USPS Strategy

So, I've been analyzing the framework of the United States Postal Service. Laura went to mail a book she sold on Amazon.com, and I thought "How old school. Isn't there a better way to do that?"

So I came up with my own business idea. It's Redbox, but for shipping stuff that you sold on Amazon.com or eBay. I call it the Box Stop. I'll put Box Stop Machines outside the post office, business districts, etc... People then go there after they get their sale confirmation from the online auction or retailer. You can pick the packaging material you want, print shipping labels, pay postage, and weigh your item, all at this convenient location. Then you can leave the box there (in a secured location) and USPS will come pick it up.

Well, I wanted to see if anything would be a "barrier to entry" for this idea. Sure enough, USPS, UPS, DHL, and FedEx all have online shipping solutions. But I think there may still be some viability for this semi-online yet semi-brick and mortar idea. Thoughts???

A Muse: Hendron

My Strategy professor, Dr. Hendron, asked that his students keep a strategy journal. He inspired me when he noted that the journal could be kept online. Now I have a little bit of direction for the blog under construction. We'll talk about news and current events and lump it under the "Strategy" umbrella. So, here's to Dr. Hendron, looking forward to posting some strategic thoughts!

Blog: under construction

Hey, I'm making this blog into something cool, or at least I hope it will be cool once we're done with it. I want it to be the kind of place where you can get news, information, the weather, sports updates, and most importantly make contributions to meaningful blog posts. Do you have any suggestions for this blog?

My vision: get online and check (in this order): 1. your e-mail 2. your other favorite website (ESPN, CNN, etc.) 3. This site.

Feel free to make posts, talk about your political qualms, books you've read, etc. Thx!

Cuba, being progressive?

Reuters reports that Cuba's former leader Fidel Castro said on Thursday his country could talk to U.S. President-elect Barack Obama, in Havana's latest overture to the incoming Democratic administration in Washington.His remarks followed comments from his brother, President Raul Castro, who told a U.S. magazine he could meet Obama in a "neutral place" to try to end the Communist-run island's four-decade conflict with the United States.

He hasn't even taken office yet and people are already talking. Will anything come of this, this time?

Congrats, Bill!

Congratulations to Bill B. for beating the game at the bottom of the blog. Maneuvering that dirt bike can be pretty tricky. I'm not gonna lie, I tried to beat the game, but gave up on the second to last level.

Prop. 8

Please, I encourage all able California voters to support Proposition 8. This amendment to the California constitution will literally preserve marriage for that state and set a precedent that will reinforce and protect marriage.
Thank you! If anyone reads this post I would ask them to comment, whether Californian or not. I would love to hear the thoughts and feelings on your minds.

The Final Decision

I went to PwC last week in San Francisco. They offered me an internship in their TS office. It will be a great experience, but I was torn. Sierra Pacific Resources in Las Vegas seemed like such a good offer: BOTTOM LINE: I wanted them both!

I am very happy that both companies have agreed to work with me and allow me the opportunity to work with them this summer in Las Vegas AND San Francisco. I am grateful to all of the people who helped me get this far.

Personal Thanks: My wife, Laura, has dealt with me and all the questions I've been asking her about the whole internship saga. She even dealt with the fact that the first blog I've created had little to do with her (maybe this is my shameless excuse to make up for that). Also, I have had some wonderful mentors and friends along the way, with PwC and with SPR. They know who they are.

If anyone out there is interested...I seem to know a little bit about the internship process, at least how to obtain one. If you have ANY questions, please feel free to e-mail me. I want to help. THANKS!