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5511tu
r/k selection theory, what the hell is it and how does it apply to human gender features
I have seen many times, people try to explain online that R/K selection theory explains differences between human males and females (such as female looks and body being highly valued more than male looks and body, females being more selective, males being more disposable etc) but I kinda got stuck on trying to figure o...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5511tu/eli5rk_selection_theory_what_the_hell_is_it_and/
{ "a_id": [ "d86nshf" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "I'm not sure what that has to do with human gender features (generally called sexual dimorphism). However, I am not an expert. \n\nR/K selection theory is a way of describing the \"quality vs. quantity\" reproduction strategies we see in nature. ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2pemgu
why do most rappers say "uh, yeah" before a song?
Example: _URL_0_
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2pemgu/eli5_why_do_most_rappers_say_uh_yeah_before_a_song/
{ "a_id": [ "cmvyb5p" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "It's just a way for rappers to find their rhythm and get into the song. It's the equivalent of bobbing your head to the beat or something. " ] }
[]
[ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1prXZgJneU" ]
[ [] ]
1351v7
washington dc and voting
I'm a Canadian but not too familiar with the situation. I read something about it being designated "neutral" or something. How does this fit into politics and elections?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1351v7/eli5_washington_dc_and_voting/
{ "a_id": [ "c70uy7i" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "They can vote for the president, but they do not have any (voting) representation in Congress." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2em5vi
why is "jap" considered a slur? what makes it different from "brit" or "aussie"?
Sorry if this offends anybody, I'm genuinely curious.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2em5vi/eli5_why_is_jap_considered_a_slur_what_makes_it/
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[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1326/704360869_04a4b3636e.jpg", "http://www.dailystormer.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/propoganda_08.jpg", "http://www.huge-entity.com/blogger/anti-japanese-propaganda-wwii.jpg", "http://historymatters.gmu.edu/mpimages...
3tt1az
why does reddit have more men than women?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3tt1az/eli5why_does_reddit_have_more_men_than_women/
{ "a_id": [ "cx8y10y", "cx8y9di", "cx8yb2l", "cx8yigw", "cx8z554", "cx902k7" ], "score": [ 5, 2, 14, 2, 7, 3 ], "text": [ "Why aren't there more women that like the things men like?:(", "Most stuff on Reddit is stuff men \"generally\" like. PC/console ga...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [ "http://mix967.ca/files/2013/03/how-men-and-women-take-photos1.jpg" ], [] ]
7o7la3
if i catch the flu from someone, and they get it from someone else, where does the flu start, and why does it usually start in the colder months?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7o7la3/eli5_if_i_catch_the_flu_from_someone_and_they_get/
{ "a_id": [ "ds7e9g6", "ds7epn4" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "It doesn't necessarily start anywhere. It has evolved alongside us, and it resides in some host, where it multiplies and eventually infects another host. Aside from potentially some time outside the body (a sneeze or what ha...
[]
[]
[ [ "that.it" ], [] ]
1zvrq6
why is it ok to use the same utensil on raw chicken all the way through until it is cooked?
Everyone knows that you have to keep raw and cooked meat separate. So why is it OK to use a utensil on raw chicken when it goes into the pan, and then keep using that utensil throughout the process until the meat is cooked? Surely the bateria from the raw meat is just reapplied to the cooking chicken each time you touc...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1zvrq6/eli5_why_is_it_ok_to_use_the_same_utensil_on_raw/
{ "a_id": [ "cfxf3ow", "cfxfgr7", "cfxjrh2" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Yes, but that bacteria would be killed each time the chicken goes back into the oven.\n\nEven when it's done cooking, it's still hot enough to kill any minute traces of bacteria that you put on it via t...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
62v1n4
is powerade's claim to be "more hydrating than water" accurate? if so, how so?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/62v1n4/eli5_is_powerades_claim_to_be_more_hydrating_than/
{ "a_id": [ "dfpbq2a", "dfpbswx" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Powerade (and Gatorade and equivalents) contain salt (electrolytes) and sugar, both of which make it easier for your body to absorb water around a specific concentration. This concentration is supposed to be optimized in Pow...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
b7f17w
why isn't gravity free energy?
Why isn't gravity free energy? What is used up to create gravity potential energy?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/b7f17w/eli5_why_isnt_gravity_free_energy/
{ "a_id": [ "ejr75ac", "ejr80wu" ], "score": [ 9, 5 ], "text": [ " > What is used up to create gravity potential energy?\n\nWhatever energy is used to lift the mass in question. Everything with gravitational potential energy has a distance between itself and the source of gravity, usually ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
7ewz80
why are some people given 400+ year sentence and others a lifetime sentence? any difference between the two?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7ewz80/eli5_why_are_some_people_given_400_year_sentence/
{ "a_id": [ "dq81cls", "dq857w2" ], "score": [ 19, 8 ], "text": [ "When this happens it is normally because they have multiple crimes that have the punishment of life or similarly long sentences that are being added together. They do this because each crime deserves justice and each crime ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3p7mmk
why are tony blair and george w bush not in prison for war crimes?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3p7mmk/eli5_why_are_tony_blair_and_george_w_bush_not_in/
{ "a_id": [ "cw3u9fe", "cw3ue9w" ], "score": [ 23, 7 ], "text": [ "What war crime did they break? \n\n", "I cannot say for Tony Blair beyond the fact that going after a countries leader is a very complicated thing. \n\nFor Bush it is the fact that the US has not signed the ICC agreemen...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1nkh8a
why is polygamy illegal?
This is sort of a follow-up question to my previous post in the gay marriage ELI5 question. But I wanted to open up my idea to criticism. If most of the first world is seemingly intent on allowing same sex unions, whats wrong with polygamy assuming all parties involved are adult and not under coersion? It's not like it...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1nkh8a/eli5_why_is_polygamy_illegal/
{ "a_id": [ "ccjeh74", "ccjetfg", "ccjg5ax", "ccjgwog", "ccjh1ko", "ccjh897", "ccjhdwu", "ccji9m4", "ccjikel", "ccjim09", "ccjimi4", "ccjivf9", "ccjj6hg", "ccjjdws", "ccjjmkr", "ccjk521", "ccjklbv", "ccjkn73", "ccjl5dx", "ccjl6px", "c...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utah_War", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morrill_Anti-Bigamy_Act", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmunds_Act" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solomon#Wives", ...
31oke7
the great filter
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/31oke7/eli5_the_great_filter/
{ "a_id": [ "cq3i873" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "It's an answer to the Fermi paradox, which asks the question why we haven't seen vast colonization if life had developed on other planets. The great filter theorizes that there may be some kind of barrier preventing species from transcending thei...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1qfvlk
islamic finance. what is it, how does it work, etc?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1qfvlk/eli5_islamic_finance_what_is_it_how_does_it_work/
{ "a_id": [ "cdcebip", "cdcg9bc", "cdcjqti" ], "score": [ 6, 10, 2 ], "text": [ "The Koran considers the charging or receiving of interest on loans to be usury, and thus a sin, so traditional Western investments and companies which make money this way can't be used.\n\nHowever ther...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
v9skb
the mongol invasions of japan, what was the purpose?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/v9skb/eli5_the_mongol_invasions_of_japan_what_was_the/
{ "a_id": [ "c52l9v1", "c52lalb", "c52m83p" ], "score": [ 6, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The same reason the Mongols invaded everything, Pinky: TO TRY AND TAKE OVER THE WORLD!", "To expand the empire. The goal was to control all land, in every direction. Most all empires desire to expan...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1n5dpj
how do television rating systems work?
