janc@uofm-cv.UUCP (01/24/84)
My recent request for the name of the patron saint for software engineers has failed to bring to fore any entirely satisfactory result. Bob McGill endorsed St Jude, the patron saint of lost causes, but, alas, I fear St Jude is far too busy these days to give my software due consideration. Ken Rhodes directed my attention to the works of Christopher Stasheff, in which is described the martyrdom of St Vidicon of Cathode. St Vidicon seems to fit the bill, but since he has not yet been born, it would seem premature to invoke his name in prayer. Ken Rhodes recommends invoking Odin, who traded one eye for a drink from the font of wisdom. Perhaps, but I've been given to understand that he died at Ragnorak. Praying to dead saints is ok, since they are presumably safely in heaven where they have influencial friends, but the status of dead pagan gods is, at best, uncertain. I see no alternative but to locate a saintly programmer and martyr him ourselves. A forgiving one would be best, I suppose. Please send applications and recommendations to: Jan D. Wolter University of Michigan
wjr@rayssd.UUCP (01/26/84)
How about St. Joan of DEC...the one that was strapped to her terminal and burned as a unix-wizard in Salem Mass.