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997bvz
How did the phrase "Rest in Peace" originate? What was the meaning behind this?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/997bvz/how_did_the_phrase_rest_in_peace_originate_what/
{ "a_id": [ "e4lm9hj" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "It comes from the Latin *requiescat in pace*, which means *rest in peace* and is a Christian phrase that appears as early as 525 AD as part of the death rituals of the early Church and seemed to exist in conjunction with other Latin Church sentim...
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[ [] ]
3b0l1t
why do you get a strange feeling in your pelvic/abdominal region when going up and down hills in a car? what causes it?
(Also I think it feels good...)
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3b0l1t/eli5_why_do_you_get_a_strange_feeling_in_your/
{ "a_id": [ "cshtqzg" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "I wouldn't normally answer this because I don't know for sure, but for some reason all the other comments are irrelevant and downvoted to oblivion.\n\nI would assume that it's just your organs moving in response to the difference in gravity. When...
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[ [] ]
6bjxwp
william of orange.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6bjxwp/eli5_william_of_orange/
{ "a_id": [ "dhn9cf3" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "William of Orange's great grandfather, also named William but known as William the Silent lived during a period of dramatic change in Europe. It was the Protestant Reformation, and most of Northern Europe was converting, which resulted in massiv...
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[ [] ]
awlugz
solar cell's "band gap".
So, I realize this may be a little past the scope of a 5 year old, but I think it's more about the spirit of the subreddit. I'm looking to get a layman's understanding of the "band gap" phenomenon that limits a solar cell's ability to obtain energy from wavelengths of light. I've got a basic grasp of the concept so...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/awlugz/eli5_solar_cells_band_gap/
{ "a_id": [ "ehnh7p8" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Solar cells have a \"junction\" in them, its where a piece of silicon with a lot of electrons meets a piece with less than normal.\n\nEach side of this junction has a band of energies that the electrons are sitting at, but one side has them at a ...
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[ [] ]
fws1a
Bacterial growth material question
The lab that I work in just started doing research on bacterial growth. However, I remember a few months back reading about a new material that had a grid-like surface and prevented the formation of large colonies of bacteria. I think that this project is related to what we are doing right now, however after a few sear...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/fws1a/bacterial_growth_material_question/
{ "a_id": [ "c1j749j" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Here's a popsci article about shark skin like material:\n_URL_0_" ] }
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2009-10/saving-skin" ] ]
1k3xx9
What is required for a medium to propagate sound?
Just a thought I've been dwelling on today. Sound doesn't travel through the near vacuum of space, but it does travel through air. Is this because of the density of the particles? Or the temperature? Or the pressure? Where does the threshold lie between sound transmission and hearing nothing?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1k3xx9/what_is_required_for_a_medium_to_propagate_sound/
{ "a_id": [ "cbl8bfu", "cbl8cno" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "A sound wave is a mechanical wave: it's physical matter shaking around. The density of air at Earth's surface is high enough that it acts like a continuous material that can compress and elongate, and thus propagate waves. ...
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[ [], [] ]
1d9nwp
how do cameras make things seem bigger than they are in real life without losing any quality?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1d9nwp/eli5_how_do_cameras_make_things_seem_bigger_than/
{ "a_id": [ "c9obfcb" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Do you mean how a camera can take a photo of an apple that you can print out to be 2' by 2'? It all has to do with resolution. If you stand a few feet away from the Apple you won't be able to see as many details in that apple as your camera will ...
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[ [] ]
3ql5cx
why are some people so bad/good at accents/mimicry?
I think I'm a passable mimic/accent imitator and it seems simple. You hear a manner of speaking and you imitate it. I wouldn't be able to explain to someone how, you just do it. So why can some people do it very well and why are some people really incredibly woeful at it? Is there an explanation for this apparent talen...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ql5cx/eli5_why_are_some_people_so_badgood_at/
{ "a_id": [ "cwg6ezi" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "A few factors I guess; longer exposure to a culture and it's habits, being a phonic learner, a generally good ability to pronounce words, and a solid understanding of different language structures. \n\nAn understanding language structure makes t...
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[ [] ]
3n5fs7
why do you need to stay warm when you are sick (have a cold) if your temperature rising is a bad thing?
I'm sick right now, why do I need to be bundled up!
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3n5fs7/eli5_why_do_you_need_to_stay_warm_when_you_are/
{ "a_id": [ "cvkyxds", "cvkyz94" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Temperature rising isn't necessarily a bad thing, and there is [some evidence](_URL_0_) that fevers help reduce the duration of colds and the like.\n\nPersonally it seems that way to me, but I'm OK with sweating it out havin...
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[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fever#Usefulness" ], [] ]
1329rw
What happens to a photon when it hits the surface of the sun?
Hey askscience! I'm a web developer and I was working on a new weather-site, when I noticed that all the sun-icons had a small highlight/shine on them. Of course, this is just modern icon-design, but it got me thinking. So my question is this: What happens to a standard photon (let's even say it's a visual spectrum p...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1329rw/what_happens_to_a_photon_when_it_hits_the_surface/
{ "a_id": [ "c70694m", "c707nwl" ], "score": [ 19, 14 ], "text": [ "The surface of the sun is a very good black body. This means that almost all photons that arrive at the surface will be absorbed. If you shine a lot of photons this absorption would heat up the surface and cause the sun to...
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[ [], [] ]
28fdw5
How did invasion plans of the US (such as by the USSR or the Axis Powers, for instance) prepare for occupation of the United States? What hammed to civilians? Did they prepare for the eventuality of an armed populace?
Edit: What "happened" to civilians?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/28fdw5/how_did_invasion_plans_of_the_us_such_as_by_the/
{ "a_id": [ "ciajz52" ], "score": [ 63 ], "text": [ "As far as I know, there has never been a serious plan by any nation for the invasion and occupation of the mainland US. In both World Wars Germany (and in WWII Japan) limited their warplans to establishing naval supremacy and possibly bombarding...
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[ [ "http://www.zeit.de/2002/20/In_New_York_wird_die_groesste_Panik_ausbrechen" ] ]
1ejg9i
common-law marriages. are people who live together automatically common-law married?
This question refers to the United States and elsewhere.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ejg9i/eli5_commonlaw_marriages_are_people_who_live/
{ "a_id": [ "ca0ttgb", "ca0ud32" ], "score": [ 2, 4 ], "text": [ "[It depends on where you are](_URL_0_).", "Short answer: no. \n\nLong answer: Not all states allow common law marriage; only a handful do anymore (see the [wiki link ameoba posted](_URL_0_) if you want to know which do)....
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[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common-law_marriage#United_States" ], [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ejg9i/eli5_commonlaw_marriages_are_people_who_live/ca0ttgb" ] ]
7jj46x
What was crossing a border like in premodern times? Were there passports and immigration laws, or could one simply wander into the next empire/kingdom/feudal lordship/etc?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/7jj46x/what_was_crossing_a_border_like_in_premodern/
{ "a_id": [ "dr7d8xs" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Although there's a lot more to be said about pre-modern travel /u/Astrogator answered [How would an average Roman citizen travel through the Empire from one location to another?](_URL_0_). I'd still very much like to know what else there is about...
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[ [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3jzfmj/how_would_an_average_roman_citizen_travel_through/cutowr9/?context=3" ] ]
4uowlx
why do we use water for steam in turbine-based generators, such as with nuclear or coal power? why not use a liquid that evaporates at a lower temperature, like methanol?
