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213egh
How Were Knights/Common Soldiers Paid?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/213egh/how_were_knightscommon_soldiers_paid/
{ "a_id": [ "cg9b3pv" ], "score": [ 22 ], "text": [ "In the later middle ages in England, military service increasingly became based on service contracts, either for long or short periods. The earliest such short term contracts (that we have found) date from 1270 CE, when Prince Edward (later King...
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[]
[ [] ]
6pa37a
Is it possible for something travelling at the speed of light, such as photons, to orbit a body, like a black hole for example?
Additionally, how about something that has mass, unlike photons?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/6pa37a/is_it_possible_for_something_travelling_at_the/
{ "a_id": [ "dknylt0", "dko2iyz" ], "score": [ 13, 2 ], "text": [ "Yes, photons can orbit a body like a black hole, but there are no stable orbits. There is [a certain radius](_URL_0_) around a stationary black hole where a photon would have a circular orbit, but it isn't stable, so a phot...
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[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photon_sphere" ], [] ]
ae9dzz
(Astronomy) How do astronomers differentiate the change in a stars color caused by movement (blue/red shift) from the change in color caused by temperature?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/ae9dzz/astronomy_how_do_astronomers_differentiate_the/
{ "a_id": [ "ednohrw" ], "score": [ 9 ], "text": [ "Spectroscopy. All the elements emit/absorb light of specific wavelengths. We can measure the wavelengths in the lab and we can find the same patterns in starlight - just shifted. This shift depends on their motion only, not on their temperature. ...
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[ [] ]
8c0dcy
Why is it reptiles and certain animals are able to survive such long periods on a single meal, compared to humans?
I was watching a documentary and saw that a Nile Crocodile could last an en entire year after a meal. How is this possible? Even if the animal it ate was large, surely the eaten animal couldn't sustain a big crocodile for such a long time?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/8c0dcy/why_is_it_reptiles_and_certain_animals_are_able/
{ "a_id": [ "dxcmo0r" ], "score": [ 9 ], "text": [ "Cold blooded. Humans use up massive amounts of energy keeping ourselves at optimum temperature, humans also have higher than average energy requirements than most other mammals due to our larger brains. Humans can survive months without eating bt...
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[ [] ]
5dzpqd
why do apartments keep raising rents every year until you leave, if they're just going to rent it out to someone new and unknown at a lower rent afterwards?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5dzpqd/eli5_why_do_apartments_keep_raising_rents_every/
{ "a_id": [ "da8igrr" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "They aren't. Your rent is being increased to keep up with inflation, and rental prices in your market. Any new tenet will be paying a comparable amount to you. " ] }
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[ [] ]
3oc4e7
After I receive a transition of blood, when does that blood physiologically become my blood?
For example, J needs a blood transfusion. Shortly after the transfusion, J has blood work drawn. How does his transfused blood have the properties of the new blood? Does it? When does that blood become J's blood. Edit: a typo in the title. That's unfortunate. It should read transfusion, not transition.
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/3oc4e7/after_i_receive_a_transition_of_blood_when_does/
{ "a_id": [ "cvvvtt8", "cvvwa4d", "cvvwb59", "cvwa35t", "cvwdc28", "cvwrxh0" ], "score": [ 5, 5, 44, 2, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "The red blood cells remain the same after the transfusion. Prior to the transfusion, tests for cell surface antigens on the donor and r...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
pt8eh
How did/do wings evolve? Why are the in-between generations of "not winged" to "winged" creatures considered advantageous for evolution's criteria?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/pt8eh/how_diddo_wings_evolve_why_are_the_inbetween/
{ "a_id": [ "c3s1psz" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "There are considered 4 separate evolutions of flight- insects, bats, birds and pterosaurs. I can't comment on 3 of the 4, but there are two common theories for how pre-avian theropods started evolving wings. They are wing-like front limbs to aid ...
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[ [] ]
5p9u02
if some letters are silent in certain words then why include then at all?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5p9u02/eli5_if_some_letters_are_silent_in_certain_words/
{ "a_id": [ "dcpj342", "dcpln1h" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Often just tradition. When they began printing books in English, there weren't many typesetters in England, so they imported Dutch typesetters who often spelled English words in a Dutch way. So that's how we got the 'h' in '...
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[ [ "http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20150605-your-language-is-sinful" ], [] ]
1kq69h
how does it work in america when someone doesn't have health insurance?
For example, someone gets a heart attack when out on the street. People call 911 and the ambulance arrives. Do they help this person and does he get a big check afterwards or does someone check if he's in the system and if not, do the paramedics refuse to help? Never understood this, it might be simple but I would appr...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1kq69h/how_does_it_work_in_america_when_someone_doesnt/
{ "a_id": [ "cbrhif8", "cbri3kw", "cbrjp94", "cbrjxqr", "cbrk1nb", "cbrkatl", "cbrl581", "cbrl7do", "cbrlhv6", "cbrlmg4", "cbrls4n", "cbrls5o", "cbrm1hr", "cbrm48l", "cbrm56z", "cbrnkxj", "cbrowjt", "cbrq6sg", "cbrzqso", "cbs1n5c", "c...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.walgreens.com/pharmacy/psc/psc_overview_page.jsp" ], [], [], [], [] ]
1if3hy
Did early agriculture effectively strip-mine the Fertile Crescent?
I recently watched Guns, Germs, and Steel. There was an implication in the first episode/section that because early agriculture science was so primitive, the Fertile Crescent was essentially Dust-Bowled so badly that it is just barren desert now. Is this true? If not, what happened to the Fertile Crescent?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1if3hy/did_early_agriculture_effectively_stripmine_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cb3u6na" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "From the book [*Guns, Germs, and Steel*](_URL_0_), by Jared Diamond pg. 411:\n\n\"The region's transformation from fertile woodland to eroded scrub or desert has been elucidated by paleobotanists and archeologists. Its woodlands were cleared for ...
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[]
[ [ "http://books.google.com/books?id=PWnWRFEGoeUC&printsec=frontcover&dq=guns+germs+and+steel&hl=en&sa=X&ei=KnTlUaqdE6q3ywHkj4CADg&ved=0CC0Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false" ] ]
2w1w4o
In the Antebellum South, how did plantation preachers treat the story of Moses and its anti-slavery elements?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/2w1w4o/in_the_antebellum_south_how_did_plantation/
{ "a_id": [ "con0jto" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "It is important to remember that Christianisation was not a universal phenomenon in the antebellum South; efforts to bring slaves into the Christian fold begin on a meaningful scale only quite late in slavery's history, and the extent to which th...
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[]
[ [ "http://docsouth.unc.edu/church/stringfellow/stringfellow.html", "http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/2rjrlr/in_antebellum_american_south_how_successful_were/cngo57i" ] ]
2b9jv0
why do people hate the .gif file format?
I've seen redditors comment about the .gif file format and how it should be phased out. What is it that is so bad about it? What alternatives are there and why don't we use those alternatives instead?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2b9jv0/eli5_why_do_people_hate_the_gif_file_format/
{ "a_id": [ "cj340ec", "cj347nd", "cj36jqq", "cj36mo3" ], "score": [ 8, 4, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "It's old and terribly inefficient, meaning that a small number of frames make a file that is much larger and slower to load than modern file formats.", "It was never designed f...
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[]
[ [], [], [ "http://youtu.be/blSzwPcL5Dw" ], [] ]
dxhqg8
explain to me the difference between something as a nuclear reactor and something like a nuclear weapon, how are they different, and how are they the same?
