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37f24g
Were there counter-cultural movements in antiquity?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/37f24g/were_there_countercultural_movements_in_antiquity/
{ "a_id": [ "crmjv95" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The Holy Fools movement in late antiquity (present-day Syria) reminded me of the French situationists when I read about it. It was a Christian movement in which men would ignore social taboos and norms and engage in the most absurd behavior possi...
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[ [] ]
30a0h1
why do the darker green parts of lettuce seem to wilt/age faster than the lighter green portions
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/30a0h1/eli5_why_do_the_darker_green_parts_of_lettuce/
{ "a_id": [ "cpqkele" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The lighter sections are the regions closer to the stalk that contain more water and are of a more rigid, fibrous composition. The leaves wilt when they become dehydrated. " ] }
[]
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[ [] ]
85tkel
why have photocopiers not improved like digital photography?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/85tkel/eli5_why_have_photocopiers_not_improved_like/
{ "a_id": [ "dvzxs0d" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "perhaps the copier was dirty, or maybe the source doc was blemished?\n\na scanner can do upwards of 9600DPI for high end consumer units. that would produce a scan that would exceed the source detail of pretty much anything you could imagine...\n...
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[ [] ]
su4tc
question regarding planets and gravity. specifically earth...does its mass increase over time from meteors and if so won't that eventually pull the moon into earth?
So I realize that most meteors are basically very tiny (relative to the Earth) and individually are unlikely to significantly affect the Earth's mass. But since they've been hitting the earth for a very long time now wouldn't that slowly increase the mass of the earth? If so, wouldn't that then increase its gravity? An...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/su4tc/question_regarding_planets_and_gravity/
{ "a_id": [ "c4gzsqp", "c4h0f8z", "c4h0nsm", "c4h332l" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The masses required to have any measurable effect would be really high! So I wouldn't expect meteorites to have any effect on the gravitational system of the earth and moon. Also...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
1oukh4
why are tv series produced and aired in seasons, instead of a more continuous way?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1oukh4/eli5_why_are_tv_series_produced_and_aired_in/
{ "a_id": [ "ccvr80d" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "The people involved in the production like to have some time off. Soaps do more or less what you describe, and it's generally considered pretty stressful. " ] }
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[]
[ [] ]
20r4z9
Why do many types of cancer metastasize throughout the lymph nodes?
What makes lymph nodes so special? Do any types of cancer develop into leukemia instead, ie instead of attacking/spreading through lymph attack/spread through blood?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/20r4z9/why_do_many_types_of_cancer_metastasize/
{ "a_id": [ "cg66tld", "cg6tdpb" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Lymphatics are drainage system that \"leech\" off of the circulatory system so to speak. So it isn't surprising that if we have a cancerous tumor - which by the way tend to much less stable and far [\"leakier\"](_URL_0_) - i...
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[]
[ [ "http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1876882/", "http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1459485/" ], [] ]
2yf1ju
Why was Roman culture a big influence on the Nazi?
Like with the roman salute they have and the Aquila's they have during the ceremonial march, or other aspects of their military and Ideology. Why was Roman culture prominent with them?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/2yf1ju/why_was_roman_culture_a_big_influence_on_the_nazi/
{ "a_id": [ "cp976pr", "cp99n3a" ], "score": [ 21, 3 ], "text": [ "Won't do a long writeup, i'm not an expert in Roman history or Fascism in particular, but I believe it's more of a connection with Fascism in general than just the Nazi's in particular. Mussolini was in love with the Roman ...
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[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fasces" ], [] ]
1e6a90
What can you tell me about daily life and relationships between paupers in later Victorian workhouses?
I'm very interested to know what degree of social interaction was possible between paupers in a workhouse. I'd love to here some specifics about their daily life, as well. What did it consist of? Exactly how much freedom did they have? What circumstances might surround someone leaving one of these workhouses? (after 1...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1e6a90/what_can_you_tell_me_about_daily_life_and/
{ "a_id": [ "c9x8y8z" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "There are lots of [primary sources to be found on _URL_1_](_URL_0_).\n\nShort summary: life was pretty grim and for most people the workhouse was the absolute last resort, after pawning all their belongings, most of their clothes and exhausting a...
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[]
[ [ "http://www.victorianlondon.org/houses/workhouses.htm", "VictorianLondon.org" ] ]
2o8207
what would happen if every country in the world suddenly started using the same currency?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2o8207/eli5what_would_happen_if_every_country_in_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cmkmokh", "cmkmrix", "cmktje6", "cmktug3" ], "score": [ 2, 64, 5, 38 ], "text": [ "There is no way to answer this question without knowing what controls the currency and the conditions of that control. Without that information, the question is meaningless.", ...
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[ [], [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moral_hazard" ] ]
1pw410
Just how upstanding an individual was Garibaldi?
I came across a description of Garibaldi by A.J.P. Taylor, where he calls the Italian hero **"the only wholly admirable figure in modern history."** Now needless to say, I'm inclined to dismiss such a sweeping statement as either intentional hyperbole, or else hagiographic hogwash, but Taylor seems to have been an at ...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1pw410/just_how_upstanding_an_individual_was_garibaldi/
{ "a_id": [ "cd6r8ea" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Garibaldi and the Italian unification is a little before my area of expertise, so I apologize as this won't be the highest quality of answers. However, there is a relevant characteristic of Garibaldi that I know of, which may shed some light on h...
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[ [] ]
7pulmt
Why are some cell types more likely to be attacked by autoimmune diseases than others?
For example pancreatic beta cells are attacked in type I diabetes but you never hear about pancreatic alpha cells being attacked and causing glucagon deficiency.
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/7pulmt/why_are_some_cell_types_more_likely_to_be/
{ "a_id": [ "dsmxn4e" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "It's pretty complicated but generally I'd say it depends on how easy it is for that cell type's antigen to be processed and presented to the immune system in relative to others, the propensity for the body to fail selecting T cells with proper MH...
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1cahyf
what exactly did tiger woods do at the masters that's causing such a fuss?
Some are saying he cheated and should be DQed. And I don't know any of the rules in golf, though I think low scorer wins.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1cahyf/eli5_what_exactly_did_tiger_woods_do_at_the/
{ "a_id": [ "c9elw36" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "He took an illegal drop. \n\nIn golf, if your ball encounters some sort of hazard and cannot be played, you have to drop your ball nearby. However, there are very strict rules about where you can drop it, how far away you can drop it, which direc...
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[ [] ]
1uhyvl
why do black and white photos tend to be more creepy than colored ones?
Whenever I look at a black and white photo compared to a colored one, I get more of a cringe looking at the black and white one. There is something about them that is creepy. Example- _URL_0_ This wouldn't be as creepy if it was in color.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1uhyvl/eli5_why_do_black_and_white_photos_tend_to_be/
{ "a_id": [ "cei9wqo", "ceia10v" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "To me, I think it is because we SEE in color. If we look at a picture that has no color, only black and white, it causes a sense of mystery and for most people that is interpreted as creepiness/scariness. ", "That partic...
[]
[ "http://www.romania-insider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/creepy-animaton-1024x682.jpg" ]
[ [], [] ]
2mux4l
When and how did black become the most popular color for European men's formal wear?
In the early 19th century, it seems like black is almost exclusively worn by Protestant priests, whereas the worldly formal attire seemed rather liberal and colorful, but at the eve of the century, it seems like it's one of the most, if not *the* most popular color for formal attire. How and why did this happen?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/2mux4l/when_and_how_did_black_become_the_most_popular/
{ "a_id": [ "cm7utrx" ], "score": [ 10 ], "text": [ "This one is not too hard actually. It was largely due to developments in the chemicals industries. These developments provided two things, firstly, the dyes themselves became brighter due to being produced in an artificial and more concentrated...
