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g1d5ij | how does game streaming service (geforce now, stadia) have little to no lag, while traditional remote desktops (chrome remote desktop, microsoft remote desktop etc) having significant lags? | Just tried out GeForce Now and amused by its little latency.
But when I tried a traditional remote desktop (Phone to PC in a local network, so should eliminate the internet bandwidth problem), the lag is more significant than GeForce Now.
I wonder is it the underlying technology is different? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/g1d5ij/eli5_how_does_game_streaming_service_geforce_now/ | {
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"Whatever remote desktop program you're running has to render *and then* encode the video feed of the desktop on the computer that you're connecting to. The encoding takes a little bit of time. That little bit of time, combined with the fact tha... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
9yl8h3 | how does country get richer through protectionism? | How this process work? All the 1st world countries were using protectionism at the beginning and only later started to allow free market from what I see. Would it be a disaster for economy if some country let's say from former Eastern Bloc started to use protectionism and why? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9yl8h3/eli5how_does_country_get_richer_through/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"So the idea is that protectionism keeps profits inside your own country. I buy a car from Ford for $20,000, they spent $15,000 to make it, so they earn 5,000 in profit, and because they're an American company, that profit st... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
szdtr | what the current state of the marvel comics universe is | I've always loved comics, but I grew up very far from any respectable comics shop. I recently moved across the country for a job and ended up living right next to two awesome comics shops, so now I'm in heaven. My move coincided with DC's new 52, so it was really easy for me to pick up some new titles to read from that... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/szdtr/eli5_what_the_current_state_of_the_marvel_comics/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
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"text": [
"do you want spoilers?"
]
} | [] | [] | [
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3g24y8 | why do radio stations change by region?? and how come xm is the same across america/the world? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3g24y8/eli5_why_do_radio_stations_change_by_region_and/ | {
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"text": [
"Radio stations have an antenna and they broadcast their signal out. But the Earth is round, so most of the Earth isn't within reach of the antenna (there's a planet in the way of t... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
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38ibez | why is there such a disconnect between science and the government? | For example why do LSD and psilocybin remain classified as ‘schedule I’ (high potential for abuse, no accepted medical usage, and lack of safety even when used under medical supervision), or why is saturated fat and cholesterol still considered bad and to be avoided at all cost? Shouldn't the government follow science... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/38ibez/eli5_why_is_there_such_a_disconnect_between/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
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"text": [
"Because there is a disconnect between people and science.\n\nThe government will only change things that benefit them, or that there is enough public demand for that changing it would increase their chances of continued election.\n\nIf the majori... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
3cmpxa | developing grey hair at a young age | I'm currently 16 and had found out not too long ago a bit of my hair has been starting to go greyish and one or 2 strands of hair are completely silver. I know it doesn't come from my family I've heard and read that the cause for this would be lots of stress and whatnot but I'm not sure if I can rely on that. Little bi... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3cmpxa/eli5_developing_grey_hair_at_a_young_age/ | {
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"text": [
"Mine's genetic, but not as bad as my grandfather. He went completely grey by 20. Me, I'm salt and pepper right now. I don't mind though. Better to have h... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
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] | |
4y1eq0 | what is it like behind the scenes when a major website or video game has a massive crash? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4y1eq0/eli5_what_is_it_like_behind_the_scenes_when_a/ | {
"a_id": [
"d6k4s84",
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"text": [
"Panic from everyone non-technical and loud sighs from all of the developers/network guys.\n\nIt's usually a straight-forward fix, so the tech people see \"work at off-hours that I don't get paid for bec... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
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] | ||
42ggdf | what happens to wildlife in a blizzard? | Animals that do not hibernate, like deer: how do they cope with 2-3' of snow, and drifts? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/42ggdf/eli5_what_happens_to_wildlife_in_a_blizzard/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"More deer do die during really bad winter conditions, but it's surprising how ridiculously tough they are. During the end of fall they undergo a number of bodily and behavior changes: they eat way mor... | [] | [] | [
[],
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"http://i.imgur.com/QMUm8UH.jpg"
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1vufgd | why does law enforcement need a warrant to search a suspects property? and why is evidence acquired without a warrant inadmissible? | Lets say law enforcement officials find conclusive evidence that somebody committed a heinous crime, the evidence however was acquired without a warrant, why is it inadmissible? isn't this injustice? how could a criminal walk free for such a technicality?
Edit; Thanks all, great answers! | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1vufgd/eli5_why_does_law_enforcement_need_a_warrant_to/ | {
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"text": [
"The law is there to protect everyone, including the guilty. Look up the bill of rights, and the amendment which protects you against unwarranted search and seizure.\n\nRemember the... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
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"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stop-and-frisk_in_New_York_City",
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exigent_circumstance_in_United_States_law"
],
[]
] | |
75tqvr | how is it economical to ship ramen packets? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/75tqvr/eli5_how_is_it_economical_to_ship_ramen_packets/ | {
"a_id": [
"do8w199",
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"score": [
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"text": [
"Based on their 2016 quarterly report, it costs Maruchan $2.15 billion to generate $3.40 billion in sales.\n\nThey're spending $0.157 to get that $0.25. It takes 3.6 billion packets of Ramen and a whole host of higher margin... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"https://www.sjonescontainers.co.uk/container/dimensions.asp",
"https://www.walmart.com/ip/Maruchan-Chicken-Flavor-Ramen-Noodle-Soup-12-3-oz-Box/10450904#read-more"
]
] | ||
4xbtrq | what are the differences in antibiotics that are designed for different varieties of infection (viral, fungal, bacterial, etc.) ? | [deleted] | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4xbtrq/eli5_what_are_the_differences_in_antibiotics_that/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"Antibiotics are *only* for treating bacterial infections. That's literally what the word means.\n\nIf you're looking at treating fungal infections, you need an antifungal. If you're looking to treat a viral infection, you ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
1jc9oe | machiavellianism | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1jc9oe/eli5_machiavellianism/ | {
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"text": [
"1. Always have an out, even if it means sacrificing those closest ... | [] | [] | [
[],
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],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[
"http://imgur.com/wSmxGcf"
],
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] | ||
34mu10 | if we know jet fuel doesn't melt steel beams then how is 9/11 explained? | I don't get it. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/34mu10/eli5_if_we_know_jet_fuel_doesnt_melt_steel_beams/ | {
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"text": [
"Jet fuel can melt steel beams the guy who made the original theory even said he was talking through his ass. It was a small project ment to fuck with people. It wasn't ment to be... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
4qoyhe | why are we able to predict astronomical events like eclipses and transits down to the minute but we still don't know when or if asteroids like bennu will hit earth? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4qoyhe/eli5_why_are_we_able_to_predict_astronomical/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"A couple reasons:\n\nA) The moon is fairly large and obvious, so it's been observed for a very long time, so we have a *lot* of data to say where it's going to be. It is also less likely to be bothered by small disturbances tugging on it (it don... | [] | [] | [
