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3dkueh
how a trial is made fair when a criminal case gets broad media attention. how is it possible to pick an impartial jury in cases like the boston marathon bombing?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3dkueh/eli5_how_a_trial_is_made_fair_when_a_criminal/
{ "a_id": [ "ct646zb", "ct64v81", "ct67hrr", "ct69b2l" ], "score": [ 42, 5, 11, 33 ], "text": [ "It's very very hard, and its one of the reasons that high profile trials take so long. During jury selection, the defense is looking for people that don't really pay any attenti...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
3kii7t
what are we trying to accomplish by coughing?
I understand sometimes we are coughing because we have something caught in our throat, or make we are coughing up phlegm. A lot of times, we have "dry coughs". What exactly are these? Why does our own body make us cough seemingly pointlessly?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3kii7t/eli5_what_are_we_trying_to_accomplish_by_coughing/
{ "a_id": [ "cuxs84a" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Coughing is always for the purpose of removing foreign or harmful material, by dislodging and then expelling it. Usually our bodies have already encased the material in phlegm or mucus, but sometimes the body hasn't had time to complete the proce...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1kjxyb
how would the world re-populate if humanity was reduced to one man and one woman?
Obviously I know how it would be done physically, but how would all of the inbreeding affect the gene pool and would it set back the human species? Would evolution eventually correct it?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1kjxyb/eli5how_would_the_world_repopulate_if_humanity/
{ "a_id": [ "cbpp4ds" ], "score": [ 41 ], "text": [ "It would be quite impossible due to genetic defects from inbreeding. They'd all be dead within the fifth generation. Evolution would not correct it because there is nowhere near time, nor progeny(offspring) for natural selection to work." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4ie3n1
why do historians know so many intimate details about the greeks and the romans compared to virtually every other ancient civilization?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4ie3n1/eli5why_do_historians_know_so_many_intimate/
{ "a_id": [ "d2xau7y", "d2xaw32", "d2xawdm" ], "score": [ 9, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The simplest explanation...they built up empires strong enough to so spread out and conquer, left written records and artificacts that survived or have been copied through out history, and left crap all...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
2tq73d
why does israel keep providing hamas/palestinians with supplies?
_URL_0_ _URL_1_
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2tq73d/eli5_why_does_israel_keep_providing/
{ "a_id": [ "co1bhcp" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Israel as per international law is considered an occupying power. There are laws it has to abide by which Israel mostly refuses to and even when they do it's publicized in the form of 'aid' . Israel does the bare minimum to keep international out...
[]
[ "http://mfa.gov.il/MFA/ForeignPolicy/Peace/Humanitarian/Pages/Israeli-humanitarian-aid-continues-10-Jul-2014.aspx", "http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/190486" ]
[ [] ]
zouve
the popularity of tumblr
I remember BT mentioning Tumblr like a year or two ago and I thought nothing of it. Nowadays it seems to be THE blogging platform for younger people. Is it really this generations' LiveJournal? What is it that makes Tumblr that special? And do people actually make friends from it?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/zouve/eli5_the_popularity_of_tumblr/
{ "a_id": [ "c66hor0", "c66i09w" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "I used to go on it. \n\nIt is basically grouped like subreddits in a way.\nYou have your Harry Potter fans, your anorexics, your hipsters, your foodporn, your funny pictures, your quotes - anything.\n\nYou either post your o...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2d039v
how are lottery ticket vending machines legal if they can't id you?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2d039v/eli5_how_are_lottery_ticket_vending_machines/
{ "a_id": [ "cjkqa19", "cjkqbbs", "cjkqeav" ], "score": [ 8, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "You have to be 18 to claim the prize.", "Most have a means of checking your drivers license. This is actually annoying when you go to college where the machines won't always take your FL drivers li...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
etxwyu
why are flashback memories in movies and tv shows tinted in a warm, orang-ish color?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/etxwyu/eli5_why_are_flashback_memories_in_movies_and_tv/
{ "a_id": [ "ffj94my", "ffjb5sq", "ffjkhcl" ], "score": [ 8, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Well, they aren't orange in every movie, but i know the thing you're talking about. \n\n\nThe use of colors in movies is actually a really interesting psychological trick (I don't know if \"trick\" is ...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMJGgUvOcL8&feature=emb_title", "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAW09Jy48bM&feature=emb_title", "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAW09Jy48bM&feature=emb\\_title", "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMJGgUvOcL8&feature=emb\\_title" ], [], [] ]
3vjx64
how do the planets in our solar system stay distant from eachother if the reason they're in the solar system is by the suns gravitational pull?
Shouldn't they just all pull each other in and form a clusterfuck of a planet or something along the lines?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3vjx64/eli5_how_do_the_planets_in_our_solar_system_stay/
{ "a_id": [ "cxo4qrt", "cxo5hob" ], "score": [ 22, 12 ], "text": [ "They're not free to fall inwards because they are in orbit.\n\nImagine you throw a ball. It lands some way away. Ignoring atmosphere dragging at it, the harder you throw it, the further it goes, yes?\n\nNow imagine throwin...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3xvihj
how can a machine like a coffee maker heat up a room temperature liquid so quickly but a chilling effect can't be done as rapidly?
For instance, with beer. As far as I know, to old tried-and-true method of water, ice, and salt are the best option you have. Am I wrong?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3xvihj/eli5_how_can_a_machine_like_a_coffee_maker_heat/
{ "a_id": [ "cy853o2", "cy85bkg" ], "score": [ 8, 2 ], "text": [ "Cold and heat aren't really the same thing. Coldness is just the absence of energy; the more thermal energy you add to something, the more it heats up. Generating thermal energy is pretty easy, by lighting a fire, or using r...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
4e932e
why do colleges and even high schools emphasize plagiarism so much
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4e932e/eli5_why_do_colleges_and_even_high_schools/
{ "a_id": [ "d1y2liq", "d1y2osb", "d1y3w7r" ], "score": [ 6, 5, 3 ], "text": [ "The issue with plagiarism isn't that you're getting your ideas from elsewhere, it's that you're taking credit for those ideas and passing them off as your own (even if in some sense, they were). Sourcin...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
jq5uo
how do i gain muscle mass?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/jq5uo/eli5_how_do_i_gain_muscle_mass/
{ "a_id": [ "c2e848v", "c2e85n8", "c2e8ur7", "c2e94z1", "c2ea27g", "c2eb7r9", "c2e848v", "c2e85n8", "c2e8ur7", "c2e94z1", "c2ea27g", "c2eb7r9" ], "score": [ 2, 6, 3, 4, 2, 2, 2, 6, 3, 4, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Lift...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/Fitness" ], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/Fitness" ] ]
274tu4
does time past slower or faster on other planets?
