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cbb4vk
What was the role of women in the Spanish Civil War, and did it revert to traditionalist forms over time?
I’ve recently been on a Spanish Civil War craze, fueled by a variety of sources and one notably got me interested in the women’s role in the whole thing. In Orwell’s Homage to Catalonia, he mentions at the beginning that the women militia were ridiculed for drilling, when only half a year earlier they were treated equa...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/cbb4vk/what_was_the_role_of_women_in_the_spanish_civil/
{ "a_id": [ "etezgx7" ], "score": [ 12 ], "text": [ "Welcome to the Spanish-Civil-War-craze club! Don’t worry, in my experience it only takes a decade or so to fade away.\n\nOrwell doesn’t get everything right in *Homage to Catalonia* but he is fairly on the money here in depicting a retreat away ...
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[]
[ [] ]
3rb9c7
how can every car/truck be "the most fuel efficient"
Is it false advertising or very biased information? If it is very biased information, shouldn't there be regulations on what "facts" are put forward?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3rb9c7/eli5_how_can_every_cartruck_be_the_most_fuel/
{ "a_id": [ "cwmjmm7" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "They can't. You're missing the key word, \"in it's class\"\n\n* full size luxury coupe\n\n* full size hybrid sedan\n\n* performance convertible\n\n* heavy duty double cab truck \n\nand so on. It's easy to create a \"class\" such that your car is ...
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[ [] ]
108xi7
When a truck drives behind another truck to reduce drag, does it slow down the truck in front?
I was just thinking about this on the highway yesterday and realized I have no idea how drag and slipstreams work. Does the truck in front create some sort of low-pressure zone that "pulls" the back truck along? Does that somehow require more energy from the front truck?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/108xi7/when_a_truck_drives_behind_another_truck_to/
{ "a_id": [ "c6bdz6a" ], "score": [ 9 ], "text": [ "The turbulence behind the un-aerodynamic rear of a truck adds to the drag on the vehicle. If another truck is close behind that turbulence is reduced, has less volume in which to operate. Therefore the presence of the second truck should actually...
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[]
[ [] ]
654tvk
Did pirates and sailors have any form of waterproofs?
When did waterproofs become a thing within sailing? And what was initially used to keep clothing documents and other materials dry?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/654tvk/did_pirates_and_sailors_have_any_form_of/
{ "a_id": [ "dg7xrjm" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "I'm not completely sure I follow what you mean by the term \"waterproofs\", I haven't heard that term before, but when I look it up, I find references to rain-gear.\n\nI know of a few major waterproofing methods used with clothing prior to the sp...
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[ [] ]
18lc2r
Were any battles won by simply spamming the opposing force with arrows?
Just arrows, nothing else.
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/18lc2r/were_any_battles_won_by_simply_spamming_the/
{ "a_id": [ "c8fvzw6", "c8fwnpa" ], "score": [ 44, 24 ], "text": [ "A battle with *mainly* only arrows being fired from one army was the Battle of Carrhae. The Parthians rained arrows down on Crassus' Roman army, and when they tried to engage in close-quarters fighting, the Parthian horse...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crecy", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Agincourt", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Poitiers_(1356\\)" ] ]
3lylw6
what and why is the foreclosure process and what happens when the owners move?
I've been seeing more and more forclosed houses in my area. Edit: Answered
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3lylw6/eli5_what_and_why_is_the_foreclosure_process_and/
{ "a_id": [ "cvaent4" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Foreclosure is a legal process that allows creditors (people who have loaned money to someone) to force the sale of some property that the debtor (the person who owes the money) owns. In a foreclosure, the debtor had originally offered the prope...
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[ [] ]
2upf9j
how does someone get a mortgage for more than the purchase price of the house?
On home improvement shows like so many on HGTV, the people always say they have a budget of X amount. So the host(s) will get them to buy a house for less and use the "left over" money to fix it up. How does someone go about doing that? When I bought my home, that was never really an option. I told the financial compan...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2upf9j/eli5_how_does_someone_get_a_mortgage_for_more/
{ "a_id": [ "coagfy5", "coaglxv" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "It probably wasn't because of it being a VA loan. A mortgage is really just a loan secured with your house. A bank could give you a $100,000 loan to buy a house worth $90,000, but that would be foolish on the banks part, sin...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
60dkmz
how big is space?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/60dkmz/eli5_how_big_is_space/
{ "a_id": [ "df5j56a", "df5j681", "df5jwyo" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "All of space is likely infinite in extent. We can only see as far as light has had time to travel, which is 46.5 billion light years in any direction. Because we cannot see any more than that we cannot ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://phys.org/news/2015-03-universe-finite-infinite.html" ], [] ]
1mbpr2
why hdtv's cause latency with consoles.
Why do HDTV's cause latency? As someone that plays FPS, I can tell a difference all the time. What should I look for in a HDTV to ensure that I get one with the smallest latency for the next generation of consoles? How do monitors differ?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1mbpr2/eli5_why_hdtvs_cause_latency_with_consoles/
{ "a_id": [ "cc7ok4c" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "HDTVs generally do a lot of processing on images it displays. Check and see if your TV has a game mode. It'll turn off the processing effects and offer less latency." ] }
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[ [] ]
95rupq
why wouldn’t netflix original series scrap show intros? why does it seem the intro has to be shown to all shows?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/95rupq/eli5_why_wouldnt_netflix_original_series_scrap/
{ "a_id": [ "e3uzelk", "e3uzws6" ], "score": [ 8, 3 ], "text": [ "Netflix shows are sometimes carried by other carriers in other markets, including being shown on TV at times. They also do have a skip intro button and will automatically skip at times. ", "Actors negotiate to have their...
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[ [], [] ]
74n5co
why can’t/don’t atms give you money in denominations smaller than $20 these days?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/74n5co/eli5_why_cantdont_atms_give_you_money_in/
{ "a_id": [ "dnzkw32", "dnzlntn", "dnzmg8s", "dnzni02" ], "score": [ 12, 3, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "It's how they are setup . Every ATM has canisters in them filled with cash and only so much can fit in them so the people who own the ATMs decide to put only 20s in there so they ...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
2p2a1u
How was the PTSD aproached in the aftermath of the second world war?
I'm more curious about the treatments used between 1945 - 1965 (including the Korean War).As far as terminology goes, did the "shell shock" diagnostic, became "Posttraumatic stress disorder"? Were there any major changes. concerning the behavioral deficiencies, of soldiers who fought in WWII and the soldiers who fought...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/2p2a1u/how_was_the_ptsd_aproached_in_the_aftermath_of/
{ "a_id": [ "cmtczs3" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "You may be interested in the previous similar questions:\n\n* [How did the Soviet Union deal with PTSD cases after WWII?](_URL_0_)\n\n* [Was PTSD acknowledged and support provided by the English / German / Japanese governments after WWII?](_URL_1...
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[]
[ [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1urnn4/how_did_the_soviet_union_deal_with_ptsd_cases/", "http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/12paqc/was_ptsd_acknowledged_and_support_provided_by_the/" ] ]
mp4bc
What made cells become 'alive'?
Removed.
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/mp4bc/what_made_cells_become_alive/
{ "a_id": [ "c32p0xv", "c32p3fa", "c32p516", "c32p6x6", "c32p0xv", "c32p3fa", "c32p516", "c32p6x6" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Didn't life start with amino acids forming basic protein blocks and working up from there? "...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
1ho3ue
why does the u.s. government spend so much on defense, and so little on education/exploration/infrastructure?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ho3ue/eli5_why_does_the_us_government_spend_so_much_on/
{ "a_id": [ "cawb7np" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Because to Americans jobs is the highest priority, and defense spending is mostly a big jobs program. It takes people to build tanks, people to build the parts that make a tank, people to build the machines that makes those parts, and you can go ...
