SMITTEN KITTEN WOOD PENCIL SETS: NOW AT CHAPTERS INDIGO

Smitten Kitten Wood Pencil Sets

OMG. These are hilarious. My dear Friend Amy of Smitten Kitten, has just struck a deal with Chapters Indigo nationally to carry her super-cute Laser-Engraved Wood Pencil Sets.  The Series includes Pencils themed Woody (i.e. Harrelson, Allen, Woodpecker) to The Shore (i.e. Fist Pump, GTL, Gorilla Juicehead) to Hipster (i.e. Skinny Jeans, Vegan, Pabst Blue Ribbon) and several more.

Order them directly off Smitten Kitten's Online Store or look for them at your local Chapters or Indigo!

$10 gets you five.

(Photo credit: Smitten Kitten)

"REAL HOUSEWIVES OF NEW JERSEY" STAR TERESA GIUDICE IN TORONTO FOR "FABULICIOUS: FAST & FIT"

Teresa Giudice & Mr. Will-W.

Real Housewives of New Jersey Star Teresa Guidice made her way to Toronto last night to promote her latest Book, Fabulicious: Fast & Fit. The Book which features 70 quick and low-fat Recipes she concocted, was promoted with appearances earlier today at KISS 92.5 and CP24 Breakfast, along with Signings tonight 6:00 PM at Loblaws 60 Carlton and also an appearance at Chapters Woodbridge tomorrow night at 7:00 PM.  Many of you might recognize her also from NBC's The Apprentice (Season 12).

Looking stunning in a red dress out and about in the City, Giudice was entranced by the Bell Media Building's Parking Lot landmark Exhibit of a car bursting through its wall, snapping Photos of it on her iPhone. Noticing a couple Fans staring at her, she rolled down her window further, posing for Photos. Isn't she gorgeous?

 Follow Giudice on Twitter here.  Check-out her latest Book here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

THE CAST OF "THE BURIED LIFE" IN TORONTO FOR "WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO BEFORE YOU DIE?"

The Cast of The Buried Life in Toronto - April 2012

So what's on your Bucket List? The Cast of MTV's The Buried Life met hundreds of their Fans last night at Chapters John & Richmond in Toronto, completing a two-day Press Tour in support of their new Book, What Do You want to do Before You Die, distributed in Canada by Thomas Allen & Son. Some of their televised appearances over these past couple days included Global Television's The Morning Show and CityTV's Breakfast Television.

The Series which aired first in January 2010 in the U.S., follows Friends Ben Nemtin, Dave Lingwood, Duncan Penn and Jonnie Penn on their journeys throughout North America as they cross items off their 100 Things to Do Before You Die List, while helping Strangers also achieve their own dreams too.

The Boys were extremely generous with their time, spending almost three hours chatting with Fans, taking Photos with them and signing Autographs.  Fans were exhilarated as originally there originally were to be no posed photos at the Event.  Some Fans got kisses, some got hugs and some helped themselves to a jumbo Ziploc bag of Chocolate Chip Cookies positioned in front of Nemtin.

The Boys kept spirits alive along with a lively Emcee in Melissa, dancing along to some Old School tunes from their seats, drawing giggles from the Crowd - many whom were infatuated Teen Girls playing nervously with their hair as they had their moment with each of the Boys.

Getting a copy of their Book signed for my Niece Emily, Brothers Duncan and Jonnie jokingly called me by her name the whole time, "It was nice to meet you Emily!  Great name!".  LOL

Watch and see below:

NICHOLAS SPARKS IN TORONTO FOR "THE LUCKY ONE"

Nicholas Sparks in Toronto - April 2012

He's sold an estimated 52 million books worldwide and finally internationally bestselling Author Nicholas Sparks had a chance to come meet his Toronto Fans.  Signing copies of his 2008 Novel The Lucky One at Indigo Yorkdale right in-time for its Film Adaptation's forthcoming release via Warner Bros., Sparks zipped impressively through 500-plus Fans in less than two hours.