I heard that gravity and velocity can affect the speed of time (I'm not exactly sure how and why) So does that mean that time is passing slower or faster on other planets?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/274tu4/eli5does_time_past_slower_or_faster_on_other/
{ "a_id": [ "chxe9tz" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Time passes slower inside a gravity well (looking at it from the outside), so if a planet has higher gravity (like Jupiter), it will pass slower there. This is true in an absolute sense: to someone looking from Jupiter, it would look like the res...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3pqjq1
when i'm feeling depressed, why do most attempts to "cheer me up" just make me more depressed?
Even ideas that I would otherwise find helpful can feel like reasons to compound my hopelessness. What's making my brain interpret then in that way?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3pqjq1/eli5_when_im_feeling_depressed_why_do_most/
{ "a_id": [ "cw8k7lf", "cw8kisb", "cw8kow3", "cw8kv5b" ], "score": [ 5, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "I've noticed that when people would give me the usual spiel about \"having so much to live for\", I'd hate it because it just seems so cliche to say that. Especially when it's some...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
4t4bdm
how is the amount of food stamps allocated to each person calculated?
I ran into some money troubles recently, and applied for food stamps. Yesterday, I got a letter saying I would get food stamps. Food stamps, in the amount of $56 a month. Fifty-six American dollars a *month*? Now, I'll take whatever help that I can get, I'm just confused as how this is seen as helpful. Any answers...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4t4bdm/eli5_how_is_the_amount_of_food_stamps_allocated/
{ "a_id": [ "d5eh3o6", "d5eh6jm", "d5f8oax" ], "score": [ 5, 17, 2 ], "text": [ "it depends on size of household and how much income you make. you can look at the list here. _URL_0_\n\nmax for one person is 194. since you are getting 56. it seems 138 is 30% of your net monthly...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/eligibility" ], [ "http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/sites/default/files/CostofFoodMay2016.pdf" ], [] ]
2fdwrx
why did dark-on-light win out over white-on-dark for default color schemes?
Way back in the day, it was always bright text on a dark screen and that's just how it was going to be. Eventually the paradigm shifted and I guess we decided to emulate print which was usually a light page with black ink for the text. With a brief googling, it looks like even the experts are still divided over which i...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2fdwrx/eli5_why_did_darkonlight_win_out_over_whiteondark/
{ "a_id": [ "ck8dxnq", "ck8f5q8" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "I'm going to guess 'print media' is a huge part...\n\nI much prefer white-on-dark, though. I stare at code for hours and hours, and just can't stand light backgrounds...\n", "I use night mode on RES and was really confus...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
e5kuq4
what are we trying to learn from particle accelerators/colliders?
I assume it has a lot to do with the Big Bang Theory and the creation of the universe. If that's the case and we accidentally find the right combination and collide the proper particles couldn't we, in theory, create a new universe?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/e5kuq4/eli5_what_are_we_trying_to_learn_from_particle/
{ "a_id": [ "f9ka62e", "f9kn3qu" ], "score": [ 4, 3 ], "text": [ "It’s only indirectly related to the Big Bang.\nWe learn about the properties of fundamental particles, it’s just that some of these particles would also have been created very soon after the Big Bang.\nWe can study these par...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
c8sr9v
what are the fundamental differences between face lotion, body lotion, foot cream, daily moisturizer, night cream, etc.??
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/c8sr9v/eli5_what_are_the_fundamental_differences_between/
{ "a_id": [ "espop72", "espzkdj", "esq60t5", "esqa8iw", "esqb7kk", "esqbdkh", "esqd19f", "esqe2qw", "esqh3n7", "esqip9x", "esqs5nk", "esqv6b2", "esr89ja", "esrbhm2", "esrbz54", "esrj58j", "esrkad9", "esrzcmh", "ess2twf", "essfj8z" ], ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NFOYRQEDbs" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
6379du
why does saying or pretending to be confident, happy or relaxed eventually make you feel that way?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6379du/eli5_why_does_saying_or_pretending_to_be/
{ "a_id": [ "dfrtc8y" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "It goes along with the saying “fake it til you make it.” If you tell yourself you're going to act or feel a certain way, eventually it'll happen." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
6p7yi8
why do people catch a cold being under an ac draft while people living in cold countries don't?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6p7yi8/eli5_why_do_people_catch_a_cold_being_under_an_ac/
{ "a_id": [ "dkn8w49", "dkn8yc5", "dkn9w5i" ], "score": [ 9, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "The common cold is a virus - you cannot get a cold from being cold. There's the possibility that if you're sitting under a vent that is circulating air around a building that you'd be breathing in germs...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1tvap7
why could we not grasp the concept of an 8 day week?
I want to know why we couldn't create the 8 day week. 5 work days and 3 rest days? I understand this adds days to the year and messes with the timing of seasons and holidays and such and the nature of the roation of our planet, revolution around the sun and all that but this all seems to be based on the religious conce...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1tvap7/eli5_why_could_we_not_grasp_the_concept_of_an_8/
{ "a_id": [ "cebsh35" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Sounds great, but the capitalist mode of production demands a high work to rest ratio in order to function. Workers all over the world have fought and died for a more humane workload since the dawn of the industrial revolution." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5f9u9t
how are 100s to 1000s of surveillance cameras operated by corporations, universities, and the government?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5f9u9t/eli5_how_are_100s_to_1000s_of_surveillance/
{ "a_id": [ "daimf2s", "dainjoq", "dainmd6", "dajd3hd" ], "score": [ 6, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Usually, hundreds of cameras can be run by one person. Or, hundreds of cameras can be run by ZERO people!\n\nSecurity cameras usually dump their video into some form of automated s...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panopticon" ] ]
4udgxw
what happens when i reply to an email account such as donotreply@company.com?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4udgxw/eli5_what_happens_when_i_reply_to_an_email/
{ "a_id": [ "d5ozpu6", "d5ozvs6" ], "score": [ 5, 3 ], "text": [ "The email probably gets thrown away or put somewhere where no human will ever read it. They call it 'donotreply' so that you don't email them there and instead go find an email meant for two way communication. They set thei...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
pmo6g
why red bull is bad for your health. or any energy drink for that matter.
Lots of people tell me i'll catch a stroke or something heart related. I figure it to be true since its banned in some places. But what's the deal, for real?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/pmo6g/eli5_why_red_bull_is_bad_for_your_health_or_any/
{ "a_id": [ "c3qkq78", "c3qlixv", "c3qqsb2" ], "score": [ 2, 5, 3 ], "text": [ "It is like drinking a soda with extra stimulant and more vitamins than you need. It has all of the ill effects associated with those things but it isn't as bad as people make it out.", "Red Bull ten...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
7zhl49
how do fetuses get rid of waste?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7zhl49/eli5_how_do_fetuses_get_rid_of_waste/
{ "a_id": [ "duo1cpm", "duo2o49" ], "score": [ 8, 2 ], "text": [ "Through the placenta and the placental chord into the moms systems except for the little bit of bowel matter that becomes the meconium, the first stool usually passed shortly after birth. If the meconium passes while the bab...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
32arww
why liquor bottles need a special pour spout?
