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2xmfg6
why is it that humans have to wear clothing while animals do not?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2xmfg6/eli5why_is_it_that_humans_have_to_wear_clothing/
{ "a_id": [ "cp1e2s9", "cp1e6ys" ], "score": [ 5, 5 ], "text": [ "Most mammals either have thick fur, thick skin, blubber, or some other way to protect them from various weathers. We don't, sure there are some people more hairy than others, but it doesn't do as well as fur.", "Humans d...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
5zdp1d
why would it be unhealthy to replace all my meals with balanced meal replacements like solyent, huel ect
I've been told that you can't eat only meal replacements by my friends and i'm fairly sure I've seen a disclaimer somewhere that it shouldn't be done but I've never really known why.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5zdp1d/eli5why_would_it_be_unhealthy_to_replace_all_my/
{ "a_id": [ "dex9qy9", "dexn822" ], "score": [ 5, 4 ], "text": [ "In some ways, it's fine and in some ways it's not. Generally it is considered unhealthy to replace *all* meals this way, but there are some benefits to replacing some meals this way. \n\nVitamins in powdered form have low ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
a5bo20
why getting burned (wounds) doesn't happens instantly ?
for example when move your hand very quickly through fire nothing happens, or when you hold a hot pot if you release quickly almost nothing will happens. I know the part about fire being hot = energy and that causes the electrons in whatever object close to it to go crazy, but what in that process cause the "burn woun...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a5bo20/eli5_why_getting_burned_wounds_doesnt_happens/
{ "a_id": [ "eblc7i3" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "The temperature of the cells need to reach a certain temperature to die, that takes time. If you put a pot of water on a source of fire, it doesn't evaporate instantly." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
f08rsu
why is it weird to hear your own voice on a voice message or sth?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/f08rsu/eli5_why_is_it_weird_to_hear_your_own_voice_on_a/
{ "a_id": [ "fgs5f9u", "fgs7nyx", "fgs8a4f", "fgs8er1", "fgsrnq8" ], "score": [ 46, 5, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Your voice will always sound different to yourself than your surrounding since it doesn't travel through air to your ear but also through your head to your e...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
3ysejc
if copyright protection ever actually runs out for mickey mouse, how could he be used by non-disney parties without violating trademark law?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ysejc/eli5_if_copyright_protection_ever_actually_runs/
{ "a_id": [ "cyg5y81", "cyg6jbg" ], "score": [ 13, 4 ], "text": [ "Copyright and trademark are two different things.\n\nIf Disney ever fails to have their politicians extend the copyright and Steamboat Willy falls into the public domain, it won't mean that you can freely violate Disney's t...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
72oeoo
if the digits of pi are not random, why are all the digits distributed so evenly?
This is a follow up to the graphic that was recently posted showing the distribution percentage of each digit at approximately 10%. Wouldn’t this indicate that Pi is random?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/72oeoo/eli5_if_the_digits_of_pi_are_not_random_why_are/
{ "a_id": [ "dnk1x9p", "dnk286g", "dnk2jpk" ], "score": [ 9, 13, 11 ], "text": [ "The digits can't be random, because they're deterministic. There is no chance involved.\n\nJust because the distribution is even doesn't mean anything is random.\n\nThe digits of 1/7 are 142857 repea...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normal_number", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bailey%E2%80%93Borwein%E2%80%93Plouffe_formula" ] ]
8hcszr
when taking an aspirin/ibuprofen for a specific problem when you have a few problems, how does it know which one to treat? or does it treat all?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8hcszr/eli5_when_taking_an_aspirinibuprofen_for_a/
{ "a_id": [ "dyiub7x" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Generally, drugs pass from your stomach (or are injected) into your blood, and then your blood distributes them throughout your body. Thus, they \"treat all\", and also have their side-effects and negative effects too.\n\nIt's the job of your li...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://livertox.nlm.nih.gov/Aspirin.htm" ] ]
6gt8ic
why is quick sand so hard to get out of?
When you struggle and flail around too much it drags you down, why is that?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6gt8ic/eli5_why_is_quick_sand_so_hard_to_get_out_of/
{ "a_id": [ "disv3v0" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "In quick sand is a combination of fine sand, clay, and salt water. At rest, quicksand thickens with time, but it remains very sensitive to small variations in stress. quicksand liquefies very quickly, and the higher the stress the more fluid it b...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/09/0928_050928_quicksand_2.html" ] ]
120xau
loans & paying principal vs interest
When I had loans in other countries, all we talked about was the total owed and how the interest would act on it. Now I look at loans/mortgages in the US and people talk about how "You only pay interest for the first x years" or how "You should make an extra payment and mark it 'apply to principal only.'" I thought it...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/120xau/eli5_loans_paying_principal_vs_interest/
{ "a_id": [ "c6r83qu", "c6r8hfo", "c6rdcd6" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "people who make loans have many options in how they \"view\" your payback schedule. For the most simple of cases, just assume you borrow $1000 at 10% for 10 years and agree that your total payback will ...
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[]
[ [], [], [] ]
53pxy1
how life was created, how seemingly inert atoms formed what we are today, these weird organic creatures with sentience
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/53pxy1/eli5how_life_was_created_how_seemingly_inert/
{ "a_id": [ "d7v8ub3", "d7vatxv" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Those atoms aren't inert.\n\nThey react with other atoms, attaching and detaching from each other, requiring energy, releasing energy, etc. All life depends on chemical actions to function. Life is a natural extension of a...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
3yzise
why are muslims only allowed to have up to four wifes and not more?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3yzise/eli5why_are_muslims_only_allowed_to_have_up_to/
{ "a_id": [ "cyi17c3", "cyi2cg2", "cyi2odj", "cyi47bu", "cyi4esn" ], "score": [ 3, 8, 34, 8, 2 ], "text": [ "Because five would just be greedy, obviously. Who needs five wives? That's ridiculous.\n\nFour is plenty.", "What if the fifth wife was blind? You're tak...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
3ptiva
what could happen to hillary as a result of the benghazi hearing
What is she actually being accused of and what could the potential consequences be?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ptiva/eli5what_could_happen_to_hillary_as_a_result_of/
{ "a_id": [ "cw9a6i2", "cw9arsv" ], "score": [ 3, 5 ], "text": [ "She is accused of ignoring the call for better security in Benghazi. As a practical matter there is not much that could happen to her via Congress. The stakes are, can she look presidential or not. Any damage to her is in he...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2ibn8k
what exactly happens to my ice cream when it becomes freezer burned? why is there a distinct flavor?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ibn8k/eli5_what_exactly_happens_to_my_ice_cream_when_it/
{ "a_id": [ "cl0nmoj", "cl0nmvv" ], "score": [ 3, 9 ], "text": [ "When something becomes freezer burned, ice crystals form inside it.", "you open the freezer door, heat goes in melts the ice cream slightly, you close the door, the ice cream freezes but nothing is churning the ice cream...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1z35uf
what is 'consideration' in terms of law
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1z35uf/eli5what_is_consideration_in_terms_of_law/
{ "a_id": [ "cfq2b0i", "cfq41b0" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "Consideration relates to contract law.\n\nThe basic idea is that a contract is not legal unless both sides get something. This \"something\" is called consideration.\n\nAs an example, say I agree to sell you my car. You gi...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
5ka507
what is the point of a nuclear arms race?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5ka507/eli5_what_is_the_point_of_a_nuclear_arms_race/
{ "a_id": [ "dbmg039" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The basic idea is to have both sides obtain so many nuclear weapons that they will never be used.\n\nThe concept is this: I have a nuke and you have a nuke. I can bomb one of your cities, and you can bomb one of mine. But now, I have 50,000 nukes...
