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6ys7ou
Does every liquid have a solid state?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/6ys7ou/does_every_liquid_have_a_solid_state/
{ "a_id": [ "dmpv3v8" ], "score": [ 26 ], "text": [ "I think every state of matter can probably be solidified, but it sometimes requires very high pressure. Even at absolute zero, helium-4 remains a liquid at \"normal\" pressures, and requires a lot of pressure to solidify. Phase diagrams of eleme...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3caawx
What would happen if a water-tight but not air-tight container filled with air was submerged in water?
The first question is whether the container is rigid. If it's not then the container would contract until the pressure is equal inside and outside of the container, and I think this would be enough for most or all of the gases to dissolve in the water, depending on the pressure and depth. I'm not sure what would happen...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/3caawx/what_would_happen_if_a_watertight_but_not/
{ "a_id": [ "cstozbh", "csu1vga" ], "score": [ 49, 7 ], "text": [ "If it is a rigid container nothing would happen as water can't get it. Air can get out but the only way that would happen is if the pressure inside the container is greater which won't happen if the container is submerged. ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
27p23s
What are the biggest lost collections of knowledge in human history?
Like the libraries of Alexandria, for example. What others are there, and what makes them huge losses to us?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/27p23s/what_are_the_biggest_lost_collections_of/
{ "a_id": [ "ci30rwg", "ci34qea", "ci35e5o", "ci390j7", "ci3die8", "ci3f4yw", "ci3fjtb", "ci3g8m3", "ci3ihtc", "ci3lqhv", "ci3nfu7", "ci3ow9d", "ci3qgp0", "ci3s9ek", "ci3savw" ], "score": [ 1889, 55, 60, 16, 27, 32, 9, 5, ...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_destroyed_libraries", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lost_work", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burning_of_books_and_burying_of_scholars" ], [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/14h7qx/how_far_did_the_destruction_of_the_library_at/" ], [ ...
oxw2b
If we invest more time and money into hydrogen fuel cell technology, could it become a more viable alternative to gas/electric vehicles?
From my limited understanding, it requires too much energy to produce hydrogen than it is worth. I figure if we are putting a lot of money into finding ways to make batteries last longer and charge faster, why not put money into finding better ways to extract hydrogen.
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/oxw2b/if_we_invest_more_time_and_money_into_hydrogen/
{ "a_id": [ "c3kx51r", "c3kx7m9", "c3kxo5k", "c3l0xjs" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Well, there are a couple advantages to fuel cells, mainly that the form of energy they release is electricity, which is a highly effecient energy form to utilize in something like ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.hydrogencarsnow.com/blog2/index.php/hydrogen-cars/bmw-series-1-fuel-cell-hybrid-electric-car-announced/" ], [ "http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2011/artificial-leaf-0930.html" ], [] ]
1aelfq
how exactly does uv light damage dna?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1aelfq/eli5_how_exactly_does_uv_light_damage_dna/
{ "a_id": [ "c8wp64k", "c8wqzkx" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Inside your body you have a lot of chemicals. Things like O^2 and others. When UV light enters out body it splits these chemicals apart. But it doesn't do it very nicely. Instead it creates these things called **free radical...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2q8tb7
how do certain electric toothbrush charging stations work?
I was gifted a newer electric toothbrush that is was fancier than any I've used in the past I was fascinated by the charging station which looks somthing like [this](_URL_0_). I tried looking for answers but all I got was more fanciness and terms from junior year physics which I don't remember. I vaguely understand wh...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2q8tb7/eli5_how_do_certain_electric_toothbrush_charging/
{ "a_id": [ "cn3wvdv", "cn3x002" ], "score": [ 5, 3 ], "text": [ "[Through the electrical sorcery of inductive charging!](_URL_0_)", "there's a copper wire coil in that nub in the base.\n\nthere's another copper wire coil in the base of the toothbrush.\n\nthe base coil energizes. the...
[]
[ "http://imgur.com/juX3ZKK" ]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inductive_charging" ], [] ]
4sa3fe
why in some games, does changing the system clock/time affect the speed?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4sa3fe/eli5_why_in_some_games_does_changing_the_system/
{ "a_id": [ "d57pbzx", "d57ps9q" ], "score": [ 7, 2 ], "text": [ "Many games simulate the world in small steps called \"ticks\". A tick might be for example 0,05 seconds (or 50 milliseconds) and during each tick, the game computes a new location for every object and character or whatever t...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2t1g6i
why is it so hard to catch athletes who are doping?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2t1g6i/eli5_why_is_it_so_hard_to_catch_athletes_who_are/
{ "a_id": [ "cnutpdc", "cnuucay" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "Because contrary to Hollywood makes people believe. Its rather hard to determine if a liquid contains a specific chemical.\n\nAlso, these days certain doping is taken during preparation/training, and is no longer in their sy...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3if0s0
Did Hitler have an opinion of Islam and Muslims?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3if0s0/did_hitler_have_an_opinion_of_islam_and_muslims/
{ "a_id": [ "cug9toe", "cugqs3r" ], "score": [ 12, 19 ], "text": [ "On a somewhat related note, is there any truth in the Ba'ath Party being heavily influenced by the Nazis?\n\n", "Yes, he largely admired the religion of Islam. Albert Speer, the main Nazi architect, reported that Hitl...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
e4qdbc
Did any options exist for US draftees intensely opposed to the Vietnam War on political grounds?
I understand that 'conscientious objector' status was an option for those who opposed the war on religious grounds, but at least according to wikipedia, the status was not possible for those who opposed it on political grounds. Let's suppose, for example, that someone was drafted who not only opposed US involvement in ...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/e4qdbc/did_any_options_exist_for_us_draftees_intensely/
{ "a_id": [ "f9fatfq" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "No legal options existed for men who refused military service on purely political grounds during the Vietnam War. That said, by the late 1960s what was included as being \"religious\" conscientious objection to war could be very broad. Men who ot...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4j8ltr
When did music begin to be written like it was now and how did people write it before? did it vary from place to place?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/4j8ltr/when_did_music_begin_to_be_written_like_it_was/
{ "a_id": [ "d34nrag" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "OK, this is going to be a novel. \n\nI'm going to answer your questions in reverse order, because the first question is going to take the longest. \n\nYes, music notation varied wildly from place to place. Even now, [Chinese Music Notation](_URL_...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://chandrakantha.com/articles/indian_music/lippi_media/pal_notation.jpg", "http://anaigeon.free.fr/mes_facs/fsbarb.jpg", "http://i.imgur.com/FDaSybv.jpg", "http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/design/files/2013/05/early-music-notation.jpg", "http://2012books.lardbucket.org/books/music-theory/s...
3idseq
the physics behind this falling slinky!
_URL_0_ Why does the bottom of the slinky remain stationary while the top rapidly falls?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3idseq/eli5_the_physics_behind_this_falling_slinky/
{ "a_id": [ "cufiw2n", "cufj4rk", "cufj4zp", "cufjrzc" ], "score": [ 4, 5, 11, 2 ], "text": [ "[Here is the video](_URL_0_) that this gif is from.\n\nBasically the change in force has to travel through the material to the bottom. The bottom of the slinky doesn't know it has...