[]
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52jqok | the difference between a gatling and a machine gun. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/52jqok/eli5_the_difference_between_a_gatling_and_a/ | {
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"text": [
"A gatling gun uses multiple barrels, whereas a machine gun uses 1",
"Another distinction is that classic Gatling guns were hand-cranked, while true machine guns (Maxim onwards... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
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54pbgt | what's the difference between debt and bankrupt? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/54pbgt/eli5_whats_the_difference_between_debt_and/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
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7
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"text": [
"Debt is what you owe, but have the means to pay it off.\n\nBankrupt means you have debt, but no means to pay it off.",
"**Debt** just means you owe someone money. You're have to give it back with interest at some point(s... | [] | [] | [
[],
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3bs3b9 | if it is legal to have up to 1oz of weed, how do drug dealers keep from getting arrested since they obviously have more? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3bs3b9/eli5_if_it_is_legal_to_have_up_to_1oz_of_weed_how/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
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2
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"text": [
"This is really a ask a legal question, not a concept question.",
"I assume you are not talking about places like colorado where weed is entirely legal but regulated. \n\nFWIW, they usually DO get arrested. In most places... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
7ilmcc | why do christians celebrate jesus' birthday along with many other pagan traditions? | [deleted] | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7ilmcc/eli5_why_do_christians_celebrate_jesus_birthday/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
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10
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"text": [
"It makes it a lot easier to get a massive amount of people to do something (convert to Christianity) when you don't ask them to change much of what they're doing ( by not making too many changes to their religious practices... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
f7ew9k | how do direction work in space because north,east,west and south are bonded to earth? how does a spacecraft guide itself in the unending space? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/f7ew9k/eli5_how_do_direction_work_in_space_because/ | {
"a_id": [
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... | [] | [] | [
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"https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inertial_navigation_system",
"https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gimbal_lock",
"https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gimbal",
"https://youtu.be/XPUuF_dECVI?t=23m",
"https://youtu.be/OmCzZ-D8Wdk"
],
[],
[],
[],
[
"https://xkcd.com/1244/",
"... | ||
86qs0l | how do people grow pot on tv without getting arrested? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/86qs0l/eli5_how_do_people_grow_pot_on_tv_without_getting/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
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3
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"text": [
"No prosecutor will go to court on a charge of posesssion of a controlled substance unless they get their hands on the substance so that they can prove it is something illegal. Without solid proof that it’s pot (and not just ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
eawexh | programing question | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/eawexh/eli5_programing_question/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
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"text": [
"Yes, you can. The compiled executable and the uncompleted text files have nothing to do with each other. You can change the code while the program is running, and changing the code will not magically alter a running program."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
f19240 | when you turn the ac on, turn the speakers louder or turn on a subwoofer in a car, does fuel economy decrease in order to create more power? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/f19240/eli5_when_you_turn_the_ac_on_turn_the_speakers/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
5,
6
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"text": [
"When you turn A/C on the compressor gets power from one of the engine belts. The compressor turning puts more load on your engine therefore reducing fuel economy. The stereo and subwoofer use electricity which is generated b... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
55msv5 | why are people who run onto football fields so aggressively tackled? | I mean, it's not like they have a gun or something, and it seems like regardless, they're always treated like they're a terrorist threat or something. Even when it's obviously for a joke, they end up getting handcuffed and detained, like this - (_URL_0_). Does anyone know how the league ended up taking it so seriously? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/55msv5/eli5_why_are_people_who_run_onto_football_fields/ | {
"a_id": [
"d8bxbtt",
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"score": [
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2
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"text": [
"They want to discourage it so that it doesn't become more common.\n\nThey have a game to play (and televise, and sell advertisements for, etc) and don't want it to be frequently interrupted by people running around on the fi... | [] | [
"https://twitter.com/i/web/status/782676990927183876"
] | [
[],
[]
] | |
3tg8r2 | could we reproduce the mechanics of what powers the earth's magnetic field, and miniaturize it to protect spaceships from radiation? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3tg8r2/eli5_could_we_reproduce_the_mechanics_of_what/ | {
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"text": [
"Yes. You just have to figure out how to avoid a strong-ass magnet from interfering with all the equipment.",
"Yes, the earth produce a magnetic field via a rather complicated... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
bskk1k | how do those cables they string across the road measure your vehicle speed? | You know those cables they lay across the road to measure vehicle speed? How do those work? Is it accurate? What is the data used for? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bskk1k/eli5_how_do_those_cables_they_string_across_the/ | {
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"text": [
"if I am thinking about the same cables you are thinking about they aren't used to measure speed they're used to count how many cars are going across the road they use it to know h... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
4dr934 | how do people not feel effects from thc and other substances if they're still present in our systems for up to days/weeks/months enough to show up on drug tests? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4dr934/eli5_how_do_people_not_feel_effects_from_thc_and/ | {
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"text": [
"Two reasons: First, much of the substance is excreted out of your body. They are testing for what small amounts are left over. The concentrations in your body are very very small, and not enough to make... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
bhd2dr | why is scrotal skin so different from other skin? | [deleted] | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bhd2dr/eli5_why_is_scrotal_skin_so_different_from_other/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
3
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"text": [
"Because it has a very particular job that other skin doesn't.\n\nYour testicles have to be kept at a certain temperature, one that's lower than the rest of your body. So your scrotum needs to be able to adapt to temperature and then respond by ra... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
b357cf | why is there seemingly only 5000 species of mammals on earth yet seemingly endless minute variations in insects/birds/reptiles etc? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/b357cf/eli5_why_is_there_seemingly_only_5000_species_of/ | {
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"text": [
"Smaller reproduction times and lifespans means you can have more generations and a higher rate of mutation. ",
"Mammals are the most recent biological class to come along. We... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Late_Triassic",
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devonian",
"https://www.amnh.org/about-the-museum/press-center/new-study-doubles-the-estimate-of-bird-species-in-the-world",
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adaptive_radiation",
"https://www.research... | ||
2gy4qj | why can't you cut all the wires in a bomb to prevent it from detonating? | I mean, in theory, if you cut all the wires at once you stop the electric flow to signal the detonation. Why don't they show it like that in the movies? Why would this not be possible?
