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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3caoof | why does america supply bad guys/enemies with weapons? | I'm not sure what's true or not but I often read how America supply(ed) weapons to the drug cartels, bin laden, ISIS, etc.. I figure maybe it's for money but doesn't it cost a lot to counter against them also? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3caoof/eli5_why_does_america_supply_bad_guysenemies_with/ | {
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"text": [
"There is an old saying \"my enemies's friends are my enemy. My enemies' s enemy is my friend\". The U.S backed rebels who opposed the government (the same government that the U.S is wary off). Then once the government is ove... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Cyclone"
]
] | |
fj03cn | what is nat? and why there are online games that are not using nat filter? | So I played Destiny 2 and Warzone; they both use NAT Type (Strict, Moderate, Open) to filter the players. But most games that I play like Apex Legends, PUBG, Paladins, etc do not have that NAT Type filtering, at least they do not show our NAT type in-game compare to the other two that I mentioned.
So I have 3 questio... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fj03cn/eli5what_is_nat_and_why_there_are_online_games/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"So NAT stands for Network Address Translation, its a technique for dealing with the fact that ISPs don't have enough internet addresses to give one to every device on the internet.\n\nInstead they'll give a network address to your home router, th... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
d7d444 | why do charging chords stop working? | My phone chargers seem to decide randomly when to work after they get old. This doesn’t seem to happen to vacuum cleaner chords. It’s just a simple wire, it’s not broken, what’s happening? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/d7d444/eli5_why_do_charging_chords_stop_working/ | {
"a_id": [
"f0z3uik"
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"score": [
3
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"text": [
"The metal cables inside the plastic/rubber wear out. These are the conductors that carry the electrical signal. The are arranged in a little bundle inside the casing. They become frayed or broken, especially at the junctions where they connect to... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
3ct35f | why do male professional soccer players pretend to be injured a lot while female professional soccer players seem to continue playing through actual injuries? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ct35f/eli5_why_do_male_professional_soccer_players/ | {
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"text": [
"I would bet that a lot of it has to do with the unfortunate (perceived?) reality that women are constantly fighting for more legitimacy in sport. Men flop ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[
"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hm_C5VGJcCo",
"http://www.latetacklemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Maradona-Dive.jpg"
],
[]
] | ||
2qf58e | why is gossiping so intriguing? | It's the holidays, so of course families and friends gather to swap information and, of course, Gossip. Why is it so interesting to tell stories and share the experiences of others?
What is the physiological impact of gossiping? Also, is the impact different whether the subject is a family member, celebrity, or friend... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2qf58e/eli5_why_is_gossiping_so_intriguing/ | {
"a_id": [
"cn5mmx0"
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"score": [
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"text": [
"Gossip actually serves an evolutionary function of you subscribe to evolutionary psychology. \n\nHere's some more info: _URL_0_\n\nTo summarize though, primates spend a lot of time grooming each other, gossip is purported to be the linguistic exp... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://imponderabilia.socanth.cam.ac.uk/articles/article.php?articleid=31"
]
] | |
qagdj | why does it get windy? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/qagdj/eli5_why_does_it_get_windy/ | {
"a_id": [
"c3wa60v"
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"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"wow fucking awesome, i always think it was from the earth spinning lol"
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
dndcaq | why does a baseball team have a manager instead of a head coach? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dndcaq/eli5_why_does_a_baseball_team_have_a_manager/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
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"text": [
"With sports like football and basketball, a “coach” is needed to “coach” the team in terms of strategy, play calling, advice, etc. However, in baseball, you can’t really coach a guy much more on hitting a baseball more so t... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
3esebj | the stuff about relative time in the movie interstellar. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3esebj/eli5_the_stuff_about_relative_time_in_the_movie/ | {
"a_id": [
"cthxxug",
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"score": [
5,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"It has to do with the other planet's proximity to a black hole. In this case gravitational time dilation (as opposed to time dilation when someone is moving very quickly).\n\nBasically, if I'm here on ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
3m7rm0 | why are solar powered desalination plants not widely used? | What is the technological limitation? Are we close to overcoming it /them? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3m7rm0/eli5_why_are_solar_powered_desalination_plants/ | {
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"score": [
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"text": [
"We currently don't have the technology to make desalination plants that are cheap and effective. It takes a lot of energy to treat water, and solar energy isn't quite sufficient ye... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
3s3huz | why can thinking be so fluid and coherrant while actually trying to talk can be a disfunctional mess? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3s3huz/eli5_why_can_thinking_be_so_fluid_and_coherrant/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"There is also the fact that you cannot express your thoughts exactly as you \"think\" them using language. The mental activity in your brain is \"translated\" into the more generic categories of language so you lose the det... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
4dcmt3 | forex reserves. | I just read an article about a brewery in South Sudan that will have to close down due to low foreign currency reserves, (I'm guessing dollars?.) They can't buy raw materials from abroad due to this shortage.
Why is it important to have foreign currency? Can't they just do a bank transfer and buy the materials?
I d... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4dcmt3/eli5_forex_reserves/ | {
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"text": [
" > I don't need US Dollars or Japanese Yen to buy stuff from overseas.\n\nThat''s because your bank account doesn't contain only South Sudanese Pounds.\n\nSouth Sudan is a newly-formed country (it broke away from Sudan in 2... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
3gcs7q | how cups and other plastic items change color in response to temperature change. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3gcs7q/eli5_how_cups_and_other_plastic_items_change/ | {
"a_id": [
"ctwyea2",
"ctx4ype"
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"score": [
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5
],
"text": [
"I've used color changing printing inks and had it explained to me this way. I'm assuming the technology is the same for cast plastics.\n\nYou know how when you fry up bacon the fat left in the pan is clear, but when it cool... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
5nv98s | in a medium-sized company with computerized accounting systems, why does it take so long to prepare w-2s and get them out? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5nv98s/eli5_in_a_mediumsized_company_with_computerized/ | {
"a_id": [
"dceksks",
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"score": [
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4,
2
],
"text": [
"the deadline is Jan 31st. there's no reason to send them out early.\n\nso if it's a mature payroll department, and they know it takes them 2 weeks to do it, there's no reason to start them Jan 1st beca... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
1ba42v | ncaa sports where does the money go? | Something tells me its not ALL on the up and up. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ba42v/eli5_ncaa_sports_where_does_the_money_go/ | {
"a_id": [
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],
"score": [
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],
"text": [
"At most schools, there are revenue generating sports, and non revenue generating sports (not sure if these are the correct terms or not). Revenue generating sports are those that bring in more though ticket sales, tv contracts, and other means, ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
5gjaov | does there exist a "now" at long distances? | For example because light from the sun takes 8min to get to earth so from earth we can never get any information on what the sun looks like at this exact instance.
