Leave no Trace (2018): Movie Review

                                                                       

               Jim Pagiamtzis Review
                   A journey of father and daughter who have lived in the wilderness all their lifes until they get uprooted and go through a new exploration of their relationship and how they will continue to live their lives moving forward.

       7 out of 10 stars



                 Movie plot:
                    A father and his daughter lead a peaceful life in the woods in Portland, Oregon. However, their fate changes after an incident derail their life.

                                      

Ad Astra (2019) Movie Review

Space, Stars & Suspense


                                                                      

        Jim Pagiamtzis review

              In intropective look at relationship between Roy McBride (Brad Pitt) and his long lost father Clifford McBride (Tommy Lee Jones) in the journey to end of the solar system to find life.

              The voyage has its twist and turn and the cinematic visual make you feel that you are there. Director James Gray pulls of masterpiece of what the planet look and feels like

                  The story is very slow with a few scenes of action in the end  its about the relation ship between Roy and his father that is the most important thing of all.

         8 out of 10 stars

    Sujit Reddy Review
  Good: Amazing visuals which made you feel like you were there throughout the journey
  Bad: Not enough character interaction or conversational dialogue between characters
 Ugly: Liv Tyler was wasted

          Movie Plot:
Thirty years ago, Clifford McBride led a voyage into deep space, but the ship and crew were never heard from again. Now his son -- a fearless astronaut -- must embark on a daring mission to Neptune to uncover the truth about his missing father and a mysterious power surge that threatens the stability of the universe.  IMDb on film

                                         

Book Review: Never Eat Alone

                                               
           Jim Pagiamtzis Review:
          "An amazing book to read from beginning to end. He share stories on the power of networking effectively. Impactfull strategies and tips to create your own network of influencers"
   
    


              Do you want to get ahead in life? Climb the ladder to personal success?

The secret, master networker Keith Ferrazzi claims, is in reaching out to other people. As Ferrazzi discovered in early life, what distinguishes highly successful people from everyone else is the way they use the power of relationships—so that everyone wins.
In Never Eat Alone, Ferrazzi lays out the specific steps—and inner mindset—he uses to reach out to connect with the thousands of colleagues, friends, and associates on his contacts list, people he has helped and who have helped him. And in the time since Never Eat Alone was published in 2005, the rise of social media and new, collaborative management styles have only made Ferrazzi’s advice more essential for anyone hoping to get ahead in business.

The son of a small-town steelworker and a cleaning lady, Ferrazzi first used his remarkable ability to connect with others to pave the way to Yale, a Harvard M.B.A., and several top executive posts. Not yet out of his thirties, he developed a network of relationships that stretched from Washington’s corridors of power to Hollywood’s A-list, leading to him being named one of Crain’s 40 Under 40 and selected as a Global Leader for Tomorrow by the Davos World Economic Forum.

Ferrazzi’s form of connecting to the world around him is based on generosity, helping friends connect with other friends. Ferrazzi distinguishes genuine relationship-building from the crude, desperate glad-handing usually associated with “networking.” He then distills his system of reaching out to people into practical, proven principles. Among them:

Don’t keep score: It’s never simply about getting what you want. It’s about getting what you want and making sure that the people who are important to you get what they want, too.
“Ping” constantly: The ins and outs of reaching out to those in your circle of contacts all the time—not just when you need something.
Never Eat Alone: The dynamics of status are the same whether you’re working at a corporation or attending a social event—“invisibility” is a fate worse than failure.
Become the “King of Content”: How to use social media sites like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook to make meaningful connections, spark engagement, and curate a network of people who can help you with your interests and goals.

In the course of this book, Ferrazzi outlines the timeless strategies shared by the world’s most connected individuals, from Winston Churchill to Bill Clinton, Vernon Jordan to the Dalai Lama.

Chock-full of specific advice on handling rejection, getting past gatekeepers, becoming a “conference commando,” and more, this new edition of Never Eat Alone will remain a classic alongside alongside How to Win Friends and Influence People for years to come.

