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d79iwx
Perceptions of officer's promoted from the ranks in the British army during the Napoleonic War
I watched Sharpe's Rifles and there seems to be a disdain for Sharpe amongst the soldiers of the 95th Rifles as Sharpe was a soldier promoted to an officer, why would this be and how common was this in the British army during the Napoleonic wars?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/d79iwx/perceptions_of_officers_promoted_from_the_ranks/
{ "a_id": [ "f100scc" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "The more usual way for an officer to rise in ranks would in those days be through literally buying his commission. u/GeneralLeeBlount explains [in this thread, also asking about Sharpe.](_URL_1_) It also examines how they'd look at the men, and t...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://old.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/acfitr/in_the_british_army_of_the_18th_and_19th/", "https://old.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/88cog5/in_the_tv_series_sharpe_british_officers_of_the/" ] ]
2fia8s
why do tan lines become more visible in the shower?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2fia8s/eli5_why_do_tan_lines_become_more_visible_in_the/
{ "a_id": [ "ck9hlbh" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Because the water on your skin changes the way light reflects off of it. You know how when, say, your hand is wet, it looks shiny? Well, shiny pale skin emphasizes the lightness while shiny darker skin doesn't appear much lighter than normal. Pre...
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[ [] ]
8pat79
Is it more difficult for our body to digest food if we are laying on our side as compared to sitting upright?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/8pat79/is_it_more_difficult_for_our_body_to_digest_food/
{ "a_id": [ "e0boxya", "e0cpmo7" ], "score": [ 6, 3 ], "text": [ "No. The digestive tract is a series of closed tubes that squeeze their contents tightly. They push their contents further down the tract according to regular muscle movement, and the way behind the ball of food is closed off...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
4txfen
After the Gracchi brothers were able to distribute the land to the urban poor, what did the poor do with it and how did this impact roman society?
What did the urban poor do with it? Did they become farmers, sell it off, or something else? What were the lasting effects of this initiative?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/4txfen/after_the_gracchi_brothers_were_able_to/
{ "a_id": [ "d5lym6o" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "First let me say that the primary literary sources for this time period are positively lousy. Appian -- don't even get me started. And the other often-cited source is Plutarch, who is also no Thucydides or Polybios, to say the least. With that...
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[]
[ [] ]
tjz6c
What are the most important things we don't know about history?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/tjz6c/what_are_the_most_important_things_we_dont_know/
{ "a_id": [ "c4n9snp", "c4naahu", "c4p09ns" ], "score": [ 2, 13, 2 ], "text": [ "That's impossible to say. We don't know them.", "Things that we know we don't know:\n\nThe universal principle underlying the development of languages. Once a language is developed we're pretty go...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
469qa5
if apple engineers can create the tool requested by the fbi to "create a backdoor" into ios, why haven't the best hackers already done it?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/469qa5/eli5_if_apple_engineers_can_create_the_tool/
{ "a_id": [ "d03e512", "d03ed0d", "d03xxeh", "d05lke9" ], "score": [ 4, 2, 11, 2 ], "text": [ "Do you know how RSA encryption works? It relies on people's inability to complete certain processes, even with the help of other computers. That being said, a major factor to cryp...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "http://www.businessinsider.com/john-mcafee-ill-decrypt-san-bernardino-phone-for-free-2016-2?IR=T" ] ]
4l8cvz
why are firearm variants sometimes address with mk?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4l8cvz/eli5_why_are_firearm_variants_sometimes_address/
{ "a_id": [ "d3l6ei6", "d3l6ywj" ], "score": [ 7, 3 ], "text": [ "It's short for mark, which is essentially a synonym for \"version\" or \"type.\"\n\nI.e. the Ruger Mk II (pronounced \"mark two\") is the second version of the Ruger pistol.", "Mk = Mark. As in Version number. Mk II is M...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
6vtqyd
What is the purpose of the fuzz on a peach?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/6vtqyd/what_is_the_purpose_of_the_fuzz_on_a_peach/
{ "a_id": [ "dm30f80" ], "score": [ 35 ], "text": [ "Fuzz on a peach helps to be protected from infection, which is called brown rot. It is the cause of putrefaction of fruits in those places where the skin is damaged. Therefore, if peach more shaggy, it is stored longer!" ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
8sn73z
why is english the universal language when its also one of the most complex aswell?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8sn73z/eli5_why_is_english_the_universal_language_when/
{ "a_id": [ "e10r95s", "e10rc30", "e10rx0v" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "It has been spoken in recent times by extremely powerful wide ranging nations. If you wanted to deal with those governments, break into those economies, and get in on some of that clout, it is advantage...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
74pgw0
When food particles get stuck between our teeth, what causes the surrounding gum to swell up and become tender ?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/74pgw0/when_food_particles_get_stuck_between_our_teeth/
{ "a_id": [ "do0vqls" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Short answer: Inflammation.\n\nLong answer: It causes a bit of damage to the gums, which leads to our immune system mounting a response. Things like tenderness and swelling are general parts of the inflammatory response. It's really the same as i...
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[]
[ [] ]
92rrwg
What is responsible for the colorful visual disturbances associated with a "head rush" from standing up quickly?
Also, how are they different from the patterns produced by rubbing one's eyes? Why are some highly complex while others are simple and short?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/92rrwg/what_is_responsible_for_the_colorful_visual/
{ "a_id": [ "e39daij" ], "score": [ 13 ], "text": [ "The head rush from standing up quickly is from orthostatic hypotension. It takes time for the baroreceptors of the heart to trigger a response to this increased work load. Drop of blood pressure in the eyes, know as hypotony affects the retina, ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3swnfv
how did europe become "richer" than other continents?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3swnfv/eli5_how_did_europe_become_richer_than_other/
{ "a_id": [ "cx10c1e" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "This isn't a question to be answered in one small text box. There are many contributing factors. As a World History teacher, I'll just give you a few of the main reasons.\n\n1.) Great Britain was the first to industrialize. Once they moved from t...
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[]
[ [] ]
4z6bhz
how do they do "stop motion" commercials?
An example of what I'm talking about can be found in this [Humira commercial](_URL_0_) although there are other examples. How do they get the camera motion through the stationary people/objects?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4z6bhz/eli5_how_do_they_do_stop_motion_commercials/
{ "a_id": [ "d6tgdjc" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "I get what you mean, but I'll inform you anyway that stop-motion is different. Stop-motion videos are when you take snapshots like pictures and string them together, like how to make claymation videos. \n\nThis kind of cinematography requires a b...
[]
[ "https://www.ispot.tv/ad/7UFF/humira-day-at-the-fair" ]
[ [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKtAuflyc5w" ] ]
bkpqwf
why the collor of the reproductive organs are different than the skin?
When observing the body of many animals, the reproductive organs (including nipples) have a different colour and texture than the rest of the skin. How does that happens and why?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bkpqwf/eli5_why_the_collor_of_the_reproductive_organs/
{ "a_id": [ "emj1ajz", "emjjymj" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Well a lot of that skin is actually mucus membrane which is also why your lips are different colored.", "There are a variety of reasons.\n\nThings that stretch have a different color because the tissue needs to stretch. ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
7dqqsh
What would happen if you were hit by the Oh-My-God particle?
