Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Time and Telephone
This page shows the current time in Kyoto and Portland, in case anyone needs to know, if you are calling me, for example.
Speaking of which, I just read in the NY Times about this way to make (probably) free phone calls to Japan (actually most of the world). It seems simple, though I know someone tried it and said it didn't seem to work, but it may be worth a shot. They may have ironed out the kinks by now.
I am passing it along to encourage people to call me (or nay other overseas friends you may have) anytime (I miss Maine...but things are good here. I just got a job!!!!! I mean a significant job more than the few hours I was working. It was the last piece I needed before feeling like I finally landed. Now I've really left Maine.)
The probably free part comes from the fact that the initial call is a toll number in the US, but many people have free US calling minutes, etc...so this works for them. the number to call first is 712 756 8813, though more numbers may be available on their website.
Before you smirk with disdain, this is absolutely true. I heard about it in the NY Times, and the Times never lies. Well, OK, you can smirk at that.
http://pogue.blogs.nytimes.com/2006/10/09/09pogues-posts-4/
the link is:
http://www.futurephone.com/
The instructions are:
Speaking of which, I just read in the NY Times about this way to make (probably) free phone calls to Japan (actually most of the world). It seems simple, though I know someone tried it and said it didn't seem to work, but it may be worth a shot. They may have ironed out the kinks by now.
I am passing it along to encourage people to call me (or nay other overseas friends you may have) anytime (I miss Maine...but things are good here. I just got a job!!!!! I mean a significant job more than the few hours I was working. It was the last piece I needed before feeling like I finally landed. Now I've really left Maine.)
The probably free part comes from the fact that the initial call is a toll number in the US, but many people have free US calling minutes, etc...so this works for them. the number to call first is 712 756 8813, though more numbers may be available on their website.
Before you smirk with disdain, this is absolutely true. I heard about it in the NY Times, and the Times never lies. Well, OK, you can smirk at that.
http://pogue.blogs.nytimes.com/2006/10/09/09pogues-posts-4/
the link is:
http://www.futurephone.com/
The instructions are:
Labels: interesting links
permalink posted at
10:42:00 PM 
1. Dial one of the Gateway access numbers listed on their website ( 712 756 8813 is the only
number I found, but there may be more in the future, they say...)
2. When the gateway answers, enter 011 then the country code and number you want to reach This
means you dial 011 plus my number (I can't post it here online for security reasons, so email if you need it. Also, if the number you have has a 070 in it, make that 70, no leading zero. This is a general rule, by the way, when making international calls...omit leading zeros from area code if you are dialing from outside the country.) to reach my cell phone.
(mobile users, do not hit SEND - the call will go through on it's own). For Canada dial 1 plus the
area code and number.
3. Wait a few moments for your call to ring through and then enjoy your free call.
Futurephones FAQ:
Where can I call?
Use the drop down list from the home page (Available Country code and Prefix list) to access our
list of 54 countries.
Is it really FREE?
For callers that have unlimited long distance or nationwide long distance plan fs with their cell
or local service provider, yes it will be FREE. If you do not have one of those plans the
international long distance portion of the call is free, and you would just pay your normal rate
for a domestic long distance call.
What's the catch?
There is none. We do not require any information from you at all. We respect your privacy and want
you to utilize our services without concerns about confidentiality. We simply want you to use this
services, tell your friends about it and soon we will have some other
amazing offers for you on this site.
How do I use your services?
1. Call one of our domestic access numbers listed on our home page. As noted above, this is a
toll call so we recommend using your free mobile minutes or calling from a home/office phone with
an unlimited domestic long distance plan to make this portion of the call free as well.
2. You will be connected with our International Gateway and will hear a message instructing you to
dial your foreign destination.
3. Dial your number beginning with 011....
4. Wait for your call to be connected - it may take a few seconds. Mobile Users: DO NOT HIT SEND
AFTER DIALING YOUR FOREIGN PHONE NUMBER. Hitting SEND may disconnect you from our gateway and
your Mobilewill place your call on their network, at their rates, instead.
5. Enjoy your unlimited length FREE call!
Why are we giving away calls for free?
If we can gain your confidence in our company and services, we hope to introduce other products
and services to you in the future.
How long will it remain FREE?
Our plan is to keep this services free for the next three years, which will take us to 2010.
Do I need any special equipment, or do I need to call from my PC?
No special equipment is required. Simply call our gateway number
from any telephone you use today, including cell phones. If you want to use your PC based services
to call our access number, you are welcome to.