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[]
[ [] ]
3bzmze
why do some cereals (looking at you, cap'n crunch and apple jacks) feel like they shred the roof of your mouth?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3bzmze/eli5_why_do_some_cereals_looking_at_you_capn/
{ "a_id": [ "csqzc5w", "csr17hp", "csr3he0", "csr3qlj", "csr7jpm", "csrb5eu" ], "score": [ 50, 31, 10, 2, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Because they do? (Shred the roof of your mouth)", "Because you're chewing wrong. Try using your teeth instead of the roof of your...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
b7g1kq
in the old days when motor cars started to become more affordable in the us,how did people do long drives without the option of many gas stations and their cars going through gas?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/b7g1kq/eli5_in_the_old_days_when_motor_cars_started_to/
{ "a_id": [ "ejrfbvy" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "They carried extra gas cans with them. The first cars were also prone to overheating and gas stations actually started out as water stations so car owners could cool down their cars and then the network expanded from there. But it was a while b...
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[]
[ [] ]
3m2sq4
how did the public definition of theory come to be so different from the scientific definition of theory?
Eg. the theory of evolution by means of natural selection: Lay people regard it as a hypothesis Scientists regard it as a theory How did this come about ? Just people not wanting to believe that we are descended from apes?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3m2sq4/eli5_how_did_the_public_definition_of_theory_come/
{ "a_id": [ "cvbfo2e", "cvbfrwn", "cvbfw3w", "cvbla5c", "cvbnsdg" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 4, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Minor correction, we did not descend from apes. We descended from a common ancestor as the apes.", "People want to use scientific terminology to sound sma...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://www.southernfriedscience.com/?p=11584" ], [], [] ]
5l7rpv
why do we sometimes start thinking about a song, then realize that we are actually hearing it?
Why do we sometimes start thinking about a song, then realize that we are actually hearing it very quietly (from a nearby headset or something)? Sometimes I'll get a song stuck in my head, and sing it in my head, then realize that I'm hearing it from nearby.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5l7rpv/eli5_why_do_we_sometimes_start_thinking_about_a/
{ "a_id": [ "dbtlsyn", "dbttjn9" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "I've always assumed this was a subconscious thing. Your brain is constantly processing different sounds, sights, thoughts, etc. So it's not uncommon to recognize a song your brain has been processing unconsciously, while you...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
5vaw2a
is there a higher probability of picking something out of a bag if you pick first or last?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5vaw2a/eli5_is_there_a_higher_probability_of_picking/
{ "a_id": [ "de0kntm" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Chance of getting it if you pick first is 1/5 or 0.2- fairly simple, however to get it if you pick last it would require all other people not to get it, meaning the chance would be 4/5 x 3/4 x 2/3 x 1/2 which is 1/5 or 0.2 again- meaning the chan...
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[]
[ [] ]
3loba8
what's the point of suds when i'm washing the dishes?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3loba8/eli5_whats_the_point_of_suds_when_im_washing_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cv7wi5z" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "The foam is the result of air getting stuck in between thin layers of soapy water. Because the soap lowers the surface tension of the water, you need less pressure to make a bubble.\n\nWhen you make bubbles, you actually take soap molecules out o...
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[]
[ [] ]
1do6n8
united states-land of the free, home of the brave?
I'm not trying to be provocative here, but as a European (Dutch), I don't understand why a lot of Americans still think they live in a free society and that The US is still the best country in the world. I met a group of Americans in the pub last night and they got quite upset when I raised a few issues like violence, ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1do6n8/eli5united_statesland_of_the_free_home_of_the/
{ "a_id": [ "c9s79j5", "c9s7bd7", "c9s8ik2", "c9s8xmx", "c9sbdrj" ], "score": [ 28, 4, 18, 8, 8 ], "text": [ "Gay marriage and cannabis are an issue in *most* countries, and even most developed countries.\n\nThe US has an equal literacy rate to many developed countr...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Star-Spangled_Banner#Francis_Scott_Key.27s_lyrics" ], [] ]
69g5vl
what really happens after i call or write to my representative and senators about a bill?
Everyone says to get involved and do this, but no one seems to know how it impacts the process. Especially interested in answers from Congressional aides or anyone with experience.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/69g5vl/eli5_what_really_happens_after_i_call_or_write_to/
{ "a_id": [ "dh6b5g8" ], "score": [ 9 ], "text": [ "The communications department at your senator/congressman's office tabulates your opinion. The politician sees statistics describing the opinion flow from constituents. Sometimes staff pulls out a couple of representative sample letters on each...
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[ [] ]
2ylhze
capitalism
I understand it's society driven by money - but can someone give me a more comprehensive answer? A brave friend admitted that she didn't understand some concepts that everyone just assumed everyone else understood and she wants to get caught up. I understand capitalism generally but not well enough to articulate it t...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ylhze/eli5_capitalism/
{ "a_id": [ "cpamx0p", "cpar5ea" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Capital refers to the machines, tools & factories of the world.\n\nCapitalism is an economic system where private individuals are free to own and use capital to produce goods which can then be sold on the market.", "It...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
3d2yhv
why do we tend to set the volume of the tv in multiples of five? what's with multiples of five?
Is this some sort of psychological bias? I always see people tuning their volumes in multiples of five as if the universe were to explode. Similarly, I see people celebrating 15th/20th/35th anniversaries more than, say, 14th/21st/34th anniversaries. What's with this bias towards multiples of five?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3d2yhv/eli5_why_do_we_tend_to_set_the_volume_of_the_tv/
{ "a_id": [ "ct1bsxs", "ct1c71m", "ct1cdlx" ], "score": [ 3, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "For anniversaries, our calendar has decades, and since decades are relatively long, half-decades (5 years) is a good time frame. \n \nFor volume/temperature, I rarely see only multiples of 5, as that ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
28g6lj
the evolution of the beard
What evolutionary advantage is there for men growing facial hair? Why do not all men have the ability to grow facial hair and why don't women (in general) have any?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/28g6lj/eli5_the_evolution_of_the_beard/
{ "a_id": [ "cialo7q", "ciaxbk0" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Men didn't evolve to have beards. Our ancient ancestors were a lot hairier than us to keep them warm. Now that we have better clothes and shelter, being hairy isn't as necessary. This means that males who don't grow as much ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
as3xwg
why can't a phone connect to multiple speakers via bluetooth?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/as3xwg/eli5_why_cant_a_phone_connect_to_multiple/
{ "a_id": [ "egrlb4p", "egrlhm6", "egrrj7s" ], "score": [ 5, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "It has to do with the frequency range of Bluetooth, and the fact that your devices don't have two transmitters. ", "It can--there are some new technologies out now that allow it, but only with certa...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
6snkrf
how is it determined when documents from american presidents become declassified?
