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6gyizg
If a "very" long rope is attached on earth perpendicularly and goes into space. Is it possible that it does not fall if the size of the rope is really very long?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/6gyizg/if_a_very_long_rope_is_attached_on_earth/
{ "a_id": [ "diukqww", "diungts" ], "score": [ 18, 4 ], "text": [ "This is the basic idea behind a [space elevator](_URL_0_): attach a cable to the equator, put a counterweight on the other end, e.g. a space station, and let the cenrifugal force pull the cable taut. Then in theory you can ...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_elevator" ], [] ]
3g1sjr
Why isn't there a standard definition on what genocide is?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3g1sjr/why_isnt_there_a_standard_definition_on_what/
{ "a_id": [ "ctu58vd" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Hi!\n\nThere *is* a definition of genocide that has been adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. It was adopted back in 1949, actually, and is called the [Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide](_URL_0_) (oth...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://treaties.un.org/doc/Publication/UNTS/Volume%2078/volume-78-I-1021-English.pdf" ] ]
fy3hrp
How come solutions are homogeneous mixtures? What is the process to reach this state?
I went down the google rabbit hole yesterday and stumbled upon solutions, solvents, solutes and the like. While I can grasp the general idea that solutions by nature are homogeneous mixtures I had some questions I could not find answers to and guesswork on my end. Questions are: what is the cause for solutions bei...
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/fy3hrp/how_come_solutions_are_homogeneous_mixtures_what/
{ "a_id": [ "fn1got9" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "They become homogeneous due to [diffusion](_URL_0_). Diffusion coefficients generally increase with temperature, so heating it up will speed up the diffusion." ] }
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diffusion" ] ]
2s86ms
why aren't video games that have a glitch considered defective?
If there's something broken in the video game, why doesn't it warrant a full refund?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2s86ms/eli5_why_arent_video_games_that_have_a_glitch/
{ "a_id": [ "cnn1lpg", "cnn1q8k", "cnn39va" ], "score": [ 8, 3, 4 ], "text": [ "Today you learn:\n\nLiterally every single bit of software not made by NASA has hundreds, thousands of bugs! Most of them aren't found, occur in obscure cases or really aren't that bad.\n\nIt's simply n...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1ef9jq
When would you say World War I became obvious that it would happen?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1ef9jq/when_would_you_say_world_war_i_became_obvious/
{ "a_id": [ "c9zourm", "c9zsh3q" ], "score": [ 6, 5 ], "text": [ "World War One, as opposed to a more general european war, was the product of a unique technological moment that existed between the development of the Haber process in 1909, which allowed industrial production of explosives,...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Willy-Nicky_Correspondence", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cult_of_the_offensive" ] ]
37smdo
In pre-modern warfare (1700s-1800s) why did ship-based cannons usually have a longer range than land-based artillery?
This seems to be a common characteristic of naval battles. Ships were often able to bombard land artillery while staying out of range of return fire. Is this because of something intrinsic to putting a cannon on a ship or have I just disproportionately been reading about battles where this happened to be the case? What...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/37smdo/in_premodern_warfare_1700s1800s_why_did_shipbased/
{ "a_id": [ "crpm2n1", "crpp3z4", "crppfem" ], "score": [ 5, 5, 6 ], "text": [ " > And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air,\nGave proof through the night that our flag was still there.\n\nThe British navy did not use cannon against Fort Mchenry on the evening that ins...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1a21iy
Did the Big Bang come from nothing, or can we simply not know what came before?
This is something that has bothered me a lot when listening to science documentaries. I hear a lot of science documentaries describe the Big Bang as all of existence coming from nothing, but if I understand it correctly we simply cannot currently understand what came before because the natural laws we understand the u...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1a21iy/did_the_big_bang_come_from_nothing_or_can_we/
{ "a_id": [ "c8teqiy", "c8tergz", "c8tfsqp", "c8tfyjy", "c8tgso5", "c8thpn7", "c8ti0f6", "c8tjl8e" ], "score": [ 113, 15, 37, 16, 2, 100, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "_URL_0_\n\nGreat explanation of cosmology as a whole, and how quantum mechanics allow...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjaGktVQdNg" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
1od1oi
how did recently conquered lands transfer to a currency based system, when previously they relied on a barter system?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1od1oi/how_did_recently_conquered_lands_transfer_to_a/
{ "a_id": [ "ccr13cr" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Who? What conquered lands? " ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1jm0js
Are there any natural phenomena that create lasers?
Anyone can visit a local drug store and find those little laser pointers for sale as impulse items, but can such focused beam of light occur in the natural world? If so what kind of event can generate or emit a laser?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1jm0js/are_there_any_natural_phenomena_that_create_lasers/
{ "a_id": [ "cbg2qc0", "cbgcudo" ], "score": [ 37, 2 ], "text": [ "\"Masers\" are lasers at microwave frequencies, and their are various astrophysical ones:\n_URL_0_", "[Quasars](_URL_1_) (quasi-stellar radio source) emit energy waves along the light spectrum. In addition, [relativisti...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrophysical_maser" ], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polar_jet#Relativistic_jet", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quasar" ] ]
1ymrxk
How does the modern Catholic Church view historical Antipopes?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1ymrxk/how_does_the_modern_catholic_church_view/
{ "a_id": [ "cflxe56", "cfm0fe8" ], "score": [ 3, 4 ], "text": [ "If I may ask what is an antipope?", "I am slightly confused by the question. They see them as people who claimed to be pope and were not.\n\nIf you could clarify what you mean, I could probably give a better answer." ]...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2brzj4
Is the sense of 'proprioception' lost in individuals who have lost a sense of touch?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/2brzj4/is_the_sense_of_proprioception_lost_in/
{ "a_id": [ "cj8f9np" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "Hi. Thanks for your question.\n\nIn the clinical setting, it is not uncommon to see patients who have lost some component of their sense of touch but maintained proprioception or vice versa, but these sensory modalities often appear to track toge...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://jnnp.bmj.com/content/73/5/473.full" ] ]
1ujigu
the political philosophy of ayn rand? what exactly is objectivism?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ujigu/eli5the_political_philosophy_of_ayn_rand_what/
{ "a_id": [ "ceipgvk", "ceipo33", "ceipvdw" ], "score": [ 4, 3, 5 ], "text": [ "It's premised on the assumption that if everyone looked after their own self interest we would all be better off.\n\nIt is not taken seriously as an idea and rarely is it considered sophisticated enough...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
3z6t1c
How common was sexual violence against women (or men) during the Holocaust?
This is one of those horrific questions I don't really want to know about but at the same time am curious. I watched a documentary about Auschwitz that said how everyone entering the camp was sorted to either be gassed or be a prisoner and do hard labor. They showed men and women being treated similarly, the ones who w...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3z6t1c/how_common_was_sexual_violence_against_women_or/
{ "a_id": [ "cykmti3" ], "score": [ 12 ], "text": [ "That question is not really answerable in detail. We don't know very much about sexual violence in concentration camps. Though from what little evidence we have, the conclusion would be that it was fairly common.\n\nThe problem is basically two-...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/europe/06/24/holocaust.rape/" ] ]
3hvs1x
why do curiosity and other 'space cameras' take photos in individual rgb layers?
As shown in [this] (_URL_1_) image. [This] (_URL_0_) recent image shows how due to the Moon moving, it was in a different place for each layer, leaving a green streak EDIT: just to be clear, I know why pictures in general have 3 RGB layers, but most cameras capture all 3 layers at once. These cameras take 3 pictu...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3hvs1x/eli5_why_do_curiosity_and_other_space_cameras/
{ "a_id": [ "cuazkgs", "cuazlha" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Cameras you're used to using are designed to be able to capture a full image quickly. This means that things don't have to stand still all that long (or may even be moving if you have a fast enough shutter speed).\n\nCamera...
