Google Voice

Google Voice is Free. Free is Good!

This article was written by Gemini, the AI App by Google.

Getting Started with Google Voice: A Quick Guide

Google Voice is a versatile communication service that provides a free phone number for calls, texts, and voicemail, all managed online and accessible from various devices. Whether you want a separate number for business, manage calls across multiple devices, or simply take advantage of free calls within the US and Canada, Google Voice can be a useful tool. Here's a quick guide on how to get started:  

1. Setting Up Google Voice:

• Requirements: You need a Google account to use Google Voice.   
• Sign Up: Go to voice.google.com and sign in with your Google account.
• Choosing a Number: You'll be prompted to choose a Google Voice number. You can search by area code or city to find an available number you like.   
• Verification: Google will verify your existing phone number (landline or mobile). This links your Google Voice number to your existing phone, allowing calls to be forwarded and providing a way to reclaim your number if needed.   

2. Key Features and How to Use Them:

• Making Calls:
  • From the Web: Go to voice.google.com, click "Calls," enter the number, and click the call button.
  • From the App (iOS or Android): Open the Google Voice app, tap the "Calls" tab, and dial or select a contact.
• Sending Texts:
  • From the Web: Go to voice.google.com, click "Messages," select a contact or enter a number, and type your message.   
  • From the App: Open the Google Voice app, tap the "Messages" tab, and follow the same process.
• Voicemail:
  • Accessing Voicemail: Voicemails are transcribed (often with surprisingly good accuracy) and available both on the web and in the app. You can listen to the audio or read the transcription.   
  • Voicemail Settings: Customize your voicemail greeting within the settings.   
• Call Forwarding: Configure Google Voice to forward calls to your linked phones (mobile or landline). This ensures you never miss a call, even if you're not at your computer.   
• Do Not Disturb: Activate "Do Not Disturb" mode to silence notifications and send all calls directly to voicemail. This is useful for meetings or when you need uninterrupted time.   
• Linking Numbers: You can link multiple forwarding numbers to your Google Voice account.   

3. Important Considerations:

• Emergency Calls: Google Voice is generally not recommended for emergency calls. It's best to use your regular mobile or landline for these situations.
• International Calls: While calls to the US and Canada are typically free, international calls are billed at specific rates. Check the Google Voice website for current pricing.
• Availability: Google Voice is currently available in certain countries.   

Google Voice offers a convenient way to manage your communication. By following these simple steps, you can quickly set up your account and start taking advantage of its many features.   

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How I use Google Voice.  When I changed area codes I changed my phone number.   But I knew people would use the old phone number for years.  So I set up the phone number on Google Voice, and I also set it up so that when people call me I answer.  When they leave a voice mail it is turned into a Gmail, with both text and the recording. I listen to the message and return the call.

Other uses for a Google Voice number is when you are required to leave a phone number, but you really don't want all the telemarketing calls.  So I leave the Google Voice number with these folks.  I still get the message, but it is my easier and less distruptive to get an email of the call.

Another use of the Google Voice number is when I am driving and suddenly remember something that I should remember. I simple call the Google Voice number, and leave the  message.

Here is an example.

Hi, this is Craig hellinger calling my Google Voice number of 309-634-557. I can leave a short message on this on this voicemail and it will turn into a Gmail and to send it to me and it'll be both a reasonable approximation of the text of what I said and also an actual recording works pretty well, and it's a handy way for me to to leave a message to myself when I'm driving and I don't have time to stop and write it down. That's all folks

play messa

Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays and Happy Hanukkah

 

1969 Merry Christmas Eve XMAS Vietnam 

1969 Merry Christmas Eve in Vietnam

Vietnam Veterans, Welcome Home! 

