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value | url stringlengths 4 110 | answers dict | title_urls list | selftext_urls list | answers_urls list |
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4dl0o9 | if coca-cola's recipe is a trade secret, what would happen if someone reverse-engineered it? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4dl0o9/eli5_if_cocacolas_recipe_is_a_trade_secret_what/ | {
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"Probably not much. There are other colas that are similar and many that are probably better. Coke is marketing giant. An exact copy isn't going to have Coke's brand recognition. ",
"Exactly wha... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
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1pqwhq | why don't some people react to pepper spray? | When I was in the military and we were doing riot control training we got hit directly in the face with OC spray and it hurt like hell, but rarely, like less than one in a hundred were people who it didn't affect at all. What was different about them that made them immune to the pepper spray? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1pqwhq/why_dont_some_people_react_to_pepper_spray/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"They have special eyes.",
"There are people who are simply immune to it. I don't really want to find out if I'm one of them, although the idea does seem interesting.",
"Two possibilities\n\n1-ge... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
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] | |
5mpbn0 | draining the swamp | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5mpbn0/eli5_draining_the_swamp/ | {
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"text": [
"Basically weeding out the corrupt ones. When you drain a swamp, all that's left is the trash. Then you get rid of the trash. ",
"a term used by Donald Trump during his campaign (not sure if he actually started it or his ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
33viyr | why are movies still released in theaters? | I was thinking with the The interview released by Sony over youtube and other streaming sites why do companies still sell movies in theaters? it seems cheaper to just digitally release the movies directly on the internet. $5.00 per watch on the internet sounds fair
The only problem I cant think o would be people watch... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/33viyr/eli5why_are_movies_still_released_in_theaters/ | {
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"text": [
"Because going to the theater is an experience. You go with a group of people, you are watching a screen much larger than you could ever own with a sound system far superior to what... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
327j37 | where does energy 'go' when it is used by a living thing? | Energy is like matter right? It can't be destroyed or created. Just captured and used. If that's the case, when I eat food and then run, what's actually happening chemically with respect to the loss of that energy? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/327j37/eli5_where_does_energy_go_when_it_is_used_by_a/ | {
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"When you eat, you absorb the carbs, proteins etc. When you run, these are broken down in order to give you energy to run. That energy was spent in moving your body from one place to another - it gets transformed into kinetic... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
1zm8za | the byzantine generals problem. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1zm8za/eli5_the_byzantine_generals_problem/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"The Byzantine Generals Problem is a model for communication. It uses some number of players (\"Generals\") who have to come to a consensus. However, they are limited in how they are allowed to communicate--they have to send messages by courier,... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
3c42fn | what happens to the proceeds of crime? | Say its drug money what happens to it ? After its been taken as evidence, and the case has gone through the courts what actually happens to all the money from crime? Does it go to the state or given to charity ? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3c42fn/eli5_what_happens_to_the_proceeds_of_crime/ | {
"a_id": [
"css11ju",
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"score": [
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],
"text": [
"The police get to keep it. It's called \"civil asset forfeiture\", and it gets rolled into the police budget. It's been a big sticking point lately because it has been used to seize money that almost certainly was not acqui... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
5nz7p5 | how is that alcohol is not good for flesh wounds? | So my cousin in new years eve had just taken out her wisdom teeth and one week later went to the dentist to remove the sutures. The doctor said she better skip drinking because it could aggravate the alveolus situation. That left me thinking... isn't alcohol good for disinfecting the tissue and maybe cauterize wounds i... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5nz7p5/eli5_how_is_that_alcohol_is_not_good_for_flesh/ | {
"a_id": [
"dcffw6a"
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"score": [
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"text": [
"First, alcohol is a blood thinner and can lead to excessive bleeding from wounds. \nSecond, it is a disinfectant but it's rarely ever drank by itself and the sugars feed bacteria that can get into the open wound. It also works by drying out bacte... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
5j87eu | if all 7.4 billion humans were to drop dead right now, how many fossilized skeletons would we leave in 65 million years, and what evidence of our civilization would there be? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5j87eu/eli5_if_all_74_billion_humans_were_to_drop_dead/ | {
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"text": [
"I can't answer the first part, but there are a few Shows you can watch they did this topic. \n\n[Aftermath: Population Zero](_URL_1_) was on the National Geographic channel. T... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life_After_People",
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aftermath:_Population_Zero"
],
[],
[],
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21y0kg | how are engineers able to build subway tunnels under already built infrastructure? | It amazes me when I'm in the subway in big cities how these tunnels have been dug beneath skyscapers? How do the builders do it? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/21y0kg/eli5how_are_engineers_able_to_build_subway/ | {
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12,
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"text": [
"Using this big worm drill. _URL_0_",
"There are multiple ways that they can do it. Here in Boston where I live they finished the... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LfS9ojQ1CAQ/UTm0oThdLBI/AAAAAAAAAl0/RAORkZPeBEM/s1600/_59087367_boring_machine_976.jpg"
],
[
"http://www.foam-tech.com/case_studies/big_dig.htm",
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Dig",
"http://www.engineering.com/Library/ArticlesPage/tabid/85/ArticleID/77/The-Big-Di... | |
1yi8b6 | why are graves 6ft deep? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1yi8b6/why_are_graves_6ft_deep/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
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"text": [
"That was found to be the depth necessary to prevent animals from picking up the scent and digging for food."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
3sse4h | why do cops put white towels on the shoulders of saved victims in crimes scenes on the movies? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3sse4h/eli5_why_do_cops_put_white_towels_on_the/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"I don't know about white towels, but ambulances have foil heat blankets that are used to treat hypothermia and are also used for shock. One of the symptoms of shock is cold, clammy skin, so presumably these blankets, which can trap body heat, hel... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
3jrwr5 | how do big development teams such as bethesda work on huge games like elder scrolls and fallout for multiple years without a single leak from within the huge dev team? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3jrwr5/eli5_how_do_big_development_teams_such_as/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"The threat of being sued into oblivion (no pun intended) for violating a non disclosure agreement, losing your job, and being known as untrustworthy in the industry is enough for most people. Game development is often pretty... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
72jgfy | has all the nuclear radiation emitted since 1945 affected human genetics at all? | I've heard opposing things about nuclear radiation and genetic effects. On one hand, a study found that there was no increase in genetic disorders among the descendants of Hiroshima and Nagasaki survivors, but on the other hand it's well established that some plants and animals mutated after the Chernobyl disaster. I'v... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/72jgfy/eli5_has_all_the_nuclear_radiation_emitted_since/ | {
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28,
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"text": [
"Not a geneticist, but consider that we're exposed to radiation constantly from a variety of sources and that all of your genetic ancestors were since the beginning of life on this planet. It's possible... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"https://xkcd.com/radiation"
],
[]
] | |
1o2owt | how do you "create" internet? | Was looking at a graph that showed how much 500 mb of internet costed around the world. This made me really think about how internet and bandwidth work and I can't really put my finger on my question but how do you create this bandwidth or internet that goes out from the provider to the customer? Is it just something i... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1o2owt/eli5_how_do_you_create_internet/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"Well, you seem to be talking about two different components of \"internet.\"\n\nThe actual content you access is nothing more than data on a computer somewhere. Let's say I create a text file on my computer and call it \"In... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
duoxen | why do sone christians consider any kind of electronic implant the "mark of the beast" and what exactly is the mark of beast from a literal standpoint? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/duoxen/eli5_why_do_sone_christians_consider_any_kind_of/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"I think that the question:\n\n* What exactly is \"xxx\" in a prophecy, from a literal stand point\n\nis the wrong question.\n\nThe nature of prophecy is non-literal. It is like reading an IKEA manual and looking for prophetic symbolism."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
x86wt | aleph numbers....whaaat? | I started looking on Wikipedia about "Kenan and Kel"...ended up on these bad guys. Anyone interested in dull-ifying this down for me?
