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30r0so
what is the rationale for why we need to increase defense spending?
So apparently Tom Cotton and Marco Rubio presented a plan to increase defense spending, but aren't offsetting the increase with cuts elsewhere. This is odd considering Republicans are all about fiscal responsibility. Rubio says that defense is too important to get caught waiting for cuts to go through elsewhere when we...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/30r0so/eli5_what_is_the_rationale_for_why_we_need_to/
{ "a_id": [ "cpuyhu9", "cpv1u3o" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Because defense contractors get their profits from selling bullets, bombs, building cities, yada yada from the war effort. You really didn't know that?", "I find it a little obnoxious that you just say 'we' like only Am...
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963ytn
if every living human body disappeared off the face of the earth all at once, would anything happen to the planet's orbit?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/963ytn/eli5_if_every_living_human_body_disappeared_off/
{ "a_id": [ "e3xnfsl" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Yes! There would be change in the orbit of the Earth.\n\nThe Earth does not technically orbit the Sun, rather, the two objects orbit a common point in space, called the barycenter, about 450km from the center of the Sun. (still *well* within the...
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3e7tl5
Did Otto von Bismarck really make the anti-war quote that's attributed to him?
The quote in question is: "Anyone who has ever looked into the glazed eyes of a soldier dying on the battlefield will think hard before starting a war." This doesn't make sense since I remember another quote that said that the great questions of time will be solved by iron and blood. Didn't he also advocate for wars ...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3e7tl5/did_otto_von_bismarck_really_make_the_antiwar/
{ "a_id": [ "ctcad9f" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "That quote comes from his speech against Prussia going to war with the then weakened Austria. It had nothing to do with the \"evil of war\", he said it because Prussia's army wasn't anywhere near as strong as his colleagues thought it was at the ...
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bu53a6
what, exactly, happens to the body of the climbers in "the death zone" (i.e. on mount everest) that causes their death?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bu53a6/eli5_what_exactly_happens_to_the_body_of_the/
{ "a_id": [ "ep6zr7i", "ep71fn0", "ep71w1w", "ep71w33", "ep72ia0" ], "score": [ 4, 35, 5, 6, 10 ], "text": [ "There is not enough oxygen in the air at that altitude to keep a human alive. Climbers carry oxygen in bottles, to supplement the air they breathe. Withou...
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[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
l3m28
what do these things do individually in our bodies?
Please explain what the following *actually* do in our bodies: * carbohydrates (simple and complex) * fats * proteins
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/l3m28/eli5_what_do_these_things_do_individually_in_our/
{ "a_id": [ "c2phms2", "c2pij9n", "c2pjbap", "c2phms2", "c2pij9n", "c2pjbap" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 2, 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "I am far from an expert, but hopefully this will suffice.\n\nCarbohydrates are metabolized into simpler carbohydrates through a process ...
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[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrolysis#Hydrolysis_of_polysaccharides" ], [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrolysis#Hydrolysis_of_polysaccharides" ], [], [] ]
c3uuia
It's not uncommon to see people wearing facemasks to prevent getting sick in part of Asia such as Japan, Korea, China etc. What historically is/are the reason(s) behind this cultural difference, and why did it never catch on in "western" cultures?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/c3uuia/its_not_uncommon_to_see_people_wearing_facemasks/
{ "a_id": [ "erv0do7" ], "score": [ 15 ], "text": [ "The practice of face mask use in Japan originated from when the Spanish Flu epidemic hit Japan. A decent article on the topic is \"Pandemic Influenza in Japan, 1918-19: Mortality Patterns and Official Responses\" by Geoffrey W. Rice and Edwina P...
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[ [] ]
81ua6f
Why do hurricanes weaken over land, while incredibly strong and violent tornadoes can form and sustain themselves entirely over land?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/81ua6f/why_do_hurricanes_weaken_over_land_while/
{ "a_id": [ "dv5881h", "dv5nky9" ], "score": [ 19, 10 ], "text": [ "Tornadoes are localized wind vortices that form around storms or weather fronts. Hurricanes are weather systems that increase in intensity when warm most air rising off of a body of water strengthens the convection within ...
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[ [], [] ]
dcww60
Why can't we solve for the wave function of another element than hydrogen?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/dcww60/why_cant_we_solve_for_the_wave_function_of/
{ "a_id": [ "f2cnucy", "f2cszql", "f2e3esc" ], "score": [ 23, 17, 4 ], "text": [ "The Hamiltonian for a one-electron atom in the center-of-mass frame is\n\nH*_1_* = **p**^(2)/(2m) - Ze^(2)k/r.\n\nYou can solve this system analytically for its eigenvalues and eigenstates (see the Wi...
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[ [], [], [] ]
1qzat8
why does kissing make us... horny?
Why do people get aroused by the act of kissing? I mean, why is it hot to do so? I want to get the science behind it! This isn't a question a 5 year old would make but what the hell, I'll ask it anyway!
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1qzat8/eli5_why_does_kissing_make_us_horny/
{ "a_id": [ "cdi2d8b", "cdi3d8p" ], "score": [ 4, 9 ], "text": [ "Your lips are very sensitive to fine touch, and for a lot of people, they are erogenous zones, meaning that certain stimulation can turn you on. It's the same reason why some people are sensitive to things like sucking on ea...
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[ [], [] ]
3brdv3
What impact (if any) will the new higher threshold for overtime pay have on postdocs, lab techs, and other grant funded research positions?
I know certain industries are exempt from overtime pay requirements (transportation sector primarily)... are there statutes in place in the research world? Thanks!
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/3brdv3/what_impact_if_any_will_the_new_higher_threshold/
{ "a_id": [ "csorlda" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Postdoc and other grant funded positions are salaried, not hourly. There would be no effect. However, there has been an NIH budget increase next year for the first time in a while. That may have an effect. " ] }
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9q3czt
how is the country (united states) with the largest deficit also the world's largest "super power"?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9q3czt/eli5_how_is_the_country_united_states_with_the/
{ "a_id": [ "e86ab0m" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Superpower refers to military strength. \n\nI think you mean debt instead of deficit (correct me if I’m wrong). Even though our debt is high, our GDP is massive. As producers and consumers, the US still dwarfs other nations. " ] }
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a2wrpu
why do helium-3 and deuterium in nuclear fusion produce 1 helium and an extra proton, instead of lithium which has 3 protons
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a2wrpu/eli5_why_do_helium3_and_deuterium_in_nuclear/
{ "a_id": [ "eb1qx1a" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "It will form Lithium-5 initially, but Lithium-5 is exceptionally unstable with a half life on the order of 10^-24 seconds. All the lithium-5 that is formed quickly releases a proton and decays to stable Helium-4" ] }
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[ [] ]
1j2m52
why is russia divided into several oblasts, krai, and republics instead of just states or provinces, and what is the difference between a krai and oblast?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1j2m52/eli5_why_is_russia_divided_into_several_oblasts/
{ "a_id": [ "cbajnvq", "cbann0p" ], "score": [ 10, 6 ], "text": [ "It's just the Russian equivalent of a State or Providence. They can be used interchangeably. \n\nMany people do that realize this but many American states are legally called commonwealths. A commonwealth is no different tha...
