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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
37s85g | how are soap operas still running after 50+ years? | Been wondering this for awhile, sadly my mother is a constant watcher of (DoOLS) Days of our Lives. After suffering through a few episodes as I child and even now, when I'm too lazy to get off the couch, I've realized that 90-99.99% of the characters are absolutely horrible people. Stealing a baby?! Who the hell does t... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/37s85g/eli5_how_are_soap_operas_still_running_after_50/ | {
"a_id": [
"crpelgq",
"crpg037"
],
"score": [
3,
2
],
"text": [
"Well, the real answer is that many soap operas are being cancelled or ending, as people's tastes and how they watch TV are changing. But they've had 50+ years to learn how to write really compelling dramas and characters tha... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
407dtl | why do we associate a rainy mood with the perfect time to sleep? does this association arises naturally or is imposed on us by social interactions? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/407dtl/eli5_why_do_we_associate_a_rainy_mood_with_the/ | {
"a_id": [
"cyrzrot",
"cys2ccr",
"cys3zeb",
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"cysqfn6"
],
"score": [
72,
83,
17,
9,
13,
2,
2,
4,
2
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"text": [
"Maybe because nocturnal predators were less likely to hunt in the ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
9qdx26 | why do credit cards only start with 3, 4, 5 or 6? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9qdx26/eli5_why_do_credit_cards_only_start_with_3_4_5_or/ | {
"a_id": [
"e88g80a",
"e88hpna",
"e88huz3",
"e88ixz4"
],
"score": [
6,
2,
6,
4
],
"text": [
"This is just a guess but I think the first few numbers denote what credit card company it is (visa, MasterCard, Amex, etc).",
"The first number is the industry that this card n... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Payment_card_number#Issuer_identification_number_(IIN)"
],
[
"https://www.creditcardinsider.com/learn/glossary/#check-digit",
"https://www.creditcardinsider.com/learn/anatomy-of-a-credit-card/"
]
] | ||
2vwiuz | how do people who are hit with unreasonably high medical bills handle it? | I just read a comment on reddit where the OP was hit by a truck, had to undergo severe medical treatment, and when he woke up from a coma, was served a $2.5m medical bill. I've heard similar stories in the past, and it seems unreasonable to expect or imagine a normal person would be able to pay that back. How do people... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2vwiuz/eli5_how_do_people_who_are_hit_with_unreasonably/ | {
"a_id": [
"coli1h4",
"coli3nd",
"coli47c",
"colijct",
"colq2zd",
"colri2s"
],
"score": [
4,
17,
4,
17,
3,
3
],
"text": [
"spent, 3 months in the hospital this summer. its a very slow process that WILL hurt your credit unless you set up payment plans with E... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
40b1rr | how do hostage exchanges work such that the captor isn't followed by police after releasing their hostages? | Lets say a situation like a bank robbery, where someone has taken a hostage once they have seen police piling outside. In an attempt to get away, they take their hostage to their car and warn if anyone follows, their hostage will be killed. Now with the possibility of plainclothes officers and helicopters tracking the ... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/40b1rr/eli5_how_do_hostage_exchanges_work_such_that_the/ | {
"a_id": [
"cysu9o2",
"cysz7f0"
],
"score": [
11,
2
],
"text": [
"Hostage takers don't get away.\n\nIn first world countries with effective police forces once the cops show up you're either leaving in handcuffs or a body bag. ",
"The only successful hostage exchange is when you have a... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
28qvqe | suppose somehow (via magic) i exactly duplicate my mobile phone and sim card. if i turn them both on, and someone tries to call me, what happens? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/28qvqe/eli5_suppose_somehow_via_magic_i_exactly/ | {
"a_id": [
"cidjso5",
"cidm5jt"
],
"score": [
6,
2
],
"text": [
"Somewhere in the system various error conditions are met and an administrator of the system gets an error. or you crash the whole network.\n\nYour phone has a unique IMEI # - each cell phone made has a unique one, similar to... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
8xfi70 | what does it mean when someone has ", esquire" after their name? | [deleted] | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8xfi70/eli5_what_does_it_mean_when_someone_has_esquire/ | {
"a_id": [
"e22w075"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"In the US it is generally used as a courtesy title for attorneys.\n\nIn the UK it is used more generally as a courtesy for any person of good social standing who does not have a formal title of nobility."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
447isi | what does back emf / lenz law do to a motor/generator? why does it matter? what would happen if a motor/generator could be created which was immune to backemf/lenz law? | Please ELI5..
I keep hearing that there is this thing called Back EMF / Lenz Law.
It does something to a motor/generator.
What is it that it does to the motor/generator, and what would happen if a motor/generator could be built that was not affected by BackEMF/Lenz Law?
p.s. I've tried to understand BackEMF/Lenz L... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/447isi/eli5_what_does_back_emf_lenz_law_do_to_a/ | {
"a_id": [
"czo285d",
"czo3czv"
],
"score": [
3,
3
],
"text": [
"When you stop supplying power to a motor it doesn't stop instantaneously (unless its super small). If you recall what the requirements are for generator action they are relative motion and a magnetic field.\nA slowing down m... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
ebtd3p | why, after stepping down from a treadmill, you still "feel" like you are going forward? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ebtd3p/eli5_why_after_stepping_down_from_a_treadmill_you/ | {
"a_id": [
"fb7961q",
"fb7bq48",
"fb7e8bf",
"fb7if03"
],
"score": [
13,
6,
34,
2
],
"text": [
"I believe this is just related to momentum and relative velocity? \nWhen you're running normally, the ground below you is static and doesnt move as opposed to the treadmill's b... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
zzosw | why slinkys defy gravity | Why, when you drop a slinky, does the bottom of it stay still until the rest of it has caught up to the bottom of the item? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/zzosw/why_slinkys_defy_gravity/ | {
"a_id": [
"c693vxv",
"c694gl7",
"c697c67",
"c69c3fw"
],
"score": [
6,
3,
3,
3
],
"text": [
"Because the spring force is contracting the slinky, pulling the bottom of it up. (It's also pulling the top down, but the difference between falling under gravity and falling faste... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[
"http://www.radiolab.org/blogs/radiolab-blog/2012/sep/10/what-slinky-knows/"
],
[]
] | |
7cw74l | that cool throat sensation that occurs when drinking something after you just chewed mint gum or eaten a peppermint. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7cw74l/eli5_that_cool_throat_sensation_that_occurs_when/ | {
"a_id": [
"dpt43wp"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"Chemical compounds come in every sort of variety you can imagine. The cool sensation from \"real\" or \"artifical\" peppermint flavor is the result of a unique shape and configuration of a molecule who can bind to receptors in our mouth and throa... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
27gma5 | why is the nba an association, while the nfl, nhl, mls and mlb are leagues? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/27gma5/eli5_why_is_the_nba_an_association_while_the_nfl/ | {
"a_id": [
"ci0mpv0",
"ci0r6jw"
],
"score": [
4,
2
],
"text": [
"Founded in 1937, the National Basketball League (NBL) was a professional men's basketball league in the United States. The league would later dissolve and some of its teams would be absorbed into the Basketball Association o... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
7e076f | what is the pension crisis? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7e076f/eli5_what_is_the_pension_crisis/ | {
"a_id": [
"dq6nkq2"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Many government pensions, like those in Illinois, are promises to pay retirees money the government doesn't have now. We are now at a point where the government definitely won't have enough money to pay for the pensions and will either need to ra... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
