Matt Mower takes a look at Superx++, an OO programming language with an XML syntax, and finds it a bit new-fangled.

I agree it looks terribly verbose, but I think there are some terrific advantages possible from this approach. XML is both easily human and computer readable, and sensible, lowering the technical bar to understanding. A terrific development toolset for manipulating XML programs could evolve from the format. Incorporating other XML documents is natural, whether they specify Data, Instructions, Web Services, or UI widgets.

There's plenty of action is this area. Apache Cocoon is "an XML publishing framework that raises the usage of XML and XSLT technologies for server applications to a new level." XUL is Mozilla's XML UI language. Laszlo is a Rich Internet Application Framework, utilizing XML for development, and piggybacking on Flash for execution [From the look of their screenshot, it seems myWay may be interested]. XWT is a gui toolkit based in XML (mentioned in the great article HTML's Time is Over. Let's Move On.). There's even been rumors of Microsoft pursuing XML programming languages. [Brain Off]

I'd like to make a couple of clarifications:

1. I didn't really take a look at SuperX++.  Or rather that's exactly what I did.  I looked at that chunk of code on the page and went "ugh!"
2. I don't agree with the statement "XML is both easily human and...".  Computer readable?  Yes.  Human readable, gods no.  Not that example anyway.

I've had this argument before but so far I haven't seen any good reason for XML programming languages.  In conversation with the author of ObjectBox I wondered about using such a language for building advanced coding toolsets but I sure as hell don't want to be typing this stuff in!  You, of course, may type in whatever you like :)

Europe threatens to invade ICANN. Internet teetering on brink of war [The Register]

It's not clear to me how ICANN enforces it's controls.  Is it possible for the national registries to rebel and opt-out of ICANN's control?