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[ [], [] ]
1080q3
What were some pre-modern weapons that were considered "too cruel" to use in combat?
Around the turn of the century, the Geneva Conventions and Hague Conventions created international treaties banning weapons that were agreed upon to be either too cruel or too destructive in warfare (gas warfare, biological warfare, exploding bullets, etc.) Before that, were there any examples of either weapons or me...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1080q3/what_were_some_premodern_weapons_that_were/
{ "a_id": [ "c6b5z9v" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Assassins weren't hugely popular between states. Likewise, spies were hung or shot without trial. Kidnap and ransom of one's family was frowned upon but people still did it. Scorched earth policies are horrendously cruel to their victims but that...
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1jgon9
Nearsightedness and window screens. Something that has made me wonder for years.
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1jgon9/nearsightedness_and_window_screens_something_that/
{ "a_id": [ "cbeirgb" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "That's just focussing. You don't have to be near-sighted for that to occur. Your eyes need to adjust their focus for short and long distance vision. If I remember correctly, your eyes have two \"modes,\" one corresponding to close things (I think...
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628vi5
why is it easy to tear paper in half but not to pull it apart?
Paper is super easy to tear in half, but it's incredibly difficult to pull apart. I imagine it has something to do with an increased number of bonds I'm trying to break simultaneously, but I can't find anything on the topic.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/628vi5/eli5_why_is_it_easy_to_tear_paper_in_half_but_not/
{ "a_id": [ "dfkosl6", "dfkouvo", "dfkozho" ], "score": [ 27, 3, 14 ], "text": [ "You've stumbled onto a key concept in engineering, which is the difference between [normal stress](_URL_1_) and [shear stress](_URL_0_).\n\nIn normal stress (tension or compression), you're pushing or...
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[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shear_stress", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stress_(mechanics\\)" ], [], [] ]
2ucnh3
Where does the material for different geological strata come from?
I know that we can date archaeological finds by examining which stratum they are in, but where does that sediment come from? Is it just from erosion of less stable areas of ground? If we didn't have plate tectonics and we gave the earth a few billion years alone, would it eventually end up being smooth-ish?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/2ucnh3/where_does_the_material_for_different_geological/
{ "a_id": [ "co8eyvm" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Yes and yes. Water, wind, and gravity erode rock into sediment which is carried to the sea (or lakes) where it is deposited. Sediment is always \"trying\" to reach sea level.\n\nJames Hutton, the father of modern geology, noticed this back in t...
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[ [ "http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/80/Mississippi_watershed_map_1.jpg" ] ]
ncdx6
Someone please explain to me why this happens.
_URL_0_ As you can see, strength of steels increase by temperature until a specific temperature then drops down. Why does it increase unlike other materials where strength decreases at relatively elevated temperatures?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/ncdx6/someone_please_explain_to_me_why_this_happens/
{ "a_id": [ "c380e3q", "c380e3q" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "There are two factors at play here: At low temperatures, metals become brittle and hence less able to resist fracture. At high temperatures, they become softer (closer to melting) and hence also weaker. There will be some op...
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[ "http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/metal-temperature-strength-d_1353.html" ]
[ [], [] ]
2vfch4
Is the beginning of bartering seen as the start of economics or is the starting of using coins?
Im wondering how history defines that start of economics, I know that when people settled and began collecting grain there was bartering that began taking place. But is this where people start of economics or would it be some later point where we started seeing the usage of coins?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/2vfch4/is_the_beginning_of_bartering_seen_as_the_start/
{ "a_id": [ "coh66az" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "I would recommend that you ask this on [/r/AskAnthropology](_URL_0_). They will better be able to help you. Historians only use available records to make a argument about how something occurred or why it occurred. Since agricultural societies pre...
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[ [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/AskAnthropology" ] ]
23hi72
why aren't all dreams lucid?
Yes I realize some people are natural lucid dreamers
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/23hi72/eli5_why_arent_all_dreams_lucid/
{ "a_id": [ "cgx1qu3", "cgx1ta7" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Because the part of the brain that controls logic is pretty much off. If it was on all the time we would realize how odd it is to be flying or whatever. It's when we become aware of the bizarre that we stop and think, \"I m...
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3426we
why do we have a saying for when someone sneezes, but not for when someone hiccups?
I just came back from filling up my water when the girl waiting behind me started hiccuping. It seemed awkward to have nothing to say for the whole minute that she was waiting for me to finish. Maybe I'm just too awkward as a person, but I feel like it would go a long way if we had some saying to acknowledge someone's ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3426we/eli5_why_do_we_have_a_saying_for_when_someone/
{ "a_id": [ "cqqj3cb" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "Hiccups have never been an indication of impending death, a sneeze has, though. There was a time when plagues and diseases were ravaging whole countries and killing millions. A sneeze was not only an indication of possible sickness but even death...
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afiu7v
what exactly is the difference between chilblains and frostnip?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/afiu7v/eli5_what_exactly_is_the_difference_between/
{ "a_id": [ "edyyoih" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Frostnip is a precursor to frostbite and is caused by ice crystals forming under the skin.\n\nChillblains are caused by a circulation problem in small capillaries due to cold but not necessarily freezing temperatures." ] }
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[ [] ]
4fppjf
how do the deaf understand techno?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4fppjf/eli5_how_do_the_deaf_understand_techno/
{ "a_id": [ "d2awik0" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "Loud music, particularly bassy loud music creates waves in the air that can be felt, rumbles in the floor, etc. Raves also have lots of interesting lighting and people. They think it's fun and interesting. What greater \"understanding\" of tech...
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bnu2s4
how skyscrapers are built
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bnu2s4/eli5_how_skyscrapers_are_built/
{ "a_id": [ "en95kbu" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "You dig a deep pit until you hit bedrock, form the substructure of the skyscraper using beams and build the structure of the rest of the skeleton. Generally they will have a single core for the building made of reinforced concrete with thick stee...
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1yd8zc
why can't other large companies set up their own internet service that is wifi based?
I am not talking about providing service for all America - rather to the more populated areas - thus I feel that WIFI could reduce all the cost of wiring to individual homes.Like WIFI for NYC? Can that service be viable? I know there still lies the cost of big infrastructures, wires, admins, engineers etc - but I think...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1yd8zc/eli5why_cant_other_large_companies_set_up_their/
{ "a_id": [ "cfjfyiu" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "* That's not what their business is\n\n* It's a MASSIVE investment for a comparatively small return\n\n* Even if you are able to solve all the current problems with long-distance WiFi connections (Look at LTE. It's the best we've got right now an...
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[ [] ]
3djjqb
what is the sputtering sound tractor trailers make when slowing down ?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3djjqb/eli5_what_is_the_sputtering_sound_tractor/
{ "a_id": [ "ct5qyko", "ct5r0c7", "ct5ra4t", "ct5rbuw", "ct5t1m9" ], "score": [ 6, 2, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Engine braking. No fuel comes into the cylinders and the engine acts as a compressor. What you hear is the sound of air in the exhaust. ", "Possibly what ...
