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364lm3
why did many classic musical acts such as bb king, elvis and johnny cash play concerts at prisons and jails? why don't we see musicians doing this anymore?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/364lm3/eli5_why_did_many_classic_musical_acts_such_as_bb/
{ "a_id": [ "crapi40", "crapwym", "cras5jv", "crasay9", "cratj3e", "crayrat" ], "score": [ 9, 5, 48, 14, 5, 5 ], "text": [ "And how were they even able to do it? I can't imagine that would be allowed today. ", "I doubt it would be a good move publicity w...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/At_Folsom_Prison" ] ]
40sh62
why did two american patrol boats drift east into iran's waters?
Why did two American patrol boats drift east into Iran's waters when its a straight shot south from Kuwait to Bahrain?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/40sh62/eli5_why_did_two_american_patrol_boats_drift_east/
{ "a_id": [ "cywoo8i" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "* The US could be lying\n* Iran could be lying\n* The boats might not have been going directly between Kuwait and Bahrain. They said they were training, not traveling.\n* Even if they were trying to move directly between those locations, there mi...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
11rth3
why is it that one world trade center has less floor area than even one of the two twin towers?
Floor area 1 & 2 WTC: 4,300,000 sq ft (400,000 m2) each Floor area One WTC: 3,501,274 sq ft (325,279 m2)
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/11rth3/eli5_why_is_it_that_one_world_trade_center_has/
{ "a_id": [ "c6p12nn", "c6p1bax", "c6p1bmd", "c6p1epp" ], "score": [ 11, 2, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Less to clean up this time round.", "Because it's not as big?\n\nHow many stories is each building? How big around?\n\nAlso, there may be a distinction between physical size (...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
5rrnta
http vs. https
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5rrnta/eli5_http_vs_https/
{ "a_id": [ "dd9lrdh", "dd9ltp7", "dd9qclu", "dd9qg70", "dd9uzw4" ], "score": [ 28, 2, 2, 21, 5 ], "text": [ "The \"s\" means secure.\n\nThink about talking to your BFF in a room full of people at a party. Everyone can hear you and hear what you're talking about.\n...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
ej6ltj
why does carrying 400 pounds of body fat negatively affect heart health while 400 pounds of muscle does not?
We all know being overweight is bad for your overall health, specifically it puts excess stress on your heart to supply enough oxygen to your limbs. That same weight however can take the form of muscle fat and yet the negative affects are neglible? I'm certain I'm missing something obvious but google hasn't been forth...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ej6ltj/eli5_why_does_carrying_400_pounds_of_body_fat/
{ "a_id": [ "fcvsfh5", "fcvsjyt", "fcvskmt", "fcvt878", "fcvttec", "fcvwocv" ], "score": [ 6, 2, 12, 20, 8, 4 ], "text": [ "Have you ever seen someone carrying around 400 lbs of muscle? I have not.", "The muscles are distributed throughout the body and ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
ekc9ww
i've seen images of a very westernised middle-east in the 60's and 70's, how did this region become so conservative and radicalised?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ekc9ww/eli5_ive_seen_images_of_a_very_westernised/
{ "a_id": [ "fd94rtc", "fd95mwv", "fd99ump", "fd9d5wf", "fd9kblo", "fda9pyl", "fdbacb1" ], "score": [ 178, 61, 4, 35, 2, 8, 2 ], "text": [ "USA took out democratic elected leaders in fear of them becoming too communist. \nThe leaders the CIA put in t...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/81y4iq/how_did_afghanistan_and_the_rest_of_the_middle/" ] ]
36vuz4
why don't companies sue people who are selling items with clearly trademarked intellectual property?
I'm talking about taking obviously trademarked intellectual property like Mario or Pokemon and making "inspired" items that they sell for profit. Does the fact that they say "inspired" cover them legally from infringement? I understand the mash-up designs that clearly take artistic talent, but some of these are just s...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/36vuz4/eli5_why_dont_companies_sue_people_who_are/
{ "a_id": [ "crhhxgk", "crhi8cd" ], "score": [ 2, 7 ], "text": [ "1.) The company could sue, but it's not like these etsy kids are making enough money to be worth it. \n2.) Blizzard is probably sending warning letters in case they need to do take stronger action later. \n3.) In the meant...
[]
[ "http://www.teefury.com/", "https://www.shirtpunch.com/", "https://www.etsy.com/market/world_of_warcraft" ]
[ [], [] ]
9gud5a
what happens to someone’s credit card debt when they pass away if they are the sole owner of the account and all other estate valuables (house, tuck etc) are under active loans also?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9gud5a/eli5_what_happens_to_someones_credit_card_debt/
{ "a_id": [ "e66tupf" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "If the estate has no funds available to pay off the debt, the credit card company will have to charge it off. Credit card debt is unsecured, so they are basically the last ones t get paid from an estate. Most of the time, they don’t end up getti...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3q463k
why are there less and less marshmallows in a bowl of lucky charms as you get closer to the bottom of the bag?
The first bowl or two of lucky charms overfloweth with delicious marshmallows, but by the time you are at the last bowl of the bag there is barely a handful of marshymallows left to sweeten my breakfast / lunch / snack :(
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3q463k/eli5why_are_there_less_and_less_marshmallows_in_a/
{ "a_id": [ "cwbw3qb", "cwby5of" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "density of the marshmellows is lower than the cereal, they migrate to the top during transportation?\n\nnext time you buy, empty the box into a bowl, mix it up, and put it back into the box properly mixed.", "The marshma...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3c9wxd
why does a cars power and/or torque drop off at higher revs?
Thanks in advance :)
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3c9wxd/eli5why_does_a_cars_power_andor_torque_drop_off/
{ "a_id": [ "cstkz0x", "cstl196" ], "score": [ 2, 4 ], "text": [ "At very high RPMs there is very little time for each stroke. So the valves do not have time to perfectly open and close, and the fuel-air mixture does not have time to perfectly blend and optimally burn, before it's time for...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
59hxh0
what is the issue with crispr and germ line editing?
I'm just curious to be honest :)
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/59hxh0/eli5_what_is_the_issue_with_crispr_and_germ_line/
{ "a_id": [ "d98lz62", "d98m85g" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "There are two major lines of ethical problems with gene editing:\n1) If it works, but only the rich are able to afford it (currently the case), are we unintentionally creating a new species that will be inherently better tha...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1y7yv6
why doesn't kim jong-un attempt to better north korea?