EDIT: _URL_0_ | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/x86wt/aleph_numberswhaaat/ | {
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"text": [
"In short, there are different values of infinity, and some are larger than others. Very crazy, but there it is.\n\nHere are examples of infinities: (A) the number of whole numbers, (B), the number of even whole numbers, (C) the number of fractio... | [] | [
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aleph_number"
] | [
[]
] | |
ouclj | zen buddhism | I read through D. T. Suzuki's "An Introduction to Zen Buddhism" and I've looked at some Eihei Dogen's writings, and I still have absolutely no idea what is up with this shit. Why are there absolutely no agreements between different Masters? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ouclj/eli5_zen_buddhism/ | {
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"text": [
" > Why are there absolutely no agreements between different Masters?\n\nReality cannot be expressed in words, or thoughts, but can be d... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[
"http://uncyclopedia.wikia.com/wiki/Zen#A_Boy_and_His_Dog"
],
[
"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82OpDZ9tAho",
"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhRWYFJ2pyI"
]
] | |
69n8uo | why do pictures of the stars from telescopes along with photos of most light sources appear to have horizontal and vertical lines through them resembling crosshairs? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/69n8uo/eli5why_do_pictures_of_the_stars_from_telescopes/ | {
"a_id": [
"dh7uy9p",
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"score": [
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"text": [
"Aren't those the result of diffraction on the secondary mirror holder?",
"The lines are called \"diffraction spikes\", and they are caused by light waves being interfered with by the structure or shape of the camera or t... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
b6xg1m | if the water cycle is a closed system, why does it matter that a pound of beef takes 1800 gallons of water to produce? | Its all going to be recycled back intonthe system anyway, right? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/b6xg1m/eli5_if_the_water_cycle_is_a_closed_system_why/ | {
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"text": [
"It's a matter of clean/potable water. The water used to produce beef must be potable, and ends up non-potable, so that puts an enormous... | [] | [] | [
[],
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[],
[],
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[]
] | |
2n7avu | why do you have to turn most jeans and some other clothing inside-out when washing them...? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2n7avu/eli5_why_do_you_have_to_turn_most_jeans_and_some/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
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18,
4
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"text": [
"Because the the agitation of the washer and the tumble of the dryer tend to beat clothes up. By turning them inside out, they beat up the inside which isn't when you wear them. This keeps them looking... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
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2witly | could someone please explain to me "bell's non-locality theorem"? | Cannot understand the wiki... Thanks for you time. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2witly/eli5_could_someone_please_explain_to_me_bells/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"There is no way a five year old can understand the Bell Theorem; sorry.\n\nI can still try to explain it, but not necessarily on ELI5 level. \n\nIn quantum mechanics, things are a bit different than in the macroscopic world. \nFor one, QM proce... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuvK-od647c",
"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmX1W5umC1c"
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6idock | how do "game rooms" and other illegal casinos get away with it for so long in places where gambling is illegal i.e. texas | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6idock/eli5_how_do_game_rooms_and_other_illegal_casinos/ | {
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"text": [
"It probably varies based on the location, but in Texas some of them are basically skirting the rules. They have a membership to go in and play, and don't take a cut, so it effectively becomes just people getting a place to gamble against other pe... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
bzz7ad | what happens to stomach acid once food is ready to move to the next step of digestion? how does the body dispose of it without causing harm to itself? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bzz7ad/eli5_what_happens_to_stomach_acid_once_food_is/ | {
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"text": [
"The acid moves with food but the pancreas secrete a bicarbonate solution to neutralize the acid so the food can be digested without making wholes in the intestine. \n\nAlso digestion occurs in an alkaline environment. And th... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
2a0prv | what is the white stuff on my tongue and where does it come from? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2a0prv/eli5_what_is_the_white_stuff_on_my_tongue_and/ | {
"a_id": [
"ciqczj9",
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"text": [
"Bacteria and debris. Comes from eaten food and dead cells. You should clean your tongue more often, as it isn't supposed to be white.",
"Bacteria and dead cells. It's probably on the inside of your... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
3o5vfd | how is medicine made/dispensed at a pharmacy? | I am pretty sure they don't keep a bottle of every medicine or a pill for every thing. or do they? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3o5vfd/eli5how_is_medicine_madedispensed_at_a_pharmacy/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"For most common things, sure. A normal corner pharmacy probably stocks 1,000's of different pills and liquids. For uncommon things, they have it shipped in from the manufacturer. My wife has prescri... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
1mwj1q | how did "special head" on america's got talent do his levitation act? | Here is a link to his act: _URL_0_
I watched it a few times, but I just don't get it. Anyone know what is going in the act? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1mwj1q/eli5_how_did_special_head_on_americas_got_talent/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"This is one of the oldest tricks in the book. Most magicians will [know what's going on](_URL_0_) the instant they see he's using a stick. ",
"It appears to be a variation of the traditional versio... | [] | [
"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdL4d3hEJ0Y"
] | [
[
"http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=etSivpBHUmE&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DetSivpBHUmE"
],
[
"http://www.randi.org/site/images/stories/One_person_levi.jpeg"
],
[]
] | |