EDIT: Thank you for all the great replies. I would have not imagined this question to become so popular. It's still the top question o... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2gy4qj/eli5_why_cant_you_cut_all_the_wires_in_a_bomb_to/ | {
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],
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... | |
6kdtdt | what is cherenkov radiation? | I saw the nuclear reactor gif earlier and I've e heard of and seen CR on the internet before. What is it and why does it happen?
Ps. Sorry if this is a reposted question, I couldn't find a previous discussion on the topic. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6kdtdt/eli5what_is_cherenkov_radiation/ | {
"a_id": [
"djlasm7"
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"score": [
7
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"text": [
"In a nutshell, it’s like a sonic boom, but instead of going faster than sound, it goes faster than light. Instead of going BOOM, it’s a flash of light/radiation. Nothing goes faster than light in a vacuum. However, through a medium like water, l... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
a5y24v | is there a reason spicy things become less spicy after being refrigerated? | was eating leftover wings and became curious | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a5y24v/eli5_is_there_a_reason_spicy_things_become_less/ | {
"a_id": [
"ebq6oeh"
],
"score": [
5
],
"text": [
"Cold numbs your taste buds. So it's not less spicy your mouth just doesn't register the capsaicin like it would if the wings were hot."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
5zg4dz | if alcohol tastes terrible, why do people drink it? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5zg4dz/eli5if_alcohol_tastes_terrible_why_do_people/ | {
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"text": [
"I quite enjoy the taste of beer or cider, especially after a hot sweaty day. And the nice buzz after 2 is calming. I very rarely if ever have more than 3 beers in a sitting (I don'... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
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[]
] | ||
4upeqn | if having a straight back is the 'proper' position, why isn't it the 'natural' position? | Not natural as in a straight back often requires deliberate effort to maintain even if the person does not have any diseases. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4upeqn/eli5_if_having_a_straight_back_is_the_proper/ | {
"a_id": [
"d5rn7ja",
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48,
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"text": [
"I'm never going to find this article, but the \"natural\" position is a straight spine, not a curved one-- hold on let me google. \n\nThere was an article saying that the anatomy textbooks are wrong b... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2015/06/08/412314701/lost-posture-why-indigenous-cultures-dont-have-back-pain"
],
[
"https://www.reddit.com/r/slavs_squatting/",
"http://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2015/06/08/412314701/lost-posture-why-indigenous-cultures-dont-have-back-pain"
],
... | |
aj8ah8 | with modern technology, why do pharmacists still exist as a profession? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/aj8ah8/eli5_with_modern_technology_why_do_pharmacists/ | {
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"score": [
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"text": [
"Why do video examples of things exist for games?\n\nPharmacists exist because not everyone c... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
bf0dcp | why does technology seem to develop linear instead of in jumps? | Every year or generation we get a slightly more advanced product and the change doesn't appear to be huge. If they hold back their technology wouldn't other companies just try to be their first to come out with the product? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bf0dcp/eli5_why_does_technology_seem_to_develop_linear/ | {
"a_id": [
"el9urw7"
],
"score": [
10
],
"text": [
"The bleeding edge of research does move in jumps, but manufacturing doesn't.\n\nThe stuff that reaches consumers has to be produced in mass quantities in giant factories. You can't go retrofit the entire assemly line every time there's a resear... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
6epff6 | why do printers decide to randomly do...something every so often? | Not sure if this is just something my model of printer does, but every so often my printer will just decide that now is the time to start spinning something, or moving something, or just doing general printer magic. What's that about? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6epff6/eli5_why_do_printers_decide_to_randomly/ | {
"a_id": [
"dic3shr"
],
"score": [
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"text": [
"Ink jet Printer heads need to have the ink wiped off of them before it dries, and also the head needs to be sealed to reduce risk of blockages. It doesn't do this right away because you might still want to print something. It has some logic which... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
1pbyln | how are these kind of space images captured? | not specifically nubulae, but mostly that, i see these images a lot via /r/spaceporn and such avenues and am always fascinated by their beauty and clarity, and then i'm just puzzled. how are these pictures generated? _URL_0_ | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1pbyln/eli5how_are_these_kind_of_space_images_captured/ | {
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"score": [
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6,
4,
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2,
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"text": [
"With the Hubbel telescope.\nA lot of those images are slightly photo-shopped. They don't actually look like that. (has to do with shifti... | [] | [
"http://i.imgur.com/H3ytm9V.jpg"
] | [
[],
[],
[
"http://www.astronomycast.com/2013/10/episode-317-observatories/"
],
[
"http://hubblesite.org/gallery/behind_the_pictures/meaning_of_color/"
],
[
"http://www.spacetelescope.org/projects/fits_liberator/fitsimages/dean_salman_3/"
],
[]
] | |
kadex | why proper emulation of older systems is still hard on new computers | Older systems such as PS2. Not *really* old, but old enough that I don't know why new computers have trouble emulating it. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/kadex/eli5_why_proper_emulation_of_older_systems_is/ | {
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"c2ioq6f",
"c2iroqt",
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"score": [
2,
2,
2,
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],
"text": [
"Honey, let's take a break from the games and eat your peas. \n\nAlso: difference of dedicated processors v. multi-tasking within an already high-functioning OS. ",
"Emulators (... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
9awld1 | i dont understand spacetime and its relevance with gravity, eli5 please... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9awld1/eli5_i_dont_understand_spacetime_and_its/ | {
"a_id": [
"e4ynv9w"
],
"score": [
8
],
"text": [
"To understand the answer to this question, we first have to understand what curved spacetime is, and how it relates to falling objects. \n\nSpacetime is a four dimensional object. Three of these dimensions are spatial, and one is temporal. In cla... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6a/Spherical_triangle.svg",