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13whtl
i don't know what it's called so i'll just put a picture of it in the text. how does this work?
I don't understand [this](_URL_0_) at all. What makes your brain change the colors to what they would normally be?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/13whtl/i_dont_know_what_its_called_so_ill_just_put_a/
{ "a_id": [ "c77si3b", "c77zijz", "c77zqgn" ], "score": [ 7, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "That's called a negative, by the way. Basically what that means is that all the colors have been 100% reversed - white is black, black is white. While you stare at it, your brain is doing something call...
[]
[ "http://i.imgur.com/Y244y.jpg" ]
[ [], [], [] ]
2ct2z5
How serious was the nuclear option considered by the Israeli government during the Yom Kippur War?
I was reading that their consideration of this option was what lead to the USA re-suppling the Israeli's in Operation Nickel Grass. I was wondering how seriously they considered this option and if it was more of a bluff? How much is known on the subject vs speculation?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/2ct2z5/how_serious_was_the_nuclear_option_considered_by/
{ "a_id": [ "cjipcub", "cjiuu3b" ], "score": [ 2, 9 ], "text": [ "I should follow up and ask where the specific targets would have been if it was a serious consideration?", "There's some question regarding the entire premise - apparently no one can really prove they were arming their w...
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[ [], [ "http://lewis.armscontrolwonk.com/archive/6909/israel-nuclear-weapons-and-the-1973-yom-kippur-war", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samson_Option" ] ]
fpifrd
the technology/algorithms behind aim-botting in an fps.
So I get that someone can cause their character to aim at another character but the question is more along the lines of how it works? Is it an X,Y axis on the user’s screen and the aim bot detects the enemy on that plain and just moves the user’s cursor to that X,Y coordinate? Or is it more along the lines of detecti...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fpifrd/eli5_the_technologyalgorithms_behind_aimbotting/
{ "a_id": [ "fll8e90" ], "score": [ 16 ], "text": [ " It's more manipulation of a game engine than math. Each entity has an id, aimbots simply track the id and location and calculates where to put the sight based off how the engine handles physics. This is why each aimbot is programmed per game....
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[ [] ]
1pxqqn
What's the case FOR the Holy Roman Empire as the "true successor" to Rome?
Even if it's not a particularly strong one.
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1pxqqn/whats_the_case_for_the_holy_roman_empire_as_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cd77eh9" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "_URL_0_\n\nBasically the idea that imperial power could be inherited by other rulers.\n\nThis wasn't just a trick. Jesus said \"render unto Caesar\" not \"render unto any random king\" i.e. Christians saw Roman imperial rule as the only truly leg...
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[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Translatio_imperii" ] ]
5rgx3k
how light pollution works, and would the stars appear straight away if we turned the lights off on the entire globe?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5rgx3k/eli5_how_light_pollution_works_and_would_the/
{ "a_id": [ "dd74eay", "dd770xu", "dd7d6qw", "dd7g8lk" ], "score": [ 3, 5, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "The air has lots of microscopic particles floating about in it. Light from sources on the ground may reflect off these particles back towards the ground, thus more light from the g...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
3k0muk
Did Stalin's ruthless killings apply towards children?
He sent people to the Gulag and executed people without much regard but, did this apply towards children too?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3k0muk/did_stalins_ruthless_killings_apply_towards/
{ "a_id": [ "cuuth2n" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ " In 1935, Article 12 of the Criminal Code was passed where kids of the age of 12, most of whom were orphans, street urchins, runaways, or kids that were arrested alongside with their parents were to be tried as Adults and sent to Gula...
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[]
[ [ "http://hepg.org/her-home/issues/harvard-educational-review-volume-80-issue-2/herbooknote/children-of-the-gulag_354" ] ]
amn45y
Are there "anti" particles of the other forces?
Antimatter is a particle that is identical but has opposite electromagnetic charge. Is their any equivalent that has opposite weak force or strong force?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/amn45y/are_there_anti_particles_of_the_other_forces/
{ "a_id": [ "efntov8", "efp1oor" ], "score": [ 10, 4 ], "text": [ "The photon, gluons, and the Z boson are their own antiparticles. The W^(+/-) are each others’.", " > Antimatter is a particle that is identical but has opposite electromagnetic charge.\n\nAll quantum numbers are invert...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
3v9qxr
Where medieval peasant men really 'lucky to marry before middle age'?
I'm reading The Red Queen by Matt Ridley, which is about evolutionary psychology and sexual selection. There are quite a few bits in the book about more recent history (in evolutionary terms), which basically say that rich men (nobles and the like) in the middle ages and other times had more or less all the women (pe...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3v9qxr/where_medieval_peasant_men_really_lucky_to_marry/
{ "a_id": [ "cxlmqvc", "cxltyc5", "cxm563d" ], "score": [ 653, 3, 4 ], "text": [ " > I'm reading The Red Queen by Matt Ridley, which is about evolutionary psychology and sexual selection.\n\nAnd apparently not at all about the actual Middle Ages.\n\n[I've talked before](_URL_0_) a...
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[ [ "https://redd.it/3pafst" ], [], [] ]
1lv3v8
As automobiles became more prevalent, how was the general public informed of traffic laws?
For instance, as traffic lights became necessary, how were people made aware of the red/yellow/green conventions? Were the meanings of these colors already well known from other uses? I imagine that once driver's licenses became mandatory, rules of the road would be taught and learned by the time someone was granted a ...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1lv3v8/as_automobiles_became_more_prevalent_how_was_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cc38rfz" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Informational signage, newspaper stories, automobile club newsletters." ] }
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[ [] ]
3hsyd3
When considering objects accelerating or moving in space, is there any consideration for drag?
I'm a pilot so I understand how drag affects an aircraft- but from what we obviously know, space is not empty (dust, objects, etc). It would make sense that an object moving through space will interact with objects in it's path. Is there a variable that calculates the drag/vector changes that a spacecraft would encount...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/3hsyd3/when_considering_objects_accelerating_or_moving/
{ "a_id": [ "cuacf7n", "cuafx2j", "cuahklr", "cuai4as", "cuan9jj" ], "score": [ 13, 95, 2, 15, 3 ], "text": [ "_URL_0_\n\nAt least for the pioneer anomaly they considered every possible cause\n\nFor object in low orbit such as iss they have to do corrective maneuver...
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[]
[ [ "https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pioneer_anomaly" ], [ "https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/k2_explained_25nov_story.jpg", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_sail" ], [], [], [] ]
rjz9o
Why can't we vaccinate for STDs?
As a youth we are given many vaccinations (Polio, Mumps, Measles, Hepatitis, etc.) that prevent us from getting diseases later in life; why can't we do the same for things like Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Herpes, and other sexually transmitted diseases?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/rjz9o/why_cant_we_vaccinate_for_stds/
{ "a_id": [ "c46fnzg", "c46hjbw", "c46j4f8", "c46kcv3", "c46lelf", "c46lfll", "c46lpza", "c46lyq5", "c46mgki", "c46nxh4" ], "score": [ 121, 55, 36, 6, 4, 18, 3, 2, 2, 7 ], "text": [ "We can now use the [Gardasil vaccine](_URL_...
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[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HPV", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gardasil" ], [], [], [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hereditary_hemorrhagic_telangiectasia", "http://www.nature.com/news/2011/110916/full/news.2011.541.html" ], [], [], [], [] ]
90sjln
why do things like colored balloons and stained glass have colored shadows?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/90sjln/eli5_why_do_things_like_colored_balloons_and/
{ "a_id": [ "e2ssxgy" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "They act as filters. The reason they appear colored is because they're only letting through light of that wavelength(s).\n\nTranslucent objects still cast shadows. They're just not as dark as shadows from opaque objects.\n\nSo the only light that...
