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3rg3du | why does some carpet change shade depending on what direction you run it? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3rg3du/eli5_why_does_some_carpet_change_shade_depending/ | {
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"The angle of the pile reflects the light in different directions. Bent towards you, it's darker because you see the tops of the pile. Bent away you see the sides. \n\nWell trained carpet shampoo or car... | [] | [] | [
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"https://pristinepete.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/mayflower.after_.FR_.jpg"
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4qxdtx | why is the word "no" so similar across languages around the world, but "yes" so different? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4qxdtx/eli5_why_is_the_word_no_so_similar_across/ | {
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"Well, two answers for you.\n\n1. A solid third of the world has th... | [] | [] | [
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58rutl | what is the purpose of those "win a free ipad/iphone" ads? | I see them everywhere....do people still fall for those? or am I really missing those free ipad giveaways lol | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/58rutl/eli5_what_is_the_purpose_of_those_win_a_free/ | {
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"Not too sure but, when you click on an ad of that or any sort whoever distributed the ad makes money, most likely it will want you to do surveys and those make \"them\" money. You probably won't get a free iPad/iPhone they are just trying to earn... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
5w1rob | if every action has an equal and opposite reaction. why is perpetual motion non-existent? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5w1rob/eli5_if_every_action_has_an_equal_and_opposite/ | {
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"Friction basically. \n\nLoses energy to the air and moving parts. So while every action has an equal and opposite reaction, that's in total and that energy gets spread around.\n\nThere are other processes that dissipate energy, but in this contex... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
39p09u | why ellen pao is the ceo of reddit? who did choose her? | Seriously. If everybody hates her on reddit, there must be a very great reason why she became the CEO and still is after she became a public enemy.
EDIT: Thank you for the gold. Also, "Why is Ellen Pao the CEO of Reddit? Who chose her?" as /u/MrHeavySilence corrected. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/39p09u/eli5_why_ellen_pao_is_the_ceo_of_reddit_who_did/ | {
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"http://www.investing.com/news/technology-news/reddit-ceo-wong-resigns,-co-founder-ohani... | |
7lv8ni | why do so many car commercials try to appeal to viewers emotionally rather than advertise features of the car? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7lv8ni/eli5_why_do_so_many_car_commercials_try_to_appeal/ | {
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"Because that's how advertising works best. Human decisions are built on emotions and how you view yourself more than on logic. \nA lot of the psychological theories used for adver... | [] | [] | [
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d5n0dj | - why does american tv look more blurred and warmer than european tv? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/d5n0dj/eli5_why_does_american_tv_look_more_blurred_and/ | {
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"text": [
"I'm not European, but Mexican but I always felt American TV looked more cinematographic and \"epic\", and later found out a lot of USA TV shows are recorded in 24fps (The standard fps for movies), while Mexican shows and novelas were recorded at... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
5gf7ko | why is the night sky different colors in different parts of the world? | i recently moved to Vancouver from Dubai and i noticed that at night time, the sky here is never really black like it is back home. Depending on like the day, i guess, sometimes the night sky looks blue, or red, or yellow hued, etc and i was wondering what that was because back home in Dubai the sky was only ever black... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5gf7ko/eli5why_is_the_night_sky_different_colors_in/ | {
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"Light pollution will be part of the issue, but it usually causes a glow. The difference of color seen in the sky is usually due to the dust in the atmosphere. In farming areas (especially around planting and harvest times) the sunset will appear ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
bf7gcv | how does the us have the ability to mass produce several brands of a single product? | I've always wondered why in the hell there are 20 different brands of water in a gas station. Are there 20 different factories just to produce each brand, or do the factories make the same product but slap a different label on it depending on the time?
Edit: the water bottle scenario was just an example. It can be any... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bf7gcv/eli5_how_does_the_us_have_the_ability_to_mass/ | {
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"Both. And to be clear there’s far more factories than that, as lots of beverage stuff is made locally or regionally, as transporting it across long distances can be just too expen... | [] | [] | [
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4plx7n | why is david cameron resigning in shame? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4plx7n/eli5_why_is_david_cameron_resigning_in_shame/ | {
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"text": [
"Not British, but he essentially can't be the person who leads negotiations to exit the EU (as someone who would clearly prefer to remain in it). There would be calls for a vote of no confidence and, regardless of his resigna... | [] | [] | [
[],
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z7k64 | how does the presence of the observer interfere with the outcome of quantum mechanics? | I might even be posing the question wrong, but that's what I've heard when reading up on quantum mechanics - I appreciate any explanation you can offer. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/z7k64/eli5_how_does_the_presence_of_the_observer/ | {
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"text": [
"Perhaps one of [these previous answers](_URL_0_) will help."