-How do they determine when you are "tuned" in to a specific channel and does the amount of time spent on that channel matter? -Is there a scale for this rating system and how does it work? -Are networks serious when they say "Number 1 comedy on Television"? Or are they just making that up?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1n5dpj/eli5_how_do_television_rating_systems_work/
{ "a_id": [ "ccfs3da" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The really old school way is your family kept a diary. That relied on being honest, and your family bothering to fill out the diary.\n\nThen they invented the Neilsen box. It worked like a cable box in that replaced your TV tuner and you watched ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5jtw27
how are graffiti artists able to draw large murals with right proportions even though they are just few feet away from it at any time?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5jtw27/eli5_how_are_graffiti_artists_able_to_draw_large/
{ "a_id": [ "dbixi3k" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "They sketch it out beforehand. And also lots of practice. Lots of graffiti styles have artistic takes on proportion anyways. " ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3rgrzy
why does the american government classify groups like isis as a "terrorist organization" and how do the mexican cartels not fit into that billet?
I get ISIS, IRA, al-Qa'ida, ISIL are all "terrorist organizations", but any research, the cartels seem like they'd fit that particular billet. Why don't they?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3rgrzy/eli5_why_does_the_american_government_classify/
{ "a_id": [ "cwnxmee", "cwnxmmp", "cwnzctm", "cwo0qrp", "cwo3hml", "cwo49rx", "cwo4iva", "cwo5i2p", "cwo6t81", "cwo70xn", "cwo76x8", "cwo7gtq", "cwo7uak", "cwo8vsx", "cwo8x33", "cwob6rv", "cwobcyg", "cwobp1s", "cwod2ky", "cwoi2hg", "c...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [ "http://m.state.gov/md123085.htm" ], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narcoterrorism" ], [], [], [], [ "https://www.cia.gov/news-information/cia-the-war-on-terrorism/terrorism-faqs.html" ], [], [], [], [ "http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
5f9sh8
is being a morning person genetic or a choice?
I have long been a night owl, and I can't for the life of me get used to being a morning person, in my culture sleeping early at night and waking up early in the morning is a must, but as I said I just can't get used to that, so my question is, can a person get accustomed to being a regular morning person with no issue...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5f9sh8/eli5_is_being_a_morning_person_genetic_or_a_choice/
{ "a_id": [ "dain5ry", "dainm6q", "daizwg9", "daj1j29" ], "score": [ 18, 3, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "People can adjust to living in a different time zone, and we can switch from working days to working nights with varying degrees of difficulty per person (but it is possible).\n\n...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
20ikr3
how and where do airlines buy new/used airplanes?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/20ikr3/eli5how_and_where_do_airlines_buy_newused/
{ "a_id": [ "cg3kl5w" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "There are two main sources: leasing companies and other airlines. In both cases, the aircraft may be in service while the sale is negotiated, or they may be parked at dedicated aircraft storage facilities called \"boneyards\". \n\nLessors and air...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2f1mco
how is it possible to program a computer? how can a clunk of metal understand lines of code?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2f1mco/eli5how_is_it_possible_to_program_a_computer_how/
{ "a_id": [ "ck50rrz", "ck50thp", "ck51jb2" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 8 ], "text": [ "the machines are created to handle things. Think about it like a car with stick shift. \n\nIf the stick is in the first gear, then the car behaves a certain way. If the stick is in fifth gear, the car b...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Binary_number", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ASCII" ] ]
3haao4
why do cast iron skillets make food taste better?
Deleted and reposted because I thought I found the answer, but alas, I did not. At least not that I could understand. I know that after using them for a while, the oil is absorbed into the iron which makes them nonstick, but why does that affect the flavor? Is the flavor just from the iron itself, or what? How does th...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3haao4/eli5_why_do_cast_iron_skillets_make_food_taste/
{ "a_id": [ "cu5nrtw", "cu5qlrl", "cu5r49u", "cu5tcl4" ], "score": [ 3, 5, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "Cast iron skillets get seasoned, each time you cook the oils in the iron heat up goes into the food and in adds flavor to the food, the process repeats every time you cook", "I...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volumetric_heat_capacity#Thermal_inertia" ] ]
3uqrla
[winter cloths] how do different types of materials keep you warm and dry while still being able to "breath"?
I've been trying to look this up but I keep finding links about "women's coats" which isn't what I'm looking for. > <
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3uqrla/eli5_winter_cloths_how_do_different_types_of/
{ "a_id": [ "cxh2bqt" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Often a winter coat has a soft fluffy later that beathes and another that is a hard shell. The big fluffy interior helps make some breathing and wiggle room in temperatures. The hard shell stop water from wicking through, and yes, its doesn't bre...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5pdvkw
what happens to the dna in blood that you're receiving in your system?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5pdvkw/eli5_what_happens_to_the_dna_in_blood_that_youre/
{ "a_id": [ "dcqekas" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Red blood cells don't have DNA, but you may get some from white blood cells. However, it is essentially inconsequential and will eventually break down. " ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4tm48k
who are we talking to when we "talk" in our heads?
When we have a conversation/argue mentally, who are we talking to?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4tm48k/eli5_who_are_we_talking_to_when_we_talk_in_our/
{ "a_id": [ "d5icdxo", "d5jdm6f" ], "score": [ 5, 3 ], "text": [ "To yourself? You can imagine that you are talking/arguing with another person, but that inner voice is ultimately nothing more than neurons firing in your head.", "That's called internal monologue, aka verbal stream of c...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
370k4e
who is buying illegal ivory and what is it used for?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/370k4e/eli5_who_is_buying_illegal_ivory_and_what_is_it/
{ "a_id": [ "crinw6h" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Most of the ivory is going to China, where wealthy Chinese capitalists will prize it as a sign of their great wealth, or sometimes grind it down to dust and mix it with water to create a potion that they believe makes their dicks bigger. No joke....
[]
[]
[ [] ]
8f10di
why is there a hole in the third ventricle of the brain?