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geodesic",
"http://pi.math.cornell.edu/~dwh/books/eg99/Ch06/3776c40d.jpg",
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geodesic_deviation"
]
] | ||
5m76rw | is there a non-cynical explanation for rich people running for office? or interested at all in cabinet positions and politics in general? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5m76rw/eli5_is_there_a_noncynical_explanation_for_rich/ | {
"a_id": [
"dc1a72g",
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"score": [
6,
4,
2
],
"text": [
"It's pretty simple: Running a campaign costs money. People who have lots of money don't have to go to work to get their paycheck. They can devote 100% of their time and energy to campaigning. They c... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
1nceu9 | what's the behind the meaning of a "neckbeard"? | Can someone please explain what a neckbeard is? Why do they wear fedoras? Why the "le" in front of words? Is it an insult? I'm still pretty new to this and a bit lost? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1nceu9/eli5_whats_the_behind_the_meaning_of_a_neckbeard/ | {
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"cchar7n",
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"cchbmmh",
"cchdtxa",
"cchel4f"
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"score": [
14,
5,
24,
3,
2
],
"text": [
"Neckbeard refers to someone who has grown a beard but its really only on their neck. Its fairly common among nerd / geeks. \n\nThe term has become a derogat... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
21pwh0 | why is an earthquake- warning system valuable when it only gives a warning a few seconds prior to the actual earthquake, at best? | Reading about the 5.1 earthquake in LA, they say the new earthquake warning system was very successful with a warning given out 4 seconds before it happened. Why is this a success when we can't do anything in those 4 seconds to minimize the damage? I'm genuinely curious. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/21pwh0/eli5_why_is_an_earthquake_warning_system_valuable/ | {
"a_id": [
"cgfdlje"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"The way I'm reading the articles is that the warning system itself was successful (as a prototype), and that 4 seconds is an indicator that they might be able to get more in the future (30 or 40 seconds) -- not that the 4 seconds was a successful... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
q6s7c | what does franchise tagging mean in the nfl? | I hear all the time teams will use the franchise tag on a player, but I don't really think I understand it. Can someone help me out? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/q6s7c/eli5_what_does_franchise_tagging_mean_in_the_nfl/ | {
"a_id": [
"c3v74vi"
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"score": [
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],
"text": [
"When a player completes the last year of his contract, he becomes a free agent and is allowed to entertain offers from any team in the NFL with one exception. The team that previously employed him has the option of employing the \"franchise tag\... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1071978-2012-nfl-free-agents-mario-williams-and-players-not-worth-the-franchise-tag"
]
] | |
9aiina | why can people hold their breath for a relatively long amount of time, but feel out of breath after a few seconds of chugging water? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9aiina/eli5_why_can_people_hold_their_breath_for_a/ | {
"a_id": [
"e4vocae"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"I’m sure it has something to do with how our brains react to different situations. If someone were to try to inhale water while in a pool, it would be extremely difficult because our brains know that it isn’t the right action to take."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
6g9h8g | since reusable rockets can reduce the costs, why nasa never had the interest or investment like spacex ? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6g9h8g/eli5_since_reusable_rockets_can_reduce_the_costs/ | {
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"dioikda",
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"score": [
5,
2,
3,
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],
"text": [
"NASA was hugely interested in it. The Space Shuttle was a completely reusable rocket powered spacecraft. It brought back and reused the engines, the most expensive part of the lau... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/03/18/spacex-nabs-gps-launch-contract-as-air-force-opens-more-missions-for-bidding/"
],
[],
[]
] | ||
8bvsu3 | how does gas-x work? | And let’s be adults about farts. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8bvsu3/eli5_how_does_gasx_work/ | {
"a_id": [
"e0eyxnh",
"dxa3wrm"
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"score": [
2,
2
],
"text": [
"The active ingredient in Gas\\-X is Simethicone. This compound acts by making small bubbles of gas combine to form larger ones which are passed more easily.",
"Gas and bloating is caused by large air bubbles inside your ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
3dh8ku | why did us congress pass a law to ensure all helium in the us national helium reserve is sold by 2015? what benefit does this have? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3dh8ku/eli5_why_did_us_congress_pass_a_law_to_ensure_all/ | {
"a_id": [
"ct55kyh"
],
"score": [
10
],
"text": [
"In 1995 We had gathered a stockpile of over 1 billion cubic meters but had also racked up a debt of $1.4 billion doing so. The law was not to sell off all stockpiles, it was to start selling off the stockpile until that debt was covered. It was ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
f8pc48 | why does water on the horizon look as if it is above ground level when it is flat? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/f8pc48/eli5_why_does_water_on_the_horizon_look_as_if_it/ | {
"a_id": [
"fimrmzw",
"fimsnza",
"fin8baz"
],
"score": [
17,
4,
2
],
"text": [
"You're not used to seeing such an uninterrupted expanse (to the horizon). \n\nThe water lays at eye level, essentially.\n\nA flat desert would look the same.",
"Check out what a [Fata Morgana](_URL... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maLRhoceeuc",
"https://www.wired.com/2015/01/fantastically-wrong-fata-morgana/"
],
[]
] | ||
dctj31 | how does a computer program arrange transistors to run a program? in other words, if transistors are so small, how can a computer ever know how to create the circuit required to run a program? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dctj31/eli5_how_does_a_computer_program_arrange/ | {
"a_id": [
"f2b3py7",
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"score": [
10,
4,
3
],
"text": [
"A computer does not \"arrange transistors\". They aren't moved around to form circuits to run programs, they already are in the required configuration within the CPU. The CPU is manufactured that way w... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
4k0z5b | how does so much oil exist on earth? | There are literally hundreds of millions of people who drive some sort of vehicle in the US alone. How the hell can all these people use up 10s of thousands of gallons of gasoline in their lifetime without fear of Earth ever being depleted of it.
