per cent in 1997 to 15 percent in 2012. Many provinces – from an NDP government in Saskatchewan to Liberals in BC and Progressive Conservatives in Alberta – did so too, although there’s been some backsliding in recent years. As of last year, the average combined (federal and provincial) corporate tax rate is 26.3 per cent, down markedly from 34.2 per cent in 2005.
Politicians are talking about taxes because taxes are at the heart of this deal (although other factors are also at play). It’s called a “tax inversion” whereby an American company merges with a foreign one and in so doing, reincorporates abroad to take advantage of lower taxes. It’s a powerful reminder that competitive business taxes matter.
But the United States is an outlier. It continues to impose one of the highest corporate tax rates in the world. The U.S. average federal-state corporate tax rate is 39.1 per cent. Making matters worse, it’s the only G-7 country that taxes a company’s global income regardless of where it’s earned. The new merger and move to Canada means Burger King will no longer be subject to such a rule.
A considerable body of research finds that corporate income tax rates are an important contributor to a jurisdiction’s economic performance. High rates can diminish a jurisdiction’s appeal as a destination for business investment and hurt its ability to compete with others for investment and ultimately job creation. This is because high taxes change the incentives people face. Higher corporate tax rates decrease the after-tax rate of return that investors receive and thus reduce their incentives to invest and grow. The resulting hesitation leaves firms with less capital to invest in productivity-enhancing machinery, equipment, and technology. Because productivity is a key driver of wages, lower productivity means that workers ultimately suffer. And a growing economy characterized by more investment, increased job creation, and higher incomes for workers eventually leads to more government revenue of all types, including personal and corporate income taxes, and sales taxes. In fact, research finds that lower corporate taxes can lead to a growing business tax base – a direct result of how taxes affect incentives and the mobility of capital.
Canada is hardly unique in this regard. We’ve seen a global trend to lower corporate taxes. Among the most developed countries, the average corporate tax rate in 2013 was 25.5 per cent compared to 28.2 percent in 2005.
Part of Burger King’s decision to acquire Tim Horton’s and relocate to Canada is undoubtedly our more competitive corporate tax regime. U.S. politicians may lament the company’s northern move but ultimately the responsibility rests with government policy and the inaction in improving American tax competitiveness. The Burger King-Tim Horton’s transaction is a real-life reminder that uncompetitive corporate tax rates can deter business investment and encourage firms to relocate elsewhere. Despite this, some voices continue to call on Canadian governments to raise corporate tax rates. Apparently “evidence-based” policy doesn’t seem to apply in this case. But ignoring the facts won’t help the Canadian economy. Raising corporate income tax rates isn’t costless. Just ask the Americans.
Put differently: when corporate taxes are uncompetitive, the economic costs can mean less investment, fewer jobs, and potentially less government revenue.
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REGULATIONS Southern Alberta's Largest Hotel & Convention Centre
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rain Handling and Transportation: I was recently in Saskatoon for an important announcement from the Honorable Gerry Ritz, regarding grain handling and transportation systems. Minister Ritz made the announcement as Minister of Agriculture and also on behalf of Minister Lisa Raitt pertaining to the coming into force of a series of regulations and an order in Council (OIC). The Fair Rail for Grain Farmers Act (Bill C-30) was passed in Parliament and received Royal Assent in May of this year. This Act will ensure that Canada's rail transportation network moves grain to markets in a timely and efficient manner; especially important following a record crop year for Canadian farmers. Some of the measures that take effect immediately are as follows: • The passing of the OIC sets out the minimum grain volumes that the Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) and Canadian National Railway (CN) are required to move from August 3, 2014 to November 29, 2014.
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• Regulations require CP and CN to provide additional data on grain movement to better monitor the overall performance of the rail-based supply chain. • Regulations clarify the
ORDERS operational terms in a service level agreement that can be arbitrated by the Canadian Transportation Agency in support of commercial negotiations between shippers and railways. • It also amends the regulation on "Railway Interswitching Regulations" by extending interswitching from the distances from 30 kilometers to 160 kilometers in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, so that all commodities can increase competition among railway companies and give shippers access to alternative rail services. • The regulations also provide farmers with better protection through additional accountability for grain companies in contracts. Order in Council: This OIC applies to the minimum amount of grain to be moved by both railways of 536,250 metric tonnes per week by CP and CN. This also takes into account the one million metric tonnes of grain per week during the reduced capacity throughout the winter months. Regulations features on transportation information: • Railway car cycle data on grain movement. • Weekly traffic by tonnage, carloads, type of rail cars and corridor travelled.