Also because of time dilation the order of events can change depending on the reference system.
Because planets/stars/galaxies are moving relative to each... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5gjaov/eli5_does_there_exist_a_now_at_long_distances/ | {
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"score": [
4,
4,
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"text": [
"Tehcnically speaking 'now' doesn't exist for short distances either, but the effect is of course more pronounced over large distances. Time passes differently for all observers dep... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
biauy1 | what's the difference between common law marriage and "regular" marriage? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/biauy1/eli5_whats_the_difference_between_common_law/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"Better to r/ask_lawyers about this.",
"Theyre both pretty much the same thing.\n\nRegular marriage, you had to go down to the courthouse and sign documents and such.\n\nCommon law, you pretty much just had to be together... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
csuhc7 | what is an ideological rhetoric and why is it important? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/csuhc7/eli5_what_is_an_ideological_rhetoric_and_why_is/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"It has to do with forming your own opinion about everything that surrounds you, based on ideologies claimed by famous thinkers and philosophers. In other words, it is basically a form of identity you must have in order to be a complete rational i... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
1wsej4 | how are dictionaries, indexes, phone books, or other word lists organized in chinese? there is no "alphabetical order," right? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1wsej4/eli5_how_are_dictionaries_indexes_phone_books_or/ | {
"a_id": [
"cf4y3eh",
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"score": [
4,
2,
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"text": [
"With hanyu pinyin, which is the way chinese words are pronounced with the english letters.",
"Either by the romanization or by stroke count",
"Each character has what's called a *radical*. It's... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
6s1tci | why is it more complicated to land on mars than on the moon or titan? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6s1tci/eli5_why_is_it_more_complicated_to_land_on_mars/ | {
"a_id": [
"dl9e9p9",
"dl9echf",
"dl9eoym"
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"score": [
2,
12,
4
],
"text": [
"One big difference between the moon and Mars is that Mars has an atmosphere. The moon has no atmosphere so you don't need a heavy heat shield or parachutes, you just land on a rocket. Mars has an atm... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
1x9s00 | how teleportation is theoretically possible. if a person wishes to be teleported, do they essentially commit suicide in favour of the 'teleported' replica? | I did a search, however, I couldn't find a post that would address this, hence why I'm asking. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1x9s00/eli5_how_teleportation_is_theoretically_possible/ | {
"a_id": [
"cf9d96i",
"cf9da1e"
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"score": [
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2
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"text": [
"It isn't possible. There is no known mechanism in physics by which you can instantly move from one spot to another spot.",
"It depends on the type of teleport. \n\nIf you make a perfect copy then destroy the original (th... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
9y2crp | the difference between the words "serentipity" and "chance" | [deleted] | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9y2crp/eli5_the_difference_between_the_words_serentipity/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
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3
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"text": [
"\"Serendipity\" meas that something good happened randomly.\n\"Chance\" means that something happened randomly, without implying anything about whether it was good or bad.",
"Serendipity: Something **good** happening by ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
9uwgs2 | how does a state as blue as massachusetts elect a republican governor? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9uwgs2/eli5_how_does_a_state_as_blue_as_massachusetts/ | {
"a_id": [
"e97lr91",
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"score": [
4,
2
],
"text": [
"The incumbent governor seems to be pretty moderate. His big issues seem to be about runnng the state efficiently, promoting job growth, and keeping the state budget balanced. No talk of the typical divisive republican issues... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
257m2g | why are people so interested in celebrities? (anthropological, psychological, and sociological explanations welcome) | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/257m2g/eli5_why_are_people_so_interested_in_celebrities/ | {
"a_id": [
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],
"text": [
"They distract people from the day to day hardships of life. ",
"Many of us have an innate desire to feel known and loved and appreciated. The desire for... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[
"http://www.cracked.com/article_14990_what-monkeysphere.html#ixzz31L0mRaTC",
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunbar%27s_number"
]
] | ||
2icq7j | why don't i sound loud to myself when other people tell me i'm yelling? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2icq7j/eli5_why_dont_i_sound_loud_to_myself_when_other/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
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3,
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"text": [
"You've listened to yourself your entire life. That's plenty of time to grow accustomed to your own voice, if it happens to be loud you c... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
2c8zvm | why can i not take a good photo of the night sky? | Whenever I do, it is typically just a black photo. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2c8zvm/eli5_why_can_i_not_take_a_good_photo_of_the_night/ | {
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"score": [
24,
4,
3,
3,
2,
3,
3
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"text": [
"Those good pictures of the sky you see are taken with cameras on tripods set to long exposure. The exposure on a ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
475m5y | does a rape kit test for rape in the past few days or does it confirm sex in the past few days? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/475m5y/eli5_does_a_rape_kit_test_for_rape_in_the_past/ | {
"a_id": [
"d0adqcd"
],
"score": [
15
],
"text": [
"A rape kit would basically confirm a sexual act has happened though any bruising or other signs of force would be documented. There are swabs for the lips, cheeks, thighs, vagina, anus, and buttocks to collect any fluids that are there. Blood is... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rape_kit"
]
] | ||
2p11ne | how do stop motion animators animate someone jumping? | They have to be held still somehow. I can't see any string when I watch, and some sort of plastic platform would be visible. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2p11ne/eli5_how_do_stop_motion_animators_animate_someone/ | {
"a_id": [
"cmscodj",
"cmse9c9"
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"score": [
4,
2
],
"text": [
"Techniques vary, but a support perpendicular to the viewing plane behind the character jumping can provide support without being visible.",
"Usually there's an armature that is removed digitally. "
]
} | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
8606uj | with the recent passing of the world's last *male* northern white rhino, how will efforts to revive the species continue? | It was reported that his "genetic material was collected yesterday and provides a hope for future attempts at reproduction of northern white rhinos through advanced cellular technologies."