What effect would an ultra high energy cosmic ray, on the order of the Oh-My-God particle, have on a human body? Would you notice it? Would it do damage do your DNA or other tissues? It seems like a particle traveling practically at the speed of light and carrying the energy of a fastball would have *some* effect. Re...
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/7dqqsh/what_would_happen_if_you_were_hit_by_the_ohmygod/
{ "a_id": [ "dpzwe19" ], "score": [ 16 ], "text": [ "Most likely: not much on the grand scale. On average, only a tiny fraction of the inital particle's energy will be deposited into your body, so I don't think you would notice it. It will definitely not feel like being hit by a fastball...\n\nSom...
[]
[ "https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oh-My-God_particle" ]
[ [] ]
a9ikv1
What are the trades and services that should be available in a big late medieval town?
I am narrating a D & D campaign in a late medieval/early modern setting. Sort of based around 16th century Italy, but with magic. The party will now live in a big town (population of around 800 people, please tell me if that actually makes sense?) and help run it. What are some services and trades that *must* be av...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/a9ikv1/what_are_the_trades_and_services_that_should_be/
{ "a_id": [ "ecjx7bj" ], "score": [ 11 ], "text": [ "A handy reference is the list of [livery companies of London](_URL_0_), many of which have their roots in medieval guilds. Obviously not the Honourable Company of Air Pilots (unless you're running some kind of really extravagant clockpunk campai...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Livery_company#List_of_companies_in_order_of_precedence" ] ]
3ci1mi
What is the white cloud behind an object when it breaks the speed of sound?
Ok reddit help me out here. My dad has worked on aircraft his entire career. Pretty much every single fighter aircraft you can think of he has worked on. A conversation come up the other day about breaking the speed of sound and what it really means. We both knew a good deal about it like how the air going into the i...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/3ci1mi/what_is_the_white_cloud_behind_an_object_when_it/
{ "a_id": [ "csvt0di" ], "score": [ 14 ], "text": [ "It's condensed water from the air in the vicinity of the shock wave where the pressure has dropped significantly enough to cool the air and condense water vapor.\n\n\n" ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
33zx50
when i wear my glasses instead of contacts, everything looks smaller. books look smaller. people look thinner. is it the lenses, or am i seeing correctly when i wear those glasses?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/33zx50/eli5when_i_wear_my_glasses_instead_of_contacts/
{ "a_id": [ "cqpykde" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The further away the lens is the smaller stuff through it looks. Try looking through your glasses as you move them away from your face and you will see that everything gets smaller. And as contacts are the same as your glasses, but closer to your...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3w5miy
what would happen if skyscrapers didn't have lightning rods?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3w5miy/eli5_what_would_happen_if_skyscrapers_didnt_have/
{ "a_id": [ "cxtl0m8", "cxtvbec" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Lightning would still strike the building, and find some alternate path of least resistance to earth. Meaning that roof mounted antennas, air conditioners, maybe sewage vents would be the next likely target. This could poten...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.snopes.com/horrors/techno/phone.asp" ], [] ]
afx0nd
A flu shot is a vaccine, right? But they seem to be far less reliable than other vaccines (I know many people who get flu shots each year then get the flu). What is the reason for this, and are flu shots really that important?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/afx0nd/a_flu_shot_is_a_vaccine_right_but_they_seem_to_be/
{ "a_id": [ "ee1y5ss", "ee232aw", "ee23g9s", "ee23iuw", "ee24302", "ee246hq", "ee2477f", "ee257vz", "ee259h6", "ee25g2b", "ee25je8", "ee25m1z", "ee2713n", "ee28308", "ee28f6q", "ee28on6", "ee298ou", "ee29kcn", "ee2a30u", "ee2b4xm", "e...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/misconceptions.htm" ], [], [ "https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/burden/past-seasons.html", "https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/burden-averted-vaccination.htm" ], [], [], [ "https://www.the-scientist.com/news-opinion/first-universal-flu-vaccine-to-ente...
1vy3xu
What is the differences between asteroids, comets, and meteors?
Pretty self explanatory, never really understood what made them different, if anything at all.
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1vy3xu/what_is_the_differences_between_asteroids_comets/
{ "a_id": [ "cewvjl3", "cewvmzy" ], "score": [ 5, 9 ], "text": [ "Asteroids are made of rock and mainly orbit between Mars and Jupiter. Comets are made of ice and dust and have more eccentric orbits, and when they pass the sun the ice melts and they get a tail. A meteoroid is something tha...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
s159w
This question usually results in massive flamewars on other subs, so I'll ask you guys: What evidence is there that Jesus of Nazareth ever existed?
Outside of the Bible, I mean.
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/s159w/this_question_usually_results_in_massive/
{ "a_id": [ "c4a91jd", "c4a9jmo", "c4a9jzy", "c4aaaeh" ], "score": [ 15, 5, 4, 6 ], "text": [ "Sparse mentions in Roman sources, starting from the early 2nd century. Generally, the Christian record (the gospels & some apocrypha) offers better proof of his existence than t...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://oyc.yale.edu/religious-studies/rlst-152/lecture-13" ], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historical_Jesus" ], [ "http://www.irreligiosophy.com/podcasts/jesusexist.m4a" ] ]
6ob7t9
Could a planet in a star cluster have a multi-phasic orbit?
Given three stars with a stable orbit, could a planet orbit one for awhile, then the second, then the third, back to the first and so on?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/6ob7t9/could_a_planet_in_a_star_cluster_have_a/
{ "a_id": [ "dkgpypd" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Theoretically while it would be possible for a three star system to be stable, an iteration of something like that happening once would likely either cause the system to devolve, eject the planet, or send it into a star. Those interactions are pr...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://arxiv.org/pdf/1303.0181.pdf" ] ]
a83n7s
why are there so many michellin-star restaurants in japan compared to other countries?
According to this wikipedia article, there's more Michellin star restaurants in Japan than even in a much larger country like the United States. Why is this the case? _URL_0_
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a83n7s/eli5_why_are_there_so_many_michellinstar/
{ "a_id": [ "ec7px4x", "ec7rmhf", "ec80leh" ], "score": [ 5, 8, 3 ], "text": [ "Michelin is a French tire company that wrote reviews to encourage people to drive more (thereby buying more tires) and its focus is primarily on Europe. You can only get a Michelin star in places that M...
[]
[ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Michelin_3-star_restaurants" ]
[ [], [], [] ]
1dde94
Hey guys, I'm back again with more questions about the Church, regarding their fall from power and how Henry VIII impacted the church.
Hey guys, I'm back again. Now I have some questions about Henry VIII's involvement in the church, and how it effected its slow descent from power. *- Why did Henry VIII take over the church? - How much of the church's power was transferred to Henry VIII whem he took over? - How did the church slowly fall from power?* ...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1dde94/hey_guys_im_back_again_with_more_questions_about/
{ "a_id": [ "c9pbcdv", "c9pims6" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Nominally, all the power was transferred to Henry VIII during the transformation, and essentially merged to separate hierarchies into one, at least at the top. Prior to the Reformation, there were sociopolitical and religiou...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Cranmer" ] ]
7k8fm8
What was the motivation behind Soldiers of Slavic Countries fighting for the Axis in WW2? Countries like Estonia, Czechoslovakia and The Ukraine.
