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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1as5ea | why can't all pills be chewable and fruit flavored? | I have to take a pill twice a day for my abnormal cholesterol and it tastes awful, I have to drink it very quickly with orange juice, and if it touches my tongue it tastes like rotten lemons, Why can't all pills be like flinstones vitamins?
EDIT: Thanks for all the answers, I understand why they can't all be chewable,... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1as5ea/eli5_why_cant_all_pills_be_chewable_and_fruit/ | {
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"Probably several reasons, but here's what occurs to me first:\n\nChewing a tablet releases the medicine much more quickly, and can allow it to be absorbed much quicker, too. For some medicines that's ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
1hks5f | how did the mantis shrimp evolve the most advanced eyes (see 16 colour receptive cones compared to human's 3) in the animal kingdom and what evolutionary benefit does this present? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1hks5f/eli5_how_did_the_mantis_shrimp_evolve_the_most/ | {
"a_id": [
"cavg424"
],
"score": [
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"text": [
"While I can't say exactly how the mantis shrimp's eyes evolved, being able to see more colour means you can see prey easier, especially in a colourful place like the floor of tropical seas. "
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
45z9vo | why do we have childhoods? why does puberty take a certain amount of time to undergo? | are there any psychological/physiological reasons for this? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/45z9vo/eli5_why_do_we_have_childhoods_why_does_puberty/ | {
"a_id": [
"d0178rr"
],
"score": [
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"text": [
"Yes, exactly those things!\n\nPretty much everything has to grow a certain amount before they become sexually active. Like most things in evolution, it has to do with resource management. If you're immediately sexually mature, you probably won'... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
2tdidj | why can't directv deliver internet access but flawless streams of hd video? | Anyone know a little more of possible main stream satellite internet delivery? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2tdidj/eli5_why_cant_directv_deliver_internet_access_but/ | {
"a_id": [
"cny1lov",
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"score": [
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"text": [
"DirecTV doesn't choose to be in the market for satellite internet, but Dish has an internet service, and then there's Excede, HughesNet, and WildBlue. [Here's a comparison](_URL_0_)",
"There are three major issues you fa... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://www.bestsatelliteproviders.com/satellite-internet-providers/"
],
[]
] | |
314aiz | why are there both white and brown native romanians? | Political (in)correctness of using a skin color wheel aside, I know some Romanians who are brown and some who are white. Both can trace their lineage far enough back that both are "true Romanians," so I'm told. (Cf. most Americans who trace their lineage to Asia, Europe, or Africa, instead of America)
Where did both g... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/314aiz/eli5_why_are_there_both_white_and_brown_native/ | {
"a_id": [
"cpyaeyi"
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"score": [
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"text": [
"Romania is far enough East that it is somewhat of a crossroads between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Natural migration due to trade, and the the period that it was under the control of the Arabs via the Ottoman Empire both brought darker ski... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
5r8deg | why does the body seem unable to efficiency handle large inputs of resources? | Along the lines of why can you eat twice your usual caloric intake in one meal but still be hungry the next morning. Or similarly to if you slept 16 hours one day but still felt just as tired the next night. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5r8deg/eli5_why_does_the_body_seem_unable_to_efficiency/ | {
"a_id": [
"dd572ge",
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"score": [
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"text": [
"Caloric intake is just an average, its not the max/min a body can take in. The body could literally digest an infinite number of calories at any given moment, and it will always digest and you will alwa... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
e5yaap | how did the latin and ancient greek language "die?" a lot of people used to converse with them, thus preventing possible "death" of the language themselves, but did manage to be abandoned regardless. | [deleted] | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/e5yaap/eli5_how_did_the_latin_and_ancient_greek_language/ | {
"a_id": [
"f9mjb7b"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"They evolved. Ancient Greek to ultimately Modern Greek, Classical Latin to ultimately modern Romance languages. When you have a working language that’s more useful than the alternative, the alternative gets phased out"
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
6d16nf | if the universe is infinite, in theory isn't all energy renewable? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6d16nf/eli5if_the_universe_is_infinite_in_theory_isnt/ | {
"a_id": [
"dhyxzjy",
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"score": [
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"text": [
"Technically oil is a renewable energy source. Some of these waste products get absorbed by plants and some of these plants will become oil in a few million years. However, theres a difference between renewable and not infini... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
4oaezj | why are submarines the vehicle of choice for nuclear weapons? | Why didn't they just stick with planes? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4oaezj/eli5_why_are_submarines_the_vehicle_of_choice_for/ | {
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"d4awv0x",
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"score": [
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3,
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"text": [
"Subs can move, largely undetected, underwater. They can pull up, just off the coast of yo... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
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[],
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] | |
2njk39 | how do gifs like the dancing spiderman work? | _URL_0_
It claims to be able to dance to the beat of any song. A quick check (picking songs on my phone) revealed it works. But why does it work? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2njk39/eli5how_do_gifs_like_the_dancing_spiderman_work/ | {
"a_id": [
"cme63rq",
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],
"score": [
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"text": [
"A good portion of songs (especially pop songs) are within a certain range of tempos. Try choosing a slower song or faster song. I just chose Mad World by Gary Jules and it doesn't quite sync up, maybe try a much faster temp... | [] | [
"http://imgur.com/r/gifs/qswO0HC"
] | [
[],
[]
] | |
254qua | from a neural perspective, why is it harder to recall information when we're tired? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/254qua/eli5_from_a_neural_perspective_why_is_it_harder/ | {
"a_id": [
"chdoi8l"
],
"score": [
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],
"text": [
"When you're tired, your brain alternates putting different regions of itself in to sleep-like states. In other words, your brain isn't as functional as it would be when you're awake, and not tired. It's well-understood that this can interfere wit... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110427131814.htm"
]
] | ||
