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 |
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4s91ic | negative pressure? what is it? similar to a south pole repelling magnetic south pole when pressed together? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4s91ic/eli5_negative_pressure_what_is_it_similar_to_a/ | {
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"Liquids have a tensile strength, much like solids do. To display tensile strength, the liquid not only has to cohere to itself (same as solids do), but also to adhere to the walls of the vessel it is contained in. \n\nIf a liquid is under extrem... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
54zczz | does wearing sunglasses in bright environments have a negative or positive effect on eye health? does it depend on the type of glasses? | I've always wondered because someone mentioned that wearing them causes your eye let more light in in response to them. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/54zczz/elif_does_wearing_sunglasses_in_bright/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"Define bright.\n\nGenerally speaking. If its dim enough that shades are optional, it shouldnt be doing any damage to your eyes.o\n"
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
64uzgj | why aren't traffic signs and lanes around the world universally the same? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/64uzgj/eli5_why_arent_traffic_signs_and_lanes_around_the/ | {
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"Two reasons:\n\n1). They were all developed individually and there is little incentive to go uniform. And if there was, who's would you adopt? Any attempt would likely be ignored by the US anyhow. \n\n... | [] | [] | [
[],
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"https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vienna_Convention_on_Road_Signs_and_Signals"
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1kilpz | what will life on earth be like when the continents rejoin? | Let's say humans are still around, how would the continents forming a new super continent play on us?
How massive would earthquakes be? Would other natural phenomena become more intense? How would we prepare for it?
Basically, what could we expect to see/experience? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1kilpz/eli5_what_will_life_on_earth_be_like_when_the/ | {
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"text": [
"One aspect would be a concentration of arable areas around the coastline. Large land masses tend to have reduced precipitation the further they are from the sea.\n\nUnless the human population was dramatically reduced, we mi... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
7p82yp | why, given the amount of satellites in orbit, can you only glimpse one or two looking at the night sky? | I've spent alot of hours gazing at the night sky this year and occasionally see a 'satellite' moving across the sky but as far as I'm aware there are hundreds of active satellites in the sky so surely you'd be able to see at least a few cruising by? Also, they seem to move at different speeds, so I might see one that t... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7p82yp/eli5why_given_the_amount_of_satellites_in_orbit/ | {
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"text": [
"Satellites are small, usually no bigger than a car or a truck, and they also don't give out any light. Can you spot a car from 100km away? ",
"There are hundreds of them over ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
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9eqe3z | difference between household cleaning chemicals? | Bleach, Ammonia, Mineral Spirits, Vinegar, Alcohol, Acetone, Baking Soda are just a few of them.
There are so many different household cleaning chemicals and it's not clear which ones are better for specific purposes, or when we should use one over the other. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9eqe3z/eli5_difference_between_household_cleaning/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
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"text": [
"Acids, bases (alkalines), solvents, and surfactants.\n\nYou use acids (vinegar) for inorganic deposits (e.g. calcium) and some organic ones when you can't use alkalines for whatever reason (e.g. sulfuric acid-based drain cleaner).\n\nYou use alka... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
2i53t9 | what causes that cramp in the bottom of your foot that happens out of no where and hurts like hell? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2i53t9/elif_what_causes_that_cramp_in_the_bottom_of_your/ | {
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"score": [
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"text": [
"Lack of proper hydration, like most cramps.\n\nBasically your muscles require water to break the chemical bonds that cause muscles to retain tension. Without adequate water, your m... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
1q4gms | - arguments against flu shots/are they dangerous? is there merit to the arguments against receiving a flu shot? | Whenever flu season comes around I hear a variety of opinions on the effectiveness of flu shots. Are these arguments valid or are they just rumors popularized by word of mouth and the media? Does the public fear of flu vaccines have merit? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1q4gms/eli5_arguments_against_flu_shotsare_they/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
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"text": [
"No. Even if there are drawbacks to the flu shot, influenza kills an estimated 250,000 - 500,000 people per year. Reducing it's ability to spread far outweights whatever psuedo-science, conspiracy theories, and minor-risk of... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
axyh2d | how does electricity “know” if a circuit is closed or not, before flowing through it? | [deleted] | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/axyh2d/eli5_how_does_electricity_know_if_a_circuit_is/ | {
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"text": [
"It doesn't know. It will \"flow\" into the circuit and get bottled up.\nOnce it reaches an area of high enough resistance to be able to stop the flow. it j... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
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[]
] | |
1fx0sf | how weight of meal < amount of weight gained after consumption | I know that some foods are more energy-dense(donut) and others are more nutrient-rich(apple). But I just cannot figure out how the body can turn a pound of chocolate into a pound-and-a-half of fat. The reverse is also true, eating a pound of chopped celery will net you a tenth of that in calories and even less in actua... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1fx0sf/eli5_how_weight_of_meal_amount_of_weight_gained/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"Fat is stored energy aka calories. One pound of fat is roughly 3500 calories. Doesn't matter what type of calories either, from fat carbs or protein. When you consume calories your body stores them for later use and if you d... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
153t4j | if the hubble telescope can zoom into the far reaches of the galaxy, why can't we just point it at earth-like planets to see if they have water/vegetation etc. | Do we already do this?
**Case in point:** _URL_0_ - taken from post in r/science.
EDIT: Awesome, I fell asleep and woke up with ten times the answers. I shall enjoy reading these. Thanks to all who have responded! | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/153t4j/eli5_if_the_hubble_telescope_can_zoom_into_the/ | {
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... | [] | [
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[],
[],
[],
[],
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"http://hubblesite.org/newscenter/archive/releases/1999/08/image/a/format/large_web/",
"http://www.spacetelescope.org/static/archives/images/screen/heic0515a.jpg",
"http://www.techshout.com/science/2006/07/star-shield-to-aid-the-search-for-earth-like-planets/"
],
[
... | |
5casec | why does each piece of a broken mirror have its own reflection | This has bugged me for a while, but recently I found this sub so maybe someone can, well, ELI5
Whenever I look in a mirror, I see one reflection. One copy of me, one copy the room, one copy of the murderer sneaking up behind me. If I break that mirror, each piece of it now shows its own copy of the world around me, ev... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5casec/eli5_why_does_each_piece_of_a_broken_mirror_have/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"When you break a mirror, you multiple smaller mirrors. Unless those mirrors are oriented in exactly the same way, the light will bounce off of them at a different angle and give you a different mirrored... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
5rqoie | why is it when you watch a dvd or stream a movie on your tv, it isn't completely full screen? | If I watch a movie on Netflix the movies take up my entire TV. But if I watch a DVD or stream a movie there are black bars on the top and bottom of my tv. Why? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5rqoie/eli5_why_is_it_when_you_watch_a_dvd_or_stream_a/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
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"text": [
"Because that movie was formatted for a resolution different from your TV.\n\nFor example, if it was more widescreen than your TV then it would either have the sides cut off (which means you miss seeing anything happening at... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
23d094 | do trains ever turn around? if so, when/where does this happen? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/23d094/eli5_do_trains_ever_turn_around_if_so_whenwhere/ | {
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"text": [
"Lots of variations!\n\n1. there are train \"turnabouts\", typically used only for the locomotive or the caboose. These are in train-yards and at \"end-points\", when needed. They are a bit of track that can spin 180 degre... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wye_%28rail%29"
]
] | ||
1jrwgm | why does a urinary tract infection hurt? | I know that UTIs/Bladder infections are caused by bacteria getting in there, but *why* does that cause pain during urination?