[deleted]
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/7k8fm8/what_was_the_motivation_behind_soldiers_of_slavic/
{ "a_id": [ "drdd3ho" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Your initial premise is mistaken on one example: Estonians are not Slavic but Uralic/Finnic." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
djic5w
how did aig, an insurance company, go bankrupt when the housing bubble burst?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/djic5w/eli5_how_did_aig_an_insurance_company_go_bankrupt/
{ "a_id": [ "f45ecoh", "f4637t6", "f46ef1a" ], "score": [ 4, 5, 3 ], "text": [ "Most mortgages are backed by an insurance guarantee- aka mortgage insurance. This is not the same insurance you carry for fire theft loss etc. Think of it like gap insurance for a new car that loses v...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
3ql2x0
What kinds of changes did European navies face in the early modern period?
What was the transition like from the medieval oared galley to a sailing vessel? Does it parallel the same changes the armies faced from the switch to knights and men-at-arms to arquebus and pike? Do we see any internal changes within the navy? Ranks? Officer corps? Any other general changes, aside from the obvious tec...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3ql2x0/what_kinds_of_changes_did_european_navies_face_in/
{ "a_id": [ "cwghbrb" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Perhaps this [post](_URL_0_) helps a bit, until one of our boat experts chimes in ;-).\n\nTo more directly answer your question, naval warfare developed quite a bit, in different parts of Europe, so I give a few illustrations here.\n\n**Spain in ...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/37mpi4/how_did_naval_warfare_look_like_in_the_high_and/croaz5e" ] ]
30hpl6
. why has secret service become so controversial when it was held in such high esteem in the past?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/30hpl6/eli5_why_has_secret_service_become_so/
{ "a_id": [ "cpsifv2", "cpsihuf" ], "score": [ 2, 5 ], "text": [ "It was held in high esteem in the past because we didn't know about some of the disreputable things they were doing.", "There have been a number of scandals recently that have plagued the Secret Service. They used to be...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://time.com/38093/secret-service-drinking-obama-europe/", "http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/24/politics/secret-service-investigation-clancy/", "http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/exclusive-secret-service-missed-man-with-gun-in-elevator-with-obama/article/2554185", "http://www.washingtonexamine...
5iwsyl
how can the dea schedule cbd as a schedule i drug? can they not be sued over this misrepresentation? there is science out there showing medical benefits. what's going on?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5iwsyl/eli5how_can_the_dea_schedule_cbd_as_a_schedule_i/
{ "a_id": [ "dbbjpf3", "dbbjus2", "dbbk0kc", "dbbk5gm", "dbbkdw7", "dbbpbvp" ], "score": [ 20, 2, 15, 22, 27, 2 ], "text": [ "Congress gave the DEA full control to do as they please long ago. Nothing you personally can do. The president can order the DEA to ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2016-12-14/pdf/2016-29941.pdf?utm_campaign=subscription%20mailing%20list&utm_source=federalregister.gov&utm_medium=email" ], [ "https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/21cfr/21usc/812.htm" ], [], [] ]
bsvvil
what actually happens when a molecule activates a receptor vs when an inhibitor molecule just blocks it?
How is it that two different molecules can fit into a slot when one causes something to happen and the other just sits there doing nothing? Extra question: what mechanism cleans up the inhibitor? Let's say with an SSRI? 
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bsvvil/eli5_what_actually_happens_when_a_molecule/
{ "a_id": [ "eor00gk", "eor99te" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "Think of the molecule as a key and the receptor as a lock. The \"real\" key will always be able to open the lock as intended. However, there are some keys that coincidentally have a similar shape to the \"real\" key, but not...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
1fg4bz
How did the internet spread globally, specifically with the role of the underwater cables?
I'm having trouble searching for an answer to a rather specific question. How did the internet spread across continents? I understand there are submarine cables that can transmit "internet" across oceans, but did we have to lay down new cables to accommodate this? What about higher speed internet transmissions, did w...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1fg4bz/how_did_the_internet_spread_globally_specifically/
{ "a_id": [ "ca9yj02", "caa0mbn" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "There is a twenty year rule on this subreddit. The Intenet did not become widespread until around 1995, and high speed internet with fiber optics did not become widespread in the US until aft...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/4.12/ffglass.html" ] ]
3xcul9
why do volume sliders in applications never seem to provide a linear increase or decrease in volume?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3xcul9/eli5_why_do_volume_sliders_in_applications_never/
{ "a_id": [ "cy3hlky", "cy3hm1a", "cy3hmp8", "cy3xhyk" ], "score": [ 8, 29, 6, 2 ], "text": [ "Actually, the problem is that they usually *do* provide a linear change in volume. But our hearing is not linear, but is instead logarithmic. But it's harder to code a logarithm...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
2qqkrl
what is keeping the billions in bad student loan debt from crashing the market like the bad housing debt did?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2qqkrl/eli5_what_is_keeping_the_billions_in_bad_student/
{ "a_id": [ "cn8k5nv", "cn8kopj" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Nothing. IMO it's coming. And soon.\n\nIt's already being blamed for the slow recovery from the recession and I just heard on the radio that housing markets are still slumping because first time homebuyers aren't lining up b...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
8hn6t6
why do some guns have magazines with 2 bullets side by side?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8hn6t6/eli5_why_do_some_guns_have_magazines_with_2/
{ "a_id": [ "dykzeig", "dykzfwg" ], "score": [ 5, 3 ], "text": [ "It’s called double stacked. Is so you can fit more rounds without having a mag that is a foot long. A 12 in mag would be a tactical nightmare always getting caught on things. ", "What you're probably referring to is call...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://qph.fs.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-ab6efeecc97ba74f93e8b5a7f446494c-c" ] ]
5praqp
how come some headphones sound better when slightly pulled out?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5praqp/eli5_how_come_some_headphones_sound_better_when/
{ "a_id": [ "dctp2s5" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Audiophiles have a term for this: insertion depth. Some headphones, like you've noticed, are very sensitive to insertion depth. The amount of air in between the speaker and your eardrum, combined with the shape of the space formed, will alter the...
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[]
[ [] ]
2xvctj
Do black holes continue to grow and expand as they absorb more matter? What determines the size of a black hole?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/2xvctj/do_black_holes_continue_to_grow_and_expand_as/
{ "a_id": [ "cp4u8kt" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Yes, if black holes accrete more matter, they gain in mass and thus they increase in size. For the most simple case of a non-rotating black hole, the radius is the so called Schwarzschild radius, which is about 3km per solar mass (so a Black Hol...
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[ [] ]
4bto89
the significance of sea levels rising a few feet
I understand and acknowledge that climate change should be a pressing issue, but what I don't understand is how the sea levels rising a few feet (7 feet was the conservative estimate I read) can cause devastating effects to coastal areas.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4bto89/eli5_the_significance_of_sea_levels_rising_a_few/
{ "a_id": [ "d1cb2wy", "d1cb2xj" ], "score": [ 3, 10 ], "text": [ "It's because vast amounts of coastal land are just a few feet above sea level. Raising the water level just a few feet can inundate those areas. Boston, Miami, NYC, DC, San Fran, etc. all have substantial amounts of real es...
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[]
[ [ "http://www.takepart.com/article/2015/07/15/what-sea-level-rise-looks-america-coast" ], [] ]
4aiemq
what's the difference between intolerant and allergy. why can't it be peanut intolerant or lactose allergy?