do1mk6 | why does a computer monitor, t.v. screen etc. break and display those weird colours when you hit it too hard? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/do1mk6/eli5_why_does_a_computer_monitor_tv_screen_etc/ | {
"a_id": [
"f5jbslh"
],
"score": [
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],
"text": [
"The pixels in most LCD screens are arranged in [columns of red, green and blue](_URL_0_) (microscope image).\n\nThe tiny wires that power each pixel are arranged in rows and columns. The red, green and blue parts (sub pixels) are all powered sepa... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://i.imgur.com/T0R5hlb.jpg",
"https://media.gettyimages.com/photos/cracked-lcd-screen-picture-id183025684"
]
] | ||
1v6r0c | what would happen if you got hit by something going at c (the speed of light)? | I'm really interested, I assume you would die, but I have no idea. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1v6r0c/eli5_what_would_happen_if_you_got_hit_by/ | {
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"score": [
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"text": [
"I know simply posting a link is discouraged around here, but this xkcd is just *so* relevant:\n\n_URL_0_\n\nessentially, anything of macroscopic mass (i.e. n... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://what-if.xkcd.com/1/"
],
[],
[],
[],
[
"http://youtu.be/V-fL8zopddI?t=39s"
]
] | |
1kp3b7 | the difference between procedural generation and random generation | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1kp3b7/eli5_the_difference_between_procedural_generation/ | {
"a_id": [
"cbr64t7",
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"score": [
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"text": [
"Procedural generation is a form of random generation; except that when you say procedural generation, you expect that there are more rules than just randomly putting any set of results together.\n\nAn e... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
j2g25 | are illegal/undocumented immigrants as a whole a net benefit or burden to the us? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/j2g25/are_illegalundocumented_immigrants_as_a_whole_a/ | {
"a_id": [
"c28lra6",
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"score": [
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"text": [
"I'm not sure how measurable it is overall. \n\nOne the one side, illegal immigrants typically provide very cheap labor, which contributes to lower costs products and increased revenue for companies that use them. \n\nOn the ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"http://www.good.is/post/undocumented-immigrants-pay-more-in-taxes-than-they-use-in-services/",
"http://www.alan.com/2011/04/23/illegal-immigrants-pay-more-taxes-than-many-top-u-s-corporations/",
"http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/87xx/doc8711/12-6-Immigration.pdf",
"http://cis.org/articles/2004/fi... | ||
b4vf61 | how do hatmakers turn cotton fabric into a semi-rigid, leather-like hat? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/b4vf61/eli5_how_do_hatmakers_turn_cotton_fabric_into_a/ | {
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"score": [
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22,
98,
13,
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"text": [
"*From what I remember so possibly incorrect in details:* \n\nFur-felt is (after being turned, from the finer under-fur, into felt 'sheets' - during which p... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oilcloth",
"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjRLNUZSV6M"
],
[],
[
"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2497/5092/products/2017-12-03_200712_1200x1200.jpg?v=1548405383"
]
] | ||
1rf9hj | what causes the warm sensation/hot flash when you get cat scan dye? | A friend of mine got a CatScan the other day and he said it made him really warm all over from his face to his groin. What causes that? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1rf9hj/what_causes_the_warm_sensationhot_flash_when_you/ | {
"a_id": [
"cdmqt3x"
],
"score": [
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],
"text": [
"Not sure if this is the case, but I would get the same sensation while getting a saline solution after donating plasma. The saline solution was room temp, about 70°F. My body was considerably higher, around 98°F. The cool liquid gave a warm sensa... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
5yvg2x | what is a half sister? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5yvg2x/eli5_what_is_a_half_sister/ | {
"a_id": [
"det6sj8",
"det6ssn",
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"score": [
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2,
2
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"text": [
"If I'm not mistaken - a half sister is one where you both share one parent, but not the other. So, in that case, I would assume that your sister and you have the same dad, but you both have two differen... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
jgis0 | youtube comments | Why do people upvote the same things over and over? WHY | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/jgis0/eli5_youtube_comments/ | {
"a_id": [
"c2bx5fe",
"c2bx6yd",
"c2bx5fe",
"c2bx6yd"
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"score": [
5,
2,
5,
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],
"text": [
"Thumbs up if reddit sent you here! :)",
"I think OP may be wondering how two similar comments are both top comments. Or how comments like \"This will randomly be upvoted\" get ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
2lk7lg | why do i imagine things too big or too small before falling asleep? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2lk7lg/eli5_why_do_i_imagine_things_too_big_or_too_small/ | {
"a_id": [
"clvkw7t"
],
"score": [
4
],
"text": [
"Lilliputian hallucinations\nA generic term for bizarre perceptual distortions\nNeurology (1) A neurological condition that causes distorted visuals that make objects appear either much smaller (micropsia) or larger (macropsia) than they are\nThis... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
1ocg8n | why are coal mine fires allowed to rage on for decades? | Is there really no way to stop them from releasing greenhouse gases or salvaging the coal instead of letting it burn? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ocg8n/eli5_why_are_coal_mine_fires_allowed_to_rage_on/ | {
"a_id": [
"ccqq0hs",
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],
"score": [
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"text": [
"There's no safe way to put them out. They usually spread underground and who knows how wide and deep they'll go.",
"These types are fires are hard to get close to. They can burn as hot as 1,000 degr... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coal_seam_fire#Extinguishing_coal_fires"
],
[]
] | |
6be5bm | why do young kids find toilet humor funny? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6be5bm/eli5_why_do_young_kids_find_toilet_humor_funny/ | {
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"text": [
"This is a good question, in school we learned about Freud and the anal stages, but nothing in his research had anything to do with humor and it's much earlier anyways. \n\nThe thin... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
4npxb5 | america has a gun crime rate orders of magnitude larger than europe, why are weapons not banned? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4npxb5/eli5_america_has_a_gun_crime_rate_orders_of/ | {
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"text": [
"Guns don't kill people, people kill people.\n\nWe have more guns per person in Canada but a tiny fraction of gun-related crime. \n\nAmericans get really mad... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[
"https://everytownresearch.org/reports/innocents_lost/"
]
] | ||
qrmpd | how they determine the length of time to wait between airing a movie in theaters, and premiering it on tv. | Is there some kind of rules that industries follow in the decision of waiting time before a movie can be shown on basic cable?
Is the success of the movie a factor?
