As Microsoft readies to release yet another version of its monopolistic Windows platform, the FSF has taken on the task of creating a case against Microsoft and its proprietary software. The case is compelling and thought provoking as it argues against the unethical business tactics employed by Microsoft to own you as a computer user and dictate how you conduct basic functions such as update

software, copy files, purchase computers, interact with other computer users, and manage digital media.

The FSF has mailed a letter to Fortune 500 companies arguing the reasons why their companies would benefit  ethically, technically and ultimately financially from switching from Microsoft’s monopoly to open source software solutions such as Linux and OpenOffice.

Click here to read the entire case against Microsoft and proprietary software.

Born Alessandro Di Mariano Filipepi in 1445 Florance, Italy; Botticelli or Il Botticelli (“The Little Barrel”) was an Early Renaissance artist whose resume includes portraits for the powerful Medici family and wall frescoes in the Sistine Chapel of the Vatican.

Botticelli’s most famous masterpieces though are La Primavera and The Birth of Venus (c. 1485). They are among the most recognizable paintings of Florentine art.

La Primavera

Housed at the Uffizi Gallery of Florence in Italy, La Primavera (spring in Italian) is a tempera painting (measuring 80″ x 124″) that is assumed to have been painted for Lorenzo di Pierfrancesco de’ Medici c.1482. La Primavera masterfully illustrates in life-size the gathering of key Greek mythology gods in a Garden of Eden type scenario, that is open to interpretation.

Hermes, god of fortune and messenger to Zeus, stands in the far-left holding his caduceus with which he impedes a god of wind from hovering above the gathering. The Three Graces who are goddesses of grace, beauty and joy, stand next to Hermes while holding hands and dancing in a circle.

Eros, god of love, is center-top depicted as a plump infant (though he is sometimes shown as a handsome youth) holding his bow and arrow. Below Eros is Aphrodite, goddess of beauty, shown in full dress as opposed to being nude which is how she is typically illustrated, as is the case with Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus. Adjacent to Aphrodite is Flora, goddess of flowers and the season of spring, wearing an elaborate dress decorated with flowers. Next to last is the Nymph Chloris who is associated with spring, flowers and new growth, trying to avoid being kidnapped by Zephyros, god of the west wind.

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Botticelli’s La Primavera: Myths or Fingerprints?

I found this YouTube video in which  Gombrich, Hope, Dempsey and others explore the meaning and provenance of Botticelli’s La Primavera. Enjoy!

I intend for this website to revolve around topics that tickle my fancy such as science, art, music, history, technology, and philosophy. I don’t believe in censorship of any kind so expect frank discussions that may use expletives at will.

Science and open source software are of major interest to me and hopefully to the rest of the world soon. I am not an expert, however; I know a couple of things about this and that, so you’re more than welcome to explore!