Kim Jong-un knows what the rest of the world is like, so why doesn't he try to fix North Korea? Wouldn't both him and the country begin to reap the benefits by pumping money into their infrastructure, education, quality of life etc...? Wouldn't he be respected internationally, and from Koreans especially if he legitima...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1y7yv6/eli5_why_doesnt_kim_jongun_attempt_to_better/
{ "a_id": [ "cfi5yn8", "cfi6mnx", "cfi7fkj", "cfiai3h" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 11, 2 ], "text": [ "In many ways, he does (especially infrastructure and quality of life, but also civil rights and other areas).\n\nHowever it's not that simple. The military is incredibly powerful ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
8839v7
where do "profits" go compared to when we buy a car from an american car-company versus a foreign car-company like toyota?
Many patriots tell me it's patriotic to buy american because profits stay in USA.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8839v7/eli5_where_do_profits_go_compared_to_when_we_buy/
{ "a_id": [ "dwhjbu4" ], "score": [ 11 ], "text": [ "These people are somewhat confused.\n\nSome of the money goes to the factory workers. Both Japanese and American car brands sold in the USA do a lot of manufacturing in the USA, and some manufacturing overseas.\n\nSome of the money goes to the d...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
62ftgi
why are fluorescent light bulbs curly?
What's the function of the curly shape of fluorescent light bulbs/ power saver light bulbs?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/62ftgi/eli5why_are_fluorescent_light_bulbs_curly/
{ "a_id": [ "dfm6sgj" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Actually not all Fluorescent bulbs are curly, the originals look like Halogen bulbs: Long, straight, and thin. These bulbs give off a certain amount of light per unit distance. They can be made wider, but this doesn't make them much brighter per ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
8p9cec
what are "reps" and "sets"? (exercise/weight lifting)
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8p9cec/eli5_what_are_reps_and_sets_exerciseweight_lifting/
{ "a_id": [ "e09ermc", "e09esop", "e09evpb" ], "score": [ 5, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Reps are repetitions of a certain exercise. And sets are how many separate iterations you do. So 4 sets of 8 squats would by doing 8 squats and resting followed by 8 squats and so on 4 times ", "Rep...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
2lxc5r
why are there so many water charities?
Do they all just give people clean drinking water? Are they competing? Are charities even working?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2lxc5r/eli5_why_are_there_so_many_water_charities/
{ "a_id": [ "clz1dtm" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "They usually attempt to build up potable water in places that don't have it, mostly by building wells or teaching rainwater collection techniques. Water charities are important because most other methods of bringing impoverished nations that lack...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5j7uwo
why do shroom clouds form after a nuke hits the ground?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5j7uwo/eli5_why_do_shroom_clouds_form_after_a_nuke_hits/
{ "a_id": [ "dbe079s" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "It happens with any large enough explosion, not necessarily nuclear. The explosion pushes a lot of air out of the way, leaving a large, low-pressure zone filled with smoke. As air rushes back in from the sides, and hot air rises off the heated ...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/16/Mushroom_cloud.svg/576px-Mushroom_cloud.svg.png" ] ]
35257o
how we perceive a supposedly 2d universe in 3 dimensions
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/35257o/eli5how_we_perceive_a_supposedly_2d_universe_in_3/
{ "a_id": [ "cr07ysi" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "In simplest terms the universe is 2D only at very very large scales and energies. Our scales and energies are so low that they allow us to perceive 3 dimensions. Imagine a wallmount projector projecting against a flat wall. The wall is flat to yo...
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[]
[ [] ]
1wh9tm
why european countries can't become tax havens?
I only hear these countries complain all the time about big companies, which pay taxes in tax haven and because of it they have to rise taxes and poor people must pay higher extortion money, while tax havens are wealthy and happy. So why none of big European countries (Germany, France, Poland) lower their taxes, instea...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1wh9tm/eli5_why_european_countries_cant_become_tax_havens/
{ "a_id": [ "cf1xwvn", "cf1z4xs" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "well, some of them are.", "Tax haven countries tend to be small and underpopulated - and they wish to attract large amounts of money and investment. France and Germany don't need to attract money in the same way- because...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
6qkg9n
if a crime (like murder) is commited during an international flight, whose laws apply?
I remember watching a Bones episode where the rule is "it's the departure country's business until the flight lands". Is that legally right?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6qkg9n/eli5_if_a_crime_like_murder_is_commited_during_an/
{ "a_id": [ "dkxy8ni", "dkxycyc", "dkxydjm", "dky1uu9" ], "score": [ 2, 11, 21, 8 ], "text": [ "Really, I think the country the plane arrives in would handle the case and then determine where to send the case. Kind of like how in the US if a cop is outside his/her jurisdict...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo_Convention" ] ]
69paom
why does the crow of every rooster have the same notes?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/69paom/eli5_why_does_the_crow_of_every_rooster_have_the/
{ "a_id": [ "dh8gcwu" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "You can identify a rooster crowing, and you know it's a rooster and not any other bird or any other mammal. So can hens.\n\nIf you're a bird, being able to distinguish between the cry of your species and the cry of other species is clearly benefi...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
6msh1i
why are array operations (e.g. matlab/numpy) so much faster than using loops on an entire array?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6msh1i/eli5_why_are_array_operations_eg_matlabnumpy_so/
{ "a_id": [ "dk3zmyg", "dk45a0k", "dk496sq" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Modern computers have support for array operations *in hardware.* There's no way for a software procedure to compete with that.", "There are two primary reasons:\n\n1) No interpretation overhead. MA...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1tagfj
where do bitcoin's come from and how are they "mined"
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1tagfj/where_do_bitcoins_come_from_and_how_are_they_mined/
{ "a_id": [ "ce5zd40" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The Big Picture\n\n\nMining increases the bitcoin network's security and fights fraud by calculating what's effectively a checksum for transactions. By contributing their computing power to the bitcoin network for mining, individuals are rewarded...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5ieznj
where are the dust particules going after i inhaled them?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5ieznj/eli5_where_are_the_dust_particules_going_after_i/
{ "a_id": [ "db7ob5w" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Most of them are going to hit the sides of your trachea before they ever reach your lungs. They'll stick because of the mucus, and then cilia will push them back up to the top of the throat, where they'll probably get swallowed.\n\nAny that ente...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1h9j6g
the texas abortion bill sb5
Aside from the 20-week part (which I feel was intended as a distraction), can someone explain the costly "safety" requirements this bill would impose on existing abortion clinics and why some critics say this would leave 5 working abortion clinics left in the state? One side preaches safety while the other side preache...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1h9j6g/eli5_the_texas_abortion_bill_sb5/
{ "a_id": [ "cas58ki" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "SB5 demands hospital-level upgrades for these clinics. On the surface, it makes sense, but then only 5 of these clinics would have a chance of affording all of SB5's demands, for relatively marginal gains in medical safety. As well, much like Pla...
