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Orbis Conflict
The planet dubbed Orbis by the refugees was seeing troubling times lately. The natives were uneasy with the arrival of the two major colony ships made an emergency crash landing against major mountains. Several attacks, mostly made by the green skinned natives, were made against the two large transports but all had been in vain as the alien beings used their fowl sorcery against any attackers but made no move to attack just yet. Instead weird flying constructs came from the colony ships and monitored the various societies that inhabited Orbis.
Almost 90 Orbis rotations had passed since the colony had landed and an order had been issued for official scouting units to be sent out to see the natives first hand outside of aggression. Scientists and researchers work day and night to solve the language barrier between the natives and the xenos. Biologists and other of a similar field of study researched the planets wild and plant life and what they had gathered resulted that most of the species of the two colony ships were capable of surviving the Orbis atmosphere. Military and security personnel helped keep things in order as the xenos made the mountain their home and even getting some of their own life stock ready.
Talen made his way towards the command center of the military. He was being assigned as a scout and escort to researchers and scientists that would take part in the mission to make official contact with the natives. He walked past a few fellow Eztrak security officers and other species before going to the meeting hall. In the hall were other officials from the military and the scientific community. At the center of the hall was the military commander, a Tarellian*, and the lead scientist, a Yarkian**, involving alien studies. There they waited for the rest to arrive before starting their briefing.
You have been chosen to take part in the first official contact with the natives. The team will be small since we dont want to appear too threatening to them. said the Yarkian scientist, his voice deeper than expected from a creature his size. You shall be given proper gear and are to report at specific hours. Not to mention that any new samples you may find you are to get, send us the data and then bring back to study if we deem it worthy. Our most brilliant minds are working hard on solving how to communicate properly with the natives involving our translator nanites but progress is slow. You will be updated on its progress The Yarkian continued.
This is an observe and report mission The Tarellian then said, his voice even deeper than the scientists and with a growling edge. You are not to provoke aggression unless you are attacked first. You will have access to basic firearms and other equipment. You are not to go in blasters blazing He ordered and his one good eye glared everyone. He wasnt exactly the nicest Tarellian though that wasnt really saying much.
Talen listened with great interest. He had his own blaster pistol at his side, a powerful energy weapon. He looked left and right at the other operatives that would be coming along. He knew some of them but maybe there were some that were late or had already been briefed before so hed see later on. He was to be assigned as security agent to protect the group. His stinger tail wagged slowly, his arms folded as he listened to the Commander who proceeded to show a map of Orbis but it was partial static. The odd energies that filled the world were distorting various tech such as satellites and sometimes other things would go wrong at random occasion. Those occasions were however few and far apart and very rarely harmed anything crucial. The map however was serviceable for the mission and showcased any possible major settlements that the natives had.
Talen watched as the holographic image of the map and then turned his head and then downwards seeing a pointed eared Hadrack female. He knew this Hadrack as Dae Dae the robotic expert that worked at the district he had patrolled before the ships had crashed. Hey. Youre going to join this team to understand Orbis some more? He asked Dae, his mandibles moving a little upwards, the Eztrak equivalent of a smile. Not afraid of the scary green skins? He added with a small snicker as he ruffled her hair with his three fingered hand.
*A tall reptilian species who are very muscular and known for their brutish strength and ruthless tactics
**Short mammals with canine features such as the snout and fur. They are bipedal but are not colorblind.


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Fare evasion accounts for just a small piece of the MBTA's financial woes but is infuriating to those who pay, as riders made abundantly clear at public hearings held about the fare increases that took effect this month. The T can get slightly tougher now on freeloaders, because of language lawmakers included in the bill to help the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority balance its budget for the new fiscal year, signed recently by Governor Deval Patrick.
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The city of Lombard, located 20 miles west of downtown Chicago, is known as the "Lilac Village" of Dupage County. The Village of Lombard actively encourages residents to get to know each other and promotes block parties across town to foster positive and beneficial neighborhood activities. Bicycling is also encouraged in Lombard and the village has constructed two major bikeways that lead through the center of town.
In a community that encourages neighborly activities and environmentally conscious behavior, it's hard not to feel safe and at home in Lombard. With its outdoor public spaces and a small-town community atmosphere, Lombard apartments for rent are in high demand.
Lombard is home to more than 43,400 people, and the Village of Lombard estimates the 2030 population will reach 50,618. Originally called Babcock's Grove, this 10.5-square-mile village grew up from a rich farmland that attracted settlers in the mid-1830s. Lombard was incorporated in 1869, developing alongside the suburb of Glen Ellyn. The Village of Lombard was incorporated by Josiah Lombard, who purchased 227 acres of land in 1868 and was at the head of a group of capitalists responsible for spearheading the incorporation.
Those looking to live amid the town's history can look at the historic downtown area for rentals in Lombard. Within the historic downtown district, residents can find the well-known Lilacia Park, Lombard Historical Museum, Helen M. Plum Memorial Library and the area landmark, the Maple Street Chapel.
The U.S. Census Bureau revealed that the industry in Lombard with the largest share of residents working within is the educational services, healthcare and social assistance, followed by retail trade. The 2010 Census data further revealed that the most common occupations in Lombard, by a significant margin, are management, business, science, and arts occupations. This is followed by sales and office occupations. Eighty-four percent of the employed civilians over the age of 16 are private wage and salary workers.
According to the Village of Lombard, 22nd Street, which is located on the southern border of the village as well as the I-88 East-West Research and Development Corridor, is where many modern office buildings can be found. Among the corporate clients are Mid Con, Unisys, Waste Management and the Hyatt Place hotel. The Village website also revealed that on the northern boundary of Lombard sits a large industrial park with easy access to Interstates 294 and 355.
While Lombard's business district is certainly thriving, rentals in Lombard are excellent options for its student population as well. The Illinois Center for Broadcasting, the National University of Health Sciences and Northern Baptist Theological Seminary are all notable secondary education facilities that can be found here.
