Roger Telegan: February 2010

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Palmer House Chicago

Nilesh and I are slumming it at the Plamer house for the night.

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Chinese Marketing!

"Anything Anypurpose" ---- this isn't even a word!

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Friday, February 26, 2010

Eggs Benedict @ the Peninsula Hotel Chicago this morning. (2/26/10)

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Thursday, February 25, 2010

::: THE CHINA STUDY :::

I'm at Dinner in Chicago. One of the hosts recommended this book.

The China Study...

http://www.thechinastudy.com/

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Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Cajun Rib-Eye @ The Cheesecake Factory

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Falling Ice?

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Fw: News From Senator Patricia Wiggins.

My response to senator Wiggins.

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From: roger@telegan.com

Date: Wed, 24 Feb 2010 17:56:20 +0000

To: <Senator.Wiggins@senate.ca.gov>

Subject: Re: News From Senator Patricia Wiggins.

I can't imagine government creating any "wealth" or "job", in my life I have only seen the "Government" consume momey. Job creation occurs in the private sector. When can you pass legislation that limits "Government" spending and involvement? I would love to see our State Government reduce it's salaries and costs.

How about a part time legislature?

By the way... I'm totaly serious!

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From: Senator.Wiggins@outreach.senate.ca.gov

Date: Wed, 24 Feb 2010 09:46:59 -0800 (PST)

Subject: News From Senator Patricia Wiggins.

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"Agenda 2010" Legislative Package Will Jump-Start Economy by Creating Jobs in CA

The State Senate Democratic Caucus has introduced a 27-bill package to help jumpstart the state’s stalled economy by creating 140,000 jobs for Californians. Our legislation invests existing state and federal funds for targeted projects, expands jobs in the new economy, prepares Californians for jobs in growth industries, and provides working families with sorely needed relief.

The California Research Bureau has concluded that a jobs package which creates 100,000 jobs creates $6.7 billion in economic activity per year, saves the General Fund approximately $2.3 billion in increased revenue and avoided costs, and results in a net increase in employment of approximately 300,000 jobs.

Senate President Pro-Tem Darrell Steinberg (D – Sacramento) said that "I have been through enough budgets to know that the only way to increase and sustain the tax base is to create high wage jobs. Of course, the entire country is talking about job creation, but its importance can't be overstated in California. There is no more important barometer of economic struggle and family suffering than a 12.4 percent unemployment rate. ‘Agenda 2010’ represents a real, nonpartisan, empirically supported effort to help create jobs for Californians."

I feel it is important to note that our package of bills seeks to create 140,000 jobs without raising taxes or waiving or eroding any environmental, consumer, or workplace protection laws.

Agenda 2010 Overview:

INVESTING PUBLIC FUNDS TO CREATE JOBS

Agenda 2010 proposes quickly investing federal funds and already approved state bond funds wisely to expand in-state job creation. If the U.S. Senate passes the pending "Jobs for Main Street Act of 2010," the total job creation estimate for this package climbs to 200,000. As part of their 27-bill package, Senate Democrats have introduced legislation to ensure the state can invest federal funds efficiently and quickly to create jobs in California. The bills identify the state agencies responsible for administering federal funds and include accountability and reporting provisions to ensure the funds are spent efficiently. SB 965, for example, authorizes the High Speed Rail Authority to receive and expend federal money it receives to further the development of High Speed Rail in California, creating 50,625 jobs. SBX8 33/SB 205 authorizes the state Superintendent of Public Instruction to administer $773 million in federal Qualified School Construction Bond funds available to California schools that would expedite public school construction, rehabilitation and repair projects to improve schools, creating 11,400 jobs.