Here are letters from President Reagan to Soviet Union Leaders. Is it able to be declassified relatively soon because the USSR no longer exists or because the president chose to declassify them? _URL_0_
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6snkrf/eli5_how_is_it_determined_when_documents_from/
{ "a_id": [ "dle3e3a" ], "score": [ 10 ], "text": [ "A president can choose to declassify anything at any time they choose. There is a standing Executive Order that states that all classified material is to be declassified 25 years after creation unless it meets certain criteria. However, executiv...
[]
[ "http://www.thereaganfiles.com/letters-between-president.html" ]
[ [] ]
1wsx96
what does the westboro baptist church actually believe in?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1wsx96/eli5_what_does_the_westboro_baptist_church/
{ "a_id": [ "cf52uyd", "cf52w9k", "cf55kzh", "cf5bioc" ], "score": [ 6, 5, 3, 5 ], "text": [ "They exist to piss people off. Pissed off people might assault them or do other stupid things. The WBC can then sue for lots of money.\n\nIt's not a 'real' church - it's one fami...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
302ypd
is it possible to harvest the energy from atomic bombs?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/302ypd/eli5_is_it_possible_to_harvest_the_energy_from/
{ "a_id": [ "cpomaa9" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Yes.\n\nYou make them explode very, very slowly, and use the heat they produce to boil water to drive a steam turbine.\n\nThe device that does this is called a nuclear power plant." ] }
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[ [] ]
9zq92w
why can’t a country depend wholly on renewable energy at this time?
We have the solar, wind and water technologies to create electricity, are there any reasons why countries haven’t converted 100%?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9zq92w/eli5_why_cant_a_country_depend_wholly_on/
{ "a_id": [ "eab5l79", "eab5llg", "eabi6a0" ], "score": [ 9, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Some have. Iceland, Albania, and I think Brasil are examples. \n\nThese countries use geothermal and hydroelectric—which give power 24/7. \n\nOther countries don't have those options and must use wind o...
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[]
[ [], [], [] ]
2k0vta
how come sometimes when i'd like to think of a correct an answer or response, i can't? yet, when i'm doing or thinking about something entirely different, my brain is able to find the answer after the fact.
Example: Your friend asks you the name of that absolutely hilarious movie that has Val Kilmer in it and is like Airplane. After thinking for 5 minutes, you can't come up with the name. You'll get back to him. You go start cooking dinner and, an hour since the question, as you're cutting up potatoes, it hits you. The ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2k0vta/eli5_how_come_sometimes_when_id_like_to_think_of/
{ "a_id": [ "clgvrrj" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Our memories work in sort of a web, where things that are associated with one another are lumped together. For example, I hand you a red hat. You may look at it and remember that your parents bought you a red hat when you were a child. Where did ...
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[]
[ [] ]
3pvx4k
why was/is the us invasion of iraq seen as such a blunder in modern politics?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3pvx4k/eli5why_wasis_the_us_invasion_of_iraq_seen_as/
{ "a_id": [ "cw9vwvd" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "Saddam Hussein was the brutal dictator of Iraq. He was not a good or humanitarian ruler. The US and UK invaded Iraq in 2003 on the basis that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction - chemical, biological or nuclear weapons. The US and UK easily too...
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[]
[ [] ]
3d7tu1
why is the dialogue in movies and tv so ridiculously unrealistic?
You would never ever be fooled into thinking movie dialogue is real. There's almost never an 'umm', or a pause, or forgetting what you're saying, or grasping for a word, or coughing or burping, etc.. stuff that is magnificently present in real dialogue. And when someone is talking in a crowd, you can't hear any other v...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3d7tu1/eli5why_is_the_dialogue_in_movies_and_tv_so/
{ "a_id": [ "ct2llup", "ct2lqjk", "ct2my0t", "ct2n2ja" ], "score": [ 6, 8, 3, 5 ], "text": [ "If you watch a movie with dialogue that's too realistic, it becomes uncomfortable. Then we blame it on bad acting. ", "Because real dialogue is *incredibly tedious and boring*....
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/b9/MagrittePipe.jpg" ], [], [] ]
dg89as
why are drivers on the left/right of a car, when having the driver dead set in the middle would grant better vision on both sides?
I’m sure it has to do something with direction of traffic and what not, but I think it’s just more natural that way no?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dg89as/eli5_why_are_drivers_on_the_leftright_of_a_car/
{ "a_id": [ "f3a12y8", "f3a1dbv", "f3a1g2r", "f3abfjs" ], "score": [ 12, 12, 8, 3 ], "text": [ "Sitting on one side allows for more passengers in the front seats. Some early automobiles and trucks did use a center-driver layout, but it isn't an efficient use of space within...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
2ohmb2
how does the president of the us get enough sleep to run the country by managing issues that literally manifest every second?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ohmb2/eli5_how_does_the_president_of_the_us_get_enough/
{ "a_id": [ "cmn6h4n", "cmn6h8r", "cmn7hhe", "cmnkg4q", "cmo4vvz" ], "score": [ 9, 21, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The president doesn't manage every single issue, only the big ones. Kinda like how the Supreme Court doesn't review every case.", "1. he delegates. prob...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
4vg9pv
what was "black monday" in 1987 and how did it affect the economy?
I read the Wikipedia article but I'm at a loss as to what happened and why and how.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4vg9pv/eli5_what_was_black_monday_in_1987_and_how_did_it/
{ "a_id": [ "d5y5nim" ], "score": [ 15 ], "text": [ "Black Monday was a major fall in stock market prices around the world, resulting in hundreds of billions of dollars being wiped off companies' worth.\n\nThere was no single cause, rather it was the result of various different things all coming t...
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[ [] ]
2dr3g2
what is a netflix original series?
Who produces them? What benefit is there to put them only on Netflix? I'm really looking for an all-sides description.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2dr3g2/eli5_what_is_a_netflix_original_series/
{ "a_id": [ "cjs74ts" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Netflix will bankroll a production company to go and make a show in much the same way as any other station bankrolling a studio to make a show. The process is identical to normal TV.... the only difference is that rather than the show screening o...
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[ [] ]
4vr8ef
- why do so many women named 'margaret' have 'peggy' as a nickname?
