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4xd7yz
How large was Charlemagne's army? (at the beginning of his reign and his height)
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/4xd7yz/how_large_was_charlemagnes_army_at_the_beginning/
{ "a_id": [ "d6f06pa", "d6fp537" ], "score": [ 37, 45 ], "text": [ "Follow up: how well-trained and equipped was his army compared to others of the time?", "I think this is an interesting question, certainly it is to me, and it's a shame you haven't gotten a good answer yet. So I decid...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
arco0x
different types of exercises
**Would like some insight on exercises. As a reddit user I love my cheetos and armchair as much as the next guy but think it might be time to start doing some exercise. I'm a bit curious about exercises that require little to no movement (planking) vs those that do (sit-ups). What's the pro/cons/differences?** & #x20...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/arco0x/eli5_different_types_of_exercises/
{ "a_id": [ "egm93x2" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Different exercises help work different parts of all muscles. It's good to switch up the exercises to keep shocking and tearing up different parts of your muscles. " ] }
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[ [] ]
22iv4a
the bible
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/22iv4a/eli5the_bible/
{ "a_id": [ "cgn825w" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Way too broad a question. Nobody can explain the complexities of the bible to a five year old. \n\nAt best you can say the old testament is for the Jews and the new testament is for the Christians. The same way the book of Mormon was for the Morm...
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[ [] ]
1iwvbj
If hair and fingernails are both made of keratin, why do I lose my hair but not my nails from chemo?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1iwvbj/if_hair_and_fingernails_are_both_made_of_keratin/
{ "a_id": [ "cb8uapg" ], "score": [ 23 ], "text": [ "It's less to do with the keratin and more that the follicles have rapidly dividing cells, which are targeted by chemotherapy. Nails are also affected by many chemotherapy drugs. Fingernails can become weak and brittle during chemotherapy. They m...
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[]
[ [ "http://lungcancer.about.com/od/livingwithlungcancer/a/fingernailchemo.htm" ] ]
4hww9w
Was Sun Yat-sen a successful revolutionary leader?
Positive - Develop the Three Principles of the People (nationalism, democracy & people's livelihood) - Formed Xingzhonghui in 1994 - Able to gain support from the ordinary people & overseas Chinese - Raised funds from overseas Chinese - Organized anti-Qing uprisings - Secret societies united together as ...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/4hww9w/was_sun_yatsen_a_successful_revolutionary_leader/
{ "a_id": [ "d2t6vvf" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "First off, you have to define what makes a revolutionary leader \"successful.\" Did he contribute to the downfall of Qing? Absolutely. Did he unite the country? Far from it. Were his ideas for China revolutionary? Not quite.\n\nGiven that much of...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Life_Movement" ] ]
bu8j2h
Why did German high command find the 'Final Solution' to be a worthwhile endeavor?
I fail to understand why German high command, particularly the SS continued to attempt to solve the 'Jewish question' even after their primary plans for relocation and deportation we no longer feasible, especially by the summer of 1941 a swift German victory (which the plans of the time to solve the Jewish question rel...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/bu8j2h/why_did_german_high_command_find_the_final/
{ "a_id": [ "epbbrna" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "The first thing you have to do is understand the the goal to be Judenrein, clean of Jews, was a central part of Nazi policy. Racial purity was a central concern of the Party, and to be part of it was to believe in working towards the goal of a Ge...
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[ [] ]
2537xf
why does my automatic transmission car still have l, 2, and 3 on the gearshift, and when would i use them?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2537xf/eli5_why_does_my_automatic_transmission_car_still/
{ "a_id": [ "chd7v2u", "chd7weh", "chd82cu", "chd856d" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Going down a steep or not quite steep grade to use the engine for braking.", "I use them when I'm driving in snow or ice. It's safer to have control of when you shift.", "w...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
65qxz1
if the dna of an organism contains all the building plans for the body, how does a single cell know its location and needed function if all the first cells start the same?
Does the zygote act as a central construction manager? (Eli15)
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/65qxz1/eli5_if_the_dna_of_an_organism_contains_all_the/
{ "a_id": [ "dgch3i9", "dgcjte6", "dgclmlh", "dgcnfhr", "dgcpoid", "dgcr0yh", "dgcuwuu", "dgcwfav" ], "score": [ 6, 2, 5, 11, 6, 3, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "The answer to this quite simply can't be put in a understandable way to a five year old, bu...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://i.imgur.com/3W3DKkV.png" ], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
1nr6pf
why do we sometimes feel tickled when the tickler is just pointing at our bellies?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1nr6pf/eli5_why_do_we_sometimes_feel_tickled_when_the/
{ "a_id": [ "ccld4t8", "ccljgzb" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "I think it is in anticipation, or our brains remember the tickling (for me it only happens if I have been tickled recently)", "If it weren't for the nerves in your belly, you wouldn't feel anything when being tickled. Wh...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
63ngj4
engine efficiency in the future and the internal combustion engine
Two part question here, information on either greatly appreciated. Our modern engines are relatively efficient compared to the rest of human history. I'm wondering what scientists and engineers expect in the future or perhaps in advanced civilizations in terms of efficiency. Can our percentages be greatly improved or ...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/63ngj4/eli5_engine_efficiency_in_the_future_and_the/
{ "a_id": [ "dfvhe6e" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "You have a lot of things going on in this. A piston is Pushed down by the burning of the compressed Gas. That downward stroke is know as the \"power stroke\" while forcing it down and driving the car, it also pushes up the next piston.\n\nTher...
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[]
[ [] ]
30yh0a
We've always been at war with Eastasia. Why did the conflict start in the first place?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/30yh0a/weve_always_been_at_war_with_eastasia_why_did_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cpwzmj5" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Friend, I think you've gotten things mixed up, we're at peace with Eastasia, we've always been at war with **Eurasia**. I suggest reporting to your nearest Ministry of Truth official to make sure you're remembering the correct account of history....
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[]
[ [] ]
83vry1
light-based computing
Trying to get a better understanding of what Light-based computing is, how it works, and what its benefits are.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/83vry1/eli5_lightbased_computing/
{ "a_id": [ "dvkvo98" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Instead of sending an electrical signal down a wire, which is received by a device sensitive to electricity, you'd shine light through optical fiber or across open space, and the receiving device is sensitive to light.\n\nComputers use TINY \"swi...
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[]
[ [] ]
x3ixc
Does light refract in clouds as it does in water?
Was just wondering whether light refracts the same way it does in clouds as in water?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/x3ixc/does_light_refract_in_clouds_as_it_does_in_water/
{ "a_id": [ "c5ivc99" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Yes. The refraction of light in water drops creates a rainbow. This only happens if you, the water drops, and the light source are at just the right geometry." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
289hsu
Were there German spies that were found, captured, and executed in the United States during World War 2?
I was watching "Hitler's Secret Attack on America" and they talk of 4 German spies that happened to land on the only beach within 100 miles that was patrolled 24/7. They were then caught by the law enforcement officers, tried, and executed (and apparently all pretty hidden from the public). Is there any truth to this?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/289hsu/were_there_german_spies_that_were_found_captured/
{ "a_id": [ "ci8u31a", "ci8u93t", "ci8ukay" ], "score": [ 35, 2, 11 ], "text": [ "I have not seen that documentary, but did it mention Operation Magpie: Gimpel and Colepaugh?\n\nWilliam Colepaugh was a disgruntled MIT grad who eventually fled to Germany and volunteered to come back...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.americainwwii.com/articles/nazi-spies-come-ashore/", "http://www.fas.org/irp/ops/ci/docs/ci2/2ch1_a.htm#cole" ], [ "http://www.damninteresting.com/operation-pastorius/" ], [ "http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=16281", "http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/scripts/getcase.pl?co...
j2mbt
can someone explain the wars in afghanistan and iraq like i'm a five year old?
