q_id stringlengths 5 6 | title stringlengths 3 296 | selftext stringlengths 0 34k | document stringclasses 1
value | subreddit stringclasses 1
value | url stringlengths 4 110 | answers dict | title_urls list | selftext_urls list | answers_urls list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
15kj08 | if every action has an equal and opposite reaction, then how is motion possible? | Ok, so I understand how some motion is possible. For example fish fins push water backwards, while the water propels the fish forwards.
But what about me pushing a rock down a road? Surely if I move the rock forward then there is not an equal, opposite reaction. If the reaction were equal and opposite, then the rock ... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/15kj08/if_every_action_has_an_equal_and_opposite/ | {
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"text": [
"First off: the equal and opposite forces aren't on the same object; When you push the rock forwards, the opposite force is the rock pushing YOU back, equally strongly. If you were floating in space, th... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://imgur.com/nlbmr"
],
[],
[]
] | |
1igkxo | why does tap water leave light pink dots on my shower wall after showering and the walls of the shower have dried? | I have noticed this a lot lately in my shower, and occasionally the bottom of my cats water bowl will have a light pink film on it.... Anyone have any answers? TIA
EDIT: _URL_0_
EDIT: I am also a clean freak, so it's not an issue of being dirty. I clean the shower 4xs a week and wash the cat bowl every other day. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1igkxo/eli5_why_does_tap_water_leave_light_pink_dots_on/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"I would think that it is rust from an older water distribution system.",
"I believe it might be a colony of bacteria growing. _URL_0_",
"I'm pretty sure it's hard water causing this. It happened... | [] | [
"http://i.imgur.com/eZ2tU5l.jpg"
] | [
[],
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serratia_marcescens"
],
[]
] | |
973xhz | in competitive sports, such as the olympics, where steroid use is relatively popular, couldn’t the athletes use the drug for years, but stop months before the testing period? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/973xhz/eli5_in_competitive_sports_such_as_the_olympics/ | {
"a_id": [
"e45b6lj"
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"text": [
"There is no testing period. Athletes can get a random test at any time. Athletes need to keep their location up to date in the Anti Doping Agency database and a doping agent may show up wherever they are to take a test.\n\n > Any athlete who is... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://www.usada.org/testing/whereabouts/"
]
] | ||
2asfmd | why do humans clench their jaws and grind their teeth when putting a lot of effort into something? | For example, trying to twist a lid off of something that wont come off. I just had this happen, and felt like I couldnt apply the proper amount of force without clenching my jaw hard. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2asfmd/eli5_why_do_humans_clench_their_jaws_and_grind/ | {
"a_id": [
"ciyavdp",
"ciybxw9"
],
"score": [
2,
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],
"text": [
"Your jaw is operated by a muscle. When something requires a lot of force, we exert as much strength as possible. So when we do something difficult and \"put out backs into it\", we are effectively trying to use every muscle ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
2fplys | how is the independence voting in scotland different from the referendum on the independence of crimea? | I'm slightly confused. Up to now I was convinced that the change of the borders of a country has to be voted upon by the whole population of that country. I was also convinced that this was the reason why western countries didn't recognize the referendum of the Crimea and the change of its status.
Now there is the upc... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2fplys/eli5how_is_the_independence_voting_in_scotland/ | {
"a_id": [
"ckbhwlu",
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"score": [
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"text": [
"The main difference is that the UK government has agreed to it. Where as the referendum in Crimea was not agreed with the Ukrainian government. And in Catalonia, the Spanish government has refused to re... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
2l2udq | grammatical cases | Trying to learn High Valyrian from ASOIAF/GOT and the wiki page that has tutorials uses a lot of linguistics jargon to explain it, and I am very confused.
It talks about nominative, accusative, genitive, dative, locative, instrumental, comitative, and vocative cases and I am just very confused. Could someone please ex... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2l2udq/eli5_grammatical_cases/ | {
"a_id": [
"clqx69j",
"clr2l7x"
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"score": [
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"text": [
"Nominative: the subject. *John* throws the ball to Mary.\n\nAccusative: direct object. John throws the *ball* to Mary.\n\nDative: indirect object. John throws the ball *to Mary*.\n\nGenitive: used for linking two nouns toget... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2l2udq/eli5_grammatical_cases/clqx69j"
]
] | |
ah4xls | how do tv/movie residuals work? | How is it decided who receives the money when a re-run is aired? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ah4xls/eli5_how_do_tvmovie_residuals_work/ | {
"a_id": [
"eebhfjc"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"Contracts from when the movie/show was first made. It’s in the contracts how much you get of the profits of the movie, and that’s forever. It’s not renegotiated for each release."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
3h5xj8 | what is the biological process behind children becoming attached to inanimate objects, such as a security blanket? | I just recovered my long lost and deeply treasured security blanket from when I was very small, and was instantly hit with the most comforted, familiar feeling. Why did that happen? Why did I form this bond with the blanket | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3h5xj8/eli5what_is_the_biological_process_behind/ | {
"a_id": [
"cu4jjh6"
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"score": [
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"text": [
"The biological process, I'm not so sure. The psychological process, on the other hand, I could help with.\n\nWe humans learn to form associations between things. We can learn to associate snakes with fear, bad behavior with punishment, and even ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
4t4e0c | how does comedy writing work? | Comedians who write bits and jokes and what not. What is the process which goes into the development of a bit? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4t4e0c/eli5_how_does_comedy_writing_work/ | {
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"score": [
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"text": [
"Assuming you're talking about stand up? Normally it is a mix between writing jokes and ideas on paper (by rocket... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z69mt4uuqWQ"
],
[
"http://kenlevine.blogspot.com/"
],
[],
[
"http://www.cheekymonkeycomedy.com/"
],
[],
[]
] | |
6053lx | what power does the british monarchy actually hold? versus the prime minister and parliament more specifically. what can or can't they do with it without the permission of parliament or the prime minister? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6053lx/eli5_what_power_does_the_british_monarchy/ | {
"a_id": [
"df3it76",
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"score": [
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"text": [
"The British monarchy owns a bunch of land that they turn over to Parliament to administer in exchange for their annual stipend, though they could, in theory, ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
1rr5mj | u.s. military equipment designations | How does the United States military designate its equipment? For example: The [M16.] (_URL_1_) Why did the successor to the [M14] (_URL_4_) skip M15 and go straight to M16? And why is its successor [M4?] (_URL_2_) Why is the Squad Automatic Weapon designated [M249?] ( _URL_3_) Why is the [M4 Super 90] (_URL_0_) designa... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1rr5mj/eli5_us_military_equipment_designations/ | {
"a_id": [
"cdq32ad"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"\"M\" stands for model. \n\nWeapons go through different stages of development before a design is finalized. The M4 *is* a successor to the M16, but it's the fourth iteration of the \"M4\" weapon. \n\nM1 through M3 never came into mass productio... | [] | [
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M4_Super_90",
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M16_rifle",
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M4_carbine",
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M249_light_machine_gun",
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M14_rifle"
] | [
[]
] | |
c4ku11 | sampling rate and bit depth for audio | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/c4ku11/eli5_sampling_rate_and_bit_depth_for_audio/ | {
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"text": [
"Think about a video. It's really just a bunch of still images being shown to you in rapid succession. The faster those images are shown, the smoother the resulting video. In videos, it's called framerate.\n\nIn digital audio... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
35pnh9 | can someone explain washing machine cycles? | Can someone explain the differences on my washing machine cycles? I know it seems silly to ask but I've been doing the wash since I was 15 and never really questioned what everything on the dial meant.