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[ [] ]
15vzde
[META] When, if ever, is it appropriate to repost a question you asked in the past but was never answered in your or anyone else's thread (as far as you're aware)?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/15vzde/meta_when_if_ever_is_it_appropriate_to_repost_a/
{ "a_id": [ "c7qajv1", "c7qapdy", "c7qfb9n" ], "score": [ 2, 17, 2 ], "text": [ "When you've made a good attempt to search for the answer, and been unable to find one....then it's probably appropriate to repost. There are a lot of posts, so it's understandable that some good questi...
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[]
[ [], [], [] ]
7lemba
Are there fungi that live completely underwater?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/7lemba/are_there_fungi_that_live_completely_underwater/
{ "a_id": [ "drltdkd", "drm6zxq" ], "score": [ 7, 30 ], "text": [ "Yes.\n\nHere's a nice review article on them! There are tons, actually. _URL_0_", "Yup! Plenty. There are thousands of known species of [marine fungi](_URL_0_) alone, and I suspect thousands more yet undiscovered. They ...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-94-011-0693-1_9" ], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marine_fungi", "http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0022201184900272", "http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2761.1978.tb00040.x/abstract", "https://link.springer.c...
79ohsa
why is something annoying to everyone except the person doing the annoying thing?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/79ohsa/eli5_why_is_something_annoying_to_everyone_except/
{ "a_id": [ "dp3j0ff" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "If they were aware enough of what they were doing to be annoyed by it, they wouldn't do it. You only get annoyed by the things they are not aware of.\n\nAlso, we perceive what we are doing very differently than others perceive us. If you are, s...
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[ [] ]
m78qd
Why does the colour of clothing make such a big apparent difference to how hot you feel?
I get that white objects -- in this case clothes -- reflect more light, and dark ones less, but surely the vast majority of the sensation of heat from the sun comes from radiation outside the visible spectrum. Eg the UVs that I believe cause sunburn. If this is the case, why does the colour of clothing seem to have suc...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/m78qd/why_does_the_colour_of_clothing_make_such_a_big/
{ "a_id": [ "c2yo7xf", "c2yolto", "c2yo7xf", "c2yolto" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "While it is true that black clothes absorb more radiation than white clothes it's wrong simply to consider the only source of heat on a hot day as the sun, never forget that you ar...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4c/Solar_Spectrum.png" ], [], [ "http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4c/Solar_Spectrum.png" ] ]
1prvwh
Why is gold sometimes found in nuggets and veins?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1prvwh/why_is_gold_sometimes_found_in_nuggets_and_veins/
{ "a_id": [ "cd5ru5w" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Geologist here. This is called Bonanza Gold. It requires just the right circumstances to happen. \n\nIt can happen in two main types of veins, epithermal and mesothermal veins. Don't worry about the names, the processes are similar in both, just ...
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[]
[ [ "http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2013/03/18/3716298.htm" ] ]
2n6gxn
When an atom is split, does the resulting material eventually form a new atom? Or is the atom destroyed forever?
If it's destroyed forever, it makes me feel... sad. I guess there's no limit to how anthropomorphism can be applied. "Why the long face?" "I just found out that sometimes we kill defenseless atoms." Let me know whether or not I should feel sad.
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/2n6gxn/when_an_atom_is_split_does_the_resulting_material/
{ "a_id": [ "cmaqy2n", "cmar8ki", "cmatz2j" ], "score": [ 44, 21, 3 ], "text": [ "Usually \"splitting the atom\" refers to splitting the nucleus into two smaller nuclei, like Uranium into Barium and Krypton.", "Keep in mind that atoms themselves are not *solid objects* in the w...
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[ [], [], [] ]
2qd9v2
why do i feel embarrassed for others as if i'm somehow connected or responsible for the act they are doing?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2qd9v2/eli5_why_do_i_feel_embarrassed_for_others_as_if/
{ "a_id": [ "cn52828" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Most likely mirror neurons.\n\nThese are nuerons that fire both when you perform an action, and when you observe someone else perform that action.\n\nThis probably applies to emotions as well, and is generally thought to be the basis of empathy."...
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[ [] ]
4j4tr9
why are muslims so hated in america, even if it has been a decade since 9/11?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4j4tr9/eli5_why_are_muslims_so_hated_in_america_even_if/
{ "a_id": [ "d33p0zd", "d33p3um", "d33p9dy" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The vast majority of Americans do not hate Muslims. It's also been 15 years since 9/11. There are a vocal minority of folks who say awful things, but most Americans just give them a sidelong glance and ...
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[]
[ [], [], [] ]
31skla
Camels in America
I've heard that camels were imported in large numbers to be used in similar way horses are, specifically in the deserts of the West where the climate is similar to that of the Middle East. Theres an urban legend that basically states there are herds of wild camels still roaming about near 29 Palms and other such places...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/31skla/camels_in_america/
{ "a_id": [ "cq4k8ua" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "This is the text I wrote for the [Online Nevada Encyclopedia on this subject](_URL_0_):\n\nIn 1856, the U.S. Army experimented with the importation of Middle-Eastern Dromedary (one hump) camels. Lt. Edward F. Beale maintained the animals could ha...
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[]
[ [ "http://www.onlinenevada.org/articles/camels" ] ]
7ko15l
what makes a scientific study a good one? what are the best practices?
Like, control groups, placebo, whatever. I don't have much knowledge about it. And how to check when some study seems reliable but it's actually flawed? Thanks.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7ko15l/eli5_what_makes_a_scientific_study_a_good_one/
{ "a_id": [ "drftc6z", "drftdi1", "drftnbw", "drfvrac", "drfxktd", "drg3450", "drg9dnt" ], "score": [ 25, 6, 3, 2, 13, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "It's almost impossible to tell if a study is flawed, unless you are an expert in the topic. Instead you could s...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [ "https://www.khanacademy.org/math/statistics-probability/designing-studies", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Placebo" ], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reproducibility" ], [] ]
1j3277
How does DNA actually wrangle other atoms to form the structure of a cell?
I get *THAT* it makes cells exist and function but *HOW* does a molecule, even as complex as DNA, actually cause a cell wall and nucleus and mitochondria etc. to come into existence in such specific fashion? With my college level understanding of chemistry I get how atoms chain into big molecules but how does a molecu...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1j3277/how_does_dna_actually_wrangle_other_atoms_to_form/
{ "a_id": [ "cbam4dv", "cbapiy4", "cbatkk4" ], "score": [ 6, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "You're pretty much asking about the entire discipline of [cell biology](_URL_4_). Let's see if I can help summarised some basic principles.\n\nDNA contains the information which leads to how the cell op...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adenosine_triphosphate", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enzyme", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_macronutrients", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organelle", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cell_biology", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RNA", "https://e...
3nn8c2
What does it feel like to be sick without an immune system?
So I'm sick right now and I've been pondering how most symptoms of a common cold, like fever and congestion, are caused by your body's reaction to being sick. What would it feel like to have a cold and not react to it? Would you feel fine and suddenly drop dead?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/3nn8c2/what_does_it_feel_like_to_be_sick_without_an/
{ "a_id": [ "cvsmyey" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Because no one could entirely lack all components of an immune system probably the closest would be [Severe combined immunodeficiency](_URL_0_) and aside from the fact that untreated you'd only live about a year, you wouldn't have the histamine (...
