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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1c23sj | how did margaret thatcher's closing of the mines "save" the uk economy? | This is the primary defence I've seen for her actions regarding the Unions and the mines, but I don't understand exactly how making over a million people unemployed contributed to the economic recovery?
I've got no problem with the claim being true, I'd just like to see some evidence/explanation as to exactly why it h... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1c23sj/eli5_how_did_margaret_thatchers_closing_of_the/ | {
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"I don't think many people claim it did.\n\nThe argument goes like this: it wasn't the closing of the mines that did it per sé - it was part of her broader programme of increasing efficiency by reducing government interferen... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
90x4rg | why is gold often found in rivers? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/90x4rg/eli5_why_is_gold_often_found_in_rivers/ | {
"a_id": [
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"Because water washes away gold particles from the source (Mother Lode), these quickly settle in slower moving water and sink due to their high relative density. Gold doesn’t dissolve in water or react a... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
cmpt0w | how do telescopes work so well? how can the placement of a few lenses in a particular order help us see celestial objects light years away? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cmpt0w/eli5_how_do_telescopes_work_so_well_how_can_the/ | {
"a_id": [
"ew3tmw3",
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"score": [
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2
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"text": [
"You can see objects light years away with the naked eye. Every star in the sky (except the Sun) is light years away. Light travels forever until it hits something, so there is no range limit.\n\nAll a telescope does is magn... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
8wxn9y | if i were stranded on a desert island without sunscreen, would my skin eventually get used to the sun or would i constantly be sunburnt? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8wxn9y/eli5_if_i_were_stranded_on_a_desert_island/ | {
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"text": [
"If you are caucasian, your skin likely won't tan enough to adapt to tropical all-day sunshine without shade. You may suffer devastating sunburn.\n\nIf you have quite dark skin, fo... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
z8bgg | who/how do horoscopes get put together each day? | I have a horoscope app, everyday they come out with new and different horoscopes. Most of the time they are very specific. How do they come up with ths stuff? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/z8bgg/eli5_whohow_do_horoscopes_get_put_together_each/ | {
"a_id": [
"c62cjyr",
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"score": [
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"text": [
"This is known as the Forer Effect. Other names are Barnum Statements and Cold Readings.\... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
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[],
[
"http://www.myastrologybook.com/astrology-chart-astrological-horoscope.jpg"
]
] | |
csvzub | , do we know what an insect's experience of consciousness is? are they even conscious, or do they work more like computer programs/robots, acting only on instinct and external feedback? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/csvzub/eli5_do_we_know_what_an_insects_experience_of/ | {
"a_id": [
"exh7qpc",
"exh9efi",
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"score": [
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3,
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"text": [
"Depends on how you define consciousness. \nMost of insect behaviour is innate but they do have a form of memory and pain receptors. \nA common indicator for self-awareness is self recognition in the ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
zjsb8 | what is the "trend" line in a line graph? | Why does it always seem to lag behind the principal line? It never overtakes or "anticipates" the actual data?
| explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/zjsb8/eli5_what_is_the_trend_line_in_a_line_graph/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
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"text": [
"You can do lots and lots of Math on data to create trend lines of many shapes.\n\nThe simplest thing to do is to make a straight line. These are called \"linear\" equations.\n\nBy making the equation more complicated, you can make up \"polynomia... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
fi1u3f | why are men able to generate sperm, but women are born with a set number of eggs? | I was told all humans start as female and then the ovaries descend and become testis. Why are females limited in this capacity? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fi1u3f/eli5_why_are_men_able_to_generate_sperm_but_women/ | {
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"text": [
"The short answer is evolution. \n\nOne male can impregnate 100 women.\n\n100 males impregnating 1 woman still results in 1 pregnancy.... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[
"https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/07/120726180259.htm"
],
[],
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[]
] | |
2q7y5u | why is giving money as a gift considered impersonal but giving gift cards is fine? | It just seems like it's virtually the same concept. If anything I'd rather have money since gift cards restrict where you can spend it. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2q7y5u/eli5_why_is_giving_money_as_a_gift_considered/ | {
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"text": [
"Depending on what the card is, it can show knowledge of the person and be directed towards a specific theme that interests them that the giver was unsure as to what specifically wi... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
aal9jf | why can you see things better in the dark if you look just to the side if what you want to see? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/aal9jf/eli5_why_can_you_see_things_better_in_the_dark_if/ | {
"a_id": [
"ecsvdd6",
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"score": [
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2
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"text": [
"Rods vs cones. Your eyes have cone shaped receptors that see color in bright lights. Rods are better at detecting motion and in low light. Cones are concentrated in the center, which allows you to examine things in front of ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
ae2v15 | how different would wwii had been if hitler had expanded all of germany's wealth toward war efforts? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ae2v15/eli5_how_different_would_wwii_had_been_if_hitler/ | {
"a_id": [
"edm021f",
"edm07l8"
],
"score": [
2,
2
],
"text": [
"Germany spent an inordinate amount of its wealth, not to mention anything they could loot from the people they conquered.\n\nBy 1940 Germany was spending upwards of 40% of GDP on the war and it only went up from there. ",
... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
1ndt1u | if you have lice or crabs, why can't you just kill them by taking a bath and submerging them in water? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ndt1u/eli5if_you_have_lice_or_crabs_why_cant_you_just/ | {
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"score": [
58,
150,
58,
4,
9,
25,
7,
6,
... | [] | [] | [
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"http://www.licepatrol.org/Lice_Facts_and_FAQ.html"
],
[],
[],
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[
"http://www.fcps.edu/islandcreekes/ecology/six-spottedfishingspider.htm"
],
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3xwq9a | is bribery legal in us politics and if not how is the line drawn? (i know this sounds like a shitpost but read the comment for some actual descriptions of bribery) | Bribery is the act of giving money , goods or other forms of recompense to a recipient in exchange for an alteration of their behavior (to the benefit/interest of the giver) that the recipient would otherwise not alter.
The offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting of something of value for the purpose of influencing... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3xwq9a/eli5_is_bribery_legal_in_us_politics_and_if_not/ | {
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2
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"text": [
"How the line is drawn is actually quite simple in its basic implementation.\n\nMoney given to a politician's campaign is perfectly legal. Money given directly to the politician is probably illegal.\n\nY... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"http://www.justice.gov/usao-mdpa/public-corruption-prosecutions",
"http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/explainer/2007/12/take_the_money_and_run.html"
],
[]
] | |
1q7mhn | does the subsidization of wal-mart employees harm the economy? | Wal-Mart employees cost taxpayers $2,100 on average per year. However, nobody has explained why – and if – this is bad. If the consumer surplus exceeds the total cost of the subsidy, then is there a negative impact? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1q7mhn/eli5_does_the_subsidization_of_walmart_employees/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"Well, let's pump the brakes here. Your question makes it sound like there's no other company in America whose wage employees receive state and federal handouts. That's certainly not true.\n\nThat said, I think your question ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
6tgb9s | why do the directions on shampoo require me to repeat the process of lathering and rinsing? why isn't one time good enough? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6tgb9s/eli5_why_do_the_directions_on_shampoo_require_me/ | {
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"text": [
"You use more, so you have to buy more. Simple trick to make more money by telling people to use more than you actually need to.",
"Professionals recommend you don't wash your... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
22tt85 | why don't young children grasp the concept of incest? is not wanting to get it on with a relative biological or cultural? | Okay...so this question is weird, and I feel the need to explain it.
At this point in our lives, we all understand that dating our brothers/sister/cousins/aunts/etc. is both really weird and really wrong. But, I often babysit my cousins, as well as other little children, and they don't seem to grasp this. I've had you... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/22tt85/eli5_why_dont_young_children_grasp_the_concept_of/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
4,
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"text": [
"I believe incest is less of a problem on a small scale now due to massive genetic diversity due to people being mo... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
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[]
] | |
7pcqqw | how do recycling plants split paper from plastic? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7pcqqw/eli5_how_do_recycling_plants_split_paper_from/ | {
"a_id": [
"dsgbx20"
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"score": [
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"text": [
"Mill manager for a recycling company checking in. Their are several ways. A lot of companies do it with physical labor. Most of the time it a negative sort which means you pull everything you don’t want in the final product. You place 10-15 peopl... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5449c9a4e4b0b14a9c88fc76/t/56e87109a3360caa0941c5eb/1458073872628/"
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6jh77h | why is environmentalism a partisan issue in the united states? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6jh77h/eli5_why_is_environmentalism_a_partisan_issue_in/ | {
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"text": [
"Because of the specifics involved in the policies.\n\nThe modern GOP is philisophically opposed to the government overreaching into subjects, and views some policies as overreachi... | [] | [] | [
[],
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[]
] | ||
579335 | difference between trotskyism and stalinism? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/579335/eli5_difference_between_trotskyism_and_stalinism/ | {
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"text": [
"Usually stalinism is used more like an insult than an actual ideology or change on marxism-leninism, but since you are asking like this I'm going to speak ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_YXSHkAahE",
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marxism",
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marx%27s_theory_of_history#Stages_of_history",
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marxism%E2%80%93Leninism"
],
[
"https://youtu.be/KTHnTh6bNwc"
],
[],
[]
] | ||
2c7moq | how does the gev of the higgs boson help physicists understand the universe as being a multiverse or being one of supersymmetry? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2c7moq/eli5_how_does_the_gev_of_the_higgs_boson_help/ | {
"a_id": [
"cjcu32p"
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"score": [
3
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"text": [
"The finding of the Higgs boson showed certain properties - one that a scalar field can exist, although we call it the Higgs boson, the most important factor of it is that it is a scalar field. \n\nAt the level of energy required to find the Higgs... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://www.ted.com/talks/gian_giudice_why_our_universe_might_exist_on_a_knife_edge"
]
] | ||
9i2c0q | how do bread boxes keep bread fresh? | I don't understand why leaving it on the counter or in a plastic bag wouldn't keep it just as fresh as a bread box. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9i2c0q/eli5_how_do_bread_boxes_keep_bread_fresh/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"Less air circulation. Leaving it on the counter allows the water inside the bread to evaporate faster, because the surrounding air circulates- you cool off faster with circulating air than still air, like a fan blowing on you makes you feel cool... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
2bryox | how do flat earthers back up their belief? | I really don't understand how the people who believe the earth is flat justify their position. What evidence do they show? I mean we have literally been to space and seen the Earth is a spheroid.
I can to a point understand why creationists don't accept evolution: some people just can't conceptualize the massive time... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2bryox/eli5_how_do_flat_earthers_back_up_their_belief/ | {
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"text": [
"Have you ever actually seen the Earth from that point of view? Evolution deniers are actually denying rock solid evidence observed first hand by scientists. Many people believe t... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
43oj24 | both christian and islam forbids worshiping idols, why is it alright for there to be paintings of jesus and other figures in cathedrals? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/43oj24/eli5_both_christian_and_islam_forbids_worshiping/ | {
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"czjycta",
"c... | [] | [] | [
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"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Council_of_Nicaea"
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30lm5h | what technology is required to make a significant increase in modern internet speeds? | It seems like the further we progress technologically, some areas move ahead at a faster rate than others. For instance, we have the technology to create media in 4k but we don't have the internet speeds to distribute it on demand to sheer size of 4k content. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/30lm5h/eli5_what_technology_is_required_to_make_a/ | {
"a_id": [
"cptqs8q"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Answer. We have it. Look at Google Fiber. Cheap, 1gbps. Download anything you want in seconds. \n\nWhy is Comcast and Time Warner so expensive and crappy? Monopolies. The cost to start an ISP is so huge, only they can. So your options are \"Pay ... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://youtu.be/0ilMx7k7mso"
]
] | |
55p30v | why are certain animals' fecal matters better for the environment than others? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/55p30v/eli5_why_are_certain_animals_fecal_matters_better/ | {
"a_id": [
"d8cjbtl"
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"score": [
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"text": [
