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1npf9y
why is the night sky so static? when people look through telescopes do they ever see things moving in real time, like a spinning galaxy for instance?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1npf9y/eli5_why_is_the_night_sky_so_static_when_people/
{ "a_id": [ "cckrefx", "cckrh3h", "ccks5fa", "ccksanm", "cckxwvb" ], "score": [ 2, 8, 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Its all about your perspective. Say your friend was standing right in front of you and he held up a certain number of fingers, it'd be very easy to count how ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.astro.ucla.edu/~ghezgroup/gc/pictures/orbitsMovie.shtml" ] ]
3e5y4r
is it possible to kill a mosquito or a cockroach by dropping it?
Hello, this question came up to me when I tried to drop an already incapacitated mosquito from my arm height (about 160cm) and it still survived. So is it possible to kill a mosquito or a cockroach by dropping it from certain height? Assuming that said mosquito or cockroach cannot use its wings to fly. Thank you.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3e5y4r/eli5is_it_possible_to_kill_a_mosquito_or_a/
{ "a_id": [ "ctbt7sy", "ctbt89b" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "Not really. Because insects have such a small mass, their terminal velocity is often very low. More often than not, their exoskeleton provides enough protection from the force of the impact for them to survive. Unlike my chi...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
ejf2bp
why do pipes attached to hoses and nozzles tend to rupture close to the end where they are attached to the hose?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ejf2bp/eli5_why_do_pipes_attached_to_hoses_and_nozzles/
{ "a_id": [ "fcx9ete" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Because whatever is bonding the pipe and fixture together is weaker than the integrity of the piping itself." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
52u24p
why can't linux run windows programs
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/52u24p/elif_why_cant_linux_run_windows_programs/
{ "a_id": [ "d7nar4i" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Basically for the same reason you can't wander up to someone who doesn't speak English and have a conversation with them in English.\n\nThe vast, vast majority of programs rely on the operating system to mediate between the hardware and the progr...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1udm54
can i identify a body's sex by examining its bare skeleton?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1udm54/eli5_can_i_identify_a_bodys_sex_by_examining_its/
{ "a_id": [ "cegzeom", "ceh00fk", "ceh0bha" ], "score": [ 7, 2, 11 ], "text": [ "Yes.\n\nOne notable difference is that the female pelvis is a lot wider than the male by proportion since it has to support pregnancy.", "About 80 gajillion years ago, I took a human osteology clas...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
8v4vz1
what is opengl and directx and what's the difference?
What are these things?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8v4vz1/eli5_what_is_opengl_and_directx_and_whats_the/
{ "a_id": [ "e1kk4bp", "e1kkhur", "e1kknb5", "e1lfqgh" ], "score": [ 9, 3, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "OpenGL is a graphics library, hence GL. It's made to run on just about every system, and processes your graphics to put them on the screen.\n\nDirectX also does this, but it can a...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
9fa4lg
why do video game leaks still happen despite confidential agreements and threat of lawsuits?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9fa4lg/eli5_why_do_video_game_leaks_still_happen_despite/
{ "a_id": [ "e5uwtbe", "e5ux4qm" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Sometimes these companies leak the information themselves. This way it becomes more attractive to those that are seeking information. And they want it more.", "yoshi game was unintentionally leaked by a retailer which wa...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://gameranx.com/updates/id/23803/article/super-smash-bros-leaker-allegedly-fired-and-sued-former-noa-employee/" ] ]
b1zk3k
why is the citizenship question on the census so controversial?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/b1zk3k/eli5_why_is_the_citizenship_question_on_the/
{ "a_id": [ "eip8q5p", "eipapch" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "The Census determines the proportion of House seats, if people refuse to fill out the census because they are afraid that the data will be used to discriminate against them, then the results are inaccurate.\n\n\"That clause...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.census.gov/history/pdf/Article_1_Section_2.pdf" ], [] ]
1pftq4
why are some major media outlets speculating a ted cruz presidential run, ignoring that he was born in canada?
Am I missing something or are they? Here's an example: _URL_0_
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1pftq4/eli5_why_are_some_major_media_outlets_speculating/
{ "a_id": [ "cd1v2j1", "cd1vj8u" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "His father was a Cuban who moved to the US in the 1950s (and was probably a US citizen by the time Cruz was born in 1970), his mother was born in US. You don't have to be born in the US to be eligible.", "The term the Co...
