here are the best ways to reach me:
1) e-mail
2) skype, username = rickbentley. Download the client from www.skype.com, you will need mic and speakers, or a headset, for your computer. We can talk live for free, at better quality than a normal phone too.
3) yahoo IM, username = rickbentley68. Download the client from www.yahoo.com. If you have a webcam on your computer we can video chat as well.
In fact, those three (with the possible exception of my cell phone) are the best whether I'm here or in the US. Three more options, AFTER checking the time difference note below, are:
4) 00964 (Iraq country code) followed by 790-191-957 -- it's my Iraqna cell phone. Incoming calls are free to me. You have to pay international rates, dial 00 from your phone first; this will put you in touch with a long distance operator. Then both confirm the dialing instructions for Iraq (it might only be one leading 0 for you) and the rate you will be charged -- if it's worth it to you then call me (again, AFTER, checking the time difference).
5) My cell phone. It's off. If the shit hits the fan here I'll turn it on. Otherwise it's off. If you leave a message I won't listen to it until I'm home. What could you really say that's worth $2.99/minute, my roaming cost, anyway? 976 numbers charge less than that (er, so I'm told).
6) If you really feel the overwhelming need to leave me a v-mail you can call 415-358-5883. Your v-mail will be turned into an e-mail and sent to me.
PLEASE NOTE THE TIME DIFFERENCE:
I am 11hrs ahead of CA (pretty much the opposite side of the world). My jet lagged self only has between 10pm and 7am my time for a chance at some sleep. This means to please only call me between 6pm and 9am CA time. In fact, it's probably best for you to call me as late as possible CA time -- given the tense situation on the ride to the green zone I won't be playing Chatty-Kathy on my cell phone, so 6pm is probably too early (but at least I'll be awake). I have to leave this cell phone on 24/7, so if people start calling me when I'm asleep I'll have to change the number. Thanks.
I'll look forward to hearing from you all, again the top three (e-mail, skype, IM) are the best way.
Posted by rick at May 28, 2004 02:46 AM