FAREWELL, BLOGSPOT.

Dearest Mavenati,

As you might have heard from me on Twitter, Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven is re-branding soon simply as Mr. Will Wong, right in-time for TIFF 2012.  This change marks a return to myself as I look forward to taking my Friendship with my Readers to an even deeper level.

It’s been an awesome three years here at Blogspot and I owe them everything for providing me the Foundation, Resources and Support to learn the ropes of Blogging. Their user-friendly Interface and loads of fun options have helped me be the best Blogger I could be. Together with your Support, we’ve transformed Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven from something born purely out of Passion into a locally-influencial Brand and Experience.  In September 2009, I started this Blog solely to showcase my TIFF Celebrity Photos and now it has blossomed into something bigger and more beautiful.  I cannot believe that I have found myself interviewing the likes of Bradley Cooper, Channing Tatum, Malcolm McDowell and Daniel Radcliffe!

Beginning next week, my Team of Developers and I will be launching our new Website and we look forward to showing you a fresh, exciting look. You  as Readers will benefit most from some exciting  interactive options such as now being able to show-off some of your own Celebrity Sightings to the World!

Sadly, this will be my final Post on the Blogger Platform, but I look forward to seeing you over at the new Site soon!  Don't fret as all my old Posts are going nowhere and I'm around as always on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram: mrwillwong.  You'll definitely want to be around for my exciting to-the-minute updates of who's been spotted around town during the Festival and which Films are most Buzzworthy!

Lastly, I'm thrilled to be partnering together with CP24 - watched by over 3.1 million people every week around the City - to report live Hits from the Red Carpets and also I can be seen on LeDrew Live at noon throughout the Festival. Don't forget to tune-in.  Furthermore, if you spot me, come over for a quick Snap together!

As always, thank you for everything over these past three years and thank you for being there for many more years to come.

With love,

xMr. Will

WWW.MRWILLWONG.COM

LIKE AN UNCLE (HEY!).. FOR THE V. FIFTH TIME

My baby Nephew, Keegan

Like an Uncle (hey!)... for the v. fifth time!

I'm proud to announce that my baby Nephew Keegan was born on Thursday. The handsome little Devil already has quite an appetite and like his Uncle, also was born in the Year of the Dragon, is sure to be a fiery one! 

Welcome to the Family, Mr. Wong.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

BEST READER REACTION.

Reader Jayslyn reacting to Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven

Too cute. One of my most loyal Readers Sharleen posted this Photo today on her Instagram Account of her Daughter Jayslyn reacting to my Blog. Adorable.  Apparently Jayslyn occasionally watches some show called Glee?

  Incredibly touched, Ladies.  Thank you for believing and reading! 

xMRWILLW

IS TORONTO "UNSAFE"?

Re: Toronto's recent string of Violence.

 

Follow on Twitter here.

MY WATERPROOF SAMSUNG GALAXY

Mr. Willdroid

This is absolute proof of how exhausted I am. Friday night after a long day at work, I remembered that I still had to do Laundry. Not giving it much thought, I loaded up my Washing Machine, tossed in a cap-full of Detergent and threw my Clothes in, including the pair of Jeans I was wearing that day.

After casually looking for my two-week-old Android Phone while I went into the Kitchen to prepare a Snack, my search rapidly developed into a Panic when I eliminated all other possibilities of where my Phone could be - like my Workbag or Nightstand. I then ran to the Machine, bringing all washing to a halt.  I rummaged through the Water to find my Android buried into the soaked back-pocket of my Jeans. I wanted to scream/cry, but couldn't as it was 1:30 AM and I didn't want to generate a noise complaint from my Neighbours.

Not thinking, I tried powering-on my Android - which actually is the worst thing to do any Electronic Device submerged in Water as this could result in a short. Frantically, I disassembled the Phone, patting it dry with a Paper Towel, then Googling for advice. 

The Method which appeared to generate the most success involved immersing the Phone in a bowl of rice for one to two days with the logic being that it acts as an agent to soak-up any moisture in any crevices of the Phone.  Although I was so tempted to power-on my Phone over the weekend - itching to check my Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Draw Something - I resisted until midday today when I decided finally that it was time to re-insert the Battery. Within seconds I felt a quick vibration which could only mean one thing: MY PHONE IS ALIVE!! WATERGATE 2012!! PRAISE THE LORD AND THANKS TO THE B*TCH KNOWN AS KARMA, AS I'M ON HER GOOD SIDE!! HALLELUJAH!!!

