Odds and sods, bits and bobs

First, a happy birthday to parasitevenus!

Second, a skit that I'd missed before -- Under Torch Wood: a parody for voices from the legendary 'Verity Stob' (who, as a programmer, includes a bonus snark at Zoe destroying an advanced voice-response computer in The Invasion by giving it a program in Algol. Well, it was a hot language in 1968).

Thirdly, while we're here, that meme that's been floating about: "If you had me under your command and could make me write anything, regardless of whether or not I know the fandom or if anybody even writes fic in that fandom and no matter how crack-addled it might be, what would you love to see me write?" Given my usual tardiness, it's very likely that no actual fic will come of this, but plotbunnies are always welcome!

Lyrics: The last one was of course How Soon Is Now? by the Smiths in classic gloomy mode in 1985 (but then again, when weren't they?), spotted by dolorous_ett, carlanime, lareinenoire, under_crisis (the latter informs me that it was covered by t.A.T.u. -- the mind, it boggles).

And since I haven't done a Christmassy one this year, how about a carol?

Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Ris'n with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth ... (1730s)