Is the sequel release a factor? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/qrmpd/eli5_how_they_determine_the_length_of_time_to/ | {
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"text": [
"I say once they've felt they've squeezed as much money as they can out of dvd sales from rentals and purchases. Most likely they wait til after after a holiday event where they kno... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
9s1lps | where does a plant growing in just water get materials from? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9s1lps/eli5_where_does_a_plant_growing_in_just_water_get/ | {
"a_id": [
"e8ldgfb",
"e8lh3f9"
],
"score": [
2,
2
],
"text": [
"I believe you’re asking how plants gather the nutrients necessary for growth and survival? If we are talking about hydroponics where plants normally grown in dirt are grown in water by humans, then they add specific chemical... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
2wbrsz | why do manufacturers print the various ink colors used in the packaging on the bottom? | Noticed this on my toilet paper today. Figured I'd ask the best source of knowledge this side of Neil Degrasse Tyson. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2wbrsz/eli5_why_do_manufacturers_print_the_various_ink/ | {
"a_id": [
"copcgfw",
"copcolc"
],
"score": [
2,
4
],
"text": [
"It's for registration. Which means lining up all of the colors just right. Usually it'll be CMYK, which stands for cyan, magenta, yellow and black. ",
"Graphic designer here. It's for the printer sake. So he can measure ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
bn02k2 | how do products that say "refrigerate after opening" not expire on the shelves? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bn02k2/eli5_how_do_products_that_say_refrigerate_after/ | {
"a_id": [
"en141pm"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Cold slows down the speed of bacteria in food. When on the shelf the food is clean of all bacteria, it doesn't need cold because bacteria can't spread: there is none.\nWhen you open it, bacteria gets in. This bacteria can grow and spread and even... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
28srg8 | why isn't there plain ice cream? | Before anyone says "vanilla", vanilla has a very distinct flavor. Especially if you get pure vanilla bean ice cream. Why isn't there ice cream without flavor? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/28srg8/eli5_why_isnt_there_plain_ice_cream/ | {
"a_id": [
"cie32u9",
"cie33m6",
"cie342h"
],
"score": [
5,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"In the netherlands we do.\n\nThey are just icecream with just milk as ingredient, nothing more.",
"Who would buy ice cream without flavor?",
"There is. Ice cream without any other flavors is sim... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
1zjsjm | can the us run a deficit indefinitely? | Looking at the current US budget, the projected deficit is expected to be on the order of half a trillion dollars per year for the next several years projected.
I'm clueless about macroeconomics, but can the US just maintain a deficit forever? How will it pay off its ballooning debt? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1zjsjm/eli5_can_the_us_run_a_deficit_indefinitely/ | {
"a_id": [
"cfu8zbj",
"cfu92si"
],
"score": [
10,
2
],
"text": [
"Yes, we can. We can because the US has virtually unlimited credit to draw on. \n\nThe deficit is actually a lot better than it used to be, and its heading downward. A countries actual debt matters very little so long as ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
c214x1 | does restarting a computer actually do anything or is it just a placebo? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/c214x1/eli5_does_restarting_a_computer_actually_do/ | {
"a_id": [
"ergu8ky",
"ergygyu",
"erhee1f"
],
"score": [
4,
4,
2
],
"text": [
"Restarting the computer forces everything in the computer to shut down and start again so any processes that were giving you trouble could just fix themselves like that",
"Just a related note,unplug... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
2jiaqn | what does ebola actually do to you? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2jiaqn/eli5_what_does_ebola_actually_do_to_you/ | {
"a_id": [
"clbytw2",
"clbyz85"
],
"score": [
3,
4
],
"text": [
"Could you not have just googled this?",
"Explained for a 5-year-old, it liquefies your body. Starts with killing your blood cells so they can't coagulate, then turns your organs into inert goop, and then spreads outwards... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
6ycuxm | how come movies and tv shows don't film at actual locations? why do they use different locations and make it look like the intended location? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6ycuxm/eli5_how_come_movies_and_tv_shows_dont_film_at/ | {
"a_id": [
"dmmf1aq",
"dmmh8pu",
"dmml1dd",
"dmmo233",
"dmmr3yq"
],
"score": [
11,
3,
3,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"Money and convenience.\n\nIt's much cheaper to build a set that looks like a snowy tundra than to actually fly out cast, crew, etc. to a *real* snowy tundra.... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
16xf7j | the difference between heaps, buffers, and stacks. | I often see stack overflow and buffer overflow, or occasionally some reference to heaps and have no idea what any of it is. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/16xf7j/eli5_the_difference_between_heaps_buffers_and/ | {
"a_id": [
"c808szv",
"c809fr5"
],
"score": [
3,
2
],
"text": [
"Heaps and stacks are two different data structures, that is, ways to store data that are studied in computer science, and used in many ways in writing software. \n\nStacks are the simplest to understand. They store data in a... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
b5fhmj | colour blindness - is it possible that your perception of colour is based on what you were taught ? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/b5fhmj/eli5_colour_blindness_is_it_possible_that_your/ | {
"a_id": [
"ejd2w7c",
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"ejd72w9",
"ejd7hjy",
"ejdavqz"
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"score": [
4,
2,
10,
4,
2
],
"text": [
"There is some argument for cultural differences in colours; IIRC Russians tend to be more perceptive of blues and greens than Americans. ",
"Yes. A numbe... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue–green_distinction_in_language"
],
[
"https://i.imgur.com/mXxsxPI.png"
],
[],
[
"https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knowledge_argument"
]
] | ||
1cd9il | "jimmy legs" (restless leg syndrome) | Hello everybody. I have, on and off, had a problem with the "Jimmy Legs" since I was in my teens. I remember the first time I had them really bad was from a heavy calf workout, so I had always thought it was from tired or overworked muscles. Then I started having them randomly, no matter if I had gotten excersice or re... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1cd9il/eli5_jimmy_legs_restless_leg_syndrome/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"In all honestly, we don't know what causes restless leg syndrome. There are certain things that can make it worse, but the initial cause hasn't been found yet. There may be a genetic component. Continue to experiment with different therapies to f... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
az43et | why is it difficult to keep counting in your head for more than say 300 seconds? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/az43et/eli5_why_is_it_difficult_to_keep_counting_in_your/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
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"text": [
"One thing is the numbers get longer. The working memory can only store a small amount of information, and it also takes longer between numbers as they get longer."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
4bl0i8 | why is 'the south' so obsessed with civil war re-enactments when a) they lost, and b) they were fighting to keep slavery. (i'm australian). | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4bl0i8/eli5_why_is_the_south_so_obsessed_with_civil_war/ | {
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75xiae | what does it mean for the us to leave unesco? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/75xiae/eli5_what_does_it_mean_for_the_us_to_leave_unesco/ | {
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"text": [
"[In the '90s, two pieces of legislation were signed into law](_URL_0_) that prohibited funding to UN and its related entities, if membership were to be granted to an organization or group that was not officially recognized as state (aka country).... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/unesco-votes-to-admit-palestine-over-us-objections/2011/10/31/gIQAMleYZM_story.html"
]
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2h2s61 | why are newscorp so angry at google right now? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2h2s61/eli5_why_are_newscorp_so_angry_at_google_right_now/ | {
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"Mainly it is due to the fact that Google's becoming a conglomerate company more and more day after day.\n\nAt first, google was a \"search engine\" that had started to bring various web pages to gether... | [] | [] | [
[],
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11wqg8 | can animals experience embarrassment? | Recently, one of my roommates adopted a kitten. The cat is crazy, to say the least, and always seems to finds herself in compromising situations.