My knowledge of their reasons is rather limited. Could someone explain?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/j2mbt/can_someone_explain_the_wars_in_afghanistan_and/
{ "a_id": [ "c28migk", "c28n7g8" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "As simply as i know, without theory. Afghanistan-We invaded Afghanistan to catch Osama Bin Laden and remove the Taliban government that was supporting him. Iraq-We invaded because according to intelligence, Sadam Huessien ...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
922ew9
what is the difference between toilets where you press a button and it flushes automatically, and toilets that draw water only as long as you keep the button pressed?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/922ew9/eli5_what_is_the_difference_between_toilets_where/
{ "a_id": [ "e32jbba" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Usually, the flapper has a void area that traps air so that it stays afloat by buoyancy until the weight of the incoming water used to fill the tank overcomes the buoyancy of the flapper.\n\n[_URL_1_](_URL_1_)\n\nUsually, the \"non-automatic\" fl...
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[]
[ [ "https://www.vintagecampers.com/PartsImgUpload/Parts/2382/IMG\\_2816.JPG", "https://www.plumbingsupply.com/images/kohler-flapper-52162.jpg", "https://www.vintagecampers.com/PartsImgUpload/Parts/2382/IMG_2816.JPG" ] ]
1he9tv
AskScience, what part of Earth has the smallest average temperature range? What part has the most hospitable temperature range?
Obviously, all parts of the globe have fluctuating temperatures, and "hospitable" is somewhat subjective. I'm curious about places that don't change much or stay in a comfortable range.
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1he9tv/askscience_what_part_of_earth_has_the_smallest/
{ "a_id": [ "cav7u5l" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "I'm not going to try and answer the part about 'most hospitable' -- humans live all over the planet, and people express preferences for tropics, mid latitudes, or snowy climes. \n\nAverage temperature range, though, I can do. Using the NOAA land...
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[]
[ [ "http://www.esrl.noaa.gov/psd/data/gridded/data.ghcncams.html", "http://i.imgur.com/tlwQlyU.png" ] ]
pip5v
X and Y Chromosome-carrying sperm
My wife and sister were talking about timing sex according to ovulation cycles to increase the chances of conceiving a boy or a girl. They claimed that Y-carrying (male) sperm swim faster while Y-carrying (female) sperm swim slower but have a longer lifespan. I understand the basics of getting the timing right, but t...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/pip5v/x_and_y_chromosomecarrying_sperm/
{ "a_id": [ "c3po6a6", "c3pq8yn", "c3pqol7" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "~~The Y chromosome is larger than the X chromosome~~. The X chromosome is larger than the Y chromosome. However, there's no evidence that \"Y sperm\" swim faster than \"X sperm\". It's just a single c...
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[ [], [], [] ]
1n3ndx
How does fuel consumption and potential nuclear weapon enriching work in nuclear power plants?
To give context: In discussion with friends this morning re: Iran's desire to continue its nuclear power program, a question arose: Why does any power who wants a nuclear program not register their ingoing fuel (or even buy from U.N. or other body) and register their spent fuel, thus showing that none of the material ...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1n3ndx/how_does_fuel_consumption_and_potential_nuclear/
{ "a_id": [ "ccf4snc", "ccfsy5r" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "National soverignty is a big issue. Signers of the NPT have a right to nuclear power, including domestic production of all aspects. This is as long as they allow the IAEA to inspect. This includes the ability to not only ...
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[ [], [] ]
1k9an4
how does a linear induction motor work?
I decided to read Elon Musk's explanation of the "Hyperloop" _URL_0_ I don't understand the proposed propulsion system. Could someone please explain what a linear induction motor is and how it works? Thank you!!!
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1k9an4/eli5_how_does_a_linear_induction_motor_work/
{ "a_id": [ "cbmo053", "cbmt0y7" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Alright, the only word in there you gotta worry about is 'induction'. 'Motor' just means it moves stuff, and 'linear' just means it moves stuff in a straight line (or close to it). \nAs for 'induction': When you've got elec...
[]
[ "http://www.spacex.com/sites/spacex/files/hyperloop_alpha-20130812.pdf" ]
[ [], [] ]
68hsbe
How accurate is bill wurtz's "history of japan"?
I'm referencing [this video](_URL_0_) in case you're wondering.
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/68hsbe/how_accurate_is_bill_wurtzs_history_of_japan/
{ "a_id": [ "dgytak9" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "You might want to check out this previous post on this question.\n\n_URL_0_" ] }
[]
[ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mh5LY4Mz15o" ]
[ [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/660r11/can_anyone_here_elaborate_on_the_accuracy_of_the/" ] ]
65qw35
Is there a clear neurological distinction between addiction and just really wanting something, or are they on the same spectrum?
Does that make sense? And additionally, from a psychological point of view, are things like hunger and thirst similar to addictions, just beneficial rather than harmful?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/65qw35/is_there_a_clear_neurological_distinction_between/
{ "a_id": [ "dgdpjng", "dgdrfr0" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "Drugs can \"hijack\" the hedonic system of the brain, or the \"reward\" system in such a way that drugs become a priority equal to or greater than basic survival like food and water.\n\nThis has been demonstrated on rats and...
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[ [], [] ]
1cb4ws
why is jackie robinson such a big deal in baseball, while we don't ever talk about the first black football, basketball , hockey, etc... players?
In light of the movie 42 now released in theater, it made me wonder why the first black player was such a big deal in baseball? I'm Canadian and don't really follow baseball, I also wasn't born at the time so there's probably some cultural and historical stuff going over my head. As far as I know the only other player ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1cb4ws/eli5_why_is_jackie_robinson_such_a_big_deal_in/
{ "a_id": [ "c9esaew", "c9eskkt" ], "score": [ 5, 4 ], "text": [ "It's less that he played baseball, and more that he was the first black athlete to play in a white team period. \n\nHe's up there with Rosa Parks for \"firsts for African Americans\" in the civil rights movement.", "I'm ...
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[]
[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Follis" ] ]
23p99h
What kind of mutations would cause bacteria to be immune to antibiotics?
I just watched this [episode](_URL_0_) of SciShow on bacteria that can develop tolerance of antibiotics, and I have some questions. If bacteria would one day become unaffected by today's antibiotics, what would be the reason? What could the diseases caused by it be? How would it be contained?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/23p99h/what_kind_of_mutations_would_cause_bacteria_to_be/
{ "a_id": [ "cgzb75q" ], "score": [ 11 ], "text": [ "There are a ton of ways bacteria combat antibiotics and they're all just a little bit different depending on the bacteria and the antibiotic used to kill them. However, it always boils down to the bacteria doing one of three things:\n\n1. **They...
[]
[ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-apdGwBPz4" ]
[ [] ]
k3ntw
why do we have telescopes that are able to see the far reaches of the galaxy, but we can't use this technology to zoom into the moon and see hq images of the apollo landing site?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/k3ntw/eli5_why_do_we_have_telescopes_that_are_able_to/
{ "a_id": [ "c2h9fvy", "c2hxkfp", "c2h9fvy", "c2hxkfp" ], "score": [ 14, 2, 14, 2 ], "text": [ "The hubble space telescope (which is one of the best) has a resolution of 70 yards (something like 65 meters), which is not enough to see the landing site (everything left on the...