Specifically what does the machine do differently in the "permanent press cycle" versus Cotton? What happens in woo... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/35pnh9/eli5can_someone_explain_washing_machine_cycles/ | {
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"score": [
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"text": [
"Different fabrics to... | [] | [] | [
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"http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/34e7tr/eli5_what_do_all_these_settings_on_my_washing/"
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38x6nq | what is the most responsible way to decide who to vote for? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/38x6nq/eli5_what_is_the_most_responsible_way_to_decide/ | {
"a_id": [
"cryiws6"
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"text": [
"The first thing you should do is to make a list of the issues that are most important to you.\n\nThen, you should research the candidates and see where they stand on those issues. It's entirely possible that you won't find any candidate that feel... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://votesmart.org/"
]
] | ||
rq8u0 | how pirating is not stealing | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/rq8u0/eli5_how_pirating_is_not_stealing/ | {
"a_id": [
"c47ri14",
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"text": [
"The general concept of theft is taking something that doesn't belong to you. Those who don't care about piracy will say that making a co... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
9tipjc | if space is flat, how far can you go up or down? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9tipjc/eli5_if_space_is_flat_how_far_can_you_go_up_or/ | {
"a_id": [
"e8wk318",
"e8wk3zi"
],
"score": [
2,
2
],
"text": [
"The word \"flat\", when taking about space, doesn't mean two-dimensional, it means that it follows Euclidean geometry. There's no absolute \"up\" or \"down\" in space, and as far as we know, there's no limit to how far you ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
dfnr9i | how were colors invented? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dfnr9i/eli5_how_were_colors_invented/ | {
"a_id": [
"f34n9sa",
"f34rfkz"
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"score": [
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],
"text": [
"I think you think for colors there's some difference to in how the language around them was formed. I'm not entirely sure why.\n\nBut to answer your question the process would have been similar to people saying \"this, this... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
1psbld | how hockey works. | I go to Miami University of Ohio and the whole school is crazy for hockey. I've gone to a few games and occasionally watch it on TV but I just can not understand the rules, regulations or what a player is capable of doing in a situation. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1psbld/eli5_how_hockey_works/ | {
"a_id": [
"cd5huuk",
"cd64uzd"
],
"score": [
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],
"text": [
"It's pretty simple in concept (get the puck in the net), so I'll go over some of the more non-obvious things.\n\n* Offsides--the blue lines define the attacking zones. When the puck first enters the attacking zone, no offen... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
5nsz2b | why does korean writing translate phonetically to english? | You would think that to read korean you would need to know what the symbols say in korean and then what that word means in english, but apparently you can go straight to english sound for sound as if korean writing was made with english in mind. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5nsz2b/eli5_why_does_korean_writing_translate/ | {
"a_id": [
"dce2i5r",
"dce2m23"
],
"score": [
8,
4
],
"text": [
"Korean uses a standardized alphabet, just like English does, rather than an abugida like most Brahmic languages (ex: Hindi), or a syllabary like Japanese. These characters are simply grouped into blocks of 2/3 to form a sin... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hangul#/media/File:Hangeul.svg"
],
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loanword",
"http://www.phonemicchart.com/what/"
]
] | |
1z8cwo | what makes secure socket layers (ssl) secure? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1z8cwo/eli5_what_makes_secure_socket_layers_ssl_secure/ | {
"a_id": [
"cfrgci7",
"cfrgyza"
],
"score": [
3,
2
],
"text": [
"SSL scrambles all the info between your browser and the server in such a way noone else can peak into it. It's like sending letters back and forth using a secret code only you and your pen pal know. Without the code someone ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public-key_cryptography",
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caesar_cipher"
]
] | ||
2m61zx | why do my feet feel vulnerable when they're exposed at night, but any other body part is fine? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2m61zx/eli5why_do_my_feet_feel_vulnerable_when_theyre/ | {
"a_id": [
"cm198xz",
"cm1999s"
],
"score": [
2,
2
],
"text": [
"They're always waiting... Waiting to hoist you by your legs...",
"Your feet are the furthest point in your body from your heart. When you're laying down, you have a lower resting pulse and also gravity isn't helping cir... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
30p011 | why are more razors better when building a "razor" for shaving? seems like after so many it's a waste. | I searched for this topic to make sure I wasn't reposting and nothing showed up...so forgive me if I missed it.
EDIT: What makes a good razor then, if not multiple blades?
EDIT2: OP did not expect this many answers and comments. Thank you all. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/30p011/eli5_why_are_more_razors_better_when_building_a/ | {
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"cpujudt",
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"cpukata",
"cpukntk",
"cpuldzw",
"cpunwyh",
"cpuqd2f",
"cpuqflp",
"cpus2h0",
"cpv495l",
"c... | [] | [] | [
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[],
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"http://www.badgerandblade.com/",
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],
[],
[],
[
"http://www.shaving-shack.com/10-feather-hi-stainless-double-edged-razor-blades.html",
"http://www.sh... | |
1gg9ra | "if you stare long enough into the abyss, the abyss will stare back at you." | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1gg9ra/eli5_if_you_stare_long_enough_into_the_abyss_the/ | {
"a_id": [
"cajyiue"
],
"score": [
4
],
"text": [
"The *entire* quote makes a bit more sense:\n\n > Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you. -- Friedrich Nietzsche"
]
... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
1s1cex | why science and technology news articles never link directly to the research papers they describe | Edit: I realize there are paywalls, but that shouldn't stop one from linking the source anyway, especially since there is an abstract. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1s1cex/eli5_why_science_and_technology_news_articles/ | {
"a_id": [
"cdsxr6x",
"cdsy9ci"
],
"score": [
5,
2
],
"text": [
"I'm by no reasons a science journalist, but I can think of two reasons off the top of my head:\n\n1.) Often times, the study in question isn't quite finalized or published yet. In that case, the journalist is dealing with ab... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
1xftxd | why does snow on the ground melt faster when it gets rained on than when just the sun heats it? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1xftxd/eli5_why_does_snow_on_the_ground_melt_faster_when/ | {
"a_id": [
"cfaxwyk",
"cfb03vn"
],
"score": [
13,
2
],
"text": [
"Snow is really good at reflecting light. Water is really good at transferring heat.",
"Because rain is not at a freezing temperature there is a heat transfer from the snow to the water and from the water to the snow. Th... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
4bkxeq | how can mlb players who defected from cuba return without issues? | Today the MLB team from Tampa bay played the Cuban National team.