]
} | [] | [] | [
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47kybl | if digital telephone networks break our voices down to 0s and 1s for transmission, isn't it possible to, using those same 0s and 1s, perfectly replicate individual voices and create "recordings" of "them" saying absolutely anything? | If digital networks are actually and literally sending individual bits from the transmitter to the receiver, isn't is possible to create a series of bits that have Tom Cruise's voice, perfectly replicated, saying Scientology sucks? Or Obama saying Def Leppard rules? Or Putin saying he's gay? Or absolutely anything a... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/47kybl/eli5_if_digital_telephone_networks_break_our/ | {
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"text": [
"Theoretically yes, it's possible. But there are quite a lot of 0s and 1s in a recording of a person's voice, and replicating a persons voice, mannerisms, and word choices is not a trivial task.",
"... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
2ag05w | the differences between a bill, a law, and an act, and who or what body can enact these? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ag05w/eli5_the_differences_between_a_bill_a_law_and_an/ | {
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"text": [
"A bill is a proposed law. An Act is another name for a law.\n\nLegislative bodies can enact laws (see? \"enACT\"?). So, in the US, your state legislature at the state level, or Congress at the federal level."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
3dszyb | if the big bang theory is true, where did all that "stuff" floating in space come from? | This has kept me up at night. Basically, what is the origin of space? How has the universe as we know it come to be? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3dszyb/eli5_if_the_big_bang_theory_is_true_where_did_all/ | {
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"text": [
"By its very nature the Big Bang destroyed all information before the event itself, if there even was a \"before\". It gets a little tricky because from a certain perspective there was no time before the Big Bang.\n\nWe have ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
5vbpmj | why do a much wider array of diseases/illnesses affect humans as opposed to animals? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5vbpmj/eli5_why_do_a_much_wider_array_of/ | {
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"text": [
"There are plenty of diseases for animals as well but\n\n- Humans don't really investigate animal diseases unless they have a reason (sick pet, meat for food, etc)\n\n- Animals can't tell us when they are sick. We only notice if we are specificall... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
38hcln | how did amy winehouse literally drink herself to death in one day? like, how did she not pass out from drunkenness in order to continue drinking? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/38hcln/eli5_how_did_amy_winehouse_literally_drink/ | {
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"My ex-wife's dad drank himself to death about the time we first got together. What it comes down to is tolerance. Tolerance is an awesome thing when you are young. Or it may seem like an awesome thing. Tolerance allows a person to drink more than... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
332py1 | why did the samurai wear their swords upside down? | I've always thought that feudal Japanese samurai in games and films wear their katana upside down compared to how you'd naturally think to wear them, or even how westerners wore their swords. Why was it necessary? And how did they draw their swords from this position? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/332py1/eli5_why_did_the_samurai_wear_their_swords_upside/ | {
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"text": [
"[Here's a video](_URL_0_). It's not necessary or better for any reason, except perhaps that the blade is immediately pointed towards the enemy and in an upright position after being drawn. ",
"If... | [] | [] | [
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"https://youtu.be/qIYAmdQbQmE?t=1m8s"
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[],
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7zkwop | how do figure skaters jump a foot and a half and do up to four revolutions while halfpipe skiers and boarders jump like 30 feet and only do like three revolutions max? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7zkwop/eli5_how_do_figure_skaters_jump_a_foot_and_a_half/ | {
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"text": [
"Angular momentum. [This article does a really good job explaining it. It’s got a nice GIF and really breaks it down, ELI5 style](_URL_0_)"
]
} | [] | [] | [
[
"https://www.wired.com/story/how-ice-skaters-turn-physics-into-astonishing-spins/"
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2gz6ae | why do people not make a bigger deal about russian warplanes coming into our airspace? | I feel like I've read the same story 10 times in the last few months. Russian bombers come into US airspace intercepted by F-18s. Escorted back out. Why is this not a huge deal? Is it just an accidental thing that happens all the time? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2gz6ae/eli5_why_do_people_not_make_a_bigger_deal_about/ | {
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"text": [
"They're testing our defenses. We do it to them all the time. It's not worth creating an international incident about it. ",
"they never entered us airspac... | [] | [] | [
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eknyxw | how come we can hold in our urine while sleeping for many hours (6+) every night and not get a bladder infection, but risk an infection if holding it in too long while awake? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/eknyxw/eli5_how_come_we_can_hold_in_our_urine_while/ | {
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"I’ve never experienced a bladder infection from holding it too long. I’ve definitely gone 6-8 hours during the day before with no issues, that is I don’t feel like I need to pee ... | [] | [] | [
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405qga | tackling someone midair to "break their fall"? | I've seen in movies how one person is falling from a large height and someone else tackles them midair to break their fall. Does that actually work to minimize damage or is it just a misconception? Wouldn't it be better to stand below them to catch them? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/405qga/eli5_tackling_someone_midair_to_break_their_fall/ | {
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"text": [
"You know how to catch a water balloon? Catch it, but then let it keep moving for a while? That would be the best way to break a fall. Catch them, but move downward with them, gradually slowing them."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
byyntb | how does a game in development for 7 years stay up-to-date with trends, graphics, etc? | I am referencing CyberPunk by the way. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/byyntb/eli5_how_does_a_game_in_development_for_7_years/ | {
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"text": [
"Cyberpunk isn't part of a trend, it's an rpg, they have been popular video games for 30+ years.\n\nGraphics don't get better with time anymore. A computer has been able to display photo realistic visua... | [] | [] | [
[],
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1id2al | when driving, why can i come to a full stop by hitting the brakes, let go of the brakes, and have the car move forward for a bit by itself? | Where is this momentum coming from? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1id2al/eli5_when_driving_why_can_i_come_to_a_full_stop/ | {
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"When not in park or neutral, the car moves forward slowly. If you're in drive, you're moving when you don't press on the gas.\n\nYou lift your foot off the brake, and it resumes moving",
"It's not m... | [] | [] | [
[],
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d24fsp | why are political polls percentage numbers so low? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/d24fsp/eli5_why_are_political_polls_percentage_numbers/ | {
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"text": [
"They’re so low because there are more than 20 candidates running, and people being polled can only choose one candidate (the question is often framed as “if the election were held today, who would you vote for?”). These are NOT approval ratings, ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
3jrcvb | crypto currency mining | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3jrcvb/eli5_crypto_currency_mining/ | {
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"Cryptocurrency like bitcoin derive their security by processing complex math problems to handle transactions. These transactions require quite a bit of computing power. Users that volunteer their computing power to solve these math problems are... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
34t4yl | the difference between knowledge, wisdom, understanding etc. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/34t4yl/eli5_the_difference_between_knowledge_wisdom/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"Knowledge: knowing things in order to know them.\n\nWisdom: knowing things in order to give advice, etc.\n\nUnderstanding: seeing things and acquiring the knowledge of how they function, or what they are, etc.\n\nIt's all a bit samey."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
e1ysvx | why can’t you donate blood or organs if you have lived in europe in the 80’s? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/e1ysvx/eli5_why_cant_you_donate_blood_or_organs_if_you/ | {
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7,
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4
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"text": [
"There was the mad cow disease period between 1980 and 1996.the mad cow disease affects the brain of the animals. People who consumed meat of an infected anim... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[
"https://www.militaryblood.dod.mil/Donors/can_i_donate.aspx"
]
] | ||
1wv5n0 | why is an out-of-the-box installation called 'vanilla' | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1wv5n0/eli5_why_is_an_outofthebox_installation_called/ | {
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"text": [
"If you're asking what I believe you're asking, it's because it's \"original\". Like vanilla flavoring. ",
"It's like comparing it to vanilla ice cream, the most plain and boring flavor available. N... | [] | [] | [
[],
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4xekvt | how do fish and other species co-exist in a big aquarium tank and how do they eat? | this is the gif in question: _URL_0_
How do all these different species co-exist with each other? and do they not eat each other? what do they do for food?
| explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4xekvt/eli5how_do_fish_and_other_species_coexist_in_a/ | {
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"text": [
"The fish are specifically chosen to be species that would not eat each other and they are very well fed. It's like asking why your dog doesn't eat your cat.\n\nAlso many of those fish (e.g. the whale shark) die rather quickl... | [] | [
"http://imgur.com/GnTAsSD.gifv"
] | [
[],
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auq164 | of all the foods on earth, why did spinach give popeye incredible ass-kicking abilities? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/auq164/eli5_of_all_the_foods_on_earth_why_did_spinach/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"Marketing by completely over-exaggerating the health benefits of spinach. And a lot of people fell for it. "
]
} | [] | [] | [
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9380wi | what causes the image to show a stretching/warped effect in video when the camera tilts (example in link)? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9380wi/eli5_what_causes_the_image_to_show_a/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"The camera used to make that video is crap. Crappy cameras don't make accurate recordings of reality. Inaccurate recordings typically involve visual distortion either in size, shape, color, pattern, or movement.\n\nAs to the specific cause for **... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
4c6xy0 | how do the states get their delegates | I was curious when I was looking at the results at how the states get the number of delegates they have. Is it simply by population?
If it is, it's interesting to see where all the population falls outside of the big cities like LA and NYC | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4c6xy0/eli5_how_do_the_states_get_their_delegates/ | {
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"text": [
"It depends on the party. Democrats are complicated, but mostly based on a mix of electoral votes and how many people in the state voted for Democrats for president over the last three elections. The two factors are equally weighted. You then tack... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
1swa64 | how does palestine ''work'' | I was just wondering how the state of Palestine is (for the lack of a better word) working (and yes, I did the search, but none of the questions or answers answered what I'm asking for). For e.g.: For the nation of the United States of America, you have a capital city (Washington DC), and you have a Supreme Court, and ... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1swa64/eli5_how_does_palestine_work/ | {
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"text": [
"The answers to these questions are going to depend on who you ask.\n\nBoth Palestinians and Israelis claim Jerusalem as their capital. So according to an Israeli, if you're in Jerusalem you're on Israeli territory, and according to a Palestinian,... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_of_Palestine"
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2o1tfe | why is a rape on a college campus handled as an administrative problem by the school, rather than as a criminal matter, handled by the police? | *edit
Thanks for all of the comments and discussion. It seems to be a pretty even split between
Title IX.
The universities have their own police and are their own jurisdiction.
The university's investigate along side police.
Trolls.
Special thanks to /u/HB2490 for [this comment.](_URL_0_)
| explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2o1tfe/eli5_why_is_a_rape_on_a_college_campus_handled_as/ | {
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[],
[],
[],
[],
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clery_Act"
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[],
[],
[],
[],
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"http://nymag.com/thecut/2014/11/can-this-police-department-help-end-campus-rape.html"
],
[
"http://n.pr/1zGmcit"
],
[],
[],
[],
[
"http://www.campussafetymagazine.com/articl... | |
cq206k | what are synthesized elements? why is some of their life spans measured in milliseconds? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cq206k/eli5_what_are_synthesized_elements_why_is_some_of/ | {
"a_id": [
"ewtdu9j",
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],
"score": [
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],
"text": [
"They're big, heavy elements that don't occur naturally. We can only make them by smashing smaller atoms together. Their half-lives are so short because they're too big to be stable, and they quickly break down into smaller a... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
d17dtf | why do people have grass for roofs? | I see this constantly in certain European counties, and mostly in villages, but still, why? Is it ascetic, or is there an actual purpose for these type of roofs? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/d17dtf/eli5_why_do_people_have_grass_for_roofs/ | {
"a_id": [
"ezi9k36",
"ezibb5y",
"ezjo8l6"
],
"score": [
20,
14,
2
],
"text": [
"green roofs keep ur house cool, produce oxygen, save money on shingles, reduce stormwater and its good for our health to be surrounded by nature",
"Sod roofs are waterproof, heavy (which is good f... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
k8oeu | what is maoism? why is chairman mao considered a great leader when he caused a lot of deaths? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/k8oeu/what_is_maoism_why_is_chairman_mao_considered_a/ | {
"a_id": [
"c2idq8z",
"c2idq8z"
],
"score": [
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"text": [
"My family is Chinese and my parents grew up during this period and almost everyone in my family and relatives dislikes him for what he had done.\n\nMy parents are pretty outspoken about their dislike for him (after all, they... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
1nyi9u | how do social networks going ipo, like twitter, effect us? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1nyi9u/eli5_how_do_social_networks_going_ipo_like/ | {
"a_id": [
"ccn8lbc"
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"score": [
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"text": [
"On the surface, it doesn't. People in the company get rich and investors hope to get rich.\n\nHowever, maybe it does affect us. If a company goes public they now have shareholders. The Shareholders are all owners. The company will now have other ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
euspzf | what makes the iron in food stuff like spinach digestible in our body? how is it different from consuming small quantities of iron directly? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/euspzf/eli5_what_makes_the_iron_in_food_stuff_like/ | {
"a_id": [
"ffr9hxd",
"ffrbxnm",
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"score": [
21,
19,
5
],
"text": [
"It's really not different. It's a common grade school experiment to take some iron rich cereal or something and spin it in water with a strong magnet for a long time and you eventually end up with a b... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
6eaxbn | why does the earth wobble back and forth during each solstice rather than rotating fully? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6eaxbn/eli5_why_does_the_earth_wobble_back_and_forth/ | {
"a_id": [
"di8y0dw"
],
"score": [
7
],
"text": [
"It actually doesn't wobble! It stays tilted the same amount.\n\n[NASA has a little drawing that'll maybe help.](_URL_0_) The earth stays tilted in the same direction, but as it moves around the sun the \"tilted up\" or \"tilted down\" sides end u... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://www.weather.gov/images/cle/Education/EarthOrbit.png"
]
] | ||