The Resident of North Carolina did a round of Press earlier today, which included stops at CTV's Canada AM and also a series of Interviews out of his ultra-chic Toronto Hotel in support of the upcoming Film starring Zac Efron and Taylor Schilling.  It centers around a U.S. Marine who finds a Photo of a beautiful mystery Woman while in Iraq, making it a mission to find her when he returns home.

Moviegoers have not been shy about supporting Sparks' Signature Brand of Romance.  Film Adaptations of his Novels: A Walk to Remember, Nights in Rodanthe, Dear John, The Notebook and The Last Song have earned a staggering worldwide total of $449 million.  Expectations are high for The Lucky One and more than likely it will deliver at the Box Office.

Sparks was ultra-kind to stay behind and take a few Photos for Fans after a long day before heading out and even retired Toronto Maple Leaf, Curtis Joseph, even dropped by to show his support at the Event!

Warner Bros. releases The Lucky One on April 20, 2012. 

Follow Nicholas Sparks on Twitter here and order The Lucky One at a super-value price of $4.94 CAN online at Indigo!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

"GAME OF THRONES" AUTHOR GEORGE R.R. MARTIN AT INDIGO MANULIFE CENTRE

George R.R.Martin & Mr. Will-W.

Toronto is completely enamoured with Game of Thrones and in addition to TIFF Bell Lightbox hosting an Exhibition in celebration of its upcoming second season, Author George R.R. Martin is joining-in on the fun.  After meeting Fans last night as part of that Venue's In Conversation With... Series, The New York Times #1 Bestselling Author spent just-under three hours signing Autographs for Fans at Indigo Manulife Centre tonight also.  Although, Martin was signing all Books written by himself, focus tonight was placed on his v. latest, A Dance with Dragons - released last July via Random House Canada.

With an estimated 800-1,000 Fans queuing around the block up from Bay Street to Balmuto Street in chilly temperatures, tonight's turnout is a true testament to the widespread appeal of Martin's Body of Work, with Fans of many visible demographics showing their support. Arriving prepared with an array of Sharpies and Pens customized to Fan's preferences, Martin apologized in advance for not being able to personalize each and every Book, even though he admits preferring to add that personal touch.

Like clockwork, Fans were ushered through, some getting a chance to pass him their Fanmail, some shaking his hand and some a little too starstruck to say anything at all.  In the end, all who queued got their moment with Martin thanks to great organization on the part of Indigo.  Nothing is more saddening than seeing Fans get turned away!  I myself got to shake his hand and was in-awe of the Santa Fe native's impressive beard!

Game of Thrones Season Two premieres Sunday, April 1, 2012 on HBO Canada. Click here for more.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

"GAME OF THRONES" AUTHOR GEORGE R.R. MARTIN IN TORONTO

George R.R. Martin in Toronto - March 2012

To complement TIFF Bell Lightbox's Game of Thrones: The Exhibition, taking place until March 18, 2012, Author George R.R. Martin dropped-in to speak to Fans as part of their In Conversation With... Series. Martin wrote the A Song of Ice and Fire Series of Fantasy Novels which that acclaimed HBO Series is based upon.  

Martin is in Toronto for a two-day Media Blitz which will see him stopping-off at SpaceChannel, CBC, Corus Entertainment and also a Book Signing at Indigo Manulife Centre tomorrow night, before heading off to London.  Just recently, The New York Times #1 Bestselling Author was named by TIME Magazine as one of its 100 Most Influencial People in the World.

Fans tonight were treated with a Reading from Martin's upcoming Novel, Winds of Winter and also he revealed to Fans that his favourite Game of Thrones Character actually is Tyrion Lannister, played by the brilliant Peter Dinklage.

