WOWNOW

Hi Everyone
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Hi Everyone

Well Apple started shipping the new generation Apple TV (ATV) last week and mine has finally arrived.

I loved the original ATV so the new ATV had a lot to live up to. Currently it doesn’t excite me however heres my initial review of the next generation ATV.

Like

It was easy to set up – it was fully functional in under 10 minutes; and

Interface is easy to use.

Dislike

No storage, all owned content streams from another iTunes shared library;

No localised streaming TV shows such as Bigpond TV; and

Only rental options, if you could buy watch and download to your other device later it would be better.

Currently I would give it 3 out of 5 stars.

I do believe however this might just be the start of something much bigger and that Apple may no longer treat the ATV as a hobby product.

The new ATV is built on the iOS platform which could see ATV specific applications become available and for the iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad and ATV to become an integrated gaming centre.  Although many don’t see the ATV moving into the gaming market I think it’s an option that Apple will consider (if they haven’t already).

Beyond the somewhat obvious suggestion of Apps I also see the new ATV as a move by Apple to start to build demand for a future release of an Apple Cloud Solution. In late 2009 Apple bough LALA a cloud based music streaming service, now with a streaming only ATV it seems the logical step for Apple to take. That is to release an Apple branded cloud media storage solution, an extension of MobileMe or a standalone product.

If I can buy content and have it hosted in the cloud and stream it to any of my iOS devices, including the ATV, then it takes the ATV from a 3 to 4.5 star product.

So at $129AUD it’s not bad, certainly a lot cheaper than the previous model if you have the spare cash and don’t currently have the original ATV, I am sure you will enjoy it. If you’re an existing ATV owner there is no benefit, that I have discovered, to rush out and buy the new one just yet.

I would love to hear about your experience with the new ATV, leave me a comment.

Thanks

JB

PS – in Australia the TV Shows menu item is not enabled from what I have seen – is this correct?

The list of dislikes grow by the hour…

So at home I use Telstra’s BigPond Elite Liberty ADSL service I use the latest generation Apple Time Capsule for my wireless network. So with what is meant to be a premium grade ADSL service and Apple  MacBook Pro and other Apple products using Apple wireless networks I expect for their to be no issues. However I have noticed that even watching owned content streaming to my new ATV when I am busy on the network the ATV pauses, not a lot, but even once is enough but it was more than once. I am a bit shocked by this because other reviews talk of how they are impressed with the streaming. I am going to try renting (meh I want to buy and stream) a movie and see if I have any problems with that service.

Also if iTunes crashes the content you are watching on the ATV obviously stops as well – another painful “feature”.

Hi Everyone

Today I read online at http://www.smh.com.au/small-business/trends/are-you-being-served-20100922-15m7a.html an article titled ‘Are you being serverd?’ This article talks about the decline in customers to retail outlets and that one retailer, Myer, are going to increase its staff numbers with a view to improve customer service / sales.

Having read this article I think that the entire retail industry is missing the point. Retailers, indeed all businesses, need to understand why people are taking their business elsewhere and then decide how they can create a competitive reason for customers to stay or come back.

Indeed many shoppers are moving to online mediums for their shopping needs, I can’t help but think this is a result of not only poor service but a bigger issue and that of a lackluster experience.

As the article touches on the retail environment presents a fantastic opportunity to engage with customers and through that engagement increase he average revenue per square meter of retail space.

I don’t think the article goes far enough, sure sales staff that are trained and engaging will increase the sales figures but what about looking at the entire retail experience. What if people actually enjoyed going clothes shopping, or shopping for whatever they wanted? I feel that if retailers created spaces and expereinces that delighted me, and others, we would return their more often and be more loyal to their brand.

Imagine thinking WOW I can’t wait to go and shop there because I know it will be great, easy, etc?

It is time that retailers put the WOW back in to shopping because if they don’t I and others are likely to continue to shop online where the experience, while “faceless”, can still be significantly better than the department store of today.