According to information collected by the U.S. Census Bureau, apartments for rent in Lombard have a rental vacancy rate of 9.4 percent and a median rent of $1,105. More than 40 percent of renters fall in the gross rent range of $1,000 to $1,499 and roughly 75 percent of renters fall in the broader gross rental range of $750 to $1,499. Nearly 35 percent of all renters spend 35 percent or more of total household income on gross rental costs.
City-Data revealed that in March of 2012, the cost of living in Lombard was assigned a value of 106.1, which is 6.1 percent more than the national average of 100.
One of the biggest Lombard area attractions is Lilacia Park, which draws thousands each year to Lombard's annual Lilac Festival. Lilacia Park was donated to the village in 1927 by resident Colonel William R. Plum. Here visitors and residents can enjoy the 8.5-acre park that hosts roughly 1,100 lilac trees, tulips and other plants. The Lilac Festival is held every May and includes a Lilac Parade and community encouragement to plant lilacs and continue the Village tradition.
Rentals in Lombard are excellent ideas for those looking to take advantage of the roughly 450 other acres of land that makes up the Lombard Park District, too. The Park District maintains top of the line facilities, the Western Acres Golf Course, Sunset Knoll Fitness Center and Paradise Bay Water Park.
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By Martin Neville
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, arrives at Cowes Week on the Isle of Wight. Picture courtesy of Donna Woodward Taylor.
FRESH from her Olympic success, Zara Phillips will be in Cowes tomorrow (Thursday) for one of the highlights of Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week, the Artemis Challenge.
The Royal who won silver as part of the British equestrian eventing team at London 2012 will start the annual charity race around the Isle of Wight from the motor yacht Rum Jungle.
Nick Dempsey, Olympic silver medallist and team GB match racing girls, Lucy Macgregor, Annie Lush and Kate Macgregor will take to the water in a 50 mile sprint around the Island in high performance monohull IMOCA 60s and latest generation multihull MOD 70s.
TV personality Dan Snow and his wife Lady Edwina Grosvenor will also be taking part.
The winner will receive £12,000 for their chosen charity.
Zara's grandfather, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, has been pictured in Cowes this week, following his visit to Newport earlier in the week.
Meanwhile, the Isle of Wight's own Olympian Richard Jefferies dropped in to Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week last night (Tuesday) with friends and television presenter Tim Lovejoy was in the town today (Wednesday).
On Friday the majority of Olympic Skandia Team GBR will be in Cowes where will have the opportunity to meet them.
The group will include London 2012 silver medallists, windsurfer Nick Dempsey, the '470 Girls' Saskia Clark and Hannah Mills, and Luke Patience and Stuart Bithell.
Other sailors attending include 2008 Olympic gold medallist, Paul Goodison, Laser Radial sailor Ali Young, 49er sailors Stevie Morrison and Ben Rhodes and match race girls, Lucy and Kate Macgregor and Annie Lush.
The team will be on Cowes Parade at 2pm, the Volvo stand in Cowes Yacht Haven at 3pm and the Toe in the Water Heroes and Legends reception at Shepards Wharf from 5pm.
*The Duke of Edinburgh is believed to have left the Island yesterday. He has since been admitted to hospital in Aberdeen.
London 2012 Olympic sailors Saskia Clark and Hannah Mills.
The Duke of Edinburgh in Cowes. Picture by Michael Green.
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Game Recap 9/7/11: Picking It Up - Angels 3 Mariners 1
In a game that was much closer than it should have been, the Angels just barely pulled away with a win thanks to the bat of Mighty Maicer and the arm of Jerome Williams. Williams, a man who hadn't won a game in the Majors since 2005, is now 3-0 in his last three starts. That isn't the best part however; out of those three starts two of them have brought the Angels 1 game closer to the Texas Rangers. Jerome Williams came out of nowhere to plug the 5th spot in the rotation, he had been pitching in the CPBL (Chinese Professional Baseball League) before the Angels picked him up, and now he's pushing them forward in the pennant race. It's not every day you pick a diamond out of the rough; let's just hope he gets to show off his newfound talent in the postseason.
Angels 3 Mariners 1


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on 05-05-2012 03:10 PM
I've been looking at some XNA examples to workout how I can integrate collisions into my PSS game. I've found the following code to transform a texture into a 2D array. However I've not yet been successful in recreating this in the PSS.
private Color[,] TextureTo2DArray(Texture2D texture)
Color[] colors1D = new Color[texture.Width * texture.Height];
Color[,] colors2D = new Color[texture.Width, texture.Height];
for (int x = 0; x < texture.Width; x++)
for (int y = 0; y < texture.Height; y++)
colors2D[x, y] = colors1D[x + y * texture.Width];
return colors2D;
Does anyone have any example code that can do pixel based collisions within the GameEngine2D?
on 06-05-2012 12:59 AM
It feels like it's going around the houses a little - but I can't see any way of grabbing texture data from a Texture2D or PixelBuffer object directly, so you might want to also load up the texture using the 'Image' object, which will give you access to the pixel data before loading up the Texture object. This is untested, but off the top of my head - something like the following might be an option;
// Note. I'm making an assumption that all images you read in are 'ImageMode.RGBA' as I believe Image objects are either RGBA or just A. This is completely untested, and it just a potential idea for a solution.
String filePath = "/Application/assets/image.png";
Image image = new Image(filePath);
Byte[] byteData = image.ToBuffer();
Texture2D texture = new Texture(byteData, false, PixelFormat.Rgba);
if ( byteData.Length > 0 ) {
Byte[] alphaChannelData = new Byte[byteData.Length / 4];
for ( int i = 0; i < alphaChannelData.Length; i++ )
alphaChannelData[i] = byteData[i*4];
This *should* pull out the alpha channel when you load a sprite and you could store and use that alphaChannelData (1 byte per pixel) in your per-pixel collision detection routine later on. There are possibly (probably) better alternatives available, but this is what comes to mind after the limited time I've been playing with the SDK.