[]
[ "http://i.imgur.com/gj2R9wm.gif" ]
[ [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGIZKETKKdw" ], [], [], [] ]
3vj1lz
why alcohol seems more acceptable than cannabis or lsd?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3vj1lz/eli5_why_alcohol_seems_more_acceptable_than/
{ "a_id": [ "cxnye2c", "cxnzoli", "cxo0uar" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The arguments between cannabis and alcohol are very intense, debatable, and can be largely centered around politics. \n\nUnlike the previous two, LSD and drugs that make you hallucinate can put you or o...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
107f07
At what age do human babies become more intelligent than fully grown intelligent animals of other species?
For example a well trained dog, dolphin, or octopus.
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/107f07/at_what_age_do_human_babies_become_more/
{ "a_id": [ "c6b31kt", "c6b35fy", "c6b3mte" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 6 ], "text": [ "I'm not exactly sure what emotional intelligence is. Can anyone explain?", "Some dogs demonstrate emotional intelligence towards humans beyond that of many adult humans. That is, dogs appear to read...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.livescience.com/18411-dogs-understand-humans-chimps.html" ], [] ]
2f4rfn
how can cars like the honda cr-x get 52 mpg in 1984 but average cars now get the mid 30's?
Explain?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2f4rfn/eli5_how_can_cars_like_the_honda_crx_get_52_mpg/
{ "a_id": [ "ck5wqnq", "ck5wukf", "ck5wwoc", "ck5xn5w", "ck5xyox", "ck66wij" ], "score": [ 3, 6, 38, 3, 20, 3 ], "text": [ "You're comparing a special case to average cars today. That's like asking why the average person cannot run as fast as Roger Banister...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
3k17ch
Did artists of the early-to-mid 19th century worry that photography would adversely affect their craft?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3k17ch/did_artists_of_the_earlytomid_19th_century_worry/
{ "a_id": [ "cuumpr0" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Photography starts to become common in the mid to late 19th century, and that is when you find a radical change in painting. Previous to that time artists prided themselves on realism and their ability to understand the mathematics and geometry o...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1sph2e
Have there been any examples in history of a culture that didn't value family/family structure?
I'm just wondering if the importance of family has been pervasive throughout the world.
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1sph2e/have_there_been_any_examples_in_history_of_a/
{ "a_id": [ "ce0dqix" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Could you please clarify what you mean by family? Does it mean family in the modern sense of the term (father, mother and kids) or does matriarchal families (mother, kids, mothers brothers, and unmarried sisters) count? (i.e are you looking for c...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sparta#Life_in_Classical_Sparta", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nair#Tharavad" ] ]
7aujwt
difference between a potato and a sweet potato?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7aujwt/eli5_difference_between_a_potato_and_a_sweet/
{ "a_id": [ "dpcwwc8", "dpcwzwo" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The sweet potato is only distantly related to the potato. \n\nThey often grow in similar area, but they're not really surplantable.", "They are different plants. The sweet potato is native to the americas while the white...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
32lu8e
At what point do historians start working on a given topic?
When does historical work 'get started' on newer topics/people? It seems like Obama is going to have a fairly decent amount of historical consideration, and may be Bill Gates, possibly Tesla/Musk too or at least the people associated with the "Mars race." It seems like the rise of the smart phone would be something fut...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/32lu8e/at_what_point_do_historians_start_working_on_a/
{ "a_id": [ "cqcfqyi" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "The division between social sciences is always iffy, especially when defining it by topic.I've found it to be an impractical dividing factor. Historians, archaeologists, sociologists, and plolitical scientists can all the study the US Civil War, ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
cruxgq
Are there any known examples of moons having natural satellites of their own?
Would think if there were it would be one of Jupiter's moons.
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/cruxgq/are_there_any_known_examples_of_moons_having/
{ "a_id": [ "exa9cel" ], "score": [ 32 ], "text": [ "Short answer: no, there are not. \n\nIt is not, however, impossible for these moons of moons to form. Some astronomers call them \"sub-moons,\" and others call them \"moonmoons,\" (yes, that's real). Since none have been observed, there's no off...
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[]
[ [] ]
2rpp7j
Can we recognize a song we hear while sleeping?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/2rpp7j/can_we_recognize_a_song_we_hear_while_sleeping/
{ "a_id": [ "cnixbvo" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Sensation and perception continue during sleep, though the latter is diminished by varying degrees according to sleep stage. Because perception continues, recognition continues, though it may too be diminished. An example of changes in perception...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.nature.com/neuro/journal/v15/n8/full/nn.3152.html", "http://www.hounslow.gov.uk/effect_aircraft_noise_health.pdf", "http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2990343/" ] ]
7q6c6e
why is it difficult to make a profit as a farmer?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7q6c6e/eli5_why_is_it_difficult_to_make_a_profit_as_a/
{ "a_id": [ "dsmow5r", "dsmoyou", "dsmpim1", "dsmvh7d", "dsmwsvc" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Because land, hybrid or GMO seed, fertilizer, pesticide, and equipment are all expensive, and wheat and corn are cheap.", "Well, I don't know all the econ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
w967t
If I raise my arm to the sky and shoot out a line to the edge of the universe, what are the odds I hit something?
EDIT: Let's define "hit something" as passing through the electron shell of anything outside Earth's atmosphere. Let's also assume that my "line" is a "cylinder" with zero radius that instantaneously reaches the furthest reaches of space.
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/w967t/if_i_raise_my_arm_to_the_sky_and_shoot_out_a_line/
{ "a_id": [ "c5bcpx5", "c5bcqni", "c5bcxlf", "c5bh9kl", "c5bilqp" ], "score": [ 60, 6, 11, 2, 21 ], "text": [ "If it's a truly 1-dimensional line, the odds are negligible. That said, the [Hubble Ultra-Deep Field](_URL_0_) image was taken of a portion of the sky roug...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/image/0403/hudf_hst.jpg" ], [], [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hubble_volume", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olbers'_paradox" ] ]
w7bgf
Why don't palm trees grow everywhere?
I'm currently in Uruguay, and there are huge palm trees everywhere. It's also been below 40F several times this week. I had always thought that the reasons behind plant expansion were climate, barriers to disbursement and competition. If the climate is amenable to their growth, and they would conceivably be transporte...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/w7bgf/why_dont_palm_trees_grow_everywhere/
{ "a_id": [ "c5avznj", "c5aweiy", "c5ax54u" ], "score": [ 4, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Palm trees can survive at very low temperatures like most trees, especially when they are old and fully grown, the 'huge' palm trees that you are referring to likely do not even notice a few days below ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://imgur.com/BrRjB" ] ]
lhj4c
Need career advice.
I'm pursuing a career as a History Professor and a researcher. I'm currently enrolled to start January a Bachelor's degree in History of the Americas with the intent to keep studying and get my Doctor's. Do you guys have any advice on what to do or not to do during my preparation? or what to expect? Any comments woul...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/lhj4c/need_career_advice/
{ "a_id": [ "c2st2m7", "c2stpl9", "c2st2m7", "c2stpl9" ], "score": [ 4, 6, 4, 6 ], "text": [ "To get started, you might want to check out this thread: [What is your job?](_URL_0_). The links at the top give a realistic overview of some of the issues you'll contend with in ...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/krny8/what_is_your_job/" ], [], [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/krny8/what_is_your_job/" ], [] ]
jorfe
Mirrors and myopia?
