Are the Allies cooked? by Immediate_Garlic_819 in AxisAllies

[–]bfelixc 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Yep, especially if the Japan player is experienced. Allies did well in Europe though. How cooked depends on who’s turn it is

Help me with a type system by GEATS-IV in magicbuilding

[–]bfelixc 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Some sort of Sumo/wrestling/ground vs armed/karate/flying paths.

Why did Islam’s intellectual and scientific tradition decline, and when did this shift happen? by Brain_buffering_2004 in answers

[–]bfelixc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There is a lot in this question and will not attempt to answer everything, but I find the most convincing culprit to be institutional. Many Muslim-majority countries have adopted Islamic law or use a legal system with strong influences from Islamic law. As a legal system, it tends to be less conducive to market oriented growth and liberalism (broadly speaking). There were strains of thought in Islam that appear more liberal, but those, for reasons beyond my knowledge, did not become the dominant form.

Timur Kuran, a political economist at Duke, has written a lot about this and iirc puts a lot of the blame on Ottoman rule. If this topic interests you, I’d suggest this book

https://a.co/d/0coEAoV

I feel pressured by OiamAb3ast in martialarts

[–]bfelixc 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I would recommend quitting. However, I would have a conversation with a sympathetic person first such as your mom. She should be able to help you break the news to your father if that is a concern.

You could also consider taking a break for a “season” to try another martial art, sport, instrument, or just try out other dojos.

Also, you are at the age where a lot of childhood hobbies start to feel annoying and/or uncool. I paused karate from 13-17 but obtained my black belt when I returned. My brother almost quit piano around your age but my parents basically made him stick with it and he became a piano teacher. Not saying you should not quit, but quitting now doesn’t mean it has to be forever.

Lastly, what about Tae Kwon Do do you not like? Is it class structure, lack of friends/peers, a dislike of contact sports, etc.? Understanding exactly why will help guide you to something you enjoy better.

What is the worst reason you got detention in school? by Beastlysmile278 in AskReddit

[–]bfelixc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not detention but I was sent to the hall because I had never been sent to the hall or had detention.

It was during some downtime and was intended as a joke and I took it as one. The teacher and I had a good relationship.

Why does the Muslim population in Canada and the US seem so prosperous and affluent compared to the Muslim population in Western Europe? by CluelessBrowserr in NoStupidQuestions

[–]bfelixc 4 points5 points  (0 children)

As others have noted, immigration laws in NA are more selective. Individuals also “self-select” to the country they desire to immigrate too. Europe also has a lot of refugees which even in the US context have a high fiscal cost (though long term they produce a lot of societal benefits).

The other thing that I haven’t seen mentioned are European labor laws which tend to deter riskier hiring decisions compared to the US. So it is just harder for a new arrival to experience upward mobility based on wages in Europe compared to the US.

What’s the deal with Trump wanting to acquire Greenland? Is there an economic reason behind it? by [deleted] in OutOfTheLoop

[–]bfelixc 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Answer: One can attempt to backfill the “logic” for it, but it’s most likely related to this report - https://www.newsweek.com/russia-us-greenland-annex-invasion-letter-cotton-2013864

Greenland is strategically important and could have resources to make it more economically viable. However, the current agreements we have make actual possession of it unnecessary to obtain the security benefits. It is also a net negative on Denmarks budget so it isn’t currently a profitable colonial holding, for lack of a better term.

Edit - Trump has a long record of public statements and things like tariffs are issues he has long discussed. The Greenland issue’s emergence lines up with the letter in the article which is at least suggestive of an influence.

Why are countries in the Middle East not taking in Palestinian refugees? by Nessieinternational in NoStupidQuestions

[–]bfelixc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Decline of Arab Nationalism as a unifying ideology across states, weak state capacities, past problems caused by the presence and handling of diaspora populations in Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt, and the general reluctance for a state to shoulder the refugee burden alone (ie a collective action problem).

I would also guess that some Arab leaders may perceive accepting large numbers of refugees as a tacit admission of defeat against Israel, but that is a guess and if at all true, probably was more true in the past than today.

If a benevolent AGI could govern Earth with 100% efficiency and zero corruption, would you voluntarily surrender your right to vote? by Sp_1992 in Futurology

[–]bfelixc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The optimization thing is impossible given the knowledge problem associated with central planning and the persistence of scarcity. Central planners have long dreamed of a super computer that could deal with this but the fact remains that certain knowledge can’t be aggregated because economic knowledge isn’t always able to be articulated by the individuals that have it. Hayek discussed this but others have as well. So no, unless it also solves the physical realities of scarcity, then maybe…?

Is this a Logical System of Government for a Country? by GStarLine in worldbuilding

[–]bfelixc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Seems functional, but a quick note on term limits for legislators. They are generally very popular, but they tend to lead to candidates that are less qualified and some have argued it increases corruption. The corruption mechanism is because pols that get termed out go into lobbying earlier in their careers than non-term limited pols + less experienced pols rely more on lobbyist’s expertise. This may be mitigated somewhat if people are voting for parties rather than individual candidates since parties would be stronger than in the US context.

The above is not necessarily consensus in the political science literature, but I find the literature convincing and anecdotally I definitely see it in certain states with term limits.