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[ [ "http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/LRO/multimedia/lroimages/apollosites.html", "http://www.nasa.gov/images/content/369440main_lroc_apollo11_lrg.jpg" ], [ "http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-14813043" ], [ "http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/LRO/multimedia/lroimages/apollosites.ht...
zedog
Partially deflated helium balloon. Why does it float where it floats?
So I have a partially deflated helium balloon in my house. The odd thing, to me, is that it always "settles" at the same height above the floor. Now, I know it's not measuring the distance from the floor and that its probably about air density and temperature. However, when I take the balloon up my stairs it still sett...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/zedog/partially_deflated_helium_balloon_why_does_it/
{ "a_id": [ "c63uie9", "c63v6i4", "c64qfy6" ], "score": [ 5, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Also, as it deflates it has less lift upwards. Totally Made up numbers: (The helium initially can lift 1lbs, 1/2 deflated it can lift .5lbs) As it settles some of the string of the balloon settle...
[]
[ "http://imgur.com/a/Rlt6Q#wGXwJ" ]
[ [], [], [ "http://trulyscience.com/articles.php?id=11" ] ]
285ror
would what Plato spoke be at all recognisable/intelligible to a modern Greek (like how medieval English is confusing but still very recognisably English) or would it just sound like a totally foreign language at this point?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/285ror/would_what_plato_spoke_be_at_all/
{ "a_id": [ "ci7p1ee" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "Modern Greek speakers can read aloud from ancient texts easily and can recognize many of the words. Some words will require a dictionary or extensive previous study to understand. Modern Greek also has a much less inflected grammar (similar to \"...
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[ [] ]
1lyl43
How exactly does Naegleria fowleri attack the brain / nervous system and why is it so difficult to fight against?
With less than 1% survival rate, it seems like we would want to be better prepared for something that one can contract just from getting contaminated water up his or her nose.
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1lyl43/how_exactly_does_naegleria_fowleri_attack_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cc41ry8" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "It's nearly always fatal, but it's very rarely contracted (~3 cases per year in the US). There are many other diseases that kill many more people, and would be better candidates to spend effort and money on finding treatments for." ] }
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[ [] ]
1exhfs
Neglecting temperature and "space suits", could waves on Titan be surfed?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1exhfs/neglecting_temperature_and_space_suits_could/
{ "a_id": [ "ca4ro08" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "One problem would be that the oceans consist of liquid hydrocarbons like ethane and methane and those have a much lower [viscosity](_URL_0_) than water (factor 10 orso). Density is also about 50% lower, which would make it hard to stay afloat. F...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viscosity" ] ]
ab1ags
how was the iss assembled? and how are repairs and maintenance performed in the event of a collision with space debris?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ab1ags/eli5_how_was_the_iss_assembled_and_how_are/
{ "a_id": [ "ecwp6g1" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "The ISS was assembled by flying it to space in pieces and assembling it later with robot arms. The solar Panels were just unfolded like a piece of paper by motors. Repairs are done by performing a spacewalk if necessary. Some maintenance can be d...
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[ [] ]
8ukzan
if uv light is outside the visible spectrum, how come we see the light emitted off a black light?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8ukzan/eli5if_uv_light_is_outside_the_visible_spectrum/
{ "a_id": [ "e1g3qni", "e1g3sot", "e1g3xk2", "e1hgm3o" ], "score": [ 7, 2, 5, 3 ], "text": [ "Blacklights work via a filter that specifically filters out visible light and allows UV radiation to pass through.\n\nBut they're not perfect, so some visible light gets through th...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
6f16xc
Do flamethrowers from WW2 explode when shot?
I see in a lot of ww2 movies, games etc the flame tank explodes when shot. A lot of people say that this is myth. So is it true?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/6f16xc/do_flamethrowers_from_ww2_explode_when_shot/
{ "a_id": [ "dieryd1", "dietray" ], "score": [ 68, 351 ], "text": [ "ww2 era man-portable flame throwers like the German Flammenwerfer 35 and Flammenwerfer 41 (named after the years the specific versions came into use) were pretty simple and similar in construction and concept. A projecto...
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[]
[ [], [ "http://imgur.com/a/yPGKG" ] ]
1jstij
What was General Franco's policy towards ethnic minorities?
Were there attempts of hispanization of Catalans, Basque or Moroccans?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1jstij/what_was_general_francos_policy_towards_ethnic/
{ "a_id": [ "cbi02qb", "cbi2gr5" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Franco suppressed the use of Catalan, Basque and other minority languages. He definitely wanted to make all of Spain Spanish.", "Franco's policy towards ethnic minorities was heavy suppression of regional identity in fav...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.economist.com/blogs/johnson/2011/01/minority_languages", "http://www.stm.unipi.it/clioh/tabs/libri/7/09-Bochmann_127-138.pdf" ] ]
2pv37q
why do i transpose words while speaking?
Returning a missed call: "I got a number from this call." Discussing a potential future road trip: "I don't want to spend 4 hours with a car in him." And so forth...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2pv37q/eli5_why_do_i_transpose_words_while_speaking/
{ "a_id": [ "cn0go39" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Language production is very complicated, and because the brain *evolved* rather than being designed by an engineer, there isn't a single \"language centre\" in the brain. Instead, different parts of the brain have to work together to produce spee...
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[]
[ [ "http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Wellness/cbs-reporter-serene-branson-terrified-confused-suffering-complex/story?id=12946962" ] ]
4tm9fo
how/why does a show like futurama with such an avid and wide fan base get [repeatedly] canceled? what is the logic behind it from a network standpoint?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4tm9fo/eli5_howwhy_does_a_show_like_futurama_with_such/
{ "a_id": [ "d5idyv0", "d5iejqi", "d5ifzmi", "d5igbix", "d5igcfn", "d5igwem", "d5ihbt7", "d5ihx3i", "d5iiab9" ], "score": [ 179, 87, 2, 13, 11, 2, 6, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "There's two categories of shows, to be broad.\n\n\nYou either hav...
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[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
ahp8lf
What would the ramifications have been had Tsar Bomba been an underground test?
So the Soviets designed the largest bomb possible (100 Mt), then cut it in half, then detonated the largest bomb ever detonated (50 Mt) in the atmosphere. What would have happened to the planet had the Soviets buried the bomb in the Earth's crust? Could it have penetrated all the way through the crust? What would life...
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/ahp8lf/what_would_the_ramifications_have_been_had_tsar/
{ "a_id": [ "eeh60ki" ], "score": [ 11 ], "text": [ "It would have heated some rock. If close to the surface it would have released some radioactive material, if buried deeper it would have stayed contained. Things don't \"penetrate[] all the way through the crust\"\n\n > What would life look lik...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
j4qu2
can some please explain differentiation to me like i'm 5?
I know how to do the questions but I just don't know what it's all about. Simple,dumbed down explanations are much appreciated!
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/j4qu2/can_some_please_explain_differentiation_to_me/
{ "a_id": [ "c294zmp", "c2957hm" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "So you have a ball and you throw it at a tree. You might notice that instead of flying in a straight line it goes up some and then goes down some before hitting the tree, flying in a curve instead of a straight line.\n\nNow ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2x9zyz
Historians Travel
Dear historians of AskHistorians, How much is travel the part of the life of being a professional historian or history professor? Does one often travel to sites for research or book writing? Also where does travelling fit into the historical method? Thanks!
