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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3jjq6w | why is it that former educational channels like tlc, history and nat geo have in recent years broadcast shows that can only really be described as stupid? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3jjq6w/eli5_why_is_it_that_former_educational_channels/ | {
"a_id": [
"cupt00u"
],
"score": [
12
],
"text": [
"Because they learned that those educational shows don't get great ratings, but the stupid shows draw a consistent audience. At the end of the day, the station needs to make money, and executives opted to move towards programming that would earn... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
3bkutl | how does donald trump have any presidential support? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3bkutl/eli5how_does_donald_trump_have_any_presidential/ | {
"a_id": [
"csn2s98"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"The second highest Republican support on one poll. I think he's at something like 4% popularity on average, if the stats haven't changed since I last checked.\n\nYou'll always get some people who will support *anybody*. Call 'em idiots, or crazy,... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
7ivwy4 | how do smoke and stun/flash grenades work. as in how would one contain so much smoke to be triggered like that? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7ivwy4/eli5_how_do_smoke_and_stunflash_grenades_work_as/ | {
"a_id": [
"dr1r4t1"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"It doesn’t contain smoke. It contains chemicals that create stupid amount of smoke when they react. \n\nStun/Flashbangs just emit a loud sound and bright light when they go off. Imagine someone setting off a camera flash right in your face and a ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
5pje4k | why are there two nfl groups? (afc and nfc) | Why are they divided into two groups, and not just one big group? (New to American Football, thank you) | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5pje4k/eli5_why_are_there_two_nfl_groups_afc_and_nfc/ | {
"a_id": [
"dcrkmsv",
"dcrkt15",
"dcrkvk7",
"dcrmcut"
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"score": [
2,
3,
2,
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"text": [
"There used to be 2 major American Football Leagues. The NFL and the AFL. Then they merged. And most of the original NFL teams became the NFC and the original AFL teams and a few NF... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
bnndzj | what are retention ponds for, and why do they always seem to be near a street or intersection? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bnndzj/eli5_what_are_retention_ponds_for_and_why_do_they/ | {
"a_id": [
"en7at79",
"en7bfvm"
],
"score": [
2,
2
],
"text": [
"When it rains roads flood. But if you have a large pit near by, the water goes there instead of flooding the road.",
"Retention ponds are so that when it rains, all that water doesn't flow into the local creek or river t... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
6qs609 | why there in not more watermelonjuice in stores? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6qs609/eli5_why_there_in_not_more_watermelonjuice_in/ | {
"a_id": [
"dkzkrk5"
],
"score": [
4
],
"text": [
"I was having this conversation with my wife _yesterday_. A few reasons:\n\n1. It's availability is _very_ seasonal. You don't see very many seasonal beverages - too expensive to market. For this reason you do see it on locally made juices, but... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
2s4my4 | why do some people game inverted? | I play inverted, why is that? My friends hate it. And I seem to excel at video games despite owning a console. I'm also left handed but that doesn't seem to matter as my friends are as well. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2s4my4/eli5_why_do_some_people_game_inverted/ | {
"a_id": [
"cnm5st4"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Most games on older consoles had inverted controls as the default option. I started gaming with ps1 and haven't changed controls since "
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
91bosf | at recycling sorting facilities, how are tiny objects such as shredded paper sorted? | How do they make sure that every single bit of shredded paper is paper without wasting time checking every single bit? Also, if you put a CD or credit card in the shredder and mix it along with the paper, how are they going to make sure that none of that goes into the batch for paper recycling? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/91bosf/eli5_at_recycling_sorting_facilities_how_are_tiny/ | {
"a_id": [
"e2wvw7y",
"e2wweca",
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"score": [
6,
8,
3
],
"text": [
"Pretty sure it all goes into a vat of water and turned into pulp, but in the tank the paper gets wet and sinks, the plastic and wood float and are scraped off",
"They use pretty advanced machines wi... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
1ov6f9 | what do people do with illegally harvested organs? | I'm assuming a normal hospital won't just put a random kidney in you. Yet organs are still being sold for such great money. What is being done with these organs? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ov6f9/eli5_what_do_people_do_with_illegally_harvested/ | {
"a_id": [
"ccvyis0"
],
"score": [
5
],
"text": [
"It is EXTREMELY difficult to illegally transplant organs.\n\nFirst of all Organ transplants are quite difficult surgeries under the best of conditions. At a minimum it requires 2 doctors (The Surgeon and the anesthetist ) but a proper procedure c... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
3avln5 | how do illegal immigrants pay taxes? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3avln5/eli5_how_do_illegal_immigrants_pay_taxes/ | {
"a_id": [
"csgczjj",
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"score": [
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"text": [
"First, several taxes are paid by employers. So an illegal immigrant with a fake green card or social security number is still \"paying\" their social security/disability taxes and similar state taxes, ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
2ce3qe | would a nuclear holocaust (or other armageddon-type event) destroy the internet? | Out of all the post-apocalyptic media i've seen, I can't think of one example where technology in general and the internet in particular survive. If it actually happened, would people be living on their own merits, or would the internet still be around to allow survivors to communicate and the world to still function? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ce3qe/eli5_would_a_nuclear_holocaust_or_other/ | {
"a_id": [
"cjek0ka",
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"score": [
3,
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3,
12
],
"text": [
"Individual organisations have servers (a computer dedicated to sending/receiving data with a client computer like the one you're on now). These servers can s... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://worldsciencefestival.com/videos/there_and_back_again_a_packets_tale"
],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
a2v3te | why is irritability a common symptom of depression? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a2v3te/eli5_why_is_irritability_a_common_symptom_of/ | {
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"score": [
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3,
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"text": [
"I'm not a professional but I'd imagine it's because you're already dedicating so much energy to deal with stress caused by internal con... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
6hq273 | why do grocery stores move merchandise around so often? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6hq273/eli5_why_do_grocery_stores_move_merchandise/ | {
"a_id": [
"dj08gaw",
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"score": [
3,
11
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"text": [
"Because it forces you to go searching, resulting in you stumbling on more things that you think you need to buy and thus making the store more money. If things are in the same place, you will just run to that spot and then ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