With this in mind however, I don't know how much much juice the PS Vita / PSS devices are realistically going to have for per-pixel collision detection. I coded up a PP Collision Detection routine using XNA and even using a system to pull out the intersecting rectangle first, the operation was rather expensive in terms of CPU power. You might want to consider a shape system and/or using the Physics2D library - even if you only use it with 'triggers' (collision detection).
on 06-05-2012 09:51 AM
on 06-05-2012 10:29 AM
on 06-05-2012 11:57 PM
Hmm, this looks more complicated than I thought it would be (but possibly only because things are in Beta stage and not 100% yet).
* ActionGameDemo *
I've only had a very brief look at the ActionGameDemo, but it looks like every frame each entity adds itself to the 'collider'. Then, the EntityCollilder simply iterates over each of the pairs of entities and does a 'distance squared' check against the radius of each object. Hence, it's modelling everything as a circle and brute force checking everything to see if it collides. If you don't have too many objects in the scene, and most of your entities are easily modelled by one or more circles, this could work ok.
* Physics2D Library *
I'm looking at the Physics2D library at the moment, as I'm trying to integrate it into my game. It looks to be quite 'heavy weight' but I'm assuming it's highly optimised. If you are creating a scene which contains 30 fixed objects and they move around - then it doesn't look too hard to get the hang of. If you are creating a model in which objects are rapidly created and destroyed (I'm trying to add bullets to my space shooter) then I've not quite figured that out yet. Removing entities from the scene looks to be a bit of a pain, as it works with a fixed length array not a list / vector. I guess I'm saying - this will probably do the trick very well, but it could be a complicated solution.
* Getting Pixels from an Image *
My first impression is that it could be that this method might not be properly supported yet in the SDK. However, this might sound obvious, but have you also checked the 'Size' property to ensure that the image is infact loading properly? I'm not sure if you might also need to call the method 'Decode()' on the object after constructing it but before using it? I'm guessing that GetPixelData is a private method on the Image object.
If this doesn't work, I'm a bit stuffed on what to suggest I'm afraid. It seems like the GetPixel type methods have been deliberately hidden away (unless I've missed something obvious). The only other ways I can think of achieving what you are after are...
1. Drawing your graphic to the Frame Buffer and using GraphicsContext.ReadPixels() to read back the pixel data from the frame buffer. You would obviously have to do all this before starting your game level as you're essentially drawing it to the screen just to get access to the pixel data.
2. Try to find some PNG loading library and use that to load the pixel data in.
3. Store shape data in text files along with the image files you make for your app / game. Then load these shapes in and write a shape based collision detection system.
4. Use something like the Farseer Physics Engine (http://farseerphysics.codeplex.com/), which I am thinking of attempting to make use of in our project. Farseer is based on Box2D, so there is a lot of information about how to use it (even just for collision detection).
on 07-05-2012 04:10 PM
Thanks for all your help, the Decode() method is required in order to use the ToBuffer() method.
I've now managed to extract the alpha data into an array:
Image image = new Image(filePath);
Byte[] byteData = image.ToBuffer();
Byte[] alphaChannelData = new Byte[byteData.Length / 4];
if ( byteData.Length > 0 )
for ( int i = 0; i < alphaChannelData.Length; i++ )
alphaChannelData[i] = byteData[(i*4)+3];
on 09-05-2012 09:24 AM
In regards to creating and destroying bullets often why don't you have a bullets pool and reuse bullets
on 23-06-2012 09:14 PM
What means this code?
if ( byteData.Length > 0 )
for ( int i = 0; i < alphaChannelData.Length; i++ )
alphaChannelData[i] = byteData[(i*4)+3];
Good Work
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SOURCE Michigan Association of Counties
LANSING, Mich., Sept. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Citizens Research Council of Michigan published a report calculating the widespread financial hardships of local governments over the last decade.
The report, which took data from 2000 until 2013, stated that "the contraction of the local government sector is primarily a consequence of the housing market collapse, state policy decisions that impact local government revenue, and to some extent, privatization of local government services." The report goes on to say that local government employment losses now exceed losses seen by the private sector.
Counties have seen continued declines in revenue, including state reductions in payments to counties for state imposed programs and services, and a 15% reduction in property taxes due to the housing collapse. Counties have led the charge out of the recession by becoming leaner, cooperating and consolidating services and by continually tightening their belts. Unfortunately, counties are stretched to the limit, and services are being affected. If the state continues to defund its obligations to counties, services will become undeliverable.
Losses in both revenue and employees, and an inability to increase revenue due to constitutional property tax rate limits, have left counties struggling to provide vital services to Michigan residents. These services include: funding the states court system, foster care, law enforcement, vital records, jails, public health, 9-1-1, senior and aging services, and more.
"It's time the state recognizes the leadership and sacrifices of counties and pays for the state services it requires us to implement," said Michigan Association of Counties President Shelley Pinkelman.
The full report can be found at http://crcmich.org/PUBLICAT/2010s/2013/memo1124.html
The Michigan Association of Counties (M.A.C.) founded on February 1, 1898, is the only statewide organization dedicated to the representation of all county commissioners in Michigan. M.A.C. is a non-partisan, non-profit organization which advances education, communication and cooperation among county government officials in the state of Michigan. M.A.C. is the counties' voice at the State Capitol, providing legislative support on key issues affecting counties.
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I have a number of open end projects in my life. The prime example would be the fact that I maintain the website fory kids school. I keep this project open at all times, as stuff comes in my inbox, it gets dumped into that project.
Is this the right way to deal with this kind of commitment?


text:
Message Category: Wanted: To Buy or Sell
First marathon, and searching for two numbers for Marathon Du Medoc in France, Sept. 8, 2001. Please pass the word. I think my boyfriend may propose at the end of this race!