That's not even going into all the other uses for crude oil, which in th... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4k0z5b/eli5_how_does_so_much_oil_exist_on_earth/ | {
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"score": [
46,
14,
9,
3,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"The oil was formed over literally millions of years.\n\nAnd we *are* using it up. At current consumption rates it could be gone in wel... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
xsp83 | time (before you downvote, please look) | People say time didnt exist before, or what it now is, but: Isnt Time something we have made up? human beings, there is no "Time" that "Time" doesnt exist. For Earth it spins and rotates around the sun, where we have "time" that we have made. So isnt "time" something we as human beings have made up to "control" earth. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/xsp83/eli5_time_before_you_downvote_please_look/ | {
"a_id": [
"c5p8br9",
"c5pa878"
],
"score": [
3,
2
],
"text": [
"No. Time passed before humans / earth existed. Matter collecting into planets takes *time*.",
"Time is what separates two events in the same space. It is no more a made-up concept than distance is."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
2b30p1 | how can it take more than 5 minutes for an airline to know exactly who was on a plane that went down? | I'm Dutch and following the news about MH17, and so far today the number of Dutch casualties has been updated at least twice.
We all get our passports scanned at Schiphol when we check in and when we board - how can it take over 24 hours to know exactly who was on board? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2b30p1/eli5_how_can_it_take_more_than_5_minutes_for_an/ | {
"a_id": [
"cj1dq94"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Another point I haven't seen is that families are contacted first and unfortunate verification that the person in particular was on this flight would probably get verified in this manner. It's a time consuming process."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
7rjwqg | why does sand stick to everything even though it doesn't feel sticky? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7rjwqg/eli5_why_does_sand_stick_to_everything_even/ | {
"a_id": [
"dsxjxed"
],
"score": [
28
],
"text": [
"Sand sticks to things in many ways just like flour does. Flour particles aren't sticky at all (while dry), but small enough to be caught in tangles of fabric fibers, attracted by even the slightest charges, or \"grabbed\" by microscopic droplets... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
9hltc6 | what makes a dry martini "dry?" | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9hltc6/eli5_what_makes_a_dry_martini_dry/ | {
"a_id": [
"e6cz1vz",
"e6d4wgu"
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"score": [
3,
4
],
"text": [
"The use of dry vermouth. Vermouth is a type of fortified wine that comes in sweet and dry varieties.",
"There are two kinds of vermouth, sweet and dry. Sweet is red, dry is clear. A martini is made with gin or vodka and ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
7obgct | how is energy from renewable sources, like wind or solar, stored? | I'm all for green energy but it seems to me like there's a serious problem with depending entirely on renewable energy sources. The weather is variable and unpredictable, so is the demand for energy.
For example, There's less sun in the winter but the demand for energy is higher. How is the surplus energy produced du... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7obgct/eli5_how_is_energy_from_renewable_sources_like/ | {
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"score": [
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"text": [
"Tha... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pumped-storage_hydroelectricity"
],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pumped-storage_hydroelectricity"
],
[]
] | |
1epfwy | quantum superposition | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1epfwy/eli5_quantum_superposition/ | {
"a_id": [
"ca2gxco"
],
"score": [
3
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"text": [
"In a normal situation, things that you measure have that value before you try to measure them. You are in your parking lot before you look it up on GPS. You are moving 55 MPH before the cop radar blasts you. If you try to measure the speed or loc... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
9v5s56 | im british and ive always heard jeff sessions's name bought up negativly...why are people protesting/ angry that he has been fired? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9v5s56/eli5_im_british_and_ive_always_heard_jeff/ | {
"a_id": [
"e99ljyi",
"e99lmoi"
],
"score": [
7,
6
],
"text": [
"He recused himself from the investigation into Russians tampering with the 2016 election favoring Donald Trump. Meaning the investigation into Trump’s possible collusion with Russia and obstruction of Justice was being done ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
1rfweb | why don't our lungs clog from all the tiny things we inhale? | Simply, why can we still breathe when there's dust, pollen, smoke, mite in the sheets or whatever around? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1rfweb/eli5_why_dont_our_lungs_clog_from_all_the_tiny/ | {
"a_id": [
"cdmx9ef"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"In addition to the lung clearance provided by the ciliae there are tiny cells in the alveoli wall (the tiny bubbles the lung tissue is made out of) called macrophages whose task it is to basically \"eat\" rubbish and get rid of any foreign bodies... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
4nczbw | why does putting sugar on some things make it taste sour? | Like when you buy the sour gummy worms or sour Skittles it is coated in sugar and that makes it taste sour. Would it not make it taste even sweeter. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4nczbw/eli5_why_does_putting_sugar_on_some_things_make/ | {
"a_id": [
"d432a0k"
],
"score": [
5
],
"text": [
"I'm pretty sure the coating is a mixture of sugar and citric acid. Citric acid is the main chemical that makes citrus fruits taste sour."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
1yp519 | the difference between coke zero and diet coke, surely you only need the one product? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1yp519/eli5_the_difference_between_coke_zero_and_diet/ | {
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"cfmkkzs",
"cfmkskh",
"cfml10w",
"c... | [] | [] | [
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],
[],
[
"http://www.ted.com/talks/malcolm_gladwell_on_spaghetti_sauce.html"
],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
... | ||
2g59rd | how does gorilla glass work? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2g59rd/eli5_how_does_gorilla_glass_work/ | {
"a_id": [
"ckfr5d2"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"It is done using using the ion exchange process:\n\n\"Ion exchange is a chemical strengthening process where large ions are “stuffed” into the glass surface, creating a state of compression. Gorilla Glass is specially designed to maximize this be... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
4p6swh | stock grants | I'm probably going to need an explain like I'm 3 explaination.
I get stock grants from my company each year, I currently have 116 shares vested. The last price shown was $42.92.