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[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Severe_combined_immunodeficiency" ] ]
7wpjcw
How did Adolphe Sax invent the saxophone?
Given how complicated the mechanisms seem/are, how did Sax work out what combinations would lead to the saxophone being a useable instrument? Did he do a load of trial and error or work a lot of it out beforehand?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/7wpjcw/how_did_adolphe_sax_invent_the_saxophone/
{ "a_id": [ "du2m33g" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The design of the saxophone was not invented out of thin air but instead went through a series of evolutionary changes.\n\nWe'll start with the grandparent of the saxophone, the [chalumeau](_URL_1_), which caught on around 1630. It's built a lot...
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[]
[ [ "http://newt.phys.unsw.edu.au/jw/saxacoustics.html", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chalumeau#/media/File:M141_Chalumeau.tif" ] ]
22pme6
Why does an extra neutron make an element radio active?
Why are Isotopes radioactive?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/22pme6/why_does_an_extra_neutron_make_an_element_radio/
{ "a_id": [ "cgp9yh3" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "For a given number of protons there will be a specific number of neutrons which forms the most tightly bound system. If you add neutrons then the additional neutrons are forced to occupy increasingly higher energy states because they are fermions...
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[]
[ [] ]
8dujqc
Do bees have spatial memory when foraging for food?
Hi all Background - ok my wife found a bumble bee looking docile in the house so she fed it some honey, the bee perked up and flew out of the house. Now we've had what we think is the same bee fly into our house 3 days in a row and each time fly to same spot in the house where she fed the bee honey - presumably to l...
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/8dujqc/do_bees_have_spatial_memory_when_foraging_for_food/
{ "a_id": [ "dxr9jhw" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "It [seems](_URL_0_) as if they base their navigation off what they would consider novel landmarks. While this can be a form of spatial navigation/memory, it is probably integrated with the direction of the sun/olfactory systems." ] }
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.pnas.org/content/102/8/3040" ] ]
61ysll
If Protestant Christians were influential for the Prohibition, how did they reconcile it with the Bible verses telling of Jesus drinking, turning, His blood as wine?
Like when Jesus drank wine with the Apostles, that verse at the Wedding of Cana when He turned water into wine, and that verse at the Last Supper when He drank wine also. As Protestant Christians are influential in the Prohibition, how did they reconcile the movement with these verses and its use in the Christian comm...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/61ysll/if_protestant_christians_were_influential_for_the/
{ "a_id": [ "dfipc0e" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "There are three main positions within Christianity on general alcohol consumption: moderation, abstention, and prohibition. In general, high churchmanship correlates with moderationism, while lower churchmanship correlates to taking a stronger po...
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[]
[ [] ]
280qqv
how did i forget how to speak my native language?
I lived in the Philippines for about 10 years until I moved to the US. I can still fluently understand Tagalog (my native tongue) but for the life of me I can't speak it at all anymore. Trying to think of words to put together to make a sentence in Tagalog doesn't really work and I never really minded because my paren...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/280qqv/eli5_how_did_i_forget_how_to_speak_my_native/
{ "a_id": [ "ci699h7", "ci69kee" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Lingustically speaking, comprehension is much easier than production. I can read a sentence in French and kind of get the gyst of it, but if I try to write something in French, it'll be pure nonsensical jibberish. For what...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
2ov6wh
What sort of recreational drugs were used by the troops during WW1 and WW2? Was there any major shift in drug use between the two wars?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/2ov6wh/what_sort_of_recreational_drugs_were_used_by_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cmr2cf7", "cmr2rv7", "cmr39hz", "cmrnnks", "cms4njz" ], "score": [ 13, 422, 91, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Please keep in mind that answers consisting of three sentences and a link to a blog, Wikipedia or a news site is not proper answers in this subreddit.\n\n...
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[ [], [ "http://www.aei.org/publication/thursday-morning-links-14/", "http://cancercontrol.cancer.gov/brp/tcrb/monographs/8/m8_2.pdf", "http://pointsadhsblog.wordpress.com/2014/06/27/wwi-part-5-tobacco-in-the-trenches/" ], [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/22umd4/meth_use_during_...
44ens4
why does perishable food after going bad always has to smell bad?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/44ens4/eli5_why_does_perishable_food_after_going_bad/
{ "a_id": [ "czposb1", "czpospy", "czpr9of" ], "score": [ 7, 3, 18 ], "text": [ "The bacteria on the food release gases as they consume the food. (It may not be bacteria in all cases. Mould as well). Likewise it is our internal flora that causes our own smelling gasses.", "It d...
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[]
[ [], [], [] ]
10i5kl
Does phlegm serve a purpose or is it just body waste?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/10i5kl/does_phlegm_serve_a_purpose_or_is_it_just_body/
{ "a_id": [ "c6do1xm", "c6do4n4" ], "score": [ 2, 4 ], "text": [ "Mucous traps foreign bodies which would otherwise be harmful to you, like fungus and bacteria, and is then either destroyed by the stomach acid when you swallow it or sneezed/spit out. Your respiratory tract actually has a m...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Respiratory_epithelium" ], [] ]
1yxtv9
If dogs evolved from wolves, did cats evolve from panther like creatures or have they stayed relatively the same for the past few thousand years?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1yxtv9/if_dogs_evolved_from_wolves_did_cats_evolve_from/
{ "a_id": [ "cfov3h4", "cfp22u2" ], "score": [ 13, 5 ], "text": [ "More likely the opposite. All cats evolved from a proto-felid animal that would have looked a lot like a [viverrid](_URL_0_) of some sort. It was relatively recent, only about 10-15 million years ago. A lot of detail is fou...
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[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viverridae", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cat_gap#Cat_evolution" ], [] ]
5por3m
How would a medieval or early modern university decide if you passed or failed? Was there a standard test?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/5por3m/how_would_a_medieval_or_early_modern_university/
{ "a_id": [ "dcu523m" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "This question was asked a couple of months ago and answered in these threads, by me for Cambridge and with u/Naugrith, u/CptBuck and u/Feetofclay chipping in for Oxford and other European universities:\n\n[How were students evaluated in Medieval ...
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[ [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/58fu3a/im_a_student_at_cambridge_in_1300_ive_been/", "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/5619dz/how_were_students_evaluated_in_medieval/" ] ]
3e1eyd
i hear about these gamma ray bursts, a direct hit of which would obliterate the earth, make it sterile.
Question: what and how exactly it would happen if it hits us? Would people and all things alive drop dead immediately? Or this would be more of longer process that would take hours, days, years?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3e1eyd/eli5i_hear_about_these_gamma_ray_bursts_a_direct/
{ "a_id": [ "ctalz18", "ctamooe" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Actually, there is a theory that in 775 earth was struck with a gamma ray burst.\n\nIf a seriously powerful one hit earth, it would tear off our atmosphere, give everyone that was outside radiation burns, give everyone that ...
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[ [], [] ]
3kcqoz
why do we still use the hubble space telescope when it's 25 years old?
If I went to a party and started taking selfies with [this](_URL_0_) people would laugh.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3kcqoz/eli5_why_do_we_still_use_the_hubble_space/
{ "a_id": [ "cuwgr1b", "cuwgrgj", "cuwgymf", "cuwgzuk" ], "score": [ 5, 3, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Why wouldn't we still be using it? It works just fine for its intended task, and launching a newer model just for the hell of it isn't exactly cheap.", "They keep upgrading it,...