For those interested, you can meet Martin at 7:00 PM and also get your Books signed at Indigo Manulife Centre.  Click here for more specifics.  Have fun!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

AUTHOR NICHOLAS SPARKS TO MEET FANS IN TORONTO

Official Artwork for The Lucky One

Lovers unite.  Nicholas Sparks, Director of The Notebook, The Last Song and now The Lucky One, will be visiting his Toronto Fans on Thursday, April 5, 2012, courtesy of Indigo Book Store.  Sparks will be signing copies of The Lucky One at Indigo Yorkdale Shopping Centre at 7:00 PM.  

Details of the Event still have yet to be confirmed, but I recommend that you check their Website here for more and remember to follow Cammy of Indigo on Twitter here.

I will be partnering with Warner Bros. Canada to do an Advance Pass Giveaway for The Lucky One starring Zac Efron and Taylor Schilling, hitting theatres April 20, 2012.  More details to come on that.  Remember to "like" Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven on Facebook for updates!

(Photo credit: Warner Bros.)

CODY SIMPSON IN TORONTO FOR "COAST TO COAST" EP

Cody Simpson in Toronto - December 2011

It is always amazing to see someone you support do well and that would be the case with Australian Teen Pop Sensation Cody Simpson. After meeting the talented Singer back in June when he visited Toronto for the MuchMusic Video Awards, I was left with such a positive impression of the 14 year-old. He is humble and diplomatic and it would appear his Parents really taught him well. Barely going noticed then, it is highly doubtful now that he could avoid any Teen Girl's Radar now if he were to say, go shopping at Eaton Centre.

Simpson visited MuchMusic today for New.Music.Live and lined along both Richmond and John Street were hoards of Teen Girls waiting to get their chance to see the Idol in-person.  Shrieks heard outside were deafening.  If you thought that was crazy, another 500 Fans could be seen lining-up at Chapters for a Meet & Greet with Simpson.  Those same Fans also had to line-up early yesterday morning for Wristbands for tonight's Event.

Several measures were taken to ensure Publicity was controlled including draping the Autograph Signing Area so that no Photographs could be taken by those without Wristbands.  Above this, the selling of Simpson's Coast to Coast EP at just $5.00, ensured that most Fans who wanted a chance to meet him had their opportunity.  And there were many.  This, plus the visible presence of Crowds at the intersection of Richmond x John with CTV Camera Crews ready, convincingly said that we are in the presence of a Superstar. Surely Cody Simpson was "on the minds" (pardon the pun) of many an  interested Onlooker asking what the commotion was all about.

Although the quality isn't great, see Simpson walking-in to meet his Fans below:

CODY SIMPSON TO MEET FANS IN TORONTO

Cody Simpson - Coast to Coast

Aussie Teen Pop Sensation Cody Simpson whom we met back in June, will be spending time with his Toronto Fans on Monday, December 12, 2011. Two qualify for the Meet & Greet, you will be required to purchase his EP, Coast to Coast on Sunday, December 11, 2011 any time after 10:00 AM at Chapters - John x Richmond. You will be given a Wristband with the Purchase to meet him the following day. You must be in the Line-up with your Wristband by 6:00 PM on Monday to meet him, so dress warm.

Note: there will be no posed Photography.

Have fun, Mavenati!

For additional details, click here.

(Photo credit: Warner Music)

REGIS PHILBIN IN TORONTO FOR "HOW I GOT THIS WAY"

Regis Philbin & Mr. Will-W.

Television Icon Regis Philbin made a rare visit to Toronto today to promote his latest Memoir from HarperCollins Canada, How I Got this Way, released mid-November. Philbin dishes on some behind-the-scenes Stories of his storied Career and some of the lessons he's learned along the way since the '60s when he  first entered the Entertainment Business.

In addition to promoting his Book via various outlets like CTV's Canada AM and eTalk, plus CBC's George Stroumboulopoulous Tonight on Q Radio, Philbin met some of his Fans tonight at a Indigo Manulife Centre Book Signing.