The one consistent thing that I've noticed is that, whenever she falls from a railing, cabinet, refrigerator, etc., she always looks around the room and, after gaining compo... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/11wqg8/eli5_can_animals_experience_embarrassment/ | {
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"This is a question better suited for /r/askReddit or /r/askScience",
"A few years ago my mother was doing some ridiculous television exercises. As she ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
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6qdksu | why does orthodontic treatment seem to cost the same regardless of how bad your teeth are? | I had braces as a teenager. Unfortunately, I did not diligently care for my teeth afterwards and now they've slightly misaligned over the years. It's not noticably bad to most people who aren't incredibly perceptive about that kind of thing, but as with most things concerning oneself, you tend to notice it more than ot... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6qdksu/eli5_why_does_orthodontic_treatment_seem_to_cost/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
" > Why does orthodontic treatment seem so insensitive to the state the teeth are in?\n\nBecause it generally takes the same amount of materials and effort on the orthodontist's part to install the braces, unless there's a huge problem with your t... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
1olmgu | why is marijuana seen as medicine? | I personally don't smoke but I'm all for legalization. I just don't understand how it is equated to medicine. Thanks in advance! | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1olmgu/eli5_why_is_marijuana_seen_as_medicine/ | {
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"text": [
"It is not a medicine as per se an antibiotic, but it is very useful for the treatment of chronic conditions. Treatment of chronic pain, stomach conditions, mental disorders, appetite stimulation, insomnia, ease the nausea o... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
aqwcfc | tax deductions for charity donations; should we all be doing it? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/aqwcfc/eli5_tax_deductions_for_charity_donations_should/ | {
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"text": [
"Only if your itemized deductions will exceed your standard deductions for your filing status. Here is the standard deduction based on filing status:\n\n\nSingle - 12k\n\nMarried fi... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
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5ayn0n | why do we call lions the king of the jungle when they live in the savanna? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5ayn0n/eli5why_do_we_call_lions_the_king_of_the_jungle/ | {
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"Jungle is a term that meant everything that isn't civilization. Wilderness is jungle.\n\nJungle is also a... | [] | [] | [
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9hk7lu | why does applied nail polish harden quicker with your hands in water? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9hk7lu/eli5_why_does_applied_nail_polish_harden_quicker/ | {
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"This is a tricky question... \n\nNail polish hardens by the evaporation of the solvents it's suspended in. (typically an acetone based solution)\n\nWhen you submerge fresh polish, it hardens the outermost layer, by simply washing the solution aw... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
jhols | record players! | Why does grandaddy listen to this thing | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/jhols/eli5_record_players/ | {
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"text": [
"I'd be more interested in how they work. How does a needle scratching over some vinyl store and release all these sounds?",
"How Records Work\n\nRecords function by transformin... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
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4mss61 | why do our eyes shift to certain directions depending on the type of thoughts we are having in the exact moment? | Example: when trying to recall something our eyes move top left. When trying to figure something out, our eyes move to the right and/or down etc... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4mss61/eli5_why_do_our_eyes_shift_to_certain_directions/ | {
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"This is something that differs per person. Not everyone moves their eyes in the same directions when doing those things. For example, I've been made aware that every time I try to recall something I look out of the window. ... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://scienceblogs.com/cognitivedaily/2005/11/08/what-are-we-doing-when-we-look/",
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],
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"http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/myth-busted-looking-left-or-right-doesnt-indicate-if-youre-lying-19... | |
c4z987 | how does tv broadcast hijacking (broadcast signal intrusion) work? good example is "max headroom" signal intrusion. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/c4z987/eli5_how_does_tv_broadcast_hijacking_broadcast/ | {
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"For Max Headroom, we need to be clear-- no one knows how it happened. It remains an unsolved mystery of how it exactly occurred. The whole situation around it is pretty cool, but there is still not a d... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
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jmyy7 | how wave generators work in wave pools? | Additionally, how do they control the size of the wave? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/jmyy7/eli5_how_wave_generators_work_in_wave_pools/ | {
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"Waves are just bits of energy in a substance. The best way to see how this works would be to go get a pan.\n\nNow, grab a piece of flat plastic or cardboard, and set it in the wate... | [] | [] | [
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[],
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"http://ladybugxxvii.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/calvin-in-the-tub.gif"
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31l48g | different "types" of physics. | By types I mean Newtonian, classical, quantum, relitavisitc. I also don't really understand the differences between General and Special relativity. I've encountered all these terms browsing AskScience, but I never really understood them. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/31l48g/eli5_different_types_of_physics/ | {
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"* Newtonian physics could also be called classical mechanics, it's the branch of physics that deals with everyday objects being affected by forces\n\n* Classical physics are the branches of physics that were developed before quantum mechanics.\n\... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
1onval | why aren't mmorpg's expected to look as good as other games? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1onval/eli5_why_arent_mmorpgs_expected_to_look_as_good/ | {
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"text": [
"1) Because they aren't linear. Traditional games generally are, so developers know what you are going to be looking at pretty much all the time, so they make sure it's beautiful.\n\n2) More going on. Often in MMORG's there a... | [] | [] | [
[],