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/2x9zyz/historians_travel/
{ "a_id": [ "coyb5ze" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "I'm a medievalist, and travel is very important for my research because it's the only way I can access some of the things I study, and the only way I can talk with others in my field.\n\nMy project focuses on archaeology in sixth century England,...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
6c8de2
why did all the spices of the old world come from far away? were there not spices native to western europe?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6c8de2/eli5_why_did_all_the_spices_of_the_old_world_come/
{ "a_id": [ "dhsqhcg" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "There are plenty of native European seasonings; think of oregano, basil, marjoram, thyme, rosemary, sage, garlic, lavender, parsley, carroway, cumin, anise, bay laurel, dill, horseradish, juniper, mint, mustard, saffron, tarragon.\n\nAnyway, as t...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
e90nlw
how does google photos recognize my baby pictures?
I just uploaded my baby pictures to google photos and it immediately put them into my face’s photo album. My friends can’t even recognize me as a baby so how did Google Photos? It’s so cool! Would love to learn more about it.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/e90nlw/eli5_how_does_google_photos_recognize_my_baby/
{ "a_id": [ "fafsb1n", "fag9149" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "The same way it can distinguish your friends from you. Or your dog from your baby. It scans the photo and compares it to a large large pool of already identified images and decided what its most likely to be. \n\nBig brother...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
5p5ccj
what's the difference between neutron stars, pulsars, and quasars?
I've heard all 3 terms used pretty closely when reading about them, but I've never been sure what the actual difference is.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5p5ccj/eli5_whats_the_difference_between_neutron_stars/
{ "a_id": [ "dcohxzq", "dcoj10l" ], "score": [ 2, 10 ], "text": [ "So a neutron star is what happens when a large star sheds it's outer layer and the internal collapses in on itself after going supernova. These emit a lot of radiation including fast moving neutrons hence the name. \n\...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Degenerate_matter#Concept", "https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetar" ] ]
333uod
why do cats ears twitch after being slightly touched?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/333uod/eli5_why_do_cats_ears_twitch_after_being_slightly/
{ "a_id": [ "cqhajd0", "cqhb6fy" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Dog's ears do this too, and I think it's a reflex meant to protect the ears. In nature, if something touches your ears, it means one of two things:\n\n1. It's harmless. It doesn't matter what you do.\n\n2. The thing that jus...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
ddik6f
Are there any good sources that an average person could use to learn about Celtic and Gallic religions prior to Christianization?
This question mostly comes to me as a result of personal curiosity. I don't really have any real experience with studying history beyond a highschool level, so I don't think that anything particularly academic in terms of its target audience would be too helpful.
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/ddik6f/are_there_any_good_sources_that_an_average_person/
{ "a_id": [ "f2ikiza", "f2kzen7" ], "score": [ 8, 2 ], "text": [ "\\- *The Celtic Gauls: Gods, Rites and Sanctuaries*; Jean-Louis Brunaux; 1988.\n\nThis a study of Gaulish religious features, in their public and ritual aspects, but also how they might have conceived their spiritual univers...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://global.oup.com/academic/product/druids-a-very-short-introduction-9780199539406?cc=us&lang=en&#" ] ]
6kfip5
life on earth has existed for millions of years, growing and adapting. so why do small amounts of exposure to the sun still harm its organisms?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6kfip5/eli5_life_on_earth_has_existed_for_millions_of/
{ "a_id": [ "djllxhu", "djlmm9f" ], "score": [ 5, 6 ], "text": [ "Because for most of the world, while it's harmful, it doesn't kill you before you reproduce. So there's little evolutionary pressure that favors a mutation that has a characteristic that makes sun less harmful.\n\nUnless yo...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1uvugp
Has there ever been controversy arize from the translation of Holy books into different Vernacular Languages?
I know that translating books like the bible from Latin or whichever language its widely accepted form was written, was a big source of theological debate. But once books like the bible did get translated into local languages were there any sources of strife between for example Italian Catholics and french catholics ov...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1uvugp/has_there_ever_been_controversy_arize_from_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cem7l3j", "cemb5hv" ], "score": [ 10, 3 ], "text": [ "There are many, many disputes over this sort of thing, and that's why you find so many different translations of the Bible in English alone. Every version of the Bible pretty much exists because someone didn't like a transl...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_James_Only_movement" ], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses_(Michelangelo)" ] ]
8z2z5m
why do capacitors in crt tvs from 50 years ago still work, but every lcd i've had blew a capacitor in less than 5 years?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8z2z5m/eli5_why_do_capacitors_in_crt_tvs_from_50_years/
{ "a_id": [ "e2fnhs5", "e2fnwil", "e2fs3wj" ], "score": [ 5, 3, 9 ], "text": [ "Probably not the answer you're looking for but I'd guess it was them intentionally installing cheaper/lower quality ones they know will fail so you upgrade sooner. Planned obsolescence... But that's jus...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
b5v8tq
how do dogs always manage to shed when it's getting warmer?
Is it based on the seasons? The temperature? Secondary question: will climate change affect shed times?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/b5v8tq/eli5_how_do_dogs_always_manage_to_shed_when_its/
{ "a_id": [ "ejgb56f" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "They are responding to the change in the length of the day associated with the passing seasons. \n\nEDIT: Because climate change does not affect the length of the day, it will not affect this. " ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
26263c
When you fart, the gas released is lighter than the surrounding air, indicating bouancy. Does this mean that we weigh nominally more after farting since we no longer have a gas inside our body that is slightly lighter than air?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/26263c/when_you_fart_the_gas_released_is_lighter_than/
{ "a_id": [ "chmzmzl", "chn0iy6", "chn5ye2" ], "score": [ 3, 9, 38 ], "text": [ "It depends on how rigid our bodies are. A tank of nitrogen will weigh less when you let out gas because you lost mass. If flatulence was less dense than air and your body was flexible enough that your ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
2o9pvt
just say.. we had the technology to lasso mars and bring it to same position earth is to the sun, would mars eventually be habitable like earth is today?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2o9pvt/eli5_just_say_we_had_the_technology_to_lasso_mars/
{ "a_id": [ "cml0xca", "cml0xyu", "cml0yul", "cml10k4", "cml2usy", "cml3xsr" ], "score": [ 7, 2, 5, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "No. In fact, it probably would make Mars *less* habitable. The lower gravity of Mars, combined with its lack of a magnetosphere means th...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
1odnu1
Does alcohol affect insects the same as humans?
Sitting at a bar. Fly in my wine. Made me curious.
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1odnu1/does_alcohol_affect_insects_the_same_as_humans/
{ "a_id": [ "ccr4s1o" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Surprisingly, yes! Ethanol vapour tested on *Drosophila* showed that they behave in an [inebriated](_URL_0_) fashion, and they have noted the activity of a gene that codes for a neuropeptide that is involved in a cAMP pathway that has an effect o...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.nature.com/news/1998/980702/full/news980702-3.html" ] ]
fi4p0
What causes pruney fingers?
Whenever I go swimming, my fingers looks wrinkly after. What causes this? Is it pool water hypotonic, causing my fingers to absorb water or hypertonic, causing them to lose water. My scence teacher insists that the pool water is hypotonic and that my fingers take on water, but wouldn't that make them look bulbous and ...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/fi4p0/what_causes_pruney_fingers/
{ "a_id": [ "c1g3pds", "c1g4lqp" ], "score": [ 52, 5 ], "text": [ "Two portions of your skin, the epidermis and dermis, are tied down to one another in certain areas. As you spend a lot of time in the pool, your skin absorbs water and expands. However, since the two layers are connected, y...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/mus.10323/abstract;jsessionid=7DF0971A43BB0DC0B47982BB968C2D00.d01t04" ] ]
21it7j
how does a galaxy s4 cellphone cost $450 when a decent laptop costs $300?
