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
13yqkq
this obama drone warfare deal
I only heard it mentioned, I really have no clue what it's about
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/13yqkq/eli5_this_obama_drone_warfare_deal/
{ "a_id": [ "c78cmxx" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Drones are used to kill people instead of having planes with pilots in them killing people.\n\nIt's not new to Obama but he has been using it quite a bit." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
da74cj
how do bluetooth things work, more specifically bluetooth earphones?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/da74cj/eli5_how_do_bluetooth_things_work_more/
{ "a_id": [ "f1no9mq", "f1ntn8l" ], "score": [ 45, 9 ], "text": [ "Wireless devices (basically everything, these days) communicate by sending electromagnetic waves over the air that get picked up by other devices and interpreted as data. But in order for two devices to talk, they need to b...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
62xb8c
the reason our mouths constantly produce saliva.
I know we produce more saliva when getting ready to eat as a first step to break down the food, but what is the reason it never stops?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/62xb8c/eli5_the_reason_our_mouths_constantly_produce/
{ "a_id": [ "dfpsy2i", "dfpwcb1" ], "score": [ 7, 2 ], "text": [ "Have you ever had a dry mouth? It's a pretty bad time. Without the constant flow of saliva, our mouth and throat would desiccate (dry out) and crack. It would be painful. We need the flow of mucous in order to swallow. ", ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
31smfx
- what happens to all the championship merchandise they have ready for the team that doesn't win? why don't we see it anywhere?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/31smfx/eli5_what_happens_to_all_the_championship/
{ "a_id": [ "cq4khhr" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "They give it away to poor people in other countries. _URL_0_" ] }
[]
[]
[ [ "http://mentalfloss.com/article/29884/what-happens-losing-teams-championship-shirts" ] ]
8xivw3
besides aerodynamics, what factors influence the changing styles of cars and other automobiles throughout the years?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8xivw3/eli5_besides_aerodynamics_what_factors_influence/
{ "a_id": [ "e23iv0h" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Government crash test safety regulations have had a massive effect on the design of cars, far more so than aerodynamics.\n\nThe tall doors, narrow windows, thick pillars, blunt front ends, and high rears that define virtually every sedan these da...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3snec4
what does it mean when someone tells you to "ping" them?
I've heard this a lot over the past couple of weeks, and I'm a bit confused whether it means text, email, or just a general word for both. Edit: Thanks! That was bugging me
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3snec4/eli5_what_does_it_mean_when_someone_tells_you_to/
{ "a_id": [ "cwyrr0w", "cwys2hm", "cwyslg8" ], "score": [ 4, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Pinging someone usually needs context. It depends on the most frequent medium of instant communication involved and therefore can be sending a message on any one (or more) of the following:\n\n* text ba...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
6dvwg9
why aren't resolutions like 8k (and even higher) more available. comparing a 1080p phone screen size to something like a 60" tv gives me the impression a higher pixel density should be easily achievable.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6dvwg9/eli5_why_arent_resolutions_like_8k_and_even/
{ "a_id": [ "di5s4sz", "di5um4y" ], "score": [ 9, 7 ], "text": [ "Denser concentrations of electronic components employ vastly more expensive manufacturing processes. The display accounts for a significant portion of the cost of producing your phone. So, even assuming price and size scale ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
4i6h6o
why do they land the falcon 9 on a ship instead of on land?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4i6h6o/eli5_why_do_they_land_the_falcon_9_on_a_ship/
{ "a_id": [ "d2vh08p" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Sure, but barges are safer because you can easily put them away from anything valuable. And if the rocket misses it just lands in water rather than smashing on land. You can also move your pad anywhere, including the most fuel efficient locations...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
353538
if haribo sugarless gummy bears are as bad as most people say, why are they still in production, and who buys them?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/353538/eli5_if_haribo_sugarless_gummy_bears_are_as_bad/
{ "a_id": [ "cr0hxl7", "cr0ig9w" ], "score": [ 5, 5 ], "text": [ "I'm a type 1 diabetic (Jonas Brothers or Jay Cutler, not Paula Deen) and try and avoid candy. I buy the Haribo sugarless gummies because they won't screw up my glucose levels like regular kinds do. I only eat like a handful ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
27htkp
how are fake languages in movies, television, and literature constructed and what sorts of professionals are responsible??
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/27htkp/eli5_how_are_fake_languages_in_movies_television/
{ "a_id": [ "ci0xsyr", "ci0xv5y", "ci0ychx", "ci0yxr9" ], "score": [ 6, 11, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "There is a [Language Creation Society](_URL_0_) devoted to creating conlangs (constructed languages) -- they were responsible for Dothraki in Game of Thrones. also, check out /r/c...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Language_Creation_Society" ], [], [], [] ]
411uia
is it possible for 2 sets of people to have offspring with the exact same dna?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/411uia/eli5_is_it_possible_for_2_sets_of_people_to_have/
{ "a_id": [ "cyyyzjq" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "It's possible, but it's astonishingly unlikely. Even if you have the same two people have two kids and they end up with all the same chromosomes, there will generally be around 100-200 mutations. Getting zero mutations is possible, but it's not a...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
8xupij
why is it when you watch tv shows 90s/80s there are strange lighting effects created by moving lights on screen but not prior to this time or after?
Example of this: _URL_0_ as seen at 12:35 created by the tray being held I think the answer might lie in something to do with the refresh rate of the camera but I just can’t understand why there was no issue prior or after... broadcast frames have always been roughly the same so it just didn’t make sense. Possible I...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8xupij/eli5_why_is_it_when_you_watch_tv_shows_90s80s/
{ "a_id": [ "e25wn16", "e25wozp" ], "score": [ 4, 3 ], "text": [ "An educated guess on my part, is that prior to the 80s, most TV shows were shot on film. Starting in the 80s, they started shooting shows on videotape. The tubes in the video cameras did not deal well with lights in the shot...
[]
[ "https://youtu.be/KYXSVeW0Rk4" ]
[ [], [] ]
d0fi0h
how do some hand soaps leave you "squeaky clean" (non slippery) and others don't
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/d0fi0h/eli5_how_do_some_hand_soaps_leave_you_squeaky/
{ "a_id": [ "ezacrzz" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "A soap with a stronger binding affinity to oil will leave your hands less slippery. This is due to more oil being bound by the soap, and subsequently washed away by water." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
g2re4r
how far could a diesel tanker travel while consuming its own cargo?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/g2re4r/eli5_how_far_could_a_diesel_tanker_travel_while/
{ "a_id": [ "fnn4nnb" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "From a trucking website - \n\n“Empty I get 5.7 - 6.78 mpg. Loaded can be anywhere from mid 4's in the mountains up to 6.23 mpg. Over all average loaded has been 5.5 - 5.8 mpg.”\n\nAnd \n\n“I have an 09 International Prostar with 07 MaxxForce 475h...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
7u7z3w
why does a bachelor's in math say it's one of arts? isn't math a science?