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1hbt6v | the concept of gay pride. | This is a real question, not meant to be mean in any way. Can somebody explain the concept of gay pride to me? Serious question. I don't understand why that's something to be proud of. It's of course absolutely nothing to be ashamed of and gay people should be allowed to marry and have the same rights as everybody else... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1hbt6v/eli5_the_concept_of_gay_pride/ | {
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"I've always wondered this aswell, i have the same issue with people being so darn proud of their nationality.",
"The concept of \"X pride\", where X is not \"straight white Chr... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
58ki4x | cramps hurt, but what is actually happening? can they break or injure you? | [deleted] | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/58ki4x/eli5_cramps_hurt_but_what_is_actually_happening/ | {
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"Cramps are muscle contractions. In theory, a severe enough one could cause some muscle tearing, but muscles are pretty tough. Hmm, and if you're a hypochondriac, I suppose a bad enough cramping could cause a heart attack. ;)\n\nSeriously though,... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
2h3bnk | what's happening that causes a transformer to blow during a lightening storm? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2h3bnk/eli5_whats_happening_that_causes_a_transformer_to/ | {
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"Lightning is a very short pulse of extremely high voltage. Transformers usually contain thin wires wrapped many times around a core which allows them to change electrical voltages. A sudden extremely high voltage can either cause the metal itself... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
6alsdt | why are so many old bands coming back and changing their style? | I began to notice this a year or two ago with blink 182 and a couple others. Their California album changed a bit from their previous ones. But this year alone bands like Paramore, Kasabian, Gorillaz and Fall Out Boy have completely changed their style. Maybe it's just me being crazy but I swear they're all changing. I... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6alsdt/eli5_why_are_so_many_old_bands_coming_back_and/ | {
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"There's probably some cognitive bias going on there. We tend to have a selective perception of trends like that. Ten years ago when all these bands were relatively young you could probably come up with a similar list. Also,... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
3nomg8 | how does a free app like emojis come to be a billion dollar company? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3nomg8/eli5_how_does_a_free_app_like_emojis_come_to_be_a/ | {
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"Ads, and advertising data. \nFor example, if you were to use an emoji keyboard, and you ... | [] | [] | [
[],
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6gmi88 | why do they make movies based off books that are not similar to the book at all? when they know people will be upset with it. | Movies like Harry Potter, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, and The Green Mile are some of the greatest movies ever and so iconic because they were based on the book off the novel that did so great in the first place.
With movies like Percy Jackson they changed the storyline so much, it brings into the question t... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6gmi88/eli5_why_do_they_make_movies_based_off_books_that/ | {
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"text": [
"They are using the author's name and fame to sell a movie.\n\nA perfect example is *I, Robot* - older readers and hardcore sci-fi fans ***ran*** to the theaters to watch this travesty of manipulation. \... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
2bo84h | why do some arrangements of notes make a nice melody and some don't? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2bo84h/eli5_why_do_some_arrangements_of_notes_make_a/ | {
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"text": [
"Might be because, in some cases, notes are so different there is no pattern or good tune.",
"It's not about the notes used but the relationships or \"intervals\" between the notes. Your ears are conditioned to expect the... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
3zox25 | why do browsers ask my permission to make a video full screen after it's already full screen? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3zox25/eli5_why_do_browsers_ask_my_permission_to_make_a/ | {
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"text": [
"It prevents sites from hijacking your browser. A site can inclu... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
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"http://feross.org/html5-fullscreen-api-attack/",
"https://fullscreen.spec.whatwg.org/#security-and-privacy-considerations"
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74qrh3 | - how hollywood makes fake bodily fluids (blood, vomit, etc) | Title | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/74qrh3/eli5_how_hollywood_makes_fake_bodily_fluids_blood/ | {
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"There's lots of ways to make fake blood depending on the effect you want to achieve. Hollywood commonly uses non-toxic, food based ingredients that are cheap and readily available. \n\nDuring the days of back and white B-movies, they actually jus... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izNg7s3vQOE"
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710dsv | how do the lines on the back windshield of a car clear the condensation? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/710dsv/eli5_how_do_the_lines_on_the_back_windshield_of_a/ | {
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"They are metal conductor that gets heated by electricity and warms upp the glas. If you heat water it will evaporate into the surrounding air faster.\n\nIt is the same reason i you put wet clothes on a radiator/in the sun it will dry faster."
]... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
425pzo | why do potholes hardly ever happen on highways or freeways when they get far more traffic and less maintenance than streets and side roads? | I take a bunch of different highways every day and I never see construction out working on the road, no do I ever see any damage to the road, but all the side streets always have potholes even though construction visits them much more regularly. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/425pzo/eli5_why_do_potholes_hardly_ever_happen_on/ | {
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"http://www.mlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/04/why_are_germanys_roads_better.html"
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[]
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5k9kny | what goes on inside a person's brain when they have an answer "on the tip of my tongue"? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5k9kny/eli5_what_goes_on_inside_a_persons_brain_when/ | {
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"text": [
"Imagine the brain as a computer's hard drive, only a little bit more chaotic. When you try to remember something, you give your brain... | [] | [] | [
[],
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[
"https://youtu.be/CSf8i8bHIns"
],
[
"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSf8i8bHIns&t=4m12s"
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61zfnr | what defines why cord plugs are made the way they are? say for instance, why can't monitors be attached to the motherboard with an usb-plug? | I started thinking about this when I was reading about the importance of impedance when it comes to connecting musical instruments to things like amplifiers. More importantly how wrong connections might worsen the signal.