Sorry, I don’t know if this belongs under the flair, “chemistry”, “engineering”, or “physics”. I would think all three but it only allows me to choose one.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dxhqg8/eli5_explain_to_me_the_difference_between/
{ "a_id": [ "f7qg4dh", "f7qggb6" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "In short, weapons are constructed to release the stored energy in the fuel all at once whereas reactors are designed to do so slowly over the course of decades. Technically a reactor can never explode like a bomb can and mov...
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[ [], [] ]
y1tht
Why do satellite dishes near the equator NOT point up?
Like the title says... I've noticed that satellite dishes (DirectTV, for example, and also older-style big dishes) in Colombia point maybe 45 degrees up from the horizon, even though I'm at about 5 degrees latitude. What gives?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/y1tht/why_do_satellite_dishes_near_the_equator_not/
{ "a_id": [ "c5rjqma" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "satellite dishes need to point towards the satellite\n\nthe odds are very low for the satellite to be directly above you" ] }
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[ [] ]
3fp7kc
how exactly gps works? who owns the satellites? why i don't have to pay a fee to use them?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3fp7kc/eli5_how_exactly_gps_works_who_owns_the/
{ "a_id": [ "ctqokx5" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "GPS satellites are basically big clocks in the sky that broadcast what time it is and what time they sent the signal. Your device \"hears\" from 4 satellites, and can do some cool equations using the difference in time from each satellite to det...
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[]
[ [] ]
2tfc5t
Were the majority of the population of North Africa ethnically black previous to the Islamic expansion?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/2tfc5t/were_the_majority_of_the_population_of_north/
{ "a_id": [ "cnyiv01", "cnyrja5" ], "score": [ 20, 14 ], "text": [ "There is a large genetic continuity between modern North African populations and their pre-Islamic ancestors. [Studies of Egyptian DNA](_URL_0_) show that waves of invaders and settlers have accounted for only about 10 per...
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[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DNA_history_of_Egypt" ], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanhaja#mediaviewer/File:COLLECTIE_TROPENMUSEUM_Dansgroep_uit_de_westelijke_Sahara_tijdens_het_Nationaal_Folkore_Festival_te_Marrakech_TMnr_20017655.jpg", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berber_people#mediaviewer/...
5k9t25
in american football, other than the quarterback, why do most players never pass the ball?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5k9t25/eli5_in_american_football_other_than_the/
{ "a_id": [ "dbmd70q" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Well it's not their job or position. Each individual position has a specific job. The quarterback's is to pass. The running back's is to carry the ball. The wide receiver and tight end's is to catch. The Offensive Line is to block. It's like aski...
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[ [] ]
1sy58s
why isn't caffeine dependency considered a 'drug addiction'?
Are we all just functional drug addicts walking around hopped up on coffee? When people wake up grumpy 'without their morning coffee' are they essentially waking up dope sick?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1sy58s/eli5_why_isnt_caffeine_dependency_considered_a/
{ "a_id": [ "ce2dy0e", "ce2fggs", "ce2fiw4", "ce2flu3", "ce2giyp", "ce2jc9f", "ce2knmz", "ce2lknq", "ce2nz2b", "ce2q78x", "ce2rw3k", "ce2tv9n" ], "score": [ 13, 42, 5, 3, 2, 10, 3, 2, 2, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "I...
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[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
t92us
Did people justify slavery on the basis that it was 'better than what they'd have in their own country'?
This question probably refers more to modern slavery when there was debate about the morals of it and people argued over it. There's a lot of talk now about how people in China can work in awful conditions like Foxcon, but it's okay because 'it's better than them not having a job.' Was this ever a line of argument by...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/t92us/did_people_justify_slavery_on_the_basis_that_it/
{ "a_id": [ "c4kl48w", "c4kldjt", "c4klguw", "c4kme3b" ], "score": [ 10, 5, 6, 4 ], "text": [ "Just a layman here so hopefully someone more knowledgeable comes along. The short answer is yes iirc. Here is a quote from Robert E. Lee \n\n > There are few, I believe, in this e...
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[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slavery_in_the_United_States#.22A_necessary_evil.22" ], [], [], [] ]
1bcilr
How does the cell control its mitochondria?
I know that mitochondria came from bacteria and still have their own DNA. If mitochondria have their own DNA, how does the cell control mitochondrial gene expression and replication? Is it possible that mitochondria can act like a parasite and start replicating uncontrollable within the cell? Also, why do eukaryote org...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1bcilr/how_does_the_cell_control_its_mitochondria/
{ "a_id": [ "c95nkho", "c95np1j", "c95pfmk", "c95qp7x" ], "score": [ 15, 5, 6, 4 ], "text": [ "basically the same way it controls most of its organelles:\nthe regulation of theexpression of mitochondrial proteins is not much different from other organelles.\nthe reason for ...
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[ [ "http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK26828/figure/A2184/?report=objectonly", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mitochondrial_DNA_en.svg", "http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK26828/" ], [], [], [] ]
1eo0jg
what is the big deal with the movie "the breakfast club"?
I've never seen it, know nothing about it (except it's from the 1980's) and that it's supposed to be highly regarded. So what's the big deal about it? Can anyone give me an ELI5 explanation? thanks
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1eo0jg/eli5_what_is_the_big_deal_with_the_movie_the/
{ "a_id": [ "ca2386s", "ca238fc", "ca27pi1", "ca28f2r" ], "score": [ 13, 11, 2, 4 ], "text": [ "It was one if the first teen angst/teen problems that portrayed teens in more of an adult manner. Plus, the music and directing was good. I'm 36 so it has plenty of nostalgia for...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
u4uwa
If I was in a perfect vacuum with zero gravity at rest, is there any possible way that I could move myself?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/u4uwa/if_i_was_in_a_perfect_vacuum_with_zero_gravity_at/
{ "a_id": [ "c4sbtb5", "c4sbtc4" ], "score": [ 5, 7 ], "text": [ "Anything that expels mass in some direction would do the trick, due to conservation of momentum. Blow in one direction, take your show off and throw it, tear off your arm and throw it... ", "Exhale the air still in your...
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[ [], [] ]
3g864h
How long were the ship battles in WWII?
Could a battleship be sunk in one shot, or would it take multiple?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3g864h/how_long_were_the_ship_battles_in_wwii/
{ "a_id": [ "ctvwjtx", "ctw20zr" ], "score": [ 4, 3 ], "text": [ "If we are talking ship-to-ship combat then generally no, modern battleships took a lot of punishment before actually sinking. \nAn example would be Bismarck which had pretty much it's entire superstructure shot away and took...
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[ [], [] ]
9vosty
Why are you not supposed to use cellphones at gas pumps?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/9vosty/why_are_you_not_supposed_to_use_cellphones_at_gas/
{ "a_id": [ "e9dysjm", "e9dz7e6", "e9e01yk", "e9e6d4p", "e9ei8ds", "e9emh98", "e9enkeh", "e9fuk3z", "e9fvk60" ], "score": [ 498, 4, 32, 90, 9, 16, 6, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Mostly because people are paranoid. These is a non-zero chance yo...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_equipment_in_hazardous_areas", "http://www.reliabilitydirectstore.com/Intrinsically-Safe-Cell-Phones-s/82.htm" ], [], [], [], [], [] ]
5070fa
how does the combined birth control pill work and how likely is pregnancy if directions are not followed precisely?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5070fa/eli5_how_does_the_combined_birth_control_pill/
{ "a_id": [ "d71o3qc" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "The pill is designed to allow occasional missed doses, but its effectiveness definitely plummets if you don't use it correctly. You will not get your period if you're pregnant on the pill, since that's how pregnancy works (you may get implantati...
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[ [] ]
2ig17z
What evidence is there that the Black Death in the 14th Century was *not* bubonic plague?