[]
[ "http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-24680604" ]
[ [], [] ]
3hv7gb
why is putting your coat over a puddle a thing? wouldn't your coat just saturate, sink, and your date would have wet feet anyways?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3hv7gb/eli5_why_is_putting_your_coat_over_a_puddle_a/
{ "a_id": [ "cuatlw9", "cuau4eo", "cub6kcb" ], "score": [ 24, 7, 4 ], "text": [ "\nIt refers to a legend regarding Sir Walter Raleigh, which probably never happened:\n\nBy 1581, after a number of military and naval engagements in France, Ireland and elsewhere, he had become establi...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
2ze66q
why do all underwater foods have that characteristically 'fishy' taste?
Crab, fish, seaweed, scallops etc all have a distinct 'fishy' flavour whereas cows, pigs and carrots don't all taste like they've been sucking air, do they?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ze66q/eli5_why_do_all_underwater_foods_have_that/
{ "a_id": [ "cpi3185", "cpi3mfl" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "The 'fishy' taste is only present in not-quite-fresh-yet-not-bad-yet seafood. Really fresh seafood lacks it.", "_URL_0_\n\n > Trimethylamine is a product of decomposition of plants and animals. It is the substance mainly...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trimethylamine" ] ]
26xbfb
what are the specific evolutionary/environmental pressures that caused differences in skin color, hair texture, and facial features?
My first thought about it is how hot and sunny Africa is. So since black attracts/absorbs heat, wouldn't it seem to follow that "black" people should be white, IE reflective. So i am obviously way off base about that, so why then? and why do other ethnicities have their differences? hair, lips, eyes, etc.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/26xbfb/eli5what_are_the_specific/
{ "a_id": [ "chvd11k", "chvez3d", "chvg2a1" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "I bet you will get good answers, but keep in mind that it's easy to use evolutionary biology for junk science.", "Here's what I remember from anthropology back in college -\n\nMelanin absorbs UV lig...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-shape-of-a-nose/" ], [ "www.pnas.org/cgi/doi/10.1073/pnas.0914628107" ] ]
17q31s
why do slick, "bald" tires have less traction than tires that are new?
The thing I have trouble with, is that generally more surface area=more traction. So, if a tire is bald, and has more of a contact patch with the road than if it were independent tread blocks, why am I spinning in 1st gear when my tires are nearly bald, whereas with new tires I can't break traction? I understand that...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/17q31s/eli5_why_do_slick_bald_tires_have_less_traction/
{ "a_id": [ "c87tdec", "c87wl06" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "When you use a tire it heats up. Heating the tire multiple times will change the chemical structure and make it harder. Which will decrease traction. \n\nAt least that's the common explanation among drag racers. ", "Trea...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
431qaq
how do we get sick of the songs after a certain amount of time (which also varies depending on the song)? how does the brain determine this, and dictate it on us?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/431qaq/eli5_how_do_we_get_sick_of_the_songs_after_a/
{ "a_id": [ "czewys7" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "Really depends on the song and person.\n\nThere's a certain amount of things that can make you like a song.\n\n-Lyrical content\n\n-Melodies\n\n-Sonical Aspect (it's extremely hard to determine this unless you're a youtube song reviewer that has ...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://kenrockwell.com/audio/why-tubes-sound-better.htm" ] ]
4r3dp8
how did rockets like the v2 and their targeting work, before the invention of the computer?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4r3dp8/eli5_how_did_rockets_like_the_v2_and_their/
{ "a_id": [ "d4xyfop" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "From what I understand the V1 was essentially filled with enough fuel to reach a designated area within tolerances such as wind resistance etc. They were basically self propelled bombs just aimed in the right direction.\nV2's had gyroscopes and t...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
e2zdhj
the doppler effect
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/e2zdhj/eli5_the_doppler_effect/
{ "a_id": [ "f8z22jd", "f8z2l0d", "f8zxhe5", "f8zyd4h", "f90a9f3" ], "score": [ 38, 4, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Say a tennis ball shooting machine is directed at you and it's shooting one ball every second. It will hit you every second. Now say you're running towards t...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
5cwpsu