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[ [] ]
46wtk5
how did the ligo detector avoid data errors from things like heat expansion and seismic waves?
The accuracy of the device was accurate to within 1/10,000 the diameter of a proton, something I thought was impossible for humans to accomplish. How did they keep those lasers in phase so well while the tunnels would experience natural changes due to heat expansion and waves already affecting Earth?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/46wtk5/eli5_how_did_the_ligo_detector_avoid_data_errors/
{ "a_id": [ "d08f1ox" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "They can't avoid those things. They took them into account. For example, at the time of the detection there was an earthquake in Africa. They did the calculations and based on the strength of the earthquake determined it couldn't have caused the ...
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[ [] ]
f23jiu
how is the structural integrity of very old buildings, bridges, etc. tested to ensure suitable use by people, cars, etc?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/f23jiu/eli5_how_is_the_structural_integrity_of_very_old/
{ "a_id": [ "fhaa6yq", "fhaadpr", "fhaldqc", "fhapfq3", "fhar2im" ], "score": [ 1542, 23, 10, 4, 3 ], "text": [ "Civil engineer here. For old buildings, if they have the architectural plans then they can usually derive all the mathematical info they need and account...
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[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
2gaa77
why are some replacement parts for electronics (i.e. laptops) nearly as expensive as the whole unit?
My customer bought a new 300 euro laptop and immediately broke the screen, the official supplier offers my shop an original replacement screen for 280 euros. That's the price for the screen only, without tax, installation and my shop's markup, so it's price for the end user would be higher than buying an identical new...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2gaa77/eli5why_are_some_replacement_parts_for/
{ "a_id": [ "ckh4gm2" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Bulk manufacturing pricing. They buy 10,000 screens from a suppler. That drives per unit costs down. You need to buy one, no incentive for them. " ] }
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1i2l2u
What do we really know about the Хүннү (Xiongnu) Empire?
The reason I ask is because apparently we're celebrating the 2222th anniversary of Mongolian Statehood, which is a claim deriving back to the Хүннү state. I'm wondering whether there's someone knowledgeable in the field who can give a bit of a state-of-research summary, beyond the (quite well-sourced) [wikipedia page](...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1i2l2u/what_do_we_really_know_about_the_хүннү_xiongnu/
{ "a_id": [ "cb0dv6d" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "It is really a ridiculous claim by the Mongol nation. Mongol identity was forged in steppe memory through the conquests of Ghenghis Khan and his followers. Certainly the Mongols can claim some ethnic unity that stretches back further than the 12t...
[]
[ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xiongnu" ]
[ [] ]
2yj0b2
Is there a precedent to the letter the Senate just sent to Iran? Has Congress ever undermined a President's diplomatic efforts?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/2yj0b2/is_there_a_precedent_to_the_letter_the_senate/
{ "a_id": [ "cp9z91w", "cpadtca", "cpaefn6", "cpajjx2" ], "score": [ 18, 14, 16, 3 ], "text": [ "hi all! Just a reminder to contain all discussion in this thread to events prior to 1995 only, per this subreddit's 20-year rule. Thx!", "The main one I've been able to find...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
brg6wi
in the united states is every last digital dollar backed up by a paper noted currency?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/brg6wi/eli5_in_the_united_states_is_every_last_digital/
{ "a_id": [ "eodjoq1" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "No, very little U.S. currency is actually backed by paper notes. Something like 10%. [According to this](_URL_0_), there is about $10 trillion in wealth held in cash or cash equivalents, but money supply is about $980B" ] }
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[]
[ [ "https://www.independent.com/2011/09/25/How-Much-Money-Is-There-United-States/" ] ]
2fx4ao
why are russian nuclear bombers allowed to fly so close to the united states (and vice versa)? in the event of an actual attack, wouldn't it be already to late to stop the bomber once it launches its cruise missiles or goes on its bombing run?
The bombers usually fly very close (but not technically violating U.S. airspace). Wouldn't the optimal time to stop them be when the bombers are still traveling the distance between Russia and the contiguous U.S.?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2fx4ao/eli5_why_are_russian_nuclear_bombers_allowed_to/
{ "a_id": [ "ckdjfbt", "ckdnf1g" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Russia still has planes flying around? I didn't think they did that anymore.\n\nThey are carefully watched and the airforce will have planes handy to scramble and stop them if need be. We cannot force them out of flying wh...
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[ [], [] ]
1odyu4
What was "college life" like in the 14th century?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1odyu4/what_was_college_life_like_in_the_14th_century/
{ "a_id": [ "ccr7vb8", "ccralau" ], "score": [ 7, 31 ], "text": [ "In \"The Canterbury Tales,\" Chaucer describes an Oxford student as introverted and caring for little more than his studies.\n\n_URL_0_\n\nEDIT: Another student is described in \"The Miller's Tale.\" This fellow Nicholas wo...
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[]
[ [ "http://www.eecg.toronto.edu/~laforest/ChaucerGradStudent.html", "http://www.librarius.com/canttran/milltale/milltale079-112.htm" ], [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1eh8bf/how_exactly_would_one_a_enter_and_b_attain_a/", "http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1ewzjd/h...
9cqb0r
How does your body process humid air? Do your lungs extract the water and use it as water is normally used in the body?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/9cqb0r/how_does_your_body_process_humid_air_do_your/
{ "a_id": [ "e5ei0hx" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Our lungs actually humidify the air we breathe, warming it and making it easier on our lungs (that's why dry air sucks, especially when it's hot) extra humid air, like in a steam room will help remove gunk built up in our lungs.\n\nI can only spe...
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[ [] ]
kzpmi
deduction and induction
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/kzpmi/eli5_deduction_and_induction/
{ "a_id": [ "c2ong6q", "c2ong6q" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Deduction - drawing an inference from premises that, if your premises are true, must necessarily also be true. A successful deductive argument is labeled \"valid.\" If the premises of a valid deductive argument are true, th...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
22wuoa
I am taking a class on the Vietnam war, however the topic of American war crimes is avoided.
As the title says, I am taking a class on the Vietnam war. I am wondering what types of war crimes the Americans (us) committed during the war. How it was concealed from the public, and what was done about it. Edit: I can't type when I'm drunk. Thanks for your replies!
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/22wuoa/i_am_taking_a_class_on_the_vietnam_war_however/
{ "a_id": [ "cgr78hp", "cgrbyfo", "cgroz5r" ], "score": [ 15, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "We'll the major war crime that got reported was obviously the my Lai massacre which was committed in 1968 which was the worst war crime ever committed by Americans in a war. I assume you do not know a ...
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[]
[ [ "http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/mylai/mylai.htm" ], [ "https://www.worldcat.org/title/war-crimes-and-the-american-conscience/oclc/101913&referer=brief_results", "http://www.youthlaw.org/about_ncyl/staff/of_counsel/edward_opton/", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix_Program...
1968xt
What is the most overlooked and underrated invention of your field of history?
(See Title)
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1968xt/what_is_the_most_overlooked_and_underrated/
{ "a_id": [ "c8l6la4", "c8l7l3l", "c8laibm", "c8laz0p", "c8lbmpd", "c8ld90a", "c8ldbge" ], "score": [ 16, 6, 2, 5, 3, 8, 3 ], "text": [ "In my field, the American Civil War, there are a lot of important inventions, some of which are talked about a lo...