On his recent Exit from Live! With Regis and Kelly, Philbin told CBC Radio Personality Jian Ghomeshi today, "28-and-a-half years doing the same thing, in the same room...it's enough to drive a man crazy." After many successful years on the popular Morning Talk Show, Philbin left the Show on November 18, 2011. Many Insiders are saying that Who's the Boss Star Tony Danza is now set to replace him alongside Kelly Ripa.  We'll soon see.

An energetic and youthful 80 years-old, Philbin looked dapper earlier today in a gray Suit, stopping to pose for a quick Photograph. "I've gotta run and do eTalk!", he told me before pulling me over commandingly, "Alright, let's get this Photo done!".  I've met many Icons in my life, but this truly is someone worthy of the often-used term.

Click here to read more about Philbin's new Memoir, How I Got This Way.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON'S TORONTO INDIGO AUTOGRAPH SIGNING: "BACK TO WORK"

President Bill Clinton in Toronto - November 2011

With a three-Suburban Barricade, a fresh-faced President Bill Clinton came armed and ready to greet his legions of Toronto Fans today at Indigo Manulife Centre. Clinton was here to promote his latest work Back to Work: Why We Need Smart Government for Strong Economy from Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, offering personal insights into the current Economic Crisis and his strategies to getting America back to fighting form.

Clinton stated to a select number of Press prior to the Autograph Signing, "I don’t really miss it (being President) most days because I love the work I’ve done…So I’m just trying to help now. I want Americans to be optimistic".

Many Fans braved the cold outside Indigo's Bay Street entrance in the wee hours of the morning before 1,000 Wristbands to meet Clinton were distributed at 8:00 AM. Most wanting a chance to meet the former President got their wish, provided they were in-line before the two-hour Event's 3:30 PM start time.

Never before have I witnessed such stringent Security Measures for a Book Signing - no Jackets, Cell Phones, Photos, Memorabilia, Pens and Folding Chairs were permitted.  Clinton's Phalanx of Secret Service however, is understandable and necessary.  

Check out some snaps of Clinton I took outside the Venue below:

BUDDY VALASTRO ON-TOUR IN TORONTO: SIGNING FOR "BAKING WITH THE CAKE BOSS"

Buddy "Cake Boss" Valastro, Billy & Mr. Will-W.

The lovable Buddy Valastro known affectionately as Cake Boss, just arrived in Toronto to promote his latest Book Baking with the Cake Boss: 100 of Buddy's Best Recipes and Decorating Secrets.  The Star of TLC Series Cake Boss' caters to all skill levels of Bakers and he will be signing copies today at Indigo Manulife Centre at 11:15 AM as part of a star-studded day which will also have President Bill Clinton visiting later in the day.  The Series now has been going strong for five seasons.

Despite being a bit behind schedule for Press today, Valastro was nice enough to commit to a Photo with two Connoisseurs of Cake - me and Billy - after finishing an interview at KISS 92.5.   Just look how starstruck Billy is, hoping for a morsel of Valastro's exquisitely decorated creations.  His appearance on CTV's Canada AM had him decorating Cupcakes and giving tips on how to create the perfect Flower.

PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON IN TORONTO FOR "BACK TO WORK"

Bill Clinton - Back to Work

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton and all-around Great Guy will be making a Toronto visit next Monday, November 21, 2011 at Indigo - Manulife Centre, 3:30 PM. Clinton will be signing copies of his latest Book, Back to Work.

In an abnormally strict list of Rules & Regulations listed below, all precautions are being taken to ensure Clinton's safety more than the convenience of the Fans, but I suppose we should just be happy to be in the presence of such amazingess!