The last two remaining females are his daughter and granddaughter respectively, and it was also said that they would continue on... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8606uj/eli5_with_the_recent_passing_of_the_worlds_last/ | {
"a_id": [
"dw1eog1",
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"score": [
7,
6
],
"text": [
"Most likely as CRISP-R gene sequencing advances more this will allow them to remove and replace the southern white rhino DNA and would allow them to make a complete northern white rhino... they have made significant progress... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
29ubx6 | how is fifa going to allow qatar to host the world cup in 2022 when drinking alcohol in public is illegal? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/29ubx6/eli5_how_is_fifa_going_to_allow_qatar_to_host_the/ | {
"a_id": [
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"cioni4g",
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"cioten1",
"ciotiv0",
"ciotrfl",
"cioud90",
"ciouotg",
"cioup24",
"c... | [] | [] | [
[],
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"http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Qatar_2022_FIFA_World_Cup_bid#Alcohol"
],
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[],
[
"http://www.fourseasons.com/doha/dining/lounges/the_library_bar_and_cigar_lounge/"
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[],
[],
[],
[],
[
"http://youtu.be/DlJEt2KU33I"
],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
... | ||
3yv851 | why would someone getting fired be ok with signing a resignation letter? | I feel like in multiple instances, I've seen someone who's about to get fired get asked to turn in their resignation. What's in it for the employer and employee? Why wouldn't an employer just fire them? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3yv851/eli5_why_would_someone_getting_fired_be_ok_with/ | {
"a_id": [
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3
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"text": [
"For the employer, they don't have to pay unemployment. For the fired person, they don't have to say they were fired from their last job for a reason. It's a face-saving measure.",
"If you get fired, you're not eligible... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
1otmrz | why is bologna pronounced baloney? | I'm reading catch 22 and now I'm curious. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1otmrz/why_is_bologna_pronounced_baloney/ | {
"a_id": [
"ccvgz9j"
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"score": [
4
],
"text": [
"Because it's not.\n\n_URL_0_"
]
} | [] | [] | [
[
"http://translate.google.com/#it/en/bologna"
]
] | |
2emn22 | is there any way a soldier can disobey orders on moral grounds? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2emn22/eli5_is_there_any_way_a_soldier_can_disobey/ | {
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"c... | [] | [] | [
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[],
[],
[
"http://www.army.mil/values/oath.html"
],
[],
[
"ht... | ||
317ocy | when peeing are we relaxing a muscle or are we pushing it out? | I know you can push out pee but the first stream feels like you relax first | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/317ocy/eli5_when_peeing_are_we_relaxing_a_muscle_or_are/ | {
"a_id": [
"cpz2hjw"
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"score": [
8
],
"text": [
"Both. You have sphincter muscles that pinch the urethra (pee tube) shut, containing urine in the bladder. When you pee, bladder muscles contract, forcing urine out. The combination of relaxing sphincter muscles and contracting bladder muscles is ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
1il4nk | why does african americans are seen more likely to vote for democrats than republicans? | I'm a non-American so I'm not too knowledgable about American history. I recently watched the movie Lincoln (2012) where I saw that the republicans were the ones who fought for the anti-slavery movement and the democrats were the ones who tried to stop it.
However, I've observed that the African Americans are perceiv... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1il4nk/eli5why_does_african_americans_are_seen_more/ | {
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3,
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"text": [
"In the 1960s, the Democrats pushed a bunch of laws to try and make racial equality happen. This drove all the old white racists out of t... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
aaeioo | why do so many warships and container ships have a large bulge at the bow below the waterline? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/aaeioo/eli5_why_do_so_many_warships_and_container_ships/ | {
"a_id": [
"ecrbt30",
"ecrby1z"
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"score": [
3,
22
],
"text": [
"The bulge modifies the way the water flows around the bottom of the vessel, creating less drag. This increasing speed, fuel efficiency, range, and overall stability of the vessel.",
"If you're referring to [this](_URL_1... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulbous_bow",
"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/92/Passenger_ship_Zaandam_in_drydock.jpg/2560px-Passenger_ship_Zaandam_in_drydock.jpg"
]
] | ||
8gbfvh | why aren't you allowed have contact with an organ donor for years after the transplant? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8gbfvh/eli5_why_arent_you_allowed_have_contact_with_an/ | {
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"text": [
"I'm actually in the middle of all my tests to donate one of my organs, so I had this conversation somewhat recently with my coordinator.\n\nIt depends on t... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
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] | ||
qndft | the flame challenge by alan alda: answer the question – “what is a flame?” – in a way that an 11-year-old would find intelligible and maybe even fun. | _URL_0_ | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/qndft/the_flame_challenge_by_alan_alda_answer_the/ | {
"a_id": [
"c3yzgpz",
"c3z0na1",
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"score": [
15,
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10,
2
],
"text": [
"[Feynman did a pretty good job](_URL_0_)",
"When something burns, it gives off heat.\n\nHot things give off light...first red, then yellow, then blue as they get hotter. It'... | [] | [
"http://flamechallenge.org/"
] | [
[
"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITpDrdtGAmo"
],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
222upp | why do i sneeze everytime i walk outside, but have no known allergies? | I can walk outside on a sunny day and just have one large sneeze, go back inside then come outside in 10 minutes or so and sneeze again. Anyone know why? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/222upp/eli5_why_do_i_sneeze_everytime_i_walk_outside_but/ | {