Question above
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8f10di/eli5_why_is_there_a_hole_in_the_third_ventricle/
{ "a_id": [ "dxzpy2g" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Which hole? The third ventricle is a hole, not a solid object. When you see it, you're typically looking at negative image models. The three holes go to the lateral ventricle and cerebral aqueduct.\n\nIf you mean the \"hole\" it isn't actually a ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
tzv09
medicare in the united states
I quickly read the Wikipedia of medicare and it said that it is for senior citizens in the Wikipedia but what I've heard sometimes is that it is the United State's version of universal Health Care. I guess I'm just confused, could somebody clarify for me? Thanks
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/tzv09/eli5_medicare_in_the_united_states/
{ "a_id": [ "c4r4csl", "c4r4ew5", "c4r9ej6" ], "score": [ 24, 6, 4 ], "text": [ "Medicare = government-provided medical aid for seniors\n\nMedicaid = government-provided medical aid for the poor\n\nThe former is for all people that are 65 or over, the latter is only for those that ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
41jqph
why have airlines not improved their boarding process and why do they board so close to takeoff and then hurry everyone up?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/41jqph/eli5why_have_airlines_not_improved_their_boarding/
{ "a_id": [ "cz2u754", "cz2x7gs", "cz2xhln" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "They don't really care about that, I worked for 2 years as a gate service agent and we would make suggestions on how to make it better but that usually means change in the system which it could cost a l...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
3ag255
why are anthropologists always so impressed about a society having the concept of zero? why would it be so hard to think of, why do some cultures not develop the concept and what effect does that have on their society?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ag255/eli5_why_are_anthropologists_always_so_impressed/
{ "a_id": [ "cscavqu", "csccske", "cschror", "csckrzp", "csclp9k", "cscmlte", "cscn0g7", "cscn1k3", "cscogqq", "cscrhj0", "cscu4t4" ], "score": [ 549, 115, 9, 19, 3, 8, 6, 5, 2, 6, 2 ], "text": [ "It's not that they un...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/424190.The_Nothing_That_Is" ], [], [], [], [], [ "https://youtu.be/RSpadYjnYl8?t=31m39s" ], [], [], [] ]
l4k2s
if going out in the cold/rain doesn't make me sick (because cold/flu are viruses), why do i get symptoms of a cold after going out in the cold/rain?
I don't really know how to shorten that for the title.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/l4k2s/eli5_if_going_out_in_the_coldrain_doesnt_make_me/
{ "a_id": [ "c2pq3av", "c2prwk4", "c2pq3av", "c2prwk4" ], "score": [ 5, 2, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "I'm not sure whether or not you get symptoms immediately after you've gone outside in the cold/rain or whether you get the symptoms in the seasons of cold/rain.\n\nIf the seasons, ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
550xm5
if race is a cultural construct, and not biological, how can medical examiners and forensic scientists say a murder victim was a certain skin color working only from skeletal remains?
I'm a true crime story fan, and this has always bugged me. Because I'm not in the crime or anthropology field, and don't know anyone who is, I've never gotten a good answer. Most of the internet seems to have conflicting opinions - including rebuttals to statements about teeth, joint-bend ratios, skull proportions, etc...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/550xm5/eli5_if_race_is_a_cultural_construct_and_not/
{ "a_id": [ "d86m9vr", "d86mdn3", "d86mp6j", "d86mpla", "d86mxx6", "d876utd" ], "score": [ 7, 7, 7, 25, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "So the thing is that race doesn't really exist on a biological level the way many people believe. But people from certain parts of the ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://xpat.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/04110842/an-anti-irish-cartoon-entitled-irish-everett1.jpg" ], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One-drop_rule" ], [], [] ]
2dd1tr
why don't fast food chains sell alcohol?
It seem like a limited alcohol selection would be a big cash cow for places like McDonald's or taco bell. I would totally buy a "McVodka." Anyway, what are the barriers for this to happen and why wouldn't these corporations want to cash in on such an opportunity?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2dd1tr/eli5_why_dont_fast_food_chains_sell_alcohol/
{ "a_id": [ "cjobo6u", "cjobuak", "cjobxp8", "cjoc344" ], "score": [ 6, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Liquor licenses. Also, most of them are profitable enough that it isn't worth the headache, but I'm pretty sure Chipotle sells beers", "In some countries (such as Germany), [Mc...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.barprof.ee/files/mc%281%29.jpg" ], [], [] ]
4ix48c
why should we wash our hands after we pee if urine is "sterile"?
I was in an argument with someone who said urine is sterile and therefore washing hands after urinating isn't necessary. I was trying to argue "yeah but it still has germs." But I realized I have no idea how that works. Is it actually sterile or is that a myth?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4ix48c/eli5_why_should_we_wash_our_hands_after_we_pee_if/
{ "a_id": [ "d31u1ai", "d31u3bs", "d31uw7b", "d31vxa8", "d325j2j", "d32dxv7", "d32krpz" ], "score": [ 60, 2, 7, 12, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Urine is only sterile in your body, assuming you don't have any infections. Once it's out of your body, it's no...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
2xk5r9
why do people like to sleep?
I know that sleep is essential, but what is the allure behind it? When I really sit and think about it, the idea of being completely unconscious for about a third of the day is kind of scary, considering how few hours there seem to be in a day as it is do everything I want to do. Even still, many seem to relish opport...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2xk5r9/eli5_why_do_people_like_to_sleep/
{ "a_id": [ "cp0svo3", "cp0tdoy" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "it feels good. dreams are an easy getaway if you have them. those 8 hours you're aren't hungry, sad, or stressed that being awake would have", "It gives the mind a rest from all of the constant stress and thought." ] }
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
nhac1
how to use commas in speech
I was always taught to use commas whenever you naturally take a breath, joining sentences or between elements of a list. However with speech, you also use commas like this: "I don't like it," said Harry. 1. 'I don't like it' was a sentence, so why wouldn't it end in a full stop? "That's amazing!" exclaimed Harry. ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/nhac1/eli5_how_to_use_commas_in_speech/
{ "a_id": [ "c393wt0", "c393ylk", "c395tct", "c393wt0", "c393ylk", "c395tct" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "\"Whenever you take a breath\" might be a good rule of thumb for a five-year-old, but that's not the whole story. So, I'll try to expla...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Complex-compound_sentence", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compound_sentence", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Complex_sentence", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-restrictive_clause", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subordinate_clause" ], [], [], [ "http:/...
3hy3rh
how do we look around the center of our galaxy and the large clusters of stars in the plane?