[]
[ "https://i.imgur.com/6QD6Nxv.jpg" ]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
90lbnq
How did women lose weight before it became socially acceptable for them to work out?
I’m watching mad men which takes place in the early sixties and one of the women in the show goes walking/running for exercise and all the other women thinks it’s very weird to go running for the sake of it and not to get away from something/ get somewhere fast. Yet most of the housewives in the show are extremely thin...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/90lbnq/how_did_women_lose_weight_before_it_became/
{ "a_id": [ "e2rti0n" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "It was socially acceptable for them to work out. However, certain ways we consider working out now were not viewed in the same way. Generally speaking, women were encouraged to remain fit in order to be a better wife as a skinny wife would make t...
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[ [] ]
szcb7
what is the longest length snorkel that someone can use to breathe while underwater?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/szcb7/what_is_the_longest_length_snorkel_that_someone/
{ "a_id": [ "c4i8a7h", "c4i9bn8" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The snorkels you see in the stores are about it, I'm afraid. Any longer, and you too frequently breathe back in enough of your stale breath that you won't get enough oxygen.", "Like 10 feet, if I had to estimate. And yo...
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[ [], [] ]
frdb51
Voltaire's death and the French Revolution
Whilst doing some basic wikipedia research I stumbled upon the fact that Voltaire died one year prior to the start of the French Revolution. His beliefs for sure were pro-revolutionary and from what I've read at the time of his demise he was very popular and liked, also his funeral was festive((?)not a native English...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/frdb51/voltaires_death_and_the_french_revolution/
{ "a_id": [ "flz00ap" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "In short, Voltaire's death did not directly trigger the revolution or influence its direction. However, it is debated amongst historians whether or not the Enlightenment was a key contributing factor to the revolution. As Voltaire contributed to ...
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[ [] ]
1t8yzq
Are there any depictions of the earth as seen from space before actual images from satellites were taken?
I'm mostly interested in early historic depictions (possibly even before a map of the whole world was constructed) and about what notions humans had of the earth and it's existence as seen from "the outside" (if any).
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1t8yzq/are_there_any_depictions_of_the_earth_as_seen/
{ "a_id": [ "ce5jilp", "ce5n9bh", "ce5ye84" ], "score": [ 23, 14, 4 ], "text": [ "The first example that comes to mind is from *Le Voyage dans la Lune*, a French film from 1902 considered the first science fiction film. \n\nThe entire film is on [YouTube](_URL_0_): About 5 minutes ...
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[ [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JDaOOw0MEE" ], [], [ "http://www.airspacemag.com/space-exploration/FEATURE-FirstPhoto.html", "http://media.airspacemag.com/images/1stPhotoFromSpace.jpg", "http://media.airspacemag.com/images/V2-panorama.jpg" ] ]
35sjmv
Would a person submerged in a tub of water, unable to drink, survive longer than a person out of water, also unable to drink?
The person in the tub would be up to their neck in fresh water. I guess I'm asking whether any significant osmosis occurs through the skin, and if it does, would it prolong death by dehydration by a few hours? A day?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/35sjmv/would_a_person_submerged_in_a_tub_of_water_unable/
{ "a_id": [ "cr7h190", "cr7hcaw", "cr7ii44", "cr7l570", "cr7mbmz", "cr7nkoz", "cr7pe9h", "cr7r5u3" ], "score": [ 10, 3762, 165, 125, 17, 8, 4, 6 ], "text": [ "No they would survive the same amount of time. The skin is pretty waterproof and do...
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[ [], [ "http://www.klemmerhead.com/vitalyte/hydration-101/science-articles/hypothermia-and-dehydration/", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Blaine#cite_note-40" ], [], [ "https://www.flickr.com/photos/tomas-/16971478384/in/dateposted-public/", "http://www.google.com", "https://www.flick...
5gt8ij
if a plane is forced to land on ocean, are there good chances for survivors?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5gt8ij/eli5_if_a_plane_is_forced_to_land_on_ocean_are/
{ "a_id": [ "dauufl3" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "If a plane is forced to land, then yes things are already quite good considering the circumstances.\n\nPassenger Planes can glide for a long time, and they have plenty of communication abilities to reach out for help before they even touch water....
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[ [] ]
2n4vi3
Were any other Physicists close to discovering something similar to Albert Einstein's breakthroughs?
So what I mean is were there any scientists that might have discovered or were close to discovering something like relativity or another of his theories?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/2n4vi3/were_any_other_physicists_close_to_discovering/
{ "a_id": [ "cmacjf4" ], "score": [ 25 ], "text": [ "With regards to special relativity, Poincare and Lorentz were headed in the right direction but Einstein really tied it all together. Lorentz had figured out the mathematical aspect but wasn't using it with the right physics in mind. With genera...
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[ [] ]
3svd8y
Primary sources on Vlad the Impaler? (Dracula)
I'm considering discussing his genius military tactics vs. his barbaric torture methods in an essay. However, I haven't been able to find many primary sources, which will be vital. Secondary sources aren't exactly easy to find either, from any era but especially from closer to his lifetime. Do any of you happen to kn...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3svd8y/primary_sources_on_vlad_the_impaler_dracula/
{ "a_id": [ "cx0wogc" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Do you understand the distinction between a primary and secondary source? \n\nPrimary sources would be contemporary legal records, letters, and other (near) contemporary accounts such as annals or chronicles from the period, while secondary will ...
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[ [] ]
41d0ni
why does a song sound completely different after listening to it while asleep?
I fell asleep last night listening to David Bowie's "Life on Mars" on repeat. Today I went to listen to the song and I didn't even recognize it, I thought Spotify was messed up so I tried YouTube and it was the same. Then I used the same headphones I was wearing before and it still sounded wrong, just something was way...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/41d0ni/eli5_why_does_a_song_sound_completely_different/
{ "a_id": [ "cz1f6vw", "cz1ffkf", "cz1gbc8", "cz1jz0t" ], "score": [ 2, 17, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "I did this once with a Pearl Jam song and the next day, other than the song sounding all weird, I knew all of the mumbled lyrics. Don't get me wrong, I am a big Eddie Vedder fan, ...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
1nium3
why does icahn (investor) urge tim cook to buy back so many stocks and how is buying stocks back good for the company?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1nium3/eli5why_does_icahn_investor_urge_tim_cook_to_buy/
{ "a_id": [ "cciyvfc", "ccjancz" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "A company buying back its own shares reduces the number of total shares of the company and thus, increases the earnings per share of the company.\n\nApple has a lot of cash on hand, ~~but does not maintain a regular dividend...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
1wtad0
How does testosterone decrease fat body mass?
I was looking at a [google scholar search result](_URL_0_) and I couldn't really pick apart WHY the fat is lost.
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1wtad0/how_does_testosterone_decrease_fat_body_mass/
{ "a_id": [ "cf56l8h" ], "score": [ 12 ], "text": [ "According to [some](_URL_0_) [reading](_URL_2_) I've done, testosterone does not significantly decrease the total fat mass of your body. Rather, it increases *fat-free mass* in the form of lean muscle tissue. This can, in and of itself, decrease...