"a_id": [
"cgitonj"
],
"score": [
6
],
"text": [
"it is called a Photic Sneeze Reflex. It affects 18-35 percent. it is an uncontrollable reaction to bright things such as the sun when you walk outside."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
j2mjv | attention: your science questions can be explained by scientists and scientist wannabes in the ask science subreddit. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience | {
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"score": [
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"text": [
"But will they explain it like you're 5?",
"Many of these questions can be explained by... | [] | [] | [
[],
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[],
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6viij7 | how does a military vessel like a destroyer fail to detect a cargo ship heading their way? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6viij7/eli5_how_does_a_military_vessel_like_a_destroyer/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
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2,
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"text": [
"They are supposed to have multiple people on watch at all times watching the radar, radio, AIS as well as look out the windows. So people are questioning how this can happen to fou... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
3n0d7m | why can't towns create their own internet networks? | With all these problems with AT & T, Comcast, Charter, Time Warner, etc., why don't local governments create their own networks for their citizens? Wouldn't they make good money, increase population and happier citizens? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3n0d7m/eli5_why_cant_towns_create_their_own_internet/ | {
"a_id": [
"cvjorri"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"They can. Its just expensive, and requires a town budget spending that needs to be approved.\n\nThe term is municipal network."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
1oz3bf | why don't we replace income tax with sales tax? | An accountant recently told me that we would be better off replacing income tax with a sales tax. The idea is that luxury goods get taxed lots (say 50%), semi-luxury goods get taxed somewhat (say 20%) and necessities aren't taxed at all. He claimed that this would prevent people from hiding money in offshore accounts a... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1oz3bf/eli5_why_dont_we_replace_income_tax_with_sales_tax/ | {
"a_id": [
"ccx2aex",
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"score": [
5,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"A sales tax is inherently regressive. A family that makes very little money and spends it mostly on necessities would be hit much harder than a rich family because their percentage of income spent on an... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
2c04ym | why don't more animals just take the night shift and eat other animals when they are sleeping? | I've read that humans go into something called REM sleep, which is suppose to be very deep sleep. This sleep isn't really life threatening in our houses but wouldn't this be deadly for animals? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2c04ym/eli5_why_dont_more_animals_just_take_the_night/ | {
"a_id": [
"cjalse8",
"cjamdao"
],
"score": [
5,
2
],
"text": [
"hence most daytime small animals find a secure burrow to sleep. or they band together as a pack and some sleep while others nap. ",
"Just a small correction, the deepest stage of sleep is called slow wave sleep, or de... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
7cupjr | what causes the physical sensation of genital stimulation? | [deleted] | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7cupjr/eli5_what_causes_the_physical_sensation_of/ | {
"a_id": [
"dpsv8m1"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Nerves aren't so specialized by location physiologically. It's mostly how they are interpreted in the brain. Crossed wiring nuerologically is actually pretty common. "
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
5ssl25 | how the notion of "a god/gods" came around | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5ssl25/eli5_how_the_notion_of_a_godgods_came_around/ | {
"a_id": [
"ddhgprv",
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"score": [
2,
2
],
"text": [
"Depends on who you ask. People with strong religious conviction believe it happened and something like the bible is essentially a history book. People who don't have religious beliefs tend to view it as a means of explaini... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
14209u | why do i have to dial 1? | Why is is that sometimes I have to dial one and sometimes I don't? I understand long distance but IF I'm dial 203-555-1234, some one else can;t possibly have the telephone number 1-203-555-1234. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/14209u/eli5_why_do_i_have_to_dial_1/ | {
"a_id": [
"c795leb",
"c795lld"
],
"score": [
15,
6
],
"text": [
"On a regular phone, as soon as you push a button that number is sent through the phone line to your phone provider. Once you've hit 7 numbers, an attempt is made to connect to that phone number using your current area code.... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
q65o3 | when i lick my skin and smell it, why does it smell sort of like bleu cheese? | You know that you know what I'm talking about. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/q65o3/when_i_lick_my_skin_and_smell_it_why_does_it/ | {
"a_id": [
"c3v16hp"
],
"score": [
14
],
"text": [
"Bacteria on your tongue. Go brush your teeth."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
5lslxe | how is it that we put salt in ice cream machines to make the ice colder, but we also put salt on our sidewalks and streets to melt the ice? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5lslxe/eli5_how_is_it_that_we_put_salt_in_ice_cream/ | {
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... | [] | [] | [
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3yxb73 | is someone that is prosecuted by the government and ultimately found innocent automatically due any compensation for time spent incarcerated and resources spent on defense? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3yxb73/eli5_is_someone_that_is_prosecuted_by_the/ | {
"a_id": [
"cyhefrb",
"cyhezp3"
],
"score": [
3,
2
],
"text": [
"Since this is a legal question you have to specify a jurisdiction. It is certainly not the case in all jurisdictions. In other words, in some locations, you can be screwed. ",
"This will vary greatly depending on where y... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
232nj2 | totality of a solar eclipse | I was reading that the duration of totality for a total solar eclipse can last no longer than 7 minutes and 32 seconds. Furthermore, this number is decreasing each millennium. My questions are:
