Tej Dhawan, rebooted

My article on open records and Government contracts in the DMRegister

Posted by in Politics, Startups

This article appeared in December 1, 2013 issue of the Des Moines Register’s Business section. It is encapsulated here and the original article is here to discuss my opinion on open records/FOIA as they relate to government contracts and the innovation economy. ——————————————– The massive debacle that is Obamacare’s website launch is the latest example of what happens when you shut out the innovation economy from government contracts. As the largest buyer in the country, the U.S. government spends amounts as mundane as a few hundred dollars for goods to hundreds…read more

Dec.01
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What if someone like the NRA defended the fourth amendment?

Posted by in Community, Legal, Politics

Almost as old as the United States of America itself, this particular portion of the Bill of Rights known as the fourth amendment prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures and requires any warrant to be judicially sanctioned and supported by probable cause. It states – The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and…read more

Nov.06
0

Past Performance is not a predictor of future results…but sure helps filter bullshit

Posted by in Financial, Legal

“Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance.” Though the disclaimer has become so oft-repeated footnote in financial disclosures that it has become ignored by the very people who should pay close attention to its hidden meaning.  Its shield is the hidden wall that any new investor is bound to hit as they spend money on investment advice, hand-holding, and account management fees.  As I open dozens of reports and disclosures weekly, I can’t bit smirk at the warning above. I was chatting with an old friend the…read more

Jul.25
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Do we care enough to buy-fresh-buy-local?

Posted by in Community, Des Moines

There has been a movement underway to return to buy-fresh-buy-local.  Whether initiated as a corporate gesture with Des Moines’ campaign for “Buy into the circle” or through the various farmers markets, it urges us (consumers) to connect with the product we buy.  When we buy a corporate product (i.e. mass-produced product), we lose our connection to the soul of the product – regardless of what the product may be. I once argued strongly on this position with the then CEO and Chairman of a large insurer in Des Moines who…read more

Jul.24
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A teaching moment on violence against women

Posted by in Family

For my friends with whom I’ve sparred over the Violence Against Women’s act, a little bit of background that drives my passionate response might help —- I was brought up in a loving, strict, religious, traditional Hindu family.  Dad worked long hours to make sure the best available education was available to both my sister and me.  He was (and is) fairly strict in his beliefs and does not shy from scolding us for our transgressions despite our 40+ years of age.  When I was 10ish, we went on vacation…read more

Mar.21
1

Why is Immigration Important to Iowa?

Posted by in Immigration, Politics

Seize the day. That is our recommendation to Iowans — including our congressional delegation — regarding immigration reform.

Mar.04
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Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill In Senate

Posted by in Immigration, Politics

Senator Harry Reid has introduced S.1 in the Senate, where it was read and sent to the Judiciary Committee for review.

Jan.23
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Importance of the STEM Jobs Act

Posted by in Immigration, Politics, Startups

We aren’t training a sufficient number of students to fill the ever-increasing need for STEM careers here in Iowa or the rest of the country. Then why are democratic senators and the President playing politics? It’s time to approve the STEM jobs act now.

Jan.09
1

When the site is free, you are the product

Posted by in Legal

Using a free site to share your social profile? Chances are that everything you post is being or will be used to bring advertisers to you… read the privacy policy BEFORE you sign up.

Dec.18
0

A Tale of two Johnstons

Posted by in Des Moines, Family, Politics

The citizens of Johnston came out in a democratic voice yesterday and denied the school board the ability to raise $51MM in debt via municipal bonds to build a new high school.  Participation in this process showed me two views of my community that I’d like to share here, but first a brief intro to the project. The Johnston public school district is growing and is projected increase by 1100 over the next 8 years.  After the past decade of improvements to elementary and middle schools, the district turned its…read more

Sep.12
11
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