[]
[ "http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/image/1508/globe_epc_2015198_lrg.jpg", "http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/spaceimages/images/largesize/PIA16799_hires.jpg" ]
[ [], [] ]
2hkzqp
Online text source for old US treaties
I'm looking for a text source of the Hay-Herbert Treaty of 1903 to cite in a paper, but all I can find is the wikipedia entry of it. Is there a more official source online where I can find the text of the treaty?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/2hkzqp/online_text_source_for_old_us_treaties/
{ "a_id": [ "cktti9x" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Do you have access to Hein? You can find it in *Compilation of Treaties in Force* from 1904. p. 386\n\n_URL_0_\n\nIf you have access to Proquest Congressional (formerly Lexis Congressional) search for S. Doc. 318 from the 58th Congress. It's also...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://heinonline.org/HOL/Page?handle=hein.ustreaties/cotif0001&collection=ustreaties&index=ustreatiesgi388&id=388" ] ]
c4l4po
What happened to paratroopers who didn't jump?
I'm an American paratrooper on the way to Normandy. The idea of being killed in the battlefield frightens me. When the time to drop comes, my buddies jump off the plane, yet I remain inside. What happens to me?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/c4l4po/what_happened_to_paratroopers_who_didnt_jump/
{ "a_id": [ "erxah5a", "es10hww" ], "score": [ 2482, 3 ], "text": [ "Edit-On mobile so please forgive the formatting/lack of anecdotal examples. \n\nThe training to not freeze up either in the door or combat started early on in the paratroopers training. Flight was still a relatively new c...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
33t2gn
Does vitamin C really improve connective tissue health?
Many coaches and "fitness experts" suggest suppplementing vitamin c for joints health/recovery, but i couldnt really find any good research about it, is there any scientifical proof about it?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/33t2gn/does_vitamin_c_really_improve_connective_tissue/
{ "a_id": [ "cqo6g8e", "cqob918", "cqoc1k0" ], "score": [ 48, 2, 4 ], "text": [ "Collagen is synthesized in your body as an inactive precursor called procollagen, and to make the final product the body needs the compound called vitamin C as a cofactor. Cofactor means it is a molecu...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scurvy" ], [], [ "http://www.vox.com/2015/1/15/7547741/vitamin-c-myth-pauling", "http://www.quackwatch.com/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/pauling.html", "https://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/high-dose-vitamin-c-and-cancer-has-linus-pauling-been-vindicated/" ] ]
49or5s
why can radio/satellite tv broadcasts reach over several miles but my wifi drops off before even reaching the front door?
Obviously the wifi signal is much more complex and therefore has a lower tolerance or errors, but the coverage is orders of magnitude less than these other signals, even though they're based on older technology. Cell phone signals, bluetooth and 3G/4G are also much more reliable than wifi... why does it seem to be the ...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/49or5s/eli5why_can_radiosatellite_tv_broadcasts_reach/
{ "a_id": [ "d0thdn8", "d0thiuw", "d0thr5l" ], "score": [ 30, 4, 34 ], "text": [ "Output power on a wireless router is capped at 1 watt by the FCC. Cell tower transmitters are normally 10+ watts.", "TV/Radio/Sattelites are operating with a lot more power than your average wifi ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
2o11fn
In aeronautics, why does sound have a barrier and why is it so difficult to break?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/2o11fn/in_aeronautics_why_does_sound_have_a_barrier_and/
{ "a_id": [ "cmiq78e" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "just found it :\n\nSource: _URL_0_\n\n\nFor decades, the sound barrier had been a problem for pilots and aeronautical engineers. Air builds up in front of and around an aircraft as it approaches the speed of sound; it can’t move out of the way fa...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://amyshirateitel.com/2012/10/14/when-yeager-eased-through-the-sound-barrie/" ] ]
bgb4xo
If all the carbonation from a bottle of soda was removed, would the bottle have a smaller volume of soda? How much less would it weigh? How are bubbles "hidden"in the soda?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/bgb4xo/if_all_the_carbonation_from_a_bottle_of_soda_was/
{ "a_id": [ "elkheth", "elpw4mt" ], "score": [ 5, 3 ], "text": [ "A quick calculation for a 2 litre bottle at 3 atmospheres pressure says that the weight of carbon dioxide is about 12 grams (6/22.4 * 44 molecular weight). The volume may not change in proportion though as the CO2 exists as ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
9dxfhz
how come there are things common to almost every culture?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9dxfhz/eli5_how_come_there_are_things_common_to_almost/
{ "a_id": [ "e5kqfm4", "e5kqhce" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Mother and father are pretty much Universal using different words. Some commonality occurs because of conquest and sub groups disappear. There were 100s of cultures in North America before Europeans arrived but through conqu...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
47vrpq
how is the galaxy s7 ip68 waterproof rated? even when it has open ports like the usb and headphone jack
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/47vrpq/eli5how_is_the_galaxy_s7_ip68_waterproof_rated/
{ "a_id": [ "d0fux9u", "d0fviqg", "d0g2y32" ], "score": [ 10, 32, 4 ], "text": [ "It's possible to waterproof the ports. I have a waterproof flashlight with a USB charging port that doesn't need to be covered.", "The ports aren't open to the rest of the internals. Liquid and g...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1foawu
why can't i stop eating and just hook up an iv periodically to get my nutrients?
Wouldn't this be easier or a preferred way of dieting? What is it about food and liquid that makes it so special?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1foawu/eli5_why_cant_i_stop_eating_and_just_hook_up_an/
{ "a_id": [ "cac68nc", "cac6cdp", "cac6dht", "caca2v8", "cacb2uf" ], "score": [ 11, 17, 5, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "You could, if you wanted to. It would just be very time consuming and expensive. This is how people in comas are fed. \n", "An IV creates another ope...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://robrhinehart.com/?p=298" ], [ "http://robrhinehart.com/?p=424" ], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8WpksPED_Q" ], [] ]
2fjy1n
What characteristics separate Hominins and early Humans?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/2fjy1n/what_characteristics_separate_hominins_and_early/
{ "a_id": [ "ck9xeb3", "cka9807" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "I think you'll find that historians are not your only hope; try /r/askanthropology.", "Please review our [rules on homework questions](_URL_0_): It looks like you want us to do your assignment for you. This is not what t...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/wiki/rules#wiki_homework" ] ]
2h11nh
How big of a role did religion play in the Sri Lankan Civil War?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/2h11nh/how_big_of_a_role_did_religion_play_in_the_sri/
{ "a_id": [ "ckolkcl" ], "score": [ 49 ], "text": [ "Short answer: significant, sometimes outright, usually as a marker of difference that was expressed in other ways.\n\nTo answer your question, we have to recognize first that 'religion' is not a very stable category, particularly outside western...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
gfmut
Can an electron be seen?
I don’t think this question needs a scientist to answer so I am sorry if this is the wrong subreddit to post this. I know it’s a very newbie question but can we actually *see* an electron? Using an electron microscope or something else? Is there a photo (not an illustration) of what an electron looks like? I tried re...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/gfmut/can_an_electron_be_seen/
{ "a_id": [ "c1n9jvw", "c1n7eiw", "c1n7i3a", "c1n7iv1", "c1n7lf4", "c1n90xj" ], "score": [ 2, 6, 2, 10, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "The best [optical microscope](_URL_3_) currently has a resolution of around ~50 nanometers. (Check out the link, truly incredible. But ...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=h+%2F+%28m_e*c%29+*+%28+1+-+cos+pi+%29+%2B+400+nm&a=UnitClash_*c.*LightSpeedUnits.dflt--&a=UnitClash_*h.*PlanckConstantValue--&a=UnitClash_*m!_e.*ElectronMasses.dflt--", "http://www.physorg.com/news122897584.html", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atomic_...
dgqciq
Is there a correlation between thermal conductivity and whether a material burns or melts?