32kxwb | the kentucky derby. | I need to know everything I can about the Derby so I can throw a party for some of my friends. We're having a contest to see who can win the most fake money. Also, what kind of food and drink would one expect whole at the derb? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/32kxwb/eli5_the_kentucky_derby/ | {
"a_id": [
"cqc53jx",
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"score": [
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"text": [
"The Derby is an annual horse race that's been held in Churchill Downs for over 140 years. It's actually one of several races/events held on the first saturday in may, which is preceeded by a month long binge party that con... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
3dd5s4 | how does wifi work? how does it travel, what interferes with it and what's its penetrating power? does opening the door leave the wifi in? | Edit: Probably should have clarified that I completed Highschool-equivalent chemistry and physics so I understand the phenomena of waves, resonance and the differences in the frequency of electromagnetic waves etc. (the parts I remember anyway) and so should have just asked what would diffract it and what exactly inter... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3dd5s4/eli5_how_does_wifi_work_how_does_it_travel_what/ | {
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"score": [
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6,
99,
2,
4
],
"text": [
"Well, WiFi is a signal. Like the one on your phone, it has a frequency. \n\nSimilar signals can interfere and make stuff not work properly on the receiving ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[
"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/df/United_States_Frequency_Allocations_Chart_2011_-_The_Radio_Spectrum.pdf"
],
[],
[]
] | |
4yf11v | why people commonly misplace syllables/vowels in a sentence when speaking quickly. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4yf11v/eli5_why_people_commonly_misplace_syllablesvowels/ | {
"a_id": [
"d6nd7yf",
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"score": [
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2
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"text": [
"It takes time for your mouth and tongue to move into the positions needed to form the various sounds present in speech. If you're speaking too quickly, you might not be able to actually create the sound as fast as you are tr... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
2azb1f | how does salt water from the sea turn into fresh water like in rivers and so on? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2azb1f/eli5_how_does_salt_water_from_the_sea_turn_into/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
6,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"When seawater evaporates, the salt does not evaporate with it. Hence, the rain is freshwater. ",
"Salt is not air soluble, water is. When water evaporates, it becomes humidity in air. When air (a ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
4dt8fe | if i'm running 15 mph and throw a ball at 80 mph, will it be traveling at 95 mph? if not, why does it not inherit my velocity? how fast will it be traveling? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4dt8fe/eli5_if_im_running_15_mph_and_throw_a_ball_at_80/ | {
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"score": [
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"text": [
"All speed is relative. so it depends on your frame of reference.\n\nIf you are running at 15 MPH and throw the ball at 80 MPH relative to you, then it's travelling at 95 MPH relati... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
5dlla3 | leukemia | I understand that leukemia is a cancer of the blood. How do extra cells in the blood lead to death? Does it lead to blood clots? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5dlla3/eli5_leukemia/ | {
"a_id": [
"da5h6om"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"In a nutshell (not a doctor), leukemia is a cancer of the blood forming tissues in the body (both bone marrow and lymph nodes). The cancer cells don't function like regular cells leading to problems that are specific to the type of leukemia. If... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
28ee4g | why do so many brazilian soccer/football players have singular names? | Some other countries do the same, but it's mostly Brazil.
For example, in the current world cup side there are 18 players out of 23 utilising singular names (ie. Oscar, Ramires, Fred). I remember there was even a time that an old coach was using a single name as well.
Why is this? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/28ee4g/eli5_why_do_so_many_brazilian_soccerfootball/ | {
"a_id": [
"cia4srm",
"cia61f1"
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"score": [
9,
8
],
"text": [
"Brazilians normally use nicknames or only a part of their name because their birth names are so long. \n\nFor example fat Ronaldo's real name is Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima",
"Pelé's legal name: Edson Arantes do Nascime... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
dnprkt | why when we choke on something (“goes down the wrong pipe”), we cough for a long time, and feel like something is still stuck in our throat? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dnprkt/eli5_why_when_we_choke_on_something_goes_down_the/ | {
"a_id": [
"f5ds23u"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Two reasons, one is that there may still be something in your windpipe even though you coughed most of it out (enough to breathe). The other reason is that the tissue in your windpipe is very sensitive and can get swollen pretty easily making it ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
faegse | how did the game boy (and similar) battery indicators work? | For those who don't know, the Game Boy had a little red light bulb that would shine bright when the batteries were full, but would start dimming as they run out of power. Was this purely electrical, or was there some computing involved?
I have a pair of modern (AAA-operated) headphones that do the exact same thing, do... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/faegse/eli5_how_did_the_game_boy_and_similar_battery/ | {
"a_id": [
"fixhmy4",
"fixicgh",
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"score": [
2,
10,
2
],
"text": [
"Batteries don't discharge a constant voltage - it decreases as the battery loses charge. Electronics are capable of monitoring the voltage output of the battery, and when that output gets low enough w... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
5u9xh0 | why is it common for couples to choose to have children without marrying? has this always been common or a more recent trend? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5u9xh0/eli5_why_is_it_common_for_couples_to_choose_to/ | {
"a_id": [
"ddsftiy"
],
"score": [
2
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"text": [
"It's a relatively recent trend, following an opening up of society as the impact that religion has on how we live our day to day lives has reduced.\n\n\nIn terms of legitimacy i'm not sure what you mean by legitimate, but it makes little differen... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
3552yd | why are countries so hesitant on closing their borders and preventing mass immigration from crossing their borders. | Italy, for one. France. Sweden. The U.S.
Follow up: Thanks for the responses. I look at countries like Sweden that offer free education to everyone of England and its healthcare - so many non-citizens using those resources has to be taxing.
Italy is swamped with refugees from the other side of the Med - how can... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3552yd/eli5_why_are_countries_so_hesitant_on_closing/ | {
"a_id": [
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23,
18,
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"text": [
"A closed border is more than just a state of mind. It's armed military patrols, it's shooting unarmed civilians, it's an expensive program of detention and deportation that makes your country look ugl... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
qd7kp | why do people love/hate andrew breitbart? | Andrew Breitbart seems to be a pretty polarizing public figure.
I do not tend to pay attention to the media or biased media blogs so I'm mostly unaware of anything he has ever done.
* I'd like to understand why liberals think the vehement vitriole against him is justified.