Edit: or any substance with a lower evaporation point, really.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4uowlx/eli5_why_do_we_use_water_for_steam_in/
{ "a_id": [ "d5ri0i4", "d5rjhun", "d5rjqjm", "d5rk5ci" ], "score": [ 16, 5, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Water vapor has uniquely good heat capacity. You can make it super hot at high pressure, and then get almost all of that energy back through expansion. It is also completely saf...
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[ [], [], [], [ "www.greenoptimistic.com/31-efficient-stirling-engines-used-to-convert-1-5mw-of-arizona-solar-power-20100102/#.V5eAM4r3bCQ" ] ]
x6d4d
Why can I just "shut off" my unwanted emotions?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/x6d4d/why_can_i_just_shut_off_my_unwanted_emotions/
{ "a_id": [ "c5jkqci" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Because you're a sociopath\n\nEdit: forgot to include [source](_URL_0_)" ] }
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.mcafee.cc/Bin/sb.html" ] ]
1r26zb
does an engine use twice as much fuel at 4000 rpm than it does at 2000 rpm?
Thanks for all the reply's.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1r26zb/eli5_does_an_engine_use_twice_as_much_fuel_at/
{ "a_id": [ "cdit1hq", "cdit6tv", "cdiutd1" ], "score": [ 9, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "If the same amount of air (and therefore fuel) is drawn into the engine on each revolution, then yes.\n\nNow, imagine you're driving at 50mph, at 2000rpm. You shift down a couple of gears, so you're doi...
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[ [], [], [] ]
2p4vxq
How historically accurate is the new Marco Polo series by Netflix?
The director has spoken a little about how interested he is in Marco Polo, but I'm still curious as to how accurate the series is, both in terms of visual aspects and story.
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/2p4vxq/how_historically_accurate_is_the_new_marco_polo/
{ "a_id": [ "cmtlskm", "cmtrk24", "cmtt9rp", "cmv3pv5", "cmvd7ql", "cmx5wsa", "cmy5nqo", "cmz7ygx" ], "score": [ 176, 13, 37, 26, 25, 5, 5, 4 ], "text": [ "I am actually currently watching the second episode as I type this. And this fall I r...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "http://www.bustle.com/articles/51933-netflixs-marco-polo-stars-joan-chen-zhu-zhu-claudia-kim-on-playing-historys-most-powerful", "http://www.rejectedprincesses.com/princesses/khutulun/" ], [], [], [], [] ]
8ijk78
Why did Ernest Duchesne scientific discovery of penicillin in 1897 go unnoticed?
So when and how did we discover his research? As it seems he didn't because he died of tuburculosis some years after his discovery.
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/8ijk78/why_did_ernest_duchesne_scientific_discovery_of/
{ "a_id": [ "dysrkm4" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Well to begin, he did not actually discover penicillin. Rather, he discovered that exposure to the mold penicill*ium* rendered *Salmonella typhi* incapable of killing guinea pigs. He predicted this was caused by release of a toxin, but he couldn'...
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[ [] ]
2u7978
how would potential employers differentiate whether on not someone's social media account is mine when we have the same name?!
I'm applying to become a police officer and they do in depth background checks. One of the things they do is Google your name and look at any potential social media accounts of yours. When I Google'd my name a guy white guy (I am also a white guy) with the same name as me comes up. Keep in mind I have no social media p...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2u7978/eli5_how_would_potential_employers_differentiate/
{ "a_id": [ "co5qs9g", "co5r3g6", "co5r58s", "co5rdlb" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "If you have a common name, then hopefully they'll think of that. Or if you live in different locations (assuming he has a location listed) it should be clear. If your name is somet...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
34zpzv
why do home air conditioners have to suck air from outside? why can't they suck air from inside and just make that air cold?
I just installed an AC window unit today. I have a better spot for it inside my apartment rather than the window that it's in. Edit: Thank you all! Did not know about the exhaust and the dripping water.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/34zpzv/eli5_why_do_home_air_conditioners_have_to_suck/
{ "a_id": [ "cqzkune", "cqzkwt6", "cqzl0v2", "cqzl4g9", "cqzl4yg", "cqzl62y", "cqzl7f8", "cqzlfbs", "cqzlxik", "cqzly9f", "cqzqn5j" ], "score": [ 7, 3, 9, 5, 2, 2, 2, 3, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Because they need to 'dump...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.ajmadison.com/cgi-bin/ajmadison/LP0814WNR.html?mv_pc=gg_pla&st-t=googlepla&utm_source=google&utm_medium=adwords&utm_campaign=pla&utm_term=&gclid=CjwKEAjw1KGqBRC55bru-sa7zCcSJAAxsBf5vm9Yx0il9SllXC1wR0yuzBpLCrUw8eBK23TjQ2JDoxoCDC_w_wc...
hdhpo
If a jet travels faster than the speed of sound... does it get further and further from the sound it makes?
this might be a dumb question.
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/hdhpo/if_a_jet_travels_faster_than_the_speed_of_sound/
{ "a_id": [ "c1ujqgz" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "Yes\n\nTake a look at [this](_URL_0_) image on wikipedia.\n\nThe diagrams are, in order, a plane below Mach 1, a plane at Mach 1, and a plane above Mach 1.\n\nEach of the circles is a wave of sound, created when the plane was at the center of the...
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[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mach_cone.svg" ] ]
3wv845
if our stomach acid is strong enough to digest razor blades, why can't we digest corn?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3wv845/eli5_if_our_stomach_acid_is_strong_enough_to/
{ "a_id": [ "cxzd07u", "cxzdpf0", "cxzdztq", "cxzeml9", "cxzft7x", "cxzigyo", "cxzjih4" ], "score": [ 67, 17, 12, 2, 9, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "There's something in plants called cellulose. We know it as \"fiber.\" We can't digest all types of fiber. A lo...
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[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
99dnjg
Will a conductive material attached to a insulating material (Like a copper plate attached to a glass plate) have a thermal conductivity equal to one of the materials, or an average?
As an example, if I bake cookies in a pan that consists of a bottom made of a typical metal sheet pan and a top made up of glass, with the cookies sitting on the glass, would the cookies bake the same as if they were in a glass pan?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/99dnjg/will_a_conductive_material_attached_to_a/
{ "a_id": [ "e4mxp7y" ], "score": [ 9 ], "text": [ "Neither. The thermal conductivity in this case will follow the same law as the electric conductivity for two series-connected resistors:\n\n_URL_0_\n\nTo give an exact answer to your question, if we denote the total thermal conductivity as C, the...
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[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resistor#Series_and_parallel_resistors" ] ]
136alg
My teacher told we that there was an vote which should be the main language in america and german lost by one vote. True?
So here is the thing: My Teacher told me that there was this vote. He could not give me specific information's about it. In the vote the wanted decide which should be the main official language for the government. And my teacher said German lost only by one vote. I call bullshit on this one but there is no better pla...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/136alg/my_teacher_told_we_that_there_was_an_vote_which/
{ "a_id": [ "c7166uh" ], "score": [ 18 ], "text": [ "That is an urban legend. _URL_1_ is really good for these things.\n\n_URL_0_" ] }
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.snopes.com/language/apocryph/german.asp", "Snopes.com" ] ]
3l6b70
how do braille signs tell people which button to press in emergencies?
e.g. In an elevator there is a bank of floor number buttons and a red emergency button. How would a blind person distinguish between them?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3l6b70/eli5_how_do_braille_signs_tell_people_which/
{ "a_id": [ "cv3i4k9" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "By reading the braille, I'm missing why you think they couldn't label the emergency buttons" ] }
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[ [] ]
9elad9
how does conversion of food into energy in our bodies work? how can ~500 grams of food sustain an ~80 kg human for approximately 6-8 hours?