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[ [], [], [], [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FSkNSOeTWM" ] ]
7dv5vw
When did it become popular to use acronyms in the English language? And why?
I realise that today, acronyms make up a huge section of our vocabulary, especially in technical and beaurocratic language. So I was wondering when the idea of shortening a long phrase or name to a collection of letters that are pronounced phonetically first gain widespread acceptance? It feels like something I've ne...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/7dv5vw/when_did_it_become_popular_to_use_acronyms_in_the/
{ "a_id": [ "dq0jtnz" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "It might be worth cross-posting your question to r/linguistics." ] }
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[ [] ]
2i5ztf
why were hops ultimately chosen as the go-to beer "seasoning," now used almost exclusively instead of spice sachets, etc.?
I enjoy a good beer, but hops give me awful headaches. My understanding is that in ye olden times brewers often used spice sachets (of things like clove or cinnamon) to take the bite out of their brews, and that "seasoning" with hops was just one style. Nowadays the vast majority of beers are hop-style, and it seems li...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2i5ztf/eli5_why_were_hops_ultimately_chosen_as_the_goto/
{ "a_id": [ "ckz62r6", "ckz634o", "ckz65ck", "ckzd2ra" ], "score": [ 3, 3, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "two main resons:\n\ntaste. people just like hops more than [Gruits](_URL_0_).\n\nhop is antiseptic, contrary to herbs, so you can eliminate some bacterias with it, what is especial...
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[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gruit" ], [], [], [] ]
2q0kmg
why does the nba have franchises in such odd locations, while mlb and nfl mostly cover the same cities?
There are NBA teams in Portland, San Antonio, Oklahoma City, Memphis, Salt Lake City, Sacramento, and the Hornets started in Charlotte seven years before there was an NFL team there. Meanwhile more traditional sports markets such as St Louis, Pittsburgh, Tampa, Cincinnati, and Baltimore don't have teams. Why is this?...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2q0kmg/eli5why_does_the_nba_have_franchises_in_such_odd/
{ "a_id": [ "cn20is3" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "It has to do with the history of the NBA vs the ABA. NBA formed first, putting teams in the cities you'd expect. ABA formed second and put teams in places without teams already (by definition, *not* the typical cities to have teams). When the two...
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[ [] ]
ao3rny
why do game developers always seem to overdo it when it comes to balancing games?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ao3rny/eli5_why_do_game_developers_always_seem_to_overdo/
{ "a_id": [ "efxx9ha" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "with major changes, it pushes forward a new meta, new strategies, new ways to attack and defend. It the best weapon gets tweaked with just minor tweaks, people will most likely still use it in the same fashion, but if they nerf it to bits, sudde...
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[ [] ]
u3hjg
How much was known about radiation sickness before the United States dropped the bomb on Hiroshima.
Hello everyone, I have an upcoming debate in my history class and was wondering how much the U.S. government knew about the short and long term affects of radiation sickness. Thanks
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/u3hjg/how_much_was_known_about_radiation_sickness/
{ "a_id": [ "c4s5t2f", "c4s7754" ], "score": [ 9, 4 ], "text": [ "US knowledge of bomb effects is somewhat out of my expertise, but tangentially related, so here goes. They knew radiation poisoning was a thing, and that it was deadly. Long term effects of non-lethal doses, like cancer an...
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[]
[ [ "http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/CancerCauses/OtherCarcinogens/IntheWorkplace/cancer-among-military-personnel-exposed-to-nuclear-weapons", "http://www.naav.com/", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atomic_Bomb_Casualty_Commission", "http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8518348.stm" ], [ "http://en.wi...
1limsi
why is syria potentially america's problem, and not the un's?
I understand that other countries, like Russia for example, can make things more complicated, but shouldn't the use of chemical weapons on its own people be a good enough reason for the UN to get involved, simply from a human rights standpoint?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1limsi/eli5_why_is_syria_potentially_americas_problem/
{ "a_id": [ "cbzm2j0", "cbzntho" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "It is quite possible that it is the other way around, i.e. America is the problem for Syria, not the opposite. \n\nBefore US started to train and finance insurgents the place was just another shitty dictatorship. It was even...
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[ [], [] ]
yuqs9
starcraft and its culture
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/yuqs9/eli5_starcraft_and_its_culture/
{ "a_id": [ "c5yzr52", "c5yzz0z", "c5z0j9o", "c5z17fa" ], "score": [ 3, 29, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "By culture, I'm assuming you're referring to the growing e-sports movement that started in Korea and is now spreading over the world?\n\nEssentially, Korea at one point was in the...
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[]
[ [], [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/myv9f/why_is_starcraft_2_so_massively_popular_and_how/" ], [], [ "http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1815747_1815707_1815675,00.html" ] ]
253kmm
Why doe the Universe have so much angular momentum?
With a uniform expansion, one would expect little shear and thus little rotation. In observation, however, we see planets rotating, moons orbiting planets, planets orbiting starts, star systems revolving around galaxies. Where does all this rotational energy come from? Thanks!
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/253kmm/why_doe_the_universe_have_so_much_angular_momentum/
{ "a_id": [ "chdf8hq", "chdh528" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "I wouldn't say that the universe has angular momentum. But all the systems you mentioned started from very dispersed material gradually collecting in shallow gravity wells, which attract material around it (including materia...
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[ [], [] ]
3ggv5g
What would happen to a human body if it was exposed to say 2000°C for just a 1000th of a second?
The body (person would be alive) would be exposed to this temperature only for a 1000th of a second then it would return to normal bodytemperature. Would this short time be enough to destroy DNA, cells etc.? What would happen? And for other time intervals? Thank you for your answers!
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/3ggv5g/what_would_happen_to_a_human_body_if_it_was/
{ "a_id": [ "cty7klg", "cty7v5o", "ctyxhb8" ], "score": [ 76, 10, 4 ], "text": [ "It would have to do with what kind of medium the temperature was being carried through. That makes a difference because it'll determine how much energy is transferred to the body. Air wouldn't transfe...
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[ [], [ "https://what-if.xkcd.com/115/" ], [ "http://twt.mpei.ac.ru/MCS/Worksheets/WSP/WKDiag14.xmcd" ] ]
1as5cj
So, if a visible star went supernova (in our reference of its light reaching Earth), how fast would be see it explode?
"how fast would we see it explode?"
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1as5cj/so_if_a_visible_star_went_supernova_in_our/
{ "a_id": [ "c909ggw", "c909jt4" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "There's a confusing typo in your question, but all visible stars are within our own galaxy and moving at velocities far less than the speed of light relative to earth. So we would see the supernova play out in approximately ...
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[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SN_1572" ], [] ]
2o7m3i
What was the long-term aim of the alliance between Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan? Was it simply an alliance of convenience against Great Britain or was there some longer-term vision behind it?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/2o7m3i/what_was_the_longterm_aim_of_the_alliance_between/
{ "a_id": [ "cmkrqqe", "cmku2j8" ], "score": [ 191, 4 ], "text": [ "The intent of the Alliance between Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan was to squeeze *Russia*, not Great Britain. Or rather \"to squeeze the USSR\".\n\nBut let's back up. First we should *very quickly* talk about how unlikely...