19a1iz | why do stereos make noises when your cell phone sends and receives texts and calls? | It happens in my car a lot and I had always thought it was just picking up radio waves or something through the antenna, but I noticed it happens even through my computer speakers and even headphones where there obviously is no antenna in use or even attached. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/19a1iz/why_do_stereos_make_noises_when_your_cell_phone/ | {
"a_id": [
"c8m53qw"
],
"score": [
9
],
"text": [
"Copy+paste from a reply I made to a similar question a little while ago:\n\n > Your mobile phone communicates with the phone network using electromagnetic radio waves.\n\n > One feature of electromagnetic waves is that when they pass through a ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
2wayug | how come when im in complete darkness and look at something i cant see it very well, but when looking away i can clearly see it in my peripheral? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2wayug/eli5_how_come_when_im_in_complete_darkness_and/ | {
"a_id": [
"cop4w12",
"cop4y24",
"cop5k25",
"cop71b0",
"cop8al2",
"cop8bik",
"cop8nhf",
"cop8nje",
"cop8rad",
"cop99bl",
"cop9i67",
"copb28f",
"copb295",
"copb9w4",
"copc2rx",
"copcqi2",
"copdovk",
"copef4n",
"copfjsp",
"copfo7k",
"c... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Averted_vision"
],
[],
[],
[
"http://eyetoeyevisioncenter.com/images/emmetropia_01.gif"
],
[
"https://xkcd.com/1080/"
],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[
"http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/vision/rodcone.html"
],
[
"http://hyperph... | ||
3862cj | experiencing culture vs. appropriating culture | What is the difference between these two ideas? Where is the line drawn? What is acceptable and unacceptable? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3862cj/eli5_experiencing_culture_vs_appropriating_culture/ | {
"a_id": [
"crslc75",
"crsn2d1",
"crspsgi"
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"score": [
3,
3,
2
],
"text": [
"Experiencing culture generally refers to consuming works made by a certain group, or participating in the customs of that certain group as an outsider. Appropriation is taking another group's works or ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
3nq8vr | the difference between "i'm well" and "i'm good" | My approach to the "well" vs "good" argument has always been this: if you ask how I am doing, I will respond "I am doing well" but if you ask me how I am, I will respond "I'm good." Is this correct? Could someone explain what the correct response is, and if my response should be modified answering "how are you" vs "how... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3nq8vr/eli5_the_difference_between_im_well_and_im_good/ | {
"a_id": [
"cvq9wk1",
"cvqagql",
"cvqap3m"
],
"score": [
4,
5,
2
],
"text": [
"If you are doing good, you are not doing evil. If you are doing well, you are not in poor health. \n\nGood is an abstract concept, if you are \"good\" it means that you do not do bad things (which may b... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
8ys32d | do bands need permission to cover songs for albums? for example, george michael hated that limp bizkit covered "faith". if he hated it so much, could michael not just block it because he wrote it? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8ys32d/eli5_do_bands_need_permission_to_cover_songs_for/ | {
"a_id": [
"e2da3h2"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"I think you must buy license to the song beforehand, and then you can cover it, remix it, etc, but only in terms of the licensing.\nThat's why he, imo can't do a thing, because the licensing for that one song is sold to that group.\n\nBut I am no... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
3vx2lj | why some musical notes do not have a sharp/flat in between them like e and f or b and c | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3vx2lj/eli5_why_some_musical_notes_do_not_have_a/ | {
"a_id": [
"cxrf8hq",
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"cxs3ueu",
"cxs4zcu"
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"score": [
68,
3,
9,
60,
2,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"The octave is divided into 12 equal intervals. In theory, all 12 keys could just be named in order, but musicia... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
2oan2w | why is it illegal for a privately owned business to discriminate based on race, but not on height? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2oan2w/eli5_why_is_it_illegal_for_a_privately_owned/ | {
"a_id": [
"cmlanqi",
"cmlaodh",
"cmlbfrj",
"cmlexra"
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"score": [
10,
3,
3,
3
],
"text": [
"What is illegal and what is not is determined by what are legally defined protected classes. Federally, this is race, color, religion, nation of origin, age, sex, pregnancy, citiz... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
9khr3m | if your skin cells are constantly replacing themselves then it seems like scars and stretch marks should eventually get better as the damaged cells are replaced with new skin. how can damaged skin be replaced with damaged skin? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9khr3m/eli5_if_your_skin_cells_are_constantly_replacing/ | {
"a_id": [
"e6z40id",
"e6z53xw"
],
"score": [
5,
2
],
"text": [
"When scars are formed they make this criss-cross pattern of collagen (the main structural protein) fibers. \n\nThese structural proteins form a different scaffold, which the new skin cells just move around.",
"scars usua... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
thwty | dunning–kruger effect vs. imposter syndrome | "The impostor syndrome, in which competent people find it impossible to believe in their own competence, can be viewed as complementary to the Dunning–Kruger effect, in which incompetent people find it impossible to believe in their own incompetence."
The language used is really bugging me. Can someone please fill in ... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/thwty/eli5_dunningkruger_effect_vs_imposter_syndrome/ | {
"a_id": [
"c4mrjda",
"c4mt7l0"
],
"score": [
3,
6
],
"text": [
"Dunning-Kruger means somebody is so stupid that he is unable to recognize his own stupidity, basically. This will lead to him being very confident about his beliefs and statements.\n\nVery intelligent people have great knowl... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
3b7uqo | if my lights are dimmed to 50%, are they using 50% of the electricity? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3b7uqo/eli5_if_my_lights_are_dimmed_to_50_are_they_using/ | {
"a_id": [
"csjnwhj",
"csjpifh"
],
"score": [
3,
3
],
"text": [
"Probably. It depends on the dimmer technology, but modern dimmers use switching semiconductors called silicon controlled rectifiers. These switch the power off part way through each sine wave. The power is switched back o... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
1f43z7 | what happens when you plead no contest? | And why is it used in so many plea agreements? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1f43z7/what_happens_when_you_plead_no_contest/ | {
"a_id": [
"ca6m2tk",
"ca6u1pl"
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"score": [
7,
3
],
"text": [
"Generally, pleading no contest allows someone to accept the penalty for a crime, without admitting guilt. This way, the plea cannot be held against them if they are later sued in civil court. Pleading no contest usually do... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
1p9h2g | why is h2o this amazing substance that most things on this planet can't live without? | Why water? Why is it the most vital thing we need in the world? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1p9h2g/eli5_why_is_h2o_this_amazing_substance_that_most/ | {
"a_id": [
"cd03a67",
"cd04uva",
"cd06vog"
],
"score": [
4,
4,
3
],
"text": [
"Its the properties of it at the molecular level.\r\rFor plants, the adhesive and cohesive properties of water allow them to bring water up without using any energy.\r\rWater also has a high specific hea... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
6ap7yh | how does a country determine what animals should be protected under animal protection laws? | Almost all scientists agree that Cephalapods are among the most intelligent species on earth, yet in the US it is not illegal to grab an Octopus and rip its legs off. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6ap7yh/eli5_how_does_a_country_determine_what_animals/ | {
"a_id": [
"dhgcsmy"
],
"score": [
6
],
"text": [
" > yet in the US it is not illegal to grab an Octopus and rip its legs off.\n\nIt depends entirely on the state. The US has minimal animal cruelty laws at the federal level, instead deferring to individual states to set their own laws.\n\nSo if ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
4rh98v | why does taking steroids not do all the work, why do you have to work out? | A transman for example can take testosterone and build a certain amount of muscle without working out, why?