Sure, it's basically a laptop in your pocket, but to make a Galaxy S4 (or the like) would use significantly less resources than making a laptop would. Plus it's 1/16 the size. Why does a little cellphone cost more than an actual computer laptop?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/21it7j/eli5_how_does_a_galaxy_s4_cellphone_cost_450_when/
{ "a_id": [ "cgdf8zo", "cgdfmw0", "cgdfy7w", "cgdhu1b", "cgdifpa", "cgdjdf6", "cgdmp2d", "cgdnvb8", "cgdoicf", "cgdom6a", "cgdpycd", "cgdx5dp", "cge3ayz", "cge3tqy", "cge4vxn", "cge55v5" ], "score": [ 458, 67, 19, 4, 3, 5, ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "http://www.zdnet.com/a-849-64gb-iphone-5s-only-costs-apple-218-to-build-7000021175/" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
2skt81
why isn't japan popular for esports?
There have been some articles about Japan such as this one: [A NEW KIND OF GAMER: JAPAN AIMS FOR THE PROS](_URL_0_) However, this article was published on December 1, 2014. South Korea has been into esports for over a decade, starting in 2000. It would make sense if Japan was popular for esports, since they have a b...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2skt81/eli5_why_isnt_japan_popular_for_esports/
{ "a_id": [ "cnqe93t", "cnqh1q4" ], "score": [ 5, 8 ], "text": [ "the gaming industry is consoles and hand helds only recently pc gaming started geting more popular in japan, before it was seen pc gamer = playing porn/eroge games.", "I just did an essay on this exact topic actually.\n\...
[]
[ "http://na.lolesports.com/articles/new-kind-gamer-japan-aims-pros" ]
[ [], [] ]
vxuve
What happens to a mosquito when it sucks a diabetics blood?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/vxuve/what_happens_to_a_mosquito_when_it_sucks_a/
{ "a_id": [ "c58kewq", "c58l097" ], "score": [ 15, 3 ], "text": [ "*Arbovirologist here.\n\nIt wouldn't matter very much at all. Both male and female mosquitoes eat sugar from any source they can find (eg: rotten fruit, nectar, etc...), but only the females take blood meals. The protein i...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1i35tr
Historical post-modernism/ post-structuralism?
im struggling to understand the basic methodology of post-modernism, compared to the empirical approach or the Marxism approach it feels much more vague and unspecified. Any help with this would be appreciated.
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1i35tr/historical_postmodernism_poststructuralism/
{ "a_id": [ "cb0na77", "cb0wl7r", "cb0y8no" ], "score": [ 5, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Postmodernism *is* kind of vague and unspecified unfortunately. Postmodernism, or, The Cultural Logic of Late Capitalism by Frederick Jameson is kind of long and disjointed, I came out of it with a pret...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
67amdw
why do people still believe in god?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/67amdw/eli5_why_do_people_still_believe_in_god/
{ "a_id": [ "dgox356" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ " > Don't post to argue a point of view.\n\nThis post has been removed. You want /r/changemyview. Or you want to survey people in which case you want a sub that allows that." ] }
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[ [] ]
gaw7k
Does the earth have other satellites other than the moon?
A few links on the Internet suggest that there are 5 or 6 but says nothing about how they are identified or how big they are.
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/gaw7k/does_the_earth_have_other_satellites_other_than/
{ "a_id": [ "c1m777w", "c1m7a8j", "c1m7h6d", "c1m7h90" ], "score": [ 4, 3, 3, 6 ], "text": [ "aside from the artificial ones, no.", "Maybe you are misreading something that is speaking in the past tense? As far as I know it's all speculative, but I have come across desc...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
149lk5
Can you point me towards some good introductory reading on Norman culture and history?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/149lk5/can_you_point_me_towards_some_good_introductory/
{ "a_id": [ "c7b4cxk" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Not really my field so I can't recommend more than this, but I thought David Crouch's *The Normans: The History of a Dynasty* was a very good political history." ] }
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[ [] ]
3bs0gw
why do deli meats like turkey and roast beef taste so much different when thickly sliced vs. thinly sliced?
A quarter inch of thinly sliced turkey tastes completely different than one quarter inch thick slice of turkey. What's up with that?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3bs0gw/eli5why_do_deli_meats_like_turkey_and_roast_beef/
{ "a_id": [ "csozu59", "csozxbb", "csozzh0", "csp08il", "csp0c6k", "csp36jj", "csp3bxl", "csp4big", "csp4i3m", "csp4t3c", "csp7k9j", "csp8mun", "cspdqh8", "cspfanp", "cspkzyw", "cspnqrn", "csprwbl", "cspumx1", "cspxih9" ], "score": [ ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
5jc3z3
why does us congress block the creation of a searchable gun registry?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5jc3z3/eli5_why_does_us_congress_block_the_creation_of_a/
{ "a_id": [ "dbezs6n", "dbezuke" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Many think they guard their freedom by having a secret weapons cache. If TSHTF they will have an arsenal to restore democracy, or set up their own little gang turf.\n\nIf their weapons cache was public knowledge they would b...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
wo44n
Are we just as capable of eating raw meats today as we were thousands of years ago?
It seems that nowadays raw meat of any kind is scarcely available for direct consumption. I understand that this is mostly done to prevent disease which led me to this thought. If we processed our meats in cleaner ways, is it possible to eat raw meat and still live healthy lives?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/wo44n/are_we_just_as_capable_of_eating_raw_meats_today/
{ "a_id": [ "c5ez0ye" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "Yes, as you mentioned, the main concern with eating raw meats is disease and infection.\n\nOur digestive system is perfectly able to digest raw meat, it just takes a bit longer to break it down. " ] }
[]
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[ [] ]
2mnupu
why can't i feel the digestion?
Why can't I feel the process of digestion on my stomach since its happening inside me?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2mnupu/eli5_why_cant_i_feel_the_digestion/
{ "a_id": [ "cm5y48b" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The primary purpose of perceiving stimuli is for you to respond to it in some way. There really is no point in \"feeling\" your digestive process, so there is no reason your brain would process that as at feeling for you to perceive. We do this f...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3n86mb
why bipartisanship has seemed to disappear in american politics
There never seems to be republicans and democrats working together anymore, and it seemed to be a common thing before the last 10-15 years
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3n86mb/eli5_why_bipartisanship_has_seemed_to_disappear/
{ "a_id": [ "cvlp5fh", "cvltsks" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "The citizens have become more polarized due to the media becoming more politically biased on both sides, catering to elements of viewers that are either liberal or conservative, which caused each side to elect less moderate ...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
433516
What are the different characteristics and cultural differences in the usage of the bow and arrow?