Edit: Thanks for the answers--makes sense. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1jrwgm/eli5why_does_a_urinary_tract_infection_hurt/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
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"text": [
"Infections usually causes inflammation of tissue, which causes the area to be very tender. "
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
8ppel5 | when metal is being shaped, why do the outer layers flake off? | Such as compressing, twisting, or stretching while the metal is heated. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8ppel5/eli5_when_metal_is_being_shaped_why_do_the_outer/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"Many times those outer layers aren't actually the metal but a layer of metal oxide compounds (sort of like rust) formed when the hot metal interacts with the oxygen in the air. This is especially noticeable if you're watchi... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYnB73O62xc"
],
[]
] | |
39aarj | what's the difference between keynesian and austrian economics? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/39aarj/eli5whats_the_difference_between_keynesian_and/ | {
"a_id": [
"cs1yubk",
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"score": [
5,
3
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"text": [
"Economist here with a twist ending: technically speaking **there's no such difference** because it's comparing apples to oranges.\n\nWhen people speak \"Keynesian economics\" and \"Austrian economics\" they typically speak s... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
1ylvfb | whales in the oceans, elephants on the lands; why there's no giant flyable birds in the air? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ylvfb/whales_in_the_oceans_elephants_on_the_lands_why/ | {
"a_id": [
"cfloe5b",
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"score": [
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3
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"text": [
"We live in a 3 dimensional world. This results in something called the \"square-cube law\", which states that as an object grows in size its volume grows faster than its area.\n\nFor example if we have a 1 foot cube it has ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"http://scienceblogs.com/tetrapodzoology/2007/09/19/it-could-look-a-giraffe-in-the/",
"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALziqtuLxBQ"
]
] | ||
10tibc | how does mlb's playoff system work? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/10tibc/eli5_how_does_mlbs_playoff_system_work/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"The MLB is divided into 2 separate leagues, the American and National Leagues. During the playoffs, teams only play other teams from the same league until the final round. Within each league, there are 3 divisions, which separate the teams base... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/standings/index.jsp?tcid=mm_mlb_standings"
]
] | ||
cj0d4u | how does specialized bacteria find its target? | I know there are special bacterias or viruses that exist to feed on certain things, or give diseases to certain plants or animals. If I leave a banana in a room, how does the “banana” specialist bacteria end up finding it? Where was it before? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cj0d4u/eli5_how_does_specialized_bacteria_find_its_target/ | {
"a_id": [
"evasrje"
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"score": [
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"text": [
"Bacteria does not \"find\" a target. Instead, you have so much bacteria just going everywhere that some inevitably finds some food it can live on. The bacteria that does not find food reproduces and makes more bacteria which goes out hoping to ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
3j89z7 | how does screen resolution, size, and pixel density effect viewing? | I was doing some research into buying a new monitor and read that a standard monitor resolution of 1920 x 1080 means 1920 pixels horizontally and 1020 pixels vertically. This would seem to mean that as you increase monitor size, you lose pixel density. By my calculations, a 4k 55” TV monitor would have the same PPI (... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3j89z7/eli5how_does_screen_resolution_size_and_pixel/ | {
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"score": [
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"text": [
"You forgot to take into account the viewing distance. Phones are held 20 centimeters from your face while TVs ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"http://www.rtings.com/images/optimal-viewing-distance-television-graph-size.png"
],
[],
[
"http://isthisretina.com/"
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[],
[],
[]
] | |
6mds2f | why do carbonated drinks taste significantly worse when eating spicy foods? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6mds2f/eli5_why_do_carbonated_drinks_taste_significantly/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"It isn't carbonated drinks that are the issue as it is more that sugared carbonated drinks taste worse when combined with spicy foods. Beers which are often dry will pair well with spicier foods as will champagne.\n\n",
... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
3fbga2 | if someone has their tongue cut out can they still smell things and if someone has their nose removed can they still taste things? | What connects the two and why does it work that way? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3fbga2/eli5_if_someone_has_their_tongue_cut_out_can_they/ | {
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"First off you actually have taste buds on other parts of your mouth, just many fewer than are on your tongue, so you'd be able to taste regardless.\n\nHowever, the thing that connects the two senses (taste and smell) is the brain. Both senses are... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
33nw1h | why such short notice on the pacquiao v. mayweather fight? | Seems like every other fight there's several months of build up. The fight was announced at the end of January. Now the fight is less than 2 weeks away. You would think that they would milk it for at least a year! | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/33nw1h/eli5_why_such_short_notice_on_the_pacquiao_v/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
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"text": [
"Cause they are both old and past their prime.. This is the fight people wanted 8years ago.. Now I doubt the two could keep up the media for a year. ",
"Marketing is evolving. People want to be able to buy the product as... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
f4uerh | how does psychological warfare work | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/f4uerh/eli5_how_does_psychological_warfare_work/ | {
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"text": [
"When the delivery of information is designed to have the recipient come to a predetermined conclusion. \n\nYou can see attempts at this if you watch different news channels present... | [] | [] | [
[],
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[],
[]
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62gcmu | why does the internet so commonly bring out the worst in people and become a breeding ground for cynicism and toxicity? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/62gcmu/eli5_why_does_the_internet_so_commonly_bring_out/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
2,
6,
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28,
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"text": [
"The Internet is just the platform. Anonymity is the true culprit. When you can say something and not have consequ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Availability_heuristic",
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sampling_bias"
]
] | ||
7oz1x9 | how does our body learn and improve in cycling, skating, skiing, etc. ? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7oz1x9/eli5_how_does_our_body_learn_and_improve_in/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"As I understand it, you split it up into 2 parts: the body's nervous system and neural connections in the brain. \n\nThere's a sheath that covers the nerves called [myelin](_URL_1_). Simply put, the sh... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outliers_\\(book\\)",
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[]
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7otvqv | how are humans able to feel heat and how can it cause physical damage? | Wasn't 100% on flair relevance... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7otvqv/eli5_how_are_humans_able_to_feel_heat_and_how_can/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"The nerves in your skin detect pressure/temperature/pain, they make you react to pull away from whatever is causing the problem. Proteins are very sensitive to changes in temperature, too hot or cold and the protein can denature (changes shape) w... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
4f9s8k | how is it that japan was once poor but is now economically prosperous, but regions like africa and latin america are perpetually poor? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4f9s8k/eli5_how_is_it_that_japan_was_once_poor_but_is/ | {
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"text": [
"1. The US poured a metric fuckton of money o... | [] | [] | [
[],
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"https://global.oup.com/academic/product/global-economic-history-a-very-short-introduction-9780199596652?prevSortField=1&sortField=1&start=20&resultsPerPage=100&type=listing&subjectcode1=1805239%7CSOC00010&prevNumResPerPage=20&lang=en&cc=hk"
... | ||
7qo5cw | if the flash ran at lightspeed in front of a mirror, would his reflection appear delayed, normaly, or not at all? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7qo5cw/eli5_if_the_flash_ran_at_lightspeed_in_front_of_a/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
" it's a fictional universe, the only real answer is \"you would need to ask someone in that universe, like The Flash. Or the person who writes The Flash comic\"\n\nSince that can never happen here and it's fictional, whoever is making up the rul... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
2m3f05 | "if something is free, you are the product." | It just doesn't make any sense to me. Tried searching for it here and in Google, but found nothing.