1ltjo9 | how do hypnotists make people do stupid things on stage? | I understand general hypnosis is mostly a state of intense focus or relaxation, like when you are at the climax of a good book and you can't hear someone talking to you because you are so involved in whats going on, but I have no idea how you get someone to act like a chicken or what not and then have them not remember... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ltjo9/eli5_how_do_hypnotists_make_people_do_stupid/ | {
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"text": [
"They're not really pretending. The brain has a great capability to trick itself...if it wants to. The object of stage 'hypnosis' is to make the subject want to fool themselves.\n\nIf you got up on stage... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBVbjKGWgu4"
],
[]
] | |
7sy2ax | how bacteria appears in its enironment? | For example salmonella has best chances to be in eggs. How does the bacteria appear in there. where di it came from? Is it in the air and egg is just the best environment for it? Or is it in the egg "by default"? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7sy2ax/eli5_how_bacteria_appears_in_its_enironment/ | {
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"score": [
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"text": [
" > Or is it in the egg \"by default\"?\n\nFirst the chicken needs to have salmonella living in it, and then the bacteria can enter the egg as it is forming in the oviduct of the chicken.",
"Thanks ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
25smg0 | why does bring your knees up to your chest relieve stomach pain? | Just wondering how bringing your knees up to your chest relives stomach pain. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/25smg0/eli5_why_does_bring_your_knees_up_to_your_chest/ | {
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"text": [
"Something along the lines of: when you bend your knees up to your abdomen, it relieves the pressure inside your abdominal cavity that is causing the pain (usually triggered by the nerves in the lining ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squat_toilet",
"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WQaqeC_wME"
],
[]
] | |
2jvbml | why do old people always put those bright green tennis balls on their walkers? | Is it a cultural thing? Does Wilson have a manufacturing deal with walker companies to put tennis balls on the bottom of each walker in America?
What is the origin of this? Who first started doing this? And why tennis balls as opposed to say, baseballs?
[Here's a picture of what I'm talking about.](_URL_0_) | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2jvbml/eli5_why_do_old_people_always_put_those_bright/ | {
"a_id": [
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10,
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"text": [
"its to make it easier to push along a carpet and less risk of catching or buffing wooden floors ",
"The tennis balls help with traction so the walker can slide easily while the person is walking, ... | [] | [
"http://bp3.blogger.com/_W360_zGFGNk/SJTnCfOsU8I/AAAAAAAAAaw/0I77rpIoDzI/s1600-h/ball1.jpg"
] | [
[],
[],
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] | |
2mqfpf | why does sleeptalking happen? like, why do our in-dream actions correspond with our real ones? | Why is it that when I can't speak in a dream, I say it out loud? What does my dream self have to do with my real self? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2mqfpf/eli5_why_does_sleeptalking_happen_like_why_do_our/ | {
"a_id": [
"cm6ndd6"
],
"score": [
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],
"text": [
"It's your body not completely disengaging your body from your brain during dream state. Call it a mild form of sleep walking. Ever get those ticks in your arms or legs as you fall asleep? This is your mind \"testing\" to see if it has disengaged... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
3bunxy | why do rich people always pursue more money? isn't there a ceiling in which they can already have everything they've ever wanted/needed? | I've spoken to some people and I get a lot of opinions. To some degree I assume this question only has opinionated answers, but I was hoping to hear an explanation of the reason behind needing so much more. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3bunxy/eli5why_do_rich_people_always_pursue_more_money/ | {
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23x4lr | if scientist can reach absolute zero what will it provide in the field of science and everyday living? | When I learned this a couple years back, this question pop into my head. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/23x4lr/eli5_if_scientist_can_reach_absolute_zero_what/ | {
"a_id": [
"ch1fjz4"
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"It would mean that a lot of our understanding of physics and chemistry is wrong so we'd have to do a lot of serious work to try to fix science. Absolute zero being impossible to reach is one of the most fundamental tenets of science right now, it... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
73xubc | if men are required to register with selective service, why not automatically have men registered when they turn 18? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/73xubc/eli5_if_men_are_required_to_register_with/ | {
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11,
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"text": [
"Because this way, you have to sign a document promising to go to war if needed so when they tell you and you say \"no\" they can for... | [] | [] | [
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[],
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] | ||
203mro | if jupiter is made of gas and has no solid surface how did shoemaker-levy 9 make impact craters? / marks? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/203mro/eli5_if_jupiter_is_made_of_gas_and_has_no_solid/ | {
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"text": [
"First, the center of Jupiter has such high pressure, it does become solid. But the impact marks aren't craters as much as an insane amount of energy disrupting the normal currents ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[
"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7VCdGo_ZmU"
]
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4n6dx7 | why is the sound quality at a drive through so bad? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4n6dx7/eli5_why_is_the_sound_quality_at_a_drive_through/ | {
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"d416p0c",
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"score": [
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"text": [
"You mean like the speaker to talk to the guy taking the order?\n\nThere isn't any incentive to make it good quality. it's not like your rocking out to some heavy metal through it. You're just talking to the guy. If you ca... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
6i9p6s | why are side scrolling platformers almost always scrolling from right to left? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6i9p6s/eli5_why_are_side_scrolling_platformers_almost/ | {
"a_id": [
"dj4jbi0"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"What games are you thinking about...Mario and Sonic are left to right ?"