When people with myopia look at something far away, the object will be blurred. What happens if you're short-sighted and look at an object that is far away, but in a mirror? Will the object in the reflection still be blurry?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/jorfe/mirrors_and_myopia/
{ "a_id": [ "c2dv963", "c2dvagw", "c2dv963", "c2dvagw" ], "score": [ 5, 3, 5, 3 ], "text": [ "Yes the object will still be blurry. The mirror does nothing to focus the image, and it's exactly like if you looked at the object itself from slightly further away than normal.",...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/j58iw/im_nearsighted_if_i_take_off_my_glasses_and_look/" ], [], [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/j58iw/im_nearsighted_if_i_take_off_my_glasses_and_look/" ] ]
38fqca
why do islands like these form?
_URL_0_ I don't understand how something like this could form. Also I've noticed that there are tons of them in North America, But very few in other parts of the world. What is the reason islands like this exist?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/38fqca/eli5_why_do_islands_like_these_form/
{ "a_id": [ "cruoud6" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Those are called barrier islands, and they are caused by receding tides dropping sediment on the oceanbed a few hundred feet to a few miles offshore. As the tide recedes into open water, the movement becomes slower, and the slower water is no lon...
[]
[ "http://imgur.com/1UcCAVx" ]
[ [] ]
n6b4g
How do I accurately weigh my hands?
Yes, I want to weigh hands only, from wrist-upwards. To see the left-right variance I tried a kitchen scale, but I don't find it accurate enough because I can't really position hands in a comfortable way that seems equal with the other hand(the issue of having my hands totally free of arm-muscle influence). EDIT: I...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/n6b4g/how_do_i_accurately_weigh_my_hands/
{ "a_id": [ "c36l3ig", "c36ldph", "c36mc9m", "c36qnby", "c36l3ig", "c36ldph", "c36mc9m", "c36qnby" ], "score": [ 37, 27, 2, 3, 37, 27, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "My high school biology teacher said the only way to accurately weigh your hands is to cu...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
9y423n
I found some letters that appear to be from the 1940s, don't know german, can anyone tell me if they're just personal letters or contain anything interesting?
[_URL_0_](_URL_0_) & #x200B; My favourite one is the one with the Hitler stamp, even if the letters are boring, I think thats a bit of history there.
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/9y423n/i_found_some_letters_that_appear_to_be_from_the/
{ "a_id": [ "e9ykd87" ], "score": [ 12 ], "text": [ "The first letter is written by a certain Mrs. Eberspacher from Augsburg, she seems to have been a taylor at that time. She writes to a Mrs. Eiband whom she had visited in a village near a mountain called Auerberg (Allgäu) some time ago. As I und...
[]
[ "https://imgur.com/a/ASp4wrz" ]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%BCtterlin" ] ]
1c337x
After salmon smolt for the first time, do they smolt every time they migrate in and out of freshwater?
Many salmonids are anadromous, meaning they migrate from freshwater to saltwater as part of their life cycle. When they do this, the internal physiology changes so they can handle a marine v. freshwater environment. When salmon are reproductively mature, they will migrate back to their home streams to spawn. Many spe...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1c337x/after_salmon_smolt_for_the_first_time_do_they/
{ "a_id": [ "c9ck6v7" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Smoltification generally occurs just once in the life of these salmon. Parr change into smolts upon reception of specific cues (such as daylength, water temperature, size) which results in a preference for seawater (and therefore desire to migrat...
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[]
[ [] ]
2a00db
why do i munch so hard when stoned?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2a00db/eli5_why_do_i_munch_so_hard_when_stoned/
{ "a_id": [ "ciq7k9g" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Simply put, the THC fits into receptors in the brain's olfactory bulb, significantly increasing the your ability to smell food and leading you to eat more of it. A big part of the reason why you might eat more food after using marijuana, is simpl...
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[]
[ [] ]
5z4a25
the recent explosion in ai accomplishments
I keep reading about the threat of AI. Has something fundamental about AI changed recently? Have there been breakthroughs in the science? Is it due to better hardware? New data to mine? Or is it just a news trend?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5z4a25/eli5_the_recent_explosion_in_ai_accomplishments/
{ "a_id": [ "dev60qg", "dev633e" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Most likely a news trend. AI technologies are advancing extremely rapidly, however it's going to be a while until they are integrated into our every day lives such as the media is displaying currently. ", "I often wonder...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
1clv5n
Effect of wind on a golf ball?
What are the variables that someone would need to calculate a the effect of wind on a golf ball? And how would it be calculated? Will the distance of a ball hit in the same direction as the wind is blowing increase by the same amount as ball hit in the opposite direction as the wind decreases?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1clv5n/effect_of_wind_on_a_golf_ball/
{ "a_id": [ "c9hryry" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "To properly solve this, you need to use the drag equation. The drag equation requires a drag coefficient, which can be derived empirically, or estimated from a plot of drag coefficient against Reynold's number (which for a given air temperature ...
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[]
[ [] ]
256gzv
If you were caught in the explosion of an atomic bomb, would you literally feel nothing, not even for a millisecond?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/256gzv/if_you_were_caught_in_the_explosion_of_an_atomic/
{ "a_id": [ "che8vmr", "chedww6" ], "score": [ 15, 2 ], "text": [ "Almost certainly it would be very painful. The important thing to realize is that the destruction from a nuclear detonation has multiple components, and can thus take on a different nature depending on how far away you are....
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[]
[ [], [] ]
206jif
Why do the Scandinavian countries all have the same flag (with different colors)
Is there a specific reason or did one of them do it and the others copied?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/206jif/why_do_the_scandinavian_countries_all_have_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cg0prdx", "cg10r6y" ], "score": [ 14, 2 ], "text": [ "For Finland: The blue coloring is said to represent the country's thousands of lakes and the sky, with white for the snow that covers the land in winter.\n\nSweden: King Eric IX saw a golden cross in the sky as he landed in...
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[]
[ [], [ "https://www.stortinget.no/no/Stortinget-og-demokratiet/Historikk/Historisk-dokumentasjon/Flaggloven/Forslag-til-flagg/" ] ]
2zj7sr
Did the Germans really fear Canadian troops more than other countries?
High school was a long time ago for me but I always remember my history teacher saying that the Germans really disliked fighting against the Canadians. He said the Germans had thought of Canadians as the hardest troops to fight against. Any truth to this?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/2zj7sr/did_the_germans_really_fear_canadian_troops_more/
{ "a_id": [ "cpjpt7q" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "You may find this answer I gave on a previous thread relevant:\n\n\n\n\n > It was a well-established fact that when either the Australians or the Canadians appeared in a sector trouble was brewing. This was particularly true of the Canadians bec...
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[]
[ [] ]
46rlzq
At what point in evolution did mammals gain the ability to synthesize vitamin D from sunlight?
Just curious.
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/46rlzq/at_what_point_in_evolution_did_mammals_gain_the/
{ "a_id": [ "d0853ew" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Most likely around the time of the rise of the first Eukaryotic life or aerobic life. \n\n_URL_0_\n\nCholesterol seems to be an adaptation to oxygen rich environments and all eukaryotic life uses it for a huge amount of cellular processes, struct...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20394667" ] ]
bslxuc
how are commercial chicken eggs so consistently produced?
I got a bunch of farm fresh eggs and they are all over the place, including ones that would be too small to sell in stores. Also there are a good amount of double yolk eggs too. Do commercial egg companies throw out a lot of eggs and screen for double yolk eggs?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bslxuc/eli5_how_are_commercial_chicken_eggs_so/
{ "a_id": [ "eoo7dcn", "eooap50", "eoodchl", "eooeya6" ], "score": [ 12, 5, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Commercial eggs are sorted by egg and quality into \"grades\". Different grades and sizes can be purchased at the store.\n\nLower graded eggs are mainly lower grades because of a...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
akti23
why is carbon-12 the standard isotope that everything else is compared with?