EDIT: Got so many good responses I can't even read them all. Thanks. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2m3f05/eli5_if_something_is_free_you_are_the_product/ | {
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[],
[]... | |
r7p02 | minkowski space (and, more importantly, the concept of the "null" geodesic). | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/r7p02/eli5_minkowski_space_and_more_importantly_the/ | {
"a_id": [
"c43ojjm"
],
"score": [
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"text": [
"In normal (Euclidean) geometry, the distance from the origin is always a positive number for every point that is not the origin. In a Minkowski space, the distance can be 0 or negative; a null geodesic is just a line containing all the points 0 d... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
6jtbmx | why do washed clothes smell different when dried outside compared to drying inside??? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6jtbmx/eli5_why_do_washed_clothes_smell_different_when/ | {
"a_id": [
"djh1947"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"It might be because the air stagnate or still within the building allowing bacteria growth while if you dry it outside you have lots of breeze that blow through your clothes drying it faster, which means less moisture less bacteria causing smell.... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
2ydrey | what is the difference between alternative rock and "regular" rock music? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ydrey/eli5_what_is_the_difference_between_alternative/ | {
"a_id": [
"cp8lvpi",
"cp8m2lw",
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"cp8vmye"
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"score": [
5,
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"text": [
"On mobile so not sure if this link will come out correctly\n\n_URL_0_",
"IMO, it has to do with how the band is promoted, where they play, and largely what their \"message\" mi... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://www.differencebetween.net/miscellaneous/difference-between-rock-and-alternative-rock/"
],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
638pxl | why are so many european products widely available in canada, but not in the us? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/638pxl/eli5_why_are_so_many_european_products_widely/ | {
"a_id": [
"dfs5087",
"dfshq0u",
"dfv72ij"
],
"score": [
3,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"What European products are you talking about?",
"Because Canada is better trolololol\n\nAs a Canadian who recently moved to the US, and is going through many withdrawals of Canadian things, I can te... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
ley2o | herman cain's 999 tax rate idea. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ley2o/herman_cains_999_tax_rate_idea/ | {
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"c2s4gbn",
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"score": [
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],
"text": [
"Herman Cain is suggesting replacing the current federal tax system with a highly simplified system that consists of 9% personal income tax, 9% national sales tax, and 9% corporat... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ley2o/herman_cains_999_tax_rate_idea/c2s4gbn"
],
[],
[
"http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ley2o/herman_cains_999_tax_rate_idea/c2s4gbn"
]
] | ||
5att2u | why does only baseball have the concept of an "error" as an official statistic? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5att2u/eli5_why_does_only_baseball_have_the_concept_of/ | {
"a_id": [
"d9j9z9x"
],
"score": [
5
],
"text": [
"Baseball records errors as an official stat mostly because of the influence errors have on pitching stats and the way the game is \"scored\". I'll break both of these down in further detail.\n\n1) Pitching stats: In baseball, there are two types ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
aulwox | why do muscles knot and tense up if you don’t stretch? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/aulwox/eli5_why_do_muscles_knot_and_tense_up_if_you_dont/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
11,
2,
3
],
"text": [
"Not an expert but what I was told is that muscles are fibres and they are recruited when exercising to flex. If you dont stretch some fibres never activate and so you have uneven flexing. Stretching te... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[
"https://youtu.be/VCfclmGrjMk"
]
] | ||
4xaneo | how does computer code get translated into the high and low voltages in hardware? | When we write code in java, VBA, c++ etc. we are writing in a high level code. This means that other "wrapper" languages are converting our high level code into binary machine code. This is not a difficult concept to grasp.
At some point, these wrapper languages transcend the gap between software and hardware. Someone... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4xaneo/eli5_how_does_computer_code_get_translated_into/ | {
"a_id": [
"d6dx6a2",
"d6dxl5q",
"d6dz1jv"
],
"score": [
7,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"In a lot of small steps. When computers were originally designed, they had manual switches to flip. Then we made stuff like punch cards which the had a reader the computer could use to flip those switch... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
7ukktz | why does fm radio sound better than am? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7ukktz/eli5_why_does_fm_radio_sound_better_than_am/ | {
"a_id": [
"dtkza6b",
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"dtlobgi",
"dtlosbs",
"dtlrc53",
"dtls2eo",
"dtlt6we",
"dtluapr",
"d... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://www.ntia.doc.gov/files/ntia/publications/2003-allochrt.pdf"
],
[],
[
"http://illumin.usc.edu/assets/media/481/Image%201.gif"
],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio_broadcasting"
],
[],
[
"https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4suas5... | ||
2dv9ez | why wave power (generating electricity from tidal currents) is not more commonly used. | I'm no engineer so don't have a clue about the mecanics of harnessing this power. I guess my questions are:
* is it too inefficient to be viable?
* Is it being used and I just don't know about it?
| explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2dv9ez/eli5why_wave_power_generating_electricity_from/ | {
"a_id": [
"cjtf0fj"
],
"score": [
5
],
"text": [
"Wave power and tidal currents are two totally different things.\n\nAlthough waves look all impressive, there really isn't much power there to be had. And what power there is is spread out over a wide area. This means that you need lots of constru... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
42m5kn | how is therapy effective when it is in the therapists' financial interest to keep you as their patient? | Same goes to other medical fields, I guess.