why does oil prices etc freely go up when the value of the currency drops but there are no changes in our wage to reflect this?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5cwpsu/eli5_why_does_oil_prices_etc_freely_go_up_when/
{ "a_id": [ "d9zyy4u" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "the fluctuations of a currency on a day to day basis can't be translated to wage because wage isn't measured on a daily basis. people sign contracts for jobs. an individual's wage changes annually or bi-annually doesn't change daily. if the curre...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3xd25v
why is congress allowed to throw in unrelated parts of a bill just to force legislation through?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3xd25v/eli5_why_is_congress_allowed_to_throw_in/
{ "a_id": [ "cy3jey2", "cy3jjbz", "cy3jy4w", "cy3k1g4", "cy3ka56", "cy3mi3p", "cy3mu2h", "cy3n0kf", "cy3naah", "cy3nc9h", "cy3nsbx", "cy3o78x", "cy3oims" ], "score": [ 496, 69, 21, 4, 5, 4, 3, 2, 7, 5, 4, 4, 3 ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://sites.state.pa.us/PA_Constitution.html" ], [], [ "http://www.freepress.net/" ], [], [], [], [ "https://downsizedc.org/etp/one-subject/" ], [] ]
5thdjx
how can devices like ipods and computers detect when something is plugged into a headphone/microphone jack?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5thdjx/eli5_how_can_devices_like_ipods_and_computers/
{ "a_id": [ "ddmia4r" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "In most cases it's really simple:\n\nThere is just a mechanical switch in the receptable which is pressed when you put the plug in. \n\nThose switches aren't an exactly new invention, they have been there for decades. Back then, they were \"norma...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
70ll2b
how does a single microphone pick up sounds to send to a surround sound speaker system?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/70ll2b/eli5how_does_a_single_microphone_pick_up_sounds/
{ "a_id": [ "dn434m2", "dn462qo", "dn49hi8" ], "score": [ 15, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "That isn't how it usually works. There are usually a bunch of microphones that are recorded onto many tracks then mixed down for your surround sound system.", "Most sounds are either recorded Mono ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
3b0xof
why almost no 7-footers are good at shooting free-throws?
Big men in basketball have historically been bad jump shooters, yet a select few of them (Dirk Nowitzki) figure out how to shoot the basketball, why is this?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3b0xof/eli5_why_almost_no_7footers_are_good_at_shooting/
{ "a_id": [ "cshsxyz", "cshtxs9", "cshud0z" ], "score": [ 7, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "They're usually taller than anyone covering them, and they can dunk. There's no pressing need for them to get good at a distance shot when the team mostly uses them to drive straight for the basket. ", ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1nkvyr
how can interest groups influence american politics without being found guilty of bribery?
It's obvious that money equals power in the states, but I've never really understood how that money is used to win political favor without being a clear example of corruption- a crime that would punish and remove our so-despised politicians from office.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1nkvyr/eli5_how_can_interest_groups_influence_american/
{ "a_id": [ "ccji52m", "ccji69j" ], "score": [ 4, 5 ], "text": [ "It's called political financing, they never actually make a direct monetary payment to a politician, they take them on \"relationship\" trips and meals, because there is no law that says the politicians can't require them to...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
6a0xcg
how body organs know what's their job?
Every organ is built up with millions of cells. Say we would build organic heart. How that heart will know it has to beating?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6a0xcg/eli5_how_body_organs_know_whats_their_job/
{ "a_id": [ "dhb3e8x" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "I'm currently getting my PhD in genetics and just finished developmental biology. All of the cells in a single organism (single plant, animal, etc.) have the exact same DNA sequences even though they have different structures and functions. The r...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.nature.com/news/2003/030728/full/news030728-12.html" ] ]
1kao4k
why can't we sneeze and pee at the same time?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1kao4k/why_cant_we_sneeze_and_pee_at_the_same_time/
{ "a_id": [ "cbn12l6", "cbn1arj", "cbn1bp9", "cbn1cvx", "cbn1l8j", "cbn1lyg", "cbn1vry", "cbn1xh0", "cbn26dx", "cbn2948", "cbn2gif", "cbn2kzv", "cbn2v5s" ], "score": [ 4, 34, 9, 57, 7, 4, 3, 9, 3, 4, 2, 2, 2 ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
2ne9c2
if a stationary bee is flying in a moving car, then why doesn't the bee hit the back of the car?