Why can't you pour it from the open bottle why do you need that cork with spout? Same with oil and vinegar?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/32arww/eli5_why_liquor_bottles_need_a_special_pour_spout/
{ "a_id": [ "cq9grju", "cq9gsrg", "cq9gtu8" ], "score": [ 2, 9, 3 ], "text": [ "it allows air flow to be consistent so that the liquid doesn't chug. otherwise the air and the liquid would alternate entering and exiting the bottle, creating the chugging. With the cap, this doesn't h...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
4dj1f0
why is it so difficult to support crossfire/sli? afr seems like such a simple concept
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4dj1f0/eli5_why_is_it_so_difficult_to_support/
{ "a_id": [ "d1rf5o1", "d1rfast" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Various things but predominantly they're discrete cards as much as people like to think of them as linked. For instance, you put something in VRAM on GPU0 it may not be directly accessible to GPU1.\n\nBasically it's hard t...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
32xsb2
why is "everything but country" such a popular taste in music? nobody says they like "everything but rock". is this just a bias against country, or is it objectively distinct from rock, metal, pop, rap, etc.?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/32xsb2/eli5_why_is_everything_but_country_such_a_popular/
{ "a_id": [ "cqflxee", "cqflxy8", "cqfm9su", "cqfmfdt", "cqfmpca", "cqfmpsm", "cqfnb0w", "cqfnjes", "cqfqgim", "cqfrdeu", "cqftted", "cqfw13n", "cqfwauf", "cqfwdts", "cqfwey1", "cqfwvnh", "cqfwx6q", "cqfwzas", "cqfx0a1", "cqfx1m4", "c...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LD3DY7z-I8o" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
2p5f0b
how does reddit prevent spam so well?
I've only been using reddit for about a year now, but I can't recall once seeing on of those "I make x amount a month at home! Click here!" type posts. I know that reddit has spam filters that help with this, but so do many other sites that still get filled with spam. What makes them so different? And why don't other c...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2p5f0b/eli5how_does_reddit_prevent_spam_so_well/
{ "a_id": [ "cmtj0so", "cmtkh64" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "They dont advertise as much as facebook and other sites. Pretty sure it might have to do with the amount of moderators and the simple coding of the site itself.", "Because there are literally so may reposts that there is...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2s7s4l
why is it that when something surprising happens, our eyes widen?
I dropped an egg last night and I noticed my itty bitty little asian eyes open just a bit wider...What causes this? are my eyes opening to analyse the situation better or what?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2s7s4l/eli5why_is_it_that_when_something_surprising/
{ "a_id": [ "cnmz332" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "You've got the right idea. Your eyes are trying to take in as much information as possible in order to assess the legitimacy of threat. So your eye lids spread wider... but also your pupils will widen to take in more information and you stop focu...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5wsofv
what's the benefit of providing education credits and free choice of education for underprivileged children?
I have a hard time understanding how this helps those in need.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5wsofv/eli5_whats_the_benefit_of_providing_education/
{ "a_id": [ "decq3d5", "decq43a", "decqdmw" ], "score": [ 6, 4, 5 ], "text": [ "It doesn't. Betsy Devoss is full of it. She's unqualified and frankly unhinged. Just yesterday, she put out a press release claiming that racial segregation gave black children \"more choice\".", ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
etzqh5
do presidents, governors and other elected officials get any training after they win an election?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/etzqh5/eli5_do_presidents_governors_and_other_elected/
{ "a_id": [ "ffjlg0f", "ffjllcx", "ffjq7xu", "ffjrvz9", "ffjy33t" ], "score": [ 33, 7, 7, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "They *should* have a transition team that helps pass down information and lessons learned (tips and strategies) to the new person's staff, since generally a ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://www.rollcall.com/news/politics/new-member-orientation-2018" ], [], [] ]
ngyo0
how the graphics card works, and how the clock frequency and the video ram come into play to how good it is
Like, the only way I'd know whether or not a GPU is good would be if someone did a benchmark on it, and even then I'd need for it to have a comparison. For instance, when I was searching for a Laptop, I wanted a PC with a nice GPU, and when I found one, I easily found a benchmark for it [I mean a comparison like this]...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ngyo0/eli5_how_the_graphics_card_works_and_how_the/
{ "a_id": [ "c391b63", "c392nk6", "c391b63", "c392nk6" ], "score": [ 6, 2, 6, 2 ], "text": [ "I haven't researched hardware specifics in a long time, but I can tell you what I know from the last time I built a gaming computer. Also, try asking this over at /r/buildapc as we...
[]
[ "http://www.notebookcheck.net/AMD-Radeon-HD-6770M.43955.0.html" ]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
4rurv1
how can an officer prove there was intent to break the law when giving a ticket?
Could one reasonably fight something like a speeding ticket with the argument "I wasn't aware I was speeding." or "I wasn't aware what the speed limit was." How would you prove there was an intention to break the law in that instance?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4rurv1/eli5_how_can_an_officer_prove_there_was_intent_to/
{ "a_id": [ "d548ols", "d548wu3", "d54a3dx", "d54bdlw", "d54dhtd" ], "score": [ 2, 10, 16, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Ignorance of the law or of the situation does not absolve responsibility. Nor does intent.", "Some laws, like murder, require intent to be proven in a ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
23uup7
the development of language in human evolution
Edit: would just like to add, I know in general there is no unanimous answer and that it has been regarded as "the hardest question in science". I guess what I'm looking for is a simple enough timeline of events, a mixture of all theories summarised and events which occurred that possibly aided the development of lan...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/23uup7/eli5_the_development_of_language_in_human/
{ "a_id": [ "ch0sddw" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The answer is no one knows. The problem is that, unlike writing, there's no evidence left behind of when people learnt to speak or how.\n\nThere are many theories. The academic study of this subject really dates back to 1861, when Max Müller prop...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Origin_of_language" ] ]
5puo3c
using electrolysis to remove rust, how does this work?
So about a month ago my dad ran across a YouTube video of someone explaining how to remove rust off of old motorcycle parts and they were using a method called electrolysis. I have built my own tank and I am absolutely amazed at the results! So tell it to me like I'm 5, how does this work?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5puo3c/eli5_using_electrolysis_to_remove_rust_how_does/
{ "a_id": [ "dctztin", "dcu0fmd", "dcu2pno" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "The parts you free from rust exchange ions with the other electrode you are using to get rid of the oxygen that forms the Iron oxide (rust). If you want it in more details \"like i'm 5\" won't quite wor...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
2ycdhl
what makes coffee a neutral smell?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ycdhl/eli5_what_makes_coffee_a_neutral_smell/
{ "a_id": [ "cp87d00", "cp88sne" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "I don't think it is. I know quite a few people who think coffee smells bad.", "It isn't, coffee is strong & distinct.\n\nif you're smelling wine or perfume, you want to \"clear\" your sense of smell by smelling someth...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
zcm4f
why don't jehova's witnesses take blood?