One of Tampa's players defected from Cuba but played in the Game. Can Cuba make him stay? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4bkxeq/eli5how_can_mlb_players_who_defected_from_cuba/ | {
"a_id": [
"d1a2l09"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Not an expert or anything but my former teacher was from Cuba and returned every couple of years. From a quick google search it seems that most people who come from Cuba and return to Cuba have american citizenship. If Cuba tried to keep them fro... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
9fvjns | how we feel very comfortable drinking hot liquids like milk/tea/coffee but not with hot water? why? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9fvjns/eli5_how_we_feel_very_comfortable_drinking_hot/ | {
"a_id": [
"e5zm0ij",
"e5zptkx"
],
"score": [
10,
3
],
"text": [
"Its mostly cultural. In asian cultures they drink a lot more hot water. I have myself been to a few chinese restaurant where they give out hot water glasses as the free drink. Its sort of a cheap tea",
"Probably because... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
3i90ab | why do bands take a while to start their show? what are they doing backstage while we're all waiting? | Assuming that this is a big band that plays major venues, and further assuming that all of their instruments are perfectly tuned and attended to by their crew...what does the band do backstage before the show and between sets? Is it as simple as resting? Or is it delayed deliberately to create hype in the crowd? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3i90ab/eli5_why_do_bands_take_a_while_to_start_their/ | {
"a_id": [
"cuec68f",
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"score": [
5,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"Drinking, smoking, hanging out. There is a break scheduled between opening acts and the headliners, but beyond that, I've never seen a real good reason for delays. With the shows I promoted, which wer... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
4uwzom | if the universe is always expanding and will continue to do so, will there ever be a time when we wont even be able to see light from galaxies and stars because they would be way farther away? | Except the light from our solar system of course.
I'm also talking hypothetically, as if the earth never gets destroyed. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4uwzom/eli5if_the_universe_is_always_expanding_and_will/ | {
"a_id": [
"d5tj32y",
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"d5tjr8a",
"d5tvlfc"
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"score": [
2,
2,
4,
3
],
"text": [
"I would guess yes. If the speed of expansion exceeds the speed of light the moving edge couldn't be seen.",
"Yes. You are talking about the so-called cosmic event horizon. If l... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
cbq1gm | how did the egyptians find or extract yeast to use in their bread? | If you search yeast online, you'll find a ton of information about how it is used, how long ago we've been using it for, how it works etc. But there's never information of how yeast was collected, how yeast extract is made, how bakers obtain their yeast, etc. How does it work? The only answer I found was 'it comes from... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cbq1gm/eli5_how_did_the_egyptians_find_or_extract_yeast/ | {
"a_id": [
"ethdcp6"
],
"score": [
17
],
"text": [
"Ooh ooh! I know this one! There is yeast everywhere! Not surprisingly yeasts that are good at digesting wheat are naturally found on wheat so you get a little Jumpstart there. \n\nHowever, you can cultivate wild yeast by leaving a bowl containin... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
f27juo | the financial crisis of 2008 (and the documentary inside job) | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/f27juo/eli5_the_financial_crisis_of_2008_and_the/ | {
"a_id": [
"fhb6s9x"
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"score": [
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"text": [
"The crisis began when the subprime loan market collapsed. What does that mean? I'll briefly outline it. Basically, if you want to own a home, you typically will take out a loan (AKA a mortgage) from a bank. This loan will have something called an... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
8bqqbl | how does icy hot lotion work? why does it feel so hot?!?! | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8bqqbl/eli5_how_does_icy_hot_lotion_work_why_does_it/ | {
"a_id": [
"dx99irk"
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"score": [
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"text": [
"You put it somewhere sensitive or something? Anyway it's not physically hot or cold, the sensations are caused by a chemical acting on your nerves to make them send the signal to your brain that there's a hot or cold sensation there. Which by the... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
4b8kbr | when reading comments, why is it that sometimes you can see the amount of points a comment has and other times it looks like this [~]? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4b8kbr/eli5_when_reading_comments_why_is_it_that/ | {
"a_id": [
"d16xkkc"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"Subreddits can set where you can't see the number of upvotes or downvotes so you won't upvote because everyone else does."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
4ynsmp | why do we get the sinking feeling in our stomachs, or tingling in our hands/feet when viewing videos or pictures of heights? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4ynsmp/eli5_why_do_we_get_the_sinking_feeling_in_our/ | {
"a_id": [
"d6p7nzx",
"d6p8u70",
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],
"score": [
14,
2,
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],
"text": [
"The human mind can be tricked sometimes. When we view a picture or video of heights we feel vertigo. Your brain can't help but go \"oh shit this seems like a bad idea\"\n\nOf course it's different if y... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"https://youtu.be/X5NmtezIVfA"
],
[
"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKNp1OzgN08"
]
] | ||
7t6nzb | how do energy rates work when shopping for a provider? | This is my first time shopping around for an electric company and i am so confused. I don't understand the rate and the average cent per/kwh. Which one am i suppose to focus on?
For example---My current provider told me that we are on a (0.067000 or 6.7) but our average monthly is 11.3 c/kwh.
Can someone explain to m... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7t6nzb/eli5_how_do_energy_rates_work_when_shopping_for_a/ | {
"a_id": [
"dtadmt6"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"It's likely that 6.7 cents/kWh is the base price for the electricity (and nothing else), while 11.3 cents/kWh includes all the fees and taxes associated with your bill.\n\nIf you're concerned about cost, you'd need to look at that higher value to... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
p1x56 | the subjunctive case in english and the difference between "were" and "was" | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/p1x56/eli5_the_subjunctive_case_in_english_and_the/ | {
"a_id": [
"c3lxo6o",
"c3m0qt5"
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"score": [
2,
2
],
"text": [
"It's always \"were.\" If I were, if it were, if they were, if she were.\n\nCorrect: \"If I were taller, I could reach the top shelf.\"\nIncorrect: \"If I was taller, I could reach the top shelf.\"",
"First, let's be clea... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
80acir | if the games aren’t “rigged” how do gambling casinos make massive profits? if house and player odds are the same, wouldn’t they just break even in the end? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/80acir/eli5_if_the_games_arent_rigged_how_do_gambling/ | {
"a_id": [
"duu683n",
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"score": [
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"text": [
"The games aren't rigged in the sense that the house odds have to be within reasonable limits. However, they aren't required to be the same as the player's odds and they aren't in v... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
bpi80r | how do specific birds know to use the birdhouses specifically for them? | I was just in a nature shop and they had bird houses for specific birds. They had a bluebird house they had a oriel house etc.