Hi r/askhistorians can someone help me in understanding how different cultures used different bows, for instance Longbow used by the British and Flatbow by the Native Americans. Why were these types more effective in certain places and not the others? It would help if someone could tell me about the bow and arrows used...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/433516/what_are_the_different_characteristics_and/
{ "a_id": [ "czf9dpc" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Here is an interesting article describing the concurrent use of the atlatl and the bow and arrow by Aleut peoples. Essentially, they were hunting sea mammals with atlatls and using bow and arrows for warfare/intergroup conflict. \n\nThe advantage...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.academia.edu/4453673/The_Bow_and_Arrow_in_Northern_North_America" ] ]
a92uns
Does early stage Prostate Cancer have any effect on one's sex drive?
in other terms, are there any sexual side effects of prostate cancer? Weak Erection? Impotence? Or does the prostate only involve urination?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/a92uns/does_early_stage_prostate_cancer_have_any_effect/
{ "a_id": [ "eciulfm" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Not in early stages - it's asymptomatic. Obviously when it spreads it can have effects up to death.\n\nHowever, treatment often has large effects including impotence due to damage to the nerves attached to the exterior of the gland, and incontine...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
38futx
why is it when we are at school the majority of tests are memory based when in the real world we can look formulas and definitions up?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/38futx/eli5_why_is_it_when_we_are_at_school_the_majority/
{ "a_id": [ "crupw70", "crupxay" ], "score": [ 3, 6 ], "text": [ "You went to a bad school, or at least had bad teachers? I had plenty of those myself, but also had some great teachers with classes in which everything up to and including my final exams were entirely open-book. Just about a...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
15tslv
On average, how many times a year does a regular, healthy person get sick?
Sick including any temporary illness...a cold, the flu, stomach flu (I know, not actually the flu), etc. It seems like some people never get sick, while some people are always sick. I'm curious about what is more common though...once/twice a year? Once a month? Or is there no real common trend for this sort of thing. ...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/15tslv/on_average_how_many_times_a_year_does_a_regular/
{ "a_id": [ "c7prss0", "c7pu2wb", "c7pugnk", "c7vkg2h" ], "score": [ 73, 26, 46, 2 ], "text": [ "You're asking a question that will become a statistical nightmare. Epidemiologists track a lot of things, but they do their best to track specifics rather than generalities, an...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1390371/Women-sick-men-skip-work-soon-start-feeling-ill.html" ], [] ]
528qxg
why do calories in food not translate to fullness from eating?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/528qxg/eli5why_do_calories_in_food_not_translate_to/
{ "a_id": [ "d7i6wg0", "d7i6zly", "d7i7f1i" ], "score": [ 4, 4, 3 ], "text": [ "Each food has a different amount of calories per volume. Your stomach volume defines when you feel full. You can fill your stomach with small high calorie food, or large low calorie food, and about 10 m...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
6wglu9
Why do some metals glow red hot at their melting point (i.e. Iron, nickel, etc) while others (i.e. Aluminum) are silver when molten?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/6wglu9/why_do_some_metals_glow_red_hot_at_their_melting/
{ "a_id": [ "dm7x4f3", "dm8111h", "dm85vvb" ], "score": [ 26, 12, 3 ], "text": [ "Different melting points. \nAt roughly around 700°C (=1292°F) the human eye notices a faint dark red glow.\nAluminum is already molten at this temperature wheras iron needs a lot more heat and is alr...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black-body_radiation" ], [] ]
2l4q0k
Why didn't LBJ get sued for sexual harassment?
I constantly hear stories about Lyndon Johnson pulling out his penis as showing it to people like reporters or even members of congress as a sign of male dominance and aggression. I'm a little surprised at the fact that this behavior didn't come back to haut him as he governed. I don't think it would be enough to impea...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/2l4q0k/why_didnt_lbj_get_sued_for_sexual_harassment/
{ "a_id": [ "clrn5lt" ], "score": [ 12 ], "text": [ "Ironically, sexual harassment law in the United States might not exist in its present form without LBJ. Federal sexual harassment law grew out of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a law that LBJ was instrumental in passing. The actual r...
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[]
[ [] ]
1gedlx
why does heat melt some things, but harden or cure others?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1gedlx/eli5_why_does_heat_melt_some_things_but_harden_or/
{ "a_id": [ "cajg69q", "cajg8rs" ], "score": [ 27, 7 ], "text": [ "Well, everything is made of tiny molecules and these molecules are always moving around, and go faster and faster as they get hotter. When they get really fast they turn into a liquid and when they get even faster they shoo...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
9ffk8q
Why doesn't neutron scattering cause fission/neutron capture?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/9ffk8q/why_doesnt_neutron_scattering_cause/
{ "a_id": [ "e5w5phy" ], "score": [ 12 ], "text": [ "If a neutron scatters, then by definition, it’s not participating in a reaction channel.\n\nIf you bombard a target with neutrons, there will in general be many possible channels: elastic scattering, inelastic scattering, capture, fission, (n,2n...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
70dxz7
does led burn out faster similar to how light bulb burn out faster from 'strobe lighting' them?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/70dxz7/eli5_does_led_burn_out_faster_similar_to_how/
{ "a_id": [ "dn2fc9l", "dn2o2ug" ], "score": [ 9, 2 ], "text": [ "No. LEDs generate light differently from incandescent bulbs. They don't get nearly as hot and so they don't suffer from the damage that comes with rapid heat/cool cycles. ", "The answer is yes, depending upon the wattage...
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[ [], [] ]
bu69xx
for people that have been exposed to high level of radiation, after the initial bouts of symptoms why does it look like they seem to be in recovery but in reality are not. the next stage with the symptoms coming back worst and eventually dying?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bu69xx/eli5_for_people_that_have_been_exposed_to_high/
{ "a_id": [ "ep7goy9", "ep7sxlv" ], "score": [ 5, 9 ], "text": [ "Many of the symptoms of illness are products of the body's attempts to fight off the problem. For example if someone gets a viral or bacterial infection they will develop a fever, an increase in body temperature which is unc...
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[ [], [] ]
2v7alt
Given the recent uptick in Jihad versus Crusade comparisons, i've seen this image a lot, what does it ACTUALLY show?
Also, I see many arguments against the comparison that President Obama made. Is there a fair comparison to be made? Anyone care to do a general assessment on the "comparability" of the two? _URL_1_ -- this is the image that is going on (mainly on right wing blogs) to counter the points being made. This image seems t...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/2v7alt/given_the_recent_uptick_in_jihad_versus_crusade/
{ "a_id": [ "cof2q8b", "cof7ivx", "cof8fy0" ], "score": [ 194, 9, 39 ], "text": [ "There are many problems with this comparison. Just from the top of my head, the picture is flawed for these reasons:\n\n* The pictured compared two very different time-frames, the \"Muslim\" Conquest...
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[ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_To-cV94Bo&feature=youtu.be", "http://i.imgur.com/bpnbqRI.jpg" ]
[ [], [], [] ]
99t9mw
why can't you reuse needles on yourself?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/99t9mw/eli5_why_cant_you_reuse_needles_on_yourself/
{ "a_id": [ "e4q9qq3", "e4q9qt2", "e4q9t6w" ], "score": [ 8, 17, 4 ], "text": [ "Needles are sterile when you open them, if you use them at least ones, one way or another you will get some germs, re using them you will introduce them in your blood stream and if you got a serious he...
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[ [], [], [] ]
395b2u
What was the significance of the Big 3( Zeus, Posiden and Hades) in ancient Greece?
I know that there are alot of stories, paintings and statues of these gods, but how did they impact on Greek life at the time?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/395b2u/what_was_the_significance_of_the_big_3_zeus/
{ "a_id": [ "cs0raky" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Followup question: is the term \"Big Three\" actually used by ancient Greeks or modern historians, or is it simply popularized by fiction writers?" ] }
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[ [] ]
189adf
When we look exoplanets, aren't we missing the 99% of planets that don't pass directly between us and their star?