Why is it only carbon and why specifically the Isotope 12? Why not Hydrogen?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/akti23/eli5_why_is_carbon12_the_standard_isotope_that/
{ "a_id": [ "ef7qvxk" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "It's all about averages and statistics.\n\nAfter lots of measurements, they found out that the value for the mass (in grams) of C-12 / 12 was a better average than the generic (mass (in grams) of proton + mass of neutron) / 2 value.\n\nThis is be...
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[ [] ]
20f1oc
why are some people either double jointed or way more flexible than others?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/20f1oc/eli5why_are_some_people_either_double_jointed_or/
{ "a_id": [ "cg2md6p" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "When you are double jointed you actually have a really common connective tissue disorder called ehlers danlos syndrome. There are different forms of it but most people just have the basic \"you are flexible or \"double jointed\"\" and that's the ...
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[ [] ]
56a0ty
Today we can use lasers to measure distance of things, so can we point a huge laser to distant object to measure the distance?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/56a0ty/today_we_can_use_lasers_to_measure_distance_of/
{ "a_id": [ "d8ip91r" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "This is regularly done with [the Moon](_URL_1_) but required the installation of reflectors on the surface so that we can observe the laser beam being bounced back. Without that, the laser scatters so we can't observe anything and can't use it to...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/StarChild/questions/radar.html", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lunar_Laser_Ranging_experiment" ] ]
6n1di5
Microwaves and radiowaves, how do they penetrate different material?
I was curious at how microwaves dont pass through the metal mesh on the window, I understood this was due to wavelength but it didnt make sense how the waves just can just slide throughthe holes until I read that one should imagine the wavelength doesnt form in one direction but in all like a blob, so the long waveleng...
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/6n1di5/microwaves_and_radiowaves_how_do_they_penetrate/
{ "a_id": [ "dk611ey" ], "score": [ 17 ], "text": [ "Many materials are nigh useless for attenuating EM radiation. For example, like you say, radio waves will pass through many common obstacles in our world. Likewise, high energy gammas will pass straight through your skin and into your body.\n\nC...
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[ [] ]
3lm5hu
when 911's police service is free, why the 911's ambulance service isn't free? isn't it inhumane to charge someone to save a critical person's life?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3lm5hu/eli5_when_911s_police_service_is_free_why_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cv7doob", "cv7dqxo", "cv7ducz" ], "score": [ 8, 12, 3 ], "text": [ "Short answer is when it comes to medical treatment, you only pay if you can.\n\nA hospital is literally not allowed to reject a patient for financial reasons; even if you don't pay, you still get treat...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
200dvl
Around 1000 years ago, the Middle East was the place to be for science and technological innovation while Europe was in a comparatively lacking state. What gives for the shift from then to today for the two regions?
Within the last few hundred years or so Europe has prospered economically and technologically whereas the Islamic world seems to have faltered. What caused this?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/200dvl/around_1000_years_ago_the_middle_east_was_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cfyq0f4", "cfyqazz" ], "score": [ 12, 4 ], "text": [ "The Muslim scientific age also came to an end because the Mongols invaded the Middle East in the time of the Crusades (the Christians even tried to create an alliance against the Muslims). This destroyed the agricultural a...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1i5hho/if_the_islamic_caliphates_were_at_the_forefront/" ] ]
2ddzv3
whats the whole deal with whole grain?
Everything needs to be whole grain. Whole grain bread, cookies, pasta, hell, you can probably find "whole grain" slapped on just about anything. Whats the deal, man, and when does it matter, and when is it fancypants marketing? They're better for you, right? how and why?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ddzv3/eli5_whats_the_whole_deal_with_whole_grain/
{ "a_id": [ "cjoldz6", "cjorgi3", "cjoroxb" ], "score": [ 9, 6, 2 ], "text": [ "As opposed to \"enriched\" which means they strip out everything that gives it a darker, inconsistent texture and then add back in a few vitamins to partially replace the ones they leached out.\n\nGener...
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[]
[ [], [], [] ]
369vrr
How did the German members of the house of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha respond to the English King George V's decision to repudiate the name in favour of "Windsor" in 1917?
Many of us remember Kaiser Wilhelm II's famous joke about looking forward to seeing a performance of Shakespeare's play, *The Merry Wives of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha*, but I'm curious about how this change (and the corresponding change of the name in Belgium as well) was greeted by those German members of the family who s...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/369vrr/how_did_the_german_members_of_the_house_of/
{ "a_id": [ "crcws82" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "It's perhaps helpful to put the changing of names into context because the whole thing was part of a wider series of tit-for-tat glove-slapping that was confused not just by the fact that Britain's aristocracy was riddled with Germanic transplant...
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[ [] ]
iqfol
Do plants have immune systems?
Whether it's bacteria, fungus, or insects, do plants have a way to fight off deadly organisms? Obviously trees and other plants don't have white blood cells or immune systems like animals, so I was wondering if they had a way to fight off diseases and parasites.
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/iqfol/do_plants_have_immune_systems/
{ "a_id": [ "c25thh1", "c25tqsm", "c25tvne", "c25udje", "c25v7qo" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 55, 31, 2 ], "text": [ "I actually don't know much about this area, but you could have a read [here](_URL_0_) until someone knowledgeable comes around.", "All multicellular org...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Innate_immune_system#Host_defense_in_plants" ], [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Type_three_secretion_system", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flagellum", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Innate_immune_system#Host_defense_in_plants", "http://en.wikipedia...
x7nr8
What are some of the major archives, museums and other sites related to your field?
In my own case it's very difficult to beat the [Imperial War Museum in London](_URL_1_), which has some of the most impressive holdings related to the Great War (and not just Great Britain's involvement in it) in the world. The [Canadian War Museum](_URL_0_) in Ottawa provides a less illustrious (though still very goo...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/x7nr8/what_are_some_of_the_major_archives_museums_and/
{ "a_id": [ "c5jwouy", "c5jyv7a", "c5k0bzq", "c5k19l2", "c5k1vsd", "c5k2gcm", "c5k2shq", "c5k2uub", "c5kbdul", "c5kdgdh", "c5keeev" ], "score": [ 8, 2, 5, 5, 6, 2, 3, 4, 2, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "[Carthage National Museum ...
[]
[ "http://www.warmuseum.ca/home/", "http://www.iwm.org.uk/", "http://archives.queensu.ca/Exhibits/buchan.html" ]
[ [ "http://www.historvius.com/carthage-national-museum-1609/" ], [], [], [ "http://www.nli.ie/en/intro/catalogues-and-databases-introduction.aspx", "http://www.nationalarchives.ie/", "http://www.dublindiocese.ie/content/archives", "http://www.ofiaich.ie/", "http://www.militaryarchives...
9hq6ft
why do large companies or other businesses say they will match every donation or donate with every purchase instead of just donating the money?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9hq6ft/eli5_why_do_large_companies_or_other_businesses/
{ "a_id": [ "e6dnhhd", "e6dom1t", "e6dpfud", "e6dpkxf" ], "score": [ 29, 6, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "It's a marketing technique to encourage consumers to spend money at their business. You can help save a starving family in Africa just by buying a 2 Liter of Coke! \n\nThey oftent...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
b7lqrz
Why is the semi-colon the default symbol versus the colon on a keyboard? Was it once more common in writing or for programming?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/b7lqrz/why_is_the_semicolon_the_default_symbol_versus/
{ "a_id": [ "eju07n8" ], "score": [ 11 ], "text": [ "While it can be used more in programming the actual reason has more to do with etymology and morality.\n\nColon of course refers to the symbol \" **:** \" but it also refers to a more sinister and disgusting part of the human anatomy; the colon....