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We're often told by parents (and librarians) not to judge a book by its cover. I'm apparently a terrible librarian because I choose what to read by its cover on a regular basis. God Save the Queen is one example of a book I chose for the cover. That smirking, red haired, steampunk-wearing woman on the cover couldn't fail to catch my eye at the very least. When I realized it was set in an alternate 2012 in England where Queen Victoria still ruled as a near-immortal vampire, I simply couldn't resist.
Xandra Vardan is a member of the Royal Guard, the organization charged with protecting the vampires and werewolves who make up the Aristocracy in this alternate Britain. When her younger sister, Drusilla, goes missing, Xandra uses all the resources at her disposal, including going to the goblin prince for information, in order to find her. What she finds shakes her belief in the structure of British society and the right of the Aristocracy to rule and everything she thinks she knows about the people in her world.
God Save the Queen is an exciting blend of horror, paranormal romance, urban fantasy, mystery, steampunk and alternate history. With a flawed main character and conspiracies that run deep, this is a fun read for people who like urban fantasy.


text:
Redesigning Cubicles: Some Ideas from FastCompany
Like death and taxes, cubicles will always be with us, and so will complaints about working in them. Rachel Z. Arndt writing in FastCompany, suggests several ways to make life better for "America's 40 million cube dwellers." Add plants and a foldout chair. Subtract wall height. Go for adjustability, in the desk height and light levels, the latter to help with seeing the screen during web calls. Good ideas. Here's another: Be creative in planning the furniture layout. Make layouts more organic and free-flowing. Give people choices for where they work and gather. Use furniture to mimic the variety of an urban landscape. These ideas mesh with what Robert Propst, the inventor of the first open plan system Action Office, intended. His original idea was to use his invention to make the workplace a "kinetic, active, alert, and vigorous environment."


text:
Box of Wolves - "Crawl"
Lead track off Box of Wolves' coming EP 'Crawl'. Out for free download March 20 via Self Release.
Some of You my already know this, but if you're not sure. Box of Wolves is the brainchild of Canadian bedroom musician and blogger Gabriel A. (creator of The Venom Blog) mostly on the nostalgic, chillwave genre. It was a project born out of making monthly mixes for the blog. Crawl is the follow up to his previous 'Courtship' EP released late summer last year. Most tracks from this EP was inspired by 90's summer jam and experimental synth modulator twisting.


text:
My family stayed at the Cottages for two nights recently. We could not have picked a more perfect place to enjoy a couple of days holiday with out two pre-school aged children. The cottage was ideal for our small family with bedrooms at either end ensuring we all got a good nights sleep bridged with a great family living area... More
- Official Description (provided by the hotel):
- Better than a motel, just 1km from the Havelock North Village yet set in 5 acres with petting farm animals adorning the paddocks and is surrounded by orchards.Sit back and relax on the deck of your contemporary, stylish cottage with it's own private garden, BBQ area and outdoor furniture.Each cottage is completely self contained. ... more less
- Reservation Options:
- TripAdvisor is proud to partner with Agoda, Booking.com, Priceline, Tingo, Hotels.com and Venere so you can book your Cottages on St. Andrews reservations with confidence. We help millions of travellers each month to find the perfect hotel for both holiday and business trips, always with the best discounts and special offers.


text:
2 hrs ago | Colorado Daily
Tech's NSA fight is battle for profits from users' data
In this Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013, file photo, a man looks at his cellphone as he walks on the street in downtown Madrid.
What's the best way to prevent abortions?
What's the youngest age at which the death penalty should be applied?
The future of Bitcoin: super currency or super fad?
LAS VEGAS a?? Entrepreneurs flush with newly valuable Bitcoins are creating new products designed to simplify the technology and spread Bitcoin mania into the modern American mall.
Viber continues to stalk Skype, letting users make calls outside its network
Viber is now selling international long distance. The latest version of its iPhone and Android apps will connect calls to outside landline and mobile phone numbers.
Re: Sound Quality on Telephones
I'm not surprised that test equipment exists to measure this but I'm more than a little surprised that there's real popular concern.
EDITORIAL: Update cell phone privacy laws from 1986
Cell phones are an enormous convenience, but increasingly pose a threat to personal privacy.
New House bill seeks to ban in-flight cell phone calls
Flights are noisy enough for at least one lawmaker without having to listen to a plane full of passengers shouting to be heard on their cell phones.
Dutch Minister to Question US Embassy About Rooftop Antennas
The Dutch Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations will question the U.S. Embassy over the purpose of its rooftop antennas, the minister wrote in a letter to the House of Representatives Monday.
High cellphone use linked to lower grades
In this file photo, a student uses his smartphone as he walks beneath the atrium at the University of Akron student union.
House bill would ban cell phone conversations in flight
Rep. Bill Shuster , who chairs the House transportation committee, would block the Federal Communications from allowing cellphone use in flight.
Stripped Mobile Phone Camera Turned into a Mini-Microscope for Low-Cost Diagnostics
Microscopy, being relatively easy to perform at low cost, is the universal diagnostic method for detection of most globally important parasitic infections.
1,158 I'm A Celebrity... vote bill
A teenager ran up a massive mobile phone bill voting for Lucy Pargeter, on I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! A teenager who ran-up an eye-watering A 1,158 phone bill voting on TV show I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! has had to forfeit a chunk of her Christmas money to help pay the cost.
EU warns Nokia not to become 'patent troll'
Europe's top regulator has warned Nokia not to try to become a "patent troll" after the Finnish company sold most of its cellphone-making business to Microsoft Corp. this year but retained its patent portfolio.
Cellphone data flowing to law enforcement
The nation's largest wireless companies are regularly sharing with state and local law enforcement authorities thousands of records of cellphone calls and customer locations gleaned from cellphone towers, part of a dramatic expansion of domestic surveillance to investigate crimes, according to new industry statistics provided to Congress.
Smart cameras let you send photos to cellphones
Phone photos are easy to share: just hand the phone to someone or tap the share button to send it somewhere.