dbrtys | the ocean currents and how they’re formed and how they lasted as long as they have. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dbrtys/eli5_the_ocean_currents_and_how_theyre_formed_and/ | {
"a_id": [
"f23ky9u"
],
"score": [
63
],
"text": [
"If you watch a pot of water as it starts to boil on the stove you will notice that the water starts to move around and as the heat gets higher and the water actually starts to boil bubbles form and the water is moving like crazy. \n\nWhat is hap... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
2k0lci | the difference in styles/sauces in american bbq | Just moved to North Carolina(Charlotte) and everyone is always arguing about BBQ and I just don't understand. They almost hung me because I was under the impression that BBQ was all things BBQ's, and not just pulled pork. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2k0lci/eli5_the_difference_in_stylessauces_in_american/ | {
"a_id": [
"clgrtng"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"In the real BBQ states, BBQ typically refers to something smoked. It's not just pulled pork, but also ribs and brisket. Everything else is called 'grilled'. In North Carolina pulled pork is by far the most common BBQ, heading west through Tenn... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
c16952 | why do your eyes tear up really badly when you bump your nose, or when you pull out nose hairs? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/c16952/eli5_why_do_your_eyes_tear_up_really_badly_when/ | {
"a_id": [
"erbd4hf"
],
"score": [
27
],
"text": [
"I'm not entirely sure, but am pretty confident that it has to do with the naso-ocular reflex path. Your eyes and nose are connected by certain nerves, which cause the other to react when one is irritated. When you pluck a nose hair, you irritate... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
1mp1w1 | the current state of rape laws in india. | I've been reading a lot about the issue of prevalent rape in India, and I started reading into the rape laws that everyone has been arguing about. But I cannot, for the life of me, really understand exactly what is happening with the laws. There are amendments here, amendments there, ordinances, bills, a lot of stuff I... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1mp1w1/eli5the_current_state_of_rape_laws_in_india/ | {
"a_id": [
"ccbauzd"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"To start off, let me enlighten you on some of the different practices that the people of INdia participate in. The culture in India varies between each area (cities vs. small villages) but one thing that is being put out there is the idea of chil... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://brinebooks.com/eight-year-old-bride-dies-from-deep-vaginal-tearing-on-wedding-day/"
]
] | |
bfgt5s | what causes vodka and tequila not to freeze at -1 fahrenheit? is it the alcohol percentage? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bfgt5s/eli5_what_causes_vodka_and_tequila_not_to_freeze/ | {
"a_id": [
"eldjrtm",
"eldox1k"
],
"score": [
6,
3
],
"text": [
"Alcohol freezes at a much colder temperature (-115C if I remember correctly)\n\nThat's why you store stuff like white wine in the freezer so itll be chilled",
"Part of what makes water freeze at 0 degrees Celsius is the ... | [] | [] | [
[],
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] | ||
3eprui | why has the citizens united decision still not been overturned despite significant opposition to the ruling? | I have seen a number of organizations and an unbelievable amount of people working against the decision. I think the number is that 70% oppose the decision. Why has it yet to be overturned? And what concrete action can a person take to help overturn it? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3eprui/eli5_why_has_the_citizens_united_decision_still/ | {
"a_id": [
"cth830f",
"cth852e"
],
"score": [
11,
5
],
"text": [
"Court decisions do not run on public opinion. It would take a constitutional amendment or a new Supreme Court ruling to overturn it.",
" > Why has it yet to be overturned?\n\nThe SCOTUS doesn't do things because they ar... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
2pup9b | (in the us) if i buy land and build a house, why do i have to pay land/property tax if it's my own land? | If I bought the land, why would I still pay taxes for it? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2pup9b/eli5_in_the_us_if_i_buy_land_and_build_a_house/ | {
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"score": [
19,
6,
10,
8,
2,
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"text": [
"How were you planning to get to your land? And how were you planning to keep it from being... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Maoist_China_rhetoric_and_political_slogans#Political_power_grows_out_of_the_barrel_of_a_gun",
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monopoly_on_violence"
]
] | |
21jwjh | why particles behave the way they do | For example, the outermost electron cloud of a chlorine atom has 7/8 spots filled with electrons, while a sodium atom has one extra electron all alone in its own cloud, so they bond with each other because each of them "want" to have a full electron cloud on the outside.
What exactly drives the so-called "desire" of ... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/21jwjh/eli5_why_particles_behave_the_way_they_do/ | {
"a_id": [
"cgdr3r0"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"When you allow an electron to occupy a greater amount of space, its kinetic energy decreases. That happens, very roughly, because it's allowed to have a longer wavelength. A longer wavelength means less momentum, which means less kinetic energy.\... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
86bln9 | why do congressional bills typically consist of thousands of pages? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/86bln9/eli5_why_do_congressional_bills_typically_consist/ | {
"a_id": [
"dw3rq8w",
"dw3sbhj"
],
"score": [
3,
24
],
"text": [
"Typically bills have to be very in depth and don’t want any ambiguities. Politicians will also use this to their advantage by hiding other actions in the bill, such as passing actions that are controversial. ",
"They do... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
88u5x3 | what set of economic circumstances allows for creation of so many japanese companies that seemingly make everything (hitachi, mitsubishi, yamaha, et cetera)? | I'm sure of phenomenon of giant companies that somehow make everything isn't unique to Japan (GE used to be huge, and I guess Krupps is pretty big), but how do these massive that manufacture seemingly everything come into existence? For instance Hitachi used make turntables and other hi-fi equipment, but they also make... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/88u5x3/eli5_what_set_of_economic_circumstances_allows/ | {
"a_id": [
"dwnreqm",
"dwnyp3j"
],
"score": [
3,
3
],
"text": [
"_URL_0_\n\nYou have to look at the origins of these companies, not through the lens of modern capitalism but rather a feudalistic view of the world. You couldn't just start up a company to make some new product because:\n\n... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zaibatsu"
],
[]
] | |
5wlbtt | why aren't we building under water cities or residential homes? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5wlbtt/eli5_why_arent_we_building_under_water_cities_or/ | {
"a_id": [
"deaz55g",
"deaz61b"
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"score": [
2,
2
],
"text": [
"Because it would be astronomically expensive and nobody wants to live in a windowless metal tube at the bottom of the ocean.",
"Because they're dangerous, expensive, and difficult to maintain? A better question is: why? ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
2cluai | how is gas transported across the country to so many different stations? | I've been wondering for a while, and didn't find anything by searching this sub, so hopefully this is a new question and isn't removed.