How can a doctor make you better when their job requires people to be sick? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/42m5kn/eli5_how_is_therapy_effective_when_it_is_in_the/ | {
"a_id": [
"czbc3b9",
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"czbgbln",
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"czbkkmd",
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"czbp3u0",
"czbp7kr",
"czbq05e",
"czbrnxt",
"czbs5zv",
"czbslx1",
"czby367",
"c... | [] | [] | [
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[],
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[],
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[]
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4z1a3q | why do we make grunting and squealing noises when we wake up that help us get out of bed? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4z1a3q/eli5why_do_we_make_grunting_and_squealing_noises/ | {
"a_id": [
"d6s23hh",
"d6s3plx",
"d6sfvbh"
],
"score": [
14,
7,
2
],
"text": [
"You squeal when you wake up? I'm not entirely sure that that's normal. Are you a sow or a dolphin or something?",
"Primitive grunts and other basic noises are still being studied in humans. \n\nF... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
7kpxov | how does fake wrestling work? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7kpxov/eli5_how_does_fake_wrestling_work/ | {
"a_id": [
"drg9dx1",
"drg9z2q"
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"score": [
7,
4
],
"text": [
"Choreography. Wrestling is kind of like it’s own language. Randy Savage is famous for having most or all aspects of his match choreographed, while Ric Flair was respected for his ability to improvise. Headlocks and other clo... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
6mvr2w | how is it that the '!' and the '?' sign are seemingly universal across most languages? | I saw some Japanese signs with a '?' behind it and wondered how this has happened and where this universal understanding comes from. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6mvr2w/eli5_how_is_it_that_the_and_the_sign_are/ | {
"a_id": [
"dk4pq9p",
"dk4w78w"
],
"score": [
21,
3
],
"text": [
"It isn't. The punctuation symbols you mentioned spread as European influence. They're adopted into the language.\n\nHistoric Japanese and Chinese writing does not use inquiry or exclamation punctuation marks. The Asia... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
9m0q8h | what does it mean for a corporation to be “employee owned?” | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9m0q8h/eli5_what_does_it_mean_for_a_corporation_to_be/ | {
"a_id": [
"e7awox2"
],
"score": [
4
],
"text": [
"Employees own the majority of the stock of the company. The CEO and board of directors all work for the shareholders. If working conditions at the company are miserable then shareholders can vote out the CEO or the board members."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
5glh2s | how does the korean age system work? | And why is it different?
I understand that they place a high value on age and the older you are the more respect you get, but surely that works without a fancy system? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5glh2s/eli5_how_does_the_korean_age_system_work/ | {
"a_id": [
"dat5jyi",
"dat5lcg",
"dat82mj",
"dat86kb"
],
"score": [
3,
14,
13,
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],
"text": [
"My Korean art teaches in elementary school told me when you're born in Korea, your 1 year old, so whatever your age is, you'd be 1 year older ",
"You start counting from conc... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
9a7r4w | why do camera lenses cost so much and have such a wide variation in prices? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9a7r4w/eli5_why_do_camera_lenses_cost_so_much_and_have/ | {
"a_id": [
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"e4thdsn",
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"score": [
350,
24,
8,
2,
2,
3,
11,
4,
3,
2
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"text": [
"Depending upon the lens fStop (how much ligh... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"https://kenrockwell.com/nikon/14-24mm/images/D3R_4636-cutaway-950.jpg"
],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
5u9cfi | how do despots in poor countries manage to live such extravagant lifestyles? | Tyrants, *e.g.* Kim Jong-un, Ibrahim Babangida and Robert Mugabe, always seem to manage to live extravagant lifestyles and amass huge personal fortunes even when ruling over impoverished and resource-poor countries, and countries subject to international trade sanctions. How is this possible? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5u9cfi/eli5_how_do_despots_in_poor_countries_manage_to/ | {
"a_id": [
"dds9tq6",
"dds9u62",
"ddsba5q",
"ddsdno0"
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"score": [
2,
2,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"Even a country under sanctions will still have a way of generating wealth and income. It's nearly impossible to completely isolate a country, and even if that were the case wealth ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
bw8wsg | planes use flaps to land and to take off. so why do they retract them while they are on the ground, ie why not just leave them deployed? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bw8wsg/eli5_planes_use_flaps_to_land_and_to_take_off_so/ | {
"a_id": [
"epvxfbp",
"epw0hf4",
"epw0i4m"
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"score": [
2,
30,
13
],
"text": [
"Because you have people and things moving on/around the wings when the plane is grounded. Leaving the flaps open means you take the risk that something breaks them or something to fall inside the wing... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[
"https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-03-13-mn-19547-story.html"
]
] | ||
1l41kw | why it is dangerous to get toasts out of my toaster with an iron object. | My toaster is one of those where the bread is put on vertically and, given how deep the damn thing is, the bread, more often than not, has to be scooped out by puncturing a knife on it.
My mother says this is dangerous. Why?
PS: Is it dangerous even if the toaster is off? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1l41kw/eli5_why_it_is_dangerous_to_get_toasts_out_of_my/ | {
"a_id": [
"cbvk1ti",
"cbvlwvt"
],
"score": [
7,
2
],
"text": [
"Can you see the small glowing red bars?\n\nThey have electricity flowing through them, that is how toasters produce heat.\n",
"Simply put the glowing red mesh of the toaster is hot because there is an active current runn... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
48nhz7 | why does honey and warm water help your voice before singing? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/48nhz7/eli5_why_does_honey_and_warm_water_help_your/ | {
"a_id": [
"d0l5bul"
],
"score": [
5
],
"text": [
"Honey acts as a anti-inflammatory agent and reduces swelling and inflammation.\nIt soothes irritated skin, glands, and mucus membranes inside the throat.\nIt contains an enzyme called glucoseoxidase, which fights bacteria and kills infections.\nH... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://homeremediesforlife.com/honey-for-sore-throat/"
]
] | ||
5ofm1h | why are the worst positions for your joints/muscles the most comfortable? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5ofm1h/eli5_why_are_the_worst_positions_for_your/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
56,
2188,
204,
3,
1448,
2,
15,
9... | [] | [] | [
[],
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4hifcn | how do 3.5mm minijack to cassette adapters work? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4hifcn/eli5how_do_35mm_minijack_to_cassette_adapters_work/ | {
"a_id": [
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"d2qdmr9",
"d2qdx3d",
"d2qffqj"
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"score": [
172,
3,
15,
3,
3
],
"text": [
"There's a tape-head in the cassette - it fits face to face with the head in the player.\n\nWhen you play music through the adaptor the varying current crea... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
jdsxq | the brony phenomenon (brony- young adult males that watch my little pony: friendship is magic | Why does this show have such a large male viewer base? I'd like to know why my older brother and all his friends watch this show....
