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Gaim is a multi-protocol messaging client. In other words, it runs AOL IM, Yahoo IM, MSN Messenger, ICQ, IRC, Jabber… all on one program and all running at the same time. Obviously the best feature is that it replaces all those separate clients with one clean interface. I had tried out Trillian briefly as well but soon came to hate the interface. The default skin was way too colorful and rounded — like a bad winamp skin. I wasn’t able to find a skin that looked professional enough on their site. (Although some of the skins for the non-free pro version looked ok.) It did however have a more windows look and feel to the menus as gaim is a port from linux using the GTK+ widgets.

Presently I have been using version 4.7 of the official AIM client along with DeadAIM and/or AIM+ depending on my computer location. Unfortunately, DeamAIM is no longer free as of version 3.2 and AIM+ does not fully support AIM clients above version 4.x and is also no longer being developed.

Gaim and Trillian are void of the excessive ads and tickers and buttons that the newer IM clients seem to gain with each sucessive version. That was the main reason for me to use the add-ons described above which I actually failed to explain their uses so here goes: DeadAIM and AIM+ remove many of the unnecessary interfaces of the AIM client — namely the ads and the buttons. They also add a very useful log manager to keep track of old and new conversations. Gaim can also extend its functionality with a built-in plugin system. One of the more promising plugins is called history which will tack on the last few lines of a conversation when you open up a new IM window to a person. This way you can keep track of where the conversation was going last time (or if you accidentally closed the window).

Gaim is moderately skinnable in that you can change the GTK+ widget theme when you install (or reinstall) it. I prefer the default wimp or blue curve. These mainly affect the scroll bars and the checkboxes. Most everything is customizable, from tabbed browsing to buddy list prefs to transparency. It also has a feature called aliasing which allow you to rename confusing or inappropriate screennames to something more memorable or less offensive. (The newer AIM clients might have it as well.) But like I said, if you like a simple and “professional” look, you can’t go wrong with Gaim.

BTW, I’m looking to add more people to my ICQ and Yahoo! lists that I’ve neglected since switching to AIM a while back. So shoot me a comment or email me.

Update: One thing that is missing is the DeadAIM/MSN Messenger feature that has a visual pop-up in the corner that alerts you of when your “buddies” sign on/off. Having that and a reliable image transfer/direct connect would make this even better.

Update #2: Found it: Guification. Woo Hoo! Now I can migrate completely to Gaim. This one even includes which network the user is signing in from. Very good stuff.

I’ve decided to expand a little and add a new review category to the site. This’ll mostly be for me to keep track of what I’ve been playing around with over the years and also to rant and rave about products I love and hate. Hopefully, it won’t go the neglected way of my movie reviews (which I do plan to revive when I see my next movie).

Maybe Kebob will want to come on board as an editor.

Disclaimer: This is for the car nuts. Everyone else can have their eyes glaze over–

I was discussing with a coworker who was a mechanical engineering major about gears and he was saying that helically cut gears were stronger, but I tried to argue that my automotive knowledge said otherwise — that straight cut gears were stronger. It turns out we were both right:

Helically cut gears are stronger and can sustain more torque transfer due to having greater surface area since they are cut at an angle. However when it comes to a car, it is more difficult to match the teeth on the gears when it is helically cut, therefore most racing transmissions use straight cut gears which are more reliable when it comes to shifting in and out of gears.

Also, straight cut gears don’t put as much lateral pressure on bearings.

Ran 35min and completed a little over 2miles.

Check out my support page.

More to come soon –

update:
events sideblog
comment searching
marathon status sideblog
support page pic

I am now signed up for a 26.2 mile marathon to take place June 20th in Hawaii. This is through the American Stroke Association subsidy of the American Heart Association. I’ll be running with my friend Shihab.

Expect to hear from me soon about donations. I’ll have to raise nearly 5 grand to be able to participate.

Last note, 24Hour Fitness really sucks when it comes to fees concerning different “levels” of clubs they have. And their corporate offices making fixed rates and secret fee books sucks. I really don’t like how they have their store employees give you the finger when they say, “Oh, we don’t set the prices.” Can I talk to someone who can???! And why can’t they get my membership straight? I’ve got another prepaid year left yet they still pester me about not fulfilling monthly dues. Even when I show them the paperwork, nothing is done on their end. ARRRGH! Stupid company! (And no, I don’t like Bally’s either.)