What I can't seem to grasp for some reason is how taxes are handled when I choose to sell. I was told that my vested stocks are what was l... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4p6swh/eli5_stock_grants/ | {
"a_id": [
"d4ij0hs"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"If you choose to sell your stock, you will sell it at whatever price you get, and be taxed on that.\n\nFor stocks in the US you will be taxed at the capital gains tax rate. You are not taxed until you sell, because until you sell your stock, the ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
2p65ts | if people are born in palestinian territories what citizenship do they have? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2p65ts/eli5_if_people_are_born_in_palestinian/ | {
"a_id": [
"cmtp8in",
"cmtx1fx"
],
"score": [
19,
2
],
"text": [
"_URL_0_\n\nPeople born to Palestinian parents get a Palestinian ID card with the approval of the Israeli government. They are Palestinian citizens, even if it technically means they are stateless (since Palestine is not an ... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israeli_identity_card#ID_card_casing_and_variations"
],
[]
] | ||
8dmiff | does juice expire and how? is it more about the taste goong bad or is it unhealthy to drink juice that has expired a few months ago? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8dmiff/eli5_does_juice_expire_and_how_is_it_more_about/ | {
"a_id": [
"dxo9raa",
"dxodor8"
],
"score": [
2,
2
],
"text": [
"Juice can mold because of the sugar content. This would likely only occur if it was previously opened so the mold spores could enter, but nonetheless I would proceed with caution.",
"Yes, you aren't the only thing that e... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
pyikc | why is the price of gas so much more fluid than any other good we purchase? | What makes the price of gas jump up and down so often but any other product we buy inflates at a slower rate.
All basic materials and goods (sugar, coffee, corn, soy, beef, etc) are traded on commodities markets, but starbucks doesn't increase and decrease the cost of a coffee by a few cents each week. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/pyikc/eli5_why_is_the_price_of_gas_so_much_more_fluid/ | {
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"It changes often because the profit on gasoline is so thin and there is no way to spread that out. Most of the stations are franchised or lease the right to the brand name. That means that the station owner will lose money if the cost of the new... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
2wmou5 | how did mit become internationally renowned compared to other state technical colleges and universities? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2wmou5/eli5_how_did_mit_become_internationally_renowned/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"MIT isn't a state school, it is private. So like Harvard they can be selective which allows them to cultivate a reputation for excellence. ",
"First off, MIT is private.\n\nThe school was founded with a idea in mind ... | [] | [] | [
[],
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] | ||
516zx4 | how does a fertilized egg develop into the different parts of a fetus so specifically? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/516zx4/eli5how_does_a_fertilized_egg_develop_into_the/ | {
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"text": [
"One could literally describe details on this for pages and hours, and if you want to get into the weeds, people work on researching this information as a career. I'm pretty sure they're still not entirely sure on the details. But because of where... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
3n81xh | why does 'republican' mean something completely different in europe compared to what it means in the us? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3n81xh/eli5_why_does_republican_mean_something/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"Because it is the name of the other major party of the US, so the political ideology and goals of that party greatly define what republican means in the US. In Europe on the other hand there are still a... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
42be28 | is phantom pain considered psychological pain or actual physical pain? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/42be28/eli5_is_phantom_pain_considered_psychological/ | {
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"text": [
"It is actual pain. It occurs at the end of the nerves where they were severed. Those ends are exposed and aren't properly \"wired\" into the body and it causes the illusion of ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
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"http://bio1152.nicerweb.com/Locked/media/ch49/49_16-MotorSensoryCorts-L.jpg",
"https://www.ted.com/talks/vilayanur_ramachandran_on_your_mind?language=en#t-732298"
]
] | ||
405wnp | why is it that some of the sugar i put in my coffee dissolves, but some always seems to remain at the bottom of the mug? | As I finished my last cup of coffee for the night, I happened to glance down and realized I never really thought about this. I always put a bit of sugar into my coffee, and I know some of it dissolves because the flavor is affected. But there always seems to be a bit of sugar left over once my drink is finished. Why is... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/405wnp/eli5_why_is_it_that_some_of_the_sugar_i_put_in_my/ | {
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"text": [
"Let's look at this with the knowledge of chemistry from school that hasn't left me in the 20 years in between. \n\n* The liquid could be over saturated. Tha... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
6czz2t | positive, negative and ground in an electric circuit. | What are they exactly and its purpose? And electricity flows from negative to positive correct? Always? How? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6czz2t/eli5_positive_negative_and_ground_in_an_electric/ | {
"a_id": [
"dhzb9vs"
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"score": [
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"text": [
"The way a battery works is that it sets up a difference in potential energy (electric potential is *slightly* different but let's ignore that). The electrons at the negative terminal have a high potential energy, like a ball on top of a hill. The... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
466ib8 | why are the democrats and republicans rigorously fighting over the next successor of justice scalia? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/466ib8/eli5_why_are_the_democrats_and_republicans/ | {
"a_id": [
"d02u6rk"
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"text": [
"The Supreme Court has nine justices. Before Scalia's death, there were five conservative justices and four liberal justices. Scalia was one of the conservative justices. Whoever gets his old job will determine which way the balance of power is ti... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
6cm4gi | why do containers form a vacuum when being heated in the microwave with their lid on? bowls with cling wrap do the same. | To me the air and contents inside are heating up and therefore should expand and build pressure. But after the microwave stops, the plastic container starts to collapse in. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6cm4gi/eli5_why_do_containers_form_a_vacuum_when_being/ | {
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"text": [
"This depends on the design of the lid. A normal lid or plastic wrap is not able to contain much pressure but are able to contain vacuum. So when the contents of the container heats up the container will... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[
"http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/05/31/chemical.dangers/"
]
] | |
6dapqe | if easter is more significant than christmas, theologically speaking, then why do americans and many others make a bigger deal of christmas--for example, making christmas a federal holiday but not giving any days off for the easter weekend, as opposed to most european countries? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6dapqe/eli5_if_easter_is_more_significant_than_christmas/ | {