Details from @IndigoGreenRoom are below:

JOHN LITHGOW IN TORONTO FOR "DRAMA: AN ACTOR'S EDUCATION"

John Lithgow in Toronto - October 2011

He's won Emmys, Tonys, Golden Globes and SAG Awards, but in the event you didn't know, he's an accomplished Writer also. Star of the stage and screen John Lithgow has starred in over 91 titles his celebrated career with Footloose, Shrek, 3rd Rock from the Sun and Dexter just being some of his best known work.  He arrived in Toronto this weekend to promote his Memoir, Drama: An Actor's Education from Harper Collins, which would include a Book Signing at Indigo Eaton Centre.   

Lithgow who notoriously is Fan Photo-shy, but not Autograph-shy, can next be seen this Winter in New Year's Eve and Judd Apatow's next Film This is Forty, currently in Post-production.

Read more about Lithgow's new Book here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

PRODUCT WATCH: INDIGO SUSHI PILLOWS

Indigo Sushi Pillows

They just got them in-stock and now they're flying off the Chopsticks... Shelves. Indigo Bookstores just started carrying these amazingly cute Sushi Pillows and I managed to nab the last two at the location in my area. Priced at $21.95, they're irresistible, cushy and actually go with my Couch.  The only problem now is keeping Billy from thinking it's a new Chew Toy.

They also come shaped like a giant Ice Cream Bar and a Chicken Drumstick.

They're not available on their website yet, but if you should be able to find them in their Kids' section.  Amaze. 

Find your nearest Indigo Bookstore here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

JANE FONDA IN TORONTO FOR "PRIME TIME" | ENTER TO WIN SIGNED PHOTO

Jane Fonda & Mr. Will-W.

Screen Legend, Fitness Expert, Political Activist, Author, Model and all-around amazingness Jane Fonda arrived in Toronto earlier this evening for a Press Tour tomorrow. The two-time Academy Award Winner, best known for her work in titles like 9 to 5, On Golden Pond, Klute, Barbarella, Agnes of God, Coming Home and more recently, Monster in Law, in addition to visits at CBC and CTV, will also be meeting Fans at Indigo Manulife Centre at 12:00 PM for a Book Signing. 

Fonda who has raised a few eyebrows with her admission of having taking Testosterone to improve her Sex Drive, also makes many other surprising revelations about Health, Fitness, Relationships and more in her new Memoir, Prime Time, now in-stores.

Arriving without the turn of a head after a few days spend in the West Coast, Fonda kept her head ducked in Sunglasses, spending a good ten minutes checking messages on her Phone.  And yes, at 73 years of age, her physique is phenomenal, wearing her Jeans better than many Girls my age. 

Asking if she could pose for a Photo together she looked around and whispered to me, "Okay, we've got to do this really low-key", and I assured her I wouldn't use a flash.  I apologized for not being able to make her Signing tomorrow as it is  being held during Work Hours and she was actually rather cool about it, "Well I appreciate your wanting to be there anyway!".  After taking a Photo, I thanked her quietly and she handled the situation like a true Pro, going back to her message-checking. And still when it came time for her to leave, she managed to escape unnoticed.

ROGER EBERT TO DO BOOK SIGNING AT TORONTO INDIGO MANULIFE CENTRE

Roger Ebert

Doin' it big! Iconic Film Critic Roger Ebert not only will be in Toronto for TIFF this September to review a few Movies, but he'll also be here to meet his Fans. Ebert is scheduled to do a Book Signing, Wednesday, September 14, 2011 at 7:00 PM - Manulife Centre Indigo.

Promoting his latest effort Life Itself, which is said to be a candid look back at his Life, he will be signing copies for those who buy the Book.  More details will be posted here as they come.

This is an amazing opportunity to meet a real Legend whose legacy has outlasted many of the great Films he's reviewed in his time.  Have fun, Mavenati!

JANE FONDA TO MEET FANS AT INDIGO MANULIFE CENTRE

Jane Fonda - Prime Time

Positively amazing!  Two-time Academy Award winner Jane Fonda will be making a rare visit to Toronto to promote her latest Book Prime Time, a Memoir focusing on the second-half of her life.  The Book will be released on August 9, 2011 via Random House.

