CP24 APPEARANCE COMING UP

Hey Mavenati!

I'm just taking a quick break from my Break to let you know I'll be doing two segments on CP24's LeDrew Live on March 24, 2011 at 9:00 PM EST.  I'll be talking about Celebrity sightings around town and lots of other fun stuff.  Don't forget to set your PVRs and let me know who you'd like to hear the dish on!

All Honey, no Vinegar.

xW

A NOTE OF THANKS

I wanted to drop a quick note to say "thanks" to all of you who have been so supportive of me after yesterday's ordeal.  Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven has soared to new heights in exposure, reaching a record number of views these past few days and I'm positive that things will only continue to go upwards. Whether it be your comments on Facebook, your supportive Tweets, Emails and Text Messages, I want you to know that I appreciate it and I am touched genuinely.

I did a quick tally of my YouTube Channel which only recently reached the three million views mark and it came to my attention that today Mr. Will-W. on YouTube is the #2 Most Viewed Channel in Canada and furthermore, it is #35 in the World.  Thank you.

I want you to know that despite what had occurred yesterday, I still am a devout Monster and the actions of Lady Gaga's Handler have no bearing on how I feel about her as an Artist.  I will continue to show my support for her and her Music. I hope only that this doesn't happen to any other Fans of hers as nobody deserves that.

Please continue being vocal and keep visiting, my Mavenati!  Your support means everything to me.

xW

MR. WILL-W. PROFILE ON THE NATIONAL POST

I am incredibly honoured to have been profiled by The National Post. There is nothing I could write that would equate to the eloquence of Shinan Govani, the publication's Society Columinst.

"All Honey, no Vinegar". Mmm hmm.

Click here to read it in full.

xW

MR. WILL-W. IN FAB MAGAZINE

How fun!  Andrew Awesome from FAB Magazine recently went around canvassing noted names in the LGBT community about their thoughts on Valentine's Day and I'm honoured to have been a part of Team Single.

The Article appears in the current issue on newsstands and Honour Boxes around the City, and featured are rapper Cazwell, House Vocalist Ultra Naté and myself.

Read the write-up in full here.

FREE DOWNLOAD: THE V. BEST OF MR. WILL-W.

The V. Best of Mr. Will-W.

Occasionally I get E-mail requests from Readers who have a hard time finding my Music, so for you Mavenati, I've put together a special package that includes some of my best Recordings seeing that all of my Albums are now out-of-print.

Some of this material dates back ten years ago when I was recording Demos written for Chinese Pop Stars, so I've included some of those too as Bonuses.  Most of the material  though is more recent stuff leaning more towards a Dance Pop direction (including a couple Covers), but there's some Pop Rock-type stuff too.  There's something for everyone.

Enjoy - and if you like, feel free to share with your Friends. Link will be up for one week only. 

Download here

xW

MR. WILL-W.:POP MAVEN IS #18 IN CANADA!

Did you guys know that Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven is Canada's #18 Most Viewed YouTube Channel right now?  Pop on over and entertain yourselves - there's lots of exciting Clips for you to peruse here. We're closing in on 3 million views!

And also in case you haven't added yourself on Facebook as a Fan, you can do so here.  Lots of Exclusive Giveaways to be found!

Enjoy, Mavenati and as always, I appreciate all your love and support.

CANDACE CAMERON BURE TWEETS SOME LOVE FOR MR. WILL-W.!

Candace Cameron Bure Tweets a Post by Mr. Will-W.



.... and this is why exactly I do what I do. How sweet of Candace Cameron Bure (@CandaceCBure) to Tweet my Write-up about her from Sunday night to her legions of fans on Twitter today!

I Blog to share things I love with the World and every time a Celebrity or their PR recognizes my work, I feel a great rush of Pride and Joy. I don't do this for Money.  I do it only for the love of Pop Culture and it is my committment to you to bring you exciting things.

My Niece Emily asked me this weekend, "Uncle, are you a Paparazzi?". I began to think about this some more after I went home and brushed my teeth, because it seems to be a question I get asked often.  And if my own Niece had to ask this, I feel that maybe it's necessary for me to clarify where I stand on the matter to you. 

So to answer the question that seems to be on many of your minds, no I am not some "Wannabe Paparazzi". I do have great respect for them and the hard work they do keep our Para-Social Relationships with Celebrities alive. Quite simply, anyone with a pair of eyes and the will to understand should be able to differentiate quite easily that what I do is different. Just scroll down.... you'll get it :')

xW

p.s. I can be followed on Twitter here.

