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7mfn3y
market capitalization when it comes to purchasing a company.
Here is my understanding of market capitalization: outstanding shares x stock price = market cap. The market cap is in essence the value of the company. Recently Humana announced they would be buying Kindred Healthcare for $4.1B. Kindred's market cap is $822M at the time of this writing. Wouldn't that mean that Hum...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7mfn3y/eli5_market_capitalization_when_it_comes_to/
{ "a_id": [ "drtjf2k", "drtw7us" ], "score": [ 50, 7 ], "text": [ "Often the buying company must pay a premium to the traded price, to acquire the company, but usually this premium is 20-50% of the pre-offer share price. \n\nOne thing that isn't in the market cap but is usually part of th...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
10vgn7
If everyone had a self-driving Google car, would there be a problem with interference between all the radars and lasers?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/10vgn7/if_everyone_had_a_selfdriving_google_car_would/
{ "a_id": [ "c6h32q1", "c6h3qtz" ], "score": [ 48, 12 ], "text": [ "Probably not. Google “phase-sensitive detection” and you'll see how it's actually quite easy to recover your own signal from a sea of noise.", "Follow up question: \n\nIf there were a sea of self-driving Google cars th...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
6ivo3l
the difference between interpreted and compiled computer languages?
I'm teaching myself code right now and this subject has come up here and there. I feel like I understand general qualities of the two languages but don't have a fundamental understanding of what they truly are.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6ivo3l/eli5_the_difference_between_interpreted_and/
{ "a_id": [ "dj9f8wj" ], "score": [ 22 ], "text": [ "Compiled languages are translated directly into the machine code that the processor can execute. It would be like taking a cookbook written in Greek, and getting it translated to a cookbook written in English. Once you have the translated cook...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3sxehv
why do manufacturers print "best before: see bottom" instead of the actual date?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3sxehv/eli5_why_do_manufacturers_print_best_before_see/
{ "a_id": [ "cx17u8h" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "It could be a case where the label is printed well before the product actually gets canned/boxed, so you cant put a date on the label as you don't know when it will actually be put on a product. So it directs you to where the date will be put dur...
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[ [] ]
7auxmh
Have humans/organisms caused an increase on the overall mass of Earth? ie man made objects or birth of organisms?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/7auxmh/have_humansorganisms_caused_an_increase_on_the/
{ "a_id": [ "dpd27to", "dpd2i18" ], "score": [ 8, 42 ], "text": [ "The Earth (and everything on it) has not really increased in mass, other than meteorites coming in and lighter gases going out.\n\nYes, there is a lot more people, animals and plants than in the beginning. That's life, basi...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2ho1ys
why in most us universities do they make you share a room with a roomate?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ho1ys/eli5_why_in_most_us_universities_do_they_make_you/
{ "a_id": [ "ckuf3wz", "ckuf7se", "ckufte0", "ckufxxn", "ckufyen" ], "score": [ 13, 8, 2, 2, 4 ], "text": [ "It's cheaper, and uses less space. I'm getting shafted enough already on rent in this two-person dorm room, I can't imagine what it would cost for everyone t...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
9ed2cb
Possibly the defining characteristic of Julius Caesar's legendary status as a general was the speed with which his army was able to operate- what accounted for this? What was he doing that other Roman generals weren't? Do we know how he was able to pull this off?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/9ed2cb/possibly_the_defining_characteristic_of_julius/
{ "a_id": [ "e5o6cst", "e5o7foq" ], "score": [ 60, 22 ], "text": [ "This has been asked before:\n\n_URL_0_", "Refer this [earlier thread](_URL_0_)\n\nExcerpt from /u/Teizke : \n\n > He was in fact a believer in *forced/loaded marches* as seen in his campaigns mainly in gaul. He was ab...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/2zre9o/how_did_caesar_move_his_troops_so_quickly/" ], [ "https://np.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/2zre9o/how_did_caesar_move_his_troops_so_quickly/" ] ]
6d355p
why is devil's food cake not just called devil's cake?
I understand the name refers to the texture and decadence of the type of cake but why does the name include the word "food" if it's cake?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6d355p/eli5_why_is_devils_food_cake_not_just_called/
{ "a_id": [ "dhzhknx" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "there's two kinds of cake. \n\nthe first one along was called \"[angel food cake](_URL_0_)\". \n\n\nthen someone added chocolate to it, and made it into \"[devils food cake](_URL_1_)\". \n\n\nbecause the second one was \"devilishly good\"\n" ] ...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://allrecipes.com/recipe/7324/angel-food-cake-i/", "http://allrecipes.com/recipe/25570/devils-food-cake-ii/" ] ]
2iovsy
why does alaska have so many lakes?
I was looking at a map of alaska, near Alpine Alaska, and I noticed tons and tons of small lakes. Why are there so many up there?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2iovsy/eli5_why_does_alaska_have_so_many_lakes/
{ "a_id": [ "cl42dlr" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Glaciers receded during the ice age and tore up the land. Check out what most of the Canadian landscape looks like vs the lower 48 for a clearer example. Tons of tiny (and not so tiny) lakes everywhere. " ] }
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[ [] ]
ttvlj
Ancient Rome, Marriage, Sex
I recently have discovered the huge differences between Roman norms and modern Western norms for sexuality. There were a few discrepancies I could not find the answers to for the Principate era, once I explain what I think I know. Everything in Roman society came to *virility*, in the sense that a man (*vir*) had to b...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/ttvlj/ancient_rome_marriage_sex/
{ "a_id": [ "c4ptdho", "c4ptz3k", "c4pu07v", "c4pz8st" ], "score": [ 11, 12, 6, 2 ], "text": [ "I'm actually a little skeptical about how much different their sexual norms were. For example, many say that sex between men and boys was acceptable but there's a scene in The Sa...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://dspace.library.uvic.ca:8080/bitstream/handle/1828/3341/Staging%20Morality.pdf?sequence=1", "http://books.google.de/books?id=Ejwhh6cXwoQC&pg=PA136&dq=augustus+moral+legislation&hl=en&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=augustus%20moral%20legislation&f=false" ], [] ]
ae80ed
Is there any consensus among historians on why Britain, in particular, became the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/ae80ed/is_there_any_consensus_among_historians_on_why/
{ "a_id": [ "edp2n6p" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "This is a difficult question and my reasoning could be subjective in many aspects, I will cite my sources to justify my reasoning. For the industrial revolution to occur, people such as land and business owners had to be incentivised to invest in...
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[]
[ [ "http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/empire_seapower/agricultural_revolution_01.shtml", "https://about-britain.com/tourism/main-cities.htm", "http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/tull_jethro.shtml", "https://cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com/sites.northwestern.edu/dist/3/1222/files/2016/06/The-Indus...
1gs16v
what are farm subsidies and how do they work?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1gs16v/eli5_what_are_farm_subsidies_and_how_do_they_work/
{ "a_id": [ "can8zsd", "can94g6", "can94id", "canbbxf", "cancb4u", "cand43p", "canf9ki", "canfjyb", "canfz6o" ], "score": [ 7, 9, 193, 2, 2, 4, 2, 4, 4 ], "text": [ "Farmers get government payments for planting a crop, or for not plan...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "http://mises.org/books/economics_in_one_lesson_hazlitt.pdf" ], [], [], [], [], [] ]
7dtsbs
Do we know anything about siege weapons and siege warfare in Native American societies?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/7dtsbs/do_we_know_anything_about_siege_weapons_and_siege/
{ "a_id": [ "dq0hkvd" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "While waiting for further comments, check out [this earlier thread](_URL_0_) on warfare and sieges in the New World." ] }
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3g8fp5/do_we_know_anything_of_large_scale_native/" ] ]
15kbey
How long would it take for Earth's orbit to be affected if the sun were to suddenly blink out?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/15kbey/how_long_would_it_take_for_earths_orbit_to_be/
{ "a_id": [ "c7n7odk", "c7n7wse" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Approx the same time as us finding the lights going out, as gravity (they now say) travels the speed of light. I think this is about 8 minutes. ", "The effect of gravity does travel at the speed of light, so the earth wo...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
78v14a
What is the biochemical mechanism by which smoking reduces bone density?