* Likewise, I'd like to know what conservat... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/qd7kp/eli5_why_do_people_lovehate_andrew_breitbart/ | {
"a_id": [
"c3woisx"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"FROM A RATIONAL PERSPECTIVE:\n\nBy and large, most people are not critical thinkers.\n\nThis means they fall prey to things like confirmation bias.\n\nConfirmation bias is basically the psychological source of Breitbart's money. Also Limbaugh's.\... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
2n6w8v | why is hard drive formatting so inefficient? | I have a 750GB hard drive on my laptop but only 700GB are "free". Why am I losing 1/15th of my hard drive space? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2n6w8v/eli5why_is_hard_drive_formatting_so_inefficient/ | {
"a_id": [
"cmavq8o",
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"score": [
3,
7,
2,
2
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"text": [
"there are 2 parts that contributes to this:\n\n1. One \"marketing GB\" is 1000 MB, while one \"real GB\" is 1024 MB.\n\n2. The huge table of all free blocks, all files, etc must be... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
1q3ajk | the difference between 'percent' and 'mark up' | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1q3ajk/eli5_the_difference_between_percent_and_mark_up/ | {
"a_id": [
"cd8qogl"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"Markup and Margin can both be represented as a percentage. Put simply, markup is generally a percentage of the original cost which can then be added to the cost. (Eg. 50% Markup on $50 is ($25 + $50) = $75) The Margin on the $75 item is now $25 o... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
2xfl1i | what causes moonlight? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2xfl1i/eli5_what_causes_moonlight/ | {
"a_id": [
"cozodwd"
],
"score": [
6
],
"text": [
"Sunlight reflecting off of the Moon's surface which then travels down to earth."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
ke7vo | how does a jury work ? | In the UK, you get a called up to be part of a jury at random, I cant see how its fair to decide someones fate from a bunch of random people, who might not be best educated or just generally stupid.
And what if its a massive case or a celebrity, surely everyone will have an opinion on the defendants and accused befor... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ke7vo/how_does_a_jury_work/ | {
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"score": [
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"text": [
" > ... I cant see how its fair to decide someon... | [] | [] | [
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[],
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359mhb | why do i have to take the full course of antibiotics. will i die? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/359mhb/eli5_why_do_i_have_to_take_the_full_course_of/ | {
"a_id": [
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3,
3,
3,
2
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"text": [
"Because if you don't, the more resistant strains of bacteria might survive (even if there aren't enough of them to make you sick). This means you've just bre... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
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] | ||
7kx8x3 | antibiotic resistance. do antibiotics still work for people who don't take them all the time or are the viruses adapting to resist the antibiotics? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7kx8x3/eli5_antibiotic_resistance_do_antibiotics_still/ | {
"a_id": [
"drhvc4h",
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2,
2
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"text": [
"Antibiotics are for bacteria, not viruses. And yes, bacteria in general are adapting to resist antibiotics. It's not something that happens to individual people, but to the bacteria they harbor (which... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
1i81hx | why are voting machines such a complicated mess? | I've always been kind of surprised that e-voting is such a stupidly overcomplicated deal.
The requirements are pretty simple from a tech standpoint. Draw a touch-friendly user interface (so big buttons that make it obvious what was touched) and log what people click on in a database, and hook this to a printer for aud... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1i81hx/eli5_why_are_voting_machines_such_a_complicated/ | {
"a_id": [
"cb1wvcc"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Because security for e-voting needs to be absolutely, 100%, foolproof. And any programmer (myself included) can tell you it's half a step away from impossible to get truly right. Even though the UI is extremely simple, how do you ensure that the ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
32wl0x | how does my electric toothbrush charge when the contact points between it and its charging station seem to be plastic? isn't plastic an insulator? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/32wl0x/eli5_how_does_my_electric_toothbrush_charge_when/ | {
"a_id": [
"cqfaoac",
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"cqfc2le"
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"score": [
17,
2,
6
],
"text": [
"Induction using 2 coils via electro magnetism ",
"I owned an interplaq toothbrush Ohh about fifteen years ago. It had this same charging system. Basically it's wireless charging. Same as what you s... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
3rpbvg | if mars had an atmosphere like earth's and they have both been exposed to the same solar winds from the sun for the same amount of time, why has the earth's atmosphere not been stripped away like the atmosphere on mars? | ELI5: If Mars had an atmosphere like Earth's and they have both been exposed to the same solar winds from the Sun for the same amount of time, why has the Earth's atmosphere not been stripped away like the atmosphere on Mars? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3rpbvg/eli5_if_mars_had_an_atmosphere_like_earths_and/ | {
"a_id": [
"cwq3o8q",
"cwq3qjz",
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"score": [
2,
2,
3
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"text": [
"The Earth has a liquid core that produces a magnetic field. The magnetic field protects us from the solar wind, an invisible windshield steering the wind around the Earth. Mars has a solid core.",
... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
2781fr | how does trial by combat make any sense? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2781fr/eli5_how_does_trial_by_combat_make_any_sense/ | {
"a_id": [
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2,
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"It leaves the decision up to the gods.",
"The idea is that the gods will give strength to the person who's cause is just, leading hi... | [] | [] | [
[],
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[],
[],
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21n8ef | why do websites such as facebook and youtube constantly update their layouts when nothing is wrong with them? | Facebook has gone through almost one layout change every year for the past 4 or 5 and YouTube is constantly changing.