BIRTHDAY LOVE

Mr. Will-W. on Twitter

Yes, it's my Birthday today, so you'll have to forgive that I won't be v. active over the next couple days!  The festivities have just begun, seeing the awesome Priscilla Queen of the Desert earlier tonight and I've already received Chocolates, Wine and Cake!  Yum.  

Tomorrow night I'll be celebrating at Hazelton Hotel's ONE enjoying an amazing meal with my BFFs and our friends at Ben Sherman were ever so kind as to have my closest friends and I at their LG Fashionweek Party tomorrow night.  

Part of the excitement for me every year is putting together Goodie Bags for my friends and this year, I've thrown in a Mixtape of songs I love, Candy Apples, Dark Chocolate Truffle Puppies from Teuscher and Loose Leaf Tea from David's Tea.  Don't tell them though, as it's a surprise.

I am super-excited about my Birthday Cake this year too, a Red Velvet Cake from Phipps.  Let's be real for a second, yes Birthdays are about spending time with loved ones but without good Cake, it's not a real Birthday!  And then Saturday I'll be at Woodbine Race Track watching the Races with my close friends over Lunch.  Can't wait!

The best Birthday gift you guys can give me is to:

Follow Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven on Twitter  or  Like Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven on Facebook

I look forward to keeping in touch with you there.  Much appreciated and thank you for all your Birthday Greetings!  As always, you are amazing.

xW

RECIPE: MR. WILL-W.'S MAC & CHEESE

Mr. Will-W.'s Mac & Cheese

Everybody loves Mac & Cheese.  But it surprises me that many friends of mine have yet to have real Mac & Cheese after having being spoiled by the economical convenience that is known as Kraft Dinner.  I have had the Comfort Food at many a hot spot in Toronto, but time and time again I compare it to the gold standard that is found at Whole Foods' Hot Table.  Hot, cheesy, flavourful, gooey and all around delightful.

Taking a cue from them to use only the best  and least altered ingredients, I've perfected my own recipe which I'd love to share with you.  As the temperatures are dropping here, we tend to turn towards dishes that make us feel good.  And this deliciousness really is no fuss at all, that's the great thing about it.  Pair it with a lovely Cabernet Sauvignon if you're looking for a Red or in the Autumn, a sweet Riesling if you're looking for a White.

INGREDIENTS:
1 454g box of Whole Foods' Organic Penne Rigate (or your favourite Tubular Pasta)
0.3 kg of Raw Milk Mild Cheddar, grated
2 cups of Organic Whole Milk
3 Tablespoons of Organic Butter, unsalted
2 Tablespoons of Truffle Oil
2 Cloves of Minced Garlic
1/2 Teaspoon of Dry Mustard
2 Tablespoons of Corn Starch
1/2 Teaspoon of Herbes au Provence
Salt & Pepper, to taste

TUNE IN!

Mr. Will-W. and Stephen LeDrew on CP24's LeDrew Live

Hello Mavenati!

Just dropping a quick line to say "hi".  I hope you've been loving my TIFF Coverage this past week.  I'm totally exhausted after having slept a combined 15 hours over the past six days, but we're approaching the homestretch now and I'm not going to quit just yet.  

TIFF for me has always been about the Movies and of course, the Celebrities.  With the number of stars in the city now dwindling, I can now focus on enjoying the Films over the next few days - so expect more reviews of titles which won't be hitting theatres until later in the year.  I'll be posting a few exciting Giveaways before the weekend is over and from there I'll be taking a couple days of rest from the Blog to re-charge.  I'll ensure you have enough to catch up on so don't you worry!

GOOGLE POKES FUN AT TWITTER AND FACEBOOK

Too funny.  One of my readers Chris pointed out to me today that Google somehow has programmed a bit of humour into their searches for social networking tools Facebook and Twitter.  And the results are so true it hurts.... and of course, there is Humour in Truth.  Look here:

I will also be reviewing David Fincher's The Social Network aka "that Facebook movie" and am rather excited about it.  Expect a review later on tonight, one of the first to be published, so remember to check back. 

And while we're on the subject why not add yourself as a Fan on Facebook here and also follow me for up-to-the-minute updates on Twitter here?  How else will you win lots of fun Giveaways and stalk me stalking Celebrities, huh?