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[]
[ [] ]
2vl523
why did the captain of that ship get 16 years for manslaughter when obviously he didn't mean to crash his ship while bp (for the deepwater horizon spill) get a fine not even worth the total cost of the clean up and lives lost?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2vl523/eli5_why_did_the_captain_of_that_ship_get_16/
{ "a_id": [ "coimgwu", "coimlbj" ], "score": [ 5, 6 ], "text": [ "You are referring to the Costa Concordia captain, I assume?\n\nThe charge of manslaughter was not necessarily for crashing the ship, but for his actions after the crash. The captain delayed the order to evacuate which contri...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
cm89ie
why is it that the notes "e" and "b" dont go to "e#" and "b#" in music theory? how did it become like that?
Would music be easier to understand if it did?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cm89ie/eli5_why_is_it_that_the_notes_e_and_b_dont_go_to/
{ "a_id": [ "ew0l5d2", "ew0lhsu", "ew1ojwm" ], "score": [ 18, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "In western music, what you are reffering to is due to how the \"Chromatic scale\" was developped. It has to do with ratios, math, and intervals. Historically speaking, the scale was concieved as a 7 no...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKDHwGGBMUg&t=1s" ], [], [] ]
3i6dcx
why do artists digitally release albums to different countries at different release date?
If an artist releases an album in European countries a month before America, wouldn't that just promote American fans to pirate the project?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3i6dcx/eli5_why_do_artists_digitally_release_albums_to/
{ "a_id": [ "cudp1bc", "cudpiqi", "cuf1mfs" ], "score": [ 4, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "So they can do interviews and other promotions in the different countries, if they released all at the same time they would be in 10 places at the same time.", "Damn good question, friend. \n\nI hat...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
10gip6
self defense laws.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/10gip6/eli5_self_defense_laws/
{ "a_id": [ "c6d9kay" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "They vary based on region. In some places you can shoot trespassers and call it self-defense, in other places you have to use \"equivalent force\", meaning you can't shoot a guy with a knife. The general idea behind it, though, is that you ought ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2uvscw
whats with the circles?
u1lCMHAY0rJCsycdC9tt6uiTny5NFFS1QyuZA7fx6Ii4JE56KUUaeppF7cerVdu1lCMHAY0rJCsycdC9tt6uiTny5NFFS1QyuZA7fx6Ii4JE56KUUaeppF7cerVdu1lCMHAY0rJCsycdC9tt6uiTny5NFFS1QyuZA7fx6Ii4JE56KUU
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2uvscw/eli5_whats_with_the_circles/
{ "a_id": [ "coc3qnt", "coc3sjl", "coc3t4k", "cocjkez" ], "score": [ 32, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Irrigation systems run on a pivot. \n\nSee [here](_URL_0_) for more pictures", "_URL_0_ \n\nIt is an irrigation style that became popular because it gives very even water dis...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.google.com/search?q=pivot+irrigation+systems&safe=off&espv=2&biw=1440&bih=775&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=y5fTVN7KAcKMNvj1gpAO&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ" ], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Center_pivot_irrigation" ], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cente...
dm37oh
why should we preserve the native languages of the world??? wouldn't be easier if we all talk the same lang???
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dm37oh/eli5_why_should_we_preserve_the_native_languages/
{ "a_id": [ "f4wcwvx", "f4wd027", "f4we6rp" ], "score": [ 4, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Languages are very important. If for example we all spoke english, we would lose whole concepts that are only possible or described in other languages.\n\nThey can be used to understand history and anth...
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[]
[ [], [], [] ]
47al92
why would someone have an "out of body experience" after being seriously injured?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/47al92/eli5_why_would_someone_have_an_out_of_body/
{ "a_id": [ "d0bj616", "d0bjgyw" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Its a sort of fight or flight. The experience is too traumatic for the brain to process so it creates an alternate reality to protect you. ", "I was stabbed in the neck and it really fucked me up for a while mentally, th...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
cb3d3d
the new iphones and other flagship phones have 2 cameras to create a bokeh effect. why do they need 2 cameras while real cameras can do the same effect with only one?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cb3d3d/eli5_the_new_iphones_and_other_flagship_phones/
{ "a_id": [ "etcsgoa", "etcy3xy" ], "score": [ 2, 7 ], "text": [ "The aperture inside a camera works like the pupil of your eye. It opens or closes to restrict the light coming through. The size of the aperture directly effects the depth of field of the picture. This is basically the range...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
32finm
why do our voices sound so odd/weird to us when we hear it?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/32finm/eli5_why_do_our_voices_sound_so_oddweird_to_us/
{ "a_id": [ "cqapluj", "cqaq4fw", "cqauvww" ], "score": [ 7, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "When you talk, you're not just hearing your voice through the air. The vibrations in your throat, which is what makes your voice, travel through your neck, into your ears. Since vibrations spread out an...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
66xdpy
how does an e-zpass work?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/66xdpy/eli5_how_does_an_ezpass_work/
{ "a_id": [ "dgm0nef" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "You open the equivalent of a bank account and you put some money into it. And you get a RFID radio device that sends out an ID code that is received by the wireless receivers built into the toll station. So the toll station receives your ID cod...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4twb7u
how a bycicle brake works
hi guys. I really don't get how a bicycle brake works. I mean, what I know is that there is a metallic wire that somehow pulls a fork. The "problem" is that this wire is very flexible at the start, as it follows the movement of the handlebar. There are some other little metallic cylinders that block the wire, result...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4twb7u/eli5_how_a_bycicle_brake_works/
{ "a_id": [ "d5ksnt5" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Bikes commonly use [Bowden cables](_URL_0_). The cable housing is somewhat flexible but its length will never change by much. The ends of the cable housing are affixed right next to the brake handle and the brake itself, so the final bit of air t...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bowden_cable" ] ]
5jr0tz
why is even a tiny layer of ice on a plane's wing dangerous? isn't the aerodynamic shape essentially the same?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5jr0tz/eli5_why_is_even_a_tiny_layer_of_ice_on_a_planes/
{ "a_id": [ "dbi95p7", "dbi960a", "dbi9aui", "dbiiwd8" ], "score": [ 13, 18, 4, 8 ], "text": [ "The shape of the leading edge, where ice formation occurs on a flying plane, is key to keeping the airstream bonded to the airfoil surface which produces lift.\n\nIt's not the am...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
8jngax
why does gasoline appear blue when it is poured?
