q_id stringlengths 5 6 | title stringlengths 3 296 | selftext stringlengths 0 34k | document stringclasses 1
value | subreddit stringclasses 1
value | url stringlengths 4 110 | answers dict | title_urls list | selftext_urls list | answers_urls list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
36kbrj | how does the usa freedom act differ from the usa patriot act? | And why do many senators argue we should have the new USA FREEDOM Act? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/36kbrj/eli5_how_does_the_usa_freedom_act_differ_from_the/ | {
"a_id": [
"crerlnn"
],
"score": [
12
],
"text": [
"USA FREEDOM Act actually legitimizes the warrantless data collection that is done by the NSA. There is a clause in it that allows the data collection after review by a secret government court. Guess how many times that court will disallow the da... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
6obqcn | how do they implode/destruct megastructures in large cities and confine the destruction to one area? | How do they pull this off without the building toppling over and destroying 4 buildings surrounding it? Like when tearing down skyscrapers in NYC, casinos in Las Vegas, etc., etc. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6obqcn/eli5_how_do_they_implodedestruct_megastructures/ | {
"a_id": [
"dkg539e"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"They do this by causing one part of the building to collapse at a different time than another. Watch a few implosion videos, you'll see the whole building kinda \"shift\" usually in one direction. If you blow the supporting columns at the left si... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
317k0g | what did the iraq war cost the us, and who's actually earning that money? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/317k0g/eli5_what_did_the_iraq_war_cost_the_us_and_whos/ | {
"a_id": [
"cpz1fvq"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"the producers of those machines and materials that were used. these are the private organizations that are refered to as \"the military industrial complex\". the producers make all the rifles, bullets, bombs, missiles, jets, ships, computer... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
1kf80p | when a scientist doesn't patent their discovery, why can't someone else? | After seeing plenty of posts about Jonas Salk, I was wondering what stopped somebody else from just stealing his vaccine, claiming it was theirs, and patenting it. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1kf80p/eli5_when_a_scientist_doesnt_patent_their/ | {
"a_id": [
"cbobqeb"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"One of the core requirements to receive a patent is that the patent most be novel (basically something new, unthought of before). Anything known to the public is not novel, and therefore is not patentable. It's the same thing that prevents peop... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
acpnyp | how does liquid like alcohol reach your liver / kidneys after it's in you'r stomatch. | I was wondering how alcohol and other liquids that influence your body make their way to the liver or to the kidney. Also what is the difference between the kidney and the liver. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/acpnyp/eli5_how_does_liquid_like_alcohol_reach_your/ | {
"a_id": [
"ed9svua",
"ed9t89d",
"ed9t8cb",
"ed9wjfq"
],
"score": [
2,
3,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"Stomach and intestines are surrounded by blood vessels. Digestion means getting the nutrients into the blood, which transports them to the liver where they are broken down into nu... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
5v4qyd | why do jeans and clothes feel tighter after being washed and dried? then after wearing why are they back to 'normal' fit? | Please let me know | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5v4qyd/eli5_why_do_jeans_and_clothes_feel_tighter_after/ | {
"a_id": [
"ddz7bsc"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"When you wet the strands (washing), they expand. When you let them dry, the contract. All you do when you wear them, is put the typical stretch the are used to back in."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
77m4w8 | how does sha-1 work? | Is there anyone who could possibly explain to me how does SHA-1 hashing algorithm work ? Explain like im 5 pls. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/77m4w8/eli5_how_does_sha1_work/ | {
"a_id": [
"donadah",
"doq4ewu"
],
"score": [
4,
2
],
"text": [
"SHA-1 is a block cypher, meaning that it breaks up a message into chunks that are 160 bits long, and scrambles them up according to a complicated formula. Then it repeats this process block-by-block on the rest of the messag... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SHA-1#Development"
],
[]
] | |
50qmtc | if a couple have a baby and the father is quite dark, the mother quite fair, how on earth does the baby end up being lighter skinned than the mother and father? | Just something I've been wondering for a long time. Never really understood the genetics part of this **(no racial discrimination intended here in this question)** But I'm much paler than my mother, who is quite pale herself, yet my biological father is very dark skinned. How on Earth did I end up paler than my parents... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/50qmtc/eli5_if_a_couple_have_a_baby_and_the_father_is/ | {
"a_id": [
"d766fm8",
"d76mjp0"
],
"score": [
10,
2
],
"text": [
"Genetics is fully weird.\n\nExactly what genes you get is basically random chance, and then there are a ton of factors that play into how the genes get expressed. So it's entirely possible that your father had some genes fo... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
5eqycn | how did they identify someone that was wanted for a crime before we had the tools we have today (fingerprints,dental records,etc. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5eqycn/eli5_how_did_they_identify_someone_that_was/ | {
"a_id": [
"daej4vi"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"A lot of times, quite frankly, they didn't. In medieval England, the beginnings of our modern jury system had their roots in bringing together a group of sworn men to testify before the sheriff or other royal official as to whether they felt anyo... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
3nsg92 | how do conspiracy theorists believe the government is involved in school shootings like roseburg and sandy hook? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3nsg92/eli5_how_do_conspiracy_theorists_believe_the/ | {
"a_id": [
"cvqvace",
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"cvqvfcf",
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"score": [
11,
4,
2,
2,
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],
"text": [
"from what I gather, they believe the government organizes them to drum up anti gun outrage to make the populace willfully disarm themselves so that it makes ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RMS_Lusitania#Sinking"
],
[],
[]
] | ||
7cc9k5 | why does alcohol make me flushed and hot? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7cc9k5/eli5_why_does_alcohol_make_me_flushed_and_hot/ | {
"a_id": [
"dpos41a",
"dpoxrcu"
],
"score": [
5,
5
],
"text": [
"Alcohol is a vasodilator which means it causes your blood vessels to widen somewhat. This also happens for the blood vessels that are close to your skin which releases heat that is felt by your skin. \n\n[Link](_URL_0_) ",
... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://www.livescience.com/55435-does-drinking-alcohol-warm-your-body.html"
],
[]
] | ||
1q4kz3 | why are airline tickets so expensive? is jet fuel really that costly? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1q4kz3/why_are_airline_tickets_so_expensive_is_jet_fuel/ | {
"a_id": [
"cd93eic",
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"score": [
59,
21,
16,
3,
12,
172,
7,
3,
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"text": [
"You are paying for m... | [] | [] | [
[],
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[],
[],
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[],
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"https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=RQv627Z1x1XP8M&tbnid=uxnYTVki_MTHsM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lboro.ac.uk%2Fgawc%2Frb%2Frb187.html&ei=GiN8UqjSGtLJsQTXqIGABQ&bvm=b... | ||
15p2e1 | nfl divisions, wildcards and playoff berths. | I somewhat understand the way things work but there are a few things Google doesn't really help with.