A guy at my door tried to explain it one time but he didn't make any sense to me.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/zcm4f/why_dont_jehovas_witnesses_take_blood/
{ "a_id": [ "c63eok5" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "They believe that the verse in the Bible telling you not to consume blood applies to getting transfusions as well." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
43m0rg
how can white be described as the absence of color?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/43m0rg/eli5_how_can_white_be_described_as_the_absence_of/
{ "a_id": [ "czj6tkp", "czj80vm", "czjeybo" ], "score": [ 24, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "White is the presence of all colors, where black is the absence of all colors, so to answer your question it can't. ", "White light is all colours.\n\nA white solid is no colour, and therefore ref...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
2acrvm
why do i enjoy small amounts of pain, especially from poking at my gums or biting my inner mouth areas?
I find myself, almost daily, poking my gums with a toothpick or other objects with a pointy edge. Often I'll poke until my gums bleed because I enjoy the sensation, even though it causes pain. There are times when I'll bite the inside of my mouth below my lip or on my cheeks because of a similar pleasure/pain sensation...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2acrvm/eli5_why_do_i_enjoy_small_amounts_of_pain/
{ "a_id": [ "citqk4d", "citrynh" ], "score": [ 35, 5 ], "text": [ "Endorphins are released every time we are injured. Endorphins act as natural painkillers similar to morphine. \n\nThis is evolutionarily advantageous because when we get injured, we don't want to be wallowing in pain in a s...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
bbvt5o
why is there no way to get feedback about why you didn’t get the job?
I wish there was some way to get feedback after job interviews about why one was not chosen. Why can’t we live in world where it would be ok for hiring people to say candidate was unqualified or candidate was qualified but only one person seemed to gel with our team in just the right way?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bbvt5o/eli5_why_is_there_no_way_to_get_feedback_about/
{ "a_id": [ "eklv0ot", "eklv11p", "eklv2og", "eklzpqr", "ekmsmvn" ], "score": [ 4, 8, 3, 10, 3 ], "text": [ "I regularly conduct interviews in the engineering / environmental / science area and would always be happy to provide feedback.\n\nAsking for feedback shows ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
794erc
why do doctors use analog scales (like manual adjusting) and blood pressure cuffs vs. digital, perhaps more precise ways of measuring?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/794erc/eli5_why_do_doctors_use_analog_scales_like_manual/
{ "a_id": [ "doz1797", "doz1x0o" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "They already own the scales and they are pretty accurate. The cuff applies pressure to your arm and they are trained to listen to your pulse through the stethoscope to determine the systolic and dialastolic pressures as they...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1klq18
how accelerometers work
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1klq18/eli5how_accelerometers_work/
{ "a_id": [ "cbq7nhb", "cbq7sq4", "cbqahwj", "cbqb4dh", "cbqbjxd", "cbqtorn" ], "score": [ 13, 5, 15, 3, 6, 3 ], "text": [ "There are many different ways to make an accelerometer! Some accelerometers use the piezoelectric effect - they contain microscopic cr...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZVgKu6v808" ], [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proper_acceleration" ] ]
3fja6w
are tesla electric cars actually more environmentally friendly when the battery disposal is taken into account?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3fja6w/eli5_are_tesla_electric_cars_actually_more/
{ "a_id": [ "ctp3ye3", "ctp5bna", "ctp7kzr" ], "score": [ 16, 7, 2 ], "text": [ "If you would throw away the battery afterwards probably not, but Tesla plans on collecting and recycling them.", "Tesla has a trade in program to keep batteries from being thrown away. Luckily the ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
dj8eku
why do poured liquids seem to be narrower at the bottom then the top?
Sorry if this has been asked before, but why does a liquid stream seem to narrow when poured?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dj8eku/eli5_why_do_poured_liquids_seem_to_be_narrower_at/
{ "a_id": [ "f427zdi", "f429m9j" ], "score": [ 3, 16 ], "text": [ "The liquid is pushed wide by passing over the lip of the container, but in free fall the surface tension can pull it into the smallest surface area configuration, a cylinder and then separate drops. That narrows the stream....
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1optzh
things i should know about when owning a credit card.
Stuff like APR, any vocabulary associated with the credit card and etc. I have a Bank of America Credit Card if anyone is wondering.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1optzh/eli5_things_i_should_know_about_when_owning_a/
{ "a_id": [ "ccuchic", "ccucqr5", "ccuf0mh", "ccufgip", "ccuw98n" ], "score": [ 4, 4, 3, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "First and foremost: Understand how they change interest. Most credit cards have a grace period after each purchase to pay it off without incurring interest c...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.efunda.com/formulae/finance/apr_solver.cfm" ], [], [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Credit_CARD_Act_of_2009" ] ]
13iy41
how is 67 trillion dollars in "shadow banking" a real thing? is this real money? how does this affect the world?
[Here is a link](_URL_0_) to a Reuters article about what I'm talking about. Really I don't get this. And fundamentally, what is shadow banking?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/13iy41/eli5_how_is_67_trillion_dollars_in_shadow_banking/
{ "a_id": [ "c74g7ul", "c79f995" ], "score": [ 58, 2 ], "text": [ "Its value not actual money.\nAll the money in the world amounts to around 60 Trillion US dollars.\nBut that is just money, not taxable value.\nThings like real estate is an example of value that is taxed with no actual mone...
[]
[ "http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/18/shadow-banking-regulation-idUSL5E8MI6F320121118" ]
[ [], [ "http://dealbreaker.com/2012/11/shadow-banking-system-is-back-down-to-about-half-the-size-of-regular-banking-system/" ] ]
2tgxj8
what, exactly, does it mean when someone is "forced to resign"?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2tgxj8/eli5_what_exactly_does_it_mean_when_someone_is/
{ "a_id": [ "cnyxzsw", "cnyyzzt" ], "score": [ 7, 2 ], "text": [ "It means they were told they would be fired if they didn't resign.", "Resigning may allow the individual to cash out earned time off and sick leave, along with any agreed upon salary or hours worked, whereas termination ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
676utz
the earth has 7 billion humans. humans produce c02. could this be a reason why our c02 levels are so high? if no, why not?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/676utz/eli5_the_earth_has_7_billion_humans_humans/
{ "a_id": [ "dgo5nxv", "dgo5snt", "dgo5tdf", "dgo88vc", "dgo8n3w" ], "score": [ 20, 2, 12, 3, 7 ], "text": [ "Humans, on a biological level, produce a very very very tiny percentage the worldwide CO2 production even if other human sources of CO2 (such as fossil fuel...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Oxygenation_Event" ], [], [ "https://www.co2.earth/global-co2-emissions", "https://www.globe.gov/explore-science/scientists-blog/archived-posts/sciblog/index.html_p=183.html" ] ]
2r77gd
why are so many films in bollywood romances but 90% of the country still does arranged marriages?