I have known at least 4 in person and several dozen more via friends of friends and online.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4vr8ef/eli5_why_do_so_many_women_named_margaret_have/
{ "a_id": [ "d60r4l8" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "[Peg is the traditional short form of Margaret in the same way Richard becomes Dick, Robert becomes Bob and so on.](_URL_0_) \nNames and language don't really have to make sense in order to convey meaning, they just need to be used consistently....
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/764/why-is-peggy-the-nickname-for-margaret" ] ]
akwi68
how did we determine that two people cannot have the same dna or fingerprints?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/akwi68/eli5_how_did_we_determine_that_two_people_cannot/
{ "a_id": [ "ef8k0ek", "ef8ltwv" ], "score": [ 13, 8 ], "text": [ "It's a blanket guess for fingerprints. Fingerprints can be the same, it's rare but can happen. \n\nDNA has been different everytime it has been viewed and going by the possiblity of your parents genetic material creating yo...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
5whifh
how can heart failure suddenly kill someone who's seemingly healthy, like alan thicke, neil fingleton, ron brace, and kimbo slice?
It seems that even athletes and seemingly healthy people could fall victim to sudden death, how can that happen so frequently? It's quite terrifying.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5whifh/eli5_how_can_heart_failure_suddenly_kill_someone/
{ "a_id": [ "dea2m45" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "If you're running low on existential dread - look up what an aneurysm is and how quickly those can kill you.\n\nThere really isn't much to explain here beyond - the human body is a complex machine that has several vital parts. If the heart fails...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4dpnce
since everyone needs car insurance to legally drive why is car insurance not nationalized like some people want with medical insurance?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4dpnce/eli5_since_everyone_needs_car_insurance_to/
{ "a_id": [ "d1t6t89", "d1t7jjx", "d1t7ol4", "d1t849w", "d1t8w14", "d1tc0vo", "d1tdts3" ], "score": [ 26, 7, 129, 18, 7, 3, 6 ], "text": [ "Not everyone owns a car or drives. We're already pissed off about paying for health insurance that *everyone* ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
5ixmyk
why, when looking at the reflection of my monitor in a glass of orange juice, do i see rainbows across the reflection?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5ixmyk/eli5_why_when_looking_at_the_reflection_of_my/
{ "a_id": [ "dbbxgm9" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Because your glass is curved. So it's going to curve the light passing through it and reflecting off of it ever so slightly. \n\nBending light in such a manner produces a rainbow effect because the medium does not bend all the frequencies of ligh...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1orpul
is fresh water a finite source or is more created everyday somehow?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1orpul/is_fresh_water_a_finite_source_or_is_more_created/
{ "a_id": [ "ccuwnhe" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "It depends what you mean, there is definitely a finite supply of water full stop, whether it is fresh or not is a different matter as it can be contaminated and purified many times over by processes like evaporation. \n\nThe water you're drinking...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
19lx69
in dog/cock/etc fight scenes there is always a guy who begins to gamble with the audience. how does that work?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/19lx69/eli5_in_dogcocketc_fight_scenes_there_is_always_a/
{ "a_id": [ "c8p8anq" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "He's the oddsmaker. He'll take bets and pay out to winners. Depending on how much action there is one way or another, he'll change the odds accordingly. It's the same concept as football betting in Vegas except in this case \"Vegas\" is just one ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1fis3w
why don't two different velocities add together?
If I were on a train moving 5 miles per hour, and then I walked forward at a pace of 5 miles per hour, why is it that my velocity will not add together? (Why is it I would be moving just under 10 mph?).
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1fis3w/eli5why_dont_two_different_velocities_add_together/
{ "a_id": [ "caanske", "caaotop" ], "score": [ 8, 3 ], "text": [ "Well in general that's how it works, or at least that's a useful simplification for how it works at at speeds you are used to.\n\nThe reason it doesn't ACTUALLY work like that is because light is the ultimate speed limit. T...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
6usjrt
how does the whole putting your phone in rice thing work?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6usjrt/eli5_how_does_the_whole_putting_your_phone_in/
{ "a_id": [ "dlv2byd", "dlv3yvr" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "The idea is that rice is supposed to absorb water and moisture like a sponge. Fill a little water in a plate and place a sponge in the water after a few seconds lift the sponge out and the water (or part of it) will be gone....
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2giw5z
why decaffeinated coffee is so popular in us while zero alcohol beer is not?
I have this doubt. Considering both are considered drugs, why people prefer to avoid caffeine than alcohol? Price? I also noticed that few countries have a high quantity of decaffeined coffee sold. Mostly Norway, Spain and USA. Why this culture? In the rest of the world, less than 5% of coffee sold is decaffeinated, ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2giw5z/eli5_why_decaffeinated_coffee_is_so_popular_in_us/
{ "a_id": [ "ckjjvx3", "ckjkehc", "ckjmmb6", "ckjslmu" ], "score": [ 3, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Decaf coffee is still pretty good tasting coffee and costs about the same as the 'real' thing.\n\nNonalcoholic beer isn't very good & costs more money than the 'real' thing. For...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
3ey5gy
what is going on when 2 edm artists collaborate?
I understand musical collaborations when it's like artist A and artist B are singing on the same song(ex: Amy Winehouse and Tony Bennett), or if artist A did the instrumentals and artist B sang on it (ex: Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson). But what is going on in the studio/live/etc when 2 EDM artists (ex: Skrillex and Diplo...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ey5gy/eli5_what_is_going_on_when_2_edm_artists/
{ "a_id": [ "ctji1xm" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Usually it just means sending different stems of the song. For example, one makes the drum pattern and bass line and the other makes the synths and other sounds. A good example of this is Flosstradamus. They literally started their act over the i...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5v72wh
when accelerating a car, the sound made by the engine is a typical one (constant working of pistons) . but why does the car make more of a mechanical toy like sound while reversing?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5v72wh/eli5_when_accelerating_a_car_the_sound_made_by/
{ "a_id": [ "ddzpzlo", "ddzrnn4", "ddzwzem", "de05pnz", "de0dl8i" ], "score": [ 17, 3, 12, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The reverse gear in the gearbox is cut as a straight or spur gear instead of a helical gear. This is cheaper than helical cut. And it's noisier. ", "...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "https://www.summitracing.com/search/part-type/ring-and-pinion-gears", "http://www.mekanizmalar.com/transmission.html", "http://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/0706or-automatic-transmission-tech/photo-20.html" ], [ "https://youtu.be/dmJH84FnQa8" ] ]
1nq5hm
the rushing sound behind my ears when i close my eyes and squeeze with my throat.