Are our bodies that efficient? Or is there more energy in the food than it looks like there is?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9elad9/eli5_how_does_conversion_of_food_into_energy_in/
{ "a_id": [ "e5pqjhj" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "* It's like how a gallon of gas can move a 2000 pound car for 30 miles. Or it's like how a full glass of water just needs enough extra water added to account for evaporation. You aren't growing a whole human with the extra energy. All you're doin...
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[ [ "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a8/Human_Metabolism_-_Pathways.jpg" ] ]
eb4kmw
What, exactly, are arab "tribes" in different periods? And especially around/after the rise of Islam?
So, this is something that has been bothering me for a while, in various contexts when discussing arab history (that is, history of the arabian peninsula) the concept of tribes pop up, be it for the ruling dynasties of kingdoms (eg. the Ghassanids), or when discussing the the prophet (pbuh) Muhammed and him coming from...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/eb4kmw/what_exactly_are_arab_tribes_in_different_periods/
{ "a_id": [ "fb4vuq2" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "So, I'm re-reading Albert Hourani at the moment, and your definition is relatively spot on: a tribe is an extended family group. Why \"tribe\" became the accepted term in English instead of, say, \"clan,\" (which IMO would be clearer), I could on...
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[ [] ]
1q09wz
what's the difference between race, ethnicity, and nationality?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1q09wz/eli5_whats_the_difference_between_race_ethnicity/
{ "a_id": [ "cd7vva4" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "Your body determines race.\n\nYour history determines ethnicity.\n\nYour paperwork determines nationality." ] }
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[ [] ]
68r1lk
what would happen in the minutes, hours, and days following a nuclear attack?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/68r1lk/eli5what_would_happen_in_the_minutes_hours_and/
{ "a_id": [ "dh0ofb9", "dh0oohb", "dh0rn4p" ], "score": [ 14, 15, 4 ], "text": [ "[Get a copy of Threads](_URL_0_) (which is also on youtube, although possibly not legally so I won't link it)\n\nThere have been countless studies into the effects post strike around the world. The mo...
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[]
[ [ "http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0090163/" ], [], [ "https://nuclearsecrecy.com/nukemap/" ] ]
i84ua
If archaeologists from hundreds of thousands of years in the future looked back on the bones of humans today would they consider us all the same species?
That is assuming that they had the same evidence (bones, tools, etc.) that we use to classify humans from hundreds of thousands of years ago.
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/i84ua/if_archaeologists_from_hundreds_of_thousands_of/
{ "a_id": [ "c21ne2r" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Hopefully they will have DNA and more precise methods to go off of, but assuming we won't change how we classify things, I would say yes. They may find some slight differences that we didn't see in our biochemical makeup, but it takes a lot of ti...
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[ [] ]
1w2jvx
How elaborate were "special effects" on stage before electricity became widespread?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1w2jvx/how_elaborate_were_special_effects_on_stage/
{ "a_id": [ "ceycm1m" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "\"Special effects\" is a broad phrase that covers many different techniques that can be visual, aural, or tactile. What sort of effects are you interested in and in what period?" ] }
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[ [] ]
s1i7o
A bird traveling 60mph enters a train car traveling 60mph parrallel to it. What happens to the bird?
Lets say it enters the train car through a small window on the side of the car. What happens to the bird upon entering? Does it fly forward and hit the front of the car? Does it fly backward and hit the back? Or does it simply stay in the same position, flying in the middle of the car?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/s1i7o/a_bird_traveling_60mph_enters_a_train_car/
{ "a_id": [ "c4ac2ga", "c4acihc", "c4acn45", "c4acw5i", "c4ahrzl" ], "score": [ 45, 2, 9, 34, 2 ], "text": [ "If the bird glides in through the window, it is liable to fall down to the floor of the car. It has been using 60 mph relative wind for lift, and that sudde...
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[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
4aag98
why is it beneficial to buy your own modem and router?
Whenever the Wi-Fi starts being slow in my house and I complain to the ISP, they always assume it is a problem with the modem/router. Does buying a new modem legitimately help you get better speeds? Are there any downsides to doing this?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4aag98/eli5_why_is_it_beneficial_to_buy_your_own_modem/
{ "a_id": [ "d0yp4tv", "d0ypdao", "d0ypgh3", "d0yra82", "d0yuzla" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 3, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Well besides not paying monthly fees to rent equipment from your ISP, yes, equipment you buy is probably going to be better than the stuff your ISP provides. ...
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[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
4aj1ii
how can rural areas sell gas at a cheaper price than in densely populated areas (despite higher cost of transport)?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4aj1ii/eli5_how_can_rural_areas_sell_gas_at_a_cheaper/
{ "a_id": [ "d10pzu9", "d10q3lj", "d10qa6e", "d11002o" ], "score": [ 36, 11, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "The cost of operating the station are higher in urban settings:\n\n1. real estate costs.\n2. labor costs.\n3. sometimes delivery costs, storage volumes requiring more frequent re...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
2hm6nt
what is it about denmark that consistently puts them at the top of the "happiest people on earth" list?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2hm6nt/eli5_what_is_it_about_denmark_that_consistently/
{ "a_id": [ "cktx1z9", "cktx4og", "cku0gdj", "cku0q6b", "cku16p2", "cku1v5z", "cku2fxu", "cku39xk", "cku48ps", "cku4pxp", "cku799h", "cku7rqn", "cku86ve", "cku8cnz", "cku914t", "ckua6c1", "ckuau4v", "ckub4dk", "ckubeb3", "ckuclo1", "c...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://denmark.dk/en/meet-the-danes/work-life-balance-the-danish-way/happy-danes/" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
255umi
what happens to old cellphones when you upgrade or trade in?
Most cell providers offer trade in specials where they will buy your old device from you, and offer you a discount on a new device. What happens to that old device?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/255umi/eli5what_happens_to_old_cellphones_when_you/
{ "a_id": [ "chdzfxg" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Probably sold to scrap dealers (most likely in China and India), who will harvest the metals (silver, gold, zinc, mercury, copper, and rare earth metals) found in the circuitry and junk the rest.\n\nOr it just goes to the nearest landfill." ] }
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d7wvcn
what makes the sunlight appear more yellow while it's rising/setting (golden hour) and more blue during the day?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/d7wvcn/eli5_what_makes_the_sunlight_appear_more_yellow/
{ "a_id": [ "f15d3sz", "f15d46t", "f15dqqo" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The earths atmosphere scatters the sunlight as it passes through (rayleigh scattering). The higher frequency colors (blue) will be more strongly scattered. The sky is blue, since you are seeing the scat...
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[ [], [], [] ]
1isghi
Why wasn't there more support for the Red Army Faction in Germany in the 1970's? Why did they ultimately fail?
