TORONTO – Bestselling fantasy writer George R.R. Martin drew a very large crowd to Indigo Books on Bay st. while making a promotional stop in Toronto. In fact, the line up to have Mr. Martin sign a copy from his hit series of “A Song of Ice and Fire” books was probably the longest HoundsTV has ever witnessed at this particular book store (and we’ve been to many signings at this store over the years. Martin’s line was even longer than President Bill Clinton who recently had visited the store to sign books.)

No doubt Mr. Martin’s increased popularity has been from the success of HBO’s ‘Game Of Thrones” of which the television series is inspired by his series of novels. It was the latest, “A Dance with Dragons,” that Martin was in Toronto to promote.

“I’m recognized on the streets. I mean, just that — that’s one of the things that startles me, and I think that’s largely a result of the HBO thing.” – George R.R. Martin

George R.R. Martin was named to Time magazine’s 2011 list of the most influential people in the world. At the book signing, Martin was wearing his signature accessories, suspenders and a cap. The genial author was polite and even apologetic for the long wait people would be experiencing before getting up to meet him.

Line up around the block to meet George R.R. Martin (March 13, 2012)

all photos Richard Budman / shot7.com

Hundreds of fans turned out to Indigo Books in downtown Toronto where country music icon, Shania Twain, made a rare in-person appearance. Shania was there to sign copies of her just published memoir, “From This Moment On.”

It’s been a roller-coaster few years for the otherwise publicity-shy Shania. In 2008, her marriage to music producer Robert “Mutt” Lange broke down, when it was revealed that he’d been having an affair with their property manager and Shania’s best friend, Marie Anne Thiebaud. To add to the media fuel that had infringed on her personal life, Shania married Frédéric Thiébaud on Janurary 1, 2011, the former husband of Marie Anne.

In the emotionally charged autobiography, Shania recalls the struggles of her younger years, living in poverty and growing up in a domestically abusive household, and the maternal care of her four younger siblings she took on when her parents were tragically killed in a car crash. She reveals intimate details of her life as she dealt with her first divorce, and the loss of her best friend, but most of all she walks us through the inspiring and empowering tale of her climb toward fame and her successful multifaceted career.

Today, Twain and Thiébaud spend most of the year at their mountainside Switzerland estate, which the couple recently converted into a horse ranch, from a 20th century mill. There, according to friends, the couple and Shania’s son Eja feel tranquil, and completely removed from the world.

In her first interview about the book with Oprah, Shania said, “Every step has had its own level of anxiety attached. The relief comes because I’m now in the interaction with the fans and the public and sensing their connection to the book, and I’m just sensing a community spirit. We’re all in this together,” she adds. “I’m sure many people have experienced these things and I’m hoping that they relate, and benefit.”

Shania reveals many intimate stories from her incredible climb to worldwide stardom in her just released book, “From This Moment On.”

HoundsTV was in attendance at the book signing and managed to secure a very few signed copies.

ITEM: SHANIA TWAIN autographed “From This Moment On” first edition hardcover book (signed in black marker. HoundsTV watermark graphic does not appear on actual item.)
PRICE: $125.00 CAN + $15.00 (S&H in North America.)
SIGNED: May, 2011 – Indigo Books. Toronto, Canada

Contact us for any questions about this item and/or shipping charges outside North America. Includes Guarantee of Authenticity. Additional Terms & Policies. Satisfaction GUARANTEED.

Ringo seems to be holding true to his word about not signing autographs anymore. He has given collectors fits so far this weekend politely declining autograph requests.

Paul on the other hand has been quite good. McCartney did sign a few autographs for the awaiting collectors on his way into Radio City. While it was a bit crazier for McCartney on the way out – he signed again for a few minutes till the crowd got a little out of control.

RELATED: McCartney exits Radio City after concert soundcheck to fan frenzy on the street

REPORTING FOR MEDIA OR BLOGGING? There is a FREE PUSSYCAT DOLLS photo set for sharing here

Both Lefsetz and Simmons were at Toronto’s Royal York Hotel to give talks to overflowing conference rooms of music industry delegates, fans, and media. HoundsTV attended by keynotes and later learned that the Simmon’s camp of record people at CMW briefly crossed paths with Lefsetz and this lead to this nasty exchange that Lefsetz posted on his very popular music industry email newsletter – the Lefsetz letter.

Regarding the success of KISS:
“I mean if we really want to get down to it, don’t we have to give credit to Bob Ezrin?…I’m thinking without Ezrin, KISS is a footnote.” – LEFSETZ

Gene starts to get into the “mother”
“JUST BECAUSE I REMEMBER YOUR MOMMY BACKSTAGE AND THEN AT THE HOTEL IS NO REASON TO BE ENVIOUS OF MY GOOD LOOKS.” – SIMMONS

“Just because you’re a big musical act, that doesn’t mean you’re a decent executive, that you can run a record company.” – LEFSETZ
“SAYS WHO. YOU? AND WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO MAKE THESE ASSESSMENTS. WHAT’S YOUR QUALIFICATION, IN FACT, FOR SAYING ANYTHING… – SIMMONS”

REPORTING FOR MEDIA OR BLOGGING? There is a FREE BOB LEFSETZ VS. GENE SIMMONS cmw 2009 photo set for sharing here

TORONTO (HoundsTV) Mar 6, 2009 – American singer, actress and all around celebrity queen Hilary Duff made appearances all over Toronto today to support her Blessings in a Backpack program – a special school program to ensure kids go home eating the right foods.

After appearing for students and media at Contact Alternative school in downtown Toronto, Duff travelled east to St. Margaret’s school in Scarborough, then back to downtown Toronto for a television appearance on Muchmusic’s MOD and off to Ultra Supper Club for a night time reception. An all around busy day in Toronto for Hilary.

To the delight of many students at Contact Alternative school (some expected her, many didn’t) – Duff was very nice and approachable posing for mobile photos with many kids at the school.

The one thing HoundsTV did notice Duff wouldn’t do – was sign autographs. It seemed her people had a strict “no autographs” policy going for Duff’s appearances at the schools in Toronto. For the few autograph collectors that managed to get up and ask Duff, she just politely declined with a, “sorry, can’t do autographs right now.”

RELATED: Hilary Duff at Muchmusic answering questions her boyfriend may not like.

REPORTING FOR MEDIA OR BLOGGING? There is a FREE HILARY DUFF AT TORONTO SCHOOL photo set for sharing here

The article has some great information and advice about helping to ensure you only buy real signatures – and how to avoid the scams and con artists.

Autograph Magazine breaks down the advice in the following 3 rules.

1. Get a Little Education
2. Know What’s Rare—and the Signs of Sellers to Avoid
3. Only Buy from Respected Dealers and Auctions

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE

The collectors got up pretty early to greet the Penguins as they exited their downtown Toronto hotel and headed to the Air Canada Centre for morning practice before tonights game against the Leafs.

The funny thing – it was the congress members looking for his signature. According to this report in the examiner:

As reported by an eye-witness Member of the minority, Mr. Obama instead got mobbed by drooling Republicans clamoring for his autograph.

The jockeying for position in line made the travesty seem almost endless, at least for those Republicans who still believe both, or either, they or their GOP still have any dignity after this sordid event.

RELATED: George Bush is the greatest president ever! (at signing autographs, that is.)