When i pour gasoline (into my lawnmower for example) it seems blue, why does that happen? Gasoline is usually colorless
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8jngax/eli5_why_does_gasoline_appear_blue_when_it_is/
{ "a_id": [ "dz0yx4o", "dz159jt", "dz35taz" ], "score": [ 5, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Its usually a dye put into the gas - just to identify it. Sometimes there are additives (I think mainly in diesel however) that are used for use in winter, etc... its harmless to the engine.", "Gaso...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1h80um
what is a photonic boom?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1h80um/eli5_what_is_a_photonic_boom/
{ "a_id": [ "carqsnu" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Light traveling through some medium must always move at the speed of light through that medium. But particles are not constrained by this rule.\n\nJust like when something moves faster than the speed of sound, there's a sonic boom.\n\nWhen a part...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cherenkov_radiation" ] ]
4ww8f9
does the fecal science behind squatty potty have any substantial basis in reality?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4ww8f9/eli5_does_the_fecal_science_behind_squatty_potty/
{ "a_id": [ "d6acufq" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Yes. Our bodies don't 'open the hatch' completely in a normal sitting position; the rectum is kinked somewhat. Only when we squat does it straighten out and allow feces to pass unimpeded. Sitting toilets are much more common in the First World. E...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gut-inside-story-bodys-under-rated/dp/1925228606/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1470750688&sr=8-1" ] ]
2seh6q
in a room full of wi-fi enabled devices how does the data know to find it's way to your device so that not everybody can see for example your emails?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2seh6q/eli5_in_a_room_full_of_wifi_enabled_devices_how/
{ "a_id": [ "cnoo7zn", "cnoobkg", "cnoonny", "cnoozc2" ], "score": [ 28, 2, 2, 4 ], "text": [ "The other devices in the room didn't request the information, so they ignore the information. \n\nIf it's not encrypted, other devices in the room/on the network can absolutely se...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "www.google.com" ] ]
3s7vi3
why don't we duplicate organs?
For those wandering, we have the technology to do so already.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3s7vi3/eli5_why_dont_we_duplicate_organs/
{ "a_id": [ "cwuv2tm" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ " > For those wandering, we have the technology to do so already.\n\nSource?" ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
8vu3o1
what is the phenomenon that allows bad lip reading to work so well?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8vu3o1/eli5_what_is_the_phenomenon_that_allows_bad_lip/
{ "a_id": [ "e1q9cem", "e1qai2m" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "All of the labials are virtually indistinguishable. Fricatives and nouns are easy to conflate as well", "It is a combination of many things, but I think the two most prominent are suspension of disbelief and the McGurk e...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
46odo4
why dog have food for tooth care but not human ?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/46odo4/eli5_why_dog_have_food_for_tooth_care_but_not/
{ "a_id": [ "d06ov5n", "d06pbp2" ], "score": [ 4, 3 ], "text": [ "Because we brush our teeth regularly, while most dog owners don't brush their dog's teeth every day. It's more of a convenience thing than an actual necessity.", "Avenues to market and sell. \"Do you want organic or Col...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
19q4rn
why do my pits sweat profusely, even when it's cold outside?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/19q4rn/eli5_why_do_my_pits_sweat_profusely_even_when_its/
{ "a_id": [ "c8qcdcl" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "If you regularly bathe & use antiperspirant, here's a few things you can do:\n\n* Shave/trim your armpit hair. All that hair provides a lot of room for bacteria (which are responsible for BO and can promote sweating) to grow & makes it harde...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
708xi0
how does a roll cage keep race car drivers safe when they get into massive wrecks where their car does flips and gets shredded going 200 mph?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/708xi0/eli5_how_does_a_roll_cage_keep_race_car_drivers/
{ "a_id": [ "dn1b8dw", "dn1b8dw" ], "score": [ 6, 6 ], "text": [ "The roll cage is just part of the protection system. It reinforces the roof and other areas around the driver so that no part of the car hits the driver. A typical scenario in older racing car is that the car flips over and ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2bvk5q
why do some cities have their own fire/police department, sheriff department, while others has the county police/fire?
My county has the police and a sheriff department. Some cities have their own sheriff or police department and they are in the county. Who would respond if there is a 911 in that city with a sheriff. The county police, the sheriff, or both?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2bvk5q/eli5_why_do_some_cities_have_their_own_firepolice/
{ "a_id": [ "cj9bf36", "cj9blnp", "cj9bqto" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "It depends on the needs of the area. For example, in something like New York City, which spans several counties, it makes sense to have one unified police department rather than sheriff's departments t...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1hwvd7
why is rape generally considered to be a man on woman crime
I sat through a sex ed class. The students were split by gender. As a boy, my presentation went through anatomy, birth control devices and drugs, and consent. About 1/4, 1/4, and 1/2. The consent portion was basically a "don't rape her" lecture. Do not assume consent, no means no, she doesn't owe you anything even if y...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1hwvd7/eli5_why_is_rape_generally_considered_to_be_a_man/
{ "a_id": [ "cayppvn", "cayptin", "caypvo5", "caz0zyz" ], "score": [ 4, 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "It's possible for a woman to rape a man, or for men to rape each other. But outside of prison, the vast majority of rapes are done by men to women.\n\nAnd what you don't seem to re...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
5w6y31
why is a tunnel ever preferable to a bridge when crossing water?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5w6y31/eli5_why_is_a_tunnel_ever_preferable_to_a_bridge/
{ "a_id": [ "de7qwym", "de7r4pv", "de7syd9", "de7ta2i", "de7xjid", "de87l2i" ], "score": [ 4, 12, 3, 10, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "When a bridge would be impossible, but a tunnel not impossible?\n\nImagine trying to design a bridge over the English Channel. I can't...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
3tjp8v
french politics. why is there both a president and a prime minister. what is the point of there being a doubling up?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3tjp8v/eli5_french_politics_why_is_there_both_a/
{ "a_id": [ "cx6qb84", "cx6sn44", "cx6snta", "cx6uvs7", "cx6v7dp", "cx7388k" ], "score": [ 89, 12, 10, 29, 4, 3 ], "text": [ "The president is head of state, the prime minister is the head of government. This reflects the distinction made in a constitutional...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
3gixy5
why, psychologically, do insults feel realer and land harder than compliments?