what attract birds to specific houses and how do the house makers know that specific birds will use them? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bpi80r/eli5_how_do_specific_birds_know_to_use_the/ | {
"a_id": [
"entin63"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"They make the houses based on the needs and preferences of that particular species. That doesn’t mean other bird won’t use them, just that there’s a better chance a bird of that species will use it since it suits their needs best."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
2vrh8v | who pays for anti-smoking ads, and why do they want us to quit? | Someone must be benefiting financially from people quitting smoking, otherwise they would not shell out the money to make these ads. Is it the government? Healthcare companies? Is it some subliminal reverse psychology by tobacco companies? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2vrh8v/eli5_who_pays_for_antismoking_ads_and_why_do_they/ | {
"a_id": [
"cok91de",
"cok93v3",
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"coka011",
"cokbg1r",
"col712w"
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"score": [
11,
16,
3,
4,
3,
2
],
"text": [
"Smokers pay for those commercials with the tax they put on the cigarettes",
"Fun fact: the Truth anti-smoking ads are actually fun... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Legacy_Foundation"
],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
31qaya | why do birds get up at 4 am to aimlessly chirp at each other? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/31qaya/eli5_why_do_birds_get_up_at_4_am_to_aimlessly/ | {
"a_id": [
"cq3yp4u",
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"cq4e733",
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"cq4f4k9",
"cq4f65w",
"cq4fj6e",
"c... | [] | [] | [
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"http://gifyoutube.com/gif/y7reGo"
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1um171 | why do man made satellites, such as the iss, appear bright like stars when they pass overhead even though they have no signifigant light source? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1um171/eli5_why_do_man_made_satellites_such_as_the_iss/ | {
"a_id": [
"cejg0qb",
"cejg2vl",
"cejgxap"
],
"score": [
2,
2,
4
],
"text": [
"like the moon they are in view of the sun",
"The Sun tho ?",
"If you ever look at the ISS sighting times for your city, you will notice they are always early morning or late evening - never the ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[
"http://spotthestation.nasa.gov/sightings/"
]
] | ||
3g2cx9 | could we preform a gravity slingshot around an un-orbiting body like the sun? | My understanding of gravity slingshots is that they work because we borrow a moving planets orbital motion and turn it into speed. Could we do this solely with the gravity of an un-orbiting body, or would this process flop? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3g2cx9/eli5could_we_preform_a_gravity_slingshot_around/ | {
"a_id": [
"ctu6ny4"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Doesn't need to be orbiting, just needs to be moving relative to your reference frame. So if you were, say, doing interstellar travel you could slingshot around a star, but for travel within the solar system (where everything is comoving with the... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
266809 | how did they come up with "twin", "double", "full", "queen", and "king" for mattress sizes? | Twin and double have never really made sense to me. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/266809/eli5how_did_they_come_up_with_twin_double_full/ | {
"a_id": [
"cho1lyk",
"cho66i2"
],
"score": [
7,
5
],
"text": [
"A double is the same as a full. A twin is also called a single. \"Single\" and \"double\" refer to the fact that the bed is intended to be occupied by 1 or 2 people.\n\nQueen and King refer to larger sizes (King > Queen >... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
2x5qr0 | why doesn't the rest of the world act like russia in the conflict in ukraine, by sending troops and weapons to ukraine, like russia does with the rebels, but denying it that they do ? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2x5qr0/eli5why_doesnt_the_rest_of_the_world_act_like/ | {
"a_id": [
"cox4yr4"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"We tried this in Afghanistan, leading to the proxy war. Pouring arms into an area never stabilises, all it does is increase conflict. This is why it is much more effective to punish Russia directly through sanctions. Force Russia to negotiat... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
a52ian | how does an automatic focus camera work? how does it "know" what to focus on? compared to a manual focus of the same "type/parameters" and assuming everything else is identical with no special lenses/filters, etc., which one is inherently better than the other, quality-wise? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a52ian/eli5_how_does_an_automatic_focus_camera_work_how/ | {
"a_id": [
"ebjgv8q"
],
"score": [
5
],
"text": [
"Most of this is explained [here](_URL_0_) so I'll paraphrase what was written there.\n\nLight travels into the camera through lenses, where it hits a series of Light Sensitive components. These components allow the camera to see that light as an ... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/vkgku/eli5_how_does_a_camera_know_when_an_object_is_in/"
]
] | ||
1xkeph | how to stay correctly informed. | The Internet has become a place where you can read anything about any subject, but how can I know that what I am spending my time and effort into reading is correct, relevant information?
I see people sharing Daily Current sites like they are legitimate news. Then other people bringing them up in natural conversatio... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1xkeph/eli5_how_to_stay_correctly_informed/ | {
"a_id": [
"cfc4rvc",
"cfc551n"
],
"score": [
4,
4
],
"text": [
"Use more than one source of news. \n\nThere's no way to completely eliminate bias, but if you look at a bunch of sources to check which things are exaggerated in what direction, you can eliminate it to some extent. \n\nEven ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
4n8ric | on the light pollution map what is the large swath of light pollution in northern canada and a 'small' part of russia? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4n8ric/eli5_on_the_light_pollution_map_what_is_the_large/ | {
"a_id": [
"d41saoa"
],
"score": [
5
],
"text": [
"FAQ:\n1. Why is Canada lit up like a christmas tree?\n\t-Two words. Aurora borealis.\n2. Why is the map missing data near the poles?\n\t-All due to continuous sunshine in summer/winter months for northern/southern hemisphere."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
1jtyes | if earth were hit with a massive emp, would all of our currently technology be completely unusable permanently? how long would it take for society to regain some form of electronic stability? | I don't really know what part of the electronics the EMP destroys. Does it target batteries? Would batteries not powering any device still be rendered useless? Or does it fry the circuit board of electronics? Does it only do it if the device currently has running power to it? If I had a gameboy with no batteries in it,... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1jtyes/if_earth_were_hit_with_a_massive_emp_would_all_of/ | {
"a_id": [
"cbi9fqx"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"An EMP applies electromagnetic energy to the conductive pathways in an electronic device, which can induce a high voltage and current in those conductive pathways. If the voltage and/or current is greater than that given piece of electronic equip... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
1jz8oi | what are the powers of a reddit moderator, and what are the prerequisites for deserving such power? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1jz8oi/eli5_what_are_the_powers_of_a_reddit_moderator/ | {
"a_id": [
"cbjqf8z"
],
"score": [
4
],
"text": [
"On reddit anyone can make the community (subreddit) they want, and have it run exactly how they want. You can do it right now if you'd like. You basically have complete power over that subreddit then, barring some rare intervention by the peopl... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
3n99y9 | how can mcdonalds have a "take-out tax" and also an "eat-in tax" | I often see this on the receipt. Can anyone explain this? From PA | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3n99y9/eli5_how_can_mcdonalds_have_a_takeout_tax_and/ | {
"a_id": [
"cvlz6fw"
],
"score": [
6
],
"text": [
"Some jurisdictions have different tax rates for food purchases than they do for restaurant service.\n\nIt is not that you are paying an extra tax, just different taxes in different situations."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
cvc3h1 | how do handwriting experts determine something was written by the same person? | Also, would a computer be able to accurately analyse writing now or in the future? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cvc3h1/eli5_how_do_handwriting_experts_determine/ | {
"a_id": [
"ey3brdn"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"Handwriting Analysis doesn’t really work.\n\nPeople develop “muscle memory” in regards to common tasks. If you do something often enough, you can become shockingly consistent. Handwriting Analysis looks for consistent elements in your writing.\n\... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
16twhh | why doesn't reddit interpet a line break as... well... a line break? | * Type stuff.