"\"The Environment\" such as it is, doesn't really express a preference; dung is dung. Issues that can arise however, which are largely to do with how humans use animals and their feces (or dispose of them), are agricultural runoff, and fertilizer... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
30g2j5 | if the fbi is ordered to make something public, what's stopping them from only giving the information they want? | If they (or another government organization) have been hiding the fact that they have been listening in on people (for example), what's to stop them from only showing a fraction of the information that they have gathered when presented with a court order? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/30g2j5/eli5_if_the_fbi_is_ordered_to_make_something/ | {
"a_id": [
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2,
3
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"text": [
"The public's willingness to resist in the face of superior firepower.\n\nSo yeah; not much.",
"Really nothing. I'm sure there are historical open records now that show they've lied all the time und... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
5x0ovg | where does the money for a founder's shares of stock in an ipo come from? | I tried searching for the answer to this but most IPO/stock related ELI5's don't address my question, so here goes:
If you follow the news you have probably heard that in the near future Snap Inc., the company behind Snapchat, plans to go public. I generally know that the money from an IPO comes from individual inves... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5x0ovg/eli5_where_does_the_money_for_a_founders_shares/ | {
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"text": [
"Snap is offering 200 million shares to the public at $17 a share. of these 200 million, 145 million will be sold by the company to the public, and 55 million are currently held by insiders and will be sold to the public. so the IPO is not raisin... | [] | [
"http://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/rngs/SNAP-IPO-VALUATION/010031XX4DY/index.html"
] | [
[]
] | |
4r61b0 | why can fish eat fish and not experience the negative effects of cannibalism, like being riddled with disease? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4r61b0/eli5_why_can_fish_eat_fish_and_not_experience_the/ | {
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"score": [
10,
3,
2
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"text": [
"\"Fish\" is an extremely broad category. Maybe there are some species that practice cannibalism, but generally fish would eat other species of fish. Much like how many mammals eat other species of mamm... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
78ctnz | what benefit does a game being a console exclusive have? wouldn't reaching a wider audience on all platforms make more money? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/78ctnz/eli5_what_benefit_does_a_game_being_a_console/ | {
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23,
5,
7,
2,
2
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"text": [
"I don't claim to understand how the industry works but logically speaking. It would make sense for console makers i.e. Sony or Microsof... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
3gxhp3 | how does soundhound work? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3gxhp3/eli5_how_does_soundhound_work/ | {
"a_id": [
"cu2g0pt"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Yarr, ye forgot yer searchin' duties, for ['twas asked by those what came before ye!](_URL_0_)"
]
} | [] | [] | [
[
"https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/search?restrict_sr=on&sort=relevance&t=all&q=how%20soundhound"
]
] | ||
9sqlxu | how do you balance chemical equations? | Before you all think I'm stupid - I'm a sophomore in high school and haven't learned this in over 2 years. Also this is for an online course and the teachers on this program are always rude and confusing when I ask for help. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9sqlxu/eli5_how_do_you_balance_chemical_equations/ | {
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"You need to make sure there are the same amount of atoms on the product and reactant sides of the equation. \n\nYou adjust the coefficients of each element or molecule until all of the atoms are accoun... | [] | [] | [
[],
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cdxwoe | how does a cut finger get resewn back on with full functionality? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cdxwoe/eli5_how_does_a_cut_finger_get_resewn_back_on/ | {
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6mwr9k | how are other factors accounted for in scientific studies? | For example a study came out that said that had concluded that people who live near trees are more likely to live longer, and someone dismissed it by saying that people who live near trees are more likely to live in suburban neighborhoods and be more wealthy, are things like this already accounted for and, if so, how? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6mwr9k/eli5_how_are_other_factors_accounted_for_in/ | {
"a_id": [
"dk4xwwd",
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"score": [
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"text": [
"The term for adjusting your findings based on variables other than what you're measuring is \"controlling for\" those variables. You'd have to read the details of the study to see which variables they controlled for and how... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
2ndmwz | who exactly are the "private companies" that purchase user data from software? | I keep reading about how personal data is collected from apps, unbeknownst to us, and that this information is used to sell to other companies either to give to marketing agencies, or purchased directly by said agencies. I never see who these companies are though; they are never named. Who are some of these companies, ... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ndmwz/eli5_who_exactly_are_the_private_companies_that/ | {
"a_id": [
"cmcmp7w",
"cmcosiz"
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"score": [
3,
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"text": [
"Axiom is one. They are not hidden, people just don't look for them.\n\nKind of like how you've probably used a dozen pieces of Oracle technology today but you don't know who they are either.",
"The companies are data br... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
amls6h | how did they resize photos before computers | Before computers, how did they resize photos to be bigger than they originally were? Like taking a small negative from a camera and enlarging it to be almost poster size.
Or taking a drawing and resizing it to fit a book cover or album cover. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/amls6h/eli5_how_did_they_resize_photos_before_computers/ | {
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3suyn1 | what's the deal with hot-wiring cars and how has it changed over time with advances in technology? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3suyn1/eli5_whats_the_deal_with_hotwiring_cars_and_how/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"Traditionally cars operated on a pretty simple start up mechanism wherein a circuit was completed and the engine. As long as the circuit could be maintained then so could the car. \n\nThis is actually still the primary princ... | [] | [] | [
[],
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2ozjqy | why does nobody crack down on craigslist scammers? | I buy and sell motorcycles, and I probably get messaged upward of 5 scams a day. Even for other things I've listed like phones, furniture, ext. Why do the authorities not track these numbers or anything. These people literally rob people of thousands of dollars with zero reprocussions. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ozjqy/eli5_why_does_nobody_crack_down_on_craigslist/ | {
"a_id": [
"cmry0dz"
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"score": [
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"text": [
"It's not a crime to send an email. A crime is only committed once a phony transaction has been done. Law enforcement doesn't have the time or resources to go after every Internet scammer. Also, most of these scammers are from other countries so y... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
dazprs | why doesn’t a liquid laundry/dish detergent pod break down from the detergent inside? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dazprs/eli5_why_doesnt_a_liquid_laundrydish_detergent/ | {
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"f1wh76h",
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"score": [
429,
55,
6,
2
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"text": [
