Friday, January 14, 2005

RFE.  The ongoing process of state delegitimization due to system disruption in process in Iraq.   Iraqi Oil Minister Thamir al-Ghadban has come under fire in the Iraqi media in recent weeks for the burgeoning fuel crisis that is plaguing the country.  Commentaries in the media have widely criticized the minister, as well as Electricity Minister Ayham al-Samarra'I for the crisis, despite claims by both men that militant attacks on oil pipelines and installations are to blame for the crisis. According to media reports, Iraqis are queuing for several hours for gas in some areas. The cost of bottled cooking gas has risen tenfold, and the cost of paraffin for heating has more than quadrupled. 8:06:14 PM    Comment_ Trackback []

Terms that may make it mainstream (from the gaming world): Ganked.  When a high level player attacks/kills a low level player.  Totally unfair and stupid.  Occasionally used to describe a triggered ambush. Nerfed.  When a skill, character, or capability is toned down (effectively making it useless).  Pwned.  Being slaughtered by a weaker player.  A humiliation or embarrassment that you could have avoided. Owned.  A humiliation which you couldn't have avoided.  Humiliating an enemy.  A decisive win. PvP.  Player vs. player combat.  Willingness to fight. Grinding.  Levelling a character by continuously killing baddies (without reference to storyline, quests, etc.).  Boring and tedious work aimed at improvement. Camping.  Idleness and inactivity.  Occasionally used to describe the act of loitering in a location that enables the ambush of other players. Newb or n00b.  New player.  Fresh meat.  Inexperience.  Stupidity. 11:03:06 AM    Comment_ Trackback []

The National Intelligence Council 2020 report (PDF).  Looks good. 7:02:41 AM    Comment_ Trackback []