I have nothing but praise for my Samsung Galaxy - the flexibility and choice in Applications, the Screen size, the Aeshetics. And now this!

Lesson learned: when you're tired, just go to bed.

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Follow me on Twitter here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

COUNTDOWN: 48 HOURS TO PATTINSON

Robert Pattinson & Mr. Will-W. - June 2011

I don't believe it's already been a year since Robert Pattinson was in our City filming Cosmopolis, and in just two days he'll be back again to unveil it for Toronto!

I had forgotten that I did this Interview with Yahoo! a while back about British Celebrities, in which I mentioned Pattinson.  I hope this time around he's just as gracious to his Fans.  Excited to see him again! 

  

Click here to read more.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY.

Mums

I ♥ my Mom. Every day should be Mother's Day.

We should never forget the tough work and sacrifices Moms have to make for us. Happy Mother's Day to all you Moms, soon-to-be Moms and aspiring Moms out there!

xMRWILLW

HAPPY EASTER/PASSOVER!

Cadbury Creme Eggs

Wishing you all a Happy Easter/Passover this Weekend!  May you find lots of welcome surprises for your Basket of a Long Weekend.

xMRWILLW

THE SAGA OF THE WANTED, MR. WILL-W. & "BRIAN PATTERSON"

The Wanted & Mr. Will-W.

I had an early morning Chat with some of the Boys of The Wanted as they head off to their first of two big days of Press today in Toronto and wow, was it an experience!

I will start off by being v. candid with you and open-up about some personal issues I have been plagued with over the past year. In addition to a negative-spirited "Bully Blogger" - whom I refuse to validate - continuing to discredit myself with all sorts of sensationalized disparaging remarks about me, another Individual who dislikes me greatly, has gone to great lengths to tarnish my name. He has contacted Publicists and Security Teams over the past year trying to thwart opportunities for me.  

Over the past week I was contacted by Publicists on multiple occasions after arranging opportunities for me and my Blog.  They found it puzzling and disturbing to have received e-mails from this Individual with a fictitious e-mail address: springfever79@hotmail.com under the name "Brian Patterson" (real name: Kyle A.) - not to be confused with a local Entertainment Photographer of the same name. These e-mails allege that I am a "violent, dangerous offender" and include Photo attachments of me, taken and edited from my Blog. He has gone as far as to suggest that I should be kept away from those I am scheduled to interview. This Individual, who has a long-standing history of harassing others online - some including Minors, threatening to show-up at their Schools - has continued to exhibit disturbing behaviour despite requests for him to cease. It is confirmed that multiple Police Reports do indeed exist for him and that he has been blacklisted from certain venues around the City.

Yesterday when meeting some of the Boys from UK Boy Band The Wanted, their Security Guard Kevin had approached me, telling me "Somebody out there really dislikes you!" and proceeded to show me a similar e-mail he had received recently before other Witnesses.  I clarified to him that this actually was nothing new to me.  I have in the past for no apparent reason been shoved by Security Guards and told to leave venues without any explanation and now I understand fully the reason why.  I also had received reassurance from an Individual at The Wanted's Canadian Record Label indicating that they too had received a similar message and that they will not be actioning it, being fully aware of my Blog and support for their Artists.

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY: MCDONALD'S SHAMROCK SHAKE VS. STARBUCKS' SHAMROCK FRAPPUCCINO

L to R: McDonald's Shamrock Shake and Starbucks' Shamrock Frappuccino

What better way to ring-in St. Patrick's Day than with a Beverage?  First introduced in 1970 by McDonald's, the Shamrock Shake has been a seasonal favourite for years and if you don't hurry and order one quick, they often sell-out before St. Patrick's Day is over even!  This year, I was proactive and went in the night before St. Patrick's Day and ensured I got my fix. Thick, icy, minty, unnecessarily-sweet and perhaps disturbingly green, the Drink brings back fond memories of Childhood.  A 840-calorie (size Large) exception I'd gladly make once a year, quantities permitting.

Although not officially on their Menu, Starbucks also has a Shamrock Frappuccino which can be made upon request by your Barista.  Essentially, it is their Green Tea Crème Frappuccino, with a couple pumps each of White Mocha and Peppermint Syrups.  Tallying at approximately 600 calories with Whipped Cream (size Grande), this is perhaps a "healthier" alternative, less sweet than McDonald's option.  In addition, you have the choice of holding the Whipped Cream and reducing the Syrup. Rest assured also, the colour in this actually is from Matcha Green Tea Powder.

