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41b837
why don't engineers have to factor in the curve of the earth?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/41b837/eli5_why_dont_engineers_have_to_factor_in_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cz0zbm9" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "/r/askscience might be a slightly better place for this. You could more likely get literal engineers to answer this" ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2cd6cu
what is the relation between tequila and worms?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2cd6cu/eli5_what_is_the_relation_between_tequila_and/
{ "a_id": [ "cjead7z" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "It's not tequila, it's mezcal. And supposedly when making the alcohol with agave, the worm is supposedly eating the agave and accidentally makes it into the mixture. But really they're added for flavor and color. And to add to the urban legend." ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3arujb
what's the deal with charcoal toothbrushes? what makes them better than normal ones?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3arujb/eli5_whats_the_deal_with_charcoal_toothbrushes/
{ "a_id": [ "csfjrok" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Here are the claims they make.\n\n- rapidly whitening teeth\n- deodorizing and removing plaque\n- preventing bad breath\n- preventing harmful bacteria from growing within the brush" ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
f4m8yq
if you spent enough time in a foreign country, could you pick up the language like your original language without having to take classes or whatever?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/f4m8yq/eli5_if_you_spent_enough_time_in_a_foreign/
{ "a_id": [ "fhrnlsr", "fhroyed", "fhrpg0k", "fhrqbsm" ], "score": [ 9, 6, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "You would need someone helping you learn some new words but you do pick it up much faster and develop more authentic sounding accent easier.", "Its possible, but it wouldn't be...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
3tkkjb
how does shock work?
i don't undertsand how shock works as "reviving" i mean, how cna something that can take someone's life bring it back to life??
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3tkkjb/eli5_how_does_shock_work/
{ "a_id": [ "cx6wryf" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "A brief electric shock administered when the heart is in v fib, (sort of vibrating instead of pumping) can eliminate the v fib and restore the normal beating pattern if it works. If it does not work try again. It does not work with a heart in as...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2dnhlo
what is the real purpose of those radar speed signs on some roads? are they taking pictures of violators, or telling the police which roads should be patrolled?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2dnhlo/eli5_what_is_the_real_purpose_of_those_radar/
{ "a_id": [ "cjr6it4", "cjr6p6d" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "several purposes.\n\n1) reminding people to slow down. especially for temporary speed limits like construction areas\n2) surveying traffic on existing speed limit zones to see if speed limit is viable\n\n\nto my knowledge, ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
23d20o
how can the moons gravity cause the tides on earth from over 380,000 km away, yet cannot sustain its own atmosphere?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/23d20o/eli5_how_can_the_moons_gravity_cause_the_tides_on/
{ "a_id": [ "cgvs96g", "cgvs9rk", "cgvsb6f", "cgvsb78", "cgvv56i", "cgvy1ks", "cgvyhqi", "cgw9rb1" ], "score": [ 21, 2, 4, 16, 2, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Particles of gas move really fast. The gas particles that would have made up the Moon's at...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
1t3mfi
why do newscasters/show hosts sometimes use the same phrases verbatim?
A friend sent me this video from Conan: _URL_0_ What causes this?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1t3mfi/eli5_why_do_newscastersshow_hosts_sometimes_use/
{ "a_id": [ "ce3z0k8" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "In the case of that video, there are news services which the staff of these programs subscribe to which provide resources and even scripts on how to present stories. These are inexpensive and designed to fill gaps in programming. All of the subsc...
[]
[ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TM8L7bdwVaA" ]
[ [] ]
byz15o
how long have animals and humans been dying from cancer?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/byz15o/eli5_how_long_have_animals_and_humans_been_dying/
{ "a_id": [ "eqnt69j", "eqnt80h" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "They've found Homo Habilis bones with tumors, and several varieties of dinosaurs have also been found to have cancers.\n\n So... forever?", "Since their species have been formed. It’s from a cell formed incorrectly and w...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2wejse
why are designer brands like chanel and louis vuitton so expensive? are they made out of really high quality material, or is it just because of the company they come from?
Just wondering because my mom decided to look for a fake Chanel handbag online, and the prices for a fake was $200, which, for an Asian, is expensive as fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuk. So are these things made of legit alligator skin or something?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2wejse/eli5_why_are_designer_brands_like_chanel_and/
{ "a_id": [ "coq4dyf" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "I remember watching a documentary on this. Essentially the very top tier designer goods which are out of the price range of most of us are of a very high quality and which give the brands their reputation. \n\nThe second tier goods are the goods ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2fq8yi
how do the new 100+ flavor coke machines work?
I mean, I'm sure they don't have 100+ tanks of soda back there. How does it store all of the flavors?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2fq8yi/eli5_how_do_the_new_100_flavor_coke_machines_work/
{ "a_id": [ "ckbnw50", "ckbnwci", "ckbnxxm" ], "score": [ 6, 10, 2 ], "text": [ "Soda machines don't use tanks of pre-mixed soda. They have CO2 canisters and flavor bottles and make the soda by injecting CO2 and the flavoring into tap water; that's why you can see the bubbles and f...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a7/Coca-Cola_Freestyle_syrup_cartridges.jpg" ], [ "http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a7/Coca-Cola_Freestyle_syrup_cartridges.jpg" ] ]
7ydlcc
why are directors praised for a good story? i mean, for good cinematography, sure. but they don't write the story.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7ydlcc/eli5why_are_directors_praised_for_a_good_story_i/
{ "a_id": [ "dufla55", "dufn0d2" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "The story that is presented to the viewers is ultimately delivered via the director's choices. The same story in the hands of a less talented director wouldn't be as engaging and enjoyable for the audience. ", "A story t...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
cqxmtj
why does a person singing an e sound different than a person with a slightly deeper voice singing the same e? what makes it sound different?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cqxmtj/eli5_why_does_a_person_singing_an_e_sound/
{ "a_id": [ "ex0e7ag" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "In music its called timbre which is the quality of the note.\n\nThe E is the pitch, and is the main frequency that the air is vibrating at, but there are other frequencies that the air is vibrating at depending on how the note is made.\n\nIf its ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
25a15m
why are hangover poops so bad?