Why is lactose specifically intolerant? Just wondering...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4aiemq/eli5_whats_the_difference_between_intolerant_and/
{ "a_id": [ "d10kah4", "d10kca7" ], "score": [ 3, 28 ], "text": [ "Lactose intolerance is due to not having the enzyme to break down lactose. An allergy is an immune response to something your body thinks is harmful.", "Allergy is when your immune system is the issue, intolerance is wh...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
w7jhl
If you place 2 glasses of water, one 50 degrees Fahrenheit and the other 90, in a room that is 70 degrees, which will reach room temperature first and why?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/w7jhl/if_you_place_2_glasses_of_water_one_50_degrees/
{ "a_id": [ "c5aym72", "c5b3yxs", "c5b4yya" ], "score": [ 27, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Heat transfer is proportional to: \n\n1. Temperature gradient.\n\n2. Thermal conductivity.\n\n3. Area of contact. \n\nLet's assume the area of the water surface in each glass is the same. Since t...
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[]
[ [ "http://www.nist.gov/data/PDFfiles/jpcrd493.pdf" ], [ "http://mettler-toledo.centralcarolinascale.com/MT-ab.jpg" ], [] ]
24yovb
How common was illegitimate birth in medieval Western Europe? Was "bastardry" a significant social inhibitor across all levels of society?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/24yovb/how_common_was_illegitimate_birth_in_medieval/
{ "a_id": [ "chc38jo", "chc78c4", "chc8s9i", "chcaxsx" ], "score": [ 114, 23, 19, 8 ], "text": [ "It was quite common among the elite social classes. William the Conqueror was known in Normandy as William the Bastard because his mother was the daughter of a tanner and his f...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/240phs/why_was_wales_so_rarely_united_under_a_single/" ], [] ]
3qugke
Were neanderthals really stronger than humans?
Or is this a common misconception? Ive seen some evidence of some human races in history that had larger bones, perhaps indicating greater strength; especially upper body strength.
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3qugke/were_neanderthals_really_stronger_than_humans/
{ "a_id": [ "cwigiht", "cwj2gax" ], "score": [ 7, 4 ], "text": [ "My apologies if I'm wrong, but isn't this beyond the scope of this sub?", "While I do encourage you to follow the mods' direction to use r/askanthropology, I would like to add a small fact that may help you formulate you...
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[ [], [] ]
98tyn5
why can’t we eat some food raw, instead we cook/boil/steam it until we can eat it in that form?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/98tyn5/eli5_why_cant_we_eat_some_food_raw_instead_we/
{ "a_id": [ "e4inhmd", "e4inl2f", "e4io1ov", "e4iqvem", "e4isdsn" ], "score": [ 11, 7, 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Pretty sure you can eat agonist anything raw if you're savage enough, it's just not recommended due to bacteria etc...also most things taste better cooked......
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[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
sp25k
Is there any science behind colorblind people having better low-light vision than people with normal vision?
I'm color-blind, and over the years I've noticed that I can see significantly better in the dark(i.e. reading in an unlit room). I've also heard other colorblinds say the same thing. Is this true?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/sp25k/is_there_any_science_behind_colorblind_people/
{ "a_id": [ "c4fx3my" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "I'm not aware of any studies that show that people with colorblindess have better low-light vision through physiological mechanisms. With that said, one of the interesting things about those with achromatropsia is because of their inability to de...
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[]
[ [] ]
2j7c3g
On a Cellular level, how does oxygenated blood reach each individual cell in the body for cellular respiration to occur?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/2j7c3g/on_a_cellular_level_how_does_oxygenated_blood/
{ "a_id": [ "cl98l3f" ], "score": [ 11 ], "text": [ "Capillaries take [red bloods cells near to a cell](_URL_1_).\n\nOxygen [is released from hemoglobin](_URL_3_) depending on the concentrations of certain molecules in the the vicinity. This is mediated [mainly by pH and CO2](_URL_0_), but also 2,...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK22596/", "https://www.awesomestories.com/asset/view/Breathing-How-Oxygen-Travels-in-the-Body0", "http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK54112/", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxygen%E2%80%93haemoglobin_dissociation_curve" ] ]
yev9z
Is Morgellons disease completely fake?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/yev9z/is_morgellons_disease_completely_fake/
{ "a_id": [ "c5ux72h" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "[Here](_URL_0_) is a good analysis." ] }
[]
[]
[ [ "http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4206" ] ]
4ntpbd
what is stem and why are so many jobs requiring it?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4ntpbd/eli5what_is_stem_and_why_are_so_many_jobs/
{ "a_id": [ "d46u1pr" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "STEM means Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. So jobs like programming, engineering, medicine, etc. which are important for bettering human kind and provide well paying careers are all dependent on STEM skills." ] }
[]
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[ [] ]
6udr0v
if you body paralyzes you while you sleep, how come some people roll over or randomly swing their leg out without control?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6udr0v/eli5_if_you_body_paralyzes_you_while_you_sleep/
{ "a_id": [ "dlrwdbs" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "I think you are just misunderstanding what happens when you go to sleep. Your body does not \"paralyze\" you. Your brain is just not sending as many signals to your arms and legs to move but sometimes unconsciously those signals are sent to put y...
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[ [] ]
6bkrwr
What would happen if a nuclear fireball extended past the atmosphere?
In history class I learned that it could be possible for a country to develop a nuclear bomb so strong it would reach past the atmosphere and go into space, as the title implies what would happen if this occurred?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/6bkrwr/what_would_happen_if_a_nuclear_fireball_extended/
{ "a_id": [ "dhnhxw0" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "An explosion-driven fireball that you see is largely a pressure wave. The fire you see is atmospheric molecules combusting. It's inherently different from, for instance, a volcanic eruption, where lots of 'new' material is being shot upward. \n\n...
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[ [] ]
7ielyz
do your eyes turn off when you sleep or are you still able to see?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7ielyz/eli5_do_your_eyes_turn_off_when_you_sleep_or_are/
{ "a_id": [ "dqy5efn", "dqy9lux", "dqyc82h", "dqyda2j", "dqydfpw" ], "score": [ 6, 58, 7, 7, 6 ], "text": [ "Forgive me because I'm not exactly well-researched in the subject but I was always under the understanding that while you're asleep your brain basically igno...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
1i3kjw
why do my headphones buzz when i have an electric blanket turned on top of me?
If I touch the headphone jack that's connected to the computer, it'll go away but if my hand isn't touching the computer (screws and other metal parts), there's a constant buzzing in my headphones. If I turn the electric heater blanket off, the sound goes away though. So it's something to do with the blanket but why?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1i3kjw/eli5_why_do_my_headphones_buzz_when_i_have_an/
{ "a_id": [ "cb0tema" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "When an electric current runs through a wire, it produces a magnetic field. In turn, magnetic fields can induce current in nearby wires. If your headphone wire is near the blanket, the blanket could actually be inducing a current in that wire. Th...