The USB-cord has worked it's way up to be used in most PC-peripheral related connections, but why... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/61zfnr/eli5_what_defines_why_cord_plugs_are_made_the_way/ | {
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"text": [
"There is a relatively simple answer, which is that USB 2.0 has a maximum bandwidth of 480 megabits/second, whereas even a relatively low-resolution monitor that only supports 1024x768 at 60Hz requires m... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
56pg7i | rewatching private ryan. in this movie and most movies, you get shot and you instantly stop moving. even if you get shot in the heart or lung, what exactly kills you, and about how long does it actually take? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/56pg7i/eli5_rewatching_private_ryan_in_this_movie_and/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"in real life. getting shot once most of the time doesn't kill you instantly. getting shot in center of your chest definitely increases your speed of death. getting shot in your head definitely increases your speed of death.\n\nthe main thing... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
4h1kjn | why does pi show up in statistics? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4h1kjn/eli5_why_does_pi_show_up_in_statistics/ | {
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"text": [
"Probably in some integrals? The normalization constant for the Gaussian involves pi. Pi has its roots in geometry but has popped in lots of other areas of maths since then. ",
"Any time you have so... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaussian_integral"
],
[]
] | ||
8iwl45 | what exactly happens in a human cell when something goes wrong with it and it terminates itself? | [deleted] | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8iwl45/eli5_what_exactly_happens_in_a_human_cell_when/ | {
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"text": [
"The cell membrane breaks down. This leaves a mess, so the trash gets pushed into the blood stream where the liver breaks it down into chemicals that leave the body.",
"When something goes wrong or a cell has reached the... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
2m0cz6 | why does rubbing tissue paper or certain fabrics together give me a weird, cringe feeling? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2m0cz6/eli5_why_does_rubbing_tissue_paper_or_certain/ | {
"a_id": [
"clzsk7j"
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"score": [
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"text": [
"Cannot explain, but can relate. The sound of a paper towel or wash cloth on the wall or carpet sends chills up my spine. It's almost like I can feel it. \n\nI'm cringing just thinking about it. Thanks. "
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
d0ma2s | in c#, why is the ‘float’ type only accurate to 7 digits? why do you have to put an ‘f’ at the end of the value? | Explain in the simplest way possible because I’m dumb and a complete beginner | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/d0ma2s/eli5_in_c_why_is_the_float_type_only_accurate_to/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
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"text": [
"The standard format for floating point numbers is IEEE 754.\n\nFor a 32-bit float (as opposed to a 64-bit double), this would mean 1 bit for the sign, 8 bits for an exponent and the remaining 23 bits for the mantissa.\n\n23 ... | [] | [] | [
[],
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] | |
40z4m0 | why do some countries governments (like russia and mexico) openly admit to having ufo tracking and contact attempts while others (like the us) flat out deny their existence? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/40z4m0/eli5_why_do_some_countries_governments_like/ | {
"a_id": [
"cyy96t9",
"cyy9j3g",
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"score": [
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6,
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"text": [
"Something can both not exist and yet still have things looking for them. If mexico and russia started a program to track unicorns and the USA denies that unicorns exist, it does not mean that unicorns ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
1jbwwc | why does mexico use good ingredients and glass for their coke as opposed to the cheaper, crappier ingredients? | Isn't high fructose corn syrup supposed to be cheaper? And isn't Mexico poor? Please explain. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1jbwwc/eli5_why_does_mexico_use_good_ingredients_and/ | {
"a_id": [
"cbd4f6x"
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"score": [
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"text": [
"High fructose corn syrup is cheaper in America because we heavily subsides the corn crop. In Mexico high fructose corn syrup is not cheaper than sugar. If it consistently was cheaper, Mexican Coke there would almost certainly be made with it."
... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
2fj20b | how do evolutionary biologists determine the evolutionary history of an animal? | I saw this GIF of the evolution of a turtle shell- _URL_0_ - and was wondering, how do they establish this? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2fj20b/eli5_how_do_evolutionary_biologists_determine_the/ | {
"a_id": [
"ck9pjp3"
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"score": [
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"text": [
"There's lots of methods - it's an entire field in its own right. They can use fossil records, if a relatively continuous one exists. They can use its similarities to other creatures with known histories, either in physical development or (increas... | [] | [
"http://www.gfycat.com/VibrantGrotesqueArieltoucan"
] | [
[]
] | |
1d79uc | how are lottery tickets and scratch off's legal? | Can't the company who prints all the scratch off's just make the total possible amount of winning money less than the total worth of the tickets? Is this already how it works? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1d79uc/eli5how_are_lottery_tickets_and_scratch_offs_legal/ | {
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"text": [
"Yea that is how the lottery works, people spend more money trying to win then the state gives out in prizes.\n\nThere is also no company, the lottery is run by the government. ",
"That is how it wor... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
5fsgux | trying to understand brexit. what are the main reasons citizens wanted out of the eu? is it likely france will follow? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5fsgux/eli5_trying_to_understand_brexit_what_are_the/ | {
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"score": [
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"text": [
"I'd like to add a question if I can. What other countries are most likely to follow Brexit and leave the EU?",
"You know the american *thanks Obama* ? in Europe we have the *Thanks Brussels*. \n\nAm... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
4sel1h | they say that 100 species that we don't know about go extinct every day, but why should people care at all? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4sel1h/eli5_they_say_that_100_species_that_we_dont_know/ | {
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"text": [
"I can think of a few reasons:\n\n* If species are going extinct faster than usual, this is an early warning signal that something is going wrong with the pl... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/canary_in_a_coal_mine"
],
[],
[],
[],
[]
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39salt | how do ransom payments work? | How can a kidnapper/criminal organization collect the money when usually the family of the victim has already notified authorities? Wouldn't the drop off point for the ransom money be guarded? And isn't it noticeable if someone tries to deposit or spend such a large amount of money? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/39salt/eli5_how_do_ransom_payments_work/ | {
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"text": [
"* In some situations the family may not contact the police because they fear police involvement will result in the victim getting killed/hurt. However, even in situations where the family has contacted the police, the family... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
1oawng | can ants or similar size insects see things that we can't? | Hello reddit, apologies if this has already been asked, but I've always been interested to know if an ant (or something similar to size) can see something to their naked eye that we can't e.g. skin cells, red blood cells or mist droplets? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1oawng/eli5_can_ants_or_similar_size_insects_see_things/ | {
"a_id": [
"ccqjlyf",
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"score": [
3,
2
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"text": [
"[Here's a paper on the subject](_URL_0_).\n\nAs far as I can tell, the problem is a matter of size. Light doesn't travel in a straight line, it moved around in a wave pattern. When you have an opening that lets light in, w... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://web.neurobio.arizona.edu/gronenberg/nrsc581/eyedesign/visualacuity.pdf"
],
[
"http://www.chemical-ecology.net/pine/eye.htm",
"http://phys.org/news/2010-12-fred-bee.html",
"http://www.humanflowerproject.com/index.php/weblog/comments/bees_lead"
]
] | |
56cmx3 | why is it impossible to build an optical microscope powerful enough to see molecules and atoms? | Hi everyone! I'm a med student and today, this came to my mind. I know we're able to "see" molecules with atomic-force microscopy, but why is it impossible to build an optical microscope powerful enough to see them directly? Thanks a lot! | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/56cmx3/eli5why_is_it_impossible_to_build_an_optical/ | {
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"text": [
"When using an optical microscope you are limited by the wavelength of light you're using, which for visible light is 400-700 nm. The best resolution you can achieve is roughly 1/2 the wavelength of you... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
3envuy | why do super markets like wal-mart use see through refrigerators while we the consumers don't? | like, it would solve the whole guessing what's on my fridge and no more will you have to open the fridge every minute.