Is there a correlation of the conductivity of heat of a material and whether that material would burn or melt under heat? Glass and metal both conduct heat well and melt under heat. Wood and cloth both conduct heat poorly and burn with heat. If you stuck the end ofmetal rod and a wood stick of the same size in a fir...
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/dgqciq/is_there_a_correlation_between_thermal/
{ "a_id": [ "f3gpf16" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "Diamond has the highest thermal conductivity that we know of yet burns instead of melting. \n\nNeoprene foam has a thermal conductivity nearly as low as air yet melts upon heating.\n\nI'm not seeing a reliable correlation, just a tendency for str...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermoplastic", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermosetting_polymer" ] ]
iv6e1
If atoms are mostly made up of space around them how are they collectively solid?
I read that if an atom was blown up to the size of a basketball the electons would be about 20 miles away, how come metals and other solids are so hard? thanks.
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/iv6e1/if_atoms_are_mostly_made_up_of_space_around_them/
{ "a_id": [ "c26vt00", "c26vxnt" ], "score": [ 5, 5 ], "text": [ "They *aren't* collectively solid. When one atom gets close to another atom, the electron shells of those atoms have strong electromagnetic repulsion, and this repulsion will prevent two macroscopic objects from passing throu...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
dl1ae0
How does spontaneous symmetry breaking explain the Higgs field?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/dl1ae0/how_does_spontaneous_symmetry_breaking_explain/
{ "a_id": [ "f4m80b8", "f4mgf62" ], "score": [ 16, 7 ], "text": [ "I don't really know what you mean by \"explain\" the Higgs field. IF there is a scalar field that has an energy dependence such that it is in some symmetry broken state THEN it can have a non-zero vacuum expectation value. ...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
fskqg0
Why do scientists have such high Hope's of a vaccine/cure for COVID-19 yet viruses like HIV are unable to have one developed despite being discovered for a few decades?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/fskqg0/why_do_scientists_have_such_high_hopes_of_a/
{ "a_id": [ "fm2361r", "fm239vq", "fm2fww4" ], "score": [ 11, 41, 26 ], "text": [ "One of the main problems with HIV is that there is a latent reservoir somewhere in our bodies. The minute suppressive therapy is discontinued, the replication begins anew. \n\nThere has been some ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264410X05000861?via%3Dihub", "https://twitter.com/trvrb/status/1242628550563250176", "https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.18.20038059v1", "https://vetmed.iastate.edu/vdpam/FSVD/swine/index-diseases/tge", "https://next...
430lwf
why does banging a jar's lid on your counter loosen the jar?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/430lwf/eli5_why_does_banging_a_jars_lid_on_your_counter/
{ "a_id": [ "czej4a2", "czejj2w", "czel9iu", "czeobml", "czeownx" ], "score": [ 37, 2, 5, 3, 22 ], "text": [ "Banging is noise. Noise is sound. Sound is repeated vibrations. Vibrations loosen things. People driving their vehicles down the road with the bass booming ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "http://m.wikihow.com/Open-a-Difficult-Jar" ], [] ]
2s8ofj
when someone feels satisfied with their life and are comfortable with dying, why do we deny them the means to do so with dignity?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2s8ofj/eli5_when_someone_feels_satisfied_with_their_life/
{ "a_id": [ "cnn6zti", "cnn77uf", "cnn8sbn" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "I really think the only answer here is because it's the law. And I personally disagree with that law. ", "The concept that makes it illegal is that no one in their right mind would want to die, as ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
37yl6f
Popular sporting events are currently in a large part team sports, yet in antiquity sports were mostly individual events. How did sports as popular spectacles go from centering on individuals to teams?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/37yl6f/popular_sporting_events_are_currently_in_a_large/
{ "a_id": [ "crqu9fi" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Any sources to back this position?\n\nI think team sports played as large a role in history as it does today, but perhaps it is only the individuals that are remembered. Chariot racing for example is an individual sport on the face of it, but I h...
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[]
[ [] ]
1ifldm
Where did the use of valets originate from?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1ifldm/where_did_the_use_of_valets_originate_from/
{ "a_id": [ "cb480pm", "cb4hwcj" ], "score": [ 8, 2 ], "text": [ "In the middle ages the word valet came to be used to describe a personal male servant to gentlemen. The valet would take care of their master's clothing, equipment, and horse along with anything else that was needed. \n\nW...
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[]
[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Page_%28occupation%29" ] ]
bsp2oy
how exactly does a planned demolition of a building work? how do they pick where to put the bombs?
I've always been curious. How do they know all these things because the buildings always fall down nearly perfectly?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bsp2oy/eli5_how_exactly_does_a_planned_demolition_of_a/
{ "a_id": [ "eoourog" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "They've studied structural engineering and demolition for many many years in order to know where the load bearing beams are and how a building is constructed (based on the blueprints), so they know where to place the explosives and in which order...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1g2ps4
What is the difference between modern day wine and its ancient (BC and first couple hundred years of AD) counterpart?
Was it made differently? Did vintners use different grapes? Did it taste similar to the wine of today?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1g2ps4/what_is_the_difference_between_modern_day_wine/
{ "a_id": [ "cag6bgy", "cag8ed3", "caga3rn", "cagb9zc", "cagc1dm", "cagdqor" ], "score": [ 234, 11, 24, 5, 3, 8 ], "text": [ "Here's a very interesting AMA from last month :\n\n_URL_0_\n\n\nAnswers from /u/Queniden :\n\n\n > * Reports of wine made in ampho...
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[ [ "http://reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1dq9pl/sunday_ama_the_history_of_wine_beer_cider_and_mead/" ], [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1au0vr/how_do_the_wines_of_history_stack_up_against_what/", "http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1b2jhl/what_did_wine_and_beer_tas...
25onif
why is it that when you're inside in a bright room, you can see screen brightness- but if you're outside, with the same amount of light, you can barely see the screen brightness at all?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/25onif/eli5_why_is_it_that_when_youre_inside_in_a_bright/
{ "a_id": [ "chj8ftf" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "What *seems* like the same amount of light is actually nowhere close. \n\nThe sun puts out more than 1300 watts per square meter. It's just that your eyes quickly adjust and there's not much we can detect with our eyes beyond \"it's bright in her...
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82p0da
is there a difference between things that "glow" and things that only show up under uv light? what is the mechanism for each?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/82p0da/eli5_is_there_a_difference_between_things_that/
{ "a_id": [ "dvbq4u4", "dvbqvtz", "dvbr8m7", "dvbraqb" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 6, 2 ], "text": [ "Things that glow in the dark emit light themselves. Some things emit light under UV radiation. The UV Ray's are very powerful/ have a lot of energy to them. That can make electrons...
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[ [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jablonski_diagram" ], [] ]
10iejz
Why didn't any of the non-contiguous American territories become states besides Alaska and Hawaii?
As a related question, I've never really understood why Alaska and Hawaii *did* become states, either. So why did Congress decide in 1959 that it was time for Alaskan and Hawaiian statehood, but not for Guam, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, or anywhere else?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/10iejz/why_didnt_any_of_the_noncontiguous_american/
{ "a_id": [ "c6dqj5c", "c6dqqic" ], "score": [ 18, 30 ], "text": [ "Generally, it's up to territories whether or not to petition to become states. Puerto Rico has taken a vote on it on more than once occasion and rejected the idea IIRC.", "I commented on this [before](_URL_0_) and can...
