The Betacantrips Travelogue

Did you know (via the Debian NEW and BYHAND package list) that there’s a new kid on the IM software block? Behold: instantbird, based on the XUL framework and the pidgin libpurple codebase.

Instantbird is a multi-protocol Instant Messaging client. Using it, you can connect to all your different IM accounts.

It uses the Mozilla rendering engine to display IMs, and the Pidgin libpurple to connect to the different networks.

Thanks Adam — how to safely store a password.

Use bcrypt. Use bcrypt. Use bcrypt. Use bcrypt. Use bcrypt. Use bcrypt. Use bcrypt. Use bcrypt. Use bcrypt.

Good to know!

Seen on JWZ:

Seen on Planet Debian: Apparently there’s a thing called termcasting, and some people are doing it.

I’ve hooked one of my laptop’s terminals up to the net, so anyone with IPv6 can telnet in and see it.

I’ve long wanted to be able to broadcast my terminal sessions on occasions when it makes sense. Like when I’m fixing someone’s bug, or closely collaborating with someone distant.

Seen on True Chip Till Death: the True Chip Awards Invite. The video’s only a minute and it’s good for a laugh if you’re a nerd:

Please be advised: there is a protein called sonic hedgehog. There is also a retinal protein known as Pikachurin, named after Pikachu.

The name of this "nimble" protein was inspired due to Pikachu’s "lightning-fast moves and shocking electric effects".

Seen on True Chip Till Death: a new Toyota hybrid?

ED² designers looked to capture the vivid, high-energy appeal of what has come to be called the 8-bit generation. Popularized in the early 80’s, 8-bit microprocessor technology dominated the budding home video game industry. Today, 8-bit is considered a specific retro-style that is embraced by such things as 8-bit genre music and 8-bit inspired art.

Seen via Planet Debian:

I am passing on a message from my daughter Shailaja. She would like you to go here and vote for computer engineer. (Or news anchor if you want to annoy her father.)

What will Barbie do next?

Seen via JWZ, this list of supercuts.

My favorites are the Red Dwarf, every "smeg" reference and Every Famicon (NES) Game Title Screen. It’s completely fascinating how much you can glean from just this kind of cross-section: for example, Lister says "smeg" more than any other character; Holly says it only once, and Cat only a few times; the most common "smeg-" compounds are "smeg-head" and "smeg-for-brains"; "smeg" is said in despair/panic as well as ecstatic joy ("fan-smegging-tastic!").

Via Igor, this awesome "Lego For Adults" image.