I was curious about this as my friend's degree is a BA in Mathematics. What's the reason? Are there other contradictory examples?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7u7z3w/eli5_why_does_a_bachelors_in_math_say_its_one_of/
{ "a_id": [ "dtibkm0", "dtickrk", "dticltp", "dtidouo", "dtj4fgw", "dtjcljd", "dtnb42u" ], "score": [ 4, 2, 11, 3, 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Unlike the US, internationally, most countries recognize Mathematics as science with college degrees as BS or MS ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://imgur.com/hFGLrMp" ] ]
451rwv
how do those tablets work that the dentists gives kids to make the plaque show up red in their mouth?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/451rwv/eli5_how_do_those_tablets_work_that_the_dentists/
{ "a_id": [ "czul7m3" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Plaque is a film on teeth that's very porous. When you pour dye-filled water over it, it'll run off of a bare tooth surface but get sucked into any plaque and so show up with an intense colour.\n\nIt's the same as if you have a white vinyl table ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
eqf3m8
where does the feeling of a sore throat come from when you have a cold? why does it feel rough? and why do warm beverages help?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/eqf3m8/eli5_where_does_the_feeling_of_a_sore_throat_come/
{ "a_id": [ "feqy702", "fer00am" ], "score": [ 68, 5 ], "text": [ "A sore throat happens when the mucous membranes lining your throat become inflamed. This is a common symptom of a cold or other infection. Your body sends a lot of extra white blood cells to the area of the infection to kil...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
40gg60
how does a smartphone secretly waste data?
I am reading this lifehack article, but still do not understand: _URL_0_. Is this happening even when cellular data is turned off?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/40gg60/eli5_how_does_a_smartphone_secretly_waste_data/
{ "a_id": [ "cytygfv" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "No. \"In the background\" just means \"When you're not looking at it.\"\n\nIf you go into your settings and disconnect from your mobile data connection, it will terminate and will prevent any app from pulling data across it." ] }
[]
[ "http://lifehacker.com/5957947/how-to-figure-out-which-apps-are-using-your-smartphones-cellular-data-without-your-knowledge" ]
[ [] ]
1xw627
why 12 (a dozen) is the typical quantity for many things
Just sort of popped in my head yesterday when I saw people picking up their dozen roses for V-Day, while my grocery bags had a dozen eggs. Why was 12 ever chosen to be the "right" quantity for these things? Also list any other examples of typical quantities and their reason for being that size! Edit: Good answers! ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1xw627/eli5_why_12_a_dozen_is_the_typical_quantity_for/
{ "a_id": [ "cff59rj", "cff5b2g", "cff6p6a", "cff85ti", "cff8eun", "cff8xyd", "cff9jan" ], "score": [ 91, 8, 2, 7, 15, 4, 21 ], "text": [ "12 is easily divided evenly into smaller amounts. You can divide 12 evenly by 2, 3, 4, and 6. If it was 10 then...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
3ipzmn
what happens when money is digitally transfered from one bank to another? is the money later picked up to be stored there? or is there some sort or digital i.o.u. involved?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ipzmn/eli5_what_happens_when_money_is_digitally/
{ "a_id": [ "cuiksom", "cuin6ye", "cuinm6l", "cuinug4", "cuiofla", "cuisnwy", "cuj1myc", "cujbcn5" ], "score": [ 242, 8, 17, 7, 11, 35, 36, 2 ], "text": [ "I think you'll find that 90% of the world economy operates on 'digital IOUs' these day...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "https://youtu.be/KyDU4X8GSmE?t=163", "https://www.khanacademy.org/economics-finance-domain/macroeconomics/monetary-system-topic/fractional-reserve-banking-tut/v/overview-of-fractional-reserve-banking" ], [], [], [], [] ]
5vgvvp
why shaking cold water makes it freeze
By this I mean if you put water in the freezer and take it out, assuming it's been in long enough to reach 32F/0C, why is it sometimes still liquid until it moves or you shake it, then it turns to dense slush? Also, this happens with beer but I always assumed that was the from the beer foaming.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5vgvvp/eli5_why_shaking_cold_water_makes_it_freeze/
{ "a_id": [ "de204xp" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Water molecules are polar, which means the 2 hydrogen and 1 oxygen atoms within don't share electrons equally. In other words, each water molecule is slightly magnetic with the hydrogen molecules being slightly positive while the oxygen molecule ...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://i.imgur.com/pFDlldu.gif" ] ]
fnliu4
why does acetone evaporate off the skin almost instantly?
I was recently using acetone to take off nail polish and I noticed as soon as it goes onto my skin it dries almost instantly. Why is this?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fnliu4/eli5_why_does_acetone_evaporate_off_the_skin/
{ "a_id": [ "fla5w7u", "flangn5" ], "score": [ 16, 3 ], "text": [ "Acetone has a very low boiling point (temperature where a liquid transitions into gas). For water, it’s 100C, for ethanol (100%) it’s 78C, for acetone it’s only 56C, so even at the temperature of your body (36-37C), it’s re...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1jn74r
what harm does having a large debt do?
People always talk about how large our national debt is and how people are trying to fix it? But why is it so important? Like people still buy American stuff, we still keep spending what harms are occuring from a large debt?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1jn74r/eli5_what_harm_does_having_a_large_debt_do/
{ "a_id": [ "cbgc9ib", "cbgcc3h", "cbgchui" ], "score": [ 6, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "We have to pay interest on our debt. So having a huge debt means we have to pay a lot of interest, which means we either have less money to spend on things we want/need or have to borrow even more money...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
3qtni4
why does it cost over $2 million to make a single family guy or the simpsons episode?
Seth MacFarlane has stated on multiple occasions it costs upwards of $2 million per episode of Family Guy. The Simpsons episodes costs around $2.5 as well. What has changed over the years these animated shows have aired that their budgets have skyrocketed?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3qtni4/eli5why_does_it_cost_over_2_million_to_make_a/
{ "a_id": [ "cwi827t", "cwi86qz", "cwi89cw", "cwi99j6", "cwieaw0", "cwigpez", "cwihcub", "cwihrp6", "cwii7mu", "cwii7vr", "cwiiehs", "cwiirtc", "cwiiy45", "cwijjl9", "cwikhk7", "cwilkwo", "cwin1bb", "cwiojhs", "cwiop9t", "cwioqqw", "c...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://www.theverge.com/2015/10/25/9457247/the-simpsons-al-jean-interview?curator=MediaREDEF" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXDz-lelkPE" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], ...