* Push enter.
* Get new line.
* Type more stuff.
* Submit.
* New lines are gone!?!?!
Sure, you *can* format in some newlines with extra work, but *why* is that extra work necessary? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/16twhh/why_doesnt_reddit_interpet_a_line_break_as_well_a/ | {
"a_id": [
"c7zb808",
"c7zbn6o"
],
"score": [
3,
3
],
"text": [
"That's how HTML works; pushing enter doesn't automatically put the displayed text on a new line. By using the HTML standard, Reddit has to process your typing less.\n\n(HTML does it that way because it used to be useful; not... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
7a659h | what exactly makes the "lifestyle" in scandinavian countries considered so great compared to others? is this kind of living sustainable or applicable on a larger scale? why hasn't its implementation quickly taken off in other countries if its so good? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7a659h/eli5_what_exactly_makes_the_lifestyle_in/ | {
"a_id": [
"dp7em9v",
"dp89vsv"
],
"score": [
4,
5
],
"text": [
"Lots of essays have been written about the topic, but a few basic things\n\n- Large natural wealth per capita. Norway/Sweden/Finland are large countries with small populations, and so the natural wealth of their land and sur... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
1l19bi | why is it generally suggested not to mix different types of alcohol? | isn't it like, the same chemical in every drink that gets you drunk? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1l19bi/eli5_why_is_it_generally_suggested_not_to_mix/ | {
"a_id": [
"cbuqstc"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"You are right that the chemical is the same. You're mostly focusing on ethanol here (CH3CH2OH). The strength of an alcoholic beverage has to do with the concentration of ethanol in the beverage. So, why does it matter if we mix alcoholic beverage... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
2j90nv | why is long hair a feminine trait? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2j90nv/eli5_why_is_long_hair_a_feminine_trait/ | {
"a_id": [
"cl9hhbn"
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"score": [
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"text": [
"Because men produce sperm rapidly, but women are born with eggs. \n\nLong, healthy hair is an indicator that a woman has received enough nutrients to grow that hair (and thus also a good indication that she's received enough nutrients to remain ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
1nyes3 | why are elementary particles like quarks considered indivisible? | We first thought Atoms were basic building blocks. Then sub-atomic particles like protons and electrons were thought to be indivisible. Now we have elementary particles like fermions and bosons. How are we sure these are indivisible? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1nyes3/eli5_why_are_elementary_particles_like_quarks/ | {
"a_id": [
"ccn7s00",
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2,
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"text": [
"We aren't sure that quarks and leptons are indivisible. It's just that everything (except gravity) seems to work out really well if you treat them as if they're fundamental (indivi... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bose%E2%80%93Einstein_condensate"
]
] | |
5kt5cg | process of buying a home--start to finish. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5kt5cg/eli5_process_of_buying_a_homestart_to_finish/ | {
"a_id": [
"dbqf7fw",
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"score": [
3,
14,
18,
5,
2,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"I'm no expert, but [this](_URL_0_) guide seems fairly comprehensive. UK-focused, but I imagine similar process i... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/mortgages/buying-a-home-timeline"
],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
n2jwd | http get/post etc. | I've done quite a bit of rails and now I'm starting with php. Somehow I know nothing about html forms, session variables, etc. The biggest thing though is I find it a bit hard to grasp GET/POST and params, as I've only accessed them through symbols and helpers. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/n2jwd/eli5_http_getpost_etc/ | {
"a_id": [
"c35rkte",
"c35s5ol",
"c35rkte",
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"score": [
6,
2,
6,
2
],
"text": [
"An HTML form, just like any other HTTP request, will be sent as a certain [request method](_URL_0_), set by the form element's attribute *method*. GET and POST are just two possibl... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HTTP#Request_methods"
],
[
"https://www.theplanets.com/planets/",
"https://code.google.com/oauthplayground/",
"https://www.theplanets.com/planets/1",
"https://www.theplanets.com/planets/5001301123211",
"https://www.theplanets.com/planets/1234",
"https:... | |
2oc8dp | why do recorded sports games look old and low-resolution on playback even if they are only a year or two old? | I've noticed this constantly for the past 5-7 years. It can't be that every year the cameras get a mega overhaul; that's not cost efficient and the level of improvement (seemingly) is so large from year to year that it just seems like it's something on the back end? Maybe the digital file is saved at a lower resoluti... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2oc8dp/eli5_why_do_recorded_sports_games_look_old_and/ | {
"a_id": [
"cmlrh76"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"I've literally had this thought so many times. Football is the one I really noticed it on."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
37o6ja | why are indian americans so good at spelling bees? | Tonight two Indian Americans won the Spelling Bee. They were so good that the Spelling Bee ran out of words. The last 8 champions are of Indian descent. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/37o6ja/eli5_why_are_indian_americans_so_good_at_spelling/ | {
"a_id": [
"croe7lk",
"croft4x",
"croii1d"
],
"score": [
9,
2,
3
],
"text": [
"Parents.\n\nIt all starts at home, with parents. The ones that push you. The ones that help you study. No matter what, the ones that guide you. ",
"Because they have their own minor-league spelling ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/culturebox/2010/06/why_are_indian_kids_so_good_at_spelling.html"
],
[]
] | |
3ho3ce | what are human eyes better at than most animals? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ho3ce/eli5_what_are_human_eyes_better_at_than_most/ | {
"a_id": [
"cu93yfs"
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"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Human eyes are not better than most animals. It depends on the animal and the environment. Yes, humans have good eyes in determining distance, and seeing far away and up close. Many sharks can see by starlight as clearly as we see in daylight.... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
5hn6n2 | why bic brand lighters retain a steady flame | A Bic brand lighter will give you a consistent sized flame throughout the lifetime of the gas inside despite the pressure obviously becoming less as more gas is combusted.