Rand Paul: Time to Re-examine Fourth Amendment
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., says it is time the country re-examines the Constitution's Fourth Amendment in light of recent revelations that the National Security Agency is mining data from millions of cellphones worldwide.
Canadian Beacon Blog: Political Double Speak and the Throne Speech
This past week, the second session of theforty-first parliament was opened by the Throne Speech , which traditionally outlined the government's objectives going forward.
It's a slow death for the contract-bound cellphone
AT&T has become the latest U.S. wireless provider to tacitly admit that the business model of the subsidized, contract-bound cellphone -- long the norm in the United States -- is becoming less and less attractive to increasingly sophisticated consumers.
Customer Interaction Solutions
Jordan's mobile subscriber base rises 2.7% q/q to 10.2mn at end-Sep...
Jordan's mobile subscriber base rises 2.7% q/q to 10.2mn at end-Sep 2013 [IntelliNews - Weekly Reports] Jordan had 10.277mn mobile phone users at end-September 2013, marking a 2.7% q/q increase and translating into a 155% penetration rate, according to the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission .
Just when we were getting over the shock of being ranked third behind North Korea and South Sudan in the Red Tape, Not Red Carpet World Survey for how difficult it is to invest in a country, we now learn that Grenada will pass legislation making it illegal to use a cell phone while drivers of private vehicles face an EC$3,500 or six months in jail.
Ban on in-flight cellphones keeps skies friendly
To the already jumbo-size list of air-travel indignities -- snaking security lines, intrusive pat-downs, baggage fees on top of rising fares, and brown-bag meals with knees scrunched up against the next seat -- add one more: an endless, unavoidable stream of one-sided cellphone chatter while aloft.


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angelina's song is horrible!
NP Rank:
Jersey Shore star Angelina Pivarnick tried to stop her song's release because of a previously mentioned altercation with her producer, Andy Stein. The track was originally scheduled for drop on October 16th, but thanks to TMZ there is a leaked minute long snippet of her debut rap song "I'm Hot." So far the reviews on the web are not kind.
Though admitting it herself, the 'Kim Kardashian of Staten Island' remains undeterred by her many critics, insisting that the 'haters' are just jealous of her.
News just surfaced about Angelina's song right after the release of the widely known guido's, Jesse Sicili. Angelina will become the third Jersey Shore star to release a single in the past few months. Pauly D's "Beat Dat Beat" and a self-titled rap song, Mike "The Situation" were also produced by Stein. Anyone noticing a growing trend with guidos and guidettes trying to take on an image of an MC?
Both make broad statements about haters in their songs, but which do you prefer? Jesse Sicili's single "High Class" or Angelina Pivarnick's "I'm Hot."
New York, New York, United States
Anonymous users (9)


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Taos Square Dimmable LED Wall Sconce
Taos square dimmable wall sconce features a Satin Aluminum finish and is rated for indoor, outdoor and wet locations. Also, available in a round version. 6.52 total watts, 3182K, 84CRI, 158 lumens, 24 lumens per watt, 70 percent lumen maintenance based on 50,000 hours of operation. An electronic driver is included which fits easily into the electrical box. Available in a 0-10 dimming option which dims with a Lightolier ZP600FAM120 dimmer as well as a low voltage electronic dimming option which dims with a Lutron Diva DVELV-300P, Skylark SELV-300P, or Maestro MAEVL-600. 5 inches high x 4.5 inches wide x 3.5 inches deep. Bi-directional light above and below the fixture. ADA compliant. ETL listed.
Product Name Order Code | Finish Color | Width | Lamp | Stock | List Price | Our Price |
Taos Square Dimmable LED Wall Sconce TAOS-W-SQ-010-SA | N/A | 4.4" | LED LED | 0 | $385.00 | $308.00 |
Dimensions: 5.1"H x 4.4"W x 3.25"D |
Lamp Source: LED |
Bulb: 2 x LED/3.26W/120V LED LED module included |
Dimmer: 0-10V |
About Edge Lighting
Form follows function at Edge Lighting. We start with a basic lighting problem and solve it from a technical stand point while incorporating the essential elements of contemporary, yet timeless design. We develop and manufacture specification grade, energy efficient fixtures that exhibit superior craftsmanship and aesthetics, while utilizing the latest in engineering technologies. The simple, yet elegant, collection is perfect for a variety of indoor and outdoor applications in both residential and commercial settings. Made in the USA.
Sales Consultant Recommendation
On May 09, 2012 by Aris Goorji (Staff Lighting Consultant) View Profile
I like that this fixture gives off a soft light, which travels a far distance in the up and down position. The Taos' sleek design is great for washing walls, both interior and exterior. I would recommend using this to wash a textured wall, especially brick. My favorite use for this fixture is when it's mounted on either side of a fireplace or doorway.


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The Grand Prairie's Market Square is providing a safe environment for children to trick or treat this Halloween. Come down to Market Square, 120 W. Main St., Thursday, Oct. 31, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for Street and Treat. Patrons will also enjoy a variety of activities including games, bounce houses, face painting and of course tons of candy!
Don't let this be the only time you enjoy Market Square, remember to come visit the Famers Market, open every Saturday from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. March through December. Shop the market for locally grown fruits and vegtables, plants, tamales, breads, salsas, dips, relishes, soy candles, eggs, meats, soaps, honey, wines, chips, cookies and more.
For more information about Market Square and the Farmers Market, call 972-237-4599 or visit www.gptx.org/farmersmarket.


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AACG is an abbreviation for:
Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma
Find a translation for AACG in other languages:
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Use the citation below to add this abbreviation to your bibliography:
"AACG." Abbreviations.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2013. Web. 10 Dec. 2013. <http://www.abbreviations.com/term/333124>.