19sbh8
how did the tv industry become nothing but reality shows?
History Channel, Syfy, TLC, ad similar channels used to show shows and movies based on what the channel was about. History channel used to talk about history while syfy used to show movies and shows that are Sci-fi based. What happened that made all these companies that used to show good quality, and a lot of times edu...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/19sbh8/eli5_how_did_the_tv_industry_become_nothing_but/
{ "a_id": [ "c8quu8o", "c8quusg", "c8qxn1c" ], "score": [ 7, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Those channels are breaking viewership records thanks to their reality shows. As many people as there are who say they like the high quality, educational shows, it turns out more people actually want th...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
39zsf8
why is it bad that rachel dolezal identifies as black even though she's apparently white?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/39zsf8/eli5_why_is_it_bad_that_rachel_dolezal_identifies/
{ "a_id": [ "cs7ykc3", "cs7z0d9", "cs7zcx3" ], "score": [ 3, 3, 5 ], "text": [ "Offense is something that is determined by other people. She may not have intended to offend anyone, but that's not her choice to make. It's all about whether other people are offended.\n\nNow, she ca...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
dh3meg
can causality be measured with probability?
Suppose that for reasons unknown a five year old child wants you to teach him/her everything you know about probability. Perhaps this child is considering to become a statistician when they get older or something similar. Of course they have to start with the fundamentals before anything. Now suppose that amidst thei...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dh3meg/eli5_can_causality_be_measured_with_probability/
{ "a_id": [ "f3i7rfe", "f3i95of" ], "score": [ 2, 4 ], "text": [ "Depends on what your goal is, I suppose. Probability can't definitively establish causality, but if you can use it to demonstrate a very high correlation than that makes a strong (but not conclusive) case that causality prob...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Causal_inference" ] ]
57msek
how come the british colonization of ireland was able to spread the english language but not religion?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/57msek/eli5_how_come_the_british_colonization_of_ireland/
{ "a_id": [ "d8t777i", "d8t9ekg" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "It did spread religion. England was originally Catholic, and they spread that Catholicism to Ireland. Then, during the rule of Henry the 8th, England split from the Catholic church, so that Henry could get divorced and remar...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3hzj2s
why would a landlord rent control an apartment?
If a landlord owns an apartment in say New York, why would they offer rent control when they could just raise the price of rent year over year and make more money?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3hzj2s/eli5_why_would_a_landlord_rent_control_an/
{ "a_id": [ "cuby37u" ], "score": [ 24 ], "text": [ "Rent control is a state mandated option for people who are qualified under welfare care laws and regulations to ensure that people can afford housing. \n\nRent control and EHO homes are reserved pricing structures for what the tenant can afford ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
bg1qd8
why is a gold karat a measure of purity but a diamond carat is a measure of weight?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bg1qd8/eli5_why_is_a_gold_karat_a_measure_of_purity_but/
{ "a_id": [ "elhpg6w", "elhveg9" ], "score": [ 19, 2 ], "text": [ "They are two different words that are homonyms.\n\nOther examples are rest and wrest, way and weigh, dye and die, knows and nose, etc.\n\nA Karat is a measure of purity in increments of 1/24th. Therefore 24 Karat gold is 1...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
409s05
why are playstation 1 discs black while every other cd i have seen is mirrored
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/409s05/eli5_why_are_playstation_1_discs_black_while/
{ "a_id": [ "cysjxhs", "cyspqro", "cyt2521" ], "score": [ 61, 72, 4 ], "text": [ "They just chose a cool-looking media for their games. I had a package of black CD-Rs that I used in the late 90s.", "Real answer:\n\nSony thought that coating the discs in a black film would make ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1gfsa4
why is butt slapping so prevalent in major league baseball?
It happens a lot. Any baseball historians or sociologists that can explain this?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1gfsa4/why_is_butt_slapping_so_prevalent_in_major_league/
{ "a_id": [ "cajv7qd" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "I think it's just an appreciative gesture. You know, I guess you get bored in the dug out too much with men. Not only baseball do it, American \"football\", bball as well" ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
600x2z
people are told not to overspent past their needs, but why is it ok that the us borrows so much money to overspent?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/600x2z/eli5_people_are_told_not_to_overspent_past_their/
{ "a_id": [ "df2m0ih" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "Personal finances are vastly different than a government's and certainly a country's. \n\nMany firmly believe that the level to which the U.S. is in debt is getting close to the unmanageable (or past) level. That being said the idea of borrowing ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
12xp4l
why (many) unreleased cars always look like this car?
_URL_0_
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/12xp4l/eli5_why_many_unreleased_cars_always_look_like/
{ "a_id": [ "c6z0njq", "c6z0qyn", "c6z25u7" ], "score": [ 5, 2, 7 ], "text": [ "Car manufacturers use the funky (camouflaged) paint schemes to break up the body lines and make it harder to get a sense of what the car is going to look like, when they need to do real-world testing.\n...