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
23ejze | please eli5 ... why is the headrest part of most car's seats designed to be so angled forward? | it is so uncomfortable but I'm sure there must be a reason.
note: not children's car seats, I mean normal passenger seats. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/23ejze/please_eli5_why_is_the_headrest_part_of_most_cars/ | {
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"score": [
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"text": [
"I too am interested. It always hurts my neck/head/back. I just want a straight head rest!",
"I think the head rest is more for whiplash in the event of a car crash. It prevent... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
4xgfir | what would the pros and cons of having your kid learn an additional langauge when they're little in a special program? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4xgfir/eli5_what_would_the_pros_and_cons_of_having_your/ | {
"a_id": [
"d6f8r8h",
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"score": [
3,
6
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"text": [
"Do it. and this whole thing about there being peaks isn't so important. Learning at any age is GOOD. Spanish is a good language to know especially in USA. It will be useful to them. \n\nNot to mention that you are basica... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
3iyw3v | when i'm talking and all of a sudden air just halts, i nearly choke and can't talk for a second until i take a breathe? (with air still in my lungs) | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3iyw3v/eli5_when_im_talking_and_all_of_a_sudden_air_just/ | {
"a_id": [
"cukx4k4",
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"score": [
5,
3
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"text": [
"Are you sure it's not a mild panic attack?",
"This sounds like a medical problem. Ask at /r/AskDocs "
]
} | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
8b204p | why do oceans exist? | What I mean is, why aren't oceans absorbed into the sea bed the way water is on a sandy beach? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8b204p/eli5_why_do_oceans_exist/ | {
"a_id": [
"dx3atzn"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Oceans cannot be absorbed into the sea bed because below the sea bed there is bedrock and the water is already saturated within the sea bed. Open water sits on top of the water within the sea bed."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
3bmncf | the differences between synthetic marijuana and actual marijuana and why synthetic is apparently more dangerous. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3bmncf/eli5the_differences_between_synthetic_marijuana/ | {
"a_id": [
"csni4of"
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"score": [
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"text": [
"Synthetic marijuana is in no way related to real marijuana. It is plant material that has been sprayed with one or more of any number of chemicals that happen to affect the same parts of the brain as the THC in real weed. It is dangerous because ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
2axlbd | the "power factor" of ac electric power and how it relates to things we use in the home and office | I am barely literate in things electrical, so my attempt at a ELI5 answer for myself (which may be totally wrong) is that if something has a motor in it (a washing machine, a fan) then the revolutions of the motor kind of don't match the revolutions of the generator at the power plant making the AC power. So you lose s... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2axlbd/eli5_the_power_factor_of_ac_electric_power_and/ | {
"a_id": [
"cizrppo",
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"score": [
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2
],
"text": [
"Alice buys stuff from Amazon and they ship it to her and she likes it and keeps it. Everyone is happy! Alice has a power factor of 1.0.\n\nBob buys stuff from Amazon and they ship it to him but he doesn't like half of it a... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
2wfnr5 | where do worms go in the winter? | I mean in cold weather climates where the ground freezes in the winter. Do worms just sorta freeze too and thaw in the spring? Do they all die and new ones hatch when the weather warms?
Edit: spelling, and yes I meant common earthworms. Thanks for the response! | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2wfnr5/eli5_where_do_worms_go_in_the_winter/ | {
"a_id": [
"coqcztf"
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"text": [
"If you're referring to earthworms, they simply go deeper into the ground. Even in harsh winters the ground doesn't usually freeze more than ~~an inch or two~~ a few feet deep, so the worms just burrow below the frozen layer and wait for a few w... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
7ab6yw | how does a company separate from a parent company, or rather, how is the parent company compensated for the lost value? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7ab6yw/eli5_how_does_a_company_separate_from_a_parent/ | {
"a_id": [
"dp8jpwf",
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"score": [
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"text": [
"Any company, be it parent or a subsidiary/child company, has shares, meaning who owns the company (Simple way to imagine it would be- if a company has 100 shares, each share is 1% of the company, limited liability companies ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
7f2qpx | why when looking at a certain point without blinking for few seconds you start seeing double? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7f2qpx/eli5_why_when_looking_at_a_certain_point_without/ | {
"a_id": [
"dq93e1s"
],
"score": [
4
],
"text": [
"Not everybody sees double. If you do, it is probably because your eyes get tired and stop looking in exactly the same direction. This is technically known as a strabismus."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
ew42wd | why does “cleaning” our ears with a cotton swab feel so good when we’re told not to put anything in them? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ew42wd/eli5_why_does_cleaning_our_ears_with_a_cotton/ | {
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"text": [
"A big part of the reason why it feels good is because that part of your body doesn’t experience the sense of touch very often (at least compared to the rest of your body) so th... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
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2w574i | how are people born "geniuses"? | Like how are people just born with some special talent? Like is there something going on with their brain when they are born? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2w574i/eli5how_are_people_born_geniuses/ | {
"a_id": [
"conovan",
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"score": [
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"text": [
"Most of the time one part of the brain is different (worse than normal) and another part is overfishing to compensate. Or their brains just have more synapses. Can be a lot of other things too.",
"The actual answer is t... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
8x0f41 | why does a sudden influx of energy break objects? | Ive notice that when energy, specifically kinetic, is transfered in a short amount of time it tends to break things, but if added over a lot longer period it doesn't, like say I press against a wall a certain number of times pushing in then pulling out, compared to me just suddenly punching it or how gunpowder doesn't ... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8x0f41/eli5_why_does_a_sudden_influx_of_energy_break/ | {
"a_id": [
"e1zvqqq",
"e1zzbsm"
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"score": [
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4
],
"text": [
"Newton's second law, F = ma. When a fast moving object is suddenly stopped, acceleration is very large and the resulting forces are enormous. If these forces exceed the yield strength of the material involved, the object bre... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
1umqm2 | why do heating pipes make a loud banging sound? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1umqm2/eli5_why_do_heating_pipes_make_a_loud_banging/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
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2
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"text": [
"Based on the one that sits next to our couch-bed in our very small NYC apartment, it is the expansion/contraction of the metal and wood around the heated pipes/radiator that cause the loud banging, pops... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"http://what-if.xkcd.com/6/",
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_hammer"
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[]
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n85gv | the constitutional breaches of the national defense authorization act? | I understand the removal of Habeus Corpus is in violation of the Bill of Rights, but which of the Articles, if any? Article 1, Sec 8 allows Congress to make rules concerning capture, so it's legal in that sense. (Not to imply that it's just in any sense.)
| explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/n85gv/eli5_the_constitutional_breaches_of_the_national/ | {
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"text": [
" > I understand the removal of Habeus Corpus is in violation of the Bill of Rights\n\nWhy?",
"5th amendment:\n\n > No person shall ... be deprived of life, liberty, or propert... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
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2kp2wu | what makes something look modern? | Bonus: Why do things that once looked very modern (iPhone 4, for example) suddenly look antiquated when a newer version comes out (iPhone 5S). (same with iPhone 5S to iPhone 6)
Another example. My university recently got a new sciences building, and it looks modern as fuck. Its all boxy and juts out here and there. Wh... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2kp2wu/eli5_what_makes_something_look_modern/ | {
"a_id": [
"clne2kh",
"clnecab"
],
"score": [
2,
10
],
"text": [
"Because its boxy and white, grey, black, and made with concrete ",
"There's really nothing \"modern.\" The gist of it is that every period has \"modern\" styles. To our current day and age, sleek = modern. What sleek me... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
dq8wfx | sometimes when doctors flash light in your eyes, what do they exactly look for? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dq8wfx/eli5_sometimes_when_doctors_flash_light_in_your/ | {
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"score": [
8,
4,
3,
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],
"text": [
"Except for the ophthalmologist, they are looking to see that your iris contracts quickly to the bright light. This shows that the eye - > brain - > eye pathway is working. If i... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
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2muad7 | how do college degree concentrations work? | Hypothetically, if a student were enrolled as a "Business Administration: Marketing" student, would he be pursuing an bachelor's degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing, or a business marketing degree? Or a Bachelor's of Science, with some sort of concentration in business?
It's just the na... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2muad7/eli5_how_do_college_degree_concentrations_work/ | {
"a_id": [
"cm7nrw5"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"First of all Bachelor of art and bachelor of science has more to do with the type of university or college you go to than what you are studying. For example, I go to BU and study chemistry, but will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree with ch... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
2ozqhu | why does mcdonald's charge $3 for a mcmuffin & coffee, but $3.59 for just a mcmuffin? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ozqhu/eli5why_does_mcdonalds_charge_3_for_a/ | {
"a_id": [
"cmrzekd",
"cms0i4q",
"cms5e0x"
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"score": [
13,
2,
3
],
"text": [
"This is a marketing trick. It does two things. One, it's get you in the habit of ordering the grouped items (for other things like meals, it cost more). You will subconsciously do this in the future ou... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
3ngni4 | what are "common sense" gun laws? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ngni4/eli5what_are_common_sense_gun_laws/ | {
"a_id": [
"cvnuywg"
],
"score": [
6
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"text": [
"In politics \"common sense\" means \"vague to the point everyone thinks I agree with them\".\n\nIt is a way to campaign against something without offering any real solutions of your own, because, hey, who can be against common sense?\n\nOnce deta... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
3kq1hm | we donate to cancer research and treatments are getting better, but why do we still have to pay the enormous costs for said treatment? | My friends sister has cancer, her treatments cost about 100k and she needs 6 of them. I am beside myself with helplessness for her.
If we (as a nation) are doing all of these runs, races, telethons and fundraisers and all these things that drive dollars into cancer research, are we just in effect paving the way for n... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3kq1hm/eli5_we_donate_to_cancer_research_and_treatments/ | {
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2,
2
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"text": [
"Cancer treatment costs *much more* than the amount being paid to the research centers. The donations are used to do investigations to discover new, better ways to treat cancers; but it does not include ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
572010 | if whatsapp chats are encrypted then how facebook is going to collect data from whatsapp chats for targeted advertising? | When WhatsApp introduced chat encryption feature, we were told that the chats will be end to end encrypted. Now how they are going to enforce their new TOS if chats are really encrypted? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/572010/eli5_if_whatsapp_chats_are_encrypted_then_how/ | {
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2,
2,
2,
2
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"text": [
"Theoretically, if they are using end to end encryption correctly, no-one, Facebook included, can read the messages other than the sender and recipient(s). Now what is NOT encrypted... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
k51iq | the president, what he can and can't do, and what makes him different from prime ministers and such? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/k51iq/eli5_the_president_what_he_can_and_cant_do_and/ | {
"a_id": [
"c2hm5wu",
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"score": [
4,
4
],
"text": [
"Most western democracies fall under one of three categories: The presidential system (e.g. the USA), the semi-presidential system (e.g. France) and the paliamentary system (e.g. Germany). These terms may seem confusing, as a... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
3pmie3 | what is the lorentz contraction? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3pmie3/eli5_what_is_the_lorentz_contraction/ | {
"a_id": [
"cw7o8ks"
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"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Imagine a car moving away from you. The time it takes for the light reflected off the front of the car to reach you, and the time it takes for the light reflected off the rear of the car to reach you, are for all intents and purposes the same whe... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
89lm42 | is every square inch of land in america owned by someone or some entity? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/89lm42/eli5_is_every_square_inch_of_land_in_america/ | {
"a_id": [
"dwrtxco"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"All land in the US is technically owned by someone or by the federal or a state government. If there were any \"unclaimed\" land, it would (and did and does) default to state government ownership."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
42vmij | each decade of the 20th century had a distinct character ie the 60s and hippies, the 80s and hairspray... what about the 19th century? was each decade defined by a certain style/music? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/42vmij/eli5_each_decade_of_the_20th_century_had_a/ | {
"a_id": [
"czdguz6"
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"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Back in the day, cultural trends would move more slowly. We didn't have TV, Radio, cars & airplanes to spread pop culture & then replace it with the next big thing.\n\nThere were definitely trends & fashion but it didn't come out of nowher... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
3gca5v | why do high income and developed countries place such high taxes on their population compared to poor and undeveloped countries? | If you take a look at the wiki articles on country rankings by tax rates you will see that generally speaking, rich and developed countries have a high tax burden on their population compared to poor and undeveloped countries. The tax revenue as a percentage of GDP is high in developed countries, so are the individual ... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3gca5v/eli5_why_do_high_income_and_developed_countries/ | {
"a_id": [
"ctwsaco",
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"score": [
8,
3,
2
],
"text": [
"Rich people can afford to pay high taxes while still having enough left over to pay for food, clothing, shelter, and other necessities.\n\nAnd rich countries tend to provide costly government services l... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
cp5cbp | why do animals and other mammals follow the same body structure? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cp5cbp/eli5_why_do_animals_and_other_mammals_follow_the/ | {
"a_id": [
"ewnas5a",
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"score": [
4,
5
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"text": [
"Because they are all related. Bilateral symmetry, the basic body plan of animals, was established long ago and all animals are descended from that common ancestor.",
"There's a few things to dissect here.\n\n1. Mammals a... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
817d11 | if you burn more calories than you take in, how do you manage to remain alive? | Wisdom states, to lose weight, you have to burn more calories than you take in to lose weight. Logic leads me to understand that if you burn what you take in, you remain at the same weight. But, if you're doing either of those, how do you manage to remain functioning?