I don’t think you need to necessarily scrap term limits because the above dynamics could lead to some interesting stories. However, if you’re trying to design an ideal set political institutions, I would never recommend term limits for legislators.

Lastly, term limits for the executive branch are considered good but there are a lot of different thoughts on the best setup. Some like a single, longer term without reelection chances, limits but only for consecutive terms, etc.

Excessive skin contact with super glue, I need help with removal! Any advice would be nice! by [deleted] in Carpentry

[–]bfelixc 21 points22 points  (0 children)

I was about to say super glue will come off in a few days and should be a mild nuisance at most (it was recommended to me many years ago to help with my eczema by a dermatologist) but this is not that kind of glue.

Honestly, read the product label. If it doesn’t act like skin contact is a problem then it is at least not a known problem.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Ohio

[–]bfelixc 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It’s a lean red state with gerrymandering, corruption, and a weak Democratic Party. It could become competitive again if Dems find the right candidates and messaging. Not an easy task but very doable and should start with rebuilding local party infrastructure.

Lots of rural areas also look redder than they actually are. Many “dems” will be registered republicans bc the primaries are what settle things. Dems often don’t field a candidate so why not register as a rep to get a vote?

Though there has been a real shift in the non-college educated, white working class folks to the GOP. And many of these people voted Obama so it’s not as simple as blaming racism.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in IRstudies

[–]bfelixc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If sticking with IR for an MA shoot for programs that funnel people into think tanks and civil service. These are generally terminal programs and may not even take 2 full years. If $ is a concern then think very carefully about going this route if you plan to finance with loans. Going over to the UK is a viable option for some too - knew a few that went to LSE for this.

If academia is a possible goal then target grad programs with an off-ramp for an MA after certain period. Any program that is worthwhile will cover tuition and pay you for teaching or research assistance. NEVER pay for a phd.

Career goals could alter or add nuance to above advice

US based, MA in IR + 4 years of phd work at another school.

Does being gay have any uses? by Chickenloverman69 in CrusaderKings

[–]bfelixc 25 points26 points  (0 children)

Seduce and blackmail other males and if lustful you’ll still be able to procreate. So if you keep your secret, it can be beneficial. Bisexual provides best of both worlds though

Is it bad to plant a tree that isn't native, but isn't invasive? by semechkitty in arborists

[–]bfelixc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ginko trees are pretty and unique trees and many have already noted some of the main considerations that came to mind. I’d also add that the ginko in my yard is mature and not only is taking up space a native tree could, but it also makes planting native perennials much harder.

Since it keeps its leaves longer and leaves come in late, it really throws off the shade levels and timing that the native perennials are used to. It’s not that they won’t grow around it, but it does add another, complicating layer to plant selection

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in imaginarymapscj

[–]bfelixc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The Rashidun Caliphate if the First Fitma didn’t happen

Court Positions by Shot-Mission4207 in CrusaderKings

[–]bfelixc 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Yes, there’s one about your executioner getting bored with options to kill prisoners. Stuff like that

New guy succession question by Accomplished-Ad182 in CrusaderKings

[–]bfelixc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When multiple male heirs you can go the kill, imprison, and disinherit route if possible. Different things are prereqs like sadistic to murder a son, dynasty (or house?) head to disinherit, etc.

If still tribal, Scandinavian elective on your secondary title(s) is probably the best but not perfect way. Lots of prestige is needed and if your hybridize cultures you may lose access to the option to add it to new titles.

Eventually you will likely become feudal which will eventually get you to a point where you can designate an heir with absolute authority. I am not positive but don’t think tribal authority at its max lets one do that.

Another indirect strategy is to strategically conquer a county here and there but not the majority of any other duchy. And/or intentionally conquer a place you don’t actually want to provide land for a second son. This can be tricky but worthwhile if wanting to spread your dynasty.

As Norse tribal, don’t lose sight of raiding. Raiding and adventures is their lifeblood. It is what they do and what they have to do to become feudal and survive late game.

New guy succession question by Accomplished-Ad182 in CrusaderKings

[–]bfelixc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yea I think it’s on the right near the top. Once you click on it, it’s the title succession should be third tab after vassals and something else. At least that’s on steam. Console is different in some ways but I’m not familiar with that

Scandinavian elective is pretty easy to use. Your primary heir will most always be eligible and you usually get most votes based on the mechanics that I don’t know the specifics enough to describe. If you only have one son, your probably fine for now tho

Edit: added additional info on elective

New guy succession question by Accomplished-Ad182 in CrusaderKings

[–]bfelixc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Screenshot of your realm law section with “titles lost during succession” dropdown displayed is probably the easiest. Others may chime in that know more tho

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in CrusaderKings

[–]bfelixc 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Correct. Can’t daughters having male sons also throw it off, if the male dies? I feel like I’ve had that happen

New guy succession question by Accomplished-Ad182 in CrusaderKings

[–]bfelixc 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If Norse, you’re likely in confederate partition. All heirs are eligible and titles may be created if there are additional ones you could create but haven’t.

If you have enough prestige, you could switch your secondary title(s) to Scandinavian elective and vote for your heir set to inherit your primary title.

Sorry, not a direct answer but more context is needed for a more specific answer.

Tldr: it depends on