An article on historic epidemics mentioned that "recent studies show that 'The Plague' instead may have been a virus similar to Ebola." Are these studies legit, or is it a bunch of weasel words to play on what is in the news right now?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/2ig17z/what_evidence_is_there_that_the_black_death_in/
{ "a_id": [ "cl1y6wt", "cl20oum", "cl2d5i9", "cl2kz3q" ], "score": [ 40, 16, 12, 7 ], "text": [ "As walker6168 said: hard to answer without the source article.\n\nI'll add that their data had better be pretty solid as there has been extant genetic caracterisation of pathoge...
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[]
[ [ "http://www.plospathogens.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.ppat.1001134" ], [ "http://www.nature.com/news/2011/111025/full/478444a.html" ], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plague_of_Justinian", "http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24480148", "http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles...
1er2ty
According to wikipedia, instants after the big bang occurred, the four fundamental forces "separated" from each other. What exactly does that entail? How did they separate, and what were they like before they did?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1er2ty/according_to_wikipedia_instants_after_the_big/
{ "a_id": [ "ca33zd2" ], "score": [ 11 ], "text": [ "To begin with: We do not know for a fact that the four fundamental forces were unified at some early stage. This is theoretical speculation/prejudice. Thus we cannot say how they separated, or what they were like before they separated.\n\nWhat...
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[ [] ]
3np49w
Where is the mistake in this line of thinking?
This just occured to me: Imagine an arbitrarily-sized cube of water placed next to a cube of metal of the same mass. Both cubes are 80 degrees C. Water has a specific heat capacity of 4.18 J/gK. The metal, however, has a much lower specific heat capacity. This leads me to believe the water, being at the same temperat...
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/3np49w/where_is_the_mistake_in_this_line_of_thinking/
{ "a_id": [ "cvqdqs3", "cvqe4kz" ], "score": [ 7, 5 ], "text": [ "Your mistake is thinking that amount of energy (or energy density) is what determines energy flow, when really it is entropy that determines it. \n\nAs you know, heat will flow from a higher temperature object to a lower tem...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
dyxh7k
where does the name of the game “duck duck goose” come from?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dyxh7k/eli5_where_does_the_name_of_the_game_duck_duck/
{ "a_id": [ "f843otp", "f844951" ], "score": [ 2, 7 ], "text": [ "(just speculation) Ducks and geese are kinda alike, but geese are scary bastards that chase after you, maybe that.", "Do you mean \"duck, duck, grey duck\"?" ] }
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[ [], [] ]
3rgmeg
takata airbags has been given a $70 million fine with the possibility of a $200 million fine for non-compliance by the nhtsa. how are the fine amounts determined in large cases such as this?
Where does the $70 million and additional $130 million figure come from?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3rgmeg/eli5takata_airbags_has_been_given_a_70_million/
{ "a_id": [ "cwnw45v" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The law states what the maximum possible fine can be per X thing. For example VW can have a maximum possible fine of $35,000 per car for what they did.\n\nWhether or not the maximum fine is sought depends on how the error came to be, what the com...
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[ [] ]
ur6sn
Creativity seems to be directly related with intelligence. What's the psychology behind this?
After thinking about it, I've begun to notice this in every one of my friends. Any of them that are intelligent, and generally artistic or creative in other capacities. All of them that are very uncreative are, for the most part, on the slower side. Has anyone else noticed this? Is there any reasoning?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/ur6sn/creativity_seems_to_be_directly_related_with/
{ "a_id": [ "c4xtvnv" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Well you could easily conclude that more intelligent people know how to use their brain faster, more efficiently, and can perform certain functions that slower and inexperienced people haven't used their brains for yet.\n\nHere's a cool fact I le...
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[ [] ]
56y9cf
how does the weatherman/woman know where to look on the chroma key when reporting?
I'm confused, i know that a super imposed image is broadcast for viewers, which is what we see and from some behinds the scenes footage I've seen they usually have a live feed on the side of the set, on a monitor somewhere. But i feel if the weatherman/woman was using this monitor as reference they would be making a bu...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/56y9cf/eli5_how_does_the_weathermanwoman_know_where_to/
{ "a_id": [ "d8nd2o4", "d8nd35c", "d8nd3qn", "d8nf7fd", "d8nhppw" ], "score": [ 8, 25, 2, 3, 4 ], "text": [ "Well in addition to the monitor, it´s all practice. They aren´t doing this for the first time and the map is usually the same anyway.", "They do look off...
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[ [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVyR_4cPmhc" ], [], [], [] ]
dikjlt
i have ulcerative colitis. it’s extremely painful. but if there are no pain-sensing nerves in the colon... what is actually hurting?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dikjlt/eli5_i_have_ulcerative_colitis_its_extremely/
{ "a_id": [ "f3wi06x", "f3wi3q1" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Where did you read that there are no pain sensing nerves in the colon?\nYou have pain receptors in pretty much every part of the body, safe for the brain itself.\n\nThe pain is caused by ulcers and subsequent inflammation, b...
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[ [], [] ]
1tvyd4
How could the pupa stage of insects evolve?
The insect life cycle has some extremely bizarre stages, including dissolving oneself to almost nothing and then producing a completely different life form. Other arthropods don't pupate. How could the intermediate steps for this process provide an advantage? Are there examples of animals from earlier in the evoluti...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1tvyd4/how_could_the_pupa_stage_of_insects_evolve/
{ "a_id": [ "cec2yx5" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "[Here's](_URL_0_) a sort of pop-sci version of the (relatively) current state of the field. The basic idea is an original group of insects whose initial form was basically the same as the adult form, followed by steps of less complete metamorphos...
[]
[ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evolution_of_the_eye" ]
[ [ "http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=insect-metamorphosis-evolution" ] ]
34wz6o
why music or albums aren't released worldwide the same day
Just to enlist one recent example is the song "Pretty Girls" (Britney ft. Iggy Azalea) was almost worldwide released on 05/04/2015, but the UK release date is set on June 14. I dont get the benefits of the delay. And obviously it seems to promote piracy among those who dont have any legal access to it.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/34wz6o/eli5why_music_or_albums_arent_released_worldwide/
{ "a_id": [ "cqz2sev" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "I can't speak as to why it started out that way, they are changing it to Fridays globally this summer\n\n_URL_0_" ] }
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[ [ "http://m.billboard.com/entry/view/id/116926" ] ]
1jn8cs
what would happen if you sprayed a mosquito with mosquito repellent?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1jn8cs/eli5_what_would_happen_if_you_sprayed_a_mosquito/
{ "a_id": [ "cbgcm9g" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "It will die, never knowing what it means to love." ] }
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[]
[ [] ]
4zz68h
In the early Middle Ages the belief in Witchcraft was condemned as "unChristian" by high-ranking churchmen, as well as by Charlemagne. At the same time, both secular and canon law decreed that Witchcraft existed, had power, and deserved punishment. How were these contrary positions resolved?
I knew that Charlemagne had famously ordered the execution of any person that killed another on charges of witchcraft, and I believe that even a Pope condemned the belief. I assumed that the church changed its opinion in the new millennium, possibly due to Reformist tendencies, but was confused by the number of clashin...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/4zz68h/in_the_early_middle_ages_the_belief_in_witchcraft/
{ "a_id": [ "d700uld" ], "score": [ 161 ], "text": [ "There isn't a lot to reconcile here, but rather a reframing. At no point did any decree of Catholic Church or medieval Christian king accept the existence of witchcraft (*maleficium*). Most of these decrees state flat out that belief in *malefi...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/wiki/profiles/idjet" ] ]
7j8ene
Why can some viruses (smallpox, polio) be virtually eradicated while others cannot (HIV, influenza)?
I have a few ideas, but would like to learn some more concrete and detailed reasons.
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/7j8ene/why_can_some_viruses_smallpox_polio_be_virtually/
{ "a_id": [ "dr4pexe", "dr4sd1g" ], "score": [ 28, 8 ], "text": [ "There are some characteristics of a disease that make it practical to try to eradicate it:\n\n1. Only infects one species\n2. Short-term infection, followed by\n3. long-term immunity\n4. No asymptomatic carrier state\n5. Hi...
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[]
[ [ "https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4866980/", "http://polioeradication.org", "https://www.cdc.gov/globalhealth/measles/elimination.htm", "http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1586/14787210.2013.811841", "https://www.cartercenter.org/health/guinea_worm/", "https://www.cdc.gov/m...
lez24
So, the universe is ever expanding. Does that also mean that the distance between our planets in our solar system will also slowly drift apart?
(I'm not exactly sure what to put in here that would have any relevance. Sorry.)
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/lez24/so_the_universe_is_ever_expanding_does_that_also/
{ "a_id": [ "c2s4pja", "c2s5df8", "c2s4pja", "c2s5df8" ], "score": [ 4, 15, 4, 15 ], "text": [ "Please use the search function before posting. [This has been asked here before](_URL_0_). It's also covered in the [FAQ](_URL_1_).", "The answer is no. That's because the ra...
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[ [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/kmfy1/since_the_universe_is_expanding_why_doesnt_the/", "http://www.reddit.com/r/sciencefaqs/comments/fv8co/if_the_universe_is_expanding_why_dont_things/" ], [], [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/kmfy1/since_the_universe_is_expanding_why_...
4x73oi
What happened to the Jews expelled from Spain and went to the Ottoman Empire?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/4x73oi/what_happened_to_the_jews_expelled_from_spain_and/
{ "a_id": [ "d6d8hl9" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "Like... do they still exist? Yes. There are several thousand who still live in the former lands of the Ottoman Empire, at this point Turkey and the Balkans (including Greece). They continued to speak Judeo-Spanish/Ladino until a generation or tw...
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[]
[ [ "https://lasultimaspalavras.wordpress.com", "http://imagizer.imageshack.us/a/img42/9890/turkeyl.jpg" ] ]
5pzc8b
- if pi is in between the number 3 and 4 how can it be infinite?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5pzc8b/eli5_if_pi_is_in_between_the_number_3_and_4_how/
{ "a_id": [ "dcv0jqr", "dcv0qt1" ], "score": [ 9, 3 ], "text": [ "It is *not* an infinite amount. It is less than 4.\n\nIn *does* take an infinite amount of digits to explain precisely what the amount is, but that's about being precise, not about being huge.", "Pi isn't infinite - it's...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3tf1r7
how do shops during the week still attract so many customers.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3tf1r7/eli5_how_do_shops_during_the_week_still_attract/
{ "a_id": [ "cx5kx9j", "cx5l01f", "cx5l4n9", "cx6m4vs" ], "score": [ 3, 22, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Not everyone one works, you have families were the husband or the wife don't work and can shop. People leave work before shops closes, it's often in the end of the afternoon that ...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
2oetg0
why does beer taste so different on nitro?
Draft beer on nitro tastes very different than the same beer on regular draft or from a can. How does it work, and why does it taste different? (Bonus question: Is there any reason to put a beer on nitro other than the different taste?)
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2oetg0/eli5_why_does_beer_taste_so_different_on_nitro/
{ "a_id": [ "cmmglnp" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Beer on nitro - either on nitrokeg or draughtflow cans - has very little carbonation, which makes the mouthfeel very smooth. Carbonation is dissolved carbon dioxide, which actually adds a small amount of acid to the beer, and makes the mouthfeel ...
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[ [] ]
15ss0y
Can black people have blond hair?
I've never seen one without a black/brownish hair. What gives?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/15ss0y/can_black_people_have_blond_hair/
{ "a_id": [ "c7pgvae", "c7pgxqy", "c7pn5et" ], "score": [ 4, 9, 3 ], "text": [ "Well there is [THIS](_URL_1_) which is [THIS](_URL_0_).", "In theory yes. Melanesians (I'm not sure how you are defining \"black\") have a blond gene among them that is not related to the European g...
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[]
[ [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buOT7ZkgUXI", "http://news.yahoo.com/origin-mysterious-dark-skinned-blonds-discovered-181239858.html" ], [ "http://med.stanford.edu/ism/2012/may/blond.html" ], [] ]
a3o40k
why are people / country's banning or heavily against huawei from using 5g?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a3o40k/eli5_why_are_people_countrys_banning_or_heavily/
{ "a_id": [ "eb7nglw", "eb7nhc9", "eb7ny01" ], "score": [ 8, 6, 3 ], "text": [ "It's not because of 5G, but because of Huawei themselves. They have close ties to Chinese goverment, and other countries see that as a major threat. Huawei phones were even banned from being used in USA...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://tech.co/huawei-genuine-security-threat-2018-09" ], [] ]
3arx9t
if the average surface temperature on mars is below freezing, how is colonization a possibility?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3arx9t/eli5_if_the_average_surface_temperature_on_mars/
{ "a_id": [ "csfeeh4", "csfeg4t", "csfegca", "csff872" ], "score": [ 5, 2, 4, 4 ], "text": [ "Actually, the technology to protect us from such harsh conditions already exists for the most part, except that Mars has not atmosphere compared to the Earth, which is actually why...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
2smj9p
Have any other fashion choices/hairstyles/et cetera been ruined in the same manner as the "Hitler mustache," either before or after?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/2smj9p/have_any_other_fashion_choiceshairstyleset_cetera/
{ "a_id": [ "cnr1h47", "cnr1ql4", "cnrbcwh", "cnrgeed" ], "score": [ 156, 66, 89, 15 ], "text": [ "It wasn't as enduring, but another example from WWII was the umbrella becoming a symbol of appeasing one's enemies. Neville Chamberlain, the prime minister of Great Britain is...
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[]
[ [ "http://www.npr.org/2014/09/30/352808170/hong-kongs-protest-umbrellas-have-a-deep-political-history", "http://histsociety.blogspot.com/2013/11/umbrella-man.html", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bundesarchiv_Bild_183-H12478,_Obersalzberg,_M%C3%BCnchener_Abkommen,_Vorbereitung.jpg", "https://en...
elzcfn
why does glitter stick to everything even if it isnt really sticky?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/elzcfn/eli5_why_does_glitter_stick_to_everything_even_if/
{ "a_id": [ "fdlaxa7" ], "score": [ 11 ], "text": [ "Glitter is made of a plastic that can easily create **\"static electricity\"**. \n\nIn short, the **\"static electricity\"** makes the glitter more easily able to be stuck on surfaces. And as they're very small, they can go everywhere and be ver...
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[ [] ]
36i2lf
When becoming accustomed to eating spicy food is your mouth physically changing/adapting to be more resistant to spice, or is it is a neural/phsychological change where you no longer experience the heat?
I’m just trying to workout if its due to tastebuds changing and your mouth no longer picks up on the heat or if its your mouth receptors still expeirence it but that information isnt sent to your brain. Or possibly if that information IS sent to the brain but because you believe you are accustomed to the heat you dont ...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/36i2lf/when_becoming_accustomed_to_eating_spicy_food_is/
{ "a_id": [ "cre5asy", "creeqnt" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Conditioned responses. Over time your body acclimates to the stimulus, and you stop having as strong of a response. This is why it takes more and more for some people to get the same feeling from it.\n\nIt's the same thing...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
fgff4q
how do magnified mirrors work? and why do they seem blurry if you look into them from a distance?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fgff4q/eli5_how_do_magnified_mirrors_work_and_why_do/
{ "a_id": [ "fk482i8", "fk48qsk" ], "score": [ 13, 6 ], "text": [ "A lens is a piece of glass that bends light so that the rays converge to a single point. If you bend a mirror it will make all the beams converge in the same pint, so it’s the same as a lens, only instead of passing light t...
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[ [], [ "https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-a-concave-mirror-definition-uses-equation.html" ] ]
6xt0z7
why does the female body need less calories than the male?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6xt0z7/eli5_why_does_the_female_body_need_less_calories/
{ "a_id": [ "dmi88tx", "dmi89r5" ], "score": [ 7, 7 ], "text": [ "Women are generally smaller and have less muscle mass than men, so they don't burn/require as many calories to perform the same metabolic functions. It's sort of similar to a smaller car needing a smaller gas tank and engine...
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[ [], [] ]
26pkhq
When Germany reunified at the end of the cold war, how did the militaries of East Germany and West Germany merge into one?
What exactly was the process of their respective militaries integration? Were there any difficulties with the integration of the two militaries?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/26pkhq/when_germany_reunified_at_the_end_of_the_cold_war/
{ "a_id": [ "chtauf1" ], "score": [ 31 ], "text": [ "This question was asked pretty recently: _URL_0_\n\nRemember, the search bar is your friend. :)" ] }
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[ [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/262pbb/after_the_collapse_of_the_soviet_union_was_it/" ] ]
2sjz6j
Did Winston Churchill approve of Alan Turings punishment ?
I recently found out that churchill thought turing made the biggest contribution to ending World war II which, made me wonder if he knew that Turing was punished for being gay and if he did anything about it.
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/2sjz6j/did_winston_churchill_approve_of_alan_turings/
{ "a_id": [ "cnqcv9l", "cnqqxem", "cnr9y5w" ], "score": [ 72, 2, 4 ], "text": [ "I cant see any evidence that he commented on it. However, its likely he did approve, to an extent. Cabinet notes from 24th Feb 1954.\n\nWinston Churchill.\nTory Party won´t want to accept responsibilit...
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[]
[ [ "http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/releases/2007/august/sexualoffences.htm", "http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2007/08/06/archives-reveal-churchills-cabinet-discussed-gays/" ], [], [] ]
yiqtj
How do you devise an original research topic, fellow historians?
By the end of this semester, I am expected to have written a small (~5000 words) piece of original research on a topic of my choosing. When looking at my areas of expertise and interests (Irish terrorism, European intellectual and philosophical history [especially utilitarianism and existentialism], history of post-pun...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/yiqtj/how_do_you_devise_an_original_research_topic/
{ "a_id": [ "c5vxsm1", "c5vy0ma", "c5vy9nt", "c5vz6oh", "c5vz838", "c5w0l16", "c5w0xgg", "c5w2r1h", "c5w3wy6", "c5w6366", "c5we40e", "c5wevh4" ], "score": [ 13, 9, 9, 2, 2, 8, 2, 5, 2, 3, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "I p...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Status_quaestionis" ], [], [] ]
900mwc
Can we predict when the next major change in the earths layout and therefore map will be?
Due to convection currents and our knowledge, are we able to predict when the next major change in the Earths map will be that will be different to the one we know now? If we are, when are the predictions estimated to be?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/900mwc/can_we_predict_when_the_next_major_change_in_the/
{ "a_id": [ "e2nciak" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "\"Major\" changes don't really happen when you're talking geological timescales. The tectonic plates are always moving. Tomorrow's map will be different from today's map, just on miniscule scales. \n\nThe fastest moving plates are the Cocos and...
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[]
[ [ "https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.businessinsider.com/how-earth-will-look-250-million-years-map-animation-2017-9" ] ]
yy4ze
the ongoing lawsuits between apple and google. why are they suing each other, and who is winning?
I understand they're arguing over patents, but what specifically? Is Apple cheating Google? Or vice versa? I hear that Google stole from Apple, and I also hear that Apple stole from Google. But how would one even know which is which at this point? Can someone explain this to me a bit?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/yy4ze/the_ongoing_lawsuits_between_apple_and_google_why/
{ "a_id": [ "c5zulkt", "c5zvbai", "c5zwejf", "c60599s" ], "score": [ 5, 62, 15, 2 ], "text": [ "I too am interested in this but am not very qualified to answer your question. But from what I gather here are two of some of the main points (and most of what I know is from art...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
l4a9m
could someone please explain to me like i'm 5 what an insurance deductible is? metaphors are always good.
While we're at it, what about a roth (?) 401k? Thanks in advance.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/l4a9m/could_someone_please_explain_to_me_like_im_5_what/
{ "a_id": [ "c2pn4ni", "c2pnto0", "c2pn4ni", "c2pnto0" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The deductable is the amount deducted from what the insurance company gives you when you file a claim.\n\nEXAMPLE: You wreck your car. It's insured value is $10,000 and it's a comp...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
6vg8o1
Around what voltage is needed for you to actually feel yourself being shocked?
[deleted]
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/6vg8o1/around_what_voltage_is_needed_for_you_to_actually/
{ "a_id": [ "dm05abr" ], "score": [ 9 ], "text": [ "It's not really as simple as a voltage measurement to determine sensation; voltage is a measure of electrical pressure (which will help to overcome the skin barrier), but amperage -- the measure of current -- plays easily an equal part in determi...
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[ [ "http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/shock.html#c1" ] ]
43cey2
why are the american presidential primary elections not riddled with voters registering with the opposite party and voting against the candidate most likely to beat their favorite?
That's poorly worded, but it's my understanding that in the American presidential primaries, you are required to register for a party if you want to vote--you can't vote on both party's primaries. If that's the case, what--if anything-- stops Americans from registering for the opposite party and voting for a candida...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/43cey2/eli5_why_are_the_american_presidential_primary/
{ "a_id": [ "czh7l5p", "czh7n8h", "czh7ont", "czh8pga", "czh8xuv", "czhcdqy" ], "score": [ 3, 13, 2, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Rules depends on the state. For example, New Hampshire is not closed.\n\n_URL_0_", "Nothing stops it, and registering for the oppos...
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[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Hampshire_primary" ], [], [], [], [], [] ]
2efztq
why all the censorship on reddit in relation to the whole zoe quin thing
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2efztq/eli5why_all_the_censorship_on_reddit_in_relation/
{ "a_id": [ "clb4u35", "cjz3sh1", "cjz5z5a" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Mods claim it was due to the thread being \"out of control\" which I find laughable. Many legitimate posts were banned while other ones, supporting Quinn, remained. People have also been banned for upvo...
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[ [], [], [] ]
2qj8sa
Are mutations overrated?
I have observed that whenever questions about evolution and natural selection come up (here, or in other contexts), people providing answers are often quick to point out that randomly occuring *mutations* are responsible (and required) for introducing new or modified features in organisms, that are then selected for or...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/2qj8sa/are_mutations_overrated/
{ "a_id": [ "cn6o9h9" ], "score": [ 12 ], "text": [ "The standing (already existing) genetic variation in a population is usually what is selected upon in a natural population. However, all of that natural variation was originally created through mutation. So neither is more important than the oth...
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[ [] ]
m08r9
why the body can kill some viruses like the common cold but not others like hiv.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/m08r9/eli5_why_the_body_can_kill_some_viruses_like_the/
{ "a_id": [ "c2x0bt4", "c2x0c2p", "c2x0fui", "c2x0fux", "c2x1owz", "c2x0bt4", "c2x0c2p", "c2x0fui", "c2x0fux", "c2x1owz" ], "score": [ 3, 55, 417, 9, 5, 3, 55, 417, 9, 5 ], "text": [ "Rhetorical question for a 5 year old:\nWhy...
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[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
bcdggp
What was British culture like right before the Anglo-Saxons settled the island?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/bcdggp/what_was_british_culture_like_right_before_the/
{ "a_id": [ "ekq5ga1" ], "score": [ 17 ], "text": [ "The Roman province of Britannia in the 5th century was in the middle of a horrific economic collapse that marred the northern periphery of the Roman world. Robin Fleming's *Britain After Rome* deals with this economic collapse pretty extensivel...
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[ [] ]
214osn
The weird sounds that NASA recorded of Saturn, are these sounds audible to the human ear, or is this caused by the electromagnet interference caused by the planet? And what is actually going on?
This is the sound I'm [referring to] (_URL_0_).
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/214osn/the_weird_sounds_that_nasa_recorded_of_saturn_are/
{ "a_id": [ "cga5bz6" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "No, these are electromagnetic phenomenons that are transferred into electric signals which are then amplified and used to excite the membrane of a loud speaker thus creating sound that we can hear. \n\n----\n\nsources:\n\n1. _URL_0_\n2. _URL_2_\n...
[]
[ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LswSW60Zd4g&feature=youtube_gdata_player" ]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rings_of_Saturn", "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhonQGHFG44", "http://voyager.jpl.nasa.gov/", "http://www.ciclops.org/?js=1", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voyager_program" ] ]
ro7ik
Will a host body eventually replace the cells of a transplanted organ with cells of its own DNA, thus removing the need for immunosuppressants, or will the host body and transplanted organ always be genetically distinct?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/ro7ik/will_a_host_body_eventually_replace_the_cells_of/
{ "a_id": [ "c47by02", "c47d9lo", "c47dkzo", "c47hzv9", "c47ilcv" ], "score": [ 34, 5, 29, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Biology BS but still layman here: Most organs aren't capable of regenerating their cells to any great extent. Regardless, if the original organ was removed ...
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[ [], [ "http://www.cnn.com/2012/03/07/health/transplant-stem-cells-drugs/index.html" ], [], [], [] ]
7t623d
Can a brain injury cause someone to forget a language?
[deleted]
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/7t623d/can_a_brain_injury_cause_someone_to_forget_a/
{ "a_id": [ "dte25p2" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Given that some people with traumatic brain injuries can forget all manner of things (childhood memories, family members, what they did yesterday to name but a few) why do you think it's fishy someone with a brain injury could forget how to speak...
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[ [] ]
zh1xp
Are there examples of Brits calling Americans terrorists (or equivalent) during the American Revolutionary War?
Or more generally, what kinds of hard line nationalist views circulated among the British during the American revolution?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/zh1xp/are_there_examples_of_brits_calling_americans/
{ "a_id": [ "c64kcj2", "c64mz0g" ], "score": [ 4, 3 ], "text": [ "John Paul Jones and his ship the Ranger, sailed in the Irish sea during 1778. They raided White Haven, then tried to kidnap the Earl of Seakirk, from his Scotish castle. The Earl wasn't home. ...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
cz3wi7
how is weather so unpredictable? why can you have 0% chance of rain when you go to sleep and wake up to hours of thunderstorms.?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cz3wi7/eli5_how_is_weather_so_unpredictable_why_can_you/
{ "a_id": [ "eyvvcmq" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "Weather is really complicated issue, there are many many inputs you have to know to predict weather (like temperature, wind speed, humidity, clouds etc). What is more weather is phenomenon we can describe as highly sensitive to initial conditions...
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[ [] ]
24cxtq
how can data travel at the speed of light while electrons travel at a speed of 1 meter per day through a wire?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/24cxtq/eli5_how_can_data_travel_at_the_speed_of_light/
{ "a_id": [ "ch5vqb7", "ch5vypj", "ch5vzbc", "ch5w085", "ch5wjyl" ], "score": [ 5, 2, 2, 10, 4 ], "text": [ "Most data is transferred via optic fibre, so it travels literally at the speed of light.\n\nStill, even normal wires (obviously) move data faster than 1 metr...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [ "ae-33-89.car3.NewYork1.exampleISP1.net", "b.resolvers.Level3.net", "pos-0-3-0-0-cr01.newyork.ny.ibone.comcast.net", "xe-10-0-1.edge3.NewYork1.Level3.net", "xe-10-1-0.edge1.NewYork2.exampleISP1.net", "ae-2-70.edge2.NewYork1.Level3.net" ], [] ]
bdsqa8
In ancient times, how did merchants traveling long distances ensure their safety? How did they make sure they were not being robbed in the way, or that they had enough supplies to last going from A to B?
By "ancient times" I'm primarily interested in Greek and Roman periods, but other historical periods before the Industrial Revolutions are also welcome. By "traveling long distances" I'm primarily interested in the ancient Silk Road and the Indian Ocean trading network.
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/bdsqa8/in_ancient_times_how_did_merchants_traveling_long/
{ "a_id": [ "el1pjqa" ], "score": [ 11 ], "text": [ "Oh man, this is a really cool question, and I'll answer it as well as I can. I'll start by discussing the ancient Silk Road, because bad news always comes first. We know virtually nothing about a land route between Rome and China, if there actua...
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[]
[ [ "https://cdn.britannica.com/s:500x350/07/19707-004-1D422FDB.jpg", "http://www.passenger6a.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/petra-six-routes-al-deir-4-d.jpg", "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/07/Greco-BactrianKingdomMap.jpg/1200px-Greco-BactrianKingdomMap.jpg", "https://i.imgur...
2wqk69
why are standard home lightbulb sockets shaped the way they are?
The standard socket and corresponding shape of a lightbulb base seem far too large, and honestly downright strange. I was curious if there was some historical reason for it, or perhaps some design element that I did not know about.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2wqk69/eli5_why_are_standard_home_lightbulb_sockets/
{ "a_id": [ "cot8qlw" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "I guess to answer this we'd have to know what exactly you find weird about them. \n\nTo me it makes perfect sense to have a threaded cylinder that secures the bulbs and make it easy to replace." ] }
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[ [] ]
3zt7yi
if video games require more use of the brain than something like reading, why are they considered to "rot your brain?"
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3zt7yi/eli5_if_video_games_require_more_use_of_the_brain/
{ "a_id": [ "cyouetz", "cyov76j" ], "score": [ 6, 5 ], "text": [ "They don't. This is just something moms tell their kids so they won't sit on their asses all day.", "Video games don't \"rot your brain\". If anything they force you to think and bring out creativity. Some games more tha...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
b1un02
why is it that the slower i go in a car, the tighter the turn is? even though my wheels are at the exact same angle.
Sorry if this is the wrong flair, I was stuck between maths and physics.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/b1un02/eli5_why_is_it_that_the_slower_i_go_in_a_car_the/
{ "a_id": [ "eio8hob", "eio8r0v" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "That would be due to slippage, and is called understeer. It happens because, when the wheels have to push very hard to change your car's direction, they start to lose traction. At lower speeds they don't have to push as hard...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
a81kor
how do steroids cure illnesses?
I have bronchitis and a sinus infection and they prescribed me steroids, how does something like that cure mucus build up and infections?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a81kor/eli5_how_do_steroids_cure_illnesses/
{ "a_id": [ "ec796b4", "ec7d42o", "ec7eh23" ], "score": [ 9, 6, 5 ], "text": [ "Steroids are a whole class of medications. They're not all muscle builders/recovery minimizers. The steroid you were likely prescribed was prednisone, and it serves as an anti-inflammatory which is goin...
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[]
[ [], [], [] ]
a0fbm6
Why did Russia launch their 1939 invasion of Finland in the dead of winter?
I understand that Russia wanted to "fix" their border with Finland and expand the distance between Leningrad and the Finnish border. But that border was built 2 decades earlier. As far as I can tell, there wasn't any time sensitive threat that required immediate military action in November of '39. Why did they choo...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/a0fbm6/why_did_russia_launch_their_1939_invasion_of/
{ "a_id": [ "eak0hq3" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "The Soviet Union had been planning for the war for quite a while. Already in 1938 - that is prior to the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact (MRP) - Soviet war games in the Leningrad district were based on 'aggressive defense' after a 'theoretical' border in...
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[ [] ]
13xj2u
Which one is the oldest european coat of arms showing lions (or other exotic animals living far away)?
Follow up question to that: How did it get on there? Traveling from Europe to Africa took a very long time (although I have no idea of what time I'm talking. I figured that there were already lion-banners in the middle ages since it is such a common sight, but I really have no idea) so I assume those people who knew ab...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/13xj2u/which_one_is_the_oldest_european_coat_of_arms/
{ "a_id": [ "c78104o", "c781s05", "c782dsn", "c7844vp", "c785sp5", "c785z8y", "c786voa", "c789qg7", "c78brfb", "c78bwau", "c78cktg", "c78gnul" ], "score": [ 261, 24, 40, 36, 7, 11, 17, 3, 17, 7, 4, 2 ], "text": [ ...
[]
[ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_dynasty", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Arms_of_England" ]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Lion_distribution.png" ], [], [], [ "http://www.traveljournals.net/pictures/l/24/243086-a-famous-carved-wooden-panel-along-the-door-of-the-urnes-stave-church-urnes-norway.jpg", "http://www.odinsvolk.ca/images/Wolf4.jpg" ], [ "http://www.ne.jp/asahi/lu...
3jdf8l
How did the most battle scarred countrys of WW2 cope with what must have been a very high amount of people with psychological disorders caused by the war?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3jdf8l/how_did_the_most_battle_scarred_countrys_of_ww2/
{ "a_id": [ "cuoujw2" ], "score": [ 10 ], "text": [ "China had the longest \"experience\" of the War (1937-45), very high battle and civilian casualties (estimates vary but 14M combined war dead is a minimum) and a staggering number of refugees (numbers are inexact but quite possibly 90 *million* ...
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[ [ "https://www.flickr.com/photos/70217867@N07/albums/72157629204775474" ] ]
2jr9st
why does depression rebound so hard, the happier you were?
I'm scared of good things happening to me cause the sadness will hit me that much harder when my depression kicks in again.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2jr9st/eli5_why_does_depression_rebound_so_hard_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cled1us", "cledjca", "clej2xo" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 8 ], "text": [ "Because you had the taste in your mouth and you were just that close...\n\nBut here you are again. Crying quietly to yourself about how you screwed up all your chances for love and happiness years ago. ...
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[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1m2s0a
why aren't all foods high in protein? isn't protein used for the structure of all living things?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1m2s0a/eli5_why_arent_all_foods_high_in_protein_isnt/
{ "a_id": [ "cc57xhc", "cc580bh" ], "score": [ 3, 5 ], "text": [ "While protein does create the structure of many things, carbohydrates can also create structure. For example, chitin, which makes up the exoskeletons of bugs, is a type of carbohydrate. The structures of most plants and fung...
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[ [], [] ]
1ve3uk
why does my hair stand up when i'm scared?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ve3uk/eli5_why_does_my_hair_stand_up_when_im_scared/
{ "a_id": [ "cerbv2m", "cerc2cs", "cerfk1d" ], "score": [ 3, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "The idea was that, back when the hair covering our bodies was thicker, making it stand up would make us look bigger & more intimidating to whatever is scaring us. ", "It makes you look bigger. It ...
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[ [], [], [] ]
1em6wo
How did wars back in the day work? Before guns and machinery. Would each person pick his target and fight him until one dies?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1em6wo/how_did_wars_back_in_the_day_work_before_guns_and/
{ "a_id": [ "ca1leum", "ca1mb3x" ], "score": [ 9, 12 ], "text": [ "I'm guessing a mod will tell you to narrow your question. But as a general rule no, you aren't 'supposed' to pick a single target, fighting one on one is very dangerous, it's why you see formations like the [Phalanx](_URL_0...
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[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phalanx_formation" ], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbSa9ZvSMaQ" ] ]
c1hlsl
we have goat milk and cow milk to consume, but why is it merely impossible to find pig milk in a grocery store?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/c1hlsl/eli5_we_have_goat_milk_and_cow_milk_to_consume/
{ "a_id": [ "erd9x5v" ], "score": [ 15 ], "text": [ "Firstly, it just doiesn't taste very good. Pig's milk is watery, and quite gamey.\n\nThe real reason though is that pigs simply don't produce very much milk, and don't like being milked. Cows have been domesticated for thousands of years, and se...
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[ [] ]
1ha7hx
If velocity is relative, is angular velocity and therefore centripetal acceleration relative? Further questions inside.
I might be asking a very flawed question but I've been thinking about it for some reason. If a body is rotating in space and another body is spinning around it so that its centripetal acceleration is equal to g of the body and they appear to be Stationary relative to each other (satellite), then isn't that the same as ...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1ha7hx/if_velocity_is_relative_is_angular_velocity_and/
{ "a_id": [ "cask1nq" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "When considering one body orbiting another you cannot assume they are stationary with regard to one another. The body that is in orbit has a tangential velocity with regard to the body it is orbiting. The centripetal acceleration is simply a me...
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[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Orbital_motion.gif" ] ]
1ldn94
how do seat-belts know when to tighten?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ldn94/eli5_how_do_seatbelts_know_when_to_tighten/
{ "a_id": [ "cby6iln" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "A pendulum under the seat acts as a sensor. When it swings a certain way the seat belt locks up." ] }
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[ [] ]
25z859
If microwaves are lower on the em spectrum, how can they be any more harmful than visible light?
Please excuse if I have gotten my information wrong. I'm a high school physics student and I can't understand why microwaves are considered harmful if they are lower on the spectrum (supposedly less penetrating) than visible light. I asked my teacher but he didn't really give me a good answer.
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/25z859/if_microwaves_are_lower_on_the_em_spectrum_how/
{ "a_id": [ "chm4oko", "chm4ufx" ], "score": [ 9, 2 ], "text": [ "Microwaves are not harmful in the ionizing radiation sense: they don't have enough energy to remove electrons from their orbits around most atoms. (Your cell phone won't give you cancer.)\n\nMicrowaves that we cook with are ...
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[]
[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Atmospheric_electromagnetic_opacity.svg" ] ]
ev0p4y
how do surgical masks protect you from getting infected when there are huge gaps near your cheeks and the bridge of your nose?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ev0p4y/eli5_how_do_surgical_masks_protect_you_from/
{ "a_id": [ "ffso2ic", "ffso6w8", "ffsol9u" ], "score": [ 11, 19, 2 ], "text": [ "They don't protect you from disease, they protect those around you from your disease. Surgical masks make it so that if you cough, you aren't spraying germs all over the place.", "Wearing a surgic...
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[]
[ [], [], [] ]
n9u24
How do different music scales and tuning systems work?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/n9u24/how_do_different_music_scales_and_tuning_systems/
{ "a_id": [ "c37eobq", "c37eobq" ], "score": [ 41, 41 ], "text": [ "All Western music is based on a mathematical coincidence: 3^12 (531,441) is within 1.5% of 2^19 (524,288). \n\nSome background: Scales are based on the harmonic series of notes that come out of most simple resonant syste...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
7zn6v1
what is the "crunchy" feeling when a muscle knot is being massaged?
I get really bad knots in my neck and shoulders. What the heck is that crunching?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7zn6v1/eli5_what_is_the_crunchy_feeling_when_a_muscle/
{ "a_id": [ "dup8oxl" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "As I understand (from my massage therapist and physio), it's the muscle fascia sort of \"slipping\" past the skin, with just enough friction to \"catch\" and release repeatedly, such as when you rub your hands together when they're slightly wet. ...
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[ [] ]
6hebm8
WW2, western front: where there contigency plans if the germans would have beaten the allies? If so, what where they?
Hi, not looking for any speculation or hypothetical maybes, but for actual strategies or plans from the period. In case the allied forces would have been beaten on the western front, for instance in the battle of the Bulge, and forced to withdraw from the continent and/or surrender their forces there, what would the ...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/6hebm8/ww2_western_front_where_there_contigency_plans_if/
{ "a_id": [ "dixsvyq" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "The extended German goal for the Battle of the Bulge was to reach Antwerpen and destroy the port so that the Western Allies could not use it to supply their troops, capture Western Allied supply dumps, destroy Westen Allied field air bases and ge...
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[ [] ]
bldxjh
why do horses start side by side while runners are spread at equal distance before the race?
Is the difference just negligible for horses? Don't we want the race to be the same length for all the participants?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bldxjh/eli5_why_do_horses_start_side_by_side_while/
{ "a_id": [ "emnmfix", "emnmn2e", "emnv0tp" ], "score": [ 17, 45, 20 ], "text": [ "The horses can collapse to the inside on the start, so there isn't officially any longer loop for them to take. When runners start something that they have to stay in their lanes for, there is a loo...
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[]
[ [], [], [] ]
by5d3l
Why did some rifles feature upward facing magazines in WWI or WWII?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/by5d3l/why_did_some_rifles_feature_upward_facing/
{ "a_id": [ "eqd0ou2" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Can you cite some examples." ] }
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[ [] ]
4096rl
the scientific consensus says gmo's are safe, and we seem to value our scientific consensuses here in the usa on other issues...so whats all the fuss about?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4096rl/eli5_the_scientific_consensus_says_gmos_are_safe/
{ "a_id": [ "cysefuf", "cysekte", "cysfwul", "cysg980", "cysjp49", "cyskn49", "cyskute", "cyslwod", "cysm82j", "cysmnnw", "cysnu9l", "cysssvg", "cystnv0", "cystosy", "cysufub", "cysul47", "cysvhyt", "cysvj7y", "cysvnsv", "cysxn4n", "c...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045%2815%2970134-8/abstract", "http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18790555", "http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.4161/gmcr.28449#.VpHhJlm0mzw", "http://scc-csc.lexum.com/scc-csc/scc-csc/en/item/2147/index...
70si9o
how do gps apps such as maps or waze know the new formation of roads after construction?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/70si9o/eli5_how_do_gps_apps_such_as_maps_or_waze_know/
{ "a_id": [ "dn5mr4j", "dn5pt4d" ], "score": [ 40, 6 ], "text": [ "It first important to understand how Google Maps gets all if it's data. Some of it's data is pre-programmed into their systems. This is usually used as initial data, especially for testing. Google provides many more feature...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
rosna
Does musical interest correspond to intelligence?
I like having an open-mind about people's musical taste: their interests only tell me about their superficial musical upbringing, not about their intelligence or their kindness, or personality, etc. But, I've never really looked into this scientifically. Are people who like Justin Beiber or Nickelback more then just t...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/rosna/does_musical_interest_correspond_to_intelligence/
{ "a_id": [ "c47jaan" ], "score": [ 14 ], "text": [ "I've looked for some papers on the subject and I didn't turn up empty.\n\nI've found [this paper] (_URL_1_) that indicates that emotion recognition in music and emotional intelligence are highly correlated.\nI've also found two papers ([one] (_U...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://uspace.shef.ac.uk/servlet/JiveServlet/previewBody/51435-102-1-98455/Adolescence,%20Personality,%20Identity%20%26%20Music.pdf", "http://web.haskins.yale.edu/Reprints/HL1354.pdf", "http://homepage.psy.utexas.edu/homepage/faculty/gosling/reprints/JPSP03musicdimensions.pdf", "http://grizzlie.e...
9k1qvm
How were sharks perceived in the WW2 Era? Particularly by the US Navy. More particularly by the types of people who would have made of the crew of the USS Indianapolis.
Edit - made up the crew. Auto correct messed up a word in the title. So I was just listening to the latest Dan Carlin podcast (yes, he isn't a historian. No he isn't always completely factual, hence me asking a question here). He was talking about the Indianapolis and how in the pre-Jaws world sharks were not someth...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/9k1qvm/how_were_sharks_perceived_in_the_ww2_era/
{ "a_id": [ "e6wmy0e" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Expanded [from an earlier answer of mine](_URL_0_)\n\n**Part I**\n\n*Jaws*, both the novel and the book, certainly did shift cultural attitudes towards sharks as dangerous predators. However, neither Spielberg nor Benchley invented this image of ...
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[]
[ [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/4qe9i0/in_honor_of_shark_week_are_there_any_notable/", "https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/11122", "http://blog.encyclopediavirginia.org/2012/01/the-petition-of-the-sharks-of-africa/", "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thu...
5wz6dn
if america spends so much more on its military than russia, why are countries somewhat evenly matched?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5wz6dn/eli5_if_america_spends_so_much_more_on_its/
{ "a_id": [ "dedyyu3", "dedz7kq" ], "score": [ 4, 3 ], "text": [ "They aren't. In a conventional war the US could handle multiple Russias at the same time. However the war wouldn't be conventional because Russia's policy on nuclear weapons is that they will use them as a first strike again...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
4d7dv0
does turning a car at a slower speed give it a sharper turning radius?
I noticed that when turning into a parking spot people will go as slow as they can to make sure their car can fit into the spot. However, some people seem to believe that actually moving at a slower speed will lead to a sharper turn. How could this be true?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4d7dv0/eli5_does_turning_a_car_at_a_slower_speed_give_it/
{ "a_id": [ "d1odpqy" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "As long as your tires aren't slipping, they are controlling your path. So, your turning radius will just depend on steering wheel position. " ] }
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[ [] ]
3d4qjl
i have a math and odds question that i don't know how to explain in the title.
Okay so say you have a bag of 10 colored balls. 4 red, 4 blue and 2 yellow. You stick your hand in and pull out a ball and it's red. there was a 40% chance and you pulled out a red ball. Great. Now you put it back in and pull out another ball at random. Now the chances of a red ball being picked is back at 40%. Bu...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3d4qjl/eli5_i_have_a_math_and_odds_question_that_i_dont/
{ "a_id": [ "ct1qjtz", "ct1qlqo", "ct1qxah", "ct1rtdv", "ct1xhsv" ], "score": [ 4, 8, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Because if you want the outcome \"2 red balls\", then you have to hit a 40% chance, and *after* successfully drawing red you have to hit another 40% chance. S...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
f36o64
how can a broken heart hurt so much psychically?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/f36o64/eli5_how_can_a_broken_heart_hurt_so_much/
{ "a_id": [ "fhgwj1m", "fhgwn6c", "fhgwu4h", "fhgxh3z", "fhgzs5j", "fhh0f5y" ], "score": [ 7, 3, 46, 8, 2, 5 ], "text": [ "It's a great question. I was so hung up on this one girl that after she left, I was in torment mode for at least six months. I physical...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [ "https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17857-broken-heart-syndrome" ], [], [] ]
2k9mak
why does medical and other scientific research cost so much money? i've seen basic research funded by millions of dollars.
Does research really cost millions upon millions of dollars?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2k9mak/eli5_why_does_medical_and_other_scientific/
{ "a_id": [ "clj7fty" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "Yes, it does. Biomedical research starts with what you think of as lab experiments - people moving liquid from one tube to another, petri dishes, etc. Then it moves to animal studies, which themselves can easily cost millions of dollars per stu...
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[ [] ]