A normal male already keeps a certain amount of muscle with natural levels of testosterone without working out, what holds that muscle (besides testosterone) wthout having to work out? Why does increasing testos... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4rh98v/eli5_why_does_taking_steroids_not_do_all_the_work/ | {
"a_id": [
"d514wc8"
],
"score": [
4
],
"text": [
"Starting testosterone and estrogen inhibitors changes everything in how body works.\n\nThe amount of muscle that is built when a male grows naturally is genetically set optimal amount of muscle, that doesn't take too much of resources and doesn't... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
lgay5 | how does a hookah work? is shisha better our worse for you than cigarette smoke? | I've heard people say the water purifies the smoke, making it less harmful. Anybody want to elaborate on this? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/lgay5/eli5_how_does_a_hookah_work_is_shisha_better_our/ | {
"a_id": [
"c2sgbde",
"c2sgbde"
],
"score": [
7,
7
],
"text": [
"The principle is simple: on top of the hookah is a bowl of tabacco (or whatever it is you're smoking) with a glowing piece of coal on top. When you suck on the hose, air flows past the coal, heating it, which then heats the ... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://www.who.int/tobacco/global_interaction/tobreg/Waterpipe%20recommendation_Final.pdf"
],
[
"http://www.who.int/tobacco/global_interaction/tobreg/Waterpipe%20recommendation_Final.pdf"
]
] | |
3xhhfy | why are some sodas almost always caffeine free, e.g. lemon-lime, root beer, orange, and some almost exclusively sold caffeinated (coke, dr pepper, etc)? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3xhhfy/eli5_why_are_some_sodas_almost_always_caffeine/ | {
"a_id": [
"cy4n5nh",
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"cy4xm9b",
"cy4y0jt",
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"cy54e8h",
"cy54hb5",
"cy55iww",
"cy569k6",
"cy56qtv",
"cy58sb3",
"cy5952h"
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... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[
"http://blog.graywriterrv.com/?p=541"
],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
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1yhnxt | why is a car's life measured in distance driven instead of hours in use like planes and construction equipment? | It seems like the amount of time the car has been driven would make more sense, especially given that stop and go driving in traffic is the worst thing for an engine, but doesn't rack up miles on the odometer. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1yhnxt/why_is_a_cars_life_measured_in_distance_driven/ | {
"a_id": [
"cfknccc",
"cfknfcl",
"cfkqjuz"
],
"score": [
6,
3,
3
],
"text": [
"Actually, hours are recorded for vehicles that stay on for most of the time. Vehicles such as ambulances, some cop cars, and taxis. The reason most vehicles don't have timers on them is because idling d... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
ytip8 | why republicans are calling obamacare socialism but don't do so for medicare/medicaid/ss? | Not sure why I got downvoted at first - but I'm honestly asking and not trying to push a political agenda - I want to know if there is a real difference which substantiates their feelings. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ytip8/eli5_why_republicans_are_calling_obamacare/ | {
"a_id": [
"c5yoxw3"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"No there isn't.\n\nAmerican's are stupid. They hate anything called 'socialism' but really most don't know what socialism actually is (most think its a synonym for communism, which its not). \n\nSo when republicans want to get people to hate some... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
1p2ail | if you were arrested for marijuana possession or sale before it was made legal, do you get released? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1p2ail/eli5_if_you_were_arrested_for_marijuana/ | {
"a_id": [
"ccxzshf",
"ccxzvrz",
"ccy5esu",
"ccy6y6f"
],
"score": [
8,
2,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"Not unless they specifically build that into the new law.\n\nYou broke the law while it was still illegal, so you have to serve the sentence you received.",
"Generally no, with... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
4ylm7s | how can a signature be a secure way of dealing with such important situations a signature is needed in when it seemingly is easy to fake? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4ylm7s/eli5_how_can_a_signature_be_a_secure_way_of/ | {
"a_id": [
"d6onluf",
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"score": [
2,
2,
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"text": [
"Your signature is supposed to be more complicated than just writing your name. it's actually quite difficult for the average person to replicate someone else's signature, but your right that it is doabl... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
9fjxx0 | what do coaches of elite athletes actually do? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9fjxx0/eli5_what_do_coaches_of_elite_athletes_actually_do/ | {
"a_id": [
"e5wztbd",
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],
"score": [
8,
4
],
"text": [
"Those who can't do, teach.\n\nIn a lot of cases, elite level athletes won the genetic lottery. The coach is someone that comes up with the training plan, keeps the athlete focused on the right things, and is knowledgeable in... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
8tbcdv | how does the "logic" of neurons in our brain differ from logic gates in circuits? | As far as I know, almost all computer systems are based upon the logic gate systems of AND, OR, and so forth, and its large systems of these gates that allows a circuit to do something like addition. Do neurons have a similar system, and if so, do we know or understand the logic of this system? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8tbcdv/eli5_how_does_the_logic_of_neurons_in_our_brain/ | {
"a_id": [
"e1659lz",
"e168xfg"
],
"score": [
5,
18
],
"text": [
"\nI studied brain science in university.\n\n\nThe biggest difference is that neurons can fire at any magnitude, not just on or off. This means they are analog, not digital. While a connection in a digital circuit can only c... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"http://crosstalk.cell.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/Biology_in_3D/Journey%20into%20the%20heart%20of%20the%20Purkinje%20cell%20synapse/featured.jpg?t=1529652166914&width=2048&name=featured.jpg",
"https://mrsblackmonsscienceblackboard.weebly.com/uploads/6/3/0/8/63081697/7034860_orig.jpg"
]
] | |
cy77yr | why do instruments sounds different to the human ear? obviously the materials they’re made of affect the sound somehow, but aren’t sounds just a function of amplitude (volume) and frequency (pitch)? why do the air molecules bouncing from a piano sound different than those of a cello or flute? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cy77yr/eli5_why_do_instruments_sounds_different_to_the/ | {
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"score": [
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"text": [
"Yes, its about amplitude and frequency, but NOT about just ONE amplitude and frequency, its about the combination ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timbre"
],
[],
[
"https://learningsynths.ableton.com/"
],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
3c8m00 | why do sunni and shiite tribes hate each other so much and why do they continue to kill one another today? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3c8m00/eli5_why_do_sunni_and_shiite_tribes_hate_each/ | {
"a_id": [
"cst87be"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"Sunni and Shiite are not tribes, they're sects of Islam. It's like the equivalent of Catholics and Protestants in Christianity."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