I've obviously seen gas trucks driving around, but there must be thousands and thousands of gas stations in America alone. How do all these stations get their gas without running out?... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2cluai/eli5_how_is_gas_transported_across_the_country_to/ | {
"a_id": [
"cjgq08e",
"cjgqev2"
],
"score": [
2,
2
],
"text": [
"Those trucks are pretty big, man. Maybe you're not grasping just how much fuel they carry. I don't know the numbers, but I'm sure a full gas station can operate for a few weeks without needing to refill.\n\nThat being said, ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"https://www.e-education.psu.edu/geog469/node/224"
]
] | |
1lpkys | how does changing the opening of my mouth effect the temperature of my breath? | I want to know how my breath can be cool when I keep my lips close together as I breath out but if open my mouth wide the breath is warm. It's kinda hard to explain. It's even harder to explain without leaving myself open to sexual puns. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1lpkys/eli5_how_does_changing_the_opening_of_my_mouth/ | {
"a_id": [
"cc1ic95"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"Hello.\n\nWhat you are measuring when you blow on your hand is not the temperature of your breath, but the difference in cooling effect, related to wind speed and humidity. \n\nThe temp of your breath is not different when you blow gently and whe... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
byy76s | why can't phone cameras take pictures the way i see things at night, even though they can adjust for brightness? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/byy76s/eli5_why_cant_phone_cameras_take_pictures_the_way/ | {
"a_id": [
"eqnle45",
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"eqnqwad",
"eqnzpfz",
"eqpkjw4"
],
"score": [
6,
4,
124,
5,
3
],
"text": [
"Camera sensors are typically not sensitive enough to pick out details from very low light scenes. Human eyes aren't well suited for low light either, consid... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
52izou | why do you need to go to college to become a pharmacist? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/52izou/eli5_why_do_you_need_to_go_to_college_to_become_a/ | {
"a_id": [
"d7lajb0"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"Not only do you need a college degree, i believe pharm is a graduate degree in the US. Basically youre in charge of a lot of drugs and you need to know what does what and make sure whatever the doctor prescribed is ok for the patient\n\nLike most... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
73xy87 | what is terrorism? what are the boundaries of terrorism, and how is it classified? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/73xy87/eli5_what_is_terrorism_what_are_the_boundaries_of/ | {
"a_id": [
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6,
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3,
3,
3
],
"text": [
"\"I'm going to kill people because I'm super mad!\"-Not terrorism.\n\"I'm going to kill people because I'm super mad they don't like Jesus!\"-Terrorism.\n\n\n... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"https://www.uscis.gov/ilink/docView/SLB/HTML/SLB/0-0-0-1/0-0-0-29/0-0-0-2006.html"
],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
2pd0om | why is the wood under the foundations of venice still stand strong, but when you you take a piece of wood and wet it, it rots and becomes weaker ? | It's the same thing with wooden bridge... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2pd0om/eli5_why_is_the_wood_under_the_foundations_of/ | {
"a_id": [
"cmviat5",
"cmvmdr9",
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"score": [
11,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"They aren't standing strong though, they're breaking.\nBut they've of course repaired them multiple times.",
"Wood will rot when exposed to oxygen. If the wood is submerged and then not resurfaced,... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
dpy27s | for what reason does technology turn off when too cold? | [deleted] | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dpy27s/eli5_for_what_reason_does_technology_turn_off/ | {
"a_id": [
"f5zegz0"
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"score": [
5
],
"text": [
"Batteries operate off of a chemical reaction that is facilitated by heat. The lower the temperature the less power output it has, until it is below the voltage threshold for the device to run."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
1epuoh | what do buddhists believe? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1epuoh/eli5what_do_buddhists_believe/ | {
"a_id": [
"ca2s1o6",
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"score": [
10,
4
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"text": [
"The easiest way to understand it is to understand first the purpose. I, personally, am a [theosophical](_URL_3_) Buddhist, and I believe that despite our different approaches, all religions are seeking the answer to a basic... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dharma_%28Buddhism%29",
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nirvana",
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sangha",
"http://theosophy.org/",
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ta%E1%B9%87h%C4%81",
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avidy%C4%81_%28Buddhism%29",
"http://en.wikiped... | ||
3im6jd | why do dogs suck at walking backwards? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3im6jd/eli5_why_do_dogs_suck_at_walking_backwards/ | {
"a_id": [
"cuhslzn",
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"score": [
2,
2
],
"text": [
"Most creatures suck at walking backwards.\n\nevolutionary speaking, walking backwards is dangerous. We (and dogs and most other mammals) can't see what's behind us, so walking backwards is a very bad idea and it's rarely nec... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
1tu6cq | how did sex become considered such a naughty and dirty thing? | It's kinda weird. Most other animals don't have the weird psychological hangups we have when it comes to sex. Bonobo apes for example, shag as a way of saying hello.
When you really think about it, sex is just 2 people having fun, possibly for the purpose of procreation. Yet showing sex on TV is considered much more ... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1tu6cq/eli5_how_did_sex_become_considered_such_a_naughty/ | {
"a_id": [
"cebgjf0",
"cebgmla"
],
"score": [
5,
2
],
"text": [
"You should go to /r/AskHistorians.",
"This is a better question for /r/AskHistorians. A lot of cultures that now regard sex as taboo used to be much more open with it and vice-versa. The historians could give you some so... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
5dhtut | why are submachineguns called so, when they're more related to rifles than anything? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5dhtut/eli5_why_are_submachineguns_called_so_when_theyre/ | {
"a_id": [
"da4mb5p",
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"da4n0i2",
"da4n2qm",
"da4n3in"
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"score": [
9,
3,
7,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"Submachine guns started out as pistols converted from semi-auto to fully auto capability, but had grips and a stock attached. Typically they fire pistol calib... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
7wolvm | is a regular audio file with sounds larger than an audio file of the same lengths without sounds? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7wolvm/eli5_is_a_regular_audio_file_with_sounds_larger/ | {
"a_id": [
"du1y0yy"
],
"score": [
5
],
"text": [
"To a degree, it would depend on the format of the audio file.\n\nIf it is a file type that allows for compression, then something with no sound would be highly compressible, and have negligible size, whilst the version with audio would be less co... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
5y06nu | what exactly is hereditary disease? | What exactly is hereditary disease?
Does the "inherited problem" exist from day-one in the person?
or, does it get triggered at a certain time/opportunity?
