query stringlengths 19 300 | pos list | neg list | task stringclasses 1
value | instruction dict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Why we cringe when we see recorded footage of ourselves? | [
"You look like [this](_URL_0_). Which weirds you out, because you think you look like [this](_URL_1_). You're much more familiar with how you look in a mirror than in photos. This means the image of yourself you're most familiar is flipped horizontally 180 degrees. When you see yourself on camera or in photos, eve... | [
"They do it under the guise of them filming a TV show about what it's like to work, or something like that."
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the Reddit query about Language and Communication:",
"pos": "Represent the Reddit sentence about Language and Communication:",
"neg": "Represent the Reddit sentence about Law and Entertainment:"
} |
Why are the Ashley Madison hacks such a big deal? | [
"> Is there legal recourse for cheating on a spouse? Adultery is illegal in 23 states"
] | [
"You're pretty good at picking simple locks on doors... why don't you go break into Fort Knox? The major financial institutions spend *literally* billions of dollars on IT and IT security. A data breach at Chase or Wells Fargo would make this whole Sony thing look like a fucking joke. Plus why would Anonymous do t... | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the title:",
"pos": "Represent the sentence:",
"neg": "Represent the sentence:"
} |
Is Washington DC really THAT 'blue'? | [
"Yes, the residents are really that Democratically aligned. White House staff are a tiny fraction of the DC population; during the Bush presidency, the results were nearly as decisive for Kerry."
] | [
"Whats the most \"anti everything\" thing you can wave in Russia? Bingo."
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the query:",
"pos": "Represent the document:",
"neg": "Represent the document:"
} |
Why do so many police cars participate in high speed chases? | [
"20 is excessive but multiple cars are used in case one or more of them is rammed, breaks down, runs out of fuel etc. Then the driver could double back, make a last second turn off, etc. which could take the lead car out of the pursuit. To end the pursuit you may need several vehicles to contain the vehicle and if ... | [
"In short, Mothers Against Drunk Driving lobbied to bump it up in an attempt to reduce drunk driving accidents."
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the question:",
"pos": "Represent the comment:",
"neg": "Represent the comment:"
} |
Why is it not concidered unsanitary to wash a cast iron pan without soap? | [
"The only reason you use soap to wash your dishes is to cut through grease. Any kind of bacteria is going to be taken care of by the heat of cooking. Properly seasoned cast iron has a thin layer of polymerized oil, almost like a plastic film, on the surface so food and grease don't stick to it."
] | [
"It insulates food. The point is to not eat it. We also cook our food in pots and pans, do you have a problem with not eating those too?"
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the question:",
"pos": "Represent the text:",
"neg": "Represent the text:"
} |
Why haven't there been any studies or test on supernatural objects on their phenomenons? | [
"There have been. There have also been studies on people claiming to have supernatural powers. Literally none of them have ever had their effects confirmed scientifically."
] | [
"Nothing. It's a complete lie. There have been no peer reviewed and accepted scientific studies that have found Benefits from such products. magnets, rocks, crystals, etc do not affect your body in any way."
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the question:",
"pos": "Represent the document:",
"neg": "Represent the document:"
} |
Why are nails on a chalk board so physically unsettling to humans, even when just thinking about it and not even experiencing it IRL? | [
"I read a theory a while ago that the frequency given off by fingernails on a chalkboard was the same as a proto human warning screech."
] | [
"Gross things, in general, make us want to throw up because vomiting is one of the ways your body protects itself from possible exposure to contamination. Ate some rotten food? better to throw it up than to digest it and get sick. We have a visceral reaction to gross smells and sights like feces, decay, bodily flui... | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the Reddit query:",
"pos": "Represent the Reddit document:",
"neg": "Represent the Reddit document about Health and Wellness:"
} |
What makes people stop crying like children when they are hurt? | [
"When you're asked how painful something feels on a scale from 1 - 10, you are judging the pain based on your previous experiences of pain. A badly scrapped knee when you're older doesn't feel too bad if you have previously broken a bone. However, for children, a scrapped knee could be the most painful thing that h... | [
"Just to be clear, this is the feeling that everyone gets when they get lectured by their parents back during their childhood days, yes?"
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the post:",
"pos": "Represent the document:",
"neg": "Represent the document:"
} |
Why is this company getting sued over using the word "mayo" in the name? | [
"As [this article](_URL_0_) explains, Unilever makes two of the leading brands of mayonnaise. They felt that the use of \"mayo\" by a company that makes a product that's not legally mayonnaise was unfair and misleading -- it could take customers away from their mayonnaise."
] | [
"I can't explain it but thank God someone else noticed. Every time we go to the grocery store I get mocked by my gf because of my astonishment that there are probably 15 different kinds of freaking Cheez-its. Is this a great Country or what?"
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the post:",
"pos": "Represent the answer:",
"neg": "Represent the answer:"
} |
What are the responsibilities and roles of the Vice President? | [
"Well his official role is to cast tie breaking votes in the Senate. And he usually gets shit jobs like cutting the opening ribbon at the newest Boeing plant and shit like that. But as we saw with Dick Cheney he can have a heavy influence on policy and be the presidents closest adviser. As part of the executive ... | [
"These people are seen as the best qualified to give advice and direction to the CEO, which is one of the most important jobs of a board of directors."
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the Reddit post:",
"pos": "Represent the Reddit document:",
"neg": "Represent the Reddit document:"
} |
What's so bad about toolbars and registry boosters. | [
"Toolbars suck up system resources and, in many cases, use those resources to track your browsing and send usage data to their providers. Internet Explorer is bad because it lags behind other browsers in adopting new conventions and forces Web developers to cater to its backwardsness. Yes, I realize that you didn't... | [
"If you are referring to things like new toolbars, 'security scans' and the like, it's because they get paid to include them in their installation packages by the companies that produce the extra software."
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the Reddit question:",
"pos": "Represent the Reddit document:",
"neg": "Represent the Reddit document:"
} |
I'm about debate my data cap with my cable co. after they called regarding my fcc complaint. Can you explain congestion and if it's a valid excuse for them? | [
"Depends on where you live, but it usually isn't. Congestion is when lots of people are trying to push 1's and 0's through a network, and the network can't always deal with all of it at the same time, so some 1's and 0's have to wait a bit. If your ISP is justifying a data cap with the qualification that the vast m... | [
"I believe some areas have no option other than too use Comcast.. It's comcasts fault they're getting slower speeds and not the users. So to charge the user would be very unfair"
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the title:",
"pos": "Represent the document:",
"neg": "Represent the document:"
} |
If our DNA changes as we get older, is there a difference between having children at a young age or as an older person? | [
"Yes. Statistics show that the age of both mothers and fathers has biological effects on the child, with increased adverse health as people age."
] | [
"Because people live long enough to get cancer. The more and more your cells divide, the greater your chances of getting cancer, so as people don't die in their 50s of heart attacks, they get cancer in their 70s. Also, several types of cancer are way down."