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[ [], [] ]
3gigmv
why can't hiv be treated with chemo therapy
Why can't HIV infection be treated with chemo therapy and bone marrow transplant? When people receive an allogeneic BMT (Bone marrow from donor) or Autologous BMT (from their own stem cells) they have to undergo reimmunisation because they lose immune memory which was acquired from exposure and vaccines. So why doesn't...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3gigmv/eli5why_cant_hiv_be_treated_with_chemo_therapy/
{ "a_id": [ "ctyf98o" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "I'm confused as to why you think it would be. The virus is still there. It would just attack the new T-cells. Chemotherapy specifically targets rapidly growing cells. Viruses are not cells and wouldn't be effected by a chemotherapy treatment." ...
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[ [] ]
fy3jx2
what is the difference between a wet market and a farmer's market?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fy3jx2/eli5what_is_the_difference_between_a_wet_market/
{ "a_id": [ "fmy2qcx", "fmy4pfz" ], "score": [ 12, 2 ], "text": [ "A wet market is just slang for a market that sells perishable goods. When people say wet market they usually mean markets that sell live animals for food and either slaughter it for you or sell it to you live. Most farmer...
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[ [], [] ]
18nmgj
How does light from the sun shining from behind and over my CRT monitor, but not shining on to the screen, produce glare?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/18nmgj/how_does_light_from_the_sun_shining_from_behind/
{ "a_id": [ "c8gctz3" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "It's not producing glare, your eyes are adjusting to the bright light by reducing your sensitivity to light (like walking outside). Because your sensitivity is decreased, you can't see your relatively dim screen anymore." ] }
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[ [] ]
vlpbp
why do some stalkers want to kill their idols that they love so much?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/vlpbp/eli5_why_do_some_stalkers_want_to_kill_their/
{ "a_id": [ "c55k5f3", "c55k689", "c55mrub", "c55tbzv" ], "score": [ 11, 10, 7, 2 ], "text": [ "There is probably a better explanation of it but it's sometimes something along the lines of \"If I can't have you then no one can\"", "They will be a part of the idol's hist...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
7f556h
what is the reason that some electrical devices with huge voltage ratings don't kill you, and what are the electrical properties that cause this?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7f556h/eli5_what_is_the_reason_that_some_electrical/
{ "a_id": [ "dq9kxfq" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "For an honest to God five year old, I'd say voltage is like the mass of the electricity moving, amps are the speed. If a semi truck bumps into you, you'll be fine, whereas a bullet that has orders of magnitudes less mass but plenty of speed will ...
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[ [] ]
3a62yx
why is everyone making such a big deal about hillary clinton's emails?
It's something about the Benghazi attack three years ago?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3a62yx/eli5_why_is_everyone_making_such_a_big_deal_about/
{ "a_id": [ "cs9lhxi", "cs9luaz", "cs9ndgq", "cs9rd04", "cs9wvs4", "csa3cwu" ], "score": [ 14, 181, 20, 8, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "Because she didn't do what she was supposed to, instead of using her government email account, she used her person email. A lot of p...
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[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
160vdn
When sneaking or trying to do something quiet, why do I unconsciously tighten my jaw muscles?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/160vdn/when_sneaking_or_trying_to_do_something_quiet_why/
{ "a_id": [ "c7rnpm5" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Sneaking around is tense stuff. Do you tighten them in other tense situations? If so that may be a correlation." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
pqmk5
how could mj have been so broke if he owned the rights to all the beatles songs?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/pqmk5/eli5_how_could_mj_have_been_so_broke_if_he_owned/
{ "a_id": [ "c3rg3kt", "c3rgfgx", "c3rhogt", "c3rkwe9", "c3rope5" ], "score": [ 20, 5, 6, 3, 5 ], "text": [ "Ridiculous purchases and not paying his debts. There's always going to be more and more ridiculous things to spend money on. ", "Being broke for fabulous...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1908185,00.html", "http://www.pophistorydig.com/?tag=michael-jackson%E2%80%99s-music-catalog", "http://www.snopes.com/music/artists/jackson.asp" ] ]
1ho7bc
why doesn't the radio work when you start the engine?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ho7bc/eli5_why_doesnt_the_radio_work_when_you_start_the/
{ "a_id": [ "caw7dwm", "caw7nqw" ], "score": [ 13, 2 ], "text": [ "The starter motor sucks up a great deal of current as it starts the engine. There isn't really any electricity to spare for the radio while the starter motor is drawing current.", "Several circuits on key ignition. Cra...
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[ [], [] ]
cay1tq
why do cars take longer to start when in cold weather vs warm weather?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cay1tq/eli5_why_do_cars_take_longer_to_start_when_in/
{ "a_id": [ "etbt63i", "etbzsex" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Gasoline burns when it's a mixture of gasoline vapor and air. When it's cold it is harder to evaporate it", "The engine also needs to be lubricated by the engine oil to function correctly. Colder oil is more viscous i.e...
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[ [], [] ]
4unbjn
what is the "halting problem" in relation to something being turing complete?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4unbjn/eli5_what_is_the_halting_problem_in_relation_to/
{ "a_id": [ "d5r6wqw" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Halting problem means that\n\nIt's impossible to make a program that sees if another program runs indefinitely\n\nFor example this pseudo code would run forever\n\n 10 X = 0\n 20 PRINT \"Hello world\"\n 30 X = X + 1\n 40 IF X > 0 GO...
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[ [] ]
1j9b86
Do all stars have sunspots? What would a sunspot on VY Canis Majoris be like?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1j9b86/do_all_stars_have_sunspots_what_would_a_sunspot/
{ "a_id": [ "cbcops1" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "It's a very interesting question, actually. Very large stars have a very different [stellar structure](_URL_2_) than our Sun. Our Sun is [convective](_URL_3_) at the surface. A giant star would be [radiative](_URL_1_) at its surface.\n\nThe co...
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[]
[ [ "http://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/ask_astro/answers/051101a.html", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radiation_zone", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stellar_structure", "http://www.cora.nwra.com/~werne/eos/text/convection_zone.html" ] ]
12gt3k
Is the Karrick process the best way to use coal?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/12gt3k/is_the_karrick_process_the_best_way_to_use_coal/
{ "a_id": [ "c6uxp2k" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Offhand, there is the [Fischer-Tropsch](_URL_0_) process which converts a feedstock such as coal or biomass to synthetic fuel/oil and other byproducts. Some researchers at my university (Colorado School of Mines) are working on reactors to run a...
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[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fischer%E2%80%93Tropsch_process" ] ]
25h8t0
stack (programming)
What is a stack in programming, I haven't come across this in my own programming but have elsewhere.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/25h8t0/eli5stack_programming/
{ "a_id": [ "chh4vbk", "chh4wbk", "chh58p6", "chh9r65", "chhcokv", "chhgjgn" ], "score": [ 5, 4, 3, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "A stack is a data structure. Like a stack of plates, the last plate you put on the stack is the first one you take off. This is known ...
