Steal this Video: Stephen Fry & GNU's 25th Birthday

Peter Brown asked me to mention this video on my blog, and I'm horribly delinquent. That being said, I will write about Drupalcon Szeged and Hungary later. Also DjangoCon 2008, which a team of stalwart volunteers and I are hosting at the Googleplex this weekend. First international Django conference, ever. They're having beers now at the Tied House, and it promises to be a fantastic second day tomorrow.

And stepping back from that utter tangent, the video. If you're an Anglophile like me and adore The Black Adder and Fry and Laurie as I do, you simply have to watch this video - Stephen Fry wishing the GNU operating system a Happy 25th birthday. It's just as thrilling as watching Terry Jones discuss Medieval siege warfare in Crusades, but then again I suspect more people I know find British comedians loving Free Software more compelling than said comedians being experts in Medieval History. Yes, Terry Jones is a trained Medievalist.

If you're looking for a well reasoned, articulate explanation of Free Software that you can show to your Dad, Mom, Cousin and all those friends of the family who haven't a clue what you do at that computer of yours all day, let alone what your value system is surrounding it, then you're going to be equally elated.

The Software Freedom Day organizing team have also added the video link to their website front page. I think it's fantastic that such a cogent exploration of Free Software is available before the SFD this year, as well; it's a great resource for local teams to show during their events.

And speaking of those fighting the good fight for Free Software, James Vasile asked me to spread the word about the Software Freedom Law Center's upcoming NYC Software Freedom Day Reception. If you can attend, I really urge you to go. I have learned a great deal about Free Software law and what it takes to effectively run a software non-profit from James, and if he's any indicator of your would-be company for the evening you are guaranteed to leave both excited and enlightened.

Here are the details (quoting James' mail):

The Software Freedom Law Center cordially invites you to the 2008 NYC Software Freedom Day Reception! Industry leaders, lawyers, advocates and hackers alike will be gathering to commemorate and celebrate the state of the movement; from the inception of the GNU Project 25 years ago to the present day, the lives of millions of people all around the world have been forever changed by software freedom.

More information about Software Freedom Day can be found at
http://softwarefreedomday.org/about

When: Saturday, Sept. 20th from 6pm to 9pm.

Where: Limewire is hosting us in their rooftop garden at 377 Broadway, between White St. and Franklin St. It's just a few blocks south of Canal. http://maps.google.com/maps?q=377+broadway+10013

Activities will include guest speakers from around the movement, as well as music and a raffle, with a focus on mixing, meeting, and greeting. The reception is a rooftop affair, providing ample time and space to celebrate, meet new people and reconnect with old friends.

RSVP required to: rsvp@softwarefreedom.org
We look forward to seeing you there!