& nbsp;
When we say, " *that family has a history of death due to sudden cardiac arrest. he/she needs to be careful.* ",
do their hearts have the pro... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5y06nu/eli5_what_exactly_is_hereditary_disease/ | {
"a_id": [
"dem7cru",
"dem7ee4"
],
"score": [
2,
2
],
"text": [
"many times an hereditary disease means that you have a certain *probability* to develop some kind of disease.\n\nBut it really depends on the kind of hereditary disease one has.\n\n > do their hearts have the problem from ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
50tk5o | how does frontline goop on the back of the neck stop fleas/ticks from eating other pupper parts? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/50tk5o/eli5_how_does_frontline_goop_on_the_back_of_the/ | {
"a_id": [
"d76szhd"
],
"score": [
4
],
"text": [
"That goop get absorbed into the fatty tissue of the dog. Science happens and the absorbed medicine transfers to other fatty tissue cells. When the fleas bite the pup they get a mouthful of toxins that have been distributed through other cells. Th... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
3gcnbh | why does the negative end on a battery typically connect to a small spring? | _URL_0_ | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3gcnbh/eli5_why_does_the_negative_end_on_a_battery/ | {
"a_id": [
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"ctwvznd",
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"ctwzffe"
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"score": [
8,
42,
14,
77,
4
],
"text": [
"It keeps the battery in its place a bit better. Often the positive end goes into a ridge (or there's a smaller, different kind of spring there). These are ... | [] | [
"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J_hzVeNmtuM/UTyMyyFIdOI/AAAAAAAABJk/LloiRGkLyOA/s1600/Roku+Remote+Reset+Button.jpg"
] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[
"http://i.imgur.com/3G7IyEr.jpg"
]
] | |
61x2uo | how do parasitic creatures survive prior to finding a host. | I'm thinking about ticks/fleas/nits and other insects mostly. But any subject works. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/61x2uo/eli5_how_do_parasitic_creatures_survive_prior_to/ | {
"a_id": [
"dfi1ysi"
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"score": [
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"text": [
"A lot of parasites never live anywhere besides a host or their byproducts. Many worms are passed through feces into a body where they live until their progeny is passed in feces and the cycle continues.\n\nTicks and other blood suckers need a hos... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
42wd6d | what are all these petition sites (e.g.: 10,000 signatures to indict ____!), and are they actually doing anything? | I was reading up on the whole Planned Parenthood scandal when I stumbled across this: [a petition to drop all charges for the dude who slandered PP](_URL_0_). It has almost 70,000 "signatures". Do these types of petitions have any significant legal weight, even if they get their signature quota? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/42wd6d/eli5_what_are_all_these_petition_sites_eg_10000/ | {
"a_id": [
"czdmdro",
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"score": [
2,
3,
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],
"text": [
"No. These petitions have no legal effect at all. Some government-designated sites guarantee a *response* at some threshold, but a petition (*especially* an Internet one) never directly changes any rules... | [] | [
"https://www.lifesitenews.com/petitions/i-stand-with-david-daleiden"
] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
19z5p5 | bitcointip | I'm seeing this thing in few subreddits.
What is it? Are they virtual money? Anyone? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/19z5p5/eli5_bitcointip/ | {
"a_id": [
"c8smo6f",
"c8snxc2",
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"score": [
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2
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"text": [
"I know that it's an alternative currency system not based on dollars, euros or any other national currency. But that's as much as I'm able to explain and in fact I find myself getting tripped up when tr... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bitcoin"
],
[]
] | |
7rnm0a | why do things explode in a hydraulic press? | Recently watched the slow mo guys' video where they filmed a deck of cards under a hydraulic press, and I'm really confused as to why even something like a deck of cards explodes? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7rnm0a/eli5_why_do_things_explode_in_a_hydraulic_press/ | {
"a_id": [
"dsybp16",
"dsyhe6r"
],
"score": [
20,
5
],
"text": [
"Explosions are just the result of pressure building up until an object can no longer contain them. Think about putting air into a balloon - at some point, it will pop because there's too much pressure.\n\nEverything has a ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
2alurk | are all creatures symmetrical? if so, what is the evolutionary benefit to this? if not, what is the creature, and why did it evolve that way? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2alurk/eli5_are_all_creatures_symmetrical_if_so_what_is/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
2,
2,
2
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"text": [
"I'm not a biologist, but seems that the benefit of symmetry would be in case of injury- let's say you had an injury or accident that was on one side of your body, you'd still have another eye, arm or fi... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
6g821t | why is there no concept of time while your are asleep? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6g821t/eli5_why_is_there_no_concept_of_time_while_your/ | {
"a_id": [
"dio6639"
],
"score": [
7
],
"text": [
"Time estimation and sleep is very tricky, since we are no longer consciously monitoring our environment. One factor that can influence this is how you feel upon awakening, which can depend on what stage of sleep you were in right before awakening... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
8a024d | who controls the addition of new words into the english language and who gave them the right to do so? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8a024d/eli5_who_controls_the_addition_of_new_words_into/ | {
"a_id": [
"dwuquao"
],
"score": [
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"text": [
"Nobody and everybody does, really. If someone comes up with a new word and starts using it, other people might hear it and start using it too. Eventually it might become really widespread. Dictionary makers and the like regularly add new words th... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://public.oed.com/the-oed-today/recent-updates-to-the-oed/"
]
] | ||
192g1z | why do cats (and some dogs) have the tendency to kick themselves in the face and then attack their own feet? | I've seen dozens of .gifs and videos of this, and I've witnessed several animals doing it in person. What's going on here? Is it a neurological disconnect? Do they really not know it's their own foot? I must know.
[Example](_URL_0_) | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/192g1z/eli5_why_do_cats_and_some_dogs_have_the_tendency/ | {
"a_id": [
"c8k89fo",
"c8kcrzb"
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"score": [
5,
2
],
"text": [
"Hey, if my foot kicks me in the face, I'm going to retaliate. I'm not putting up with that nonsense. From either foot.",
"Animals like cats and dogs are much less 'self-aware' than humans. A lot (especially the one in y... | [] | [
"http://i.imgur.com/6NDQ8.gif"
] | [
[],
[]
] | |
n2qm7 | what is going on in russia regarding the recent elections and riots? | I've seen a lot of news about Putin and the elections in Russia and now apparently there is rioting. Could somebody explain what is going on to an outsider who doesn't know much?