It seems you need energy derived from food. ... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/817d11/eli5_if_you_burn_more_calories_than_you_take_in/ | {
"a_id": [
"dv0zw29",
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"dv10baf"
],
"score": [
9,
5,
3
],
"text": [
"Because the car still has gas in the tank. That's what fat is; it's the amount of gas you still have in your tank.\n\nAnd yes, if you continually are at a caloric deficiency indefinitely (which would re... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
2xwjug | why is black truffle so prized in the culinary industry? | Was in France last week and went out to a fancy dinner. Are waiter wouldn't stop talking about how lucky we are to be having black truffles and how it was the last week of the season. Imo it just seemed like a fancy mushroom. Why are they so prized? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2xwjug/eli5_why_is_black_truffle_so_prized_in_the/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"It all boils down to their rarity. Truffles are mycorrhizal this which means they will only fruit if grown in conjunction with certain types of trees. The mycelium of the mushroom (the vegetative body) forms a net and grows in between the cells o... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
94kv8s | difference between midi and mp3 file | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/94kv8s/eli5_difference_between_midi_and_mp3_file/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"A MIDI file is “instructions” for how a song should be played, like sheet music but with more options. An mp3 is a compressed (smaller file size by sacrificing some fidelity) version of an actual recording of a song."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
3vifjv | why does holding your nose help stifle your vomit impulse? | We've all seen it on TV.
We've all seen it in movies.
Hell, we have all done it at one point or another.
So why does holding your nose help stifle your vomit response? Your nose has little to nothing to do with your gag reflex right? Why does it seem to help you make it to the bathroom on time? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3vifjv/eli5_why_does_holding_your_nose_help_stifle_your/ | {
"a_id": [
"cxnvoq3"
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"score": [
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"text": [
"Actually, allthough the nose is not directly connected to the muscles or gag reflex itself, the brain is very much involved in vomiting. So by holding your nose, you are blocking smells/neural signals that might trigger/help the urge to vomit.\n\... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
2bq6gy | the whole "corporations are people" thing and why people hate it so much. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2bq6gy/eli5_the_whole_corporations_are_people_thing_and/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"It mostly comes from a place of ignorance where people have latched on to a catchphrase. '... | [] | [] | [
[],
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"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legal_fiction"
],
[],
[],
[
"http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/08/12/soylent-green-is-corporations/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0"
],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
30rpvh | if calories are just a unit of energy then how can things like redbull have 0 calories but still give you energy? | I feel like there's some crucial bit of understanding that I'm missing here. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/30rpvh/eli5_if_calories_are_just_a_unit_of_energy_then/ | {
"a_id": [
"cpv6n6e",
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"score": [
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2
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"text": [
"Energy is an odd word when it comes to food. You derive energy only from foods containing calories. However, there are substances that for various reasons give you the perception of being energetic, or awake, or whatever. ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
f8nzv7 | photon reflection off a mirror. | Does the exact same photon of light bounce back or is it absorbed and a new one with the same properties emitted? how does it remember its path? And if it bounces back, does its velocity comes to near zero for a small-time before being reflected back in a straight line at same angle. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/f8nzv7/eli5_photon_reflection_off_a_mirror/ | {
"a_id": [
"fimlffo",
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"score": [
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3,
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],
"text": [
"The individual wavefunctions corresponding to the photon interacting with each particle in a perfect mirror are in superposition. They only constructively interfere along the path where the angle of in... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
2ea85t | why does my brain resist exercise until i feel shitty for not exercising? why doesn't my brain crave exercise, knowing i'll feel better for it after? | I realise it's all about routine and perhaps I'll crave it once I get into more of a habit, but why do people's brains allow them to get out of shape and unhealthy to begin with?
Same for eating healthily, why do we crave shitty, fatty foods instead of fruit and veg?
You can say it, I'm just lazy! :P | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ea85t/eli5_why_does_my_brain_resist_exercise_until_i/ | {
"a_id": [
"cjxii85",
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"score": [
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"text": [
"Because for most of our existence we had to fight very, very hard to survive. That meant eating the food with the most calories because we didn't know when we'd be eating again, and not expending extra energy if we didn't ne... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
6x44m7 | when a person or corporation "pledges" a dollar amount to disaster relief, what exactly do they do with that amount of money (typically)? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6x44m7/eli5_when_a_person_or_corporation_pledges_a/ | {
"a_id": [
"dmcxvwo"
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"score": [
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"text": [
"Often, they'll just give the amount to a big, general relief charity like the Red Cross or perhaps a government agency handling the purchase or relief goods. Or if they have a product that is useful, they may donate that amount of the product (sa... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
1sbdvz | why do police who do horrible things in the media seem never to get punished? what's actually going on? | No text. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1sbdvz/eli5_why_do_police_who_do_horrible_things_in_the/ | {
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13,
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"text": [
"According to a recent post on reddit, what actually happens (in the US at least) is that they go on paid leave while two investigations (a criminal and then an administrative one... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"http://www.reddit.com/r/ProtectAndServe/comments/1s01lr/most_common_myth/cdslvma"
],
[],
[]
] | |
7pvxqx | how do scientists know that a rock is from space and not of earthly origin? | I was reading [this article about the Hypatia stone](_URL_0_) and was wondering how they know the origin is not earthly. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7pvxqx/eli5_how_do_scientists_know_that_a_rock_is_from/ | {
"a_id": [
"dskf4c7",
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"score": [
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19
],
"text": [
"Not sure if related, but there are certain micro/atomic structures that are indicators of certain things.\n\nSimilar to when coal is subjected to incredibly high pressure, temperature and time it will form into a diamond, t... | [] | [
"http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/a15050414/incredible-hypatia-stone-contains-compounds-not-found-in-the-solar-system/"
] | [
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Widmanstätten_pattern"
],
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meteoric_iron#/media/File:TolucaMeteorite.jpg"
]
] | |
3m9qak | where will the potentially $18 billion volkswagen fines go? | Who gets the money?