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[ [], [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/ykcyh/why_were_territories_gained_from_spain_in_the/c5wfxqk" ] ]
b2iujz
what is the role of aedes mosquitos in the ecosystem?
My country is releasing male mosquitos carrying Wolbachia to mate with female aedes mosquitos. This will render the eggs to not hatch. Won’t this cause a reduction in species? Are there even any benefits of aedes mosquitos for the environment?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/b2iujz/eli5_what_is_the_role_of_aedes_mosquitos_in_the/
{ "a_id": [ "eisxmxh", "eryhtre" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "The Aedes species of mosquitoes are known to spread certain viruses such as dengue and chikungunya that are known to cause disease in humans.\n\nDengue, in particular, can be fatal if it causes a dengue haemorrhagic fever\n\...
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[ [], [] ]
5vuzsu
why does the max volume on my device vary so much based on what it is playing?
For instance between one youtube video and another, the max volume can be very quiet or decently loud. Why can't the quiet video sound just as loud?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5vuzsu/eli5_why_does_the_max_volume_on_my_device_vary_so/
{ "a_id": [ "de5371y", "de53k5p" ], "score": [ 2, 5 ], "text": [ "Its not your device at that point, its the source of sound. Why does a video of someone whispering sound more quiet than a video of someone screaming?", "It is entirely dependent on the volume level used when mastering t...
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[ [], [] ]
3h86pb
How did royalty during, say the Tudor dynasty, clean their beautiful, elaborate, and expensive clothes?
It seems to me the amount of money spent, and the fashions that existed at the time, meant that royalty simply didn't throw stuff away after one wearing. But they would travel in very fine clothes and have fun in them as well. Their clothes must have gotten filthy. How were the clothes cleaned?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3h86pb/how_did_royalty_during_say_the_tudor_dynasty/
{ "a_id": [ "cu550hq", "cu5co7q" ], "score": [ 2, 10 ], "text": [ "In \"Between Pit and Pedestal, Women in the Middle Ages\" by Marty Williams and Anne Echols, clothing could be stored with herbs like lavender so they would smell nice. Surcoats could be worn over gowns and sleeves could b...
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[ [], [ "http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0300137567?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01", "http://www.amazon.com/Dirt-Clean-Unsanitized-History/dp/0374531374/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1439769331&sr=8-1&keywords=clean+unsanitized+history", "http://www.tudortailor.com" ]...
1k17yl
kw vs kwh
As it relates to power production on a turbine/generator, please explain kw, or capacity of a generator Vs. kWh.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1k17yl/kw_vs_kwh/
{ "a_id": [ "cbkbw4d" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Kilowatt is a measure of power, or how much energy the generator can produce every second; where as kWh or joules is the total amount of energy that the generator produced if you ran it for a certain amount of time.\n\nSo if a 1 kW generator runs...
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[ [ "https://www.google.com/search?q=1kwh+in+joules&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a" ] ]
8rovkt
how can soap be moisturizing if it’s removing oil from you skin?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8rovkt/eli5_how_can_soap_be_moisturizing_if_its_removing/
{ "a_id": [ "e0t1r6q" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "You are correct on how soaps is to generally clean and remove oils but moisturizing soaps cleanse the oils and includes replenishing elements like aloe or shea and includes formulas to help absorb the simplest form of moisture, water. " ] }
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[ [] ]
25yqra
Have any Presidents of the United States of America nearly left office because the job was too hard?
I was a reading a thread about how the pressures of the office tends to visibly age the person. I wondered if there was any historical references to a President wanting to leave office early (not due to outside pressure but due to job stress)?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/25yqra/have_any_presidents_of_the_united_states_of/
{ "a_id": [ "chm60b1" ], "score": [ 14 ], "text": [ "Probably the best known case of a president who simply got tired of the job was Calvin Coolidge. After serving part of Warren G. Harding's term after his death, and one term elected on his own, Coolidge announced that he would not seek a second...
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[ [] ]
273h1o
why is xbox in competition with pcs? if most gaming pcs run on microsoft windows what do they gain by releasing a "console only" game?
Couldn't Microsoft release all the "console only" on Games for Windows – Live? Or does Microsoft not get as big a cut on PC sales as it does for Xbox games. Is it to force gamers to buy an Xbox One; do the minority of PC gamers who buy a console for an exclusive game outweigh the game sales lost among multiple people? ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/273h1o/eli5_why_is_xbox_in_competition_with_pcs_if_most/
{ "a_id": [ "chx1ob7" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "Delving into this is going to take awhile.\n\nHistorically, (i.e the past two console generations) game consoles used pretty different API's to PC's - the current batch is standardised so that it's incredibly easy to port games from one console t...
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[ [] ]
49ed8j
When a pregnant woman goes into labor, what is the proximate physiological change that caused the labor to begin? What mechanism if any functions as a sort of genetic clock for how long the baby will gestate and when this process will end?
My friend is pregnant and it's really interesting. Also if the proximate cause is something like, the body started producing some chemical then what is the cause of that? (I don't wanna keep asking why, but i figured it would be interesting for at least a few layers) So in joke terms, how does the body know the bun i...
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/49ed8j/when_a_pregnant_woman_goes_into_labor_what_is_the/
{ "a_id": [ "d0r80wr", "d0reabw", "d0rtudm" ], "score": [ 3, 9, 2 ], "text": [ "Labor is a clinical diagnosis.\n\nThe physiology of labor involves mechanical and endocrine changes. The uterus becomes progressively more excitable. Ratio of estrogen and progesterone changes. Oxytocin...
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[ [], [ "https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23145957" ], [] ]
x022u
[meta] loaded questions
There are a ton of loaded questions that I've seen recently. Sometimes they get downvoted, but occasionally I see them high up. These are usually "why" questions, such as, "Why is Nickelback so terrible?" or "why is X a bad idea?" If a post has an opinion that isn't respected by virtually everyone, then it is biased ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/x022u/meta_loaded_questions/
{ "a_id": [ "c5hzdp6", "c5hzmx5", "c5i37se", "c5i3ih6" ], "score": [ 15, 4, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "I think people should ask themselves \"do I really need a simple explanation, or do I just want a venue to argue my point?\" before they ask a question here. ", "This subreddi...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
1gtp52
We know lack of sleep has negative health effects, but is there any research showing too much is also bad?
Let's say the average should be about 8 hours for adults. What if a person slept 10 hours for an extended period of time? 12 hours?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1gtp52/we_know_lack_of_sleep_has_negative_health_effects/
{ "a_id": [ "canqb7i", "canqitm", "cao1djy" ], "score": [ 91, 1118, 3 ], "text": [ "There might be a \"correlation vs causation\" problem here. As in, if you sleep a lot, it might be a symptom of medical problems, and not the cause.\n\nLikewise, you can prevent someone from sleepin...
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[]
[ [], [ "http://ajpregu.physiology.org/content/265/4/R846.short", "http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2864873/" ], [ "https://www.dropbox.com/s/l2rq4i40s25jnv5/Sleep_lecture_-_3_per_page.pdf" ] ]
aho53d
Is there a best edition/translation of The Histories by Herodotus?
I plan on purchasing a copy but I was wondering if there are major differences if any between different editions/translations of the book. My understanding is that the two most common editions are the Landmark Edition and the more Recent Tom Holland translation.
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/aho53d/is_there_a_best_editiontranslation_of_the/
{ "a_id": [ "eegfxc9" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "I recommend the \"Landmark\" Herodotus ([link](_URL_0_)). It is not too expensive these days, has a TON of maps, notes, explanatory material in like 30 different appendices, and a solid translation of the text. It's really great, especially if yo...
