Dreamer My Life on the Edge Nazem Kadri: Book Review

  "Bonified Stanley Cup Champion with the Colorado Avalanche!"  Jim Pagiamtzis              

 

                                                                     My review

                                                             It was an enjoyable to read from the beginning all the way to the end. Nazem Kadri shares his journey from juniors to the Toronto Maple Learfs and the trials and drama he went through. Getting traded to the Colorado Avalanche was a blessing because in a few short years he was bonified Stanley Cup Champion with the Colorado Avalanche.  

Then due to budget he signed a contract with the Calgary Flames where he has become a leader and respect by all the game.

                                                                                      9 out of 10 stars

                                                                      About book

INSTANT NATIONAL BESTSELLER

An outspoken, inspirational memoir from a charismatic athlete in the spotlight, Dreamer is the moving story of the first Muslim hockey player to win the Stanley Cup, and the impossible dreams he made a reality.

No one who knows the game is unfamiliar with the story of the NHL’s first Muslim Stanley Cup winner, Nazem Kadri, nor does anyone doubt his warmth and openness in front of a microphone, or his eagerness to challenge the next generation of Muslim athletes. He is a league All-Star, a highlight-reel player, and someone who has been called upon to be the face of his community from the moment he put on skates.

Nazem Kadri was a top-ten draft pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs, chosen not only for his elite skills but because he would reflect Toronto’s immense diversity and huge Muslim population. And he was soon a fan favourite, not only with a new generation of diverse fans, but with traditionalists too, who admired his willingness to play the game with old-school toughness.

In the end, he was traded to Colorado as management sought to shake up the team. But it was the Avalanche, not the Leafs, who benefitted most, and Toronto fans missed him. When Colorado won the Stanley Cup in 2022, Kadri (by then a fan favourite in Denver) was a clutch player in high-pressure games. Today he is a veteran leader with the Calgary Flames, and still making the highlight reels.

But the core of Kadri's story is what happened off the ice—both shocking and heartwarming. Kadri faced brutal anti-Muslim harassment during Colorado's Cup run from Blues fans and received incredible support from Denver fans. When a controversy arose about an uncalled penalty on the championship-winning goal, this founding member of the league’s Hockey Diversity Alliance used the opportunity to make humorous t-shirts, which raised over $250,000 for the Kadri Foundation.

And when he had his traditional day with the Stanley Cup, he took it to the mosque in his hometown of London, Ontario, along with the message that the highest success, not just in hockey but in life, is a destiny any of us can choose. learn more and buy book

                                                                           

Podcamp Toronto 2025: Feature article

 February 22nd and 23rd at George Brown College. St.James Campus

                                                                      

It was such a memorable weekend at Podcamp Toronto as speakers shared and attendees were learning and networking on everything podcasting.

I have been attending since 2011 and every year is a magical year of listening, learning and networking with amazing professionals in their field.

Look forward to sharing all the audios shortly.

                                                                            Matthew Rouse sharing on AI

                                         

Lilian Riad-Allen sharing on Imposter Syndrom

Jim Pagiamtzis and Hisham Qaddoumi sharing the PROS strategy

Hisham Qaddoumi sharing at Podcamp Toronto

#TheCelebrityGuru #DRPPP is interviewing Manny Bains, The Cure Movie Director: Feature interview

#TheCelebrityGuru #DRPPP is interviewing Manny Bains, The Cure Movie Director

                                                             

Journey into slabbing cards: Feature article

  "methodical, meticulous and magical experience to slab cards" Jim Pagiamtzis

In early March I was asked by friend Tony from ICERT Certifications Services if was interested in assisting him in slabbing (see meaning below) an order of cards.

I jumped at the chance to do it!

It was quick 10 minute lesson and I was ready to get started.

It's a very methodical and meticulous experience to slab cards. There is a process to it and the main issue to slabbing is dealing with dust!

I had access to a industrial air compressor yet dust still snuck in arghh!

At the end of the day I did about 170 cards and truly respected the art of slabbling!

Meaning of Slabbing/Slabbed: Slang term used to describe the process of encapsulating a card after it has been graded and/or authenticated. The encapsulation itself is often referred to as a slab. Sticker Auto, Sticker Autograph: An athlete signs a sticker or label, and the card manufacturer applies this sticker to the card.

                                                                 Preparing to slab cards

Completed slabbed cards

Will A I Take My Job? Predictions about AI in corporations, small business, and the workplace: Book Review

                                                                                    

Jim's Review

Recently met Mr. Rouse at an event in Toronto in late February 2025 and I won his book!

It was a remarkable and little scary read yet in the end the future has arrived and we must be ready to work with it.

10 out of 10 stars

About book

Will AI Take My Job?
2023 First Edition

Written by a real person (Matt Rouse) assisted by several AI applications, but not assisted in writing this book's content. It's all me, folks! (And Kari and Alicia's fabulous editing too.)