I've noticed in my life, and talking to other people, that compliments and positivity are often easy to ignore or blow off, while insults, even from people one doesn't know or like, seem to have more weight, and stick with you longer. What is the psychological reasoning behind this?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3gixy5/eli5_why_psychologically_do_insults_feel_realer/
{ "a_id": [ "ctyk9ch", "ctyl3bb", "ctyljw1", "ctypola" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 15, 2 ], "text": [ "Many people seem to use compliments automatically as part of small talk. \"Oh, your new shoes are nice\" and the like. Which makes our brains just get used to them not being meani...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
21hrvq
why does seeing certain songs/images from my childhood cause me to smell a nondescript but very exacting and familiar smell?
As soon as I try to "catch" the smell it goes away and it puzzles me greatly. I have Googled this question with Reddit and can't find it. ETA: Also goes for hearing childhood things.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/21hrvq/eli5_why_does_seeing_certain_songsimages_from_my/
{ "a_id": [ "cgd5256" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "There is strong evidence that smell is the sense that is most closely linked to memory.\n\n I personally get the opposite effect that you are describing. I smell a certain something from my past and it brings up images or sounds from childhood." ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
tvnwj
why does sweden's government resist international efforts to crack down on piracy?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/tvnwj/eli5_why_does_swedens_government_resist/
{ "a_id": [ "c4q44wd", "c4q64ee" ], "score": [ 17, 11 ], "text": [ "John grew up with parents that gave him exact bed times and nap times. \n\nZooey grew up with parents that encouraged her to sleep whenever she wanted and make her own schedule.\n\nJohn believes that if he beats the class ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://falkvinge.net/2011/09/05/cable-reveals-extent-of-lapdoggery-from-swedish-govt-on-copyright-monopoly/" ] ]
3i9raq
why is it that i've never seen professional singers yawn or sneeze while singing?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3i9raq/eli5_why_is_it_that_ive_never_seen_professional/
{ "a_id": [ "cueizj1", "cuej3qo" ], "score": [ 9, 4 ], "text": [ "one of the things a good singer must be able to do is control their breathing, I'm sure it has happened of course throughout history but it would be like a professional basketball player missing a layup or something along th...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2ngecg
why do i feel like i'm about to die of suffocation when i swallow my own saliva and i fail at it?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ngecg/eli5why_do_i_feel_like_im_about_to_die_of/
{ "a_id": [ "cmdhc8j" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Nothing makes me feel like more of a failure as a human being than this. I should be able to both breathe and swallow without killing myself." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
33p1xc
why do guys spit all the time?
I just never understood why so many guys are just spitting all the time. Seriously, it's gross after awhile. I'm a guy, sure I'll spit once in a while, but I see guys standing outside spitting every 30 seconds. Do they think it looks cool?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/33p1xc/eli5_why_do_guys_spit_all_the_time/
{ "a_id": [ "cqn0rrg", "cqn0v87", "cqn3h6a" ], "score": [ 7, 8, 4 ], "text": [ "Chewing tobacco is the usual reason. Outside of that, though, damned if I know.", "Us men don't. Some disgusting slobs who also carry a mounted penis do spit, but they barely qualify as human. ",...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
3o58b6
why are terms like "mentally challenged" less hurtful than "mentally retarded"
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3o58b6/eli5_why_are_terms_like_mentally_challenged_less/
{ "a_id": [ "cvu4l1j", "cvu4lf4", "cvu6dl6", "cvu8jmq", "cvuaiui", "cvuapfm", "cvububg", "cvuh9qx" ], "score": [ 54, 46, 7, 3, 2, 2, 5, 3 ], "text": [ "They aren't. Mentally retarded was the feel good change from terms like \"idiot\" and \"m...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.r-word.org", "r-word.org" ], [] ]
4mzyqh
are transgenders allowed in the sports?
This might be a dumb question. But given how many transgenders there are, going to the bathroom isnt going to be the only issue they face. Perhaps I am mistaken though. If there are transgenders already in sports, how does it work?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4mzyqh/eli5_are_transgenders_allowed_in_the_sports/
{ "a_id": [ "d3zt825" ], "score": [ 10 ], "text": [ "Your question brings up a couple of issues that can be easily conflated. I read your question to be: \"Are transgendered persons allowed to compete as the sex they have transitioned to? (e.g., a male-to-female transgendered person competing as ...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.ncaa.org/sites/default/files/Transgender_Handbook_2011_Final.pdf", "https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/jan/25/ioc-rules-transgender-athletes-can-take-part-in-olympics-without-surgery" ] ]
3nw25a
"the mayor wants to give you the keys to the city", what does one do with the keys?
Is it real or fictitious?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3nw25a/eli5_the_mayor_wants_to_give_you_the_keys_to_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cvrr11e", "cvrr385" ], "score": [ 6, 5 ], "text": [ "It's a symbolic gesture to say \"you're so appreciated by our city that you're welcome everywhere!\"\n\nWhat do you do? Take pictures, meet powerful people, and enjoy the event.", "If you're in the middle ages and there'...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2c7iid
john boehner's lawsuit against obama
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2c7iid/eli5john_boehners_lawsuit_against_obama/
{ "a_id": [ "cjcp5js", "cjcppzd" ], "score": [ 5, 9 ], "text": [ "John Boehner wants Obama to stop using executive orders to do things because Obama is supposed to ask Congress to do it.", "Basically, Boehner and House Republicans want a publicity stunt that they can use to bolster num...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
259osd
why do i always stay up late at night regardless of what time i have to wake up or how much sleep i got last night?
I normally go to bed at 2am and wake up around noon, but when I'm forced up at 9, even though I get crazy tired much earlier, I still can't bring myself to sleep earlier.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/259osd/eli5_why_do_i_always_stay_up_late_at_night/
{ "a_id": [ "chf2960", "chf2edq" ], "score": [ 2, 7 ], "text": [ "I have the same problem. With me, i feel like its self discipline. If i want to be normal, i can stay up all night, go to bed like 10 the next night and get on track. Mostly i just stay up almost all night, getting just a f...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://justgetflux.com/" ] ]
5rzvx9
do a high percentage of adopted kids grow up to be bad? if so, why?
I've heard from people around me and from the recent askreddit thread about adopted kids who turn out to be kleptomaniacs, drug addicts or generally bad people? Is the ratio of adopted kids that grow up to be good/bad the same as kids who are not adopted? Whats the reason if thats the case?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5rzvx9/eli5_do_a_high_percentage_of_adopted_kids_grow_up/
{ "a_id": [ "ddbkzvt", "ddbl9p2" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Children that are up for adoption that have been taken from their parents are often dealing with many things. First, they are usually removed because of neglect or abuse (physical/sexual/both). This will understandably creat...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://content.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1737667,00.html" ] ]
1f795c
historically, why spain is so different from the rest of europe, even though it's geographically part of it.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1f795c/eli5_historically_why_spain_is_so_different_from/
{ "a_id": [ "ca7go2u", "ca7gqnj", "ca7gvsu", "ca7gwn1", "ca7gyrq", "ca7hre8", "ca7hsoa", "ca7krgd", "ca7r7pa", "ca7y5tf" ], "score": [ 95, 12, 27, 9, 51, 3, 10, 36, 4, 4 ], "text": [ "Different in what sense? It's very much a...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caliphate" ], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
2xyynl
with the constant talk nowadays of nuclear warfare, why can't we build anti-nuclear weapon equipment?