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[ [] ]
2tp8ab
why are people so angry about wwe right now and why is #cancelwwenetwork trending worldwide on twitter?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2tp8ab/eli5_why_are_people_so_angry_about_wwe_right_now/
{ "a_id": [ "co131kg", "co139rh" ], "score": [ 8, 2 ], "text": [ "SPOILERS FOR THE ROYAL RUMBLE WARNING.\n\nOkay, this won't be short though because it's not really that simple unless you say \"an inexperienced wrestler being pushed by the management won instead of several better suited an...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2ex690
Before WW2, Singapore was considered a nearly unconquerable fortress, a "Gibraltar of the East". How then were the Japanese able to conquer it and the Malay peninsula so quickly and easily?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/2ex690/before_ww2_singapore_was_considered_a_nearly/
{ "a_id": [ "ck3tv4m", "ck3twsa", "ck3v4fs", "ck3vklv" ], "score": [ 44, 4, 20, 136 ], "text": [ "The Japanese had massive air (4-1) and armor (400-0) superiority. And they had battle experienced troops. The British troops in comparison had very few men with any combat expe...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
4okmsf
Do we know if the Mexica knew of the existence to the, relatively large, Incan Empire to their south? If there was any foreign relations between the Aztecs/Incans?
Knew of the existence of the* not to the. Sorry. Genuinely curious, as both civilizations were relatively large.
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/4okmsf/do_we_know_if_the_mexica_knew_of_the_existence_to/
{ "a_id": [ "d4ddxrt" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "There's always room for discussion, but perhaps the question [Was there communication between Andean civilizations and Mesoamerican ones?](_URL_1_) answered by /u/400-rabbits from the [Pre-Columbian Trade and Contact](_URL_0_) section of our FAQ ...
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[ [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/wiki/nativeamerican#wiki_pre-columbian_trade_and_contact", "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1b058m/was_there_communication_between_andean/c92jlv0" ] ]
68i0wn
if a person who is the age of consent has sex with someone one year under the age of consent, does it count as statutory rape?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/68i0wn/eli5_if_a_person_who_is_the_age_of_consent_has/
{ "a_id": [ "dgym0xo" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Depends on the specific laws.\n\nSome places have laws that treat it as a hard limit. If the age of consent is say 18, that means anyone having sex with an under 18 year old is breaking the law. Even if that person is only 19.\n\nSome other place...
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[ [] ]
11s5ud
Is there such thing as an allergic reaction to alcohol? Are some people's immune systems incapable of managing the stress that alcohol consumption puts on them?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/11s5ud/is_there_such_thing_as_an_allergic_reaction_to/
{ "a_id": [ "c6p4pjt" ], "score": [ 11 ], "text": [ "I've never heard of an allergy to ethanol. Some people are alcohol intolerant, which means they have a genetic deficiency of an enzyme known as alcohol dehydrogenase. If someone does have a real allergic reaction while drinking alcohol, it is pr...
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[ [] ]
squ8m
Woken up so suddenly that your body "wakes up", but you yourself don't? What is this phenomenon?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/squ8m/woken_up_so_suddenly_that_your_body_wakes_up_but/
{ "a_id": [ "c4g7gl4" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "If this is true, it sounds like an extended state of sleep walking. Sleep walking occurs when the brain is in a disassociated state shifting to/from waking/sleeping. Basically, the whole brain does not wake up--part of it can remain in sleep sign...
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[ [] ]
3ntoed
why do people in extremely poor countries have children that they will not be able to feed or adequately look after?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ntoed/eli5_why_do_people_in_extremely_poor_countries/
{ "a_id": [ "cvr4k24", "cvr4lyz", "cvr4mku", "cvr540z", "cvr5z3g", "cvr8eka", "cvr8rg5", "cvr8u6p", "cvr9ihs", "cvra781", "cvrai0v", "cvrapov", "cvrawhk", "cvrb5bn", "cvrb8sy", "cvrbll7", "cvrbmlo" ], "score": [ 123, 9, 3, 19, ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://fusion.net/video/204565/teenage-pregnancy-guatemala/", "http://youtu.be/7Jo5VAJWXEE" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
ei9j0r
how does a human sperm cell carry as much genetic data as an egg 2000 times its size so much as to where the offspring looks and acts like the father more than the mother in some cases?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ei9j0r/eli5_how_does_a_human_sperm_cell_carry_as_much/
{ "a_id": [ "fcoe1oy", "fcoe3aq" ], "score": [ 12, 2 ], "text": [ "The actual genetic material is carried in a pretty small part of the cell called a nucleus. The majority of the egg cell’s mass is the cellular machinery required to start the replication and implantation once the egg is fe...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
4acxuh
why is biodiesel/biofuel considered "green"?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4acxuh/eli5_why_is_biodieselbiofuel_considered_green/
{ "a_id": [ "d0z9os1", "d0za7zt", "d0zdaib", "d0zegh0" ], "score": [ 34, 3, 6, 2 ], "text": [ "The carbon in a biofuel, say biodiesel, comes (mostly or entirely) from the \"feedstock\", the biological material the fuel was made from (almost always plants). This carbon, in t...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
1tw7n2
how does little caesars make money by selling pizzas for only $5?
They have large pizza cooking equipment, multiple employees at each store, and still have to pay for advertising and materials to sell their product in.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1tw7n2/eli5_how_does_little_caesars_make_money_by/
{ "a_id": [ "cec1kan", "cec1knb", "cec1lw1", "cec1muu", "cec343n" ], "score": [ 4, 3, 9, 17, 7 ], "text": [ "Sheer volume of sales. If you sell enough pizzas at a small profit, you will make money.", "I don't think a pizza costs that much to make. Aren't LC piz...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
25vgwn
Dear Biologists of Reddit:Do our genes change gradually as we grow older? I know that genes change and get turned on/off as we grow older but do they change entirely in any way?
If this question was asked before please let me know.
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/25vgwn/dear_biologists_of_redditdo_our_genes_change/
{ "a_id": [ "chlh976" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Yes and no. Your genes do not change, turning them off and on does not change the gene itself. However they can be mutated which does change them. Over your life time, approximately 30 mutations will take hold in you. \n\nHowever remember these m...
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[ [] ]
93ls2q
Were Bin Laden & al-Qaeda terrorists when CIA supported them in the 80's?
The CIA financed Bin Laden as he led al-Qaeda to fight back against the Soviets in Afghanistan in the 80's. My question is while al-Qaeda has always been radical jihadists, were they technically terrorists if they were fighting against Soviet soldiers rather than targeting civilians. Or did al-Qaeda organize attacks a...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/93ls2q/were_bin_laden_alqaeda_terrorists_when_cia/
{ "a_id": [ "e3eogwq" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ " > The CIA financed Bin Laden as he led al-Qaeda to fight back against the Soviets in Afghanistan in the 80's.\n\nIf you have evidence that this is true that would be quite a shocking development, because there is currently no evidence whatsoeve...
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[ [] ]
13okto
Do videos degrade on youtube over time?
Once a video is posted on youtube, does it degrade over time? I mean, either it is stored in one place where it can slowly change bit by bit or it is copied over and over again where errors can be made while copying, no?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/13okto/do_videos_degrade_on_youtube_over_time/
{ "a_id": [ "c75r1va", "c75r7cj", "c75svc1" ], "score": [ 12, 6, 4 ], "text": [ " > I mean, either it is stored in one place where it can slowly change bit by bit or it is copied over and over again where errors can be made while copying, no?\n\nNo. Files stored on a hard drive d...