Also, how do we know what the Milky Way looks like at all?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3hy3rh/eli5_how_do_we_look_around_the_center_of_our/
{ "a_id": [ "cubmhol", "cuboovm" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "We do not. We can not see past the centre of the Milky Way to the arms we assume are on the other side. We can figure out how our galaxy looks like by comparing it to other galaxies of the same type. \n\ncheck out this [imag...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1d/Milky_Way_Arms.svg/1084px-Milky_Way_Arms.svg.png" ], [] ]
8a15ni
how is it that water can have no oxygen in it?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8a15ni/eli5_how_is_it_that_water_can_have_no_oxygen_in_it/
{ "a_id": [ "dwuznap", "dwuznu7", "dwuzspw", "dwv50td", "dwv6av9" ], "score": [ 39, 4, 4, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "What they are talking about is molecular oxygen - O2 - that is dissolved in the water (H2O). Fish (and many other aquatic animals) require this dissolved oxy...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
a0f6v9
what is the significance of russia firing on ukraine ships?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a0f6v9/eli5_what_is_the_significance_of_russia_firing_on/
{ "a_id": [ "eah99if", "eahavgf", "eahe2wc" ], "score": [ 4, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "It has the potential to re-open fresh wounds. Basically there were open hostilities in Ukrainian territory between Ukrainian government forces and separatists and \"not Russian\" Russian forces. These h...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
3doqu3
what's the purpose of making new currency every x amount of years to prevent counterfeiting, when old currency is still being accepted?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3doqu3/eli5_whats_the_purpose_of_making_new_currency/
{ "a_id": [ "ct77gir", "ct77jtw" ], "score": [ 12, 10 ], "text": [ "Even though the old currency is accepted it is removed from the system. Whenever you deposit old currency into a bank, the bank sends its old currency to the central bank for destruction. The result of this is that it may ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
d0goea
why does your mouth get dry when you're high?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/d0goea/eli5_why_does_your_mouth_get_dry_when_youre_high/
{ "a_id": [ "ez9dc5a", "ez9dck2" ], "score": [ 4, 13 ], "text": [ "There are cannabinoid receptors in your salivary glands, they get blocked, saliva production slows.", "You have salivary glands in your mouth, that produce most of the saliva for your body. When you ingest cannabis, wh...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
r61np
investments - ira, 401 k, mutual funds, index funds, etc.
I was just wondering what they all were, how they differ and if any are "better" than the rest.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/r61np/eli5_investments_ira_401_k_mutual_funds_index/
{ "a_id": [ "c437aph" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Mutual Funds: A collection of individual stocks. There's a document called a Prospectus which outlines how the mutual fund will invest the money you put into it. For example, one fund might only invest in retail like Walmart, Target, Kmart, et...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
cxcp4j
what happens to bacteria and germs if they are placed directly on (bar) soap?
we use soap on a daily basis but what happens if you intentionally lift up pieces of bacteria, germs, and dirt and swab bits of it onto bar soap? does it always require water and friction before getting rid of any germs?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cxcp4j/eli5_what_happens_to_bacteria_and_germs_if_they/
{ "a_id": [ "eykbvjt", "eykcibz" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Water is required to dissolve the outermost layer of soap. When it does, it releases the germs and some of the dirt. The deeper the dirt was embedded, the more soap that must be dissolved. Rubbing the bar hastens the remo...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2108a1
do annual flu shots cause a similar evolutionary resistance/mutation of viruses to what we are seeing with antibiotic resistant bacteria? if so, why is there a push for reduction in antibiotics and an increase in flu vaccinations?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2108a1/eli5_do_annual_flu_shots_cause_a_similar/
{ "a_id": [ "cg8cum5", "cg8cv7q", "cg8czhl", "cg8j7nr" ], "score": [ 3, 3, 13, 3 ], "text": [ "Vaccines and antibiotics work on completely different processes. \n\nAntibiotics can cause mutation when not used correctly because they attack, but do not kill, allowing defenses...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
2p9j1r
why are oil prices dropping so quickly, the stock market following as of last week, and what does it mean on a larger scale?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2p9j1r/eli5_why_are_oil_prices_dropping_so_quickly_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cmujuwb", "cmuknex", "cmulkij", "cmuplsn", "cmv6h1r" ], "score": [ 6, 2, 9, 13, 5 ], "text": [ "Glut of supply and weak global demand. The US has made tremendous progress on our way to energy independence, but it may have moved too quickly for it's own...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
1qnr9a
is my green the same as your green?
My teacher dropped this one on me, and it's something that really baffles me. Do we see the **same** colors? I know we name what we see the same, but do we actually see the same thing.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1qnr9a/eli5_is_my_green_the_same_as_your_green/
{ "a_id": [ "cdemn2b", "cdemssc", "cden05f" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Nobody knows. There is no way to know.", "This is a philosophical concept called the inverted spectrum. It is impossible to know if we see the same colors, but it ultimately doesn't have any impact ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1iqfwr
why are people from different continents genetically different?
In regards to why people from Europe tend to be taller, why most people from asia have larger eye lids, or why people from Africa have so much darker skin than someone from Europe.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1iqfwr/eli5_why_are_people_from_different_continents/
{ "a_id": [ "cb70mbk", "cb7107r" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "The random nature of evolution means that one expects isolated breeding populations to diverge over time. ", "In terms of evolution, traits that aid a particular species in their environment will be passed on, because th...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2me5dz
why doesn't youtube(run by google) fix their comment section?
SO this has been going on for about 2-3 years or whenever google decided to shoehorn google+ into youtube. Since they made the change that puts all the comments that get attention in the form of responses to the top, pretty much all that I see on youtube in the comments section are trolls, pretty much on every single ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2me5dz/eli5_why_doesnt_youtuberun_by_google_fix_their/
{ "a_id": [ "cm3e1rv", "cm3giam", "cm3qyqj" ], "score": [ 7, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "How, exactly should it be fixed? Are they going to moderate every single comment section on every video? And for what purpose? Labor isn't cheap, and the \"product\" (comments) is near-infinite, so ther...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
3tph1u
why does u.s.a not call out saudi arabia on human rights violations?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3tph1u/eli5_why_does_usa_not_call_out_saudi_arabia_on/
{ "a_id": [ "cx82olu", "cx82ovp", "cx82p83", "cx83w0v", "cx84kbe", "cx86q5s", "cx86qur", "cx87ulw", "cx87vxr", "cx8a7gl", "cx8bef4", "cx8c8s0", "cx8epco", "cx8hbs9", "cx8ikei", "cx8itwx", "cx8ixdj", "cx8lnsi", "cx8mwoz", "cx8mzxo" ], ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_L7JSg_nsDxw/SE9SWTPky8I/AAAAAAAABoU/m7x-1B6mpWA/s400/bush_oil.gif", "https://azizonomics.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/cartoon20070516.gif", "https://media.giphy.com/media/dBFdPL9iTLRfi/giphy.gif" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "https:...
3oack5
the passenger train system in the us
The train system in the US seems to be very different than most US industries, mostly in how it is goverment operated and heavily subsidised (conterary to air lines for example), not to mention borderline disfunctioning. Why is that?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3oack5/eli5_the_passenger_train_system_in_the_us/
{ "a_id": [ "cvvgdgg", "cvvgei4" ], "score": [ 2, 5 ], "text": [ "The interstate freeway system & growth of airlines pretty much obliterated the rail system in the US. Seattle to San Francisco is a 22 hour train trip (if you don't run into delays) but only a 12 hour drive & a 2 hour f...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amtrak#History" ], [] ]
2b0rrx
what real reason is there for us to save the giant panda?
I continuously find myself hearing that the giant panda, has no real reason for living, is dying faster than it reproduces, and is a waste of time and money to save. Is this all true? If it is, why haven't we stopped funding, and shifted our time and effort onto another, more 'deserving' species? Is there any real reas...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2b0rrx/eli5_what_real_reason_is_there_for_us_to_save_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cj0nnl5", "cj0pq33", "cj0qrfh", "cj0tcsm", "cj0ttkt", "cj11wq9" ], "score": [ 36, 2, 9, 3, 6, 2 ], "text": [ "It's generally not in our best interest to ever just decide to let a species go extinct because they deserve it, or \"should\" go extin...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
683ak0
why do coffee pots say to throw them away if "heated empty?"