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the question:",
"pos": "Represent the document:",
"neg": "Represent the document:"
} |
Why isn't all open-source software incredibly vulnerable to hackers and virus makers? | [
"> I'm sure that's wrong, but how is it wrong? No, that's pretty correct. It's just that you've had millions of people over decades looking at the same vault considering the vulnerabilities. Some people consider that more secure than a bank vault that only a small group of people are familiar with and have checked.... | [
"The heartbleed bug wasn't deliberately in the code, program code is incredibly long and is basically a book written in another language, sometimes these books have translational errors and need to be patched up - if that makes sense. The longer the book, the more errors you might find, so computer security is a bi... | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the question:",
"pos": "Represent the post:",
"neg": "Represent the post about Technology:"
} |
How can bones become "bruised"? | [
"A bruise is when trauma to an area causes the small blood vessels, called capillaries, to rupture. The blood then pools into the surrounding tissue, creating the purplish discolouration (which turns brown as the blood is broken down and reabsorbed). Bones have blood vessels in them just the same as regular tissue,... | [
"What sounds worst? Plant-eating bacteria or flesh-eating bacteria?"
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the post:",
"pos": "Represent the document:",
"neg": "Represent the document:"
} |
what would happen if us citizens voted to get rid of all taxes? | [
"Well, if it were hypothetically possible... Say goodbye to roads, fire departments, police, schools...."
] | [
"Who do you think passes those laws. Those senators that are getting their pockets filled. Why would they pass a bill that makes it harder for themselves"
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the Reddit post:",
"pos": "Represent the Reddit argument:",
"neg": "Represent the Reddit argument:"
} |
Why are people so hateful on social media outlets and online video games? | [
"Kind of answered your own question there. If someone expresses their opinion IRL then they are far more likely to be embarrassed if someone disagrees with them. It's akin to 13 year old kids on Xbox live calling the one black dude in the game the n word. In real life they would NEVER do that because said dude coul... | [
"Of course it is. Why would you assume that you have any legal protection of anonymity on Reddit or anywhere else on the Internet? You don't."
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the post:",
"pos": "Represent the sentence:",
"neg": "Represent the sentence:"
} |
Why do police in big cities still use horses and in what situations require them? | [
"Both my parents in law used to be riot police (they met during a riot), I once asked them. Riding a horse has a few advantages. 1. You're higher up so it's easier to see the crowd. 2. You're higher up so it's easier to see your squad/team and communicate. 3. You're higher up so it's harder for others to hit/kick y... | [
"It might not be necessary in certain countries, but with the number of firearms and violence in the U.S., it would be pure anarchy if our police forces did not have firearms. Don't bring a knife to a gun fight."
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the Reddit title:",
"pos": "Represent the Reddit document:",
"neg": "Represent the Reddit document:"
} |
Why doesn't blood settle in your legs and feet while just standing there like it does in your head when upside down? | [
"The veins in the legs have one-way valves in them (called, obviously enough, veinous valves) that prevent blood from flowing back down and pooling. The veinous valves also help push the blood back up the vertical column, reducing the pressure needed in the feet to make the blood circulate normally. These valves do... | [
"When you're up and about and walking around, your heart has to work against gravity to pump blood up into your face. But when you have been laying horizontal in a bed for 8 or so hours it gives blood the opportunity to \"pool\" or \"settle\" in your face, resulting in puffiness. You'll get a more extreme example o... | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the Reddit question:",
"pos": "Represent the Reddit answer:",
"neg": "Represent the Reddit answer:"
} |
Why are the majority of taxis yellow? | [
"[Yellow is the easiest color to see from far away.](_URL_1_) Another fun fact: \"Taxi\" is short for \"[taxicab](_URL_2_),\" which is short for \"[taximeter](_URL_0_) [cabriolet](_URL_3_).\""
] | [
"Because it is worth a lot of money to the government!"
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the Reddit title:",
"pos": "Represent the Reddit sentence:",
"neg": "Represent the Reddit sentence:"
} |
When I get driving directions from Google Maps, the estimated time is usually fairly accurate. However, I tend to drive MUCH faster than the speed limit. Does Google Maps just assume that everyone speeds? How do they make their time estimates? | [
"Driving faster does not really result in a large time savings. You would be surprised how little time you actually save by going 80 instead of 65, especially for shorter trips. Slow the fuck down."
] | [
"\"Would you like to share your location with Maps?\" If you click No, then it pretends it has no idea where you are (which is probably true). If you click Yes, then you're telling it where you are for TWO purposes: 1. To place you on the map 2. To relay this information back to the server so it can see where *ever... | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the question:",
"pos": "Represent the document:",
"neg": "Represent the document:"
} |
Why is Friends popular and loved in a way no other sitcom is? | [
"Average Seinfeld viewers per season: 26.6 million Average Friends viewers per season: 23.6 million Seinfeld series finale: 76.3 million Friends Series finale: 52.5 million Emmy nominations/wins for Seinfeld: 68/10 Emmy nominations/wins for friends: 64/7 Obviously ratings and award shows aren't everything, and thos... | [
"Very different budget and style. MANY American shows look like Atelier, e.g. Big Bang Theory, every soap opera, every sitcom, etc. The surge of movie-quality TV shows is a pretty new thing in the US too."
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the query:",
"pos": "Represent the document:",
"neg": "Represent the document:"
} |
What is a "currency" and what is not? | [
"A currency is simply a common medium for exchange. Your points could be considered a currency in that they could be exchanged for drinks and fries, but they aren't a very robust currency as they have no value to the concession stand operators. It's more akin to tickets you win at Dave & Busters or some similar arc... | [
"It has a few different meanings in different contexts. What setting are we talking about?"
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the Reddit query:",
"pos": "Represent the Reddit comment:",
"neg": "Represent the Reddit comment about finance:"
} |
Adblock's real effect on free Internet services. | [
"The key is that people who put ads on their sites don't just get paid when someone clicks on them- they also get paid just for the ads being viewed. When you use Adblock or similar extensions, you're preventing the ads from being loaded- and you're preventing the site's owner from getting paid."
] | [
"Advertising, selling info, and premium versions of the free stuff."
