John K. Davis, Independent Distributor, SendOutCards

Google Voice

I've written about Google Voice before. It was back in 2007 when I reported my experience with the service then called GrandCentral:

http://www.johnkdavis.com/2007/04/grandcentral.html

When Google purchased GrandCentral things got better quickly and new helpful features have been added over the years since then. I am totally dependent on the service now and have no complaints. In fact, my experience has only been a positive one.

The only thing is that Google would not open the service to new users. When a friend would learn about the awesome capabilities of the system from me (I rarely volunteered the information, but people would be with me when some magical thing would happen and I would spill the beans), the envy would thereafter be a minor irritant to an otherwise good relationship.

Well that situation is in the process of changing. You can hear a brief news report about the roll-out for Google Voice on this morning's NBC Today Show:

http://bit.ly/JB5LA.

To learn about all of the details of this amazing service go here:

http://www.google.com/voice

I'm also happy to talk or exchange email if you want more information from me.

Promoted to Manager

Promotions often mean a significant raise, shifting responsibilities and a few new perks. Yes! Working for the third largest greeting card company in the world has just become a bit more interesting.

An advancement is also a good time to reflect on what was accomplished and consider the challenge ahead. I'm so blessed to have found so many good friends with whom to work. I have fun every day. The creativity this job encourages has rejuvenated an enthusiasm for trying new things and has expanded my sense of what is possible--it is as though I'm growing younger day-by-day. I enjoy life more. What a wonderful gift!

The next objective is to double the size of my business and earn another promotion to Senior Manager. This should take less time and will be more fun. I really know what I'm doing now and have seen the positive impact I'm having in the world. Momentum combined with the amazing source of energy that has shown up in my life fills me with confidence.

OK, so John is feeling a bit high these days. When the cycle of things is on an upswing it is always a good time to enjoy the ride.

Vision Board

I have created a Vision Board to assist me to imagine what I value the most and what I plan to do/have in the not-too-distant future:

Send A Free Greeting Card

I am happy to provide a gift account for those who would like to send a free greeting card. I will contact you, assist you to send a card and show you around the system. You may continue to send a few free cards, get reactions from recipients of the cards and see if you want to open an account. Please complete this form and I will contact you to provide you with a user name and password:

Rapid Mass Production of Electric Cars

I knew of this idea, but I had never heard it presented by its "inventor." Watch this video and you will know with certainty the solution to the energy crisis.

Social Networking

I've been fairly skeptical of social networking sites. They seemed to me to be vain and shallow, and they probably really were a year, or so, ago. Things started to change and I started to pay attention. Recently, a wave of insight hit me when I started tweeting favorite Google tools. The links in the tweets were often to articles or other information that I truly appreciated.

So, a little experimenting and reading and playful shenanigans later, I find myself using Twitter and LinkedIn often and Facebook a bit now and then. The more I use these services, the more I understand their appeal. Social networking online is becoming a natural part of my day-to-day activities.

Plantronics Calisto

I'm almost always learning to use some new gadget. Occasionally one comes along that works so well and is so helpful that it makes a huge contribution to my life. A gadget that I acquired last month is such a device, the Plantronics Calisto home phone with multi-function Bluetooth headset.

The device integrates a DECT 6.0 cordless landline/VoIP phone with a Bluetooth headset that both recharge using an integrated base station. The cordless phone works great with either a normal landline or VoIP system--I have tested it with both. The Bluetooth headset can be used to take landline or VoIP calls and/or cell phone calls. That's right, I can be on a call that came in or was placed on our VoIP system when my cell phone rings and then seamlessly switch between each call using the Bluetooth headset!

The cordless phone is small, easy to use and feature rich. It is the host for the landline or VoIP Bluetooth connection to the headset, so I can put the cordless phone on my belt or in my pocket and walk all around the office, roam throughout the house, even move to the elevator and down to the Social Room without dropping the call.

Because the headset also pairs with my G1 Android cell phone, I can put the G1 in my other pocket or on my belt and can make or receive mobile phone calls with the headset.

The Plantronics headset is large, but it is, by far, the most comfortable Bluetooth headset I have ever used--and I have tried many.

I highly recommend the Calisto for anyone that spends much of the day taking and receiving calls from multiple sources.

