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Controversial O.C. politician loses local GOP leadership post

PaulyDeborah Pauly, the outspoken Villa Park councilwoman who drew community ire when she protested outside an Islamic charity event, was removed this week from a leadership position with the Orange County Republican Party's central committee.

Party officials said Pauly, who is running for county supervisor, has been a divisive figure.

Her removal comes days after Orange businessman Bob Walters mailed letters on Pauly's behalf to voters on "George Wallace for President"? letterhead. The stationery appears to have been left over from Walters' stint as chairman? of Wallace's failed campaign for president in 1967.

The mailer urged citizens to vote for Pauly, who is in a heated race for a supervisor?s seat, and was the subject of a complaint to the state's Fair Political Practices Commission.

Pauly previously told the L.A. Times that she did not know of Walters? ties to the former governor, who was associated with segregation during his years in power.

The Villa Park councilwoman sparked outrage last year when she appeared outside a charity function. "I know quite a few Marines who will be very happy to help these terrorists to an early meeting in paradise," Pauly said at the time.

In 2010, Pauly was taken to task after writing on her Facebook page that applauding President Obama?s healthcare bill was ?like applauding a mugging or a rape.?

On Monday, Pauly was removed as first vice chair of the county's Republican Party on a motion by Scott Baugh, the chairman of the GOP.

Baugh said that Pauly is a divisive force in the party at a time when unity is needed. ?These are not just my opinions, they?ve been brought to me by dozens and dozens of people who share my concerns,? he said at the meeting.

?She makes statements out there that I?m constantly having to defend,? he said.

Pauly did not return a request for comment. Neither did Baugh.

At the meeting, which was videotaped, Pauly said that she is being criticized because she is not an ?establishment status-quo Republican.?

She blamed Baugh for attempting to taint her supervisorial campaign against Todd Spitzer, a former state assemblyman and supervisor.? ?You are being used as political pawns in a game,? she told committee members.

Emily Sanford, a longtime member of the party, said in a letter to the committee that over the years she has seen many officers come and go, but Pauly?s behavior stands out.

Pauly, Sanford wrote, seems to ?enjoy being unnecessarily provocative."

She said that Pauly's statements only make the Republican Party appear "insensitive."

A small group of protesters, including Donald Craig, the president of the Orange County chapter of the NAACP, spoke about the Wallace letterhead mailer at a Villa Park council meeting Tuesday night before being cut off by the city attorney.

Craig said Wednesday that Pauly has not done anything to separate herself from the Wallace flier.

?It hit a nerve with us,? he said. ?You can?t be in the middle with something like this.?

ALSO:

Franciscan clergy sex-abuse case records released

Former First Lady Nancy Reagan recovering from fall

Protesters ask Edison to decommission San Onofre nuclear plant

-- Nicole Santa Cruz

Photo: Deborah Pauly. Credit: City of Villa Park

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Multiple 01 Learn Guitar Fast And Easy | Arts and Entertainment

Multiple 01 Learn Guitar Fast And EasyHere?s A Simple and Fast Solution For Learning To Play Guitar Very Well. It Has Worked For Famous Guitar Legends And Thousands Of Other Guitar Players? ? It Can Work for You Too!

But there?s a catch? The truth of the matter is that not everyone can handle this sytem of learning guitar.

I don?t know how well you adjust to alternative ways of thinking when it comes to learning guitar (or anything else for that matter).

There are alternative ways to learn to play guitar that can leave you (and those around you) amazed with how fast you advance in your playing ? if you can just think outside of the box. If!!!!

1. If you believe that there must surely be a way to advance as a guitar player WITHOUT having to be strung along for years learning junk you?ll never use?

2. If you feel like you can dedicate a small amount of time each week to your dream of playing the guitar?

3. If you believe there are simple things you can do to play guitar (and I mean really play it ? like wild) without having to know or learn music theory?

4. If you are the type person that likes to think "outside the box" and get to where you want to go ?without having to go a thousand miles out of your way to get there?

? then there?s really no good reason (at all) you can?t achieve what I?ve written above in the headline ? even if you are new to playing guitar.