I guess I could see the point of it being a "fantasy" because it rarely happens...much like our romances I suppose, but it seems to be a lot larger than here in the US.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2r77gd/eli5why_are_so_many_films_in_bollywood_romances/
{ "a_id": [ "cnd33li", "cnd3bmq", "cnd4e1a" ], "score": [ 16, 7, 4 ], "text": [ "Maybe that is exactly why they make those movies. Just going on a limp here, but it could very well be a form of escapism, just like zombie and apocalypse movies are an escapism genre for the west. (Ju...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
62gq1q
why can black always get darker?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/62gq1q/eli5_why_can_black_always_get_darker/
{ "a_id": [ "dfmeq4t" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "Dark is just a measure of how much light is absorbed. There is only one thing that reflects 0% of light that we know of. A black hole is the absolute darkest you can get. " ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
biwhec
if spotify and apple music generate so little money for musicians, why do so many of them participate in it? even with the loss from piracy, surely it would be better for taylor swift or moby or ac/dc to just take in the money from regular sales as they did before.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/biwhec/eli5_if_spotify_and_apple_music_generate_so/
{ "a_id": [ "em3lhla", "em3ltcy", "em3ma2y", "em3nhl5", "em3p01p", "em45yqy" ], "score": [ 8, 3, 4, 30, 14, 3 ], "text": [ "What regular sales? Selling CDs? There is no other option for music distribution for them to use. \n\nInstead real money is made from ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
3mqowz
difference between shaver, trimmer, clipper and epilator.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3mqowz/eli5_difference_between_shaver_trimmer_clipper/
{ "a_id": [ "cvhb9ha" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "A shaver will cut the hair at the skin level leaving a smooth surface.\n\nA trimmers and clippers are designed to cut the hair away from the surface of the skin. The primary difference is a trimmer tends to be smaller and designed to trim shorter...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1ygz85
why are there so many riots at the time?
Everyday i hear more about a new country where riots started. Syria, Egypt, Ukraine and now in Venezuela. Am i now becoming aware of them or why do they start everywhere?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ygz85/eli5why_are_there_so_many_riots_at_the_time/
{ "a_id": [ "cfkfw8t" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ " > Syria, Egypt, Ukraine and now in Venezuela. Am i now becoming aware of them or why do they start everywhere?\n\nSyria and Egypt has been going on for a couple of years now (tho Egypt has been \"on and off\" a bit). I am not quite sure about V...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2bmais
how do cyber criminals get away with transferring money out of a bank account without a trace of where it went?
When an individual or company's bank account is hacked and money is sent to another bank how do the hackers get away with anonymously withdrawing the money or transferring them to another bank account without a trace? Shouldn't there be a record of what accounts the money went to and who withdrew the money? I've often...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2bmais/eli5_how_do_cyber_criminals_get_away_with/
{ "a_id": [ "cj6pqb0", "cj6r2bw" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "A bank is actually a very unattractive target for a cyber criminal, banks are one of the few companies who care enough about software security to have dedicated security expert teams constantly probing their online systems l...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
56g58h
is it possible to browse the internet with what is effectively complete anonymity, and if so how?
Hi all, apologies if this isn't the best place to post this - please let me know a better place if so. I'm curious what you all have to say about the possibility of absolute anonymity regarding browsing the internet and/or online activity in general. As a side note, here is a quick video with one person's view that ...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/56g58h/eli5_is_it_possible_to_browse_the_internet_with/
{ "a_id": [ "d8j132c", "d8j2479" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Well there is a difference between effective anonymity and absolute anonymity. \n\nYou can achieve effective anonymity fairly easily by using any combination of proxy servers, VPN tunnels, and/or darknet services like Tor. \...
[]
[ "https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XYmfoovHj2Y" ]
[ [], [] ]
9txu2k
why do some songs that have features in them not list the other artists in the title?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9txu2k/eli5_why_do_some_songs_that_have_features_in_them/
{ "a_id": [ "e90vec2", "e92wkcx" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Not an expert here, but sad to see an empty comment section! \nI think it has to do with negotiations between the artists/their representatives, possibly how involved the featured artist was in the process, how big they are,...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
23m2w5
what's the difference between a broadway and an off-broadway live production? what makes a production a broadway?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/23m2w5/eli5_whats_the_difference_between_a_broadway_and/
{ "a_id": [ "cgybc7s", "cgybn1y" ], "score": [ 2, 8 ], "text": [ "If it's in a Broadway theater (literally a theater on Broadway in NYC) then it's a Broadway show.", "Broadway theaters are the largest, seating 500+. Off Broadway seat 100-499. Off off Broadway seat less than 100. There ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
4ks664
if my dog (or another animal) is looking directly at a camera when it flashes - does it temporarily stun their eyesight like it does to humans?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4ks664/eli5_if_my_dog_or_another_animal_is_looking/
{ "a_id": [ "d3hdlnw" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Sure does. Some asshole did it to a penguin after our guide specifically told us not to use flash on the Penguins. Post-flash it just stood there in utter confusion for about a minute, before scampering away up the hill. \n\nEdit: I should clarif...
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[]
[ [] ]
7rzsso
how do shopping carts "hit the brakes" when you get too far from the store?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7rzsso/eli5how_do_shopping_carts_hit_the_brakes_when_you/
{ "a_id": [ "dt0tu7s", "dt0u3qr", "dt0vzwy", "dt0zss1" ], "score": [ 5, 13, 25, 2 ], "text": [ "A cable is embedded underground around the perimeter of the store (or where they want to allow the carts). When a cart passes over them, it signals the locking mechanism to enga...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
so0fx
why did the pilgrims come to america?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/so0fx/why_did_the_pilgrims_come_to_america/
{ "a_id": [ "c4fjta1", "c4fk3l1", "c4fl19v", "c4fmba9", "c4fnbbf", "c4fva7w" ], "score": [ 2, 8, 26, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "They came to America because Europe was not pious enough in their eyes.", "Pilgrims came to America because in England, the king ma...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
ald3s0
why does reflected sunlight sometimes feel warmer than direct sunlight?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ald3s0/eli5_why_does_reflected_sunlight_sometimes_feel/
{ "a_id": [ "efcy2pq", "efcy7ok", "efdbm5o" ], "score": [ 8, 2, 6 ], "text": [ "If you’re in the sun and get hit with reflected sun it’s like being in more sun so it’s warmer. ", "Think about taking a hot shower. When you have the doors closed to the bathroom, and there’s no co...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
5xxq8b
how is that penguins ever managed to survive?