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/683ak0/eli5_why_do_coffee_pots_say_to_throw_them_away_if/
{ "a_id": [ "dgvb5u2" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "I'm going to assume that you mean glass carafes like [this one](_URL_0_). The reason is that glass can become unstable when heated too much and can be more likely to shatter even though there's no obvious sign of damage. So, to be on the safe sid...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.webstaurantstore.com/images/products/main/159268/222889/bunn-42400-0024-glass-coffee-decanter-with-black-handle-2-qt.jpg" ] ]
darbob
why is “lean” pronounced the way it’s spelled, but “sean” is pronounced “shawn”?
I’m over here calling people “Seen” and they’re like nah fam it’s “Shawn” and I’m like well then spell it that way bro, lol.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/darbob/eli5_why_is_lean_pronounced_the_way_its_spelled/
{ "a_id": [ "f1t0576", "f1t0fjn", "f1t3k1m", "f1upcpd" ], "score": [ 35, 20, 6, 4 ], "text": [ "Seán is an Irish name, so Irish spelling rules apply. You pronounce it according to Irish rules the same way you pronounce Jean according to French and Juan according to Spanish....
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "http://spellingsociety.org/uploaded_misc/poems-online-misc.pdf" ] ]
f4bb3l
is there electricity in the brain, and if so how is it generated?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/f4bb3l/eli5_is_there_electricity_in_the_brain_and_if_so/
{ "a_id": [ "fhp6ol1", "fhp7sdh", "fhpmszd", "fhppc7g" ], "score": [ 109, 4, 5, 25 ], "text": [ "Yes. It is generated along the cell membranes of neurons and it’s called an action potential. Specialized proteins pump sodium ions outside the cell and potassium ions into th...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
f6ewk2
why is music in an elevator known as muzac?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/f6ewk2/eli5_why_is_music_in_an_elevator_known_as_muzac/
{ "a_id": [ "fi49nqi" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "There was/is a company called Muzak which supplied that kind of insipid background music to places like malls, office buildings, etc." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
qdwye
whole grain foods
What are they and why are they beneficial (compared to...half grains?)
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/qdwye/eli5_whole_grain_foods/
{ "a_id": [ "c3wtp82" ], "score": [ 10 ], "text": [ "Basically, grain foods are made from cereals, like wheats. The part we eat is the ground up seeds.\n\nRefined grains have the bran and germ removed from it. These are extra parts of the seed that protect it and allow it to grow into a new plant....
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1yrkcw
ice skating jumps. triple lutz, triple axle, triple jump, triple sow tow...they all look the same to the untrained eye. what are the differences?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1yrkcw/eli5_ice_skating_jumps_triple_lutz_triple_axle/
{ "a_id": [ "cfn5bug", "cfn5jbn" ], "score": [ 8, 2 ], "text": [ "It's been about half an hour and you're not getting any responses so I'll give a rough overview. I'm by no means an expert and probably have some inaccuracies, but this should serve to give a basic idea. \n\nAll jumps land ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Figure_skating_jump#Common_jumps", "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7a/1908_Olympic_Games_Ulrich_Salchow.jpg" ] ]
3n2z70
aussie asking what the schooling system(middle school, elemeny and highschool) is like in america, eg: what years are middle school in aussie terms
in Australia we have primary school which goes from kindergarten - year 6, and then typically (except for a few schools around Straya who go from kindy - yr12) we transition into high school which is yr7-yr12. usually you start high school the year you are turning 13 and end when you're 18. how is this different to Ame...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3n2z70/eli5_aussie_asking_what_the_schooling/
{ "a_id": [ "cvkbu2h" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "North American (Canadian) living in The Land of Fire ;)\n\nIt varies between states and provinces but typically you have elementary (primary) school which goes K-6, junior high which goes from 7-9, then high school is 10-12.\n\nKind of sucks beca...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
6wqxrx
how does urinary catheters work?
I have been in the hospital for a few days with a catheter and I don't understand how it actually drains. Especially if I'm lying on my back where the urine has to travel up against gravity. Like liquid from a cup won't drain just because I stuck a straw in it
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6wqxrx/eli5_how_does_urinary_catheters_work/
{ "a_id": [ "dma0zr6" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "\"Like liquid from a cup won't drain just because I stuck a straw in it\"\n\nGravity makes a catheter work. If you stuck a hole in the bottom of that cup with the straw, liquid will definitely pour out of it. " ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5w4ous
what is the mental barrier that separates tyrants, and conquerors from people like us? like hitler, or alexander the great.
What is so fundamentally different in their head that makes them seek so much power? What drove these men to do what they did? Not just these two men, but every man who has held great power. Why is 99.999% of the human race different? And also, besides being born into it, what allowed them to reach such great len...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5w4ous/eli5what_is_the_mental_barrier_that_separates/
{ "a_id": [ "de78o4c", "de7e34d" ], "score": [ 6, 8 ], "text": [ "Usually sociopathy.\n\nSociapthic tendencies are very common in people who seek power, could be tyrants, conquerors, politicians, CEO's.\n", "The willingness to take big risks, regardless of the consequences to themselve...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
a7ydfm
why letter "d" isn't silent in "wed" of wednesday?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a7ydfm/eli5_why_letter_d_isnt_silent_in_wed_of_wednesday/
{ "a_id": [ "ec6kix7", "ec6lz6v", "ec77s7z", "ec7l8c6" ], "score": [ 8, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "It would originally have been Wodensday, basically Odin’s Day. We just slur past the “d” to pronounce it faster. ", "['A silent letter in a word is one that is written but not ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/silent-letter" ], [], [] ]
3mvqln
why is a driver and marriage license recognized by every state, but gun licenses are not?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3mvqln/eli5_why_is_a_driver_and_marriage_license/
{ "a_id": [ "cvikize", "cviln4j", "cvit31r", "cvj175i" ], "score": [ 11, 7, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "I think I disagree with Sharkbait. \n\nThe full faith and credit clause of the U.S. Constitution requires that states recognize the legal acts of other states, with some restrict...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
65bkcl
why can't world hunger be solved when we have so much food going to waste in first-world countries?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/65bkcl/eli5_why_cant_world_hunger_be_solved_when_we_have/
{ "a_id": [ "dg8yjss", "dg8yljd" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Probably because if it stays here there's a chance someone will pay way more for it. Also it's not as easy to predict what will go to waste and possibly donate it, plus food is perishable and would cost money to even freeze ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
152674
why do american wall plates for switches use flathead screws instead of philips? why do we use flathead screws for anything?