discuss, please. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3envuy/eli5_why_do_super_markets_like_walmart_use_see/ | {
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"text": [
"Are you trying to sell the food in your fridge? It's a lot less efficient energy and space-wise if you use a glass front for your fridge, so there's really no point unless you're trying to turn a profi... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
dyhnke | why is it beneficial for some countries to keep their currency devalued? | Of what I've heard, it seems like some countries keep their currency devalued on purpose because it helps them in trade in some way. Notably for America, this is China, but India has done this previously too. I also know it may have to do something with a country having surplus exports, but can't be sure. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dyhnke/eli5_why_is_it_beneficial_for_some_countries_to/ | {
"a_id": [
"f817v34"
],
"score": [
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"text": [
"When you import goods from another country, usually you have to pay them in whatever currency they use. Let’s say Germany wants to import American steel. The German company will need to pay The US steel company in US dollars.\n\nWhen the US doll... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
xkyoh | the president of the united states and what he actually does. | What does he actually DO? Does he have direct authority over anything important?
The example that prompted me to post this is the whole gay marriage debacle. Obama supports gay marriage. Shouldn't he, as the supposed leader of the country, be able to say "Gay marriage is now legal in America and you gotta deal with it... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/xkyoh/eli5_the_president_of_the_united_states_and_what/ | {
"a_id": [
"c5n9824",
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"score": [
2,
5
],
"text": [
"Kid I hope you didn't grow up in America. This is basic, and I mean basic history class lectures. \n\nJust google executive branch. ",
" > Shouldn't he, as the supposed leader of the country, be able to say \"Gay marriag... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/President_of_the_United_States#Powers_and_duties"
]
] | |
60wc3e | how do television/radio stations turn viewer/listener ratings into revenue? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/60wc3e/eli5_how_do_televisionradio_stations_turn/ | {
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"text": [
"Commercials. People buy time to promote their products and that funds all the stuff people tune in to listen to. Advertising is big business but if nobody listens to your program t... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
1eze4s | why does roast beef sometimes have shiny rainbow colors in it? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1eze4s/eli5why_does_roast_beef_sometimes_have_shiny/ | {
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"http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Factsheets/Color_of_Meat_&_Poultry/index.asp#9"
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325nbq | why is the past tense of "read" spelled "read" and not "red", or some other variant? | It occurred to me that we use the same spelling for two different pronunciations for the two tenses - present and past. Why did nobody think it to be a better idea to use a word that's already pronounced in the past tense (such as "red")? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/325nbq/eli5_why_is_the_past_tense_of_read_spelled_read/ | {
"a_id": [
"cq83neh",
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"score": [
2,
7
],
"text": [
"The gap between English spelling and pronunciation is related to English history. No one knows why \"the great vowel shift\" happened. it basically screwed up pronunciation after spelling had been codified. We have inherited... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
3i31jv | why don't we sue politicians for broken election promises as breach of verbal contract? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3i31jv/eli5_why_dont_we_sue_politicians_for_broken/ | {
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"score": [
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"text": [
"There is a saying that a verbal contract isn't worth the paper its printed on. But beyond that humorous quote, there is a better reason. \n\nAn elected official can simply say tha... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
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6mvjtk | if kids only learn the common core method of basic math (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division), does that groundwork prepare them adequately for more advanced math? | What happens when they get to Algebra? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6mvjtk/eli5_if_kids_only_learn_the_common_core_method_of/ | {
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"text": [
"Yes. You're talking about the method of learning *arithmetic.* Algebra is a very different subject, and doesn't rely on how you learned arithmetic. You'll s... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
e4cv39 | how is trade profitable for both countries involved? surely one loses out in the end. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/e4cv39/eli5_how_is_trade_profitable_for_both_countries/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
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3
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"text": [
"I'm very good at making baskets. I can make 10 baskets each day. You're very good at making chairs. You can make 10 chairs each day. We both want to have baskets *and* chairs.\n\nI'm not so great at making chairs. I can mak... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPcBIlSj0zg"
]
] | ||
ji3a7 | how hunger works and why some food is more filling than other food. | I'm wondering about the physical/psychological effects of hunger (not starvation, just short-term hunger), why those things happen, and why some food is more filling than other food. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ji3a7/eli5_how_hunger_works_and_why_some_food_is_more/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
8,
8
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"text": [
"Most people who read this have never experienced hunger, in the sense of starvation, even short-term. When was the last time you went without any food for a few days? (Not without meals but without food - things put into you... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
22hxhg | what if a party wins an election but the leader doesn't get elected in his seat? | So the party is able to form the government with a majority, but if the leader lost the vote in his constituency and thus isn't elected to stand in Parliament, what happens?