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Book Review: Single in the City

                                       

                                            

       Jim Pagiamtzis review
        "Living in the 21st Century will give us access to learn and be better, technology will make you and feel smarter.

When you read Single in the City you will realize that it's your responsibility to becoming the best you and understanding that the person you want to attract and be with has the same responsibility for themselves.

Meeting in the middle won't be eas, the strategies, tips and life lessons that Laura shares about her personal journey will make feel that she is on your team either way. Now that's someone who cares!


        
Dating can be fun. Or it can be difficult. It can be easy. Or complicated. With millions of singles wanting to date, those who develop successful relationships have equipped themselves with “secrets to success.” What are these secrets?

Just ask dating/relationship expert, Laura Bilotta.

Laura has coached and advised thousands of men and women in their quest to find their perfect match. Now, for the first time ever, Ms. Bilotta has compiled her coaching and advice into one book, Single in the City.

Technology has turned the dating world upside down, and traditional dating rules no longer apply.  Single in the City addresses all the dating rules when it comes to modern dating, such as; online dating, communication and being flexible in your list of partner requirements.

In a world where dating is dictated by algorithms and predetermined categories, Laura offers expert and personal guidance and dating advice to help readers navigate their way through the complicated dating landscape in the ever elusive search for “the one.”

Through personal stories and anecdotes, Single in the City will take you on a dating discovery expedition, helping you to find out who you are and why you attract the people you do.  Providing real world examples and thoughtful advice, Laura equips you with the tools you need to find the person you are meant to be with – and to put an end to your single status!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Laura Bilotta is an event planner, dating coach and matchmaker for Single in the City, the company she founded 15 years ago.  She has recently added TV Host and now Author to her resume.  Availing herself of every opportunity to help people navigate the choppy waters of the dating pool. Laura’s success has resulted in her being regarded as a reputable and reliable dating and relationship expert who is often sought out by local and national media.



Finding herself single and increasingly more discouraged with the dating options out there, or lack thereof, Laura realized that as our age goes up the odds of finding a quality mate go down exponentially, so she decided to take the bull by the horns. Internet dating was starting to catch on, but most people Laura spoke to wanted a ‘face-to-face’ to see if there was a physical attraction, electric connection and to make sure the person was who they said they were – so she started creating speed-dating events, activity based events and other singles events.

These events proved so successful Laura was able to expand upon them and eventually branch into date coaching and matchmaking.  It was a natural transition, Laura has a very nurturing nature and friends always considered her the ‘go-to-gal’ for dating advice well before she owned a company that provided that very service.

Over the last 15 years Single in the City has hosted over 1700 events, of which Laura personally oversaw 1200.  She takes her job very seriously, she cares about her clients and derives much joy from every successful connection, and there have been many.

Laura firmly believes that choosing a life partner is the single most important decision you’ll ever make in your life, it’s also where you’re most vulnerable.  She appreciates and respects the privilege of assisting you in this very personal endeavor.

Laura lives just outside the bustling metropolis that is Toronto, close enough to be there in a moment’s notice, but far enough away that the house she shares with her boyfriend and beloved pup, Max, can feel like it’s own little happy place. So, if you find yourself preparing for a dip in the dating pool, you couldn’t find a better lifeguard than Laura Bilotta, she is always prepared, and always on duty.

