One year later. Light years ahead.

I am very happy with the announcement made at the WWDC 2009 last week. Here is why:

iPhone 3GS

- The new iPhone 3G S will be available on June 19, 2009 in the USA with the rest of the world getting it on July 9, 2009. This source however, said Australia will get the iPhone 3GS on 26 June.

- The new iPhone 3GS will come in 16GB & 32GB with black and white. Although, I won't be getting the new iPhone 3GS now, but if I was, I want the 32GB Black.

- The new iPhone 3GS will have 'Find My iPhone', it helps you to locate your phone if you lost it. You can remotely erase all data. (Not sure if it still works under water, should you drop your iPhone in the water).

- It has a 3 megapixels camera. Better than the existing one. And it shoots videos.

- S stands for speed: IT WILL BE FAST!

For everything you need to know about the new OS, check it out here

iPhone OS 3.0 (for iPhone and iTouch)

- Free download for existing iPhone users from 17 June 2009.

- iTouch users will have to pay $10 US ($14.95 AUS) to upgrade.

- Personally I am excited about the mighty cut & paste and MMS function. Little things like that really got me excited!☺

For everything you need to know about the new OS, check it out here.

Apple FTW. 

Event wrap up

Work. Travel. Events. I haven't had the time to post any blogs but Twitter has been great!

I just finished working on a 2-day conference which tailored for the wealth management industry in Australia. The Annual Excellence Awards Dinner was held in conjunction with the conference, honoring the best of the best in the wealth management industry. Considering everyone's marketing budget has been slashed due to the GFC, the attendance of the conference was still ok.

Day 1 of the conference focused on industry issues relating to regulation; federal budget; The Henry Review; investment product development and distribution; business development opportunities; superfunds; client retention and leadership. While Day 2 focused on marketing and communications strategies. This year, there are a lot of emphasis on social media and digital strategies. Some might say there are too much emphasis on this. I disagree. Like it or not, this is the most happening thing for consumers and marketers right now and it will continue to grow. If you don't get in there and experience it, your competitors will. This is not going to change the world, it already has.

The Excellence Awards Dinner was a winner! The creator of Mary & Max Adam Elliot was our special guest speaker at the Dinner. He was such a great guy! I have endless emails about how much they love the Dinner, Adam and our band Marcello & his buddies. I also have the opportunity to meet my Twitter friends, who are marketers from the wealth industry.

I was so tired after the Awards Dinner, but I woke up with a beautiful view.

Before I sign off, just wanted to mention that I was going through the feedback forms today. Three speakers scored the highest ratings and great feedback from our delegates. Interestingly, these speakers are on Twitter and I found on Twitter. @individuum @hollersydney and Rob Stone from @daemondigital

Other random stuff:

- The grand piano of the Shangri-La was used for 2 purposes: 1.) at the Awards Dinner by Marcello and 2.) at the afternoon tea on Day 2 for desserts.

- There is a high percentage of iPhone users at this conference. We were sharing Apps ideas and talking about Twitter.

- Coffee cart and wireless broadband should be a must at the next event. For sponsorship opportunities, please Twitter me.

- My MacBook FTW!  And yes, I should know I don't have Keynote and the mini-mini DVI (I think that's what it's called.) Er.. sorry Mike.

Financial Standard Coverage:
Go online, get result
Super at the edge of abyss: ASFA
Rainmaker Marketing Excellence Awards 2009

Follow Rainmaker Events on Twitter.

"Who gives a crap about Twitter?" They said

So it's been 2 months since I joined Twitter. It has been interesting to see how people react to Twitter.

Here is the thing: for those who don't get it, they just don't get it. They either said "why do I want to tell people what I am doing?" or "I don't see the benefits." or "who gives a crap about Twitter?". We are all marketers and we really need to be there to experience it and find out why it matters to people.

I recently decided to put one of my events on Twitter. Although I am all for Twitter as an individual, but I want to explore what Twitter can do for the business I work for and my boss agrees.

But most people in the company feel a bit negative about it or some of them simply don't know what Twitter is. The sales team I am working with said this to me the other day "who gives a crap about Twitter?" I was like what do you mean? It's like saying why do I need to carry a phone when I go out or why do I want a colour TV.

I didn't know what to say to respond, so I asked people in my Twitterverse. There was one response I particular liked (thanks to @ggfilm). Let's put it this way, businesses might think that Twitter is an insignificant detail of their daily life and they just don't care about it, however their competitors care and will leave them in the dust if they don't. I think it's a very good point.

Every now and then I read an article about social media. Here is a another great one about Twitter and I shall frame this in the office. The introduction of this article really hits the nail on the head.