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[ [] ]
8a5tmc
when you peel off dead skin, why is the new skin red, why does it hurt to touch and what makes it become paler like the skin around it? [biology]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8a5tmc/eli5_when_you_peel_off_dead_skin_why_is_the_new/
{ "a_id": [ "dww6f13" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "The epidermis is the outer skin layer which is constantly being replaced by new skin cells called keranocytes. When you remove \"dead skin\" you're removing the older part of the epidermis. By removing this skin manually, you're exposing the new...
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[]
[ [] ]
9qf9x8
what's to stop us from just putting solar panels on every flat surface possible?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9qf9x8/eli5_whats_to_stop_us_from_just_putting_solar/
{ "a_id": [ "e88qfhd", "e88qxxz", "e88r6zd", "e88tofm", "e88wupw", "e88zxk2", "e891dpl", "e891uwj", "e892us7", "e8947o9" ], "score": [ 4, 38, 2, 11, 23, 2, 2, 8, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "There is no single group that owns \"every fl...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://www.vox.com/2018/5/9/17336330/duck-curve-solar-energy-supply-demand-problem-caiso-nrel", "https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/sep/27/south-australias-tesla-battery-on-track-to-make-back-a-third-of-cost-in-a-year" ], [], [] ]
sek5y
Can unknown civilizations detect Voyager 1? Can Earth detect "Alien Voyager 1" if they slung one in our direction?
From [this thread](_URL_0_), I got thinking about the question. I suppose the answer would be less "yes/no" and more in percentages since we're talking about a lot of hypotheticals. What would be Earth's ability to visually detect and track and Alien Voyager 1? If not visually, could we pick up and track it through va...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/sek5y/can_unknown_civilizations_detect_voyager_1_can/
{ "a_id": [ "c4de4ll" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "We'd almost certainly not see it. The first issue is that the batteries have a limited lifespan, and by the time it reaches another solar system they'll be long dead. This means that it will not be transmitting any information, nor will it be at ...
[]
[ "http://www.reddit.com/r/space/comments/se5ik/we_won_the_space_race/" ]
[ [] ]
cbivwf
the women’s soccer pay gap
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cbivwf/eli5_the_womens_soccer_pay_gap/
{ "a_id": [ "etfs16w", "etfsaw9", "etfslk7", "etfsvk1", "etfsxyh", "etftyac", "etfx87c", "etgbimp" ], "score": [ 5, 2, 3, 6, 7, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "I can't speak to those percentages, but assuming they are close enough to accurate...the num...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
50v6k3
how is it a train engine doesn't just spin it's wheels on the track when getting the train moving?
I understand the engine has enough power to pull the ludicrous mass of cars behind it. But how is it that the wheels are able to grip the track without slipping? If Ser Gregor the Mountain tied a chain around an engine block he could probably pull it a certain distance in a yard. But if he were wearing socks and standi...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/50v6k3/eli5_how_is_it_a_train_engine_doesnt_just_spin/
{ "a_id": [ "d7774zt", "d77774r", "d7781xm", "d778ugx" ], "score": [ 6, 7, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "The same way your cars tires don't slip on the road. Train tracks aren't really slippery, and your average Diesel locomotive weighs over 100 tons. \n\nPut 100 tons of pressure on...
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[]
[ [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYvHba4qn00" ], [], [ "http://www.republiclocomotive.com/ac-traction-vs-dc-traction.html", "http://www.photos.jcstudiosinc.com/user181/gouged-track.jpg" ] ]
26mktf
rhythm method for birth control?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/26mktf/eli5_rhythm_method_for_birth_control/
{ "a_id": [ "chsf6mr", "chsfqfc", "chsk7nb" ], "score": [ 5, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "aka start picking out a name", "A method of birth control with a low success rate. [95% chance of not having a baby if you do it perfectly and 88% chance if you do it like the average person would](...
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[]
[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calendar-based_contraceptive_methods#Standard_Days_Method" ], [] ]
1mde39
tsa lines
If the TSA does not have police powers, how are they able to detain anyone to do even the search they do? If they can't legally hold you, why not walk right by them? I don't want to hear "because they can." I want the settled legal reasoning for how this is possible, or have we all just been conned into consenting t...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1mde39/eli5_tsa_lines/
{ "a_id": [ "cc84lwm" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "You *can* walk right past them, and they can't physically stop you. But doing so is criminal, and they will call the police, who are usually standing right off to the side.\n\nAs for the searches they perform, they are all voluntary \"administrat...
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[]
[ [] ]
e7cuej
what causes cell phone cables to go bad when there is no sign of physical damage?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/e7cuej/eli5_what_causes_cell_phone_cables_to_go_bad_when/
{ "a_id": [ "f9xs0sl", "f9xusy1" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "Usually with lower quality cables, the connection between the wire and connector will weaken with use. The outer cable will look fine but the thin wires inside break. That’s why they sometimes work if you hold it a certain w...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://youtu.be/6duVvwdd5F0" ] ]
48vs8x
how come so many people in the entertainment industry suffer from depression?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/48vs8x/eli5_how_come_so_many_people_in_the_entertainment/
{ "a_id": [ "d0mz6mc", "d0mz7gm", "d0n2yur", "d0n7ui8" ], "score": [ 19, 8, 6, 2 ], "text": [ "Confirmation bias.\n\nPeople in entertainment are more likely to share their thoughts. Therefore you are more likely to hear about an entertainer that is depressed than an account...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
davmxf
what biological, neurological or psychological actions cause someone to be unable to remember something no matter how hard they try?
For example: Tried to remember the name of a famous early 90s electronica group that I've known about for 30 years, yet whenever I tried to think about the name it just ended in a frustrated blank no matter what I tried. For me it's a little different to 'forgetting' something as I know what I can't remember rather tha...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/davmxf/eli5_what_biological_neurological_or/
{ "a_id": [ "f1veggl" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Memory blocking. You can have old info blocking new incoming info, or you can have new info blocking old. In instances like this, you are often trying to think of that band from hearing a new band that is similar and that is causing your brain to...
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[ [] ]
crj3dd
how do scratch n sniff products work?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/crj3dd/eli5_how_do_scratch_n_sniff_products_work/
{ "a_id": [ "ex5x1qm", "ex6stt2", "ex6v5pj" ], "score": [ 133, 20, 8 ], "text": [ "Through a process called micro-encapsulation a patch/sticker or whatever is treated with a certain scent, basically coated in a perfume. It's then coated with easily breakable microbubbles that prese...
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[]
[ [], [], [] ]
5uscno
How did Italian Catholics justify wars against the Papal States? Was this controversial among Catholics in general?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/5uscno/how_did_italian_catholics_justify_wars_against/
{ "a_id": [ "ddwhcup", "ddwzoio", "ddx7hyv" ], "score": [ 58, 7, 30 ], "text": [ "I have actually asked a very similar question in the past: _URL_0_\n\n/u/AlanWithTea had some great insight. ", "Is your period of focus in this question Italian Unification?", "Power structur...
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[ [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/20nx01/how_did_medieval_leaders_get_their_armies_to/" ], [], [] ]
2onf8j
What was the relationship between Christians and Muslims in academia and universities during the Middle Ages?