First, I hate Flathead screws for what I believe are self-evident reasons. Second, I don't understand why switches mount with Phillips or combination Flathead-Phillips, but the plates mount with Flatheads. After researching screws (no kidding) on Wikipedia, I've determined that there is a really interesting history o...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/152674/eli5_why_do_american_wall_plates_for_switches_use/
{ "a_id": [ "c7il5je", "c7il84m", "c7imc4e", "c7imebl", "c7imgul", "c7imhpo", "c7imhpu", "c7imk1y", "c7imtex", "c7imy5d", "c7in32j", "c7inq8b", "c7inwpo", "c7io6x4", "c7iou6r", "c7ipm0e", "c7ipwdv", "c7iqa5v", "c7irhnd", "c7irkww", "c...
[]
[ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Screw#Types_of_screw_drives" ]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/explainer/2010/12/the_questions_we_never_answered.html" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
25huew
how can nintendo release relatively bug-free games while aaa games such as call of duty need day-one patches to function properly?
I grew up playing many Pokemon and Zelda games and never ran into a bug that I can remember (except for MissingNo.). I have always wondered how they can pull it off without needing to release any kind of patches. Now that I am in college working towards a Computer Engineering degree and have done some programming for c...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/25huew/eli5_how_can_nintendo_release_relatively_bugfree/
{ "a_id": [ "chhb19w", "chhbvnk", "chhceo7", "chhdelx", "chhdhqb", "chhduzl", "chhehxi", "chhflzn", "chhfz9f", "chhgxd7", "chhilvf", "chhj0fc", "chhj8c5", "chhjshz", "chhkkit", "chhkntv", "chhku90", "chhlnt2", "chhmazj", "chhmw2e", "c...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://speeddemosarchive.com/", "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=futkcSv6DAE", "http://youtu.be/0M7IINwTFVw?t=10m7s" ], [ "http://zeldawiki.org/Chris_Houlihan_Room" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [...
4goy9b
if water had no surface tension, would you be able to jump into it from any height and (as long as the water was deep enough) survive?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4goy9b/eli5_if_water_had_no_surface_tension_would_you_be/
{ "a_id": [ "d2jef6u", "d2jg3p4", "d2jhzzl", "d2jkdzc", "d2jpazs" ], "score": [ 423, 59, 2, 4, 8 ], "text": [ "No, it's not the surface tension which hurts when you hit water. \n\nWater is dense - a tonne per cubic metre, and hitting it when moving fast means you're...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superfluidity" ], [], [], [] ]
y225c
why did people used to hate/ridicule the poles? seems like calling someone "polish" used to be an insult.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/y225c/why_did_people_used_to_hateridicule_the_poles/
{ "a_id": [ "c5rm7w1", "c5rmxck", "c5rn89h", "c5rn8xv" ], "score": [ 3, 3, 3, 6 ], "text": [ "They were the \"scape goat of the day\" for some area (maybe Chicago) and it just caught on. Different countries, cultures, societies, whatever, pick on other different groups all...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immigration_to_the_United_States", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No_Irish_Need_Apply", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-immigrant", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polish_American#Post-American_Revolution" ], [], [] ]
le6fk
in the u.s.: does my vote *really* count in the presidential elections?
Really, a multi-part question: 1. What is the present system of how a president is elected? What are the pros and cons of the present system? It's been a long time since I've taken a civics class and the information on the web is overwhelming. 2. I think most Americans would agree that much of our system of governme...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/le6fk/in_the_us_does_my_vote_really_count_in_the/
{ "a_id": [ "c2rxwww", "c2ryg8j", "c2rygo9", "c2rxwww", "c2ryg8j", "c2rygo9" ], "score": [ 7, 2, 2, 7, 2, 2 ], "text": [ " > I think most Americans would agree that much of our system of government is influenced by corporations. Given this, given the power o...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Popular_Vote_Interstate_Compact" ], [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Popular_Vote_Interstate_Compact" ] ]
av8ztf
why aren't pieces written only in a minor/c major for easy playing if music sounds more or less the same across different keys?
Is the difference really that critical or is there a less obvious reason to not write in the easiest key signatures to play in (at least for piano)?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/av8ztf/eli5_why_arent_pieces_written_only_in_a_minorc/
{ "a_id": [ "ehdgdrl", "ehdhs2d", "ehdm4rt", "ehdoczg" ], "score": [ 4, 5, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "They don’t really sound the same, but here are two reasons if somehow they did:\n1. If someone is singing, C or A minor may not be at a good spot in their vocal range.\n2. Certain ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
bo0i1f
in sport, why are transwomen still able to compete with biological females?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bo0i1f/eli5_in_sport_why_are_transwomen_still_able_to/
{ "a_id": [ "enb3nra", "enb71jk" ], "score": [ 4, 4 ], "text": [ "They often aren't, and this remains a controversial issue that hasn't fully been worked out.\n\nRight now, there are few transgender professional athletes, and not competing at the highest levels in high profile sports, so i...
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[ [], [] ]
d0894m
given that currents can throw a boat off course, how did submarine navigators know precisely where they were while submerged pre-gps?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/d0894m/eli5_given_that_currents_can_throw_a_boat_off/
{ "a_id": [ "ez7k5nf", "ez7mdsw", "ez7nuyc" ], "score": [ 16, 5, 3 ], "text": [ "Compass bearings, knowledge of the currents, and dead reckoning. Prior to nuclear power submarines spent most of their time on the surface because their batteries had very limited endurance. So they co...
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[ [], [], [] ]
cqp3ua
what was the big insight that allowed the wright brothers to 'discover' flight?
I know there were hot air baloons before hand, but why did it take so long for people to understand or intuitive things like air speed over the wing, or even wing design? For example I thought Leanordo de Vinci experimented with gliders? & #x200B; Many thnks
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cqp3ua/eli5_what_was_the_big_insight_that_allowed_the/
{ "a_id": [ "ewy1ka0", "ewy23o5", "ewy916m" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 7 ], "text": [ "Much of it was the engine. A powerful engine was needed for thrust, but more power meant more weight. So engines had to be improved. Steam power is much too heavy. Petroleum distillation didn't happen u...
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[ [], [], [] ]
3w6ak2
why does it always seem like they play the same handful of sitcom reruns on late night tv?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3w6ak2/eli5_why_does_it_always_seem_like_they_play_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cxtras9" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "My boss used to sell syndication rights to TV shows (apparently it's a huge business), I remember him telling me that the rights are sold in seasons or groups of seasons for a set amount of time. Based on how much he said the syndication rights f...
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[ [] ]
2aqyye
why can prediabetes be reversed, but once someone hits diabetes, they cannot reverse it through exercise and healthy eating?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2aqyye/eli5_why_can_prediabetes_be_reversed_but_once/
{ "a_id": [ "cixxi4q" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "During prediabetes, the pancreas compensated for insulin resistance by producing extra insulin. Diabetes sets in when the pancreas is damaged and no longer able to produce enough insulin to compensate.\n\nThat said, I'm not sure it's true that ca...
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[ [] ]
32rcyw
how do mass produced salsas (ie old el paso, tostitos, pace, etc.) standardize their mild, medium, and hot varieties when the spice in peppers can vary?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/32rcyw/eli5_how_do_mass_produced_salsas_ie_old_el_paso/
{ "a_id": [ "cqdwovf" ], "score": [ 14 ], "text": [ "Mass production should actually make it easier - if a specific type of pepper varies in hotness, then it's hard to say what one pepper will taste like. But 10,000 of those peppers, all mixed up, will taste about like the average of all their hot...