Why do they keep changing Where a website like Google is constant? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/21n8ef/eli5_why_do_websites_such_as_facebook_and_youtube/ | {
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2zll9u | how have pollinators and plants evolved together? | I was watching a documentary and it made me wonder whether the flowers or pollinators made eachother evolve more? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2zll9u/eli5how_have_pollinators_and_plants_evolved/ | {
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"Think of it like a positive feedback loop. A bee-ancestor evolves in such a way that a plant-ancestor reproduces better because of it. The plant-ancestors most attractive to bees therefore reproduce the best, and become more populous. To be attra... | [] | [] | [
[]
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3mvo13 | wtf is going on in chicago?! | I've seen the news about shootings happening at an incredible rate in Chicago but I am finding surprisingly little about the actual causes of the shootings. Every time I read something, it's just like, "A bunch of people were shot again...". It also seems like a kids are involved each time, somehow. Are these shootings... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3mvo13/eli5wtf_is_going_on_in_chicago/ | {
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"text": [
"The news doing a poor job reporting actual current events? Damn saw that coming. But yeah I'd like to know what's up as well. \nSome links I found on the topic. \n_URL_0_ \n_URL_1_ \nSeems mostl... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://chicago.suntimes.com/crime/7/71/996808/four-shot-fuller-park",
"http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-chicago-shootings-violence-20150928-story.html"
],
[],
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4s5z5y | why do we use winking and crossing our fingers behind our backs as a gesture of lying? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4s5z5y/eli5_why_do_we_use_winking_and_crossing_our/ | {
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"text": [
"Because humans are intelligent social creatures and we have social gestures. Winking is a form of non-verbal communication. \n\nWinking means different things in different countries.\n\nFor example, I believe I read somewhe... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
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8of0to | why does the bc timeline seems like it's counted backwards and ad is counted forwards? | I have zero idea about all of the history of these \(time, Romans, etc.\), so an explain like I'm literally a five year old is so much helpful. Thank you! | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8of0to/eli5_why_does_the_bc_timeline_seems_like_its/ | {
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"text": [
"B.C. is backwards because it's shorthand for \"Before Christ.\" So when you say 2000 B.C., you say 2000 years before Christ. If it's 2000 years before him, then 1000 years before him would be later. Hope that made sense. ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
22t4sp | if you were to physically rotate your eyeball's, would you see upside-down? | Can't decide if the brain would reverse the image, or if the whole world would look like Australia. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/22t4sp/eli5_if_you_were_to_physically_rotate_your/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"The brain is incredibly good at adapting to changes to your senses. This is no exception. Your brain would flip the images eventually and you wouldn't really notice anything unless you really tried to. There are a couple pu... | [] | [] | [
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"http://www.cns.nyu.edu/events/spf/SPF_papers/Damian_SPF.pdf"
],
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perceptual_adaptation"
]
] | |
exb9ta | when you're a billionaire, how does it work withdrawing and taking money from your bank account and such? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/exb9ta/eli5_when_youre_a_billionaire_how_does_it_work/ | {
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"the bulk of the money is probably in stocks and investments. with sma... | [] | [] | [
[],
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"https://www.couponit.com/blog/327/The-time-that-Warren-Buffett-and-Bill-Gates-used-coupons-at-McDonalds/"
],
[]
] | ||
jv3j1 | the treaty of tripoli and the laws around church and state | Did the text in the treaty actually mean anything from a legal point of view? What is considered "acceptable" in terms of religion in public? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/jv3j1/eli5_the_treaty_of_tripoli_and_the_laws_around/ | {
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"The treaty of Tripoli is normally pointed to by some as evidence that the original founder... | [] | [] | [
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1gm7c1 | how are private military contractors legal? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1gm7c1/eli5_how_are_private_military_contractors_legal/ | {
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"text": [
"They are basically acting as bounty hunters with a much broader contract. Most of these s... | [] | [] | [
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bg22ij | how are lighthouses and bridge pylons built or placed in water while the waves are constantly crashing and moving? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bg22ij/eli5_how_are_lighthouses_and_bridge_pylons_built/ | {
"a_id": [
"elhrgyq",
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"score": [
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"text": [
"Some structures are built on shore (or in a dry dock) and barged to the location before being placed. Some of these concrete objects float if full of air and sink when full of sand/water/concrete.\n\nThe other choice is to ... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caisson_\\(engineering\\)"
],
[
"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URC125wpMS4"
]
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af84dy | if dial up and dsl uses the phone line for internet, how come dsl is much faster than dial up? | Also, how does a telephone DSL filter work to remove the DSL noise? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/af84dy/eli5_if_dial_up_and_dsl_uses_the_phone_line_for/ | {
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"text": [
"This is a really good question. You're right, they both use the same physical bits of copper and you can use both the send digital data like an internet connection. What makes them different?\n\nThe biggest difference is wha... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
2ilqy2 | where does the skin on the body stop being skin and become something else? openings in particular. in the case of the face does it end at: lips? tongue? throat? | In the case of the rectum I assume the anal sphincter is the last skin hurrah before its all about intestines. Correct me if I'm wrong. What about the nose, the mouth, the ears.. etc. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ilqy2/eli5_where_does_the_skin_on_the_body_stop_being/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
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"text": [
"Skin is a specific type of tissue- epithelial tissue. The other tissue types are connective tissue, nervous tissue, and muscle tissue. \n\nEpithelial tissue covers body surfaces and lines most of our internal cavities. Connective tissues functio... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
3cf5k7 | why are some computer systems and coding languages case sensitive and others not? | Is there a clear advantage in some fields for being case sensitive? Can you give an example of a system what has to be and would not work without? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3cf5k7/eli5_why_are_some_computer_systems_and_coding/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
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2
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"text": [
"It has entirely to do with whatever syntax the author of the language has decided to use. There is no necessity for anything to necessarily be case-sensitive, but it does give the programmer more flexibility, potentially.\n... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
16hut0 | in the states that have legalized cannabis, how do pre-employment drug tests work? | I'm curious as to how they are addressing this, are they taking the panel off that shows Cannabis use? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/16hut0/in_the_states_that_have_legalized_cannabis_how_do/ | {
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"text": [
"It's up to every individual company (if the laws make any sort of sense, I'm just speculating since I'm not American) to decide what their employed personnel may or may not do. ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
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"http://www.regulatemarijuana.org/s/regulate-marijuana-alcohol-act-2012",
"http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/25/us/25drugs.html?pagewanted=1&_r=2&hp&"
]
] | |
3wn6rf | if lava has been pouring out of the earth for billions of years, how is it that it hasn't run out? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3wn6rf/eli5_if_lava_has_been_pouring_out_of_the_earth/ | {
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"text": [
"There are places called \"subduction zones\" where the tectonic plates pushed down and become part of the mantle again. It's a continual process and is also the reason why the cont... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