[]
[ "http://i.imgur.com/GeVtb.jpg" ]
[ [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dazzle_camouflage" ] ]
92l1k2
why do people argue that it is important to invest in space travel while we could spend the time and money in improving conditions on earth?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/92l1k2/eli5_why_do_people_argue_that_it_is_important_to/
{ "a_id": [ "e36guwf", "e36gymh", "e36h8fx", "e36hu3h" ], "score": [ 5, 5, 11, 6 ], "text": [ "A lot of scientific and medical discoveries made in space have had a huge impact down on Earth. Totally worth it.", "Some folks believe we need to colonize a second planet in...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
2hfdyv
how do movie editors duplicate the same person in a shot at the same time?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2hfdyv/eli5_how_do_movie_editors_duplicate_the_same/
{ "a_id": [ "cks4akl", "cks4azq", "cks6j9i", "cksc2vh" ], "score": [ 5, 3, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "The most common way is to shoot the scene twice using the same camera location and movements. Then you can overlay the two shots in editing and make the actors appear to be there s...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
2nosu0
why do i have a lisp when i speak my native language but not when i speak english?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2nosu0/eli5_why_do_i_have_a_lisp_when_i_speak_my_native/
{ "a_id": [ "cmfh5ts", "cmfh86v", "cmfhrz9", "cmfj5z7", "cmfknkz", "cmflg5d" ], "score": [ 46, 5, 2, 4, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "You started learning your native language before your motor skills and body were fully developed. When you learn a new language (I'm a...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
43jkdx
if i don't shower for 3 days i smell so bad. why can animals go for forever without washing and not smell when humans get nasty so quick and also require wiping?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/43jkdx/eli5_if_i_dont_shower_for_3_days_i_smell_so_bad/
{ "a_id": [ "czj7tjd", "czjhcdx", "czincef", "czincta", "cziopy0", "cziqm6f", "czis9k8", "czit6l2", "czitezg", "cziy9bq" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 29, 103, 250, 2, 14, 14, 8, 2 ], "text": [ "You wear clothes. Clothes is what traps, ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/25/magazine/my-no-soap-no-shampoo-bacteria-rich-hygiene-experiment.html" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
8t3wel
how come every so often, one of your ears will randomly start ringing for 10 seconds and then dissipate?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8t3wel/eli5_how_come_every_so_often_one_of_your_ears/
{ "a_id": [ "e14l6j8", "e14qtgy", "e14r859", "e14ujfv", "e14umte", "e14v0tn", "e14v0wi", "e14x0v2", "e1518l7", "e151mtk", "e157rrw" ], "score": [ 652, 12, 27, 2, 2, 88, 13, 55, 3, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "While I'm no expert...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_HUgzhmq4U" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otoacoustic_emission" ], [] ]
53gxt5
how do rocket scientist, when dealing with a failed rocket, determine what failed?
I've built a few performance engines, nothing spectactular but I have a full understand of their internal components. I think of when an internal cumbustion engine fails, the worst that happens, normally, is a windowded block or melt a piston. In which case, the engine can be removed, disassembled and inspected. That i...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/53gxt5/eli5_how_do_rocket_scientist_when_dealing_with_a/
{ "a_id": [ "d7syvnq", "d7sz1pw", "d7tiymm" ], "score": [ 2, 98, 6 ], "text": [ "There are two elements first find as much of the pieces, second review all the video tapes and sensor data giving detailed information on what was happening at the time of the failure. These two combin...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
3jo0a8
how do companies get short numbers instead of full phone numbers to text to (i.e., "text savebig to 8998 for a 15% coupon to steve's superstore")
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3jo0a8/eli5how_do_companies_get_short_numbers_instead_of/
{ "a_id": [ "cuqvg2x", "curasio" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "They are full phone numbers, it's just that 'phone numbers' is a really broad category.\n\nYou get them by paying. [Twilio rents them at 1k/mo](_URL_0_) for the USA. They're not handed out like regular numbers because they'r...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.twilio.com/sms/pricing" ], [] ]
1qfxr5
how do studios earn their money?
Ive read that distributors charge cinemas to show their films. If that's true how do they get the gross figure, for example Enders Game may have grossed 15mil on its opening weekend (just a random figure). Is this just from distribution charges?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1qfxr5/how_do_studios_earn_their_money/
{ "a_id": [ "cdcey7e", "cdcg6vr" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "For brand new movies, there's a flat fee for the theater to show the film. Then the theater and the distributor split the ticket revenue, which varies week by week (it's higher earlier in the run). \n\nIn general, the theate...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
4br7t9
how clothing/shoes ends up on the side of the highway
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4br7t9/eli5_how_clothingshoes_ends_up_on_the_side_of_the/
{ "a_id": [ "d1bn71u", "d1bn95k" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Kids. It's always kids. If a one of the plausible answers is kids, then it's always kids.\n (Unless the question is whom to have sex with next...)", "Probably because \n\n- They are tossed out of cars during fights among...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abandoned_footwear" ] ]
5zooot
how do crime scene investigators differentiate between relevant and irrelevant evidence?
I know that the tv shows might not be the most accurate, but it seems like they photograph every little thing and dust every fingerprint and document every crumb in the area.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5zooot/eli5_how_do_crime_scene_investigators/
{ "a_id": [ "dezsyu6", "dezv58v" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Cop here:\n\nEvery crime scene is different, but for the most part, it's common sense.\n\nThe impression you probably get from crime scene shows is that a lot of cases hinge on tiny pieces of forensic evidence.\n\nIn reality...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1445uu
hey elif what the heck is a cissexual?
Was offered this to read: _URL_0_ but it didn't help at all Edit: Solved! Thanks to darkfrost47. For laying it out in a manner even I can comprehend.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1445uu/hey_elif_what_the_heck_is_a_cissexual/
{ "a_id": [ "c79p3pg", "c79pfa0", "c79rcfl", "c7a0cge" ], "score": [ 2, 4, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "Someone who is not trans or genderqueer. ", "Basically it is a normal person.", "This is a joke and pokes fun at some of the more ridiculous activists in the LGBT community...
[]
[ "http://i.imgur.com/jCJls.jpg" ]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
4htryh
what is the impact of lowering interest rates?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4htryh/eli5_what_is_the_impact_of_lowering_interest_rates/
{ "a_id": [ "d2s8rf8", "d2shz9s", "d2sp92a" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "It's a big dynamic system, but the basic idea is that since borrowing money is cheaper, more people will borrow money to invest in other things thus boosting the economy. So typically it's houses. If a ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
15ihat
video compression
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/15ihat/eli5_video_compression/
{ "a_id": [ "c7mrad5", "c7mrdfb" ], "score": [ 15, 2 ], "text": [ "The next time you watch a movie or TV show look at how little changes from one frame to the next. For example, if you have two people talking to each other the background isn't going to change much. So, instead of storing a...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3e2gsz
how can donald trump, with most of the republican party damning him, still lead in the straw polls?
I've seen candidates say tamer things with worse consequences. What the Hell? Edit: wrong word
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3e2gsz/eli5how_can_donald_trump_with_most_of_the/
{ "a_id": [ "ctau0x1", "ctaujew", "ctav4vw" ], "score": [ 2, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Because Trumps candidacy is either taking advantage of or designed to expose a massive cultural difference between the rank and file membership and senior leadership of the Republican party. Both parti...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
18dc74
why did pirates bury their treasure? or were depicted to bury their treasure?
.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/18dc74/eli5_why_did_pirates_bury_their_treasure_or_were/
{ "a_id": [ "c8dsa0g", "c8dtzom", "c8du1bd", "c8du9ds", "c8ducr7", "c8dwwsp" ], "score": [ 37, 2, 9, 76, 4, 6 ], "text": [ "Obviously, someone might steal it from you if you carried it around with you. And if you steal something, you can't just put it in the...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/apr/03/us-bank-mexico-drug-gangs" ], [], [], [] ]
c1bfh9
why is it difficult for internet to be beamed through satellite unlike tv?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/c1bfh9/eli5_why_is_it_difficult_for_internet_to_be/
{ "a_id": [ "erc29fc", "erc2fzf" ], "score": [ 7, 3 ], "text": [ "Internet is a two-way conversation. You ask for a specific website, or type in a post to ELI5, which requires you to upload information. Satellites are good at sending information down (like Television channels) but not so...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2voigr
what is community college and how does it work?