I've always wondered how alcohol can make your poop so bad the next day. I can't even think of a simple explanation
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/25a15m/eli5_why_are_hangover_poops_so_bad/
{ "a_id": [ "chf57fi", "chfbreq" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Most alcoholic drinks contain lots of sugar. eating a ton of sugar, and getting dehydrated at the same time, no matter how you accomplish it, will give you the same gut rumbles. ", "* alcohol and other depressants can p...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
21ux8n
3d printing of organs and various other things
How can we print working organ systems? Edit: Changed text
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/21ux8n/eli5_3d_printing_of_organs_and_various_other/
{ "a_id": [ "cgh02vi", "cggqnuv", "cggqo7l", "cggre8z" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "I saw a ted talk on this subject where they actually printed a kidney and were able to save someones life with the printed kidney. So its already been done if that answers your que...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.ted.com/talks/anthony_atala_printing_a_human_kidney" ], [], [ "http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ijch.201300084/abstract;jsessionid=0F5450A9BCA39D4A0FE909C61E131DCE.f03t04?deniedAccessCustomisedMessage=&userIsAuthenticated=false" ], [] ]
ad5vsy
why is it that almost all cheap earphones happen to end up with only one ear bud working?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ad5vsy/eli5_why_is_it_that_almost_all_cheap_earphones/
{ "a_id": [ "eddulb7", "eddwwza" ], "score": [ 7, 3 ], "text": [ "Cables are cheap, so they wear out quickly, however it’s unlikely that both cables give out at the same time\n\nKeep using them, and if the first broke quickly, so will the other lol", "A few years ago my apple earbuds s...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3qogfm
where did the "tradition" of breaking a bottle of champagne on a new ship come from?
I'm not sure if it really happened, or if it's just from old cartoons I saw, but it seemed to be an old tradition to decree a vessel sea worthy by breaking a bottle of champagne or wine on it. Just curious where that came from and if there is any validity to it,
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3qogfm/eli5_where_did_the_tradition_of_breaking_a_bottle/
{ "a_id": [ "cwgytzh" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "From what I can tell many civilizations have done this for ages, with the greeks pouring water on the boat during launch parties(Parties that celebrated the first launch of a ship) to gain poseidons blessing. Some peoples used animal bloods, inte...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
ejv7ux
do liquids get digested at the same rate as solid food, or do they flow through the digestive tract quicker?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ejv7ux/eli5_do_liquids_get_digested_at_the_same_rate_as/
{ "a_id": [ "fd1zwsi", "fd27jic", "fd2nd3i" ], "score": [ 65, 2, 5 ], "text": [ "Liquids do get through the digestive system quicker. Liquids don't rely on the valve in your stomach that empties into your small intestine. As such, when people have disorders that slow down that valv...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
2r5hsh
why isn't junk food good for bodybuilding?
Basically from what I know, junk food has lots of calories and calories seem to be what bodybuilders need in order to get big. But most bodybuilders recommend a healthy diet to get calories rather than gorging on oreos all day.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2r5hsh/eli5_why_isnt_junk_food_good_for_bodybuilding/
{ "a_id": [ "cncnkw9", "cncpvbq" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "Depends on your philosophy. A lot of bodybuilders will do what's called \"dirty bulking\" which usually entails getting a lot of calories from junk food. Just because a lot of these guys are consuming 4000+ calories per day,...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
85n7k3
why do humans have such a bad grasp of time?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/85n7k3/eli5_why_do_humans_have_such_a_bad_grasp_of_time/
{ "a_id": [ "dvyn1w5", "dvyoyif" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "With our short life spans it's impossible to grasp the full extent of times length to one another. \n\nThink of it like 1% of a 10 year olds life is 1 year long, while 1% of a 70 year olds life is 7 years. Time perception is...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
50h4lv
why does spell check not include many words?
I use google chrome(not sure if all spellchecks are the same). When I type responses in reddit, I'll normally get about 1-2 words that I use that are registered as misspelled. Then I type the word into google, and I'm re-assured that I spelled it correctly, and it is in fact a word. I have used Microsoft Word's spel...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/50h4lv/eli5_why_does_spell_check_not_include_many_words/
{ "a_id": [ "d73xwku", "d74gcdj" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The more words a spell check knows, the bigger the chance that you will accidentally type a acknowledged word, while trying to spell another word.. \n\n*Are you reddit for school?* wouldn't light up if the word reddit was...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://cs.chromium.org/chromium/src/components/spellcheck/renderer/spellcheck_provider.h?sq=package:chromium&l=43" ] ]
4dji7z
north carolina's hb2 bill
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4dji7z/eli5_north_carolinas_hb2_bill/
{ "a_id": [ "d1rilqg" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "House Bill 2, the Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act, puts in place a statewide policy that bans individuals from using public bathrooms that do not correspond to their biological sex. The bill also reserves the right to pass nondiscrimin...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5uc50m
how do all animals know that a ball is a play thing?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5uc50m/eli5_how_do_all_animals_know_that_a_ball_is_a/
{ "a_id": [ "ddt04dv", "ddt1ula", "ddt47sc", "ddt48ov", "ddt7p6j" ], "score": [ 8, 3, 3, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "It's less of \"This ball is a toy\" and more of \"this rolling thing is entertaining.\" Most animals need some form of entertainment, and a rolling object is ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
448aio
during the last ice age, since the water had to come from somewhere, how much lower were the ocean levels and what affect on maps and human activity would that have had?
During the last Ice Age, Glaciers covered approx. 32% of the land area compared to today's roughly 10%. The water had to come from somewhere, but I can't seem to find any information on how much lower the oceans were and the effect on Land Masses. I've read that if the Antarctica Ice Sheet collapsed it would raise th...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/448aio/eli5_during_the_last_ice_age_since_the_water_had/
{ "a_id": [ "czo8rah", "czo8xxy", "czokc7h", "czol5op", "czoroc4" ], "score": [ 2, 58, 3, 3, 4 ], "text": [ "For one thing, there was a land bridge between Siberia and Alaska. That had some fairly important repurcussions for humanity.", "[Here's a projection of...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/mgg/topo/pictures/GLOBALsealevelsm.jpg" ], [], [], [] ]
bx4i0k
if the melting temperature of hydrogen is -259°c and the melting temperature of oxygen is -218°c then why is the melting temperature of water (h2o) 0°c?
Shouldn't it be around -245°C?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bx4i0k/eli5_if_the_melting_temperature_of_hydrogen_is/
{ "a_id": [ "eq39xlm", "eq3ame2", "eq3k5hz" ], "score": [ 7, 10, 2 ], "text": [ "You can't just average the melting point like that. There are many different things that influence melting point, such as the composition of whatever you're melting (the closer you pack atoms together,...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
5we9gb
how do we "see" our memories?