Edit: typo | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/n2qm7/eli5_what_is_going_on_in_russia_regarding_the/ | {
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43,
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"text": [
"There is some evidence that the election was rigged. Naturally, this made some people very angry.",
"Right now, Russia is gov... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
4j468u | (american) listening to foreign languages such as spanish and hindi, it seems very fast paced. is this the same for foreigners listening to english, or is english just a slower language? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4j468u/eli5_american_listening_to_foreign_languages_such/ | {
"a_id": [
"d33j4rn",
"d33jmbu",
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"d33r8if",
"d33rqda",
"d33s1y6",
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"d33srcg",
"d33srt0",
"d33sttp",
"d33t4t2",
"d33te8r",
"d33tjk2",
"d33tmw1",
"d33u0ul",
"d33u2e9",
"d... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoneme"
],
[],
[
"https://youtu.be/Vt4Dfa4fOEY"
],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
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"https://youtu.be/Vt4Dfa4fOEY"
],
[],
[
"http://ohll.ish-lyon.cnrs.fr/fulltext/pellegrino/Pellegrino_2011_Language.pdf"... | ||
3tfzfu | what exactly does the refugee bill obama plans on vetoing say/claim to do? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3tfzfu/eli5_what_exactly_does_the_refugee_bill_obama/ | {
"a_id": [
"cx5rxg9"
],
"score": [
14
],
"text": [
"H.R. 4038 states that the FBI, DHS, and Director of National Intelligence all need to certify that an individual refugee from Iraq and Syria pose no security risk to the U.S. unanimously. Further, they must certify that they have enough informat... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
7h60oa | what is oxidation and reduction? why do they cause things like changes of color, fire, rust, etc? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7h60oa/eli5_what_is_oxidation_and_reduction_why_do_they/ | {
"a_id": [
"dqof0cu",
"dqog61f"
],
"score": [
3,
2
],
"text": [
"Oxidation and reduction can be defined in a few ways, the easiest being that oxidation is gaining oxygen and reduction is losing oxygen. However you can also define it in terms of electrons, hydrogen or oxidation number and ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
4qu2hy | why do websites i've never visited before ask me to leave feedback as soon as i get there? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4qu2hy/eli5why_do_websites_ive_never_visited_before_ask/ | {
"a_id": [
"d4vvgef"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Perhaps their feedback questions are for folks who are visiting and it is not their first time."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
2mdcip | why is the executive order on immigration a bad thing? good thing? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2mdcip/eli5_why_is_the_executive_order_on_immigration_a/ | {
"a_id": [
"cm366sa",
"cm36qip"
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"score": [
5,
3
],
"text": [
"It is bad because people voted for the congress to put together legislation that would make its way to the senate for approval. People also voted for the senate. The senate needs to approve it and then the president either... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
eyk3ya | how are composite sketches done in police work? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/eyk3ya/eli5_how_are_composite_sketches_done_in_police/ | {
"a_id": [
"fghtnv2"
],
"score": [
7
],
"text": [
"Witnesses(es) describe any suspects to an artist who does best to combine/composite a likeness from these sources.\n\nThis would be in lieu of any other evidence if not available, such as camera imagery."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
dzgjy5 | why is california considered dry when it is right next to the ocean? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dzgjy5/eli5_why_is_california_considered_dry_when_it_is/ | {
"a_id": [
"f87d0p8"
],
"score": [
6
],
"text": [
"Weather patterns mean that the majority of rain and storms that come from the ocean don't hit California, but instead go north to Oregon and Washington state. As such, California gets very little rain, despite being near the ocean. Which makes th... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
3vyug5 | how scientists determine how much memory and processing power a human brain has? | Wouldn't it be impossible to truly realize the maximum capacity of a brain? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3vyug5/eli5_how_scientists_determine_how_much_memory_and/ | {
"a_id": [
"cxrv5p0",
"cxsaax0"
],
"score": [
3,
2
],
"text": [
"They typically build up from the number of neurons and the mechanics of how those neurons work and use \"bits\" as a proxy for those mechanisms and then do the math. It's imprecise and full of problems, but it does serve to... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
6ynczt | what causes iodine to turn blue-black when in contact with starch? | I was just wondering, why does iodine turn blue-black when in contact with starch? I've been doing this ever since primary school, but up till now not one time have we been told why this happens. Can someone explain? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6ynczt/eli5_what_causes_iodine_to_turn_blueblack_when_in/ | {
"a_id": [
"dmowrg9"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"It has do with complex ions formation , which in turn is due to metal atoms forming ligands , actually this topic can't be explained like 5 , unless I have give you pages long description , sorry too lazy . Google complex ions or u will get know ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
8osbzf | what gives aspartame and other zero-calorie sugar substitutes their weird aftertaste? | Edit: I've gotten at least 100 comments in my mailbox saying "cancer." You are clearly neither funny nor original. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8osbzf/eli5_what_gives_aspartame_and_other_zerocalorie/ | {
"a_id": [
"e05qew4",
"e05qtof",
"e05zi56",
"e06yul7"
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"score": [
265,
1041,
3915,
2
],
"text": [
"Regular sugar also has an aftertaste, but it doesn't last as long as artificial sweeteners. The reason is that artificial sweeteners are hundreds of times sweeter than tabl... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
2oww8x | why are there no white lasers? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2oww8x/eli5_why_are_there_no_white_lasers/ | {
"a_id": [
"cmr91xd",
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"score": [
7,
2,
14,
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"text": [
"White is a combination of many millions of wavelengths of light. By definition, a laser emits light at only a single wavelength, and so a laser cannot create pure white light.",
... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
2ffkyj | why is torrenting shows different from recording a show from tv or streaming media? | Can some one explain the difference between Torrenting TV shows and somehow saving them from legit sites like netflix or recording it when it's shown on TV? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ffkyj/eli5_why_is_torrenting_shows_different_from/ | {
"a_id": [
"ck8r1k3",
"ck8r1sc"
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"score": [
3,
2
],
"text": [
"If you torrent a show then you're stealing it; you **have not** paid for it.\n\nIf you DVR or Netflix a show then you **have** paid for it; that's not stealing. \n\n",
"Because, when you see it on Netflix or TV, you've a... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
2c4k29 | why doesn't someone create an operating system that is an alternative to windows but compatible with anything that was programmed for windows? | Like a Linux or an OSx that I can still run all of my games and software on? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2c4k29/eli5_why_doesnt_someone_create_an_operating/ | {
"a_id": [
"cjbuw8y",
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"score": [
5,
4,
14
],
"text": [
"That one would need a lot of time and money and what for? To build a OS that resembles Windows but works worse?\n\nBy the way, there are such guys: google ReactOS.",
"To build an alternative you ne... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oracle_v._Google"
],
[
"http://www.reactos.org/"
]
] | |
4i39n7 | why do supersonic jets require subsonic airflow? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4i39n7/eli5_why_do_supersonic_jets_require_subsonic/ | {
"a_id": [
"d2uprer"
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"score": [
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"text": [
"I am not quite sure what you mean specifically by requiring subsonic airflow. The typical jet engine requires subsonic airflow in order to work. Supersonic air causes a bunch of really strong shockwaves that can rip the engine apart as well as ma... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
9pzvl5 | why do football players unclip their helmets right after a play? | So I see that there are a lot of players that unclip their helmets from the side after a big play like a touchdown or big catch, but they don’t take their helmets off, why? Are the helmets really tight? QBs even do this if there is a penalty or timeout.