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[ [ "https://www.amazon.com/Landmark-Herodotus-Histories-Robert-Strassler/dp/1400031141/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1547920890&sr=8-1" ] ]
4bb71b
How on earth did they start using laser eye surgery?
They cut your eye open and shoot lasers at it; how did they get to the stage of being so confident it worked that they were willing to attempt something so dangerous on a real person for the first time, all whilst not being able to test it for real?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/4bb71b/how_on_earth_did_they_start_using_laser_eye/
{ "a_id": [ "d17obu7" ], "score": [ 13 ], "text": [ " > that they were willing to attempt something so dangerous on a real person for the first time\n\nThe alternative was equally if not more dangerous, they used to literally use a scalpel held by a doctors hand to cut a small flap open and scra...
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[ [] ]
1f703x
what is the mathematical explanation for honeycombs being the shape they are?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1f703x/what_is_the_mathematical_explanation_for/
{ "a_id": [ "ca7ebxb" ], "score": [ 9 ], "text": [ "Maximum internal volume with minimum length of wall.\n\nEDIT:\n \nFor example: If honeycombe was made up of lots of little square wells, the bee's would require more wax walls to hold the same volume as hexagonal honeycombe. The same is true for ...
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[ [] ]
9lxl07
how does a credit card machine work during flight?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9lxl07/eli5_how_does_a_credit_card_machine_work_during/
{ "a_id": [ "e7a694g", "e7a6dha" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "It doesn't, it connects when the plane has landed and all the payments are processed then. This also means you can use a card with no balance and it will be approved. A lot of budget airlines only accept credit cards now for...
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[ [], [] ]
88op6b
how does the show “planet earth” get their shots without scaring the animals
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/88op6b/eli5_how_does_the_show_planet_earth_get_their/
{ "a_id": [ "dwm7qi1", "dwm89jb" ], "score": [ 9, 3 ], "text": [ "The telescoping lenses they use are INSANE\n\nbasically, a large part of it is zooming in really really really close from really really really far away. other parts of it is remote infrared sensing cameras that record when s...
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[ [], [ "https://youtu.be/mODlsphGbLw" ] ]
20o77f
every year the asphalt roads get torn up, then patched/re-paved. hasn't road tech/asphalt tech improved to the point where this doesn't need to happen year after year?
I mean is it just that the companies that get hired to fix the road just use low quality asphalt, which will keep them in a job so they can fix it next year? It just seems that it is a never ending battle budget-wise, and physically between the roads and nature. I live in the northeastern U.S. where the roads are q...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/20o77f/eli5_every_year_the_asphalt_roads_get_torn_up/
{ "a_id": [ "cg561hn", "cg5650u" ], "score": [ 5, 4 ], "text": [ "They can build roads to a standard right now that will last much longer, but it would cost a lot more per mile and the job goes to the lowest bidder. They build roads to much higher standards in most of Europe and they last ...
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[ [], [] ]
1kanw5
why are some forms of damage to oneself (ie binge drinking, etc) more acceptable than something like cutting?
I use binge drinking as an example because though it can be hazardous, the consumption of large quantities of alcohol is a fairly normal event and enjoyable for some. I know of self harmers who do enjoy the sensation of cutting, burning, etc, but admitting to self harm as a method of stress relief is definitely looked...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1kanw5/eli5_why_are_some_forms_of_damage_to_oneself_ie/
{ "a_id": [ "cbn0etv", "cbn0o3z" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "Because something like binge-drinking is an offshoot or extreme of a socially acceptable, common activity. \nWhile binge drinking is harmful, that is not readily apparent (unless it develops into a dependency). \nSelf-harm...
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[ [], [] ]
4cscsu
How did the Korean peninsula become, or come to be seen as mono-ethnic?
I suppose Korea congealed in a time before nationalism, so this question is a bit nebulous. But what about totally different languages, or people who did not see themselves as a part of the main Korean culture? What happened to any groups that might object to the idea of One Korea?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/4cscsu/how_did_the_korean_peninsula_become_or_come_to_be/
{ "a_id": [ "d1lwt97" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ " > I suppose Korea congealed in a time before nationalism\n\nYup.\n\nBefore the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, there was 35 years of Japanese colonialism. Before that there was 518 years of Joseon. That's longer...
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s62e9
Why do non-flashing LED lights give the effect of flashing when a camera is recording them?
Not too sure if this is a science based question but i was watching a video featuring a Lamborghini with LED lights and they appeared to flash (they're not supposed to). So why does this happen? Edit: Thanks guys. Understand why now.
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/s62e9/why_do_nonflashing_led_lights_give_the_effect_of/
{ "a_id": [ "c4bdide" ], "score": [ 22 ], "text": [ "because they likely are flashing, much faster than you can see (thousands of times a second usually). [Pulse-width modulation](_URL_1_) is a very common way to control the brightness of LEDs, since it's very simple (only thing to control is the ...
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[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aliasing#Sampling_sinusoidal_functions", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pulse-width_modulation" ] ]
1x4gsz
Is there a difference in electricity used if I use my computer to charge my phone versus using a separate wall outlet?
Maybe I'm using the wrong verbiage and if I am, feel free to elaborate. But is there a difference in electricity or energy transfer, or really any sort of difference, between if I use my computer (laptop or desktop) to charge my cellphone with usb versus if I used a wall outlet? And if so, can I have the difference exp...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1x4gsz/is_there_a_difference_in_electricity_used_if_i/
{ "a_id": [ "cf89n1b", "cf89rof", "cf8p2ou" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "I think this really falls into ili5, but here goes my attempt. \n\nWall chargers for cellphones take input (120v) and 'change' it to 5volts / xx amps. USB connections output at the same average voltag...
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[ [], [], [] ]
20w797
do people with 'crazy' or 'lazy' eyes see more, less or differently to other people? or exactly the same? [serious]
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/20w797/eli5_do_people_with_crazy_or_lazy_eyes_see_more/
{ "a_id": [ "cg7au1h", "cg7b8xc", "cg7ea5o", "cg7f4h0", "cg7ighz" ], "score": [ 8, 4, 7, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "my SO has(d) a lazy eye as a kid. The straightness issue was corrected, but she told me her brain just can't process the signal correctly so it only will \"se...
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[ [], [ "http://imgur.com/eiS6xLV" ], [], [], [] ]
92fhus
why is it easier to balance on those small scooters (with those small wheels) when moving compared to when you're not moving?
Sorry for the bad English.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/92fhus/eli5_why_is_it_easier_to_balance_on_those_small/
{ "a_id": [ "e35ckra" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "Scooters (or bikes or motorcycles or anything with 2 wheels for that matter) are designed in a way that makes them want to stay upright while moving forward. I'll use a bike for this example because all the parts are bigger and easier to visualiz...
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[ [] ]
8eljd1
suppose I'm a typical (18 year old male) Egyptian farmer in the 1390s. Am I likely to make a pilgrimage to Mecca Before I die? if "yes" how Will I get there?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/8eljd1/suppose_im_a_typical_18_year_old_male_egyptian/
{ "a_id": [ "dxwwzqv" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Related question: if I'm a typical Egyptian farmer in the 1390s, would I even be Muslim or identify as Arab?" ] }
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[ [] ]
8wpcmj
why do different people have different "resting faces"?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8wpcmj/eli5_why_do_different_people_have_different/
{ "a_id": [ "e1xd1du" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "People have different faces, therefore their \"resting face\" is different. Some people just have a resting face that looks like they are angry, for example (low thick eyebrows would dool this)." ] }
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[ [] ]
wgulp
bitcoins. what are they, why are they sketchy, how do you get them, and why are they better then runescape-currency?