1. Why is there a limit to how long the duration of totality can occur?
2. Why is the duration decreasing? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/232nj2/eli5_totality_of_a_solar_eclipse/ | {
"a_id": [
"cgstfq2"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"As for why the duration is decrease, it is because the Sun is slowly expanding in size and Moon is actually moving away from the Earth. 5 hundred million years from now, total eclipses will no longer be possible."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
1rcxew | how do copyright laws work? how heavily are they enforced? | My current project is to work with a team of guys to make a free RPG for any mobile device. We would love to put funny little references here and there but we are unsure how clear we can be in case we get in trouble. How do copyright laws work exactly? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1rcxew/eli5_how_do_copyright_laws_work_how_heavily_are/ | {
"a_id": [
"cdlyyca"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Copyright law is the idea that when people make creative content, they and they alone can decide who profits from it for a limited time. Generally, this means that if you want to use content from something with copyright, ask first or be prepare... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tk862BbjWx4",
"http://www.copyright.gov/fls/fl102.html"
]
] | |
86z9e1 | why does the middle of ice get all milky/cloudy? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/86z9e1/eli5_why_does_the_middle_of_ice_get_all/ | {
"a_id": [
"dw8zqjg"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Near the surface of the ice, dissolved gasses are able to be forced out as the water freezes. Further down, the gasses are forced out of solution as it freezes and are trapped. This is also why slowly freezing ice makes it clearer than quickly. "... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
2hlhv1 | whats the point of the joke where people are wearing those rubber horse mask | Im sure you understand what I mean | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2hlhv1/eli5_whats_the_point_of_the_joke_where_people_are/ | {
"a_id": [
"cktrhqm"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"It just looks weird. The point is to get noticed. I do find that funny, even that President Obama shook hands with one of those guys. It is just surreal humor. It's OK if you don't find it funny."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
3elksm | what is the chance of finding life in the universe | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3elksm/eli5_what_is_the_chance_of_finding_life_in_the/ | {
"a_id": [
"ctg2704"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"100%, we have already found life in the universe... us. But I'm guessing you are asking life outside of Earth, which in impossible to calculate. We only know that life exists here, but we haven't looked anywhere else. So you have a sample size of... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
35fkgk | a lot of us nutrition labels list grams of carbohydrates, and then underneath that, grams of sugar and fiber. a lot of the time, grams of sugar + grams of fiber does not equal grams of carbohydrates. why the discrepancy? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/35fkgk/eli5_a_lot_of_us_nutrition_labels_list_grams_of/ | {
"a_id": [
"cr3xfek"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"Starches are not explicitly labeled but are the missing key. Sugars are 'simple carbs', starches are 'complex carbs'. Both are energy sources with 4 calories per gram."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
3u80i8 | why aren't there zip lock bags in cereal boxes? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3u80i8/eli5_why_arent_there_zip_lock_bags_in_cereal_boxes/ | {
"a_id": [
"cxcn84t",
"cxcqmqo",
"cxd4z2c"
],
"score": [
6,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"Zip lock bags cost a few cents more to produce and those few cents would make no difference in sales. You might like having it but you arent boycotting them for not having it and you wont change your bu... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"http://prod-cdn.thekrazycouponlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/malt-o-meal.jpg"
],
[]
] | ||
b05nyb | why can my hands sometimes type (or "remember") words correctly that i'm having trouble thinking about the spelling of? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/b05nyb/eli5_why_can_my_hands_sometimes_type_or_remember/ | {
"a_id": [
"eic9ryr",
"eic9sir"
],
"score": [
2,
5
],
"text": [
"Doing a motion repeatedly, teaches your brain to automate that motion, like when learning to ride a bicycle or swimming.",
"Muscle memory, as you type the word more and more you remember more accurately where you need to... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
2rojp2 | what causes sleepy boners? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2rojp2/eli5_what_causes_sleepy_boners/ | {
"a_id": [
"cnhsn8s",
"cnhswfy"
],
"score": [
2,
2
],
"text": [
"There's not really a proven point for this, but there are two main theories:\n\nFrom an evolutionary standpoint, men are more sexually aroused when they first wake up. This is from the early days of human existence when the ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sympathetic_nervous_system",
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parasympathetic_nervous_system"
]
] | ||
6yvw83 | have storm systems gotten generally larger in recent years? what is taking place to generate more overall mass? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6yvw83/eli5_have_storm_systems_gotten_generally_larger/ | {
"a_id": [
"dmqj6yc",
"dmqk46n"
],
"score": [
2,
6
],
"text": [
"Climate change and higher temperatures (global warming of average ocean temperatures).\n\nHigher temperatures means more water evaporation, which means more mass to the storm.\n\nHigher temperatures also mean a higher rate o... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
24tmre | why does every post, no matter what it is, get so many downvotes on reddit? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/24tmre/eli5_why_does_every_post_no_matter_what_it_is_get/ | {
"a_id": [
"chajg1d",
"chajgnw",
"chajkyf",
"chak28o"
],
"score": [
7,
3,
4,
7
],
"text": [
"That's because of [vote fuzzing](_URL_0_). It's a way for reddit to conceal the true number of votes a post has received, in order to hamper spam bots. The number of votes on a ver... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://www.reddit.com/wiki/faq#wiki_how_is_a_submission.27s_score_determined.3F"
],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
2b2jub | why are pepsi/coke bottles shaped different in other countries? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2b2jub/eli5_why_are_pepsicoke_bottles_shaped_different/ | {
"a_id": [
"cj15oq7",
"cj15pmm"
],
"score": [
2,
3
],
"text": [
"Coke licenses the rights to bottle it's product out to local distributors. Local distributors choose packaging that is most cost effective for them/appealing etc to the locals.",
"Each brand has to adapt to the region i... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
16m0cd | why is it that food has to be refrigerated to keep it from germs, but if our body catches a cold it gets germs? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/16m0cd/eli5_why_is_it_that_food_has_to_be_refrigerated/ | {
"a_id": [
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"c7xb57u",
"c7xbs00",
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"score": [
4,
5,
2,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"It's a myth you get a cold from cold. Also, cold is a virus, not bacteria. ",
"When our bodies get cold, our immune systems get weaker. So cold viruses ha... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