APPROPRIATE APPROVED STATE BOND FUNDS FOR INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS

The "Agenda 2010" package targets unspent state bond funds to innovative new programs that create jobs, improve infrastructure or make California more sustainable. SB 964 appropriates $25 million in High-Speed Rail bond funds (Proposition 1A) to finance a the first phase of a workforce training program jointly managed by the rail authority and the state’s community colleges to construct, maintain and operate a high-speed rail system in California, training 5,000 Californians for jobs. SBX8 35 redirects $80 million in Proposition 1D bond funds stalled in the bureaucracy to expedite shovel-ready "green school" energy efficiency projects that create jobs and save energy, creating 1,680 jobs. And SBX8 28 accelerates up to $105 million in Proposition 1C housing bond funds by redirecting funds from ineffective programs to those that can fund shovel-ready projects to create jobs and build affordable housing and parks, creating 1,590 jobs.

EXPANSION OF JOBS IN THE NEW ECONOMY

The Democrats’ bill package seeks to expand on California’s successful market for innovative jobs in energy efficiency and renewable projects. SB 722 enacts a workable 33% Renewable Portfolio Standard in California to promote in-state job development and renewable energy resources, creating 20,000 jobs. SBX8 26 creates a state program to standardize Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programs to lower financing cost, enhance investor receptivity of the PACE bonds, and make PACE improvements more attractive to home and business owners. It also authorizes a $50 million reserve fund available as credit enhancements for qualified PACE financing programs to further lower financing costs, creating 10,500 jobs. And SB 675 would use existing Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) funds for the construction or reconfiguring facilities or schools for career technical education that prepares students for employment related to clean technology, renewable energy or energy efficiency, creating 7,500 jobs.

PREPARING CALIFORNIA’S WORKFORCE

Senate Democrats are committed to maximizing opportunities for Californians to acquire the necessary job skills to gain and keep employment with focus on jobs in high-growth, high-wage sectors of the economy. SB 957 would refocus Cal Grant C awards, which are used to pursue short-term occupational or technical training, to students training in high-need, high-growth or high-wage industries, preparing 8,000 students for high-growth jobs. SB 974 swaps out inefficient Enterprise Zone tax credits with new tax credits to encourage California businesses to invest resources, time and expertise in middle and high school "career pathways" to train students for their future careers. And SB 968 prohibits EDD from eliminating an individual’s UI benefits solely because that individual is pursuing additional education or training at a community college or four-year institution.

VALUE CALIFORNIA’S WORKING FAMILIES

Agenda 2010 will help ensure that working families are fairly compensated for their jobs, can keep shelter over their heads, and reasonably plan to afford their children’s college education will help struggling Californians get through this economic downturn. SBX8 38 establishes a "Homeowner’s Bill of Rights" to better protect distressed homeowners. SB 969 establishes a rational student fee structure at UC, CSU, and Community Colleges by capping the extent to which student fees could rise in any one year at no more than 5%.

Senate Offices Hearing from Constituents Frustrated by Delays at EDD

Constituent casework is a large part of what legislative district offices perform on a weekly basis. Many constituents are surprised to learn that their State Senator’s office can assist with statewide issues ranging from problems with the Department of Motor Vehicles and questions about the California State Lottery to finding out the status of their Employment Development Department (EDD) unemployment benefits claim. Each legislative office has designated agency liaisons that they are able to work with directly to get answers to basic and sometimes complicated questions.

Recently, one of the most common complaints my offices have received is the fact that constituents can’t reach a live person at a state agency to talk to. Instead, they hear a recorded message stating that call volume is too high for their call to be taken and that they should try again later. Unfortunately, for some people this kind of message has been repeated each time they tried to call back. My offices are usually the constituents’ last resort in attempting to resolve their situations.

By far our most common recent agency issue involves unemployment benefits – perhaps understandable given the state of the economy. With unemployment at painfully high levels for some time, the EDD has been bombarded with claims filed by workers who have been laid off through no fault of their own.

The call backlog continues to be a great source of frustration for people desperate to receive vital benefits. A little over a year ago, my offices would receive information from our EDD liaison within a day or two, but now it can take up to 10 days to hear back. This is still often faster than when a constituent seeks information on his/her own. As our economy continues to struggle and unemployment rates remain at a standstill, Californians are desperate to continue to receive benefits in a timely manner.