35g6t5 | if our atmosphere protects us from the sun's rays, and the moon has no atmosphere, why isn't the moon hotter than earth? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/35g6t5/eli5_if_our_atmosphere_protects_us_from_the_suns/ | {
"a_id": [
"cr43mh8"
],
"score": [
9
],
"text": [
" > During the day the temperature on the Moon can reach 253 Fahrenheit (123 Celsius), while at night it can drop to -387 Fahrenheit (-233 Celsius). \n\nIt is hotter in direct sunlight on the moon than on the earth. That heat dissipates quickly t... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
4mzsix | why do so many recent flash games, such as _url_0_, use ".io" (country domain code for british indian ocean territory)? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4mzsix/eli5_why_do_so_many_recent_flash_games_such_as/ | {
"a_id": [
"d3zlf0k",
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"score": [
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2,
7
],
"text": [
"IO is an old school term for Input/output. It's vintage use at this point, and basically they're being hipster.\n\nAlso it sounds like -io, so in your example it would be agario.",
"Because io also ... | [
"agar.io"
] | [] | [
[],
[
"cool.io"
],
[
"fox.tv"
]
] | ||
wwfdg | why can't drink manufactures just use less sugar instead of a substitute? | Take Gatorade for instance. I'm not a fan because too high in sugar and I can feel it on my teeth. The diet has those substitutes and it leaves a bad after taste. Why not just less sugar? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/wwfdg/why_cant_drink_manufactures_just_use_less_sugar/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
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3,
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"text": [
"Because most people don't want the drink to be less sweet.",
"It's to cover up the salt. Sodas and sports drinks have high amounts of sodium. If they took out the sweeteners it would taste terrib... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBnniua6-oM"
],
[]
] | |
1d7uv3 | what makes a person attracted to the opposite sex? what about homosexuals? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1d7uv3/eli5_what_makes_a_person_attracted_to_the/ | {
"a_id": [
"c9nsptg",
"c9ny7p9"
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"score": [
15,
3
],
"text": [
"The short version here is that it's a combination of numerous factors owing in large part to our evolutionary history; we're attracted to both stronger, healthier people (seeking better genetics for the next generation), mo... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
1lyepq | when a company like microsoft buys a company like nokia, who gets all that money? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1lyepq/eli5when_a_company_like_microsoft_buys_a_company/ | {
"a_id": [
"cc3z9wq"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"Microsoft did not actually buy the company Nokia. Instead they bought everything that the company Nokia owned. They licence the patents (and likely the name) from Nokia. So in this case, all that cash goes to Nokia. All of the assets, processe... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
3ovhpk | for historical buildings, e.g. empire state building/st peter's basilica etc, how do we know that they're safe? | You always see photographs of men working on buildings such as the Empire State, using non-torque specific tools, assembling with little monitoring etc. Similarly, with older buildings like huge Cathedrals, they were assembled by stone-masons when understanding of engineering was relatively rudimentary.
Do we know the... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ovhpk/eli5_for_historical_buildings_eg_empire_state/ | {
"a_id": [
"cw0se97"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"There's no general answer to this. I'm sure some historical buildings have collapsed.\n\nIn general, though, modern techniques are not necessarily there to help construct a building that lasts forever. In many cases the reason for modern techni... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/04/AR2007080401439.html",
"http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=980CE6DF1E39E433A25757C0A9649D94699ED7CF"
]
] | |
2gxxk1 | how does the united states have so many dilapidated and abandon houses everywhere when the country is barely a few centuries old? | It always surprises me in American movies and TV shows just how many completely abandoned places there are, heck there are entire abandoned towns!
Doesn't someone have to pay for the land? Isn't it financially more expensive to have a building uninhabited than for someone to be living there? If it is uninhabited can ... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2gxxk1/eli5_how_does_the_united_states_have_so_many/ | {
"a_id": [
"cknip73",
"cknipw3",
"cknj7eu"
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"score": [
4,
2,
6
],
"text": [
"For a long time the United States has been addicted to growth, for lack of a better term. Houses were selling well until recently, so we built a LOT of them... now there aren't as many people who can af... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
2ynbpj | are there species of animal younger than humans on earth? | I was wondering if there were any animal (not plant or bacteria etc.) species younger than humans on Earth, not including ones we are responsible for (domestication, introductions, creation of boundaries that led to speciation) | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ynbpj/eli5_are_there_species_of_animal_younger_than/ | {
"a_id": [
"cpb55xy",
"cpb5ugr"
],
"score": [
2,
10
],
"text": [
"humans created dogs through selective breeding of wolves so maybe that counts",
"Polar bears are thought to have split from brown bears around 150,000 years ago, while modern humans are roughly 200,000 years old."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
aa2206 | ion charges and mood | How is the charge of ions in the air supposed to affect someone’s mood, specifically in the case of Seasonal Affective Disorder or Major Depressive Disorder? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/aa2206/eli5_ion_charges_and_mood/ | {
"a_id": [
"ecocmvh",
"ecomkgb"
],
"score": [
9,
2
],
"text": [
" > How is the charge of ions in the air supposed to affect someone’s mood, specifically in the case of Seasonal Affective Disorder or Major Depressive Disorder? \n\nThey don't have any effect.",
"They don't. It's fictio... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
1y5git | - how does lowering the temperature affect bacteria growth? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1y5git/eli5_how_does_lowering_the_temperature_affect/ | {
"a_id": [
"cfhi0hn"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Heat = energy, energy is required for metabolism. 40-140F ideal for microbes.\n\nSource1, I'm a molecular biologist,\n\nSource2, _URL_0_"
]
} | [] | [] | [
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metabolism"
]
] | ||
a8gtxp | what’s the difference between a type and o type blood? also why is the a type blood dominant. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a8gtxp/eli5_whats_the_difference_between_a_type_and_o/ | {
"a_id": [
"ecajmfm"
],
"score": [
16
],
"text": [
"Your blood group is determined by antigens found on the surface of the cell. They act as little signs to tell the body what they are. Their are three main types of antigens, H, A and B. All blood groups have the H antigen, so it doesn't really m... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
5d6a21 | what is learned helplessness and what is a typical example of it in today's society? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5d6a21/eli5_what_is_learned_helplessness_and_what_is_a/ | {
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292,
14,
19,
50,
3,
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],
"text": [
"Learned helplessness is esentially when you try something and either fail or are told you failed so many times that you stop trying... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[