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[]
[ [], [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/25h8t0/eli5stack_programming/chh6elz", "http://www.staff.science.uu.nl/~dijks106/SSM/userinterface.html" ], [], [], [], [] ]
bta8ce
how does anything live on islands where the max elevation is less than about 20 feet?
Every time I see videos of boats hitting massive waves that they have to climb like a small mountain it makes me wonder how these same storms don't just wipe clean any and every small island in the ocean. It seems like whenever a big storm came, waves would just wash over any low lying islands in their path and take ev...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bta8ce/eli5_how_does_anything_live_on_islands_where_the/
{ "a_id": [ "eov7c1t", "eov97e5" ], "score": [ 29, 19 ], "text": [ "The same waves typically peter out as the sea floor elevation rises towards the island.\n\nWhile it does happen, the waves produced out at sea dont carry the same force as a tidal wave, as only the surface water is raised ...
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[ [], [] ]
2kcb15
Has any country ever managed to wage a two or more front war and win?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/2kcb15/has_any_country_ever_managed_to_wage_a_two_or/
{ "a_id": [ "clk19md" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "I'll go so far as to say that Israel's 1948, 1967 and 1973 wars are the quintessential examples of how to win a multi-front war. In all three, they leveraged superior air power to great effect and emphasized concentration of force, defeating enem...
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[ [] ]
fx31w0
why does turning the music down in the car help you better find a parking spot
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fx31w0/eli5_why_does_turning_the_music_down_in_the_car/
{ "a_id": [ "fmruwsz", "fmrx0f0" ], "score": [ 3, 10 ], "text": [ "Fewer senses are being overwhelmed. With lower volume you are focusing solely on seeing now.", "Your brain finds it easier to process sounds so prioritises them.\n\nWhen you turn the music down it's got less work to do"...
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[ [], [] ]
16i9uc
the (arbitrary) difference between species and subspecies?
Having spent some time watching and reading in the various atheism-related threads in the last 1,5 years since I'm a redditor, I wondered about some of the specifics about the difference between micro- and macro-evolution. I see many creationists who claim that while micro-evolution is a fact (we see the evolution of a...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/16i9uc/eli5_the_arbitrary_difference_between_species_and/
{ "a_id": [ "c7wa5fq" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ " > how is it decided that the variation within a species has become large enough to classify an animal as a different species altogether?\n\nWhen someone feels it is, but one of the criteria they're supposed to use is that the two groups can't (...
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[ [] ]
di6fhd
why does it look like time goes one second backwards when you look at an analog watch?
I've always wondered why I feel like I see the needle go one second backwards or stand still the moment I look at a watch
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/di6fhd/eli5_why_does_it_look_like_time_goes_one_second/
{ "a_id": [ "f3tm675" ], "score": [ 18 ], "text": [ "The short version is your eyes are moving faster than your brain can deal with it, and you're experiencing lag. While your eyes are trying to focus on the new target (the watch), your brain isn't able to interpret the images for a short time. On...
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[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronostasis" ] ]
5p114k
why is the top of the wine cork smaller, thus easier to put its end first back into the bottle
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5p114k/eli5_why_is_the_top_of_the_wine_cork_smaller_thus/
{ "a_id": [ "dcnksnp", "dcnkzyf" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Not an expert but I'd assume expansion of the cork through absorption of wine/liquid on the bottom end due to its contact and proximity to the liquid within the bottle. This environment also ensures the bottle stays sealed a...
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[ [], [] ]
oecad
light years - light travel distance vs proper distance
Alright, so I'm having a hard time wrapping my mind around this one. From what I understand. The 'observable universe' is around 14 billion light years in any direction because that's as far as we can see. That information gives up the reason why we think its only 14 billion years old. But after some research I've foun...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/oecad/eli5_light_years_light_travel_distance_vs_proper/
{ "a_id": [ "c3gk1yt" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "That's not why the universe is 14 billion years old. That would make it seem like Earth is the center of the universe. The observable universe is 46 billion light years in any direction, 93 as the diameter. The reason we can see them is because e...
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[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Age_of_the_universe", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Observable_universe" ] ]
145j2l
Considering the Higgs field permeates all of space how is it related to a vacuum?
Is the Higgs a by-product of a vacuum? I've read that the Higgs is "the energy of the vacuum from which all else came." Can someone explain this? Why did a vacuum exist in the first place? Does the universe exist within a vacuum? Any thoughts on the idea that matter is a 3-D representation of 2-D information?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/145j2l/considering_the_higgs_field_permeates_all_of/
{ "a_id": [ "c7a2zlv" ], "score": [ 17 ], "text": [ "In field theory, we work with it being given that there are space and time. The *vacuum* is the field configuration that minimizes the energy. It turns out that it takes less energy to have a non-zero value of the Higgs field throughout space t...
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[ [] ]
1ry1kt
veterinarians: How similar are the treatments for different animals?
As a kid, I always thought that veterinarians were way smarter than ordinary doctors because, while human doctors had to be familiar with the ins-and-outs of one species - humans - vets had to be intimately familiar with TONS of different kinds of life forms. That's of course naive, but I've always been curious to wha...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1ry1kt/veterinarians_how_similar_are_the_treatments_for/
{ "a_id": [ "cds6lwm", "cdshqmr" ], "score": [ 13, 3 ], "text": [ "Former Vet-tech here.\n\nMost of the veterinarians I worked with only felt comfortable with dogs and cats. We had one Vet at the office who would do some exotics (mostly stuff like hamsters, but he would see the occasional ...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
dp1wvc
how does a company actually go about planting 20 million trees?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dp1wvc/eli5_how_does_a_company_actually_go_about/
{ "a_id": [ "f5s4c37" ], "score": [ 25 ], "text": [ "You plant whips; these are 12 - 36 month olds bare stems with root buds usually about a foot long. You can literally just stick them in the ground. This is regularly done on quite large scales and there are suppliers who grow and prep these. ...
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[ [] ]
9dtn8m
How powerful are satellite signals?
Satellite signals(ex: TV signals, GPS signals) are beamed from the space and can cover a HUGE area, like a whole country. Since signal intensity goes down as the covered area spread, how powerful are satellite signals to cover such a vast area?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/9dtn8m/how_powerful_are_satellite_signals/
{ "a_id": [ "e5jx0ov", "e5k2eaq", "e5k2wop", "e5k6vc2", "e5l3xnn" ], "score": [ 300, 7, 21, 30, 2 ], "text": [ "GPS satellites are supposed to be about the power of a car headlamp - imagine a 50 watt bulb illuminating a hemisphere of the globe! The signal is incredi...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [], [ "http://blog.activ8me.net.au/2018/09/04/solar-outages-sky-muster-crosses-the-sun/" ] ]
1tqsn6
Driving in rural VT yesterday I noticed spiral icicles hanging from a few power lines along the road. One section had about 5 of them almost touching the ground (~20 ft.). Any idea what would cause this? More details inside.