If the bee isn't touching anything in the car, then why does the bee move along with the car instead of hitting the back window when the car moves?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ne9c2/eli5_if_a_stationary_bee_is_flying_in_a_moving/
{ "a_id": [ "cmct3lu", "cmct5in", "cmctjqa" ], "score": [ 7, 4, 3 ], "text": [ "Everything inside the car– seats, passengers, *air, bees,–* is moving at approximately the same speed (relative to the ground) as the car itself.", "It would initially, the same as when your head wi...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
4gbatb
why is it so hard to say you’re wrong?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4gbatb/eli5_why_is_it_so_hard_to_say_youre_wrong/
{ "a_id": [ "d2g2jll", "d2g300q" ], "score": [ 2, 4 ], "text": [ "Aside from pride? Well, laziness for one. Ideally, when you hold a belief, that belief is a foundation for the actions you make. Changing a belief means you need to change actions and that takes effort.", "People are emo...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
32zunw
why do we need to send a satellite (new horizon) to photograph color pluton when we have telescopes that see galaxies much farther?
New Horizons NASA: _URL_0_
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/32zunw/eli5why_do_we_need_to_send_a_satellite_new/
{ "a_id": [ "cqg8ac2" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "The ability to see so far in space is based solely on light. Pluto does not give off light itself and is too distant to reflect visible light from the Sun. When we are looking at distant galaxies through a telescope we are looking at the stars ...
[]
[ "http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/newhorizons/main/" ]
[ [ "http://science.nasa.gov/astrophysics/focus-areas/exoplanet-exploration/" ] ]
bb7sx4
the difference of imessage and other messaging apps?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bb7sx4/eli5_the_difference_of_imessage_and_other/
{ "a_id": [ "ekgvi0k" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "The advantage of iMessage is that it is an integrated messaging app and SMS client installed by default. If the person you are messaging also has iMessage, the app automatically detects it (via the phone number or email) and uses the iMessage fo...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1b689q
this bitcoin mining thing again.
Every post I saw explained Bitcoin mining simply by saying "computers do math (hurr durr)". Can someone please give me a concrete example of such a mathematical problem? If this has been answered somewhere else and I didn't find it (and I tried hard!), please feel free to just post a link to that comment. Thank you :)
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1b689q/eli5_this_bitcoin_mining_thing_again/
{ "a_id": [ "c93z4qr", "c9401wb", "c940ecm", "c940lqa", "c940ow9", "c940y0l", "c9419zv", "c941pts", "c942bse", "c944uxy", "c945e2o", "c947tiv", "c94ae5g", "c94hzfq" ], "score": [ 123, 19, 4, 26, 13, 6, 403, 4, 5, 4, ...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=27878.0" ], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LaSrxtWfgc" ], [], [ "http://spectrum.ieee.org/img/06Bitcoin-1338412974774.jpg", "https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/Mining" ], [ "http://alvarofeito.com/articles/the-big-book-of-bitcoin/" ], [], ...
1j276t
why is the standard four chord progression so pleasing to the human ear?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1j276t/eli5_why_is_the_standard_four_chord_progression/
{ "a_id": [ "cbad45d", "cbage6h", "cbahv6d", "cbakfsj" ], "score": [ 19, 4, 5, 5 ], "text": [ "We like patterns in music. Popular music (\"popular\" meaning as opposed to classical/jazz, not the Pop genre, and not talking about popularity) is based on the idea of short rep...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nucleus_accumbens", "http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0896627302009674", "http://www.sciencemag.org/content/340/6129/216.abstract" ], [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ne6tB2KiZuk" ] ]
295ylr
how come every time i call a customer service help line the answering robot asks me to type in all of my account/personal information prior to speaking to a representative to "speed up the process", but then the customer service rep who answers asks for all the same information again anyway?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/295ylr/eli5_how_come_every_time_i_call_a_customer/
{ "a_id": [ "cihqjj5", "cihqju1", "cihr6nx", "cihscga", "cihss8h", "ciht0b7", "ciht78r", "cihtpji", "cihu1o1", "cihulbn", "cihuzos", "cihvm40", "cihvoru", "cihw28w", "cihw3ra", "cihwbfz", "cihwll1", "cihwm0c" ], "score": [ 7, 2, 3...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
2dfvqi
what is isis and why does their flag look like a child made it?