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[ [] ]
1seen4
what is the difference between raw and jpeg? when do you use which one?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1seen4/eli5_what_is_the_difference_between_raw_and_jpeg/
{ "a_id": [ "cdws6ha" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Speaking as a pro photographer (Proof to mods upon request), and as this is ELI5, I'd describe it like this: A RAW image is like having a photo negative. With that negative, you can do just about anything--process it however you like--and still...
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[ [] ]
1didbq
how do airborne diseases get stopped by special masks, how does it get filtered? same question with gas masks, how is it filtered?
Watching bones and it made me curious.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1didbq/eli5_how_do_airborne_diseases_get_stopped_by/
{ "a_id": [ "c9qtdoo" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Particles such as disease causing organisms or smoke are filtered through a fine pore filter. Gases are absorbed on to an absorbent, usually, but not always activated carbon." ] }
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[ [] ]
72mmhb
how are pizza places able to deliver pizzas in a timely manner with only 1 car and new orders continuously coming in?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/72mmhb/eli5_how_are_pizza_places_able_to_deliver_pizzas/
{ "a_id": [ "dnjnepy" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Most pizza places will have multiple drivers, each with their own car. They stagger the deliveries they take, so there's usually at least one at the store to take whatever next delivery pops up. If the managers think that there won't be enough dr...
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[ [] ]
6aqb2g
how did jesus dying on cross, (supposedly) free all man from sin?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6aqb2g/eli5_how_did_jesus_dying_on_cross_supposedly_free/
{ "a_id": [ "dhgk8qs" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "I think the most common idea is that Jesus was a sacrifice. Adam and Eve ate the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil, therefore mankind was cast out from Gods presence and became sinful beings. This meant that they had to do lamb sacrifices t...
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[ [] ]
1ntvdv
in american english, how did 'right' end up as a synonym for 'correct?'
It made me wonder because of the difference between left and right is a pretty big deal. Why is 'right' used in place of 'correct', but 'left' isn't used in place of 'wrong.'
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ntvdv/eli5_in_american_english_how_did_right_end_up_as/
{ "a_id": [ "cclzdv4", "cclzjhj", "ccm1xl1" ], "score": [ 10, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "In the queen's English, too.\n\nIn days of old, we used \"dexter\" to mean \"right\" and \"sinister\" to mean \"left\" (you see this a lot in heraldry). Sinister evolved to mean \"evil,\" because left...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rights#Etymology", "http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=right" ], [ "https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Appendix:Proto-Germanic/tehsw%C3%B4#Proto-Germanic", "https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Appendix:Proto-Germanic/winistraz#Proto-Germanic" ] ]
bl16yf
why smartphones don't have paper white screens so you can see them better in the sun?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bl16yf/eli5_why_smartphones_dont_have_paper_white/
{ "a_id": [ "emks15z", "emktv5g", "emkzuxv", "eml7jkr", "emmgtsk" ], "score": [ 14, 2, 4, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Paperwhite is a type of electronic ink screen that uses tiny magnetized balls to show pixels on the display.\n\nFor reading, it is perfect. Text and black an...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [], [ "https://youtu.be/dhRgw0HfrYU", "https://youtu.be/ytpRnRke6I0" ] ]
4z0h6d
suppose i filled an indestructible container completely with water, then proceeded to increase the temperature through hundreds, thousands and millions of degrees c, what would happen to the water?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4z0h6d/eli5suppose_i_filled_an_indestructible_container/
{ "a_id": [ "d6rsxzw", "d6rwlax" ], "score": [ 18, 2 ], "text": [ "it would become superheated water - water that has reached its boiling point but is under too much pressure to vaporize. this is what happens in a pressure cooker.", "Well - is the container fixed in volume? Or does it...
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[]
[ [], [ "http://i.stack.imgur.com/U4DVX.jpg", "http://physics.stackexchange.com/questions/160114/can-a-liquid-boil-in-a-closed-container" ] ]
2b9tfy
if 1st person perspective is "i am," or "i was," and 3rd person perspective is "they are," or "they were," what the hell is 2nd person perspective?
This has had me confused for white a while now....
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2b9tfy/eli5_if_1st_person_perspective_is_i_am_or_i_was/
{ "a_id": [ "cj36wcs", "cj36wir", "cj36wnk", "cj37m3t", "cj37oxx", "cj38fk6", "cj3h9b6" ], "score": [ 4, 5, 4, 4, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Second person is *you* (you are, you were).", "You, your, and yours are all in second person.", "\"You are...
[]
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[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Choose_Your_Own_Adventure" ] ]
m7k2s
heat rises, yet it is cold on top of a mountain. e
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/m7k2s/eli5_heat_rises_yet_it_is_cold_on_top_of_a/
{ "a_id": [ "c2yqbbv", "c2yqwu7", "c2yr0ek", "c2yqbbv", "c2yqwu7", "c2yr0ek" ], "score": [ 9, 6, 2, 9, 6, 2 ], "text": [ "Stolen from google answers, couldnt say it better myself\n\n > the sun's energy passes through the atmosphere and heats the ground. The ...
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[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gas_constant" ], [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gas_constant" ], [] ]
4xxml6
if cellphones and other electronic devices may interfere with the plane´s navigation, why are we allowed to have them on board? can´t they just be taken from us as soon as we enter the plane and given back to us when we land?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4xxml6/eli5_if_cellphones_and_other_electronic_devices/
{ "a_id": [ "d6jafce", "d6jb0g9", "d6jb7su" ], "score": [ 9, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "The answer is that they don't, they only tell you not to use phones during takeoff and landing because those are important times to be paying attention to what's going on in case there is an emergency a...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
4zvsi7
what makes crispr a *synthetic* biology innovation?
I'm hoping to understand the nature of synthetic biology, as a lot of the explanations I've received assume a lot of internal knowledge.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4zvsi7/eli5_what_makes_crispr_a_synthetic_biology/
{ "a_id": [ "d6z4lza", "d6zi6bv", "d6znkua" ], "score": [ 11, 3, 34 ], "text": [ "If you want the most informative answer, you should ask Goe Moe-Behrens at his [Google+ Community](_URL_1_) , or visit _URL_0_, or visit askscience subreddit. \n\nFrom what I've gathered from the CRIS...
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[ [ "quora.com", "https://plus.google.com/u/3/communities/110080235428400987829" ], [], [] ]
1ubhlq
why is there not the same soccer hooliganism surrounding north american sports?