"https://youarenotsosmart.com/2009/11/11/learned-helplessness/"
],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
3h3zmu | what exactly is escrow? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3h3zmu/eli5_what_exactly_is_escrow/ | {
"a_id": [
"cu40so0",
"cu4460o"
],
"score": [
25,
14
],
"text": [
"Escrow is like a third party referee who makes sure that payments are made as agreed to.\n\nIf you're buying a property, you'd put the money into escrow, and this guarantees to the seller that if everything else proceeds a... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
3eou3j | when earth becomes inhabitable in the distant future, shouldn't we be able to terraform it the same way we want to terraform other planets to colonize them? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3eou3j/eli5_when_earth_becomes_inhabitable_in_the/ | {
"a_id": [
"ctgykag"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"It depends on how/why it becomes uninhabitable.\n\nIf it is the not-too-distant future where, for example, due to deforestation and climate change, the deserts spreads further north and south; then yes, we probably could devise a way to terraform... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
8ohid4 | why is the president allowed to pardon himself, and if he did, why wouldn't that be considered admitting guilt? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8ohid4/eli5_why_is_the_president_allowed_to_pardon/ | {
"a_id": [
"e03c885"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"It's an odd interpretation of the law, but I have yet to hear anyone refute it with proper case law. \n\nThat said, the president can pardon people, but he can only do it after conviction if I recall correctly. Since you can't convict a sitting p... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
35nw6r | why are aircraft carriers uncommon in most militaries | USA has 10 carriers and no one else has nearly as many, but yet many "strength of nations" lists give a lot of value to aircraft carriers. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/35nw6r/eli5_why_are_aircraft_carriers_uncommon_in_most/ | {
"a_id": [
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"cr65kh3",
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"cr65svw"
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2,
3,
6,
3
],
"text": [
"The entire point of an aircraft carrier is to project force far beyond the borders of your own country. They have no other purpose. \n\nMost countries don't h... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
4ymisb | why does your skin heal faster at night than during the day? may it be for cuts, wounds, spots, acne etc... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4ymisb/eli5_why_does_your_skin_heal_faster_at_night_than/ | {
"a_id": [
"d6oylnq",
"d6p023c"
],
"score": [
3,
2
],
"text": [
"Because your body's resources aren't dedicated to moving you around, talking, seeing, etc. Also because you're not moving around, touching your injuries and generally making things worse. ",
"When your in a survival situ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
6wxukb | difference between a state, a government, and a regime | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6wxukb/eli5_difference_between_a_state_a_government_and/ | {
"a_id": [
"dmbl0hk"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"A state is a society within a more or less well-defined border. That is to say, a state knows which land belongs to it and which land does not. States are independent, that is, no other state can (typically) dictate politics to them. \n\nA govern... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
2inuw6 | what exactly goes into the cost of maintaining a website online and are there ways someone could simply circumvent these things? | So I was using Wikipedia and then it was like "PLS DONATE $$$ 2 SUPPORTZ US!!!!"
So I want to know what exactly is costing websites money to be online?
And secondly, is there simply no way the owner of a website can just have their own version of whatever is costing them money in the first place so that it doesn't ha... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2inuw6/eli5_what_exactly_goes_into_the_cost_of/ | {
"a_id": [
"cl3t4vy"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"There are a number of pieces that are hidden to the actual user, some of which you have mentioned. Here is my quick list with notes.\n\n1. Web Hosting (cheap, monthly/annual) - Some sites offer to host websites for you, such as _URL_0_. This is... | [] | [] | [
[
"GoDaddy.com"
]
] | |
2fkpat | are companies selling marijuana in colorado and washington exempt from paying federal tax? | go for it | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2fkpat/eli5_are_companies_selling_marijuana_in_colorado/ | {
"a_id": [
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"cka5jk9",
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"cka6el3"
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"score": [
6,
5,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"No. They are businesses. They might take advantage of various loopholes etc., but doing so is not related to the fact that they sell ganja. If you sell illegal things you are bo... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
8agg5w | why is french easier for english speakers to learn than german? | Isn’t English a Germanic language? Shouldn’t its syntax and structure resemble German more than French? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8agg5w/eli5_why_is_french_easier_for_english_speakers_to/ | {
"a_id": [
"dwyhg5p",
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"dwyhhoq",
"dwyjq3u",
"dwynd35"
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"score": [
9,
2,
9,
3,
4
],
"text": [
"Who said that it's easier to learn? Everyone's different. Some languages come easier to some people than others. Personally, German was easier for me to learn... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
33z8c5 | what are you supposed to do during an avalanche? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/33z8c5/eli5_what_are_you_supposed_to_do_during_an/ | {
"a_id": [
"cqpr2ad",
"cqpw2rk",
"cqq04k4"
],
"score": [
14,
5,
3
],
"text": [
"iirc, in order:\n\n* if you see the avalanche coming, run horizontally (don't try to outrun it, but try and get out of the way)\n\n* if caught, try and \"swim\" upward\n\n* have radio signaling device ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
8nbhoz | ; why are educational tools allowed to “lie” about/completely omit the truth about historical events? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8nbhoz/eli5_why_are_educational_tools_allowed_to_lie/ | {
"a_id": [
"dzu8rv8",
"dzu8wz7"
],
"score": [
2,
2
],
"text": [
"In many countries there is no law that \"educational tools\" must be free of errors. Why are they allowed? Because no law prevents them.",
"Because we have a freedom of speech that (to some degree) protects the right to ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
1vhmkq | why does "big, blue house" sound correct while "blue, big house" does not? | They both have two adjectives describing a noun. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1vhmkq/eli5_why_does_big_blue_house_sound_correct_while/ | {
"a_id": [
"cesd03b"
],
"score": [
9
],
"text": [
"I'll just leave this here.\n\n_URL_0_\n\n\nIn many languages, attributive adjectives usually occur in a specific order. In general, the adjective order in English is:[2][3]\n\n Determiners — articles, adverbs, and other limiters.\n\n Observ... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_adjectives#Adjective_order"
]
] | |
1zk5tr | how do rock climbers anchor themselves into the mountain or rock wall? | I just saw this picture and always wondered how climbers did that.
_URL_0_
My main questions are;
How do you "anchor in" above where you are?
How do you know how much weight the anchor can support?
Extra question:
Where does one make the doo doos while doing a long overnight climb?
