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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
Mom made him do it -- and he's glad
For 30 years, thousands of Winnipeggers sat across from psychiatrist Dr. Clyde Manswell and spilled their guts -- in mostly a one-way conversation. Now Manswell has retired and turned author, writing a very personal autobiography about his own struggle. His book The Pledge -- A Spiritual Journey attracted 140 curious people to back-to-back book launches recently, and people have been banging on his door, asking for multiple copies.
The story is about a sacred pledge he made to his mama back home in Trinidad to become a doctor (on his own dime) no matter what it took. Manswell was nearly 40 with a wife and kids when he finally became a practising psychiatrist. He had to leave his big family to come to Canada to study, learned Dutch to do part of his medical training in Belgium, and made money to go to school doing art modelling semi-nude at the University of Manitoba and working hot summers as a porter on Canadian trains.
Manswell's book is on sale at Prairie Sky Books, with upcoming book launches in Toronto and Port of Spain, plus there's talk about a movie, to inspire kids from the islands. He never quit because of the vow he made to his mom, and the prayers she said daily, cheering him on. "I feel life comes so much from a pledge position," says Manswell. "People make religious pledges, marriages, and other promises to significant people -- and they come to conclusion."
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STAR COOKIES: Local baker Eric Maciejkow of My Photo Cookies met a galaxy of Hollywood stars Sunday, who came to see their faces and album covers on his cookies in the gifting suite for the glitzy Christmas Jingle Ball in L.A. Celebs included Slash of Guns N' Roses, AJ McLean of the Backstreet Boys, Perez Hilton, Joey McIntyre from New Kids On The Block, and recording artists Far East Movement, Travie McCoy and Luciana. "The whole Modern Family cast went to his booth looking for cookies, after word got out. "We're sending out enough for the entire cast when we get back," says the blushing baker.
The KIIS-FM event boasted a talent line-up including Katy Perry, Enrique Iglesias, and Nelly, and was hosted by Ryan Seacrest. And how did this 39-year-old upstart get the gig? "I'd heard about the event and shot off a little inquiry, and the next day my phone was ringing." The baker/actor has been doing the five-inch photo cookie business for two years as well as working as an extra in local movies. Last summer, he did cookies for the MuchMusic Video Awards, and on Sunday he nailed the big one -- this year's Oscars. To see his photos, check out www.myphotocookie.com.
-- -- --
PSST! George Belanger from Harlequin and Kenny Shields from Streetheart will be in bed with 92 CITI FM's Howard Mandshein between 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. this evening. The quintessential Mandshein known as "H" is broadcasting from the centre court of The Forks as part of the three-day 92 CITI FM bed-in to collect unwrapped new toys and cash for the Salvation Army to help needy families this Christmas. Just like John Lennon and Yoko took to their bed in public exactly 30 years ago, it starts with a big bed up on a stage. "Yes, people can get right into bed with them," says producer Bubba. That means you can bring your gifts and meet Tom and Joe, Frank Andrews and Shadoe Davis. Yours truly will be there tonight, so say hello!
Got tips? Email maureen.scurfield @winnipegfreepress.com or send mail to The Insider c/o The Winnipeg Free Press at 1355 Mountain Ave. Winnipeg R2X 3B6
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition December 8, 2010 B1
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