AACG also stands for:
- Abbott Archive Commerce Graphics
- Academic and Administrative Coordinating Group
- Academic Audit Coordinating Group
- Advanced Analytical Consulting Group
- Advanced Arenas Consulting Group
... and 7 more »
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Alternative search:
- Search Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma on Amazon.com
- Search Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma on Google


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West Indian Daddy Ribs with Aaron Craze
Mon 28th Jan 2013 08:00
Jamie's Food World is full of talent. Aaron the super-talented graduate from Jamie's "Fifteen" TV series & restaurant shows you how to make some amazing Daddy Ribs. Make sure your annotations are not hidden. If you are on a mobile device sadly these will not work yet..... Find the recipe here: http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/member-recipes/3:%20WEST%20INDIAN%20DADDY%20RIBS%20WITH%20WITH%20AARON%20CRAZE%20/6934 If on a mobile here are the links to: Hot Butter Bean salad - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKBE_GORFgo Steak Tortilla - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twNxZXE5KbI
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Rosenborg v Crusaders live stream and live score info 12.07.2012 Europa League Qualification - In this football match Rosenborg is playing against Crusaders and here you have free live score service in real time. Match and live score data starts on 12.07.2012 at 17:00 UTC. You can watch live stream of this match at BET365. If Rosenborg v Crusaders live streaming is available*, you must register to bet365, select "in-play" and choose the event you wish to watch.
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You're watching...
Jay Moore Gives His Take on Politics
Jay Moore wonders why Republicans and Democrats can't run together.
Nov 20, 2012
You're watching...
Jay Moore wonders why Republicans and Democrats can't run together.
Nov 20, 2012
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These guys are the best they are guys that no one UK would aspire to it because they they broke the mold.
-- -- -- -- And so you know most of those who cares get the more stories at listened to more stories and go to my lips how -- -- go to my website Jim Wordock comic concealment dates.
Protect the go to -- next -- and it's nice to do when you comedy club that's run by a mob cops.
Just like actual like -- shiny many cops shouldn't have bought shiny manicurist that's a little -- right.
Well of to have -- -- that little wacky you get -- before it on.
I insist.
That the Indian casinos -- -- -- table that people pay elected -- on you know before nothing -- want them.
And then before -- they award in my holster just for Imus now com vegan likes it right that's better on channel Tyler Tucker until.
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I like Kimmel took blood everywhere -- a one on Kimmel to promote New York dates and it's a long commute.
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Elect -- of fired up about rockers than being number one to biggies were dead -- with directors and I love SEC football president.
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I would buy it like it or at its -- -- -- their room.
No I was I was you know don't think it's a -- the trial is gonna have a sick sick -- conversation with you about it now.
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It and what happens.
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And why it's so bizarre that one set of rules and one the other party.
They never share thought.
That's so fundamentally on restarted new party Don iris -- block party.
Vote for me we close up to streets the grown -- -- the kids get the ghost rider bike downstairs.
-- -- -- -- -- And -- -- -- -- Lou well I'll come back I'm here for another two weeks a -- how but I come back and you plug nothing.
-- -- -- And -- an individual attention on the Coke thank you very much hello everybody terminals but.
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An overview of our newest French courses. Here you can see at a glance the new courses that you might not be aware of.
French signs
When travelling in French-speaking countries, you encounter a wide variety of signs and street names, some of them quite complicated, and others just funny. As you learn to understand them, you will get a chance to review several key grammar topics.
Pronouncing vowels
How do you pronounce "e", "é", "è", "ê" and "ë"? This course will guide you through the rules on pronouncing vowels in French.
Pronouncing consonants
What's the difference between "s" and "z"? And when aren't you supposed to pronounce certain consonants? This course will guide you through the rules on pronouncing consonants in French.
RER, VTT, PDG... What is hiding behind these French acronyms that are often used in everyday conversation? Learn what they mean, how to pronounce them and how to place the letters in the correct order.


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Hotels | Vacation packages | Car Rental | Destinations | Deals |
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Located alongside the promenade of Rimini, just across the street from the most famous beach in Europe, framed by unique natural surroundings and really close to the town centre, the Rčmin Plaza Hotel is the ultimate choice among the best hotels in the whole Province of Rimini. Following a complete renovation which was completed in May 2002, the brand new design of the Rčmin Plaza Hotel now offers top-level service, comfort and professionality. The Hotel's 53 rooms were planned and designed according to the highest standards of elegance and comfort. Large and cozy, they feature an open bar, telephone, air conditioning, hair-dryer, safe, satellite and pay-per-view TV, Internet access, Jacuzzi and balcony with a view of the sea. Services also available: fenced-in parking area, indoor swimming pool, fitness centre and conference hall. The Convention Hall features a conference room which can accomodate up to 50 people and state-of-the-art technology to satisfy even the most demanding guest.
Situato sul lungomare di Rimini, a due passi dalla spiaggia piů famosa d'Europa, in una cornice naturalistica unica e nelle immediate vicinanze del centro cittŕ, Rčmin Plaza Hotel si propone come punta di diamante del panorama ricettivo della Provincia di Rimini. |
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Located on the Rimini waterfront |
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Rčmin Plaza Hotel is located in Marina Centro, on elegant Regina Elena Avenue, in front of the sea. It can be easily reached from the South Rimini Exit on A14 (2 km), from the airport (3 km), from the Railway Station (3.5 km) and from the historical centre of Rimini (2 km). |
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Swing Manager Job Listing at McDonald's in Ozark, AR (Job ID mcdonalds4-323425939)
IndustriesFood, Beverage & Tobacco
DescriptionA Swing Manager is paid hourly and has a flexible schedule. You will assist in running the day to day operations of the restaurant. As a member of the Management Team you will be trained in service, grill and administrative duties. If you are looking for a career in restaurant management this is the place to start. Opportunities for advancement are also available.