When you close your eyes and picture a beach and you can sort of see the beach in black and white and it seems to be underlying your current vision - how does that work?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5we9gb/eli5_how_do_we_see_our_memories/
{ "a_id": [ "de9ml8u", "de9qive" ], "score": [ 9, 3 ], "text": [ "Your memories are in black and white? ", "Hmm this is facinating already. I see my memories in colors. Same when I mentally picture or visualize imagined/self-created landscape, imagery or scenarios in my head. I'm also ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2w3llv
why do things stick together when they're wet?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2w3llv/eli5_why_do_things_stick_together_when_theyre_wet/
{ "a_id": [ "con9hbg", "conbtqg" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "This is caused by Surface Tension. The strong Surface Tension of water creates a sticky effect. ", "Hydrogen bond, Baby Hydrogen bond, Baby Hydrogen bond, Bab Hydrogen bond, BabyHydrogen bond, BabyHydroHydrogen bond, Bab...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
47x3zc
hegelian dialectics
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/47x3zc/eli5_hegelian_dialectics/
{ "a_id": [ "d0g8b37" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "You really can't simplify Hegel, but I'll give you my best try. It's going to be more like an ELI18. I'll also preface this by saying that my understanding of Hegel is dependent upon Marx and Feuerbach's critiques, as I have read very little of H...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5m1pi5
how does internet speed affect online gaming experience
Been online gaming for years, but never really understood what , ping, upload and download really mean, and how it affects online. Currently, on speedtest, my ping is 15, download 37.18 Mbps, and upload 9.04 Mbps. How do each these numbers affect online gaming, mainly CoD, which is the most influential number.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5m1pi5/eli5_how_does_internet_speed_affect_online_gaming/
{ "a_id": [ "dc03rit", "dc044v2", "dc051c5", "dc05p5c", "dc07iuf" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 5, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Ping is the time it takes a signal to go from your location, to the destination and back. For example, a \"ping\" to a spaceship on Mars would take several mi...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Fiber-seeking%20Backhoe" ], [], [] ]
2rmb1n
why are you not a blood donor?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2rmb1n/eli5_why_are_you_not_a_blood_donor/
{ "a_id": [ "cnh5uhl", "cnh5vna", "cnh5vqw", "cnh5w2v", "cnh5w3m" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "I've did it once afew months back, and I want to do it again, I'm just not regular yet", "Because even though HIV can be contracted by any human, regardle...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
34h9ku
why do tv shows sometimes have cast that are "featuring" or "with," and included as part of the main cast?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/34h9ku/eli5_why_do_tv_shows_sometimes_have_cast_that_are/
{ "a_id": [ "cqunxmn", "cqup1p9" ], "score": [ 4, 6 ], "text": [ "It's called last billing.\n\nSo, if you are a top actor, you want to be first in the credits. Credit order (billing) is a big deal for actors, and their billing is part of the negotiation with the studio \n\nBut if you can't...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
7x14fq
why must countries borrow from the world bank but not banks with lower interest rate?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7x14fq/eli5_why_must_countries_borrow_from_the_world/
{ "a_id": [ "du4mzz3", "du4n33g", "du4n4o7" ], "score": [ 3, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "Simply put the World Bank will loan money without considering the risk of default. Commercial banks insist on being paid back. They will not loan to some countries.", "First, the amount of money may...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
ba6utg
are blue light glasses a scam?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ba6utg/eli5_are_blue_light_glasses_a_scam/
{ "a_id": [ "ek9dyai" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "No, it's basically the same as red-shifting your displays. If your phone supports (or have an app) that red-shifts your displays, use it especially in the dark, your eyes are much less strained.\n\n" ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2a72u5
how is the "1 in 35 million chance of a shark bite" statistic calculated?
Or any such statistic (e.g. You have a 1 in 1 million chance of being struck by lightning, etc.) for that matter. My friend asked me this a couple of weeks ago. The only reasonable explanation I could think of was that they take the total number of bite victims compared to the estimated number of swimmers in waters wh...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2a72u5/eli5_how_is_the_1_in_35_million_chance_of_a_shark/
{ "a_id": [ "cis4jht", "cis5cui", "cis5yyl", "cis6pwq", "cisl1zl" ], "score": [ 9, 3, 40, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "I'm no mathemagician, but I think it has something to do with the total world's population, the number of shark attacks per year, and the total number of ind...
[]
[ "http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/Sharks/Statistics/beachattacks.htm" ]
[ [], [ "http://freakonomics.com/2011/09/08/how-are-sharks-less-dangerous-than-vending-machines-an-exercise-in-conditional-risk/" ], [ "http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/Sharks/Statistics/beachattacks.htm" ], [], [] ]
seauu
big o, theta, and omega
Lots of ELI5 about Big O, but none really about theta/omega, that I could find. I would like these from a computer science point of view, but if their is anything you know, that'd work too. If someone can explain these, the differences, why use each, and what they really mean, I'd appreciate it.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/seauu/big_o_theta_and_omega/
{ "a_id": [ "c4dbx7k", "c4dci5h", "c4dct0v", "c4ddwtn" ], "score": [ 2, 8, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Theta and omega explain the same thing as Big O.\n\nYou can think of big omega as the \"opposite\" of Big O. It says that one function grows slower or equal to another function. Th...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
4kwl4h
why are most wwii photos in black in white since color photography has been around since the 1800s?
I'm assuming because it was a lot more expensive back then but I would have guessed that WWII would have been more of a priority for this type of thing.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4kwl4h/eli5_why_are_most_wwii_photos_in_black_in_white/
{ "a_id": [ "d3icdin", "d3icrmm", "d3icwgh", "d3ii5ed", "d3imeut", "d3ituo8" ], "score": [ 21, 8, 29, 5, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "On top of being more expensive, you needed a much longer exposure to get a decent picture with color than with black and white. Standi...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
160eko
the news recently that scientists have achieved a temperature below absolute zero in the lab
I've read the articles but I still have trouble understanding this.. An article, if curious: _URL_0_
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/160eko/eli5_the_news_recently_that_scientists_have/
{ "a_id": [ "c7ridhd", "c7rig3b", "c7rikej", "c7rl661", "c7rtqy6", "c7ruw0j" ], "score": [ 2, 62, 35, 51, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "I get it, but I don't. It's weird. I'd be really interested in it if it was explained a little differently I think.\n\nI don't reall...