This may seem a bit odd or irrelevant but I ask this after watching a documentary on Penguins and they are real clumsy ass dudes. I just watched footage of them being so incredibly clumsy that they basically fell into the mouth of a killer whale. They don't seem particularly smart either (though I have no idea on the m...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5xxq8b/eli5_how_is_that_penguins_ever_managed_to_survive/
{ "a_id": [ "delnyp4", "delo74s" ], "score": [ 7, 3 ], "text": [ "As an Irishman, we say God looks out for drinks and fools, and we usually qualify for both.....so I'm guessing he has a soft spot for a bird that exists only to feed walrusses", "the same way all prey survives their pred...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
bmq64t
why is it safe to eat some raw fish?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bmq64t/eli5_why_is_it_safe_to_eat_some_raw_fish/
{ "a_id": [ "emyq0vx", "emyqfcd", "emyqfew" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 4 ], "text": [ "Fish intended to be consumed raw is typically frozen almost immediately after catch and kept at a temperature to inhibit bacterial growth. Most of the parasites that might be in fish meat are typically ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://youtu.be/9aoTr9CbHew" ], [] ]
1179ll
the work of the 2012 nobel prize in physics winners.
Thanks!
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1179ll/eli5_the_work_of_the_2012_nobel_prize_in_physics/
{ "a_id": [ "c6jz0xj", "c6jz1im", "c6k1a8c", "c6k310r", "c6k5biq", "c6k5vg5", "c6k7inr", "c6k9t5b" ], "score": [ 327, 24, 5, 2, 3, 37, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "There's these things called quantum particles, which are really really small and are ver...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GD43mcHM2i8", "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmxpUFxHlGg" ], [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/10zb2e/eli5_schroedingers_cat_is_alive/", "http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/10zb2e/eli5_schroedingers_cat_is_alive/c6hxlih...
17egv6
why do i always wake up with dry mouth or need water at night?
I also found if I take an antihistamine (Reactine), it seems to help.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/17egv6/why_do_i_always_wake_up_with_dry_mouth_or_need/
{ "a_id": [ "c84qn0j" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "When you breathe there is moisture in your breath. This moisture is coming from your throat and mouth. When you breathe through your nose there are special organs that will trap the moisture and retain it. But, when you breathe through your mouth...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1s43od
why is rabbit not readily available at your grocery store if they taste good and are quick to breed?
People have eaten bunnies for thousands of years, but in modern times, they seem to have slipped out of the everyday diet. How come you can go to the grocery store and easily get chicken, turkey, fish, etc., but not rabbit? Why isn't rabbit a more commonly raised meat?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1s43od/eli5_why_is_rabbit_not_readily_available_at_your/
{ "a_id": [ "cdtpf5n", "cdtpfr8", "cdtr03f", "cdtr0ko", "cdtrgyg" ], "score": [ 7, 2, 5, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "It's because the USDA doesn't require rabbits to be inspected, so some states won't allow stores to sell it. That's also the reason you don't see more wild ga...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "http://i.imgur.com/BfjNcZO.png" ], [] ]
fv1v53
if humans know stuff by instinct i.e. babies sucking a teet for milk, why can't more information be given to us in this way?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fv1v53/eli5_if_humans_know_stuff_by_instinct_ie_babies/
{ "a_id": [ "fmfy6ny", "fmfzbe9", "fmg4bhb" ], "score": [ 28, 7, 8 ], "text": [ "Because it’s not essential for survival and/or too complex. Instinctive behaviors have a survival value; babies who didn’t have suck reflex didn’t survive. They are not behaviors that are transmitted b...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://ssl.adam.com/graphics/images/en/9696.jpg" ] ]
33q0b5
how can u.s. police forces and marshall's seize enormous amounts of personal cash and property without due process without being immediately challenged for violating the 4th amendment?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/33q0b5/eli5_how_can_us_police_forces_and_marshalls_seize/
{ "a_id": [ "cqn9n5v", "cqn9nnu", "cqneowv", "cqng7qq", "cqnhb63", "cqnksxz" ], "score": [ 47, 19, 5, 4, 5, 7 ], "text": [ "Be civil forfeiture laws were written so they can charge your property with a crime not you. Your property doesn't have rights. ", ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
5a4l3e
in an air conditioner, why does it require energy to literally take energy out of the air?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5a4l3e/eli5_in_an_air_conditioner_why_does_it_require/
{ "a_id": [ "d9dn1je", "d9dob3k", "d9dodws" ], "score": [ 18, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "You're not just taking it out of the air, you're taking it to one place and putting it in another, typically a hotter one. Hot air normally wants to go from hot areas to cold ones, to get to equilibriu...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnot_cycle" ], [] ]
4ruogw
why does your brain not mute chronic pain?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4ruogw/eli5why_does_your_brain_not_mute_chronic_pain/
{ "a_id": [ "d548bqb" ], "score": [ 12 ], "text": [ "Pain serves a purpose, it exists to limit further damage, and anything which 'removes pain' is a very risky proposition. If you're ignorant of damage, you may continue to damage yourself, and that can be anything from inconvenient to deadly.\n\n...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4hnq6z
if you touch a live wire without touching the ground, will electricity go through your body, will you get an electric shock?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4hnq6z/eli5_if_you_touch_a_live_wire_without_touching/
{ "a_id": [ "d2r3vbf" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Electrical engineer here. Short answer no. You have to complete the circuit whether it be earth ground or a chassis common. This is why you disconnect the negative terminal on your car battery first, why high power/voltage technicians can work on...
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[]
[ [] ]
3e4z18
why do people associate the phases of the moon with giving birth?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3e4z18/eli5_why_do_people_associate_the_phases_of_the/
{ "a_id": [ "ctbjiji" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Fertility is associated with the moon because *menstrual cycles* (whose name shares roots with *moon*) are about the same length as the moon's cycles.\n\nThis led people to imagine there might be a link between moon phases and childbirth. [There ...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://health.howstuffworks.com/pregnancy-and-parenting/pregnancy/labor-delivery/births-full-moon.htm" ] ]
2yy3mq
just got back from dubai and can't understand where it gets all its money?
The whole city is brand new and basically the future. How did Dubai afford this and why can't other cities replicate it?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2yy3mq/eli5_just_got_back_from_dubai_and_cant_understand/
{ "a_id": [ "cpe0qqa", "cpe0sf0", "cpe0w9n" ], "score": [ 6, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Oil money and slave labor can do some amazing things. Once the oil money started pushing the city up real estate and construction started to take over as everyone wanted a piece of this city that has be...