In a world where AI's rapid advancements are reshaping the landscape of industries, job roles, and corporate dynamics, staying ahead of the curve isn't just a luxury; it's a necessity. The sudden emergence of generative AI caught everyone off guard at every level of the corporate hierarchy, entrepreneurs, contractors, vendors... You name it.

Whether AI will take your job or not isn't certain, but one thing is certain. The landscape of work is changing.

You can listen to the over-simplified BS in the news media or a few LinkedIn posts from nay-sayers who don't even understand how these systems work, or you can read a succinct deep dive into the world of generative AI, AGI, AI scaling, and how these things are going to determine if you still have a job or not in the next 24 months.

"Will AI Take My Job?" delves deep into the present state of AI in the workplace, examining the corporate struggle with new AI capabilities, and exploring the roles most at risk. With ten comprehensive chapters covering various job sectors, from manufacturing and healthcare to creative industries, this book provides invaluable insights into the evolving job market dynamics.

1. What is the current state of AI?
2. Which jobs are most likely at risk?
3. What you can do about it.
4. Find out who is in for a real shock thinking they won't be affected.

In the book, Matt lays out proactive strategies for professionals to equip themselves, ensuring they remain indispensable and resilient in this AI-driven era.

Finally, he tops it all off with a speculative glimpse into the far future of AI and AGI, and how they will power autonomous robots and devices capable of both labor and digital tasks.

Why is this a must-read?

• Understand the current state of AI and how it impacts jobs.
• Gain insights into the challenges corporations face in integrating AI.
• Explore in-depth analyses of job roles that might be at risk.
• Equip yourself with strategies to remain relevant and valuable in your profession.
• Stay ahead of the curve by anticipating future AI trends and their implications.
• Considerations about AI ethics for your business.

The future waits for no one.

As AI continues to permeate every facet of our lives, the question isn't if it will affect your job, but when. Arm yourself with the knowledge and foresight to navigate this brave new world. Matt will help you understand what you need to know to try to keep your job, pivot to make yourself invaluable, or improve your productivity by incorporating AI into your workday.

Dive into "Will AI Take My Job?" and future-proof your career today.

Hockey Rants & Raves: Book Review

                                                                         

Jim's Review

I have been a huge fan of Steve "Dangle"  Glynn rants and raves for a while! It was great read from the beginning to the end to learn more about when he started his show and the journey he has been on.

I can't match his Toronto Maple Leafs  man cave but I did create a list of what I have!

Highly recommend this book 

10 out of 10 stars

About book

The hottest takes and biggest beefs about hockey from the wildly popular podcaster and YouTuber

Who would be on the Mount Rushmore of goalies?

Is Gretzky the Greatest Player of All Time (a.k.a. GOATzky)?

What are the most embarrassing Leaf losses of all time?

Why would you choose to play in a small market?

Steve “Dangle” Glynn was already a popular talking head on Sportsnet the night the Leafs lost to their own back-up goalie (and Zamboni driver), but his fandom skyrocketed after his rant following the hilarious mishap gained one million views on YouTube. Dangle is well known as a long-suffering Leafs fan, but he is more than just that. He shares his rants and opinions about all teams across the NHL, directing his laser focus onto hockey’s greatest arguments, from the best players of all time, to the worst trades, to the most embarrassing Leafs losses.

From one of the most unique voices in hockey, Hockey Rants and Raves is packed with passionate, honest and often humorous takes on all things hockey—required reading for all fans of the game.learn more and buy

Make Your Shot (2025) Movie Review

                                                                              

 

                                                                       Jim's Review

          Fantastic film on the journey that South Asian hockey players have gone through to reach the NHL.

                                                                               9.5 out of 10 stars

                                                            About film

Mareya Shot, Keetha Goal: Make the Shot tells the inspiring story of young Canadian hockey players of South Asian descent striving to break barriers and achieve their dreams of being drafted into the NHL. It’s a powerful tale of perseverance, resilience and chasing your goals against all odds.

                                       watch trailer

                                                       

The event will feature a dynamic panel moderated by Molly Thomas, host of TVO’s Big [If True]. The panel will include three notable guests from the South Asian community who will discuss the importance of diversity in sports and storytelling:

• JK Gill is one of the first South Asian men to play in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), paving the way for greater diversity in hockey. His journey and insights have been featured on Hockey Night in Canada Punjabi Edition.
• Sandeep Kaur Gill is a Brampton high school teacher, fashion stylist, and influencer known for her bold and innovative designs. Hockey Canada commissioned her to reimagine the Team Canada sweater for the Women’s World Championships in Brampton, blending sport and style.
• Abrar al Mouktaran, Program Coordinator for Hockey 4 Youth Foundation, arrived in Canada from Syria in 2016 and secretly played hockey while wearing her hijab. Now an OCAD graduate, she helps empower newcomer youth through the same program that changed her life.
• Bernice Carnegie is a speaker and author who shares her unique perspective of being born Black in Canada. She credits her interesting journey to her father Herb Carnegie, Canadian Black hockey trailblazer and community icon, and her courageous grandparents who settled in Canada in 1912.