Edit: The joke was that I'm 5 years old and I'm wondering why my older brothers are watching this show. But in reality I'm not 5, and just would like to know why My Little Pony: Friendsh... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/jdsxq/eli5_the_brony_phenomenon_brony_young_adult_males/ | {
"a_id": [
"c2b9vyh",
"c2ba658",
"c2ba9l6",
"c2basma",
"c2bbnk9",
"c2bbwap",
"c2bcqio",
"c2bec97",
"c2benx5",
"c2bes6z",
"c2b9vyh",
"c2ba658",
"c2ba9l6",
"c2basma",
"c2bbnk9",
"c2bbwap",
"c2bcqio",
"c2bec97",
"c2benx5",
"c2bes6z"
],
... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[
"http://www.reddit.com/r/mylittlepony"
],
[
"http://www.equestriadaily.com/",
"http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/subcultures/my-little-pony-friendship-is-magic",
"http://youtu.be/bc1wi0VMhbA",
"http://www.reddit.com/r/mylittlepony",
"http://www.ponychan.net",
"http://youtu.... | |
91kror | why do butterflies and other insects usually get sucked into or hit the front of vehicles? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/91kror/eli5_why_do_butterflies_and_other_insects_usually/ | {
"a_id": [
"e2yqubk"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"Just like how you can move your hand to smack an insect in midair, a car is going much faster than your hand to smack the insects in the air with enough force that they spatter.\n\nIf you imagine the path a car travels as a tube of air, it's goin... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
3i094f | how do soundproof materials work. | So how can some objects be soundproof, I know about reflecting sound waves etc, but how can some tiny things reduce the energy of the sound waves, so that when we are on a different side, we can't hear anything? What are the ways in which a material can absorb sound? How can it be transfered into heat energy? BTW sorry... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3i094f/eli5how_do_soundproof_materials_work/ | {
"a_id": [
"cuc55hm"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Ok guys sorry for being stupid, as it sounds like that surly, I read wiki about the whole soundproofing effect, but i do wonder how can some material change the sound wave into heat energy. (\"absorbing sound spontaneously converts part of the so... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
2uecaz | how did goldman sachs fabricate greece's transition into the eurozone? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2uecaz/eli5_how_did_goldman_sachs_fabricate_greeces/ | {
"a_id": [
"co7ql3w"
],
"score": [
9
],
"text": [
"The Eurozone is made up of the European states that have adopted the Euro currency, governed by a single central bank with a single monetary policy, interest rates, etc.\n\nSo, because the economies of these nations are intimately entwined, there... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-17108367",
"http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/greek-debt-crisis-how-goldman-sachs-helped-greece-to-mask-its-true-debt-a-676634.html"
]
] | ||
6ew22u | why do men nod at other men that they don't know, and incline their head to other men that they do know? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6ew22u/eli5_why_do_men_nod_at_other_men_that_they_dont/ | {
"a_id": [
"didgrbc",
"didhhyv",
"didi6zq"
],
"score": [
3,
6,
8
],
"text": [
"Could be some instinctive thing about opening up the throat and stuff. But I highly doubt that. It's just a societal norm I suppose.",
"A nod is something of the western version of a bow. It's is a ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
2zmjs2 | why do i get sleepy when i read? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2zmjs2/eli5_why_do_i_get_sleepy_when_i_read/ | {
"a_id": [
"cpkct1j",
"cpkdc0i"
],
"score": [
8,
3
],
"text": [
"Probably because algebra textbooks aren't that interesting.\n\nSource: algebra mathlete",
"I once asked this question to my optometrist. The answer he gave was that eye strain caused your eyes to get the tired feeling t... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
1pp1jl | what happens to abandoned castles? | I recently saw an article on abandoned castles/mansions and started wondering why they sit abandoned. I'm sure someone owns it but its abandoned... whats from stopping someone from moving in, fixing it up, and claiming a castle? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1pp1jl/eli5_what_happens_to_abandoned_castles/ | {
"a_id": [
"cd4i9xs"
],
"score": [
6
],
"text": [
"There is a concept of [Adverse Possession](_URL_0_) in which if you live or use a home or land, pay taxes on it, and generally treat it like it was yours, you can eventually lay claim to that home or land.\n\nThis takes a lot of time, effort, and... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adverse_possession"
]
] | |
4812i7 | how can a computer processor be so small, but a graphics card is so large? | So how come a processor, which is like the brain of the computer, can be such a small little square, where as a graphics card is a huge unit with 2-3 fans? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4812i7/eli5_how_can_a_computer_processor_be_so_small_but/ | {
"a_id": [
"d0gqnr5",
"d0gqogx",
"d0gqr4k",
"d0gxnyb"
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"score": [
5,
3,
38,
2
],
"text": [
"Because thats the entire graphics card. The Gpu on the card isnt much different from the Cpu chip itself. \n\nTo compare equally it would be motherboard, chip and fans vs graphics... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[
"http://www.vortez.net/articles_thumb/30839_msi%20r9%20390x%20gaming%208g%20review%20-%20pcb.jpg"
],
[]
] | |
li6ro | why physics allows a plane to take off from a conveyor belt. | I know it works... [The Mythbusters proved it,](_URL_0_) but still... my brain just won't flip the switch that lets me process this correctly. Please help my brain out. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/li6ro/eli5_why_physics_allows_a_plane_to_take_off_from/ | {
"a_id": [
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"c2svuya",
"c2sw7rv",
"c2sz2br"
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"score": [
4,
3,
2,
4,
3,
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],
"text": [
"The plane isn't propelled by the wheels. It doesn't matter what is happening to them. ",
"You probably assume that if the takeoff sp... | [] | [
"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ul_5DtMLhc&feature=related"
] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
1z1khm | which version of the bible is "the bible" | not trying to start a fight, just interested to know if a specific translation or version is the most respected. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1z1khm/eli5_which_version_of_the_bible_is_the_bible/ | {
"a_id": [
"cfpo6te",
"cfpoced",
"cfpofkd",
"cfpp1tu"
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"score": [
6,
2,
2,
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],
"text": [
"Every denomination is going to say, \"OURS!\"",
"You aren't going to get a definitive answer to this question. Nearly every denomination subscribes to a different translation o... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynamic_and_formal_equivalence"
],
[]
] | |
3810bs | when isil occupies an iraqi city such as ramadi, what is life like for the inhabitants there? | As an American, I am having trouble finding articles about what life is like for the inhabitants of ISIL-occupied cities. For example, [this article](_URL_0_) discusses how Iraqi's most powerful militia reacted to the occupation of Ramadi, but it doesn't mention at all what life is like inside of the city. Can anyone d... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3810bs/eli5_when_isil_occupies_an_iraqi_city_such_as/ | {
"a_id": [
"crrf2ux"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"I would assume that they either terrify the shit out of everyone and take what they want when they want it. OR they try their hardest to win them over by acting like \"the nice guy\" and attempt to recruit. Most likely they do both. \n\nThey need... | [] | [