[]
[ "http://scholar.google.com/scholar?start=10&q=exogenous+testosterone+-aging+%22fat+mass%22+~%22young+men%22+-metastatic+-%22low+serum%22+-carcinoma+-~neonatal+-ovarian+-ovary+-ovaries+-animal&hl=en&as_sdt=1,34&as_vis=1" ]
[ [ "http://ajpendo.physiology.org/content/281/6/E1172", "http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1113/jphysiol.2002.035089/full", "http://press.endocrine.org/doi/abs/10.1210/jcem.82.2.3733" ] ]
1t27to
why do we arch our lips and show our teeth when we smile?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1t27to/why_do_we_arch_our_lips_and_show_our_teeth_when/
{ "a_id": [ "ce3p2l6" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "I am no expert on this, but I think it was originally a symbol of aggression/fear, but it somehow morphed into a symbol of happiness. Similarly, laughing is theorized to have come from a way to reduce stress in early humans and yawning is theoriz...
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2gwers
Historians of reddit, where did steps originate?
What I mean is where did it first come about that instead of slopes we cut into ground to make steps?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/2gwers/historians_of_reddit_where_did_steps_originate/
{ "a_id": [ "ckn5os1" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Steps have been around essentially as long as humans have been carving rock. It's not really possible to pinpoint any particular origin because steps appear around the same time as people start constructing permanent settlements. For instance, t...
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[ [] ]
blm78j
why we need to use money in a society.
I tried literally explaining the reason for money to my 5 year old and I couldn’t get it to not sound totally pointless and just an extra step for acquiring goods and services. It was getting real philosophical! Like even after explaining that all things cost money to produce...”but why?” I’m missing some key elements ...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/blm78j/eli5_why_we_need_to_use_money_in_a_society/
{ "a_id": [ "empjfgd", "empjgw9", "empjhu7", "empjl13", "empk6fh", "empkmb0", "empl5i3", "empo9u6", "emppyal" ], "score": [ 13, 25, 4, 2, 3, 7, 2, 15, 2 ], "text": [ "Money is something that everyone can trade. Bartering with goods an...
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[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
uut4f
I just passed a truck that was labeled with, "MOLTEN SULFUR." What is it used for, how is it transported, and why??
It's Lily from over at /r/redditroadtrip. We saw the truck on I-90 on the way to Spokane, WA.
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/uut4f/i_just_passed_a_truck_that_was_labeled_with/
{ "a_id": [ "c4yqmqu" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Sulfur melts at a relatively low temperature. And I imagine it's easier to load/unload/pack more liquid sulfur rather than solid pieces or powder." ] }
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[ [] ]
67b319
When did legitimate experts in any subject begin to appear? Is there someone that is regarded as "the first expert"?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/67b319/when_did_legitimate_experts_in_any_subject_begin/
{ "a_id": [ "dgp4bgz" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "You'd have to define \"subject\". Are you talking about academic subjects, or tasks/fields of activity in general?\n\nIf the latter, you may be looking for the first profession - i.e. something that was important enough and required such knowledg...
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[ [] ]
wjzsm
Question About Human Nails
Do we have any idea how humans took care of their nails pre-modern nail clippers, and would anyone care to elaborate? Thanks in advance.
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/wjzsm/question_about_human_nails/
{ "a_id": [ "c5e2ijt" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "I wouldn't know, but it's pretty easy to rip your own fingernails off when they become too long. I do it all the time (although I really shouldn't)." ] }
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14m8dd
How does bile synthesized in the liver enter the gall bladder?
I apologize if this is the wrong area for this question. I've been looking at diagrams of the biliary tree but cannot find one where it depicts exactly how bile enters the gall bladder. From all the diagrams, it seems there is no connection between the liver and gall bladder except for via the cystic duct-common duct c...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/14m8dd/how_does_bile_synthesized_in_the_liver_enter_the/
{ "a_id": [ "c7ef1fz" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Bile is produced by the hepatocytes and secreted into these little thin channels called bile canaliculi, it is located within the hepatic plate. You should know that blood travels in the opposite direction of bile in the liver, and this allows th...
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3768ik
why is nuclear reactor cooling water unsafe to drink?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3768ik/eli5_why_is_nuclear_reactor_cooling_water_unsafe/
{ "a_id": [ "crk1l7p", "crk1zx9", "crk6pbn", "crk8owb" ], "score": [ 12, 9, 2, 4 ], "text": [ "I don't think there would be a problem drinking it. For modern designs, the water doesn't actually touch radioactive material so it should just be normal water.", "[Here's an ...
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[ [], [ "https://what-if.xkcd.com/29/" ], [], [] ]
2s52bz
Reddit, if "photons have no ticking time at all, which means, as far as they are concerned, they are absorbed the instant they are emitted, even if the distance traveled is across the universe itself" does that mean a single picture of the night sky captures the entire universe?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/2s52bz/reddit_if_photons_have_no_ticking_time_at_all/
{ "a_id": [ "cnmbcuu" ], "score": [ 18 ], "text": [ "No. Although it's true that as you approach light speed, elapsed time approaches zero, you can't actually construct a reference frame for an object which is traveling at *c*.\n\nAlso, this does not mean that we see the whole universe. Each objec...
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bxiwgq
what are hypersonic missiles ?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bxiwgq/eli5_what_are_hypersonic_missiles/
{ "a_id": [ "eq72py5", "eq7t8f1" ], "score": [ 10, 2 ], "text": [ "Missiles that travel faster than Mach 5. Supersonic is faster than the speed of sound up to Mach 5, then Hypersonic is above that.", "Since people said what are hypersonic missiles I'm gonna say why they pose a huge thr...
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[ [], [] ]
5ijd2l
if bill gates decides to give all of his $84 billion to every single one in wyoming state, what would be the aftermath from an economical standpoint?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5ijd2l/eli5_if_bill_gates_decides_to_give_all_of_his_84/
{ "a_id": [ "db8ky7h" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Stop asking the same question over and over, some users have already answered it. This sub isn't as active as say /r/funny, it's super easy to notice." ] }
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3ncdbm
why is the wounded warrio project needed, does our government not take care of these soldiers after sending them to war to get maimed?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ncdbm/eli5why_is_the_wounded_warrio_project_needed_does/
{ "a_id": [ "cvmqt3k", "cvmrn38" ], "score": [ 6, 3 ], "text": [ "Not sufficiently. They get medical care, but help readjusting to life after severe injuries isn't covered by the Veterans Affairs office. Counseling, therapy, and advice on how to return to normal aren't given by the governm...
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[ [], [] ]
14qic7
What element has the highest specific heat? Additional, what compound?
What element, and additionally what compound, has the highest specific heat? Also, since we're on the topic, what element and compound have the lowest specific heat? I sprang this question on a chem professor of mine the other day, but he said he did not know the answer. Thanks!
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/14qic7/what_element_has_the_highest_specific_heat/
{ "a_id": [ "c7fi811" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Maybe this will help with the element question (Hydrogen is highest, Radon (natural)/Technetium (synthetic) is lowest:\n_URL_0_\n\nA quick search makes it seem like no compound is going to top gaseous hydrogen or get below Radon or Technetium." ...
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[ [ "http://periodictable.com/Properties/A/SpecificHeat.ssp.log.html" ] ]
3mqub6
why do small dogs think they are big and big dogs think they are small?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3mqub6/eli5_why_do_small_dogs_think_they_are_big_and_big/
{ "a_id": [ "cvhf7bj" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "I believe it is discipline.\n\nLarger dogs are heavily disciplined - controlled from barking and mis-behaving. \n\nWhere as small dogs receive little discipline from barking or jumping because they are more harmless do to their size." ] }
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4dau12
How did Italy become *the* country for coffee?
