Sun Industry Standards Source License

Sun Industry Standards Source License was a free and open source license. I don't really know what that means.

A lot of people called it SISSL. SISSL was authored by Sun Microsystems and was retired in 2005. Both Sun Microsystems and SISSL itself were named after the Sun, our nearest star and source of life. When you say SISSL out loud, it sounds like sizzle, which makes me hungry. I'm gonna go make some bacon.


The sun will retire in five billion years.
Photo: blueforce4116 via Flickr (CC)

Silas Robbins

Silas Robbins was the first African-American admitted to practice law in the state of Nebraska and the second African-American to run for the Nebraska state legislature. Wikipedia doesn't say if he was the third African-American to do something.

Not only did Silas practice law, he also invented a game called Politics, and got a U.S. patent for it in 1893.

I played the piano for many years when I was little, and my piano teacher was named Sheila Robbins. No relation, but same initials.


Also no relation.
Photo: Majiscup - Drink for Design via Flickr (CC)

Bird in Flight / Tribal Look

Bird in Flight / Tribal Look was a song from 1980 by Toyah. It was released as a single, published by Sweet 'n Sour Songs Ltd.

I like sweet 'n sour chicken, as Chinese food. However, it's not my favorite dish. I prefer chicken with vegetables, beef and broccoli, and pan-fried noodles (with assorted meats). To start I'll have pan-fried dumplings and a bowl of wonton soup.


Inspired Toyah in 1980.
Photo: Queen Roly via Flickr (CC)

Jennie Bomb

Jennie Bomb is the second album from the Swedish all-girl rock band called Sahara Hotnights.

I like Sweden. I've never been there, but I have worked several years for a Swedish educational travel company and have bought a lot of affordable furniture from a Swedish homegoods company.


Down in front.
Photo: Majsan of Sweden via Flickr (CC)

Folarin Campbell

Folarin Campbell played basketball at George Mason University. Now he plays basketball in Italy.

I've never played basketball in either of those places. I once played basketball in France.


George Mason had to go pee.
Photo: inge87 via Flickr (CC)

Esquisse d'un Programme

Esquisse d'un Programme was some mathematical proposal written by Alexander Grothendieck. According to Wikipedia, Alexander Grothendieck was one of the most famous mathematicians of the 20th century. I have never heard of him.

Famous 20th-century mathematicians aren't as famous as other famous 20th-century people, like movie stars and basketball players. Note that this reverses as you travel backward through time: I can name more 20th-century basketball players than 20th-century mathematicians, but I can't name a single Ancient Greek basketball player.


My favorite 20th-century mathematician.
Photo: tifotter via Flickr (CC)

Ceferino Namuncurá

Ceferino Namuncurá was a saintly religious student born in Argentina, who eventually became the object of a Roman Catholic cultus of veneration. Sometimes I wish I were the object of a cultus of veneration.

Not only was Ceferino by all accounts a very kind boy, he also miraculously survived a fall into a river as a young child. Even more amazing, his life was eventually turned into a small musical called Zephyrin: The Musicale.

Sadly, Ceferino died in 1905 at the age of 18. He had pulmonary tuberculosis. In life and in death, Ceferino inspired millions of people throughout Argentina. Ceferino proves that if you inspire enough people, there will be a small musical written about you.


He's the one on the right.
Photo: professorjoaocesar via Flickr (CC)