What do you think would make a difference to your shopping habits?

Regards

JB

Hi Everyone

So if you follow my main twitter account @jasonsbradshaw you will know that I personally struggle with my weight. To the innocent observer you may say I don’t need to lose weight but from my personal experience hearing “you don’t need to lose weight”, does absolutely nothing to change my mind.

So let me share some of my personal weight journey with you.

I was a “normal” weight kid until I was about 10 I guess and then I started to put on weight and continued to put on weight until grade 11 when I started to lose weight. After school though I ballooned out to 120kgs at my heaviest. For the last 5 years I’ve been between 72kgs and 80kgs, lately though hovering at 80/81kgs.

The Young Jason Bradshaw

Jason Bradshaw at age 14

Jason Bradshaw Turns 21

Jason Bradshaw 30 - getting ready for NMG Parade

Now during this weight journey I’ve suffered, for a period of time, with Bulimia which I can only say was a very foolish thing for me to do. Thankfully though I don’t really suffer from Bulimia anymore.

I also found that my weight level had a direct impact on my level of engagement and sociability with people. The deeper my unhappiness with my weight the more withdrawn from society I was.  As a social person that becomes very difficult as I am at my best when I am active and engaging with people.

Anyway enough of me going on let me get to the point of this blog post.

So to my personal 90 day challenge.

Starting right now I am putting myself on a personal challenge for the next 90 days and I am asking you for your help.

Whenever you feel that I am not keeping up with my challenge I want you to tap me on the shoulder, tweet me, text me – just tell me to pick up my game and stay on track.

So the goal is over the next 90 days is all about getting myself back to a weight that I am happier with and building sustainable change in terms of my eating and exercise routine.

I will post my measurements and weight in the next few days (scales are on order).  For now though let me share some of my personal commitments in this challenge:

• No less than 30 minutes of exercise 7 days a week;
• No less than 3 * 60minute cardio sessions per week;
• Chocolate Bar or the like only once a week; and
• No more than 1 coke zero a day (I know they are 0 calories but I just don’t believe they are good for me at the levels I’ve been drinking it);

I will post my goal weight in my next challenge update post.

At the end of this challenge I hope to have achieved positive lasting change in my exercise and diet behavior. I am also going to do a photo shoot at the end to celebrate my achievements.

Hopefully by being so open about it, I will stick to the plan.

Keep me on my toes people, feel free to share your suggestions, weight loss stories and ideas.

Take care

JB

HI Everyone

A number of years ago I was given a fridge magnet that I read almost every day, it says;

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. EXPLORE. DREAM. DISCOVER.

Every time I read this it is like a reality check and helps to refocus me on the future and not the past.

I tend to summarize EXPLORE, DREAM, DISCOVER into experience things.

In a future blog I am going to talk about these three themes from a personal perspective. However I am interested to hear from you on what your dreams are, what you hope to explore and discover in the next year.

Leave a comment.

Speak to you soon.

JB

Hi Everyone

Today I read an article titled ‘Christian lobby group urges MPs to reject adoption bill, you can view it online at  http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/christian-lobby-group-urges-mps-to-reject-adoption-bill/story-e6frfku0-1225911982342 The article is calling on members of the NSW Parliament  to vote against a bill to allow same sex couples to adopt children.

Now before I speak further I declare that I am currently an employee of the NSW Government and all views expressed in this blog are personal and are not comments on the Government of the Day or Members of Parliament. Further any reference to the current policy are for information purposes only. I further state all views, unless expressly stated otherwise, are my personal views and do not necessarily reflect the views of either my employer or the views of any other organization that I am affiliated with in any form.

With the disclaimer out of the way, let me share my views on this matter.

The above mentioned article as stated is calling on politicians to oppose the adoption bill that would allow same sex couples to adopt children, which quite frankly is an issue I can not stay silent on. Let me state that I support the adoption of children by any person or couple, same sex or opposite sex couple, that can provide a loving and nurturing environment for the child.