Soccer hooliganism used to be rife in Britain and still is in many parts of Europe and the world. Every soccer team has a 'football firm' - group of people that partake in the hooliganism in the name of their club. Yet, superficially, this appears to have not happened in American football, basketball and baseball.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ubhlq/eli5why_is_there_not_the_same_soccer_hooliganism/
{ "a_id": [ "cegd82l", "cegdhvo", "cegdojl", "cegekh1", "cegelus", "cegf1nx", "cegfbfw", "cegfj2d", "cegfnma", "cegfw4j", "ceggehg", "cegguux", "cegi9rk", "cegigq8", "cegm88t", "cegzidg" ], "score": [ 22, 5, 9, 18, 63, 2, ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvXNjfXbUaQ" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.amazon.com/How-Soccer-Explains-World-Globalization/dp/0061978051" ], [] ]
5jcs35
how the map on 'voyager gold record' works?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5jcs35/eli5_how_the_map_on_voyager_gold_record_works/
{ "a_id": [ "dbf44k4" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "The map works by identifying pulsars by their frequency of pulse. Pulsars are kind of weird and easy to identify, so they make good landmarks. If you sit at the sun, then those pulsars with their corresponding distances will all be at the correct...
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[ [] ]
64ua4f
why do people with prescription glasses see blue light more blurry without them, even when close to it?
EDIT: I meant blue LED lights instead of for example red LED light.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/64ua4f/eli5_why_do_people_with_prescription_glasses_see/
{ "a_id": [ "dg5afpe" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "I don't think its just people with prescription glasses. Our eyes see using combinations of 3 different colors: Red, Blue, and Green. Out of these three, they are the worst at seeing blue light and best at seeing green light (which is why the ima...
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[ [] ]
778jm4
why can't current be defined as co-directional with the flow of electrons?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/778jm4/eli5_why_cant_current_be_defined_as_codirectional/
{ "a_id": [ "dojw5aw" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Because current is the flow of charge, not electrons. The particles that allow for the flow of charge are called \"charge carriers\" and electrons happen to have a negative charge, so current flows in the opposite direction of electrons. \n\nElec...
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[ [] ]
2e0iem
why is the whole gaming network, up in arms over zoe quinn, and particularly the enormous amounts of censorship.
check out r/undelete its like the youtube trolls became real people and became mods
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2e0iem/eli5_why_is_the_whole_gaming_network_up_in_arms/
{ "a_id": [ "cjuw2go", "cjuxy3x" ], "score": [ 4, 10 ], "text": [ "Accusations of her getting preferential coverage by having sex with journalists. Past that everything is really murky with lots of accusations on both sides. /r/gaming mods are deleting a ton of posts on the subject.", ...
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[]
[ [], [ "http://thezoepost.wordpress.com/", "http://www.reddit.com/r/SubredditDrama/comments/2dzc7x/rgaming_mods_are_deleting_every_comment_that_is/", "http://imgur.com/a/4VOcx", "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5-51PfwI3M" ] ]
4hd55n
can eating a lot dairy products damage the digestive system of someone who's lactose intolerant?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4hd55n/eli5_can_eating_a_lot_dairy_products_damage_the/
{ "a_id": [ "d2p3r55" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "The lactose, if it's not metabolized by something else, just sits in the colon and prevents water from being taken out of your colon. Or sometimes it can even draw water back into your colon, depending on the concentration present. This is osmoti...
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[ [] ]
6knjsd
if your nails are dead why do they hurt if they're too short?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6knjsd/eli5_if_your_nails_are_dead_why_do_they_hurt_if/
{ "a_id": [ "djnd13r", "djnd548" ], "score": [ 8, 2 ], "text": [ "Because your fingers are not dead, and the parts of your fingers that are normally covered by nails are extremely sensitive since they normally have to feel *through* the nails (so they're used to feeling spread out pressure...
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[ [], [] ]
38xy7i
what is it about each food component (sugars, carbs, vitamins, etc) that make them healthy/ unhealthy in given proportions?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/38xy7i/eli5_what_is_it_about_each_food_component_sugars/
{ "a_id": [ "cryptsa" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "It has a lot to do with the long term effects of those components. Humans use glucose as our main energy source but if you eat more than your body burns, it turns into fat. These fats cells release a hormone called lectin which makes it so that y...
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60spzv
how to sing in chest and/or head voice?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/60spzv/eli5_how_to_sing_in_chest_andor_head_voice/
{ "a_id": [ "df9ku3z" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Sadly, this can't be meaningfully answered without clarification. As such I'm going to focus more on what chest and head voices *are* than on how to do them.\n\n\"Chest\" and \"head\" voices are terms that, as my last singing teacher was possibl...
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[ [] ]
2mfh6k
ramen noodles. what are they, why are they so cheap, and how do they cook so fast?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2mfh6k/eli5_ramen_noodles_what_are_they_why_are_they_so/
{ "a_id": [ "cm3ozc4" ], "score": [ 11 ], "text": [ "They're pre-cooked pasta. Deep fried and then dried out. So, really, all you need to do is re-hydrate them. They're cheap because there's virtually nothing to them. It's 1/4 a helping of pasta with a packet of salt." ] }
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[ [] ]
6awgxs
why does the earth have a handful of large continents instead of an even distribution of small islands?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6awgxs/eli5_why_does_the_earth_have_a_handful_of_large/
{ "a_id": [ "dhi1t42" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "It's basically random. Continents and islands aren't really things though. Like look at the Moon or Mars, they have low valleys and canyons and high plateaus and mountains and stuff, but if Mars or the Moon had a shit ton of water on the surface,...
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[ [] ]
2aarnp
why can't we go back to a direct democracy?
I know other ELI5s have covered the definition and its advantages vs. representative democracy, but my question is more about its implementation. According to my understanding, we switched from the direct democracy format of ancient Greece to a representative one simply because it was impractical for everyone to share...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2aarnp/eli5why_cant_we_go_back_to_a_direct_democracy/
{ "a_id": [ "cit5w8t", "cit654z" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Not everyone has internet. Plus, there's a lot of people who'll believe for some reason that the system would be rigged if done this way.", "Fund a party Demoex style\nTED talk by someone implementing this\nTED active pr...
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[ [], [] ]
36auht
if humans become an interplanetary or interstellar civilization, what will be the best way to tell time?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/36auht/eli5_if_humans_become_an_interplanetary_or/
{ "a_id": [ "crcaqmj", "crcas32", "crcaxk5", "crcb4r4", "crcd87k" ], "score": [ 7, 5, 6, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Well biologically, we're set for 24 hour days, assuming that doesn't change, I guess we would try and stick with it, but a planet spinning on it's axis is nor...
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[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
qtnuk
unlocked smart phones
Today I lost my dumbphone of 4 years on my way home from work. I'm way too cheap to buy a smart phone with a forced data plan attached. I'm around free wifi networks nearly every hours of my life--- I feel like a data plan is a huge waste of money. At the same time, I use at most 100 voice and 100 text a month--- so t...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/qtnuk/eli5_unlocked_smart_phones/
{ "a_id": [ "c40pno4" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "_URL_0_, Amazon Marketplace, Ebay.\n\nA word of warning - smartphones come with applications which will attempt to use your data connection by default. If you don't have a data plan already, it is likely your carrier has a data charge for you wh...
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[ [ "Swappa.com", "http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&amp;v=xHbVVPKO5Bs" ] ]