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the question:",
"pos": "Represent the document:",
"neg": "Represent the document about Technology:"
} |
Why do hospitals have visiting hours? | [
"So patients can sleep in peace through the night and the lower number of staff on duty at night can focus more on pt care than tending to the families and their needs"
] | [
"Pregnant women qualify for Medicaid, which is paid for by the government, if they do not have insurance. The Medicaid cuts off for the woman after the child is born, but will continue to cover the child until it's 18 years old if the mother cannot get health insurance for the family from a private insurance compan... | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the Reddit post:",
"pos": "Represent the Reddit argument:",
"neg": "Represent the Reddit argument:"
} |
the hot pocket sleeve | [
"Normally microwaves won't heat food beyond 212 degrees because at that point the water inside the food begins boiling and carrying the excess heat away. However, to get \"crisp\" food needs to be exposed to temperatures above 280 degrees, so a microwave can't normally do that. The sleeve contains a very thin piec... | [
"Because le reddit army only upvote le reddit army"
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the Reddit post:",
"pos": "Represent the Reddit text:",
"neg": "Represent the Reddit text:"
} |
how does an animal manage to live 500+ years? (Ming the clam) | [
"Different animals have different life spans. There are some interesting examples of animals that can [live forever](_URL_0_). Plants, especially trees, can end up living for thousands of years. It really depends on the animal and the environment. Some whales can live for up to 200 years, and elephants and humans f... | [
"It's passed genetically most of the time, there is the Monarch butterfly that migrates from as high up as Canada down to Mexico (3000mls =4900 kms and it takes multiple generation s to complete the round trip. Amazing."
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the Reddit query:",
"pos": "Represent the Reddit passage:",
"neg": "Represent the Reddit passage:"
} |
Is it possible to change the structure of molecules using electricity or vibrations? | [
"Yes, but not in the way you are describing. We can use a technique called electrolysis to cause an otherwise non-spontaneous reaction like turning water back into hydrogen and oxygen. This process doesn't work beyond the molecular level though, so we aren't going to get different atoms from the process (so no wate... | [
"They're different manifestations of the same force. You can generate a magnetic field using electricity, and you can induce an electric current using magnets."
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the query:",
"pos": "Represent the passage:",
"neg": "Represent the passage:"
} |
how West Berlin operated while landlocked in East Germany. | [
"The Russians allowed a road into Berlin for supplies until they eventually shut it down. After that we [flew supplies to them](_URL_0_)."
] | [
"A wall that separated the east and west side of Berlin, Germany around the time of the Cold War."
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the Reddit query:",
"pos": "Represent the Reddit post:",
"neg": "Represent the Reddit post:"
} |
Why is that when I jump inside a moving bus, I land back on the same spot and not further back considering the bus is moving? | [
"What about a fly buzzing around? They're not attached to the bus so therefore don't benefit from the momentum of the moving vehicle so why don't they splat into the back of the bus?"
] | [
"If the fly is on the boat and starts to fly, it's already moving at the speed of boat. If you're on a boat and you jump while it's moving, you move at the same speed as the boat and don't fly backwards."
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the Reddit question:",
"pos": "Represent the Reddit answer:",
"neg": "Represent the Reddit answer:"
} |
Why dinosaurs names end in -saurus, -don, -us? | [
"Most dinosaurs are called popularly by the name of their genus, which is always in Latin. \"Saurus\" is Latin for lizard, \"don\" is Latin for tooth, and \"us\" is just a typical Latin singular suffix. So for example, iguanadon means \"iguana tooth,\" tyrannosaurus means \"tyrant lizard,\" and diplodocus means rou... | [
"A better question would be: \"Why are birds so much smaller than their ancestors, the dinosaurs?\" ;-)"
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the Reddit post:",
"pos": "Represent the Reddit document:",
"neg": "Represent the Reddit document about biology:"
} |
What are the differences between soluble fiber and insoluble fiber? | [
"Soluble fiber attracts water and turns to gel during digestion. This slows digestion. Soluble fiber is found in oat bran, barley, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, peas, and some fruits and vegetables. It is also found in psyllium, a common fiber supplement. Some types of soluble fiber may help lower risk of heart dise... | [
"Other way around. Sugar is only one kind of carbohydrate. There also carbohydrates that may be listed but not fully metabolized like sugar alcohols. There are also the soluble and insoluble fibers that are listed as carbs."
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the Reddit title:",
"pos": "Represent the Reddit text:",
"neg": "Represent the Reddit text:"
} |
Why is loading a 30 second GIF on Reddit slower than loading a 2 minut video on YouTube? | [
"Gifs were never intended to be used for videos. They are primarily a still-image format that eventually had limited moving-image capability added. But gifs are *terrible* at video compression, because that was never their intent. So that 30-second gif has a file size that is larger than the 2-minute video. This is... | [
"You mean when you start a new video? It's becomes HD every time I enter full screen."
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the post about Technology:",
"pos": "Represent the passage about Technology:",
"neg": "Represent the passage:"
} |
Fluid and electrolyte balance/imbalance in the human body. | [
"The human body requires a constant amount of fluid at specific concentrations to function efficiently. The outside environment does not offer this. Thus, the body has various mechanisms it uses to keep the internal environment as constant as possible. For instance, when you drink water, the body must accommodate t... | [
"El5: alcohol crosses the blood brain barrier. Then the fun begins."
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the title:",
"pos": "Represent the text:",
"neg": "Represent the text:"
} |
If our bodies get tired when they're cold, then why does being under a warm blanket make us so sleepy? | [
"2 different things are going on here. 1. You're tired when it's cold because your body has to use a lot of energy to stay warm. Use up energy - > get tired 2. The reason people sleep with thick blankets is... kind of weird. The weight of the blanket on your skin triggers the deep pressure receptors in your skin, w... | [
"When you're hot outside, your body is having trouble regulating it's body temperature. It's not comfortable to be like that because... that's how your body tells you it's having trouble. When you take a hot shower, you're cleaning yourself off, and more importantly, you get out afterwards, and it's cooling and ref... | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the question about Science:",
"pos": "Represent the comment about Science:",
"neg": "Represent the comment about Physics:"
} |
Can someone explain Reaganomics? | [
"Also referred to (more positively) as Trickle-down Economics. The big idea is that you reduce taxes on wealthy business owners, and they in turn spend more money. That money trickles down through the economy, where it eventually reaches the working class. Critics of Reaganomics, including myself, argue that the ta... | [
"Help! Can someone explain SCOT and Structuration theory to an idiot?"
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the Reddit post:",
"pos": "Represent the Reddit passage:",
"neg": "Represent the Reddit passage:"
} |
MLB Trade Deadline is July 31st. Why and how are trades made until August 31st? What is this difference between a waiver and a non-waiver trade? | [
"The trade deadline of July 31 is for teams to trade directly with each other without going through waivers. Waivers basically means that the player is offered to all the teams first so the player can be claimed and the other teams takes his services and contract. If no team claims the player off waivers, a direct ... | [
"[This article](_URL_0_) does a good job explaining them. Gist of it is: -Release = adios/see ya/cutting all ties. -Waiving a player puts the player on waivers, and teams (starting with those who have the worst record) have the ability to claim the waived player. The team who then waived the player can either work ... | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the Reddit post:",
"pos": "Represent the Reddit paragraph:",
"neg": "Represent the Reddit paragraph:"
} |
Why do guests wake up before the host at a sleepover? | [
"It's much harder to sleep somewhere unfamiliar. Additionally, the host will usually be the last one to sleep since they need to make sure all their guests are set up with sleeping arrangements, so they may take longer to wake up."