• Rail fleet information for all rail cars used for grain transport, including cars loaded, empty, in storage, en route and bad order cars to name a few Regulations for Rail Level Service Arbitration:
These new regulations will specify what constitutes operational terms that may be brought to rail service arbitration. The Transportation Agency may consider incidents on a case-by-case basis, to determine when other terms are operational for the purposes of the Canada Transportation Act. Operational terms are outlined in the Regulations and include such items as furnishing rail cars, pick up times and transit times. Regulations for accountability between producers and grain companies: Amendments to the Canada Grains Act provide the Canadian Grain Commission with authority to regulate provisions of grain contracts between producers and licensed primary and process elevators and licensed grain dealers. These new provision address non-compliance for grain contracts between licensed grain companies and farmers that specify delivery time-frames. This would allow for penalties for non-compliance of contracts between farmers and grain companies.
Refugee Health Care: I also want to touch briefly on health care for refugees and illegal refugees. The NDP and Liberal parties want you the taxpayer to provide these individuals with better "Health Care" than any other Canadian citizen right across Canada currently gets or is eligible for. Now the Courts have indicated that you the taxpayer should provide these refugees with better health care than we Canadians are provided. I understand that by the position they are taking, the NDP and Liberal parties are now encouraging more illegal refugees to come to Canada to take advantage of our very generous social services systems which include health care benefits. I do not support Canada providing any individuals with better "Health Care" than we Canadians are entitled to as Canadian citizens living and working in Canada. I continue to diligently and conscientiously serve the citizens in the Medicine Hat Constituency. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, I welcome your calls, emails and conversations. I can be reached in Ottawa, or through my offices in Brooks, Taber or Medicine Hat.
LAVAR PAYNE - MP, Medicine Hat, Alberta Page 15
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As an investor, you’re well aware that, over the short term, the financial markets always move up and down. During your working years, you may feel that you have time to overcome this volatility. And you’d be basing these feelings on actual evidence: historically, the longer the investment period, the greater the tendency of the markets to “smooth out” their performance. But what happens when you retire? Won’t you be more susceptible to market movements? You may not be as vulnerable to market movements as you might think. People are living longer, and may easily spend two, or even three, decades in retirement — so your investment time frame isn’t necessarily going to be that compressed. Nonetheless, it’s still true that time may well be a more important consideration to you during your retirement years, so you may want to be particularly vigilant about taking steps to help smooth out the effects of market volatility. Toward that end, here are a few suggestions:
Allocate your investments among a variety of asset classes Of course, proper asset allocation is a good investment move at any age, but when you’re retired, you want to be especially careful that you don’t “over-concentrate” your investment dollars among just a few assets. Spreading your money among a range of vehicles — stocks, bonds, GICs and so on —can help you avoid taking the full brunt of a downturn that may primarily hit just one type of investment. (Keep in mind, though, that while diversification can help reduce the effects of volatility, it can’t assure a profit or protect against loss.)
Choose investments that have demonstrated solid performance across many market cycles As you’ve probably heard, “past performance is no guarantee of future results,” and this is true. You can help improve your outlook by owning quality investments. So when investing in stocks, choose those that have actual earnings and a track record of earnings growth. If you invest in fixed-income vehicles, pick those that are considered “investment grade.” Don’t make emotional decisions At various times during your retirement, you will, in all likelihood, witness some sharp drops in the market. Try to avoid overreacting to these downturns, and stay disciplined to your strategy. If you can keep your emotions out of investing, you will be less likely to make moves such as selling quality investments because their price is down, and missing any market rebound. Don’t try to “time” the market Focus on taking a longer-term view of market volatility by staying invested and making consistent investments into quality assets based on a systematic strategy and not predictions of market highs and lows. Over time, this method of investing may result in lower pershare costs. However, as is the case with diversification, this type of systematic investing won’t guarantee a profit or protect against loss, and you’ll need to be willing to keep investing when share prices are declining. It’s probably natural to get somewhat more apprehensive about market volatility during your retirement years. But taking the steps described above can help you navigate the sometimes-choppy waters of the financial world.