2eqbzr | obscene startup valuations | Why is it every start up seems to be valued in the billions now? What is the actuarial basis for this? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2eqbzr/eli5_obscene_startup_valuations/ | {
"a_id": [
"ck1wr0p"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"On an actuarial basis, companies are typically valued at 1.5-5x revenue. A billion dollar company likely makes a quarter to a half billion in revenues. Keep in mind, even small startups need $1-10million to get off the ground these days, and it's... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
edgn08 | why are we not allowed to say the whistleblower's name online? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/edgn08/eli5_why_are_we_not_allowed_to_say_the/ | {
"a_id": [
"fbhp9l2"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Because people are crazy, and the whistleblower doesn't deserve to have his (or his family's) life threatened for doing what he thought was right. Also, it's entirely possible the leaked name isn't the whistleblower, in which case, the wrong per... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
2p4nd6 | how do so many people seem to naturally have good/odourless breath? | Besides brushing, of course. More specifically, without the use of mints or gum. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2p4nd6/eli5_how_do_so_many_people_seem_to_naturally_have/ | {
"a_id": [
"cmtbp7x"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Personally I think it's the food you eat. If I eat very low sugar 'natural' food products like porridge, bread, rice etc one day the next morning my breath is odourless, whereas if I ate dairy, or sugary food like chocolate and ice cream I'm more... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
1lsegu | how can or why would someone consider themselves being transgender without being pre-op or post-op? | It never dawned on me until about a year ago that there are people who consider themselves a gender that does not match their sex, without any plans to change their sex to match said gender. I thought I accepted it and understood the concept until a friend made the change - now I'm confused. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1lsegu/eli5how_can_or_why_would_someone_consider/ | {
"a_id": [
"cc293xg",
"cc295nw",
"cc296ii",
"cc29c7m",
"cc2cm6y"
],
"score": [
7,
2,
3,
2,
3
],
"text": [
"I'm no expert - but surely it's possible for someone who was born a man to feel like a woman, to chose to live her life as a woman, dress like a woman, and id... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
28fzia | how is electricity generated? can we ever "run out" of electricity? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/28fzia/eli5_how_is_electricity_generated_can_we_ever_run/ | {
"a_id": [
"ciaknxx"
],
"score": [
8
],
"text": [
"Super ELI5 version is this:\n\nRotate a conducting material in a magnetic field, and electric current will flow through it.\n\nThe magnetic field is created with magnets, which are \"infinite\". So the only question is where to get the force to r... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
1mcr21 | why does my brain feel "fuzzy" when i'm sick? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1mcr21/eli5_why_does_my_brain_feel_fuzzy_when_im_sick/ | {
"a_id": [
"cc81pti"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"Your body is utilising resources to fight off the infection of foreign agents in your system. Higher processes are not top priority in this case, which makes certain patterns of thought (particularly reasoning) incredibly hard to do."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
tusjs | why it was necessary or even desirable for facebook to float (ipo) | From what I understand, floating is usually a way to take in money, money that is then used to grow and expand the business. But Facebook was already earning huge amounts of money. They don't need outside money to grow.
Many successful billion dollar companies have not floated, or have reversed the floatation later (V... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/tusjs/eli5_why_it_was_necessary_or_even_desirable_for/ | {
"a_id": [
"c4pwpml",
"c4pwvo1"
],
"score": [
4,
18
],
"text": [
"One point, Facebook is not already earning huge amounts of money.",
"Basically the SEC forced them to do it. People with large holdings have been trading shares of Facebook on secondary markets for a while now as more V... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
22d3y0 | why do some people have 'wet' earwax while others have 'dry' earwax? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/22d3y0/eli5_why_do_some_people_have_wet_earwax_while/ | {
"a_id": [
"cglsky9"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Ooh, I know this! First off, it's genetic. It's one of the rare traits that's decided by a single gene (this is called a Mendelian Trait). This particular gene is located on chromosome 16, and in this gene if one particular slot contains the amin... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
80csrj | what actually happens when an electronic bank transfer is made? | What happens to the physical money? Is it deposited from one bank to another in batches? Does the physical money never move?
| explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/80csrj/eli5_what_actually_happens_when_an_electronic/ | {
"a_id": [
"duul6qr",
"duulb4a"
],
"score": [
5,
4
],
"text": [
"Physical money never needs to move if you dont sort it in the first place. \n\n\nLets say you are holding 5 dollar bills each for 3 friends. You put all 15 dollars in your wallet. One friend comes and says “actually make 3 o... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
4a6f8o | why can't we just plant the gros michel banana again? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4a6f8o/eli5_why_cant_we_just_plant_the_gros_michel/ | {
"a_id": [
"d0xro03",
"d0xrszo",
"d0y2q9l"
],
"score": [
2,
3,
2
],
"text": [
"Because the banana plants aren't derived from seeds but bulbs of the banana plant.\n\nThere are still plantations that grows that type of banana but not on a large scale. ",
"Why would we want to?\n... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
a8foqg | what is the difference between an architect and an architectural enginner? | Is there even any difference? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a8foqg/eli5_what_is_the_difference_between_an_architect/ | {
"a_id": [
"ecaabon",
"ecaaots",
"ecai3h3",
"ecbk012"
],
"score": [
17,
2,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"An architect says “Wouldn’t it be cool if my building looked like *THIS*?”\n\nAnd the engineer says, “Yeah, here’s how to make it not fall over.”",
"Architectural engineers ha... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
ba3rtx | why do men joke about their penises so much? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ba3rtx/eli5_why_do_men_joke_about_their_penises_so_much/ | {
"a_id": [
"ek8s4g0"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Because it's hard not to.\n\nHeyo\n\nPenis jokes are just very basic humour, low hanging fruit. It's universal, everybody past puberty gets it. But they're not classy, so don't whip them out whenever. \n\nYou can tell a penis joke once in a while... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
3zeo7j | why do parliament impose sentence ranges for crimes instead of leaving it up to the judge and case law? | Tort law is solely made up of case law developed over the centuries and so far it has worked really well. Most of the decisions seem equitabe, fair and just. This is probably because judges are given near total discretion and are therefore likely to consider total circumstances and mete out equitable justice.