There's significant religious tension between Muslims and Christians during this period. But considering the rise of universities in Europe at a time when Islam was home to most advanced centers of learning, (i.e. Baghdad, Antioch, etc.) to what extent did they collaborate academically or scientifically, putting religi...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/2onf8j/what_was_the_relationship_between_christians_and/
{ "a_id": [ "cmoz159" ], "score": [ 23 ], "text": [ "I don't know much about cases of real, simultaneous collaboration in the sense of visiting faculty and the like, but Western Christian academics certainly made use of Islamic sources, with two Muslim academics, Averroes (Ibn Rushd) and Avicenna ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
jamf7
what do ron paul supporters mean when they talk about "auditing" the federal reserve?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/jamf7/eli5_what_do_ron_paul_supporters_mean_when_they/
{ "a_id": [ "c2aj46q", "c2aj46q" ], "score": [ 5, 5 ], "text": [ "They want the government to take a look at the Federal Reserves balance sheet, because it likely doesn't disclose everything it is doing. The Fed doesn't always report everything because it is an independently-run section of...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/news/?id=9e2a4ea8-6e73-4be2-a753-62060dcbb3c3" ], [ "http://sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/news/?id=9e2a4ea8-6e73-4be2-a753-62060dcbb3c3" ] ]
10i5jv
how can cells be clear or transparent?
Thinking back to my high school days of science, I remember talking about all of the parts of the cell, and it made me start wondering about how things can be transparent. How does that work? How is matter...clear? I'm thinking like...insect wings and things like that. Basically anything transparent too.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/10i5jv/eli5_how_can_cells_be_clear_or_transparent/
{ "a_id": [ "c6do5hu" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "The structure of the molecules making up the material makes it so that the object does not reflect or absorb any of the wavelengths of light, but simply allows them to pass through." ] }
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[ [] ]
2515rn
why doesn't a broken thing reattach itself?
Example: If I break a porcelain board in two (one breakline) and put them back together, why don't the bindings between the atoms/molecules get back in place so the board is a whole again? It's a normal thing in daily life, but if you think of it, it seems kind of strange. I mean, the binding between the atoms/molecul...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2515rn/eli5_why_doesnt_a_broken_thing_reattach_itself/
{ "a_id": [ "chcn3vw", "chcn5b4" ], "score": [ 2, 4 ], "text": [ "Im no expert, but since no-one else commented, ill have a stab.\n\nin some cases, when a bond breaks, almost immediately a layer of oxide is formed. this acts as a layer seperating the two parts, so they cant rejoin.\n\nin o...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
itsms
Why do I sweat more shirtless than clothed?
When I'm sitting at my computer shirtless, I sweat so much. I'm in a cool room that I don't feel too hot in, but I seem to sweat so much more when I'm topless.... I shower regularly too. I don't sweat nearly as much shirted because I don't get any noticeable sweat patches, but shirtless, it literally drips from me. ED...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/itsms/why_do_i_sweat_more_shirtless_than_clothed/
{ "a_id": [ "c26ko12", "c26l9py" ], "score": [ 3, 4 ], "text": [ "I believe its because your clothes absorb sweat.\n\n\n > > Also, I sweat more on my left side than right, regardless of where I am, and I always have. is this common?\n\nEveryone is asymmetrical! ", "I think it's referr...
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[]
[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wicking" ] ]
czn213
can electricity be transmitted in wireless way from source to user?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/czn213/eli5_can_electricity_be_transmitted_in_wireless/
{ "a_id": [ "eyzf4s3" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Yes, there are several technologies that can do this. Microwave and laser transmission is the most promising way, however, these are directed, meaning that the transmitter and receiver must be aimed at each other and have line-of-sight.\n\nInduct...
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[]
[ [] ]
f8ykne
Did British sailors disinfect their water with rum? Or is that a misreading based on our modern understanding of pathology?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/f8ykne/did_british_sailors_disinfect_their_water_with/
{ "a_id": [ "fiocr32" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "It’s a misreading. For more, see this: \n\n_URL_0_" ] }
[]
[]
[ [ "https://amp.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/dt4ibx/alcohol_is_very_dehydrating_so_why_did_pre/" ] ]
j31nq
can someone explain tantric sex to me like i'm five, which is awkward?
Techniques? Motivation? Philosophy? Ties to Religion? Anything else?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/j31nq/can_someone_explain_tantric_sex_to_me_like_im/
{ "a_id": [ "c28rcg1" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Very simply tantric sex is when 2 people enjoy rubbing their naughty bits together for a very long period of time, even hours, to increase the pleasure doing such things provide and then achieve orgasm without ejaculation, which makes the experie...
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[ [] ]
va1lv
what does it mean to "root" something?
All I know is that if I do it to my Kindle, it'll void my warranty. Oh, and that computer-programmer types seem to treat this function like it's God. What does it mean to "root" something, and why does it void my warranty?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/va1lv/eli5_what_does_it_mean_to_root_something/
{ "a_id": [ "c52mp4d", "c52muwf", "c52n10r", "c52ne47" ], "score": [ 4, 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Like You're Five:\n\nIt means to achieve full control over your device. A lot of devices nowadays, like iPhones, Kindles, Nooks, et. al. are beholden to the rules of their manufact...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
1zux4r
What happens when an submerged or partially submerged object/projectile travels faster than the speed of sound in water?
Is there a limit to how fast an object could move through water? Does passing the speed of sound in water create sort of water Sonic Boom? Are there any other interesting features of high speed travel underwater? Cant think of a reason to ask this, I was just curious.
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1zux4r/what_happens_when_an_submerged_or_partially/
{ "a_id": [ "cfxao5h" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "The speed of sound in water is 4.3 times faster than in air. Also, water is much denser than air, so there is much more drag on an object. So, I don't think the sound barrier has ever been broken in water.\n\nOne interesting thing with high speed...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cavitation" ] ]
5u6bda
how can one rocket get over 100 satellites into each of their positions around the earth?
India just broke the record for how many satellites put into orbit with one rocket. Each one travels at immense speed so must be spread out a lot surely? So how can one rocket achieve this?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5u6bda/eli5_how_can_one_rocket_get_over_100_satellites/
{ "a_id": [ "ddrxedl" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "I'll simplify and just consider two satellites. Their rocket launches them together into a certain orbit, and then the satellites split up and need to get far apart. They can use their own engines or one can get help by the launching rocket.\n\nI...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3owk89
where were muslims in biblical times?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3owk89/eli5_where_were_muslims_in_biblical_times/
{ "a_id": [ "cw133r0", "cw13e4t" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "A lot of the nomadic tribes around Mecca had polytheistic religions based on idols that weren't very well defined in the sense that there wasn't necessarily a single religious book or authority. The Kaaba is believed to have...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ytFneQASZ4" ] ]
10afhe
the difference between cat5e and cat6 ethernet cables.