"Whenever I start a conversation about Twitter with someone who doesn't use it -- or who tried it, but never got beyond the inane act of twittering some insignificant detail of his daily life -- I get eye rolls, throat clearing and other signals that suggest I should change the subject.

But if I start a conversation about Twitter with someone who has taken the time to use it, I get the exact opposite response: an instant conversation about fresh ideas, emerging thought leaders, newly revealed content and trends in social media that comes at me faster than an overcrowded chat room." Full article here.

Does it matter when it comes to what industry you service, whether you are in finance, fashion, entertainment, information providers (BBC, NY Times, Financial Times, Thomson Reuters or CNN) or like this London bakery? Or does it matter if you are tech savvy? Does it depend on the lifestyle and behavior of your customers?

The article said "Twitter enables connections and ultimately create a community that let's you listen, engage, inspire, build and mobilize." It is so much more than telling people what you are doing in 140 characters. I don't think it matters when it comes to which industry you service, your presence on Twitter represents the philosophy (or the personality) of your business and the people who work there. It's important to transcend that to customers and the industry you belong to.

Surely you don't have to be in the media or advertising space to realise this. It's not hype, it's not even about the technology, but it's an integral part of our life. People are getting information via new technology and tools, but what's really happening is that people are getting information a lot faster than before. More and more people will expect information to come to them a lot faster. It's true, if you don't act fast, your competitors will.

Feels like WOAH... Wes Carr live at the Apple Store in Sydney (April 2, 2009)

His voice is amazing.. I was like WOAH! Oh so good! Wes Carr is his name. I've posted a video here.




I've previously mentioned about the 31 day challenge on building a better blog, that has been delayed for one week. Hopefully I will have some update soon.

Apart from busy travelling for work, I've been busy doing not much. I am still trying to edit my videos from Europe. I will! Just need to dedicate some time on it. I have actually started working on 2 videos. Do check back or follow me on Twitter.

More simple things in life

The sky looks magnificent. Can't help myself!

Earth Hour

We were having candle light dinner and extended our Earth Hour to 10:30pm by watching some DVDs. And then off to bed. What about you?

31 days to build a better blog

I've joined the 31 Days to Build a Better Blog challenge. The challenge will be led/ moderated by Darren Rowse. Participants (bloggers) have one month to improve their blogs. The challenge starts from April 1. We've been told this is not an April Fools joke. Want to join? See details here.

Remember how this blog looks like now!! Hopefully I can make good improvement by 1 May.

Simple things in life

Somewhere between Tamworth and Newcastle (Australia)

On my way home from work...

Coldplay: Viva la Vida Australian Tour

The last show in Australia was held in Sydney last night, Coldplay did this in style! This was one of the BEST concerts I've been to. When is the DVD coming out?! I can't pick a favorite moment, I love the whole show so much! Although the support acts were a bit long, they weren't bad, but I just wanted to see the main act. I didn't realise Coldplay didn't sing Swallowed by the Sea until this morning, I love this song.


I am on the road again.

Searching for Garden State

Zach Braff's Garden State is one of the movies on my to watch list. I am slowly getting through the list, it's been so long, I actually forgot I have a list! If I want to watch a movie, I'd go to the cinema. If I love it, I'd get the DVD as soon as it releases. But there are always a few I'd put aside for later.. Like Be Kind Rewind, which was simply brilliant. But Garden State! I am so sorry, I've forgotten about you.

I started searching for it today at lunch time, but I can't find it anywhere. You'd think that working in the city is an advantage when it comes it "I want it and I want it now."

So I tried Amazon, which they have it. But I really don't want to wait, so I did a search on the website of my local video store, which never fails to surprise me. I typed in Garden State, there are 40 search results. Here are some of them.

Arthur and the Invisibles
King Kong
30 Days and Nights
Wedding Crashers
Here is a good one, The Ring 2

Wedding Crashers would be the closest.. I guess.

Thanks for nothing... Back to Amazon.

"More than any time in history mankind faces a crossroads. One path leads to despair and utter hopelessness, the other to total extinction. Let us pray that we have the wisdom to choose correctly." Dr Shane Oliver.. I mean Woody Allen

New drawings - Supernatural

New drawings from Mr Timmy G.

Bobby is hot!

Lego Sam

In case you missed this previously, here is the very cute Lego Dean again.

"Facebook, it's not you, it's me. I am running away with Twitter."

Facebook or Twitter? I have both! Which one works best for me? I am just a regular internet user who love blogging and YouTube, I could be quite active on Facebook, and now I think I am loving Twitter.