When I close my eyes and sort of apply pressure in the back of my throat like when you swallow, I hear a rushing sound. Is this just blood or other fluid rushing through cavities? I cant do it for ever, it feels like the reservoir is empty after a couple of seconds, then I can do it again after relaxing. I cant really...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1nq5hm/eli5_the_rushing_sound_behind_my_ears_when_i/
{ "a_id": [ "cckxv9k", "cclcd37" ], "score": [ 7, 3 ], "text": [ "That grey noise is the sound of your blood being pushed at a fast rate I think and by squeezing you are depriving the area of blood, which is probably a unique area in your body which is why it sounds like it empties.", ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
b49j7j
how do offshore companies and bank accounts help save taxes?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/b49j7j/eli5_how_do_offshore_companies_and_bank_accounts/
{ "a_id": [ "ej56vq2", "ej58l0r" ], "score": [ 5, 5 ], "text": [ "It's....complicated.\n\nThe short story is yes, you have to pay tax on all of your profits as a business in the US, but a company can be a subsidiary of an international firm. If that is the case, you can set up your HQ in ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
78nlst
why do farts smell differently from time to time, if all of them is just methane?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/78nlst/eli5_why_do_farts_smell_differently_from_time_to/
{ "a_id": [ "dov8sw0", "dov90sw", "dovnozs" ], "score": [ 4, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "It isn't just methane. It is also the decomposition of what you were eating. Some foods notoriously have bad breakdowns (veggies especially) and others have very stable and \"smell-less\" byproducts (I ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
55g630
if lighting strikes the ocean, shouldn't all people in that same body of water get shocked?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/55g630/eli5_if_lighting_strikes_the_ocean_shouldnt_all/
{ "a_id": [ "d8ahpq3", "d8aqdet" ], "score": [ 12, 2 ], "text": [ "Lightning might be scary and powerful, but it's not infinite. It has a finite amount of power. We might not be able to determine it right away or to an exact amount every single time, but it *is* limited.\n\nWhen a lightn...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
4gf595
why do most phone company's release a new phone every year when the contract binds you for an average of two?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4gf595/eli5_why_do_most_phone_companys_release_a_new/
{ "a_id": [ "d2gzf65", "d2gzsrw", "d2gzss3", "d2h04ce" ], "score": [ 32, 22, 2, 7 ], "text": [ "Not everyone is on the same schedule of payments. Two years doesn't mean everyone's contract starts and ends on the same day.", "So they can keep selling new phones.\n\nIn re...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
382rdv
why does it feel easier to run on a treadmill as opposed to actually running?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/382rdv/eli5_why_does_it_feel_easier_to_run_on_a/
{ "a_id": [ "crrsap0", "crrszs5", "crrvd4r", "crrx5dk", "crrxyet", "crrzof5", "crs0hdx", "crs0vrj", "crs196q" ], "score": [ 298, 3, 91, 23, 51, 2, 17, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "There are a lot of factors when you're running outdoors, road un...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
7b7osa
why do stovetops measure temps from lo-hi (with numbers) instead of temps?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7b7osa/eli5_why_do_stovetops_measure_temps_from_lohi/
{ "a_id": [ "dpfueq1" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The temperature of your cooking element doesn't really give you an indication of your food's temperature. Just because I set my stove to 200 degrees doesn't mean that the food is 200 degrees.\n\nWhy not just use a food thermometer like everyone?...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1qdych
what exactly is happening when you're tripping on mushrooms?
As in, what causes the hallucinations and other intoxicating effects?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1qdych/what_exactly_is_happening_when_youre_tripping_on/
{ "a_id": [ "cdbwhhq", "cdbzr32" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Psilocybin is the compound in zoomers that's gonna be giving you all the good stuff. You have receptors in your brain that tell you how to feel depending on what chemical reacts with them, when Psilocybin gets in there the ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
20nvm3
why do (did?) a lot of cultures have man superiority instead of woman superiority?
Whether it's the Americas, Asia, Europe, Africa, why does it seem like a majority of cultures have man superiority instead of gender equality or woman superiority?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/20nvm3/eli5why_do_did_a_lot_of_cultures_have_man/
{ "a_id": [ "cg52g4b", "cg52q8s", "cg534ny", "cg56euy" ], "score": [ 5, 15, 11, 4 ], "text": [ "Men are stronger, so they could tell women what to do.", "Men are physically larger and stronger. That goes a long way in the animal world.", "Physically, men are stronge...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
4u74uu
if i am on top of something (e.g. a plane) that is falling from a 'certain-death' height, is it possible to survive by jumping upwards just before hitting the ground?
*Bonus if the answer to the above question is no* - ELI25: What height would this be considered possible from? Edit - formatting
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4u74uu/eli5_if_i_am_on_top_of_something_eg_a_plane_that/
{ "a_id": [ "d5neh3r", "d5neic8", "d5nlqi3", "d5ns5vu" ], "score": [ 10, 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "No. Because you are falling down at some X speed (~54 m/s or 122 mph for a free falling human) and can only jump up at the much smaller Y speed (~1.5 m/s or 3.3 mph), you hit the ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
3xj24q
how come clothing stores are never infested with bedbugs if thousands of people visit every day and bedbugs spread so ridiculously easily?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3xj24q/eli5_how_come_clothing_stores_are_never_infested/
{ "a_id": [ "cy51889", "cy51f5c", "cy524rw" ], "score": [ 4, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Short answer: Stores DO get bedbugs but are better equipped to deal with them.\n\nLong answer: Most places where people work can/do get infestations of some kind or other. Depending on the place is, the...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
mfteg
web servers and how they are used
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/mfteg/eli5_web_servers_and_how_they_are_used/
{ "a_id": [ "c30k4oe", "c30mchu", "c30k4oe", "c30mchu" ], "score": [ 13, 3, 13, 3 ], "text": [ "A server is a lot like a bank. It doesn't make anything and doesn't do anything other than hold stuff and do a few specific things with that stuff. A webserver is basically a com...
[]
[]
[ [ "www.reddit.com" ], [], [ "www.reddit.com" ], [] ]
1umgmm
why is it so hard to open my eyes when i'm dreaming?
I always find I'm having a hard time looking around And that my eyes feel like they are sealed shut. Any idea why this might be? This is of course a problem I'm having within the dream.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1umgmm/eli5_why_is_it_so_hard_to_open_my_eyes_when_im/
{ "a_id": [ "cejkejw" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Sleep paralysis, as arrowshaft suggested, could explain it. In that case you are likely to be experiencing either a hypnagogic (while falling asleep) or hypnopompic (while waking up) hallucination. It's quite like dreaming.\n\nAlternatively, yo...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2k2ir6
how does euler's identity really work? i have trouble understanding how trig functions can be related to imaginary numbers so elegantly.
I'm a math major in multivariate calculus and this whole Euler's identity thing just blows my mind. I don't get why that works. Relatedly, how does e^(i*pi) = 1? e^pi isn't even close, how does tossing in an i change anything and why so elegantly? It's like seeing the Mona Lisa through a fun house mirror and none of th...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2k2ir6/eli5_how_does_eulers_identity_really_work_i_have/
{ "a_id": [ "clhbryt" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Find the Taylor expansion for e^x and then plug in iω for x. Then you'll notice it is the sum of the Taylor series for cosω and i multiplied by the Taylor series for sinω. Then you can see Euler's identity e^iω = cosω +isinω. Plug in π for ω and ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
30bwi8
how do lawyers find old precedents related to the new case they're defending?