Today's popular coffee shops (e.g. Starbucks, Costa Coffee, Caffe Nero) all seem to take influences from Italy. Caffe Nero (a British chain), for example, claims to serve "The Best Coffee this side of Milan". Italian coffee styles (ostentibly, at least), such as ristretto, cappuccino etc. are also dominant in cafés tod...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/4dau12/how_did_italy_become_the_country_for_coffee/
{ "a_id": [ "d1pg7xd" ], "score": [ 170 ], "text": [ "The history of coffee in Italy long predates that of \"Italian-style\" coffees, such as ristretto, cappuccino etc.\n\nVenice was one of the first ports to begin importing coffee into Europe from the 1570s, and shops selling beans had opened by ...
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1xklim
What exactly is happening to my calculator screen as apply pressure to it and then release?
The numbers on the calculator screen deform and when pressure is applied and then stabilizes. Once I release the pressure, the screen is deformed once again and then stabilizes once more. Why is this happening?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1xklim/what_exactly_is_happening_to_my_calculator_screen/
{ "a_id": [ "cfcfwjb" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Your calculator is likely a liquid crystal display (LCD). There are 2 kinds, LCDs which use a backlight for displaying (like some TVs), and LCDs which use incoming light to display (like many calculators). \n\nHow the \"reflective\" LCD screen wo...
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2rkkbv
How does a particle accelerator work? What kind of energy source do they use?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/2rkkbv/how_does_a_particle_accelerator_work_what_kind_of/
{ "a_id": [ "cngtc1r", "cngwx7b" ], "score": [ 3, 23 ], "text": [ "[This description of the LHC](_URL_0_) from CERN should help get you started.", "Imagine you have a bead that is stuck on a circular wire. You push the bead and it goes around the circle. When it makes a full revoluti...
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[]
[ [ "http://home.web.cern.ch/topics/large-hadron-collider" ], [] ]
1hfbog
Which books would you recommend for someone looking to brush up on their United States history?
Pretty straightforward question. It's been a while since my high school social studies days and I'd like to read up again, but the only recommendation I can seem to get anywhere else on reddit is *A People's History.* I hope this is the right subreddit for this — I figured who better to ask, right?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1hfbog/which_books_would_you_recommend_for_someone/
{ "a_id": [ "catshc9", "catsvrj", "cattfty", "cattfuy", "cattgit", "catu7m4", "catuhpu", "catw41u", "catx4f4", "cau7pmw", "cau8bkt", "cauaddp" ], "score": [ 9, 3, 12, 46, 2, 2, 2, 10, 2, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "I...
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[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1776_(book)" ], [], [ "http://www.amazon.com/Roughing-Signet-Classics-Mark-Twain/dp/0451531108", "http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/28/us/28zinn.html", "http://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Atomic-Age-Watts-Washington/dp/0374299919" ], [], [], [], [ "http...
4xir58
what is the difference between a near death experience and a coma from a biological perspective?
What is happening biologically that gives people in a coma the "sleeping state" feeling and near death experiencers the "see a light" feeling?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4xir58/eli5what_is_the_difference_between_a_near_death/
{ "a_id": [ "d6ghryj" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "A coma is a wide description for complete loss of consciousness without an ability to be roused, while a near death experience is a delusional state before losing consciousness/dying. " ] }
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c5phdb
how do goldfish manage to remain small when forced into a small container?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/c5phdb/eli5_how_do_goldfish_manage_to_remain_small_when/
{ "a_id": [ "es36itb", "es3nw8a" ], "score": [ 6, 7 ], "text": [ "They become stunted and die very young. Please never keep a goldfish in a bowl or anything less than 10g with a filter honestly even that might be small.", "This is a myth. Given adequate nutrition, at least, fish will ...
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[ [], [] ]
3ih9d7
I've seen lists of purported IQs of US Presidents. Is it actually possible to estimate the IQ of a historical figure? What is the process for doing this?
For example, I've seen Kennedy's IQ listed as 151. How would someone come up with that number? Is it in any way reliable?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3ih9d7/ive_seen_lists_of_purported_iqs_of_us_presidents/
{ "a_id": [ "cugj6kv", "cugk2t0", "cugle01", "cugoupz", "cugx0af" ], "score": [ 53, 19, 13, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Absolutely not. \n\nAn accurate IQ test requires several sessions of one on one time with a qualified psychologist, or at the bare minimum a well administ...
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[ [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.acsu.buffalo.edu/~jcampbel/documents/SimontonPresIQ2006.pdf" ] ]
5cgn2z
What opposition existed to Hitler in 1933, and why did it fail?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/5cgn2z/what_opposition_existed_to_hitler_in_1933_and_why/
{ "a_id": [ "d9wlxj8" ], "score": [ 22 ], "text": [ "I have a more specific follow up question. What leftist parties (Communists, socialists, or others) existed in the lead up to 1933? What was their relationship to each other, and what did they do immediately before the election and immediately a...
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6qps49
is there a biological or social reason as to why there is always a line for the ladies restroom as compared to the mens?
Do women have smaller bladders or something?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6qps49/eli5_is_there_a_biological_or_social_reason_as_to/
{ "a_id": [ "dkz0y6i", "dkz0zch", "dkz2wsm", "dkz3h22" ], "score": [ 14, 5, 6, 3 ], "text": [ "People tend to pee more often than they poop.\n\nPeeing takes less time than pooping, but takes more time for women as they need to go into a stall, sit down, pee, wipe, flush, an...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
1a0ikp
Who is the worst widely read historian, in your opinion?
Perhaps not strictly following the guidelines of "events prior to the past twenty years," but I feel it fits the spirit of the subreddit. Namely - who do you, professional or amateur historians - consider the worst published writer of history who is fairly well known? Thus excluding revisionist cranks or other fools....
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1a0ikp/who_is_the_worst_widely_read_historian_in_your/
{ "a_id": [ "c8syw8x", "c8sywaa", "c8sz2a2", "c8t1p0v", "c8t21r5", "c8t3179", "c8t4dtv" ], "score": [ 28, 3, 10, 4, 24, 2, 19 ], "text": [ "This is alright as a question, in spite of its unusual nature. Two notes, however:\n\n > Thus excluding revi...
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[ [], [], [], [ "http://www.amazon.com/The-First-World-War-Strachan/dp/0143035185/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1362921024&sr=8-2&keywords=The+First+World+War", "http://www.amazon.com/First-World-War-Austria-Hungary-1914-1918/dp/0340573481/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1362921224&sr=1-...
akhiib
When someone has a cold, how much of the cold virus do they have?
I know that there is not a set amount of virus for someone to have a cold, but what are examples of ranges where someone will show symptoms - > being healthy? I mean, if someone only has 1 "rhinovirus" they will not show any symptoms until it has spread much more. & #x200B; I do not have background in biology (oth...
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/akhiib/when_someone_has_a_cold_how_much_of_the_cold/
{ "a_id": [ "ef8fijj" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Tricky question!\n\nHere's a really quick answer to give you some satisfying numbers before I completely contradict myself. [This study](_URL_0_) tested nasal swabs of people who did and didn't have cold symptoms. People with cold symptoms had, o...
[]
[ "http://www.virology.ws/tag/pfu/" ]
[ [ "http://www.copanusa.com/education/scientific-studies/comparison-asymptomatic-and-symptomatic-rhinovirus-infections-university-students-incidence-species-diversity-and-viral-load/" ] ]
4a8n9z
why do suicides/murders lead to others copycatting?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4a8n9z/eli5_why_do_suicidesmurders_lead_to_others/
{ "a_id": [ "d0y9tw9" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Because of sensationalism in media. The news agencies will either martyr the perpetrator (if a suicide or if the given reason for the murder is one that matches the political leanings of the reporting agency) or martyr their victims usually by ov...