To be really honest, I never really like Facebook. It's a good way to keep in touch with friends, find old friends or long lost cousins. I like the Status function, I don't mind sharing photos and vidoes on Facebook. But my feeling towards Facebook is very strange. I am quite active on Facebook but I've never really like it! I just don't really know why! At one point, I actually wanted to delete my account, but instead I was only able to deactivate it. A few months later, I was back on Facebook (peer group pressure!).

I joined Twitter 3 days ago and I am really liking it. I'm still exploring, but I am really liking what I can do and what/ who I can find/ follow. All I want is to update my status (if anyone give a crap) and I am able to follow people, products, magazines, TV shows I love. It's just simple and fast. The coolest thing is that I can put my Twitter status on my blog.

You are not going to know if it is the right thing for you until you get your hands on it. Like me, now that I have 'been there, done that', I can say "ok that was crap" or "actually, that works well". Being on any social networking websites is not about how cool you are, it's not even about technology, it's just a way of life.

Facebook is saying Please Don't Leave Me. But I want to make Twitter my new BFF.

Make sure you watch it in 3D

It's Valentine's Day and I went to watch My Bloody Valentine 3D today. If you are planning to watch this movie, MAKE SURE YOU WATCH IT IN 3D. I know you can watch the movie in non-3D cinema, but don't bother. It's 3D or nothing.

I didn't know what to expect to be honest. I paid a bit more to watch it in 3D, and it's worth every cent.

I don't watch horror or slasher movie.. whatever the real term is.. but I was aware of the elements of a horror film. The last 'horror' film I watched was Sweeney Todd. OK! I know it wasn't exactly 'horror', but it was pretty horrific and gory.. seriously! My Bloody Valentine looks absolutely stunning in 3D. I can think of a couple of movies that would be great in 3D all the way, not just a few scenes like The Dark Knight. If Cloverfield was in 3D, I would need a sick bag. The Matrix would look stunning in 3D. Any disaster films would look stunning in 3D.

It was worth the wait. MBV3D gets 3.5 love hearts of out 5. Keep those 3D glasses, I hope the DVD is also in 3D.

I am watching He is Just Not That Into You tomorrow to wash down the gory stuff.

Everything in 3D - the recession; Zach Braff; the 3rd Winchester brother; MBV

Being creative will not get your anywhere.. passion will never get you anywhere.. you don't do things just because you like them.. risk taking should not be part of anyone's life... These are the words from someone I know.

Creativity, passion and taking risks are what matter the most. Thank the lord I didn't listen to him, but I will never forget his words.

So we are in recession huh? In time like this, leadership and innovation are exactly what we are looking for. I know people are giving up, being negative, taking desperate measures for no reasons, using this economic slowdown as an excuse for everything. An article landed on my desk this morning. This is the best and most inspirational article I've read about the recession since last October.

"Pop quiz, hot shot: What do MTV, Trader Joe's, and the iPod have in common? Yes, of course, they're all now ubiquitous and make our lives much more agreeable.

But to us, the most interesting thing about all three is that these great brands were born during recessions. (Trader Joe's: 1958; MTV: 1981; iPod: 2001, if you are scoring at home.)

And therein lies a point everyone seems to be forgetting in the midst of the current economic slowdown. If handled correctly, a downturn can be a good thing for your company. It can give you the opportunity—and the funds—to innovate and get a substantial leg up on the competition. But only if handled correctly.

It is never going to happen if your company—or your department—goes into the recession saying, "We have to tighten our proverbial belts; let's cut spending 22.73% across the board." People are going to be demoralized. And even worse, that is what most firms are doing, and you are never going to gain a competitive edge doing the same thing as everyone else..."

Click here to read the full article. Forward this to your boss!

On other things...

It's not a secret that I love Scrubs... I recently discovered Zach Braff (aka J.D) from Scrubs has a blog. It is not a fan blog, it's a blog he maintained (when he has time).

Thanks to B for the heads up... the 3rd Winchester brother has been cast. He will appear in an episode called JUMP THE SHARK.. so there you go. He might not turn out to be a Winchester. Anyway, the character is a 18 year old dude. His screen and real name escape me.

Supernatural Convention will take place on 18 & 19 April.. I've got my tickets. Me and my sister will be going on 19th (Sunday). Angel Castiel will also attend as a guest with J2. I am so excited about this...! Can I bring my 3D glasses to see Jensen?

I am very excited about the return of 24... the first 2 hours have been amazing! But what's with Channel Seven? For Pete's sake, STOP CHANGING THE PROGRAM SCHEDULE!!!!