Here is an image of the entire setup so you can see what I've been describing:

Stop Complaining!

Please watch this YouTube video. Yes, it is hilarious. But, it is also truth speaking to fear. We need to put these difficult times in perspective.

Enjoying Our Roku

Janet and I purchased a Roku from Netflix a year ago. The tiny device attaches directly to our flat-panel TV. It connects via WiFi to our broadband Internet service and streams content for our viewing pleasure.

Up until recently the content was exclusively Netflix videos. We cannot get every DVD available at Netflix, but the selection is extensive. So, at no additional charge, Netflix not only keeps us supplied with three DVDs on hand at all times, but also gives us access to a huge inventory of titles we can stream over the Internet on demand. We love the device and it has significantly improved our experience of using Netflix.

Very recently the Roku became available at Amazon.com. In addition to Netflix the device now also streams more than 40,000 movies and TV shows available through Amazon Video On Demand. So, the Roku player is now one of the most compelling new ways for Amazon customers to instantly watch their favorite movies and TV shows, and at $99 is also one of the most affordable.

The Roku player works with virtually any TV and takes just minutes to set up. Because it is also compatible with the Netflix “Watch Instantly” service, Janet and I are using the Roku to view even more content delivered over the Internet. Check it out!

3D Printer

A friend sent me a link to a video where Jay Leno has a guy that represents a company that is making a small 3D scanner demonstrate the equipment and then they "print" the car part using a 3D printer. It shows how close we are to having 3D printing available as a consumer product.

Waiting For Alaina

Janet is in Michigan with Stephanie and her family waiting for Alaina to be born. It could happen any moment. As soon as they become available, pictures of the baby will be linked to this post. So, check back in a few days to see my new granddaughter.

OK! Alaina was born and pictures have arrived!! The birth was a family affair. Clinton took pictures, Jamison cut the cord and both Sydney and Lauren cheered Steph on. I have linked three images for your viewing pleasure:

Alaina, 19 inches, 7.2 lbs.

Steph and the kids

Steph and Alaina

Jared's and Tina's Wedding

One of the best things I've done recently was to attend my son's wedding. When you click the link you will see a movie I made of the event posted on YouTube. To improve the quality of the movie, select "view in high quality" at the bottom right of the video window.

It was a wonderful event. We had a great time on the wedding cruise. It was an event enjoyed by all there and will be in our memories forever. I'm glad Jared and Tina decided to get married and to share the experience with friends and family.

SendOutCards

The San Diego Memorial Society struggled to generate donations to keep things moving forward, but in August, 2008, the board terminated me and moved to a much simpler and lower cost operation. I learned a lot in my years with the Society. They remain a wonderful organization that provides an important service for families in San Diego.

Early August became my start date as an independent distributor for SendOutCards. My business is growing fast and I could not be more enthusiastic about the SOC system.

SendOutCards can be used for businesses that want to stay in touch with potential and current customers and referral partners, as well as for individuals who want to do a better job staying in touch with friends, family and others they care about.

I love SendOutCards because it is quick and easy to use, and it's really affordable. There are more than 15,000 cards to choose from online and a card costs me about a dollar to send, including the postage.

As I build my SendOutCards business, I will use this blog to communicate with other senders of cards that have been added to my team. I will also keep friends and family posted on my activities here.

Expect to see a post here about once each week for the time being. It is nice to be able to get back to this blog. I will respond to questions and concerns about the postings here in the comments section. Here is my current contact information:

Thank God for Evolution!

If this book doesn't end the science and religion war, it's certainly a MAJOR step in the right direction!

GrandCentral

I signed up with GrandCentral and have been testing it for a long while now and I like the service a lot. I have a new phone number now that will reach me at all of my existing phones; home, office, cell phone and Skype. The only number you will ever need to reach me is (619) 393-2298. Now you can reach me everywhere with a single number. And if I move, switch jobs, or buy a new phone...this GrandCentral number never changes. You can even use my new number as an email address (6193932298@grandcentral.com). It doesn't get much simpler than that.

Another cool feature of this amazing free service is the Call Me! button that you will find in the left column of this page, near the top. Click the button twice, enter your phone number and name, click the small Call Me button again, your phone will start ringing, pick it up and I will be on the other end!