Is it the increase in blood CO2, a result of cellular interactions with nicotine, a secondary effect of pulmonary damage, or what? And what about the other effects of smoking, aside from the more obvious ones like carcinogenesis and respiratory system stress?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/78v14a/what_is_the_biochemical_mechanism_by_which/
{ "a_id": [ "doy6wq8" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "From the national institute of health, \"Analyzing the impact of cigarette smoking on bone health is complicated. It is hard to determine whether a decrease in bone density is due to smoking itself or to other risk factors common among smokers. F...
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[]
[ [] ]
3e1c20
Do human skeletons retain their death pose?
We see it in the movies all the time, especially when there is pirate treasure, or ancient Egyptian tombs being opened: a skeleton of some poor unfortunate who died trying to get the treasure. The skeleton is typically intact, somehow maintaining the pose they died in. Then the ingenue touches it, and it collapses. ...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/3e1c20/do_human_skeletons_retain_their_death_pose/
{ "a_id": [ "ctazzmz" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Rigor mortis would likely change the position, and as tendons dry up they would pull the skeletal structure into different positions; you've almost certainly seen this in fossil imprints where a creature's head is bent backwards. Consider [this](...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://i.imgur.com/7UCbmep.jpg" ] ]
6aqv5h
why do media organizations ask for user permission before sharing submitted content from twitter but not reddit?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6aqv5h/eli5_why_do_media_organizations_ask_for_user/
{ "a_id": [ "dhgrem0" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "If you submit a link to Reddit, it's from an external source/site. Just because you shared it doesn't mean it's yours so there is no reason to ask permission from anyone on Reddit. You'd ask the owner of the original source of the link.\n\nText p...
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[ [] ]
6aceth
A good source for causes WWI?
Hi, Looking for a good source (preferably a podcast as I have a hard time concentrating on reading) for the causes, course, and results of WWI.
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/6aceth/a_good_source_for_causes_wwi/
{ "a_id": [ "dhdh0n0" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Definitely make sure to check out the /r/AskHistorians Booklist, [which has an extensive section on this!](_URL_0_) If you find yourself better suited to listening, many of those books should be available as Audiobooks." ] }
[]
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[ [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/wiki/books/wwi" ] ]
1lps7x
How did the vacation practices of Western Europeans differ from Eastern Europeans during the Cold War?
Did they visit other communist countries, visit non-communist countries, go camping, etc.?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1lps7x/how_did_the_vacation_practices_of_western/
{ "a_id": [ "cc1p4fz", "cc1s4y9" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Not sure about the rest of Eastern Europe, but in the Soviet Union, you couldn't easily travel abroad without a special permission or a work assignment. Especially to non-communist countries. However the USSR was a large eno...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
q0sgr
the difference between gaelic, welsh, breton, and manx
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/q0sgr/eli5_the_difference_between_gaelic_welsh_breton/
{ "a_id": [ "c3truwz", "c3twg11" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "Since you are five, let's pretend that English, [Gibberish the language game](_URL_1_), and Pig Latin were all languages you knew. They are all pretty closely related, but you can pretty much immediately understand Pig Latin...
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[]
[ [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GT_HROSuI90", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gibberish_%28language_game%29" ], [] ]
tk2gy
Why do pigeons walk the way they do?
I would think its their bone structure and connections from the neck and feet but what's the real reason?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/tk2gy/why_do_pigeons_walk_the_way_they_do/
{ "a_id": [ "c4nbbzn" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "[The head bob allows them to hold their head still (relative to their surroundings\\) for as much time as possible](_URL_0_). This probably makes them better able to observe their surroundings. " ] }
[]
[]
[ [ "http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/peterwedderburn/100000937/why-do-hens-and-pigeons-walk-with-bobbing-heads/" ] ]
28c5sj
how come native americans never built empires like cultures on other continents?
South America had Incas and Mayans. Asia had Mongols and the Chinese Dynasties but, North America never had great cities or monuments.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/28c5sj/eli5_how_come_native_americans_never_built/
{ "a_id": [ "ci9i195", "ci9i2b2", "ci9i923", "ci9j9bn", "ci9kjqm", "ci9mdos" ], "score": [ 3, 7, 5, 5, 3, 6 ], "text": [ "See also, [The mound builders](_URL_0_)", "Near St Louis is Cahokia. There are Mounds several stories high that were built by a larg...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mound_Builders" ], [ "http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cahokia" ], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_pre-Columbian_cultures#Northern_America" ], [], [] ]
j0ktm
In evolution, why do certain traits develop that seem helpful but not essential to survival?
For instance, I'm Arab and I have pretty thick eyebrows. I'm sure this is due to the heat in the Middle East and essentially is a way to keep sweat out of my eyes. Now this trait is very helpful but doesn't seem essential to survival. Why would people with thinner eyebrows (that get sweat in there eyes) die off? It ...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/j0ktm/in_evolution_why_do_certain_traits_develop_that/
{ "a_id": [ "c285ih8", "c286da5", "c286eem", "c286huj", "c287huo", "c287nl5" ], "score": [ 8, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "It can sometimes be deeper than this.\n\nFor example Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disorder that shortens life span significantly. Why t...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
7wl1ae
When the brain receives a nerve signal from the skin, how does it differentiate between a heat signal, a cold signal, a pain signal, a pressure signal etc?
Is it "code-based", like different levels/durations of charge? Is it "structure-based", like the pain-detecting nerves are connected to a pain-detecting piece of brain? Or something else entirely?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/7wl1ae/when_the_brain_receives_a_nerve_signal_from_the/
{ "a_id": [ "du17yya", "du1as2o", "du1jsmh", "du1pu7e" ], "score": [ 23, 76, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "It is in part structure- and code-based. In addition, it is also signal-based. Below is a rather simplistic description of what goes on without discussing how it happens. May be ...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
qnbjl
Skim, 1%, 2%, whole milk? Soy milk? Almond milk? Coconut milk? Nutritionally speaking, what's the best kind of milk to drink?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/qnbjl/skim_1_2_whole_milk_soy_milk_almond_milk_coconut/
{ "a_id": [ "c3yy7d1", "c3yybn5", "c3yyhc5", "c3yyir8", "c3yylxa", "c3yymtn", "c3yz06z", "c3yzcvx", "c3yzub7" ], "score": [ 6, 13, 11, 10, 24, 6, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Are we talking about long-term health or general nutrition? Steroi...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beef_hormone_controversy" ], [], [ "http://pcrm.org/search/?cid=1021", "http://pcrm.org/search/?cid=993", "http://pcrm.org/search/?cid=157" ], [], [], [ "http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/pyramid/", "http://media.nut...
nkfoc
Is the lack of snow in North America an effect of Global Warming?
Recently' there has been a major lack of snow in the United States. Just a simple question is that is this a effect of global warming? EDIT: I did mean effect. Sorry.