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[]
[ [], [], [] ]
3ed7i4
What sphere of influence will the Voyager probe be in after it leaves the solar system?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/3ed7i4/what_sphere_of_influence_will_the_voyager_probe/
{ "a_id": [ "cte6pb1" ], "score": [ 11 ], "text": [ "Voyager I will orbit the galactic center after it's left the Oort cloud: \n\n_URL_0_\n\nIt will probably never leave the Milky Way (unless some kind of natural gravity assist imparts addition velocity) \n\n_URL_1_" ] }
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voyager_1#Future_of_the_probe", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Specific_orbital_energy#Voyager_1" ] ]
z2h2n
If energy can't be created or destroyed how much energy is there in the universe?
Is there a way we could estimate this value ?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/z2h2n/if_energy_cant_be_created_or_destroyed_how_much/
{ "a_id": [ "c60vhqn", "c60voih", "c60w3ba", "c60wjwb", "c60wnpf", "c60ydtu", "c60yl61", "c6118c4", "c6154f9", "c616wnv", "c617z9f", "c618lk5" ], "score": [ 637, 25, 68, 11, 3, 2, 3, 3, 4, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ ...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://math.ucr.edu/home/baez/physics/Relativity/GR/energy_gr.html", "http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/cosmicvariance/2010/02/22/energy-is-not-conserved/" ], [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/urc54/is_there_a_set_amount_of_energy_in_the_universe/" ], [ "http://www.astrosocie...
6t285v
[Meta] What books in your field have been published lately that are worthy of being added to the wiki for your topic area?
Curious what books published in 2016 and 2017 are worthwhile and noteworthy to be added to the sub’s wiki.
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/6t285v/meta_what_books_in_your_field_have_been_published/
{ "a_id": [ "dlhlkga", "dlicnoq" ], "score": [ 8, 4 ], "text": [ "Do you mean the Ask Historians wiki? In general, adding books to the Japanese history section is something I really have been meaning to get around to. \n\nBut for new books specifically, \n\nLast year's *[Samurai to Soldier...
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[]
[ [ "http://www.cornellpress.cornell.edu/book/?GCOI=80140100033180" ], [ "http://www.uapress.arizona.edu/Books/bid2548.htm", "https://global.oup.com/academic/product/the-oxford-handbook-of-southwest-archaeology-9780199978427?cc=us&lang=en&#" ] ]
5a1nwd
how do dead people vote?
How do dead people vote and how does this loophole exist? Can someone just go to the voting booth and put in a vote for their relative that died in the 60s?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5a1nwd/eli5how_do_dead_people_vote/
{ "a_id": [ "d9d9ma3" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "As far as I know this is usually only an issue if someone died after the voter registers have been updated the last time.\n\nLets look at an extreme example:\nSomeone dies on the night before the election. Of course the people running the electio...
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[ [] ]
e8n2pf
why does english borrow so many words from other languages?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/e8n2pf/eli5_why_does_english_borrow_so_many_words_from/
{ "a_id": [ "fad9a5g", "fada0pq", "fada3ca", "fadabj2", "fadamaf", "faddu3n" ], "score": [ 4, 2, 3, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Can you provide a source for this 80% number? I highly doubt this is correct and I think you are misinterpreting information, but I am n...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EH3lD-L85Is", "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OynrY8JCDM", "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEaSxhcns7Y", "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdJQdt3xkFQ", "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDAU3TpunwM" ] ]
5s5nkx
why do snakes stick out their tongues so much?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5s5nkx/eli5_why_do_snakes_stick_out_their_tongues_so_much/
{ "a_id": [ "ddckevr", "ddcllfd", "ddcm1fm" ], "score": [ 25, 15, 3 ], "text": [ "They are capturing scent particles from the air; once their tongue is back inside, they insert it into a smelling organ on the top of their mouth, the Jacobson's Organ.", "The inside of your nose ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
3sd6dr
my dog can't catch my cold. what prevents most pathogens from being able to infect multiple species?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3sd6dr/eli5_my_dog_cant_catch_my_cold_what_prevents_most/
{ "a_id": [ "cww6efi", "cww6ehx" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Viruses and bacteria use specialized proteins to protect themselves and to attack their hosts. The tools your cold uses to invade your cells are not particularly suitable to attacking dog cells, like philips and flat head sc...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
2tlo6l
what happens in your body when you feel like puking after smoking too many cigarettes?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2tlo6l/eli5_what_happens_in_your_body_when_you_feel_like/
{ "a_id": [ "co068yc" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "You're experiencing the symptoms of nicotine poisoning. Drink some water and lay off the cigs for a while. You'll be fine. " ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
bb59vu
How are we able to take a picture of a black hole if they dont emit or reflect any light?
Is a picture of a black hole the correct terminology?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/bb59vu/how_are_we_able_to_take_a_picture_of_a_black_hole/
{ "a_id": [ "ekgp8en", "ekgs8ff", "ekhmdre" ], "score": [ 20, 5, 4 ], "text": [ "We're basically looking at how the light from gas around the black hole is absorbed or distorted by the black hole. We're looking for a black circle, with gravitational lensing distorting the view of t...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UM4o9xft1Lw", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charge-coupled_device#Blooming", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airy_disk" ] ]
lx6zl
What gives Blood that distinct smell?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/lx6zl/what_gives_blood_that_distinct_smell/
{ "a_id": [ "c2wasxw", "c2wb0ow", "c2wasxw", "c2wb0ow" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "It's the iron in your blood, actually. That's what gives it the metallic, tangy smell and taste.\n\nYour blood has proteins called hemoglobin, in which iron is used to transport ox...
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[ [], [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/lcf9y/would_high_iron_blood_taste_or_smell_different/", "http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/lcnxh/why_does_blood_smell_like_pennies/" ], [], [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/lcf9y/would_high_iron_blood_taste_or_smell_diffe...
210pia
why do we need to 'breathe oxygen' and why is it impossible for other living organisms to 'breathe' other stuff, like hydrogen?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/210pia/eli5_why_do_we_need_to_breathe_oxygen_and_why_is/
{ "a_id": [ "cg8ijpq", "cg8l6tw" ], "score": [ 3, 5 ], "text": [ "Oxygen was simply the available gas around. Evolution as a whole is basically just a sequence of good mistakes. Way back when, when the surface of the Earth was basically a sea of single-celled organisms, certain organisms a...
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[ [], [] ]
49t07f
How did Alexander's army transport sarissas long distances?
This is a question that arose for me a few years ago when reading the Engels book on the logistics of Alexander's army, but I ended up forgetting about it because it was grad school and I had other shit to do. Basically my question is this: Given that a sarissa is about six meters and extremely unwieldy to just be ca...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/49t07f/how_did_alexanders_army_transport_sarissas_long/
{ "a_id": [ "d0ul4kx" ], "score": [ 23 ], "text": [ " > It might work to split the shafts down the middle for travel, and maybe screw them back together when it's time to kill people, but we'd have found like a bajillion little metal pieces that screw together, and somebody would probably have me...
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[ [ "http://cdn.historynet.com/wp-content/uploads/image/2013/MH/MAY/600x550xHandTool.jpg.pagespeed.ic.I0jty0TMh_.jpg", "http://hetairoi.de/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Sariisa-engl.jpg" ] ]
g3cpmr
how does a handheld device/laptop switch itself off after you tell it to?
when you go to your menu and select "shut down", i don't get what the device does to shut itself down, it's not like you're pressing the power button to turn it off thereby cutting off the energy source to it, you're giving it a command that it then follows, and it makes itself unable to be used until the next time its...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/g3cpmr/eli5_how_does_a_handheld_devicelaptop_switch/
{ "a_id": [ "fnqig1x", "fnqiyp3", "fnqjnj4" ], "score": [ 2, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "I think youve got it the opposite way around. The button isnt cutting off power its calling a command", "The button triggers a rundown code that shuts down the system.\n\nYour phone has an internal ...