What will it be used for? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3m9qak/eli5where_will_the_potentially_18_billion/ | {
"a_id": [
"cvd8b2d",
"cvd9pfy"
],
"score": [
2,
2
],
"text": [
"Governments. It is theoretically to go towards the costs of similar, future enforcement actions. ",
"To the government of course. .because you know. . They are the ones impacted the most by it. ..\n\nIt is kinda funny. .... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
4n2rc1 | how does ice actually burn the skin? | What is the actual definition of *burning* when it comes to damaged tissue? Is it when your sensory receptors in your skin go ape shit do to coming in contact with extreme temperatures? Or the feeling simply be the burning sensation?
I'm burnt out just asking myself.
Ha... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4n2rc1/eli5_how_does_ice_actually_burn_the_skin/ | {
"a_id": [
"d40dy1n"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"I'm not a doctor, but: \n\nTo my knowledge, a burn is when heat (or a chemical) causes tissue damage by denaturing proteins. Think of what happens to an egg when you cook it. The change you see is due to proteins unfolding or \"denaturing.\"\n\nS... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
2fktnz | what exactly is happening when you hold your nose and blow to help relieve your ears during pressure changes in an airplane? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2fktnz/eli5_what_exactly_is_happening_when_you_hold_your/ | {
"a_id": [
"cka6sen",
"cka6yca"
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"score": [
2,
2
],
"text": [
"Your middle ear is connected to the nasal cavity by a [eustachian tube](_URL_0_) and as the animated gif shows, you make the tympanic membrane go back to normal when you hold your nose and force air up the tube.",
"That... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://gkarkour09.wikispaces.com/file/view/middle-ear-pressure.gif/77170639/middle-ear-pressure.gif"
],
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valsalva_maneuver"
]
] | ||
1oz9f8 | saudi arabia says it's rejection of a unsc seat is a "message for the us, not the un." how does this make sense? | It seems to me like accepting a Security Council seat would give Saudi Arabia more influence and ability to pressure the US to adopt a stance on Syria closer to their own. How does denying this opportunity present a "message to the US"? It seems like shooting themselves in the foot more than anything, but I feel like I... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1oz9f8/eli5_saudi_arabia_says_its_rejection_of_a_unsc/ | {
"a_id": [
"ccx41n0"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"If Saudi Arabia accepts the UNSC seat, then they do have more power, but they also give up some power because they are now part of this body and have to play by some new rules.\n\nHaving given it up, they are telling the United States (and the wo... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
1ewrqu | the difference between pop and imap email protocol | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ewrqu/eli5the_difference_between_pop_and_imap_email/ | {
"a_id": [
"ca4ljgu"
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"score": [
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"text": [
"The biggest difference is that POP simply allows you to view or retrieve messages stored in a flat list on the server. You can order them by date, but that's about it. POP is useful if you want to organize and manage email messages entirely on th... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
meo3o | how a midi guitar works | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/meo3o/eli5_how_a_midi_guitar_works/ | {
"a_id": [
"c30ao8w",
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"text": [
"The guitar is just a controller, like for an xbox or playstation.\n\nLet's take a simple case, where the strings are only used to tell the guitar if they were hit or not. In this case, the guitar checks to see which string i... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guitar_synthesizer#Guitar-like_MIDI_controllers"
],
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guitar_synthesizer#Guitar-like_MIDI_controllers"
]
] | ||
akge2b | why do scientists research commonly known stuff? | Just read about how research shows that stretching slightly reduces muscle soreness (_URL_0_).
It's been known in society for a long time before this that stretching reduces soreness, so who is paying scientists to research it and other things similar? What's the benefit to those paying? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/akge2b/eli5_why_do_scientists_research_commonly_known/ | {
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174,
15,
71,
4,
3,
4,
4,
... | [] | [
"https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD004577.pub3/full"
] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[
"https://www.effectivealtruism.org"
],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
1msznm | since mars has no magnetic field, could we ever restore the atmosphere there? | More specifically curious as to whether or not mars could ever be made habitable for humans, or is that more like science fiction? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1msznm/eli5_since_mars_has_no_magnetic_field_could_we/ | {
"a_id": [
"cccc1w8"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"The dissipation of an atmosphere is an incredibly long process. Mars still has an atmosphere, so its not like it would just vanish. The main issue would be the creation of enough greenhouse and other gasses to counteract the dissipation. "
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
djdkkn | what exactly happens in the stomach when you bend over/lay over on your stomach right after eating? | [deleted] | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/djdkkn/eli5_what_exactly_happens_in_the_stomach_when_you/ | {
"a_id": [
"f44eb07"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"What do you mean? What should happen?"
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
b5pu6k | why is it that we use petrol as fuel when alcohol is both cheaper and easier to produce? | what cons does ethanol have compared to petrol? one thing i'm certain about is that ethanol is both cheaper and easier to produce. should have cons then. what's that? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/b5pu6k/eli5_why_is_it_that_we_use_petrol_as_fuel_when/ | {
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"score": [
25,
27,
3,
2
],
"text": [
"There is much less energy per gallon in ethanol than gasoline. It's slightly cheaper, per gallon, and slightly more expensive, per mile.\n\nEthanol is **not** easy to produce. ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burgan_field"
],
[]
] | |
3a1xo5 | how did people study the human body? | I understand the human anatomy can be studied by cutting open dead people, but how were we able to learn about, for example, how organs function, which would require people to be alive? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3a1xo5/eli5_how_did_people_study_the_human_body/ | {
"a_id": [
"cs8iwbf"
],
"score": [
4
],
"text": [
"The truth is that this is something that humanity was really, really bad at for a really long time and we had a lot of weird ideas about how things worked. Some people still believe weird stuff about the body to this day. It didn't help that peop... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
2lfgkr | why do people celebrate guy fawkes night? i mean, he was a terrorist. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2lfgkr/eli5_why_do_people_celebrate_guy_fawkes_night_i/ | {
"a_id": [
"clu9xuo",
"cluaaxk"
],
"score": [
9,
5
],
"text": [
"They celebrate the fact that he was stopped, not the fact that he acted.",
"Guy Fawkes night is celebrating that the dastardly terrorist was caught!\n\nThe V for Vendetta Guy Fawkes mask thing is celebrating the guy who ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
2ni53j | does gravity decrease at a constant rate the farther away from the surface you get? | If I weigh x on earth's surface, and near zero at the International Space Station, where and how does that transition take place?
Does the atmosphere have anything to do with it?