I have read the wiki page on them, but I found that there were some terms, both economically and computational, that I didnt quite understand. When I compare them to runescape-currency I am actually asking what makes them more 'reliable' or better than any other kind of online currency, be it in-game or not.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/wgulp/eli5_bitcoins_what_are_they_why_are_they_sketchy/
{ "a_id": [ "c5d8tft", "c5d8u3y", "c5d8wdk", "c5d91pl", "c5d98wi", "c5db4jt", "c5dcqcx", "c5dechd", "c5dgolf" ], "score": [ 26, 5, 65, 25, 4, 22, 2, 2, 7 ], "text": [ "Bitcoins is the currency of the internet.\n\nIt's sketchy because ...
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[]
[ [], [ "http://bitcoinme.com/", "http://gaming.nv.gov/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=2925", "https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/Trade" ], [], [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/search?q=bitcoins&restrict_sr=on" ], [], [ "http://www.wired.com/magazine/2011/11/mf_bitcoin/"...
2kji4e
if i eat (and drink) the exact same thing at the same time every day, will my bowel movements be identical in color, size, and consistency (and come at the same times), or are there other factors involved?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2kji4e/eli5_if_i_eat_and_drink_the_exact_same_thing_at/
{ "a_id": [ "cllx0vj", "cllxhfh", "cllynq5" ], "score": [ 4, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Amount if physical activity also plays a role. So if you do literally the exact same amount of physical activity then yes", "...try it and let us know. C'mon OP, we know you can, uh, \"deliver\" ", ...
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[ [], [], [] ]
616ss0
how does the u.s. senate get away with passing a vote for something that basically no reasonable and knowledgeable citizen would want passed? for example, the most recent vote allowing isps to sell your personal data.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/616ss0/eli5_how_does_the_us_senate_get_away_with_passing/
{ "a_id": [ "dfc75cm", "dfc7h0j", "dfc7jo8" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The counter measure is to vote them out of office in favor of someone who will repeal the bad laws.\n\nUnfortunately, voters have been far too apathetic for far too long, and the system is corrupt beyon...
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[ [], [], [] ]
96ublu
how did black boxes for descrambling cable channels in the 90s work?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/96ublu/eli5_how_did_black_boxes_for_descrambling_cable/
{ "a_id": [ "e43cam9" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Back then the way scrambling worked was they just didn't send the sync pulse (the mark for the start of the frame). The cable box then had a circuit that when authorized made a sync pulse and inserted it back in. The descramblers were boxes that ...
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[ [] ]
z8yov
Due to the fact that the Earth is spinning, are we not feeling the full effect of the Earth's gravity due to the centrifugal force?
A relative question, I know we feel the full effect of both and one acts against the other, but is it a significant effect? Or is the logic incorrect?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/z8yov/due_to_the_fact_that_the_earth_is_spinning_are_we/
{ "a_id": [ "c62i962", "c62idzv", "c62n379", "c62n6m8", "c62qcv0" ], "score": [ 8, 83, 5, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Also discarding any of the Moon's gravitational effects", "You are correct. Effective [gravity](_URL_1_) is weaker at the equator than at the poles. This...
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[]
[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Figure_of_the_Earth", "http://xkcd.com/852/" ], [], [], [] ]
2cncdo
when movies are shown on most tv channels, the end credits are shrunk, squeezed, and/or sped up until they're unreadable. why are they shown at all?
This is how it works in the US, anyway. Is there a legal obligation, is it just tradition to run them, or what?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2cncdo/eli5_when_movies_are_shown_on_most_tv_channels/
{ "a_id": [ "cjh5e95", "cjh5giy", "cjh91ao" ], "score": [ 3, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Yes, they must show the credits, it is a part of the agreement to air the film in its' entirety including credits.\n\nBut the language didn't preclude shrinking of the credits. Major loophole.", "It...
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[ [], [], [] ]
3ffpws
When scientists refer to the new white laser by combining red, green and blue laser diodes, is it just perceived as white light by the human eye?
For example, birds have four light sensitive cones _URL_0_ and so it would appear to be needed 4 combined laser diodes for a bird to perceive the laser light a white. Compared to three of a human _URL_1_ If this is true, *technology* wouldn't interpret the newly discovered white laser as white since it is not broadban...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/3ffpws/when_scientists_refer_to_the_new_white_laser_by/
{ "a_id": [ "ctp0cxl" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Colors are defined by how people perceive them. For example 587 nm light and a mix of 701 nm and 535 nm light both excite the red and green receptors in a human eye, and are both called \"yellow\". By this definition, it is white. Meaning that it...
[]
[ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bird_vision#Light_perception", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cone_cell" ]
[ [] ]
1100tc
How historically accurate is George Orwells book Homage to Catalonia ?
I've always wondered how much his political bias and his surroundings have affected the books historical arrcuracy. He repeatedly states that he acquired the information through first hand experience and his immediate surroundings (mainly comrades from the POUM militia) which could make his account somewhat bias and o...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1100tc/how_historically_accurate_is_george_orwells_book/
{ "a_id": [ "c6i8ezb", "c6i9gel", "c6i9tjw" ], "score": [ 8, 5, 3 ], "text": [ "I think he descrives the events pretty accurately, of course the interpretations he make of them is from the anarcho-syndicalist point of view. \n\nFor example, one of his main conclusions was that the ...
[]
[ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homage_to_Catalonia" ]
[ [], [], [] ]
3goq9y
Why didn't the killer bees ever move any further north in the US?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/3goq9y/why_didnt_the_killer_bees_ever_move_any_further/
{ "a_id": [ "cu0756q", "cu08kgz", "cu0p5tt" ], "score": [ 268, 49, 8 ], "text": [ "Beekeeper here. Killer bees do, in fact, move further north, but the difference of climate and environment actually change the bees' behavior and they end up behaving just like a normal honeybee. I'v...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/honeybee/" ] ]
lxh1p
Can deaf people hear the sound of crunchy food through their head while they eat?
Can deaf people hear the sound of crunching food inside their head like we do? Or is it mostly the feel of the concussion inside the skull? This came from my buddy posting something on facebook. _URL_0_
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/lxh1p/can_deaf_people_hear_the_sound_of_crunchy_food/
{ "a_id": [ "c2wdh2i", "c2wdmbp", "c2wdvtb", "c2wen6r", "c2wf0lc", "c2wf37d", "c2wf4cm", "c2wf7vn", "c2wfima", "c2wfn8s", "c2wi7ka", "c2wj8oj", "c2wkxrd", "c2wdh2i", "c2wdmbp", "c2wdvtb", "c2wen6r", "c2wf0lc", "c2wf37d", "c2wf4cm", "c...
[]
[ "http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t26/anth4484/redditquestion.jpg" ]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hearing_impairment#Quantification_of_hearing_loss" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hearing_impairment#Quantification_of_hearing_loss" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], []...
1gjm7x
Will the number of people alive on earth ever match the number of people that does prior to that point in time?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1gjm7x/will_the_number_of_people_alive_on_earth_ever/
{ "a_id": [ "caktqgx" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "huh, apparently not. _URL_0_" ] }
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-16870579" ] ]
2415sm
why doesn't everyone use the same language?
