Looking down the tracks, trying to decipher which rumble is your train.
Google Voice and iPhone
A couple of months ago, I read a small article about Google Voice.  I had seen stuff about it before, but was unclear exactly what it was.  A few trips to Google pages and I got a general idea, but still could not see how it would be of great benefit to me, especially since I have an iPhone 3G and my home number (a landline).  Anyway,  I found out that it was only available by invitation only, just like Gmail used to be. So, I applied for an invitation.  The more I read during the previous months, the more intrigued I became.  Finally, I received my invitation a few weeks ago and just  sort of looked at it.  I submitted it, and got my new phone number (which you can choose yourself).
It’s really cool because the calling is free except for international calls (which is a very small amount in terms of money).  You can have different answering messages for different  people.  Free text messaging, voicemail transcription to name just a few of the advantages.  I can see why AT&T did not want Apple to allow Google Voice as an app on the iPhone.  Basically, I am trying to understand why I should even pay AT&T, when I could get all my services fro free.
The most obvious answer is that it is not as smoothly integrated. Â For one, in order to have any of those features, you have to have people dial the new number. Â Also, having to use an HTML5 app to make calls is a lot slower than just using the phone app on the iPhone. Â Another drawback, is you would have to use your Gmail addressbook, or import your iPhone addressbook to Gmail.
Want to try it out for free? On the bottom right of the page is a widget that says Call Me. Enter your name, number and check the box that protects your anonymity, and it will call anyone you like.   Feeling brave enough?  BTW, if you have a Google mail account, you can make free calls from there too.
New Theme Installed
Okay,… here it is. The new theme, called Motion is activated. Let me know via your comments if you love or hate it… or don’t care. 😉
New Theme Coming
I’ve gotten a little tired of the theme I’m running for this blog. Â It has served me well, but right now it is looking a little old and yes clinical. Â I’m tired of clinical. Â This theme is called Biru and is pretty straight forward. Â So, here’s an image of it. I know you’re looking at it now, but once this site changes, people won’t know what I’m talking about.
Yes, it has served well for a couple of years. Â I liked that it has a clean design. Â There aren’t a lot of bells and whistles getting in the way. Â Nothing to take away from the words… I know,… what words. Â There was not a lot written. Â It’s hard to write a lot when you’re whispering.:)
The other thing, is that it would never display photos where I placed them. Â For example, the image of the Biru design is supposed to be on the left side of the screen. Â But if I wanted it on the right side of the screen on the center of the screen, it would show up on the left side of the screen
The new theme is called Motion. Â It is much more colorful, but it is also darker. Â I kinda like it because it’s not bland but it’s not so dark that you can’t read it. Â I don’t think it makes you depressed after reading and the controls for finding articles, make it easier for the reader to navigate the web site.
I hope you’ll like it. Â This is what it looks like:
See, it just doesn’t display properly. I set it to show on the right side, not next to the end of the post.
Another iPhone visual
Louise Log makes me laugh and think
I had a chance to meet the cast and people behind the scenes but due to a case of the shingles, could not. I’d kick myself if it didn’t hurt so much.
I like Louise because she reflects what I think often. I especially love her quest to let her artistic self come out and actually DO IT, rather than thinking about it all the time. Make sure you see the latest version at Anne Flournoy’s site.
i’ve tried to get my own “art” out by photographing more. I used to use high end cameras and equipment… I’m now seeing if I can explore the low end and playing wiht point and shoot, then altering the images… This goes totally against what I know, so it might be interesting. We’ll see.
Commercially Speaking
It’s been a while since I have written anything about the Louise Log. In fact I have to admit, I missed one (#16). I caught up by going to Anne’s website and you can do the same.
Interestingly, my spouse saw a mattress commercial on television the other day, in which the main actress looks very similar to our heroine, Louise (AKA Christine Cook).
I can’t remember the name of the mattress company but I will keep an eye out.
Let me know if you see the commercial. It ends with the line, “We don’t want a repeat of last year”. I would love to find out if that is her.
Interesting
I just happened to get the weekly analysis for this blog recently and it is the most popular of my blogs. I don’t know why that is so, since I’ve neglected it so much. Also, Thursday and Friday are the most popular days.
Let me know if there are any subjects of interest to you and I’ll try to comply… especially things that encourage conversation. 😉
2.8.4 upgrade
Apparently WordPress is under attack. As a result I was forced to upgrade despite my weeks of delaying. Here’s the story.
Louise Log #15
Anne Flournoy has released another terrific episode of the Louise Log,… number 15. Â This one is called Danger. Â Things are getting even more interesting. Â Check it out:
If you have any problems with the audio, you can view it with subtitles at Anne’s website. Â You can also see ALL of the “logs” here. You can also subscribe there and be the first to know when another Louise Log is released along with any other things Anne is working on. Â Enjoy!