EDIT: Makes Sense, Thank you everyone. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9pzvl5/eli5_why_do_football_players_unclip_their_helmets/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
6,
2,
2
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"text": [
"Chin straps are usually uncomfortable, it feels better. It also gets to be a habit and you don’t realize your doing it. \n\nIn the nfl you can’t take your helmet off on the field, you’ll get a penalty. ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
5fmwh6 | ryan's medicare voucher plan | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5fmwh6/eli5ryans_medicare_voucher_plan/ | {
"a_id": [
"dalgh6a"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"The plan still introduces new money into the system, money that can only be spent on health insurance, and that health insurance companies will presumably want. \n\nMight this lead to some seniors getting worse care than they do now? Yes. But th... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
9afl58 | how efficient are cars at using fuel? | Different cars do different distances to the liter, but are even the most "efficient" cars even efficient? How much of the energy is actually put to good use? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9afl58/eli5_how_efficient_are_cars_at_using_fuel/ | {
"a_id": [
"e4v1ht0",
"e4v1kak"
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"score": [
12,
2
],
"text": [
"Most gasoline cars are very inefficient, turning most of the chemical energy into heat. I don't have any studies to site but if I remember correctly, cars only use about 20-30% of the energy stored in gasoline for forward m... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://youtu.be/f7MzFfuNOtY"
],
[]
] | |
3dubgt | why is it a sat-nav can guide you without wifi, but google maps on your phone needs wifi to operate even though you have location services on? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3dubgt/eli5why_is_it_a_satnav_can_guide_you_without_wifi/ | {
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"score": [
2,
11,
10,
2,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"A navigation unit has maps loaded on a hard drive your phone does not. You need wifi/data usage to get those maps.",
"Google Maps ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
3tqvig | how does the os know what ram is in use by which programs? | How does the OS know what RAM is in use by which programs? I know well how RAM, the CPU, and the GPU work, as well as other components, but I am not entirely sure how the System keeps track what RAM is in use by what. Wouldn't there have to be some portion of memory dedicated to keeping track of these things?
But th... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3tqvig/eli5_how_does_the_os_know_what_ram_is_in_use_by/ | {
"a_id": [
"cx8f0hh",
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"score": [
3,
2,
3
],
"text": [
"Yes, the OS does use more RAM to do that.\n\n > But then surely there would need to be a loop or something that constantly checks for a memory request\n\nModern processors actually have dedicated hardw... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memory_management_unit"
],
[],
[]
] | |
10zszr | what's the difference between a cpu and an apu? | My brother is shopping for a gaming PC and due to budget constraints these are his current options he's got between processors:
1) AMD FX 3.6Ghz Quad Core CPU
2) AMD A8-5600K 3.8Ghz Quad Core APU
So if you can please explain the difference between an APU and a CPU cleary, it would be of great help. Thanks Reddit! | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/10zszr/eli5_whats_the_difference_between_a_cpu_and_an_apu/ | {
"a_id": [
"c6i1856",
"c6i43op",
"c6i6zzh",
"c6i8eyy"
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"score": [
3,
3,
5,
4
],
"text": [
"AFAIK there is no real essential difference. It's a matter of branding. The 2nd option looks better, but I'm judging that entirely based on the details you've provided. If an APU (... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BihrG7DhhBM"
],
[
"http://www.reddit.com/r/buildapc"
],
[]
] | |
6wo3j4 | - sourdough starters? | I'm watching Diners, Drive ins, and Dives and someone used a "35 year old sourdough starter". I googled it and found recipes but am confused about how it can reach that age because it seemed to just become part of the bread dough? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6wo3j4/eli5_sourdough_starters/ | {
"a_id": [
"dm9hlqm"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"A sourdough starter is just some flour and water with particular yeast + bacteria living in it. What you normally do when making sourdough bread is take a small portion of the starter - using it to supply the yeast needed to leaven your bread - ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
1x6amx | why are american politicans/judges/ect allowed to accept financial contributions (for example campaign donations) in exchange for their support (or the opposite) of issues/laws/judgements? what is the legal justification for this when bribery is illegal? | Bribes are illegal yet 'donating' in exchange for things is not. Why is this the case?
Edit: thanks! y'all really came through on this! | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1x6amx/eli5why_are_american_politicansjudgesect_allowed/ | {
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375u6q | when i realize i'm dreaming, why do i instantly wake up? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/375u6q/eli5_when_i_realize_im_dreaming_why_do_i/ | {
"a_id": [
"crk0brr",
"crk1gjf"
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"score": [
2,
3
],
"text": [
"The short and simple solution is that when you realize, your heart starts to race as you realize, but that also causes your body to awaken.",
"It is called lucid dreaming. It happens when you are neither fully asleep, no... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
2a67lz | hyperventilation | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2a67lz/eli5_hyperventilation/ | {
"a_id": [
"cirvjad"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Exhalation in excess of the amount required to sustain the normal level of CO2 in the bloodstream, causing a drop in CO2 levels. "
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
1yszr7 | what does it mean when a government "resigns"? | I've noticed over the years as I am reading headlines in papers that the Parliament in country X has "resigned" (for example, Egypt today) and that a "care taker" government has been put in place until new elections can be held.
Can you explain what it means exactly for a government to resign?
What is a caretaker gove... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1yszr7/eli5_what_does_it_mean_when_a_government_resigns/ | {
"a_id": [
"cfngrp1",
"cfnhazg",
"cfnmuct"
],
"score": [
3,
4,
2
],
"text": [
"They have handed in their resignations and are no longer the government.\n\nA caretaker government is a temporary (and usually un-elected government) whose only real purpose is to keep the country from ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] |
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