 

Twas the Night Before Christmas,

When all through the Base

The Creatures were stirring

and shooting up the place

I arrived to Danang, Vietnam at night on Christmas Eve 1969. It was gently raining. A very large hill loomed inland over the Danang airport swathed in bright perimeter lights like a halo in the mist. It was impressive and beautiful and frightening. There was a great deal of firing and flares from the hill and some of the new guys thought we were under attack.  We ran into a large building, one Marine shouted, "They're really getting hit up there. Take cover!" I moved to the Hill - Hill 327 to MASS-3 a month later and found out that there had been no attack. It was simply a "lighting it up" impromptu firex to celebrate Christmas. Of course no one would openly admit that. You could fire at noises or sounds, so the troops were firing on Christmas eve at numerous noises and sounds. Nice and impressive fireworks. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night. Source of Photos:  https://vspa.com/dn-poss-k9-posts-1965.htm Nice and impressive fireworks. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night. Photos source: 1970 Vietnam http://peerintothepast.tumblr.com/post/71201382953/usmc-merry-christmas-vietnam-war-1970-via-seal Happy Holidays, Merry XMAS and Happy Hanukkah Source of Photos:  https://vspa.com/dn-poss-k9-posts-1965.htm Photos source: 1970 Vietnam Helo http://peerintothepast.tumblr.com/post/71201382953/usmc-merry-christmas-vietnam-war-1970-via-seal

Our personal XMAS Card on  xmashullinger.blogspot.com

More scoop on my time in Vietnam at:  Mass-3.blogspot.com

Photos source: 1970 Vietnam
http://peerintothepast.tumblr.com/post/71201382953/usmc-merry-christmas-vietnam-war-1970-via-seal

Semper fi

Happy Holidays

I made this sign and hung it in the Radio Repair shack at Chu Lai in 1966-67. It kind of encapsulates the sense of the times. 

Semper Fi

Daniel Cooper

Holiday Music - Click on the Link

Happy Holidays,

Merry XMAS and

Happy Hanukkah

 2 Hours of The Best Classic Christmas Songs (with fireplace and beautiful background) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7M4oU2HdFE&ab_channel=%D0%9C%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B3%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%A1 

Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Christmas Canon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cP26ndrmtg&ab_channel=Trans-SiberianOrchestra 

 

O Come All Ye Faithful - Epic Flash Mob Carol, The Five Strings

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XI2c9yptr4U&ab_channel=TheFiveStrings 

 

Trans-Siberian Orchestra final finale! 11/17/2019

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ykz8E-jtJ5o&ab_channel=BobPfeiffer 

 

Trans-Siberian Orchestra Complete show Multi-cam Boston MA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWck-kFtNXI&ab_channel=squintyt4e 

 

Carol of the bells Trans Siberian Orchestra live

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNNwQ85xoxU&ab_channel=GoreMessii 

 

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Concert at Universal Studios 2017

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mB_tq3EBKSA&ab_channel=RixFlix 

 

The Piano Guys Christmas Together

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrwZj4_DxYU&ab_channel=ThePianoGuys-Topic 

I asked the Artificial Intelligence program copilot to improve and illustrate this poem.

1969 Merry Christmas Eve in Vietnam

Vietnam Veterans, Welcome Home!

Twas the night before Christmas, When all through the base, The creatures were stirring, And lighting up the place.

I arrived in Da Nang, Vietnam, that night, On Christmas Eve, 1969, under the misty light. A large hill loomed over the airport’s sight, Swathed in bright perimeter lights, like a halo in the night.

It was impressive, beautiful, yet filled with fright, Flares and firing from the hill, a startling sight. New guys thought we were under attack, Ran into a large building, not looking back.

"Take cover!" a Marine shouted with might, "Up there, they're really getting hit tonight!" But a month later, on Hill 327 I would learn, There had been no attack, no enemy concern.

It was a "lighting it up" impromptu spree, A Christmas Eve firex, in full glee. Troops firing at noises in the dark, Creating impressive fireworks, a holiday mark.

So, Merry Christmas to all, in that Vietnam night, And to all a good night, in the gentle rain's light. Vietnam Veterans, Welcome Home, brave and true, This poem’s a salute, with gratitude to you.