[]
[ "http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/347370/description/Hottest_temperature_ever_measured_is_a_negative_one" ]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Negative_temperature#Noninteracting_two.E2.80.93level_particles", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Negative_temperature" ] ]
36s7gb
can you cure strep throat by drinking enough alcohol? why or why not
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/36s7gb/eli5_can_you_cure_strep_throat_by_drinking_enough/
{ "a_id": [ "crgll04", "crgmclu", "crgmm57", "crgqlpd" ], "score": [ 11, 4, 7, 3 ], "text": [ "Yes. Drink enough alcohol until you pass out and die. The bacterial that caused strep throat will also die. \n\nIf that cure is unacceptable then no. Because the bacteria that cau...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
3v4cir
australian and new zealand's role in the vietnam war
I'm writing this as a 15 year old Australian male, and I am wondering, if the Vietnam War was purely the U.S's war, and even Britain declined the US any troops, and the only reason Australia and New Zealand was in the war was because we had been previously in a treaty. Australia lost 534 soldiers, and had 3000 wounded,...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3v4cir/eli5_australian_and_new_zealands_role_in_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cxk898z", "cxk8vzb" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "In a nutshell, our (Australia & NZ) giving moral support to the US by fighting along side with them, ensures that by honouring the ANZUS alliance in concrete terms, we can rely on the US to protect us against Indonesia or ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
20b1zg
can i declare war?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/20b1zg/can_i_declare_war/
{ "a_id": [ "cg1heea", "cg1hf2d", "cg1hfps", "cg1ht1b", "cg1irgf" ], "score": [ 2, 8, 8, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "You could try, what are you going to do though? they would probably laugh and if they thought you to be a terrorist call the police/Interpol and you would be ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
bv4jyx
why do liquors that are made from carb-heavy foods like potatoes (vodka) and sugar cane (rum) have no digestible carbs in them?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bv4jyx/eli5_why_do_liquors_that_are_made_from_carbheavy/
{ "a_id": [ "epl6rfa", "epl6tiq" ], "score": [ 14, 5 ], "text": [ "The carbs are broken down into sugar and then into alcohol by the yeast. So all you're left with is a sweet alcoholic mess.", "They have. Ethanol, drinking alcohol, gets metabolized to acetate, which is basically vinega...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
n8vsp
how do cars float?
Cars can weigh up to thousands of kilograms. In movies they are always portrayed as sinking when they hit the water. I thought this was so in the real life too, but then I saw this [video footage](_URL_0_) of the recent Japanese tsunami where all the cars just float around. Why do the cars not sink when the water rise...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/n8vsp/eli5_how_do_cars_float/
{ "a_id": [ "c376fpz", "c376qig", "c376fpz", "c376qig" ], "score": [ 9, 5, 9, 5 ], "text": [ "they eventually sink, first they massive air bubble in them(passenger compartment) has to be filled with water. secondly they're big and when the water is rushing it sometimes tak...
[]
[ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUdGfplrbKU" ]
[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TI_class_supertankers" ], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TI_class_supertankers" ] ]
9i4494
how did computers store dates that led to the y2k problem
The usual explanation I've heard is that they only stored 2 digits to save space and this would lead to problems, but if you had stored them as characters that would be 1 byte per character and if you stored year as a single byte you'd have 256 years to worry about rollover. Did they try to pack both digits into 1 byt...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9i4494/eli5_how_did_computers_store_dates_that_led_to/
{ "a_id": [ "e6goj9e", "e6gqu5i", "e6grwyt" ], "score": [ 10, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The issue was a bit higher level than data types and storage and had to do with interpretation of date values. The whole \"2 digit years save space\" thing wasn't really that much of a thing. Most date...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
2yqg8r
how did africans survive in the past when they are dying of hunger today?
All these thousands of years, have they populated rapidly when they were suffering from hunger or is it something new?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2yqg8r/eli5_how_did_africans_survive_in_the_past_when/
{ "a_id": [ "cpc0rfv", "cpc5p3g" ], "score": [ 58, 6 ], "text": [ "First of all, Africa is a [huge continent](_URL_0_) with much diversity in respect to how the societies live. Some parts have major problems with famine, most parts do not. It's not that \"Africans are dying of hunger\" but...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://infobeautiful2.s3.amazonaws.com/true_size_of_africa.png" ], [] ]
2lnqu5
why darker pee mean's our kidneys are unhealthy. wouldn't the darker liquid mean more is being filtered and taken out of the body?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2lnqu5/eli5_why_darker_pee_means_our_kidneys_are/
{ "a_id": [ "clwhte3" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ " > Wouldn't the darker liquid mean more is being filtered and taken out of the body?\n\nNo, it means that less water is being expelled, and is usually a sign of mild dehydration. When there's less water to work with, your kidneys have to work ha...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
74a7mo
why does making a cringing face make pain feel less painful.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/74a7mo/eli5_why_does_making_a_cringing_face_make_pain/
{ "a_id": [ "dnxal37" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "You are straining muscles to force a different bodily sensation so that instead of one focused area of nerves that send out \"pain\", there's also a lot of different nerves sending \"strained\" to compensate and mitigate the pain.\nYou probably a...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4343u0
the cause of the challenger disaster.
I just don't understand the technical jargon. Something about an O-ring failing but what is an O-ring and what followed after it failed?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4343u0/eli5_the_cause_of_the_challenger_disaster/
{ "a_id": [ "czfa657" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "The Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs) - the two pointy rockets on the side of the big External Tank - had joints at the bottom so they could maneuver slightly as needed during launch and ascent. The joints were sealed with big rubber ring-shaped seals...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
dgq21o
how was the electron beam in crt televisions aimed and moved with such speed and pinpoint accuracy?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dgq21o/eli5_how_was_the_electron_beam_in_crt_televisions/
{ "a_id": [ "f3e0g5k", "f3e3vi0", "f3jjmax" ], "score": [ 4, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "This is really interesting, actually. The timing was driven by the 60hz ac power supplied to the TV set itself (50hz in PAL countries). Analog circuitry took this timing and, in conjunction with the ana...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
4naosc
what's the point in having a strong password if most passwords are stolen from the server end rather than from brute force hacking a single account?