What does it mean when a team clinches a playoff berth and how is that different between division titles and wildcards?
And also I know what it means to win the division title, but how does winning a wildcard work? Is... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/15p2e1/eli5_nfl_divisions_wildcards_and_playoff_berths/ | {
"a_id": [
"c7oi5xk",
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"score": [
12,
2
],
"text": [
"Ok so the NFL is split into 2 different Conferences the AFC and NFC and in both of these conferences there are 4 divisions north south east and west. And in each conference there is 6 spots available for the playoffs and a ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"http://www.nfl.com/standings/tiebreakingprocedures"
]
] | |
2c8ggg | what is the difference between throwing biodegradable material in the garbage and putting it in the compost? | I mean, what would the be the advantage to putting a banana peel (or other biodegradable materials) in the compost to be picked up than to put the banana peel in the garbage where it will eventually decompose? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2c8ggg/eli5_what_is_the_difference_between_throwing/ | {
"a_id": [
"cjcxv5e",
"cjcxz84",
"cjcyxyz",
"cjczh7z",
"cjd0k6u"
],
"score": [
6,
3,
4,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"The majority of decompasable material gets buried in the landfill before it has a chance to decompose much. Dig through the dump enough, you'll find years-old... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
15cs0q | immanuel kant, the categorical imperative, noumenon v. phenomenon, and a priori v. a posteriori. | I've read a bit about him on Wikipedia but I couldn't really understand much. Any help would be appreciated. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/15cs0q/eli5_immanuel_kant_the_categorical_imperative/ | {
"a_id": [
"c7lbqdg",
"c7ld3ix"
],
"score": [
2,
10
],
"text": [
"The categorical imperative is the principle that Kant thought was the foundation of all morality. He had a few different forms that he thought were equivalent. I think the least confusing is the second one: roughly, \"You c... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"http://www.youtube.com/course?list=EC30C13C91CFFEFEA6"
]
] | |
76t8d2 | how long does someone elses dna last inside an individual who received donated blood? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/76t8d2/eli5_how_long_does_someone_elses_dna_last_inside/ | {
"a_id": [
"dogikfa"
],
"score": [
5
],
"text": [
"Generally speaking, you're not getting any DNA in donor blood.\n\nRed blood cells don't contain DNA (overly-simplified, they technically have some), and the donation process filters out proteins and other stuff dissolved in the blood. Plus, you d... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
jvtsz | what happens when making an international call. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/jvtsz/eli5_what_happens_when_making_an_international/ | {
"a_id": [
"c2fkc43",
"c2fln9e",
"c2fkc43",
"c2fln9e"
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"score": [
5,
3,
5,
3
],
"text": [
"There is a cable under the ocean that goes to the other country.\n\n_URL_0_",
"The phone switch listens for key press tones, looks at the number you dialled, then works out whe... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_international_submarine_communications_cables"
],
[],
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_international_submarine_communications_cables"
],
[]
] | ||
d5el4l | why does electricity move along a wire ? | What causes it to travel along the wire? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/d5el4l/eli5_why_does_electricity_move_along_a_wire/ | {
"a_id": [
"f0le7v6",
"f0le8fr"
],
"score": [
3,
5
],
"text": [
"Electrons are negatively charged and attracted to a positive charge. If you stick a positive charge at one end they slowly drift towards it bumping into to everything along the way",
"Electricity is just electrons carryi... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
21d42h | how does my pc know where my monitors are relative to each other? | _URL_0_
When I click detect, Control Panel automatically figures out where my two monitors are, so that the mouse moves between them properly.
Any clues? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/21d42h/eli5_how_does_my_pc_know_where_my_monitors_are/ | {
"a_id": [
"cgbvdyk"
],
"score": [
12
],
"text": [
"you did that, and it remembered it while you didn't. "
]
} | [] | [
"http://i.imgur.com/dXNeG7u.png"
] | [
[]
] | |
1e3ey1 | why the benghazi whistleblowers are being silenced by the government? | I understand the need for national security but why are various government entities are trying to silence Benghazi "whistleblowers"? Shouldn't the American people know the truth?
| explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1e3ey1/eli5_why_the_benghazi_whistleblowers_are_being/ | {
"a_id": [
"c9wemej"
],
"score": [
8
],
"text": [
"No government entity has tried to silence Benghazi whistleblowers."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
1w6smn | how does sugar-free gum prevent cavities? | I know that it is meant to neutralise plaque acids, but I don't understand how.... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1w6smn/eli5how_does_sugarfree_gum_prevent_cavities/ | {
"a_id": [
"cez7tbe",
"cezbkg2"
],
"score": [
3,
2
],
"text": [
"There are bacteria on your teeth that consume sugar and produce acids as a by-product. The acid then damages your teeth.\n\nTake away the sugar, stop the bacteria.",
"The pH level in your mouth should be around a neutral... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
3o5gae | why are american and european semi-trucks so different? | [deleted] | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3o5gae/eli5why_are_american_and_european_semitrucks_so/ | {
"a_id": [
"cvu6wvr",
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"score": [
10,
5,
2
],
"text": [
"In Europe, truck length is limited by the entire vehicle -- tractor (cab) and trailer combined. In America, the cab and trailers have their own separate size requirements. So American cabs can be large... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
b996vs | leaving aside medical conditions like alzheimer's, is there any proof that so called "memory pills" actually have any benefit? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/b996vs/eli5_leaving_aside_medical_conditions_like/ | {
"a_id": [
"ek33jw0"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"Nope. There are a bunch of such products and basically no research indicating that they are effective at all. You will find this doesn't dissuade gullible people who will buy them anyway."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
2kfepy | why do humans naturally like 4 bar music rhythms? | Why not 5 bars, or 7? Is there something fundamentally "right" about the number 4 that makes it musically appealing? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2kfepy/eli5_why_do_humans_naturally_like_4_bar_music/ | {
"a_id": [
"clksewp",
"clku6m6",
"clkwaof"
],
"score": [
2,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"i believe in some cultures 4/4 isn't so much the norm as it is in the western world. I don't have examples but i play the drums and remember it coming up during a lesson years ago.",
"Because people... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
95l4ot | hypotheses and t-tests | Hey guys -
I'm currently trying to figure out how to use my t-tests to accept or reject my hypotheses, but I am at a total loss.
