Since I do not understand C (in fact I hate
c/cpp) some very odd
 suggestions are, to use very current technologies like
 - XML
 - a progamming language that is cool (probably no one exists yet)
 
 So what do you suggest we program in other than C? XML?!  XML is used
 to transfer land store data, and its not compiled, its interpreted.
 Its not something you would even write a small app using since its not
 for programming.  C and C++ may have a little more of a learning curve
 than Javascript, but if you have a strong command for the language and
 on how to write fast algorithms then it is definitely for best
 friend.  There really is no alternative than C when you are writing a
 new kernel (except perhaps assembly, but I couldn't imaging trying to
 write a whole modern kernel in ASM, it would be near impossible to
 write that code.)  Moreover we work very heavily with the WINE project
 and all their code is C.  C++ and the Standard Library is a very
 current technology and while its not a buzz word right now, it will
 remain the language of choice for serious developers for a long time
 to come.  C, in its pure form is starting to get a bit dated, but it
 reduces overhead and runs faster than C++.
 
 It's not impossible to write a modern kernel in assembly, BeOS was a
fine example of such a thing. It's a shame that Microsoft killed it...