Your password must be at least 8 characters, with a number, uppercase letter, and special character. Then their server gets hacked and 30 million passwords are stolen. So why bother? Are the passwords encrypted within their server and a complex password makes it harder to retrieve from the stolen passwords? Either way ...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4naosc/eli5_whats_the_point_in_having_a_strong_password/
{ "a_id": [ "d428687", "d429bh0", "d42d77e", "d42sazz" ], "score": [ 9, 67, 20, 2 ], "text": [ "Passwords are not supposed to be stored on servers in clear text. They are usually stored after a one-way hash is applied so if a table of them is stolen the original password c...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MD5", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hash_function" ], [] ]
cn1x49
why is clicking a pen so satisfying when you are the one doing it but so annoying when someone else is doing it?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cn1x49/eli5_why_is_clicking_a_pen_so_satisfying_when_you/
{ "a_id": [ "ew684nq", "ew68f0l" ], "score": [ 23, 7 ], "text": [ "When you're doing it, you get the feeling of the pen button clicking into the pen synced with the sound. When someone else is doing it, all you get is the sound.", "To me it's the control of when to do the clicking (so ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1xdn04
what gives us the ability to perfectly recreate a sound in our heads without being able to actually vocalize that sound?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1xdn04/eli5_what_gives_us_the_ability_to_perfectly/
{ "a_id": [ "cfae9ni", "cfagliy" ], "score": [ 4, 11 ], "text": [ "You're vocal chords aren't the same as for example Freddy Mercury. So while you can think about what his voice sounds like, you don't sound like Freddy Mercury so you can't sing like him. Same for animal sounds etc. ", ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
8japlw
how do headphone jacks work?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8japlw/eli5_how_do_headphone_jacks_work/
{ "a_id": [ "dyy80pf", "dyykbaf" ], "score": [ 20, 5 ], "text": [ "A picture is worth a thousand words they say, so here is what happens when you plug it in:\n\n_URL_0_\n\nOnce you plug it in the two contacts you can see at the top are separated, this is then registered by the device and s...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phone_connector_(audio)#/media/File:Jack-plug--socket-switch.jpg" ], [] ]
6easf3
what is the origin of the "http://" before a website address, what is its purpose, and why is wikipedia's "https://" a significant difference?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6easf3/eli5_what_is_the_origin_of_the_http_before_a/
{ "a_id": [ "di8ws9a", "di8wyb8", "di8yp2d" ], "score": [ 6, 3, 25 ], "text": [ "\"something://\" indicates the protocol being used. The protocol is the system/rules by which your computer and the remote server that has the webpage talk to each other. There's actually many, and som...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "reddit.com" ] ]
yunqx
why do we have pubic hair?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/yunqx/why_do_we_have_pubic_hair/
{ "a_id": [ "c5yyqq4", "c5yz8wx", "c5yzqmp", "c5z01yt", "c5z04s2", "c5z0569", "c5z1m12", "c5z1xyf", "c5z2261", "c5z2tqj", "c5z3u2z", "c5z4895", "c5z58eb", "c5z5aa8" ], "score": [ 740, 129, 81, 75, 24, 53, 28, 12, 9, 12...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://youtube.com/#/watch?desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DdcEFc6GoaRU&v=dcEFc6GoaRU&gl=US" ], [], [] ]
8h2luh
can someone explain to me how anorexia nervosa works
Specifically I don't understand why survival instinct doesn't kick in to save the victim
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8h2luh/eli5_can_someone_explain_to_me_how_anorexia/
{ "a_id": [ "dygm2re", "dygm95t" ], "score": [ 7, 5 ], "text": [ "It's a DISORDER. Psychiatric issues are no different than other disease processes. That's like asking why our body doesn't just heal itself if it has a virus or diabetes or cancer. There is a pathophysiology associated with ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2m9jbf
why do some people say fall, while others say autumn? is this varied by country or preference to a certain word?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2m9jbf/eli5_why_do_some_people_say_fall_while_others_say/
{ "a_id": [ "cm25xgp", "cm27x0t" ], "score": [ 2, 9 ], "text": [ "IIRC, \"fall\" fell out of favor in England some time in the 17th or 18th century, but remained the standard term in America.", "Europe: We call it Autumn, from the French word \"autompne\" and later, the Latin \"autumnu...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
c2jnmd
- how does a single 3.5 mm jack provide stereo sound?
So on my way back home I was listening to music on my bike and I got fascinated by a sound panning from left to right in my earphones. (I was listening Ready or Not by the Fugees). How does a single contact like a 3.5 mm jack provide a stereo sounding effect? How is it able to split the sound between both earphones?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/c2jnmd/eli5_how_does_a_single_35_mm_jack_provide_stereo/
{ "a_id": [ "erkibl3", "erkidej", "erkifwu" ], "score": [ 14, 2, 5 ], "text": [ "You will notice black bands on the jack. Stereo will have 2 bands, making 3 connections; L, R, and common. Some new headphones with buttons will have extra bands.", "There is a separation on the pl...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
2i4x0q
why is washington "redskins" considered offensive but the cleveland indian's logo of an indian with red-skin is not?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2i4x0q/eli5_why_is_washington_redskins_considered/
{ "a_id": [ "ckyutfu", "ckyv498", "ckyvhnh", "ckyvq1z", "ckzeszi" ], "score": [ 3, 5, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Redskin is seen as a more offensive slur than Indian...", "Cleveland Indians' mascot is controversial. Same with Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Braves. Yo...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Native_American_mascot_controversy" ], [ "mlb.com" ], [], [] ]
245jvl
why is it that, with age, women have an increased sex drive along with an increased risk of birth defects in their children?
If I understand correctly, women tend to have their highest libido when they reach 30-40 years of age. However, past the age of 35, women also start to have a higher risk of having children with birth defects. I would think that, from an evolutionary standpoint, we would want women to have their sexual peak coincide wi...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/245jvl/eli5_why_is_it_that_with_age_women_have_an/
{ "a_id": [ "ch3twhx" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "I don't think the increased libido is biological i.e. hormones etc. I'd put my wager on an increase in confidence and maturity. Many things can affect libido for a woman, and the typical 'I don't give a shit anymore' attitude that comes with ag...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
dpojsg
when someone gets measles, how does it "reset" the immune system? what's the process whereby it does this?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dpojsg/eli5_when_someone_gets_measles_how_does_it_reset/
{ "a_id": [ "f5x17vo", "f5x1gpe", "f5xd749" ], "score": [ 4, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Basically, measles induces immune suppression through immune amnesia. This causes the immune system to forget how it has fought off other diseases in the past and leaves it with a high chance of vulnera...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
c5vgor
why is it ok for the yolk of eggs to be consumed runny but not the whites?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/c5vgor/eli5_why_is_it_ok_for_the_yolk_of_eggs_to_be/
{ "a_id": [ "es4c9wn", "es4dk0i", "es4dvrl", "es4rf3f" ], "score": [ 17, 11, 13, 3 ], "text": [ "The yolks of eggs are doubly sealed from the outside, reducing the risk of salmonella. Not to 0, so hard boiled eggs are safer, but among the risks in life, runny egg yolks aren...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
19n371
- why does usb transfer rate fluctuate?