I would be surprised if this hasn't been asked before, but I searched it and nothing came up.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2xyynl/eli5_with_the_constant_talk_nowadays_of_nuclear/
{ "a_id": [ "cp4otzd", "cp4yggn" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "[There have been programs put together actually offer us some protection against nuclear weapons. In the U.S. it's referred to as the Star Wars Program](_URL_0_)", "First thing to get out of the way, we do not have a sig...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strategic_Defense_Initiative" ], [ "http://www.amazon.com/Wizards-Armageddon-Stanford-Nuclear-Age/dp/0804718849/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425536424&sr=8-1&keywords=wizards+of+armageddon" ] ]
3kekk4
self-adhesive wrap
The kind that sorta looks like an ace bandage, it sticks to itself but not anything else. How does that work? The best I can come up with is wizardry.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3kekk4/eli5_selfadhesive_wrap/
{ "a_id": [ "cux13hi" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Instead of an ordinary *adhesive* molecule that sticks to anything, it contains a specially designed *cohesive* molecule that only sticks to copies of itself." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
14aigc
what's stopping us from sending lichens, algae, and other extremophile bacteria to mars and start trying to change the atmosphere now?
Fully terraforming will take a long time so why not start early and send stuff up with the next rover.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/14aigc/whats_stopping_us_from_sending_lichens_algae_and/
{ "a_id": [ "c7bbnam", "c7bbo4i", "c7bgk1s", "c7bkbgp" ], "score": [ 20, 3, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "There's nothing stopping it from happening theoretically, but for now, NASA is trying very hard to prevent contaminating Mars with life from earth. \n\nAny kind of organisms that ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
32e814
the sharp pain you get in your side that only goes away after a deep breath
It's been going my entire life, what's happening when this occurs?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/32e814/eli5_the_sharp_pain_you_get_in_your_side_that/
{ "a_id": [ "cqaeh1u" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "It's possibly what you're experiencing is [what's called a precordial catch](_URL_0_)." ] }
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Precordial_catch_syndrome" ] ]
69nvbu
why do we not mind a certain sound when we are the ones creating it but get irritated when someone else makes the noise?
An example I can think of is clicking a pen alot.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/69nvbu/eli5_why_do_we_not_mind_a_certain_sound_when_we/
{ "a_id": [ "dh806a7", "dh8984u", "dh8ag8o", "dh8ao8q", "dh8c4ld", "dh8c6f9", "dh8cazh", "dh8ctim", "dh8doy6" ], "score": [ 206, 36, 2, 6, 4, 3, 2, 2, 11 ], "text": [ "When I'm tapping on the counter top I hear Hot for Teacher. When s...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://traffic.libsyn.com/20khz/20k_-_Best_Worst_v5.mp3?dest-id=440475" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
9r4td5
how does a bomb suit protect a bomb technician during an explosion?
Edit: Thank you all for the responses. They very very clear!
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9r4td5/eli5_how_does_a_bomb_suit_protect_a_bomb/
{ "a_id": [ "e8e6sqx", "e8e7lnf", "e8ea79s", "e8emvzj", "e8fa66l" ], "score": [ 5, 119, 9, 4, 3 ], "text": [ "Thick kevlar and padding both help to stop shrapnel and dampen the shockwave, but not by much. Chances are if you're close to an IED a bomb suit wont help m...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
1rwvl2
how does a government take money out of a country?
When the US, for example, wants to cause deflation and wants to take out money from the people, how do they do it? Where do they take it from?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1rwvl2/eli5_how_does_a_government_take_money_out_of_a/
{ "a_id": [ "cdrpv3x" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Deflation can be caused simply by not printing money while the population grows. Nothing really needs to be \"taken from the people\", for deflation to happen.\n\nAnother way deflation could happen would be instituting a gold standard. But that...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2ca1gl
how did the soviet union remain a superpower even if it was inefficient?
By inefficient, I mean that it was inefficient economically wise, like good old US politicians say. Everyone knows that communism and sharing stuff is bad.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ca1gl/eli5_how_did_the_soviet_union_remain_a_superpower/
{ "a_id": [ "cjdf5qp", "cjdi52o", "cjdicda", "cjdkskz", "cjdmhb6", "cjdnlhc", "cjdq0n4" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Having a big stock of nuclear weapons was probably the principle reason. Politically, this gave them a big influe...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
4o1jqi
why some movies and tv shows have real operating systems and software on computers and smartphones (like mr. robot) while others have fake ones?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4o1jqi/eli5_why_some_movies_and_tv_shows_have_real/
{ "a_id": [ "d48t2jm", "d48u1kz" ], "score": [ 13, 6 ], "text": [ "It really depends what the show wants to focus on. In the case of Mr. Robot, the show is all about hacking, and appeals to a growing demographic of viewers who know enough about computers to detect fakery.\n\nOther shows, s...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
a2mx2j
how/why do medications whose primary function is something other than sedation -- i'm looking at you, diphenhydramine -- knock you out or make you at least super loopy?
Bonus question: I suppose a related question would be how do actual sedatives, such as trazodone, work?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a2mx2j/eli5_howwhy_do_medications_whose_primary_function/
{ "a_id": [ "eazow0a" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Diphenhydramine works as an antihistamine by blocking the H1 histamine receptor. When it crosses the blood brain barrier it also blocks the central H1 receptors causing sedation. \n\nThe exact mechanism of how trazodone causes sedation is unknown...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
67pl7d
is the feeling of love chemical or mental?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/67pl7d/eli5_is_the_feeling_of_love_chemical_or_mental/
{ "a_id": [ "dgs7bxy" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "Yes. You seem to think that chemical and mental are mutually exclusive but they are not; our brains and minds are extremely complex chemical reactions." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
44xna9
why are humans able to domestic dogs so much easier than monkeys?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/44xna9/eli5_why_are_humans_able_to_domestic_dogs_so_much/
{ "a_id": [ "cztm3h4", "cztmiz0" ], "score": [ 3, 5 ], "text": [ "Because we have been selectively breeding dogs for thousands of years to have the behaviors which allow us to domesticate them. That is what domestication is.\n\nWe have never selectively bred monkeys for this purpose, thus ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3gj5hi
why do some belly pains only go away after using the toilet/restroom?