One constituent recently told me that because of the delay in processing her claim, she was forced to sign up for public assistance. She felt that the impact of such delays on a broad scale would likely end up costing the state more money than hiring additional EDD employees to help process claims. She has a point: With ongoing budget deficits, the last thing we should be doing is adding costs that the state can ill afford while also complicating the lives of working families who may already be struggling.

In a related note: Responding to a prolonged financial downturn and the continuing high number of Americans without work, the federal government extended unemployment insurance benefits an additional 14 weeks this past November.

The change will affect 94,000 claimants in California whose benefits ended between September 1 and November 1, 2009. Extending benefits has not been without complications however. The Sacramento Bee reported that the EDD has had difficulty with the computer programming required to handle the federal unemployment extensions.

The EDD announced that they worked Eligible recipients will receive their first check along with the next two-week claim form. Claimants should complete all forms and mail them as quickly as possible.

The EDD is encouraging all claimants to check their website for updates. The EDD is also encouraging everyone who believes that they are eligible and have not received notification from the department to file for extended benefits. Applications are available in both English and Spanish. Filing instructions are also available online.

California Senate Approves Legislation that Would Enact Single-Payer Health Care System

On January 28, the State Senate voted 22-14 to pass Senate Bill 810, the California Universal Health Care Act. The measure, authored by my colleague, Senator Mark Leno (D – San Francisco), would enact a system of comprehensive, universal health care for every Californian.

I am one of the principal co-authors of SB 810, which next heads to the Assembly for consideration. If approved by both houses of the Legislature and signed into law by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, SB 810 would establish a "single-payer" health care system to provide coverage to all 37 million Californians.

Essentially, this bill combines, under one administration, existing state-administered health care programs with the privately-funded insurance industry, and the state's uninsured. A newly-created California Healthcare System would, on a single-payer basis, negotiate with providers or set fees for health care services and will pay claims for those services.

According to an analysis by Senate staff, "This bill establishes the Healthcare Fund, which will consist of two accounts - one to pay annual state expenditures for health care and another to maintain a system reserve. This bill provides that the premiums collected each year will be roughly sufficient to cover that year's projected costs."

In addition, "This bill assumes that all current local, state, and federal trust fund monies used to provide health care coverage to enrollees in state health care programs will be transferred to the system."

SB 810 has a lengthy list of supporters, including the California Nurses Association, the California Teachers Association, the California Alliance for Retired Americans, the Congress of California Seniors, and groups representing physicians and medical students.

As health insurance costs rise steadily, employers are reducing or dropping coverage for employees. They also say that the increase in high-deductible health plans, which require deductibles and co-payments which are often unaffordable, have failed to stem the rise in health care costs, and that half of all bankruptcies in the U.S. are related to medical costs.

Californians can no longer rely on the current system of private insurance, as no one is guaranteed to receive care when they become ill, and many who are insured often have inadequate coverage. By contrast, SB 810 would provide every Californian with health care coverage that would provide comprehensive benefits and a high quality of care.

Opponents include America's Health Insurance Plans, Anthem Blue Cross, the Association of California Life and Health Insurance Companies, and the California Association of Health Plans.

More Energy & Resources Should Be Devoted to Early Learning Programs

I’ve always been a supporter of education programs that can make a difference, and I am very excited about the inception of a Preschool – Grade 16 Council in Napa County. There are P-16 Councils throughout California which are comprised of local education, business and community leaders representing key stakeholders in each county.

Barbara Nemko, superintendent of the Napa County Office of Education, worked to form the P-16 Council with the goal of increasing the success rates of students with a focus on kids from low-income and minority households. At its first meeting, the council took an in-depth look at data including test scores, expenditures per student, shifting demographics and students (per school) whose native language is other than English. In Napa County, there is a tremendous diversity in each of these categories from school to school, leading in some cases to wide disparities in funding between one district and another.