I found an explanation online but was left in shambles because it said things that I didn't understand :(
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/10afhe/eli5_the_difference_between_cat5e_and_cat6/
{ "a_id": [ "c6brjtc", "c6brwsv" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "In each cat* cable, there are eight inner wires. Four of which are striped, and the others solid. Cat cable is known as a twisted pair cable because the inner wires are twisted in pairs; in other words, two wires twist aroun...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crosstalk" ], [] ]
e11pb5
would it be possible to develop an operating system...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/e11pb5/eli5_would_it_be_possible_to_develop_an_operating/
{ "a_id": [ "f8l2cgn" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "_URL_0_\n\nThere's actually a guy that developed one on his own from scratch in the video posted above. It's a bit of a long video but pretty interesting; the guy ended up going insane." ] }
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCgoxQCf5Jg" ] ]
3jours
how and why do actors produce their own movies and what exactly do producers do?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3jours/eli5_how_and_why_do_actors_produce_their_own/
{ "a_id": [ "cur3f2p" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "The producer is basically in charge of the money. They (or a studio that they work for) provide the money and usually have the final sign off on how it's used. They're also usually involved in scheduling, picking locations, casting, etc. becaus...
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[ [] ]
2oy8bc
two-fold question: with the recent askreddit in mind, what makes our brains slow down time in response to life-or-death situations? and why might it run against what should be natural-based instinct?
It seems like it has to do with an obvious flight-or-fight adrenaline response, but many reports in life-threatening situations seem to severely slow-down time. If I may add my own personal experience with my only life-threatening experience: I was within night-view of Chimney Rock for the first time, and completely e...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2oy8bc/eli5_twofold_question_with_the_recent_askreddit/
{ "a_id": [ "cmrmg06" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "There was actually some experiments (dropped people off a height and confirmed they felt the slow down, but they weren't able to read a display that moved just fast enough to not be readable normally) to see if this was actually true or not. Sadl...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
62e50f
how could they have not known beforehand that changing flint's water would damage the pipes?
So as we all know, Flint changed their water from lake water to river water from the Flint River. As a result, the river water is more acidic, and corroded the pipes, leeching lead into the water. For the moment, nevermind that the event happened. My question is, how could they have not known beforehand, before chan...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/62e50f/eli5_how_could_they_have_not_known_beforehand/
{ "a_id": [ "dflrlh2", "dfls03u", "dflsser", "dflwfbb", "dfly338", "dfm6w25", "dfmsebq", "dfmzanu" ], "score": [ 2, 149, 94, 13, 16, 2, 7, 2 ], "text": [ "You assume that anyone gave this a moment's thought, or that the people who did had any...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
8no7rw
why can’t light stay still?
Light almost always moves at the speed of light (exemption with certain materials, but its almost unnoticeable). But can it stay still (relative to empty space)? Edit: Theoretically, can light be still due to gravity?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8no7rw/eli5_why_cant_light_stay_still/
{ "a_id": [ "dzx5wsm", "dzxc63e", "dzxeue8", "dzxfsda", "dzxrlb4" ], "score": [ 22, 4, 10, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Hello, so a quick disclaimer is I'm not a particle physicist, this has just come in my entry level to physics knowledge I'm trying to learn while working wi...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
236m1f
Could someone explain why a lunar eclipse happens when it's a full moon, but not when it's a half moon, or "normal" moon?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/236m1f/could_someone_explain_why_a_lunar_eclipse_happens/
{ "a_id": [ "cgty81g", "cgtydc0" ], "score": [ 4, 11 ], "text": [ "A lunar eclipse happens when the Moon enters the shadow of the Earth, so the Sun, Earth and Moon are in a line:\n\nS----------------E---M\n\nThat means that the hemisphere of the Moon visible from Earth is entirely lit (unt...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1iota1
why are hospitals allowed to sell blood to patients that is taken from donors?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1iota1/eli5_why_are_hospitals_allowed_to_sell_blood_to/
{ "a_id": [ "cb6kiqe", "cb6lkfl", "cb6lpei", "cb6lr6k", "cb6m370", "cb6mutg", "cb6mywh", "cb6nins", "cb6nkby", "cb6nruv", "cb6old2", "cb6onzy", "cb6owul", "cb6pdnn", "cb6ph1a", "cb6phau", "cb6q65x", "cb6sdmr", "cb6ssn4", "cb6t8tu", "c...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.academia.edu/386456/BAD_BLOOD_THE_9_11_BLOOD-DONATION_DISASTER_The_New_Republic&gt", "http://bloodcenter.stanford.edu/", "http://www.terumobct.com/location/emea/products-and-services/Pages/trima-accel-collection-system.aspx" ], ...
1q378x
why should i say "an historic event" but not "an history class"?
Please. My ignorance hurts.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1q378x/eli5_why_should_i_say_an_historic_event_but_not/
{ "a_id": [ "cd8q6qz", "cd8q96u" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "'An' is generally used before vowels much in the same way the English tend to put an r on the end of vowel ending words coming before vowels. Basically it is to divide the vowel sounds and not sound weird. 'H' is an aspira...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
y2l2j
Dear Historians, with elections approaching in the United States, I'd really like to become a more educated voter and learn more about what got our country where we are today. Where should I start?
**TL;DR** Help me look like less of an ignorant American and teach me to be a well-informed voter. I truly believe that the strength, respect, and prosperity of our nation depend upon a well informed electorate. I have read *The Looming Tower* and thought it was a very legible, complete, and useful description of "Th...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/y2l2j/dear_historians_with_elections_approaching_in_the/
{ "a_id": [ "c5rsp4q", "c5rumq4", "c5rv30g", "c5rw8s1", "c5rwe78", "c5s70un" ], "score": [ 3, 3, 7, 3, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "\"Culture War\" by Fiorino is an amazing book to read as well as \"The World is Flat.\" These books spend a lot of time explaining the c...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://www.strategypage.com/", "http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/suzaz/historians_take_on_noam_chomsky/c4h9ysu", "http://www.reddit.com/r/worldnews/comments/u5w5r/30_north_korean_officials_involved_in_south_talks/c4smdqz" ], [ "http://baselinescenario.com/", "htt...
20kqqe
why don't i lose weight when i take a poop
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/20kqqe/eli5_why_dont_i_lose_weight_when_i_take_a_poop/
{ "a_id": [ "cg472fc", "cg472ju", "cg47f7n" ], "score": [ 3, 7, 3 ], "text": [ "Maybe you just need a more precise scale. ", "You do lose weight when you poop. You just don't lose body fat or muscle. But since the amount of food and feces in you is mostly constant over time, ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
8ln598
what is type 2 diabetes?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8ln598/eli5_what_is_type_2_diabetes/
{ "a_id": [ "dzguy6e", "dzgvz69" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Type 1 diabetes is also called insulin-dependent diabetes. It used to be called juvenile-onset diabetes, because it often begins in childhood. It's caused by the body attacking its own pancreas with antibodies. In people wi...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
cu0x0m
why can we clearly see the "floaties" on our eyes but we can't clearly see other objects if they are too close?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cu0x0m/eli5_why_can_we_clearly_see_the_floaties_on_our/
{ "a_id": [ "expzl9z" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "I think it’s because when we see “floaties,” it’s actually the shadows of whatever particles are floating around inside our eyeballs. So we see the shadows, not the actual floaties themselves." ] }
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[ [] ]
1xhais
Could a planet form in one of Jupiter's Lagrangian points?
Assume a lot of stuff (meteorites or so) ended up in one of Jupiter's L-points. Could enough stuff accumulate there that a planet is formed? Could such a system ever be stable, and if so what would roughly be the upper limit for the size of such a planet. And finally, how would we call that Jupiter-NewPlanet system?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1xhais/could_a_planet_form_in_one_of_jupiters_lagrangian/
{ "a_id": [ "cfbf3f2", "cfbjajk" ], "score": [ 15, 3 ], "text": [ "No Lagrange points are stable; a few are quasi-stable, which is why stuff collects in there, but it's not enough to allow existence of a planet. Also, the way we derive the existence of Lagrange points is by assuming that t...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
406ujn
Did the French Foreign Legion act as a resistance group when the Nazis overtook France? What was their role during WW2?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/406ujn/did_the_french_foreign_legion_act_as_a_resistance/
{ "a_id": [ "cyrz8x5" ], "score": [ 37 ], "text": [ "The TL;DR answer is no. Only a small portion of the Legion initially gave its loyalty to the Free French, while most remained in the service of Vichy, stations far from European France, instead in North Africa, Syria, or Indochina. Some, such as...