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[]
[ [ "http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/05/24/the-first-wired-president/" ], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
p4wcf
the different schools of economics
Keynesian, Chicago, Austrian & Marxian.. I know a bit about each, but would love it broken down 5 year old style. Advantages/Disadvantages of each?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/p4wcf/eli5_the_different_schools_of_economics/
{ "a_id": [ "c3mn0mf", "c3mq6fo", "c3mkz39" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 202 ], "text": [ "If I can ask a similar question: can anyone send me to a place to explain inflation to me? Like why its so important/necessary and so on? No idea where to look for that. I'm 21 and none of this econom...
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[]
[ [], [], [] ]
bi48f5
why are knots in wood so difficult to cut and/or drill through?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bi48f5/eli5_why_are_knots_in_wood_so_difficult_to_cut/
{ "a_id": [ "elyec7b" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "Wood is made up of long fibers. The wood's \"grain\" is determined by the direction that these fibers point in. The direction of the grain affects how the wood feels to cut - cutting *across* the grain chops the fibers in half, whilst cutting *wi...
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[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rip_saw", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crosscut_saw", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wood#Knots" ] ]
5yvyt9
why does our whole arm go numb if we hit our elbow in the wrong place?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5yvyt9/eli5_why_does_our_whole_arm_go_numb_if_we_hit_our/
{ "a_id": [ "detaxwm", "detlr25" ], "score": [ 31, 2 ], "text": [ "Because you're hitting the ulnar nerve, which runs down the length of the arm, all the way to your ring-finger and pinky. ", "Your nerves start at your brain and spread out from there like branches from a tree. If you c...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
q6zjb
What happens to plasma after you donate it?
Well, to be frank, I know generally what happens to donated blood. However, I have no idea what happens to donated plasma, and I would like to know more about it. From what I have been reading about plasma cells, they are antibody-synthesizing cells, first and foremost. So what happens? Is donated plasma used to pass o...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/q6zjb/what_happens_to_plasma_after_you_donate_it/
{ "a_id": [ "c3v8w2n", "c3v94hs", "c3v9wxw" ], "score": [ 2, 8, 2 ], "text": [ "Blood plasma is different from plasma cells. Blood plasma is what you get when you remove the cellular components from blood. It consists mainly of water, electrolytes and proteins.\n\nBlood plasma is u...
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[]
[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_plasma", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albumin", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oncotic_pressure", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coagulation#Role_in_disease", "http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001564/", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warf...
g06p3g
how did the people who mummified the bodies in egypt thousands of years ago, knew that their methood will preserve the bodies for so many years?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/g06p3g/eli5_how_did_the_people_who_mummified_the_bodies/
{ "a_id": [ "fn8n0de", "fn844bq", "fn847cm", "fn87xyx" ], "score": [ 5, 17, 9, 5 ], "text": [ "It was trial and error. There are some examples of badly preserved mummies. The Egyptians used trial and error to build pyramids also. There are some really shoddy attempts.", ...
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[]
[ [], [], [ "http://www.ancientegypt.co.uk/time/explore/mum.html" ], [] ]
2im896
how is it that so many guitar makers can manufacture guitars that look identical to fender stratocasters, fender telecasters and gibson les pauls without being sued? did fender and gibson not patent those designs/models?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2im896/eli5_how_is_it_that_so_many_guitar_makers_can/
{ "a_id": [ "cl3dk0q", "cl3dpej" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "That's correct. By the time Fender, for instance, got around to applying to make its guitar body shapes a trademark, the courts rejected the application on the grounds that no-one buying a guitar could tell it was a Fender f...
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[ [ "http://ttabvue.uspto.gov/ttabvue/v?pno=91161403&pty=OPP&eno=246", "http://www.ca6.uscourts.gov/opinions.pdf/05a0387p-06.pdf" ], [] ]
66z4w9
why aren't clear gun magazines more common in the military?
Don't you want to see how many bullets you have?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/66z4w9/eli5_why_arent_clear_gun_magazines_more_common_in/
{ "a_id": [ "dgmdng6", "dgmdv9v", "dgmdvi4" ], "score": [ 9, 9, 6 ], "text": [ "Metal is more durable than whatever plastic you would make the magazine out of. It's stronger and dents instead of cracks. Also you can just have a slit in the side to see the bullets.", "The plasti...
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[ [], [], [] ]
jr8qg
can someone explain the uae to me?
How does it have so much money, princes and palaces?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/jr8qg/can_someone_explain_the_uae_to_me/
{ "a_id": [ "c2ehbn8", "c2ehbn8" ], "score": [ 8, 8 ], "text": [ "It's a small country on the Arabian Peninsula, about the size of Austria.\n\nThough much of the Arabian Peninsula is desert and most of that is controlled by Saudi Arabia, most of it is also unpopulated.\n\nIt's a different ...
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[ [], [] ]
3qdg1s
how does electricity work in big bodies of water e.g. if lighting hits the ocean will it hurt you in the water, if so how far does the danger extend in the water?
My title doesnt make much sense and im sorry i dont really know how to word the question im trying to ask if you put an eletric current in the ocean e.g. how far will that current travel?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3qdg1s/eli5_how_does_electricity_work_in_big_bodies_of/
{ "a_id": [ "cwe8hcl", "cwe8rv2" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "I think this is like the 5th time questions similar to this have been asked tonight, is there some publication that came out talking about this?\n\nWater is a fairly good conductor and, like most good conductors, most of the...
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[ [], [] ]
1vves2
how does the google authenticator work?
I've been using it for a while to authenticate with Google itself, but I've now just added another site to it and I'm intrigued. How does it work? _URL_0_
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1vves2/eli5_how_does_the_google_authenticator_work/
{ "a_id": [ "cewafib" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "First off, there's a security construct known as a MAC, message authentication code. It's basically a way to verify that a given message is both correct (verified, nothing lost or altered) and who it came from (authentic). What is a message? It c...
[]
[ "http://i.imgur.com/M1ZzGOX.png" ]
[ [] ]
249jyg
Did Egyptians consider Augustus (and subsequent emperors) a Pharaoh?
I've read that the son of Cleopatra was the last Pharaoh, but I've also seen pictures of Roman emperors dressed as Pharaoh. Weren't they "real" Pharaoh?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/249jyg/did_egyptians_consider_augustus_and_subsequent/
{ "a_id": [ "ch50u3o", "ch52tsl" ], "score": [ 18, 23 ], "text": [ "What pictures? Could you show some?", "Could the pictures have been Greek rulers dressed as pharaohs? There was, of course, the Ptolemaic dynasty that ended with Rome's effective conquest of Egypt in the Alexandrine Wa...
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[]
[ [], [ "http://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com.es/2010/04/roman-emperor-augustus-named-as.html#.U1--m61-RQo" ] ]
nv8ed
Does breathing through my shirt actually help protect me from illness when there's a sick person nearby?
Just got off a plane; was sitting next to a rather sick young fellow.
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/nv8ed/does_breathing_through_my_shirt_actually_help/
{ "a_id": [ "c3c74fe", "c3c815k", "c3cadri", "c3cdftg", "c3c74fe", "c3c815k", "c3cadri", "c3cdftg" ], "score": [ 10, 6, 2, 4, 10, 6, 2, 4 ], "text": [ "No, not really. Typical shirt fabrics have relatively low thread counts (200-300) at best...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "http://aem.asm.org/content/62/7/2508.abstract?ijkey=503f759fb56465d3c285dceda0e4e865f0161b2d&keytype2=tf_ipsecsha", "http://mbio.asm.org/content/1/1/e00034-10.full" ], [], [], [], [ "http://aem.asm.org/content/62/7/2508.abstract?ijkey=503f759fb56465d3c285dceda0e4e865f0...