...or is the path of exoplanet orbit fairly consistent in some way? I seem to remember also being able to detect planets by the wobble of stars, though this technique hasn't been given as much limelight in the media frenzy as of late.
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/189adf/when_we_look_exoplanets_arent_we_missing_the_99/
{ "a_id": [ "c8cr6sj", "c8crbw4", "c8csg0x" ], "score": [ 2, 6, 3 ], "text": [ "Yes. The wobble implies the presence of a gravitational pull and gives us a hint as to where *something* might be. Iirc. ", "Yes. Detecting exoplanets is very difficult. With the \"wobble\" techniqu...
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[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Fomalhaut_with_Disk_Ring_and_extrasolar_planet_b.jpg" ], [] ]
15yjoi
What was the Russian Empires response to the American Revolution?
How did the Russian Empire respond both diplomatically and culturally to the American Revolution and the establishment of America? Thank you.
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/15yjoi/what_was_the_russian_empires_response_to_the/
{ "a_id": [ "c7r074l", "c7r0ykw", "c7r38i4" ], "score": [ 3, 6, 2 ], "text": [ "I will give a bit of a tangential answer to this because I don't have specific information regarding the topic. \n\nThe heart of the Enlightenment (which had a lot of influence on the American Revolutio...
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[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catherine_the_Great" ], [], [] ]
1imbqe
Was thick, bulletproof metal armor, like Ned Kelly used in the Glenrowan shootout in 1880, ever produced or considered by anyone before then? Why didn't it catch on?
I've read that Ned Kelly and his companions' homemade armor saved them from a huge number of bullets to the head and chest and allowed them to hold out for quite a while against a much larger force. Why wasn't that kind of armor made in the sixteenth or seventeenth century? Or was it? Even if it would've been imprac...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1imbqe/was_thick_bulletproof_metal_armor_like_ned_kelly/
{ "a_id": [ "cb5vlhk", "cb5w0ar", "cb5yd8w" ], "score": [ 34, 22, 2 ], "text": [ "I'm afraid I can't speak to the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, but I can speak to the eighteenth and nineteenth.\n\nBreastplates were worn through the eighteenth century by some nobles or leader...
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[]
[ [ "http://blog.americanhistory.si.edu/osaycanyousee/2013/04/failed-objects-bullet-proof-vests-and-design-in-the-american-civil-war.html" ], [ "https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRwUmNngYwODH2gr6tv29hunMXXjgsj0b5zk--eB-iy7jLofvw9", "http://britishbattles.homestead.com/files/europe/...
cgdjbw
how do animals in the wild know what’s safe to eat?
Animals in the wild at some point must come in contact with plants that are not safe to eat (like poisonous mushrooms). How do they know not to eat those?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cgdjbw/eli5_how_do_animals_in_the_wild_know_whats_safe/
{ "a_id": [ "eugd6yi", "eugd8mv", "eugoxrz", "euhbjaa", "euhhm1k" ], "score": [ 18, 8, 6, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Some level of smell/taste (bitter for humans, for example, tends to be toxic) is in play, and probably some instinct, however many, say, dogs do occasionally...
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[ [], [], [ "https://www.sciencefriday.com/articles/the-case-of-the-barfing-blue-jay/" ], [ "https://youtu.be/gz8FlSKJ2JE", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evolutionary_arms_race" ], [] ]
bphpoz
What causes the darker and lighter portions of the moon that you can see when you look up at it?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/bphpoz/what_causes_the_darker_and_lighter_portions_of/
{ "a_id": [ "envgfng", "enw8bpp" ], "score": [ 2, 8 ], "text": [ "You're seeing rocks with different composition. The darker areas, often referred to as seas, contain rock that is less reflective than the brighter highlands.", "There are 2 types of terrain on the Moon:\n\nthe lighter a...
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[ [], [] ]
yif8u
what is social security, how does it work in the u.s, and why is it deemed unsustainable?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/yif8u/what_is_social_security_how_does_it_work_in_the/
{ "a_id": [ "c5vvjj7", "c5vvr5n", "c5w4d81" ], "score": [ 7, 10, 2 ], "text": [ "SS is a government program which collects money from working people and then passes it out to retired people.\n\nThis requires the working people to produce enough wealth to provide not only their own ...
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[ [], [], [] ]
3b04lu
How do blind people conceptualize mathematics? (Not trying to be rude)
I hope this question isn't rude. I am genuinely curious. I was trying to think of how I would conceptualize shapes and geometrical objects if I had never had the ability to see. It was difficult for me to think about and the only answer I came up with was using touch as a substitute.
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/3b04lu/how_do_blind_people_conceptualize_mathematics_not/
{ "a_id": [ "csi4axw" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "It is an interesting question and I would imagine you are right in thinking about using touch instead of sight. The problem with asking this question on Reddit is that I would imagine there is a very small population of blind people using a websi...
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[ [] ]
ucltr
Evolution of color vision
So it's well understood that while birds and reptiles [have the ability to perceive four distinct "colors" of light](_URL_0_) while mammals can only see two (or three, in the case of some primates and most humans). We understand that two of these color-sensing cones were most likely lost in burrowing mammals after the...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/ucltr/evolution_of_color_vision/
{ "a_id": [ "c4uagm7", "c4uepss" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "Here is a pretty good paper on the evolution of vertebrate visual pigments\n_URL_0_\nThe wavelengths that each cone are sensitive to are determined by the photopigments they express. Mutations in the photopigment genes can a...
[]
[ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evolution_of_color_vision", "http://www.webexhibits.org/causesofcolor/17B.html" ]
[ [ "http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S004269890800148X" ], [ "http://www.pigeon.psy.tufts.edu/avc/husband/default.htm" ] ]
22cfog
if special relativity allows one observer to observe event a as occurring before event b and another to oberve event b as occurring before event a, how casuality can be preserved if event a caused event b?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/22cfog/eli5_if_special_relativity_allows_one_observer_to/
{ "a_id": [ "cglfif1", "cglfk33", "cglfrc0", "cgli156" ], "score": [ 4, 8, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "If A causes B, both observers will see A before B. These two events can only be observed differently if they are not related to each other.", "Because *if* A caused B, then A ...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
3e2ymf
is there any way to reverse what humans have done to the earth since the industrial revolution?
Is there anyway to get rid of the CO2 we've emitted? I know we can use solar energy but is there actually anyway to get rid of the CO2?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3e2ymf/eli5_is_there_any_way_to_reverse_what_humans_have/
{ "a_id": [ "ctayz64", "ctaz8ee" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Carbon moves around between various reservoirs (e.g. CO2 in the atmosphere) in what is called [the carbon cycle](_URL_0_). Humans have increased the rate at which CO2 is going into the atmosphere and decreased the rate at wh...
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[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_cycle" ], [] ]
5ctxhi
if a closed room has a 100w fan running inside, is the room being heated by 100w?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5ctxhi/eli5_if_a_closed_room_has_a_100w_fan_running/
{ "a_id": [ "d9zfhpi", "d9zfq8w", "d9zfxju" ], "score": [ 3, 3, 11 ], "text": [ "Yes. \n\nNo other answer is correct. Yes. 100w fan or a 100w heater in an insulated room is the same. \n\nA heater adds thermal energy directly. A fan adds mechanical energy that becomes kinetic energy...
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[ [], [], [] ]
883dpk
how were medieval guilds different from labor unions?
