And one IM software to rule them all

Like many people, I manage multiple Instant Messengers. To be precise I have 4 that I can recall so far: ICQ (I think I had this since 1997 – almost a decade now!), MSN, Google Talk and Skype.

I like to bring people’s attention to one wonderful software called GAIM that is able to manage many different types of Instant Messengers. So far I managed to support ICQ, MSN and Google Talk. I have not figured out how to use Skype on GAIM yet. If anyone has any idea, please let me know.

There are other advantages as well. First, it is completely free for use. Second, it runs on multiple platforms. I have run GAIM on Windows, Linux and Sun Solaris without any problems. Finally it has a simple look and feel but this may be an advantage or disadvantage depending on individual taste. Perhaps using different themes is an option for those who find the look too simplistic.

Please note that I have not tested or even checked the existence of voice and video chat functionality as I hardly ever use them.

Samurai Deeper Kyo – completed

Just finished yet another marathon and here is my verdict. Samurai Deeper Kyo (SDK) consists of 26 episodes, each 20 min long. Given its shorter than other series that I been watching, I think SDK does a pretty decent job of getting a very complicated story line accross.

Still there are incomplete story lines, sudden introduction of characters and names that somehow does not jive. After finishing the series, I googled for spoilers and found a few answers. It seems that the anime represents a short summary of the manga which goes into more details. Still the ending does leave one feel unsatisfied.

Summary, if you are not the type to be obsessed with details and have some spare time for some complicated story line that will keep you guessing, then watch SDK.

Today’s Random Medical News

I cannot help but think of this cartoon whenever I read about a new “breakthrough” finding in the news or even in the supposedly scientific journal.

Cartoon by Jim Borgman, first published by the Cincinnati Inquirer and King Features Syndicate 1997 Apr 27; Forum section: 1 and reprinted in the New York Times, 27 April 1997, E4.