I'm describing for the UK, but it would be interesting to see if something different happens in other countries. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/22hxhg/eli5_what_if_a_party_wins_an_election_but_the/ | {
"a_id": [
"cgn07fz"
],
"score": [
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"text": [
"In British Columbia, Canada, we just had that happen in our provincial election. The leader of the Liberal party did not win the seat in her riding but her party took the majority of the seats and formed the govt. She could not sit in the legisla... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
aqaxms | what is a ssl certificate? | While building my first blog somebody told me that I should get an SSL Certificate. Can someone explain me what it is and where can I get it? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/aqaxms/eli5_what_is_a_ssl_certificate/ | {
"a_id": [
"egenhej",
"egenuag"
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"score": [
4,
3
],
"text": [
"In order to make a secure connection to your web page you need to encrypt that traffic. When you see this _URL_0_ that means the connection between client and server is encrypted and no one can sniff that traffic. \n\nIn ord... | [] | [] | [
[
"HTTPS://webpage.com",
"https://www.globalsign.com/en/ssl-information-center/what-is-an-ssl-certificate/"
],
[]
] | |
ldi7c | how do power plants maintain a constant 60hz ac power when turbines are not at a constant speed? | If a generator was actually constantly spinning at 3600 rpm, that would produce a 60 Hz electric current... but it would seem to me that wind blows at different speeds, hydro dams flow at different speeds, and coal doesn't always burn at the same rate. Or do they? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ldi7c/eli5_how_do_power_plants_maintain_a_constant_60hz/ | {
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"text": [
"I recall being on the Dam Tour prior to 9/11, standing next to the turbines in the bowels of Hoover Dam, and hearing mention of the speed regulation system.\n\nAs to wind turbines,... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
3julld | after the hundreds upon hundreds of charity scams, how can anyone have faith a charity is legit and why isn't it illegal? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3julld/eli5_after_the_hundreds_upon_hundreds_of_charity/ | {
"a_id": [
"cusez30",
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"score": [
22,
2
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"text": [
" > As far as I'm aware it has always been like this but most people assume charities are a good thing when really it is just a giant money laundering scheme.\n\nA couple of rotten apples doesn't mean all apples are rotten.\... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=3416#.VexObBFVhBc",
"http://www.charitynavigator.org/",
"http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=6115#.VexOJxFVhBc"
]
] | ||
4aurcv | if homo sapiens, neanderthals, and denisovans are different species, how are they able to reproduce offspring that share dna? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4aurcv/eli5_if_homo_sapiens_neanderthals_and_denisovans/ | {
"a_id": [
"d13n8kg",
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"score": [
3,
3
],
"text": [
"Species is a useful concept for organizing living things but it is a pretty fuzzy thing that generally doesn't really create absolute boundaries. It's mostly a line of \"mostly these two groups won't reproduce under normal c... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neanderthal"
]
] | ||
fpu7l0 | why taxpayer money goes to corporations? how does this help the economy? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fpu7l0/eli5_why_taxpayer_money_goes_to_corporations_how/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
6,
2
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"text": [
"Corporations also pay taxes and create jobs and goods/services that create wealth, which also results in taxes.\n\nIn a healthy economic environment, taxpayers money doesn't need to go to corporations, but the government may... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
ct2ekl | why in 2019, is most of canada still wilderness and undeveloped? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ct2ekl/eli5_why_in_2019_is_most_of_canada_still/ | {
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"text": [
"The economics to develop... | [] | [] | [
[],
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"https://youtu.be/zIH-J3uLN3E"
],
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"https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muskeg"
],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
5wn71w | how do geneticists pinpoint certain genetic markers from dna like susceptibility to certain diseases or physical traits? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5wn71w/eli5_how_do_geneticists_pinpoint_certain_genetic/ | {
"a_id": [
"debn6ha",
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"score": [
2,
2
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"text": [
"Sorry for the lengthy response, but it should be easy to understand the whole picture like this. \n\nThere are two ways we can use genetics to screen for diseases. \n\nOne measure is direct: examining a sequence and looking ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
c6xefu | what’s tax form w-4 and w-2? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/c6xefu/eli5_whats_tax_form_w4_and_w2/ | {
"a_id": [
"esbp0nz"
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"text": [
"W-4 is your tax withholdings. This tells your employer how much of your paycheck they take out to pay to the government. You have to fill this out every year and every time you start a new position with a new employer.\n\nW-2 is how much income y... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
2jqw1q | how is the mars rover controlled from earth, and is there substantial input lag? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2jqw1q/eli5how_is_the_mars_rover_controlled_from_earth/ | {
"a_id": [
"cle9puf"
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"score": [
3
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"text": [
"The Martian rovers are commanded by radio signal, but the radio signals can take awhile to get back and forth between our two planets. The exact time of this \"communications lag\" is dependent on where the Earth and Mars are orbiting in relation... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
dd0qko | why did military tacticians, throughout most of human history, fail to develop effective countermeasures against flanking cavalry charges? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dd0qko/eli5_why_did_military_tacticians_throughout_most/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"Normally it’s an issue of spreading your forces too thin. The main bulk of your assault will be to the front so that is where you want most of the fighting force. If you leave men back to guard the right, the left, and the r... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
22n85o | why doesn't windows let you save filenames with slashes (or other characters)? | I read an explanation already but I still don't get it.
Edit: Thanks guys! That was fast. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/22n85o/eli5why_doesnt_windows_let_you_save_filenames/ | {
"a_id": [
"cgogi1c",
"cgogk03",
"cgogn0y",
"cgogol7",
"cgogr1b",
"cgogx41",
"cgoh56u"
],
"score": [
3,
3,
6,
2,
2,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"Basically those other characters have special meaning (in a programming sense) and would confuse the operating sys... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] |
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