Children become available for adoption for many reasons, each of these reasons are unique to the circumstances of the birth parents. It must be a very tough decision for a parent(s) to make, the decision to place a child up for adoption.

What I believe to be the case is that in every instance the desire of all concerned is that the child will be adopted by a loving person, a loving couple, with the means to support and nurture that child emotionally and financially.

Indeed even in the generations where children of unwedded mothers were taken from their birth parents and placed up for adoption, I fundamentally believe that an underlying reason was to ensure that child was supported and nurtured on their life journey. I know that this is a controversial statement and that many believe that in years gone by those decisions were motivated out of religious shame. I am not saying they were or they weren’t but I do believe at the time the people concerned thought they were doing what was in everyone’s best interest.

Those readers that follow my @jasonsbradshaw twitter account would understand I adore and love my parents and my mothers parents. In 1956 my Grandmother and Grandfather adopted my mother the first of four (4) children they would adopt. In the 50’s and 60’s it was not common place to adopt so many children, but I am very grateful to my grandparents for doing so.

I have witnessed first hand the unwavering love and support that only a parent can give to a child. I have seen my mother and her siblings receive this love and support to the same extent that I have from my own parents. There is no difference in the love, it is the same, the only difference is my parents are my biological parents and for Mum they are her adopted parents. I have discussed this topic with my Mother many times and she sees Grandmother and Grandfather as her parents and believes without a shadow of a doubt that she was raised with love and support in the same way she herself has loved me, her (biological) child.

I have also observed, from a distance, my Uncle and Aunt search out their biological parents and in their own way express after the fact that nothing can ever replace the love from their parents, my Grandmother and Grandfather – technically their adopted parents.

I share this with you to demonstrate that what matters here, in my opinion, is that the child is provided a loving a home, a nurturing environment and support to be the best person they can be. Something I am grateful my Grandparents gave to my Mother and her siblings.

I also do not believe that an opposite sex attracted family has any greater capacity to love or provide for a child than a same sex couple has. I further do not buy into this notion that the only suitable environment for a child is with a woman and man raising them. I think this statement itself is disrespectful to the thousands of single parent families that raise children alone and have done so forever, in many cases not through choice but circumstance.

No I don’t have a child myself but my sexuality nor the sex of my partner should determine my ability to adopt a child. Nor do these things dictate my ability to love or to be a good parent.

If you believe that in NSW Same Sex couples should be allowed to adopt children I encourage you to visit the Gay & Lesbian Rights Lobby website at http://glrl.org.au/index.php/Take-Action/Current-Campaigns/Inaction-is-Unacceptable-Remove-Adoption-Discrimination-NOW where you can easily voice your support for this legislation.

I also invite you to leave your comments on this blog.

In closing – equality should be a birth right.

Thanks

Jason Bradshaw

PS – I know this blog has some grammatically errors but I wanted to get it out there fast (plus it’s part of my quirky charm). Thanks for reading.

Hi Everyone

Since a very young age I have had the belief that it is beneficial to read at least one book a month. I don’t think it matters if it is fiction or non-fiction, both feed and expand your mind – which is great.

Over the years I have read many books, some in print and some as audio books – while I am sure the “experts” would argue books in print form are better than audio, I believe both formats have their place, as will eBooks have theirs. Regardless of the format if it helps me grow and learn – I believe it is a good thing.

So three non-fiction must read books, as recommended by me are below. I ask everyone I mentor to read each of these books – I can always tell those that have done so without even asking, as their professional behavior shifts upward if they have read them.

The Pursuit of WOW! by Tom Peters

I first read this book when I was 13 or 14 and many of the lessons and ideas from this book have stayed with me throughout my career. The sub-title of the book is every person’s guide to topsy-turvy times.

Fundamentally this book will get you thinking about how you can deliver greater experiences for your staff, customers and colleagues.

The author, Tom Peters, is a renowned author having published a number of high grossing books, is a sort after event speaker and has served in the US Armed Forces and worked with companies such as McKinsey & Co.