How were the various guilds of medieval times similar/different from industrial/post-industrial labor unions such as the AFL and IWW?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/883dpk/how_were_medieval_guilds_different_from_labor/
{ "a_id": [ "dwhorym", "dwhzw62" ], "score": [ 6, 11 ], "text": [ "First off, a bit of nomenclature - the AFL is not an industrial or post-industrial union, it's a craft union. The CIO and the IWW were industrial unions. The difference? The AFL organized along trades, so (using an example ...
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[ [], [] ]
1n4sxn
What happens to impurities in drugs when they are injected intravenously?
Say a tiny chunk of heroin or that cotton they use to filter it or even dust/dirt gets sucked up into the syringe and they inject it into their vein, what happens to it? does it get stuck in the kidneys? disintegrate? can it lead to a clot later?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1n4sxn/what_happens_to_impurities_in_drugs_when_they_are/
{ "a_id": [ "ccfi7c3", "ccfpzpn" ], "score": [ 2, 7 ], "text": [ "Any of these options could potentially happen. you could cause an immune reaction, throw a clot, etc. More likely, you could mess up your microcirculation, have local tissue infarctions, etc.\nIf it was a chunk or heroin or ...
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gteqt
how long was a true solar day 200,000 years ago?
How many seconds, noon to noon?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/gteqt/how_long_was_a_true_solar_day_200000_years_ago/
{ "a_id": [ "c1q69eg" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "The day is getting slightly slower as the Earth ages, mainly due to the dissipation of tides the moon raises in the Earth's oceans. The rate at which the Earth's rotation is slowing can be modeled through the following formula, which does a good...
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2x7djr
why do crabs have to be boiled alive? why can't they be killed before boiling?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2x7djr/eli5_why_do_crabs_have_to_be_boiled_alive_why/
{ "a_id": [ "coxkg65", "coxkwwe", "coxm487", "coxnw1z" ], "score": [ 21, 21, 4, 4 ], "text": [ "[The standard method for cooking crab is to kill them first](_URL_0_). You might be thinking of Lobster, which is another thing entirely. Lobsters aren't particularly clean, and ...
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[ [ "https://i.imgur.com/pjPtu.jpg" ], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKSw0aYsak0" ], [], [] ]
qdlau
How far would the moon have to be from the earth before it starts to rotate around the sun instead of the earth?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/qdlau/how_far_would_the_moon_have_to_be_from_the_earth/
{ "a_id": [ "c3wqn5v" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The Earth's \"[hill sphere](_URL_0_)\" describes its sphere of influence -- if a gravitating body is outside of this sphere, then it would orbit the Sun instead. \n\nFor the Earth, this would be 0.01 AU from the Earth, or 1.5 million km." ] }
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[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hill_sphere" ] ]
2vkgr0
Are the mechanisms that cause cancer mutations the same mechanisms that cause the appearance of new traits that we've evolve into?
I was wondering if 'curing cancer' by magically stopping these mutations would also stop evolution.
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/2vkgr0/are_the_mechanisms_that_cause_cancer_mutations/
{ "a_id": [ "coijakd", "coits51" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "Cancer is caused by defects in certain genes that produce tumor suppressing proteins. So when these proteins are not present, cells grow indefinitely, eventually you get cancer. Curing cancer will not have do anything to sto...
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[ [], [] ]
fap0zb
in the lord of the rings, a series of large fires are used to communicate a call for urgent aid over a mountain range. is there any mention of anything like this being used throughout history? or would it have been too hard to man/ supply?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/fap0zb/in_the_lord_of_the_rings_a_series_of_large_fires/
{ "a_id": [ "fizpu7q" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Here's a [great answer](_URL_0_) from /u/BRIStoneman that addresses your question!" ] }
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[ [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/6wda8e/were_beacons_like_in_lotr_ever_used_to_communicate/dm773k8/" ] ]
2crtqd
When was the Roman title "princeps" replaced by "emperor"?
Did any contemporaries ever refer to/address a Roman Emperor as "Emperor"? I know that Augustus, the first emperor, was careful to avoid monarchical titles like "king" or "emperor" because he did not want to upset the Senate. Instead he used more innocuous titles like "first citizen" and "tribune." Presumably his succ...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/2crtqd/when_was_the_roman_title_princeps_replaced_by/
{ "a_id": [ "cjidf8g" ], "score": [ 21 ], "text": [ "Remember that 'emperor' is an English title, which is not directly analogous to the Latin *imperator*. When we say that Augustus became the first 'emperor', we are analysing a unique, and irreversible, combination of both political offices and p...
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1iq3b7
Why are some elements referred to as synthetic or artificial?
I understand how fusion can create heavier elements, past Uranium, but what I don't get is why those elements don't or haven't exist in nature and are deemed synthetic. Is it just impossible for a supernova to reach temperatures for that type of fusion to occur or is there just some cut off point where things just ca...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1iq3b7/why_are_some_elements_referred_to_as_synthetic_or/
{ "a_id": [ "cb6x35b", "cb6xihm" ], "score": [ 11, 3 ], "text": [ "It's not necessarily impossible for these elements to be created naturally, it's just we have no indication that it's happened. Odds are, some supernova somewhere did create elements heavier than Californium, but all the sy...
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[ [], [] ]
6he40y
Wehrmacht vs SS
I have an odd question for you wise people. What are yalls opinion on people who call soldiers and officers of the Wehrmacht nazis? It is to my understanding that although the Wehrmacht were the armed forces of nazi Germany and were indoctrinated to nazism to a certain degree, it was composed of every day german soldie...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/6he40y/wehrmacht_vs_ss/
{ "a_id": [ "dixmq1t", "dixstr6" ], "score": [ 5, 12 ], "text": [ "Always more to be said on this topic, but I would point you to /u/astrogator's post [here](_URL_0_) on the topic, as well as [this](_URL_1_) insightful comment from /u/commiespaceinvader.", "One thing that clouds the is...
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[ [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3hw2fv/is_the_use_of_nazi_as_a_general_demonym_for/cub3qya/", "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/4lto41/to_what_degree_can_we_meaningfully_talk_about_a/d3qa0xh/" ], [] ]
2f6uo8
how large should a cult be to be considered a religion?
I mean if both a cult and a religion have the same population size...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2f6uo8/eli5_how_large_should_a_cult_be_to_be_considered/
{ "a_id": [ "ck6fpyy", "ck6j5zq", "ck6musu" ], "score": [ 8, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Those 2 terms aren't really mutually exclussive. \n\nOne man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter. \n\nBeing a cult, isn't about size though. It's about how you behave: \n\n+ Messianic leader. \...
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[ [], [], [] ]
21niin
why can we "develop a taste" for things we originally dislike, such as beer or certain foods?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/21niin/eli5_why_can_we_develop_a_taste_for_things_we/
{ "a_id": [ "cgerm3o", "cgesp3b", "cgetmze", "cgetzb2", "cgeu78d", "cgeuxnr", "cgevitl", "cgevp2p", "cgew4af", "cgewhfl", "cgewk4u", "cgeyfy1", "cgez263", "cgf07kh", "cgf0uu7", "cgf2fim", "cgf3c9o", "cgf41wx", "cgf55du", "cgf7eeh", "c...
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[ [ "http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xsvchw_human-body-brain-power_school" ], [], [], [], [ "http://imgur.com/bshjXkH" ], [], [ "http://mbe.oxfordjournals.org/content/22/3/432.full" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]