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[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dubai" ], [] ]
7k3662
why is sex pleasurable and yet childbirth is incredibly painful? [likely to be nsfw]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7k3662/eli5_why_is_sex_pleasurable_and_yet_childbirth_is/
{ "a_id": [ "drb7je2", "drb7ks4" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Sex drive is something all animals share. It's a basic, instinctual thing. Being able to even *understand* that there's a link between sex and childbirth is a uniquely human thing. Millions of years of evolution aren't go...
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aiaj8q
how can does pressure points work, and how can they relieve things such as anxiety and stress?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/aiaj8q/eli5_how_can_does_pressure_points_work_and_how/
{ "a_id": [ "eema17n", "eemb5lo", "eeorv2q" ], "score": [ 4, 6, 2 ], "text": [ "Your question assumes “pressure points” somehow “work. “ are you referring to acupressure which I believe lacks ... evidence? I’m worried your question is a non-sequitur. ", "pressure points are jus...
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[ [], [], [] ]
8gk1t3
how do authorities catch people who have been caught in surveillance even if the quality was too low to identify the suspect?
Let’s say there were no witnesses involved, yet in some cases they are able to catch the criminal.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8gk1t3/eli5_how_do_authorities_catch_people_who_have/
{ "a_id": [ "dycchw0" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Surveillance isn't like TV, they don't do facial recognition and run it against all the driver's licenses in the state, most of the time.\n\nIn an area, you have a limited number of potential folks you could identify. You find characteristics, l...
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s49hq
what are the differences (if any) between cispa and sopa and why isn't there a huge outcry again?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/s49hq/eli5_what_are_the_differences_if_any_between/
{ "a_id": [ "c4ayafx", "c4b0eop", "c4b35bw", "c4b56n4" ], "score": [ 48, 5, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Funnily enough, I was just in the middle of reading [this article](_URL_0_) on Lifehacker. Some exerpts:\n\n > If passed, CISPA would amend the National Security Act of 1947 to al...
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[ [ "http://lifehacker.com/5900962/why-microsoft-and-facebook-are-pro%20cispa-but-anti%20sopa" ], [], [], [] ]
2kmgvs
eli 5 : why does the brain/mouth sometimes swap the first letter of two words? ie. saying cetch the surve instead of sketch the curve
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2kmgvs/eli_5_why_does_the_brainmouth_sometimes_swap_the/
{ "a_id": [ "clmolib" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Because the representations in the brain greatly overlap. 'Sss' and 'Shh' are both stored in the brain as front-of-the-tongue sounds, and 'c' sounds can be 's' sounds at times, for example, so the brain confuses these more often than sounds that ...
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5axu9l
why do rooms have ambient noise? what exactly am i hearing?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5axu9l/eli5_why_do_rooms_have_ambient_noise_what_exactly/
{ "a_id": [ "d9k6vqk", "d9k74z1" ], "score": [ 11, 5 ], "text": [ "The air conditioner/heater vents can rumble.\n\nSome lighting, especially office lights, have a \"ballast\" which can produce a buzz.", "The walls have water pipes in them that make noise. The heating or AC makes noise...
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4w7vz6
why does the united states spend such an obscene amount of money on the military, but not on its education system?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4w7vz6/eli5_why_does_the_united_states_spend_such_an/
{ "a_id": [ "d64qwo1", "d64rhu7" ], "score": [ 4, 3 ], "text": [ "Part of it is the fact that the military is what allows us to be the Super power in the world. Without the strong military we would not be capable of living the life with the access to resources that we have and freedom of m...
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[ [], [] ]
3lqhn9
do high-pitched sounds hurt my hearing?
E.g [the Mosquito alarm](_URL_0_). I get a creepy sensation when I hear the sound, but does it physically hurt my eardrum?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3lqhn9/eli5do_highpitched_sounds_hurt_my_hearing/
{ "a_id": [ "cv8hu0v" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The louder the sound, the more it can damage your ear. However, the pitch does not affect it. In fact, if you keep increasing the pitch on a sound it will get to the point where you can no longer hear it. \n\nHowever, higher pitch means more soun...
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[ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKl_sTh0oHE" ]
[ [] ]
44ddkz
docker
_URL_0_ - Does not compute with me. I need an explanation without apples and bananas analogues, please.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/44ddkz/eli5_docker/
{ "a_id": [ "czpfe8b" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "It is meant to help running a software that is delivered from a maker, to a runner. The maker, is the guys who made the software from programming to a bunch of runnable files. The runner, is the guys who intend to start this software and use it f...
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[ "https://www.docker.com/" ]
[ [] ]
18uc2p
if flowers have adapted to be pretty, to spread their seeds, then why are the prettiest ones usually more rare?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/18uc2p/eli5_if_flowers_have_adapted_to_be_pretty_to/
{ "a_id": [ "c8i1l6i", "c8i1mew" ], "score": [ 5, 5 ], "text": [ "You first assumption that flowers are adapted to be pretty is false.", "Because humans are not the ones they have adapted to. Most flowers adapt not for spreading seeds, but for attracting pollinators. Flowers are vibr...
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4t9fsa
how is everything in earth's orbit free falling, and how does it always miss earth?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4t9fsa/eli5_how_is_everything_in_earths_orbit_free/
{ "a_id": [ "d5fkpzn" ], "score": [ 10 ], "text": [ "_URL_0_\n\nIf you shoot a cannon horizontal to the ground, the shell falls to the ground, eventually.\n\nBut - if you give the cannonball enough speed and height to fall from, it'll keep \"falling off the edge\". Essentially - orbit. \n\nBeing i...
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[ [ "https://perseshow.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/canon.png" ] ]
k7w7w
when i squint my eyes at a bright light, it seems to break into thin beams and look like a star
I'm sure many people do this, it works best with small, bright lights.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/k7w7w/eli5_when_i_squint_my_eyes_at_a_bright_light_it/
{ "a_id": [ "c2i65ev", "c2i7wh7", "c2i65ev", "c2i7wh7" ], "score": [ 10, 4, 10, 4 ], "text": [ "This is my first ELI5 so it might not be good, but here goes.\n\nThe photography concept that will help explain it is the idea of a star filter. it looks like this:\n\n_URL_1_\n\...
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[ [ "http://p.lefux.com/61/20091104/A1274000CT/InsetImage/MASSA-77mm-4-Cross-Point-Star-Lens-Filter_4.jpg", "http://www.cs.mtu.edu/~shene/DigiCam/User-Guide/filter/cross.jpg" ], [], [ "http://p.lefux.com/61/20091104/A1274000CT/InsetImage/MASSA-77mm-4-Cross-Point-Star-Lens-Filter_4.jpg", "http://...
