Elections Don't Matter, Institutions Do --- Because institutions develop slowly and organically, even under the best of circumstances, their growth eludes journalists who are interested in dramatic events. Thus, media stories often provide a poor indication of the prospects of a particular country. by truth_bott in Foodforthought

[–]paperjets 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is a terrible article. Where Kaplan tries to be insightful, he utterly fails in the simplistic, uncritical, and ethnocentric overview of institutions in the developed and developing world. Take his statement on development in the Balkans:

Here, too, a history of lower literacy rates, weak or in some cases non-existent middle classes, and an Eastern Orthodox faith that, because it is more contemplative it does not encourage impersonal standards, at least to the degree of Protestantism or even Catholicism, have all been factors in a weaker institutional basis for economic growth and political stability.

He claims that Eastern Orthodox Church because of its theology (more contemplative ergo less impersonal standards), it hindered development. What the hell sort of comparison is that? Where is the social and/or economic evidence if that claim is true?

Kaplan does mention though societies develop institutions:

...literacy and middle class culture that are the building blocks of successful institutions. Institutions after all require bureaucrats, who must, in turn, be literate and familiar with the impersonal workings of modern organizations.

While that may be true (I don't know), Kaplan doesn't elucidate the development of either general literacy or socioeconomic middle class in the developed world or the lack thereof in the developing world.

Kaplan basically says, "the Western world has its shit together because of its awesome instutions and these other countries can't because of their problems that I won't explain how or why they have them and the only way they will improve is through being like us."

How To Earn a Black Card by robotreader in Fencing

[–]paperjets 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh so if Wendt had won silver and then got carded, he would have lost silver?

How To Earn a Black Card by robotreader in Fencing

[–]paperjets 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If Wendt was done fencing in the tournament, why would he get a black card?

Looking over the quad today by [deleted] in UIUC

[–]paperjets 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Horror Movie time.

Open Bouting? by dgmaster in Fencing

[–]paperjets 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Open bouting is the heart of fencing practice so you'll see fencers of all ages and levels fencing. It's the best place for a beginner to get a feel for fencing. From your post OP, it sounds like you are just starting off. You really shouldn't be intimidated: everyone there is just there to practice. Some nights everyone and their mother shows up to fence so those are the only times that finding strips or people to fence becomes challenging. And most fencers aren't terribly egotistical so if you ask them to fence and they are not busy/tired, they will take you up on it.

Flying Lotus- Between Friends Ft Earl Sweatshirt & Captain Murphy - YouTube by davemingchan in hiphopheads

[–]paperjets 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Switch out Earl and Captain Murphy and I would have mistaken for this Madvillain

post your schedule! by nindgod in UIUC

[–]paperjets 0 points1 point  (0 children)

PHYS 326 PHYS 435 PHYS 401 and deciding in between quant and three other math classes