Fonda will be meeting Fans at Indigo Manulife Centre on August 22, 2011, 12:00 PM but you must buy a copy of Prime Time to secure a spot in the line-up for the Autograph Signing.  More details can be found here.

KATE BECKINSALE IN TORONTO FOR "TOTAL RECALL"

Kate Beckinsale & Mr. Will-W.

One of my favourite Actresses undoubtedly is Kate Beckinsale and although she's been in the City for the Toronto International Film Festival in the past promoting titles like Underworld and Nothing but the Truth, unfortunately I'd never had a chance to meet her.  Arriving last month for her Husband Len Wiseman's Total Recall Reboot in which she plays the role of Lori (married to Colin Farrell's Doug), the beautiful Beckinsale has been spotted out and about by Fans and Paparazzi alike. Because I still hadn't seen her, I was beginning to think she was somewhat of a Mirage.

I had spotted Beckinsale on a stroll with her Daughter Lily, Husband Len, another young Lady and their two Dogs Ingrid and Pocket.  The latter even has been spotted on-Set with her.  Careful not to be intrusive, I had asked if on her way back she could take a minute to chat and take a Photo with me and absolutely she fulfilled her promise! 

Upon finally meeting her, I confessed  what a great Fan I am of 2008's Nothing but the Truth.  Despite few people seeing that Film, her portrayal of a Journalist who had taken her integrity to the extreme affected me deeply.  "Yes, it's a shame that it never really made it to the theatres as I was proud of that one", she admits.  I commented also how overall I thought Doug Liman's 2010 Film Fair Game (inspired also by the story of shamed Spy Valerie Plame) paled in comparison and she was touched genuinely, saying "Yes, we thought the same!".

She, Lily (daughter of Michael Sheen) and one Young Lady visiting also noticed that I had brought my Dog Billy out for a walk and the three of them were rather smitten by him.  Beckinsale asked, "Is he a Shih Tzu? and she absolutely was correct!  Their Dogs Pocket and Ingrid - both Female - were so adorably sweet, jumping on my leg.  And the two young Ladies present were so sweet wishing me a good night before they head off after our Chat.

AUTHOR JAMES FREY AT INDIGO MANULIFE FOR "THE FINAL TESTAMENT OF THE HOLY BIBLE"

Mr. Will-W. & James Frey

"If I wanted to enrage people, I would've had the Messiah fuck a Dog. I'm not trying to offend people with my writing, but at the same time I would never limit him (the Messiah) to anything I wouldn't think he'd do." - James Frey, on his new Book The Final Testament of the Holy Bible.

Screenwriter/Author/Director James Frey made a rare visit to Toronto today promoting his controversial new Book, The Final Testament of the Holy Bible at Indigo Manulife Centre. The Book depicts a Pansexual Jesus Christ who engages in the consumption of Drugs. Speaking to an intimate audience, Frey admits to Host Heather Reisman, "I want people either to love or hate this Book.  I consider it a failure being in the middle.".

Frey is no stranger to controversy having been confronted harshly by one of his greatest Champions Oprah Winfrey on her Talk Show in 2006 to address the authenticity of his claims that Best Seller A Million Little Pieces is in fact really a Memoir. Five years and two more Best Selling Novels later, Frey returned to The Oprah Winfrey Show (his only Press so far) in a special two-hour Interview airing yesterday and today, where she apologized to him for not hearing his side of the story fully.  To this day, Frey stands by his argument that all Memoirs require some degree of embellishment.

Frey's agenda is honest admitting, "I want to be the most influencial Writer in the World, even though I don't think I've quite gotten there yet. I'm not interested in selling ten copies of a Book.". Compared to the massive success of his earlier work, he is being less ambitious this time around, pressing 10,000 copies of his new Book for the U.S. and only 3,000 copies for Canada, to be distributed exclusively at Indigo.