"Different materials react diffently to one another. The plastic wrap of your pod is highly water soluble, but the content has no water, only detergent and other chemicals. The w... | [] | [] | [
[],
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[],
[]
] | ||
23vadf | why are there so many automatically flushing toilets everywhere? | Are they cheaper or something? They seem unnecessary | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/23vadf/eli5_why_are_there_so_many_automatically_flushing/ | {
"a_id": [
"ch0wj3m",
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"score": [
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"text": [
"It's so you don't have to touch the toilet when you're done. It's just as much about you not putting your contaminated hands on something as it is you not touching someone else's contamination.",
"Bottom line, it is abo... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
3abpbs | why doesn't the us education system teach sex-ed just like norway? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3abpbs/eli5why_doesnt_the_us_education_system_teach/ | {
"a_id": [
"csb44ao",
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"text": [
"Many Conservatives in this country believe teaching children about sex will lead to children just having sex. These groups (which have quite a bit of money and power in the political world) will only su... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
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26zzvs | why is 'a dozen' twelve, and why is 'a baker's dozen' 13? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/26zzvs/eli5_why_is_a_dozen_twelve_and_why_is_a_bakers/ | {
"a_id": [
"chw2rx9"
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"score": [
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"text": [
"The word dozen comes from the French word douzaine, which means group of twelve. \n\nA bakers dozen has 13 so the baker couldn't be accused of being a cheat. During that time a baker could lose a hand if he shortchanged a customer. The thirteenth... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
eziyae | the physical pain you feel like your chest when experiencing a breakup. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/eziyae/eli5_the_physical_pain_you_feel_like_your_chest/ | {
"a_id": [
"fgnm4in"
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"score": [
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"text": [
"Because for some reason the same part of your brain that processes bad news/saddness/rejection triggers physical pain.\n\nIt can make your muscles sore like you've done an intense workout, and can make your breathing faster which can lead to pain... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
6rq9sy | how does mdma treat depression if it depletes serotonin. | There are studies and claims purporting that MDMA can treat depression. However anyone who has experience with this chemical will tell you that there is a comedown which is due to the depletion of serotonin. Surely this is not conducive to a positive result in a depression patient? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6rq9sy/eli5_how_does_mdma_treat_depression_if_it/ | {
"a_id": [
"dl6ydgk",
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"score": [
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"text": [
"Depression is a war on two fronts: \"I am logically a piece of shit and should kill myself\" is one, and the reduction of brain chemicals is the other. And they go hand in hand, the one implies the other which implies the fi... | [] | [] | [
[],
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] | |
32dyzn | if pi follows no pattern then why can it be represented as a series that follows a pattern? | 1-(1/3)+(1/5)-(1/7)+(1/9)...=pi/4
This makes no sense to me because it suggests that pi does in fact follow a pattern because this series follows a pattern. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/32dyzn/eli5_if_pi_follows_no_pattern_then_why_can_it_be/ | {
"a_id": [
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"The **digits** of Pi follow no pattern but the actual nature of Pi follows plenty of patterns (including the fundamental definition that Pi is the ratio of a circle's diameter and its circumference).\n\nThe Leibniz formula (... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
5c351w | why were the nazis so ahead of everyone else in physics ? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5c351w/eli5_why_were_the_nazis_so_ahead_of_everyone_else/ | {
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"text": [
"They placed a higher emphasis on and devoted more resources to it. If war or the threat of it is good for anything, it would be the technological advances that come out of it. That whole world domination thing in Hitler's ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
2qo9u4 | why does the fda allow homeopathic products on the market, when it is strict about requiring evidence of effectiveness for real drugs? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2qo9u4/eli5_why_does_the_fda_allow_homeopathic_products/ | {
"a_id": [
"cn7ygwu",
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"score": [
2,
2,
2
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"text": [
"The \"alternative medicine\" industry lobbied congress to be excluded from Fda rules and got it.",
"You'll find that all of the homeopathic remedies include statements such as, \"These statements [a... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
bvsay2 | how do we know that we humans perceive multiple colors as purple if we can't see them? | I've read somewhere that we humans perceive multiple colors as purple, even though they are technically considered different colors and not just different visible hues of purple. I understand that anything below the frequency of purple and invisible to us becomes ultraviolet and everything above is infrared, but how do... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bvsay2/eli5_how_do_we_know_that_we_humans_perceive/ | {
"a_id": [
"eps853f"
],
"score": [
2
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"text": [
"There aren't shades of purple that are other colours some how. It's just purple or shades of purple in that part of the spectrum. \n\nThe only thing I can think of is that there are '2' separate purples in the rainbow, indigo and violet.\n\nThis ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
2zmheu | when a public company is planning for a 2-for-1 split of stocks, what are the benefits? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2zmheu/eli5when_a_public_company_is_planning_for_a_2for1/ | {
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"text": [
"The stock becomes more \"affordable\" so generally it translate into increased activity. When Apple did a 7-1 split last year, I predicted many younger people would start purchasing it because it was n... | [] | [] | [
[],
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9n73dj | why do in some pastry dishes, like souffles, you seperate the whites and the yolks and then recombine them? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9n73dj/eli5_why_do_in_some_pastry_dishes_like_souffles/ | {
"a_id": [
"e7k4x6v"
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"score": [
2
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"text": [
"You're separating them and then changing their texture independently of each other. I'm no expert, but I've been cooking a while and usually if I'm using just egg whites I'm beating them into a new texture that I couldn't achieve if I left the yo... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
edgobt | when someone receives a large scale surgery which requires them being ‘opened’ to some degree, when the surgeons close them, does the air now inside their body cause issues? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/edgobt/eli5_when_someone_receives_a_large_scale_surgery/ | {
"a_id": [
"fbht8bh",
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39,
7,
7
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"text": [
"Gas is soluble in water! Trapped gas will slowly dissolve into the blood, which will pass through the organ specializing in gas exchange: the lungs!",
"My girlfriend had a surgery to get checked fo... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
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590mlu | why does it seems like living in china is kind of rough for citizens? from the edu system to the announced rating system which is on /all frontpage. is it really as purposeful as it seems from a western point of view? how do chinese think about it (compared to other countries they visited)? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/590mlu/eli5_why_does_it_seems_like_living_in_china_is/ | {
