America Alone paperback launch
It was a very large crowd that met Mark Steyn at the flagship Indigo store at the corner of Bay & Bloor here in Toronto. I arrived at 6pm - an hour early, expecting to meet my friends at the Starbucks and slowly meander to the presentation area. That was not meant to be, as it turned out there was already a sizable crowd waiting while the chairs were being set up. Knowing it’s every man for himself at these types of events, I took a chair and knew I’d catch up with my pals later.
At 7pm, Heather Reisman and Mark Steyn took the stage. Heather, oh Heather. Many people in the audience were actually growing angry with her liberal ineptitude, but I figured “Hey, we knew what we were signing up for where Heather is concerned, so don’t act so shocked.” Though at one point, when she was explaining how Indigo didn’t carry America Alone when it first hit the NYT best seller list because her buyer misjudged the popularity and didn’t buy enough copies, I actually yelled “And this person still has a job?” Whatever.
As usual, Steyn was charming and witty. This seemed to really rip Heather’s knitting, and irritate her whenever the crowd laughed at his jokes. You could tell she really hated having to smile for conservatives for a full hour. Finally she went away and let the book signing begin. He had already signed my hardcover copy in DC at CPAC, but I had a paperback with me that I’m sending to a friend. I was absolutely blown away when he recognized me from the four seconds of meeting me in Washington.
(the hats were from a printer we met at the pro-Israel rally two years ago - Kathy got one, too - click for larger)
When I mentioned that it was Kathy’s birthday, he asked us to stick around. And so we did, for what seemed like an eternity. There was a little pack of us - myself, Kathy, Winston, Paul Tuns, Rick McGinnis and a few others. After the line finally ended, he came over to talk with us, take a few pics, exchange cards and witticisms… this went on till the Indigo staff threw us out at closing, and continued on the street corner outside. He asked me how the “fund raising” was going, and I told him he was welcome to top up the pot for a shot of his very own. I must say, I barely missed a beat at him referring to my boobie-blogging, but just prayed he wouldn’t bring this up.
We stood on that street corner laughing and talking for some time, before he had to call it a night. He has a busy day of harassing Barbara Hall for shits and giggles tomorrow.
I had my own take too
http://thespiritofman.blogspot.com/2008/05/mark-steyn-in-toronto.html
Comment by winston — May 8, 2008 @ 12:42 am
Bring on the BOOK
Comment by ed slagter — May 8, 2008 @ 1:36 am
He’s so dreamy.
Comment by BillyHW — May 8, 2008 @ 2:31 am
Sounds like a great event. I’m sorry I missed it.
Comment by Roy Eappen — May 8, 2008 @ 3:30 am
I’m envious…where do I get my “infidel” hat???
Comment by WL Mackenzie Redux — May 8, 2008 @ 9:27 am
[…] WITH AN “INFIDEL” HAT! Mark Steyn in Toronto; America Alone paperback launch …. (thespiritofman.blog, […]
Pingback by Steynianism 134 « Free Mark Steyn! — May 8, 2008 @ 9:41 am
I want a hat too, where do I get one.
Comment by john reid — May 8, 2008 @ 10:11 am
Wow - the hats are a real hit! I am getting the maker’s number now, and will give him a call later today.
RG
Comment by Right Girl — May 8, 2008 @ 10:13 am
Hey !
Thanks Right Girl.
Pleasure meeting up with you again.
Great report.
I’m the “printer we met at the pro-Israel rally two years ago”
richfisher
I was really happy to see you , Mark and Kathy all proudly wearing my hat; thank you!
And since it was Kathy’s and Right Girl’s encouragement that prompting me into making up a couple dozen hats for my friends two years ago, I will donate all the profit to the blogger defense fund if we can sell any.
Please allow me to calculate the costs and sell price, which is based on quantity, in the mean time: anybody else interested ?
Comment by richfisher — May 8, 2008 @ 11:46 am
I looked up “infidel hat” on Google and found the following:
“I just ordered 3 gun cases, a bug out bag, 2 t-shirts, and an Infidel hat….. Thanks!”
I think it was on an AK47 site.
Remember, THEY might say something like that, I wouldn’t dream of it.
Comment by noel — May 8, 2008 @ 12:29 pm
We was taller than I expected. But just as brilliant. Send me my picture! And remind the hat guy he was going to send me some too.
Comment by mustcontrolfistofdeath — May 8, 2008 @ 1:08 pm
He - not we
Comment by mustcontrolfistofdeath — May 8, 2008 @ 1:09 pm
Where can I get red infidel hat like the one Mark is wearing?
Comment by John V — May 8, 2008 @ 1:50 pm
I want a red infidel hat …. where?
Comment by John V — May 8, 2008 @ 1:51 pm
Wendy, I sent you his number. Check your email
Comment by winston — May 8, 2008 @ 2:04 pm
There’s a place near here that does embroidered names/slogans/whatever on hats. Whatever you ask for. I’m thinking of going in for something a little more elaborate than yours, but I’m not sure which is the best word order:
ZIONIST CRUSADER INFIDEL
CRUSADER ZIONIST INFIDEL
INFIDEL CRUSADER ZIONIST
ETC. ETC.
Suggestions please?
Comment by BG — May 8, 2008 @ 5:27 pm
Glad you had a nice time; knew you would.
Comment by Stacy — May 8, 2008 @ 7:05 pm