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- Overview
Branche d'Olive Reed Diffuser
If you want to scent your house 24/7, simply place the rattan sticks in the bottle and let them soak up the glorious essential oils. There's fragrance-of-the-moment Green Tea (The Vert), Citrus Cologne (Garrigue) or our two brand new fragrances Rose and Fluer de Cassis to choose between, all presented in a weighty glass bottle that wouldn't seem out of place on a Fifties' starlet's dressing table. Extra rattan sticks and refill oil are available.
Handpicked because: This contemporary classic means lights out for the scented candle.
Give it to: House-proud sister or mother; aunt (or uncle) with too many dogs.
More details: Available in Thé Vert (Green Tea), Garrigue (Citrus Cologne), Fleur de Cassis (soft floral/blackcurrant) and Rose. Scent lasts for up to two months.
Bottle: 100mL. Rattan sticks: 21cm. - Delivery
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Nice in the darkHad a problem with delivery of a gift from a third party but the Handpicked team more than made up for it.Good selectionFantastic company who listen to feedback! Had a bad experience before Christmas due to issues with stock but received a very personal letter of apology and incentive to shop again. Item ordered is lovely and delivery was prompt. Thank you and now I will recommend you and shop with you again and againI was very pleased with every item I selected.An interesting assortment , I have always found something I wanted and likedUnusual items, good quality at reasonable prices.I always have one of these as a last-minute present. They smell great and look lovely and always go down well.Always reliable and I love their products.Was happy to find this catalogue with unique things I haven't seen before. Well packed and fast delivery service.
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The Taliban is a Sunni Islamic extremist group that ruled Afghanistan from 1996 until 2001, when a U.S.-led invasion toppled the regime for providing refuge to the al-Qaeda terrorist group and its erstwhile leader Osama bin Laden. Though it has been out of power for more than a decade, the Taliban remains resilient in the region and operates parallel governance structures aimed at undermining the U.S.-backed central government. Meanwhile, Pakistan's support and safe havens for the Taliban have stymied international efforts to end the conflict across the border. Since 2010, both U.S. and Afghan officials have pursued a negotiated settlement with the insurgent group, but with the planned withdrawal of NATO forces at the end of 2014, many analysts say the prospects for such an agreement remain dim.
Rise of the Taliban
The Taliban was formed by Afghan mujahideen who fought against the Soviet invasion in the 1980s and Pashtun tribesmen who studied in Pakistani religious schools (madrassas) and received assistance from Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence agency (ISI). The Taliban (Pashto for "students") emerged as a force in national politics in 1994 in the midst of the country's civil war. After a series of territorial gains, it captured Kabul in September 1996, ousting the government of Burhanuddin Rabbani. Before its overthrow by U.S.-led forces in November 2001, analysts say the Taliban controlled some 90 percent of the country.
In power for roughly five years, the Taliban applied an austere form of Islamic law, requiring women to wear head-to-toe veils, banning music and television, and jailing men whose beards were deemed too short. The feared Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice violently enforced prohibitions on behavior deemed un-Islamic. Many analysts say the Taliban's destruction of the colossal, ancient Buddha statues in Bamiyan in 2001 was indicative of the regime's intolerance.
Opposition, Then and Now
The Taliban was isolated long before the 9/11 attacks, when only Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates recognized the extremist regime in Kabul. As explained in this CFR Backgrounder, Pakistan supported the Taliban in its quest for "strategic depth" in Afghanistan in order to offset India, its foremost rival.
But world powers moved to censure the Taliban government not long after its rise to power. A pair of UN Security Council resolutions in 1998 urged the Taliban to end its abusive treatment of women, and in 1999, the bloc imposed sanctions on the regime for harboring al-Qaeda. (These have been updated periodically since. In order to facilitate peace negotiations, the sanctions were split in 2011 to distinguish between the Taliban and al-Qaeda and its affiliates.)
In the late 1990s, various factions in northern Afghanistan opposed to Taliban rule, including former president Rabbani, formed the Northern Alliance. Predominantly Tajiks, Uzbeks, and Hazara Shiites, the alliance assisted U.S. forces in routing the Taliban after 9/11. Some analysts say the Taliban's fear of fighting a reconstituted Northern Alliance in the wake of the planned U.S. withdrawal in 2014 is a factor driving it to negotiations.
Leadership and Support Structure
Mullah Mohammed Omar, an Islamic cleric and military leader who lost his right eye fighting the Soviets, ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001 as "commander of the faithful." Omar initially granted al-Qaeda sanctuary on the condition that it not directly antagonize the United States. However, bin Laden reneged on this agreement, orchestrating the 1998 embassy bombings in East Africa, an episode that analysts say was indicative of tensions between the two groups prior to 9/11. Yet, believing the U.S. threat of invasion was not credible, Omar did not give up bin Laden after the attacks.
Reportedly based in Pakistan, Omar and many of his top advisers continue to form the Taliban's central leadership, known as the Quetta Shura Taliban (QST), after the city where they took refuge after the U.S. invasion. The group's second-in-command, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, was captured in a U.S.-Pakistani raid in Karachi in 2010. Some military analysts estimate that there are approximately 25,000 Afghan insurgents with varying degrees of allegiance to the Taliban, but assessments of the group's relative strength vary.
A strategic partner of the Taliban remains the Haqqani Network, a U.S. designated terrorist group whose operations, including major attacks on NATO forces, straddle the Durand Line—the border that separates Afghanistan and Pakistan, cutting through Pashtun and Baloch tribal areas. The group's founder, Jalaluddin Haqqani, had ties to bin Laden in the mid-1980s and joined the Taliban in 1995, according to the U.S. State Department. "The Haqqani Network has been more important to the development and sustainment of al-Qaeda and the global jihad than any other single actor or group," said a 2011 report by the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point. There are some three thousand Haqqani fighters [PDF] and supporters.
Meanwhile, many experts suspect the Pakistani security establishment continues to support the Taliban, though Islamabad has routinely dismissed these claims. (The Pakistani Taliban, organizationally distinct from the Afghan group, emerged in 2002 in response to the Pakistani army's incursions into that country's tribal areas to hunt down militants.)