"http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/islamic-state/11642337/Americans-cannot-save-Ramadi-from-Isil-Iraqs-strongman-militia-leader-says.html"
] | [
[]
] | |
6fpeoo | how does the lottery work in canada? | I'm just recently 18 so I'm finally allowed to buy a ticket. What is the process? How do I participate? Are there different types? Any tips I should know? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6fpeoo/eli5_how_does_the_lottery_work_in_canada/ | {
"a_id": [
"dijy9rb",
"dijzs5x"
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"score": [
6,
2
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"text": [
"My tip is not to play the lottery. Your average gain on any given ticket is negative.\n\nIf you want to spend some money for some fun, I would just buy a scratch-and-win. It's a small expensive ($1~$10, depending) and is s... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
6ssb7h | why do some arrangements of atoms allow life, such as in a human, while others just make rocks and water etc. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6ssb7h/eli5_why_do_some_arrangements_of_atoms_allow_life/ | {
"a_id": [
"dlf53am",
"dlf59mo",
"dlf5a37"
],
"score": [
2,
2,
4
],
"text": [
"Let's talk cells\n\nFrom smallest to largest, atoms form cells, and the cells form tissues, which is a group of cells that serve the same function that comes together. And tissues will form organs, and ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ph9xq/eli5_if_atoms_and_molecules_arent_alive_how_do/",
"https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/22a73o/eli5_how_did_atoms_such_as_carbon_become_a_living/",
"https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4exqz2/eli5_we_are_m... | ||
605v8g | what were saddams husseins actions that lead to the gulf war and 2003 iraq war. | Why was he considered evil, and is it believed he was linked to 9/11 in any way? Thanks in advance. I know very little on the topic. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/605v8g/eli5_what_were_saddams_husseins_actions_that_lead/ | {
"a_id": [
"df3qtlr",
"df3s9la",
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],
"score": [
3,
2,
6
],
"text": [
"Besides the ethnic clensing of the Kurds and Shia Muslims? He invaded Kuwait, a small country bordering it and it forced NATO to respond.",
"Hussien invaded and tried to annex Kuwait. He also held ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
2d9wn2 | it takes seconds to circumvent regional internet blocking so why do sites keep doing it? | With browser extensions (eg: Hola) and various VPN services so readily available, why do sites like NetFlix and Youtube still insist on regional blocking of certain content? Isn't is more work for them? Don't they know that it can be sidestepped in seconds? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2d9wn2/eli5_it_takes_seconds_to_circumvent_regional/ | {
"a_id": [
"cjnh7tj",
"cjnh8th",
"cjnh9id",
"cjnja85"
],
"score": [
2,
6,
5,
2
],
"text": [
"Because 99% of their customer base doesn't know how to do it, or doesn't care enough to put in the effort to circumvent it.\n\nJust because it doesn't work 100% of the time doesn't... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
9n7g2w | why do people prefer having volume set to either an even number or a multiple of five? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9n7g2w/eli5_why_do_people_prefer_having_volume_set_to/ | {
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"e7ka0v2",
"e7ka4uf",
"e7kbawr",
"e7kbv81"
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"score": [
6,
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],
"text": [
"Do they? I'd have figured most people set their volume by ear, and don't even necessarily look at the numerical value. ",
"I have to set it to a non prime number. 27 is fine, b... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
2ta7t9 | how can sellers on sites like amazon have used products priced at 1000% of the new purchase price? example linked in comments | _URL_1_
_URL_0_ | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ta7t9/eli5_how_can_sellers_on_sites_like_amazon_have/ | {
"a_id": [
"cnx4qcq"
],
"score": [
7
],
"text": [
"It's a placeholder for when they run out of stock. They have a good listing position or something, they'll lose it if they take down the item or mark it out of _URL_0_ they raise the price so no one will buy it"
]
} | [] | [
"http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B007VDOOBU/ref=dp_olp_used_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=used",
"http://i.imgur.com/YqrPy7P.png"
] | [
[
"stock.so"
]
] | |
3kcqvn | how thieves can steal credit card info like "card lock" states they can. it just sounds fake. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3kcqvn/eli5_how_thieves_can_steal_credit_card_info_like/ | {
"a_id": [
"cuwgu4m",
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],
"score": [
3,
3
],
"text": [
"Some credit cards use NFC (like smartphones that can do google wallet or apple pay), which uses short range radio waves to communicate. Wallets made of materials like aluminum act as shields for RF. (radio frequency) It's ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
4yf1wm | encryption protocols | How do they work?
Also, for the person creating the protocol, since he knows the protocol, can he read everything that is encrypted in this protocol?
**edit** thanks guys i think i get it! | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4yf1wm/eli5_encryption_protocols/ | {
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"score": [
2,
7,
3,
5,
2
],
"text": [
"Explain encryption like you are five..... This is a fairly complex subject so this is likely an over simplification. Encryption has been around for thousands ... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://navajocodetalkers.org/"
],
[],
[],
[],
[
"http://www.cryptomuseum.com/crypto/otp/index.htm",
"http://www.cryptomuseum.com/crypto/vigenere/index.htm",
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stream_cipher",
"http://www.cryptomuseum.com/crypto/usa/ccd/",
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wi... | |
1na49b | how does stephen hawking machine work? | How does it know what he wants to say, or how does he choose what it says. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1na49b/eli5_how_does_stephen_hawking_machine_work/ | {
"a_id": [
"ccgsjj9"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"It has a bunch of words preprogrammed into it and he just pushes a button as it cycles through the words to choose the ones he wants . I read or heard somewhere that all his speeches are preplaned because it takes around ten minutes for him to ma... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
8rtcbp | why is bologna spelled the way it is but sounds nothing like the text? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8rtcbp/eli5_why_is_bologna_spelled_the_way_it_is_but/ | {
"a_id": [
"e0u04q7",
"e0u05ut",
"e0u05x3"
],
"score": [
3,
2,
3
],
"text": [
"Because it is an Italian word and different languages have different rules for pronunciation sometimes",
"Because other languages follow other rules in orthography and pronunciation?",
"The (gn)... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
2ix3hh | what is currently happening with kim jong-un? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ix3hh/eli5_what_is_currently_happening_with_kim_jongun/ | {
"a_id": [
"cl6azro",
"cl6b5uh"
],
"score": [
6,
2
],
"text": [
"He hasn't been publicly seen in more than a month. It's either because he had ankle surgery (he's been seen limping for a few months and it's rumored he has gout) and doesn't want to be seen in a weakened state or because t... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