Wouldn't things (like worldwide trade) be a lot easier if everyone on Earth spoke the same language? I understand that the languages have slowly branched and evolved into what they are today, but would we ever make an effort to have everyone know the same language, as impractical as it may seem?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2415sm/eli5_why_doesnt_everyone_use_the_same_language/
{ "a_id": [ "ch2khly", "ch2l12e", "ch2lacp", "ch2lpdj" ], "score": [ 7, 7, 3, 3 ], "text": [ " > Wouldn't things (like worldwide trade) be a lot easier if everyone on Earth spoke the same language? \n\nFor worldwide trade most the individuals involved speak English. The ma...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
bb6fic
how does a stainless steel soap remove the fish or garlic scent from your hands?
UPDATE: Wow guys..Honestly I wasn't expecting all this commotion when I asked this question. Thanks for all the replies and my first GOLD!! It a pity that the post has been locked. See ya around ;)
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bb6fic/eli5_how_does_a_stainless_steel_soap_remove_the/
{ "a_id": [ "ekgt02q", "ekh024w", "ekh3sg6", "ekh42f8", "ekh4u1a", "ekh5yok" ], "score": [ 703, 666, 1425, 1038, 17, 25 ], "text": [ "There is no scientific evidence that steel soaps does remove scents from your hands. [source](_URL_0_)", "It doesn't.\n\...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stainless_steel_soap" ], [], [], [], [], [] ]
1s9e45
if white is the presence of all colors and black is the absence of them, why does our hair turn white when we age?
Instead of staying black, for example.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1s9e45/eli5if_white_is_the_presence_of_all_colors_and/
{ "a_id": [ "cdv87cl", "cdv8bhk" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Your hair color, like most other colors, is based on pigmentation.\n\nWith pigmentation, as light hits it, the pigmentation will absorb most of the light, and reflect specific wavelengths. Depending on what wavelengths are r...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
cufyu1
i've been really sore so my wife bought me some epsom salt. i think it actually helped somewhat, but i don't get how sitting in a pool of magnesium sulfate makes my muscles feel better? so how does it work?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cufyu1/eli5_ive_been_really_sore_so_my_wife_bought_me/
{ "a_id": [ "extzjzb", "exu28vw", "exu3wxd", "exu4cec", "exu5uqn", "exu69qt", "exu6yxz", "exu7rkv", "exu8tsg", "exudigz", "exufnnk", "exufzzy", "exujt2u", "exuluo8", "exuued3", "exv3dv5", "exv6rr0", "exv8yrl", "exvciig", "exwvrcm" ], ...
[]
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[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
3yjbtw
Why are some items (i.e latex) more prone to eliciting an allergic response than others (i.e. concrete)?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/3yjbtw/why_are_some_items_ie_latex_more_prone_to/
{ "a_id": [ "cyfiy8r" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Allergies are caused by the immune system reacting to proteins. Latex is from a plant, the rubber tree, so contains proteins.\n\nConcrete is just rock and stuff so no proteins, however it could irritate skin in other ways." ] }
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[ [] ]
1u107k
What would an 11th century king in Brittany eat for breakfast?
Don't mind me. I'm writing a historical fiction piece, and I need to know what a king in 1066 Brittany would be eating for breakfast.
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1u107k/what_would_an_11th_century_king_in_brittany_eat/
{ "a_id": [ "cedk8dt" ], "score": [ 310 ], "text": [ "Probably nothing. \n\nNobility in medieval Europe (sorry I can't be more specific to Brittany) normally didn't eat breakfast, for social (breakfast was for common laborers and children) and religious (gluttony / breaking the nightly fast too ea...
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[ [] ]
34j25n
Has a violent rebellion by a poor and oppressed minority EVER been successful?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/34j25n/has_a_violent_rebellion_by_a_poor_and_oppressed/
{ "a_id": [ "cqvc5bk", "cqvci5b" ], "score": [ 14, 3 ], "text": [ "What do you mean by successful? \n\nArguably, the Stonewall Riots were successful. The riots happened following intense police brutality towards LGBT, encroaching on the clubs where they could be themselves. The rioters (wh...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
2fy0oc
What is the reason behind the different stability of whipped yolk by itself, with egg white, and with sugar?
I quickly discovered the following in the kitchen: - to whip egg white, it's good practice to add a pinch of salt. - egg white will not get creamy if a bit of yolk get in. - yolk by itself will not become a cream unless sugar is added. With the help of google, I managed to get an explanation for the first two. Basica...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/2fy0oc/what_is_the_reason_behind_the_different_stability/
{ "a_id": [ "cke04y8" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Ok, so you're mostly asking about egg foams and you're mostly in the right ball park but I'll start from the start as it'll be easier to answer all your ancillary questions. Sorry this is a bit of a long one:\n\nSo egg white is about 90% water. T...
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1fj0yl
tennis scoring
It seems a bit random to me haha!
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1fj0yl/eli5_tennis_scoring/
{ "a_id": [ "caaqnov" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Each game is won by being the first to score 4 points, although you must win by two clear points.\n\nThe first point is called 15. The second is 30. The third is 40. And the fourth is Game.\n\n40-40 is called \"Deuce\". From here, a player has to...
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[ [] ]
1okr8t
Today is /r/redditdayof "Influential Women in History". Historians, could you share your knowledge and submit something about those who are less known but not less important?
Let me ask you for a favor. /r/redditdayof is a subreddit that has a daily changing topic. As the title says, today's topic is "Influential Women in History". It would be great if this subreddit could take part and make it a great day. So, please visit /r/redditdayof and add a submission. \*edit: **The idea is to col...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1okr8t/today_is_rredditdayof_influential_women_in/
{ "a_id": [ "ccsz16m", "ccsz46h", "ccszg48", "ccszxhr", "cct00hc", "cct183n", "cct1tmg", "cct1y80", "cct3yd7", "cct41f7", "cct42bn", "cct43bs", "cct48ex", "cct48s9", "cct4jaz", "cct5e4e", "cct5sfa", "cct5xyz", "cct5zhr", "cct6pn7", "c...
[]
[ "http://www.reddit.com/r/RedditDayOf/comments/1ommsr/suggestions_a_great_day_of_participation_55_posts/" ]
[ [], [], [ "http://departments.kings.edu/womens_history/chrisdp.html", "http://departments.kings.edu/womens_history/marywoll.html", "http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/madeleine-scudery/" ], [ "http://www.alaskool.org/projects/native_gov/recollections/peratrovich/Honoring_EPeratrovich.htm", ...
r0ic4
Why is the skin on our lips different from the skin on the rest of our body?
As far as I can tell, its only us and our close simian relatives that have distinctly different lip skin. At first I thought maybe it had something to do with being similar to nipple skin and aiding breastfeeding, but in that case it should be a trait of all mammals, right? Knowledge me, Science.
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/r0ic4/why_is_the_skin_on_our_lips_different_from_the/
{ "a_id": [ "c41xz91", "c41y8jj", "c41ymch", "c41yyg0", "c41zaio", "c41zu9z", "c420wgf", "c422ms8" ], "score": [ 12, 56, 210, 14, 77, 5, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "I'm going to hijack this question somewhat.\n\nI'm assuming that since the lips are an...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Y76SuDnVro#t=05m45s" ], [ "http://www.bu.edu/histology/p/09601loa.htm" ], [], [ "http://www.flickr.com/photos/drpenfield/98877940/" ], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teleology" ] ]
1nyd64
what would happen to me if i decided to conquer a small piece of land and create my own country?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1nyd64/eli5_what_would_happen_to_me_if_i_decided_to/
{ "a_id": [ "ccn6tyi", "ccn6xrl" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Well that land belongs to someone, and when they request the government's assistance (police) in getting you out of their yard, they will arrive. If you're unwilling to move they'll forcefully remove you and possibly arrest ...
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[ [], [] ]
3qblxh
why are my muscles feeling sore after a poor night's sleep?