If you are already an advanced guitar player, you?re about to be somewhat floored to see the things you and about 93% of all other players have missed.

What I?ve just done above is set a simple "roadmap" and established my hopes for you as a guitar player.

If you don?t match at least one of the points above ? this site is not for you. I can?t help you. You may just want to go visit a forum or something.

Click the link below if you match ANY OF THE FOUR points above. I believe I can help you play guitar very well (all over the guitar neck). I want to share some ideas with you and expose you to some things you?ve probably never heard of before. I want to give you a different perspective.

Within the next few minutes, you?ll see without doubt that this information is a major solution ? and not just a course.

EVERY online instructional site is the best ever, has "secrets" to instant guitar success, and 99% of them SUCK!

As I look at your business model from the outside, your biggest problem is that you tell the truth in an ocean full of liars?"

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Octa Vacuum Dock + WhaleTail

Holding a tablet, especially a larger-screen model, can be an uncomfortable and sometimes precarious affair?you have to hold it with one hand, freeing the other for touch input. Octa wants to give you something more substantial to grab with its Vacuum Dock + WhaleTail ($49.95 direct), a whimsically designed, multi-function tablet grip and stand. The result is a surprisingly comfortable, yet somewhat bulky add-on that works with iPads and many other tablets.

inline

Two pieces, the Vacuum Dock is a small plastic dome that's 3.95 inches in diameter and 5.9 inches tall. At first glance, it seems too large and cumbersome, but the size makes sense, as the dome fits comfortably into the palm of your hand, providing a far more natural grip than holding the tablet at its edge with the tips of your fingers. That said, it could stand to be a bit lighter, at almost 6 ounces. The dock attaches via suction cup, with a rubber pump button affixed to one side. A small rubber cap sits on top of the dock, which you remove to add the WhaleTail. The WhaleTail is a quirky black rubber attachment that resembles?you guessed it?a whale's tail. It's moldable, down to the fins, which makes it a simple solution for propping your tablet up at a variety of angles. It's also strong enough to hold that position without flexing too much under normal pressure.

Setup is straightforward: Press the Vacuum Dock onto the back of any smooth backed tablet, give it five or six pumps, remove the cap, and twist the WhaleTail into place. The suction cup requires a smooth back, so any textured device, like the Asus Transformer Prime, won't work. Once installed, the fit felt secure, though I'd give it a few pumps whenever you can just to be safe. It's also easy to remove by simply pulling at two tabs on the suction cup. While it's definitely not the most streamlined option and is a bit pricey at $50, its endearing design, comfortable grip, and useful stand function make it an interesting companion for your iPad or other tablet. At the very least, you'll have a conversation starter.

More Cases & Carrying Gear Reviews:
??? Octa Vacuum Dock + WhaleTail
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??? ChargeIt! 2X (for iPhone 4 and 4S)
??? Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover (for New iPad, iPad 2)
??? Ju-Ju-Be Be Hip (Messenger Bag)
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Tips On How To Plan For A Wedding











During which season do you want your wedding? Do you know what type of flowers and floral arrangements you want to use? There are so many decisions to make when planning your wedding, so keep it simple whenever possible. Whether it is your wedding, or a wedding that you are planning, you will find tips to create success as you read.

The most important part of your wedding is your future spouse, so be sure that you are ready to spend the rest of your life with them. This choice will affect you forever, so take your time and don't rush. Think about this person and what things will drive you crazy, along with what you can't live without.

It's important to include the beliefs and values of your immediate families in your wedding ceremony. Speak about religion with the person you're engaged to and the close family members on each side so that everyone feels comfortable at the ceremony.

Your wedding photos are of the utmost important, since you will view them forever. Even though it can me costly, your best bet is to have a professional photographer take your pictures so you get the best quality possible.

Don't let your family members influence your whole day with their traditions or suggestions; this is a day for you and your spouse, not for them. Let your family know that you appreciate their support and input, but kindly and firmly tell them that the final decisions will be made by you and the person you'll be marrying. By doing this you can reminisce on your wedding without feeling any regrets.

