Friday, January 29, 2010

Leonardo Da Vinci's Resume

At 30, he considered himself a "skilled contriver of instruments of war," and wrote a letter to the the Duke of Milan, looking for work. This is a great example of bold business development. The letter had 11 points.

6. I have means by secret and tortuous mines and ways, made without noise, to reach a designated spot, even if it were needed to pass under a trench or a river.

7. I will make covered chariots, safe and unattackable, which, entering among the enemy with their artillery, there is no body of men so great but they would break them. And behind these, infantry could follow quite unhurt and without any hindrance.

8. In case of need I will make big guns, mortars, and light ordnance of fine and useful forms, out of the common type.


Link

Via Kottke

Monday, January 25, 2010

Political Problems for US Base in Japan

The politics of our military bases abroad are complicated:

Apparently, Japan and the US worked out a deal to relocate a Marine Base on the island of Okinawa to the city of Nago. Now, a Nago has elected a new mayor who opposes the deal, and the Prime Minister of Japan may back out of the deal. That would mean the Marine base would have to move to Guam or another island, which President Obama is against.

Link

Via Planetizen