Why does the transfer rate fluctuate when I'm moving a file from a flash drive to my computer, instead of staying at a constant rate?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/19n371/eli5_why_does_usb_transfer_rate_fluctuate/
{ "a_id": [ "c8pjpsb" ], "score": [ 12 ], "text": [ "it could be one of two things\n\n1) you are using a mechanical hard drive and it has to spin and search for different free sectors to save the files to.\n\n2) you are copying alot of folders of different sizes. the copy progress bar is based on ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
6t2k1g
why apple products need to be updated every other week
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6t2k1g/eli5_why_apple_products_need_to_be_updated_every/
{ "a_id": [ "dlhen49", "dlhf2cb" ], "score": [ 6, 6 ], "text": [ "Because they (Apple) are finding bugs in their code constantly (and sometimes, feature upgrades - but mostly bug fixes). The same reason Microsoft releases updates to Windows monthly.", "There are different reasons for t...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1rvw94
why hasn't anyone try and improve some of the horrible conditions of the foster care system?
I have heard a lot of horror stories about the foster care system and how poorly it treats the kids who go in it. I am wondering why no has tried to improve the conditions or at lest make some sort of an effort to limit the continued abuse. I know not all foster parents are like this but for the ones that are. Sorry i...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1rvw94/eli5why_hasnt_anyone_try_and_improve_some_of_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cdrfw4g", "cdrfzmh", "cdrgc86", "ce5f3jw" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Because the government doesn't really see what's wrong with it. \"If it isn't broken, don't fix it.\" ", "I think the answer to this is where would the money come from. There a...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
7b3zr9
what is thinking? why do we have to `learn to think`?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7b3zr9/eli5_what_is_thinking_why_do_we_have_to_learn_to/
{ "a_id": [ "dpf20sp", "dpf2924", "dpf2rjw", "dpf3cwo", "dpfcwpt", "dpfe3h5", "dpfh21l", "dpfhapr", "dpfhxss", "dpfi1p6", "dpfinkw", "dpfkpjv" ], "score": [ 7, 689, 14, 4, 3, 48, 2, 3, 51, 2, 2, 4 ], "text": [ ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.radiolab.org/story/91725-words/" ] ]
despit
can a person with alzheimer’s disease get addicted to drugs or would just forget about it?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/despit/eli5_can_a_person_with_alzheimers_disease_get/
{ "a_id": [ "f2yrcqu", "f2yrdgg", "f2yurle", "f2yz1m4", "f2z54e5", "f2z77r0" ], "score": [ 8, 2, 40, 4, 4, 8 ], "text": [ "Not an expert but...\n\nMost addictive drugs are addictive because they permanently alter the chemistry of the brain, which they couldn...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
nm4ud
how to maximize the security of your computer.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/nm4ud/eli5_how_to_maximize_the_security_of_your_computer/
{ "a_id": [ "c3aa0ue", "c3abcgm", "c3aa0ue", "c3abcgm" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "It depends what you mean by security.\n\nIf you mean against viruses, malware, keyloggers, and other stuff like that, you want a good antivirus setup. At the moment, the best free ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://lastpass.com/" ], [], [ "http://lastpass.com/" ] ]
5caiak
why do our eyes often suddenly perceive spinning movements as slower than their actual speed once a certain speed threshold is reached?
This refers to the effect often seen in strobe discs used for turntables, zoetropes for incredibly old films, and even things as basic as car wheels, in which at when objects spin fast enough our eyes suddenly view them as spinning slowly. Is this linked to saccades?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5caiak/eli5_why_do_our_eyes_often_suddenly_perceive/
{ "a_id": [ "d9v5szn" ], "score": [ 10 ], "text": [ "Common misconception: Your eyes operate in a certain frames per second. The issue with this is that our eyes don't operate in 'frames.' It's much more complex.\n\nHowever, the frames per second method is the easiest way to explain it. So, imagin...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
bbzwha
how do home satellite systems never lose connection to the satellite they communicate with? does the satellite orbit the earth at the same rate it spins? or are there multiple satellites that transfer the signal as they go by?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bbzwha/eli5_how_do_home_satellite_systems_never_lose/
{ "a_id": [ "ekmnwqp" ], "score": [ 16 ], "text": [ "Most satellites used for things like satellite TV are in geostationary orbit. They are over the equator and they go around the earth at the same rotational speed and in the same direction that the earth rotates, so they remain over the same \"sp...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
f937mw
what can the average person do to help bring wealth to 3rd world and developing countries?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/f937mw/eli5_what_can_the_average_person_do_to_help_bring/
{ "a_id": [ "fip6em3" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "I can get names of places to support but the general idea is, Help by supporting the opening of self stabilized facilities. However, in most 3rd world type countries outside involvement in this is banned by their government to reduce monopolizati...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3wjssw
i believe in evolution, from all of the evidence there is. but i am just curious how there are no people in between us and monkeys anywhere. i know this may sound ignorant but i honestly don't know. why is this so?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3wjssw/eli5_i_believe_in_evolution_from_all_of_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cxwp8r6", "cxwp99r", "cxwpa1q", "cxwpb7h", "cxwpdei", "cxwpdo7", "cxwpwwl", "cxwrbxf", "cxwsdm0", "cxwtgis", "cxwvutg", "cxwxq4b", "cxwyz4d", "cxx1rjk", "cxx24p1", "cxx27zf", "cxx3l21", "cxx4rwh" ], "score": [ 12, 35, ...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_human_evolution" ], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chimpanzee%E2%80%93human_last_common_ancestor" ], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homo_naledi", "https://qph.is.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-b74aca444a2e8371fb4b60a2d36b245f?convert_to_webp=true", ...
6gwh9u
what is the purpose of the holes in sink across from the faucet?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6gwh9u/eli5_what_is_the_purpose_of_the_holes_in_sink/
{ "a_id": [ "ditliz2" ], "score": [ 10 ], "text": [ "They're another drain to prevent your sink from overflowing, if your main drain gets clogged up or is closed, and your faucet is open." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
343alr
why is the national guard used in riots?
Is just because of numbers or do they use different tactics than police use?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/343alr/eli5why_is_the_national_guard_used_in_riots/
{ "a_id": [ "cqqu1qb", "cqqu1qh", "cqqu26g", "cqquftq" ], "score": [ 6, 2, 2, 4 ], "text": [ "The National Guard has more and better equipment to deal with highly dangerous situations than local police/state troopers. They are also more likely to be seen as impartial in loc...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
34ebwl
how are electricity bills calculated?
I can't seem to understand the "estimated vs. actual" system. My bill this month was $15 and my bill last month was over $200. I called the company, and it's not a mistake.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/34ebwl/eli5_how_are_electricity_bills_calculated/
{ "a_id": [ "cqttbeg", "cqtth27", "cqtw7jc" ], "score": [ 4, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "An estimated bill is based on their guess of how much electricity you'll use, while an actual bill is based on a real meter reading. What is your normal bill like? If last month's bill was estimated and...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
zftvi
genetically modified food
I hear a lot about this topic, but was it GM food to be precise? How is it created? Are there any large negatives/positives to consuming and growing GM food? Is it bad for the environment?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/zftvi/eli5_genetically_modified_food/
{ "a_id": [ "c647ccf", "c647e0d" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "It's created by artificially inserting genes into the genomes of the plants.\n\nThere are significant positives to GM food; it increases crop yields, can be used to insert useful nutrients, and can be made to require fewer o...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
4alqvu
why do young girls seem to be more interested in performing arts than boys? is it cultural or psychological?