] | [
"Because you're sleeping on the couch before going to bed."
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the Reddit query:",
"pos": "Represent the Reddit document:",
"neg": "Represent the Reddit document about Sleep and boredom:"
} |
In a cup of coffee, why does the top of the liquid leave a stain ring, whereas the rest of the liquid does not? | [
"The air is where it the coffee dries up and the solids inside the water from the coffee can leave the water and stick to the edge."
] | [
"When you pour the glass of water, there will be some gasses actually dissolved in the liquid. Oxygen for example, dissolves better as the water gets colder. While you leave the glass sitting the water warms up and the gasses can no longer remain dissolved so they form small bubbles in the water, float to the top a... | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the Reddit title:",
"pos": "Represent the Reddit document:",
"neg": "Represent the Reddit document:"
} |
How do insects, that look exactly like leaves, adapt to camouflage that way? How can their DNA know what their environment looks like? | [
"It doesn't, it's just that the DNA that gets it wrong tends to die. It's not DNA that makes the decision if a certain trait is good or bad. Rather, the environment makes that decision, one generation at a time, by killing the losers. Their ancestors happened to end up (probably via a series of other helpful mutati... | [
"Chameleons change their skin color using neural impulses. It's convenient to think of a chameleon changing its color to lifting your arm above your head. When a person dies, that lifted arm will fall to their side as the neural signals telling those muscles to lift that arm up turn off. When a chameleon dies, it s... | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the query:",
"pos": "Represent the document:",
"neg": "Represent the document:"
} |
Why didn't wildfires burn down entire forests in the US when we now have a lot of trouble dealing with them despite having better equipment? | [
"Wildfires used to be more common, but not nearly as intense. Forests were not as dense, and underbrush was not as thick (due to the more frequent fires). Now, once we got to a point where humans started stopping forest fires as soon as they started, the forest began to see fewer fires which would lead to a buildup... | [
"A combination of a few things: * The plains are more prone to drought than more wooded areas and grasses can handle this better * The flat terrain means lightning and fires are bigger threats, which again, favors grasses over trees * The area actually did have quite a few trees, it's just that most have been remov... | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the Reddit title:",
"pos": "Represent the Reddit comment:",
"neg": "Represent the Reddit comment:"
} |
Why does wind feel colder when you are wet? | [
"Because as the wind blows, some of the water evaporates and is blown away. This water takes heat with it. Also evaporation in and of itself leads to cooling."
] | [
"Faster air makes moisture from your skin evaporate at a faster rate, and when moisture evaporates it also takes heat with it. Which is why the feeling of coolness is exaggerated when you're sweaty and you stand in front of a fan."
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the Reddit post about Science:",
"pos": "Represent the Reddit document about Science:",
"neg": "Represent the Reddit document about Physics:"
} |
What purpose do the Primaries serve? | [
"Each political party has a number of members who each want to be the party's chosen candidate in our general elections. The primaries are mini-elections held where only members of the respective party can vote (only Democrats can vote in the Democratic Primary, only Republicans in the Republican Primary), and they... | [
"What do you want to know about them exactly?"
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the Reddit question:",
"pos": "Represent the Reddit sentence:",
"neg": "Represent the Reddit sentence:"
} |
How can televised "prank shows" such as Just for Laughs impersonate police officers and stop motorists without being charged for impersonating an officer? | [
"You can get around the law pretty easily: * Tell the police what you are doing before you do it * Do not wear any emblems of any government body * Do not actually say that you are acting in any capacity as a police officer or other peace officer or otherwise an officer of the government. [Sos.](_URL_0_) Sans inter... | [
"The law varies somewhat but in most states it is not legal to make a prank call. Nevada is an exception, so that's where shows like 'Crank Yankers' operated from. But, even they had to get permission from the targets before they could air the phone call. You can usually videotape people in public. If someone is ha... | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the title about Law and Entertainment:",
"pos": "Represent the argument about Law and Entertainment:",
"neg": "Represent the argument:"
} |
Why does time go the speed it goes? | [
"How do you measure the speed of time? It is one second per second; it is like saying a meter is a meter, it is tautological."
] | [
"Someone told them what the answer is supposed to be."
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the Reddit post:",
"pos": "Represent the Reddit paragraph:",
"neg": "Represent the Reddit paragraph about Technology:"
} |
Why do Volcanoes and Earthquakes release explosive amounts of energy over such a relatively short period of time? | [
"It seems like a short period of time for us, but really the pressure has been building up for a long period of time in the tectonic plates below us. Think about it like pulling an elastic band really tight, until it snaps. The earthquake is the 'snap' but the pulling had been building up for a long time beforehan... | [
"If the volcanic activity you're referring to is a supervolcano, like Yellowstone, then sure, that'll effect the climate on a global scale. But if you're talking about volcanoes like the ones around the Pacific rim erupting, it's not going to make that big of a difference to the entire planet's climate."
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the Reddit title:",
"pos": "Represent the Reddit document:",
"neg": "Represent the Reddit document about Environmental Science:"
} |
Why does the President hold veto power in a democracy? | [
"Because people in large groups can be terrifyingly stupid from time to time."
] | [
"How would the president conduct a hostile takeover without the military? Also a takeover of what?"
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the Reddit question:",
"pos": "Represent the Reddit document:",
"neg": "Represent the Reddit document:"
} |
The dying whale noises coming from my stomach during a silent class. | [
"Your stomach is anticipating food and is squishing digestive juices around as it would if there was food mash in there."
] | [
"Younger? No one else still gets this? Or when walking up the stairs from a dark basement?"
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the Reddit query:",
"pos": "Represent the Reddit post:",
"neg": "Represent the Reddit post:"
} |
How does the observable universe have a diameter of 93 billion light years if it is only 13.8 billion years old? | [
"The universe is expanding. The vast empty spaces between galaxy clusters are expanding quickly enough to that the very farthest galaxies we can see are moving away from us *faster than the speed of light*. The light we see was emitted from a very young galaxy 13 billion years ago, by now that same galaxy is 40+ bi... | [
"It's impossible to know for sure if the universe is infinite or not. The *observable* universe certainly isn't, it's only about 90 billion light years across."
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the post about astronomy:",
"pos": "Represent the document about astronomy:",
"neg": "Represent the document about Mathematics:"
} |
What would happen if the standard work week was moved to 32 hours in the US? | [
"The trend today is in the opposite direction -- the most skilled elite workers work more than full time, and earn a huge amount, while workers with the least skill have a hard time getting a decent job at all. The change you describe is a form of *rationing.* It would take some of the work opportunity away from th... | [
"It's not. For most people, full time work used to be 12 hours a day, 6 days a week. In developed countries, a full time job is now close to half that much."