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1tqsn6/driving_in_rural_vt_yesterday_i_noticed_spiral/
{ "a_id": [ "ceakiy7", "ceakkbn", "ceakmgl", "ceal1sp", "ceamk75" ], "score": [ 3, 50, 23, 3, 4 ], "text": [ "Here's a webpage from a Geologist who did some experiments with creating curling ice formations from steel pipes:\n\n[One](_URL_0_)\n\n[Two](_URL_1_)\n\nScr...
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[ [ "http://my.ilstu.edu/~jrcarter/ice/diurnal/extrude/spirals/", "http://my.ilstu.edu/~jrcarter/ice/diurnal/" ], [], [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guiding_center", "http://chemwiki.ucdavis.edu/Inorganic_Chemistry/Descriptive_Chemistry/Periodic_Table_of_the_Elements/Magnetic_Proper...
60hpsh
what "run as administrator" does to a software?
I've encountered many problems with software (not starting, freezing, crashing, poor performance etc.) that were fixed by simply running the program as administrator. What actually changes when doing it?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/60hpsh/eli5_what_run_as_administrator_does_to_a_software/
{ "a_id": [ "df6grl3", "df6gv27" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Software runs on top of the operating system. Normally the software should not be altering the operating system that it's running on. Back in the 90s and early 2000s there were LOTS of problems with windows and viruses, ma...
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[ [], [] ]
fgy8xx
since we have invented the combined shampoo and conditioner in a bottle, why are we still persisting with one bottle for shampoo and one bottle for conditioner?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fgy8xx/eli5_since_we_have_invented_the_combined_shampoo/
{ "a_id": [ "fk7kaga", "fk7kb1k" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "The good stuff isn’t in a combination bottle. Also the ratio of shampoo to conditioner a person needs depends on that person.", "Like most things that are two-in-one combined, it doesn't do a particularly good job at eit...
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[ [], [] ]
bg7jc0
It is common knowledge that Honeybees are disappearing in alarming numbers. But it is also known that all insects are disappearing in alarming numbers. Is there a connection? Are bees disappearing at the same rate as other insects?
[deleted]
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/bg7jc0/it_is_common_knowledge_that_honeybees_are/
{ "a_id": [ "ell11by" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "Honeybees are not disappearing in alarming numbers. Its a common misconception that they are. [USDA numbers for the past 3 years](_URL_1_). \n\nNumber of Honey bee colonies in the U.S.\n\n|Year|January|April|July|Oct|\n:--|:--|:--|:--|:--|\n|2018...
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[ [ "https://beeinformed.org/category/winter-loss-survey/", "https://usda.library.cornell.edu/concern/publications/rn301137d?locale=en" ] ]
6145hi
I'm a shipowner in Britain during WW1 and my ships are be requisitioned by the Navy. How am I compensated for my loss?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/6145hi/im_a_shipowner_in_britain_during_ww1_and_my_ships/
{ "a_id": [ "dfbvy04" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "Ships requistioned by the Royal Navy from British citizens during WWI fell into two main categories: liners requisitioned for use as Armed Merchant Cruisers (AMCs) and trawlers, yachts and drifters hired for patrol duties. The former category inc...
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[ [] ]
e5qevh
how can doctors a see a babies organs like their kidneys with ultrasound?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/e5qevh/eli5_how_can_doctors_a_see_a_babies_organs_like/
{ "a_id": [ "f9lb6j8" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Sound waves go through soft substances and reflect of surfaces where the density changes. Baby kidneys are a different density than the rest of the baby-inards (not a medical term). That change in density causes a reflection that the ultrasound...
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[ [] ]
2g1iih
Are extremophiles a relatively recent evolution, or does it appear that life on earth quickly spread to all available environments?
Do they mostly seem to be recent splits from mesophiles or do they appear to be very ancient clades?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/2g1iih/are_extremophiles_a_relatively_recent_evolution/
{ "a_id": [ "ckf00d5" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "There's good evidence that extremophile organisms are among the most ancient on the planet. Many archaeal species are often found in extreme environments (high pressure, high salinity, high heat, no sunlight etc...) and the archaea are likely to ...
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[ [] ]
lmbjg
No offence or racism intended, but is it possible that some African Americans are better at physical activities because they were selectively bred during slavery?
one of my favorite teachers suggested this. thought i'd ask you all for your input. Edit, 10:46PM Central Time: Just got back home, very pleased with the feedback. thank you everyone, very interesting stuff.
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/lmbjg/no_offence_or_racism_intended_but_is_it_possible/
{ "a_id": [ "c2ttx32", "c2tua2e", "c2tucp0", "c2tur3i", "c2tuxj3", "c2tvsim", "c2twtx1", "c2txirv", "c2ttx32", "c2tua2e", "c2tucp0", "c2tur3i", "c2tuxj3", "c2tvsim", "c2twtx1", "c2txirv" ], "score": [ 163, 215, 975, 78, 34, 16...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1986989" ], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African-American_history#African_origins" ], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slavery_in_the_United_States" ], [ "http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1011594/index.htm", "htt...
6dmi6k
how is it that being able to pass a top secret security clearance test isn't part of the process of running for president?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6dmi6k/eli5_how_is_it_that_being_able_to_pass_a_top/
{ "a_id": [ "di3t6rm", "di3vmbb" ], "score": [ 2, 4 ], "text": [ "In the United States, the authority of the federal government to classify material, and to issue security clearances, is granted by statute, specifically [50 USC Subchapter III.](_URL_1_)\n\nBy law, the president of the US h...
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[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single_Scope_Background_Investigation", "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/50/chapter-45/subchapter-III" ], [] ]
6a1wpp
what's happening when i'm overthinking about something?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6a1wpp/eli5_whats_happening_when_im_overthinking_about/
{ "a_id": [ "dhc816h" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "\nSo, your question is a little bit broad, but the easiest way to explain it is, overthinking something is usually brought on by a stressful or potentially stressful situation. \n\nWith that being said, you can overthink any topic if you tried, a...
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[ [] ]
6z9kby
why are we more sensitive to background noises when we have less sleep? wouldn't our senses be more dull without sleep causing us to hear less background noise?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6z9kby/eli5_why_are_we_more_sensitive_to_background/
{ "a_id": [ "dmtjkou" ], "score": [ 12 ], "text": [ "With better sleep, our brains are able to function more efficiently, allowing us to focus on tasks better and not be distracted as easily, even if we can sense things more easily as well." ] }
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[ [] ]
4c6q2u
Does it get significantly harder to heat water another degree as temps go up?
So say I put a pot of water on the range. If it takes x amount of time to heat up from 50 to 60 will it also take x amount to go form 60 to 70? Or does it get harder to heat up as it goes up?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/4c6q2u/does_it_get_significantly_harder_to_heat_water/
{ "a_id": [ "d1fo0rm", "d1fou1d" ], "score": [ 6, 10 ], "text": [ "According to [this](_URL_0_) it stays pretty close to 4.2 J/kg K. Though once you get it to boiling, it will take a lot of energy to actually boil it. More than it takes to go from freezing to boiling.", "To add to what...
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[ [ "http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/water-thermal-properties-d_162.html" ], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black-body_radiation" ] ]
d0ssxo
Why was the USSR peace offer to Finland during the Winter War so generous, all things considered??