I've started watching the TV show 'Community'.. I sorta get what community colleges are but I mean.. on this show they take so many random classes. What actually are they for and what do you do at them?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2voigr/eli5_what_is_community_college_and_how_does_it/
{ "a_id": [ "coji0tk", "coji6do", "cojifwn", "cojo0zk" ], "score": [ 5, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Community colleges are like small universities. Most typically have two-year associates degree programs, as well as certifications and GED courses. A lot of students finish their g...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
3pqxzx
so i was browsing r/trashy and saw something, and now i'm curious. what causes the area around some people's butt hole to be darker than others? sadly, i'm being serious.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3pqxzx/eli5_so_i_was_browsing_rtrashy_and_saw_something/
{ "a_id": [ "cw8n3v0", "cw8n3vh" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Some porn stars/sex workers bleach their assholes to make them look \"better\" for the camera.\n\nBut, this would be for the same reasons that people have different skin colours. Eg pigmentation.", "Sometimes people have...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1o0qqn
what's the point of chilling a battery?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1o0qqn/eli5_whats_the_point_of_chilling_a_battery/
{ "a_id": [ "ccnuenv" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "So you can have a nice cold one. (sorry, the punth is strong in me. :-) )\n\nChilling the battery extends the shelf life and if charged while cold can cause it to hold a little more power." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
7pqev7
so today i learned that the last b-52 was produced in 1962 but how are they still operational?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7pqev7/eli5_so_today_i_learned_that_the_last_b52_was/
{ "a_id": [ "dsj74yr", "dsj875h", "dsj8rdv", "dsjgps8", "dsjhy9k" ], "score": [ 3, 10, 10, 2, 6 ], "text": [ "Would you be surprised if you saw a car from the 60's still operational? The U.S. spent a LOT of money on these aircraft, and they're surprisingly well buil...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "https://www.trade-a-plane.com/search?category_level1=Single+Engine+Piston&make=CESSNA&model_group=CESSNA+172+SERIES&s-type=aircraft&s-sort_key=price&s-sort_order=asc" ], [] ]
1g9khb
why people cover their mouth with hand in scary, shock situations
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1g9khb/eli5_why_people_cover_their_mouth_with_hand_in/
{ "a_id": [ "cai341r", "cai341y", "cai36ru", "cai38tu", "cai3bc8", "cai3yhi", "cai3zx2", "cai44mw", "cai44tf", "cai4cgi", "cai4dh8", "cai4ptw", "cai6ffe", "cai6y8o", "caibj9j", "caijfsi" ], "score": [ 106, 43, 8, 62, 694, 6, ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hug_machine" ], [], [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amygdala_hijack" ], [], [], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78juOpTM3tE" ], [ "http://sciencefocus.com/qa/why-do-we-cover-our-mouths-when-shocked" ], [], [], [], [], ...
d65dob
how can speed sometimes cause cars to turn even though it’s on four table wheels
Does something have to happen in the wheels for that, or something really just speed can cause a car to flip.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/d65dob/eli5_how_can_speed_sometimes_cause_cars_to_turn/
{ "a_id": [ "f0pzlqo", "f0pzy2e" ], "score": [ 2, 4 ], "text": [ "i think you mean like when the car turns and then flips? in that case its because all the movement(called kinetic) energy is going in one direction (forward) so when the car suddenly turn sideways the energy doesn’t have tim...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
er887p
how come on some food labels, one serving size is like 90 calories, but two serving sizes are 170? wouldn't they both add up to be 180, and the nutritional value be doubled?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/er887p/eli5_how_come_on_some_food_labels_one_serving/
{ "a_id": [ "ff28kdg" ], "score": [ 14 ], "text": [ "It's probably due to rounding. Say, for example, that the serving size is actually 87 calories, but they rounded to 90. Two serving sizes would be 174, which they could round to 170." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
13ni5u
how does wall street work?
I just don't understand anything about it. Please help.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/13ni5u/eli5how_does_wall_street_work/
{ "a_id": [ "c75iadq", "c75irv6" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Let's say my friend owns a bread factory and I really like his bread, and I think his business is going somewhere. I buy let's say 25% of his company and he gets my investment and uses it to further his bread making and make...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
20xorv
why does every school bus have "carrying school children" written on it?
Of course it's carrying school children, it's a humungous yellow bus; we all know that it's carrying school children. What other kind of children are there, for that matter? Regular city buses aren't marked "carrying an assortment of humans." It just seems redundant and silly to me.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/20xorv/eli5why_does_every_school_bus_have_carrying/
{ "a_id": [ "cg7p4mg" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "I guess it's just a reminder to people to be careful. The last thing anyone wants is for a kid to get hurt." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
603q46
why do races or groups of people get blamed for or associated with the actions of ancestors from 100+ years ago?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/603q46/eli5_why_do_races_or_groups_of_people_get_blamed/
{ "a_id": [ "df37xf5", "df37y77", "df3cjty", "df3iszg", "df3lhzp", "df3m3rj", "df3t352" ], "score": [ 97, 27, 6, 8, 6, 3, 9 ], "text": [ "Simply put: because sometimes the actions of 100+ years ago are still felt because the fallout from those action...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
2ygnue
how does/did the us have the ability to contain ebola?
This goes for other diseases as well. Just would like to know how the US is prepared to handle those deadly epidemics.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ygnue/eli5_how_doesdid_the_us_have_the_ability_to/
{ "a_id": [ "cp9bd0u", "cp9be0a" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "It isn't that hard and Ebola isn't a deadly epidemic at all. Ebola is similar to stuff like scurvy or dysentery where they have been problematic for people in the past and if you don't have the equipment or knowledge to hand...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2t0zfy
why catholics so anti birth control
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2t0zfy/eli5_why_catholics_so_anti_birth_control/
{ "a_id": [ "cnuqehj", "cnuqhob" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "To Catholics, sex should only be about procreation. Not for \"having fun. \"", "They want large families to further spread the reach of catholicism. Same with many other religions. Bigger families = more followers = more...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1ps45v
why is the media considered liberal? when/how did this ideal begin?
I hear this all the time and I was wondering if it was true, or just something that is said. If true what are some examples. Thanks!