"a_id": [
"d94pts2",
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"score": [
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2
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"text": [
"China is an enormous country so I don't think anyone can say exactly what \"the Chinese\" think about it because their views will run the gamut. However we can observe some things.\n\nIt absolutely is purposeful. The censors... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"https://np.reddit.com/r/worldnews/comments/3nyulu/in_china_every_citizen_is_being_assigned_a_credit/cvsl88k/"
]
] | ||
227cl7 | why did ancient soldiers wear cloaks/capes? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/227cl7/eli5_why_did_ancient_soldiers_wear_cloakscapes/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"Because they would get cold. Tailoring can be difficult, so just a big piece of cloth to wrap around yourself was the state of the art.",
"Cloaks are cheap, one size fits all, and really comfortable in all sorts of weath... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yN8cYd3poIk"
]
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225l53 | if i put 24 water bottles in my mini fridge, why do only 1-3 of them freeze, while the rest don't? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/225l53/eli5_if_i_put_24_water_bottles_in_my_mini_fridge/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
2,
2
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"text": [
"Refrigerators are not constant temperature throughout their volume. Minifridges are especially bad about this because they often do not have a circulation fan, so you have a spot (typically in the back corner) that is quite... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
1m6tgj | why do people have to sign a release to have their face/voice used on a tv show (like jackass) but news shows don't? | If my title is confusing: On reality shows when someone doesn't sign a release to have their face/voice used on that show the producers have to blur their faces if they still wish to use the footage. However, I regularly see news cameramen & reporters run up to people and ask them questions. Sometimes people don't ... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1m6tgj/eli5_why_do_people_have_to_sign_a_release_to_have/ | {
"a_id": [
"cc6c60l",
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"score": [
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2
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"text": [
"Money, reality shows are trying to profit directly off of you, and thus need your agreement to defend themselves should you decide to take legal action. I'm sure they could get away with it if you didn't sign a waiver in som... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
1soxcu | is it bad for your body if you lay in bed a lot? | I lay in bed a *lot*, like i'll get home at 10:30 AM and i'm pretty much laying in/on my bed for the rest of the day, either playing battlefield, on the computer, or watching tv, all while laying down. Lately I've been having burning sensations on the back of my legs, mostly my thighs, and it's really starting to be a ... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1soxcu/eli5_is_it_bad_for_your_body_if_you_lay_in_bed_a/ | {
"a_id": [
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2
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"text": [
"Depending on the position, lying in bed can put pressure or strain on certain parts of your body, which can be harmful over time. Additionally, lying in bed a lot may mean that you are not getting enoug... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
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2ydpgu | what is the difference between android and ios regarding how both operating systems work? | I only found [that!](_URL_0_) thread but it doesn't answer my question. I just heard that iOS is somewhat a closed system in itself and Android isn't. But then again I don't even know what that means either. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ydpgu/eli5_what_is_the_difference_between_android_and/ | {
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"text": [
"Your question is a bit like asking the difference between a Ford and a chevy truck. Of course, you can point to specifics, but in general there isn't a great deal of difference ... | [] | [
"http://www.reddit.com/r/Android/comments/22gxkf/what_is_the_difference_betwen_ios_and_android_in/"
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[],
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4v3xdr | soda boils in vacuum? | _URL_0_
if you watch the video via the link i posted you will see a balloon expands and a soda "boils" in a vacuum. how/why does this happen? it seems if a balloon was in a vacuum it would squish. and the soda boiling i dont even understand that. i tried google and just got the answer "thermodynamics". | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4v3xdr/eli5_soda_boils_in_vacuum/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"So all liquids have this thing called a vapor pressure. It basically means that when you put a liquid in a sealed container you'll get a natural pressure from the liquid. What's happening is that some molecules become \"deta... | [] | [
"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=an4m2_P0P_I"
] | [
[],
[]
] | |
msye7 | world of warcraft: popularity/longevity, addictiveness | I can't imagine putting years of playtime into one game. Curious why this one is still such a hit, having been out since 2004. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/msye7/eli5_world_of_warcraft_popularitylongevity/ | {
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"text": [
"My simple response is that you just don't unders... | [] | [] | [
[],
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1mxzb0 | today's definition of a hacker | Im not talking about the people who post on your facebook wall because you forgot to log off.
Once upon a time a hacker was someone who would literally hack a computer with a hacksaw to mod the case. It was then understood to be someone who would get into secure systems (which is now sometimes referred to as cracking)... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1mxzb0/eli5_todays_definition_of_a_hacker/ | {
"a_id": [
"ccdo93s"
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"score": [
5
],
"text": [
"In the context of computers, the term 'hacker' originally just meant someone who was highly skilled with computers and who was able to hack things together and make things work... essentially hackers were people who could invent creative solution... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
14cvth | the bernie madoff scandal | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/14cvth/the_bernie_madoff_scandal/ | {
"a_id": [
"c7c4x0y"
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"score": [
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"text": [
"There's something called a Ponzi scheme or Pyramid scheme. The simplest explanation is something like this:\n\nI tell you that if you let me borrow $5, in a week I will give you $10.\n\nThen I go to somebody else and tell them the same thing. I... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
8wgdfs | when in a pool, why doesen't water flow freely into your b-hole. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8wgdfs/eli5_when_in_a_pool_why_doesent_water_flow_freely/ | {
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"e1vat0k",
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18,
2,
4
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"text": [
"Your \"b-hole\" is a circular muscle, which contracts tightly when not in use. Water can't get in because there's effectively no opening there when you aren't pooping, or forcing it open.",
"Your b... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
3tkyp2 | why do dust clouds in space form into disks and not circular clouds? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3tkyp2/eli5_why_do_dust_clouds_in_space_form_into_disks/ | {
"a_id": [
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2
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"text": [
"Short answer: Because they are rotating on one direction, imagine someone tossing pizza dough in the air, some dust clouds and galaxies actually are globular though.",
"I assume you mean spherical clouds (disks are circu... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
34d7e6 | how can australia 'turn back' asylum seeker boats to indonesia? | The Australian navy intercepts boats at sea, and is said to turn them back to Indonesia. How can they do this? If the boat is in international waters, can't the boat do what it wants? And how can the Australian Navy force a boat into *Indonesian* waters?