Vacation goody baskets make great delivery presents to guests at your destination wedding. Some useful items to include might be tourist information, sun hats, sunglasses, disposable cameras, maps of the area, sunscreen, and so on. You could also toss in a few suggestions for local eateries and cafes.

Make sure you hear everyone rehearse their speeches before you if they are appointed to speak at your wedding. This way, you will know that it is all appropriate for your big day. Many generations and people of differing viewpoints will attend your wedding, so your speech makers need to make their speeches geared to everyone and not just play to their own friends.

You may be tempted to go with family tradition or suggestions, but this is your day not theirs. Be generous in your thanks for their assistance and concern, and let them know that you will keep their thoughts in mind when making your own decisions. By making all your own decisions about your wedding day, you will be able remember the special occasion without any regrets in the future.

Be alert about the weather. If an outdoor wedding takes place in excessive heat, guest might opt to leave early. Alternatively, a very cold day may have your guests leaving in droves. To make sure your guests stay comfortable and happy, make small adjustments such as providing fans for an outdoor summer wedding.

For receptions that don't include dinner, consider renting less traditional seating arrangements rather than tables and chairs. Your guests will be more likely to interact if they are in a comfortable setting with lounges and chaises. Plush seating offers a way for their to be separate lounging areas, as well as a place for guests to get comfortable and relax.

Be mindful of possible weather conditions. The guests may be uncomfortable if it is outdoors and very hot out. Similarly, they may leave early, if they are too cold at your winter party. Always keep the comfort of the guests in mind, even though the wedding day is for the groom and bride.

If the future newlyweds enjoy traveling, display decorations that portray a sense of wanderlust. Invitations and RSVP cards can be written in old script and yellowed to imitate antique postcards. A vintage leather suitcase can be propped open to display wedding programs, family photos, or favors.

If you will not be serving a meal at your reception, consider ditching the tables and renting comfortable lounge furniture instead. A lounge, chaise or even a cushy piece of sectional can give guests a greater way to communicate. Perhaps you could create different lounges and add plush seating to allow your guests to relax.

Marriages between people of different faiths are common nowadays, but it helps to discuss how this will affect your marriage, in-laws and children, before you marry. Talk not only with the person you are planning to marry, but with their family as well to understand their religion.

You can embellish your bouquet with tiny crystals, rhinestones or perhaps diamonds if you can afford to. This can be achieved through heat-fixed crystals, adding a little piece of jewelry or even using an heirloom piece. Make sure it goes with your dress and accessories, and that the color, cut, and size of the stones compliment your ensemble.

If you're having an outdoor reception, tell your caterer. Certain foods do not do well in extremely warm temperatures; others are not heavy enough to withstand the wind. Using covers could make your caterer's job much easier. A mini-fridge may be useful for keeping your drinks chilled.

It is important that you put some trust in other people when you are planning your wedding. Because weddings have such a large emotional investment, you will most likely want to have a large role in every part of the planning process. If you try to do everything, however, you'll stress yourself out. You'll need to rely on people with professional expertise to help you plan parts of your wedding.

Receptions are best held in the early afternoon. Your guests will drink less alcohol during these hours, which cuts down on your bar needs greatly. The costs of lunch are far more affordable than catered dinners. Therefore, you can afford to step up your menu or divert that part of your budget to another area, such as floral arrangements or wedding favors.

Weddings may indeed bring out the best in all of us, but if you allow the stress to get to you before that special day, it can start to bring out the absolute worst in you. The tips from this article can help you fend off any wedding disasters.