I act and sing, and I seriously notice that the number of girls in my school's programs have a much higher amount of girls than boys. Why is this?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4alqvu/eli5_why_do_young_girls_seem_to_be_more/
{ "a_id": [ "d11h8zv" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Cultural, parents want male athletes and female stars, so they discourage any performing arts or anything of the sort in boys. It's really rooted in western culture, but I won't go completely Tumblr about it." ] }
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[ [] ]
1ooaog
the concept of modes (ionian, dorian, etc.) in musical theory.
I understand each note has various scales, minor, major, etc. and that various notes within that scale make a chord. And generally that a variant of a scale is used to achieve particular chords, diminished, augmented, etc. But that's where I get fuzzy...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ooaog/eli5_the_concept_of_modes_ionian_dorian_etc_in/
{ "a_id": [ "cctye7a" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "For each note, there is a major, minor and various other altered scales. There are other scales for each note that are known as modes. Modes were actually the first types of scales before our modern major and minor scales.\n\nBasically it's tak...
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p5kvn
appellate courts
What are they used for and why?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/p5kvn/eli5_appellate_courts/
{ "a_id": [ "c3mqh5v" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "This answer applies to the way Australian courts work. It probably translates fairly well to the USA & Canada, because each of their legal systems were influenced by that of the UK (and upon which Australia's legal system is built).\n\n\nAn app...
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[ [] ]
2qivl6
why does my computer always need to restart or close the app i'm using to install an update?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2qivl6/eli5_why_does_my_computer_always_need_to_restart/
{ "a_id": [ "cn6hwr0", "cn6i10l", "cn6kmjw", "cn6lwrc" ], "score": [ 12, 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Go for a drive in your car and replace some of the engine components while your at it. Basically the same concept.", "Because it is modifying or replacing the code that writes...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
3dp6kk
i have always envisioned the universe as a sphere, but models picture it as flat constantly. why?
I have always thought that the big bang caused a spherical expansion of the universe and matter dispersed throughout the entire volume of this sphere, but my bedtime brain just started wondering why the space-time continuum is always drawn as flat. How does the concept of folding a flat space-time work when things are ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3dp6kk/eli5_i_have_always_envisioned_the_universe_as_a/
{ "a_id": [ "ct7cisl" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Same reason we create models of the solar system or galaxy as flat - it's easier to model and visualize. In reality, the observable universe *is* a sphere, but the entire universe is likely infinite and thus doesn't have a shape. It may also be...
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8o5o2y
why are some murders a state crime but others a federal crime?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8o5o2y/eli5_why_are_some_murders_a_state_crime_but/
{ "a_id": [ "e00vg0e", "e00vq88" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "Murder is normally a state crime. It basically becomes a federal crime if the person murdered is a law enforcement officer, a federal government employee, if the murder involves drug trafficking, or if it is an act of terror...
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[ [], [] ]
c6tdpt
how come when it's dark you don't see just black, you see what looks like tv static?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/c6tdpt/eli5_how_come_when_its_dark_you_dont_see_just/
{ "a_id": [ "esb3krb", "esb3nav", "esb8r7a" ], "score": [ 3, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "I personally don't experience this, it seems like it's a rare disorder. Might want to talk to your optometrist about it\n\n_URL_0_", "Fun fact! Not everyone sees this. I asked my mom the same questi...
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[ [ "https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visual_snow" ], [ "https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visual_snow" ], [] ]
1rhbap
what does "bonus" mean under the score on televised nba games?
I've had it explained to me before but I just don't get it. It has something to do with penalties.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1rhbap/eli5_what_does_bonus_mean_under_the_score_on/
{ "a_id": [ "cdn8z9i" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Normally, if you foul someone, they only get to take foul shots if they were already in the act of shooting the ball. If a team commits a certain number of fouls within a given part of the game, the other gets the bonus. When this occurs, they ...
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2d0cd2
what do philosophers mean by we don't have free will?
I tried to understand the discussion on free will and I just don't get it at all. Please if someone can explain it in simple terms why do philosophers say that we don't have free will? Is everyone not responsible for their own actions and thoughts? For example if I decide to donate to a charity, I could have also deci...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2d0cd2/eli5_what_do_philosophers_mean_by_we_dont_have/
{ "a_id": [ "cjksw0k", "cjksyfk", "cjktbl4", "cjkwpkj" ], "score": [ 4, 5, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Philosophers don't say that. Some do, and of those they say it for different reasons.\n\nA common idea against free will states we're just the product of our genetics and life expe...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
83cysc
how is linear algebra used in machine learning algorithms?
Edit: the two well thought out and informative answers I've gotten so far are making me very glad that I chose electrical engineering instead of computer engineering for a major
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/83cysc/eli5_how_is_linear_algebra_used_in_machine/
{ "a_id": [ "dvgwjbh", "dvh0jjp", "dvhg0f3" ], "score": [ 6, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "We use matrices to represent data and relationships between data. We do all kinds of matrix stuff; we multiply them, add them, find covariance, find eigenvectors etc. Multiplying two matrices with say 1...
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[ [], [ "https://i.stack.imgur.com/A0hho.png" ], [] ]
bmjui8
why people still buy iphones even if android phones are useable and cheap?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bmjui8/eli5_why_people_still_buy_iphones_even_if_android/
{ "a_id": [ "emx377j", "emx3ra5", "emxq1yv" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Lol you ready for this. You ain't ready for this. And I'll join by saying more users on reddit are android users.", "They work.\n\nExample - I was once in a car with three other attorneys on a way t...
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[ [], [], [] ]
8ixkal
how police officers turning off their body cameras don't count as evidence tampering.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8ixkal/eli5_how_police_officers_turning_off_their_body/
{ "a_id": [ "dyve19i", "dyvffi2", "dyvx2q7" ], "score": [ 226, 9, 6 ], "text": [ "Three reasons: first, the prosecutor has to decide whether or not to charge a crime. Many prosecutors are reluctant to charge crimes against cops because they need cops on their side to prove a case. ...
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[ [], [], [] ]
4luw2l
how are we given life span estimates for some electronic components which claim to have an incredibly long life span?