My Bloody Valentine 3D is opening this week in Australia... we also have tickets to see it in 3D on Sat. Not sure if I can handle the gory stuff (may be I should watch He is Just Not That Into You straight after), but seeing Jensen in 3D is going to be something! This is going to be one cheesy weekend!

Before I log off, I need to keep catch up with the Chris Brown situation.. What the pie?

Kim Manners (1950 - 2009)

How do I even begin?! Kim Manners is a household name amongst X Files and Supernatural fans. He passed away on Sunday due to cancer.

Kim's episodes were always amazing. If Kim's name appeared on the opening credit as director, I so knew that would be a super amazing episode. He directed numerous episodes of the series, including some of my favorite favorite episodes include Season 1's "Shadow" and "Devil's Trap"; Season 2's "In My Time of Dying"; Season's 3 "Mystery Spot", "No Rest for the Wicked"; and Season 4's "Lazarus Rising".

For The X Files, Kim Manners was credited as a producer for some of that series' greatest episodes, including the Emmy-winning "Jose Chung's 'From Outer Space'" and directed one of my favorite episodes "Humbug".

Thank you Kim.

Steve: Get well soon

Source: scobleizer

"It’s too late to sell your Apple stock. If you sold it today, you are a genius. But tomorrow? You’ll be the biggest loser.

Why? Apple has the best team, the best distribution, the best supply chain, the best management in the business.

Everyone, from Palm to Microsoft to Google wants to be like Apple.

Hint: they can’t."

Click here for full article

You've heard already, Steve Jobs is taking a medical leave of absence until the end of June. The media is of course focusing on the shares, the impact of his health on the overall running of Apple blah blah blah whatever... but you know what, seriously, Steve Jobs is one of the most amazing and inspirational figures in my life time. Apple have great products, innovative ideas and a huge fans base.. I am 200% behind Apple and Steve Jobs no matter what happens. I’ve been an Apple user for years since my high school days.. and I am not going to change! Kill me if I ever have to use PC (work's PC doesn't count).. Work also has a PC laptop but when I use it, it's like I am wearing a different identity that I hate.

I was thinking about iPod today, I've never seen so many people using Apple products before. People won't say 'I love my cassette player".. but they would say "I love my iPod." Of course there are those who say "Apple sucks".. well.. screw you!

I was at the London Apple Store the other day, there was nothing wrong with my iPhone, but I just thought it'd be cool to visit the Genius Bar in a different country. So I made up some problems and asked them. An Apple Genius with a British accent. Hot!

I've been to the Apple Store 4 times during my 3 week visit. I can't believe visiting the Apple Store was actually on top of my list to do. The second visit was for emergency, I had to send an email. Third time was for Google Map, I couldn't find Abercrumbie and Fitch, which was near by. The last visit was the Apple Store at the London Westfield. I was just saying to my sister as I entered Westfield that there should be a mini Apple Store there... 3 seconds later (literally), it was right in front of me. I had trouble breathing for a few seconds.

Steve: Get well soon.

Christmas in Gotham

Christmas present from Timmy G.

Christmas in Gotham was safe in 08 thanks to the dynamic duo.















Created and owned by Timmy G.

I just can't help it!

I love my Mac, my iPhone.. I love everything Apple.

Xmas dinner 2008... and Happy New Year

HAPPY NEW YEAR
Some photos from our Xmas Dinner.

Homecured Gradalux in Lemon and Lime

Grosset Polish Hill Riesling 2006

Grilled Patagonian Scallops with Pancetta Grilled Baby Squid with Chorizo Sausage

Free Range English Goose (Queen Nefertiti)
Accompanied by Chestnuts, Brussel Sprouts, Potatoes, Chatelay Carrots

Marc Colin Puligny-Montrachet Le Trezin 2005

Mince pies, Stollen Cakes

Xmas morning..

Four good Apples, Queen Nefertiti and her entourage

Hello,

I am in London for a few weeks. The first place I went to, naturally, was the Apple Store. Surprised?! Bloody Optus switched off my global roaming. In UK, all genius phones are locked with the O2 network and I had to get my genius unlock in some dodgy place in order to use a local sim card. But I don't want to. So I am using a Nokia phone and I hate it.










Apple Store in London (on Regent Street). They have 4 apples.










I found Dean Street somewhere near Covent Garden.













Our Xmas is bigger and taller than the one from last year.











I went to Winter Wonderland on Hyde Park. The Hyde Park turns into a giant theme park with rides and stuff.. and it has a Xmas market.










Magic Snowman.

Our goose has been named Queen Nefertiti. This was before she went into the oven.










And her entourage..