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the title:",
"pos": "Represent the argument:",
"neg": "Represent the argument:"
} |
The FAA says passengers can now use electronic devices on airplanes. Why were they banned in the first place? | [
"They were banned because there weren't enough studies done to determine the effects. It was simply a preventative measure."
] | [
"The average lifespan of a commercial jet is 30 years. Smoking was banned on planes in the US in 1988, 24 years ago."
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the query about Technology:",
"pos": "Represent the document about Technology:",
"neg": "Represent the document:"
} |
why does my dog wag so much whenever I touch him or enter a room or talk to him, is he really that happy every time to warrant a tail wag | [
"Behavioral ecologist here! Dogs have been bred for thousands of years to love us and react positively when we walk into the room. We are their alpha dog, their protector and their friend. Your dog really is just that happy to see you!"
] | [
"There was a thread on here about a guys dog who smiled when he got in trouble. Someone came in to say that the dog learns that if he contorts his face in this way, he will avoid punishment, or get a positive response from people (laughing instead of yelling) so that reinforces the behavior and he replicates it whe... | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the query:",
"pos": "Represent the post:",
"neg": "Represent the post about Animal behavior:"
} |
WHy does every youtube video want me to "like and subscribe"? | [
"They get better rankings and are more likely to be suggested or put on the front page, which increases their viewer-ship further and helps them monetize more."
] | [
"I like the ones that ask if you want to sign up as soon as it opens. How the F@#k would I know! I don't even know if I'm on the right page. Or the big ass \"we use cookies! Accept or die!\" pop up. I leave or ignore."
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the post:",
"pos": "Represent the document:",
"neg": "Represent the document:"
} |
Why do we say eleven and twelve and not something like oneteen and twoteen? | [
"Historically, humans have used many number systems other than decimal. Dosenal (12) and sexagesimal (60) were two of the most popular. English used a dosenal-vigesimal number system for way longer than a lot of people are willing to admit, up until 1971 they had a dosenal-vigesimal currency. 12 pence = shilling. 2... | [
"I've seen it both ways. I'd pronounce \"24/7\" as \"twenty-four seven\" and \"24x7\" as \"twenty-four by seven.\" As to making sense, English often doesn't."
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the question:",
"pos": "Represent the document:",
"neg": "Represent the document:"
} |
If pot isn't addictive, then why are so many people obsessed with it to the point where it's part of their user name? | [
"When people say pot isn't addictive, they mean that it is not chemically addictive (like nicotine in cigarettes). However, people can still become dependent on it psychologically."
] | [
"Decriminalizing it will take a huge strain off the legal system. It would also be a huge blow to the drug cartel in South and Central America who sell marijuana to fuel themselves. Additionally, the government can make billions of dollars in tax revenue that can then be used for anything we want. Some people think... | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the question:",
"pos": "Represent the paragraph:",
"neg": "Represent the paragraph:"
} |
What is 1x when it comes to cell networks? | [
"It's an older 3g network standard that was used by some networks, like Verizon and Sprint. It's slower than the 4g network (LTE) and the later 3g network (EV-DO) so you'll probably struggle to do much Internet browsing on it, but phone calls should work fine."
] | [
"There are two different values that you derive using the formula. One by adding, one by subtracting."
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the question:",
"pos": "Represent the document:",
"neg": "Represent the document:"
} |
Universality of the term "mama". | [
"the transition from closed mouth to open mouth sounding is one of the simplest phonemes. Since children will mmmaa mmaa mmaaa, and mothers respond to their childs noises...mama becomes a word when in fact its only noise...but words are just noise assigned meaning. Another common sound caused by forcing sound throu... | [
"The single technical term for this would be 'Fucked Up'"
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the Reddit question:",
"pos": "Represent the Reddit paragraph:",
"neg": "Represent the Reddit paragraph:"
} |
Why is Einstein's special theory of relativity not considered paradoxical? How is the "Twins Paradox" resolved? | [
"It isn't really a paradox. It is just a weird consequence of relativity. We think of time as constant so the idea that two things created simultaneously could have experienced different amounts of time hurts our little brains. But basically it is no different than this: two new cars left the lot at the same time ... | [
"All mass is energy, but not all energy is mass. This is a result of Einstein's special theory of relativity."
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the post about Physics:",
"pos": "Represent the document about Physics:",
"neg": "Represent the document:"
} |
Where exactly is Hogwarts supposed to be? | [
"Supposedly it's in our universe, but they cast a spell on it so that muggles couldn't find it, no matter how hard they look."
] | [
"Someone told them what the answer is supposed to be."
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the Reddit question:",
"pos": "Represent the Reddit argument:",
"neg": "Represent the Reddit argument about Technology:"
} |
How do chess AIs work | [
"In general, a chess-playing program works by looking at the current state of the chess board (where all the pieces are), then looking ahead at all the possible moves, and picking the best one based on a points system where each of the pieces are assigned values. Difficulty is determined by how many moves ahead the... | [
"Not really. Chess is a game with a huge number of possible moves; an opening, if my head math is right, 20 possible moves exist and the number just grow from there. What computers can do is to calculate the possibilities and probabilities many moves ahead. It does require vast processing power but that it what com... | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the post:",
"pos": "Represent the document:",
"neg": "Represent the document:"
} |
how do non-profits make salaries for employees? | [
"Profit is the money that is left after expenses. They spend all the money they take in on expenses like employee salaries, office space, resources and so on, so they have zero profit."
] | [
"Sometimes its fraud. Other times its because: * It costs a lot of money to fundraise * Charity workers need to make money too. * You need top-level salaries to attract people to run big charities."
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the post:",
"pos": "Represent the document:",
"neg": "Represent the document:"
} |
Why is a British flag shirt considered trendy and/or cool, but an American flag shirt is considered to be a redneck thing? | [
"Because typically it is rock stars that wear British flag shirts and rednecks that wear American flag shirts."
] | [
"It started as a sign of patriotism post 9/11, and now has become so cliche that politicians get called out for NOT wearing one, like a pin means they're actually patriotic or not..."
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the Reddit post:",
"pos": "Represent the Reddit text:",
"neg": "Represent the Reddit text:"
} |
Why is chicken raised without antibiotics a good thing? | [
"Not a medical or food professional, however this is what I understand. Aside from the organic movement thinking that GMOs and antibiotics are evil plants by the pharmaceutical industry and Monsanto to control our health and dependency, there actually is a good reason for why we should start cutting back on anti-b... | [
"In Chemistry, it means anything made of carbon. With food, it means stuff grown without using synthetic pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, or genetic modifications or from animals raised without the use of growth hormone or antibiotics. So there is a real definition that can be measured, but it's questionable whet... | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the Reddit title:",
"pos": "Represent the Reddit sentence:",
"neg": "Represent the Reddit sentence:"
} |
What's are the differences between gangs, cartels, mafias, triads and mobs? | [
"My understanding is nationality. For example, the Triads are Chinese, Mafia is Italian, gangs tend to be American, such as the Bloods."