In regards to this: _URL_0_ How is it researchers can claim this to be able to store data safely for 14 billion years when that amount of time hasn't even passed on earth yet?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4luw2l/eli5_how_are_we_given_life_span_estimates_for/
{ "a_id": [ "d3qb0qa", "d3qb4mw" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Researchers do stress test.\n\nExample... So they make the hardware work at 100% power and utility for long periods of time. lets say transfer 360tb data in to the drive then delete it and transfer it into the drive again, ...
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[ "http://futurism.com/memory-that-lasts-forever-new-quartz-coin-can-store-360tb-of-data-for-14-billion-years/" ]
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296029
why can't i fall asleep on my back, but i wake up laying on my back sometimes?
I wish I could fall asleep on my back.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/296029/eli5_why_cant_i_fall_asleep_on_my_back_but_i_wake/
{ "a_id": [ "cihspw0", "cihtpzv", "cihu4oq" ], "score": [ 9, 3, 8 ], "text": [ "You roll over in your sleep.", "I too have the same problem. \nNot long ago I found out that when I was a baby my mother would lay me down on my stomach when putting me to sleep. She was told that ...
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[ [], [], [] ]
6fhxg7
what is the difference between christianity, islam, and judisim
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6fhxg7/eli5_what_is_the_difference_between_christianity/
{ "a_id": [ "diiadj6", "diiahwd", "diicqmb" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "IIRC. Reading an Islamic brochure while waiting for class at UNI a few years back I remember them specifically point out that Jesus was not the son of god but a prophet. That god is not man or woman so ...
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[ [], [], [] ]
julep
how the ipod to cassette player things work.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/julep/how_the_ipod_to_cassette_player_things_work/
{ "a_id": [ "c2f8umt", "c2f8vb9", "c2f8wm7", "c2f9bzy", "c2f9jm4", "c2f9yf9", "c2fan2h", "c2fb10r", "c2fbk8q", "c2fbp00", "c2fd79x", "c2f8umt", "c2f8vb9", "c2f8wm7", "c2f9bzy", "c2f9jm4", "c2f9yf9", "c2fan2h", "c2fb10r", "c2fbk8q", "c...
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[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
2p0mb6
why is my graphics card so big compared to my cpu?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2p0mb6/eli5_why_is_my_graphics_card_so_big_compared_to/
{ "a_id": [ "cms8abp", "cms8bfz", "cms8bn2" ], "score": [ 9, 6, 4 ], "text": [ "Your graphics card has it's own RAM. Your CPU's RAM is on the motherboard. Technically you're counting the GPU, it's board, and RAM, and cooling stuff as one thing. So if you do that with the CPU too, t...
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[ [], [], [] ]
63cx50
why do we have different tastes in what we like or don't like? why couldn't we all just have the same tastes?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/63cx50/eli5_why_do_we_have_different_tastes_in_what_we/
{ "a_id": [ "dft4vpu" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "There are a large range of [olfactory receptors in the human population](_URL_0_).\n\n > Using sophisticated mathematical modeling to extrapolate results, researchers predict that the olfactory receptors of any two individuals differ by about 30 ...
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[ [ "https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/12/131208133402.htm" ] ]
ussvw
why does an opened bottle of coke go "flat" faster if it is stored in a fridge?
I've noticed that after opening a bottle of Coke, it loses it's carbonation more quickly if it is stored in the fridge as opposed to being kept outside at room temperature. To clarify, I am talking about the bottle being stored with the cap back on. Why does this happen?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ussvw/eli5_why_does_an_opened_bottle_of_coke_go_flat/
{ "a_id": [ "c4y9qcp" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "The feeling of carbonation on your tongue is due to dissolved carbon dioxide coming out of solution and forming bubbles on your tongue. When they carbonate drinks, carbon dioxide is pumped under high pressure into the drink. This causes the drink...
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fcutvq
when to use use to vs. used to.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fcutvq/eli5_when_to_use_use_to_vs_used_to/
{ "a_id": [ "fjd3iga" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "I'd always use \"used to\", but American usage seems to prefer \"use to\" in negatives and questions, when using the past tense of any other verb would sound wrong:\n\n- I *used to* be a fan of Mitch Hedberg.\n- Did you *use to* be a fan of Mitch...
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61pci0
assuming humans are still alive at the time, how close will andromeda have to be to the milky way before we notice changes such as gravity, weather, and other stuff.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/61pci0/eli5_assuming_humans_are_still_alive_at_the_time/
{ "a_id": [ "dfg8vxo" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Based on current calculations astrophysicists predict a 50% chance that in a merged galaxy, the Solar System will be swept out three times farther from the galactic core than its current distance. They also predict a 12% chance that the Solar Sys...
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[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andromeda–Milky_Way_collision#Fate_of_the_Solar_System" ] ]
3veoug
since dogs don't brush their teeth like humans, why don't their teeth decay more rapidly than human teeth?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3veoug/eli5_since_dogs_dont_brush_their_teeth_like/
{ "a_id": [ "cxmu66c", "cxmuvfk" ], "score": [ 2, 4 ], "text": [ "Because they don't eat processed sugars. You can see the same thing in people from third world nations.", "Folks have mentioned that they eat a less sugary diet. This is a true and is a factor.\n\nBut you are missing so...
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1qqs7j
how do self-healing surfaces work?
How do self-healing surfaces, like dartboards and cutting mats "heal themselves?"
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1qqs7j/eli5_how_do_selfhealing_surfaces_work/
{ "a_id": [ "cdfj0t4" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ " > [Self-healing polymers follow a three-step process very similar to that of a biological response. In the event of damage, the first response is triggering or actuation, which happens almost immediately after damage is sustained. The second re...
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[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-healing_material" ] ]
3eyceq
what do flies want from me?
Why are they so insistent on landing on me for only a split second at a time?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3eyceq/eli5_what_do_flies_want_from_me/
{ "a_id": [ "ctjkfgy", "ctjvmyf" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "The sweat and oil on your skin has elements of sugar in it. Flies like sugar.", "They're tasting you with their feet. This is also why they walk *all over your food* rather than just landing on one spot and staying there...
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k1uns
moral subjectivism vs moral relativism?
Are these terms synonymous or is there a distinct difference between the two?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/k1uns/moral_subjectivism_vs_moral_relativism/
{ "a_id": [ "c2gw4j2", "c2gwxer", "c2gw4j2", "c2gwxer" ], "score": [ 6, 2, 6, 2 ], "text": [ "You are a moral subjectivist when you believe that there are no objective ethics, but ethical absolutes do exist (culturally for example) . In contrast you are a moral relativist w...
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