Mainly, how did they found them PRE-Internet.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/30bwi8/eli5_how_do_lawyers_find_old_precedents_related/
{ "a_id": [ "cpqzcds", "cpr2r2b", "cpr9ynm" ], "score": [ 5, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Research. Hours and hours and hours of research. There are VOLUMES of books on case law, court decisions, transcripts, etc. Anything a lawyer could want. It just needs to be found.\n\n\neta: and more ho...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
3y6zvb
vitamins: their bio-availability in the body.
How does the whole thing work? Does the weight/age of the person have anything to do with it? (edit: grammar)
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3y6zvb/eli5_vitamins_their_bioavailability_in_the_body/
{ "a_id": [ "cybnw1q" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Basically vitamins and certain minerals are needed to carry out certain functions or pathways. Im not very familiar with vitamins but minerals such as potassium (K) or iron (Fe) are used for important functions K is used to balance charge and ion...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1v280d
why is the 4.0 gpa scale used?
It seems like the 4.0 GPA scale isn't exactly reflective of a students academic ability. For example, let's say 90-100 = A+ = 4.0 and 85-89 = A = 3.9. Student A gets 100 in 4 courses and 89 in 1 course, resulting in a GPA of 3.98. Student B gets 90 in 5 courses, and ends up with a GPA of 4.0. I don't know about you, b...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1v280d/eli5why_is_the_40_gpa_scale_used/
{ "a_id": [ "cenzpju", "cenzs0f", "ceo25q9", "ceo3pc6" ], "score": [ 7, 13, 2, 4 ], "text": [ "Not everything is graded on a 100 point scale. Essays, lab reports, etc., basically anything that isn't math problems or multiple choice questions, has to be graded somewhat subje...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
731vvm
what is the jones act and how does repealing it help puerto rico
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/731vvm/eli5_what_is_the_jones_act_and_how_does_repealing/
{ "a_id": [ "dnmy4w0", "dnmy6lz", "dnmyqh2", "dnn3zvd" ], "score": [ 8, 14, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "The Jones act prohibits foreign flagged cargo ships from directly serving some island cargo terminals. As a result, goods go to a mainland cargo terminal and then are loaded on U...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
3v4uxu
why jurors aren't told about jury nullification prior to trials?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3v4uxu/eli5_why_jurors_arent_told_about_jury/
{ "a_id": [ "cxkbccu", "cxkblkh", "cxkbq50", "cxkbunf", "cxkc3i3", "cxkd8t3", "cxkilgt", "cxkkw1e", "cxkn4x8" ], "score": [ 44, 7, 98, 7, 11, 13, 4, 5, 30 ], "text": [ "Because the justice system doesn't want people to use it.\n\nTher...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqH_Y1TupoQ" ], [], [], [], [] ]
6czvgz
why are some cable tv networks (tnt, tbs, espn, etc.) subject to fcc censorship for indecency but others (hbo, showtime, etc.) exempt from censorship?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6czvgz/eli5_why_are_some_cable_tv_networks_tnt_tbs_espn/
{ "a_id": [ "dhyq9dm", "dhyqmrs", "dhyqrk2" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 4 ], "text": [ "They are all exempt from FCC decency regulations, as those rules only apply to broadcast channels. \n\nWhat's happened is that the networks like TNT have chosen to not air suck material because it's a g...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
43mei3
how was music theory developed?
I'm just now learning some basics in music theory as a self-taught student, using books and online lectures, so bare with me if the question is actually a trivial one. What boggles me is that music theory isn't at its very core an axiomatic system, where new knowledge can be derived from previous knowledge. Yes, once ...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/43mei3/eli5_how_was_music_theory_developed/
{ "a_id": [ "czjan0p", "czjc41x", "czjdgkb", "czjoovf", "czjqmx8" ], "score": [ 37, 3, 3, 4, 3 ], "text": [ "It is axiomatic in a sense. You just haven't gotten there yet.\n\nWhat you're talking about right now isn't really music \"theory.\" It's basic terminology t...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pythagorean_tuning" ], [] ]
65jjwm
f1 races: rules, teams, brands, cars, important people
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/65jjwm/eli5_f1_races_rules_teams_brands_cars_important/
{ "a_id": [ "dgas1af" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "There is way too much about F1 to include in an ELI5. Basic rules:\n\n- Cars must use a 1.6L V6 with hybrid power systems (all teams add a turbo for more power but it's not technically required)\n\n- Aerodynamics are regulated, as are most car d...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
228y9g
what are the procedures to follow/avoid when someone gets involved in a traffic accident?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/228y9g/eli5what_are_the_procedures_to_followavoid_when/
{ "a_id": [ "cgkhvlo" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "- If you can, move your vehicle out of traffic.\n- Don't get out of the vehicle if it's not safe.\n- Make sure the other passengers are OK.\n- Don't admit fault to the other driver, even if it's your fault.\n- Don't blame the other driver, even i...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4rmfvd
what makes the japanese market so different from the western one? why japan has all these special edition albums, games, mangas, electronics, gadgets that are never released elsewhere?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4rmfvd/eli5_what_makes_the_japanese_market_so_different/
{ "a_id": [ "d52fytn", "d52glax", "d52gs8a", "d52ncwt", "d53ugdr" ], "score": [ 112, 890, 12, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "A few things at play here, but it mostly comes down to Japanese fans having different priorities.\n\nJapanese fans have more of a collector mentality. Th...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
11auw4
why is greece so upset at germany for its own debt problems - despite being bailed out numerous times? (i don't know enough about the financial system)
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/11auw4/eli5_why_is_greece_so_upset_at_germany_for_its/
{ "a_id": [ "c6ku09l", "c6kufee", "c6kw8mp", "c6kyiau", "c6kytf3", "c6l3x25" ], "score": [ 15, 4, 2, 11, 2, 7 ], "text": [ "They're not mad because of their debt problems. They're mad because of the solutions Germany is proposing to their debt problems; spec...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Dawn_\\(Greece\\)", "http://blogs.lclark.edu/hart-landsberg/files/2012/02/european-wages-1.jpg" ], [] ]
1xan8t
how do shows feature 'live tweets' on-screen when they broadcast?
I've looked around online but can't seem to find an answer to how a show can pop up a "live tweet" (or have a tweet ticker) during a broadcast. I was watching a show where people were tweeting comments as it aired, and the comments that were tweeted were appearing on-screen within a few seconds of what happened on the ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1xan8t/eli5_how_do_shows_feature_live_tweets_onscreen/
{ "a_id": [ "cf9m4fz" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "The control room most likely has a person at a computer that has a program connected to the current shows twitter account. The person would then sit there and read tweets as they come in, looks for ones that are relevant/appropriate to show, then...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
x10wm
why there is traffic.