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[ [] ]
68teby
is excessive laziness a sign of depression?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/68teby/eli5_is_excessive_laziness_a_sign_of_depression/
{ "a_id": [ "dh13mo7" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Definitely a symptom of depression. I'd speak with a doctor or therapist. There are plenty of non drug methods for getting out of depression. Unfortunately I am one of those lucky ones who needs the meds to be a functioning human." ] }
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[ [] ]
10bnnx
why are old people generally/stereotypically republican?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/10bnnx/why_are_old_people_generallystereotypically/
{ "a_id": [ "c6c1rqo", "c6c215s", "c6c2oeb", "c6c4tj7", "c6c4xzf", "c6c6fr5" ], "score": [ 17, 6, 14, 2, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "I can think of examples to prove & disprove your generalization. My grandfather was so right-wing he still hated FDR - all the way ...
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[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
5dw3xs
why is acne found more on the face/upper torso than elsewhere on the human body?
Back/neck acne is quite common, but from there, finding additional patches become much more rare. Never quite knew why, but I am certain it must involve the frequent amount of hair follicles upon the upper torso. **Edit:** Thank you for the front page.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5dw3xs/eli5_why_is_acne_found_more_on_the_faceupper/
{ "a_id": [ "da7si92", "da7ylfs", "da7zmd4", "da80w58", "da82c4a", "da82l70", "da85hdi", "da86ek0", "da8755x", "da87sxq", "da884kx", "da8a373", "da8a78a" ], "score": [ 2359, 4, 8, 234, 9, 34, 3, 5, 5, 2, 8, 2, ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
73aiiu
What was healthcare like in the Soviet Union?
How was the overall quality of their healthcare? Were there enough doctors/medicine for such a large country? Did they do house calls?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/73aiiu/what_was_healthcare_like_in_the_soviet_union/
{ "a_id": [ "dnpb1um" ], "score": [ 53 ], "text": [ "Comment 1/3\n\nThis is an interesting question. \n\nI will start off by noting that, in most regards, it really is not particularly fair to compare the quality and availability of healthcare in the Soviet Union to the industrialized nations in t...
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[ [] ]
1j1xoz
tracert
every time my internet craps out on me (i use time warner, so read that as "every 10 minutes or so") im usually asked to just "unplug it and plug it back in" which anyone whos used a computer for a normal amount of time will try anyways, but one time i was asked to CMD "ping _URL_0_" and "tracert _URL_0_" ping i und...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1j1xoz/eli5_tracert/
{ "a_id": [ "cba9u04", "cba9vd4", "cba9woa", "cbabbtp" ], "score": [ 4, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "When you connect to another computer on the Internet, you don't have a cable going directly between the two computers. Instead, the messages are forwarded past multiple routers an...
[]
[ "www.google.com" ]
[ [], [], [ "google.com", "http://www.savvis.com/" ], [] ]
6wwrqx
do we posses technology to detect and stop a nuclear missile?? if yes how does it work? if no is there hypothetical solution that could be developed in the near future?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6wwrqx/eli5_do_we_posses_technology_to_detect_and_stop_a/
{ "a_id": [ "dmbe0s5", "dmbe6vp", "dmbg3hr", "dmbjlrl" ], "score": [ 5, 9, 4, 3 ], "text": [ "Detecting a ICBM is easy. Radars and satelites will see it thousands of miles away. As for stopping it is a bit more tricky. First of most, ICBM's got multiple warheads so one miss...
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[]
[ [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ground-Based_Midcourse_Defense" ], [] ]
1msopp
After a large battle, whose job was it to clean up the bodies?
I assume in a siege, whoever has the city after said siege would clean up the bodies. But in a field, whose job would it be? Also follow up question: My dad/brother/son/husband was one of the ones who died in said field. How do I find out he died?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1msopp/after_a_large_battle_whose_job_was_it_to_clean_up/
{ "a_id": [ "cccab2c" ], "score": [ 12 ], "text": [ "You may find [this list of threads](_URL_0_) relating to battlefield cleanups useful!" ] }
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[ [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/wiki/war#wiki_battlefield_clean-ups" ] ]
9ebvz6
If gravitons are extremely hard to detect if they’re real, is there any other way to experimentally verify their existence other than direct observation?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/9ebvz6/if_gravitons_are_extremely_hard_to_detect_if/
{ "a_id": [ "e5pegde" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "It depends on what you call \"verify their existence\".\n\nShowing that you can entangle objects via gravity would show that it acts quantized. That means there should be something like a graviton. [Here is a proposed experiment for that](_URL_0_...
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[ [ "https://www.quantamagazine.org/physicists-find-a-way-to-see-the-grin-of-quantum-gravity-20180306/" ] ]
2qj2py
To what extent did Hong Kong have free speech and free press in the last 15-20 years of British rule?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/2qj2py/to_what_extent_did_hong_kong_have_free_speech_and/
{ "a_id": [ "cn6s29y" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "You might be interested in the satirical [Lily Wong](_URL_0_) comic strips, which were published in the English-language newspaper *South China Morning Post* during the governorships of Lord Wilson and Chris Patten, and featured a Hongkonger marr...
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[]
[ [ "http://lilywong.net/" ] ]
1t036m
How brutal was the Islamic expansion?
More specifically, how brutal was it compared to other empires. It's a bit difficult to find stuff on the internet without getting extremists who make the Arabs be evil Asiatic hordes from the East. Being an Arab, I've also heard the exact opposite; that the Islamic empires were benevolent and the Islamic conquests the...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1t036m/how_brutal_was_the_islamic_expansion/
{ "a_id": [ "ce2z3hs" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "Hi there - care to narrow your question down a bit more? It will be much easier to answer, especially if you're looking for a comparison with other contemporary states. 'Islamic expansion' could mean one of many things over many centuries in many...
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[ [] ]
jp9ot
if i get 60hz electricity from the wall, why don't my light bulbs flicker?
I'm assuming there's a rectifier somewhere, but where, from the power lines to my house to the light bulb itself, is it?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/jp9ot/eli5_if_i_get_60hz_electricity_from_the_wall_why/
{ "a_id": [ "c2dzmky", "c2dzt5p", "c2dzmky", "c2dzt5p" ], "score": [ 3, 8, 3, 8 ], "text": [ "Your light bulbs do flicker. It's just that they flicker 60 times a second which is too fast for your eyes to notice.", "For incandescent light bulbs, there's no rectifier. The...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
wjjws
Is it possible for a naturally occurring force to change earth's rotation speed?
For example, could a large volcano, weather event, or asteroid strike speed up/slow down the length of a day by a few seconds? Or would the force of such events be too insignificant?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/wjjws/is_it_possible_for_a_naturally_occurring_force_to/
{ "a_id": [ "c5dxu3h" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "Yes and it does happen. For example the earthquake that caused the 2004 tsunami in the indian ocean did this: _URL_0_" ] }
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[]
[ [ "http://www.nature.com/news/2004/041229/full/news041229-6.html" ] ]
14wgly
Are any emotions[like shame or disgust] completely learned? Are there any tribes without concepts of shame for example? What emotions do we take for granted?