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[]
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dzynrh | how do municipal water systems work? how does a house on top of a hill have water pressure, but the house at the bottom of the valley isn’t overrun with sewage? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dzynrh/eli5_how_do_municipal_water_systems_work_how_does/ | {
"a_id": [
"f8awivn"
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"score": [
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],
"text": [
"Water pressure is created in the water pipes either with a water tower where gravity provides the pressure or pipes. There is a reason that the water tower is on tops of the hill so everything below it has water pressure. For high buildings like ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
eaukf3 | what is a practical example of zorn's lemma being used? | I came across Zorn's lemma in my readings. It took me a while to get a general grasp of the concept, and I think I understand what it would look like. But I'd like some help from people smarter than I on this matter. For fun's sake, what does Zorn's Lemma look like when applied to something? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/eaukf3/eli5_what_is_a_practical_example_of_zorns_lemma/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"The most common exposure to Zorn's Lemma is en route to *proving* that every vector space has a basis.\n\nThe usefulness in *knowing* that a vector space has a basis is that foreknowledge assists in constructing a basis.\n\n\"A Basis\" is a coor... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
7e1f59 | what is nitrous oxide and how does is it make cars go faster? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7e1f59/eli5_what_is_nitrous_oxide_and_how_does_is_it/ | {
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"Nitrous oxide does a few things.\n\nIt cools down the intake charge which makes it more dense. More density mea... | [] | [] | [
[],
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5k2j2u | what makes some people more susceptible to that static "zap" more than others when touching stuff? (because it happens to me so damn often) | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5k2j2u/eli5_what_makes_some_people_more_susceptible_to/ | {
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"text": [
"The soles of the shoes you are wearing (if they aren't rubber), and if you are walking on carpets. You basically charge yourself up."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
64y6n4 | why are medications seemingly "one size fits all" instead of tailored to the individual? | In my experience, if my gf(5'6" 125lbs) and I (6'2" 250lbs) go to the dr for the same thing we get the same prescription with out regard to our medical history (other than allergies), tolerances, metabolism etc even though I'm twice her size and have a high tolerance to many prescription drugs? I feel like we should me... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/64y6n4/eli5_why_are_medications_seemingly_one_size_fits/ | {
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2,
2,
2,
2
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"text": [
"what type of medication? what type of problem? is there a maximum toxicity level across all patients? does the dosage work?\n\nyes, there are medications that... | [] | [] | [
[],
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3v7nft | it seems that whenever there's a mass shooting, a swat team arrives at the scene almost immediately. what are swat teams doing when there's no situation for them to be at? | Are they just on call at all times? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3v7nft/eli5_it_seems_that_whenever_theres_a_mass/ | {
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"text": [
"Looks like it varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but it seems that they patrol like normal officers, but their gear may be kept in a special truck so they can travel direct... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SWAT#Organization"
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[]
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27fpbh | why is the world cup not economically a great thing for brazil? | Wouldn't the World Cup being lots of tourism and like the Olympics bring a economic boom to the area? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/27fpbh/eli5_why_is_the_world_cup_not_economically_a/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
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2,
2
],
"text": [
"Because the production cost is higher than the prospective income from the event. \n\nKeynesians need not answer. ",
"The costs of the infrastructure improvements/stadiums/etc. are rarely met throug... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
50kknd | why is western america so dry? | There seems to be a fairly clear dividing line | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/50kknd/eli5_why_is_western_america_so_dry/ | {
"a_id": [
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3
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"text": [
"There is a big mountain range on the west coast. The Cascade Range and the Sierra Nevada force wet air up where it expands and cools. This forces water out as rain so when it comes over the mountains it is cool and dry. That... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
3vft6e | what is osmosis and diffusion, and what's the difference? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3vft6e/eli5_what_is_osmosis_and_diffusion_and_whats_the/ | {
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"text": [
"Diffusion is the natural tendency of matter to move from high to low concentration until it reaches equilibrium. Osmosis is the diffusion of water.",
"As said, diffusion is simply the tendency of st... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semipermeable_membrane"
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[]
] | ||
2brffv | how large is the reduction in costs for large cable and internet providers provided by slowing internet speeds? | Edit: I don't necessarily mean not speeding up their infrastructure.
I mean specifically *slowing*, i.e. throttling. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2brffv/eli5_how_large_is_the_reduction_in_costs_for/ | {
"a_id": [
"cj865i3"
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"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"None, save that they can put off improving infrastructure. \n\nWhat they are trying to do is charge for data transit three times. Once for the Users internet connection, Once for the sites internet connections, and again from the site to allow th... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
385tiv | how come people can use quotes in movies without citing the source and it's fine, but if you don't do it in writing it's plagiarism? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/385tiv/eli5_how_come_people_can_use_quotes_in_movies/ | {
"a_id": [
"crsj8s1",
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"score": [
4,
2
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"text": [
"It depends on the type of writing. If you're writing a novel you can use quotes as see fit. In academic writing you need to cite anything that isn't your own original work which includes quote.",
"Plagiarism is implying ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
5nc4zt | why do some shows have "and actor as character" in their opening sequence, while all other actors are named without character? | It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia has "and Danny Devito as Frank Reynolds". May not be the best example, as he was only added after the first season. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5nc4zt/eli5_why_do_some_shows_have_and_actor_as/ | {
"a_id": [
"dcaa8pv",
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"score": [
17,
5
],
"text": [
"It's called \"last billing.\"\n\nThe order that the actors are listed in the credits is listed as billing. Generally, the bigger a name you are, the closer to the front you'll be listed. That's called \"Top Billing\" and it... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
5r3rcb | when someone gets hurt, does "walking it off" actually work? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5r3rcb/eli5_when_someone_gets_hurt_does_walking_it_off/ | {
"a_id": [
"dd46qhk"
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"score": [
2
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"text": [
"That depends on the type of injury involved. Sometimes, walking it out is exactly right if you only need to let your body rest for a moment or stretch out a sore muscle, etc.\n\nHowever, it can also be harmful to \"walk it off.\" I fractured my... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
645l7o | how come we don't have flavoured "food pills" to replace our meals yet | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/645l7o/eli5_how_come_we_dont_have_flavoured_food_pills/ | {
"a_id": [
"dfzliyn",
"dfzlmks"
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"score": [
3,
2
],
"text": [
"The human body does not only need vitamins and minerals to survive, it also needs calories. There is not yet a way to condense a sufficient number of calories into anything resembling a pill. ",
"Because we need more tha... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
4a3lnz | why can beef be aged or hung for 28 days but will then be inedible a few days after purchase? | It seems a selling point of beef is the amount of time it has been aged or hung.