Further data shows that over 45% of Napa students are Hispanic, a figure that’s on the increase. Some 23% are English learners, while 15.5% are redesignated bilingual. This designation is significant, as students who are re-designated bilingual students test scores are equivalent to white/other ethnic students in all areas tested, plus in drop-out rates.

What this information shows me is that we need to put more energy and resources into early learning programs such as First 5, pre-school and kindergarten on up. These programs help English learners become re-designated bilingual.

I’m very concerned about the Governor’s recent budget proposal to divert Proposition 10/First 5 revenues to the state’s general fund. The Napa First 5 program has funded over $15 million to local programs and services since Proposition 10 was passed, and is currently investing in 21 programs that provide services to several thousand young children in order to prepare them for school.

6.5 Magnitude Earthquake Hits the North Coast – A Wake-Up Call for All of Us

Many of my constituents living in and around Eureka (in Humboldt County) were settling into their late Saturday afternoon activities on January 9 when the Punta Gorda plate shifted, causing a 6.5 magnitude earthquake. The Governor, Assemblyman Wes Chesbro and representatives from my office all gathered after the quake to review the damage and receive a thorough report from local emergency services officials, who carry the burden of planning for such incidents in our community.

Fortunately, this recent seismic event did not strike with the same kind of force that others of the same magnitude have had in prior years. Our North Coast is no stranger to earthquakes. According to data from the Humboldt State Geology Department, there have been 14 quakes of magnitude 6 or greater off the Humboldt North Coast since 1976. The first significant quake in 15 years, the January 9 temblor was a wakeup call for all of us living in Northern California. Because of the frequency of quakes in our area, it may be too easy for us to get lulled into a sense of complacency.

The Eureka Fire Department issued a press release on January 19 outlining some basic "What to Do" steps that are important information for all of us in the event of a quake. It is an excellent informational resource for all of us. Please note that this information was targeted to residents of Eureka, so listed phone numbers are for Eureka City only. But the general information is applicable to all of us in the 2nd Senate District and throughout earthquake country. Residents of other counties/cities in the North Coast region can contact my district offices in your area to get the local contact numbers for emergency services and other pertinent information. Here is the link to the EFD release.

I extend my appreciation to the emergency services officials of Humboldt County, including their counterparts in the cities and special districts that carried the responsibility of being prepared to respond to these potentially devastating events. I understand that our network of responders worked well. I know we are all thankful that the January event did not bring the level of damage that was possible with a quake of that magnitude. Planning and preparation are our greatest tools for dealing with the next event which we know will strike. Our state must further set its resolve to establish policies and procedures that will help us be prepared for the future events that we know will come. As your State Senator, I stand committed to this and will do all within my authority to pursue this end.

In closing, I must mention the recent quake in Haiti which clearly shows what a worst-case scenario might look like. May we all take the Haitian experience to heart and make sure that we have done all within our power to be prepared. Many of us feel a special connection to the Haitian people who have suffered so much from the earthquake. Let us not let their devastating experience go unheeded.

Jackson State Forest: A Unique Resource Located in Mendocino County

Jackson State Demonstration Forest (JDSF) is a nearly 49,000-acre state forest in coastal Mendocino County. Those of you who live in Fort Bragg or Mendocino certainly know the forest, which has been providing hiking, camping, wildlife habitat and jobs since 1949.

Managed by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire), the mission of JDSF is to maximize the "sustained production of high quality forest products," to use the land for research and demonstration projects, and to recognize the myriad of other values within and derived from the forest… all the way to "aesthetic enjoyment."

Several years ago, the management of JDSF was challenged, paving the way for both a public involvement process and also greater attention to ecological principles and the research potential of the forest.

This created the Jackson Demonstration State Forest Advisory Group, which has as its goals research and demonstration, forest restoration, watershed and ecological processes, timber management, recreation and aesthetic enjoyment, protection, minor forest products, property configuration, and information, planning and staffing.