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CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Down
1. May be Bactrian or dromedary (5) 2. The largest living bird (7) 3. Killer whale (4) 4. Snakelike fish (3) 5. Solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped (5) 7. Marine mammal (4) 9. Small viper (5) 12. Wading bird (4) 13. Colony insects (4) 14. Horned ruminant mammal (5) 16. North American burrowing rodent,___ dog (7) Page 20
Across
1. Large voracious aquatic reptile (9) 5. Female chicken (3) 6. Small parasitic arachnids (5) 8. Immature lifeform prior to metamorphosis (5) 10. Animal den (4) 11. Dog (6) 14. Mythical monster (6) 15. Salted and smoked herring (6) 18. Animal symbol (6) 19. Young of 14 Down (4) 22. Large black and white herbivorous mammal (5) 24. Freshwater carnivorous mammal (5) 25. Constrictor (3) 26. Arboreal rodents (9)
17. Extinct heavy flightless bird (4) 18. Extremely large pelagic tropical ray (5) 20. Ursine mammals (5) 21. Echinoderm, ___ fish (4) 23. Donkey (3)
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New York’s Couture Fashion Week is an experience that cannot be explained or transferred effectively. Words fail to describe the excitement and euphoria of high fashion. You simply have to be there! I have to reiterate…it is not the beautiful young women who grace the stage, nor the lights, or the celebrities in every direction. It is the creative vision of the marvelous designers, who offer invited guests their expression of living art. The models are truly a moving canvass these incredibly talented men and women drape with their vision. Rather than paint, they use fabric and color, and tasteful accessories, to dazzle those in attendance. This twenty years anniversary event was held in the elegant Time Square Crowne PlaAza. Joan Bateman of Gainsboro Studio here in Medicine Hat, was shooting Couture again this year. She was especially proud upon entering Time Square to see her images on the big screen. Few photographers have the honor of seeing their work displayed in what is said to be the crossroads of the world…Time Square. Designer Eugenia Luzhina Salazar commissioned Gainsboro to shoot two of her models in Central Park. Her elegant designs reminiscent of Marie Antoinette, were stunningly beautiful when reflected on waterways inside the park. A trio of musicians lent a base vile for the models to pose around under a tree setting. These images are breathtaking. Producer Andres Aquino once again offered New Yorker’s and guests a distinctively different show. The designers were incredible. While many talk about Mercedes Benz and Lincoln Centre, Andres attracts up and coming and experienced designers from around the world to his stage. You get something special from Couture that the larger venue cannot duplicate or surpass. This is the life blood of what Couture is, and what keeps ticket holders coming back year after year. You will see designers from Russia, Vietnam, China, and yes, Canada. Best of all, these clothing artists are in the venue audience, and are approachable by the public. It gives all of us the opportunity and excitement of interacting with those seen on the runway. Plus, some of New York’s finest talent takes the stage to entertain between collections. It offers patrons a bit more than just the fashion, and nicely segues to the next designer.