I dont... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3zeo7j/eli5_why_do_parliament_impose_sentence_ranges_for/ | {
"a_id": [
"cylh0q0"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"It's important to have some degree of uniformity in sentencing. Of course every case and every criminal is different, but some guidelines are necessary.\n\nIn County A you get arrested for possessing heroine and the judge happens to think drug la... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
anre9x | why is it easy to hear someone talking outside when you’re in a car but hard to hear someone inside talking when you’re outside the car? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/anre9x/eli5_why_is_it_easy_to_hear_someone_talking/ | {
"a_id": [
"efve8yn",
"efvk8z6"
],
"score": [
15,
3
],
"text": [
"I’d assume when you’re outside you’re battling more things to be heard (wind/weather/cars) so you naturally talk louder at a point you can be heard from within a nearby vehicle\n\nWhen you’re inside a car your windows and s... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
cm5yju | why do our testicles hang lower when warm and move closer to the penis when cold? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cm5yju/eli5_why_do_our_testicles_hang_lower_when_warm/ | {
"a_id": [
"ew06ipx",
"ew06np5"
],
"score": [
8,
10
],
"text": [
"Temperature adjustment. I believe sperm are very sensitive to temperature, so they hang lower to cool off and retract to stay warm!",
"Balls are meant to stay at temperatures cooler than the rest of the body. Sperm prod... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
45lgli | what about a glass ketchup bottle makes it so difficult to easily pour? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/45lgli/eli5_what_about_a_glass_ketchup_bottle_makes_it/ | {
"a_id": [
"czyljoa",
"czylroy",
"czynly9",
"czynmua",
"czyoh6e",
"czyu5o0",
"czyurs2",
"czyvqbi"
],
"score": [
8,
72,
15,
2,
7,
32,
2,
3
],
"text": [
"Ketchup is sticky and viscous (thick). It flows slowly, and a glass bottle doesn't let y... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[
"http://youtu.be/KB43fM_ozKQ"
],
[
"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KB43fM_ozKQ"
],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
1tez4o | elf on the shelf | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1tez4o/eli5_elf_on_the_shelf/ | {
"a_id": [
"ce78uj0",
"ce79od8"
],
"score": [
7,
3
],
"text": [
"It's an elf doll that comes with a story. In the story it explains that each Elf is given magical powers once its family names it. Your children then name it. Once that is done, only grown-ups can touch the Elf or it will... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
5vejzy | why do products say "may contain eggs"? they either do or don't contain eggs, right? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5vejzy/eli5_why_do_products_say_may_contain_eggs_they/ | {
"a_id": [
"de1fn36",
"de1frjw"
],
"score": [
2,
2
],
"text": [
"My understanding is this. It's a liability thing. If at some point during the manufacture or packaging of their product it comes in contact with eggs or egg residue, and someone then has an allergic reaction to it, then the ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
fj2pz8 | why does fine powder (like flour or powder milk) mixes evenly when stirred in cold water, but not in hot water (where the mixture becomes lumpy)? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fj2pz8/eli5_why_does_fine_powder_like_flour_or_powder/ | {
"a_id": [
"fkkn78l",
"fkl1tq5",
"fkl5re1"
],
"score": [
19,
5,
2
],
"text": [
"Most powders dissolve better in hot water because the molecules of water have more energy and are \"bumping\" into the powder molecules. Hot water molecules have more energy and move more than cold mol... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
cvs72n | is cancer just bad luck? for instance how can someone that never smoked get lung cancer, but another one that does never gets it? | [deleted] | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cvs72n/eli5_is_cancer_just_bad_luck_for_instance_how_can/ | {
"a_id": [
"ey61bqp",
"ey61fi4"
],
"score": [
2,
6
],
"text": [
"Edit. \"Most cases of lung cancer are not related to inherited genetic changes\" \n_URL_0_\nI.e. unlike some other cancers, your genes do not make you more likely have lung cancer. I have heard that certain genes increase ch... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/lung-cancer#inheritance"
],
[]
] | |
7gufle | how ducks not freeze in cold water in winter | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7gufle/eli5how_ducks_not_freeze_in_cold_water_in_winter/ | {
"a_id": [
"dqlr76j",
"dqlr8vc"
],
"score": [
4,
4
],
"text": [
"They are surrounded by a thick layer of fat under the skin, and an insulating layer of downy feathers over the skin. So they are highly insulated.",
"Ducks have very little muscle in their feet, mainly tendons. This mean... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
jh13l | health care individual mandate vs. car insurance mandate | The government says I have to have car insurance. Why can't they tell me I have to have health insurance. And doesn't it make people healthier somehow??? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/jh13l/health_care_individual_mandate_vs_car_insurance/ | {
"a_id": [
"c2c18rw",
"c2c1d5j",
"c2c18rw",
"c2c1d5j"
],
"score": [
2,
2,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"It seems like you're trying to make a political point, rather than asking a question, but requiring car drivers to have car insurance is categorically different from requiring *all... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
1nc7dz | if my pet has fleas, how come they don't infest me too? | Is it a hair or skin difference or? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1nc7dz/eli5_if_my_pet_has_fleas_how_come_they_dont/ | {
"a_id": [
"cch8zac",
"cch9f06"
],
"score": [
2,
2
],
"text": [
"They can, but generally they prefer certain types of animals over us, just like it's possible to give a dog head lice, but unlikely.",
"Well, they can and do given enough time. But chances are you bath regularly, and you... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
1wka4z | atomic and hydrogen bombs in space. | If a hydrogen or atomic bomb was detonated in space, how would the explosion compare to an explosion here on earth. Would gravity allow the blast to expand or will it compress it? Is it possible to make a tiny human- made black hole from an explosion? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1wka4z/eli5_atomic_and_hydrogen_bombs_in_space/ | {
"a_id": [
"cf2w0w1"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"The main difference between the effects of an atomic bomb detonated in space and that on the ground are not related to gravity, but are related to the fact that the bomb is going off without an atmosphere (air) around it. When a bomb goes off, a ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
3kbnsj | what ever happened to all those cash for gold companies? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3kbnsj/eli5_what_ever_happened_to_all_those_cash_for/ | {
"a_id": [
"cuw8bw0"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"_URL_0_\n\nThe value of gold was climbing until 2012, when the market suddenly trended downwards, and it's predicted to get worse. Since gold isn't as valuable anymore, there's less incentive to run a business that collects it. \n"
]
} | [] | [] | [
[
"http://www.macrotrends.net/1333/historical-gold-prices-100-year-chart"
]
] | ||
8pwq31 | why is it easier to gain fat than to loose it? our body reacts when we eat too much, why dosen't it do the same when we try to loose fat? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8pwq31/eli5_why_is_it_easier_to_gain_fat_than_to_loose/ | {