I understand there's occasionally accidents and lanes funneling into one for construction, and things like that, but why do more cars on the road = cars moving slowly? It's like that Jerry Seinfeld joke, "somewhere way up front, there's just one guy going 25 miles an hour with miles of open road ahead of him."
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/x10wm/eli5_why_there_is_traffic/
{ "a_id": [ "c5i7oy1", "c5i8izh", "c5ipmtw" ], "score": [ 7, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "When the traffic gets dense enough, one minor fluctuation can cause a [shockwave](_URL_0_) that messes everything up.", "A little amplification of the video brickses linked might help. For example,...
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[ [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Suugn-p5C1M" ], [], [] ]
6xi15n
why do sirens sound so weird when they stop abruptly, or when they only sound for a short blip?
I don't know what's happening to the siren sound when it seems to end suddenly in a blIP! upward-inflection. Is it really just the sound of the siren getting suddenly cut off? Or is there a separate auditory phenomenon in play?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6xi15n/eli5_why_do_sirens_sound_so_weird_when_they_stop/
{ "a_id": [ "dmg3aho", "dmh96su" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "No expert here but I would say it's because you're expecting the whole sound. When you don't get it, the brain notices the pattern disruption and focuses on it.", "Mechanical sirens use a spinning disk or cylinder to cre...
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[ [], [] ]
dxrw9w
what are stars?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dxrw9w/eli5_what_are_stars/
{ "a_id": [ "f7vaqd2", "f7vcakc", "f7vf44w" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Giant, dense, very bright radioactive balls of super hot plasma (like melted) matter.\n\nThe Sun is a star.", "Stars are giant balls of plasma, matter heated to the point that the electrons break fr...
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[ [], [], [] ]
2rzfno
what really kills you in an airplane crash? is it the impact due to speed, loss in pressure, or fire. are majority of people dead before the impact? i have heard of stories where people lived because there was no fuel left in the plane. and how come there is almost never any survivors?
I mean if it is the fire that kills a lot of people, then why can piolets dump the fuel several thousand feet up? And how come there are almost never ANy survivors like seen in train or bus accidents?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2rzfno/eli5what_really_kills_you_in_an_airplane_crash_is/
{ "a_id": [ "cnkoy95", "cnkq0ys" ], "score": [ 9, 2 ], "text": [ "It depends on the accident, in some cases it's impact and in some cases its fire following impact. \n\nAnd converse to popular belief the [vast majority of commercial jet accidents don't actually kill anyone](_URL_0_). Even ...
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[ [ "http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ben-sherwood/the-three-myths-about-pla_b_158362.html" ], [ "http://www.planecrashinfo.com/cause.htm", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aviation_accidents_and_incidents#Statistics", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuel_dumping" ] ]
a8vdby
what makes some geographic locations better for launching into space than others?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a8vdby/eli5_what_makes_some_geographic_locations_better/
{ "a_id": [ "ece3zgt", "ece416s", "ece44xt", "ece7wnf", "ecehppo" ], "score": [ 5, 9, 11, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "The entire Earth spins around its axis once every 24 hours.\n\nIf you were standing twenty feet from the South Pole, the circle you'd make around the axis in...
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[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
5633ji
why are chinese products stereotypically depicted to be of an inferior quality?
Perhaps this question varies from one culture to another. I have always imagined ANYTHING from China to be of rather amazing craftsmanship. Their dedication to detail is arguably what put the Han Dynasty on the map; especially their knack in the art of porcelain making.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5633ji/eli5_why_are_chinese_products_stereotypically/
{ "a_id": [ "d8fwdfo", "d8fyktf" ], "score": [ 9, 15 ], "text": [ "Its more of a historical thing, from back when the US still made things. Or gained a rival in Japanese consumer products back in the 70s. In the 80s china was massively far behind the rest of the world in manufacturing ...
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[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Durable_good" ] ]
1dk8uk
what is the purpose of giving celebrities honorary degrees?
I don't want to know a world with Dr. Lindsay Lohan.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1dk8uk/what_is_the_purpose_of_giving_celebrities/
{ "a_id": [ "c9r3fyq", "c9r3z7w", "c9r4wnp" ], "score": [ 3, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "\"Attracting alumni donations.\"", "It's an analogy to state awards, appreciation of the person's contribution to the society. I don't know about any actor or similar celebrity getting a honorary de...
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[ [], [], [] ]
1jqlew
why would the fbi take down tor if they knew how to track people through it?
Anyone doing anything illegal will now migrate elsewhere anyways, why not use it to catch them instead?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1jqlew/eli5_why_would_the_fbi_take_down_tor_if_they_knew/
{ "a_id": [ "cbhdrk0" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Firstly, the FBI didn't take down Tor. Nobody can take down Tor.\n\nThey simply took down a single web-hosting provider that offers hidden onion hosting services (i.e a provider which allowed you to host websites that are only accessible through ...
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23ych7
what effect has globalisation and trade liberalisation had on global inequality?
What are the arguments for and against it increasing and decreasing income inequality? I know extreme poverty has decreased but I'm more curious about issues of global equality.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/23ych7/eli5_what_effect_has_globalisation_and_trade/
{ "a_id": [ "ch1tchd" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Short answer is yes, but its far far more complicated then that.\n\nFirst some definitions as \"poverty\" actually means different things depending on the context it is used in.\n\n* When discussing poverty in advanced economies it is a measure o...
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[ [] ]
5j7nlj
if the fitness-test of the police is so hard, why are so many policemen so 'fluffy'?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5j7nlj/eli5_if_the_fitnesstest_of_the_police_is_so_hard/
{ "a_id": [ "dbdyka7", "dbdymh9", "dbdywpq", "dbdzsmt", "dbe0tzt", "dbe32zy", "dbe4eu7", "dbe4xn6", "dbe4y3j", "dbe5nnw", "dbe63x6", "dbe6bg8", "dbe6c18", "dbe6qo0", "dbe6zki", "dbe708m", "dbe73dp", "dbe79ac", "dbe7f50", "dbe7iam", "d...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], ...
3yrgp4
what is the actual difference between name brand and off brand foods?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3yrgp4/eli5_what_is_the_actual_difference_between_name/
{ "a_id": [ "cyfyt2n" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Most of the time very little. One brand invests in advertising and generally is the earlier to market.\n\n\"Off brands\" are usually very close imitations that are cheaper, and typically don't advertise" ] }
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[ [] ]
3l9me5
why don't bands tour and have 3+ hour shows where they play all their music?