A [cheaper less known brand](_URL_0_) is not able to maintain a constant output pressure. A little switch is added to the front of cheaper lighters... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5hn6n2/eli5_why_bic_brand_lighters_retain_a_steady_flame/ | {
"a_id": [
"db1fc4u"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"bic lighters have not just a valve but a porous membrane, which you can see in this [low-res diagram](_URL_0_), to ensure a constant flow rate as long as the pressure is high enough (bics do fluctuate when they're almost empty and the pressure is... | [] | [
"http://imgur.com/2PBsUNQ"
] | [
[
"https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/a1/29/67/a129677c012acd0f25fae1e10f46297d.jpg"
]
] | |
1k2nkh | how was france chosen for a spot on the u.n. security council as a veto-wielding member? | It just seems like there would be better options for this spot, Brazil, India or Japan? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1k2nkh/eli5_how_was_france_chosen_for_a_spot_on_the_un/ | {
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"score": [
15,
7,
3,
3
],
"text": [
"It was one of the surviving non-Axis great powers at the end of the war. Whatever one might think of France, from the perspective of a person living in 1945 with a knowledge of h... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
3xrhul | why is the ordering of connecting/disconnecting jumper cables to jump a car the way that it is? | There are a lot of places on the internet that specify the order:
1. Connect positive lead to positive terminal on live battery
2. Connect positive lead to positive terminal on dead battery
3. Connect negative lead to negative terminal on live battery
4. Connect negative lead to some grounded metal on car of dead batt... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3xrhul/eli5_why_is_the_ordering_of/ | {
"a_id": [
"cy75c60",
"cy76p0t"
],
"score": [
5,
5
],
"text": [
"Most vehicles are chassis grounded, meaning the negative side of the battery (and the appliances) are connected to the chassis of the vehicle and engine block (except for some old 6v cars which are positive ground). If yo... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
3welb7 | why is the us trying to out assad in syria? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3welb7/eli5_why_is_the_us_trying_to_out_assad_in_syria/ | {
"a_id": [
"cxvq2b4"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"Assad was going down without the US's help. The US is helping because they want someone who is going to be friendly with the US. \n\nThe US wants what Assad had with Russia.\n\nContrary to what Pigerian is saying. The region was already unstab... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
34hoet | what's the difference between inbreeding and incest? why is the former socially acceptable and not the latter? and why do royalty from the past get the okay-pass for incest? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/34hoet/eli5whats_the_difference_between_inbreeding_and/ | {
"a_id": [
"cqus092",
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"cqus49n",
"cqus69k",
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],
"score": [
3,
7,
4,
3,
3
],
"text": [
"In-breeding and incest are ~~the same things~~ closely related, with incest being the act and inbreeding being the creation of offsprings, though inbreeding i... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
5keysc | why is hitler always thought of as the most evil person in history, when others like stalin, pol pot, chairman mao, and the kim dynasty are debatably worse? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5keysc/eli5_eli5_why_is_hitler_always_thought_of_as_the/ | {
"a_id": [
"dbnf2rb",
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"score": [
... | [] | [] | [
[],
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[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
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[],
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creuvu | is national debt a good or bad thing? | I've heard a lot of people saying that a country having debt is a bad thing but I've also heard a lot of people saying that a country's debt works differently than an individual and that if a country had no debt it would actually be a bad thing. I just don't understand how it works. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/creuvu/eli5_is_national_debt_a_good_or_bad_thing/ | {
"a_id": [
"ex49xne",
"ex4a69o",
"ex4b9hz",
"ex4ez5m",
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],
"score": [
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2,
9,
3,
2
],
"text": [
"I know that taxpayers would be upset if the government had a surplus. Debt is probably better but with as little as possible.",
"Like any kind of debt, it... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
2yr379 | so if people can get sued for having a song that sounds like another song. will we eventually run out of beats and rhythms and stop making new different music? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2yr379/eli5so_if_people_can_get_sued_for_having_a_song/ | {
"a_id": [
"cpc5rp9",
"cpc6sev",
"cpceb6y",
"cpcfhlw"
],
"score": [
16,
16,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"Vsauce made a really interesting video that talked about this awhile back. The answer was no. ",
"Not any time soon.\n\nFor example, in 1787, Mozart created a game when you r... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[
"http://www.ted.com/talks/mark_ronson_how_sampling_transformed_music?language=en"
],
[]
] | ||
5grbgr | why does it regularly snow in some places but not others that are further north of the equator | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5grbgr/eli5_why_does_it_regularly_snow_in_some_places/ | {
"a_id": [
"dauhxcu"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Elevation makes a difference. \n\nSurrounding topical features do as well. \n\nI live between the Appalachian and Rockies. Right next to the Rockies. \n\nDenver will always have more snow than me, and they're only 1000ft higher up, but 200 miles ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
8ql1lj | when a crime is committed in the middle of the ocean, how is justice determined if borders of countries are undetermined? is there a universal law? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8ql1lj/eli5_when_a_crime_is_committed_in_the_middle_of/ | {
"a_id": [
"e0jyx5j",
"e0jzag2"
],
"score": [
3,
2
],
"text": [
"I've searched tha seven seas fer an answer. Yer not alone in askin', and kind strangers have explained:\n\n1. [ELI5: How is crime handled in international waters? ](_URL_0_) ^(_ > 100 comments_)\n1. [If you where to kill som... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2gjgy4/eli5_how_is_crime_handled_in_international_waters/",
"https://www.reddit.com/r/NoStupidQuestions/comments/4kdz0x/if_you_where_to_kill_someone_in_international/",
"https://www.reddit.com/r/NoStupidQuestions/comments/4qcl08/what_crimes_are_lega... | ||
5mx1n9 | what causes some adults to be attracted to children? | Is paedophilia normal or a psychological disorder and why? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5mx1n9/eli5_what_causes_some_adults_to_be_attracted_to/ | {
"a_id": [
"dc70ewd",
"dc76agq"
],
"score": [
6,
9
],
"text": [
"Note that there is a different word based on which age range you're talking about, but reality is never black and white. Media pushes women to look younger. Sexual attraction to someone like \"little\" lupe Fuentes who was o... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"http://dsm.psychiatryonline.org"
]
] | |
35q2sb | if i don't overclock (oc) my processors or video card, will they last longer? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/35q2sb/eli5_if_i_dont_overclock_oc_my_processors_or/ | {
"a_id": [
"cr6ot7d"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"Not really. As long as your processor has proper cooling it'll last pretty much forever. There's no real \"wear and tear\" on a processor.\n\nOCing CAN reduce the margin for error with your cooling, but any modern processor shuts itself down wh... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
7ooq7s | what is tensor calculus and how is it used? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7ooq7s/eli5_what_is_tensor_calculus_and_how_is_it_used/ | {
"a_id": [
"dsbexbn"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"A vector is like a number, but instead of just a magnitude, it has a chosen direction.\n\nA covector (or dual vector) is a linear function of vectors to their underlying scalar field, often the real numbers. Linear means that if you lengthen a ve... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