I truly believe that this book will get you thinking!

From Good to Great by Jim Collins

I first became aware of this book when a manager of mine shared an abridged version of the book with me. This book is an evidenced based book explaining what common threads exist between those companies that make the leap from good to great and how you might implement those ideas in your own organization.

This is another one of those books that gets you thinking about your personal leadership style and the leadership that exists (or otherwise) around you. I ended up buying this book in audio book format, after buying the hardcover version, so I can easily get a refresh of the book anywhere that I am.

The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama

My recommendation of this book does not come through any allegiance (or otherwise) to The Democratic Party of the United States of America. I make the recommendation because I believe the book is a great example of what having a dream, a hope, a determination to make a difference can make.

Love him or otherwise, President Obama is a passionate man with convictions and I believe that following your passion and convictions is always a good thing. Also an understanding of how President Obama communicates may assist you in becoming even more inspirational in your communication.

At the end of the day I make these recommendations because I believe these books to have been positive influences on my life, if you do read them I would love to hear your thoughts on them.

Do you have a book (non-fiction) recommendation for me? Send it to me via twitter or email.

Thanks for reading.

JB

Hi Everyone

Ok, I know it has been a while since I posted a blog, l hope that during the period of silence you have been achieving great things.

I thought I would make this post an update on what’s been happening with me over the past few weeks.

Firstly let me extend my thanks to my Mother, Father and Grandmother for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout my life.

Secondly let me extend my thanks to my friends and colleagues that have shaped, supported and encouraged me throughout my life. In part that thanks should also go to those people who don’t fit into any of those categories but who have challenged me to think outside my comfort zone and consider alternate perspectives.

If you follow me on twitter @jasonsbradshaw or on facebook you will know that recently I was successful in my application and was appointed as Director, Transformation Management Office within the NSW Department of Services, Technology and Administration.

Myself and my new office will be responsible for implementing significant reform to State Procurement in partnership with my colleagues and the wider team. I am confident that we will deliver on the plan. A plan that will deliver increased savings and value to the NSW Pubic Sector which results in improved outcomes for the people of NSW.

You may recall that last year I posted a blog regarding my desire to achieve a certain level by the time I was 30, so becoming Director at 30 fulfills that goal and reinforces my belief that setting clear goals and passionately working towards them will result in better outcomes.

I also believe that my success, in life and career, is always best achieved through helping others be successful in their endeavors and that is a reason I always try to support my friends and why I donate my time to a number of mentoring programs.
To add to this exciting news I was also elected to the Board of Oz Showbiz Cares / Equity fights AIDS and is dedicated to mobilising the unique talents within the media, entertainment and arts industries to mitigate the suffering of individuals affected by HIV/AIDS. I am excited by this Board appointment as it allows me to continue to expand my contribution to the community.

I now sit on the Board of two organizations, ACON Health Limited, Australia’s largest Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual and Transgender Health Promotion and HIV Services company and OzShow Biz Cares an Incorporated community organization. I am honored to be involved in both organizations and encourage you to get involved in supporting the community in some way, volunteering your time, donating money or simply attending events, it helps make a difference to the lives of so many. I also learn so much through my involvement in these organizations that no matter how much I give of myself to these organizations I am rewarded through the learning and experiences – get involved it’s great!

So apart from that news I also share with you that 11 July 2010 marked the first year anniversary of my fathers death. My Dad was to me a remarkable man who above all else was never afraid to show his love for Mum and I. He taught me so many things but of all the lessons, I know I will live every day, the lesson of unconditional love and to not to be afraid to show it.

Dad would always tell me to lead by example and he demonstrated daily that applied to love, friendships and career – I hope that everyday I lead more by example than the day before. I hope that by doing so I make my Mother, Father, Grandmother and friends proud of being in my life.

No matter what you do, do it with passion and if you ever want to vent, bounce an idea off me or ask a question, whatever – just send me a note and I will help where I can.

Take care – enjoy life.

JB