Usually diarrhea. I know it's waste but still. And why does the pain go away like immediately after having a dump?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3gj5hi/eli5_why_do_some_belly_pains_only_go_away_after/
{ "a_id": [ "ctyluxy" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "The pain in those cases are caused by pressure. Like a blocked pipe, enough pressure can cause issues(for us, intense pain, for pipes, expanding and potential rupture), and also like the pipe, if we unblock the way and get rid of the stuff causin...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
633izm
what mental disorders fall under the "not guilty by reason of insanity" clause and how does it fall under that?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/633izm/eli5_what_mental_disorders_fall_under_the_not/
{ "a_id": [ "dfr1lm7" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "It doesn't really work that way. It's not like you can be acquitted because you're schizophrenic but not, say, if you're manic-depressive. What matters is the person's state of mind.\n\nMost American jurisdictions work off of something resembling...
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myzao
how did a bill as dangerous as the ndaa get passed with overwhelming support? are we, as a public, missing something?
From what I've read about the bill, it doesn't seem any public official in their right mind would vote yes on something like this, yet, it passed the Democrat controlled Senate with votes that made it seem like it was a no brainer. What information are we missing that made this so popular with the senators?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/myzao/eli5_how_did_a_bill_as_dangerous_as_the_ndaa_get/
{ "a_id": [ "c34zgp4", "c34zgp4" ], "score": [ 5, 5 ], "text": [ "It's must-pass legislation, otherwise our soldiers would not have food/gasoline/supplies to keep going. There is one provision that everyone is upset with, and rightfully so. They tried to pass the NDAA then amend out the de...
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aje73u
a dna test says a man's dna is 96.9% english/irish but neither of his parents are 100% english/irish....how is this possible?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/aje73u/eli5_a_dna_test_says_a_mans_dna_is_969/
{ "a_id": [ "eeur8hz", "eeurau3", "eeurd4r", "eeutzju", "eeuuyyx", "eeuvbdl", "eeuwwj1" ], "score": [ 6, 7, 11, 5, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "DNA tests just guess on genealogy based off of markers that are somewhat distinct for an area. What it marks for ...
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[ [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Isa5c1p6aC0" ], [] ]
y8lyr
why are ivy league schools (harvard, yale, etc.) so tough to get into?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/y8lyr/eli5_why_are_ivy_league_schools_harvard_yale_etc/
{ "a_id": [ "c5tb0y9" ], "score": [ 9 ], "text": [ "It's simple low supply:\n\n* Most of the schools are relatively small (excluding Penn and Cornell), so there aren't many spots\n\nand high demand:\n\n\n* They have a reputation for academic excellence and have some of the largest endowments in th...
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2vbqc5
why do torrent sites, like kickass torrents, have to change their url?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2vbqc5/eli5why_do_torrent_sites_like_kickass_torrents/
{ "a_id": [ "cog7diy" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Because, sometimes governments have the power to force, or at least pressure DNS providers to not give a domain to a certain entity. That's why these torrent sites are often registered in Sweden (.se), Tuvalu (.tv) Cuba(.cu) and Tonga (.to)." ]...
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aw7h9e
is it really necessary to "logout" from a website if you're quitting the browser anyway?
Are we causing harm by skipping the step of logging out and leaving loose threads in the universe? Don't websites just notice your not there anymore and take care of it? *Adding: I use Firefox and it's 'excellent' setting that deletes cookies when quitting.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/aw7h9e/eli5_is_it_really_necessary_to_logout_from_a/
{ "a_id": [ "ehkg4m5", "ehkiadc" ], "score": [ 3, 4 ], "text": [ "If you know you will be the only one who can use that computer (under that user profile), it doesn't matter.\n\nIf you leave it logged in and someone else opens the website, they might so something without your knowledge. ...
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5ucmi9
why does flour and other powdery things clump when water is added?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5ucmi9/eli5_why_does_flour_and_other_powdery_things/
{ "a_id": [ "ddt1wnn" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "Inside those clumps is dry flour. The surrounding flour holds the water tension creating the clump. Thats why you have to mix the flour thoroughly in order to break the water tension in each indivual clump.\n\nEDIT: I had used the wrong spelling ...
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c5gmy9
why can some animals cross breed between them, while others cannot. for example, donkeys and horses can breed to give a mule, but nothing comes out if your breed humans and chimpanzees.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/c5gmy9/eli5_why_can_some_animals_cross_breed_between/
{ "a_id": [ "es1onfr", "es1ov31", "es1pe0t", "es1qiq4", "es1qrl5", "es1slrn", "es1uk3y", "es1z5i0" ], "score": [ 24, 2, 67, 14, 2, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "\"nothing comes out when you breed chimpanzees and humans\". Umm....\n\n\n*nsfl warning*...
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98gscv
if director’s like christopher nolan and quentin tatentino insist on using film instead of digital, how are they able to use special effects?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/98gscv/eli5_if_directors_like_christopher_nolan_and/
{ "a_id": [ "e4fwv6m", "e4fz5yw" ], "score": [ 9, 2 ], "text": [ "They just shoot with film and convert it to digital for everything that happens during post production (which includes VFX). \n\nNothing stays on film for the entire production cycle anymore. ", "Shooting on film vs digi...
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q67zu
why is pork so unhealthy and poultry not?
It seems when related to meat things like bacon and ham are on the really bad for you end, while chicken and turkey not nearly so. They're both meat. Are pork products today just more fatty because of how the pigs are raised?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/q67zu/eli5_why_is_pork_so_unhealthy_and_poultry_not/
{ "a_id": [ "c3v21oy", "c3v377k" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Pork is a fattier meat than Chicken (about twice as much fat as a percentage). There is no real certainty as to whether the higher fat content makes it \"unhealthier\" or not.\n\nBacon and Ham are more processed - they are c...
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3aahen
how does a super nintendo or sega genesis game get from cartridge to being emulated on my phone?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3aahen/eli5_how_does_a_super_nintendo_or_sega_genesis/
{ "a_id": [ "csaqtc5", "csar6zj", "csau5ib", "csb9iqc" ], "score": [ 11, 7, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Basically, it's possible to design software that imitates (emulates) what the SNES or Sega Genesis hardware does. Since those machines came out in the early 90's, any computer tod...