EDIT: Thank you everyone, th... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1zk5tr/eli5_how_do_rock_climbers_anchor_themselves_into/ | {
"a_id": [
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"cfudi2y",
"cfudjl4",
"cfuhrir"
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"score": [
2,
2,
2,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"Speaking to that picture those are pre drilled bolts installed by people climbing up the route with a lot of Balls. Or they rappel down with the drill from th... | [] | [
"http://i.imgur.com/5puWkez.jpg"
] | [
[],
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spring-loaded_camming_device"
],
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nut_(climbing)",
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tricam",
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piton",
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spring-loaded_camming_device",
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/... | |
c0553z | how does human skin protect against and repair itself after sun damage? | **ELI5:** How does human skin protect against and repair itself after sun damage? When I am exposed to the sun, am I doing minor damage constantly that eventually becomes a sunburn, or is there some kind of threshold beyond which I start to burn? When I get out of the sun after exposure, is my skin healing minor damage... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/c0553z/eli5_how_does_human_skin_protect_against_and/ | {
"a_id": [
"er2izq2",
"er2tq51"
],
"score": [
2,
2
],
"text": [
"By exposing your skin to the sun, you are damaging it then and there. The skin repairs itself by shedding the damaged layer of cells and replacing them with new cells, which are produced by cell division (mitosis) of the sur... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
2vvwkl | why do nations pursue economic growth over economic balance? isn't perpetual growth cancerous? | Definitely not an economist, I've always wondered on the title, and wondered on it more after reading [Joseph Stiglitz](_URL_0_), who makes a ton of sense to me but then also says that nations have to "grow" their way out of fiscal problems. Isn't pursuit of perpetual growth (both by private lenders and nations) what c... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2vvwkl/eli5_why_do_nations_pursue_economic_growth_over/ | {
"a_id": [
"cold4va"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Growth is prioritised because that is the way that our system is set up; we reward those who grow the fastest, not necessarily those who grow smartest.\n\nDoes it result in crash and burns? Yes. But it can also create spectacular success stories.... | [] | [
"http://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/feb/04/a-greek-morality-tale-global-debt-restructuring-framework"
] | [
[]
] | |
3oj3d9 | where did the native american indians that actually discovered our part of the world come from? | Eli5 - When Columbus arrived in the Caribbean islands he met Native American Indians. I understand Columbus is the one who introduced the Americas to the rest of the world but the Indians were here first; where did they come from? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3oj3d9/eli5_where_did_the_native_american_indians_that/ | {
"a_id": [
"cvxnvu5",
"cvxnwtg",
"cvxny2i",
"cvxqzs9"
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"score": [
5,
2,
5,
2
],
"text": [
"The best scientific evidence says they crossed from Russia into Alaska and made their way down from there. That's also why Native Americans share a lot of genetic similarity with A... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indigenous_peoples_of_the_Americas"
],
[],
[]
] | |
5zjkd9 | how does head lice start? | A colleague of mine's kid may have head lice from catching it at school.
How does the 1st kid get head lice in the first place? Where does it come from, did they need to rub their head against something first?
I read it doesn't come from pet animals, I read that it can't live long once detached from the hair (12-24 h... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5zjkd9/eli5_how_does_head_lice_start/ | {
"a_id": [
"deym3ai",
"dez0cxv"
],
"score": [
3,
4
],
"text": [
"You'd have to go back to the beginning of humans to find how the first one was formed.\n\nLikely a hair brush with hair clogged in it was shared or kids being kids their heads touched together. They don't just magically appe... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
2ug27v | why are spaceships always portrayed flying on the same axis? | I can't think of a single example through movies, TV shows, or video games where spacecrafts are not shown flying on the same axis. They are shown as if they are cars driving down the freeway, but in reality, spaces has no up or down, so why don't you ever see a spacecraft flying upside down relative to another ship, o... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ug27v/eli5_why_are_spaceships_always_portrayed_flying/ | {
"a_id": [
"co81udf",
"co81v9e",
"co82f82",
"co82lf9"
],
"score": [
4,
8,
5,
2
],
"text": [
"When ships are together in movies it's mostly militant groups. I'd imagine that to keep a semblance of unit cohesion you must first make everyone's orientation the same.",
"Sta... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
37k26c | why do russian/middle eastern architecture have colorful onion shaped bulbs that tops the towers of their buildings? | I ask mainly because I think it looks really interesting. Also, this architectural style (to my lack of knowledge and research) seems exclusive to Russian/Middle Eastern culture. Is there a cultural or sociological connection? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/37k26c/eli5_why_do_russianmiddle_eastern_architecture/ | {
"a_id": [
"crndvw4",
"crng7o7",
"crnhrb9",
"crnjnku",
"crnlqqk"
],
"score": [
20,
32,
249,
3,
30
],
"text": [
"Russia conquered southwards from Moscow at the start of it's imperial days, pushing into the Tatar lowlands and the northern stretches of the Middle East... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e5/Germany_bavaria_alps-church.jpg"
],
[
"http://imgur.com/gallery/powUx0K",
"http://imgur.com/gallery/sf4i0"
],
[],
[
"https://www.flickr.com/photos/equinox27/8450838402"
]
] | |
466ljk | what is happening when our body turns acute inflammation into chronic inflammation, also why is it so hard to get rid of? | For example, after having a "traumatic experience" like surgery, why years later do we still have inflammation around the surgery site? What makes it so hard to cure when it has entered the chronic phase? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/466ljk/eli5_what_is_happening_when_our_body_turns_acute/ | {
"a_id": [
"d02z2u4"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"Some \"injuries\" can provoke the chronic response right away. ): Here is an attempt at explaining a fraction of what's going on. \n\nWhen an acute inflammation turns into chronic, it's more of a continuation of what the acute stage started. The ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
517z4y | entering and exiting the atmosphere | Why is it that stuff burns up when entering the atmosphere. Also the science of entering and exiting the atmosphere safely | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/517z4y/eli5_entering_and_exiting_the_atmosphere/ | {
"a_id": [
"d7a0ce9",
"d7a3k8g"
],
"score": [
2,
3
],
"text": [
"Stuff burns up when entering the atmosphere because of friction and air pressure. Friction is pretty obvious: the object is moving very fast, and air molecules are bouncing off it, generating heat in the process.\n\nAir pres... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"https://what-if.xkcd.com/imgs/a/24/model_acceleration.png",
"https://qph.is.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-cea212bd8106dea0211646087e95052b?convert_to_webp=true"
]
] | |
1gwuxx | why do recently built ships must be thrown/dropped into the ocean? | I don't know but it doesn't look safe. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1gwuxx/eli5_why_do_recently_built_ships_must_be/ | {
"a_id": [
"caonv47"
],
"score": [
7
],
"text": [
"While it may look unsafe to you, it's actually a fairly important test to see if they messed up when they built the ship. Large ships have to encounter [massive waves](_URL_0_). Would you rather have your $84 million ship break apart next to your... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24OlTL10ObU"
]
] | |
23jhla | how do soldiers or warriors in olden tines fight for hours without getting tired. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/23jhla/eli5_how_do_soldiers_or_warriors_in_olden_tines/ | {