Joan Bateman Images on “Time Square LCD Billboard”
Personally, I love the couture aspect. I’ve seen the high end ready to wear shows. As wonderful as they are I still prefer seeing the extreme over the top designs. The clothes, the hair, and makeup all culminate in a fashion flavor that is never truly satiated. That’s why I keep coming back for more. Google Couture Fashion Week New York for a peek at this year’s event, and past shows as well. If you would like to attend, ticket information is available. As always, no story about New York is complete without the dining recommendations. For the ultimate food or drink experience, world famous Sardi’s is the place to go bar none. Located in the heart of the theatre district they cater to the Broadway crowd. If you desperately need a reservation, call Maitre D’ Nassef Dewidar, and mention Spotlight Magazine. He’ll do his best to accommodate your needs. Every celebrity you can mention has their caricature on the walls. The food is fantastic, but the atmosphere makes it all worth while. It may be a bit pricey for travelers on a budget. However, I have paid much more, for much less, in several unknown New York eateries. There is a reason Sardi’s, and the words New York, are synonymous in most circles. I recommend the upstairs lounge. Unless they are crazy busy, this is one of the best bars in the world. Business men probably close more deals over cocktails here, than what’s accomplished on Wall Street. Comfort and impeccable service is Sardi’s specialty. Wait staff have all been employed for decades. When you go back time after time, the same bar tender is there to greet you. Your picture may not be on the wall, but the service you receive will be the same as VIP patrons enjoy. Sardi’s is New York’s, “top of the food chain,” so to speak. Every penny you spend is an investment in good memories. If you have not been to Sardi’s, you really have not been to New York!
Bartender
Jeremy Page 22
Maitre D’
Nassef Dewidar Page 23
Project Runway, Maxim, & Vogue Super Model - Nea McLin
Couture Fashion Week Producer & Designer: Andres Aquino
Photo Credit: Joan Bateman - Gainsboro Studio
Photo Credit: Joan Bateman - Gainsboro Studio
Couture Fashion Week Producer Andres Aquino The Crowne Plaza Manhattan Times Square New York City 50 shades of Red-a new beautiful collection by Evgenia Luzhina-Salazar of Jenkas Fashion Hair Design: Ivan Shatrov https://www.facebook.com/satrov Jewelry Designer: Valeria Torchinskaya of Jewls By Valeria http://www.jewlsbyvaleria.com/ MUA: Kristina Rozdovan http://www.facebook.com/kristina.rozdovan
Photo by Joan Bateman of the Gainsboro Spotlight
Photo Credit: Joan Bateman - Gainsboro Studio
Designer
Nina Gleyzer
Designer
Helen Oro
Designer
Patuna Bushyhead
Dress & Accessories: Andres Aquino and Kelsie McKenna Model: Coca Coca Makeup: Aimee Carr Aimee-zing Faces Voodoo Make Up BAR Designer
A l e x a n d r a P o p e s c u - Yo r k
Hair by: Elie Elie Esper — at Crowne Plaza Manhattan Times Square - New York City Hotel.
What a tumultuous time in Alberta politics! I
am reviewing the effectiveness of the Wildrose Official Opposition since its inception less than two years ago. Public debate on proposed legislation, on public policy and on the conduct of the Members of the Legislative Assembly is essential to the work of Parliament. Our parliamentary system remains democratic in part because it values opposition to the programs, policies and conduct of the Government.
There has been a litany of waste and entitlement such as misuse of government aircraft and planning sky palaces, but it has taken a strong and effective Official Opposition to help to ensure that the actions of elected officials are indeed transparent. We have worked hard to listen to the citizens of Alberta and help to keep the government focused and on-track. During the Spring Session, I opposed Bills 9 (Public Sector Pension Plans Amendment) and 10 (Private Sector Employment Pension Plans Amendment) and was pleased to see them sent to committee. The Wildrose published an infrastructure report called A Better Way to Build Alberta, which included a recommendation to employ the traditional Design-Bid-Build method of infrastructure procurement and to end the debt-financing of P3’s. Albertans have made it abundantly clear that planning to go into long-term debt to build capital is not a responsible plan. As you may be aware, I continue to pressure the government to release a province-wide prioritized list of infrastructure projects based on need.
I have made statements to the Legislature asking the PC government to refrain from further damaging our Southeastern Alberta economy. The PC government’s policies have harmed our economy with the natural gas royalty review and with Bill 36, marking large portions of Cypress County as potential conservation areas. Locally in Medicine Hat and Cypress-Medicine Hat we have seen some significant movement from promises to action: the Medicine Hat hospital expansion is nearing completion and the long-awaited detox centre is soon to become a reality.
It is my hope that it is transparent to you how I will continue to work to represent you, and what you can expect from the Wildrose when given the opportunity to be the next governing party.
DREW BARNES MLA Cypress - Medicine Hat
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