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ps45v/eli5_why_is_the_media_considered_liberal_whenhow/
{ "a_id": [ "cd5ffid" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "The modern media is highly diverse, and there are both conservative and liberal outlets available to consumers. Research in the United States indicates that most Americans chose media outlets that will reinforce those Americans' beliefs -- conser...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5nsbmj
ٌwhat is the most important factor someone's larynx have in order to make one have a "powerful voice"?
What I mean actually is, how different is the larynx of someone like Adele with other people that make her have a powerful voice? Another example would be Persian legend Mohammad Reza Shajarian. _URL_0_ Luciano Pavarotti would be another example.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5nsbmj/eli5_what_is_the_most_important_factor_someones/
{ "a_id": [ "dce93gv", "dcg6sul" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "a lot of things are involved, from the diaphragm below the lungs, to the shape of the mouth at the end of the process. a lot of things can be trained from nothing, but i guess genetics are also involved in the process..", ...
[]
[ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1M7CPReYUE" ]
[ [], [] ]
30w26i
why aren't we supposed to touch headlight bulbs with our bare hands?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/30w26i/eli5_why_arent_we_supposed_to_touch_headlight/
{ "a_id": [ "cpwcfms" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "The grease from your fingers can overheat and cause the bulb to burst. It's significantly hotter than your average light bulb. \nSource: Was a drama kid, someone touched a stage light with their bare hand when installing it, bulb later burst and...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
djb8kq
if i were to travel the opposite direction the earth spins in a plane at the same speed it is turning would i see a time change?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/djb8kq/eli5_if_i_were_to_travel_the_opposite_direction/
{ "a_id": [ "f43l3f0" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "If you're thinking about time travel, no. This is currently impossible to achieve with modern technology, although theorized.\n\nThe time of day is based on how high up in the sky the sun is. When the sun is at its highest, it's noon, close to 12...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
dhyjwp
if corporations are paying less taxes than they should by using known loopholes to circumvent the essence of the laws, why are those loopholes not immediately closed?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dhyjwp/eli5_if_corporations_are_paying_less_taxes_than/
{ "a_id": [ "f3ry1qc" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Because the people who are elected to make the laws are running for office using campaign money that they get from those very corporations, and they want to be re-elected. The corporations save a lot of money by donating to politicians instead of...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
41q7uv
how does someone die from alzhimer's disease?
I always thought it was just loss of memory but I guess it's more complicated than that. I understand it is a very serious disease please don't think I'm trying to trivialize its severity.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/41q7uv/eli5_how_does_someone_die_from_alzhimers_disease/
{ "a_id": [ "cz48v73", "cz48xhv", "cz49gje", "cz49ics", "cz4g22l" ], "score": [ 4, 9, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The memory loss is occurring because the disease causes atrophy in the brain. The structures in your brain are actually degenerating. Death is usually somethi...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [ "https://fellowshipofminds.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/normal-vs-alzheimers-brain.jpg" ] ]
2pei95
why is being good at singing a natural talent?
Why is it that you either have a really 'good' voice for singing or a 'bad' one? Is there any genetic reasons or anything else? Sorry if I worded this badly I am not really sure how to ask.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2pei95/eli5_why_is_being_good_at_singing_a_natural_talent/
{ "a_id": [ "cmvx7s8", "cmvxfkn", "cmvxgaf", "cmvzrpy" ], "score": [ 5, 3, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "It's not always a natural talent. Vocal lessons can do wonders if you're determined to improve and are consistent in your practice.", "I think that is probably a myth. Most go...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
1ortuu
why do dogs love their bellies being rubbed?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ortuu/eli5_why_do_dogs_love_their_bellies_being_rubbed/
{ "a_id": [ "ccuxkgd", "ccuxkrc", "ccuy91o", "ccv08ac", "ccv4w5s", "ccv8532" ], "score": [ 27, 45, 31, 10, 9, 2 ], "text": [ "Doesn't everyone love a belly rub? Dogs just usually aren't as selective about who rubs it", "A dog rolling on its back for you...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
odkln
how come nobody has been talking about the ndaa or sopa on the news?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/odkln/how_come_nobody_has_been_talking_about_the_ndaa/
{ "a_id": [ "c3ge5kh" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "While they might not be talking about them as much as many Redditors would like, the truth is that both have been reported on by numerous news agencies. There has been more coverage of the NDAA than SOPA, which is likely for good reason. The ND...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
20scos
why different genders prefer different types of alcohol (men like whiskey and beer, women like vodka and wine). is this sociological or are there biological elements to it as well?
Couldn't find it in ELI5 and I couldn't find it on the internet anywhere. I have seen that different types of alcohol will typically not affect the same person differently, but what has made certain drinks associated with each gender?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/20scos/eli5_why_different_genders_prefer_different_types/
{ "a_id": [ "cg6afze", "cg6ahd7", "cg6aij5", "cg6ajzj", "cg6aql7", "cg6c9gr", "cg6dd75" ], "score": [ 2, 8, 5, 2, 2, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "I don't think there are biological elements to why people prefer certain drinks, just as there are no biological e...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Androgen_insensitivity_syndrome" ], [] ]
mueq3
ip addresses
I think understand them at a basic level, but I don't understand how each device on a network has a different IP but that doesn't interfere with internet IP addresses. Also, if possible, how this relates to DNS.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/mueq3/eli5_ip_addresses/
{ "a_id": [ "c33xavm", "c33xcv5", "c33xczf", "c33xfhr", "c33y92e", "c33xavm", "c33xcv5", "c33xczf", "c33xfhr", "c33y92e" ], "score": [ 6, 2, 3, 2, 2, 6, 2, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "On a home/corportate network, all devices send a...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "reddit.com" ], [ "whatsmyip.net" ], [ "www.reddit.com" ], [], [], [ "reddit.com" ], [ "whatsmyip.net" ], [ "www.reddit.com" ] ]
c14tdh
why aren't tv's correctly adjusted out of the box?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/c14tdh/eli5_why_arent_tvs_correctly_adjusted_out_of_the/
{ "a_id": [ "eras3mn" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Because \"correctly adjusted\" TVs don't sell. Manufacturers have found that consumers prefer to buy TVs with very bright, contrasty, colour-saturated, sharp images so that's how they're configured out of the box. They can't trust the stores an...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2rto6p
why is the 1st lady significant to the american people? why not give more credit to existing female politicians? (who have actually done something i.e. ran for election)
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2rto6p/eli5_why_is_the_1st_lady_significant_to_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cnj6048", "cnj6194", "cnj61n3", "cnj68c6" ], "score": [ 3, 3, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "I don't fully understand your question. \n\nThe two aren't mutually exclusive. It's not like there's 80 Credit Points which have to be divided amongst female politicians.\n\nThe 1s...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
5kk830
when you're reading a paragraph, why do you occasionally read a word that isn't even actually in the paragraph?