"a_id": [
"cgxlok7",
"cgxlujs",
"cgxlw1i",
"cgxm03e",
"cgxm2ee"
],
"score": [
6,
3,
2,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"Who says they did, and who says they didn't?",
"They got tired, but when the other guy is trying to kill you, being tired is not a good enough reason to s... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
1ecxjl | economics, accounting, finance and how do they relate to eachother. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ecxjl/eli5_economics_accounting_finance_and_how_do_they/ | {
"a_id": [
"c9z0ldw",
"c9z3sf3",
"c9zilte"
],
"score": [
5,
4,
2
],
"text": [
"Economist: my job is to study how money works in economies. This could be how money works in a family, in a company, in a country, in the world.\n\nAccountant: my job is to make sure that the money insi... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
ciix6z | how do open world games look so big and seem to scale, yet the character can move about them so quickly? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ciix6z/eli5_how_do_open_world_games_look_so_big_and_seem/ | {
"a_id": [
"ev64ukw",
"ev65fx7"
],
"score": [
3,
3
],
"text": [
"It's because the character is moving at superhuman speed. Take Half-Life for example; your character moves at about 13 mph while walking. In Quake 3, you're moving at about 20mph while walking. They do this so it doesn't fe... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
aht8f8 | how did aliens become associated with area 51? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/aht8f8/eli5_how_did_aliens_become_associated_with_area_51/ | {
"a_id": [
"eehtslf",
"eehttw2"
],
"score": [
3,
2
],
"text": [
"In 1989 a man named Bob Lazar had an interview with a Las Vegas news reporter where he claimed to have worked at Area 51. He said he was tasked with reverse engineering the propulsion technology of an alien craft and describ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
5zmpw2 | how do planes charge electronic devices? | I've seen it more and more regularly that planes have charging sockets for electronic devices. How on earth does a plane in the air non-stop for 12 hours, manage to charge all these electronic devices for all these people? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5zmpw2/eli5_how_do_planes_charge_electronic_devices/ | {
"a_id": [
"dezaymi",
"dezazag"
],
"score": [
12,
14
],
"text": [
"The same way your car does. The plane has batteries that are used to start the engines, and also to power the many electronic devices on a plane. The batteries are recharged by an alternator connected to the plane's engi... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
5ebnyx | how does changing my computer password every three months protect my identity from hackers who don't even know me? | Many sources, including NPR and the article "Password Protection for Dummies" present the argument that if I change my computer/Facebook/email passwords every few months, I'm proactively protecting my account from hackers accessing files/accounts. How would that practice stop or otherwise slow a hacker? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5ebnyx/eli5_how_does_changing_my_computer_password_every/ | {
"a_id": [
"dab52pa",
"dab5q65",
"dabfv9p"
],
"score": [
7,
5,
3
],
"text": [
"When a vulnerable website is attacked, and its passwords stolen, those passwords can be used to log into services on *your* behalf. Changing these passwords frequently protects you - the stolen password... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
buxkcq | how do cracked video games' private servers make money? | They let you download the game for free from their website, play as much as you want and there are almost no ads.
This seems too sketchy for me to even try. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/buxkcq/eli5_how_do_cracked_video_games_private_servers/ | {
"a_id": [
"epj1j3t",
"epj4vh2",
"epjetg1"
],
"score": [
4,
3,
2
],
"text": [
"Some sell \"vip membership\"\n\nSome advertise in game.\n\nAlthough possible, it's unlikely that they aren't after money.",
"Servers don't always require as much as you might think. I can't speak to... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
4ymlsr | why does it seem like the sun goes down so much faster once it starts to set and we see colors than when it's any other time of day? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4ymlsr/eli5why_does_it_seem_like_the_sun_goes_down_so/ | {
"a_id": [
"d6ow0ea"
],
"score": [
4
],
"text": [
"Because you have a static reference point to compare it to (the horizon). The sun moves that speed all the time, but when it's up in the sky away from anything to easily frame it against, it's hard to tell. But if you've ever been sitting indoo... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
1k8l8n | how do cats survive in the wild on a varied diet if they vomit after switching dry cat food brands? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1k8l8n/eli5_how_do_cats_survive_in_the_wild_on_a_varied/ | {
"a_id": [
"cbmga4y"
],
"score": [
25
],
"text": [
"I bet you didn't imagine that cat regurgitation would turn out to be a really interesting topic.\n\nEven after millennia of domestication, housecats remain obligate carnivores. Left to their own devices, they're predators, and they adopt the die... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
1triw9 | why do rovers on mars only move a few miles per year? (plus bonus question) | I read recently that Curiosity's wheels are starting to degrade after a year on Mars, even though the rover's only moved like 3 miles. Why does the rover move so slowly, and also, why would three miles be enough to wear down the wheels to such a large degree?
Note 1: I'm assuming it's because a) the signals needed to... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1triw9/eli5_why_do_rovers_on_mars_only_move_a_few_miles/ | {
"a_id": [
"cearvdi",
"cearyab",
"ceb0rjw"
],
"score": [
3,
3,
2
],
"text": [
"You are right. There is a 7-10 minute time lag when commands are sent. Therefore, they have to go extremely slow to prevent the rover from being damaged or disabled.",
"I also thought about it and c... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
cewu0r | william barr is in contempt. what is contempt and how severe is it? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cewu0r/eli5_william_barr_is_in_contempt_what_is_contempt/ | {
"a_id": [
"eu5i0be"
],
"score": [
5
],
"text": [
"Being held in contempt of Congress is a meaningless charge. 'Contempt of Court' in general means the witness is uncooperative."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
5beclr | what obligation do states have for each other? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5beclr/eli5_what_obligation_do_states_have_for_each_other/ | {
"a_id": [
"d9nuiq9",
"d9nur6q"
],
"score": [
6,
2
],
"text": [
"Well, they have to give full faith and credit to other states. That means that if you are married in Ohio, then Kansas will recognize the marriage. If you are convicted of a felony in Alaska, Tennessee will see you as a felo... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
5rg2q8 | why do we still use referees and umpires on the field when we have high definition slow motion cameras that record everything? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5rg2q8/eli5why_do_we_still_use_referees_and_umpires_on/ | {
"a_id": [
"dd6wxo4",
"dd6x3xx",
"dd70627"
],
"score": [
3,
2,
3
],
"text": [
"It would slow games down to the point of being unwatchable if every single play were reviewed via cameras. Also, not every play has a camera shot with a great angle. Finally, it would do very little to... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
bg7jjt | why did alexander hamilton want to create a national debt and national bank and how did they benefit america? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bg7jjt/eli5_why_did_alexander_hamilton_want_to_create_a/ | {
"a_id": [
"elizy1o"
],
"score": [
7
],
"text": [
"First and foremost, the biggest reason for creating a central bank is that sometimes the federal government needs to borrow money. Who can they borrow from though? Small banks often didn't have the necessary capital to make those loans. They c... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
ckx9uc | how do straw dispensers not dispense more than one straw? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ckx9uc/eli5_how_do_straw_dispensers_not_dispense_more/ | {
"a_id": [
"evrnmal",
"evru7jz"
],
"score": [
2,
2
],
"text": [
"I dont know if I'm wrong but isnt the opening the size of one individual straw? Making only one able to drop the straw?",