I've got a bunch of numbers, but I don't know what they actually mean.
Is anyone here an expert on t-tests and can explain it to a dummy like me?
H2.
Exposure to a company’s socially res... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/95l4ot/eli5_hypotheses_and_ttests/ | {
"a_id": [
"e3th68o"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Most important is the p-value. If its below the significance level you reject it. Normally the significance level is 5%. So any p value below 0.05 is rejected"
]
} | [] | [
"https://imgur.com/a/A0Dbmbx"
] | [
[]
] | |
368jyb | what's so bad about invasive species? weren't all species invasive at some point? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/368jyb/eli5_whats_so_bad_about_invasive_species_werent/ | {
"a_id": [
"crbq9e9"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Up until a few hundred years ago, invasive species were very rare. Every ecosystem on the planet was populated mostly by species that had anywhere form many millions of years to at least several hundred thousand years to adapt to that particular ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
4wo0y5 | definition of a hypercube | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4wo0y5/eli5definition_of_a_hypercube/ | {
"a_id": [
"d68jka5",
"d68jled"
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"score": [
6,
3
],
"text": [
"To make a square you take a line and 'stretch it' in a new direction (a direction so that you don't just end up with a longer line). To make a cube, you take a square and stretch it in a new direction. \n\nThis is where it g... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
2345hh | if organs and other body parts regenerate every few years, how does the body handle the difference in dna of transplanted organs? | If the human body replaces certain cells with new ones every so often (I know that this is different for each organ), and the organ that is generating new cells is a transplanted organ from a donor, how does the body handle this? Do the new cells contain the DNA of the donor organ or the host? Is there a risk of reject... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2345hh/eli5_if_organs_and_other_body_parts_regenerate/ | {
"a_id": [
"cgt84nw"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"The cells are \"replaced\" from the existing cells of the organ, for the most part. So they would have the donor's genes."
]
} | [] | [
"http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/april2009/04132009heartcells.htm"
] | [
[]
] | |
4zg86w | why are (most) sheriffs elected officials? | Other areas of law enforcement you need to pass training and tests just to get in the door let alone get promoted, why is it that with Sheriffs they elect the head of the local law enforcement agency instead of it being based on skill/experience/performance/etc?
What's to stop the people from electing an incompetent ... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4zg86w/eli5_why_are_most_sheriffs_elected_officials/ | {
"a_id": [
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"d6vkpge",
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"score": [
2,
4,
2,
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],
"text": [
"Nothing is to stop people from electing an incompetent shithead. Just ask the fine people of Maricopa County, Arizona. ",
"When most states enacted their constitutions there wa... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
49hkar | why do some words and names sound 'funny' whilst others don't? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/49hkar/eli5_why_do_some_words_and_names_sound_funny/ | {
"a_id": [
"d0ruvie"
],
"score": [
2
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"text": [
"THere are two reasons a word/name sounds funny to you.\n\nThe first reason is the cultural norm. A name like Jake for an American sounds perfectly normal since its really compatible with English and is commonly used so you're use to hearing the n... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
4nyby7 | how can a person be arrested for resisting arrest and that be the only charge? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4nyby7/eli5_how_can_a_person_be_arrested_for_resisting/ | {
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1106,
32,
499,
12,
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120,
2,
5,
2,
2,
4,
2,
... | [] | [] | [
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"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qhzdxYnwhg"
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9d3vtc | why do solar panels stop working? | According to a recent BBC article, after 30 years or so solar panels are end-of-life and the scrap is no good for anything but landfill.
What stops them working? What makes the scrap unusable? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9d3vtc/eli5_why_do_solar_panels_stop_working/ | {
"a_id": [
"e5f81t4",
"e5f9mdl",
"e5fd49c"
],
"score": [
10,
10,
4
],
"text": [
"The panels on the voyager space probes worked for longer than 30 years. Higher tier panels in residential solar degrade at half percent a year and should still be at 90% of their output at year 20. Ev... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-solar-recycling/europes-first-solar-panel-recycling-plant-opens-in-france-idUKKBN1JL297"
],
[]
] | |
9xdzd0 | why is it that when objects reach a certain speed, we can no longer see them with our eyes? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9xdzd0/eli5_why_is_it_that_when_objects_reach_a_certain/ | {
"a_id": [
"e9rlrdd",
"e9rras1"
],
"score": [
5,
2
],
"text": [
"Our eyes are constantly receiving and processing photons from the environment, but the image formed is based on the amount of photons received. If you look in a given direction and an object is only there for a tiny fraction... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
168sz1 | how can you tell if a suit is high quality? why are some suits so ridiculously expensive? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/168sz1/eli5_how_can_you_tell_if_a_suit_is_high_quality/ | {
"a_id": [
"c7tstvg"
],
"score": [
5
],
"text": [
"The price of almost everything you can buy is mostly determined by two main components: material cost (what it's made out of) and man hours (how long did it take to make it). \n\nIf you make a suit out of cotton (a common clothing material) it wi... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
408awy | in high profile cases, why do we rely on 12 peers of the community that have no law profession background? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/408awy/eli5_in_high_profile_cases_why_do_we_rely_on_12/ | {
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"text": [
"We do. Why do you think the Supreme Court is for?\n\nThough they generally do not deal with criminal cases, if they are \"guilty beyond ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
9syvan | how does the checks-and-balances system keep any one branch of the us government from becoming too powerful? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9syvan/eli5_how_does_the_checksandbalances_system_keep/ | {
"a_id": [
"e8sdeeo"
],
"score": [
2
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"text": [
"There are quite a few ways. I'll list a partial set of examples.\n\nThe president can sign a bill into law or veto it, giving control over the legislative branch. The legislative branch can also override a veto with a super-majority vote.\n\nTh... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
2zkrax | i've just had 2 cm of floating cartilage removed from my knee and i don't have much left...why can't surgeons just glue it back in place? | I'm 35 and it hurts to walk after 30+ years of soccer and 5 knee surgeries on both knees...having that last piece removed made me sad knowing I don't have much left and by my logic all would be better if we could just shove some back where it goes... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2zkrax/eli5_ive_just_had_2_cm_of_floating_cartilage/ | {
"a_id": [
"cpjv6cm",
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"text": [
"Off the top of my head... I'd guess there is not an adhesive strong enough (and tolerable to your body) to hold that chunk in place over long periods of time. The pressures involved on the sliding surfaces of the knee joint ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
1xnl5d | how did the american work ethic come to be, and how is it perpetuated? | Any kind of perspective - personal, economic, historical, behavioral economics - is welcome.