1hdatl | how player numbers work in sports? | Do certain numbers mean certain positions? For example, someone in Football with a 5 on their jersey, are they a tight end. Also, how do they decide on numbers? Won't it get confusing if people on opposite teams with similar color jerseys have the same number? Lastly, how does retiring numbers work? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1hdatl/eli5_how_player_numbers_work_in_sports/ | {
"a_id": [
"cat7uxn",
"cat7w5m",
"cat80pq",
"cat8dx4",
"catabdw"
],
"score": [
5,
2,
2,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"Don't know about other sports but in football the jersey number ranges denote player positions so that referees can figure out certain fouls easier.\n\nFor th... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uniform_number_(American_football)#NFL"
],
[
"http://www.reddit.com/r/soccer/comments/1fbu0h/hi_rsoccer_in_terms_of_the_numbers_played_with_on/ca8q6ki"
],
[]
] | |
31l9j4 | the observable universe | Is there any reason to believe that whatever is outside the observable universe isn't just more of the same as inside? Shouldn't there just be more stars, planets, and galaxies out there too, we just can't observe them because the light can't get to us? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/31l9j4/eli5_the_observable_universe/ | {
"a_id": [
"cq2mbla",
"cq2o1rh"
],
"score": [
3,
2
],
"text": [
"Thing is, it doesnt matter. We have no way of verifying one way or the other what is or is not out there. And if its past the point where the light can never reach us, that means it has absolutely no effect on us and never w... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
6nx7vv | why did medieval people write in such ridiculous scripts? did gothic or other letters have any advantages i don't know about? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6nx7vv/eli5why_did_medieval_people_write_in_such/ | {
"a_id": [
"dkcwwu7"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"It was considered an art, the monks would primarily write what you've seen, and that was their only job, they were well aware that they would become historic texts so wanted to Present their culture in a certain way, so they made their writing ar... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
6ft6kg | - why are fire extinguishers kept behind glass? why do we need to break glass in case of emergency? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6ft6kg/eli5_why_are_fire_extinguishers_kept_behind_glass/ | {
"a_id": [
"dikqpnl",
"diku9ur"
],
"score": [
16,
3
],
"text": [
"It is, physically and metaphorically, a barrier to use. The idea is it prevents people from screwing around with the equipment for no good reason.\n\nThere are plenty of people who might decide to touch it or play with it o... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
am92r0 | why is it that people think of different things when double negatives are used compared to positives? for example, "not insignificant" and "significant" sound like two different levels of significance to me (with "significant" being more). | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/am92r0/eli5_why_is_it_that_people_think_of_different/ | {
"a_id": [
"efk9ez0",
"efka62l"
],
"score": [
7,
2
],
"text": [
"You are correct. The reason is that \"not un-x\" doesn't automatically mean \"x,\" it can also mean \"medium.\" So a woman who's \"not unattractive\" is medium, or vaguely maybe somewhat attractive.",
"‘Not-insignificant... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
5yvri0 | what prevents tesla cars that are powered by lithium ion from exploding in a traffic wreck? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5yvri0/eli5_what_prevents_tesla_cars_that_are_powered_by/ | {
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"det9fgt",
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"detottc",
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"score": [
105,
11,
3,
8
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"text": [
"The battery is protected by an armor plate made from aluminum and/or titanium (depending on model) and divided into separate compartments. This provides decent protection agains... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
9d1ik8 | why did princesses/princes get forced to get married for alliances instead of just forming an alliance? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9d1ik8/eli5_why_did_princessesprinces_get_forced_to_get/ | {
"a_id": [
"e5eql12",
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"e5eqoeu",
"e5eqpm7",
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"score": [
10,
5,
2,
5,
2
],
"text": [
"Countries break alliances all the time, but going to war with your daughter-in-law's parents is so fantastically awkward at family dinners that most people w... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
6iedpw | how come some planes can't fly during high temperatures? | I've read that some flights were canceled in Phoenix due to high temperatures. Why exactly can't they fly? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6iedpw/eli5_how_come_some_planes_cant_fly_during_high/ | {
"a_id": [
"dj5ixlt",
"dj5svhc",
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"score": [
2,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"As temperature increases, the density of air decreases. This has a negative impact on the amount of lift that can be generated, which can prevent some planes from taking off safely. ",
"Additio... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
6b23lm | in the united states, when does a law require an amendment to the constitution rather than simply passing a law? | I was discussing [insert modern political topic here] with a friend on the other side of the isle and he said that he thinks [same political topic] should not be passable as a law, and should require an amendment to the US Constitusion instead, and that got me thinking as to why some laws are passed as amendments inste... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6b23lm/eli5_in_the_united_states_when_does_a_law_require/ | {
"a_id": [
"dhj6p6l",
"dhj6rfp",
"dhj6wm3",
"dhj7wpy"
],
"score": [
9,
3,
2,
3
],
"text": [
"You really only need an amendment when it changes something fundamental about the constitution, an example being an amendment making the senate be directly elected by the people. L... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
9mjijd | what’s the difference between the urine that women excrete when they’re pregnant and regular urine? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9mjijd/eli5_whats_the_difference_between_the_urine_that/ | {
"a_id": [
"e7f25mc",
"e7f26mn",
"e7f2jt8"
],
"score": [
10,
8,
5
],
"text": [
"A higher concentration of pregnancy related hormones. That's what pregnancy tests measure (and I'm guessing the basis for the question).",
"Nothing. It's still urine. It just has some hormones the ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
3y9qqv | how can the ab blood type be a universal receiver when a and b types produce b and a antibodies (respectively) that would destroy it? | This may be a silly question. Is it simply because the B-antibodies in the A type (for example) would only destroy the B-antigens on the AB type, leaving the A antigens intact? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3y9qqv/eli5_how_can_the_ab_blood_type_be_a_universal/ | {
"a_id": [
"cybpqav"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"If you imagine antibodies like security guards for your body. Except your body is really efficient so anything it encounters that isn't you it makes a new security guard who is 'anti' or against the different thing because it isn't part of your '... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
5gifbx | why do headset microphones of planes or helicopters which are worth hundret thousands of dollars, have such a bad voice quality, whereas my 30$ headset delivers almost crystal clear voice through the internet? | Here is an example of what i mean: _URL_0_
You can hear the person breathing and the overall sound quality sounds really "scratchy" and unpleasant to listen to.