3h6fx4 | can a tone deaf person differentiate between 2 tones? or they are just unable to reproduce a tone they hear correctly? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3h6fx4/eli5_can_a_tone_deaf_person_differentiate_between/ | {
"a_id": [
"cu4nkv1"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Tone deaf isn't a real medical thing. It's really just a euphemism for someone who can't sing well, but does so anyway. Regardless of the reason. \n\nI think, therefore, that both definitions you use could be reasonable."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
fx06rn | how does light absorption help measure blood oxygen saturation? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fx06rn/eli5_how_does_light_absorption_help_measure_blood/ | {
"a_id": [
"fmrgq41",
"fmrgv4l"
],
"score": [
3,
2
],
"text": [
"Are you asking how pulse oximeters work?\n\nOne side of the clip has a light and the other has a sensor. When you clip it on your finger, it shines both red visible light and infrared light through you finger and it hits the... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
3u8a2l | what can turkey gain from shooting down the russian fighter ? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3u8a2l/eli5_what_can_turkey_gain_from_shooting_down_the/ | {
"a_id": [
"cxcombz"
],
"score": [
5
],
"text": [
"Well, I imagine the main thing that they will gain is not having Russian warplanes fly over their airspace without permission.\n\nIt's a matter of sovereignty and pride, and legitimacy among your people. Think about it this way: if foreign warpla... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
1dwzbm | why aren't there nets underneath golden gate bridge and similar locations to prevent suicides? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1dwzbm/eli5_why_arent_there_nets_underneath_golden_gate/ | {
"a_id": [
"c9uphiv",
"c9utbal"
],
"score": [
4,
5
],
"text": [
"because then people would just go somewhere else to commit suicide.\n\nAlso, how do you propose to put a net underneath such giant structures?\n\nAnd even if you did, what's to stop someone from jumping on the net, and then ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
38polz | what does archiving an e-mail do? why shouldn't i just use folders? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/38polz/eli5_what_does_archiving_an_email_do_why_shouldnt/ | {
"a_id": [
"crwtpz5"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"in gmail, archiving is basically saying \"don't show this in my inbox\". \n\nSome people like to keep their inbox clean and so that's what archiving is for.\n\nWhat you **should** do is up to you. But some people don't use folders because they ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
1qsez2 | if insider trading is illegal for employees of corporations, why are us congress members allowed to use the stock exchange to monetarily benefit from information that is not publicly available? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1qsez2/eli5_if_insider_trading_is_illegal_for_employees/ | {
"a_id": [
"cdfymrg",
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"cdg350a",
"cdg4ofb",
"cdg6s3x"
],
"score": [
10,
4,
63,
2,
9,
14
],
"text": [
"A bill was introduced that, among other things, would have made that illegal. However, Congress removed that part from the bill befor... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/STOCK_Act"
],
[]
] | ||
3ovs9s | the social phenomenon "equal pay for equal work" | If person A is more qualified than B, why is it wrong to offer A more money to incentivize hiring for the same position? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ovs9s/eli5_the_social_phenomenon_equal_pay_for_equal/ | {
"a_id": [
"cw0v64k",
"cw0v694",
"cw0vkei",
"cw0w2ax"
],
"score": [
3,
4,
7,
2
],
"text": [
"If A is going to output better work then I don't think anyone has an issue with that. However if the job is to turn a screw on a widget and A has a college degree and B has a high... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[
"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4uX3ekK7Yw",
"http://www.huffingtonpost.com/christina-hoff-sommers/wage-gap_b_2073804.html"
]
] | |
4083o8 | why doesn't netflix release almost any data or statistics about their shows and movies? | These are things like how many people watch the shows or movies, what the most popular shows and movies are or what other people rated the movies. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4083o8/eli5_why_doesnt_netflix_release_almost_any_data/ | {
"a_id": [
"cys5927",
"cys59rf"
],
"score": [
5,
2
],
"text": [
"Because releasing that information is of no value to Netflix, mild value to customers, and extreme value to Netflix's competitors.\n\nI wouldn't release that data either, if I were them.",
"Because they don't need to. T... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
2anpbk | why do we need giant rockets to lift payloads into orbit when some airplanes have been known to reach levels of our atmosphere that is considered space? | Why is it so difficult for us to have space shuttles that launch from the ground like an airplane and get into space? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2anpbk/eli5_why_do_we_need_giant_rockets_to_lift/ | {
"a_id": [
"ciwydyc",
"ciwymok"
],
"score": [
10,
2
],
"text": [
"Its not about height, its about speed. The shuttle needs to reach a speed of 17500 MPH to be able to go around the earth without hitting it - essentially the trajectory of the shuttle at that speed matches the curvature of ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
43205y | the history of gaming as it refers to 8/16/32/64 bit. what exactly is "bit?" what "bit" are we now? | What exactly does "bit" refer to in gaming? Why did it progress from 8 to 16 to 32 and so on? All I know is that 64 bit was the huge revolution into 3D gaming. What "bit" do we use in this modern era of HD, near photo-realisitic game graphics? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/43205y/eli5_the_history_of_gaming_as_it_refers_to/ | {
"a_id": [
"czeugf4",
"czewwas",
"czeyo93",
"czeyrm2",
"czez73m"
],
"score": [
20,
13,
2,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"A binary digit, or *bit* for short, is a number that can only be 0 or 1. It's the way computers store information.\n\nOld computers had enough electronics i... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SIMD"
],
[]
] | |
6ytu5v | how did/do landline telephone connection centres work? | In films you often see landline calls being connected within a couple of seconds to the recipient via operation centres. Did these centres have an access point to every single landline in a city? And how are they than able to find the right connection from a 100.000 or so within a couple seconds? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6ytu5v/eli5_how_diddo_landline_telephone_connection/ | {
"a_id": [
"dmq4jk3",
"dmq4umv"
],
"score": [
3,
2
],
"text": [
"Yes back in the day there weren't that many people that actually had landlines. You would pickup the phone and be through to the operator at a switch board. You would ask to be connected to somewhere and they would physicall... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://i.pinimg.com/originals/b9/f7/4e/b9f74e85c697676fb732f448e33c70e3.jpg"
],
[
"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8d/Uniselector_Stepper_detail.jpg/640px-Uniselector_Stepper_detail.jpg",
"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cb/Drehwaehlerbatterie_4893.j... | |
9uxk9o | why do you have to eat before you take anti-inflamitory? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9uxk9o/eli5_why_do_you_have_to_eat_before_you_take/ | {
"a_id": [
"e97rm1s",
"e97t0ao"
],
"score": [
3,
5
],
"text": [
"They can harm your stomach and cause ulcers, so an empty stomach will be even more vulnerable \n\nEdit: not cause, just aggravate existing ulcers",
"Antinflammatorys affect the mucus lining the stomach. Causes it to thin... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
4vlzhp | why are radiators always placed directly under windows? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4vlzhp/eli5_why_are_radiators_always_placed_directly/ | {
"a_id": [
"d5zggz5",
"d5zh1jr",
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"d5znoui",
"d5znybv",
"d60i1l3"
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"score": [
5,
212,
20,
3,
44,
2
],
"text": [
"Windows are usually the coldest part of a building. They are placed on external walls that is cold on the outside, they may not be c... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