I do, at least. It's like a phantom word?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5kk830/eli5_when_youre_reading_a_paragraph_why_do_you/
{ "a_id": [ "dbohn2z" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "My friends call it \"nexting\". Basically your brain is constantly working to fill in gaps or correct errors in what we read. When it finds a missing word it inserts the most sensible word so that we can just keep going. Same with typos. We often...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
55b819
why do glasses not fog up in a hot bathroom until i pick them up?
Here's the scenario: I wear glasses, and I take them off and place them on the sink counter before I take a shower. I take a hot shower, and when I step out of the shower, the mirror in front of the sink is covered in steam. Despite this, however, the lenses of my glasses are not covered in fog (I can see right throug...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/55b819/eli5_why_do_glasses_not_fog_up_in_a_hot_bathroom/
{ "a_id": [ "d8956t6" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "There are two factors that could be at play here. First is your body naturally expelling moisture after a hot shower. The moisture from your body causes condensation on the glasses once you put them on your face. Easy way to test this is to leave...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2pjm0h
why can journalists download the leaked sony files and it not be considered piracy or illegal?
Or the public for that matter I haven't read anything about prosecuting people who download this stolen information that is obviously Sony's sole property.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2pjm0h/eli5_why_can_journalists_download_the_leaked_sony/
{ "a_id": [ "cmxc6ch" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "It is piracy, it is illegal. It is unreleased copyrighted work. Sony is sending cease and desist letters, attempting to gather IP Addresses, and using DDoS attacks on servers who refuse to comply and continue distributing their content. It's not ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1lpylt
how can movies shot in the 1980s and 1990s be released on hd platforms such as bluray?
Movies like The Terminator and other hits from the 1980s and 1990s are being released on Bluray in high definition, how is it possible? Have cameras always filmed in HD but have no way to display it at full resolution until recently?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1lpylt/eli5_how_can_movies_shot_in_the_1980s_and_1990s/
{ "a_id": [ "cc1ljzz", "cc1lm7a", "cc1nzvf" ], "score": [ 12, 5, 3 ], "text": [ "Yes, the original 35 mm film had much higher resolution than Blu-ray.\n\nRemember, they were meant to be shown on a huge cinema size screen... if you put up a Blu-ray movie on a 20 meter wide screen it...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1qcve6
what are the pros and cons of weekly vs. fortnightly pay periods? why do some businesses choose one and some the other?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1qcve6/eli5_what_are_the_pros_and_cons_of_weekly_vs/
{ "a_id": [ "cdbjyye", "cdbrj06" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "my current workplace has over 500 employees. Half work in the office, the other half work on site. we get pad fortnightly. The office staff get paid one week, site staff the following week. \n\nProcessing pays is a timely pr...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3d6p26
why did greece accept a deal they seemed to reject at referendum only a few says prior?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3d6p26/eli5_why_did_greece_accept_a_deal_they_seemed_to/
{ "a_id": [ "ct2bd0l", "ct2dvcv" ], "score": [ 4, 3 ], "text": [ "They didn't have a choice. Their budget is in the negative which means they need to continue borrowing money. They can't force people to lend them money and their debt is so high they need assistance or it will overwhelm t...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2yk8x3
what is a linear regression ?
Hello fellow redditors, I have to explain what a linear regression is to a bunch of my colleagues who have ZERO mathematical background. I would like to be able to explain it to a 5 years old. If you have any ideas, or illustrations, there are welcome ! Thank you !!
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2yk8x3/eli5what_is_a_linear_regression/
{ "a_id": [ "cpa9x1u", "cpaai2p" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Assume you're physically measuring two related quantities. Say, mass of a liquid vs. volume. In a perfect world, the graph would be a straight line, but due to whatever fluctuations, like errors in measurement, small density...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.amstat.org/publications/jse/v9n3/stanton.html" ] ]
3cwwvv
why can't people just run away from a wildfire?
For example, you're camping or hiking or whatever and you notice in the distance heavy smoke rising in the air. Can't you just drop everything and run like hell in the other direction? I get that the fire is moving fast but you'd probably find out if the fire was coming closer by the heat, smell, smoke, e.t.c. I also k...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3cwwvv/eli5_why_cant_people_just_run_away_from_a_wildfire/
{ "a_id": [ "cszpdh7" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "\"Wildfires have a rapid forward rate of spread (FROS) when burning through dense, uninterrupted fuels. They can move as fast as 10.8 kilometres per hour (6.7 mph) in forests and 22 kilometres per hour (14 mph) in grasslands.\"\n\nThats too fast ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
38f7ek
industrial dehumidifiers
Why doesn't a state like California or Texas just run industrial sized dehumidifiers to replenish their water supply. I know energy is probably the primary concern, but California already built a huge Aquapher that must've consumed quite a bit of resources already
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/38f7ek/eli5_industrial_dehumidifiers/
{ "a_id": [ "crukhdp" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Dehumidifiers take water out of moist air. There isn't any moist air in CA, that's their problem. It's raining in TX, but mechanically removing the water to stop the rain would be extremely expensive." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
68x4rx
how do street signs get their names?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/68x4rx/eli5_how_do_street_signs_get_their_names/
{ "a_id": [ "dh2f6hz" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "It varies, in some areas, particularly in planned towns and cities, streets are given numbers and named sequentially, so the west-most north-south street might be called 1st Street and the East-most north-south street might be named 10th street, ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
17vbar
how i "don't hear" music when i'm falling asleep.
As someone that regularly goes to sleep with my iPod playing, I've found that I'll be lying there with my eyes closed, when I sorta "wake up" and realise I can't remember hearing any of the music that was playing in the past thirty seconds, no matter how much I try, despite the fact I am completely conscious of still b...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/17vbar/eli5_how_i_dont_hear_music_when_im_falling_asleep/
{ "a_id": [ "c895geh", "c895ins", "c896kzk", "c89bnqj" ], "score": [ 62, 9, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "One of the first parts of your brain to \"turn off\" when you go to sleep is the part that makes new memories. It's called the hippocampus. You've been listening to the music, and...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
bwdq86
why does restricting blood flow to an area make your veins pop out even more in that area?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bwdq86/eli5_why_does_restricting_blood_flow_to_an_area/
{ "a_id": [ "epwvbjm" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Pressure. Veins are \"drain pipes\" for the blood that has already been pumped through the body to get back to the heart. They are low pressure compared to the higher pressure in the arteries. By pinching them off and restricting this pressure, t...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2s8vdd
how does a cell phone benefit from a 64 bit memory bus? most of the flagship phones with this only feature 1 through 3 gigabytes of ram at most.