Would I weigh more at the bottom of a mine than on the surface? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ni53j/eli5_does_gravity_decrease_at_a_constant_rate_the/ | {
"a_id": [
"cmdt9cj"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"This is a good question because it illustrates a very common misunderstanding about space travel. \n\nThe answer to your question is \"yes\" - gravity decreases at a very specific, steady rate the farther away you get from an object.\n\nBut here'... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
f5l43z | why do depressed people have a harder time getting things done? why are "normal" people so much better at getting things started than us? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/f5l43z/eli5_why_do_depressed_people_have_a_harder_time/ | {
"a_id": [
"fhzcl97"
],
"score": [
7
],
"text": [
"Your brain is entirely based on chemical reactions. When you do something rewarding (even mildly, like getting a chore done) your brain releases dopamine, a reward chemical. It makes you feel good, it’s your brain training itself to be like “if w... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
eydwg6 | in order to determine traffic, how does google maps distinguish between phones being in cars on the street (actually traffic) and phones that are used by people in their homes right next to the road (no traffic)? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/eydwg6/eli5_in_order_to_determine_traffic_how_does/ | {
"a_id": [
"fgglgr4"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"I’d think they’d have a window and if it didn’t move for X seconds then it’s a pretty good guess that it’s not in a car. \n\nBut for all we know they have some other profile/method to determine with great accuracy what we’re doing. \n\nI’d be int... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
5rn65n | why can't we cut our body fat directly? | [deleted] | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5rn65n/eli5_why_cant_we_cut_our_body_fat_directly/ | {
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7,
5
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"text": [
"Fat is difficult for the body to process because it isn't water soluble, but stores energy very efficiently (compared to glucose, it stores about twice the energy per gram). It is stored in adipose tis... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
6w4df2 | as a kid i hated the taste of broccoli, but as an adult i love it, how does that work? | I remember almost spewing from the foul taste of broccoli as a child. I also remember the day when a friend made broccoli soup with blue cheese, I hated both, but the combination triggered something and after that I love both broccoli and blue cheese. It's like as if they have a completely different taste since then.
... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6w4df2/eli5as_a_kid_i_hated_the_taste_of_broccoli_but_as/ | {
"a_id": [
"dm593a8"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"Children have a lot more taste buds than adults and those are a lot more sensitive to bitter sensations. Which makes Broccoli pretty much their mortal enemy. \nOver the years the amount of tastebuds reduces as does their sensitivity. \n\nThat's w... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
8hadfu | how do you fry ice cream. | I’ve always wondered how ice cream is fried. Someone please help! | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8hadfu/eli5_how_do_you_fry_ice_cream/ | {
"a_id": [
"dyi8gp4",
"dyiop77",
"dyited7"
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"score": [
58,
6,
7
],
"text": [
"You superchill the Cream first, coat it in a tempura batter and fry it at a very high temperature.\n\nThe outer tempura crust is what actually \"fries\" and it insullates the soft icecream inside a nic... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
5ihdto | what exactly can workplace it staff see, besides my browsing history? | For example, can they see passwords I've entered for non-work websites? Can they view files saved on my hard drive? I really doubt that that anyone at my workplace *would* (they have better things to do and I'm not that interesting), but ever since I learned that browsing histories are saved, I've wondered what else ... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5ihdto/eli5_what_exactly_can_workplace_it_staff_see/ | {
"a_id": [
"db84rso",
"db84sb9",
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"db880qd",
"db890er",
"db8f3gl"
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"score": [
5,
3,
2,
2,
10,
3
],
"text": [
"I work for a technology company and can tell you for a fact that other than browsing history, my company can see any document I type ou... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
6k3kje | everytime i see a shark swimming on tv, there are tiny fish swimming alongside and under it. why is it so? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6k3kje/eli5_everytime_i_see_a_shark_swimming_on_tv_there/ | {
"a_id": [
"djj1nut",
"djj1pmg"
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"score": [
2,
4
],
"text": [
"It's possible you are seeing remoras. There are remoras that typically follow a host animal and enjoy a symbiotic relationship. The remora cleans debris and parasites from the host, and gets to eat all the parasites, feces, ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
5ageue | why does language change over generations / geography? i speak the same way my parents and grandparents do, so why do we speak differently from folks 200 years ago? also, in the us, why do people in different areas have different accents if we all came from england and spoke the same way? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5ageue/eli5_why_does_language_change_over_generations/ | {
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"d9gj2t3"
],
"score": [
3,
4,
7,
22,
2,
6,
3,
2
],
"text": [
"We didn't all come from England. The French and Spanish also had interests in the US. We al... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demography_of_the_United_States#/media/File:Census-2000-Data-Top-US-Ancestries-by-County.svg"
],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[
"http://www.macleans.ca/society/life/in-the-midst-of-the-canadian-vowel-shift/"
]
] | ||
3ngt5s | why can someone get used to strong alcohol? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ngt5s/eli5_why_can_someone_get_used_to_strong_alcohol/ | {
"a_id": [
"cvnwr7e"
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"score": [
2
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"text": [
"You're cells have an organelle called the Smooth ER that detoxifies the cell from drugs and alcohol. The more often you ingest it the more efficient this organelle becomes at detoxifying. Since it detoxifies faster when you drink a lot you would ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
2rvvh5 | why does a brown ring form around the inside of my coffee cup after it has been sitting? the ring only forms on the mug at the top level of the liquid. why isn't the whole submerged part of the mug turn brown? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2rvvh5/eli5_why_does_a_brown_ring_form_around_the_inside/ | {
"a_id": [
"cnjqrt2",
"cnjufnz"
],
"score": [
12,
3
],
"text": [
"Capillary action draws the coffee at the edge a little bit up the wall of the mug. Then the water evaporates, leaving coffee residue.",
"People have actually studied this phenomon, its called the [Coffee Ring Effect.](_... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffee_ring_effect"
]
] | ||
3j5ime | why are advertisers allowed to make text so small that is literally unreadable (on video), or talk so fast that no one can understand a word (radio/video) regarding "fine print" | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3j5ime/eli5_why_are_advertisers_allowed_to_make_text_so/ | {
"a_id": [
"cumgiiu"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"There are lots of laws around how you're allowed to present a product in an advertisement. This includes things you have to say about a product (side effects of a medicine etc). \n\nSometime those things they have to say make the product look wor... | [] | [] | [
[]
] |
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