2l8z16 | why doesn't current flow through an open electric circuit? if it does where is it going? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2l8z16/eli5_why_doesnt_current_flow_through_an_open/ | {
"a_id": [
"clsj9z4",
"clsnaum"
],
"score": [
3,
2
],
"text": [
"It actually does, but only for a little bit, which is useless most of the time. Think of it like you're trying to turn a pulley with a rope looped around it. If it's just a straight rope, you'll pull a bit, maybe get a few s... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
3aptyg | how did the architects of the great pyramid of giza get such precise measurements or why are there so many coincidences? | I got bored and started reading about the pyramids of giza, and it's mind blowing how pinpoint accurate everything is. Apparently it's incredibly accurate in many ways in relation to its position and placement and prior to its erosion it was once cased in shiny white limestone (that would've been a sight to see). I'm w... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3aptyg/eli5_how_did_the_architects_of_the_great_pyramid/ | {
"a_id": [
"cset6kk",
"csetb28",
"cseutps"
],
"score": [
3,
5,
4
],
"text": [
"There's a mixture of plans and coincidences.\n\nThe Egyptians were skilled mathematicians and astrologers who had been developing for some time theories about the motions of the night sky. The first pyr... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[
"http://www.catchpenny.org/pyramid.html"
]
] | |
8glitt | how does the "sell your home for cash" business work? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8glitt/eli5_how_does_the_sell_your_home_for_cash/ | {
"a_id": [
"dycndik",
"dycoj3w"
],
"score": [
11,
5
],
"text": [
"They buy up homes at laughably undertaker prices. They are able to do this as their target demographic (to buy the homes from) need the money immediately so they except the lowball offers. The buyers then either fix up and... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
1vqikl | why is anime popular for all ages in the east when it's seen as childish in the west? | Title. It's not like the concepts or content are childish (First example coming to mind is Naruto), so why is this so? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1vqikl/eli5why_is_anime_popular_for_all_ages_in_the_east/ | {
"a_id": [
"ceutk1q",
"ceutn48"
],
"score": [
3,
10
],
"text": [
"I think you are a little mistaken. First, all ages do enjoy anime in Japan. Second, it's equally mature/childish in America. \n\nEnjoying anime is not a socially acceptable thing for an adult to enjoy because first and fore... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otaku"
],
[]
] | |
2z5pqk | why does water make you burp if its not carbonated and why doesnt any other non carbonated beverage like juice? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2z5pqk/eli5_why_does_water_make_you_burp_if_its_not/ | {
"a_id": [
"cpfwf8q",
"cpfwken",
"cpg091e"
],
"score": [
8,
4,
3
],
"text": [
"It doesn't unless you are swallowing air with it.",
"When you drink water or any liquid, you are also swallowing a bit of air with it. You are also displacing any gas that was in your stomach. \n\nT... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
cosa4o | how does a microphone work? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cosa4o/eli5_how_does_a_microphone_work/ | {
"a_id": [
"ewkwrvm",
"ewkwvxx",
"ewkwxt7",
"ewl4wke"
],
"score": [
7,
3,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"Microphones are just 'speakers in reverse'.\n\nYou start with a magnet and a surface that receives sound waves. As the sound waves impact the surface, they cause it to vibrate back... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
3wuq0u | why don't subway stations put up barriers to make it impossible for people to jump in front of the trains? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3wuq0u/eli5_why_dont_subway_stations_put_up_barriers_to/ | {
"a_id": [
"cxz884a",
"cxz8de8",
"cxz8dvt",
"cxz965o",
"cxz9o92",
"cxza6dd",
"cxzanif",
"cxzc27w",
"cxzd4kd",
"cxze0zv",
"cxze2vr",
"cxzehpm",
"cxzej61",
"cxzf207",
"cxzfkjg",
"cxzfuhq",
"cxzh98x",
"cxzliob",
"cxzls2v",
"cxzm9g0",
"c... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platform_screen_doors"
],
[],
[],
[],
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platform_screen_doors"
],
[
"http://philly.happeningmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Screen-Shot-2015-01-11-at-8.jpeg"
],
[],
[
"http://www.theatlantic.com/techno... | ||
3rcex3 | where does our body heat come from? what actually generates the physical heat that our body needs to maintain itself? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3rcex3/eli5_where_does_our_body_heat_come_from_what/ | {
"a_id": [
"cwmtwzp",
"cwmw39c",
"cwmzer8",
"cwn0win",
"cwn21lz",
"cwn3g31",
"cwnsqay"
],
"score": [
8,
60,
6,
2,
2,
2,
3
],
"text": [
"The heat is waste energy. It occurs at any transfer of energy. On a most basic level energy is transfered by ATP ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[
"http://www.stepbystep.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Potential-Energy.jpg",
"http://www.iun.edu/~cpanhd/C101webnotes/matter-and-energy/images/tempkin.jpg"
]
] | ||
ex096d | why do certain people not experience any symptoms of influenza even though they're exposed to it? | I've never had the flu in my life and this past week my wife and son both got the flu. I've been taking care of them, been coughed and sneezed on in the face and still haven't contracted it. I even got tested today and it was negative. They both got the flu shot this year and I ended up forgetting to get it. How is... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ex096d/eli5_why_do_certain_people_not_experience_any/ | {
"a_id": [
"fg5jc86"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"Two possible reasons. First, your immune system probably has experienced the same virus before, so the immune response is rapid and very effective, preventing you from being infected.\n\nSecond, you’ve been infected and the virus is still in the ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
rv7z6 | how does one play baccarat? | What is the basic structure of the game? What are the rules? What are the meanings behind the terms? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/rv7z6/eli5_how_does_one_play_baccarat/ | {
"a_id": [
"c48xcyg",
"c48xz7u"
],
"score": [
2,
3
],
"text": [
"Basically you just say '6' a lot and then give James Bond all your money.",
"The game consists of two factors, the Player and the Banker, and they play against each other. Both are dealt two cards that are revealed to e... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
2fq3u8 | when retailers offer massive discounts, are they still making money? are they just fleecing us the rest of the time? | So I just bought an item at 70% off, and as always I have to wonder if they're just enjoying that sweet sweet markup the rest of the time.
I'm sure levels of markup vary greatly, but still. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2fq3u8/eli5_when_retailers_offer_massive_discounts_are/ | {
"a_id": [
"ckbmkfy"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"Deep discounts like that are usually what is termed a [loss leader](_URL_0_). They sell the item at a loss to get you in the door, where the average person is likely to buy enough other stuff to make up for the loss on the one item."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loss_leader"
]
] | |
q30va | co-ordinates. regarding geography and maps. | For example: 40°42'16.44"N
I think that's pronounced: 40 degrees, 42 minutes, 16.44 seconds North.
BUT, I have no idea what that really means. Minutes/seconds; how does time come into the equation? Etc. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/q30va/eli5_coordinates_regarding_geography_and_maps/ | {
"a_id": [
"c3uams1",
"c3uckla"
],
"score": [
8,
2
],
"text": [
"A minute is 1/60th of a degree. A second is 1/60th of a minute. (In other words, 60 seconds go in 1 minute, and 60 minutes go in 1 degree.) They have nothing to do with time.",
"These words aren't about *time,* they are ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
78lj9n | why do some companies schedule an in person interview with you and then it lasts only a few minutes? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/78lj9n/eli5_why_do_some_companies_schedule_an_in_person/ | {
"a_id": [
"dousjbm",
"douswcx"
],
"score": [
2,
3
],
"text": [
"They're looking for red flags. Seeing you in person makes a huge difference, harder to hide those red flags than on the phone.",
"Must be some job that doesn't require them to know too much about you skillwise or person... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] |
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