I admit that even though I do prefer the latter slightly, there is no arguing with tradition and the feeling of nostalgia you get from McDonald's Shamrock Shake. Both are Winners!

Regardless which one you choose, Shamrock Shakes/Fraps for all.  Let's St. Paddy this B*tch up!

xMRWILLW

MOBILE-FRIENDLY

Dear Mavenati,

Some of you logging-in via your Mobile Devices may notice some improvements of late to the interface of Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven. You now have the option of viewing a Lite version of the Site with fewer graphics, hence using less Data on your Devices.  Now you have to excuse to visit more often! If you prefer, you still can view the Site in full also. 

Enjoy the improvements, courtesy of Blogger and thank you for your continued support and loyalty.

xMRWILLW

SICKY BEAR

Dear Mavenati,

I hope you're all well! Just dropping a quick note to say I'm rather ill these days, so I'll be taking a couple days of rest.  It's nothing too serious but I am running a high fever, got a respiratory infection and also somehow a fungal infection too.  Worst.

I'll be back again soon before you know it, so please stay put.

In the meantime, keep yourselves busy and remember to add me to your Social Networks:

• Pinterest

• Twitter

• Facebook

• YouTube

See you soon.

xMRWILLW

BRIEF HIATUS

Dear Mavenati,

Just a quick note that I won't be v. active here the next few days. I've just been cast in a Production filming here in the City and I expect the days to be long.  I cannot name which Production, nor can I post details on it, but some time later on I can recap my experience being on the other side of the Screen.  I will be on my best behaviour and putting my Camera and Blackberry away.  Can't wait.

Be patient as I will be back soon enough!

xMRWILLW

A MAJOR STAR TO VISIT TORONTO

Huge news. A v. major international star will be making a rare visit to Toronto on January 26, 2012. The name at this time cannot be revealed, however this is going to be huge. HUGE. Additional details are forthcoming at the appropriate time, but Toronto has reason to be v. excited!  

Are you ready, Toronto?  Can you guess who?

xMRWILLW

CHRISTMAS CHEER

Papa Billy & Daughter Willow - Christmas 2011

Merry Christmas, Mavenati! I hope your day was special and that you spent it indulging, surrounded by those you love! I spent the day at my Brother's and my Sister-in-Law prepared the most elaborate meal with multiple Main Courses and loads of Baked Goodies (Brownies, Shortbread Cookies, Almond Cookies, Chocolate Caramel Crunch Cookies, Date Squares, Apple Crumble Squares, Cherry Cheesecake, Carrot Cake)... and so much more.  Totally stuffed... till tomorrow, that is!

We were surrounded by Doggies galore and it was a happy time for all.  Billy got to reunite with his Daughter Willow and although it took a while for her to warm-up to him as they haven't seen each other since she was seven weeks-old, they were playing together by the end of the night, joining paws and nibbling Turkey from my hand.

It's always a blast seeing my Family, joking around - my youngest Niece totally hi-jacked my Blackberry and thought it funny to go on my Facebook! - and the excitement of opening Gifts especially with my Nephews and Nieces.

If you're heading out for Boxing Day Shopping tomorrow, best of luck in your Bargain Hunting.

Will be resting a couple days from the Blog, but see you soon enough!

Lots of love,

xMRWILLW & Billy

MR. WILL-W.:POP MAVEN'S 2011 BEST-OF LISTS

Although I was always under the mindset that 2011 wasn't really a standout year in terms of Music and Film, looking back I can appreciate that even though for me there were no clear-cut, definitive favourites, overall there were many bright and memorable moments.  I have selected my Top Ten Films and Top 20 Tracks of 2011.  Let's see where my choices compare to yours!

Still from The Artist

TOP TEN FILMS:
1. The Artist
2. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
3. Shame
4. Bridesmaids
5. The Help
6. The Muppets
7. War Horse
8. My Week with Marilyn
9. Drive
10. Warrior

One of my biggest regrets this year was not seeing The Artist at TIFF in September, but better late than never as the Film which touched and uplifted me most, actually is only a recent discovery.  The Silent Film about Era-star George Valentin is a triumph and a must-see for all.  Also, despite not loving the original Swedish version of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, alas all that buzz did amount to something solid with David Fincher's Adaptation starring Rooney Mara and Daniel Craig being absolutely electrifying.  Michael Fassbender quickly has become one of my favourite Actors also with his riveting performance in Shame as a Sex Addict whose life is interrupted by the sudden arrival of his estranged Sister. Kristen Wiig's performance in Bridesmaids still sticks with me to this day as does Michelle Williams' work in My Week with Marilyn.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, MAVENATI!

