Google Voice iPhone app

Finally.

It looks like Apple came to their senses, and has seemingly given Google its blessing for a native Google Voice iPhone app.

For those of you that don't remember, a year or so ago, Apple initially approved an official GV app; only to pull it from the iTunes App Store. They gave the ridiculous reason that it "duplicated functionality", and thus, was not allowed. Everyone knew that was a load of crap, but for whatever reason Apple (and AT&T?) felt threatened by Google Voice and it's awesomeness. Let's hope the second time around they don't change their minds.

One of the main reasons I ditched my iPhone 3G was due to the lack of Google Voice support. Though it was frustrating at the time (I liked my iPhone for the most part), I'm glad I was "forced" to switch to Google and Android. The Android platform has some very nice features that I could see Apple never approving of. But we'll save that for a different day. Apple really dropped the ball on this one, at least for me. Because of the shenanigans they pulled with GV, they lost a customer, and I may never switch back.

Anyways, if you haven't checked out Google Voice yet, you should. (It's free to sign up for and use.) Especially if you are a smartphone user. With the addition of the iPhone app, I believe all of the major players now support GV. Here's a quick run-down of what you are missing out on by not using Google Voice:

• FREE (as in beer) text messaging
• Call screening
• Visual voicemail
• Voicemail transcription
• Ring multiple phones by calling one number
• Call recording
• Cheap international calling
• Block callers
• Customized greetings
• Access all of this from your computer via a web browser
• and more...

If you are a smartphone user, the free text messaging is worth switching alone. Why on Earth people waste $5 - $15 dollars per month on something when you can get it for free is beyond me? Over years of use that can be a lot of money. I'm sure there are better things you would rather spend your cash on. So head on over to the App Store and get the free app.

Source: http://googlevoiceblog.blogspot.com/2010/11/google-voice-for-iphone.html

Grooveshark

If you like Pandora, you really need to check out Grooveshark.com. I'm still not quite sure how Grooveshark works exactly, but you can search for any song, play it (over and over if wanted), save it to your Grooveshark library, add it to a playlist, or buy it. If you want continuous streaming music there is a radio that you can turn on. All you do is search for a song that you would like to start with, press play, then click on the radio button.Grooveshark will then continue playing similar genre songs. You can "like" or "dislike" each song just like Pandora. But unlike Pandora, you can skip as many as you want! Also, unlike Pandora, there are no annoying intrusive advertisements! There are ads on the side of the browser, but no annoying verbal ones.

The only downfall I see is that your library and favorites aren't unlimited; not sure what the limit is. I think you can even upload your own music, but I haven't had a need to try it out yet. Oh, there's no free mobile app, either. I think it runs $3/month.

Regardless of any shortcomings Grooveshark may have, it has Pandora soundly beat. No annoying ads, the ability to play any song you want as many times as you want, and the ability to skip unlimited songs when listening to their radio. Don't just take my word for it, go check it out! Grooveshark.com

Elections, Politics, & Jesus

I hate elections because people are crazy. CRA-ZY. No matter what side you are on, or who you vote for, it defies all logic. Don't get me wrong, I vote just like everyone else, but that's the system that I'm a part of. It's amazing to me that people can't see that they aren't going to change anyone's moral convictions BECAUSE of politics. Politics provide no answers or solutions to anything...especially long term. Politics have become religion in the U.S., and it makes me really sad when I think about it. To see all these people I know spewing ridiculous, hateful words on Facebook, Twitter, Buzz, etc., all in the name of being a Democrat or Republican. "Just voted against the Nazis today!" "I voted against Communism!" Hmmm, yes. Now I see it! You are right. Please sign me up so I can be ridiculous with you too!

Voting has always been a lose - lose scenario for me, and probably always will be.

Republicans: like babies, abuses the environment, likes war, neglects the poor.
Democrats: hate babies, save the whales, anti-war, thinks everyone can be "right" at the same time (unless you don't think they are right).

Sorry. Maybe it's just me, but that sucks.

I'm also tired of people using the Bible and Jesus to support their political agendas. Guess what? Jesus was NOT political! In fact, he was just the opposite. Jesus only served God, and that's it. He was not an undercover Republican or Democrat, so please stop trying to show that Jesus is on "your side." Jesus said to love your neighbor and pray for your enemies. I don't see that happening anywhere in politics. If you want to see change in the community, country, or world, I suggest you stop with the political madness, and take Jesus' advice.