TESTIMONIALS

Single in the City: From Hookups and Heartbreaks to Love & Lifemates, Tales and Tips to Attract Your Perfect Match, looks at common missteps people make in the dating process and how to do it right. It’s an easy and witty read. The chapter about writing your dating profile is spot-on! Finally, someone is saying no more, “Walks on the beach!” It’s a great book for anyone wandering into the murky waters of online dating.
~ Dawn Maslar, Author of Men Chase, Women Choose: The Neuroscience of Meeting, Dating, Losing Your Mind, and Finding True Love
I found this book fascinating! Laura not only helps you find the right date, she guides you along a journey of self-discovery and helps you become a better person! This book offers some great relationship and dating advice and will whip you into the best dating shape of your life.
~ Kirsty Dunne, Celebrity Fitness Expert & Guru and Ambassador for Adidas & Nature’s Emporium
The Dating Dilemma – today’s city singles of all ages know it only too well – how difficult it is to find, meet and keep a partner nowadays. Matchmaker and television host Laura Bilotta has written the ultimate dating book – Single in the City. Well written, informative and very helpful, the knowledgeable advice will surely help any single find The One at last!
~ Valerie Gibson Relationship expert and author of Cougar: A Guide for Older Women Dating Younger and Men and The Later Dater: A Guide For The Newly Single Woman Over 50
Laura has already facilitated hundreds of lasting, genuine love connections and now it’s your turn! If you’re truly ready to push your comfort zone, be honest with yourself and invite love into your life, turn to Laura Bilotta and Single in the City.
~Jessica O’Reilly, Sex & Relationship Expert, PhD
“I’ve been working with Laura for some time now and always value her tips and dating advice. When she gave me a copy of her book I was happy to have a take home reference that I could use as a reminder.  It’s an easy read, charming and witty and has given me great insight into what I am projecting when meeting a woman for the first time.  I highly recommend this book!”
~Trevor, Lawyer, Former Client

 buy book

Think BIG. Win BIG.

If you’re like most people, you think like most people. Perhaps that’s why you remain the same as most people, working the same ol’ hours and making the same ol’ money. All because you’re doing the same ol’ things and hoping something will change. It’s not going to happen.

Albert Einstein once said, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” So, if you really do want more money, more sales or more success, you have to do something different.

The problem however is that most entrepreneurs and business people I meet want to do the same ol’ things all the time. They are afraid to try something different. A case in point lies in a recent consultation I had with a real estate agent.

The agent wanted me to help them “farm” (build business) in a neighbourhood. It’s what most real estate agents try to do. And it’s the surest way to mediocrity.

It kills me to see real estate agents spend time and money trying to farm a neighbourhood – especially a neighbourhood that already has an umpteen number of agents on the prowl. And if there are already a number of agents in your target area, why on earth would you spend time and money to get a little piece of the pie.

If you’re going to spend time and money, put it to good use and don’t merely farm the neighbourhood, dominate the neighbourhood. Take no prisoners and get the most money you can out of the neighbourhood.

You’ve got to Think Big to Win Big.

There are more than enough strategies on how to dominate a neighbourhood by more than enough, self-professed Real Estate gurus out there. Who do you listen to? One will say, “Send out postcards every 2 weeks.” Another will say, put an offer on your postcard like, “Free market evaluation” to get a response.
Personally, I’ve spent over 25 years in the marketing/advertising field, which has taught me one thing: everything starts with your message. The wrong message will get you nowhere. Even worse, it will start to position you like every other real estate agent out there. And pretty soon, you’re simply a part of the pack. Welcome to mediocrity.

If you want to dominate a neighbourhood, you must differentiate yourself and stand out from the crowd. As I always say, “Be different. Stand out. Get Noticed.” Here are some tips that can help you …

1. Niche yourself
To stand out from the crowd, you must find a niche. You can be condo man (or woman), or the king/queen of Forest Hill (put whatever neighbourhood you want in here). Whatever it is, just make sure you differentiate yourself from simply being a real estate agent. Don’t be the same as everyone else.

2. Socialize your neighbourhood

Get social. And that means social media in every form. Remember, people start their search for a home or agent on the internet. So, be there when they come looking. Build a small website (with links to your main site) on the neighbourhood with a blog about local events/people. Have a sign up form and offer prospects a community report on homes (for example) in order to capture their contact information.