And what are the practicalities of turning back boats - do you j... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/34d7e6/eli5how_can_australia_turn_back_asylum_seeker/ | {
"a_id": [
"cqtkbnv",
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"score": [
2,
3
],
"text": [
"It might have something to do with the Aus $600 million dollars per year it provides in aid to Indonesia. They tow the boats back and it has been so successful not one boat has arrived here in 18 months. I am no expert by an... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
4rh8e8 | how are young birds and eggs safe in nests? aren't they sitting ducks? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4rh8e8/eli5_how_are_young_birds_and_eggs_safe_in_nests/ | {
"a_id": [
"d513j7u"
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"score": [
7
],
"text": [
"First and foremost. Did you just make this post for a sitting ducks pun?\n\nSecond, that is why a great many birds build nests way up on the top of trees. Those that don't generally try to disguise it in the underbrush. \n\nBut yes, at the end... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
akdiru | is there a point when the moon will fall out of orbit, and what will that mean for earth? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/akdiru/eli5_is_there_a_point_when_the_moon_will_fall_out/ | {
"a_id": [
"ef3yrxp",
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"score": [
3,
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"text": [
"There is a point where the moon may end up colliding with Earth due to the decay of the moon’s orbit, but it’s not projected to occur until roughly 65 billion years from now.\n\nThe Sun is expected to enter the tip of its re... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
755lxi | why, by aufbau filling order, does a 3d orbital fill after a 4s, but when the atom loses electrons, the 4s goes first. likewise, which one, 3d or 4s, is farther from the nucleus and why? | Just a bit frustrated why I missed a few questions on the first exam (and I didn't want a, that's just a thing, answer from my teacher). Thank you. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/755lxi/eli5_why_by_aufbau_filling_order_does_a_3d/ | {
"a_id": [
"do3nfkb"
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"score": [
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"text": [
"The 3 in 3d and 4 in 4s refers to the primary quantum number derived from the Bohr model of the hydrogen atom. This number designates how high or low an electron is in the energy well of the nucleus, starting with n=1.\n\nA useful definition of ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
69pqy9 | when we get tired, what is that pleasant sensation we get when we close our eyes? why do we get it? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/69pqy9/eli5_when_we_get_tired_what_is_that_pleasant/ | {
"a_id": [
"dh8gcle",
"dh8gp4z"
],
"score": [
3,
2
],
"text": [
"Do you mean...*why does getting ready to sleep feel good when we're tired?*",
"Pleasant is a relative term. When the sun is blaring the shade feels pleasant, but if you were indoors in the winter that same air might see... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
1wa0ia | what does a graphics card do that a cpu can't, or, why do i need both? | As far as my knowledge goes, both CPU and graphics card are there to perform calculations. So I guess they specialise in different things? How would you begin to explain that? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1wa0ia/eli5_what_does_a_graphics_card_do_that_a_cpu_cant/ | {
"a_id": [
"cf0181z",
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"score": [
8,
3
],
"text": [
"The ELI5 version: \nA computer's CPU is great for doing things \"in order\", meaning it can do things very quickly, but only one at a time. This limitation can be mitigated by adding more CPU cores, but you can think of th... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
foh34j | why are plastic chip bags always chrome on the inside? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/foh34j/eli5_why_are_plastic_chip_bags_always_chrome_on/ | {
"a_id": [
"flf4i8a",
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"score": [
163,
10,
3
],
"text": [
"Chip bags are usually given an interior coating of aluminum. This is because most bags are made of polyethylene, which is not an oxygen barrier. As the oils in the chips oxidize, the flavor changes (... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
5w9lsi | why do teabags spin whenever you remove them from water? | (really not sure if this flair is correct) | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5w9lsi/eli5_why_do_teabags_spin_whenever_you_remove_them/ | {
"a_id": [
"de8dlbi",
"de8kd4o"
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"score": [
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2
],
"text": [
"Because the string is actually two strings in a spiral Form. As the teabag soaks in all the water it gets heavier which leads to the spiral unrolling.",
"Tea bag string is specially made with a certain amount of twist, s... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
4kg0vl | how did the whole microchip credit card thing start? | Who approved the change and how did it come about? I know it's for security reasons, but so far all it does is slow down my card swiping by about ten times. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4kg0vl/eli5_how_did_the_whole_microchip_credit_card/ | {
"a_id": [
"d3emyrt",
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"score": [
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2,
2
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"text": [
"For under $100, you can buy a device that will write a credit card number to the magstrip on a card. There is virtually *zero* security involved there. It was also becoming increasingly common for cri... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[
"http://www.npr.org/sections/money/2016/04/13/474135422/episode-695-put-a-chip-on-it"
]
] | |
4bosf0 | why do schools teach a really proper version of foriegn languages thats too proper for a real native speaker to understand you? | The native speakers of the language dont understand a lot of it.
Why would you teach it this way if we cant really use it that effectively? Wouldnt it be better to teach real life conversational versions of the foreign language to be able to use it? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4bosf0/eli5_why_do_schools_teach_a_really_proper_version/ | {
"a_id": [
"d1b34bx",
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"score": [
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"text": [
"\"Really proper\" grammar and vocabulary is still very useful. If you wanted a job in a foreign country, they m... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
2uscam | why do we prefer to eat fish that eat other fish but prefer vegetarian land animals? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2uscam/eli5_why_do_we_prefer_to_eat_fish_that_eat_other/ | {
"a_id": [
"cob77ma",
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"score": [
2,
3,
3
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"text": [
"The fish that don't eat other fish don't have a lot of other things to eat, other than the waste products of the rest of the fish. For instance, catfish are \"bottom feeders\" and therefore are the equ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
2kate9 | if the modern interpretation of a knight (heavy steel armor, huge armies of them) is so incorrect, where did it come from? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2kate9/eli5_if_the_modern_interpretation_of_a_knight/ | {
"a_id": [
"cljhtw3",
"cljis68"
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"score": [
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13
],
"text": [
"well historically that interpretation was correct. but only in certain cases did knights wear heavy steel armor. but huge armies of them is inaccurate. traditionally knights were considered nobility and being knighted wa... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mail_(armour)",
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gothic_plate_armour",
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coat_of_plates"
]
] | ||
6lj165 | why does aiming a fan at a damp cloth help it dry faster, regardless of the temperature of the air? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6lj165/eli5_why_does_aiming_a_fan_at_a_damp_cloth_help/ | {
"a_id": [
"dju74y7",
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"score": [
2,
3
],
"text": [
"The air right by the damp cloth gets very humid very fast. You want to blow that away and replace it constantly with new air that is less humid.",
"Because temperature has very little to do with evaporation. It is the re... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
1ssu0c | living cells are highly ordered units, yet the universe is heading toward higher entropy. discuss how life can maintain its order in spite of the second law of thermodynamics. are we defying this law? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ssu0c/living_cells_are_highly_ordered_units_yet_the/ | {
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2,
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"text": [
" > Are we defying this law?\n\nNo more than your freezer is when it turns water into ice.\n\nEntropy can decrease in local pockets as lo... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[
"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bueZoYhUlg"
],
[],
[]