The advisory group is made up of members of the public with particular specializations, a local orientation and a commitment to consensus.

At this time, my staff has been following the JDSF planning process carefully. They have toured the site and attended science panel meetings. They have even walked the area of the Indian Fire, toured around by forest manager Marc Jameson, who fought the fire personally.

The planning process for JDSF is an important part of the 2nd Senate District's present and future. I am very pleased with their efforts to promote sustainability of the redwood forest. At this time, the advisory group is weighing how to best use the forest for research and demonstration, and sees the value of their world-class resource.

In the future, I hope, like the advisory committee discussed, this be a world-class science facility for stewardship of the redwood forest and all the benefits we get from it.

Jackson Forest is a unique resource in the 2nd District. I hope everyone takes the opportunity to learn more about this forest, and other state forests in our region.

California State Senator Patricia Wiggins - District 2
The 2nd Senate District includes portions or all of six counties: Humboldt, Lake, Mendocino, Napa, Solano & Sonoma.
Web site: http://www.senate.ca.gov/wiggins E-mail: Senator Patricia Wiggins
Capitol Office State Capitol, Room 4081 Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone: (916) 651-4002 Fax: (916) 323-6958	Eureka Office 710 E Street, #150 Eureka, CA 95501 Phone: (707) 445-6508 Fax: (707) 445-6511	Napa Office 1040 Main St., #205 Napa, CA 94559 Phone: (707) 224-1990 Fax: (707) 224-1992
Santa Rosa Office 50 D St., #120A Santa Rosa, CA 95404 Phone: (707) 576-2771 Fax: (707) 576-2773	Ukiah Office 200 South School Street Ukiah, CA 95482 Phone: (707) 468-8914 Fax: (707) 468-8931	Vallejo Office 444 Georgia Street Vallejo, CA 94590 Phone: (707) 648-5312 Fax: (707) 648-5383

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Soooo good to be in New Jersey. It's early here but I feel like eating LUNCH!

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Monday, February 15, 2010

Re: Feed Back for Paul Westcott

Thanks for the reply, I appreciate your candor.

Keep up the good work.

Your speaking/delivery style of the "truth" saves me tons of time everyday + your entertaining!

I'm traveling through India this week and I'm Still Listening to you on my blackberry!

------Original Message------
From: whitehousebrief
Sender: Westcott, Paul
To: Telegan - Fresno HOME
Subject: RE: Feed Back for Paul Westcott
Sent: Feb 15, 2010 10:04 PM

Thank you so much for listening Roger.

Per your comment about taking God's name in vein, I apologize, it's a
bad habit my parents have been scolding me over for years. It's no
excuse but when you speak for 2 hours a day sometimes you rely on crutch
words and that has stupidly been one of mine for a while. I'll try my
best to cut it out.

Keep listening!

-Paul W.

-----Original Message-----
From: roger@telegan.com [mailto:roger@telegan.com]
Sent: Saturday, February 06, 2010 3:57 PM
To: whitehousebrief
Subject: Feed Back for Paul Westcott

------Original Message------
To: thewhitehousebrief@iheartradio.com
Subject: Feed Back for Paul Westcott
Sent: Feb 6, 2010 12:53 PM

I enjoy the White House Brief EVERY DAY!

I use my BlackBerry... and have told all my employees they MUST use
iHeartRadio and listen to the White House Brief.

I would like Paul Westcott to stop saying Oh' God and taking God's name
in vain, its offensive.

My super bowl pick, the Colts.

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Nilesh @ a road side Chai Stall in "Shikrapur" ---> Still on the way to Ahmednagar...

This photo was taken @ 3:15pm PST 2/15/2010

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Sunday, February 14, 2010

Early Morning @ SFO

This morning Nilesh and I arrived at SFO before 5:30am. After Check in, Security, and our walk to the Continental Gate... I decided we should look into a sign I had seen for an Omelet... (I was hungry).