When can't I simply hang it longer at home, why does it start to go off instead? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4a3lnz/eli5_why_can_beef_be_aged_or_hung_for_28_days_but/ | {
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242,
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"http://chicago.seriouseats.com/images/2014/02/20140204-281997-behind-the-scenes-david-burkes-primehouse-dry-aging-room-2-older-cuts.jpg",
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[],
[],
[],
[],
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[... | |
629aw2 | why is it that the government can't distribute part of our tax money evenly across presidential candidates and remove lobbying from the equation entirely? wouldn't this level the playing field in terms of campaigning while limiting the level of influence business has in government affairs? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/629aw2/eli5_why_is_it_that_the_government_cant/ | {
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4,
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"text": [
"Of course this would be an ideal system!\n\nBut corporate interests prevent this from ever coming to pass. Right now they can pay money for influence via PACs and outright donation... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://www.politico.com/story/2014/09/senate-block-campaign-finance-amendment-110864"
],
[],
[
"http://www.fec.gov/pages/brochures/pubfund.shtml"
],
[]
] | ||
119uv8 | a blind trust | In a recent article [in the New York Times](_URL_0_) they mention Mitt Romney moved his assets to a "Blind Trust" as to try and circumvent his investments with politics.
What is a Blind Trust? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/119uv8/eli5_a_blind_trust/ | {
"a_id": [
"c6kkwl1"
],
"score": [
7
],
"text": [
"Basically you give your money to someone who manages it for you, without any input from you on the specifics of the investments. It's used to keep the person who owns the money from knowing about or having control over the details of the investm... | [] | [
"http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/10/us/politics/as-romney-repeats-trade-message-bain-maintains-china-ties.html?hp&_r=0"
] | [
[]
] | |
2yaq86 | why is australia allowed to participate in eurovision but the united states and canada cannot? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2yaq86/eli5_why_is_australia_allowed_to_participate_in/ | {
"a_id": [
"cp7rvu1",
"cp7tnls"
],
"score": [
4,
3
],
"text": [
"It's the 60^th anniversary and the ESC is very popular in Australia so they are special guests this year.",
"Its a one off invitation (to go in again, we would have to win this year) for their 60th anniversary. Why Austr... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
1r63g5 | why the third reich only wanted babies with blonde hair and blue eye's, but hitler's hair was brown. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1r63g5/eli5_why_the_third_reich_only_wanted_babies_with/ | {
"a_id": [
"cdjyhfv",
"cdkb61u"
],
"score": [
4,
3
],
"text": [
"He thought that Aryans were superior, not necessarily blond haired blue eyed people. He wanted to create a race of blond haired blue eyed people because he believed that only pure Aryans could have blond hair and blue eyes i... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
7dwqw7 | orientalism by edward said and/or expansions on the topic. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7dwqw7/eli5_orientalism_by_edward_said_andor_expansions/ | {
"a_id": [
"dq14akr"
],
"score": [
6
],
"text": [
"Did you watch the movie Doctor Strange? Do you remember the Ancient One? It might not surprise you to know the original character was an old Tibetan man, and having magical powers was depicted as the result of schooling in Ancient Oriental Mystic... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
6vbobu | why is is it so much easier to get food poisoning from chicken than other meats? | Does bacteria not grow on other meats? Or does chicken just go off faster? Also why is it that you can leave other meats "pink" but not chicken? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6vbobu/eli5_why_is_is_it_so_much_easier_to_get_food/ | {
"a_id": [
"dlyyq2y",
"dlyys5x",
"dlyzfww"
],
"score": [
4,
2,
3
],
"text": [
"My understanding is that bacteria which infects things like beef (such as e. coli) can only live on the surface of the beef (which is why it's safe to eat a rare steak, but ground beef like in a burger ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[
"https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2p30ne/eli5_why_is_undercooked_chicken_more_dangerous/",
"https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2gepo3/eli5_why_do_people_get_sick_from_undercooked/",
"https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1rgi0r/eli5_why_is_... | |
8k063k | why are people so fascinated with murder, gore, and other generally unwanted extremes of humanity? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8k063k/eli5_why_are_people_so_fascinated_with_murder/ | {
"a_id": [
"dz3ukay"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Alan Watts said something about Romans having access to all kinds of pleasure and how when pleasure becomes normal the only thing that's left is violence. They had the circus -watching lions eat slaves; we have violent everything."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
8dp2dz | how are we able to track debris in low earth orbit so effectively? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8dp2dz/eli5_how_are_we_able_to_track_debris_in_low_earth/ | {
"a_id": [
"dxovkft"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Most debris is in a stable orbit. Once you know it's course then you can predict where it'll be in the future. We have a bunch of large radars setup scanning the sky for new objects and checking up on existing objects, we're not actively tracking... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
19al8u | why do credits take longer to post to my account than debits do? | Why does it take three days to process a return of my money to my account, but I get charged instantly. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/19al8u/why_do_credits_take_longer_to_post_to_my_account/ | {
"a_id": [
"c8mabug"
],
"score": [
6
],
"text": [
"Debits (i.e. charges) are, for the sake of argument, instantaneous. The company wants your money ASAP. \n\nCredits (i.e. returns) take longer because the longer the company holds your money, the longer they can make money on it via investments... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
440qmm | if we could desalinate water with little electricity, how much could we take from the oceans and put into the clean water supply before something cataclysmic happens? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/440qmm/eli5_if_we_could_desalinate_water_with_little/ | {
"a_id": [
"czmfimn",
"czmfjhz"
],
"score": [
3,
2
],
"text": [
"In theory there should be little net effect, because the used water would go back into the oceans and mix back in -- it's a closed loop.",
"you only borrow water... it all ends up back there. you could fill every pot an... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
58ijkl | why is it easy to spin something around your index finger one way and harder to spin it around the opposite way? | To clarify, let's assume I'm trying to spin a bartender's bottle opener on my right-hand index finger. If we assume the bottle opener is in the xy-plane, then it would be rotating around the z-axis (my right-hand index finger). From this vantage point, if my finger is pointing towards you, then what I'm saying is it's ... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/58ijkl/eli5_why_is_it_easy_to_spin_something_around_your/ | {
"a_id": [
"d90q8kn"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"It's just muscle memory. I can spin things both directions pretty easily. I just do it a lot."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
bzreti | how can we tell what the core of a planet millions of light years away is made of, yet we're just now finding a 4.8 quintillion pound mass of metal under the surface of our own moon? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bzreti/eli5_how_can_we_tell_what_the_core_of_a_planet/ | {
"a_id": [
"eqvn92t",
"eqvnu6v",
"eqvqdx2",
"eqvqjig"
],
"score": [
23,
8,
2,
11
],
"text": [
"Well, I mean you can use binoculars to determine the exact gender and breed of bird eating at your bird feeder in your back yard but still not find your car keys in your own hous... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
2ef8n7 | why is it that when i see something that grosses me out(like trypophobia), i still want to see more? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ef8n7/eli5why_is_it_that_when_i_see_something_that/ | {
"a_id": [
"cjyworb"
],
"score": [
8
],
"text": [
"Well one possible explanation that my psych prof explained in class once is that fear chemically is potentially addictive. When we see something that disgusts us or something that we're afraid of, the brain releases the neurotransmitter dopamine ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
2fit6o | how is anyone physically and mentally able to run a marathon? | Seriously. I run a mile, and I already feel pretty tired. I just can't comprehend running 26.2 miles without taking a break | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2fit6o/eli5_how_is_anyone_physically_and_mentally_able/ | {
"a_id": [
"ck9mv22",
"ck9nzf1",
"ck9ojvn"
],
"score": [
7,
4,
2
],
"text": [
"They gradually work up to it",
" > I run a mile, and I already feel pretty tired.\n\nThat's because you haven't trained to run long distances. \n\nHumans evolved to be able to run down prey in a pr... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persistence_hunting",
"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=826HMLoiE_o"
],
[]
] | |
7k1k0c | how does the body make calluses and is there a limit to how big one can be? | I know calluses are formed by repeated friction on the skin, I want to know more of the biological process behind it and how big can one get? Is it possible to have (almost) all of your skin callous as some kind of biological armor?
| explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7k1k0c/eli5_how_does_the_body_make_calluses_and_is_there/ | {
"a_id": [
"drbglep"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Things like bruises and calluses are the result of protein (functional units of cells) reacting to increased temperature. A callus caused by friction is the upper layers of your skin breaking down and a bunch of proteins saying \"oh shit, the onl... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
ols7j | rewritable cds | How they're written, how they're read, and how what's been written can be overwritten. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ols7j/eli5_rewritable_cds/ | {
"a_id": [
"c3id8v3"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"How rewritable CDs are written and read is similar to writable CDs: the laser in the CD-drive burns it in small areas to make them more reflective (or less, don't remember, but the effect is the same). This creates a succession of reflective and ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
5dulmz | what does the new uk surveillance laws mean for me? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5dulmz/eli5what_does_the_new_uk_surveillance_laws_mean/ | {
"a_id": [
"da7fwoo"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"I'll split this into a few sections:\n\n\n* **Real impact** - virtual none. It's incredibly unlikely that the information that will in the future be tracked by ISPs will ever be viewed by another human, let alone used in a way that works either f... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
36m50i | why is there a toilet seat? | Why in modern toilets is there a seat? I understand the usefulness of the lid but not the seat.
Why can't we just sit on the bowl and do our business? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/36m50i/eli5_why_is_there_a_toilet_seat/ | {
"a_id": [
"crf45nf",
"crf4onr",
"crf8x6u"
],
"score": [
6,
3,
2
],
"text": [
"Ever sat on the rim of the bowl by accident when taking a dump? That shit is cold as a witch's tit first thing in the morning.\n\nEdit: happy cake day by the way.",
"Because its a different materia... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
alrxnd | what qualifies something as a language? | Some languages sound very similar to each other, and can allegedly even be mutually understood when two native speakers of different languages speak to each other (like Afrikaans and Dutch). So, what key factors make a language its own instead of making them something like a dialect difference?
Edit: Made the question ... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/alrxnd/eli5_what_qualifies_something_as_a_language/ | {
"a_id": [
"efgkqzn",
"efgw0s7"
],
"score": [
4,
5
],
"text": [
"I don't believe there is a strict line but Afrikaans for example qualifies as an own language. It has very strong influences from dutch but also from other african languages. In general you might say, if you can understand a... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_language_is_a_dialect_with_an_army_and_navy"
]
] | |
6omgfp | what are the benefits of mail trucks not making left turns? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6omgfp/eli5_what_are_the_benefits_of_mail_trucks_not/ | {
"a_id": [
"dkihlzh",
"dkii84o"
],
"score": [
5,
2
],
"text": [
"When you take a left turn, in the US, on a two way street, you'll be crossing into the oncoming lanes of traffic. [Like so](_URL_0_), waiting for oncoming traffic to clear so that you can make the turn. This means that you'r... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://drivinginstructorblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/leftped4.jpg"
],
[
"https://www.discovery.com/tv-shows/mythbusters/videos/right-turn-only-minimyth"
]
] | ||
2v6y7v | why does an inmate on death row need a medical check before an execution if they're going to die anyway? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2v6y7v/eli5_why_does_an_inmate_on_death_row_need_a/ | {
"a_id": [
"coeyw82",
"coeywa3",
"cofa2qi",
"cofaneh",
"cofd5gb",
"coffaiz",
"cofk2ok",
"cofn5vc"
],
"score": [
135,
28,
6,
33,
2,
3,
4,
2
],
"text": [
"Because the United States feels that when they preform the death penalty, it is importan... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
9r4k71 | if projection is accusing someone of your own faults, how does a person not be aware they are doing it? | In many of the comments I've read (youtube and reddit, mostly), there will inevitably be someone who'll write, "stop projecting!" or "this is just projection." How does one not realize they are actually talking about themselves and why does the brain do this in the first place? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9r4k71/eli5_if_projection_is_accusing_someone_of_your/ | {
"a_id": [
"e8e5h8m",
"e8es5gt"
],
"score": [
9,
5
],
"text": [
"Basically the people who are projecting already know that they are projecting at least to some degree, it is just their ego normally prevents a complete realisation of what they are doing - _URL_0_",
"Since we are our on... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://youtu.be/VEi-uXrN2EE"
],
[]
] | |
1nlkkz | when a commercial says you only have 5 minutes to call, but then comes on every 20 minutes, do you really only have 5 minutes to call or is it a marketing scheme? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1nlkkz/eli5_when_a_commercial_says_you_only_have_5/ | {
"a_id": [
"ccjok5l",
"ccjopsz",
"ccjou0s"
],
"score": [
8,
5,
8
],
"text": [
"Marketing scheme. Enough people fall for it that it's worthwhile to throw on ads to get folks that cave under pressure sales people can bring to bear. It's the TV equivalent of the car salesman telling ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
3hnfci | why are pc downloads for high-profile games more expensive than ps4 discs, xb1 discs, or pc discs? | You would think that it would be cheaper, since there is no physical copy involved. Why is this the case?