] | ||
3ddayp | how can narcissistic people also often be full of self-loathing? | . | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ddayp/eli5_how_can_narcissistic_people_also_often_be/ | {
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"ct40svr",
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"text": [
"There is correlation between self esteem and narcissism. \n\nJust because everything is about you, does not mean those are good things. ",
"tl;dr: They feel so worthless that ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"http://dalkeithpress.com/meaningfrommadness"
],
[],
[]
] | |
2j94kb | why can't we give a "flu shot" type vaccination for every disease? | If we can inject a small amount of the dead flu virus into us and our immune system becomes protected from that strain of the flu, why doesn't this work for everything else? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2j94kb/eli5_why_cant_we_give_a_flu_shot_type_vaccination/ | {
"a_id": [
"cl9j5nn",
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"score": [
3,
4
],
"text": [
"Because ebola first disarms the immune system response and then it disables the vascular system otherwise known as the circulatory system and it progresses quite quickly. [source](_URL_0_)",
"Your question could be inter... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://news.sciencemag.org/health/2014/08/what-does-ebola-actually-do"
],
[]
] | |
42uc40 | why are there multiple stock exchanges when everything is done on computers anyway? | Why aren't all companies just traded on one big market? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/42uc40/eli5_why_are_there_multiple_stock_exchanges_when/ | {
"a_id": [
"czd5v7v",
"czdapg3",
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"score": [
4,
5,
2
],
"text": [
"The stock exchanges are mostly for-profit companies that were started separately. From time to time there is a merger, but mergers take time and cost money and jobs, so they're not always eager.",
"... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
1xle4y | why do people buy full-price houses instead of foreclosure houses? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1xle4y/eli5_why_do_people_buy_fullprice_houses_instead/ | {
"a_id": [
"cfce1t8",
"cfce3ag",
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"score": [
2,
5,
2,
2
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"text": [
"* You might not find a foreclosure that meets your needs/wants.\n* People who are being foreclosed upon don't tend to be the ones to take care of their houses, usually because they... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
ccnqja | why does caffeine give you physical energy (e.g shakes) rather than clearing up just mental tiredness? | From my understanding, caffeine works by blocking receptors in your brain that measure how tired you are. So why does drinking too much of it give you the shakes and physical energy, instead of just stopping your mind from being tired | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ccnqja/eli5_why_does_caffeine_give_you_physical_energy/ | {
"a_id": [
"eto873j"
],
"score": [
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],
"text": [
"It does prevent the feeling of tiredness, yes, and it's *also* a nervous system stimulant: it causes things like heart rate and breathing to accelerate, which can make you feel anywhere from \"energized\" to \"twitchy\" depending on your particu... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
dcy6dk | how does holding the power button on a computer force it to shut down? | My laptop froze and wouldn't even go into sleep mode. How does holding the power button longer make it completely stop? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dcy6dk/eli5_how_does_holding_the_power_button_on_a/ | {
"a_id": [
"f2crd36",
"f2crmvd",
"f2cu9m0"
],
"score": [
4,
9,
2
],
"text": [
"There are various levels of programming and electronics in a computer. At the most basic level is the hardware itself such as the motherboard which all the components connect to. This has a BIOS (Basic ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"it.So"
],
[]
] | |
4ajtwe | if a major company like google gets fined by a country for breaking say, a privacy law, where does that money go to and what does it get used for? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4ajtwe/eli5if_a_major_company_like_google_gets_fined_by/ | {
"a_id": [
"d10y2gy",
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"score": [
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8
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"text": [
"That depends entirely on the country doing the fining. In some countries, that money would go to the country's Treasury, to be spent on whatever they need.\n\nIn other countries, it goes to the regulatory agencies that issu... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/04/business/when-a-company-is-fined-taxpayers-often-share-the-punishment.html?_r=0",
"http://www.sfgate.com/business/networth/article/When-government-fines-companies-who-gets-cash-3189724.php"
]
] | ||
fmsw20 | why do bike tires lose air when sitting in the garage for a long time? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fmsw20/eli5_why_do_bike_tires_lose_air_when_sitting_in/ | {
"a_id": [
"fl5vnvn",
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"score": [
5,
7
],
"text": [
"All tires loose air when sitting for a long time. The seals on the valves aren’t perfect and air escapes through them little by little.",
"Former bike mechanic of 5 years here.\n\nMost air is lost through the rubber of ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
d2xv5q | can someone explain to me how i would calculate the following (probability math) | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/d2xv5q/eli5_can_someone_explain_to_me_how_i_would/ | {
"a_id": [
"ezxgxdm",
"ezxhu8h"
],
"score": [
3,
3
],
"text": [
"For future reference, r/learnmath is that way.\n\nAlso, I might like to try it out once you figure everything out.",
"So this is pretty straight forward, basically just divide 1 by the odds per attempt to get the average... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
bnz4pd | what stops larger predator birds from annihilating pigeon and seagull populations in cities? | Seems like a free meal to me lol | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bnz4pd/eli5_what_stops_larger_predator_birds_from/ | {
"a_id": [
"enamy0c",
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"enbgda2",
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"score": [
20,
8,
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"text": [
"They absolutely do hunt them, I've seen it many times. But, the population and reproduction success of pigeons is... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
2eygr4 | would anything on earth drastically change if superman were, in fact, able to exactly reverse the earths rotation? | I know a few people have answered, but for the sake of answers, this is unrelated to the movie now, and were assuming he reversed the earth's rotation over the course of 100ish years. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2eygr4/eli5_would_anything_on_earth_drastically_change/ | {
"a_id": [
"ck45rvo",
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"score": [
3,
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"text": [
"[xkcd's take on this]( _URL_0_)\n\nIf you're referring to the film in which that occurs, though, my preferred expansion is that Superman 'only' exceeds the speed of light, causing him to travel backwards in time.",
"Supe... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://io9.com/xkcds-creator-explains-what-would-happen-if-earth-stopp-1625068208"
],
[]
] | |
64qckh | why do people from the us never identify with english culture? i often read about italian-american, irish-american, chinese-american, you name it, but not a single time have i read someone proud of her/his english origins. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/64qckh/eli5_why_do_people_from_the_us_never_identify/ | {
"a_id": [
"dg45u18",
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"dg4a9xq",
"dg4acez",
"dg4alwc",
"dg4bcb9",
"dg4brnu",
"dg4c5qf",
"d... | [] | [] | [
[],
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"https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Anglo-Saxon_Protestant"
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[],
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"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_England"
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[],
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[],
[],
[
"http... | ||
2m36ki | what is the problem with paying student athletes if colleges and nonprofits like ncaa are profiting billions off of their work? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2m36ki/eli5_what_is_the_problem_with_paying_student/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
3,
15,
11,
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3,
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"text": [
"Because that money goes back into the college to further research and subsidize tuition. Plus, student athletes... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[
"http://m.imdb.com/title/tt3057718/"
],
[],
[
"http://espn.go.com/ncaa/revenue",
"http://www.forbes.com/nfl-valuations/list/"
],
[]
] | ||
lccu6 | trade deficits, 'free trade', etc. | There's been a lot of talk lately about these sort of things, particularly in regard to money leaking from the US into the international market.