And here's a little something I recorded a while back for you too.

Enjoy!

xMRWILLW

(Card Design: Smitten Kitten)

MR. WILL-W.:POP MAVEN'S 2011 CELEBRITY YEAR IN REVIEW

Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven's 2011 Celebrity Year in Review

Throughout the year, I am fortunate enough to meet a copious number of Celebrities, but how many of them actually stand out? And how many of them are actually nice enough to go the extra mile when they aren't surrounded by a Camera Crew and Handlers? This is my 2011 Celebrity Year in Review  (in no specific order) and ultimately a Love Letter to the Star Power of Toronto.

1. Ashley Benson & Lucy Hale of Pretty Little Liars - January 27, 2011: Two genuinely sweet Girls on the brink of Super-stardom with their hit dark and suspenseful ABC Family Series.

2. Selena Gomez - August 25, 2011: If you still don't have much respect still for the former Wizards of Waverly Place Star, you need to re-evaluate your stance.  Gomez not only has sold-out Arenas with her Tour in support of fantastic Disc When the Sun Goes Down bringing her back multiple times to Toronto, but that sweet Girlfriend of Justin Bieber is a bona fide Multimedia Empire.

3. Adele - March 3, 2011: Who ever would guess that this British Siren would command Charts around the World?  Adele's Album 21 has become a Household Item everywhere and even the Receptionists at my Dentist's Office are humming Someone Like You.  It's rare that I hug a Celebrity, but we did so and there really were tears. I will never forget her.

4. Elizabeth Olsen - April 21, 2011: Never underestimate the Youngest Child. That is something we always will have in common.  This Olsen Sister long has avoided the Radar, but her moment has arrived at last. Her Breakthrough Performance in Martha Marcy May Marlene is spellbinding.

5.  Bradley Cooper - May 12, 2011: People Magazine's Sexiest Man Alive sat-down and played a little Piano for me after my Roundtable Interview with him for The Hangover Part 2.  Brainy, talented and handsome.  Deadly.

IN THE "MAIL"

Mr. Will-W. & Habeyah

How awesome is that?  My Friend Shawn sent this over to me, it's a Photo of me and one of my BFFs Habeyah at Pusateri's 25th Anniversary Party last week.  I'm still drooling at the thought of it all.

(Photo credit: JJ Thompson/The Globe & Mail)

SIGN-UP FOR A MR. WILL-W. HOLIDAY CARD BY SMITTEN KITTEN

2011 Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven Limited Edition Holiday Card by Smitten Kitten

With the Holidays approaching quickly, I want to keep in-line with what's becoming an annual tradition for me and my Readers.  Smitten Kitten, one of Toronto's leading Purveyors of cute and tastefully kitschy   Papergoods, Gifts, Accessories and Jewelry, has designed a limited edition run of Holiday Cards exclusively for Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven Readers.

Somewhere between their hectic and successful runs between the Toronto and Chicago OneofaKind Shows, they were able to fit-in crafting this adorable Card of Billy and Me, based on a Photo my dear Friend Habeyah took of us on her iPhone.  Technology.

If you'd like to be on the List, click "like" on this Post at Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven on Facebook before December 8, 2011.  The first 40 "likes" are guaranteed a personalized Card mailed to them. Rest assured, addresses will not be stored and discarded after Cards are posted.

One of these lucky Readers will get a special Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven Holiday Prize Pack with some Goodies including:

• A rare Book of Sketches from the Gotham Award-winning Film The Beginners from Alliance Films
• Limited Edition The Muppets Bookmarks from Walt Disney Motion Pictures
• A Movie Tie-in of Novel Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close from Thomas Allen
• A Copy of Justin Bieber's Under the Mistletoe from Universal Music Canada
• If the Winner is from the Toronto area, I will deliver in-person and we'll do one of my signature Photos-with for the Blog

....and more!

Don't forget to check-out Smitten Kitten's Online Store here.  Loads of cuteness to be found there and above this, they ship internationally!

(Photo credit: Smitten Kitten)