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[ [], [], [] ]
276rhv
In the past was it socially unacceptable to be a racist at any point proir to say the late 1800'S?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/276rhv/in_the_past_was_it_socially_unacceptable_to_be_a/
{ "a_id": [ "chy7ju5", "chy8yl5" ], "score": [ 8, 7 ], "text": [ "The sociological and historical issues raised by your question are the subject of very lively academic debate right now. \n\nBroadly speaking, there are two camps. One sees racism as a modern, western invention emerging from...
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[ [ "http://www.theatlantic.com/features/archive/2014/05/the-case-for-reparations/361631/", "http://www.worldcat.org/title/invention-of-racism-in-classical-antiquity/oclc/51942570&referer=brief_results", "http://www.worldcat.org/title/racial-contract/oclc/36909028&referer=brief_results", "http...
23jod2
How much magnetic flux does the moon have from the earth's field?
During the moon's orbit about the earth, how much magnetic flux would a cross section of the moon experience (assuming the cross section is oriented to maximize this flux)?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/23jod2/how_much_magnetic_flux_does_the_moon_have_from/
{ "a_id": [ "cgxzuuy" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Well it's not even inside Earth's magnetosphere for most of it's orbit. Earth's magnetosphere extends about 10 Re (Earth radii) on the side towards the Sun, maybe ~20Re on the sides, and very long on the tail. The Moon orbits at around 66Re, so i...
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[ [ "http://www.nasa.gov/topics/moonmars/features/magnetotail_080416.html" ] ]
21gicb
How much did the central tenets of Christianity change when missionaries from Europe came over to the New World?
I've been trying to figure out what adaptations Christianity underwent when missionaries came over to try and convert the Native Americans and have been unable to find much. Other questions include: * What kind of changes did the missionaries make to the details of the religion and its history to get the natives inter...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/21gicb/how_much_did_the_central_tenets_of_christianity/
{ "a_id": [ "cgcwvcp" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "This is an interesting subject. The Jesuits did a lot of the early missionary work, and their story is well attested. Off the top of my head, (with regard to the Jesuits):\n \n 1. They were criticized for downplaying the transsubstantiation as...
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7pqyr2
From the first Hydrogen-Hydrogen fusion event to reaching thermonuclear stability, how long does it take a proto-star to 'turn on' and become a real star?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/7pqyr2/from_the_first_hydrogenhydrogen_fusion_event_to/
{ "a_id": [ "dsk1ncw", "dsk4mr5" ], "score": [ 8, 8 ], "text": [ "It's complicated, and depends on the mass of the protostar. Massive stars can reach the main sequence in a million years or less, while the smallest possible stars (.08 solar mass) may take billions to reach the main sequen...
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[ [ "https://lco.global/spacebook/protostar/" ], [] ]
1qzt75
what do all the words mean when it comes to headphone audio quality?
For example: eq, compression, bass, hz, kbps, etc.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1qzt75/eli5_what_do_all_the_words_mean_when_it_comes_to/
{ "a_id": [ "cdi5atb", "cdi5guz" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Not an expert, but I'll give this a go. \nEQ stands for equalization. More generally in the audio world this refers to the ability to boost or lower the relative volume of sounds at various frequencies (i.e. lower or higher ...
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[ [], [] ]
1r4irz
why does a sniper need a spotter, when both of them are using scopes to look at the target? and how does the spotter know the wind speed if there are no moving objects like trees or a flag?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1r4irz/eli5why_does_a_sniper_need_a_spotter_when_both_of/
{ "a_id": [ "cdji4ag", "cdji53p", "cdji84t", "cdjj6up", "cdjkrkg", "cdjloxj", "cdjm6ab", "cdjmppq", "cdjn4h8", "cdjqugx", "cdjuolh", "cdjuzos" ], "score": [ 32, 99, 7, 2, 2, 6, 2, 10, 2, 4, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "T...
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[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
1zt3h6
does napalm self-ignite from contact with the air?
I was told today by a veteran that in training they were told that if napalm gets on them, after smothering it, it must be cut off with the skin immediately, or it would reignite. Is this correct? Did they mix or have some mixtures with phosphorus or something similar, or is (s)he probably getting mixed up on substance...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1zt3h6/eli5_does_napalm_selfignite_from_contact_with_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cfwosri" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "White phosphorous is used as an ignition agent in most napalm compositions, though older variants used thermite. White phosphorous self ignites in an oxygen environment." ] }
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2n9v6a
How much water is needed to cool the sun down till it stops shining?
I know it is not practicly possible, just curious.
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/2n9v6a/how_much_water_is_needed_to_cool_the_sun_down/
{ "a_id": [ "cmbqdwi" ], "score": [ 146 ], "text": [ "Honestly, it would probably only make it hotter. \n\nThe sun isn't burning by combustion, but by nuclear fusion. Two hydrogens go in and become bound, losing some mass by creating a high energy photon by E=mc^(2). Since water is H2O, you're jus...
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[ [ "http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=sqrt%28+%28speed+of+light%29^6+%2F+%288*gravitational+constant^3+*+density+of+water+%29%29" ] ]
2lrlra
do alarm clocks really just sometimes not go off, or do we turn them off and forget about it?
This morning I was supposed to meet someone at 7am, so I set my alarm for 6:30. I woke up at 7:30. This is on a Sunday morning after going to sleep past 2am. I did not make a mistake in setting the alarm (am for pm, etc.), and the alarm works every other morning. Does this mean that the alarm did go off but I just st...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2lrlra/eli5_do_alarm_clocks_really_just_sometimes_not_go/
{ "a_id": [ "clxjmsy", "clxjpcf" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "It could happen. Sometimes there will be a short loss of power (half a second) where they will reset themselves. You might find your computer to be in a rebooted state if you leave it on 24/7 like me.", "I turn my alarms...
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[ [], [] ]
4kmq5l
why do shady companies not work on making their company less shady?
There's always those cheesy "call now and we'll double the offer" with some old last decade font. What's the deal?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4kmq5l/eli5_why_do_shady_companies_not_work_on_making/
{ "a_id": [ "d3g48bl", "d3g491v", "d3g7buk", "d3g8vam", "d3gczfa" ], "score": [ 37, 12, 4, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "It is cheap and it works on exactly the kind of people they want as customers. If you will fall for that, they can sell you anything as a follow-up.", "...
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[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
411c0s
what do therapy dogs do?
I understand that they help relieve stress, anxiety, etc, but do the dogs actively DO?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/411c0s/eli5_what_do_therapy_dogs_do/
{ "a_id": [ "cyytwvv" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "First, there's a difference between therapy dogs and service dogs. Services dogs are trained and registered and they provide help with certain disabilities -- things like guiding the blind, alerting the deaf, helping people who are disabled, or s...
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136nse
Are pedophiles born with the sexual orientation, or is it developed throughout life?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/136nse/are_pedophiles_born_with_the_sexual_orientation/
{ "a_id": [ "c719p4o", "c719xwz", "c719zpe" ], "score": [ 10, 13, 3 ], "text": [ "I'm curious of this study that has any form of proof that hetero/homosexuality are things you are born with. That's a pretty bold claim to start your post with.\n\nEdit: To be clear, I'm making the po...