Also, a bonus question: why don't more people know about it today, and find it to be something worth replicating in modern day America?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1isghi/why_wasnt_there_more_support_for_the_red_army/
{ "a_id": [ "cb7p905" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "I took an entire course on the Red Army Faction at my university as part of my German major, we read several books and watched several films about the phenomenon. If I had to speculate from the cultural and historical works I read, I would say th...
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drmgvf
why are people afraid of sharing how much money they make or have?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/drmgvf/eli5_why_are_people_afraid_of_sharing_how_much/
{ "a_id": [ "f6jiyr5", "f6jjss2" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "This is not quite an economics question, but I'll bite.\n\nKeeping your finances vague allows you to signal different amounts to different people. You want any potential solicitors, burglars and your boss to consider you poo...
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[ [], [] ]
5juxoc
Has the President of the USA ever dated while in office?
Has the POTUS (President of USA) ever been single and dated while holding office? Have all presidents been married?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/5juxoc/has_the_president_of_the_usa_ever_dated_while_in/
{ "a_id": [ "dbj72pd" ], "score": [ 9 ], "text": [ "It sort of depends on your definition of dating. But the closest that would come would be Woodrow Wilson. He was a recent widower and President when he met Edith Galt. They had a brief courtship where he pursued her pretty vigorously and they mar...
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[ [] ]
2b4kkn
Were there professional musicians in the era of Romantic music? (mid-late 1800's) and if so, what were their lives like? Was it possible to make a living playing music during this time period?
I hope the title is pretty self explanatory. Thank you!
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/2b4kkn/were_there_professional_musicians_in_the_era_of/
{ "a_id": [ "cj249sc" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ " > Were there professional musicians in the era of Romantic music? \n\nThere certainly were. By that time you find a lot of similarities with today's classical musicians. You find virtuosi on tours, playing concerti with orchestras or in solo re...
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[ [] ]
8rjcww
can any one explain r-value of insulation, like what i'd lose if i used r-19 instead of r21?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8rjcww/eli5_can_any_one_explain_rvalue_of_insulation/
{ "a_id": [ "e0rs3p8", "e0rscj3" ], "score": [ 5, 3 ], "text": [ "The R-value describes how good the isolation is. \n\nThe formula is (T1-T2)/R*surface area = amount of heat lost per hour.\n\nFrom that, we can conclude that R-21 let's through about 10% less heat than R-19.", "Heat will...
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[ [], [] ]
26mkve
what stops me from taking free college courses by just walking in, sitting down, and taking notes?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/26mkve/eli5_what_stops_me_from_taking_free_college/
{ "a_id": [ "chsf4ww", "chsf5uz", "chsfntk", "chsfu71", "chsfxfi", "chsmgqo" ], "score": [ 49, 7, 20, 4, 2, 5 ], "text": [ "Not a whole lot, but your paying for the degree, not the classes.", "If you want to learn for learning's sake great, but there are...
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[]
[ [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academic_audit" ], [], [], [] ]
2wy9ci
how can manufacturers fit 64gb of memory into a micro sd card easily, yet pc ram is many times larger and holds less?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2wy9ci/eli5_how_can_manufacturers_fit_64gb_of_memory/
{ "a_id": [ "cov7pyw", "cov7qbd", "cov7sfi" ], "score": [ 9, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Because RAM does not aim to store massive amounts of data, it aims to be fast. RAM reads and writes about 100 times faster than an SD cad can.\n\nThe two memory types are used for entirely different tas...
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[ [], [], [] ]
1nu355
why do people go crazy over reddit gold when they get it?
ELI5: Why do people go crazy over reddit gold when they get it? isn't it just a virtual pad on the back? is it kind of like the thing with birthday wishes or likes on facebook? Random Goldmember explain yourself! :)
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1nu355/eli5_why_do_people_go_crazy_over_reddit_gold_when/
{ "a_id": [ "ccm1duy", "ccm1g8s" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "It shows that someone liked the comment so much, the spent actual real-world money on showing their appreciation. For the internet, that's a pretty big deal, so people like to say thank you emphatically.", "I can't remem...
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[ [], [] ]
3obyu0
Why are UK often divided in England, Scotland, Wales etc. in team sports but not in individual types of sports?
In football, rugby etc. England and Wales compete as own teams but in like swimming these compete under Great Britain. Why aren't it any Scottish flagged sprinters?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3obyu0/why_are_uk_often_divided_in_england_scotland/
{ "a_id": [ "cvwtmuw" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "As a follow-up, I recall a *lot* of controversy here in the UK before the 2012 games about the possibility of creating a \"Team GB\" instead of the separate countries competing. Have there ever been other attempts to unite them, and what prevente...
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32vffc
A rigid wire travels from New York to Hong Kong. A tug is performed at one end. How fast will the physical action traverse to the other?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/32vffc/a_rigid_wire_travels_from_new_york_to_hong_kong_a/
{ "a_id": [ "cqf09i1", "cqfg13d" ], "score": [ 164, 16 ], "text": [ "At the speed of sound of the wire. ", "Given: \nDistance from New York to Hong Kong = 8040 miles (source [Google](_URL_1_)) \nSpeed of sound through copper (assumed wire material) = 15180 feet/second = 10350 miles/h...
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[]
[ [], [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/32vffc/a_rigid_wire_travels_from_new_york_to_hong_kong_a/cqf3ze1", "https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=distance+new+york+to+hong+kong" ] ]
wkt0o
Did the average Russian have any idea what was really going on during the revolution?
This was the first communist revolution, so there wasnt any precedent for it, but did an average man on the street understand the implications of what was going on?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/wkt0o/did_the_average_russian_have_any_idea_what_was/
{ "a_id": [ "c5e8mtk", "c5e95ud", "c5eaeq1", "c5ebnx8" ], "score": [ 2, 4, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "No expert, but I took a course in uni on Siberian History and we dealt with this topic.\n\nSuccinctly, the people in the cities generally recognized the opening thrust of the Revol...
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[]
[ [], [ "http://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1903/rp/index.htm" ], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emancipation_reform_of_1861", "http://www.ianblanchard.com/Research%20IB/Rus_Ind/Rus_ind.html", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_Provisional_Government", "http://en.wikipedia...
56k4j9
how does google know how fast traffic is going live on every street all over the country?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/56k4j9/eli5_how_does_google_know_how_fast_traffic_is/
{ "a_id": [ "d8jxvvd", "d8k0nkw", "d8k2s5z", "d8k42bh", "d8k4qf2", "d8k5ip0", "d8k9ld6", "d8k9xeb", "d8kblp4", "d8kcyl6", "d8keqg7", "d8ket8j", "d8kfx0k", "d8kgdcd", "d8khaf6", "d8khn9j", "d8kleji", "d8kmz9c", "d8kqebb", "d8kqlcu", "d...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://www.google.com/maps/timeline" ], [], [], [], [ "https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/fredericksburg.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/b5/4b588bc3-a9e5-5337-b1c1-2345dcccf107/5463b935c14c9.image.jpg?resize=760%2C588" ], [], [], [ "h...
1k2gtv
What does Classical mean to historians?
I've often heard the term Classical, usually referring to the arts and literature of the Hellenes and Romans(I've heard it in regards to Asian peoples, but very rarely). Yet, I've also heard of the expression Classical Era, referring to the culture and history of these peoples. I would imagine that since this would spa...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1k2gtv/what_does_classical_mean_to_historians/
{ "a_id": [ "cbkore1", "cbkp6u2", "cbkqaoo" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 5 ], "text": [ "Personally speaking, I've always classified \"Classical History\" as history pertaining to the Greeks and Romans. As for the term classical in Asian history, I cannot be certain, perhaps an Asian histor...
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[ [], [], [] ]
14tmci
[Astrophysics] What is the time frame of the gravitational collapse of a star?
Every animation of the collapse of a star that I have seen shows that the entire event occurs in seconds with a bright flash of light and an ejection of stellar matter. Is this an accurate view of what actually happens?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/14tmci/astrophysics_what_is_the_time_frame_of_the/
{ "a_id": [ "c7gb70j" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "The core collapse itself takes on the order of 1 second, but that is only the core itself. I'm less certain about how long it takes for the shockwave to get to the surface... a couple ~~minutes~~ hours maybe? The overall brightness of the super...
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2p4jt1
Why are integrals so universal to the sciences?
Why is it that the integral appears in almost every branch of science (astronomy, engineering, and geophysics to name a few)? I'm a liberal arts major who has taken calculus and stats classes but otherwise does not know the specifics of mathematics in nature. Why are derivatives and antiderivatives everywhere??
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/2p4jt1/why_are_integrals_so_universal_to_the_sciences/
{ "a_id": [ "cmtavtc", "cmtbiic", "cmtc603" ], "score": [ 19, 10, 8 ], "text": [ "One way to understand calculus is that it is the study of how varying one quantity affects another quantity. Since in science we are often looking at how one thing influences another (or, conversely,...
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[ [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fundamental_theorem_of_calculus", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superposition_principle" ] ]
3egcmi
why do some countries only have presidents or prime ministers, but some countries have both? and those that have both, why is it that in some places the president is more powerful (e.g. france) and in others the prime minister is more powerful (e.g. germany)?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3egcmi/eli5_why_do_some_countries_only_have_presidents/
{ "a_id": [ "cteniqi", "ctenuf8", "ctf2yqu" ], "score": [ 4, 93, 4 ], "text": [ "It's just that the different charters of government of the various countries give different powers to these offices.\n\nSome countries use the role of president to be a \"head of state\" who has a most...
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[ [], [], [] ]
7p6h3y
Why do lenses have shadows?
I've noticed this with magnifying glasses ( convex) and my spectacles (concave).
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/7p6h3y/why_do_lenses_have_shadows/
{ "a_id": [ "dsex3wo", "dsf3w26", "dsf6brd", "dsfajyz", "dsfd9ph", "dsg0ziz" ], "score": [ 474, 32, 7, 8, 31, 18 ], "text": [ "The light that goes through the lens either gets spread out, or focused. Either way, it won't cover the same area it would have if ...
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[ [ "https://i.imgur.com/OZpQLV5.jpg", "https://i.imgur.com/aNaJIAD.jpg" ], [], [ "https://i.imgur.com/AqWzZxr.png" ], [], [], [ "https://imgur.com/jBcaPn7" ] ]
2bi4nw
what is the explanation behind the phrase 'peace is not profitable'?
I'm not necessarily looking to start an ideological debate, but I've always been confused by the this phrase whenever people are talking about why the US has been at war for so long. Don't get me wrong, I am very much anti-war, but you'd think that if a country wasn't spending so much on war, they could use that money...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2bi4nw/eli5_what_is_the_explanation_behind_the_phrase/
{ "a_id": [ "cj5jbkb", "cj5jezz" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "Countries participating in a war have to free up a tremendous amount of capital to fund the war effort. They divert savings or borrow to build factories, create stockpiles of food and armament for soldiers, mass-produce vehi...
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1oj6i4
The Perception of Native Americans at the time of Hobbes
"Whatsoever therefore is consequent to a time of war, where every man is enemy to every man, the same consequent to the time wherein men live without other security than what their own strength and their own invention shall furnish them withal. In such condition there is no place for industry, because the fruit thereof...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1oj6i4/the_perception_of_native_americans_at_the_time_of/
{ "a_id": [ "ccsm6dp", "ccstyrz" ], "score": [ 2, 5 ], "text": [ "If you don't get an answer to all your questions here, you might try /r/askphilosophy or /r/politicalphilosophy. \n\nHere is one answer to your second question. Interestingly, Montaigne supplies a list very like the one th...
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[ [ "http://oregonstate.edu/instruct/phl302/texts/montaigne/montaigne-essays--2.html" ], [] ]
1ab1bj
what happens if 2 objects with the exact same mohs hardness scratch each other
Also does this question even have the correct flair?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1ab1bj/what_happens_if_2_objects_with_the_exact_same/
{ "a_id": [ "c8vviwj" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "If this situation were to arise, both would be scratched. \nAs an example, only diamonds can be used to cut highly pure diamonds, and are sometimes used to process each other.\n_URL_0_\n_URL_1_\n\nWhich one is more scratched depends on how you se...
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[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamond#Hardness", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamond_cutting#Bruting" ] ]
2e3vdr
What makes soil fertile?
I understand this will be different depending on the plant. But are there any general rules?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/2e3vdr/what_makes_soil_fertile/
{ "a_id": [ "cjvt8f9", "cjvtftw" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "You're gonna want anything the plant needs they can't be found in the air. The main ones being including fixed nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. If you ever buy fertilizer you'll notice many of them have 3 numbers, this...
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84mm68
why is it bad to freeze meat?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/84mm68/eli5_why_is_it_bad_to_freeze_meat/
{ "a_id": [ "dvqn3f9", "dvqnf0f" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Nothing wrong with it from a health perspective, but it can change the flavor profile especially if left for a very long time. Because water get drawn out of the meat.", "When meat is frozen, the water inside the cells o...
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conwmb
when someone feel pain hitting some area of the body, why can we "feel" something in that area, like a pain?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/conwmb/eli5_when_someone_feel_pain_hitting_some_area_of/
{ "a_id": [ "ewk3d76", "ewkbj2i" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Let's Take the example of hitting in the balls. If you've already been hit in the balls, your brain remembers what it feels like, and when you see someone getting hit, your brain makes the connection sight/feel and you kinda...
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[ [], [] ]
hf2xa
Out of the many household cleaning agents, how many different active ingredients are there? Why are some more efficient than others? Is there a trick to know what chemical would work best for certain situations?
For example, I know that bleach is sodium hypochlorate. I also know it can be used for many things, but my focus would be on cleaning household items (it's move-out season and I need a clean apartment). All I know is it's a powerful oxidizer, it can chlorinate compounds, but what types of chemical "stains" can I apply ...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/hf2xa/out_of_the_many_household_cleaning_agents_how/
{ "a_id": [ "c1ux0c1", "c1uxnue" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Well cleaning is a mix of mechanical abrasion and chemical reactions... Oxidation can make something more soluble in water, which is the main goal in cleaning. It is also the mechanism by which your body eliminates compounds...
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8hcz5d
pleading "nolo contendere" in court in america.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8hcz5d/eli5_pleading_nolo_contendere_in_court_in_america/
{ "a_id": [ "dyivge0" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "\"Nolo contendere\" means \"I do not wish to contest [the charge]\" in Latin, and many states refer to it as a \"no contest\" plea. It means just that -- you are not formally saying that you are guilty, but you *are* saying that you're not going ...
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vfyyi
Panelists, what's something in your field of study that gave you/can give us a better understanding of current events/contemporary society?
I used the search, but didn't find any similar posts. Apologies if this has already been asked. But I'm curious to know if, say, knowing about Ancient Persian poetry (or whatever) can teach us something about society today? Obviously, studying the Cold War can inform discussion on current Russia-US relations, but what ...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/vfyyi/panelists_whats_something_in_your_field_of_study/
{ "a_id": [ "c545hzp", "c546wgz", "c54eh7v" ], "score": [ 9, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The one take-away that I have from studying history is that *no one is in charge*. \n\nMy research is on the history of wheat, flour, and bread. When I look at different kinds of documents relating to t...
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[ [], [], [] ]
7wtmek
why do basketballs grow “eggs” when they are kicked?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7wtmek/elif_why_do_basketballs_grow_eggs_when_they_are/
{ "a_id": [ "du34oq6" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "The rubber, on the inside & out, has weakened fibers after direct trauma causing a “bulge”. " ] }
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[ [] ]
3twlst
how do white rhinos affect the ecosystem. would their extinction affect a microclimate species portfolio?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3twlst/eli5_how_do_white_rhinos_affect_the_ecosystem/
{ "a_id": [ "cx9uumr", "cx9v6lo" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "At this point, since there are only 3 of them, their loss would have little effect on the current ecosystem.", "The biggest impact is that species like the white rhino, pandas, humpback whales are what is known as sentin...
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[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_spotted_owl" ] ]
4p399g
how do electrons, protons and neutrons define an element? i'm super dumb on these things what can i watch to help?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4p399g/eli5how_do_electrons_protons_and_neutrons_define/
{ "a_id": [ "d4hpn46", "d4hxziw", "d4i8rqx" ], "score": [ 3, 8, 2 ], "text": [ "Khan Academy might be a good place to start.\n\nThe number of protons tells you what element it is. As in what makes an atom carbon is that it has 6 protons, nitrogen has 7 protons, etc. \n\nIn a neutra...
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[]
[ [], [ "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e7/Hydrogen_Density_Plots.png", "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/00/Standard_Model_of_Elementary_Particles.svg", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uncertainty_principle", "http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-get/I00000hrm2CZTMXY/s...
kmg4l
Why hasn't the solar system expanded in proportion to the expansion of the universe?
The difference in distance between two distant galaxies between now and when the solar system formed (over 4 billion years abgo) is *x* (I don't know the actual number), but the difference in distance between the sun and the planets in our solar system is not in proportion; it's effectively zero. Why isn't it *x*?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/kmg4l/why_hasnt_the_solar_system_expanded_in_proportion/
{ "a_id": [ "c2lgpe0", "c2lgpe0" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "first, expansion of the universe is not really an expansion. it is just that you use formula called \"metric\" to calculate distance between two points. you plug in coordinates of the two points and you get the distance. the...
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[ [], [] ]
3js9pe
How did past explorers deal with language barrier issues?
I was mainly wondering how in the discovery of China and America how attempting to communicate worked and at what point they were able to effectively at least relay an idea back and back forth but really for an era of history where new lands and people were discovered it would've been an issue to overcome.
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3js9pe/how_did_past_explorers_deal_with_language_barrier/
{ "a_id": [ "cury4yv" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "There's always room for discussion, but perhaps the section [How did people speaking different languages communicate?](_URL_0_) in our FAQ will answer your inquiry." ] }
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[ [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/wiki/language#wiki_cross-cultural_communication_and_lingua_francas" ] ]
abin5o
why does the human body require nitrogen?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/abin5o/eli5_why_does_the_human_body_require_nitrogen/
{ "a_id": [ "ed0ia5n" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Nitrogen is an important nutrient for protein synthesis, like DNA and cell replication. This is common for most species on Earth.\n\nBecause of the use in protein synthesis, it is used by the body for all manner of growth, healing, and reproducti...
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[ [] ]
5vqb5c
Many of the pioneers in the field of Computing were women. How did the field of Computer Science get so heavily male dominated? Also, why did the proportion of women graduates in CS decline in the US starting from 1980?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/5vqb5c/many_of_the_pioneers_in_the_field_of_computing/
{ "a_id": [ "de450mo", "de49g9o" ], "score": [ 1164, 70 ], "text": [ "Jane Margolis of UCLA believes that it's the rise of the personal computer. Ironically, a technology that was all about broadening access to computing power made it harder for women to break into computing.\n\nBefore th...
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[ [], [] ]
1ri4h2
when a classical composer writes a song, how does he know what it sounds like before he performs it?
Is he just doing trial by error?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ri4h2/eli5_when_a_classical_composer_writes_a_song_how/
{ "a_id": [ "cdnip2r" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Oversimplifying a lot, it's the other way around: the composer hears (invents) the song in his mind, then writes it down." ] }
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[ [] ]
1c4p5n
Why has going to the bathroom become a private experience?
If I have understood correctly, it used to be more common to have actual public bathrooms, where people sat close with no doors or walls for privacy. Now when going to the bathroom the most public thing you do is piss in a urinal, and even then people are very protective of their privacy. How has this change happened, ...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1c4p5n/why_has_going_to_the_bathroom_become_a_private/
{ "a_id": [ "c9d559x" ], "score": [ 25 ], "text": [ "It doesn't completely answer your question but you might be interested on the BBC [documentary](_URL_0_) of the toilet.\n\nI believe the modern change to private bathrooms was a combination of victorian ideas spreading. And wealth. Having your o...
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[ [ "http://isohunt.com/torrent_details/404425369/toilet+history?tab=summary" ] ]
1zwhkc
Are there any kings who we now know were illegitimate claimants to the throne?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1zwhkc/are_there_any_kings_who_we_now_know_were/
{ "a_id": [ "cfxmatc", "cfxn567", "cfxppga" ], "score": [ 5, 8, 6 ], "text": [ "Here's a [similar question](_URL_0_) by me, might help you. Not many answers, though.\n", "How do you define 'legitimate'? Historically (in England at least), might made right. If you could kill you...
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[ [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1cjg74/were_there_any_succession_mistakes_in_hereditary/" ], [], [] ]
cvoik2
how do police enforce that you pay fines e.g. parking tickets?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cvoik2/eli5_how_do_police_enforce_that_you_pay_fines_eg/
{ "a_id": [ "ey5cphs", "ey5cy1t", "ey5e88v", "ey5hqch", "ey5idmi" ], "score": [ 17, 6, 2, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "By summoning you to court, generally. Failure to appear in court will lead to an arrest warrant. An arrest warrant will ensure you are taken to court.", ...
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[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
c4inl3
why does it take such a long loop and tremendous energy to accelerate really, really small particles at, say, the lhc?
What percentage of the desired speed would particles attain if the loop were the size of a hula hoop (not the crisp)?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/c4inl3/eli5_why_does_it_take_such_a_long_loop_and/
{ "a_id": [ "erwt2ai" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "There are a couple competing accelerator designs: stright-line, and circular.\n\nThe straight-line ones are obviously simpler, and easier to operate, but they can only speed up particles *once*, in a single pass through the accelerator. So the en...
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[ [] ]
1e0htz
What is the study of fun called?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1e0htz/what_is_the_study_of_fun_called/
{ "a_id": [ "c9vlviz" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "This is dealt with in the field of psychology research, specifically [positive psychology](_URL_2_), which deals with [subjective well-being](_URL_0_).\n\nYou might also want to read about [flow](_URL_1_), which in psychology refers to the state ...
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[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subjective_well-being", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flow_(psychology\\)", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Positive_psychology" ] ]
jqsaz
At what point will we be forced to concede that the Higgs doesn't exist? What direction should we expect future research to take if that ends up being the case?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/jqsaz/at_what_point_will_we_be_forced_to_concede_that/
{ "a_id": [ "c2edbnq", "c2edby5", "c2edw72", "c2egrap", "c2edbnq", "c2edby5", "c2edw72", "c2egrap" ], "score": [ 5, 26, 3, 2, 5, 26, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "We have some predictions of how rare a Higgs boson will be produced at various energies. I...
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[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technicolor_\\(physics\\)" ], [], [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technicolor_\\(physics\\)" ], [], [], [] ]
1tqqu7
Shakespeare and John Donne
I've always wondered, to what degree did Shakespeare and John Donne know each other? I assume they would have known of each other but is there any evidence that they ever met?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1tqqu7/shakespeare_and_john_donne/
{ "a_id": [ "ceaqags" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "There is no evidence that William Shakespeare and John Donne ever met one another. The image that many people have in mind of the two as friends and debate partners comes from an 1851 painting by John Faed called [*Shakespeare and his Friends at...
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[ [ "http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a7/Shakespeare_and_His_Contemporaries.jpg", "http://books.google.com/books?id=6BK1Vu6pw84C&pg=PR5&lpg=PR5&dq=Who's+Who+in+Shakespeare's+England&source=bl&ots=nMcK8TEiZA&sig=sKpbBzkwpTO3EgWplPs1c7t65rU&hl=en&sa=X&ei=lrK8Up...
8xa74h
Plausibility of a solar shield to combat global warming?
With the news today that we are hitting global records in temperatures and they are increasing year on year without meaningful change to combat global warming I've been wondering about technological solutions. Wouldn't a 'solar umbrella' at a lagrange point be an effective means of cooling the planet? It would no doub...
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/8xa74h/plausibility_of_a_solar_shield_to_combat_global/
{ "a_id": [ "e220iq5", "e221el4", "e224aht", "e22602r" ], "score": [ 14, 9, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "It has been thought of before. It would be a fairly simple solution in that it won't strongly depend on the detailed chemistry of our atmosphere or the details of our environmenta...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
1x7knw
How was it possible for Rome to win the Second Punic War after Cannae?
Reading about the Second Punic War it seems that there was absolutely no way in hell for Rome to have won after Cannae. After the disastrous string of defeats at Trebia, Lake Trasimene, and Cannae, Rome had lost not only most of its army but a good chunk of its entire young male population. The Macedonians were allying...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1x7knw/how_was_it_possible_for_rome_to_win_the_second/
{ "a_id": [ "cf981da" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Hi there!\n\nIt seems that this is a moderately popular question, and so you might look at [this thread](_URL_0_) and [this one](_URL_1_) that seem to address a part of your question.\n\nOf course, that is not to discourage the hope that an exper...
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[ [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1mnazj/did_carthage_ever_have_a_real_chance_of_winning/", "http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/133ap4/could_hannibal_have_triumphed_in_the_second_punic/" ] ]
3ex6xg
where does the smell of 'new clothes' come from?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ex6xg/eli5_where_does_the_smell_of_new_clothes_come_from/
{ "a_id": [ "ctj9znl" ], "score": [ 13 ], "text": [ "Fashion Design degree here...\n\nYou are smelling Chemicals, pure and simple.\n\nNow *which* chemicals is a very different question, and depends on the fabrics the new clothes are made out of. Oil-based textiles (nylon, stretch fabrics, etc) are...
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36ymlz
is it legal for congress to pass legislation that they admit they have not read?
I frequently see articles where Senator X or Representative Y say that they have not read, or do not know the full contents of a piece of legislation that they are going to vote for and pass. Is this legal? In a corporate setting, any CEO who did this will be guilty of willful misconduct and be looking at serious pen...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/36ymlz/eli5_is_it_legal_for_congress_to_pass_legislation/
{ "a_id": [ "cri7vuf", "cri7zie", "cri89od", "cri8f1q", "cria6rj", "cric5a8" ], "score": [ 14, 6, 3, 3, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Sure, it's legal. You can't compel people to read something. Have you seen some of the laws that congress passes? They're *tomes*. Regu...
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[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
19r80y
What timezone holds the most people and what timezone holds the least at any given time?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/19r80y/what_timezone_holds_the_most_people_and_what/
{ "a_id": [ "c8qlbd3" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "This sounds like a trick question, since you seem to be implying that timezones move. This isn't the case. Looks like the most populous timezone is the one that includes China, UTC+08:00. The least populous seems to be UTC-02:00, in the middle of...
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[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UTC%2B08:00" ] ]
3dxzw1
the argument that rape is about power, not sex
I've heard there's a heated academic debate about this? But I'm a little bit confused how it wouldn't be about sex, as its pervasive in the animal kingdom as a clear means of reproduction. How are humans different? ELI5 The two sides of the argument and why what they claim causes such a heated argument. **edit: obvi...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3dxzw1/eli5_the_argument_that_rape_is_about_power_not_sex/
{ "a_id": [ "ct9nxyn", "ct9pj9z", "ct9rmfk" ], "score": [ 5, 12, 3 ], "text": [ "There are a lot of examples which seem to contradict the idea that rape is purely about sex.\nIn warzones and prisons, where people often feel powerless, trapped and isolated, there are lots of example...
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[ [ "http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/Raping-makes-us-feel-free-DR-Congos-soldiers-reveal-astonishing-stories/articleshow/36253376.cms", "http://www.womenundersiegeproject.org/blog/entry/why-soldiers-rapeand-when-they-dontin-diagrams" ], [], [ "https://books.google.com/books?id...
25tmfr
When was the last heresy trial held by the Roman Catholic Church?
The most cursory possible search (ie. I went on Wikipedia) states that the last execution for heresy in the nineteenth-century. Was this the last heresy *trial* (successful or not) or did the practice continue into the twentieth-century? Extra Credit: What were the theological or liturgical developments to combat (or ...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/25tmfr/when_was_the_last_heresy_trial_held_by_the_roman/
{ "a_id": [ "chls2cz" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "I can't be sure it was the *most* recent trial for heresy, but the Roman Catholic Church did try Fr. Ned Reidy for heresy in December 2005. He was found guilty by a tribunal in the Diocese of San Bernadino of heresy and schism. If you need furthe...
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[ [] ]
1qqoqn
What was the medieval opinion and use of magic.
I don't mean the opinion of people who used magic, but the actual mechanics of it. For example, did wizards shoot fireballs or use staffs in medieval literature, or was it more obscure things like giving people bad luck. I'm also particularly interested in the Cunning Folk and Folk Magic, what they did, how they did i...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1qqoqn/what_was_the_medieval_opinion_and_use_of_magic/
{ "a_id": [ "cdflf1k", "cdftg6n" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "To take the Cunning Folk first: There were no Universal practices among them. They had local expertise handed on by tradition. How useful that expertise was depended on the tradition. There were some expert bone setters arou...
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[ [], [] ]
7osvex
How do scientists make sure that the light they are getting is from that particular heavenly body and not a nearby star, like the Sun?
Did not know how to word it in google
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/7osvex/how_do_scientists_make_sure_that_the_light_they/
{ "a_id": [ "dsc3qv6", "dsc58y9", "dsc5e83", "dscn7oy", "dsco5m6", "dsd38fq", "dsd5z2g", "dsdafxw", "dsdf4e5" ], "score": [ 51, 952, 13, 6, 37, 6, 5, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "The only reasons you'd be getting light from any other body into ...
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[ [], [ "https://ned.ipac.caltech.edu/level5/Charlton/Figures/figure1.jpeg", "http://blog.sdss.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/platez.png", "https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/7osvex/how_do_scientists_make_sure_that_the_light_they/dscdtb8/", "http://www.martin-nicholson.info/sloan/m3.jpg", ...
3u2u0i
people with social anxiety. what thoughts run through your head when your anxiety kicks in?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3u2u0i/eli5_people_with_social_anxiety_what_thoughts_run/
{ "a_id": [ "cxbd06o" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Nothing. It's a a blind panic, sweating, and the urge to just run -some times you just lock up. " ] }
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ddhwj9
if exercise makes me feel good and is great for my body, why is it so hard to actually start doing it?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ddhwj9/eli5_if_exercise_makes_me_feel_good_and_is_great/
{ "a_id": [ "f2hnvoi" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "You've built a habit and lifestyle that doesn't involve regular exercise and unlike for 99.99999999% of evolutionary history, you don't need to put in a decent amount of moderate to heavy exercise every day just to survive. \n\nGet in the habit o...
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[ [] ]
8tch3o
What purpose/function do tesla coils serve, other than science fiction movie set design?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/8tch3o/what_purposefunction_do_tesla_coils_serve_other/
{ "a_id": [ "e16jboq", "e17igt5" ], "score": [ 60, 8 ], "text": [ "They generate high-voltage AC electricity. This can be useful for many things, including testing for leaks and starting up larger electric arcs. However, their main use is just to look really cool.\n\nSee: _URL_0_\n > Today...
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[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tesla_coil#Applications" ], [] ]
17rfdl
Are there any remaining potential Constitutional crises in the US?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/17rfdl/are_there_any_remaining_potential_constitutional/
{ "a_id": [ "c886vnj", "c8870qr" ], "score": [ 2, 7 ], "text": [ "Maybe try /r/ask_politics or /r/AskSocialScience ", "I am going to confine my answers solely to problems with choosing the President, and within that, problems which relate to history, because otherwise the topic would b...
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[ [], [] ]
pgn76
the steampunk genre (i just don't understand.)
Edit: Thanks everyone!
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/pgn76/eli5_the_steampunk_genre_i_just_dont_understand/
{ "a_id": [ "c3p7lb2", "c3paoc4", "c3pawp1", "c3pcxui", "c3pfwwl" ], "score": [ 20, 5, 9, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Science fiction set in a sort of alternate Victorian Britain. Technology is more advanced that it actually was in the 1890s, but in a different direction: th...
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[ [], [], [], [], [ "http://steampunkworkshop.com", "steampunkworkshop.com" ] ]
4j9td1
what would happen if everyone in the world was given $1000?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4j9td1/eli5_what_would_happen_if_everyone_in_the_world/
{ "a_id": [ "d34w2fl", "d34wefx" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "A temporary economic surge in first world countries, a longer economic surge in third world. Then back to normal.", "That's only $7 trillion roughly. So not inflation because that's fuck all compared to the global GDP. ...
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[ [], [] ]
2bb4s1
why is the british pound worth much more than the usd, when it seems like the equivalent goods cost the same face value amount?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2bb4s1/eli5_why_is_the_british_pound_worth_much_more/
{ "a_id": [ "cj3jmhd", "cj3juve", "cj3k6wy", "cj3ka11", "cj3m32s", "cj3qlh0" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 8, 5, 35, 4 ], "text": [ "Money is like a stock, the more people want it, the higher the price it is. In the world, people want the British Pound more than they ...
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[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
9kxuw7
Are the chances of getting cancer increasing or decreasing?
[deleted]
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/9kxuw7/are_the_chances_of_getting_cancer_increasing_or/
{ "a_id": [ "e74j1ep" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "It's complicated.\n\nCancer is vastly more common in older people. That means that if more people are surviving longer, then the frequency of cancer will go up. In other words, if fewer people die of smallpox or tuberculosis or heart disease, the...
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[ [ "https://ourworldindata.org/cancer" ] ]
2otzcq
how was it legal to raid the pirate bay's servers if the servers don't have the actual data on them?
Torrents work by having several people host the file. And because TPB wasn't hosting illegal files, was it actually doing anything illegal?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2otzcq/eli5_how_was_it_legal_to_raid_the_pirate_bays/
{ "a_id": [ "cmqhs40" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "We should wait to see what the Swedish govt says, no one has said anything yet other than that they raided a specific datacenter" ] }
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[ [] ]
20pu0c
Could a Vice President theoretically serve infinite terms as President by continuously taking over in the event that the President he served under died or was assassinated?
President Roosevelt served an extra half term when he took over while serving as Vice President when Truman was assassinated and he had to take over as president. Would it be possible for a Vice President, to in theory, serve infinite terms as president by continuously taking over when his president died/was assassinat...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/20pu0c/could_a_vice_president_theoretically_serve/
{ "a_id": [ "cg5m3y4", "cg5n4aa" ], "score": [ 3, 13 ], "text": [ "I believe how it is structured, he could serve 10 years. Two full terms and half of one if he was VP and the President was killed/died. But if he served 3 years of a term, he can only run for one more term. \n\nBTW, Truman ...
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[ [], [] ]
67x0ax
Did the Sasanian Empire and the Byzantines ever collaborate or cooperate with each other against the emergence of Arab Muslims?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/67x0ax/did_the_sasanian_empire_and_the_byzantines_ever/
{ "a_id": [ "dgy7qw5" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "It’s difficult to say either or not there existed efforts to coordinate between Byzantine Emperor Heraclius and the Sassanians. There certainly did not exist an consolidated alliance or direct interactions from the respective monarchs in coordina...
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a9kqs5
Why do electrons form pairs if they repel each other?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/a9kqs5/why_do_electrons_form_pairs_if_they_repel_each/
{ "a_id": [ "eckm6dp", "eckyxvd", "ecl5q6m", "ecl6ajh", "ecl6vpe", "eclehv2", "eclgw3e", "eclk52l", "eclrdyu", "ecls3wo", "eclsfl0", "eclxuxq", "ecm0ba9" ], "score": [ 57, 997, 11, 2, 6, 2, 115, 3, 2, 2, 2, 8, ...
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[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atomic_mass" ], [], [], [] ]
5eyb13
I've heard that Jimmy Carter "never fired a bullet" during his Presidency. Is that true? It's pretty remarkable if true. Are there any other President(s) that never authorized any military combat during their presidency?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/5eyb13/ive_heard_that_jimmy_carter_never_fired_a_bullet/
{ "a_id": [ "dag2kq0" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "**It's not true.** I'll give just one example, but there are others.\n\nIn April 1980, President Carter ordered an armed rescue of the American hostages seized from the American Embassy in Iran during the Iranian Revolution. Codenamed *Operation ...
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[ [ "http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2006/05/the-desert-one-debacle/304803/" ] ]