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/nkfoc/is_the_lack_of_snow_in_north_america_an_effect_of/
{ "a_id": [ "c39sm2b", "c39sm8r", "c39sohu", "c39w5us", "c39sm2b", "c39sm8r", "c39sohu", "c39w5us" ], "score": [ 8, 2, 3, 2, 8, 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Two things.\n\n1) The lack of snow, if anything, would be a symptom of global warming not a ...
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[]
[ [], [], [ "http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/analysis_monitoring/enso_advisory/ensodisc.html" ], [], [], [], [ "http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/analysis_monitoring/enso_advisory/ensodisc.html" ], [] ]
2805yu
How big is the area of sky we look at during the day?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/2805yu/how_big_is_the_area_of_sky_we_look_at_during_the/
{ "a_id": [ "ci65cru" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "**It depends on your height and how far into the sky you are looking.** I assume you mean \"Due to the atmosphere we can only look so far\", this I'll not be able to clarify for you. Part of your question can be answered with math though. \n\n\nI...
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[]
[ [ "http://www.calculatorsoup.com/calculators/geometry-solids/sphere.php", "http://www.universetoday.com/48919/distance-to-the-center-of-the-earth/", "http://www.csgnetwork.com/righttricalc.html", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_radius", "http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/01...
2sliik
If humans can see ants at our current sizes, would we be able to see germs, cells, etc. if we were ant size?
Saw [this](_URL_1_) posted by u/dudelikeshismusic in [this thread](_URL_0_) and I was curious if it was possible for ants (or ant sized humans) to see cells, or cell nuclei or other really small/microscopic things that we normally cannot see. Not sure if this is the right section of r/askscience but I figured it was t...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/2sliik/if_humans_can_see_ants_at_our_current_sizes_would/
{ "a_id": [ "cnqvxv4", "cnqzuzq" ], "score": [ 5, 8 ], "text": [ "Yes, but they can see only slightly smaller objects than we can. Camera resolution is limited by the [aperture diameter](_URL_0_). The bigger the aperture the better angular resolution. That's why astronomers like huge teles...
[]
[ "http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/2skk1s/what_fact_about_the_universe_blows_your_mind_the/", "http://htwins.net/scale2/" ]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airy_disk" ], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angular_resolution" ] ]
1lf2aq
why is it illegal to use milk crates for other things aside milk?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1lf2aq/eli5_why_is_it_illegal_to_use_milk_crates_for/
{ "a_id": [ "cbyksht" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "I didnt know that. At my job we go into the dairy cooler and grab milk crates for other purposes every day." ] }
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[ [] ]
3lgsem
What is the evolutionary advantage of the poppy plant to produce morphine?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/3lgsem/what_is_the_evolutionary_advantage_of_the_poppy/
{ "a_id": [ "cv66oxw" ], "score": [ 31 ], "text": [ "Alkaloids like morphine, nicotine, caffeine, and many more act as [insecticides](_URL_0_) for the plant in nature. Their effects on us are a bit of a natural accident." ] }
[]
[]
[ [ "http://mentalfloss.com/article/55372/addictive-drugs-are-actually-pesticides" ] ]
6fpibt
why do companies pay ceo's so much money?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6fpibt/eli5_why_do_companies_pay_ceos_so_much_money/
{ "a_id": [ "dik26bt" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "1) CEOs spend a lot of time working, so they need to be compensated. They are held responsible for the company, so 24/7 they are on the hook and often answer calls in the middle of the night, skip weddings and kid's soccer games, and don't have m...
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[ [] ]
tqswh
Could a diamond be considered a massive molecule?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/tqswh/could_a_diamond_be_considered_a_massive_molecule/
{ "a_id": [ "c4oxmyb", "c4oy0xc" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "I's technically not considered a massive molecule, as it doesn't have an identifyable shape or size. They tend to be better described by how other crystalline structures form: in \"cells\" that are repeating patterns of with...
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[ [], [] ]
ccfg05
so what exactly is the connection between nazism and the composer richard wagner?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ccfg05/eli5_so_what_exactly_is_the_connection_between/
{ "a_id": [ "etmhm30", "etmi00w" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "Wagner wasn’t a Nazi, because he died in 1883, before Hitler was even born. But in his time, Wagner was a virulent anti-Semite. \n\nHitler and the Nazi Party loved Wagner, however, and the composer and his beliefs conflated ...
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[]
[ [ "http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20130509-is-wagners-nazi-stigma-fair" ], [] ]
7lmn7m
Do we know exactly what would've been hit had the cold war gone hot?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/7lmn7m/do_we_know_exactly_what_wouldve_been_hit_had_the/
{ "a_id": [ "dro2836" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Not exactly. First of all, the targets, strategies, and capabilities varied by time period. So the answer for 1962 is not going to be the same for 1983, for example. Second, the exact targets have tended to be classified. Occasionally there are w...
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[]
[ [ "http://blog.nuclearsecrecy.com/2016/05/09/mapping-us-nuclear-war-plan-1956/" ] ]
no123
why does certain bacteria cause food poisoning that makes you expel basically everything in your digestive system?
How does bacteria cause that to happen? I just can't seem to grasp the concept. I have had food poisoning a couple times, but I can't seem to understand how just bacteria can cause that powerful of a reaction.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/no123/eli5_why_does_certain_bacteria_cause_food/
{ "a_id": [ "c3al4x1", "c3al4x1" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Some bacteria, as a byproduct of their metabolism, produce a toxin. This toxin and its source, when detected by our bodies is *gotten rid of* as quickly as possible via explosive bowel movements. ", "Some bacteria, as a ...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
ch8plg
Where would you have to be standing on Earth such that you were furthest away from the Earths centre?
[deleted]
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/ch8plg/where_would_you_have_to_be_standing_on_earth_such/
{ "a_id": [ "eusc03g" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "The summit of [Chimborazo](_URL_0_), Ecuador." ] }
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chimborazo" ] ]
39o6fq
why is identifying as another gender ok but identifying as another race crazy?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/39o6fq/eli5_why_is_identifying_as_another_gender_ok_but/
{ "a_id": [ "cs502md", "cs5087d" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "_URL_0_\n\n_URL_1_\n\n_URL_3_\n\n_URL_2_\n\n", "Duplicate of other posts\n\n_URL_0_\n\n_URL_1_\n\n_URL_3_\n\n_URL_2_\n" ] }
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/21pfov/eli5_if_people_can_determine_their_own_gender/", "http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/39nsxd/eli5_why_is_rachel_dolezal_identifying_as_black/", "http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/38g7kf/eli5_how_come_transgender...
1y2tl6
What force balances gravity when I spin a belt/cord/rope above my head in a circular motion?
Why does the belt/cord/rope's end remain horizontal despite gravity?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1y2tl6/what_force_balances_gravity_when_i_spin_a/
{ "a_id": [ "cfgwr27", "cfh3rjd" ], "score": [ 7, 2 ], "text": [ "Good question. This is a problem often addressed in a first year mechanics class. It is the tension in the string which balances the force of gravity, and that tension is determined by the string's weight and how fast the st...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
b2qiec
why objects smaller than the wavelength of visible light can't be seen by a regular microscope
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/b2qiec/eli5_why_objects_smaller_than_the_wavelength_of/
{ "a_id": [ "eiuq2o9" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "Imagine that you are tasked with building a realistic statue of a man. The only materials allowed are Legos. Done well, the statue will look fairly realistic. Now, build the same statue with concrete blocks. Can it even resemble a man? No, the pi...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2qax14
how do they count all those bees when news headlines say 37 billion dead bees?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2qax14/eli5_how_do_they_count_all_those_bees_when_news/
{ "a_id": [ "cn4g2zz", "cn4insg" ], "score": [ 7, 3 ], "text": [ "They send people out to count them all\n\nJust playing, Basically, they (whoever released the information) judge how many bees died by what they know about bees, and what they can observe. Bees act a certain way, weigh aroun...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
98k741
Do magnetic and/or electric field have any influence on time and space?