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[ [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/s299l/a_question_about_sexuality/", "http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/vfdep/how_much_do_we_know_about_the_cause_of_sexual/" ], [], [ "http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/4022.php" ] ]
3afaqm
When was a US moon landing first conceived? Why go to the moon (other than it being hard)?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3afaqm/when_was_a_us_moon_landing_first_conceived_why_go/
{ "a_id": [ "cscgdg1" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Officially at least, the date of May 8th, 1961 can be considered the date of conception for the actual Moon landing push. In other words, that is when the inside political backing and lobbying for the lunar mission actually began. \n\nIt was on t...
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[ [ "https://airandspace.si.edu/webimages/highres/5086h.jpg" ] ]
m9nq8
the game skyrim. i've watched half a dozen videos about it, but don't get it.
Don't get me wrong, the graphics seem incredible, but out of the many videos of gameplay I've seen on YouTube, I don't know what to gather from this game. I get that it's an RPG, but that's about it. Is it like WoW (another I don't get)? Can someone explain the overall point of the game please?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/m9nq8/the_game_skyrim_ive_watched_half_a_dozen_videos/
{ "a_id": [ "c2z75ii", "c2z8ojn", "c2z75ii", "c2z8ojn" ], "score": [ 9, 6, 9, 6 ], "text": [ "It's an \"open-world\" RPG. Kinda like WoW, but tailored for a single player. Essentially, they've plopped a big sheet of land down; decorated it with trees, mountains, and other n...
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4ec6y8
Why wouldn't my friend's idea for "free energy" work?
This may sound like a /r/shittyaskscience question, but hear me out: So my friend understands that virtual particle/antiparticle pairs are continuously being created and annihilated by "borrowing" energy from the future and the annihilation "repays" it back. And that when this happens on either side of a black hole's ...
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/4ec6y8/why_wouldnt_my_friends_idea_for_free_energy_work/
{ "a_id": [ "d1yvbz3", "d22tln6" ], "score": [ 23, 2 ], "text": [ "How do you produce an electric field? Suppose that you produce the electric field by separating positive charges from negative charges, in a configuration like a capacitor. So imagine that you have negative charges on a pla...
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[ [], [] ]
6naq9h
will placing the internet under title ii allow it to be censored like radio or will it allow the internet to continue to stay open and free?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6naq9h/eli5_will_placing_the_internet_under_title_ii/
{ "a_id": [ "dk81dyl" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Private telephone conversations are covered under Title II, and there's no censorship of telephone calls.\n\nIn practice, censoring the Internet isn't directly possible. You can make a separate net, not the Internet, which you censor. China, fo...
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[ [] ]
57f7yv
if a plane was on a conveyor belt, could it take off?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/57f7yv/eli5_if_a_plane_was_on_a_conveyor_belt_could_it/
{ "a_id": [ "d8rh9vu" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The question is actually underspecified, which is why it causes such debate trying to answer it. Specifically, \"perfectly matchesa the speed of the plane\" isn't specific enough.\n\nIf a plane is moving forward at 100 kph and then you place it o...
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[ [] ]
1ycpg3
why do sweaters lose their softness after you put them through the wash?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ycpg3/eli5_why_do_sweaters_lose_their_softness_after/
{ "a_id": [ "cfjf13p", "cfjidfr" ], "score": [ 9, 2 ], "text": [ "It isn't the wash but rather the heated dryer that kills sweater softness. Check the lint trap in your dryer. All the soft fluff in it used to be in your clothes! The heat if a dryer also burns the tiny soft fibers in sweat...
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[ [], [] ]
1gnex1
how do cell phones and other electronics randomly break after a few years, or start glitching?
For example, I've had an iphone for about two years now and sometimes it refuses to hang up a call and the red 'button' goes unresponsive. If it was programmed to work originally, how can it just 'forget' what it's supposed to be doing? Please excuse my tech illiteracy.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1gnex1/eli5_how_do_cell_phones_and_other_electronics/
{ "a_id": [ "caly2zw" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Generally I would say most electronics begin to fail to properly function due to one or several parts not working. This can be through excessive heat, water damage, gradual corrosion of some parts by chemical reactions with oxygen or other reacti...
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[ [] ]
y071x
Have there ever been any historical misunderstandings due to someone's bad handwriting?
To be clearer... Has anyone's poor handwriting ever resulted in wars or attacks or anything, due to the recipient not being able to read what was written, or misreading the text? Ones resulting in attacks would be the the most interesting/shocking, but any amusing ones would be good too!
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/y071x/have_there_ever_been_any_historical/
{ "a_id": [ "c5r59xc", "c5r5diu", "c5r5m97", "c5r68cg", "c5r7o5m", "c5r7pxc", "c5r7z8n", "c5r7zg6", "c5r833a", "c5r8qnc", "c5raf1o", "c5rbkr3", "c5rcfgh", "c5rci4o", "c5rcibk", "c5rd0xe", "c5rda70" ], "score": [ 15, 47, 43, 39, ...
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[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bible_errata" ], [], [], [ "http://www.snopes.com/lost/bearflag.asp" ], [], [], [], [ "http://spinelessbooks.com/rockgeekchic/albums/diabelli/score.jpg" ], [], [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Tong_Pass_%28211%29" ]...
70rvds
Was working at Jimmy John's today when I customer came in and was severely allergic to cucumbers but could eat pickles, how's that possible?
Top clear up people saying he just said this to get us to 100% not put cucumbers on his sandwich he had us change gloves and cutting boards. Also said he used to be a manger at JJ and couldn't handle cucumbers
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/70rvds/was_working_at_jimmy_johns_today_when_i_customer/
{ "a_id": [ "dn5i71e", "dn6198f", "dn62lko" ], "score": [ 6867, 146, 27 ], "text": [ "Food allergies are often caused by an allergic response to a protein. Proteins are very large molecules made out a long chain of chemical groups called \"amino acids.\" These chains are \"crumpled...
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[ [], [], [ "https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/allergy-library/outdoor-allergies-and-food-allergies-can-be-relate" ] ]
51zc9s
the feud between the standing rock sioux tribe and the dakota access crude-oil pipeline
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/51zc9s/eli5_the_feud_between_the_standing_rock_sioux/
{ "a_id": [ "d7g3x0f", "d7g6l9w", "d7g7dzo", "d7gac2z", "d7gbi2a", "d7gjsjv" ], "score": [ 10, 3, 15, 2, 50, 7 ], "text": [ "It crosses the Missouri River, which affects the tribe as the river runs through their land. They don't want their fishies to die and...
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16zsa3
when "persons" is appropriate
I'm Dutch and have always learned that "persons" is not a word. The plural of "person" is "people". Yet I come across the word "persons" regularly. What's up with that?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/16zsa3/eli5_when_persons_is_appropriate/
{ "a_id": [ "c80vob7", "c80xy6k", "c80zjtb", "c812628" ], "score": [ 65, 8, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "\"People\" refers to a body of people, collectively. It generally implies that they have something in common or are in some way cohesive.\n\n\"Persons\" means than one person, in ...
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[ [], [], [], [ "http://canadaonline.about.com/cs/women/a/personscase.htm" ] ]