"a_id": [
"e0eme0s",
"e0emtew",
"e0emtv5"
],
"score": [
6,
5,
2
],
"text": [
"It used to be harder to gain fat when we used to live in caves and had to run from predators on a regular basis. ",
"Fat actually has a purpose. It's a reserve of nutrients for when food is hard to ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
7dlkbg | what are you thinking before developing language ? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7dlkbg/eli5_what_are_you_thinking_before_developing/ | {
"a_id": [
"dpymkfz"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Babies/infants learn through patterns, noises, and repeated stimuli, all by closely watching their environment. Babies of only a few days old understand depth perception and a few months in, they can count and understand so-called “impossible eve... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
4gl0gc | what would time dilation feel like? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4gl0gc/eli5what_would_time_dilation_feel_like/ | {
"a_id": [
"d2iguvl",
"d2ihuk9"
],
"score": [
3,
3
],
"text": [
"You wouldn't perceive time slowing down. That is the entire basis of relativity, that no matter what constant speed you move at, light moves at the same speed relative to you. This is the basis of all the math, which came to... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
4c13cq | how the us justice system handle rape accusations? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4c13cq/eli5how_the_us_justice_system_handle_rape/ | {
"a_id": [
"d1e656i"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Well it depends. \n\nIf you are a politician, then the accuser has their life turned upside down and is often accused of being a slut (even by the politician's wife). Or if you are a beloved famous personality then you are simply ignored unless e... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
4jzeey | does the time warner cable/charter merger violate anti-trust laws? | The [merger](_URL_0_) certainly seems like it should violate established anti-trust laws. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4jzeey/eli5_does_the_time_warner_cablecharter_merger/ | {
"a_id": [
"d3avk53"
],
"score": [
7
],
"text": [
"Anti-trust laws give the Department of Justice the authority to make that call. It is decided case-by-case by the courts.\n\nThe Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice did indeed file a lawsuit arguing against the merger. In court, \"N... | [] | [
"http://money.cnn.com/2016/05/18/media/time-warner-cable-charter/"
] | [
[]
] | |
x0zkk | the story of the soviet union | I know the basics so a nice in depth explanation would be nice. anyone? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/x0zkk/eli5_the_story_of_the_soviet_union/ | {
"a_id": [
"c5ial40",
"c5ihjcm"
],
"score": [
9,
2
],
"text": [
"This is one of my favorite topics, because it allows me to expand on a couple points.\n\nThe first is exactly how bad things were in Tsarist Russia. Russia was one of the last honest to god Feudal societies on Earth. They ha... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWTFG3J1CP8"
]
] | |
5c6bs8 | why do certain animals mainly appear when it begins to rain? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5c6bs8/eli5_why_do_certain_animals_mainly_appear_when_it/ | {
"a_id": [
"d9u0l2p"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Can you give an example of the types of animals you're thinking of?\n\nOften snails and such come out because it's wet and they can range further without drying out.\n\nWorms come out for similar reasons and because their burrows sometimes fill w... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
afxc7a | how did we come to the conclusion that gravity has the same speed as light? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/afxc7a/eli5_how_did_we_come_to_the_conclusion_that/ | {
"a_id": [
"ee1zcvy"
],
"score": [
10
],
"text": [
"We measured it. \n\nBy which I mean we measured both the gravity and light coming off a stellar collision and found that the difference could be explained by the vacuum of space being very slightly imperfect so the light wasn't going at the spee... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
82nq3t | why does foam act like a solid when it is made of just liquid and gas? | For example, in a bath you can add one liquid (bubble bath) to another liquid (water) and it creates a foam. You can then pick up a handful of that foam and blow on it which causes the foam to fragment like it was a solid... but it's not a solid, it's still just a liquid! ELI5, please? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/82nq3t/eli5_why_does_foam_act_like_a_solid_when_it_is/ | {
"a_id": [
"dvbf917",
"dvbfq5s"
],
"score": [
12,
6
],
"text": [
"A balloon behaves like a solid ball, but it's mostly air. Foam is just a big pile of tiny balloons made of soap.",
"Surface tension, the molecules on the outside of the bubble line up (much like a solid) and pull on the... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
4145yj | why is apple the most valuable company in the world? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4145yj/eli5why_is_apple_the_most_valuable_company_in_the/ | {
"a_id": [
"cyzhgu9"
],
"score": [
26
],
"text": [
"You reap extremely high profits when you charge $3,000 for $500 of hardware and people keep buying it because it's pretty and white.\n\n\nI'll be down at the bottom in a few minutes for my factual, but unpopular opinion.\n\nRegardless, if I coul... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
9n4gpz | has anyone thought to send a drone to scout north sentinel island? what are the ongoing studies conducted on the sentinelese if there are any? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9n4gpz/eli5_has_anyone_thought_to_send_a_drone_to_scout/ | {
"a_id": [
"e7jjuy6",
"e7jkn7u"
],
"score": [
3,
3
],
"text": [
"The Indian Government recognizes the Sentinelese's desire to be left alone. They don't even try to prosecute them on the occasions they have killed trespassers to the island. \n\n",
"Sentinel island now is closed for a... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
1reh3w | what is fire actually doing to wood/paper/gasoline, etc? | I'm watching wood burn. What is actually happening to it? What is taking place in the chemistry between the fire and the object and why do burned things eventually disintegrate? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1reh3w/eli5_what_is_fire_actually_doing_to/ | {
"a_id": [
"cdmfube"
],
"score": [
5
],
"text": [
"The chemical bonds that hold the wood together release energy when they are broken. These bonds break apart at a high enough temperature, and their breakage yields more heat, which in turn breaks more bonds. It forms a chain reaction. \n\nOnce en... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
38geix | why do cop cars not pull all the way over when giving a citation on a busy street? | I often see cop cars blocking half of a lane while giving a citation. This causes a backlog of cars trying to merge out of the lane and seems dangerous to me. Why do they do this? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/38geix/eli5why_do_cop_cars_not_pull_all_the_way_over/ | {
"a_id": [
"crutwj0",
"crutxej",
"cruud5t"
],
"score": [
3,
2,
7
],
"text": [
"Many states (including Florida and Tennessee) have laws requiring motorists to change lanes for stopped emergency vehicles; by blocking half a lane, the officer ensures that people comply. By slowing do... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] |
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