Despite initial injunctions by Mullah Omar, opium production and trafficking have financed the Taliban's resurgence, netting the insurgency some $200 million annually, according to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. Afghanistan is the world's top producer of opium, accounting for about 75 percent of the global heroin supply in 2012.
Public Opinion of the Taliban
Public reaction to the Taliban's rule was not wholly negative, at least initially. Though rigid social standards fostered resentment among much of the Afghan public, the Taliban cracked down on the corruption that was rampant prior to its rule. It also brought relative stability to Afghanistan, reducing fighting among warlords that had devastated the civilian population during the Soviet invasion and subsequent civil war.
More than a decade since its fall from power, the Taliban continues to enjoy some, if declining, support. An Asia Foundation survey found that in late 2012, 30 percent of Afghans had sympathy for antigovernment groups, a figure that has dropped over the past four years. Meanwhile, 81 percent of Afghans surveyed favored the government's efforts at reconciliation and negotiation with armed insurgents—a number that has remained relatively steady since 2009. Popular support for the Taliban has been further eroded in 2013 by perceptions that the group is a proxy for Pakistan [PDF].
Afghan support for the insurgency stems, in part, from grievances directed at public institutions. While the Asia Foundation found the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police garner high public confidence—93 percent and 82 percent, respectively—militias linked to the Afghan Local Police garnered just 39 percent, the justice system 50 percent, and government ministers 55 percent. The insurgency has greater public support in areas where military gains have not been coupled with robust development programs and governance reforms, as well where militias—many backed by the United States under the ALP program—have preyed upon civilians.
A Resilient Insurgency
As the Obama administration wound down the war in Iraq, it recommitted the United States to counterinsurgency operations in Afghanistan. In a December 2009 speech to West Point cadets, the president announced a military surge of 30,000 troops to supplement the 68,000 in country, and redoubled civilian efforts and diplomacy with Pakistan.
However, the insurgency continued largely unabated in 2013 as the Pentagon reduced its military footprint, including handing lead security authority over to Afghan forces in June. The United Nations documented nearly four thousand civilian casualties in the first half of 2013, a 23 percent increase over the same period a year prior. Suicide attacks, a tactic virtually unheard of in Afghanistan prior to 2001, have remained steady since 2009 at an average of 150 per year. Meanwhile, the Taliban has escalated "green-on-green" and "green-on-blue" attacks, in which Taliban infiltrate the Afghan police and army and turn their weapons on fellow Afghan or NATO forces, respectively. These accounted for 15 percent of NATO deaths in 2012, more than double the prior year.
U.S. military action and Pakistani arrests have put pressure on Mullah Omar, but experts say the Taliban is biding its time, believing that though it might not be able to pursue a monopoly of power after NATO's departure, it can consolidate footholds in the south and east.
The future of the insurgency hinges, to some degree, on the nature of U.S. military involvement after the 2014 withdrawal, which will likely entail several thousand residual personnel devoted to training Afghan forces and conducting counterterrorism operations. The Pentagon will likely end combat operations against the Taliban once its drawdown is complete, as the insurgent group renounced international terrorism.
Some military analysts see the Pentagon's complete withdrawal from Iraq in late 2011—after Washington and Baghdad failed to reach a bilateral security agreement—as a cautionary tale. In 2013, sectarian violence approached levels not seen since 2008, and al-Qaeda in Iraq gained momentum. A security vacuum in which groups like al-Qaeda find shelter would threaten U.S. and Afghan interests alike.
However, U.S. officials have sought to play down these concerns. Unlike Iraq, "the Afghans actually need us to stay … Most Afghans want us to stay. And we have promised to stay," U.S. special representative to Afghanistan and Pakistan James Dobbins told the Senate in July.
An Elusive Endgame in Afghanistan
Since 2010, Washington's endgame has included a negotiated settlement with the Taliban largely out of recognition that the insurgent group cannot be crushed by force alone—particularly when it receives sanctuary in Pakistan. The Taliban, for its part, is fatigued by war, concerned about its domestic standing, and eager to gain independence of Pakistan and influence in Afghanistan.
According to the Congressional Research Service, Mullah Omar is surrounded by pragmatists [PDF] who "reportedly blame their past association with al-Qaeda for their loss of power" and are open to compromise with the West, having made the calculation that international legitimacy is necessary for their long-term survival. But others remain ideologically committed to an outright takeover of Afghanistan, a cleavage that may intensify [PDF] as NATO departs.
Opposite Omar's representatives at the negotiating table, the seventy-member Afghan High Peace Council, established by Kabul in 2010 to broker peace, insists that the Taliban stop the insurgency, disarm, and accept the Afghan constitution, which the Taliban sees as an illegitimate document imposed by foreigners.
Talks have suffered numerous setbacks since they were confirmed in July 2011. In September of that year, Kabul's chief peace negotiator, former president Rabbani, was assassinated. Meanwhile, 'the potential for backsliding on human rights—particularly women's rights—has raised objections from civil society despite the Taliban leadership's gradual moderation on social issues.
In June 2013, loyalists of Mullah Omar opened a political office in Doha to facilitate talks. Skeptics say that the office is a government-in-exile established by the Taliban to attain international legitimacy and conduct diplomatic business.
Whether a peaceful transition of power follows upcoming presidential elections, scheduled for April 2014, will be an important test for Afghan democracy. Some observers anticipate fraud, violence, and the possibility that Karzai, though term-limited, may resist ceding power.
RAND Corporation expert Seth G. Jones says conditions are not ripe for a grand bargain, but negotiations on such issues as "local cease-fires, reintegration, and the exchange of prisoners" can all take place at local levels. August 2013 brought some measure of hope for the peace process, when it was revealed that Taliban leaders and the Afghan government held preliminary, unofficial talks. However, Mullah Omar announced that the insurgent group would boycott the 2014 elections and continue its fight until foreign troops depart.
Greg Bruno and Eben Kaplan contributed to this Backgrounder.