3hz4lw
why are all the planets sperical?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3hz4lw/eli5_why_are_all_the_planets_sperical/
{ "a_id": [ "cubugy3" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Gravity works in all directions, and everything pulls on everything else. Stuff bunches up and tends to move toward the center.\n\nEven if a planet just magically popped into existence shaped like a pyramid or cube, the sharp edges and pointy bit...
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[ [] ]
3z597l
In medieval warfare, how were catapults, trebuchet sand their stones/boulders/ammunition transported? How much did they slow an army down by?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3z597l/in_medieval_warfare_how_were_catapults_trebuchet/
{ "a_id": [ "cyjhxmb", "cyjw1lx" ], "score": [ 75, 17 ], "text": [ "Follow up. I also heard that many armies built the catapults on site. Is that true?", "I'm not a historian, I just study history a bit.\n\nThe introduction of these Asian engines in Europe an in England was a big deal,...
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[]
[ [], [ "http://illumin.usc.edu/140/the-trebuchet/", "https://books.google.com/books?id=1mXVBgAAQBAJ&pg=PA289&lpg=PA289&dq=medieval+trebuchet+stone+making+for+ammo&source=bl&ots=Htz3FNM3FY&sig=gj_XQdVA0Sp1IaQxoh0Vo62hNuw&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi207bOuYzKAhVBU2MKHWNUAFI4ChD...
2x10zz
Is the practice of pumping bodies full of formaldehyde and then burying them bad for the environment?
I was just thinking about burials and I realized that there are millions of bodies in the ground, all full of formaldehyde. That must be TONS of formaldehyde seeping into the soil. Isn't that bad? Does it naturally degrade?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/2x10zz/is_the_practice_of_pumping_bodies_full_of/
{ "a_id": [ "cowk0tq" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Formaldehyde does indeed degrade, since it's so reactive. Many nucleophiles can attack it. In humans, for instance, small amounts of formaldehyde are disposed of by glutathione, and bacteria can do the same. Formaldehyde vapor does form smog, but...
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[]
[ [ "http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/phs/phs.asp?id=218&tid=39" ] ]
1wijvg
How were wars typically fought in Ancient times?
I used to think (based entirely from what I had seen in movies) that huge armies would clash and people would hack, slash, and stab each other with swords until all of the members of one army were killed or unable to fight. But I asked one of my teachers how wars were fought and he told me that armies rarely had full o...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1wijvg/how_were_wars_typically_fought_in_ancient_times/
{ "a_id": [ "cf2bslb" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Firstly, field battles would only make up a small percentage of the fighting in a war. Most of it would be done in sieges and assaults on cities. Let's face it, despite being fascinating and exciting, they were a huge and risky gamble of supplies...
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[]
[ [ "http://websfor.org/alexander/arrian/book3a.asp" ] ]
5a5qi0
After a certain side won a medieval battle, what would happen to the bodies and the other army's equipment etc?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/5a5qi0/after_a_certain_side_won_a_medieval_battle_what/
{ "a_id": [ "d9eilgp" ], "score": [ 20 ], "text": [ "The victors would strip the dead of literally everything they had, take captives, and ransom every man of status who could be found. This was a routine and enormously profitable exercise, and as Roger Turvey notes, a means of balancing out some ...
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[ [] ]
43g53p
why do americans need to register for a party before they can vote for it?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/43g53p/eli5_why_do_americans_need_to_register_for_a/
{ "a_id": [ "czhxuhm", "czhy59o", "czhydo7", "czhzwye", "czi2asa" ], "score": [ 73, 25, 9, 2, 4 ], "text": [ "This only applies to primary or caucus elections. This is the part where there are many candidates from a single party, and the voters of that party vote to...
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[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
1j0wre
how are laws created, and why are they so difficult to change?
My daughter asked me this and I couldn't come up with a satisfactory explanation.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1j0wre/eli5_how_are_laws_created_and_why_are_they_so/
{ "a_id": [ "cb9ywdl", "cb9zxab" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "I'm going to assume you are in the US so here's a basic overview on how it works at the state/federal level, tailored to your daughter. A member of the legislature (a group of men and women elected by the general population)...
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[ [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyeJ55o3El0" ], [] ]
4p21mn
why do airport code names follow no particular pattern?
Why aren't airport names just the first three letters of the name of the city in which the airport is located? For example the name of the airport in New York is JFK, which is fine, I guess, but then the real name for IAH is George Bush Intercontinental airport. Then the name for Vancouver International airport is YV...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4p21mn/eli5why_do_airport_code_names_follow_no/
{ "a_id": [ "d4hf1qx", "d4hf5tk", "d4hfk8h", "d4hfloq", "d4hfu8k" ], "score": [ 7, 3, 3, 4, 7 ], "text": [ "They used to be shortened versions of the airport name. But with only 3 letters, they started running out of codes and had to do some very arbitrary things. I...
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[]
[ [ "http://www.skygod.com/asstd/abc.html" ], [], [], [], [] ]
cfadfa
To achieve the Theory of Everything we need to unify all the fundamental forces, one of which being Gravity. But why is gravity even considered as a force if it is experienced due to the curvature of spacetime. Isn't it a fictitious force?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/cfadfa/to_achieve_the_theory_of_everything_we_need_to/
{ "a_id": [ "euc4r0k" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "It doesn't matter if you call it fictitious or not: It is an interaction, it should have some description. We have one already that works well in most situations - general relativity. But this is incompatible with the descriptions of the other in...
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[ [] ]
8cw8st
How do chemicals/hormones like dopamine cause the effects they make?
Did Biology just go "Yeah, let's make that chemical make you happy" or is there a reason to it?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/8cw8st/how_do_chemicalshormones_like_dopamine_cause_the/
{ "a_id": [ "dxkcbr1" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "We have a pretty good idea of how chemicals and hormones in the body work. The body has receptors in target tissues which respond to these chemicals and lead to desired physiological effects, that being said, because these receptors are localized...
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[ [] ]
424xo9
is it possible for a light source to make things darker?
Hey all, I have a decent understanding of physics, i did it at University (years ago!). Im very confused though and I'm not sure how to explain myself here... Is it possible for a light source to make the general room darker? I'm talking fractions here. I mean that if a room as 1 billion (theoretically just made up ...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/424xo9/eli5_is_it_possible_for_a_light_source_to_make/
{ "a_id": [ "cz7mbph", "cz7md8s" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "If you look at a laser, then yes! Well not just a laser, pretty much any light source. When 2 coherent sources' light waves overlap eachother, they can form either constructively or destructively. Constructively - the bright...
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[]
[ [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/4207kq/why_is_the_area_around_where_a_laser_has_been/" ], [] ]
6p24yo
How do we MEASURE sidereal rotation period of planets¿?
The period of the rotation in its axis. How do we know the period of jupiter, Saturn.... Is it via observation or simple physics? I haven't found anything related about HOW do we measure it. So I would really appreciate a detailed answer. Thanks.
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/6p24yo/how_do_we_measure_sidereal_rotation_period_of/
{ "a_id": [ "dkncd3x" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "For all planets, we measure them through observation. Take a telescope, and you will see the rotation of Jupiter [quite easily](_URL_0_). You need a better telescope for further planets, or probes. From the observed rotation, it is trivial math ...
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[]
[ [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izRld2t-Xw8" ] ]
104dce
At current consumption rates, what material or natural resource are we likely to "run out of" first?
And how would it effect our lives? Of course there will always be recycling options and developments in synthetic lab creation, but let's assume the benchmark is middle-class commercial viability.