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895oj3
why do people with mc in their names (mcdonald’s, mccallister’s, etc.) get to have two capitol letters. where did this come from?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/895oj3/eli5_why_do_people_with_mc_in_their_names/
{ "a_id": [ "dwp3oz9" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "The \"Mc\" in \"McDonald,\" for example, is short for the Gaelic word \"Mac,\" which means \"son.\" So \"McDonald\" means \"Son of Donald,\" etc. \n\nEDIT: Originally I only posted the article on Irish naming conventions. The rules apply across t...
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[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scottish_Gaelic_name", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_name" ] ]
cmtcln
how do things like phones and car keys deactivate hotel room keys?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cmtcln/eli5_how_do_things_like_phones_and_car_keys/
{ "a_id": [ "ew4k63w", "ew4tb6b", "ew51362" ], "score": [ 6, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Iron atoms can polarize meaning the electrons lean to one side making it more negative with the nucleus making the other side more positive.\nSo each atom is inherently magnetic in some level, but all t...
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2nu8kc
why is hitler considered worse than mao zedong?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2nu8kc/eli5_why_is_hitler_considered_worse_than_mao/
{ "a_id": [ "cmgwp4a", "cmgwp7c" ], "score": [ 4, 3 ], "text": [ "The majority of deaths during Mao Zedong's reign happened due to famine, caused by a failed economic campaign (the [Great Leap Forward](_URL_0_)). The deaths caused by Hitler were a deliberate, systematic attempt at extermin...
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[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Leap_Forward" ], [] ]
buog43
how is gas produced in our intestines after digesting certain foods?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/buog43/eli5_how_is_gas_produced_in_our_intestines_after/
{ "a_id": [ "epew7oz" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Gas produced in your gut is largely due to bacteria. Your gut has a thriving ecosystem of little critters that help break down your food into simpler molecules your body can deal with. They do this by eating what you ate, and then pooping out a f...
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47rkn8
why can't fighter jets fire missiles backwards toward an enemy in pursuit?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/47rkn8/eli5_why_cant_fighter_jets_fire_missiles/
{ "a_id": [ "d0f3y6u", "d0f3zrg", "d0f5hmb", "d0f6ead" ], "score": [ 15, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Dogfights don't really happen like they do in movies and video games.\n\nBackwards-firing missiles would mean less regular ordinance, and would only be used in very, very limited,...
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[ [], [], [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1q1khi/eli5why_dont_modern_fighter_aircraft_have_weapons/" ], [] ]
2b8bhi
what is the proper response when someone tells you a relative (or loved one) has died?
Recently, my aunt told me (via text message) that her father-in-law passed. I have only met the guy once or twice in my life, so I had no close personal connection to him. After she told me, i began to think about what my response should be: "Oh i am so sorry to hear this news.", "How is the family", "Is there anything...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2b8bhi/eli5what_is_the_proper_response_when_someone/
{ "a_id": [ "cj2r24k", "cj2r4zj", "cj2remw", "cj34ozr" ], "score": [ 6, 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "According to some etiquette thing I read recently, it's best to leave it at \"I'm sorry for your loss.\" It's simple, and it gets the point across. Trying to justify things by sayi...
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coddk0
why is it that you feel the urge to vomit/throw up when you hear devastating news?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/coddk0/eli5_why_is_it_that_you_feel_the_urge_to/
{ "a_id": [ "ewhktqc" ], "score": [ 20 ], "text": [ "Fight or flight response. When your nervous system detects a stressful situation it instinctively prepared to either fight or run away by a bunch of physiological reactions such as increasing adrenaline, heart rate, and diverting blood towards y...
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3bf69m
what makes certain wines and beers preferable to drink with certain types of food?
Is it something to do with balancing the pallette? And if it is, what the hell does that mean?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3bf69m/eli5_what_makes_certain_wines_and_beers/
{ "a_id": [ "cslkl74", "cslkr8s" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "You answered your own question! Think about sweet and sour sauce. Sweet sauce is alright, sour sauce is alright, sweet and sour sauce is a godsend. Flavor combinations can either work together or not. Just like adding some l...
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37sjwa
if beer is mostly water, why can someone get water intoxication drinking 12 water bottles, but not 12 beers?
well give or take on the beer/water but I figured I'd use a 12 pack as a standard of measure
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/37sjwa/eli5if_beer_is_mostly_water_why_can_someone_get/
{ "a_id": [ "crphmjp", "crphmz8" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "When you drink a glass of water, the water enters the blood stream and dilutes it. The cells through osmosis lose some salts to the blood, and equalize the sodium, potassium levels inside the cells with the blood.\n\nWhen yo...
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5hrko3
how are the current tech startups that have no business plan any different from the internet boom years & crash?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5hrko3/eli5_how_are_the_current_tech_startups_that_have/
{ "a_id": [ "db2dfzo" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "This is a leading question - you're assuming as a given that current tech startups have \"no business plan,\" which is categorically untrue. A venture capital fund will never give away money to a startup with no business plan. Now, some of thos...
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8avpwk
what are we smelling when it smells 'hot' or 'cold'?
For example, if a hair straightener is left on, you can smell it, but it smells 'hot', not like anything specific. Or sometimes if you go outside, it smells cold.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8avpwk/eli5_what_are_we_smelling_when_it_smells_hot_or/
{ "a_id": [ "dx26hxa", "dx26sjc", "dx27hkz", "dx27u6c" ], "score": [ 28, 12, 2, 6 ], "text": [ "You're not smelling the heat, your smelling the heat's effects on the environment. That hair straightener singed some hairs and lofted some lovely burnt flesh scent into the air,...
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40p30b
how do these preliminary presidential polls work and why are they considered good indicators of popularity? obviously they're not polling everyone. i've never been polled, never met anyone that has been polled.... seems to leave a large margin for error.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/40p30b/eli5_how_do_these_preliminary_presidential_polls/
{ "a_id": [ "cyvyt0m" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Ye might find [these past posts](_URL_0_) helpful." ] }
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[ [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/search?restrict_sr=on&sort=relevance&t=all&q=presidential%20polls" ] ]
69v7h2
what do the main political parties of mexico mean and want for their country?
PRD PRI PAN
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/69v7h2/eli5what_do_the_main_political_parties_of_mexico/
{ "a_id": [ "dh9zif4" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Partido Revolución Demócrata \n(Democratic Revolution Party) \n\nPartido Acción Nacional \n(National Action Party) \n\nPartido Revolucionarior Institucional \n(Institutional Revolutionary Party)\n\n\nPRD is your hippie friend always talking about...
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