6:10
Nilesh obliged and even allowed me to order a Veg. Omelet for him. I ordered scrambled eggs and toast. + Water!

Were sitting at a Bar and preparing to enjoy a little breakfast @ 6:10AM - Then I saw and heard a "woman" ask the bar tender for a JIM BEAM on the ROCKS! She wounded serious.

Bar tender replied to her all I have is Jack Daniels, as if it's S.O.P to order Jim Beam before 7AM! Let alone 2PM!

The "woman" replied that'll do, make it a double!

I looked her way and motioned to Nilesh, as I opened my mouth, which is not engaged to my brain before 7:30am EVER! And I Said something like, "Did you realize it's not even 7:00am, kinda early for a drink... Bar Tender says outloud, "Some where in the world it's 5:00pm".

"Woman" looks at me and says..."Your a little nosey over there"....

I asked her what Time Zone she was from, and she said, "PACIFIC, what's it to ya'! ". I then proceeded to ask with sympathy for her "issue" where are you headed... Woman says "Las Vegas". I siad oh' so your just getting a head start... She holds her Double Jack Daniels on the rocks up to the light, exclaiming "this dosen't look like a double to me!"

Then takes a sip of her Jack Daniels, and says "bartender hit that paddle over their and pour me a beer chaser!"

It's 6:14am now.... And the "woman" starts to explain she's traveling with her "Mother and Sister in Law...". She downs the beer and pays her tab... And heads back towards her gate...

I guess It's just another day at the Airport!

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On the way to BOM. I'm so blessed again! The seat infront of me is Broken, and is stuck in the upright position! Ahhh a little more leg room ;-)

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Gallaghers inside EWR, Dry Aging Beef!

I find it amazing! You can order Dry Aged Beef inside the EWR! Is this only in New Jersey? Are their other Airports with a Gallaghers Steak House?

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Gallaghers Steak House--- Inside the Newark Airport? Wow!

I found a Gallaghers Steak house here in EWR! If I had known this was here I would try to Fly EWR more often!

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I found McQueen @ the Airport!

Look Nicholas... It's Lightening McQueen!

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Just arrived in Newarkb Wow Just look at all that Global Warming!

Roger Telegan - Sikka Software
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Saturday, February 13, 2010

Salmon!

Roger Telegan - Sikka Software
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Nicholas and the Mac and Cheese!

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Madeleine Love's to EAT!

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Finally a NORMAL expression!

I think this is a great picture of Nicholas. Were at Kincaid's next to SFO having our Valentine's Eve Dinner.
Roger Telegan - Sikka Software
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Where's the Food!

Madeleine is HUNGRY!
Roger Telegan - Sikka Software
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Friday, February 12, 2010

COMCAST - outage in FRESNO, CA

It has now been 2 Hours and our home phone, internet, and TV don't work... what could be the problem? Oh' right it's COMCAST! :-) The lady I chatted with on my BlackBerry said that the whole city was undergoing "maintenance" I asked her why would you plan maintenance on a Friday evening from 7:15 to who knows when... seems rather odd. I asked her if this just wasn't some sort of un-planned outage!

The Outage Ticket # : OE013637870 800-COMCAST is the number.

Tuesday, February 09, 2010

Listen to a concise, accurate, slice of all the "Crazy Political News you need".

I highly recommend that you download iHeart Radio for your mobile device.

Find: "The White House Brief" You won't regret it!

www.allpoliticsradio.com

Roger Telegan - Sikka Software
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Friday, February 05, 2010

SNOWMAGEDEN! Washington D.C. - THIRTY INCHES of SNOW Forecasted for this weekend!

Washington D.C. Has now been forecasted to get a 30 inch piling of SNOW! Blizzard conditions forecasted for the EAST Coast! All Airlines are clearing out the airports, Flights Canceled!

Next week I fly thru Newark on my way to Mumbai. I sure hope the storms clear out before we take off for India!
Roger Telegan - Sikka Software
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