[Flag](_URL_0_)
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2dfvqi/eli5_what_is_isis_and_why_does_their_flag_look/
{ "a_id": [ "cjp32wk", "cjp58y6", "cjp957t", "cjpdnhe", "cjpjhxv", "cjpjzs8" ], "score": [ 73, 5, 43, 7, 15, 2 ], "text": [ "The flag is known as the \"Black Standard\", and is part of Islamic tradition.\n\nThe text at the top of the flag is known as the \"S...
[]
[ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_State_of_Iraq_and_the_Levant#mediaviewer/File:Flag_of_the_Islamic_State_in_Iraq_and_the_Levant.svg" ]
[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_State_of_Iraq_and_the_Levant" ], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shia%E2%80%93Sunni_relations" ], [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uv5-q_9fpro", "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQPlREDW-Ro", "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJ034SvB1...
23xal7
this online post that i don't understand. help me out if you are feeling generous!
A 4chan thing that read: > screencap desktop > use the image as wallpaper > delete shortcuts > "Anon I have a virus again I can't click anything" > Get $50 everytime > Do this few times a year I do not understand how someone can get money from this? Maybe I am missing from whose perspective this is all happening...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/23xal7/eli5_this_online_post_that_i_dont_understand_help/
{ "a_id": [ "ch1gwso" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "You create a problem, and then get paid to fix it. If you make them think they have a virus by making everything unclickable and they know that you're good with computers, they will ask you to fix it. You can then fix the problem you created with...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
arh80h
why does music give so many people pleasure? is there a dopamine release in there somewhere, and if so how does a purely auditory input cause it?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/arh80h/eli5_why_does_music_give_so_many_people_pleasure/
{ "a_id": [ "egn7hau", "egno090" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "There is a theory that it’s not just music (the sound), but the human emotion/presence that gives us our cue to feel a certain way. We can recognize a “sad” voice and also feel sad. \n\nBut if this is true it doesn’t explain...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
62y3gw
how/why do dryer balls work?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/62y3gw/eli5_howwhy_do_dryer_balls_work/
{ "a_id": [ "dfpyjyj" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "Theoretically, the dryer ball stops the fabric from sticking to itself, so when you run it through the dryer, it fluffs up instead of just flopping around stuck together. Whether it actually does lead to softer clothes is still under debate.\n\nP...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/gadgets/reviews/a4795/4334763/" ] ]
52hhc5
why did microsoft decide to skip windows 9?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/52hhc5/eli5_why_did_microsoft_decide_to_skip_windows_9/
{ "a_id": [ "d7kaky7" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "Windows 95 and 98 were DOS-based, unlike all Windows versions released since(with the exception of ME). Much of the old software that supports older windows versions checks if it needs to enable legacy DOS support mode by checking if windows vers...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2js7ot
why is the recent drop in gas prices a bad indicator for the overall economy?
I tried to read several news articles about this, but none of them actually explain it. **Edit:** To clarify, I have a pretty good understanding of *why* the price is going down. Supply/demand, speculation, liberal conspiracy theories and all that jazz. My question is how does this impact the economy negatively, as s...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2js7ot/eli5_why_is_the_recent_drop_in_gas_prices_a_bad/
{ "a_id": [ "clelhq9", "clem87t", "clenc79", "clenmjc", "cleqj8z", "cler1p4", "clesq1j", "cletd4u", "clets1h", "cleu7pi", "cleug33", "cleuykc", "clew8oo", "clewxzf", "clex8xe", "clexa91", "clexeof", "clez62y", "clezd7d", "clf00nx", "c...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.popularmechanics.com/_mobile/cars/news/auto-blog/summer-blend-vs-winter-blend-gasoline-whats-the-difference-13747431" ], [ "http://www.theguardian...