MR. WILL-W. ON TV

Yes, Mavenati.  It's that time of year again - those ten days that I live for every year!  For those of my readers in and around the Greater Toronto Area and Southern Ontario, you'll be able to catch me throughout the span of the Toronto International Film Festival (September 9-19, 2010) exclusively on CP24 where I'll be delivering you exclusive Footage, Film Reviews, Gossip and maybe a few Giveaways to some lucky readers.  It brings me great excitement to know that upwards of a million viewers will be watching me on Television!

The beauty of CP24 is that their broadcasts are looped throughout the day in case you miss it the first time, but nonetheless, do not forget to tune in!  Although my schedule is still being ironed-out, I will be saying "Hello" tomorrow, Wednesday, September 8th around 9:30 PM EST with News Anchor Nalini Sharma and appearing on LeDrew Live on Thursday, September 9th at 9:00 PM EST.  Please check back here for additional updates to when I'll be on next.

Also, some exclusive content can also be found on one of my favourite Blogs Awards Daily, plus Toronto's legendary CityTV throughout the TIFF, so please remember to show them some love too!  Things are about to get exciting here.  Well, even more exciting than usual, that is.

MR. WILL-W. RESPONDS TO READERS

Dear Mavenati,

Happy Weekend! I know you've worked hard for it!

Occasionally, I take time out to thank my readers for being so wonderful, and it's been a while since I've dropped a note. Although many of you are quiet Commenting on my Blog, I know you are there, sending me messages on Facebook, Twitter or E-mail, and I want you to know how much I appreciate it.  Without Feedback I don't know how I'm doing.

This week one of my readers Danielle who works in Television, wrote me a thoughtful note about my stance on photographing Celebrity Children in one of my Katie Holmes posts. Danielle writes, "It makes me feel good there are people like you that exist in the world because this can be a scary business for someone with children.... You have my respect, Will. Thanks for having the decency to photograph children only when you are welcomed to do so." Danielle, thank you. Even though I'm not a parent, I understand completely what it means to be protective of your children. I for one, wouldn't want strangers taking photographs of my children. 

Dean wrote this note to me earlier this week, "Dude, your blog is blowin' up! That is insane! It is always well written and entertaining, but seriously, you are on to something craaazeee." Dean, thank you! I try my best to remain humble always and I only do all of this for you guys and the love of Pop Culture. I'm just as happy having 100 readers as I am having 1,500, but I'm so thrilled to have you aboard this journey as Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven's popularity continues to grow. I appreciate your loyalty!

Another reader Max Tweeted today to his Followers, "Follow Friday: the inimitable Mr. Will-W. - gossip, pop culture, music downloads and reviews, and general loveliness: @mrwillw". Thank you, Max.  Often people are quick to take, but few remember to give back.  This Tweet made my Friday!

Anonymous (I.P. Address 72.38.2.238 Hamilton of Cogeco), who makes a chore of reminding me at least once or twice a week that I'm a Stalker, wrote "Stalker, I'm reporting you to the set people" and "Get a real job Will" the other day.  I appreciate that you comment at least, Anonymous.  Just to clarify, I do have a proper 8 to 4 job - 40 hours a week and sometimes even more than that - perhaps that wasn't clear to you.  This is my 6 to 12 job. Secondly, I never go where I'm not welcome.  I am proud of my work and don't see anything wrong with what I do ethically.  Blogging is one of the things in Life that brings me the greatest joy and pleasure.  I pour a lot of heart into what I do - please don't spoil this for me and my readers who genuinely love and support me.  I know that even though you seem to disapprove of what I do, I still appreciate the five to 13 times you visit my Blog every day.  Sending you some love and gratitude.  x

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADONNA | FREE DOWNLOAD - CRAZY FOR YOU 2010

Happy Birthday, Madonna! The Queen of Pop celebrated her 52nd Birthday last night in London with daughter Lourdes and boyfriend Jesus by her side. The party was held at a members only club near Shoreditch House in East London.

In attendance was one of my favourites, Secret Diary of a Call Girl's Billie Piper, plus some talent from her new film W.E. which she is directing right now.

Madonna, there is only you.

In celebration of this momentous occasion, I'm giving my readers a free download of my 2010 remix of Madonna's Crazy for You. Enjoy and share it with your friends!