Which, if any, emotions are completely learned, if that makes sense?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/14wgly/are_any_emotionslike_shame_or_disgust_completely/
{ "a_id": [ "c7h3ent", "c7h3hmx", "c7h462r", "c7h6qit", "c7h8o8m", "c7h9b8j", "c7haf0w", "c7hav0k", "c7hb2ms" ], "score": [ 8, 49, 20, 99, 5, 2, 5, 21, 2 ], "text": [ "These are not peer reviewed but they illustrate good examples of h...
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[]
[ [ "http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703467304575383131592767868.html", "http://www.cracked.com/article_18823_5-insane-ways-words-can-control-your-mind.html" ], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Ekman" ], [ "http://www.nbb.cornell.edu/neurobio/land/oldstudentprojects/cs490-95t...
100b74
how would a fourth dimentional being perceive a three dimentional being?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/100b74/eli5_how_would_a_fourth_dimentional_being/
{ "a_id": [ "c699v2q", "c69b12r", "c69b7bj", "c69cr2a", "c69cwd6", "c69dxkl", "c69gbbh" ], "score": [ 3, 3, 2, 3, 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "probably analogously to how we might perceive of a two dimensional being. In this case we could look at something ...
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[]
[ [], [], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?nomobile=1&v=zqeqW3g8N2Q" ], [], [], [ "http://ebooks.adelaide.edu.au/a/abbott/edwin/flatland/" ], [] ]
492d3b
Why is the Fermi Paradox a paradox? Given the size of the universe and the small chances of life occuring, surely it's not that surprising we've not been contacted?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/492d3b/why_is_the_fermi_paradox_a_paradox_given_the_size/
{ "a_id": [ "d0om3p3", "d0or0ol", "d0ou35k", "d0ow1kd", "d0p7fm6", "d0paydm", "d0pkz9w" ], "score": [ 13, 3, 3, 2, 3, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "[Wikipedia](_URL_0_) has a decent summary that explains that certainly many people do not find it surprising at a...
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[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fermi_paradox" ], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
1ge31h
eli15: how did 'cum' rather than 'come' become the coloquial spelling for ejaculate? nsfw i guess?
See above
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ge31h/eli15_how_did_cum_rather_than_come_become_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cajcfz6", "cajdpr4", "cajfbl0", "cajfr1u", "cajgt94", "cajgtd3", "cajh3v5", "cajj3tp", "cajjf2a", "cajka41" ], "score": [ 268, 109, 34, 20, 63, 3, 13, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Someone spells it wrong then it catches ...
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[]
[ [ "http://etymonline.com/?term=cum" ], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mansfield_Smith-Cumming#cite_note-2" ], [ "http://etymonline.com/?term=cum" ], [], [], [], [ "http://i.imgur.com/0mEQ5VC.gif" ], [], [], [] ]
2mib8y
the american conceptualization of freedom
Being from Europe, I've felt free all my life, yet I am fully aware that I, and everyone else, have given up the freedom to do a few things for a more secure and stable society. On the internet, however, I am systematically bombed with American freedom, and I can't quite understand how you view it. I feel it is all ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2mib8y/eli5_the_american_conceptualization_of_freedom/
{ "a_id": [ "cm4hnpz", "cm4i6oz", "cm4ier7" ], "score": [ 2, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "freedom means being able to do what you want with the least amount of restriction. The least amount of laws needed to maintain a coherent society is the american ideal.\n\nthe hangup europeans can't see...
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[]
[ [], [], [] ]
5pk58y
why football leagues sell players as opposed to trading players like in american football.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5pk58y/eli5_why_football_leagues_sell_players_as_opposed/
{ "a_id": [ "dcrr2iz", "dcrwp58" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "In American professional sports leagues, they operate under a closed system with the franchises cooperating financially to grow revenues for the league. In this system every franchise is roughly on the same playing field, an...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
5y4jrr
differences between country and state?
Never really understood in history class before.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5y4jrr/eli5_differences_between_country_and_state/
{ "a_id": [ "den4618" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "A country is defined geographically and/or culturally. A state is defined by its government.\n\nEngland, Scotland, and Wales are each a country, and all are part of the United Kingdom, which is a state." ] }
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[ [] ]
3b0jpw
Is there any truth at all to the Nazis searching for religious artifacts or powerful ancient technology?
There is a lot of media that focuses around the Nazis searching for, and in some cases finding, lost treasures, alien and ancient technology to boost their war efforts. It seems completely ridiculous but the idea must have come from somewhere. Are there cases of this happening outside of just the Nazis too?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3b0jpw/is_there_any_truth_at_all_to_the_nazis_searching/
{ "a_id": [ "cshvplq" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "Your question has been addressed, at least in part, in [this](_URL_0_) thread." ] }
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[ [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/37bcru/indiana_jones_and_captain_america_films_involve/" ] ]
txbvh
What is the impact speed of 2 identical cars going at 40mph in a head on crash.
would the damage be the same as hitting a brick wall at 40mph, or 80mph?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/txbvh/what_is_the_impact_speed_of_2_identical_cars/
{ "a_id": [ "c4qi42s", "c4qku6k" ], "score": [ 12, 2 ], "text": [ "As the system is entirely symmetrical, it would be equivalent to hitting an infinitely rigid wall at 40 mph. A good approximation would be hitting a solid rock wall. \n\nThe relative speed of the other car, seen from one of...
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[ [], [] ]
84mi4d
How do we know if a particle is elementary?
How are scientists able to determine if a particle cannot be broken down any further?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/84mi4d/how_do_we_know_if_a_particle_is_elementary/
{ "a_id": [ "dvqownf" ], "score": [ 17 ], "text": [ "Through experimental and theoretical physics. A hundred+ years ago the concept of a nucleus and an electron was considered an oddity until the [rutherford experiment](_URL_2_) demonstrated a positive core, implying a negative charge outside the ...
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[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quark#History", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutrino#Pauli's_proposal", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geiger%E2%80%93Marsden_experiment", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CP_violation" ] ]
pqsdk
If you placed a plant or tree in an airtight container, would it remain preserved like a human body?
Was thinking about this last night. My instinct tells me yes, but my friend seemed convinced that it wouldn't be the case. Assume no sunlight is reaching the plant.
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/pqsdk/if_you_placed_a_plant_or_tree_in_an_airtight/
{ "a_id": [ "c3rhq61" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "What do you mean \"preserved\"? Certainly an airtight (and thus, maybe more importantly, watertight) container would slow decay, but neither a human body nor a plant would be completely preserved. Sequestering anything that dies from the natur...
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2vggcl
why do some (usually low paying) jobs not accept you because you're overqualified? why can't i make burgers if i have a phd?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2vggcl/eli5_why_do_some_usually_low_paying_jobs_not/
{ "a_id": [ "cohe3co", "cohe3yj", "cohe5ia", "cohe7g1", "cohe7i2", "cohea3b", "coheg2m", "cohgms3", "cohgz01", "cohiofo", "cohje0h", "cohjk8s", "cohjy9t", "cohjz0m", "cohk5eo", "cohkfb3", "cohkgwg", "cohkk9s", "cohl8d7", "cohla95", "c...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], ...
1lbyiq
what would be the effects on your body if you wore ankle weights and wrist weights all day, every day, for a year?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1lbyiq/eli5_what_would_be_the_effects_on_your_body_if/
{ "a_id": [ "cbxos38", "cbxqybv" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "You'd quickly build up enough muscle that the weights don't bother you.", "You would build muscle but it will also cause some minor damage to your skeletal structure. Depending on age and level of fitness it can be a big...
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[ [], [] ]