Never really explained why Stalin didn’t try to annex much more land or do more to it than just taking the little bit of land it did
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/d0ssxo/why_was_the_ussr_peace_offer_to_finland_during/
{ "a_id": [ "f066yim" ], "score": [ 11 ], "text": [ "As soon as the war began to turn sour for their German co-belligerents in 1943, Finland began to seek a graceful exit from the conflict. Secret negotiations were conducted by the Finnish government with the Allies in 1943 and 1944, but no conclu...
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2rhvf0
why are some people's voices much louder or softer than others?
Is there an actual physical, anatomical difference between someone with a loud, projecting voice and someone with a quiet voice? In a loud, crowded place, for example, my voice isn't even audible if I just talk normally. I have to strain and practically yell to be heard, whereas most others can talk regularly without y...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2rhvf0/eli5why_are_some_peoples_voices_much_louder_or/
{ "a_id": [ "cng11dn" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Vocal chords. Diaphragm. Breath control. Projecting. \n\nAnd that sprinkle of \"residual self-image.\" " ] }
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ay6rqm
How do fruits and vegetables stay "fresh" in their peels after they're picked?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/ay6rqm/how_do_fruits_and_vegetables_stay_fresh_in_their/
{ "a_id": [ "ehytdp8" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "Peel is like a nutrition storage for the fruit and it provides nutrients to the fruit itself but once it's depleted it rots.peel also prevent fruit do come in contact with different gases in atmosphere which are harmful for it." ] }
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3dunf9
What kind of polarization does light have before it goes through a polarizing filter?
When light goes through a polarizing filter it can become polarized in a certain direction (or circularly polarized, I guess but I'm not too familiar with that), but I haven't heard much about what light is doing *before* it gets to the polarizer. What kinds of polarization does light have naturally?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/3dunf9/what_kind_of_polarization_does_light_have_before/
{ "a_id": [ "ct8zgym" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "It depends on the source of the light. For the most part, something like sunlight is unpolarized, meaning that it is comprised of a random assortment of all different polarizations. A polarizing filter blocks all the components of the light sou...
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30b9b0
why does wine age in the bottle, beer goes skunky in the bottle, and whiskey doesn't change in the bottle?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/30b9b0/eli5_why_does_wine_age_in_the_bottle_beer_goes/
{ "a_id": [ "cpqt7ml", "cpqtesv", "cpqtt6c", "cpqv4qo" ], "score": [ 7, 3, 3, 5 ], "text": [ "Beer goes skunky because there are certain flavor compounds from hops that break down when exposed to UV light, from sunlight or even in-store fluorescent lights. \n\nEven some bee...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
c4fp32
if digestion takes 6-8 hours how do people experience diarhea symptoms in hours?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/c4fp32/eli5_if_digestion_takes_68_hours_how_do_people/
{ "a_id": [ "erwa1e9", "erwalqc", "erwaogo" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Someone here will provide an answer soon. Just wanted to say, if you find this interesting you will probably love the book Gulp by Mary Roach. It goes into the entire digestive process in playful deta...
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[ [], [], [] ]
2muawt
why do some wwii-era propeller planes have a cable from near the cockpit to the tail/wings?
For instance [on this bf109](_URL_0_). It seems silly that they would be a control cable of sorts, and it's too loose to be structural reinforcement, so what could it be?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2muawt/eli5_why_do_some_wwiiera_propeller_planes_have_a/
{ "a_id": [ "cm7nhof" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "its the antenna\n\nif im right older radio used lower frequencies which worked well with super long antennas" ] }
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[ "http://i.imgur.com/FzljiJb.jpg" ]
[ [] ]
26eso3
what exactly are complex numbers, how can someone just invent new numbers and expect other people to accept them?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/26eso3/eli5_what_exactly_are_complex_numbers_how_can/
{ "a_id": [ "chqcepe", "chqcgrf", "chqd49a" ], "score": [ 4, 10, 3 ], "text": [ "Complex numbers have a real and imaginary part. A real number is the kind of number we use all the time, like 1 or pi or 3457.\n\nAn imaginary number is a number that, if squared, gives you a negative ...
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[]
[ [], [], [ "http://www.intmath.com/complex-numbers/9-impedance-phase-angle.php", "http://www.jimrolf.com/explorationsInComplexVariables/bookChapters8.31.11/Ch3.pdf" ] ]
7axa8x
why does intermittent fasting lead to "longer living" and healthier aging?
In particular I am interested in this article and the first comment which was confusing to me regarding mitochondria. Thank you! _URL_0_
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7axa8x/eli5_why_does_intermittent_fasting_lead_to_longer/
{ "a_id": [ "dpdi01d", "dpdlqyh", "dpeys8w" ], "score": [ 13, 10, 2 ], "text": [ "It is my understanding that it causes the body to go into more of a survival mode, rid itself of dead cells that were kind of hanging around not doing any good, and jump start creation of new stem cel...
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[ "https://www.reddit.com/r/science/comments/7aqa68/harvard_study_shows_how_intermittent_fasting_and/" ]
[ [], [], [] ]
sx19i
marijuana.
I have grown up all my life surrounded by massive propaganda campaigns against the use of marijuana, all of them asserting its dangerously harmful effects and how it's a detriment to society. As such, I always perceived marijuana-usage to be largely taboo, something only done in a civilization by the very lowest of the...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/sx19i/eli5_marijuana/
{ "a_id": [ "c4hoxlp", "c4hpntk", "c4hqsfy", "c4ht0uv", "c4huc5h", "c4huthp", "c4huweg", "c4hv4in", "c4hva7a", "c4hw1an", "c4hw508", "c4hx6ag" ], "score": [ 11, 10, 129, 8, 2, 6, 2, 3, 6, 2, 6, 2 ], "text": [ "...
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[ [], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnNPm5cG85c" ], [], [], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKgY5eOlhEc&feature=youtube_gdata_player" ], [], [], [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Anslinger#Rise_to_prominence" ], [], [] ]
3bdn6o
why does the word "smelly" carry a negative connotation?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3bdn6o/eli5_why_does_the_word_smelly_carry_a_negative/
{ "a_id": [ "csl7ktp" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "\"Smelly\", quite obviously, comes from the verb \"to smell\".\n\n\"Smell\" is an interesting word. The first recorded use of the word is from the late 12th century, when it appeared in Middle English (as smillen, smellen or smyllen). Some source...
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e872yh
Were there any major changes in the relations between England and its allies during and soon after the process of Oliver Cromwell becoming Lord Protector?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/e872yh/were_there_any_major_changes_in_the_relations/
{ "a_id": [ "fa9s5p9" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "I answered a similar question a few weeks ago which you might find relevant: \n\n [_URL_0_](_URL_1_)" ] }
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[ [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/drx1mo/how\\_did\\_other\\_european\\_nations\\_respond\\_to\\_the/", "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/drx1mo/how_did_other_european_nations_respond_to_the/" ] ]
5fnq1d
why are our heads propelled forwards rather than backwards when sneezing?