] | [
"Colonialism, dictatorship, ethnic conflict, corrupt governments, capitalist exploitation, take your pick."
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the Reddit query:",
"pos": "Represent the Reddit argument:",
"neg": "Represent the Reddit argument:"
} |
The law, in relation to security guards, bodyguards, and boucers | [
"The law in my state, Alabama, states that a civil complaint is nullified by contributory negligence, that is if you do something to contribute to the situation then it's your fault too. Before I've ever removed someone they have contributed to their being removed, usually by committing a crime, and definitely if t... | [
"They are regulated by a branch of the state government. The process and requirements vary by state, usually requires relevant experience but not always, usually involves a testing process, always involves paperwork and fees paid. Not cops by any stretch, but licensed and given specific powers, with penalties if t... | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the query:",
"pos": "Represent the text:",
"neg": "Represent the text:"
} |
What is the difference between a president doing something "unconstitutional" and doing something "illegal/impeachable"? | [
"Trump signed a presidential order that immediately changes the rules for Middle Eastern immigrants. The courts now are going to review that and decide if it's legal or not. Nixon hired private goons to break into his oppositions headquarters to steal documents. In the first case the president is trying to change... | [
"> What needs to happen to begin impeachment proceedings? 1. The president needs to break the law (which Trump has so far not done). 2. The majority of the House of Representatives must vote that the President has done something illegal that he should be impeached for. 3. The Senate will then hold a trial, and if f... | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the Reddit query:",
"pos": "Represent the Reddit text:",
"neg": "Represent the Reddit text:"
} |
what causes turbulence on an airplane? | [
"Air isn't a perfect, smooth 'thing' around the world. It's full of eddies, currents and 'streams' or 'rivers' of movement. Some are caused by difference in heat between places. So you could get a specific part of the surface of the planet heating up and causing an upward motion of air. In the case of thunderstorms... | [
"It’s a result of a drop in air pressure caused by the movement of the water. It also happens when you blow between two sheets of paper. It’s called the Bernoulli Effect. It is also what causes lift under an airfoil, hence allowing planes to fly."
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the Reddit query:",
"pos": "Represent the Reddit document:",
"neg": "Represent the Reddit document:"
} |
Why are some games windows only, Mac only, etc? Why aren't all games cross-platform? | [
"Each system has unique hardware and drivers to talk to that hardware. Even on the same hardware, the OS may need different drivers to properly interact with the hardware. So while programming languages may be universal, they have to interact with drivers which are not. And the API to communicate with the drivers m... | [
"Think of an Xbox vs a PlayStation to be like a PC vs a Mac. You can't run Mac software on a PC and you can't run PC software on a Mac. The same problem occurs on an Xbox vs PlayStation. They just don't speak the same \"language\"."
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the title:",
"pos": "Represent the argument:",
"neg": "Represent the argument about videogame development:"
} |
My smartphone's battary status | [
"Even what your phone considers zero battery still has about a 10% of capacity but lithium batteries are not to be discharged to absolute zero, this can damage them. As for the discharge rate the percentage read by the phone is indicated by voltage read off of the battery. Batteries have discharge curves that are u... | [
"They start in reel-to-reel tape recorders. The tangles point the direction that the tape more towards and you had two. To add a symbpl for stop the used a square that do not point in any direction and was often red. _URL_1_ Pause is the later and perhaps invented by ampex because translating the word pause can be ... | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the post:",
"pos": "Represent the document:",
"neg": "Represent the document:"
} |
Why was Sweden never taken over during WW2? | [
"Sweden declared itself neutral, and didn't really cause Germany many problems. They occasionally allowed Germany to move troops through their country. Strategically, Sweden could've been a pretty tough fight for Germany. It's rough terrain with pretty harsh winters, and the only land route from Germany was throug... | [
"Europe blew itself up with WW1 and WW2."
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the question:",
"pos": "Represent the comment:",
"neg": "Represent the comment about World Affairs:"
} |
The difference between Satan, Lucifer, The Devil, Beelzebub, etc... | [
"Simple answer: They are the same. Elaborate answer: they have different origins, due to different abrahamistic religions (Judaism, Chrsitianity, Islam) adopting the concept of a devil: Satan, Shatain: Arameic, Arabic Lucifer: Latin \"lightbringer\" Beelzebub: Hebrew \"Lord of the flies\""
] | [
"A lot of people are believing that Agnostic is a separate state like Atheist or Theist, but it's not. Agnostic is an adjective. Here is a simple table. Gnostic Theist - There IS a god Agnostic Theist - There probably is a god Agnostic Atheist - There probably isn't a god (AKA most atheists, including me) Gnostic A... | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the post:",
"pos": "Represent the document:",
"neg": "Represent the document:"
} |
How is is that on the day a Google Doodle is released, there are already several well-researched articles explaining the Google Doodle? | [
"Because Google will allow the writes early access to the project on the condition that they won't discuss it prior to release."
] | [
"I am 99.9% sure that 4-Chan has organised the iPhone microwave charging and waterproof iPhone software hoaxes. So there are some groups of people doing it. But that from was a Youtube video, so not 100% credible."
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the post:",
"pos": "Represent the comment:",
"neg": "Represent the comment:"
} |
What is so challenging about making ocean water drinkable? | [
"Making it economically viable. There are many technologies available...all are more expensive than using extant fresh-water supplies."
] | [
"So what is it about human physiology that makes this work differently for us?"
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the query:",
"pos": "Represent the document:",
"neg": "Represent the document:"
} |
Why do some days I feel like I look ugly but some days I think I look really good looking for no logical reason? Is our brain playing a trick on us? | [
"I don't think it's quite as drastic as the other commenter has suggested. That is a possibility, but it is more likely that it has to do with hormones. So many things come into play there including appropriate amount of sleep, eating habits, exercise (excercising releases endorfins that can improve personal opinio... | [
"Expectations of others imo, my whole life my dick brother has been calling me ugly and eventually you start to believe it, and feel like it's something that's important and become obsessed with looking good enough for everyone. For me sometimes I look In the mirror and feel damn beautiful, and then other times I c... | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the question:",
"pos": "Represent the argument:",
"neg": "Represent the argument:"
} |
Why can a university deny a request for a double major? If you take the classes, shouldn't you be able to get the degree? | [
"Most schools are fine with double majors. My best guess, if its a Liberal Arts college, is that they believe a double major would hurt your ability to gain the rounded, varied breadth of learning they want students to get from their school."