Noticed originally on Dragon Age Inquisition on Amazon, and have noticed it on many other occasions as well. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3hnfci/eli5_why_are_pc_downloads_for_highprofile_games/ | {
"a_id": [
"cu8vri2",
"cu8y42h",
"cu8z02f"
],
"score": [
4,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"Because the physical copy essentially costs nothing to produce. Honestly less than 2$ for the cd, box, and book. \n\nGame companies are far more interested in keeping you paying $59.99 for a game than a... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
1j4y5t | why can i only see much charge a plugged-in device has by unplugging it? | Mobile devices with rechargeable batteries (phones, MP3 players, etc.) prominently feature icons to indicate remaining battery life. However, when the devices are plugged in, I only ever see them displaying (a) an icon or animation to indicate that they're in the process of charging or (b) an icon or other alert to ind... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1j4y5t/eli5_why_can_i_only_see_much_charge_a_pluggedin/ | {
"a_id": [
"cbb4yhy"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"The way they tell the charge with electronics is with voltage and amps. Imagine an above ground pool filled with water, that will be your battery, at full charge. When the pool is empty, your battery is dead. Now imagine a hose at the bottom of... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
1qbvuu | why does it rain more winter? (in the uk at least it does!) | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1qbvuu/eli5_why_does_it_rain_more_winter_in_the_uk_at/ | {
"a_id": [
"cdb96d9"
],
"score": [
4
],
"text": [
"The reason, in a nutshell, is the jet stream - the fast high-level wind that blows from America to Europe, across the North Atlantic.\n\nIn summer, the jet stream is normally to the north of us, sending the worst of the Atlantic weather away to o... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-18783422"
]
] | ||
531ihk | why are boys able to grow a mustache before being able to grow a full beard? | [deleted] | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/531ihk/eli5_why_are_boys_able_to_grow_a_mustache_before/ | {
"a_id": [
"d7p3zkr",
"d7p8wze"
],
"score": [
4,
2
],
"text": [
"No one knows exactly why however, the first facial hair to appear tends to grow at the corners of the upper lip between 11-15 followed by spreading to form a moustache over the entire upper lip (age 16–17).\n\nThis is follow... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
uk4pj | lcd screens, how do they work, and how do they differ from t.v./computer screens of the past? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/uk4pj/eli5_lcd_screens_how_do_they_work_and_how_do_they/ | {
"a_id": [
"c4w2kqj",
"c4w7u2r"
],
"score": [
4,
2
],
"text": [
"[This](_URL_0_) should be enough to get you started.",
"Old bulky monitors, were fairly cool. It was a giant vacuum tube with electron cannon on one side and special coating that glowed when hit by electrons on the other... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiejNAUwcQ8"
],
[]
] | ||
2n373o | what is astigmatism? | I've had astigmatism in both my eyes for quite some time now and I still don't fully understand exactly what it is going on in my eyes causing the distortion in my vision. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2n373o/eli5_what_is_astigmatism/ | {
"a_id": [
"cm9vptb",
"cm9yies"
],
"score": [
4,
3
],
"text": [
"Somebody else will give you a more complete answer, but basically, the lens of your eye is misshapen, bending light so it doesn't hit your optic nerve in a optimal way, which causes blurriness. \n\nEdit: Source: I also have ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
2ctt0a | if the big bang is the beginning of universe started from nothingness. but where does the space come from? | Because for the explosion to be happening, there must be a space a.k.a dimension. But if it began from nothing. Then there supposed to be nothing, not even space for the explosion. Did it became like this Space > The Big Bang > Universe | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ctt0a/eli5_if_the_big_bang_is_the_beginning_of_universe/ | {
"a_id": [
"cjix5i5",
"cjixpy6"
],
"score": [
2,
8
],
"text": [
"In the beginning there wasn't nothing, there was the singularity.",
"We have no idea how the Big Bang happened. We can make good guesses about what happened nanoseconds after it started, but our understanding of how the... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
3sxe1o | if flushing the toilet wastes a lot of water, why don't we pee in the sink? | Just to clarify I dont pee in the sink! But heard some talk about water saving and it got me thinking. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3sxe1o/eli5_if_flushing_the_toilet_wastes_a_lot_of_water/ | {
"a_id": [
"cx16oot",
"cx17ffm",
"cx1e1oq"
],
"score": [
2,
6,
2
],
"text": [
"Peeing when you are having a shower is always a good idea if you're trying to cut down on that water usage.",
"My brother-in-law is a builder. A few months after one of his jobs he was accused of in... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
lyowu | glycolysis | Could someone explain the stages of it and how and why they happen? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/lyowu/eli5_glycolysis/ | {
"a_id": [
"c2woard",
"c2woard"
],
"score": [
2,
2
],
"text": [
"Umm, I could take a crack at explaining the stages, and maybe get into a little bit of how, but explaining WHY they happen requires too much chemistry. \n\nThe backbone of a sugar is 6 carbon atoms. In order to fully break... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
6kq93a | what causes the density differences that causes some turds to be floaters and others sinkers? is it diet based or are some people biologically more likely to drop floaters than others? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6kq93a/eli5_what_causes_the_density_differences_that/ | {
"a_id": [
"djo05cy"
],
"score": [
6
],
"text": [
"It's largely diet based. Fat floats. When you eat a lot of fat/fatty foods you poop out fat, leading to floating poops. Healthy poop shouldn't float, that bring said it's okay for poop to float occasionally. Nobody has a perfect diet all the tim... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
13y42w | how the world is in debt. | Who are we debt to is what I mean. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/13y42w/eli5_how_the_world_is_in_debt/ | {
"a_id": [
"c786o5n"
],
"score": [
5
],
"text": [
"We (The US) owe the VAST majority of our dept to....America those sons of bitches.\n\n_URL_0_"
]
} | [] | [] | [
[
"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7Xtj04QiQg"
]
] | |
ad64dp | why does the sweetness of most fruits like apples, oranges, and peaches vary by a lot, while the sweetness of most bananas are the same (given the same level of ripeness)? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ad64dp/eli5_why_does_the_sweetness_of_most_fruits_like/ | {
"a_id": [
"eddwvff",
"eddxhka",
"edg5yw0"
],
"score": [
123,
21,
2
],
"text": [
"Commercially grown bananas are genetically identical and originated from a single source not that long ago. They are seedless clones, so are all the same. Apple's have thousands of varieties and have... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] |
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