4vdj73
why are the nominees for major political parties entitled to intelligence briefings by the cia?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4vdj73/eli5why_are_the_nominees_for_major_political/
{ "a_id": [ "d5xh14x", "d5xk2cg", "d5xuzno" ], "score": [ 13, 25, 4 ], "text": [ "The CIA is a government agency with a practical job to do. If they decide that informing certain people of certain facts will make their job easier, they can do so.\n\nThe limitation is that some gove...
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[ [], [], [] ]
820a9y
i just heard that there is absolutely no way to be anonymous on the internet - is this true? is there a way to make sure that no one knows who you are on the internet?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/820a9y/eli5_i_just_heard_that_there_is_absolutely_no_way/
{ "a_id": [ "dv6i01l" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Somebody knows, or can know, who you are. It all depends on who you're trying to hide your identity from. Hiding from your Mom's review of your browser history is not the same as hiding from the NSA.\n\nIf you use the internet from home, your I...
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5rk2jv
what are "sovereign citizens"? i've heard the term a couple times and see it online but don't really understand what they are and how they work
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5rk2jv/eli5_what_are_sovereign_citizens_ive_heard_the/
{ "a_id": [ "dd7v69s", "dd7xn0t", "dd83l5m", "dd882na", "dd8aurf", "dd8efzw", "dd97i3t" ], "score": [ 37, 11, 2, 15, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Basically it is a semi-delusional believe by some anti-government individuals that, through some bizarre interp...
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[ [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.1215.org/lawnotes/lawnotes/pvc.htm" ], [], [] ]
2q2sgb
when does a cult become a religion?
Or what are the key differences?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2q2sgb/eli5_when_does_a_cult_become_a_religion/
{ "a_id": [ "cn2bo7h", "cn2c782" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "By definition a cult is simply the worship of a deity or aspect often through a ritual lifestyle. The word originates from the Greeks where their cults engaged in total dedication to a Greek gods. While the followers of Appl...
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[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_religious_movement" ] ]
1lw2sx
why is god referred to as a "he"? is there a historical context for this, and are religious institutions offended by calling god "she" or "it"?
I am Specifically referring to the Christian god, in any Of the three Abrahamic religions and their related spoken languages. I understand some languages do not use genders so god is automatically "It." why is god typically referred to in English as "He"
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1lw2sx/eli5_why_is_god_referred_to_as_a_he_is_there_a/
{ "a_id": [ "cc3bsxk", "cc3cagm" ], "score": [ 7, 3 ], "text": [ "In English, 'he' is the default, gender-neutral pronoun to use when talking about a person. People frequently to anthropomorphize (treat as if it is human) God so \"he\"/\"she\" would be used rather than \"it\".\n\nBeyond t...
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1q4ns7
why when if you have a dvd with scratchs you used toothpaste to fix it
i have never understood why this could work
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1q4ns7/eli5why_when_if_you_have_a_dvd_with_scratchs_you/
{ "a_id": [ "cd94gd5" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "There is a relatively thick layer of protection on the surface of the DVD. When a scratch occurs, it can deflect the light of the laser causing the DVD to be mis-read. Toothpaste has polishing agents in it that polish out the scratch, thus rest...
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c2vh8k
why do seemingly non-perishable items — like rubbing alcohol, dental floss and body lotion — have expiration dates?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/c2vh8k/eli5_why_do_seemingly_nonperishable_items_like/
{ "a_id": [ "ermrh1h", "ermrmwh", "ermwggp", "ermwspr" ], "score": [ 9, 2, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "While there is actual chemical breakdown where certain items eventually do become less effective or physically break down (items from 1970 would likely not be very effective for in...
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6vxk7b
what does the process of inventing an entire new language like klingon or valyrian look like?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6vxk7b/eli5_what_does_the_process_of_inventing_an_entire/
{ "a_id": [ "dm3qjmk" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "I think you have to start with the sounds (phonetics). Most authors who created fictional languages, such as Tolkien, found inspiration in languages they liked, which they did not always talk themselves.\n\nYou also need an alphabet, and it can b...
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1g4h5u
why don't they use hawkeye on every point in tennis, to avoid human error?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1g4h5u/eli5_why_dont_they_use_hawkeye_on_every_point_in/
{ "a_id": [ "cagmn12", "cagnbqy", "cagvmrw" ], "score": [ 3, 5, 3 ], "text": [ "Tradition, I guess. Otherwise umpires would become useless and out of a job. I also imagine having a qualified person there to make a split-second decision speeds up the process, instead of spending hal...
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4a1dfw
what is happening when the shower water pressure drops and the water gets hotter?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4a1dfw/eli5_what_is_happening_when_the_shower_water/
{ "a_id": [ "d0wl77i", "d0wn79h", "d0wsbiw", "d0wvvag" ], "score": [ 314, 6, 6, 2 ], "text": [ "If someone flushes a toilet or turns on the cold water it reduces the pressure in the cold water feed lines, and thus the total flow for any one open tap. Since the water coming ...
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8qu2b7
why does taking a warm bath when you have a fever feel so cold?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8qu2b7/eli5_why_does_taking_a_warm_bath_when_you_have_a/
{ "a_id": [ "e0m1nl1", "e0m1pwg", "e0m3drm", "e0m4jqi", "e0m4l2s", "e0m4udx", "e0m5wzf", "e0m6vg1", "e0mb6gc", "e0mc35f", "e0mu0g0", "e0n5bj7" ], "score": [ 4934, 86, 2, 31, 587, 15, 143, 3, 4, 2, 3, 3 ], "text": [...
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37upbl
how are presidency candidates chosen every election?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/37upbl/eli5how_are_presidency_candidates_chosen_every/
{ "a_id": [ "crpy2wv", "crpy4py", "crq8cb6" ], "score": [ 4, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "There are 'mini-elections' (if you will) for each party (Democrat, Republican, Green, Libertarian, etc.). I'm sure you have heard of primaries and caucuses? This is what those are for.\n\nSo, there are ...
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dw3fj9
what is the silicon lottery (jackpot)
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dw3fj9/eli5_what_is_the_silicon_lottery_jackpot/
{ "a_id": [ "f7gew37", "f7gfec0" ], "score": [ 2, 8 ], "text": [ "Some CPU parts are faster than others, even faster than you paid for. If you are willing to experimentally overclock, you can make your computer 10-20% faster.", "Computer hardware is so extremely small and delicate tha...
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55rr0g
healing crystals
I searched for this but couldn't find anything. Is there any scientific proof that crystals can help with healing of the human body?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/55rr0g/eli5_healing_crystals/
{ "a_id": [ "d8d4jrw", "d8d4lzv", "d8d8dwh" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 5 ], "text": [ "Crystal rocks (they're minerals, Marie) = no.\n\nCrystalline molecular structure of medicine = if it's the right medicine.", "not in the way you are asking, no. crystals like quartz, amethysts, etc ...
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