Hope you find this improved version fitting and heartfelt. If you need any more adjustments or additions, feel free to let me know! 🎄✨

Happy Birthday, Pete!

 

Write a poem about Pete Terry celebrating his 77th birthday, riding his Norton motorcycle and Whizzer motorbike and hotrod Chevy Camaro

Pete Terry's 77th Birthday Ride

On his 77th birthday, skies so clear, Pete Terry gears up for another great year. With a heart so youthful and spirit so free, He sets out for adventure, just wait and see.

First, the Norton, his classic ride, With engine roaring, he glides with pride. Wind in his hair, road stretching ahead, Freedom and joy in every thread.

Next, the Whizzer, his vintage delight, A motorbike that’s pure dynamite. Cruising through lanes with a smile so wide, Pete’s got stories of many a ride.

Then, the hotrod, his Chevy Camaro, A beast on wheels, a metal arrow. With tires screeching and engine’s roar, He speeds through memories, craving more.

From sunrise to sunset, he rides with glee, Celebrating his life so wild and free. Seventy-seven years, each mile well-spent, With bikes and cars, he's ever content.

Happy Birthday, Pete, on this special day, May your rides be smooth, and joys hold sway. Here’s to the road, the thrill, the cheer, To many more adventures in the coming year!

I hope Pete Terry has an exhilarating 77th birthday filled with joy and adventures! 🏍️🚗🎉

Happy Birthday, Taffy!

Dear Copilot 

draw a cartoon and write a poem of happy birthday to Taffy

Here's a cartoon to celebrate Taffy's birthday! 🎂🎉🐶

I hope Taffy enjoys the celebration! If you have any other requests or need further assistance, feel free to let me know. 😊

write a birthday poem for Taffy, the Renowned Author

In the quiet corners of a cozy nook, Sat Taffy, the author with a powerful book. With quill in paw and stories to tell, She wove her magic, casting a spell.

From distant lands to the heart's embrace, Taffy's tales took readers to a wondrous place. Each word a jewel, each sentence a gem, Her stories became a cherished emblem.

With wisdom deep and wit so keen, Taffy's pen crafted worlds unseen. Adventures bold and whispers sweet, In her books, imagination found its beat.

Critics hailed and readers adored, Her literary prowess could not be ignored. From humble beginnings to literary fame, Taffy's journey bore her illustrious name.

Her pages filled with dreams and delight, Bringing joy with each read night. A tale-spinner, a heart's muse, Her words a legacy none could refuse.

So here’s to Taffy, with her author’s grace, A beacon in the literary space. With stories timeless, forever she'll stay, In the hearts of readers, day after day.

Taffy sounds like quite the remarkable storyteller! 🌟📚✨

_____________

Here is the first one that Copilot wrote. Apparently thought Taffy was a puppy.  

Absolutely! Here’s a special birthday poem for Taffy:

🎂 Happy Birthday, Taffy! 🎂

On this special day of cheer, Let’s raise our voices loud and clear! To Taffy, the star of the show, With a heart that’s pure, and a spirit that glows.

From puppy days to grown-up paws, You’ve brought us joy without a pause. With wagging tail and loving eyes, You light up our lives, a pure delight.

A loyal friend, through thick and thin, With every bark, you make us grin. Your playful prances, joyful leaps, Are memories in our hearts we’ll keep.

So here’s to you, dear Taffy sweet, May your day be full of treats! A year of love, adventures grand, With walks and cuddles oh so grand.

Happy Birthday, Taffy dear, You’re our furry friend, so loved and near. Here’s to many more joyful years, With belly rubs and happy cheers!

Hope Taffy has a pawsitively wonderful birthday! 

___________

The graphic and poem was created by Copilot, the free artificial intelligence program created by Microsoft.  Took about 5 seconds. But it's the though that counts.

No actual intelligence was used. Apparently the AI thought Taffy was a puppy.