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/104dce/at_current_consumption_rates_what_material_or/
{ "a_id": [ "c6abtyc", "c6acf9g", "c6adcdv" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "This infographic from new scientist may be of interest.\n_URL_0_", "The question is ill-posed because you've only fixed the consumption rate. One would have to evaluate a lot of complex economic fa...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.newscientist.com/data/images/archive/2605/26051202.jpg" ], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_crisis", "http://eusoils.jrc.ec.europa.eu/library/themes/salinization/" ] ]
1fibs5
Why didn't South Africa have a claim to Antarctica when it faces the Southern Ocean, yet Britain, France, and Norway do?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1fibs5/why_didnt_south_africa_have_a_claim_to_antarctica/
{ "a_id": [ "caakg0x" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The british claim is based upon their position in the Falkland Islands and South Georgia Islands, so technically they *do* have coastline facing the southern ocean (Argentina disputes this).\n\nI'm no expert, but the claims date to a period when ...
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[]
[ [ "http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1387576/How-France-helped-us-win-Falklands-war-by-John-Nott.html", "http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/world_news/Africa/article1193919.ece", "https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Antarctic_Treaty", "http://www.sanap.org.za/sanap_stations/sanap_stations.html...
2hs49h
why does a seed to a fruit bear a whole plant that grow the fruit instead of just the fruit?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2hs49h/eli5_why_does_a_seed_to_a_fruit_bear_a_whole/
{ "a_id": [ "ckvhf2r", "ckvhmf9" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Fruits are used as a way to coax animals into transporting and dispersing seeds for a plant to effectively reproduce. If their seeds just fell to the ground, the resulting cluster of plants would be so thick that nothing wou...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
8n76wx
what causes the sudden sharp shooting pain in your chest that literally lasts for no more than 30 seconds?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8n76wx/eli5_what_causes_the_sudden_sharp_shooting_pain/
{ "a_id": [ "dztamd2" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "You need to elaborate, most people don’t get this, it could be anything from acid reflux / indigestion to a Cardiovascular issue, how often does it happen and is there anything specific you have noticed that causes it?" ] }
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[ [] ]
dat6i9
What's The Problem With The Word "Celtic"?
I read that Ireland and Scotland are not Celtic, that no one in either countries ever called themselves Celtic before the 18th century, but that they had interactions with Celtic people. A lot of historians even claim that "Celtic" shouldn't be used outside of referring to the language family because it creates confusi...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/dat6i9/whats_the_problem_with_the_word_celtic/
{ "a_id": [ "f1uph9e", "f1v3fg5", "f1vhyz5" ], "score": [ 568, 423, 49 ], "text": [ "While it's not quite your question, I asked a question earlier this year on the similarities between Continental and Insular Celts. The excellent answers from /u/depanneur explain how there isn't m...
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[]
[ [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/am2y68/would_the_old_continental_celt_lepontic_gallatian" ], [], [] ]
1b3osl
How does epigenetics explain changes in DNA methylation caused by psychological stressors such as abuse?
This maybe a general question, but today in my molecular biology course we learned about epigenetics and the subject of abuse was brought up. I'm having trouble grasping epigentic changes in DNA methylation caused by psychological stress. If possible, I'd love links to PubMed articles and an explanation of how this det...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1b3osl/how_does_epigenetics_explain_changes_in_dna/
{ "a_id": [ "c93bm59", "c93ekog", "c93i425", "c93wz5x" ], "score": [ 13, 2, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "[Epigenetic regulation of stress responses in plants](_URL_2_)\n > Gene expression driven by developmental and stress cues often depends on nucleosome histone post-translational ...
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[]
[ [ "http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006322310005767", "http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1467-8624.2011.01641.x/abstract", "http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1369526608002069" ], [], [ "http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/epigenetics/nutrition/",...
1j1kj1
Why is the "Many Worlds Interpretation" not just crazytalk?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1j1kj1/why_is_the_many_worlds_interpretation_not_just/
{ "a_id": [ "cba6ivo" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Because, when you think of it that way, it's not actually The Many-Worlds Interpretation, but a watered down, bastardized, pop-sci version of it. Unfortunately, it's the only version that the public ever hears.\n\nFrom the now deleted text of you...
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[ [ "http://www.askamathematician.com/2011/11/q-according-to-the-many-worlds-interpretation-every-event-creates-new-universes-where-does-the-energy-and-matter-for-the-new-universes-come-from/", "http://www.askamathematician.com/2010/10/q-copenhagen-or-many-worlds/", "http://www.askamathematician.com/2012/...
djnb0b
how were vhs tapes mass produced?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/djnb0b/eli5_how_were_vhs_tapes_mass_produced/
{ "a_id": [ "f46cbp2", "f46i0t1", "f46zbbm" ], "score": [ 7, 3, 4 ], "text": [ "Pretty much the same way that you would duplicate a tape at home: Read the video from one tape, and write it onto an empty casette.\n\nHowever, they were using automated machinery for this process. Sinc...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0RM1sNs4mo" ] ]
284lfm
How do emergency exit row passengers typically perform in an emergency?
I'm wondering if there is any data about the performance of exit row passengers in the event of an incident on an aircraft. Generally speaking, the people who take those seats seem to be taking them for the leg room which suggest they might not be the best at the job. Is there any data available which shows how good ...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/284lfm/how_do_emergency_exit_row_passengers_typically/
{ "a_id": [ "ci7hsig" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "aerospace engineer who deals with cabin systems here-\n\nas a very general background, each aircraft type that is certificated as a transport category aircraft must have gone through qualifying tests with the FAA to ensure that the seats identifi...
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[ [ "http://www.ntsb.gov/doclib/reports/2010/AAR1003.pdf" ] ]
nhhmm
How massive does a spinning object on the surface of earth have to be to noticeably rob earth of its angular momentum?
In reference to [this](_URL_0_). I'm writing a science fiction short story and want it to be as hard as its content allows. How many/how big would some sort of giant spinning pendulum(s) have to be in order to slow the rotation of earth in a way that we would definitely notice.
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/nhhmm/how_massive_does_a_spinning_object_on_the_surface/
{ "a_id": [ "c394vt1", "c394vt1" ], "score": [ 9, 9 ], "text": [ "After some calculations, I think you would require a sphere of lead with a radius of 1km (weighing around 4.6E13 kg) spinning at a rate of 25,000 cycles per second to rob the Earth of enough angular momentum to lengthen its ...
[]
[ "http://xkcd.com/162/" ]
[ [], [] ]
3703z6
why is liquor and beer cheaper when you pay cash at a lot of liquor stores?
Here in Texas, we have a Spec's liquor store and they always offer a discount when you pay with cash or debit. I was just curious as to why this is beneficial to the company vs having customers pay with a credit card.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3703z6/eli5_why_is_liquor_and_beer_cheaper_when_you_pay/
{ "a_id": [ "crijhn7" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "As a retailer, you pay the credit card companies a fee per transaction. Either a percent or a flat $0.xx fee. (with debit cards, the transaction fee is usually borne by the card holder).\nAlso there could be a delay between swiping and actually ...
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[]
[ [] ]
4psjpd
Did Stalin actually believe in Communism?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/4psjpd/did_stalin_actually_believe_in_communism/
{ "a_id": [ "d4nyap4", "d4o51h2" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "Stalin wrote fairly extensively on Leninism and other forms of socialism including Trotskyism and Anarchism. In these works he argued heavily for Marxism-Leninism. Stalin implemented the state seizure of the economy, both wi...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
ekoms1
Was riding a horse while drunk illegal in the American West?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/ekoms1/was_riding_a_horse_while_drunk_illegal_in_the/
{ "a_id": [ "fdggtbj" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "I feel like for such a simple question, there are a lot of angles you can look at this from. I am going to talk broadly about the development of DUI laws in the 19th/20th century; I do not have the knowledge to approach this with a view to talkin...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1205967/Drunk-charge-carriage-Pensioner-convicted-Victorian-law-drink-driving-disability-scooter.html" ] ]
2ox17i
why wouldn't game developers make exact copies of good old games but with better graphics?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ox17i/eli5_why_wouldnt_game_developers_make_exact/
{ "a_id": [ "cmratal", "cmrauxl", "cmrawjo", "cmrrws3" ], "score": [ 13, 2, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Well thats actually something that has been happening a lot in the game industry recently. There have been quite a few remakes / remasters. This year alone we got a re-releases of...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "http://mmh3-hd.com" ] ]
69m1xc
how do copyright laws work for the bible and other religious texts?
Also, in the modern day, where does the money from the purchase of a Bible go? Historically, when there was only the Catholic Church in Western Europe, I can understand a church monopoly on these texts but what about when more denominations were made?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/69m1xc/eli5_how_do_copyright_laws_work_for_the_bible_and/
{ "a_id": [ "dh7lgtg", "dh7lhvd", "dh7pqfe" ], "score": [ 9, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "The original Bible (the Old Testament in Hebrew and Aramaic and the New Testament in Koine Greek) is way too old to be copyrighted. Copyright only lasts until 70 years after the author's death. Many tra...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1hfary
Does climate science show that the earth's warming the last 100 years is all due to human activity, or does it show that humans have accelerated an already existing warming trend?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1hfary/does_climate_science_show_that_the_earths_warming/
{ "a_id": [ "catthd3", "catw4v3", "catwvia", "cau3dnn", "caua13p" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 7, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Well we are at the end of an interglacial, In theory if you ignored anthropogenic sources for the last 100 years I think you would see a slight increase in te...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [ "http://www.ipcc.ch/publications_and_data/ar4/wg1/en/figure-9-5.html" ], [ "http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=127658" ] ]
5aofy9
how do authors make money selling books on google play for $0.01?
I was browsing the Google Play Books app on my phone and noticed that there were a few books in the "recommended for you" section that only cost 1 cent. These were novels with hundreds of 4.0+ star ratings, and ranging between 100 and 300 pages. How are these sellers making a profit? On Amazon, it makes sense since th...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5aofy9/eli5_how_do_authors_make_money_selling_books_on/
{ "a_id": [ "d9i2rak", "d9i37pl" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "you also see these on steam with games at 1 dollar or a few cents. \n\nFirst of all you have to understand that once passed to digital distribution the duplication cost is near zero (basicaly the cost of electricity) so it c...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
awfsdz
What causes us to perceive someone's gaze as focused, vacant, or glazed over?
I have seen time and time again, both in literature and in conversations with people I know, people describing someone's eyes. What I mean is that I have come across phrases like "Focused gaze", "Vacant gaze", "Fearful eyes", "Eyes lighting up", "Eyes glazed over",etc. What exactly is it that causes one to perceive ano...
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/awfsdz/what_causes_us_to_perceive_someones_gaze_as/
{ "a_id": [ "ehnjs4s", "ehqqx2r" ], "score": [ 5, 3 ], "text": [ "Good question. I wonder if it is the actual eyes that give it away, or the parts of the face surrounding it. While reading this question I tried to look \"focussed\", \"fearful\", etc., and I noticed my facial expression cha...
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[ [], [] ]
fz2e9g
These days I'm hearing a lot about diagnosis using pcr. My question is: once you have a lot of copies of the genetic material you want to test for, plus whatever other genomes were in the sample, how do you isolate it from the rest and identify it?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/fz2e9g/these_days_im_hearing_a_lot_about_diagnosis_using/
{ "a_id": [ "fn303sz", "fn30xnz", "fn3gznj" ], "score": [ 8, 3, 5 ], "text": [ "PCR doesn't replicate all DNA in the sample. It replicates a particular sequence you're looking for. You multiply some template sequence you're looking for over and over again (ideally something unique ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
5mx68p
How does heat propagate in a vacuum if there are no particles for it to move through?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/5mx68p/how_does_heat_propagate_in_a_vacuum_if_there_are/
{ "a_id": [ "dc70k6z", "dc71ezg", "dc74hpk", "dc75avj", "dc76zq6", "dc77d1k", "dc78m8n", "dc7aosb", "dc7kjqv", "dc7mfte", "dc7nl0j", "dc7q0mc", "dc7tb2w", "dc7txvn", "dc859cb" ], "score": [ 3849, 349, 163, 10, 6, 44, 5, 4,...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_radiation", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_conduction", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convective_heat_transfer" ], [], [ "http://www.thermosfacts.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/thermos-functioning.jpg" ], [], ...
evii9
What does true silence sound like?
I'm not sure about you guys and I'm no biology expert but even in "silence" I still hear a slight tone. Are humans unable to hear true silence? Is it just me?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/evii9/what_does_true_silence_sound_like/
{ "a_id": [ "c1bac2h", "c1bafxm", "c1balu4", "c1balzk", "c1bamap", "c1bapih", "c1bara3", "c1bbijw", "c1bbjno", "c1bbr61", "c1bcinh" ], "score": [ 47, 15, 6, 6, 14, 8, 3, 2, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Something similar comes...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isolation_tank" ], [], [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/WTF/comments/deic0/the_quietest_place_on_earth_94_db_that_negative/" ], [], [] ]
6v7y8t
what's the actual, non-conspiracy-theory explanation for why world trade center 7 fell?
Googling this leads me down so many rabbit holes.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6v7y8t/eli5_whats_the_actual_nonconspiracytheory/
{ "a_id": [ "dly9ag9", "dly9ai4", "dly9dkw", "dlyc38s", "dlyctxg", "dlyzigd" ], "score": [ 64, 7, 21, 4, 9, 3 ], "text": [ "It had a huge gash torn out of it by one of the other towers. That included some support structures. \n\nFurther damage from fire led ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Afb7eUHr64U", "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51FIPMlrFf4" ], [], [] ]
6vbpqb
the 1939 decision of erie v. tompkins
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6vbpqb/eli5the_1939_decision_of_erie_v_tompkins/
{ "a_id": [ "dlz33bs" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Federal courts don't have the power to create their own \"common law\" when hearing a case under diversity jurisdiction. Instead they have to apply the relevant law of the state they sit in.\n\nSo, imagine a federal law and a state law that both ...
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[]
[ [] ]
lexr1
If the sun were to disappear right now, how would the planets arrange themselves ? Will we obtain some funky configuration where the planets orbit Jupiter and Saturn or will the planets simply be flung out into space ?
.
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/lexr1/if_the_sun_were_to_disappear_right_now_how_would/
{ "a_id": [ "c2s4gle", "c2s4kbf", "c2s50g9", "c2s5ilr", "c2s4gle", "c2s4kbf", "c2s50g9", "c2s5ilr" ], "score": [ 4, 3, 3, 10, 4, 3, 3, 10 ], "text": [ "you could always buy the game Universe Sandbox off steam, take out the sun and find out yo...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "http://i.imgur.com/tIVnOh.jpg", "http://i.imgur.com/cfUlAh.jpg" ], [], [], [], [ "http://i.imgur.com/tIVnOh.jpg", "http://i.imgur.com/cfUlAh.jpg" ] ]
3524c7
what is happening when i turn my head too quickly and get that sharp pop in my neck, followed by a painful warm tingle?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3524c7/eli5_what_is_happening_when_i_turn_my_head_too/
{ "a_id": [ "cr0c6li", "cr0ck4j", "cr0evzy", "cr0id9a", "cr0jfao", "cr0lbq6" ], "score": [ 184, 4, 2, 10, 69, 2 ], "text": [ "I've gotten it too - feels like you've done yourself some serious damage doesn't it?? I don't know a verified exact reason, but a fr...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.healthpages.org/anatomy-function/spinal-nerves/" ], [] ]
6n14aa
what program do famous game developers use to make their games and how much time does it take?