Does it make a difference? or is it a gimmick?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2s8vdd/eli5_how_does_a_cell_phone_benefit_from_a_64_bit/
{ "a_id": [ "cnn91pp", "cnn9eck" ], "score": [ 4, 3 ], "text": [ "The processor operates on not only a 64bit memory bus, but it also has 64 bit instructions. This means that it can often perform longer operations in one cycle (such as a 32 bit to 32bit register move). This can gain a ton...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
4h11uq
why are some jalapeños (or other spicy foods) spicier than others?
Sometimes I can eat a slice of one with no issues, other times my eyes water. What's the deal?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4h11uq/eli5why_are_some_jalapeños_or_other_spicy_foods/
{ "a_id": [ "d2mghma", "d2mik27" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "The spicy sensation is actually caused by a molecule called capsaicin. A higher concentration of this molecule in the food means that more nerves will be stimulated by it, therefore generating a stronger sensation.", "He...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
8fe4j1
how is "fashion" a thing?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8fe4j1/eli5_how_is_fashion_a_thing/
{ "a_id": [ "dy2vud1" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "People are all around variable, just like all other aspects of life where there is variety comes preference. There's certain music, accents, speeches, habits etc that people love or don't. Fashion is just another one. There are some humans that w...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
6xgawf
if i unplug my headphone jack partially, i'll only hear the beat of the song. how does that work?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6xgawf/eli5_if_i_unplug_my_headphone_jack_partially_ill/
{ "a_id": [ "dmfr0c7" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "It's possible to line up the contacts on the plug so that one signal is treated as the ground. Then you effectively hear the \"difference\" between the left and right signals. Since the vocals tend to be in the center of the stereo mix, they disa...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1a1gjm
why is flouride added to water?
My mother swears that flouride in our water is giving children down's syndrome and causing a variety of diseases in children and adults. Some articles I have read say its for good reasons and others say that its some kind of government conspiracy. Why is flouride added to our water?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1a1gjm/eli5_why_is_flouride_added_to_water/
{ "a_id": [ "c8t80p9", "c8t82wn", "c8tbvej" ], "score": [ 16, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "The goal of providing fluoridated water is to *prevent* tooth decay. By including it in the water supply, it ensures that *everybody* gets it, rather than only the wealthy, etc.\n\nTooth decay works by...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_fluoridation#Evidence_basis", "http://www.fluoridedebate.com/question27.html" ], [], [ "http://www.fluoridation.com/fluorosis.htm" ] ]
2k93vi
how do stock options for employees at companies work?
This is something that has always escaped me when I'm reading about CEO compensation.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2k93vi/eli5_how_do_stock_options_for_employees_at/
{ "a_id": [ "clj2gad" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "There many different ways they can be structured. Precisely how is something experienced lawyers are hired to do to remain within the regulations of the SEC. Very simply, it is the option to purchase a stock at a certain time for a certain price....
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2tojii
how do people that can't spell still read fluently?
And how does spelling work? It just strikes me as odd that people that can read fluently, are intelligent, and have a large vocabulary can't spell at all. How do they know this word is the word they want if they can't reproduce it?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2tojii/eli5_how_do_people_that_cant_spell_still_read/
{ "a_id": [ "co0w3ir" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "It is easier to be given and recognize the complete word than it is to spell the word without any visual prompt.\n\nI find the same trouble when I speak in my second language: I can understand what is said to me because it's given complete with c...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4kdr8p
how can processor speed up the charging of smartphone's battery?
I am talking about Qualcomm Quickcharge and some other variants from manufacturers that have their own, customized versions.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4kdr8p/eli5_how_can_processor_speed_up_the_charging_of/
{ "a_id": [ "d3e4ivf" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "It can't. The processor is not part of the charging circuit. The max speed of charge is determined by the battery chemistry and the pack itself and the charger." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
6795tg
why are rodents so cautious around traps?
Do they actually sense danger or are they smart enough to know what they are doing is a risk? If you watch trapping footage, a rat will eat a crumb line really fast but as soon as it gets to the bait in the trap it acts very suspicious until it ends up trapped. Very weird, no?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6795tg/eli5_why_are_rodents_so_cautious_around_traps/
{ "a_id": [ "dgoo5b8" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "An animal can't just magically sense danger. But they CAN smell humans, they can observe something is *new* in their environment, and they can be cautious of anything either a) that smells like a human or b) is new and a potential threat.\n\nThe ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2sowj9
what would happen if i individually printed and released a huge amount of cash into a country's economy?
E.g If i printed and used $1 trillion USD in cash in secret, what would happen to the US dollar? Edit: change 100mil to 1 tril
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2sowj9/eli5_what_would_happen_if_i_individually_printed/
{ "a_id": [ "cnripzm" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "$100m? Nothing. The GDP of the US is about $17 trillion. $100m is a drop in the bucket." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5friys
why teenagers and young adults naturally want to stay up late and sleep in late?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5friys/eli5_why_teenagers_and_young_adults_naturally/
{ "a_id": [ "damiitc" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "Melatonin, puberty, and maybe artificial light or sex!\n\nChildren generally respond to light exposure (sundown), but will also produce melatonin after being awake for 12-14 hours. The pubescent body is transitioning from 10-12 hours of sleep to ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
8i2l3s
why are tooth fillings sensitive to cold stuff?
The title says it all
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8i2l3s/eli5_why_are_tooth_fillings_sensitive_to_cold/
{ "a_id": [ "dyofkjm" ], "score": [ 10 ], "text": [ "The filling sits close to the pulp of the tooth where the nerves are. The filling is typically made of metal which conducts temperature better than tooth enamel. When the filling becomes cold it activates the cold sensation in your nerves." ] ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
18vphr
the phrase "how long is a piece of string?"
ELI5: The Phrase "How long is a piece of string?" And, how did this even began as a popular saying (its origin)?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/18vphr/eli5_the_phrase_how_long_is_a_piece_of_string/
{ "a_id": [ "c8iedb4", "c8if3wl", "c8ik07r" ], "score": [ 10, 3, 5 ], "text": [ "Normally it's used as a retorical answer to a question that did not have it's terms specifically defined. \n\nAs string is a common item that can come in various lengths, the reply 'How long is a piece...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]