] | [
"It's a requirement for their degree, so most colleges I'm familiar with would treat it similar to a failed class. As long as they're still in good standing with the college and haven't exceeded the total deadline (usually 7 years) to complete the degree, they'll get another chance. However, this could vary by scho... | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the Reddit post:",
"pos": "Represent the Reddit document:",
"neg": "Represent the Reddit document:"
} |
Why is some deli meat, like sliced turkey breast, slimy, while the more expensive brands are normal? | [
"Carrageenan is a substance derived from seaweed that absorbs water to form a gel. Since deli meat is sold by the pound, cheaper meats will have water added to increase the weight. You'll notice that better meats (Boar's Head brand, for instance) tend to not be slimy, and their turkey has a texture closer to your t... | [
"Part of what gives something flavor is the texture of the food. For example, you might notice a slight difference in taste when you eat thin sliced deli meat verses a thicker cut of the same meat."
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the question:",
"pos": "Represent the document:",
"neg": "Represent the document:"
} |
What's the difference between Apple Juice and Apple Cider? | [
"To quote from the Simpsons: If it's clear and yellow, you got juice there, fellow. If it's tangy and brown, you're in cider-town. Now,of course, there are two exceptions..."
] | [
"That they use 100% juice IN it. So a bottle that is specifically labelled 'Cranberry juice' could be Cranberry juice (which is 100% juice), apple juice,(which is also 100 juice%) water (if the juice is 'from concentrate'), preservatives and even additional sweeteners. Juice is one of the MOST misleading label pro... | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the Reddit question:",
"pos": "Represent the Reddit post:",
"neg": "Represent the Reddit post:"
} |
How does siphoning work? | [
"Siphons are a way to make water \"climb\" through a pipe then descend to a lower point compared to its starting point. Imagine a heavy rope hanging on a tree branch, with one end hanging lower than the other. The shortest end will go up because gravity affects the whole rope and the longest end weights more. Water... | [
"Are you asking how a wheel works ?"
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the Reddit title:",
"pos": "Represent the Reddit document:",
"neg": "Represent the Reddit document:"
} |
Why does oxigenated water fizzes when applied to a wound? | [
"_URL_0_ \"It is a common misconception that hydrogen peroxide is a disinfectant or antiseptic for treating wounds. While it is an effective cleaning agent, hydrogen peroxide is not an effective agent for reducing bacterial infection of wounds. Further, hydrogen peroxide applied to wounds can impede healing and lea... | [
"When they are cut you introduce oxygen into the cells which combines with an enzyme that oxidizes. You can counter this with acid like lemon juice. LPT: when you cut an apple in half rub some lemon juice on it to stop this from happening"
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the Reddit question:",
"pos": "Represent the Reddit document:",
"neg": "Represent the Reddit document:"
} |
Why does bleach turn colors white, but white things yellow? | [
"Why bleach turns colors white: The most common kind of bleach, chlorine bleach contains sodium hypochlorite. When you wash clothes with say, ketchup on it, the sodium hypochlorite *oxidizes* the ketchup. This changes the chemical composition of the stain into one which still has color, *but* it's color is outside ... | [
"To the best of my knowledge, this is just marketing buzz words to get people to buy your product. All dye does is color your hair, the same way brown paint will color an object brown."
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the question:",
"pos": "Represent the comment:",
"neg": "Represent the comment:"
} |
Where/how Bit Coins get their value. | [
"The same way Gold, US Dollars and Euros gets their value. Some people are willing to exchange a certain amount of another currency for a certain amount of Bit Coin. The people who help make these exchanges record the amounts and tell you about it."
] | [
"Are you talking about Bitcoin, or something else?"
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the Reddit query:",
"pos": "Represent the Reddit document:",
"neg": "Represent the Reddit document:"
} |
How does a stereo record player work? | [
"The needle (stylus) doesn't just move up and down, it also moves side to side, the up and down motion has one sensor, and the side to side motion has another, and these are read separately as the different channels. Good visuals: _URL_0_"
] | [
"Are you asking how a wheel works ?"
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the Reddit query:",
"pos": "Represent the Reddit passage:",
"neg": "Represent the Reddit passage:"
} |
How does the theory of instantaneous interstellar communication work? Is it possible? | [
"There is no theory of instantaneous interstellar communication. The \"speed of light\" is better named the \"maximum speed of information transfer\"."
] | [
"At this point. Scientists don't even know if wormholes exist. We have never observed one. It is purely theoretical. However it is likely they exist according to our current theorys of space time."
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the question:",
"pos": "Represent the answer:",
"neg": "Represent the answer:"
} |
Why are the recently revealed emails concerning Blair, Bush and the Iraq War important? Do they tell us anything new? | [
"Some people still like to think politicians are honest. They're not. Many are very hungry for war, same is true with Syria right now. A \"majority\" of people voted for a guy that actively pushed the country into war. It's important to remind that half of the country what they got for their vote."
] | [
"They prosecuted a war claiming it was due to intelligence which they're believed to know didn't exist/was wrong (\"sexed up\"), with aims which were not approved by the UN security council. As such, the conflict has been described as illegal, including by former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, and from the Despat... | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the question:",
"pos": "Represent the answer:",
"neg": "Represent the answer:"
} |
why are corner offices so sought after? | [
"If the offices have windows, the corner office has two walls that will have windows. It's much more open. It's also likely that, due to the layout of the rooms, the corner office is larger than the others. In all, the corner office is more desireable. It's a symbol that they've moved up in the company high enough ... | [
"why are their tax rates so much higher?"
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the Reddit post:",
"pos": "Represent the Reddit document:",
"neg": "Represent the Reddit document about Education:"
} |
Why are there laws that restrict viewership in other countries? | [
"It is the right of the content creators or owners to control how their content is used; this is the basis of the intellectual property system we have. That includes the right to let others use those rights, or not, in whatever ways the owners see fit. Maybe the owners just have a huge problem with Paraguay or some... | [
"It isn't illegal everywhere, including many US states. The laws also vary based on the animal involved."
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the Reddit post:",
"pos": "Represent the Reddit document:",
"neg": "Represent the Reddit document:"
} |
Magnetic and Electric Fields | [
"I know this is completely unhelpful, and I apologize...but [I simply couldn't help myself.](_URL_2_)"
] | [
"MR is Memory Recall MC is Memory Clear M+ is Memory add M- is Memory subtract Think of them like the Copy and Paste for the Calculator."
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the question:",
"pos": "Represent the text:",
"neg": "Represent the text:"
} |
Could a fat person starve and still die fat? | [
"Eating nothing at all can probably kill the fatty by avitaminosis/mineral deficiency before all fat is spent, but there was someone who lasted a year on water with mineral and vitamin supplements under medical surveillance, losing over 100kg in the process."
] | [
"Those noodles are basically made of water and fiber so they have very little to no nutritional value. If that was all you had to eat you most likely would starve to death."
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the Reddit post:",
"pos": "Represent the Reddit document:",
"neg": "Represent the Reddit document:"
} |
How does the "traffic time to..." updates on the overhead signs on the freeway get tracked in real time? | [
"Most freeways use induction loops under the asphalt, which trigger every time a vehicle passes overhead. These loops can determine the speed that vehicles are passing by, as well as the traffic density. With a little bit of math it's not too difficult to determine times to different places."