Shouldn't there be extra priority to make the voice quality extra clear, so nobody is misunderstood on important missions?
| explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5gifbx/eli5why_do_headset_microphones_of_planes_or/ | {
"a_id": [
"dash8kl",
"dasjnut",
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"score": [
3,
5,
3
],
"text": [
"Must be the way they are broadcasting must be a differnt frequency that can be used very very long distances but doesn't have good quality like a satellite phone ",
"Helicopters are a noisy environm... | [] | [
"https://youtu.be/kUfF2MTnqAw?t=7m30s"
] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
4t4j93 | how does a government "shut down social media"? | I often hear that during times of unrest or insurrection, a government will "shut down social media." How do they selectively disable parts of the internet. Do they control all the ISP's in their country and rely on their cooperation? Is there an infrastructure issue? Thanks for enlightening me. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4t4j93/eli5_how_does_a_government_shut_down_social_media/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
32,
1305,
40,
1269,
13,
319,
3,
4,
5,
4... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[
"https://www.ripe.net/analyse/archived-projects/mediterranean-fibre-cable-cut",
"https://agenda.weforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/151104-submarine-cables-internet-world-map.png",
"https://d267cvn3rvuq91.cloudfront.net/i/legacy/int_out_map_x600.jpg?sw=590"
],
[],
[],
[
"htt... | |
1rx4oa | why are some quoted words written in parenthesis, as if to (suggest) the original writer or speaker left out such an important word in their sentence structure? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1rx4oa/eli5_why_are_some_quoted_words_written_in/ | {
"a_id": [
"cdrs7pc",
"cdrsac5",
"cdrsais",
"cdrx3hl"
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"score": [
6,
6,
5,
2
],
"text": [
"Often, this is to replace pronouns when the context of the pronoun isn't in the quote. For example, if a man said \"I like Bob. He's a good guy.\"\n\nThen you could quote him as ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
41kbql | why don't high end cameras use mirrors instead of lenses like high end telescopes? | The reflecting telescope and the advantages of using curved mirrors instead of lenses predate photography so why do cameras still use lenses? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/41kbql/eli5_why_dont_high_end_cameras_use_mirrors/ | {
"a_id": [
"cz2zjhn"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"Catadioptric camera lenses do exist, although they were more popular many years ago. Their weaknesses are:\n\n1. Annoying artifacts on out-of-focus parts of the scene (\"donut bokeh\").\n2. They generally are fixed-aperture lenses.\n\n[This is a... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://advancedphototech.wordpress.com/lenses/mirror-mirror-a-guide-to-choosing-and-using-mirror-lenses/"
]
] | |
2mv599 | how come you can get so much more performance out of your gpu in some games by updating the graphics drivers? (like "50% better performance in farcry 4" etc). what is being done "behind the scenes", as these numbers seem quite hefty at times? are things just that badly optimized? | With most new major game release nVidia and AMD will release updates who increases performance by say 40% in a game, are things so badly optimized? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2mv599/eli5_how_come_you_can_get_so_much_more/ | {
"a_id": [
"cm7us7l"
],
"score": [
9
],
"text": [
"In many cases, yes. Programmers sometimes discover new, easier ways to do things that use less code (creating less lag or processing time), OR new commands are actually created for the .dlls and other reference files for the graphics processors."... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
3180fj | what is "the button"? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3180fj/eli5_what_is_the_button/ | {
"a_id": [
"cpz6zl7"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"What's up the the flair? "
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
3bi16q | why is google disallowing java plugins on chrome? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3bi16q/eli5_why_is_google_disallowing_java_plugins_on/ | {
"a_id": [
"csmamji",
"csmap0o",
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"score": [
3,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"Java is great, however it runs inside of a semi Virtual Machine, meaning every time the code is ran, you are operating inside of a secondary window essentially. This is inefficent and can put a strain ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
dejc3c | how do light ("solar?") powered wrist watches work? | I am specifically asking about watches that advertise that they need only light to work. Example:[Seiko Watches](_URL_0_)
There is no visible solar panels in them? Can't this technology be used for other types of clocks like wall clocks? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dejc3c/eli5_how_do_light_solar_powered_wrist_watches_work/ | {
"a_id": [
"f2vspeo"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"The watch face in part a solar panel. You can see a solar panel part quite clear on the [first clock](_URL_0_) where the solar cell in the center almost black part of the clock face. It is likely a lot more visible if you would hold it in you... | [] | [
"https://www.longislandwatch.com/Seiko_Solar_Watches_s/1966.htm"
] | [
[
"https://www.longislandwatch.com/Seiko_SNE435_Solar_Dive_Watch_p/sne435.htm",
"https://global.rakuten.com/en/store/auc-cecicela/item/4my799qe06/",
"https://fccid.io/BKMAP012/Internal-Photos/04-Short-Term-Confidential-Internal-Photo-3475471"
]
] | |
2plcau | in "same actor, multiple roles" movies (cloud atlas, austin powers, norbit), do those actors get paid per role? | I though this might explain why talented actors (Adam Sandler, Eddie Murphy, Mike Myers) do questionable movies. Do they make their rate per role? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2plcau/eli5_in_same_actor_multiple_roles_movies_cloud/ | {
"a_id": [
"cmxq677",
"cmxqfpf"
],
"score": [
3,
2
],
"text": [
"No, actors get paid by the project. Normal actors get at least union scale ($X per day of work), actors with more pull negotiate sweeter deals with a cut of the profits or whatever.\n\n\n",
"No, but big-name talent has t... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
9z9p91 | why isn’t mould that grows on cheese or bread edible? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9z9p91/eli5_why_isnt_mould_that_grows_on_cheese_or_bread/ | {
"a_id": [
"ea7kxrf",
"ea84utw"
],
"score": [
5,
6
],
"text": [
"It is; humans eat bacteria all the time. It the waste they produce that is bad for us, just as all waste is. ",
"So I dont think anyone answered the question, why isnt it edible, just that you can cut it off. But why do ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
2pohlm | what is actually going on when your being rocked to sleep? how do babies sleep better when they are being rocked to sleep, and how do you sleep better on like a boat or something like that that is "rocking" you to sleep? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2pohlm/eli5_what_is_actually_going_on_when_your_being/ | {
"a_id": [
"cmyjawm"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"When you are inside your mommy you were constantly moving so you adjusted. Adjusted so much that when mommy was having a rest you were playing kick the colon. Not science maybe but not bullshit, either. Dad of two beautiful, successful kids."
]... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
8carsj | why is it when adrenaline kicks in we sometimes get really weak instead of gaining strength like normal? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8carsj/eli5_why_is_it_when_adrenaline_kicks_in_we/ | {
"a_id": [
"dxdfyzx"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"Because that likely isn't adrenaline. Adrenaline kicks in (usually) when you're angry or anxious. Just physical exertion alone doesn't force it to start production."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
38a1y1 | if we're in the pause period before resuming an ice age, why is warming things up a bit a problem? | I searched and as best I can tell this hasn't been asked. I feel like this is a really basic question but I still don't understand it.
We're living in a ten thousand or so year lull in an ice age cycle. This has allowed us humans to survive and thrive but it won't last forever and soon we'll be heading back towards f... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/38a1y1/eli5_if_were_in_the_pause_period_before_resuming/ | {
"a_id": [
"crti4i6",
"crtidb1",
"crtij7m",
"crtis2n",
"crtlxy0",
"crts9nk"
],
"score": [
7,
46,
2,
8,
10,
3
],
"text": [
"The problem is that the climate changes have caused, or are threatening to cause, the extinction of a large number of species; it is c... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] |
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