I understand what these concepts *are* - what I'm more interest in is their *implications*. What effect does a trade deficit have on the economy? What are the long term risks... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/lccu6/eli5_trade_deficits_free_trade_etc/ | {
"a_id": [
"c2ro5p4",
"c2ro5p4"
],
"score": [
3,
3
],
"text": [
"1)\nFree trade promotes a global economy, which is good because it allows countries to specialize and gives everyone a larger market. Trading with countries also helps build relations with them. A fundamental macroecon theor... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
jqo0t | in blackjack, why does your play matter to the other players? | I was having a disagreement about this last night. The example my friend was using was "If you hit on a 17 and bust with a King, then you're an asshole because that King would have busted the dealer, and the table has every right to be pissed at you."
But isn't that "hit card" totally random? What if you stayed, then ... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/jqo0t/eli5_in_blackjack_why_does_your_play_matter_to/ | {
"a_id": [
"c2edsu2",
"c2efdt2",
"c2edsu2",
"c2efdt2"
],
"score": [
5,
3,
5,
3
],
"text": [
"Ugh. So much Gambler's Fallacy going on in this thread.\n\nNo one congratulates you when you take the 5 that would have turned the dealer's 16 into 21. \n\nThe whole idea behind s... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
24i4hm | why is rob ford not arrested? | After 2 crack cocaine videos, he's admitted he's done it, why is he not behind bars for committing a crime? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/24i4hm/eli5_why_is_rob_ford_not_arrested/ | {
"a_id": [
"ch7cax4"
],
"score": [
8
],
"text": [
"Because the consumption of a drug isn't a crime.\n\nPossession is, trafficking, dealing, doing things while under the influence are, but not just being high.\n\nNot to mention as much as people hate him for being a fat crackhead, he's a decent ma... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
pjpmk | how vaccines work and why some people think they don't | I'm not entirely uneducated on the topic. I know people think there's mercury in them, and they cause autism, and that just about every scientist/doctor out there disagrees. And just to be clear, I am **NOT** an anti-vaccer. I get all my vaccines, and any children I have in the future will do the same. I'm just genuine... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/pjpmk/eli5_how_vaccines_work_and_why_some_people_think/ | {
"a_id": [
"c3pwg1w",
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"c3pwhq6",
"c3pwj7u",
"c3px76d",
"c3py6a5",
"c3pyebr",
"c3pz4yg",
"c3pzfqp",
"c3q0fkf",
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"score": [
7,
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4,
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2,
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2,
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"text": [
"Whe... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
3vgb9h | why do so many famous or successful people seem to be from south africa? | [deleted] | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3vgb9h/eli5_why_do_so_many_famous_or_successful_people/ | {
"a_id": [
"cxn9lvt",
"cxn9m89",
"cxnbfjw"
],
"score": [
4,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"Care to name a few? I don't see that trend",
"Political unrest in S.A. has caused a large number of talented people with enough money to leave the country, seeking stable opportunities elsewhere. Bu... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
1jfz7r | how close does a movie have to be to the facts when claiming it is "based on real events" or "inspired by a true story"? | I have always wondered. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1jfz7r/eli5_how_close_does_a_movie_have_to_be_to_the/ | {
"a_id": [
"cbe9ulz",
"cbeabnf",
"cbebfhf"
],
"score": [
2,
3,
2
],
"text": [
"Not close at all. There's nothing legally binding the movie adaptation to the real life story in anyway except possibly public knowledge of facts (people don't like knowing they're being lied to).",
... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
1mn8qk | how come i am not bald after pulling out copious amounts of hair every time i shower and brush? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1mn8qk/eli5_how_come_i_am_not_bald_after_pulling_out/ | {
"a_id": [
"ccatbr4"
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"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"Okay, so I'm going to do some math. Let's say that your hair is farily thin, and you have only 100,000 hairs on your head (the average ranges from 108,000 to 140,00 depending on hair color). Also keep in mind that hair grows at about 0.5 inches... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
eyfc28 | car engines, 2.1l (example) and cilinders stuff, what the heck do these mean? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/eyfc28/eli5_car_engines_21l_example_and_cilinders_stuff/ | {
"a_id": [
"fggtfe9",
"fggunua",
"fggvd7m"
],
"score": [
2,
3,
2
],
"text": [
"2.1L would mean that the total volume of air pushed by the engine's pistons equals 2.1L of displacement.",
"the 'liter' size of an engine is how much space the cylinders take up. *YOU GOT BIG CYLIN... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
a8ifaw | why is wifi reception so troublesome at home just a few meters from your router, meanwhile 4g can penerate dozens of walls several kilometers away with pretty good results. | [deleted] | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a8ifaw/eli5_why_is_wifi_reception_so_troublesome_at_home/ | {
"a_id": [
"ecax5gn",
"ecayhxm"
],
"score": [
5,
3
],
"text": [
"Wi-fi isn't designed to transmit over long distances, whereas 3G/4G is.\n\nIf the internet was a football, Wi-Fi is like playing catch with your son. Cellular networks are like having an NFL Quarterback throw the ball to you... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"http://www.yalescientific.org/2011/04/the-4g-network/"
]
] | |
2ss5nv | why can't we make a safe plastic? | I was just reading about the new studies that say BPA-free plastic is just as dangerous as regular plastic. Why can't they make a safe plastic? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ss5nv/eli5_why_cant_we_make_a_safe_plastic/ | {
"a_id": [
"cnscc4f",
"cnsg9yf"
],
"score": [
3,
2
],
"text": [
"There are many safe plastics. The reason many plastics are poisonous is that they're rather similar to the kinds of molecules that make up your cells, and can damage or interfere with them.",
"Some plastics are dangerous... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
5fassd | why do construction companies drag out projects when they can be completed much faster? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5fassd/eli5_why_do_construction_companies_drag_out/ | {
"a_id": [
"daitu3y",
"daiuuj7"
],
"score": [
5,
2
],
"text": [
"Often protects, especially large projects ($500 million plus) are \"time and material\", so the longer it takes the more money they make. Another reason is a lack of, or poor engineering. Lack of engineering is very common o... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] |
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