I am very interested in this please answer in detail
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6n14aa/eli5_what_program_do_famous_game_developers_use/
{ "a_id": [ "dk5xtmt", "dk5y65h", "dk5zggm" ], "score": [ 4, 5, 6 ], "text": [ "They use a lot of programs. 343 Industries uses Maya for its modeling and texturing, Visual Studio for frame analysis and templating, Cryengine for visual scripting and 3D videos, Autodesk for project m...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
9yaqvi
in american college football, why do so many quarterbacks clap to signal when to hike the ball instead of a verbal queue?
You figure that college stadiums are louder so a verbal "hike" or silent count would be better.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9yaqvi/eli5_in_american_college_football_why_do_so_many/
{ "a_id": [ "ea01nhy", "ea04lfi" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "It is often so loud down on the field that anything verbal is hard to get across reliably. A good clap is louder and easier for the center to discriminate from all the other noise. Plus it provides a visual cue to the guys ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
n923e
If a child were to not EVER come in contact with another human/lifeform, how might it act?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/n923e/if_a_child_were_to_not_ever_come_in_contact_with/
{ "a_id": [ "c3780gp", "c3780gp" ], "score": [ 8, 8 ], "text": [ "They're what we call [a feral child](_URL_0_) (not the most sensitive name ever). The most famous case is [Genie](_URL_1_). \n\ntl;dr human contact is very important for proper development. What's more, we have critical peri...
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[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feral_child", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genie_\\(feral_child\\)" ], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feral_child", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genie_\\(feral_child\\)" ] ]
6xh1v8
What is mAh(milli ampere hour) or Ah(Ampere hour) and how it is connected with the voltage of a batteries?
Edit :- voltages of batteries*
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/6xh1v8/what_is_mahmilli_ampere_hour_or_ahampere_hour_and/
{ "a_id": [ "dmg02ek", "dmg0gx3" ], "score": [ 3, 9 ], "text": [ "mAh and Ah are units of charge. They tell you how much total charge are in your batteries.\n\nCharge = Current (Charge/time) x time\n\nSo for example, 1 mAh = 3.6 Coulombs and 1 Ah = 3600 Coulombs.\n\nVoltage is basically ho...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
4d9pp7
Why is the color blue so popular for jeans?
I found a bunch of info on why jeans are popular, but not why the color blue
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/4d9pp7/why_is_the_color_blue_so_popular_for_jeans/
{ "a_id": [ "d1s61qs" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "In *Blue Jeans: The Art of the Ordinary*, Daniel Miller and Sophie Woodward look into the cultural values of blue jeans beyond the ordinary justifications for preference given by wearers - and they find that there's no single good answer.\n\nIt's...
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[ [] ]
2w077q
why are there technically two china's
Basically the title but to explain more, why is there a Republic of China and a Peoples Republic of China and why isn't there just one full china.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2w077q/eli5_why_are_there_technically_two_chinas/
{ "a_id": [ "comewq1" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "China had a civil war after WWII. The communist side (People's Republic) won on the mainland, and the other side (Republic of China, the previous national govt) retreated to Taiwan, where they are still in power.\n\nBoth claim to represent all o...
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[ [] ]
2yjiq7
how decimal place infinity is larger than counting number infinity
Late night tv leads me to the Science channel where it's an episode about Infinity and the study of infinity. I understand the conflict about scientists battling if the universe is finite or infinite. But they presented a bit where maths people proved that there are varying levels of infinity. How? Isn't infinity just ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2yjiq7/eli5_how_decimal_place_infinity_is_larger_than/
{ "a_id": [ "cpa3sxc", "cpa3tgf" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "No, you are still wrong when you said infinity plus one. However, there are different infinities.\n\nNatural numbers are the set from {1,2,3,....}. Let's say this has \"infinite\" elements. So far let us assume that infinity...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.math.hmc.edu/funfacts/ffiles/30001.3-4.shtml", "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-QoutHCu4o" ], [] ]
6jrr1e
how come some gifs need a "gifv" link to be viewed, while others work without even a click?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6jrr1e/eli5_how_come_some_gifs_need_a_gifv_link_to_be/
{ "a_id": [ "djgmk1l", "djgmly5" ], "score": [ 24, 7 ], "text": [ "Traditional gifs are fundamentally images. The format was not designed for video. It was always an image format, but with the option of having a short series of images to make a little animation.\nBut then people starting u...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3l3n6e
what are warrant canaries and what do they do?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3l3n6e/eli5_what_are_warrant_canaries_and_what_do_they_do/
{ "a_id": [ "cv2w9r1" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Very often, when a service provider is issued a warrant to hand over information about their customers, some aspect of the warrant prohibits them from telling their customers about the warrant.\n\nThe providers _want_ to warn their customers, but...
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[]
[ [] ]
290poy
how is the landing gear of a plane designed to withhold this much force?
_URL_0_
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/290poy/eli5_how_is_the_landing_gear_of_a_plane_designed/
{ "a_id": [ "cigbfrt", "cigcllj" ], "score": [ 8, 2 ], "text": [ "Why: Because this is a failure mode the engineers specifically design for.\n\nHow: They had to burn off all the fuel and land on fumes, and land with the nose up as long as possible, and still most of the wheel ended up deco...
[]
[ "http://youtu.be/iXEuDLcoDv4" ]
[ [], [] ]
ade7kf
how and why does albino-ism occur?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ade7kf/eli5_how_and_why_does_albinoism_occur/
{ "a_id": [ "edg66fr" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Albenism, and it requires two parents, who both carry the recessive albenistic gene to BOTH pass that gene on to their child. And that recessive gene is very rare anyway. So it is super unlikely that two people carrying the gene would meet, and e...
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[ [] ]
1l006a
How did the city of Alexandria develop from its founding, through to the Roman conquest?
Any ideas are appreciated and sources especially so; I am particularly interested in how racial diversity shaped the city. Sources that depict the Ptolemaic military. And whether the actual influence of the "Great Library", and "Pharos Lighthouse" were truly as great as we are often led to believe.
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1l006a/how_did_the_city_of_alexandria_develop_from_its/
{ "a_id": [ "cbudipt" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "[This](_URL_0_) is one of few sources that depict the later Ptolemaic military. \nNote the distinctive small shields and sarissa, which are typical of a Hellenistic kingdom. However as opposed to the traditional round shield, the soldiers bear a ...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/60/NileMosaicOfPalestrinaSoldiers.jpg/350px-NileMosaicOfPalestrinaSoldiers.jpg" ] ]
1ofzog
How do we know things like what the inside of the earth is made up of, or what a planet like Neptune is made up of, if we haven't been able to get there and find out for sure?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1ofzog/how_do_we_know_things_like_what_the_inside_of_the/
{ "a_id": [ "ccro3f3", "ccrogtc", "ccrt2mn", "ccrt6el", "ccrwiy8", "ccrzzpd" ], "score": [ 14, 4, 2, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Well, in the case of Earth, we have a lot of sources of info:\n\nWe have extensive exposure of upper mantle in ophiolitic complexes; so...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_do_astronomers_use_radio_waves_to_learn_about_the_composition_of_stars", "http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/tech/columnist/aprilholladay/2006-09-25-measuring-planets_x.htm" ], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astronomical_spectroscopy" ], [] ]