(Non-American here who has worked in California and elsewhere. The difference is mind-blowing.) | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1xnl5d/eli5_how_did_the_american_work_ethic_come_to_be/ | {
"a_id": [
"cfcz36m",
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"score": [
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"text": [
"\"Socialism never took root in America because the poor see themselves not as an exploited proletariat but as temporarily embarrassed millionaires.\"\n\n- John Steinbeck\n\nBasically, the American Dream... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
wyv1v | the israeli situation, and why half of reddit seems anti-israel | Title.
Brought to my attention by the circlejerk off of a 2010 article on r/worldnews | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/wyv1v/eli5_the_israeli_situation_and_why_half_of_reddit/ | {
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"score": [
... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six-Day_War"
],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
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[],
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"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel%E2%80%93United_States_relations#United_States_aid"
],
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[]
] | |
71epyy | why is it that our minds can blindly know where all the keys are on a key board, making us able to type fast, yet if you were to ask someone to draw out and label a keyboard, they would likely have a hard time doing it? | [deleted] | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/71epyy/eli5_why_is_it_that_our_minds_can_blindly_know/ | {
"a_id": [
"dna6na0"
],
"score": [
4
],
"text": [
"So learning to type depends a lot on muscle memory. That is- when you repeat a motion many times your nervous system adjusts and gets used to that pattern so you can do it again quickly. So more so than learning the position of each letter on the... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
29kmqc | how does laser tag work? | I kind of get it, but kind of don't. I understand a gun shoots out a laser, and there's some sort of sensor on the vest that detects the laser (hence, detecting a shot). But my main questions are:
* How do indoor (dark) arenas work vs day time ones? Or rather, what's different about the technology used in the day ... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/29kmqc/eli5_how_does_laser_tag_work/ | {
"a_id": [
"cilu3p6"
],
"score": [
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],
"text": [
"1) The arenas are typically dark so you can see the visible laser. The equipment would likely work just as well in a bright, lit area, but you wouldn't be able to see your little red dot nearly as well.\n\n2) Each vest has a unique identifier. Th... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
tvtbt | how does one go about creating and then successfully marketing an app for let's say, an iphone? | What programs are used? How does an idea for an app become a reality? Are there basic steps? Or is the creation a free for all? I'm not personally interested in creating apps, just very curious. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/tvtbt/eli5_how_does_one_go_about_creating_and_then/ | {
"a_id": [
"c4q6h0p"
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"score": [
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"text": [
"Almost all Iphone apps are made in Xcode. It's basically free with a mac and is their version of Visual Studio (Microsoft makes this one, it's a program to make other program.)\n\nThe stages are basically.\n\n1.) Idea\n2.) Design\n3.) Programming... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
1u8au7 | why do people feel the need to say iphone or android is better than the other when their both good in there own way? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1u8au7/eli5why_do_people_feel_the_need_to_say_iphone_or/ | {
"a_id": [
"cefgwdo",
"cefh3y5"
],
"score": [
2,
3
],
"text": [
"Human nature. We are hardwired for Us vs. Them.",
"I believe you're referring to [fanboyism](_URL_2_)\n > You prefer the things you own because you rationalize your past choices to protect your sense of self.\n\nIt's the... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"http://youarenotsosmart.com/2011/03/25/the-sunk-cost-fallacy/",
"http://youarenotsosmart.com/2011/06/10/the-backfire-effect/",
"http://youarenotsosmart.com/2010/05/19/fanboyism-and-brand-loyalty/"
]
] | ||
4z7t4g | why is hypothesis part of the scientific method? | I understand that you are typically trying to disprove the hypothesis, but I'm just curious as to why it's necessary as it seems like something that could create bias. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4z7t4g/eli5_why_is_hypothesis_part_of_the_scientific/ | {
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"text": [
"Hypothesis is \"the reason\" you're doing the science in the first place (to prove it true or false)",
"It is possible to gather data with no hypothesis, and then create a hypo... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
3zf3jg | in movies, such as lord of the rings and gladiator, the speaker or commander of a massive army will be standing right at the front and giving a speech to the whole army/crowd. how was his voice heard by all? | Besides the fact that it was a movie, how were messages conveyed in those war times? I can picture motivation speeches losing their impact if it had to be relayed down the lines. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3zf3jg/eli5_in_movies_such_as_lord_of_the_rings_and/ | {
"a_id": [
"cyljqw5",
"cyljsia"
],
"score": [
2,
8
],
"text": [
"Because it's a movie... I don't think combat worked like that in ancient times. Commanders would be on a hill signalling with flags, for example.",
"In the movies, it works because Hollywood wants it to work. In actual c... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
5p0cy9 | what makes the "enlightenment" or "divine revelation" feel when taking some psychoactive drugs? | I personnaly have never done drugs but I often heard that some drugs when taken make you feel a sort of revelation, like you just have discovered the meaning of the universe, what causes that? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5p0cy9/eli5_what_makes_the_enlightenment_or_divine/ | {
"a_id": [
"dcngnfl"
],
"score": [
2
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"text": [
"The quick release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine (for MDMA/ecstasy) when you 'come up' cause you to feel those emotions. Similarly this is why you 'come down' when the drug wears off, as dopamine levels in the body are so low. "
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
4qycnr | why do various fruits/vegetables have bright colors if they want animals to eat them? | So you have animals like the [Poison dart frog](_URL_0_) which use a technique called Aposematism to use bright colors to indicate to animals that they are poisonous and they should not approach or attack.
However you also have plants like tomatoes and strawberries that have bright red colors on their fruits, but want... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4qycnr/eli5_why_do_various_fruitsvegetables_have_bright/ | {
"a_id": [
"d4wtzax",
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"score": [
12,
3
],
"text": [
"They both evolve to be visible for the same reason of wanting to be easily seen. They just want to be easily seen for different reasons. Keep in mind that they're also evolving to attract notice from different species. Fo... | [] | [
"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0e/Blue-poison.dart.frog.and.Yellow-banded.dart.frog.arp.jpg/220px-Blue-poison.dart.frog.and.Yellow-banded.dart.frog.arp.jpg"
] | [
[],
[]
] | |
2asrfq | do i really need to change my oil every 3000 miles? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2asrfq/eli5do_i_really_need_to_change_my_oil_every_3000/ | {
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"ciye8g5",
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"text": [
"Read your car's manual and go by the mileage that it says. If it's under warranty, then absolutely yes if you want it to keep being under warranty. It also depends on the type of o... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3,000_mile_myth"
]
] | ||
e5zngu | why did credit score go down when making purchases then paying it off fully? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/e5zngu/eli5_why_did_credit_score_go_down_when_making/ | {
"a_id": [
"f9mt5c9"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"This is better in r/personalfinance."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
9o4vq0 | why do some programs, after downloading or changing a setting, need a restart? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9o4vq0/eli5_why_do_some_programs_after_downloading_or/ | {
"a_id": [
"e7reoe3",
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"score": [
3,
2
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"text": [
"When a program starts it stores a load of information on your computers memory, that makes it more efficient than constantly reading from the program files. When there is an update, the code of the program changes and some o... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
1nuoxw | will prices rise forever? | I always hear how long ago, a piece of candy used to cost 5¢, a hamburger was a quarter, and so on. Will prices of goods continue to rise forever, or is it possible for them to stabilize? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1nuoxw/will_prices_rise_forever/ | {
"a_id": [
"ccm7cf9"
],
"score": [
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"text": [
"In theory, yes. As more people are born and enter thework force and as more money is created in various ways, this leads to inflation which is why prices rise over time.\n\nThe rise isn't always linear and there are periods of deflation. For exam... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
aes04k | why are seedless fruits called, well, "seedless fruits" even though they still have seeds? | I know """seedless fruits""" can't grow mature seeds, but they still have baby seeds. Kind of a misleading name if you ask me.
And yes I did write this question while I was high on smarties. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/aes04k/eli5_why_are_seedless_fruits_called_well_seedless/ | {
"a_id": [
"eds287s",
"eds4y1t"
],
"score": [
3,
2
],
"text": [
"I'm no professional botanist or biologist but I'm guessing it's because you don't actually eat any hard seeds that are noticible. ",
".\n\nyeah it's not completely technically accurate, but the people buying them don't c... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
8erhsu | why do movies and popcorn go together? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8erhsu/eli5_why_do_movies_and_popcorn_go_together/ | {
"a_id": [
"dxxiul9"
],
"score": [
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"text": [
"I'm sure it has a lot to do with the fact that popcorn is just about the easiest, cheapest snack for the theaters to make (except for maybe cotton candy which is too messy for indoors), and they can mark it up to ridiculous profit margins. The th... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
4dmkek | in court, why do we swear on the bible, and what do atheists do? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4dmkek/eli5_in_court_why_do_we_swear_on_the_bible_and/ | {
"a_id": [
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"d1sb5n4",
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"d1suiig"
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"score": [
6,
17,
4,
6
],
"text": [
"In most states, you're not asked to swear on a Bible. And even in places where that's still done, it's never required to be able to testify. You can still swear or affirm that you... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
4iz5lm | the technological singularity and ray kurzweils 2045 deadline? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4iz5lm/eli5_the_technological_singularity_and_ray/ | {
"a_id": [
"d32cxz8",
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"score": [
17,
7,
2
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"text": [
"Singularity is just what happens when computers finally become smarter than us. It's called that because we have no idea what will happen after it, sort of like it's impossible to see anything beyond t... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moore's_law"
],
[]
] | ||
b1vyit | does keeping the windows open increase an air conditioner’s power consumption even when it’s set to a fixed setting? | Fixed to cool at certain degrees (not the automatic setting which I totally don’t understand). Do ACs sense and maintain at the temperature or do they just constantly blow out air at that temperature?
Thank You. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/b1vyit/eli5_does_keeping_the_windows_open_increase_an/ | {
"a_id": [
"eioj2iv",
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"score": [
6,
3,
2
],
"text": [
"It depends on the outside temperature. \n\nAir conditioners are stupid. They are either on or off depending on the thermostat setting. If it is warmer than the set temperature the unit will come on a... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
l19vj | purpose of tax refunds | I know we all look forward to getting that check, but seriously - why take away the money if we're just going to get it back? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/l19vj/eli5_purpose_of_tax_refunds/ | {
"a_id": [
"c2p1ypz",
"c2p1ypz"
],
"score": [
3,
3
],
"text": [
"I'm not sure if you've ever been employed full time (probably not since you're five), but that would be helpful in understanding tax refunds, so I'll start from there. \n \nWhen you get a job at say, $20,000/year, your ba... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
5rbhcb | why are many members of congress (us) so rich? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5rbhcb/eli5why_are_many_members_of_congress_us_so_rich/ | {
"a_id": [
"dd5wuqr",
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"dd62nji",
"dd6ch7t",
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"score": [
6,
16,
3,
2,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"Because rich people are the ones with enough money to spend years trying to get a job that pays (for them) so little.",
"because th... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[
"https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/how-dennis-hastert-made-a-fortune-in-land-deals/2015/05/29/680f357a-0628-11e5-bc72-f3e16bf50bb6_story.html"
],
[]
] | ||
2cnb5b | if animals must be the same species to reproduce does that mean all dog breeds are the same species? what about lions and tigers? | I heard that species is the most specific category for defining an animal (after family, kingdom, class and whatever) is "breed" more specific? And are lions and tigers in the same species since we have bred Ligers? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2cnb5b/eli5_if_animals_must_be_the_same_species_to/ | {
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"cjh4zuw",
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"score": [
3,
3,
2,
3
],
"text": [
"You're not entirely right there. In order to be the same species, they must produce *offspring capable of reproduction*. The liger is not, hence they are different species.\n\n\"... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ring_species",
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liger#Fertility",
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Species#Biologists.27_working_definition"
]
] | |
26lvu7 | exactly why do dark colors absorb more light? | My actual 5-year-old asked this question: We all know that a black t-shirt will absorb more light and heat than a white t-shirt. Can you teach me and my 5-year-old why? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/26lvu7/eli5_exactly_why_do_dark_colors_absorb_more_light/ | {
"a_id": [
"chs8dv5",
"chs8f7u",
"chs9e2z"
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"score": [
2,
6,
2
],
"text": [
"The words light and dark are defined based on their absorption of light. Whatever color, that absorbs light is defined dark.\n\nThis stems from the language and not the physical property. The black t-sh... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
3c4qdn | why does england use lions on a lot of stuff representing them/their history? | If no lions exist in the UK, it seems odd. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3c4qdn/eli5_why_does_england_use_lions_on_a_lot_of_stuff/ | {
"a_id": [
"css7gqx",
"css7ii3",
"css9302"
],
"score": [
6,
6,
3
],
"text": [
"They're a symbol of potency / virility and of power. The use of lions to represent power goes back millennia, especially for rulers / royalty. \n\ne.g., _URL_0_\n\n",
"Lions used to exist in Europe.... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cultural_depictions_of_lions"
],
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_lions_in_Europe",
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Snake_Goddess_-_Heraklion_Achaeological_Museum_retouched.jpg"
],
[]
] | |
2z7nwp | how do i know that things in the distance are far away and not just tiny and close up? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2z7nwp/eli5_how_do_i_know_that_things_in_the_distance/ | {
"a_id": [
"cpgectw"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"Ah, father Dougal struggled with this one. I'd say it's down to depth perception, context and prior experience. Your brain is super efficient as it automates so much, especially based on experience. So, if you see a tiny cow, your brain instantl... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
dam6kq | how can something be zero net calories but have a glycemic index above zero? | I've seen this with sugar alcohols. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dam6kq/eli5_how_can_something_be_zero_net_calories_but/ | {
"a_id": [
"f1qzhci",
"f1rtw3o",
"f1srxv5"
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"score": [
4,
3,
2
],
"text": [
"I don't believe that's possible. Sugar alcohols are just carbohydrates with an added -OH group, which reduces their absorption in the gut. But they still provide calories. Sorbitol, maltitol and xylitol... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
11uz8w | the terminator series of movies | I understand the basic plot lines to the terminator series of movies:
The Terminator
T2: Judgment Day
T3: Rise of the Machines
T4: Salvation
But when trying to explain these to my son, I couldn't quite get the correct series of events through my brain and out of my mouth. Can I get some help please? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/11uz8w/eli5_the_terminator_series_of_movies/ | {
"a_id": [
"c6ptqr7"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"I'll give it a go. \n \n**Prequel)** So, at the beginning of the first movie, the basic premise is that humanity, led by John Connor, has won the war against the machines. Skynet sends a single T-800 (Arnie) back in time as a last, desperate a... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
zspy2 | ip, dns, gateway, and subnet mask | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/zspy2/eli5_ip_dns_gateway_and_subnet_mask/ | {
"a_id": [
"c67dyxl",
"c67elmb"
],
"score": [
2,
8
],
"text": [
"IP (Internet Protocol) = A logical set of rules and standards for transferring information on a network\n\nIP Address = A computer's numerical address on a network\n\nDNS (Domain Name Service) = A server that equates an IP a... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://www.reddit.com"
],
[]
] | ||
dpj9cp | where is universe expanding? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dpj9cp/eli5_where_is_universe_expanding/ | {
"a_id": [
"f5vur0f"
],
"score": [
7
],
"text": [
"Everywhere, all at once. The universe does not have a center. It's not like an explosion moving outward from a central point. Instead, think of it as the surface of a balloon. As you inflate it, the surface stretches out, and all points get farth... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
3pwevt | how does facebook know my real name? what is facebook trying to accomplish with their users verifying their identities? how do they verify it? | My Facebook name is my real name, so I'm assuming that's why they still haven't locked down my profile. But a bunch of my friends have had to give out their identities, only then they could continue using it as a social networking website. Why? How? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3pwevt/eli5_how_does_facebook_know_my_real_name_what_is/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"Because you're less likely to troll, spam or do things that others may find annoying if you have your real name. You're not anonymous so you have to be more careful about what you say. Also - it keeps spammers off the site b... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Facebook_real-name_policy_controversy"
],
[]
] | |
2u6438 | what would happen if there was a material that absorbed 100% light? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2u6438/eli5_what_would_happen_if_there_was_a_material/ | {
"a_id": [
"co5h6w4",
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... | [] | [] | [
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[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_body"
],
[],
[],
[
"http://www.rbobev.com/BlackObject/"
],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
b0fhhq | how is it that new phone battery can last in stock for "long" periods but once used it will degrade much faster if not properly charged often? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/b0fhhq/eli5how_is_it_that_new_phone_battery_can_last_in/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
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"text": [
"Leave your phone at a 40% charge and turn it off, and it will last almost as well as when it was in stock storage.",
"In terms of storage, at both ends of the level of charge a battery can have in it, you're pushing the ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
1qax7t | stocks and shares, what is their function, why were they invented, how do they benefit corporations? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1qax7t/eli5_stocks_and_shares_what_is_their_function_why/ | {
"a_id": [
"cdb4ckj"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
" > what is their function\n\nImagine you want to have 2 owners of something, that's pretty easy to sort out right. Even if one party has 86.348721% and the other guy has everything else it's still easy to sort out.\n\nNow imagine you want to hav... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
63k9jm | why is dick a name and a "bad" word at the same time? | As far as i know Dick means penis but there are also some men that are called like this, ¿is there some sort for correlation between the two meanings of the word?
| explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/63k9jm/eli5why_is_dick_a_name_and_a_bad_word_at_the_same/ | {
"a_id": [
"dfus5e5",
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"score": [
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"text": [
"Richard\nRick\nDick\n\nRobert\nRob\nBob\n\nWilliam\nWill\nBill\n\nFor some reason in the English language we have this odd trend of making nicknames by shortening the full name and changing the first l... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
3bxpbp | how do automated text summarizers know what text is important? | saw vidcrunch today on YSK, and it works by taking captions and finding the important parts of the video from that. I know of others like Free SUmmarizer that just takes the text and finds the important parts. How do these programs understand what the important parts of text are? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3bxpbp/eli5how_do_automated_text_summarizers_know_what/ | {
"a_id": [
"csqi8pd"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"It's possible to determine, algorithmically, the amount of information in human language. Choose the words (or, more likely, short strings of words) that have the highest information content.\n\nLY5, information content is the number of yes or n... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
1ra7mt | why do scientists commonly say that a planet cannot support life, if we don't know what type of life we're looking for? | When people say that a planet cannot support life, it's interpreted that it's human life that can't exist, but if we were truly looking for alien life then surely we don't know what conditions are required, so we could be overlooking planets that could posses life. Is it just a method of searching for life based on wha... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ra7mt/eli5_why_do_scientists_commonly_say_that_a_planet/ | {
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"c... | [] | [] | [
[],
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[],
[],
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"http://www.jameslovelock.org/page6.html"
],
[],
[],
[],
[
"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LGQrVSxPvg"
],
[],
[],
[],
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"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tardigrade"
],
[
"http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ra7mt/eli5_why_do_scien... | |
3jt1hh | why are quarterbacks, halfbacks, and fullbacks named that? | The Fullback is in between the quarterback and halfback. I feel like I'm taking crazy pills. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3jt1hh/eli5_why_are_quarterbacks_halfbacks_and_fullbacks/ | {
"a_id": [
"cus16cv"
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"score": [
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"text": [
"In early football they'd often line up in a position sort of like\n\n TE OL OL OL OL OL TE \n QB\n HB HB\n\n FB\n\nThe quarterback is a quarter of a yard back, the halfbacks are half a yard ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
2od5zv | why are vehicles built that under and/or oversteer? | Why do they do this if they go through such rigorous testing/prototyping by the manufacturer before release? Is this not a factor tested? Is it a design issue that just can't be factored until end produce or prototype?
Edit: Thank you for the replies all! Starting to make sense. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2od5zv/eli5_why_are_vehicles_built_that_under_andor/ | {
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33,
3,
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2,
2
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"text": [
"most vehicles don't oversteer from the factory, that's a dangerous thing for the average driver\n\nundersteer makes the driver realize ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[
"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRWXtm7KN_I"
]
] | |
8dt66n | why do spray paint cans get colder when you shake them? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8dt66n/eli5_why_do_spray_paint_cans_get_colder_when_you/ | {
"a_id": [
"dxpuw5p",
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"dxpyiex"
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"score": [
24,
10,
3
],
"text": [
"The can feels colder when you shake it because you're circulating the liquid inside the can, helping to draw heat away from the steel under your hand.",
"I'm not sure they get much colder when you... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
2ogscv | why is casting for acting or modelling jobs exempt from non discrimination laws? | I was just curious why it's okay when casting for a television show or an advertisement to say "we're looking for a black woman in her 40s" You can't (legally) do that in other hiring situations. Hows that work? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ogscv/eli5_why_is_casting_for_acting_or_modelling_jobs/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
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],
"text": [
"If you are mcdonalds you put out job openings based on service requirements. if you are a casting agency you put out job openings based on service requirements.\n\nThe requirement... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
1k60bl | why cant we communicate with computers with plain english instead of code? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1k60bl/eli5_why_cant_we_communicate_with_computers_with/ | {
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17,
4,
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"text": [
"One big point is ambiguity. You can say one thing and there are several meanings for that thing. A person can (in most cases) decide which one is the 'correct' meaning for this ca... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
7c8avh | why is it bad to leave the door/window open when the a/c is on? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7c8avh/eli5_why_is_it_bad_to_leave_the_doorwindow_open/ | {
"a_id": [
"dpnvxxi"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"The whole point of air conditioning is it circulates the air in the room. If that air has an escape there is no circulation."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
4jpg4m | how cruise liners and aircraft carriers are built? | I can't imagine something transporting an aircraft carrier, so is it just built on the water? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4jpg4m/eli5_how_cruise_liners_and_aircraft_carriers_are/ | {
"a_id": [
"d38hxfp"
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"score": [
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"text": [
"Ships of this size are built in a dry dock, which is effectively an area next to a river or ocean large enough to contain the ship, but which is separated from the water by a wall or gate. Once the ship has been built they slowly allow water to ... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I51m3AI6hyA"
]
] | |
1hhht2 | how does a condenser microphone work? | Please explain | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1hhht2/eli5how_does_a_condenser_microphone_work/ | {
"a_id": [
"caumyqx"
],
"score": [
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"text": [
"The condenser microphone (also known as a capacitor mic) uses two metal plates - one fixed in place and one freely moving (this is essentially what a capacitor is). \n\nThe front plate of the capacitor (the diaphragm) is not fixed and therefor vi... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
2qx22l | what does it mean to liquidate someones asset? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2qx22l/eli5what_does_it_mean_to_liquidate_someones_asset/ | {
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47,
2,
5,
2,
5
],
"text": [
"To sell it. Basically all liquidating means is turning into cash. It gets the name because cash is very fluid in how you can use it so thus you are taking so... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
3zqo3b | what is oculus rift, what does it do, and why is it $599? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3zqo3b/eli5_what_is_oculus_rift_what_does_it_do_and_why/ | {
"a_id": [
"cyo8cgd"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"[this video is a little old](_URL_0_) but should demonstrate the unit.\n\nIt's $599 because they believe that's what people will pay to get it."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[
"https://youtu.be/hZ8Xj_I3aNU"
]
] | ||
8xy9gz | why is it that i feel more rested waking up after my rem stage in a 3-hour sleep than waking up in the middle of nrem stages in a 7+-hour sleep? | [deleted] | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8xy9gz/eli5_why_is_it_that_i_feel_more_rested_waking_up/ | {
"a_id": [
"e26l5yi",
"e26lzid"
],
"score": [
2,
2
],
"text": [
"In rem, your body is getting used to getting back up while in nrem your body is still repairing and resting",
"REM phases are short, and during these, you can't really move your body. Your muscles are sort of 'turned off... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
7b8ayz | can be the brain be programmed or coded, and if so what the entity be human or computer? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7b8ayz/eli5_can_be_the_brain_be_programmed_or_coded_and/ | {
"a_id": [
"dpfzl1d"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"I studied brain science in university.\n\nNo. The brain is not a computer, and there is no such thing as \"programming\" it."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
98fdqf | why does the cia use the polygraph when recruiting if it isn’t even accurate? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/98fdqf/eli5_why_does_the_cia_use_the_polygraph_when/ | {
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13,
4,
5,
5
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"text": [
"It's used as an intimidation factor. They can call things out saying the detector said you're lying just come clean and some people do such as \"have you eve... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
1jq2wd | how come i can focus my eyes on the floaters on my cornea, but not my finger when it's almost touching it? | I was lying on a trampoline looking at the sky today and I could focus my eyes to pretty clearly see a couple floaters and I just wondered. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1jq2wd/eli5_how_come_i_can_focus_my_eyes_on_the_floaters/ | {
"a_id": [
"cbh67bi"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"Your eye isn't really focusing on the floater, as it's behind the cornea. It's more like having dust on the film, it gets sent directly to the brain as is.\n\nYour finger you actually do need to focus on.\n\n"
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
1iqrit | timezones and international travel | When flying west, at what point does it stop getting earlier? When flying east, at what point does it stop getting later? It's obvious you can only gain or lose a maximum of 24 hours, regardless of travel speed, but how does that work? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1iqrit/eli5_timezones_and_international_travel/ | {
"a_id": [
"cb743n3",
"cb7kf4w"
],
"score": [
5,
2
],
"text": [
"There is something called the International Date Line, and it runs in a North/South direction through the Pacific Ocean; it is pretty much lined up between Alaska and Eastern Russia. If you cross the date going east, then y... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
bnzzoo | why does food from chain restaurants contain so much sodium? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bnzzoo/eli5_why_does_food_from_chain_restaurants_contain/ | {
"a_id": [
"enavw2y",
"enawdvh"
],
"score": [
2,
3
],
"text": [
"Partly to preserve the food until preparing. Partly because we as a society are overaddicted to sodium and its to get our fix. Just like how a lot of things unnecessarily contain too much sugar.",
"Partially for flavor, ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
4oipky | why is it that we're angry, we resist laughing or being cheered up and 'want' to be angry? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4oipky/eli5_why_is_it_that_were_angry_we_resist_laughing/ | {
"a_id": [
"d4cvnth",
"d4cvqsu",
"d4cvsdh"
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"score": [
2,
7,
3
],
"text": [
"If I had to toss a guess out there..\n\nAnger usually comes from being hurt, which makes one feel less significant. Sometimes being angry is the only way you can fight back. \n\nOr maybe if you laugh ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
5cwwjt | why in the world would people on ebay bid more than a gift card's value? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5cwwjt/eli5_why_in_the_world_would_people_on_ebay_bid/ | {
"a_id": [
"d9zyy2k",
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... | [] | [] | [
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6qwz2e | how are animals able to retain such muscle mass with a restricted diet yet humans need a constant amount of protein and nutrients to maintain much less muscle? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6qwz2e/eli5_how_are_animals_able_to_retain_such_muscle/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
29,
14,
257,
53,
2,
71,
8,
6,
2
],
"text": [
"Herbivores are capable of digesting cellulose and so can extract... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1834002/"
],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[
"https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/617zbk/eli5_how_are_cows_and_rabbits_able_to_eat_grass/",
"https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/126jfc/eli5_how_do_cows_get_so_big_ea... | ||
107jnr | why do debit cards have the option to use credit? wouldn't this make them a credit card? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/107jnr/eli5_why_do_debit_cards_have_the_option_to_use/ | {
"a_id": [
"c6b2xfy",
"c6b7k08"
],
"score": [
3,
2
],
"text": [
"In addition to what **pencer** said, there are differences in the way the transactions are processed. The biggest one is that a credit card transaction can be legitimate with just a swipe (the reader reads the black strip o... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"http://www.visaextras.com"
]
] | ||
6j3fhb | why do older cars jolt a bit forward or backward after being put in park? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6j3fhb/eli5_why_do_older_cars_jolt_a_bit_forward_or/ | {
"a_id": [
"djb7051",
"djb7ll2"
],
"score": [
4,
18
],
"text": [
"In my understanding, putting the car in park locks the transmission but does nothing to the wheels directly. So when you park the car and let off the brakes, it lurches as the mechanical \"slack\" comes out of the drive tra... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
13cg1m | when people say they "broke the seal" after urinating while drinking alcohol, does it really cause one to urinate more thereafter? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/13cg1m/eli5_when_people_say_they_broke_the_seal_after/ | {
"a_id": [
"c72ph8f",
"c72plws",
"c72s2m7"
],
"score": [
8,
17,
5
],
"text": [
"\"Breaking the seal\" marks the beginning of increased urine production due to alcohol consumption, so it doesn't _cause_ one to urinate more. It is the _result_.",
"mental_floss has a detailed ans... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/136598"
],
[]
] | ||
e8kscy | how come even a mild breeze can cause such loud noise on an outdoor phone call or video? | Can the mic be designed to eliminate it? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/e8kscy/eli5_how_come_even_a_mild_breeze_can_cause_such/ | {
"a_id": [
"facuuqz",
"fad7672"
],
"score": [
6,
3
],
"text": [
"The microphone cavity creates turbulence. If you just had an exposed microphone it would be much better.",
"Best way to explain it is like you’re blowing at the top of an empty glass bottle. You’re not putting much effor... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
7wzlno | why does drinking water at body temperature feel so weird? | [deleted] | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7wzlno/eli5_why_does_drinking_water_at_body_temperature/ | {
"a_id": [
"du4dx2k"
],
"score": [
7
],
"text": [
"Evolutionary instincts perhaps. Adaptation has taught most animals that lukewarm water is more likely to come from stagnant puddles that are breeding grounds for diseases, while the cool running water in a river is a lot safer to drink. Hot water... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
3ptxtt | why is brown bread considered healthier than white bread? is it healthier? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ptxtt/eli5why_is_brown_bread_considered_healthier_than/ | {
"a_id": [
"cw9e9bn"
],
"score": [
6
],
"text": [
"White bread is heavily processed, and isn't very good for you. Brown bread varies, some are essentially dyed white bread but the kind with all the seeds in it are very good for you. "
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
6u7ex8 | why do most airplane engines have a swirl on the front of them? | The swirl on the engine looks like its on the middle bearing, so it swirls in a hypnotic way while the engines are on. Can some explain why these exist? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6u7ex8/eli5_why_do_most_airplane_engines_have_a_swirl_on/ | {
"a_id": [
"dlqj8vd"
],
"score": [
32
],
"text": [
"It provides a visual indicator as to whether the engine is turning or not. Very useful for ground crews and maintenance people."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
7pt6fb | in video games, do the developers program actual bullets in the game and projectile it or just fake it with invisible lasers that can shoot across the map? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7pt6fb/eli5_in_video_games_do_the_developers_program/ | {
"a_id": [
"dsjv20k",
"dsjvbtj"
],
"score": [
2,
2
],
"text": [
"A bit of both. Some games use what is known as \"hitscan\", which means when you click your mouse button, the game essentially stops the clock, calculates the invisible laser in a straight line from your character's gun, and... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] |
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