DOWNLOAD HERE

(Photo credit: Press Assocation)

"LIKE" MR. WILL-W.:POP MAVEN'S FACEBOOK FAN PAGE AND GET A FREE DOWNLOAD!

Hey Mavenati!

I've just created a new Facebook Fan Page for MR. WILL-W.:POP MAVEN.  Feel free to "LIKE IT" and share with your Pop Culture-loving friends on Facebook.

The first 200 Mavenati to "LIKE IT" will receive a Free Download link to my 2010 Remix of Madonna's Crazy For You.  Hurry! Click here for the Fiesta.

xW

NEW MUSIC: MR. WILL-W. - CRAZY FOR YOU 2010 (AARON PAETSCH RADIO EDIT) *MADONNA COVER*

For those of you who are just discovering MR. WILL-W.:POP MAVEN now, you probably had no idea that Music is one of my greatest passions and one question I get asked regularly is, "So now that you Blog, does that mean you will stop making Music?". And the answer of course is, No.

When I'm inspired I will continue to release Digital Singles and my latest one is a cover of Madonna's 1985 hit Crazy For You. The production was done by the amazing Aaron Paetsch and the results are absolute Summer Bliss. I hope you love it. And perhaps it will be available on iTunes at a later date.

Curious? Check it out!

FAN MAIL

Dear Mavenati,

Occasionally I drop a heart-felt note of gratitude to you and I want to take a moment out to express my appreciation for all the kind words that you send my way whether it be in an e-mail, a comment or while I'm out grabbing a Coffee. Over the past month, I have watched my Daily Numbers sky-rocket and I thank you for continuing to support Mr. Will-W.: Pop Maven. Since early 2010, my readership has more than quadrupled. My YouTube Channel has also remained in the Top 50 30 Most Viewed Canadian channels for the past month. And I owe it all to you. Although I am far from being a Multimedia Empire, I celebrate all successes, small or large.

I don't Blog for Readership or Fame. I do what I do out of passion. I have always had a fascination with Celebrity since childhood and as an adult, Blogging has given me an outlet to express and live this.  I was so touched by one of my Reader's messages. Jasy is in High School and reads my blog religiously. She writes:

"Hey there Will!

2 MILLION VIEWS!

Great news, Peaches!  My YouTube Channel has reached 2,000,000+ views.  The channel simply is a personal collection of videos shot by myself of my music, live music performances and Q&A sessions at Film Premieres.  Thank you all for your continued support and interest.  Enjoy.

xW

p.s. You can follow me on Twitter also here.

NEW MUSIC: MR. WILL-W. - NORTHERN LOVERS (KYLIE MINOGUE ALL THE LOVERS VS. THE DREAM ACADEMY LIFE IN A NORTHERN TOWN MASH-UP)

Somewhere between obsessing about Celebrities all day and having an 8 to 4 career, lies the fledgling Pop Star within me. I got together with my long-time collaborator and had some fun in the studio the other day and we re-worked Kylie Minogue's phenomenal new single All The Lovers, with one of my favourite songs of all time, Life in a Northern Town, by The Dream Academy.

Now here's an interesting Kylie connection. Robin Eccleston who recorded and mixed these additional vocals, is the elder brother of Adrian Eccleston, Kylie's touring guitarist for her last World Tour.

CONAN O'BRIEN IN TORONTO | EXCLUSIVE CONAN O'BRIEN AUTOGRAPH GIVEAWAY

That's right,  be jealous.  Somewhere between doing a bit of Lunch at Flo's Diner and shopping in Yorkville before his show at Massey Hall tonight, Comedian and Television Host Conan O'Brien had a moment to pose for a photo with your favourite Pop Culture Maven.  I will say three things about O'Brien.  He's even more strapping in-person.  He's extremely attentive to detail and he's v. tall.  

After having parted ways with NBC after a near-17 year relationship, O'Brien has utilized his spare time by connecting with fans and keeping his crew employed with his The Legally Prohibited from Being Funny on Television Tour.  He will continue to tour until mid-June in Atlanta before setting his sights fully on a new show airing on TBS this November in the 11:00 PM EST time slot.  Above this, Time Magazine has listed him has one of the 100 Most Influencial People of 2010.  O'Brien is said to be hosting an After Party at Celebrity Haunt Sassafraz.

Check out some of these wonderful photos I got of O'Brien this afternoon: