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1dgx3n
why do carriers care if you tether?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1dgx3n/eli5_why_do_carriers_care_if_you_tether/
{ "a_id": [ "c9q6xrc", "c9q73jn", "c9qatg8", "c9qg9pq" ], "score": [ 3, 3, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "the same reason why Hollywood cared about VCRs or the music industry cared about cassette tapes.\n\nwith tethering, you'll only need to subscribe to their service once instead of m...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
hsvf3
Can someone explain how astronomers know the exact spectral composition of the standard candles identified in the observable universe?
I understand for the most part using redshift to tell how far away objects are from us, but I've always been confused as to how astronomers got a baseline to make these measurements from. AFAIK, the distance a standard candle is from us is found by comparing the object class' known luminosity versus the observed brigh...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/hsvf3/can_someone_explain_how_astronomers_know_the/
{ "a_id": [ "c1y3am0", "c1y3b5i" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "we use color-color diagrams and where they lie on a Hertzsprung-Russel diagram. You measure the stars flux in different wavelengths and it gives you a color. You can also get spectral lines and that is how you get spectral t...
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[ [], [] ]
6mj97r
Police dispatchers in the 1960s
Hey guys, this is a qustion that l posted to ProtectAndServe but was suggested to post it here instead. So here goes! l'm currently writing a book about a detective set in Los Angeles in the 60s (yes l know, very original), and l'd like to tell his story through other members of the police department, such as the poli...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/6mj97r/police_dispatchers_in_the_1960s/
{ "a_id": [ "dk248m1", "dk25zog" ], "score": [ 9, 19 ], "text": [ "Yes, big cities had a central phone number that was publicized to the public: published on the phone book cover, distributed on stickers, painted on police cars, etc. In addition, everyone knew that you could dial 0 for Op...
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[ [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJDSdxY7mRo&list=PLHat9OEqFwPGCNMscUiMUgUJN_2neLwGW", "https://forums.radioreference.com/california-radio-discussion-forum/139207-please-explain-adam-12-control-head.html" ], [ "http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive/pdf?res=9C0DEFDB1330E033A25755C0A9629C946591D6...
3rlj45
black holes suck in light, so why are they black?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3rlj45/eli5_black_holes_suck_in_light_so_why_are_they/
{ "a_id": [ "cwp522z", "cwp53tb" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Black is the label we apply to an absence of light. You can't make a flashlight that projects black. Since the BH absorbs light, it you could look at it you would see no light. That condition is labeled \"black\".", "...
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[ [], [] ]
1eer1l
What were the social requirements to becoming a naval officer in 18th century Britain?
Could, for an example, the son of a merchant or a baker become an officer or was it just for the nobility/upper class?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1eer1l/what_were_the_social_requirements_to_becoming_a/
{ "a_id": [ "c9zn3gg" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Sure could.\n\nIf a family was wealthy enough they could get their son enlisted as a midshipman. Most midshipmen started when they were just boys and spent many years at sea under the tutelage of their superior officers. Once they had progressed ...
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[ [] ]
6pjk6f
why is being bare foot seen as taboo? why is it different between being barefoot or in flip flops.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6pjk6f/eli5_why_is_being_bare_foot_seen_as_taboo_why_is/
{ "a_id": [ "dkptftx", "dkq228p" ], "score": [ 18, 3 ], "text": [ "Where i work its an insurance thing, yes we clean our floors but there is no guarantee there is not an odd shard of glass somewhere, if you cut your foot the company could be held liable so we would just rather you wear you...
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[ [], [] ]
2fna0l
Did Tibetan rule practice slavery well into the 20th century and if so, did chinese annexation actually end it?
Saw this pop up in a thread somewhere and wondered if the responses were actually legit. So I turn to you. I study chinese studies and would be very interested in your response. Thank you.
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/2fna0l/did_tibetan_rule_practice_slavery_well_into_the/
{ "a_id": [ "ckb156i", "ckb4vrw", "ckbe7tn" ], "score": [ 12, 16, 12 ], "text": [ "Followup question, how accurate is the Penn and Teller episode of \"Bullshit!\" on the Dalai Lama where this claim is repeated?", "This question has come up a few times before that has yielded so...
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[]
[ [], [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/24v7uz/what_was_life_really_like_for_tibetan_people/", "http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/273mh9/there_has_been_some_claim_that_the_dalai_lama/chxbgrd", "http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/15ttpj/how_did_the_dalai_lamas_act...
1s8wvm
what does this patent troll bill say and do?
The passing of this patent troll bill is all over the news. Does it have any impact on my company's existing patents? Will it affect plans we have in place for future patents? _URL_0_
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1s8wvm/eli5_what_does_this_patent_troll_bill_say_and_do/
{ "a_id": [ "cdv3taf", "cdv3tg3", "cdv45wg", "cdv5red", "cdv7t01" ], "score": [ 3, 9, 9, 36, 4 ], "text": [ "I would honestly like to know that as well.", "\"You must pay the Troll toll, to get to this boys hole.\"", "Nice try patent troll.\n\nActually, I he...
[]
[ "http://www.infoworld.com/t/government/patent-troll-bill-clears-house-huge-majority-232218" ]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
2z882e
What would happen if the North Star goes Supernova?
I learned that a stars death has a lot to do with their size. So if that's true then the north star must be going out with the major bang. If and when it happens would we be able to see it and would it have any effect on us? Would that be the most visible star death for us? I think we'd be able to see it but because of...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/2z882e/what_would_happen_if_the_north_star_goes_supernova/
{ "a_id": [ "cpgkhei", "cpgpm8u" ], "score": [ 794, 11 ], "text": [ "**Short answer:** It would be brighter than a full moon and visible during the day, likely for a few weeks or months. Unfortunately, it's not massive enough to produce a supernova. \n\n**Longer answer:** The concept of a ...
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[ [], [] ]
1njl9g
how can a microwave heat up food but have no affect on plastic food wrap?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1njl9g/eli5_how_can_a_microwave_heat_up_food_but_have_no/
{ "a_id": [ "ccj5x7c", "ccj5y7a" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Microwaves are radio waves that are roughly around 2,500 megahertz\n\nThese radio waves are absorbed by water, fats, and sugars. \n\nThese waves are also not absorbed by most plastics, ceramics, or glass.\n\nIf you were to c...
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[ [], [] ]
6sl5mr
nuclear preparedness
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6sl5mr/eli5_nuclear_preparedness/
{ "a_id": [ "dldjopw" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Everybody's going to die, slowly. That's arguably an improvement over people inside the loop, who are going to die quickly.\n\nThe sort of war that would include attacks on major American cities is likely to be the sort of thing that ends humani...
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[ [] ]
trp5k
why do people protest the nato summits?
As a resident of Chicago, we are being forced to deal with a lot of security preparation and road closures due to the NATO summit. Not only is his in terms of closing down roads for foreign dignitaries, but also preparation if protests get out of control. I've looked around online but it seems to be a pretty charged ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/trp5k/eli5_why_do_people_protest_the_nato_summits/
{ "a_id": [ "c4p6zw5" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "If you use the search bar, you'll find [this was already asked](_URL_0_). Unfortunately there was only one answer so it's not incredibly helpful. " ] }
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[ [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/tla5t/eil5_why_are_people_protesting_the_nato_summit_in/" ] ]
2bumsk
why if i approach any wild animal in the countryside on foot it sprints away, but when you're in a car they just sit in the middle of the road until you nearly, or do, run them over.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2bumsk/elif_why_if_i_approach_any_wild_animal_in_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cj9234c" ], "score": [ 15 ], "text": [ "A survival skill is the ability to recognize and react to movements of animals (such as people) differently than movements of objects (such as trees blowing in the wind) - you run when it's the former but the latter is just background noise to b...
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1y3mii
What would a persons diet consist of before the processing of grains.
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1y3mii/what_would_a_persons_diet_consist_of_before_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cfh6632" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "You might try x-posting this question to /r/AskAnthropology, they would probably better be able to answer your question." ] }
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[ [] ]
70s28a
why do we see multi-colored dots in the dark?
In the dark, especially when you're eyes aren't adjusted, you see multi-colored dots, why is that?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/70s28a/eli5_why_do_we_see_multicolored_dots_in_the_dark/
{ "a_id": [ "dn5jt32" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "I'm in a sensation and perception class right now. Even when your eyes are closed, the inner anatomy of your eye is still picking up what minimal sensations are present. Your neurons are still firing from this input, just not much so your percept...
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[ [] ]
241qge
How do our brains remember the time of the events that have been fixed in the memory?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/241qge/how_do_our_brains_remember_the_time_of_the_events/
{ "a_id": [ "ch8a563" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "nobody really knows for sure, but recent work suggests it likely involves the hippocampus and surrounding cortex. memories involve binding certain aspects of experiences together, which is likely reflected in neuronal firing patterns (either pat...
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[ [] ]
7zgnwe
Recommendation
Hey! Everyone I am a beginner who wants to start learning and reading about history. My main interests are interaction and development of religion throughout the ages. I would like your help and recommendations as to how to go about it and start reading about these things I am really interested in Buddhist history , so...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/7zgnwe/recommendation/
{ "a_id": [ "duowyc8", "duxc0yb" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Not to discourage any recommendations (because the more the merrier) but \n\n[What if I told you there's an awesome reading list that's perpetually updated by the knowledgable flairs and mods?](_URL_4_)\n\nA few subsections ...
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[ [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/wiki/books#wiki_south_and_southeast_asia", "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/wiki/books/culturalhistory#wiki_religion", "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/wiki/books#wiki_east_asia", "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/wiki/books/culturalhisto...
5m20v7
why does a website with a recipe often include a long preface before you get to the actual recipe?
Each time you find a recipe online, there will likely be a very very long preface to the recipe that is by the author-- which makes no difference to the dish (for example, "I first made this dish on a Saturday morning, when the leaves were falling on my porch...."). If it were ads, that would make some sense as part of...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5m20v7/eli5_why_does_a_website_with_a_recipe_often/
{ "a_id": [ "dc0659s", "dc068ww", "dc06xx0" ], "score": [ 3, 5, 4 ], "text": [ "I would guess it's because these websites aren't cookbooks, they're blogs, which implies some degree of the author writing for themself. ", "Imma answer your question, but first let me tell you abou...
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[ [], [], [] ]
66vaxh
Did the Roman Empire ever contact the ancient Chinese?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/66vaxh/did_the_roman_empire_ever_contact_the_ancient/
{ "a_id": [ "dglp8na", "dglpui5", "dglxfs9", "dglz4og", "dglzk1u", "dgm3ge7", "dgmcmoh" ], "score": [ 59, 476, 44, 12, 126, 4, 28 ], "text": [ "This question gets asked a lot. Here's an excellent older thread about it: _URL_0_\n", "/u/Tiako is pr...
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[ [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/wszki/to_what_extend_did_han_china_and_the_roman_empire/" ], [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/49oaly/what_did_the_romans_know_about_the_chinese/d0ti5j0/" ], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avidius_Cassius", "https://www.um...
3hnu95
Best book to understand Islam
Lately I have been struggling with all the things I have seen in the media about Islam. I was raised Christian in a very conservative area of the USA so my understanding of it is very basic. However all the negativity I see directed towards it by my friends and coworkers breaks my heart. I feel that the place I was bor...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3hnu95/best_book_to_understand_islam/
{ "a_id": [ "cu92cgh", "cu92dyb", "cu96xt1" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 4 ], "text": [ "Reza Aslan's No God But God should be fine and readable. ", "I'd like you to qualify here: Do you want a history book, a philosophy book, a political book, a theological book? Do you want fiction o...
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[ [], [], [] ]
1tjgsh
Do satellites rotate with the earth?
How are we able to access satellites like tv ones 24/7? Do they have multiple, or do the satellites rotate right above us constantly?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1tjgsh/do_satellites_rotate_with_the_earth/
{ "a_id": [ "ce8no7y" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "Satellites in geostationary orbit maintain the same position above the Earth because it takes them 24 hours to rotate. These are about 30,000 km up. Many satellites are much closer to Earth and orbit in a few hours." ] }
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[ [] ]
i2wl1
Is there a limit to the amount of energy that can be in one place at one time?
Is there some characteristic of space-time that limits the amount of energy that it contain at any given point? Or is it just limited by the amount of energy available in the universe?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/i2wl1/is_there_a_limit_to_the_amount_of_energy_that_can/
{ "a_id": [ "c20g2i4", "c20g8ma", "c20gxbh" ], "score": [ 46, 4, 11 ], "text": [ "If you cram too much into one space, you get a black hole.", "On a similar subject, check out information density. I remember reading some stuff about it and thought it was really interesting. C...
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[ [], [], [] ]
1auei8
Are fish in tanks/aquariums aware of the fact that they live in an enclosed space?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1auei8/are_fish_in_tanksaquariums_aware_of_the_fact_that/
{ "a_id": [ "c90uvyr", "c90v7cr", "c90vdi0", "c90veli" ], "score": [ 21, 39, 5, 8 ], "text": [ " I don't know how you would go about proving that fish were 'aware' of the size of their enclosure but it's quite common for aquarium fish to bump, or sometimes _bash_ right into...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
1t2rkk
What would a typical day be like for an RAF pilot during the battle of Britain?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1t2rkk/what_would_a_typical_day_be_like_for_an_raf_pilot/
{ "a_id": [ "ce3tgfd" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Pilots were actually required to do very little apart from fight. Pilots on alert (duty) had to wait either in their aircraft or at airbases very near them: literally every second could count in 'getting up' as time = altitude.\n\nIf not on duty...
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2jnelo
what is the connection between greenland and denmark?
Although Greenland is Danish territory, Greenland appears to consider itself a largely-independent territory. So, what is the official status of Greenland and Denmark, and how much control does Denmark have over Greenland?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2jnelo/eli5_what_is_the_connection_between_greenland_and/
{ "a_id": [ "cldc5o0" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Greenland is a country within the Kingdom of Denmark, similar to how Scotland is a country within the UK.\n\nGreenland has been aspiring to greater autonomy, and Denmark has completely, putting them on a track to assume increasingly more control ...
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[ [] ]
xccb3
Are there any political or social trends that tend to repeat themselves over the course of human history?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/xccb3/are_there_any_political_or_social_trends_that/
{ "a_id": [ "c5mgznj", "c5l53gp", "c5limi3" ], "score": [ 2, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "It can depend on what specific topic you're looking for. For example, if you were looking at repeating trends in America, there would be at least two massive ones.\n\n1. Tradition vs. Progress: Don't...
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[ [], [], [] ]
gwh9f
Do headphones increase the likelihood of being struck by lightning?
So i was just walking around under a particularly menacing cloud while listening to my ipod, when it hit me--since headphones are electrically powered, and sit basically at the top of a human body, does that make a headphone wearing person more attractive to lightning strikes than a nonbeheadphoned individual in the ex...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/gwh9f/do_headphones_increase_the_likelihood_of_being/
{ "a_id": [ "c1qsqu9" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "I would say the magnet inside an earbud would have essentially no effect on increasing the likelihood of you being struck by lightning. " ] }
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[ [] ]
76kx5q
why does licking the wrapper of a cinnamon gum and placing it into your skin start to burn your skin?
EDIT: onto your skin When I was a kid, it was a thing to take the Big Red gum wrapper, lick it, and place it on your forehead until it started burning. Why did/does this happen?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/76kx5q/eli5_why_does_licking_the_wrapper_of_a_cinnamon/
{ "a_id": [ "dof6un6" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "The cinnamon oil that flavors the gum feels hot in your mouth when you chew it. This is because it's an \"irritant\", or a molecule that activates pain receptors. The gum wrapper has some of the cinnamon oil on it, and when you moisten it by li...
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[ [] ]
totwu
If we can build huge reflectors/magnifiers to concentrate light into extremely hot beams, why can't we harness this power for all our energy needs?
Hope this gives a better idea of what I mean. I imagine a steam engine being powered by coal, which heats the water and makes steam. If we can direct sunlight into small beams of light which produce extremely hot temperatures, why couldn't we heat the water with a method as such? (Like burning an ant with a magnify gl...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/totwu/if_we_can_build_huge_reflectorsmagnifiers_to/
{ "a_id": [ "c4ofw63" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "You mean [like this Solar Power Tower in Spain?](_URL_1_)\n\nedit: [Better link](_URL_0_)." ] }
[]
[]
[ [ "http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6616651.stm", "http://inhabitat.com/sevilles-solar-power-tower/" ] ]
3bnbn6
Does your body still "recharge" at all if you are just lying there, eyes closed, not moving, but not sleeping?
Wondering because I've heard that if you are trying to nap, but can't really fall asleep, you're still benefitting. Would love to know the actual science behind this, if it exists.
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/3bnbn6/does_your_body_still_recharge_at_all_if_you_are/
{ "a_id": [ "csnyi1q", "cso70f9", "cson7j7" ], "score": [ 29, 4, 3 ], "text": [ "Yes, to a certain extent.\n\nThe body's systems are not usually just \"on\" or \"off\". There are gradients and different levels of activation of each system in the body. Even within the context of sle...
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[ [], [ "https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/story/3956/to-sleep-perchance-to-clean.aspx" ], [ "http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2824214/" ] ]
2i8j62
was scurvy actually particular to sailors? it seems like citrus wouldn't have been available to most of the lower classes
I work at a museum and talk a lot about ships and people often ask about scurvy. I understand that grog helped curtail it in sailors (rum+water was the sailors usual diet, but "Admiral Grog"'s water source was so foul he added citrus to make it taste better and his sailors didn't catch scurvy). But it seems like most l...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2i8j62/eli5_was_scurvy_actually_particular_to_sailors_it/
{ "a_id": [ "ckzu9q5", "ckzuaex", "ckzv53a", "ckzv5dg" ], "score": [ 5, 6, 4, 3 ], "text": [ "Citrus isn't the only source of vitamin C, it just happened to be a good one for ship-goers since most things that were cheap and vitamin C rich were perishable.", "Scurvy is c...
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[]
[ [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beriberi", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scurvy#18th_century" ], [] ]
39ah49
why can massive video games like the witcher or elder scrolls come on a single disc, but most tv shows always come on around 5 discs?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/39ah49/eli5_why_can_massive_video_games_like_the_witcher/
{ "a_id": [ "cs1p7nr", "cs1sz5z" ], "score": [ 87, 14 ], "text": [ "Because video isn't generally a small thing to carry, whereas 3D data can be. \n\nVideo is just being read and played back, all the data you're seeing has to be there on the disk, otherwise, well, there's nothing to play. ...
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[ [], [] ]
pskbn
How many solar panels would be needed to power all of the U.S.?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/pskbn/how_many_solar_panels_would_be_needed_to_power/
{ "a_id": [ "c3rvz1m", "c3rwb6m", "c3s2ohu" ], "score": [ 22, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "a 100 mile by 100 mile solar thermal plant located in the desert southwest could power the United States. \n\n_URL_0_\n", "A rough estimate is 1TW (peak) power.\n\nAssuming solar modules are 15% ef...
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[ [ "http://ecolocalizer.com/2008/05/10/solar-energy-could-power-us-many-times-over/" ], [], [ "http://i.imgur.com/GV2MS.png", "http://i.imgur.com/wGxOB.jpg" ] ]
4br7cl
native reserves in the usa and canada.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4br7cl/eli5_native_reserves_in_the_usa_and_canada/
{ "a_id": [ "d1bmx3l", "d1bou5j", "d1bp9vg", "d1bshwf", "d1bty4r", "d1btz86" ], "score": [ 3, 40, 5, 2, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "What, specifically, do you want to learn about them?", "Basically Native Americans didn't see land ownership in the same way the Eu...
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[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
8jiwod
Does sound have an infinite volume?
I was listening to some music today and I was wondering why there’s a limit to how loud it can be turned up on my phone; this led me to start asking the question: *is there a limit to how loud and quiet a sound can be?*
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/8jiwod/does_sound_have_an_infinite_volume/
{ "a_id": [ "dz032xx", "dz039v4", "dz06typ" ], "score": [ 23, 2, 7 ], "text": [ "Ish. The quietest sound is simply no sound. Any given device is going to have a threshold minimum sound it can sense, but I don't see a reason you can't get as close to zero as you want, at least avera...
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[ [], [], [ "http://www.physicsclassroom.com/Class/sound/u11l1c1.gif" ] ]
2m75q9
What was the role of Capitalism in starting the first world war?
Searching on the internet I've come across different sources offering differing views on the role of capitalism in starting the first world war. Socialist websites such wsws and world socialism state that capitalism was the main reason leading to the world war. However, the Economist writes that capitalism was not r...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/2m75q9/what_was_the_role_of_capitalism_in_starting_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cm1lpo7", "cm1n5kh" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Could you please specify what you mean by \"capitalism\"? It is a very loaded term; most people actually mean various things they associate with it when they use it.\n\n", " > the Economist writes that capitalism was not...
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[ [], [] ]
4eamjt
is a poisonous reaction just a effective form of allergy?
Hello, something that's been plaguing the back of my mind of a while. What's the difference between a poisonous or a venomous reaction and an allergic reaction? Is a poison or venom just a chemical that we are extremely allergic to as a collective species. If so, why do we call them poions and venoms instead of allerg...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4eamjt/eli5is_a_poisonous_reaction_just_a_effective_form/
{ "a_id": [ "d1yeaxe", "d1yo9lr" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "A poison is something that attacks your system and causes it damage.\n\nAn allergy is when your body overreacts to a substance and *thinks* it's under attack. The key point of an allergy is that it's something that is actual...
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[ [], [] ]
3zsmky
why are "red" cameras so expensive? (upwards of $77,500 per camera)
Like this one: _URL_0_ What makes it so expensive? I would understand a couple of thousand dollars but close to 6 figures!? Why?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3zsmky/eli5_why_are_red_cameras_so_expensive_upwards_of/
{ "a_id": [ "cyopdf2" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "They're not. They're cheap. Like WAY cheap.\n\n\"Red\" cameras are not consumer products. They are essentially the digital equal/evolution of 35mm film cameras, such as the Panavision Milennium XL, which many Hollywood movies are filmed on. T...
[]
[ "http://www.red.com/store/products/limited-edition-weapon-forged-cf-package" ]
[ [] ]
2qi98v
packing a cigarette before smoking.
I'm a smoker but I often wonder what happens when I pack a cigarette. Sure, the tobacco become more compact. But why does packing make throat hits and the 'taste' better?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2qi98v/eli5_packing_a_cigarette_before_smoking/
{ "a_id": [ "cn6cbeh", "cn6cfjv", "cn6e2x6", "cn6ea2q" ], "score": [ 3, 9, 4, 3 ], "text": [ "In my opinion it makes for a thicker more satisfying smoke. Also it is about personal habits usually learned and copied from someone else.", "As far as I know it prevents the ...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
eoexqf
how did telephones work in the early 1900s?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/eoexqf/eli5_how_did_telephones_work_in_the_early_1900s/
{ "a_id": [ "fecb5ys", "fecbdnf" ], "score": [ 2, 6 ], "text": [ "There was a wire connection from each house which directly linked up via an exchange which plugged in specific lines to specific locations in a board _URL_0_", "Do you mean the decade the 1900s or the century the 1900s? ...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVDGuCjog_0" ], [] ]
218683
how/why do boogers form and why can't i feel them forming?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/218683/eli5_howwhy_do_boogers_form_and_why_cant_i_feel/
{ "a_id": [ "cgam9o3", "cgb7c5v" ], "score": [ 46, 2 ], "text": [ "Mucus is excreted into the nose by a few types of cells on the inner surface of it. It's purpose is to trap pathogens, dust, or other particles in order to prevent them from entering your respiratory system. You can't feel ...
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[ [], [] ]
4fozko
how do electric fences cause discomfort if the person or animal touching the fence is essentially a load resistor in parallel with a short?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4fozko/eli5_how_do_electric_fences_cause_discomfort_if/
{ "a_id": [ "d2arzo0" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "The fence isn't a short. The entire fence is energized to very very high voltage. The fence completes a circuit through you to the ground because you offer less resistance than the air does. \n\n" ] }
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[ [] ]
3filvv
If I were traveling at near the speed of light (enough to significantly slow time), would I be able to "think" normally? Would I be able to tell that time is slowing down?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/3filvv/if_i_were_traveling_at_near_the_speed_of_light/
{ "a_id": [ "ctoxxfm", "ctoz92o", "ctozj2d", "ctp2fcz", "ctp59ap", "ctp5gnz", "ctp634h", "ctp70gg", "ctp8445", "ctp9tew", "ctpbzw5", "ctppkpo", "ctpvoge", "ctpzc8y" ], "score": [ 2612, 14, 340, 55, 9, 27, 5, 18, 2, 5, ...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Relativity_of_simultaneity", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twin_paradox", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_relativity", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_dilation" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
63thy6
Were any of the German soldiers who slept with sexual slaves in government brothels prosecuted after WW2?
In case you didn't know, the Nazis gave their soldiers the opportunity to rape sexual slaves in government-run brothels _URL_0_ I have a few questions: * Do we know the identities of any of the soldiers involved in this practice? * Were any of them prosecuted after the war? * Were there any revenge killings/retalia...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/63thy6/were_any_of_the_german_soldiers_who_slept_with/
{ "a_id": [ "dfy3woo" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "These questions are rather difficult to answer altogether since while there is literature on the subject, mostly published since the mid-2000s forward, it still is a fairly under-researched area.\n\nStarting with the post-war prosecution, there i...
[]
[ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_military_brothels_in_World_War_II" ]
[ [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/5zo976/how_many_rapes_were_committed_total_in_world_war_2/", "http://www1.jur.uva.nl/junsv/brd/brdengfiles/brdeng386.htm", "http://www.victimsheroessurvivors.info/VictimsHeroesSurvivors.pdf", "http://www1.jur.uva.nl/junsv/JuNSVEng/GDRoffensefr.htm",...
2bkj1p
why don't some other company produce sodium thiopental if others refuse to provide it for executions?
It seems that any chemical company would be able to make sodium thiopental. What is stopping it being made from somewhere else in the US?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2bkj1p/eli5_why_dont_some_other_company_produce_sodium/
{ "a_id": [ "cj68h1o", "cj68iz7", "cj6950a" ], "score": [ 3, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Why can't they just fire up ol sparky. ", "Best guess: Poor ROI.\n\nTo make any chemical substance, you need to set up a lot of equipment. This means buying new equipment, renting a place to put it,...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1s48qd
How did the UK go from running a globe-spanning empire controlling 1/4th the world to its current level of power, where fielding a military force to retake the Falkland islands was a major effort?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1s48qd/how_did_the_uk_go_from_running_a_globespanning/
{ "a_id": [ "cdtyjv2" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "The reasons for Britain’s decline from the position of pre-eminent global super power are undoubtedly complex and multi-faceted. Here are some of them:\n\nRelative decline in Wealth:\n\nOne of the reasons Britain became the hegemon was that Brit...
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[ [] ]
4kp4cp
How do we find out if electrons are not elementary?
What experiments can or have been done to confirm this being true or false?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/4kp4cp/how_do_we_find_out_if_electrons_are_not_elementary/
{ "a_id": [ "d3gmr9f", "d3gu7f7", "d3gznon", "d3h3sjx" ], "score": [ 98, 5, 5, 4 ], "text": [ "There have been experiments looking for electron sub-structure, all of which have come up null. This can be used to further constrain a potential electron radius to smaller and sm...
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[]
[ [ "http://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/0031-8949/1988/T22/016/meta" ], [], [], [] ]
3cb54m
how do we know we aren't seeding life on mars when sending probes there?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3cb54m/eli5_how_do_we_know_we_arent_seeding_life_on_mars/
{ "a_id": [ "cstv1es", "cstv1h7", "cstv49e", "cstvhgd", "cstxe34", "csu0nl6", "csu6l2s" ], "score": [ 9, 4, 90, 14, 36, 3, 7 ], "text": [ "It is extremely important to the people building these probes that we don't \"seed\" the planets, because part ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://planetaryprotection.nasa.gov/methods" ], [], [], [ "http://planetaryprotection.nasa.gov/about" ], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extremophile" ] ]
5nz1m1
When European missionaries , such as the Portuguese, first landed in Eastern lands, such as Japan, how did they initially communicate and eventually learn the vernacular language to preach there?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/5nz1m1/when_european_missionaries_such_as_the_portuguese/
{ "a_id": [ "dcfi4tu" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "/u/TheLegendofNick\n\nIn the specific case of Francis Xavier, the first Christian (Catholic) missionary to Japan, language was a significant barrier. Through is travels in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia, Francis Xavier knew that langua...
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[ [] ]
253mmu
why is it when we get angry or upset about something we can "sleep it off" and feel much better about the situation later?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/253mmu/eli5_why_is_it_when_we_get_angry_or_upset_about/
{ "a_id": [ "chddofw" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Emotional responses are \"faster\" and \"stronger\" than logical responses.\nGoing to sleep, or any delaying action such as deep breaths, counting to ten etc. is kinda like the tortoise (logic) and the hare(emotion)\n" ] }
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[]
[ [] ]
80ud46
Napoleonic Sailors Could Not Swim(?)
I have often heard that most sailors during the Napoleonic Wars could in fact not swim. However, i have read from various sources that French (in particular) Light Infantry, such as the Voltigeurs on several occasions swam across rivers under fire from the enemy. If Infantrymen could swim then surely a large portion of...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/80ud46/napoleonic_sailors_could_not_swim/
{ "a_id": [ "duycgyl", "duyejgh" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "A combination of practical and cultural factors were at work here, which have been addressed in some earlier responses:\n\n[Is it true that a lot of old-timey sailors couldn't swim?](_URL_0_)\n\n[Sailors ability to swim in t...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/5elczb/is_it_true_that_a_lot_of_oldtimey_sailors_couldnt/", "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1gve0s/sailors_ability_to_swim_in_the_15th_century/" ], [ "http://www.enzb.auckland.ac.nz/document/?wid=2989&page=1&action=null", ...
1sqhqq
why do degrees break down into minutes and seconds?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1sqhqq/eli5why_do_degrees_break_down_into_minutes_and/
{ "a_id": [ "ce06at4", "ce09tee" ], "score": [ 6, 3 ], "text": [ "I know about the words, but not about the number 60.\n\nMinutes and seconds are both abbreviations.\n\nMinute used to be Prima Minute \"The first small part\", second was Seconda Minute \"the second small part\". (Spellings ...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
1i0c9i
What was medical treatment like for slaves that got sick or injured in North America?
In other words, would slaves take care of other slaves? How "caring" were the slave masters to their property?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1i0c9i/what_was_medical_treatment_like_for_slaves_that/
{ "a_id": [ "cazx0hu", "cb06adi" ], "score": [ 6, 3 ], "text": [ "I'll answer based on why I know of U.S. slavery. I'm also going to assume you're speaking more about diseases and conventional medical questions, rather than the injuries that owners actually inflicted on their slaves. \n\nA...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.google.com/books?pg=PA712&id=mjkCAAAAYAAJ#v=onepage&q&f=false" ] ]
1k68cx
When one donates blood, does he/she also pass on the hormones (female to male and vice-versa) to the receiver? What about immunity to diseases? What other things are transferred besides RBC?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1k68cx/when_one_donates_blood_does_heshe_also_pass_on/
{ "a_id": [ "cbluzdc" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "When one donates blood, the blood is processed from its raw form to filter out all the parts they need into separate containers. This way, blood transfusions are only RBCs. Platelets transfusions are just platelets. And a number of other useful c...
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[ [] ]
jb3ln
the political situation in wisconsin
I'm constantly being bombarded by political adds that do nothing more than sling mud at their opponents. I didn't know where else to post this but I would really appreciate somebody explaining what the candidates stand for to a first time voter.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/jb3ln/eli5_the_political_situation_in_wisconsin/
{ "a_id": [ "c2ao0h3", "c2ao0h3" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "This is a hard one to explain to a five year old and I'm not good at coming up with analogies, but I kept it as simple as possible.\n\nEssentially, Scott Walker's \"budget repair bill\" does the following:\n\n1. Eliminate co...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
69ni9v
at what point does counterfeit money legally fit the definition of being counterfeit?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/69ni9v/eli5_at_what_point_does_counterfeit_money_legally/
{ "a_id": [ "dh7xyyy", "dh7y7im", "dh7zjp1" ], "score": [ 2, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Fun fact. If you shine a laser cat toy or pointer through a Canadian banknote at the clear Canada flag, the denomination will be projected on the wall as three numbers in a circle.", "America has re...
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[]
[ [], [ "https://www.treasury.gov/services/Pages/Regulations-for-Reproducing-US-Currency-Images.aspx" ], [] ]
2g20j1
why does the us government keep publicly stating that they will be air-striking is? doesn't this give is a heads up and chance for counter plans?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2g20j1/eli5_why_does_the_us_government_keep_publicly/
{ "a_id": [ "ckeviaw", "ckew2kv" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "There's not much a group like ISIS can do about air strikes. Their knowledge of them doesn't harm US forces. If it forces them to stay in hiding more, that's a plus.", "What counterplans? The USAF is pretty much unassa...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
8223q5
what is aging?
At a cellular level, what really causes us to age?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8223q5/eli5what_is_aging/
{ "a_id": [ "dv6wsov" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "Aging is thought to happen when the ends of DNA (telomeres) become damaged enough to let the important generic information get messed up. These telomeres act like a shield made of garbage, they help protect the more important parts of the strand ...
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[ [] ]
3qrtuf
Looking for book recommendations: England 800-1100
I didn't much like studying history at school, but over the past couple of years I've started trying to educate myself. One period that particularly interests me is English history around 800 _URL_0_ 1100 A.D. I was hoping people could recommend me some books about this period. I don't expect anything to cover the who...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3qrtuf/looking_for_book_recommendations_england_8001100/
{ "a_id": [ "cwhtny2" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "A few books that you might like include Nicolas Higham's *The Anglo-Saxon World* ~ A good introduction to the Anglo-Saxons.\n\nRobin Fleming's *Britain After Rome* ~ Provides a authoritative account of how Britain transformed after 410 AD \n\n D...
[]
[ "A.D.to" ]
[ [] ]
2od6xh
If a single transistor on a modern cpu stopped working, would we notice?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/2od6xh/if_a_single_transistor_on_a_modern_cpu_stopped/
{ "a_id": [ "cmma1k3", "cmmczew", "cmmd5kl" ], "score": [ 19, 3, 5 ], "text": [ "Yes, that circuit would be inoperable.\n\nTo answer the inevitable follow-on question: how in the world do chipmakers get away with having to have a perfect record for chip production?\n\nThe answer: t...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AMD_Phenom", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentium_FDIV_bug" ] ]
18326t
Where does 'political correctness' originate from?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/18326t/where_does_political_correctness_originate_from/
{ "a_id": [ "c8b6qsa", "c8b8mx8" ], "score": [ 4, 36 ], "text": [ "the term? or the concept?\n", "It's hard to place down the exact lineage of the term in the modern sense down, but most sources on the topic seem to agree that it originates from a Communist leader, though there is disa...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_correctness" ] ]
5nt25o
why do we sometimes experience tremendous mood shifts based upon music?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5nt25o/eli5_why_do_we_sometimes_experience_tremendous/
{ "a_id": [ "dce4bvg" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "It's based on you experiences you have had with these genres. For example, I used to listen to the most annoying alarm clock every morning because it was the only thing loud enough to wake me. One day I was walking through a store and heard a sou...
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[ [] ]
5tp0f2
Is there something wrong with Bell's inequality?
EDIT2: In short, I think the experiment is rigged to break the inequality. Read [this paper](_URL_2_), it explains my reasoning better and fixes a wrong assumption I made before. It's "then" instead of "the" in the second drawing and the document conversion broke the caption for the fourth one, it starts with "B is". ...
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/5tp0f2/is_there_something_wrong_with_bells_inequality/
{ "a_id": [ "ddp0vhv" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ " > Is there something wrong with Bell's inequality?\n\nNot really, no.\n\n > Can't disagree with the math, but it felt like the premise was wrong for same axis, opposite directions.\n\nCan you clarify what you mean by this? I can’t understand you...
[]
[ "https://youtu.be/ZuvK-od647c?t=447", "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuvK-od647c", "https://drive.google.com/file/d/0By-K-KkcfyO-NFdKV0Vkc2QxR2M/view", "http://imgur.com/a/io6wM" ]
[ [] ]
16mpkt
what causes sad (seasonal affective disorder) and what helps?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/16mpkt/eli5_what_causes_sad_seasonal_affective_disorder/
{ "a_id": [ "c7xhu4e" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Though not definite, some think SAD is a caused by a lack of sunlight during the winter months. People have come to this conclusion since countries that are further North are more likely to report higher rates of depression during the darker mont...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seasonal_affective_disorder#Physiology", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melatonin" ] ]
14t4pl
How did HIV cure cancer in the 7-year old girl?
Here's a link to an article: _URL_0_ My question specifically is how did they "alter" the HIV virus strand to target cancer cells? What process method was used? (A link to a scholarly article would be nice) What possible risk are their by using this form of treatment? And finally do you think this can be used for all ...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/14t4pl/how_did_hiv_cure_cancer_in_the_7year_old_girl/
{ "a_id": [ "c7g78wk" ], "score": [ 15 ], "text": [ "They used a disabled form of HIV (one that cannot give you the AIDS, I'm assuming they removed the viral genes), and modified it by adding a specific gene that produces the \"chimeric antigen receptor\". This receptor gets expressed in the cells...
[]
[ "http://www.inquisitr.com/431832/doctors-use-hiv-to-cure-7-year-olds-cancer/" ]
[ [] ]
1qtz1i
how can people in tough financial situations can be living in hotels?
Hotels per night are much more expensive than getting an apartment for a month, so what am I missing? Why would someone choose to do that?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1qtz1i/eli5_how_can_people_in_tough_financial_situations/
{ "a_id": [ "cdgfv9z", "cdgja74", "cdgjf5h", "cdgk2or", "cdgse3u" ], "score": [ 4, 3, 2, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "It could be that their finances are in bad shape because they make poor decisions like that.", "There was itinerant housing near my place in Chicago (no l...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
3p4c65
I've seen world WW2 posters with the message "loose lips sink ships" implying that there were axis spies in the US spying on american citizens for intel. Were there actually these spies and did these spies cause harm to the allies?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3p4c65/ive_seen_world_ww2_posters_with_the_message_loose/
{ "a_id": [ "cw34zvx" ], "score": [ 12 ], "text": [ "German spies landed in the United States in a (failed) attempt to cause harm to our economy.\n\nOperation *Pastorius* was a plan to land teams of German spies (all of whom had lived in the United States) by submarine off the east coast of the Un...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://uboat.net/boats/u584.htm", "https://m.fbi.gov/#https://www.fbi.gov/about-us/history/famous-cases/nazi-saboteurs/george-john-dasch-and-the-nazi-saboteurs", "http://uboat.net/boats/u202.htm" ] ]
3ni4b7
why do computer programs sometimes slow down when they're open for long periods of time?
For example the UFC fight pass app on xbox one gets extremely slow and laggy after its been open for a while without anything else changing. It happens with computers programs too. Why is this?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ni4b7/eli5_why_do_computer_programs_sometimes_slow_down/
{ "a_id": [ "cvoanet", "cvoaqyh", "cvoarcz" ], "score": [ 2, 6, 3 ], "text": [ "The simplest way to explain it is by thinking of a bucket you put water into. As long as the program is open, water is in the bucket. Whenevr you visit new information, you add water. Eventually you can...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Object_\\(computer_science\\)" ], [] ]
88wle3
To what extent was North Korea a Soviet satellite state during the Cold War?
I wish to ask all here for your expert opinions on to what extent was North Korea a Soviet satellite state during the Cold War? North Korea was governed by a Soviet military administration (_URL_0_) and there were Soviet troops on North Korean soil. Thus, the formation of North Korea was similar to the Soviet Satelli...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/88wle3/to_what_extent_was_north_korea_a_soviet_satellite/
{ "a_id": [ "dwob8nl" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "A follow up question: can we think of South Korea and Taiwan as American satellite states when they were ruled by military junta?" ] }
[]
[ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soviet_Civil_Administration" ]
[ [] ]
f4edy
Why only one origin of life?
Why is there only one origin of life on this planet (all creatures share common DNA markers as I understand)? Since the earth has existed for over 4 billion years why has there been only one 'genesis' event in that timespan? Why could it not happen multiple times resulting in multiple types of life (creatures that do...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/f4edy/why_only_one_origin_of_life/
{ "a_id": [ "c1d7d40", "c1d7d95", "c1d7dgw", "c1d7hg0", "c1d7o3q", "c1d7qbv", "c1d7vf4", "c1d7xb8", "c1d7y6y", "c1d8eko" ], "score": [ 57, 29, 6, 4, 2, 10, 2, 8, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Because of the massive degree of similarity b...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20463725" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
15lvye
Does separating compost slow down the decomposition of landfill trash?
Just wondering if having less organic material around in a landfill would slow the rate of decomposition, at least for some kinds of trash.
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/15lvye/does_separating_compost_slow_down_the/
{ "a_id": [ "c7ns94r" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Garbage doesn't decompose in a landfill as they are compacted nd sealed off from oxygen. It wil be there for thousands of years to come. It will be where future archeologists will be digging to learn about us. In fact we are already king that to ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
u62ca
Do insects see other dead insects as warning signs of danger?
I know people who will kill bugs and then leave the dead bodies where they were killed to discourage other bugs from coming around. Is there any truth to this at all?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/u62ca/do_insects_see_other_dead_insects_as_warning/
{ "a_id": [ "c4sn0mi" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "I was able to find [this](_URL_0_) and [this](_URL_1_), which say that crushed insects release chemical signals that attract others of their nest. Big caveat: neither of those sites are sourced, and the PETA one clearly has an ulterior motive fo...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.wordiq.com/definition/Ant", "http://www.peta.org/issues/wildlife/wasps-and-bees.aspx" ] ]
1ummap
why do people say 'film' instead of 'movie'?
I know that 'film' stems from the film that motion pictures used to be recorded on. But it seems to me that 'movie' is just a more accurate term to describe said motion picture as it is literally the shortened version of 'moving picture show'. I find it snobbish when I hear people say film. Help me understand why peop...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ummap/eli5_why_do_people_say_film_instead_of_movie/
{ "a_id": [ "cejl92t", "cejlyhx", "cejp25w" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Why do some people (I do this) refer to 'taping' something when it would be more accurate to say 'recording' these days? Old habits die hard, especially when they've been embedded in our daily vocabula...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
2g3sbm
how do democrats and republicans rationalize billions of dollars in tax breaks every year to oil companies?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2g3sbm/eli5_how_do_democrats_and_republicans_rationalize/
{ "a_id": [ "ckfc489", "ckfc5b3", "ckfcjg0", "ckfd0qe", "ckfdeft", "ckfdf2g", "ckfdph8", "ckfe67e", "ckfei02", "ckfenm3", "ckfev1u", "ckfevc1", "ckfewpz", "ckffmf0", "ckfg4a7", "ckfgj0w", "ckfgztr", "ckfhlqg", "ckfhm8c", "ckfhvap", "c...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://video-cdn.abcnews.com/110309_pol_barton_karl2.mp4" ], [ "http://talkingpointsmemo.com/dc/barton-govt-subsidies-necessary-to-keep-exxon-from-going-out-of-business" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://m.us.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887324789504578380684292877300?mobile=y...
21px9e
If vellum was so expensive in the Middle Ages, why do medieval books have such large blank margins?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/21px9e/if_vellum_was_so_expensive_in_the_middle_ages_why/
{ "a_id": [ "cgfkayd" ], "score": [ 9 ], "text": [ "While there are sporadic examples of wide manuscript margins dating back late antiquity, their consistent appearance in manuscript production, and explanation for them, show up in the 11th century.\n\nThe answer suggests itself when we look at ma...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/38/Free_Library_of_Philadelphia%2C_Lewis_E_170%2C_1r.jpg", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gloss_(annotation\\)", "http://britishlibrary.typepad.co.uk/.a/6a00d8341c464853ef01a73d9a628d970d-popup", "http://i.imgur.com/scBgD5r.jpg", "http://britishlibrar...
1izxdj
Is it true that in colonial American rum and beer were considered more healthful than water?
I read [this book chapter](_URL_0_) and it states, among other claims about drinking in America, that, "Americans of this period believed it was healthier to consume tepid alcoholic drinks in hot weather than to refresh themselves with cold water." Can a historian comment on this? Is this book a credible source?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1izxdj/is_it_true_that_in_colonial_american_rum_and_beer/
{ "a_id": [ "cb9oxil", "cba7lh3" ], "score": [ 11, 3 ], "text": [ "well, both were distilled which is what killed the germs that were often found in water. however, knowledge of said germs was not the reason why. so the author, when I read the piece, is inserting modern knowledge to colon...
[]
[ "http://www.nytimes.com/books/first/b/barr-drink.html" ]
[ [ "http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=10230508073&searchurl=bsi%3D0%26amp%3Bds%3D30%26amp%3Bisbn%3D0786705590" ], [] ]
1eciba
How does E=MC^2 give us time dilation?
I get how this famous formula explains the energy inherent to matter, and thus the potential of nuclear energy, but these strange time effects at great speed seem completely unrelated to the variables. ::EDIT:: I should've expanded this to other strange relativistic effects, such as gravitational lensing, gravity wav...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1eciba/how_does_emc2_give_us_time_dilation/
{ "a_id": [ "c9yvmbz", "c9yyl5h", "c9yytl9", "c9z004u", "c9z10uh" ], "score": [ 19, 7, 11, 4, 5 ], "text": [ "Time dilation doesn't fall out of the mass-energy equivalence equation, it's a separate concept within relativity though they share common roots. So you're...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postulates_of_special_relativity" ], [], [], [] ]
4pfuki
how is energy carried by electric currents?
I’m a fully grown human who thought he understood electricity, but after probing deeper I’ve come to realise my wrongness. In a simple DC circuit, I thought that the chemical energy in the battery was converted to the kinetic energy of the electrons, and then through different processes relying on resistance in compon...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4pfuki/eli5_how_is_energy_carried_by_electric_currents/
{ "a_id": [ "d4klljg", "d4ks1o2", "d4kukfo" ], "score": [ 3, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Well, best to explain everything.\n\nCurrent = Amounts of electrons per second\nVoltage = Energy carried per electron (More correctly, energy difference between 2 spots)\nResistance = How hard it is for...
[]
[ "http://amasci.com/elect/poynt/poynt.html" ]
[ [], [], [] ]
178nlp
What are some informative books, articles, or other resources one could look into regarding 20th Century French Colonialism in North Africa?
With the recent French intervention in Mali, my interest has been spurred in researching the area of France's colonial/imperial pursuits in Northern Africa over the 20th Century. Book titles or magazine/journal articles are what I'm shooting for, but any online resources would work just as well. Thank you in advance!
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/178nlp/what_are_some_informative_books_articles_or_other/
{ "a_id": [ "c838b5j", "c83a8bo", "c83uxii" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "I'm currently reading *A Savage War of Peace: Algeria 1954-1962* by Alistair Horne, and it's just phenomenal. The author has spent decades interviewing people on all sides of the conflict and gives a ve...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
a6rx2q
why does surface tension cast a shadow?
Just a [random picture on reddit](_URL_0_) but it made me wonder why changes in the surface of water do not cast shadows but when surface tension is involved there is a shadow?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a6rx2q/eli5_why_does_surface_tension_cast_a_shadow/
{ "a_id": [ "ebxeias", "ebxfbs9" ], "score": [ 9, 2 ], "text": [ "It’s not the surface tension itself, more that the water bulges due to surface tension in such a way that it refracts the light round the centre of the bulge. Do you see how there are bright fringes around said ‘shadows’?", ...
[]
[ "https://i.redd.it/q6ubex6hyn421.jpg" ]
[ [], [ "https://www.askamathematician.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Magnifying-glass.jpg", "https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/lhvy7dbtToeqIwL9ux9Nu4yt0Ns=/768x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc" ] ]
1cbqkk
When were first lock systems built for water transport?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1cbqkk/when_were_first_lock_systems_built_for_water/
{ "a_id": [ "c9f0z47" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Look to the early flash locks of [ancient China]( _URL_0_). (Just happened to run across that the other day while looking into the Ohio canal system that opened up exploration to the west.)" ] }
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.scienceclarified.com/Io-Ma/Lock.html#b" ] ]
6p1fvq
Why does it seem as though it's more common to get sick when the seasons or weather change?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/6p1fvq/why_does_it_seem_as_though_its_more_common_to_get/
{ "a_id": [ "dkm0cuh", "dkm13xf", "dkm20cn", "dkmkztn", "dkmpbkq" ], "score": [ 73, 11, 123, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "There are a few things at play here, as /u/Impossiblyrandom has suggested.\n\nIllnesses often spread in winter, not really because the cold makes people m...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/8925815/", "https://weather.com/amp/health/news/why-we-catch-colds-when-the-weather-changes.html" ], [ "https://www.forbes.com/sites/quora/2016/12/27/why-do-people-get-colds-in-cold-weather/#114ca848467c", "http://www.popsci.com/science/...
2rsjb2
Why was the War of the Roses not called the First English Civil War?
I will admit that my knowledge of the period is not extensive, but from what I do know, it seems that the war of the roses was a civil war of sorts, but it is not called that. Why is this?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/2rsjb2/why_was_the_war_of_the_roses_not_called_the_first/
{ "a_id": [ "cnj3ngv" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "It was known as The Cousins War. While the English Civil was a war between English *institutions*; the Crown and Parliament, the War of the Roses was a war between an extended family.\n\nMore than anything, it's the contrast in scales and impacts...
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[]
[ [] ]
1eb3te
what is the proposed euro-zone banking union about and how will it work?
What are the advantages and disadvantages? How will a banking union affect a) local businesses and b) cross-border businesses and c) the man in the street?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1eb3te/eli5_what_is_the_proposed_eurozone_banking_union/
{ "a_id": [ "c9ysbnn", "c9yvbk7" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "_URL_0_\n\nIt sounds like it's to give banks more power to lobby the government for bail-outs. So it's a bad thing that a few very rich people are trying to get away with so that they can go on staying rich and powerful by c...
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[]
[ [ "http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/47055db6-5b47-11e2-8ccc-00144feab49a.html#axzz2TIn3PGSN" ], [] ]
4a8mxo
how do computers/computer systems deal with daylight savings time?
Do they have a period of an hour of just missing data? And in fall do they have an extra hour of data? Specifically, businesses or hospitals that are dependent on time logging specific events
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4a8mxo/eli5_how_do_computerscomputer_systems_deal_with/
{ "a_id": [ "d0y93qr", "d0y9i08" ], "score": [ 10, 3 ], "text": [ "Most computer systems don't work with timezones at all and prefer to store data in UTC only. Later they just convert time locally using current system settings for display purposes.\n\nWhen user needs to enter date (like sc...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
4eun2o
the madonna-whore complex
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4eun2o/eli5_the_madonnawhore_complex/
{ "a_id": [ "d23l723" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "The fundamental is the view that women are either virginal and pure, or unendingly slutty.\n\nThe concept goes back a long time. It can easily be traced in modern times to the thought that a woman must be a virgin until marriage, any woman who ha...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
21f2uo
why hasn't the ukrainian military fought back against the russian invasion of crimea?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/21f2uo/eli5_why_hasnt_the_ukrainian_military_fought_back/
{ "a_id": [ "cgced9u" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "An excellent analogy posted by /u/CallMeMrKnowItAll in a similar thread:\n\n > If I'm out skinny dipping in a pond in the woods and a Grizzly Bear wanders up and sits its butt down on my boots, I think maybe I'll just walk home barefoot.\n > \n >...
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[]
[ [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2103s6/eli5_why_isnt_ukraine_fighting_back_for_crimea/" ] ]
56qtak
legality of war
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/56qtak/eli5legality_of_war/
{ "a_id": [ "d8lo96c", "d8lpd84" ], "score": [ 7, 3 ], "text": [ "So, the first notion to dissuade yourself from is that there is international law on when a war is \"legal\" - there is not. Every country decides for itself whether a war is legal or not and imposes penalties if they feel ...
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[ [], [] ]
b9gbgm
Could King Henry VII of England speak Welsh?
King Henry VII founder of the House of Tudor was born in Pembroke Castle and descended from the Welsh Tudors of Penmynydd, I'm curious as to whether he was able to speak Welsh or not as I'm aware Pembrokeshire was quite an English influenced county quite early on in the history of Wales, and his grandfather Owain ap Ma...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/b9gbgm/could_king_henry_vii_of_england_speak_welsh/
{ "a_id": [ "ek6y8va" ], "score": [ 13 ], "text": [ "As you mention, Henry VII was born in Wales, and in fact he lived in Pembroke Castle until he was 14 years old. He has regularly been claimed as 'Welsh' by the Welsh themselves, not least because, as Thomas points out, they considered themselves...
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[ [] ]
8pul5h
Can the human body have too much blood?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/8pul5h/can_the_human_body_have_too_much_blood/
{ "a_id": [ "e0ehl77", "e0fk34s" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "In addition to polycythaemia, which is mentioned above, you can also be given too much blood! If you give too much blood [product] via transfusion to someone they can get Transfusion Associated Circulatory Overload (TACO). ...
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[]
[ [], [ "https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemochromatosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351443", "https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/polycythemia-vera/symptoms-causes/syc-20355850", "https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4071685/" ] ]
wdk9e
When freezing saltwater how do you calculate how much salt can be added to a given amount of water for every degree below 0°C?
**To elaborate**: I'd like to figure out how much salt can be added to a liter of water for each degree under 0°C and still have the liquid freeze completely. **Why I'm asking**: I'm looking into putting a freezer in my garage. Because of how hot it gets in there, and because power outages can happen frequently dur...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/wdk9e/when_freezing_saltwater_how_do_you_calculate_how/
{ "a_id": [ "c5celm3", "c5cgq4g" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "You have to use what is known as a [phase diagram](_URL_0_) which uses empirical data however this...\n\n > I'm guessing that using saltwater instead of fresh water would keep the freezer's contents frozen longer.\n\n...I ca...
[]
[ "http://www.lsuagcenter.com/en/family_home/hazards_and_threats/power_outage/Play+It+Safe+With+Food+After+a+Power+Outage.htm" ]
[ [ "http://www.snowman.ca/images/phasediagram.jpg" ], [ "http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/sodium-chloride-water-d_1187.html" ] ]
brlr7g
looking for an in depth explanation of stocks and their market starting from the basics all the way to the complex.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/brlr7g/eli5_looking_for_an_in_depth_explanation_of/
{ "a_id": [ "eoex25a" ], "score": [ 16 ], "text": [ "Sorry, didn't realise the sub. My link to [investopia](_URL_0_) was removed.\n\nA \"stock\" or a \"share\" (they're the same thing) is owning a slice of a company. Big companies are spilt into many millions of separate shares, but it varies c...
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[]
[ [ "http://www.investopedia.com" ] ]
in43d
Does anything happen when a super-sonic thing drops below the speed of sound?
When something goes from sub-sonic to super-sonic, a sonic boom occurs. Does anything happen when something goes from super-sonic to sub-sonic?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/in43d/does_anything_happen_when_a_supersonic_thing/
{ "a_id": [ "c25312p" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ " > When something goes from sub-sonic to super-sonic, a sonic boom occurs.\n\n\nThat is when it begins, but a sonic boom is a continuing phenomenon. It is always present when the object is traveling faster than the speed of sound. Not just when t...
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[ [] ]
2maps8
Do deafblind people still perceive their consciousness as residing in their heads?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/2maps8/do_deafblind_people_still_perceive_their/
{ "a_id": [ "cm2qpfh" ], "score": [ 18 ], "text": [ "It must be noted that some of the past cultures (e.g. some ancient Greeks, most notably Aristotle) used to believe that the seat of intelligence was in the heart. \n\nSo it is less than clear that there is an actual perception of location of con...
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[ [] ]
6bxrpg
Most countries in Europe have a history of long lineages of nobility. How did these noble families originate?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/6bxrpg/most_countries_in_europe_have_a_history_of_long/
{ "a_id": [ "dhqjm88" ], "score": [ 10 ], "text": [ "There's no clear-cut answer. Marxists will tell you that in early agricultural societies, the strongest who were tasked with defending the settlement in exchange for food were the first to obtain status and wealth off the fruits of other's labor...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/54bj5a/did_any_ancient_patrician_roman_families_rise_to/", "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/529mvl/why_and_how_are_there_italian_noble_families_who/", "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3wr137/are_there_any_rich_or_powerful...
56otq4
does waking up during the night but going back to sleep pretty immediately affect the benefit of sleep for that night?
Let's say you plan on going to sleep around 11 and waking up at 7 to be well rested, but you have medicine for example to take around 3 in the morning. If you take it quickly and go right back to sleep, does your body feel the positive effects of a good night's sleep the next day?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/56otq4/eli5_does_waking_up_during_the_night_but_going/
{ "a_id": [ "d8l9nzf" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "[](/adsleep)Few and short breaks in sleep, **as long as** they don't interrupt the deep sleep cycles, won't affect you. \nIn fact, is normal to wake up by yourself, and stay awake a little while at the end of a cycle, it's not mandatory to go ba...
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[ [] ]
4gvo1k
why are djs like calvin harris and david guetta getting billing over the singers in their songs?
There were always people mixing the back beats for artists. Why are they only now getting credit as the artist with the featured singer only a "featuring" credit?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4gvo1k/eli5_why_are_djs_like_calvin_harris_and_david/
{ "a_id": [ "d2l6hni", "d2labvo", "d2lbj5n", "d2lct5a" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Besides producing the music, they usually also write/co-write the songs (though the singer may co-write also); so it usually is their song, they just asked a famous singer to sing ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
52khwd
Did the ancients have their own archaeologists/antiquities? What would, say, the Romans have known about the people's who inhabited their empire before them?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/52khwd/did_the_ancients_have_their_own/
{ "a_id": [ "d7l5yuf", "d7l6ajl", "d7l6pi8", "d7l71go", "d7l9use", "d7lkmc9", "d7lrn4f", "d7m0etv" ], "score": [ 75, 25, 431, 58, 97, 22, 80, 37 ], "text": [ "As an add-on question, what kinds of museums existed in this era?", "A couple o...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/4qv9vi/it_is_the_year_400ad_and_i_am_a_roman_student/", "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3fntam/did_ancient_civilisations_romans_greeks_bronze/" ], [ "http://global.oup.com/us/companion.websites/9780199997329/student/materials/...
18rlqh
Would the Battle of Gettysburg have turned out differently if Pickett's Charge had not happened?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/18rlqh/would_the_battle_of_gettysburg_have_turned_out/
{ "a_id": [ "c8hcg4d" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "We'll never know! But you're free to ask the folks over at /r/HistoricalWhatIf about your question." ] }
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[ [] ]
21lj4g
Is there a reason why bigger animals tend to have bigger eyes. What advantage is it having eyes in proportion to body size?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/21lj4g/is_there_a_reason_why_bigger_animals_tend_to_have/
{ "a_id": [ "cge9dyx", "cge9q4e", "cgeezw9", "cgefbuk", "cget2fr" ], "score": [ 7, 116, 8, 8, 2 ], "text": [ "Well, I haven't ever seen this answered directly.\nHowever, just stepping through the problem,\nLarger eyes means more room for rods/cones as well as collec...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://irl.cs.ucla.edu/papers/right-size.html", "http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bd/Apodemus_sylvaticus_bosmuis.jpg", "http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/63/African_elephant_warning_raised_trunk.jpg" ], [], [] ]