Whenever I have a poor night's sleep, my muscles feel sore. I feel like I need to stretch and my body feels like it's aching for a massage. Can you explain what's happening?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3qblxh/eli5_why_are_my_muscles_feeling_sore_after_a_poor/
{ "a_id": [ "cwdraxl" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "I can think of a few things that cause this.\n\nMost importantly, your body makes a large chunk of repairs to your muscles during sleep. If your muscles are damaged (which just happens when you use them), then not sleeping well will mean your bod...
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[ [] ]
40f0dn
why are most songs in the music industry between 3:00 and 4:00, and who set that standard?
idk why this is interesting to me but it is lol
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/40f0dn/eli5_why_are_most_songs_in_the_music_industry/
{ "a_id": [ "cytpkuf", "cytpqqi" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "That depends on the time frame and genre. If you look at music from before the radio, a lot of it is longer. Back then the only way to listen to music was live. Shorter songs means more break time in between, you're not gett...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
4bws1a
why do common people not get any money from class action suits?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4bws1a/eli5_why_do_common_people_not_get_any_money_from/
{ "a_id": [ "d1d200t", "d1d2itu", "d1d3zj7", "d1d76l8" ], "score": [ 9, 4, 7, 2 ], "text": [ "Members of the class do get money from a class action law suit -- just not a lot of money, because there are generally a lot of members of the class.\n\n > Can the people stop the ...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
4gw6mk
Why do the Jews believe in the myth of exodus from egypt? Why do most historians discredit the idea?
All religions have some sort of founding myth that I can imagine people being skeptical towards, but the story of exodus seems to stand out as particularly unbelievable to the people who must have first heard it. The myth of jesus resurrection is far fetched, but it was only ever claimed that a small group witnessed it...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/4gw6mk/why_do_the_jews_believe_in_the_myth_of_exodus/
{ "a_id": [ "d2lao9t" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "The easy answer is that people believe their founding myths. We just do. Now for some other answers.\n\nThere are some textual clues that suggest the number of participants in the exodus may have been lower - for example there are 2 midwives for...
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[ [] ]
6rxh9j
why 0db is the loudest sound that can go in a system without distortion? why zero and why quieter sounds are negative db?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6rxh9j/eli5_why_0db_is_the_loudest_sound_that_can_go_in/
{ "a_id": [ "dl8h0w7", "dl8h4pz", "dl8hieu", "dl8mwhr" ], "score": [ 2, 19, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "That 0 dB is relative to your DAW or equipment. You'd measure its actual loudness or volume in dBfs or LUFS.\n\nI'm pretty sure it's a hangover from analog equipment when you'd ha...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clipping_%29signal_processing%29", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DBFS" ] ]
1o4npm
who owns the federal reserve bank?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1o4npm/eli5_who_owns_the_federal_reserve_bank/
{ "a_id": [ "ccotnm8" ], "score": [ 56 ], "text": [ "TL;DR: The Federal Reserve system is a group of entities that are a mix of publicly controlled and privately owned. It is controlled by the government from the top down, and owned privately at the very bottom, and they meet somewhere in the midd...
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[ [] ]
46y2y7
why do humans have different taste buds from each other and why do animals have different taste buds?
So it was recently just brought to my attention that human taste buds vary. Although I'm a vegetarian for a few reasons, it's mainly because I don't like the taste of meat. I was told by a doctor that I might have hyper-sensitive taste buds. I've heard of people not being able to taste much at all, which I'm guessing i...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/46y2y7/eli5_why_do_humans_have_different_taste_buds_from/
{ "a_id": [ "d08pqkg" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Your sense of taste is just like your other senses. I.e: \"Older\" people can't hear higher pitched sounds, where younger people can (especially those annoying high pitched ringtones people annoyed me in school with > . < ) It will depend on a ...
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[ [] ]
38ve1b
why do streamed videos sometimes lose their audio to video synchronization?
I'm sure it doesn't help when I keep pausing or skipping ahead, but what's going on behind the scenes? No pun intended...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/38ve1b/eli5_why_do_streamed_videos_sometimes_lose_their/
{ "a_id": [ "cry9wk3" ], "score": [ 12 ], "text": [ "ELI 5 answer: because audio and video are two different streams and like two dancers working together. Sometimes they're a championship cheerleading team, a symphony of synchronicity, and sometimes they're two drunk guys at a bar trying too hard...
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[ [ "http://help.encoding.com/knowledge-base/article/how-to-help-prevent-audio-video-sync-issues/" ] ]
1a1itq
How much water is absorbed on the way down?
If I drink a cup of water, how much will end up in a pool at the bottom of my stomach? Further, how long will it take for the rest of that cup to absorb into the body?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1a1itq/how_much_water_is_absorbed_on_the_way_down/
{ "a_id": [ "c8tbak2" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "Water is absorbed, filtered and reabsorbed through several organs and membranes controlled by neural and hormonal influence. Water is absorbed throughout your lower GI tract as well as in your kidneys. \nThe amount of water that is retained is re...
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[ [] ]
fz1v23
why are there more dangerous animals (and insects and fish) in hot countries?
Dangerous to humans I mean. Or does it just seem like that because I live in a temperate climate and most of my knowledge of hot climates comes from media?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fz1v23/eli5_why_are_there_more_dangerous_animals_and/
{ "a_id": [ "fn2s941", "fn2sfnx", "fn2siok" ], "score": [ 4, 26, 3 ], "text": [ "With regards animals, most Northern European countries got rid of their wolves and bears many years ago, there’s still bears and wolves in Eastern European forests. \n \n\nAs to the others I’m not sure...
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[ [], [], [] ]
1v3g3k
From an evolutionary stand point why do men grow moustaches? Do they have a specific use?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1v3g3k/from_an_evolutionary_stand_point_why_do_men_grow/
{ "a_id": [ "ceohp3j" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "Hi everyone, this question could be addressed in multiple ways, but the OP has requested information about the adaptive benefits of mustaches. Therefore, please focus your answers on the known, measured, and peer reviewed sources of information r...
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[ [] ]
3hrdux
how effective are political endorsements?
When someone endorses a political candidate, has that been shown to affect outcome? Sway voters? Does it make a difference between organizational endorsements (like the NRA) vs. celebrity endorsements?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3hrdux/eli5_how_effective_are_political_endorsements/
{ "a_id": [ "cua35zg" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "According to the guys at 538, [very important](_URL_0_), at least when those endorsements come from major political officials. Here is a quote from the above linked article\n\n > In the book “The Party Decides” (2008), the most comprehensive stu...
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[ [ "http://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/2016-endorsement-primary/" ] ]
1hu98q
Why are refrigerators not mounted with the radiators outside, like air conditioners?
Fridges cool the interior spaces at the expense of heating up the room, so why aren't fridge compressors mounted outside, like A/Cs, or have the pack out like a window mounted A/C? Is there just an insufficient gain to be had in that scenario to justify the additional construction cost for the house and the fridge? ...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1hu98q/why_are_refrigerators_not_mounted_with_the/
{ "a_id": [ "caxz33r", "cay0iz9", "cay0kry", "cay27c9", "cay285i", "cay7k11", "cay7req", "cay8q3r", "cay8rim", "cayc6f6" ], "score": [ 3, 24, 3, 150, 15, 9, 6, 2, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "That's a good question, they used to be exp...
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[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
3siddf
why do gyms change the direction of their running track every day?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3siddf/eli5_why_do_gyms_change_the_direction_of_their/
{ "a_id": [ "cwxh4t2" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "If you run a circular track regulary only in one direction you will over develop one side of your body's muscles. Kind of like those memes about missing leg day....only for the left or right side of your body. At least thats what my friends mom t...
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