Paint the Tiger, Carve the Swan

It’s nice to show other users what you are listening to, and provide a handy link for them to see more about the artist and track.

I noticed that some IM systems don’t like HTML, and I figured out a way to make the link only be sent to a user of an AIM compatible or Jabber server.

Basically, you test the result of serviceClass of contact of the active chat of the first interface controller, and if it is “AIM-compatible” or “Jabber”, then you use HTML, if not, just plain text.

You can download it from Adium Xtras: Now Playing in iTunes.

Full Source:
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Getting the active chat in Adium from AppleScript appears at first look to be a little dicey: Adium needs to actually be the active application before the code actually works!

For instance, if you open up the Script Editor, and type in the following:
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I started out using AIM via .Mac, as that is the default (only?) system for iChat. When I downloaded Adium, I discovered that you can have HTML in your chats. I don’t know (care?) how other clients handle that: but I did find out something just now. Apparently MSN and Yahoo IM don’t handle HTML in messages too well. Jabber (via Google Talk) does this just fine.

I may have to code into the /itunes script a check for what account type, and only HTMLify those connections which can handle it.

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In case you haven’t heard, Google has ‘released’ their IM system - it’s just a Jabber server, though. There are a couple of review around, and I haven’t read all of them in that much detail.

It requires a Gmail account: I have plenty of invites if you want one, just email me.

The settings you need are (I use Adium, your client’s names may vary):

Account Type: Jabber
Jabber ID: your.account@gmail.com
Password: ••••••••
Connect Server: talk.google.com
Port: 5222
Security: Use TLS Encryption (if possible) - I couldn’t get a connection without this, some have said opposite.

Others have said that any person with whom you have shared Gmail will be automatically added to your buddy list. I haven’t had anyone added to mine, but then I don’t really Gmail many people.

I’ve also created accounts with the other IM players, you can find them under the Contact page.

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Boing Boing: Human cannonballs

Great timing on this one: there is a Human Cannonball happening at this year’s Royal Adelaide Show.

Apparently they do a test where they put some sandbags weighing the same as her (yes, her) into the cannon and test-fire. But some joker left them out in the rain, and the weight was much more. So they test-fired, and then when they really fired her out she overshot the net by 25 metres and had to go to hospital.

That’s why it’s exciting, isn’t it? Because deep down, you hope she does hurt herself…

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