(no subject)

As of today, in less than one week, it will be decided whether Europe will allow software to be patented.

I've never once met a programmer that was thankful that he had received a patent for his "invention". But I've seen plenty of stories on Slashdot about companies who point out some staple of e-commerce, say "we invented that", and start suing everyone.

I'd like there to be at least one place on the planet where that doesn't happen.

(no subject)

When I go to the Renaissance Festival, I've got to find someone who knows the Anglo-Saxon language.

'Cause, remember Sabbatum, the Black Sabbath cover in Latin? Or the Ancient Greek translation of Baby Got Back? I'd like to see Old English translations of Rush lyrics. Or maybe Dio.

In The Adventure of English, Melvyn Bragg notes a famous speech by Winston Churchill, in which every word of it can be traced back to Anglo-Saxon, except "surrender". He also prints the lyrics to a song written after the Norman conquest, which manages to stay completely free of French. It makes me wonder what songs contain the greatest concentration of Old English words.

If I could find just the right data sources, I could write a Python script to find out.

(no subject)

Can anyone give me a ride to Alice Cooper's Town tomorrow? Hung Dynasty is playing.

Three other bands, though. Hope they're good.