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"text": [
"because for most people they are secular holidays about Santa/the Easter Bunny, not a fictional representation of Cesar Borgia.\n\nand because they are secu... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
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4jzvz6 | why do humans take so long to fully develop? | Humans take over 20 years to grow and mentally develop completely, which is longer than most animals lives. Why does it take so long? What in nature causes this and has it always been this way for humans? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4jzvz6/eli5_why_do_humans_take_so_long_to_fully_develop/ | {
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... | [] | [] | [
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"http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/human-babies-long-to-walk/"
],
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5rjgc9 | how is saudi arabia on the un panel, when they have beheaded more people than isis, in 2015? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5rjgc9/eli5_how_is_saudi_arabia_on_the_un_panel_when/ | {
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"text": [
"Many countries/politicians support the death penalty. It wouldn't preclude you from sitting on any UN council."... | [] | [] | [
[],
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[],
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11ajc5 | ambulances carry teddy bears to give to kids after accidents. psychologically, why does the teddy bear help? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/11ajc5/eli5_ambulances_carry_teddy_bears_to_give_to_kids/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
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10,
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"text": [
"Because the only thing scarier than a car accident is Teddy Fucking Roosevelt. ",
"Being able to hold something warm and fuzzy is very comforting and offers a feeling of security. [Harry Harlow](... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CU9jKlNK1Qc"
],
[]
] | ||
cxo74w | what happens to all the oil we use after we dispose of it? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cxo74w/eli5_what_happens_to_all_the_oil_we_use_after_we/ | {
"a_id": [
"eymd4ek"
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"score": [
2
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"text": [
"It gets taken to a recycling plant, super heated and filtered and filtered again to get all impurities out. Then boom, back to the shelves. Or filtered and used in bio-diesel engines."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
d6lgy7 | how do we make paper out of trees? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/d6lgy7/eli5_how_do_we_make_paper_out_of_trees/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
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"text": [
"Paper mills liquify the pulp of the tree and turn it into thin slices. Paper reverts to its pulpy state when it gets wet.",
"Trees and plants are very fibrous. We take trees, grind them onto a pulp, spread it very thinly... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2017/08/16/15/09/fiber-2648066_960_720.jpg"
]
] | ||
1v52fu | why did the british army not attack loyalist paramilitaries as well as the ira during the troubles? | So I have been watching the excellent BBC documentaries 'loyalists, Provos and Brits' on the entirety of the troubles. Series can be found here
_URL_0_
What I haven't been able to grasp is if the British army was there to preside over keeping the peace and fighting 'terrorism', why was all of their conflicts with th... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1v52fu/eli5_why_did_the_british_army_not_attack_loyalist/ | {
"a_id": [
"ceox71p"
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"score": [
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"text": [
"Because the Ulster Volunteer Force & Ulster Freedom Fighters regarded themselves as 100% British. They also had MPs in British Parliament as the Ulster National Party. \n\nThe IRA killed a lot of British soldiers, as they were regarded as the o... | [] | [
"http://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLA6BDE6CF5D0578E0&desktop_uri=%2Fplaylist%3Flist%3DPLA6BDE6CF5D0578E0"
] | [
[]
] | |
4x3zuk | if a sizable spacecraft was hovering over earth, would we be able to see it? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4x3zuk/eli5_if_a_sizable_spacecraft_was_hovering_over/ | {
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"text": [
"You can spot satellites and the ISS from the ground already.\n\nThey look like shooting stars, but you can see them.",
"_URL_0_ \n\nLink on how to see the... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"https://www.nasa.gov/centers/glenn/events/stsight.html#.V6uEHPkrJhE"
],
[],
[
"https://spotthestation.nasa.gov/sightings/",
"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgoVGWazev8",
"http://astronomynow.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/ISS_transiting_Moon_940x940_v2.jpg"
],
[]
] | ||
u04bm | atomic bombs | what makes them go off? what is inside of them? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/u04bm/eli5_atomic_bombs/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"This seems fairly comprehensive: _URL_0_\n\nSearch the subreddit for a few more.",
"First of all, basically we can fuse small elements to release energy and create bigger elements, and we can split really big (and unstab... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/oacdj/eli5_how_the_hydrogen_nuclear_and_atomic_bombs/"
],
[]
] | |
2zv971 | why do sharks expose their top fins above the surface? | I was watching a documentary on sea lions, and they would see the shark fins and be alerted of there location, what are these fins purpose?
Thnaks | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2zv971/eli5_why_do_sharks_expose_their_top_fins_above/ | {
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57,
7,
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"text": [
"Sharks -- most species, anyway -- are true predators. Many of those predators hunt air-breathing species... seals, sea-lions, turtles, etc.\n\nThe shark would prefer to be far below the surface, as it... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
5oe8lw | what are the benefits and drawbacks of having an overvalued or undervalued currency? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5oe8lw/eli5_what_are_the_benefits_and_drawbacks_of/ | {
"a_id": [
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3
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"text": [
"Overvalued- It's easier to buy imported stuff cos they're cheaper than your domestic stuff. Even though your currency is worth more, theirs is worth the same, so their prices will decrease from your perspective. On the down... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
3ilvzp | why do european countries have to accept refugees from the middle east and elsewhere? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ilvzp/eli5_why_do_european_countries_have_to_accept/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"Because they have signed (at the very least) the [UN treaty related to status of refugees] (_URL_0_) ([full text] (_URL_1_)). That is, the 1951 convention and the 1967 protocol. All members of the Europ... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convention_relating_to_the_Status_of_Refugees",
"http://www.unhcr.org/4ec262df9.html"
],
[
"http://www.ohchr.org/EN/ProfessionalInterest/Pages/StatusOfRefugees.aspx",
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_High_Commissioner_for_Refugees"
],
[]
] | ||
3sn46b | why do mushrooms taste like meat? | I was feeling adventurous the other day and got mushrooms on my pizza instead of the plain cheese I usually get, and I remarked to my husband that they tasted very meaty. Does anyone know what causes this?
| explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3sn46b/eli5_why_do_mushrooms_taste_like_meat/ | {
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"text": [
"They don't. \n\nMushrooms have a very earthy flavor, which is something that some meats also share, but they in no way actually taste like meat on their own. If you do not often eat meat on pizza that similarity may be what ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
lfrme | blood types. what are all the different types, what's the rarest, who can donate to who, and why can only some donate to others and others can't. | I've always been curious about it! | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/lfrme/eli5_blood_types_what_are_all_the_different_types/ | {
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"text": [
"OK - I'll give it a go - it's been a few years since I looked at this - you all lemme know how I did....\n\nThe types are: A, B, O and AB. There's also an Rh Positive and Rh negati... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
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] | |
2rn1ua | why does the periodic table allow us to predict the properties of other atoms | I realize it probably has something to do with the outer valence shell... Is it shaped the same way? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2rn1ua/eli5_why_does_the_periodic_table_allow_us_to/ | {
"a_id": [
"cnhdh8c"
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"score": [
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"text": [
"It first started off the other way. That is, scientists noticed that the then-known elements could be arranged in a grid that grouped common behaviors together.\n\nThe table had gaps then, which were predicted to be undiscovered elements. This la... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
8jq5iy | why are foreign language classes and language immersion programs not taught from the most basic perspective (like elementary school)? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8jq5iy/eli5_why_are_foreign_language_classes_and/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
3,
2
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"text": [
"Because the students know how to read and write in their own language.\n\nIn many languages the letter are identical. If you know one alphabet system learning to read another is easier then learning to read the first one.\n\... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
1gmqeg | how do all planets become to be near perfect spheres? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1gmqeg/eli5_how_do_all_planets_become_to_be_near_perfect/ | {
"a_id": [
"calqr03"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"As Carl Sagan once explained in Cosmos: (paraphrasing)\n\nTake a ball of clay (not spherical, just a rough shape) of clay, then put your hand on top and push down, then turn it over and do it to that side, then keep turning it over in different a... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
2cbwmc | why are we investing billions in fighter jets? shouldn't they be replaced by drones? | NATO, mostly the United States, is investing billions in projects like the F-35 and the F-22, but why? Can't drones in the near future do exactly what fighter jets do now? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2cbwmc/eli5_why_are_we_investing_billions_in_fighter/ | {
"a_id": [
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2,
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"text": [
" > near future do exactly what fighter jets do now?\n\nmagical word: near future. they can't do that now. and probably for quite some time they will not be as good as humans.\n\nand second thing, drones... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
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] | |
52trfy | before modern day lawn mowers existed, how were golf courses like st. andrews able to cut & maintain that much land dating back to the late 1700's? | Obviously terrain comes into play as it was a links style course. I've always wondered how they were able to cover, cut and prepare something so massive in area with few tools. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/52trfy/eli5_before_modern_day_lawn_mowers_existed_how/ | {
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"text": [
"Modern mowers were invented in the 1830s.\n\nBefore that, they'd either have peasants go out there and scythe the grass down, or they'd have flocks of sheep graze it down.",
"M... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[
"https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scythe",
"http://www2.fiskars.com/Products/Gardening-and-Yard-Care/Grass-Shears"
],
[
"https://youtu.be/7NfYUEr996A?t=7m9s"
]
] | |
5t68vm | why does rigor mortis make bodies stiff? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5t68vm/eli5_why_does_rigor_mortis_make_bodies_stiff/ | {
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"text": [
"It has to do with the way your muscles work. The muscles have fibers that extend and contract using the energy of ATP molecules. Those fibers are mainly made up of actin and myosin. They slide along each other to make the movement. But the way it... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
4kdwis | why would an asteroid collision wipe out life on earth? | [deleted] | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4kdwis/eli5_why_would_an_asteroid_collision_wipe_out/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
" > but would it stay there for so long that we would all freeze to death?\n\nYour bigger worry is starving because all the plants have died out due to lack of sunlight. But yes it would stay up there for months AT LEAST.\n\nAssuming you weren't c... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
az0izr | how come when one really needs to go pee, they're completely okay when in any other room, but as soon as they reach the bathroom to relieve themselves, they almost pee their pants? | This never made sense to me, and whenever I try to come up with some definitive scientific answer, I never can! | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/az0izr/eli5_how_come_when_one_really_needs_to_go_pee/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
17,
4
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"text": [
"Classical Conditioning. If you ring a bell and then give a dog treat, and continously repeat this process until its engrained in the dog’s brain, then the next time you ring the bell, the dog will automatically salivate. Sa... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
40busm | what causes abnormally high jackpots? is is just chance and replication? or are there other mechanisms involved? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/40busm/eli5_what_causes_abnormally_high_jackpots_is_is/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
3,
2
],
"text": [
"As the jackpot rises and it becomes more publicized, more people play, which adds more money to the jackpot. If this continues through several cycles with no winner, they can grow rather dramatically, as we've seen recently ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
2k3i17 | why is breakfast the only meal where it's socially acceptable to only eat a dessert? (doughnuts, pancakes, cinnamon rolls, muffins, etc.) | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2k3i17/eli5_why_is_breakfast_the_only_meal_where_its/ | {
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"clhlove",
"clhlusv",
"clhlw37",
"clhlx99",
"clhm3yn",
"clhm9ij",
"clhmui4",
"clhmxku",
"clhnil7",
"c... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[
"http://www.viralnova.com/breakfast-around-the-world/"
],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[
"http://www.viralnova.com/breakfast-around-the-world/"
],
[],
[],
... | ||
3lvx02 | why is the "k" silent? as seen in: knack or knock | the 1st silent "K" | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3lvx02/elif_why_is_the_k_silent_as_seen_in_knack_or_knock/ | {
"a_id": [
"cv9rzps"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"In the 1600s, the K was pronounced. Pilgrims in America said \"kuh-nife\" and \"kuh-nee\" for knife and knee. It died out around then, but spelling had become set,\nSo we kept that. "
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
1qlzhd | if the speed limit isn't actually a hard upper bound, why don't we just post a target speed instead? | Everyone treats it that way anyway... why doesn't the law account for it as such? They could just make it illegal to go more than 10 mph over or under a posted "target speed" and we'd have basically the same system we have now, but it'd be more honest.
Edit: okay, so I understand that it's *technically* a hard upper b... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1qlzhd/eli5_if_the_speed_limit_isnt_actually_a_hard/ | {
"a_id": [
"cde4azp",
"cde83tr",
"cde8tw9"
],
"score": [
7,
2,
3
],
"text": [
"I've been pulled over for 26 in a 25. It's up to the cops discretion, and some cops are dicks. The speed limit is a hard upper boundary, but it is up to the individual officer whether to enforce that st... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
2hlg62 | what would happen if a queen was carrying a king's son, but the king died. | Would the throne go to the current first-in-line? Or would it go to the unborn son? Would there be a time cut off? How would this vary in different countries?
Edit; Conscious it would vary a lot from one country to another, but any thoughts on what would happen in some prominent monarchies? The UK? Norway? Spain? Thai... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2hlg62/eli5_what_would_happen_if_a_queen_was_carrying_a/ | {
"a_id": [
"cktr0gc",
"cktr7w7",
"ckts5eg"
],
"score": [
13,
7,
3
],
"text": [
"It would depend on the time and country. Different countries all had different rules of royal succession, and those rules changed over the course of history. \n\nThere is no actual single answer to t... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Line_of_succession_to_the_British_throne",
"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUY6HGqYweQ"
],
[]
] |
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