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Home , Howie Mandel

14 - FEBRUARY 2013 - MISSISSAUGA BUSINESS TIMES

AAFTER HOURS Howie Mandel will leave you laughing

BY MIKE BEGGS the world’s ninth-richest comic. Mandel, Hospital serves close to 2 and his long-time wife Terry Martel have m i l l i o n p e o p l e i n ne of North America’s most three children. They live in . Mississauga and the recognizable comedians and TV “My point of reference is life, in surrounding areas. Opersonalities, Howie Mandel everything I do,” he said of his success, a Funds raised from the headlines Credit Valley Hospital’s annual few years back. Laugh Out Loud Gala Laugh Out Loud Gala fundraiser on But the Willowdale native has always will be directed to the Saturday, February 9 at the International had a penchant for crazy pranks and expansion of the Centre, supported by fellow Canadian props. hospital’s surgical funnyman Gerry Dee. “I wasn’t just the class clown, I was robotics program, to Mandel is the Emmy-nominated host of outrageous,” he says of his high school enhance cancer care the hugely popular prime time TV Game days. in the community. show , on NBC, which That culminated with him being The night kicks off pulls in some 20 million viewers per expelled when he surreptitiously called with a cocktail episode. He’s also a judge on the smash in a construction company to bid on an reception at 6 p.m., NBC hit America’s (alongside addition to one of his schools. dinner and show at and Howard Stern), is Years later, on a guest appearance on 7:30, and the 9:30 executive producer and host of the Fox The Late Show with , he after party with series Mobbed (an unscripted show broke everyone up by wheeling out a desserts and dancing. using hidden cameras), and hosts the giant stuffed elephant on wheels, with a The International new NBC Take It All. massive carrot on its back. Centre is located And with idols like Johnny Carson, and Not so funny has been Mandel’s at 6900 Airport Steve Martin, he continues to do 200 lifelong struggle with ADHD, OCD, and Road. standup comedy shows a year. He slayed mysopia (a rampant fear of germs), all them in Mississauga a few years back, documented in his humourous, with a keynote performance at the bestselling 2009 autobiography Here’s Mayor’s Gala. The Deal: Don’t Touch Me. Mandel won’t As the story goes, Mandel’s comedy touch handrails or elevator buttons, career began while on a pleasure trip to washes his hands constantly, often Los Angeles in 1979, when he was wears surgical gloves, and does a coaxed up on stage by friends during an double fist pump with contestants amateur night at the legendary Comedy on Deal Or No Deal rather than Store club. As luck would have it, a shaking hands. He shaved his producer was in the crowd and hired head several years back. him immediately to appear on the because he liked the “clean comedy game show, . and streamlined” feel of it. That led to late night talk show “People sneeze, I live appearances, a stint as R&B diva Diana in terror,” he joked to Ross’ opening act, and six seasons on the the press. “But I’m award-winning NBC drama, St. Elsewhere medicated, and I go (as the wild Dr. Wayne Fiscus). to therapy.” He was also the creator, executive Ironically, he had producer, and voice of Bobby on the considered animated children’s hit, Bobby’s World, dropping out of which ran for eight seasons on Fox, and show business continues on in syndication in 65 before the Deal Or countries. No Deal offer Mandel is ranked No. 54 on Comedy came along, several Central’s list of the Top 100 Comedians years back. of all time. In 2009, Forbes listed him as Credit Valley

triumvirate for a three-day getaway. Fly BY ROSS MAC DONALD out of Buffalo, settle into the Sea Mist – a Play Mystical for me great place to stay by the beach – and I’ve been going to Myrtle Beach for enjoy three challenging layouts that offer over 25 years. I love the Carolinas and I proved, The Witch is probably the narrow openings. fine conditions and warm hospitality. particularly like this part of them. toughest test. Putting was just as tough, as it usually Much of Mystical Golf’s customer- Granted, it’s a bit of a tourist trap, there’s The tournament kicked off on the is for anyone who can’t figure out friendly atmosphere can be attributed to way too much salt in the food restaurants Monday at The Wizard, which sits right Bermuda greens. The grain makes it its owner, Claude Pardue. He certainly serve, and the golf courses can be in iffy next door to Man O’ War. The castle-like extremely difficult to calculate breaks understands how critical service is in condition depending on the time of year. clubhouse is indeed fit for a sorcerer, and and judge speed. The scores said it all as these uncertain economic times. Like A particular peeve I have with the latter that magical feel extends to the course. moving day found most players moving many other golf destinations, Myrtle is the usually unnecessary cart rules. You Maples literally moved the earth to create in the wrong direction. Beach has been hit hard. know, cart paths only, 90-degree rule, etc., dramatic elevation changes, and with its The final round at Man O’ War was a A ubiquitous presence during our stay, etc. ample bunkering and man-made ponds, perfect chance to make up ground lost at Mr. Pardue was an engaging hands-on Nonetheless, Myrtle is for me, and any The Wizard requires pinpoint The Witch. The unassuming clubhouse host for all on-course and off-course chance I have to go, I’m there. shotmaking. conceals a well-stocked and nicely activities. When it comes to making In early October I was off to see The Course conditions were also excellent. merchandised pro shop, and the course guests feel welcome, he and his staff get Wizard as part of a three-day tournament The manicured fairways made it easy to seems just as straightforward, at least at it. arranged by Buffalo Communications. strike precise irons, and the perfectly first glance. Just as impressive from a service Along with The Witch and Man O’ War, groomed bentgrass greens, though tricky, But true to its name, Man O’ War is standpoint was the Sea Mist, long a The Wizard is one of three courses, all made it easy to get the ball rolling armed with strategically located bunkers favourite accommodation for golfers designed by renowned architect Dan smoothly and online. and water hazards and undulating heading to Myrtle. In fact, its name is Maples, that make up the appropriately Day two at The Witch was a much bentgrass greens. Wayward drives and a pretty much synonymous with golf in named Mystical Golf. different story. The cool temperature shaky putter are punished accordingly. the Grand Strand area. I had previously played all three – The made for much tougher playing The course was in terrific condition, The Mystical experience is tough to Witch several times – and was conditions on a course that certainly highlighted by the quick greens, a rarity beat for anyone looking for a winter particularly looking forward to playing didn’t need any more defences. The tight, in Myrtle Beach. getaway. them under “tournament” conditions. winding fairways put a premium on well- The Mystical courses are well worth It's affordable and it's fun. For more Each offers a different golfing experience, placed drives, and mishits left long and including in the rotation for any golf trip information, go to their website at: and, as the scores over the three days difficult second shots to greens with to Myrtle. They also make the perfect www.mysticalgolf.com. www.businesstimes.on.ca