"Actually they can, you just have to push it down but not all the way and lo and behold, two straw... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
2v0pol | why can schools ban peanuts but not enforce manditory immunizations? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2v0pol/eli5why_can_schools_ban_peanuts_but_not_enforce/ | {
"a_id": [
"codevde",
"codfncs",
"codimt4",
"codl12u",
"codqhoq"
],
"score": [
29,
4,
12,
8,
7
],
"text": [
"\"Do this\" is harder to enforce than \"Don't do this\"",
"When did schools stop requiring immunizations?",
"Because the loudest parents are often t... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
3r8lfg | how does shell make a profit selling gasoline when gas is 30¢ cheaper down the street? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3r8lfg/eli5how_does_shell_make_a_profit_selling_gasoline/ | {
"a_id": [
"cwltu8q",
"cwm1dnm"
],
"score": [
2,
3
],
"text": [
"There is enough demand that plenty of cars still go to Shell even though they aren't the cheapest. They can also make up for it with \"Shell\" cards that give people discounts for loyalty and going multiple times. They may ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
47islm | the connection between the sun and wrinkles? | [deleted] | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/47islm/eli5_the_connection_between_the_sun_and_wrinkles/ | {
"a_id": [
"d0d75lx",
"d0d7bbo"
],
"score": [
2,
2
],
"text": [
"Yes and no. Sunlight (and more specifically UV rays) indeed greatly contributes to skin aging, and sunscreen can help prevent it, but sunscreen doesn't block all UV rays, and using sunscreen should be complemented by wearing... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://www.nytimes.com/health/guides/symptoms/wrinkles/print.html"
],
[]
] | |
8l0c23 | what causes people to involuntarily jump or flinch when we hear a loud or unexpected noise? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8l0c23/eli5_what_causes_people_to_involuntarily_jump_or/ | {
"a_id": [
"dzbttv5",
"dzbtz13",
"dzbvqyu",
"dzcl305"
],
"score": [
57,
12,
8,
2
],
"text": [
"Evolutionary reaction. The people that didn't jump at loud unexpected noises are the people that got eaten by bears 20 thousand years ago.",
"It's a defense mechanism that we... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
2041cn | how a 777 can disappear with no trace. | As you have probably heard Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 has disappeared in southwest Asia with no trace. 4 days of searching have come up with no debris field or explanation on what happened to the airliner. How can a modern day jet equipped with the latest technology simply disappear. Transponder on or off I still don... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2041cn/eli5_how_a_777_can_disappear_with_no_trace/ | {
"a_id": [
"cfzljbj",
"cfzmmeg",
"cfztfz3"
],
"score": [
4,
3,
5
],
"text": [
"The problem is not determining where it crashed. It is finding out where it is now, currents will rapidly change the position of whatever remains of that plane. Its a big ocean and very hard to predic... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
5z1ja9 | exactly why is mixing alcohol and energy drinks bad? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5z1ja9/eli5_exactly_why_is_mixing_alcohol_and_energy/ | {
"a_id": [
"deuj9a9",
"deujcnb",
"deujdun",
"deujnw9",
"deupudn"
],
"score": [
4,
8,
3,
6,
7
],
"text": [
"I heard this week that mixing whiskey and energy drinks is worse than vodca. I'd like to know why too. ",
"Alcohol is a depressant and energy drinks are s... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
2do1id | the fundamental differences between "probable cause", "reasonable suspicion" and "beyond reasonable doubt" in a law enforcement context? | I know these make up the basis of the police being able to stop and search your person, home, vehicle, etc but what are the big differences?
Please explain it like I'm a 5 yr old cop. I do really good with examples. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2do1id/eli5_the_fundamental_differences_between_probable/ | {
"a_id": [
"cjrdlgw",
"cjrintp"
],
"score": [
3,
2
],
"text": [
"these are related but distinct concepts...\n\n1) Probable Cause is the measure of proof needed to obtain a search warrant. generally, with exceptions of course, police have to present their evidence to a magistrate or judge ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
81udu2 | can you replicate the same, exact sound twice? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/81udu2/eli5_can_you_replicate_the_same_exact_sound_twice/ | {
"a_id": [
"dv585og"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"A high-quality digital audio system can indeed create the same sound twice, so exactly identical that you'd need ultra-premium equipment to detect any difference."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
fytape | what exactly does the "closed" mean in closed captions? | I know it means it's "closed" to the viewer, but why is this necessary to mention? Are closed captions different from just "captions"? Thanks for any answers. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fytape/eli5_what_exactly_does_the_closed_mean_in_closed/ | {
"a_id": [
"fn1pjvl",
"fn2elyn"
],
"score": [
54,
3
],
"text": [
"Open Captions are ones that that always showing, and can't be turned off or on. Closed Captions indicate that you have the option of turning the captions on or off.",
"[Everything you never wanted to know about Closed C... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SL6zs2bDks"
]
] | |
1pi4hq | why does a "rockstar coffee flavoured energy drink" (with milk) not expire for a couple months while milk expires within 2 weeks max? | I usually dont use energy drinks because they dont work for me but I've found that Rockstars do work for me. I was having one of the coffee flavoured ones and noticed in the ingredients list was nonfat dry milk and whole milk powder. The drink expires in January, however a new carton of milk I bought today expires Nove... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1pi4hq/eli5_why_does_a_rockstar_coffee_flavoured_energy/ | {
"a_id": [
"cd2j4ja"
],
"score": [
5
],
"text": [
"Same reason parmalat (and other ultra-pasteurized milk) can sit on store shelves for months/years. All the bacteria is killed and it's kept sealed. If you open the Rockstar, then bacteria will get into and it'll go bad in roughly the same time as... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
wv8q3 | why are *nix based boxes less vulnerable to virus attacks than pcs? | Is this really true? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/wv8q3/eli5_why_are_nix_based_boxes_less_vulnerable_to/ | {
"a_id": [
"c5gqev5",
"c5gqzof",
"c5gr1my"
],
"score": [
2,
16,
3
],
"text": [
"Since everyone can see open source software, anyone that is able to can fix a vulnerability and submit a patch to correct it. With Windows, only the staff hired by Microsoft can correct vulnerabilities... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
9q0ryo | how do people get drunk from absorbing alcohol through their rectum or vagina? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9q0ryo/eli5_how_do_people_get_drunk_from_absorbing/ | {
"a_id": [
"e85rfbk",
"e85rfoh",
"e85t8us"
],
"score": [
3,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"Why would you not?\n\nWhen you drink alcohol, it makes it to your small intestine and is then absorbed into your blood stream. It's this alcohol in your blood stream that makes you drunk\n\nAny method f... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
5ifqqf | are there more than three primary colors? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5ifqqf/eli5_are_there_more_than_three_primary_colors/ | {
"a_id": [
"db7ulkj",
"db7vja1"
],
"score": [
3,
3
],
"text": [
"\"Primary colors\" are based solely on how humans perceive light and color. There are only three primary colors because humans can only directly perceive three colors - red, green, and blue. Humans only have those three co... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
30mhh2 | why is it so difficult to suppress a cough? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/30mhh2/eli5_why_is_it_so_difficult_to_suppress_a_cough/ | {
"a_id": [
"cptrbrs"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Coughs that can't be suppressed easily are caused by strong, involuntary spasms of the diaphragm in an attempt to clear the tubes. "
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] |
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