3. Message your neighbourhood

Drive traffic to your new local website. And don’t, repeat don’t, send out a postcard with your photo and a headline on it like, “#1 in Sales in the Neighbourhood.” That message only serves to keep you looking and sounding the same as every other agent out there. And guess what? Nobody cares. Instead, try a postcard with a simple, teaser headline that arouses peoples’ curiosity. Perhaps something like … “Do you know how much money you’re sitting in right now?” And then place a link to a page on your website where they must go to get the rest of your message. Use the teaser to drive them to your website. Start to engage your target market.

4. Build your relationship

Become the number one source for information on the neighbourhood. Be cool and build that relationship with everyone. Send people a message every time you do something cool. If you sell a home, don’t send out a postcard with the message, “Just Sold.” Everyone does that. Remember, your message isn’t “You sold a home.” Your message should be how you helped a family realize a dream. Let them start thinking how you might help them realize their dream. Similarly, your message isn’t about you found a buyer a home, but rather, you welcomed new and wonderful people to the neighbourhood! Touch people’s hearts and your message will resonate forever. Got it?

J. Brett Abbey
The Message Master
 Check out website

How to be a great (savvy) connector!

A great connector is defined as individual who strategically focuses on providing connections, opportunities, ideas and resources that empowers and assist someone else dreams, goals. Great connectors believe that when we all work together, everybody wins! When we support each other, everyone gets encouraged. They attend various events in an effort to “to give rather then get” says Bonnie Chan Founder of Network to Grow.

To deliver on the above mention definition, below are some tips that will help you become great & savvy connector!

Listen first

Being a great listener allows great connector to genuinely understand the needs and want of each other. They are interested to first understand before being understood. Great Connector want to know your story. They act as magnet, absorbing information before sharing valuable resources to connections.

Get Engaged

Great connector don’t passively listen, but rather listen to every word they are listening to. They ask strategic questions to clarify to dig deep into the conversation on topic. They stay engaged in the moment and stay present in the conversation. They have the ability to make connections and help create results!

Building Relationships (ongoing)

Great connectors focus on building (ongoing) relationships above all other intentions. They understand and acknowledge that trust is the basis of all good things in that keep people moving in this world of opportunity. They don’t push or promote their personal agenda, rather genuinely actively listen and engage in the conversation to authentically engage and support to whom they are speak with.

Stay Connected

Great connectors don’t do “one meeting and that’s all”.  They are relationship builders throughout their journey of success. They encourage ongoing connection in specific and engaging ways, whether contact cards, email or social media. They follow up and follow through on a continued basis and grow the relationship.

Impress with the Knowledge

Great connector aren’t out to look good. They let their thoughts, ideas and connections show their value. They are present and engaged in a effort to help others reach their goals. Great connectors embrace diversity and in the end they make everyone around them look and feel awesome!

Bring something to the conversation

Great connectors are always ready with connections at their fingertips. (via phone or iPad). They will what they can to assist, empower to create a successful engagement with whom they are interacting with. Even if they don’t have something to offer at the time, they will refer another great connector or follow up with information via email if information is promised. They have high integrity in doing this. They may be someone in the room that they can connect them with if possible (hense they are savvy connectors)

Offer your expertise and knowledge

Great connectors understand they don’t have all the answer. They are the McGyver (80’s TV Show) of resources! They focus on providing their expertise (in their field) and the knowledge (wisdom) and if they are not able to provide it directly they will offer strategic and specific connections who can. They are aware of their own strengths and weaknesses. They will do whatever they can to use their strengths to prove the “super hero level support and actions” stated by Emmanuel Lopez  Author and Movie expert. They want you to reach the next level your journey of success.

Share challenges & Opportunities

Great connectors understand they need assistance as well. They are willing to their struggles authentically and openly and accept constructive feedback and advice from their peers. Great connector are driven to achieve their dreams and goals, and understand that to win they must work in creating strategic and win-win connections with others.

Stay cool

Great connectors are cool, calm and collect in the storm. They are the stabilizers during the time of uncertainty. They have a plan of action amidst the chaos of the moment. These abilities enables for greater connection, opportunities and growth for everyone.

What the next step is to go and Connected in the 21^st Century and make it happen!