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DTN Daily Diatribe | Texas Tech News, Notes and Links | 2012-05-26

BOSTON, MA - MAY 30:  To honor Memorial Day, a giant flag covers the Green Monster as the national anthem is played on May 30, 2011 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.  (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

MEMORIAL DAY | Oliver Wendell Holmes:

So to the indifferent inquirer who asks why Memorial Day is still kept up we may answer, it celebrates and solemnly reaffirms from year to year a national act of enthusiasm and faith. It embodies in the most impressive form our belief that to act with enthusiasm and faith is the condition of acting greatly. To fight out a war, you must believe something and want something with all your might. So must you do to carry anything else to an end worth reaching. More than that, you must be willing to commit yourself to a course, perhaps a long and hard one, without being able to foresee exactly where you will come out. All that is required of you is that you should go somewhither as hard as ever you can. The rest belongs to fate. One may fall-at the beginning of the charge or at the top of the earthworks; but in no other way can he reach the rewards of victory.


Totally Texas Tech with yet another set of campus photos from a quiet campus.

TENNIS | Unfortunately Gonzalo Escobar lost in the Sweet 16 in the singles NCAA Championships, but Escobar and Raony Carvalho won yesterday and advanced to the doubles NCAA Championships. This is nothing short of amazing. I was emailed this Raider Power episode about the tennis program and if you ever wondered if all of the other Texas Tech teams have rivalries with the Big 12 Conference mates and if they are proud of Texas Tech, then this is the video for you.

GOLF Congrats to Kim Kaufman and Gabby Dominguez for finishing in the top ten in the individual NCAA Championships.

BASEBALL | Twenty baseball players earned part of the Academic Honor Roll . Congrats!

FOOTBALL | Head coach Tommy Tuberville was on Double T 104.3 yesterday and talked a little bit about expansion and also said that DT Leon Mackey is up to 275 to 280 and that he is really excited about S/LB/DE Pete Robertson at defensive end. Give it a listen.

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Russian opposition leaders released after spending 15 days in jail for disobeying police

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Spurs, Thunder fight for NBA West crown

The San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder, having stormed through the first two rounds of the NBA playoffs, begin their duel for the Western Conference crown on Sunday.

The Western Conference finals, with a berth in the NBA championship series at stake, pits the West's top two teams against each other.

The Thunder, the dominant force in the West for much of the season, saw the Spurs assume that mantle with a late-season winning streak that has now reached 18 games.

The Spurs, home of Boomers point guard Patty Mills, finished off the regular season with 10 successive victories before sweeping past the Utah Jazz and then the Los Angeles Clippers to reach the conference finals for the first time since 2008.

The young Thunder squad led by Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook dispatched defending NBA champions Dallas in the first round, and the 2010 champions Los Angeles Lakers in the second as they seek a first title since the club moved to Oklahoma City.

San Antonio host game one of the best-of-seven series on Sunday, a week after the Spurs finished off the Clippers in a game four in which Tim Duncan led six Spurs players in double figures with 21 points and nine rebounds.

The Spurs' last defeat was an April 11 setback against the Lakers.

But San Antonio, who won four titles from 1999 through 2007, know the streak counts for nothing if they don't advance. They were the top seeds in the West last year when they were stunned in the first round by Memphis.

"As far as the winning streak is concerned, it doesn't exist for us," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said.

"Each game is its own and we don't talk about it, it doesn't come up and it's not even on the radar for us."

What the Spurs will draw on is their wealth of post-season experience.

Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili have played 130 playoff games as teammates.

Popovich's 116 career post-season wins are third all-time among coaches behind Phil Jackson (229) and Pat Riley (171).

"They know that if they just stick with each other and the system that often times things are going to turn your way," Popovich said of his big three.

Westbrook and Durant, both 23, have youth and enthusiasm on their side, but Westbrook said they know their opponents' experience will be hard to overcome.

"They have been together a while. They have a lot of tricks to their game," Westbrook said.

"It's going to be a mental challenge for us. They haven't lost in a while and we've got to be prepared to play."

San Antonio were 2-1 against Oklahoma City in the regular season, with Ginobili missing all three games because of injury.

The Thunder won the first meeting in January, but the Spurs won the next two in February and March.

The match-up between point guards Westbrook and Parker will be key.

Rising star Westbrook has the advantage in size, and is a dangerous scorer as well as a facilitator for Durant.

France's Parker, however, boasts dazzling quickness and scoring ability and a wealth of experience in creating plays for his teammates.

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