According to Einstein, gravity has influence on space and time. Does magnetic field have influence on time and space? Does electric field have influence on time and space?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/98k741/do_magnetic_andor_electric_field_have_any/
{ "a_id": [ "e4gp2bj", "e4gq7lg", "e4guroa" ], "score": [ 42, 117, 17 ], "text": [ "Yes, all energy contributes to the stress-energy tensor and the curvature of space-time so that includes energy in the electric and magnetic fields", "As other people have pointed out, the answe...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four-momentum", "http://users.wfu.edu/ecarlson/modern/index.html", "http://users.wfu.edu/ecarlson/modern/gr.pdf", "https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/do-electric-charges-and-m/" ] ]
jxbn3
Can rocks evaporate?
I think of rocks as if they're pieces of ice of a different composition. When they melt they turn to lava...but can they turn to a gas state? Thank you, everyone.
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/jxbn3/can_rocks_evaporate/
{ "a_id": [ "c2fvcj5", "c2fvcnd", "c2fvj5z", "c2fvcj5", "c2fvcnd", "c2fvj5z" ], "score": [ 4, 3, 5, 4, 3, 5 ], "text": [ "Technically when rocks melt (as in a volcano) they become magma (underground) and only lava when it reaches the surface.\n\nTo vaporize ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://sciencefilm.de/detail.php?rubrik=%&id=220016&lang=en&q=&qrubrik=" ], [], [], [ "http://sciencefilm.de/detail.php?rubrik=%&id=220016&lang=en&q=&qrubrik=" ] ]
j1lr1
Is there significant risk of infection from fecal bacteria if there is an open cut on the anus?
Logically I want to say yes, but experience would seem to prove the opposite.
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/j1lr1/is_there_significant_risk_of_infection_from_fecal/
{ "a_id": [ "c28e4o9", "c28eda7", "c28edwh", "c28esnv", "c28fluk", "c28fxm6", "c28gk4c" ], "score": [ 22, 14, 8, 37, 3, 2, 5 ], "text": [ "This sounds like something you should see a doctor about.", "Yes. There is increased risk of infection anyw...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2710774/?tool=pubmed", "http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9195814", "http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0140673603124890#SECX6", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anal_fissure#Causes" ], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/w...
71qz7l
Did dinosaurs, like reptiles of today, molt or shed their skin?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/71qz7l/did_dinosaurs_like_reptiles_of_today_molt_or_shed/
{ "a_id": [ "dndass1", "dndzdpt" ], "score": [ 6, 5 ], "text": [ "It depends on the dominant integument (body covering) of the dinosaur in question. \n\n**Feathers:** There is good evidence to indicate that feathered theropods with pennaceous (vaned) feathers molted as they grew, much in t...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1469-7580.2008.01041.x/abstract", "http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jez.b.22514/full", "http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v468/n7320/full/nature09480.html?foxtrotcallback=true", "http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0195667115...
1a48vy
Ants and bees have queens that are physically very different and serve very different roles than the rest of their group...how genetically different are they?
Do all female ants have unactivated genes that can cause them to become queens?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1a48vy/ants_and_bees_have_queens_that_are_physically/
{ "a_id": [ "c8txkdw", "c8ty48p" ], "score": [ 3, 18 ], "text": [ "It is how they are treated and fed during development. They have the full set of genes, unlike the drones, but they are not genetically different from their sisters.\n\n\n", "Queens are genetically identical to their si...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v473/n7348/full/nature10093.html" ] ]
62a2u4
how do countries divide payments for sending mail by post?
Let's say I'm in Canada and want to send a letter to someone in Australia. I buy correct postage in Canadian stamps and send it on its way. How does Australia get its share of the money from the stamps to deliver the mail on their end? Both Canadian and Australian postal workers need to get payed. How are the costs spl...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/62a2u4/eli5_how_do_countries_divide_payments_for_sending/
{ "a_id": [ "dflsdxo" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "They are not, as the countries themself have little to do with it (unless we are dealing with state-postal-service - but they usually are still another entity).\n\nLets stay within your canada- > australia example.\n\nYou buy stamps from the Ca...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Post_Corporation" ] ]
cfsisu
why do cucumbers taste so mild while you're eating them, but taste so strongly when you burp afterward?
It's all I can taste when I burp for hours after eating a cucumber!
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cfsisu/eli5_why_do_cucumbers_taste_so_mild_while_youre/
{ "a_id": [ "euc6nim" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "It's the cucurbitacin in them. It's a chemical that they have to help prevent certain animals from eating them (too much and there wouldn't be any to make more-hey nature!)\n\nIt's mostly in the stem end so if you don't eat that part it will cut ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
ns3vc
how do password hashes work?
How do password hashes work? How can there be a 'one way function? ' It doesn't make sense to me. Why can't someone look at exactly what we should done to convert something to a hash and then do the same process backwards? Also, what's to stop someone from essential 'brute-forcing' hashes by starting with a and goi...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ns3vc/eli5_how_do_password_hashes_work/
{ "a_id": [ "c3bi3o1", "c3biffn", "c3bi3o1", "c3biffn" ], "score": [ 6, 2, 6, 2 ], "text": [ " > Also, what's to stop someone from essential 'brute-forcing' hashes by starting with a and going through all the alpha-numerical symbols for 12 characters or so, and then have a ...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.openwall.com/phpass/", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainbow_table", "http://www.md5rainbow.com/2ab96390c7dbe3439de74d0c9b0b1767", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salt_\\(cryptography\\)" ], [], [ "http://www.openwall.com/phpass/", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainbow_tabl...
3j17ec
In WWII were there any reports of either military or civilian injuries or deaths caused by anti-aircraft weaponry, or any type of air based weaponry, missing a target and falling back to the ground?
When I watch documentaries on WWII bombing raids or even patrol missions they always talk about the unimaginable amount of ammunition shooting upwards at the planes. Did any of that ever fall back and hit people? Even in dogfights things like shell casings or debris from hit planes causing injuries?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3j17ec/in_wwii_were_there_any_reports_of_either_military/
{ "a_id": [ "culg09k" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "hi! there's always room for more input on this, but you'll be interested in several previous posts on the impacts of anti-aircraft weapons and dogfights...\n\nAnti-aircraft\n\n* [What happened to all the stray bullets fired in the skies during WW...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3egffb/are_there_any_statistics_regarding_ww2_flak_as_a/", "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3ha9f8/how_dangerous_was_ww2_antiaircraft_fire_to_people/", "http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/211nhd/i_imagine_dogfighting_between_...
55s4wh
airport economics
I have no idea how it works... Do airlines pay airports to run flights there? - or vice versa? Does any of my flight ticket$ go to the airport? Where exactly are the airplanes kept and how is that paid for? How are terminal slots distributed to airlines? In general looking for a good synopsis of the economic interacti...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/55s4wh/eli5_airport_economics/
{ "a_id": [ "d8d805g", "d8d9ot3" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "Couple things:\n\n- Retail space. Airports generate a ton of money from retail. Renting space to specific stores/shops, selling products directly, etc. I would not be shocked to learn that franchise set ups inside airports ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Oe8T3AvydU#t=38" ] ]
40wi4d
the falcon9 landing. why is it cool? what does it get us closer to doing?
Yah. What direction is it a step in? What kinds of things can it lead to in 5-10 years.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/40wi4d/eli5_the_falcon9_landing_why_is_it_cool_what_does/
{ "a_id": [ "cyxo4x1" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "As you can probably imagine, one of the most expensive aspects of space travel is building a rocket to get there. SpaceX has been working to make re-usable rocket technology at an unprecedented scale, and the Falcon 9 landing tests are part of th...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
fkvcg5
why do some noises produce a physical reaction in people?
When I hear scratching on a blackboard or polystyrene it gives me chills. Why does this happen?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fkvcg5/eli5_why_do_some_noises_produce_a_physical/
{ "a_id": [ "fkv56mb" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "Well, your body reacts to sounds by using your brain to resurface earlier instincts. For example, sudden high pitched sounds (such as writing on a chalkboard) will make you feel stressful and \"wriggly\" because your primal brain tells you to run...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
abiy0x
how does putting food in hot oil fry it (like, how does the actual frying process happen)? also, what are those bubbles, is it water that leaves the food due to the high temperature or something else?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/abiy0x/eli5_how_does_putting_food_in_hot_oil_fry_it_like/
{ "a_id": [ "ed0ozm2" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Oil is active as a heat stabilizer and heat transfer fluid. As the oil heats various components begin to break down or evaporate (boiling does this rapidly). This takes energy and holds the temperature relatively even as the oil evaporates or s...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
22kmi5
Was lacrosse really used to settle national disputes? Are there other examples of sports settling national disputes?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/22kmi5/was_lacrosse_really_used_to_settle_national/
{ "a_id": [ "cgo5di5" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "There are a lot of lacrosse-related metaphors regarding warfare, and warfare-related metaphors regarding lacrosse. Many of the preparations undertaken by ball players have close or identical analogues among wartime preparations. The association b...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://books.google.com/books?id=ySIIyex5nboC", "http://books.google.com/books?id=qdrsAAAAIAAJ" ] ]
18bpu5
Why do we only look for radio waves in SETI research?
The recent Kepler telescope search of 86 exoplanet systems came up with nothing. It seems to me that it is just as likely that an alien intelligence might, due to completely different sensory organs, invent an entirely different way of communicating that we have. If an alien species evolved without the ability to detec...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/18bpu5/why_do_we_only_look_for_radio_waves_in_seti/
{ "a_id": [ "c8de883", "c8dezpy", "c8dfi5b", "c8dki6a", "c8dnhdf" ], "score": [ 12, 5, 3, 6, 3 ], "text": [ "We assume that life is like us, because we have to. We're aware that life could take any form we can or can't imagine, but we don't know how to look for life...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.wired.com/underwire/2012/11/storyboard-seti-geoff-marcy/" ] ]
2jnc3p
How did the Mexica (aka Aztecs) deal with the umbilical cord after birth? Was there any cultural significance attached to it or was it merely disposed of?
I wanted to do the question for Mesoamerica, but alas our rules say no. And with the recent trend of medical related questions associated with the Mexica I thought I'd add another.
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/2jnc3p/how_did_the_mexica_aka_aztecs_deal_with_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cldd0ce" ], "score": [ 88 ], "text": [ "Aztec births were a highly ritualized affair involving spirituality and midwifery. When the umbilical cord was removed it was preserved and when a son reached adulthood he would bring his to a battle field and bury it. A daughter would bury hers...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.wdl.org/en/item/10096/" ] ]
bu12d9
Interested in the Three Kingdoms
Hey so I'm wondering what would be the best material or something of value to know more about the Three Kingdoms of 14th-Century China. After Total War Three Kingdoms came out, and replaying my guilty pleasure Dynasty Warriors 4, I realize I don't have firm understanding of ancient Chinese history. I just want to try t...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/bu12d9/interested_in_the_three_kingdoms/
{ "a_id": [ "ep5t8m8", "ep5uxpu" ], "score": [ 6, 6 ], "text": [ "I would suggest you read (assuming your an English speaker) the book itself! There are many translations available, the one I read was the translation by [Robert Moss](_URL_0_). Also there is the actual historical text that...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.amazon.com/Three-Kingdoms-Chinese-Classics-Volumes/dp/7119005901/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=three+kingdoms+robert+moss&qid=1559060470&s=gateway&sr=8-2" ], [] ]
29wzwf
What were preparations like in the dsys/hours/minutes before an attack on a castle or city back in medieval times?
I originally asked this in ask history and got a good amount of upvotes, but no response. A user suggested I post it here. Where did people go, congregate. What defenses were raised, were people conscripted, etc.? Edit: Sorry for the typo.
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/29wzwf/what_were_preparations_like_in_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cipixt4" ], "score": [ 12 ], "text": [ "It's useful, I think, to first differentiate fortifications into three basic types. These are the fortified town, the baronial castle, and the ducal/royal castle. The three really only have in common the fact that they are fortified places of st...
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[ [] ]
8sip51
How did Rome get buried?
Hi guys. I went to Rome a while ago and some tour guides kept saying that, being surrounded by hills, Old Rome got buried by rain carrying sediment from the hills. So now most ruins are completely buried. How exactly did this take place gradually, though? I understand that after 2000 years that much would build up, but...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/8sip51/how_did_rome_get_buried/
{ "a_id": [ "e0zvm49" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "I didn't know /r/askhistorians did guides (I'd definitely hire some of the mods for private tours!) \n\nIt's definitely not a stupid question, how indeed does a city fall to ruin and get buried under the ground when people still occupy it?\n\n\nT...
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[]
[ [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/5g2xnx/after_the_roman_empire_collapsed_did_rome_become/", "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/17je7i/archeologists_are_always_digging_up_ancient_ruins/" ] ]
422bvb
what does it mean when a drug (cocaine, heroin) is cut?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/422bvb/eli5_what_does_it_mean_when_a_drug_cocaine_heroin/
{ "a_id": [ "cz71fti", "cz71gfw", "cz71gxh" ], "score": [ 6, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "It means it's been cut *with* something in order to stretch the supply. Kind of like if you have half a can of soda, and you fill it up with water. You now have a full can, but it's much weaker soda. An...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
uxkgp
Do castrated people lose their libido?
Since libido seems to be a testosterone/estrogen-based drive, does the dip in production eliminate a eunuch's sex drive?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/uxkgp/do_castrated_people_lose_their_libido/
{ "a_id": [ "c4zgg7m" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Yes. Your testicles are a driving force in testosterone production, which is key to having any sort of sex drive for males. Steroid users often use faux testosterone to get bigger, causing their body to stop making its own. So when they get off a...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3f3zyw
When will earth lose the moon?
The moon is moving away from the earth at a rate of 4 cm per year. How long before it escapes our orbit? What will happen to it then?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/3f3zyw/when_will_earth_lose_the_moon/
{ "a_id": [ "ctl99z4" ], "score": [ 27 ], "text": [ "We will not lose the Moon. It will recede as it exchanges energy with the Earth by slowing our rotation. Eventually the recession will stop when the Earth becomes tidally locked to the Moon and one side of the Earth will always face the Moon. \...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
agt8aj
why do so many older people who are otherwise competent struggle to use computer technology (such as copying and pasting or attaching a file to an email)?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/agt8aj/eli5why_do_so_many_older_people_who_are_otherwise/
{ "a_id": [ "ee8wjoa", "ee91id9", "ee94lp0" ], "score": [ 3, 19, 4 ], "text": [ "Something about technology scares them. It's so different than how things were when they were younger that they assume something horrible will happen if they do something wrong. They have heard so many...
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[]
[ [], [], [] ]
9ctn48
why do companies doing an ipo need to "secure $x billion from y investors" and need z investment companies to "sponsor" them?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9ctn48/eli5_why_do_companies_doing_an_ipo_need_to_secure/
{ "a_id": [ "e5d89bq", "e5dd43u", "e5djfag", "e5dl3ls" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "They are sponsors in that they have committed to pay at least some amount of money to buy shares of the company. If there was no secured funding, the private owners of the company ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
5f1yh5
why do some electronics not turn on while charging?
If it's not a full computer, it doesn't work while plugged in. My electric razor, an old mp3 player, my watch, even my battery powered vacuum. Why can't it work while it's charging, especially if it's already full and I just didn't bother unplugging it?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5f1yh5/eli5_why_do_some_electronics_not_turn_on_while/
{ "a_id": [ "dagtlyg", "dagvpqt" ], "score": [ 7, 2 ], "text": [ "Simply put, those things don't have a circuit that diverts power to the device as well as the battery. \n\nBatteries can't charge and discharge at the same time. When you plug something like your phone in, it has a circuit...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
18ulji
Why do things like glue, sticky notes and other adhesives like that become "unsticky" when it's cold?
Pretty much it. I know it has to do with bonds, but, why cold?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/18ulji/why_do_things_like_glue_sticky_notes_and_other/
{ "a_id": [ "c8i5xqp" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Most glues conform to the shape of whatever they are bonding to. If there are microscopic ridges on a surface the glue would fill them This increases surface area for chemical bonding and attraction which is the primary way the glue sticks.\n\nWh...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5oy5bb
why are sodas made with such strong acids?
I've read before that the reason that, for example, a can of Coke has ~46 grams of sugar is because if it had less, you wouldn't be able to taste the sweetness over the sour/bitter taste of phosphoric acid. So why are they made with such high concentrations of phosphoric and citric acid? What does that do for the ...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5oy5bb/eli5_why_are_sodas_made_with_such_strong_acids/
{ "a_id": [ "dcmyhh5" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "As far as I understand it, the do it to equalize the sweet taste of sugar. Now, you asked why they even add as much sugar in the first place.. sugar sells. Your body reacts to sugar well comparable to how it reacts to heroin, although significant...
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[]
[ [] ]
48c1ep
Besides Allied interception of Japanese plans throughout the Pacific theatre, what caused the demise of the Imperial Japanese Navy and its forces?
The Japanese appeared to have an impressive fleet throughout the war, with ships ranging from: * destroyer classes *Fubuki* (including the type 2/3 classes, *Ayanami* and *Akatsuki*) and *Akizuki* to the super-destroyer *Shimakaze* * cruiser classes such as the *Takao, Mogami, Tone* classes * battleship classes *Kon...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/48c1ep/besides_allied_interception_of_japanese_plans/
{ "a_id": [ "d0iigcr" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "Allied codebreaking and other SIGINT ultimately had relatively minor impact compared to the sheer quantitative, qualitative, and technological advantages that the US Navy had over the Japanese one. \n\nThe authors of Shattered Sword have a [cert...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.combinedfleet.com/economic.htm", "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/2ijyh8/what_kind_of_training_did_imperial_japanese_navy/cl2umdy", "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3gyzs2/osprey_publishing_pacific_war_megathread_contest/cu2vczy", "https://www.reddit.com...
x1jzq
how does one secure venture capital funding?
I don't have an idea or plans to do so, I'm just wondering how this process takes place normally. The information I found online seems to be hype.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/x1jzq/eli5_how_does_one_secure_venture_capital_funding/
{ "a_id": [ "c5ierev", "c5ixs1e" ], "score": [ 7, 2 ], "text": [ "Hype might not be the right word- but there is a significant preference to high-growth companies (usually young ones, since the maturity phase is relatively unlikely to lead to a high (risky) ROI-1). A mere business plan is ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
6sx80m
how can companies like amazon afford to price things at such low margins?
Its common to see things on Amazon for prices listed much lower than on their manufacturer's site. How can Amazon be so profitable with this mindset?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6sx80m/eli5_how_can_companies_like_amazon_afford_to/
{ "a_id": [ "dlg8dgk" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Amazon's margin is ~15%, it's not low. Really what you're seeing is that many manufacturers place their MSRP high enough that the moderate traffic mom and pop shop in a major city can sell it at MSRP and still make rent, and they can afford to ma...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://research.financial-projections.com/IndustryStats-GrossMargin.shtml" ] ]
2se5nw
why can't we use waste gas to create more energy?
So, everyone is complaining about how environmentally harmful power stations are because of their waste gas. Why don't we use those waste gases though? I don't really know how to explain what I mean to say since english is not my mother language but take a look at my [awesome paint image](_URL_0_) and you'll understand...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2se5nw/eli5_why_cant_we_use_waste_gas_to_create_more/
{ "a_id": [ "cnolgxs", "cnom4ky" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "The 'gas' emitted from power stations is the bi product of combustion of their fuel, which could be gas, coal, whatever. A hefty amount of that is water vapour.\n\nFor a gas to be able to turn a turbine then it has to be exp...
[]
[ "http://imgur.com/3MKIAFc" ]
[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat_recovery_steam_generator" ] ]
86gjhj
why are smartphones vertically oriented screens by default and design, yet all other forms of screens and displays are all designed horizontal?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/86gjhj/eli5_why_are_smartphones_vertically_oriented/
{ "a_id": [ "dw4vby2", "dw4vco4" ], "score": [ 10, 3 ], "text": [ "Have you ever tried holding your phone horizontally with one hand to use it?", "Smart phones go into people's hands and a vertically oriented screen is much easier to hold and operate than a horizontally oriented screen...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
210d62
Do Religious Scholars Take the Gospel of Judas Seriously?
When it was first translated and published, it made headlines, but now it's kind of disappeared. Do people still study it? Why hasn't it made a larger impact?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/210d62/do_religious_scholars_take_the_gospel_of_judas/
{ "a_id": [ "cg8hols", "cg8jwwd", "cg8nyy5" ], "score": [ 20, 8, 5 ], "text": [ "The Gospel of Judas gets a good deal of action in academic circles devoted to the study of ancient Christianity, as /u/anoldhope mentions. (Take a look around [JSTOR](_URL_2_) or [Google Scholar](_URL_...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.amazon.com/Lost-Christianities-Battles-Scripture-Faiths/dp/0195182499", "http://www.amazon.com/New-Testament-Combining-Traditional-Discovered-ebook/dp/B008LQ1B44", "http://www.jstor.org/action/doBasicSearch?Query=gospel+of+judas&acc=on&wc=on&fc=off", "http://scholar.google....
faqhp6
the difference between pressure and compression?
As I understand it fluid can't be compressed, but they can be pressurized. How is this possible? What's the difference? I get how a fluid can be pressuring a tank containing air. But what about, as an example, in a pump where there is no air?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/faqhp6/eli5_the_difference_between_pressure_and/
{ "a_id": [ "fizrald", "fizsbma", "fj0wq2h" ], "score": [ 10, 7, 2 ], "text": [ " > \tAs I understand it fluid can't be compressed\n\nAnd that is where you went wrong, any fluid can be compressed. Any material at all can be compressed of course.\n\nFluids are often said to be incom...
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[ [], [], [] ]
3wbe02
Did ancient people really get captured by marauding bands of slavers?
[deleted]
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3wbe02/did_ancient_people_really_get_captured_by/
{ "a_id": [ "cxv42wm" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Yes, certainly. If you want a good real-life version of the Gladiator scene we have Julius Caesar's capture by pirates. These pirates would capture people and sell them as slaves, often to rich Romans. \n\nHowever, if they happened to catch an im...
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[ [ "http://www.livius.org/sources/content/plutarch/plutarchs-caesar/caesar-and-the-pirates/" ] ]
6qr25h
how do other countries come to know if a nation has conducted a missile test?
Nuclear and non-nuclear.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6qr25h/eli5_how_do_other_countries_come_to_know_if_a/
{ "a_id": [ "dkzceum" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "In the case of North Korea, the US probably has a satellite pointed at the country 24/7 to detect missile launches. Maybe some other detection equipment based in Japan and South Korea too" ] }
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[ [] ]
679wce
Are there any examples of positive cooperation between the Soviet Union and the USA during the Cold War?
Many of us know about the many conflicts between the two great powers, from regional wars to the nuclear arms race to chess matches. But what about positive, cooperative moments... were there any?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/679wce/are_there_any_examples_of_positive_cooperation/
{ "a_id": [ "dgq6vc8" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "There was the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project that led to a joint US-Soviet space mission in 1975. ASTP's value in terms of scientific or engineering progress was extremely questionable, but it certainly qualifies as a \"positive, cooperative moment.\"...
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[ [] ]
5gt3dv
Is it known who shot down the plane that triggered the Rwandan genocide?
On April 6, 1994 a plane carrying Rwandan president, Juvénal Habyarimana and Burudian president, Cyprien Ntaryamira was shot down triggering the Rwandan genocide. I have read many conflicting accounts as to who is believed to have been responsible. I thought this was wrapped up after reading an article some years ag...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/5gt3dv/is_it_known_who_shot_down_the_plane_that/
{ "a_id": [ "dav2r4n" ], "score": [ 68 ], "text": [ "I asked a similar question a week ago! If I may ask a follow up question, why was it that so much of the world almost seemingly refused to get involved and even turned blind eye to the Rwandan Genocide? \n\nWhy did countries like the U.S. And Eu...
[]
[ "https://www.amazon.com/Silent-Accomplice-Frances-Rwandan-Genocide/dp/1780767722", "http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-16472013", "http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-37613315" ]
[ [] ]
4vedlc
What were ancient Roman parties like? Describe the most opulent/crazy one.
[deleted]
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/4vedlc/what_were_ancient_roman_parties_like_describe_the/
{ "a_id": [ "d5yqw2o" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "You should read the feast of Trimalchio. It's not about orgies and is more satire and mocking of the extravagance of Roman elites.\n\nIn this case it is mocking the faux sophistication of Trimalchio (a former slave who has now become quite wealth...
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[ [] ]
3za2p6
how do thermal optics pick up heat signatures from such large distances away?
Weapon sights, tanks, aircraft etc.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3za2p6/eli5_how_do_thermal_optics_pick_up_heat/
{ "a_id": [ "cykdy7p", "cyke9v3", "cykhl43", "cykjnu6", "cyklet1" ], "score": [ 10, 8, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "if i understand this correctly, its basically just shifting the infra red spectrum so it can be seen. (electronically, with a sensor and a screen)\n\n_URL_0_...
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[]
[ [ "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f1/EM_spectrum.svg/2000px-EM_spectrum.svg.png", "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjHJ7FmV0M4" ], [], [], [], [] ]
2mkma8
What were the attitudes of Orthodox Russian rulers towards the Crusades and the Crusaders?
I understand that the Russian Grand Princes of the 11th and 12th century had connections with the Byzantine Greeks, and that they interacted with Eastern European Catholics. I'm just curious as to the opinions of Russian Princes towards the crusades. Did they agree with the idea of a "Holy War" that the crusaders follo...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/2mkma8/what_were_the_attitudes_of_orthodox_russian/
{ "a_id": [ "cm58pm9" ], "score": [ 9 ], "text": [ "As a follow-up, how Christianized was late 11th century Russia? Was Orthodox Christianity the religion of the majority of people west of the Urals?" ] }
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[ [] ]
1mte1t
why do i feel depressed at random times for no reason?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1mte1t/eli5_why_do_i_feel_depressed_at_random_times_for/
{ "a_id": [ "cccfx2h" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "You have no history under this name. Are you male, female, have a family history of depression, etc? I don't think any one can say much about you specifically without more info. That and you should see a doctor as \"medical\"advice really should...
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[ [] ]
595k0n
why u.s. conservatives are so against abortion but generally the first to gripe about families with multiple children on welfare.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/595k0n/eli5_why_us_conservatives_are_so_against_abortion/
{ "a_id": [ "d95s0ka", "d95s9nx", "d95tjzj", "d95u85n", "d95ukdv", "d95v7ff", "d95wqc1" ], "score": [ 6, 13, 5, 2, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "It generally goes to a perception of responsibility. A key conservative principle is that people should be respon...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GklCBvS-eI" ] ]
acuypg
why do certain bugs and glitches appear on seemingly random occations in some programs?
What I mean is that there should be a trigger for such events. And if faults in the codes can appear at complete random, why?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/acuypg/eli5_why_do_certain_bugs_and_glitches_appear_on/
{ "a_id": [ "edb0dry", "edcx4wd" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "The dont appear at random, but after a series of events / when the game is brought inr a certain state that triggers the bug.\n\nGames and programs are made so complex these days, that its nearly impossible to test each and ...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
1p7kgy
Was the Isthar gate and it's surrounding walls ever used in defence under a siege?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1p7kgy/was_the_isthar_gate_and_its_surrounding_walls/
{ "a_id": [ "cd03uio" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "It depends on which Isthar gate you mean. Babylon had eight main gates, that were named after the closest temple to that gate. Babylon also fell to the Kassite and Assyrians after the time of Hammurabi, but be...
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[ [] ]
28jjzs
why is a drone strike considered invariably worse than an f-16 pilot dropping a 500lb jdam?
In the exact same situation, why do a lot of people believe drone strikes to be worse?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/28jjzs/eli5_why_is_a_drone_strike_considered_invariably/
{ "a_id": [ "cibiqpi", "cibirae", "cibl1pp", "cibolvy" ], "score": [ 7, 7, 10, 12 ], "text": [ "The more that people are removed from killing, the easier it is to lose ethical perspective. Currently, that doesn't seem to be an issue but imagine a world where drones had such...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
49rwo3
What is the Banach-Tarski paradox?
Re: _URL_0_ I don't understand the paradox here. Uncountable infinity divided by two equals uncountable infinity, that seems pretty obvious on the face of it. What makes this special?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/49rwo3/what_is_the_banachtarski_paradox/
{ "a_id": [ "d0uh7o8" ], "score": [ 51 ], "text": [ "Of course there exists a bijective function from the set of one sphere to the set of two spheres. That is, we can break up a sphere into uncountably many points, and rearrange the points into two sphere. So we're essentially forgetting everythin...
[]
[ "https://youtu.be/s86-Z-CbaHA" ]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-measurable_set", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Axiom_of_choice" ] ]
d992ms
Why did clock and watch makers decide on only 12 hours instead of 24? How did a 12 hour clock face become standard?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/d992ms/why_did_clock_and_watch_makers_decide_on_only_12/
{ "a_id": [ "f1ljr4n" ], "score": [ 52 ], "text": [ "It has to do with the cost of building clocks and clock towers. 12 hour clocks are cheaper.\n\nI explained it in some detail in this previous thread [here](_URL_0_)." ] }
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[ [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/a3xkuh/whats_the_historical_reason_for_am_and_pm/" ] ]
85e0he
To what extent did the Hittites make use of iron?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/85e0he/to_what_extent_did_the_hittites_make_use_of_iron/
{ "a_id": [ "dvxdgt3" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "Iron is first attested in Anatolia in the third millennium BCE. An iron dagger with trace amounts of nickel was found in the \"royal\" tombs of Alaça Höyük (ca. 2300 BCE). Iron is better known, however, from Old Assyrian texts (2000-1750 BCE). Du...
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[]
[ [ "KI.NE" ] ]
8fn4sv
How are mineral seedbeds created?
[deleted]
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/8fn4sv/how_are_mineral_seedbeds_created/
{ "a_id": [ "dy5im1i" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "A mineral seedbed is a growth medium that lacks significant amounts of organic matter.\n\nWildfire can create seedbeds like this by combusting all of the organic material out of topsoil, leaving behind a \"sterile\" mineral based layer for things...
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[ [] ]
1xjifh
who benefits from sending computer viruses out into the world?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1xjifh/eli5_who_benefits_from_sending_computer_viruses/
{ "a_id": [ "cfbwfuq", "cfbwht3", "cfc6ynq" ], "score": [ 9, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Depends on what it does.\n\nSome malware is designed to make the creator money. This includes things like the \"scareware\" programs that pop up, tell you that you have a virus and need to pay them $30 ...
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[]
[ [], [ "http://allinnetworks.com/blog/225-virus-writing-and-organized-crime.html" ], [] ]
2ccj9e
why does the milk at the grocery store expire in 1-2 weeks but the milk at fast food places are good for over one month?
I buy a gallon of milk at the grocery store and it expires within a few days to two weeks (if I am lucky to find one this far out). But, I just went through the drive-thru for lunch and this milk doesn't expire for over a month from today. Why?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ccj9e/eli5why_does_the_milk_at_the_grocery_store_expire/
{ "a_id": [ "cje3c6o" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "It's a different type of milk. You can get UHT milk/long life milk. It lasts longer and is fine for coffee etc but doesn't have the same taste as fresh milk. " ] }
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[ [] ]
1qo9jk
i've deeply cut my finger, what is my body's immediate response to this and what exactly is my skin, muscle and other tissues doing during the healing process?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1qo9jk/eli5_ive_deeply_cut_my_finger_what_is_my_bodys/
{ "a_id": [ "cdes3qn", "cdesegz" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Well, your immediate response is pain. The All severed blood vessels will constrict as much as possible to stop blood loss while other vessels proximal to the cut will expand, somewhat bypassing the affected area. \n\nDuring...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
2uwl6c
why is having netanyahu speak in washington so controversial?
Plenty of foreign leaders have spoken here. Why is this causing a fuss?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2uwl6c/eli5_why_is_having_netanyahu_speak_in_washington/
{ "a_id": [ "cocbvgx" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "I say this with a neutral point of view, not to make a point:\n\nThe Israel/Palestine conflict has led to a number of human rights issues and accusations of war crimes on both sides. Many people are opposed to the state of Israel's existence at ...
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[]
[ [] ]
a9pa3j
What sort of influence did the arrival of European settlers have on the style of warfare practiced in the Natal? What did Zulu military technique look like prior to contact?
I asked this some time back, a previous time Africa was a theme, and never got an answer so figured I've resurrect it. In any case, I certainly know little about Zulu warfare in the first place, and what I do is basically '19th century. My understanding is that their style of warfare underwent a veritable revolution u...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/a9pa3j/what_sort_of_influence_did_the_arrival_of/
{ "a_id": [ "ecmdphe" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "To answer your first question:\n\nGuns were present in Natal from the time Shaka Zulu created the Zulu Empire - Shaka even hired/conscripted very small numbers of Europeans with muskets to fight for him, although never in decisive or significant ...
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[ [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/a6es3u/how_powerful_were_the_zulus_militarily_did_they/" ] ]
4mrdvm
why do older phones (like sony ericsson) not start up without sim-card?
You could still play games or take photos. This may look like a double post, but automod messed with the first one after I failed to flair it in 60 seconds or so...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4mrdvm/eli5_why_do_older_phones_like_sony_ericsson_not/
{ "a_id": [ "d3xr78f" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "Older phones' main functions were provided over the cellular network. They used the SIM to make and receive calls and send and receive text messages. Older phones did not have the concept of WiFi or Apps used for something other than communicatin...
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[ [] ]
27nfmk
Why is it that there is a (approximately?) 50/50 chance of an offspring being male/female?
(Most likely grossly simplifying things here) The way I see it, there could be approximately 270 females to every male for the human species, assuming every male/female is fertile (9 months of gestation for a child, approximately 270 days, the male spends every day with a new female and hopefully impregnates her on tha...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/27nfmk/why_is_it_that_there_is_a_approximately_5050/
{ "a_id": [ "ci2jz4t", "ci2m2jj" ], "score": [ 23, 6 ], "text": [ "[Fisher's principle](_URL_0_):\n\nImagine there exists a population in which the majority of individuals born are female. In this case, it's in a female's long term reproductive advantage to produce male offspring, because ...
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[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fisher%27s_principle", "http://biorxiv.org/content/biorxiv/early/2014/05/22/005363.full.pdf" ], [] ]
2crybk
Why did Roosevelt issue so many more executive orders in comparison to other presidents?
According to [this graph](_URL_0_) posted in /r/dataisbeautiful the number of orders issued by Roosevelt is way higher than any other president to ever be in office. Why?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/2crybk/why_did_roosevelt_issue_so_many_more_executive/
{ "a_id": [ "cjijidd" ], "score": [ 21 ], "text": [ "First, Roosevelt was in office for 12 years, so the orange bars (number per year) is a more useful measure. And before FDR, executive orders weren't always tracked that carefully.\n\nSecond, a lot of the government regulatory agencies that we n...
[]
[ "http://i.imgur.com/2L3LZh6.png" ]
[ [ "http://www.forbes.com/sites/jimpowell/2014/01/30/how-president-obama-could-be-swept-away-with-his-executive-orders-that-defy-congress-and-the-courts/" ] ]
7sor51
Late medieval/early modern urban geography (?) - how was the population spread in a country in the 1500s?
Apologies if this has been asked before - part of my trouble researching this on my own is I'm not sure exactly how to search for it? Beyond the Domesday Book, which is much earlier than I'm curious about but still helpful, not sure where to look. Basically, I'm interested in a zoomed-out view of the distances and re...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/7sor51/late_medievalearly_modern_urban_geography_how_was/
{ "a_id": [ "dt6synt" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "RenlyWHW:\n\nThere are a lot of questions here, but here are a few notes that might help. \n\nFirst, England's population distribution from 1550-1700 was somewhat unusual for Europe, given that London vastly outstripped every other city in size (...
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[]
[ [ "https://www.geog.cam.ac.uk/research/projects/occupations/englandwales1379-1911/" ] ]
3lltto
why are computer not used in sports games? for balls/strikes/safe/outofbounds etc...
To elaborate... refs arnt 100% accurate, why not just use computer software to determime exactly if the player was out of bounds or not... this technology already exists in baseball for strikes and balls, whats the point of the umpire?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3lltto/eli5_why_are_computer_not_used_in_sports_games/
{ "a_id": [ "cv7anki", "cv7ao8x" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "It's mostly tradition, umpires don't want to be out of a job, and people in general don't like change. But there can also be a deeper meaning.\n\nTake racewalking as an example, an olympic event where one must move as fast a...
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[ [], [] ]