Obviously the ticket should cost more, and there would be intermissions, but is there a reason bands don't do this? Is it not feasible physically, mentally, and economically? I'm extremely passionate about The Front Bottoms, and with their new album out it's depressing knowing I probably won't be able to hear even an ...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3l9me5/eli5_why_dont_bands_tour_and_have_3_hour_shows/
{ "a_id": [ "cv4eh10", "cv4eq0p", "cv4fcyj" ], "score": [ 10, 8, 3 ], "text": [ "Because that would be absolutely exhausting and some of these bands are playing almost nightly during their tours.", "It's fucking exhausting to play any instrument for that length of time, even fo...
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[ [], [], [] ]
7btkuw
psuedo forces (especially centrifugal force)
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7btkuw/eli5_psuedo_forces_especially_centrifugal_force/
{ "a_id": [ "dpkrgdp" ], "score": [ 12 ], "text": [ "A pseudo force or \"fictitious force\" is something that is observed when the frame of reference that you are in is *accelerating*. What you are feeling is not a real force but a reaction (in the opposite direction) to how your frame of referen...
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[ [] ]
4t0u8e
how does this clock work?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4t0u8e/eli5_how_does_this_clock_work/
{ "a_id": [ "d5dozbm" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "It looks to me like it has a bunch of magnets behind it, and they activate in different orders to move the magnetic liquid around. Someone would then have taken the time to program the different timing and order the magnets need to activate in to...
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[ [] ]
f69vhr
what do you do when someone passed away at home?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/f69vhr/eli5_what_do_you_do_when_someone_passed_away_at/
{ "a_id": [ "fi3eir9" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "This is better in r/answers." ] }
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[ [] ]
567owl
how do small island nations like in the caribbean prepare for a severe hurricane?
They can't "evacuate" so to speak because they don't have nearly as much room to move as, say, the United States. What happens if a category 5 is going to hit it dead on, what do they do?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/567owl/eli5_how_do_small_island_nations_like_in_the/
{ "a_id": [ "d8h4qbo" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "In general the following:\n* Ensure drains are clear of debris that could contribute to flooding\n* Move homeless or those living in unsafe areas (e.g. flood prone areas) to temporary \"safehouses\"\n* Have emergency services/ the army on alert\n...
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[ [] ]
301dn7
musical time signature. i get 4/4 time, but i've never understood the others. how does 3/4, 2/4, 6/8, etc. differ?
I was in band in school for 6+ years (elementary to high school) and I STILL don't get different time signatures (I wasn't a great student). To me, every other meter simply sounds like 4/4 at a different pace.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/301dn7/eli5_musical_time_signature_i_get_44_time_but_ive/
{ "a_id": [ "cpo6l49", "cpo6sbr", "cpo6sl6", "cpo6vhw", "cpo714a", "cpoagyo" ], "score": [ 8, 6, 2, 2, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "The first number is the number of beats in a measure. The second number is which note gets the beat. \n\nExamples: \n3/4- 3 Beats in a M...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoS1_CRS5fA", "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPd17arloo8" ], [], [], [] ]
145627
what is the difference between web design and web development?
I read the wiki articles, but I am still unclear.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/145627/eli5_what_is_the_difference_between_web_design/
{ "a_id": [ "c79zcei", "c7a27bw" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Lets pretend that a website is a car!\n\nDeveloper builds the engine and other parts that make the car go! It's all \"under the hood\" and \"makes things work\".\n\nDesigner makes the shape and look of the car, and creates t...
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[ [], [] ]
3xnwrm
why there aren't in ear bluetooth headsets without wires.
Like one where you just put a single piece into each ear. Does the technology just not exist, or what?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3xnwrm/eli5_why_there_arent_in_ear_bluetooth_headsets/
{ "a_id": [ "cy69vro", "cy6akhp" ], "score": [ 4, 3 ], "text": [ "Batteries.\n\nThey have a similar gadget, the hearing aide, and if you know someone who has them you know they go through a lot of batteries. Bigger Bluetooth headsets have more space for the rechargeable battery, so they o...
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[ [], [ "https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/freewavz/freewavz-smart-earphones-with-built-in-fitness-mon", "https://www.getkanoa.com/", "http://www.bragi.com/", "https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1629248706/earin-the-worlds-smallest-wireless-earbuds" ] ]
5yc9fi
what was the first "worm" on the internet? how did it happen and what did it do?
My systems programming professor mentioned today that the first worm on the internet was an accident but I had no idea what it was or what it did it? Was it made by a user or a developer?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5yc9fi/eli5_what_was_the_first_worm_on_the_internet_how/
{ "a_id": [ "deov6p3", "deovbxv" ], "score": [ 4, 6 ], "text": [ "The first 'worm' on the web, well the first one to get media attention was the 'Morris Worm'.\nIt was written by a MIT student and it was created to guage how big the internet actually is.\n\n_URL_0_", "Back in the late ...
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[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morris_worm" ], [] ]
p1p92
hydraulic fracking
And why is it good/bad? Is there good non-biased research available on it?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/p1p92/eli5_hydraulic_fracking/
{ "a_id": [ "c3lsk6w", "c3lssan", "c3lx3az" ], "score": [ 6, 67, 4 ], "text": [ "Hydraulic fracturing is a process where an engineered fluid with a variety of chemicals is pumped downhole to induce a fracture in a rock formation. The fluid is injected carrying a proppant sand that ...
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[ [], [ "http://youtu.be/lB3FOJjpy7s" ], [] ]
5j2imn
how can a hacker be tracked after he's hacked a system?
Edit: Thank you everyone, it's all very clear to me now!
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5j2imn/eli5_how_can_a_hacker_be_tracked_after_hes_hacked/
{ "a_id": [ "dbcv8ul", "dbcvz0h", "dbd1uuh", "dbd4o49", "dbd6sdh", "dbdi9r7", "dbeizwy" ], "score": [ 7, 60, 3, 54, 4, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "When you connect to a system, the system logs the connecting parties information. As well, the ISP will have log...
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[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
8gryzh
how does swarm intelligence work? how are ants or bees smarter as a group than an individual?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8gryzh/eli5_how_does_swarm_intelligence_work_how_are/
{ "a_id": [ "dye5xls", "dyejw3v" ], "score": [ 5, 21 ], "text": [ "Imagine that you have a number of (bees/participants/sources), each of which has 1% accurate, useful information and 99% random noise. Individually, the noise drowns out the information.\n\nHowever, if you add together all ...
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[ [], [] ]
97d8pd
how do 3d holographic projectors work and what exactly are the holograms projected onto since there is no screen?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/97d8pd/eli5_how_do_3d_holographic_projectors_work_and/
{ "a_id": [ "e47cpme", "e47o4uf" ], "score": [ 10, 4 ], "text": [ "Most *don’t*, or at least not the way you are thinking. By far the vast majority of 3D “holograms” you see out there are actually projected onto a transparent screen in such a way that it just looks like there is actually a...
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[ [], [ "https://hologram.se/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Tupac-Business-Times-400x240.jpgRoxanne-Palmer-International-Business-Times.jpg", "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0Amt30_QVQ" ] ]