Aliance or not

There are a few new ships in different stages of sailing in the Silicon Sea.  A new ship called South Bay has enter the territory since summer 2008.  Lead by L.L. and Jack, it is in the troubled water as everyone.  A discuss about alliance was underway since two weeks ago.  

Discussion is also underway with the Otter ship, it is promising but far from being done.  We got the CA State shipping permit yesterday.  An account need to be established.

Losing a financer

While strolling in a quaint little used bookstore in Solvang, I received a call from one of the major financiers.  It cast a menacing dark cloud on the path of CALMAT.  His voice was trembling, with a deep sorry and feeling of embarrassment, he withdrew his financial support of CALMAT because of grave family trouble.  He beg me, the skipper, to continue the journal, to keep the promise.   I comforted him and let him know he is welcome to rejoin the team any time.

It is a gloomy and stormy sea in front of us, CALMAT will sail on.

 

Visiting HG ship

Had a chance to visit another up coming ship call HG, good location, great new building.  Only $9M. Not bad at all.  Everyone is looking for eye20 oppotunity.  Hear an crew member LL is leaving them.  Possible collaboration?

Met with CH last Friday and although it is promising, it is still far from either ideal (it is still a certificate program) no solid.  Until a set of eye20 is issuesd, we don't know if things can run well.

Favorable wind stops

Suddenly the I-20 wind we expect to carry us to our fast and smooth journey has stopped. While we all agree to move forward using only our raw rowing power, doubts are prevalent among the crew.  Many, although don't say so, ready to jump ship.  I am not sure the next part of the journey will be treacherous or easy, but I am pretty sure we will arrive the place we set out to do.  Like many of those difficult trips I have taken, if the vision is correct, with effort and persistence, we will be there. Always.  Those can endure hardship and sail with me for the long term, will get the treasure and trip of a life time.

Got a good designer, AB, to paint our sails and hopefully we can attract more passengers fund our brave expedition.

Storm and doubts

The CALMAT gang gathered at the hideout of starbuck near the mother ship again Oct 11. Two new academic warriors joined us from a Si ship. They are experts in Marketing and hospitality and with strong skills in slaying the Arced dragon that every ship has to deal with once in a while. We viist their homeboat and talked till late night.

CALMAT decided to have a soft start. If we can recruit at least 20 new crew by the end of 2008, we will start to sea. Or we should get everything ready and wait to Feb.

Sunday, deckhand Leaf brough a new blood JaJa from a competing SiShip to Skipper's treasure island.

Many people are having doubts. Can we suvive? Do we have enough amunation to fight with other ship.

The skipper told the CALMAT gang that, the history is written for the braves. "Any of course, they are the first to die." he smirked with an affirmative pounce on the table.

IF come back from Brazil - CAL M&T online

IF believes there is a market for online MBA in Brazil. Several associates over there can help us to spread the word and poster.

In turns of long term growth, it might be best to establish several entities, all subsidiaries of a parent company. E.g

Zeuss Group International is the parent company
CAL M&T Silicon Valley
American Education Consortium (for recruitment - a non profit arm)
CAL M&T Monterey Bay (for online and doctoral)
CAL M&T Foundation (for research - a non profit arm)

The discussion about founder's agreement concerns me. Unless everyone on board support the agreement and mission completely, the venture is doomed to failure. Have to think about other ways.

Plot thickened - where to build the CAL M&T castle

The CALMAT Gang gathered at a building near San Jose airport call Airport II. A nice professional surrounding with numerous nameless business building. It is a Saturday so it is quite.

Pro:
Transportation (5/5) light rail /metro is just across the street so it can not be easier
First floor location adds to presence and ease of access
Rent price is reasonable
We'll have the building to ourselves during weekends
Easy to grow
Good access to companies
Parking is easy

Can:
In an industry area so there is no "campus"
No close-by library or other facilities for learning
Few stores within walking distance
No close-by large campus can leverage resouces