Since sneezing is when we expel air outwards from our nose/mouth, why do our heads naturally go forwards? Shouldn't they be propelled backwards due to the whole action/reaction deal?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5fnq1d/eli5_why_are_our_heads_propelled_forwards_rather/
{ "a_id": [ "dalnpkt", "dalo721", "dalpg7r", "dalqjn9", "dam1l7g" ], "score": [ 9, 10, 2, 36, 2 ], "text": [ "A sneeze is made by contracting the abdominal muscles to forcefully expel air from the lungs. This also has the side effect of bending the torso.", "You...
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[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
2u0k3m
mitochondrion.
I don't get it. What's the purpose of it?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2u0k3m/eli5_mitochondrion/
{ "a_id": [ "co40t2k" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Mitochondria are responsible for aerobic respiration, which is an extremely efficient process for getting useable chemical energy (in the form of ATP) from the breakdown of glucose. \nATP is a useable form of chemical energy that many processes i...
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1z8x10
why is a sawed off shotgun more deadly than a regular one?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1z8x10/eli5why_is_a_sawed_off_shotgun_more_deadly_than_a/
{ "a_id": [ "cfrkxam", "cfrkxr7", "cfrq074" ], "score": [ 3, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "It's not any more deadly. The main issue is that they're much easier to conceal.", "Sawed off shotguns are not more deadly, they're easier to conceal. They're generally illegal because they don't ...
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[ [], [], [] ]
15oo7g
(or slightly older) - what is the relationship between the us dollar and middle eastern oil?
1) Currently my understanding is that Oil is priced in US Dollar which gives the US a tremendous advantage, but what exactly is this advantage? 2) Did Iran recently decide to go off the US Dollar pricing, and if so, what was the effect? What would happen if several other countries decided to follow suit? 3) What woul...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/15oo7g/eli5_or_slightly_older_what_is_the_relationship/
{ "a_id": [ "c7ode11" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "I can answer 1 and 3. I don't know anything about 2.\n\n1) Other countries have to buy US dollars in order to buy oil. Depending on how favorable the exchange rate is for their home currency that day this could cost them more or less. The US does...
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ki12o
Travel experience at light speed?
My knowledge of relativity is very basic, but I believe that as a traveler approaches the speed of light, his experience of time begins to diminish. By this I mean a person on Earth might experience a month in the time that the traveler experiences a day. So my theoretical question is: *If a traveler could reach the ...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/ki12o/travel_experience_at_light_speed/
{ "a_id": [ "c2kekch", "c2kj5dr", "c2kekch", "c2kj5dr" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Yes, at the speed of light, no time passes. \n\n However, keep in mind that this means you can't do anything to slow down again (except run into something) because you can't take a...
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2hu72f
if the illuminati is such a huge conspiracy and such a huge group, why do we have so little information about them?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2hu72f/eli5_if_the_illuminati_is_such_a_huge_conspiracy/
{ "a_id": [ "ckw1ij0" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "They don't actually exist.\n\nYou can't find concrete information about a phantom." ] }
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6f58ay
how does walmart know what i've bought in store?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6f58ay/eli5_how_does_walmart_know_what_ive_bought_in/
{ "a_id": [ "difisex", "difit9s" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "If she used a credit card or a debit card your name is on those accounts and they know who you are. So if she bought with cash this is creepy, but all other payment methods has a link to her account in some manner. ", "D...
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[ [], [] ]
1yzcwe
How would an army attack a castle in medieval Japan?
As castles in Japan look significantly different to those in Europe, I was wondering how a siege would be undertaken.
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1yzcwe/how_would_an_army_attack_a_castle_in_medieval/
{ "a_id": [ "cfp8r8g", "cfpa1uu", "cfpgwe2" ], "score": [ 149, 38, 2 ], "text": [ "This gets into generalization, but I don't think the overall concept of a seige would vary much because of how a castle was designed. Specific tactics might vary a lot based on specific layouts, bu...
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[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_of_Ishiyama_Honganji" ], [], [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/13bmeu/what_were_some_defense_tactics_used_in_castles/c72ml8a" ] ]
b80rbb
why does asphalt on the highway sound different on different sections of road?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/b80rbb/eli5_why_does_asphalt_on_the_highway_sound/
{ "a_id": [ "ejvajs8" ], "score": [ 10 ], "text": [ "Higher air voids in the asphalt mix make it quieter to ride on as the air is not forced through the tire thread. This is a function of the different aggregate sizes and % of those sizes in the mix \n\nIn contrast, concrete is pretty much solid a...
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by1h4p
why are we still using inflatable tires on our vehicles?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/by1h4p/eli5_why_are_we_still_using_inflatable_tires_on/
{ "a_id": [ "eqblges", "eqbm6jv" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "As compared to what alternative?\n\nAir filled tires are a relatively simple invention that lacks a more complex but better alternative.", "Because they have the right combination of load bearing capacity, bump cushionin...
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34fesp
Does the pull strength of a magnet lowers when it is pulling multiple objects versus one heavy object?
Say you have a magnet with a strength of 10 and it takes 1 unit of strength to pull 1 unit of weight. In this frictionless example, This magnet would not be able to move an item that is of 11 units of weight but can move an item of 10 units of weight. My question is, can this magnet move 11 items that are all 1 unit ...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/34fesp/does_the_pull_strength_of_a_magnet_lowers_when_it/
{ "a_id": [ "cqvcv7j" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "If I understand correctly- you're basically asking if the magnetic attraction is a fixed amount that needs to be spread out to everything near it, or if it pulls them all seperately and equally.\n\nIf that's a misinterpretation, sorry and lemme k...
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fetq0k
what is the purpose of those "safe/supervised injection sites" and how are they better than just trying to stop drug use?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fetq0k/eli5_what_is_the_purpose_of_those_safesupervised/
{ "a_id": [ "fjqx58p", "fjr2f01", "fjr80wf", "fjr88nn" ], "score": [ 9, 9, 7, 42 ], "text": [ "The theory is that some people are going to use no matter what, so you might as well give them clean needles and the like. I've never heard of a proponent of such sites saying we ...
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1n0mtr
if you gave everyone in your country one billion dollars what would happen to the economy?
I know next to nothing about the subject and have just been wondering what would happen.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1n0mtr/eli5_if_you_gave_everyone_in_your_country_one/
{ "a_id": [ "ccecgk3" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "In the spirit of ELI5, let's pretend that the country we're talking about has 100 people in it.\n\nLet's say that, right now, the total amount of currency that this country has is one million dollars.\n\nDivided by one hundred people, the average...
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5ga863
how is water from a well potable?
This might me have a simple answer but I still wanted to ask. Is water from a well potable or does it need to be treated? Was the only way to treat it prior to chemicals and filtration systems to boil it?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5ga863/eli5_how_is_water_from_a_well_potable/
{ "a_id": [ "daqmgus", "daqucaz" ], "score": [ 18, 2 ], "text": [ "the way water flows down into ground reserves acts as a natural purification process. most often well water is naturally clean enough, but modern day wells is treated as a precaution, but prior to this, people regularly dra...
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