] | [
"Yes and no. Your speed is accounted for when they get the average speeds along your path. They mainly get the speeds of other mobile devices on your route to get an ETA. When data is insufficient, they’ll use posted speed limit data to factor into your ETA."
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the question:",
"pos": "Represent the sentence:",
"neg": "Represent the sentence:"
} |
How does music or voice recordings go from physical waves to a fixed medium that allows infinite, exact playback? | [
"The analog wave is digitalized. The music is picked up by microphones. which actually respond to the pressure of the sound waves. A value is recorded and stored in memory at a very fast rate. After the recording the same sound can be reproduced by recreating the sound from the levels recorded The sound is not actu... | [
"bitrate is the rate at which bits are being provided or processed in a system. That system can be your ipod or your television, etc. Higher number of bits mean high quality and more processing. In music, bits can be used to represent tones. Having a high number of bits in a music system will allow greater quality ... | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the query:",
"pos": "Represent the document:",
"neg": "Represent the document:"
} |
Why are "virtual machines" generally regarded as impenetrable/safe? | [
"A virtual machine is like The Matrix. When you're inside The Matrix, you're not aware that what you're doing is taking place in a virtual world -- to you it's real life. You could go on a killing spree, but it's all just a figment of your imagination. Code that runs in a virtual machine is running in The Matrix. I... | [
"There is, sort of. It's called [Freenet](_URL_0_), but it can only be accessed using their client software (not your regular torrent client), and it is extremely, extremely slow. Proper anonymity is extremely difficult to achieve, especially in a peer-to-peer context like bittorrent."
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the Reddit title:",
"pos": "Represent the Reddit comment:",
"neg": "Represent the Reddit comment:"
} |
How/Why did organisms go from single cell division to requiring a separate partner to reproduce? | [
"I've always tied it to the invention of meiosis. Mitosis divides cells, but meiosis make half-cell kits, that can then combine in rapidly expanding numbers of ways. I see it as several billion years of mitosis and then meiosis gets discovered and boom: Cambrian Explosion."
] | [
"Well it helps to look at species that have various forms of reproduction between asexual and our form of sexual reproduction. For instance prokaryotes can't go through meiosis but can incorporate new DNA from other prokaryotes. Then there are some yeast cells that can reproduce asexually or sexually when under g... | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the title:",
"pos": "Represent the sentence:",
"neg": "Represent the sentence:"
} |
Why do earbuds have little speakers on the back? | [
"It's to provide somewhere for the air to go as the speaker moves inside. Speakers generate sound by compressing the air in front of it in specific patterns and frequencies. So, as the air is compressed inside of your earbud, most of it goes into your ear, but not all of it. The speaker still needs to alleviate tha... | [
"You're sticking the earbuds in too far. They only need to go a little bit into your ears."
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the Reddit title:",
"pos": "Represent the Reddit post:",
"neg": "Represent the Reddit post about Science:"
} |
why is it that in cartoons, especially older ones like Scooby Doo, Flinstones, and The Jetsons, objects that move are noticeably lighter than the objects around them. Is this to help animators know which items to draw? | [
"Traditional animation was drawn on transparent sheets of celluloid, which were then stacked up to assemble a scene. So you might have a sheet for the background, a sheet for static props, a sheet for a character's body, and another sheet on top for things that actually move. Things that move need to be on top beca... | [
"Do you mean the color, like when in old cartoons you could tell which drawer the character was going to open because the color was slightly different on that one drawer? If so, that's because the animation is done in physical layers and to save labor the unchanging background is a single picture and the changing f... | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the title about Animation:",
"pos": "Represent the document about Animation:",
"neg": "Represent the document:"
} |
How do cake makers do the icing that looks exactly like an image? | [
"they're printed in edible ink/icing, then applied to the top of the cake."
] | [
"It's like frosting a cake. Except instead of frosting it's melted plastic. There's a robotic positioning system, RPS, that is able to be very precise with where it's putting the frosting, I mean plastic. The plastic hardens quickly enough that it can be layered on top of itself. So, instead of just drawing on a ca... | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the title:",
"pos": "Represent the document:",
"neg": "Represent the document:"
} |
If Germany wasn't a country at the time, how come Martin Luther was considered German? What nationality would he have been considered at the time? | [
"Germanic was an ethnic group long before the company of Germany was formed. Germany is really just the latest iteration in a chain of German countries in that area of the world. The Holy Roman Empire was the first \"germany\", but even before that the Romans would refer to that part of the world as Germania."
] | [
"What year/grade/class are you? Was the question you posed the prompt you were given? For most of the history of Europe, 'countries' and 'nations' were seen entirely differently. For example, some of 'england' was in France. Brittany was controlled by the King of England. It's better to talk of Kingdoms than countr... | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the post:",
"pos": "Represent the text:",
"neg": "Represent the text:"
} |
What the ruling on DOMA means for gay rights | [
"You're the lucky first one! Generally it means that if your state approves of your gay marriage the federal government must recognize it as well. This doesn't mean gay marriage is legal everywhere, but it means gay marriage, where it's legal, will be more equal than it was before this ruling."
] | [
"Americans who denounce Russia's anti-gay laws are also the ones pushing for same marriage in all states."
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the Reddit post:",
"pos": "Represent the Reddit document:",
"neg": "Represent the Reddit document:"
} |
On a hot day, why does the road look wet from a distance? | [
"The roads, being black, absorb a lot of heat from the Sun. They radiate that heat back into the air, although not perfectly. This cause a gradient of heat to 'rise' up from the road. Light travels (is refracted to different amounts) differently in air that is at different temperatures, causing the waviness that yo... | [
"The ice is causing the water on your hands to start freezing. You're actually being frozen to the ice when you touch ice with wet hands."
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the Reddit title:",
"pos": "Represent the Reddit document:",
"neg": "Represent the Reddit document:"
} |
Why Insects can survive falling from such, relatively, great heights. | [
"Simply put, they don't hit as hard. They don't have as much momentum (mass times velocity) and the materials they're made of are more or less the same as yours, but since there's less impact energy dissipated (b/c of less momentum) the structure of the fly's body is less damaged by the same *velocity*. Why can yo... | [
"People have survived falls at terminal velocity, so once you reach that height it doesn't matter so much."
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the Reddit question:",
"pos": "Represent the Reddit document:",
"neg": "Represent the Reddit document:"
} |
What is in the testicles before puberty? | [
"Most of what is in a testicle is not sperm, but the machinery which makes, stores, and eventually eventually ejects, plus stuff to complement that (like a pretty complex web of veins). From the time a young boy's testicles drop, all of that is in there, whether it's really working or not."
] | [
"46 yo. You will go through several puberties. Nose puberty, ear puberty, etc. gettin older sucks"
] | eli5_question_answer | {
"query": "Represent the question:",
"pos": "Represent the document:",
"neg": "Represent the document:"
} |
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