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[]
[ [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/27kcff/why_did_france_create_a_french_foreign_legion/ci1ux5q" ] ]
84pify
Why are observatories on hills and mountains? Does this extra height help?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/84pify/why_are_observatories_on_hills_and_mountains_does/
{ "a_id": [ "dvrlt7v", "dvtn5ef" ], "score": [ 18, 2 ], "text": [ "Yes it does. It means the light coming into the telescope needs to pass through less atmosphere. The atmosphere tends to blur images. That's why the Hubble telescope produces such amazing things.\n\nI've been to the Grif...
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[]
[ [], [ "http://www.eaobservatory.org/jcmt/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2014/11/Freq_vs_Transmission1.jpeg" ] ]
5fuglq
Why do we say use foreign terms such as Caliph and Caliphate or Khan and Khanate but English terms like emperor for Emperor of China and Emperor of Japan, rather than Huangdi of Zhongguo and Tennou of Nihon?
Other examples: Emperor of Ethiopia Shah of Iran Tsar of Russia
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/5fuglq/why_do_we_say_use_foreign_terms_such_as_caliph/
{ "a_id": [ "dan6e6w", "danekt3" ], "score": [ 1049, 110 ], "text": [ "Let me take this a bit further.\n\n*Huangdi* is modern Mandarin, which may have been the language of the Qing, but then if we're talking Ming it should be more like *huangdei*. If we're talking Tang then *ɦwɑŋtei* and *...
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[]
[ [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/42fuf3/how_did_china_and_japan_end_up_with_their_modern/" ], [] ]
3yghst
why are emulators for old systems (nes, snes, sega genesis, etc) considered to be illegal? the companies don't make any money from places like gamestop, are they technically illegal too?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3yghst/eli5why_are_emulators_for_old_systems_nes_snes/
{ "a_id": [ "cyd9vrf", "cydd04r", "cydji7n", "cye0z2d" ], "score": [ 161, 10, 32, 2 ], "text": [ "I'd like to point out that *emulators* are absolutely *not* illegal.\n\nUsing pirated software is. And you usually need to pirate the ROM or some other form of software to use ...
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[]
[ [], [], [ "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/1201", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bowers_v._Baystate_Technologies" ], [ "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/106", "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/109" ] ]
2h7h0e
How does the Large Hardon Collider not just melt under such high temperatures?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/2h7h0e/how_does_the_large_hardon_collider_not_just_melt/
{ "a_id": [ "ckq4qm9", "ckq6fkh" ], "score": [ 8, 2 ], "text": [ "Ha, hardon.\n\nRemember that heat and temperature aren't the same thing. Loosely speaking, temperature is the average random component of the kinetic energy, or phrased differently, the average kinetic energy of the thermal ...
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[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat_capacity" ], [] ]
6kxxsw
why do some animals have differently colored eyes (i.e. one blue, one brown)? why does this occur more often in some breeds and species than others?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6kxxsw/eli5_why_do_some_animals_have_differently_colored/
{ "a_id": [ "djpnymu" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "**Heterochromia Iridum** (a difference in coloration)\n\nTo oversimplify: eye color is caused by the production of pigment. If an animal has the gene to produce pigments, the eye will be various shades of brown, depending on exactly what pigment ...
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[ [] ]
10fxzr
english currency (the old system)
Also, WHY? Isn't a decimal-based currency system a thousand times simpler?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/10fxzr/eli5_english_currency_the_old_system/
{ "a_id": [ "c6d4jao", "c6d4jnb" ], "score": [ 11, 6 ], "text": [ "_URL_0_\n\nAs to why, its the same reason a foot is 12 inches instead of 10. At the time it was developed, the primary difficultly in any numerical system wasn't converting between units, it was measuring those units, so i...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/questions/moneyold.htm" ], [] ]
6cme9y
What kind of cultures influenced ancient Babylonia?
Kind of hard to find information about this. All I can really think about is that Sumerian culture influenced Babylon through its cuneiform writing but other then that there isn't much I can think about. Can any of you guys give me some help on this question?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/6cme9y/what_kind_of_cultures_influenced_ancient_babylonia/
{ "a_id": [ "dhvzyuc" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "In terms of politics, jurisprudence, religion and language, Babylonia was strongly influenced by the Akkadian empire from which it emerged and had previously been a part of the Assyrian empire that was centred further north (Babylonian ascendency...
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[]
[ [] ]
2l1aio
About College History Major: How much history does one know ?
I'm curious how much history does an average History major graduate know. Is he familiar with all the major civilizations/empires whether east or west or those in the middle ? How far back ?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/2l1aio/about_college_history_major_how_much_history_does/
{ "a_id": [ "clqmcgk" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ " > Is he familiar with all the major civilizations/empires whether east or west or those in the middle ? How far back ?\n\nIt'll depend on a few things. I was a history major in undergrad. I transferred after my freshman year and, while the nua...
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[ [] ]
14ztge
What are the contexts of some famous quotes?
I was thinking about some quotes, namely the "Million deaths is a statistic" quote attributed to Stalin and the "Big Lie" quote attributed to Hitler. It seemed to me strange that even Stalin or Hitler would come right out and say something as cynical and revealing as that, and upon investigating it seems that the Stal...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/14ztge/what_are_the_contexts_of_some_famous_quotes/
{ "a_id": [ "c7hyhmw", "c7i0sl7", "c7i1sjq", "c7i4xhd", "c7i5unw", "c7i8gk6" ], "score": [ 25, 6, 2, 15, 6, 2 ], "text": [ "A good example is the famous \"religion is the opium of the people\" quote of Marx. \n\n\n\n > Religion is the sigh of the oppressed c...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_election,_1960", "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbrcRKqLSRw" ], [], [ "http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/74916db6-938d-11e0-922e-00144feab49a.html", "http://marginalrevolution.com/marginalrevolution/2011/06/it-is-too-soon-to-tell-t...
1x97c3
what makes some fruits/vegetables "in season" and some not?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1x97c3/eli5_what_makes_some_fruitsvegetables_in_season/
{ "a_id": [ "cf98m4x", "cf98mqi" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Fruits and Vegetables have a growth cycle from Planting, polinating, flowering, and producing and Harvesting.Some plants grow better in the Spring, Some in the summer, and some in the Fall. An some are harvested in the Fall,...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
dj7fxa
do base values change the patterns in numbers?
If you were to apply a different base value to calculate Pi, would it still show no signs of patterns or repetitions? Would the Fibonacci sequence still produce the golden ratio?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dj7fxa/eli5_do_base_values_change_the_patterns_in_numbers/
{ "a_id": [ "f41vfcu", "f41wql7", "f41wu09", "f424rji", "f427i1l" ], "score": [ 6, 9, 5, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Pi is irrational in every single rational base, and even in fractional bases. However, it isn't \"irrational\" in base Pi, where it simply is denoted by \"10\...
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[ [], [], [], [], [] ]