2roo1g
why are minorities always talked about as if they are a single, homogeneous group?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2roo1g/eli5_why_are_minorities_always_talked_about_as_if/
{ "a_id": [ "cni4v3v" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "This subreddit has become nothing but a medium to faux-innocently pose extremely complex questions in an incredibly leading way in order to push a political viewpoint." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
uz9wb
matlab programming
I don't get programming in general, and since my school uses MATLAB, I figured it would be easier to learn through this medium. For some reason, it just doesn't click for me. I mean, I can do the basic "hello world" and whatnot, but that's pretty much it. My professors, friends, and tutors have all tried explaining it ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/uz9wb/eli5_matlab_programming/
{ "a_id": [ "c50dkth" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "The key is that programming is all centered around logic. Let's play out a scenario. I won't use actual code because that's not the question at hand, I just want to lay the ground for logic.\n\nWhile I'm in school I need to learn. If I'm learn...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2lnnv0
the mathematical algorithm which optimizes an elevator system.
For example, say there are two people: * person one: on floor 3, wants to go to floor 2 * person two: on floor 4, wants to go to floor 2 Person one on floor 3 clicks the 'down' button first. Elevator comes, person one gets in. Then person two on floor 4 clicks the 'down button'. The elevator would go down to floor 2...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2lnnv0/eli5_the_mathematical_algorithm_which_optimizes/
{ "a_id": [ "clwhcjo" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "You're overthinking it.\n\nElevators are usually very simplistic unless you're dealing with super-high rise buildings.\n\nWhen the elevator decides it's moving up, it keeps going up until there no more up to go. When it moves down, it keeps goin...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1zh8xg
what if two nations that are in nato go to war with each other? do the other countries in nato still take a side?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1zh8xg/eli5_what_if_two_nations_that_are_in_nato_go_to/
{ "a_id": [ "cftmhyw" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "That would assume that 2 NATO countries would go to war with each other.\n\nI believe that if that was the case, one or both would be kicked out of NATO... and then NATO will choose sides." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
e5bgdy
how does missile targeting detection works.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/e5bgdy/eli5_how_does_missile_targeting_detection_works/
{ "a_id": [ "f9iv8xo" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "In order for an early missile to find the right target, the launcher illuminated the desired target with a high energy, narrow radar beam. Inside the F-16 there is a gadget called a \"Radar warning receiver\" that listens for this sort of narrow...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1ximp1
how poor people get large tax returns when they haven't earned much
I thought people got tax returns based on the difference between taxes owed and the amount paid in. But, I know several people (low earning, many children) who are getting like $8,000 even though they haven't made hardly anything. Do poor people get charged "negative" taxes based on their income and exemptions?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ximp1/eli5_how_poor_people_get_large_tax_returns_when/
{ "a_id": [ "cfbnp2x", "cfbo9ip" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "It's called the [Child Tax Credit](_URL_0_). ", "There's two ways to get money back. Deductions and credits. Deductions reduce your taxable income. Credits are straight cash refunds" ] }
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.irs.gov/uac/Ten-Facts-about-the-Child-Tax-Credit" ], [] ]
651irm
plagiarism scanners
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/651irm/eli5_plagiarism_scanners/
{ "a_id": [ "dg6orva", "dg6ouyu" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "You know how sometimes you type a quote into Google to see who said it? \n \nThose scanners basically do that a few hundred times then crunch a few numbers to spit out a rough approximation of how much of the content was l...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
9e86tj
why do video/time-lapse images of rocket launches arch? do rockets shoot straight up into space?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9e86tj/eli5_why_do_videotimelapse_images_of_rocket/
{ "a_id": [ "e5muvdc", "e5muwpx" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Nope. Orbiting Earth is much more about going fast enough sideways that the speed of gravity pulling you down is the same as your sideways speed, so you effectively constantly miss the ground as you \"fall.\" Rockets do turn...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1q2y2g
why are grades (elementrary, middle, hs) based on age and not knowledge?
Seems kind of stupid
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1q2y2g/eli5_why_are_grades_elementrary_middle_hs_based/
{ "a_id": [ "cd8n60c", "cd8nuwe", "cd8o7bv", "cd8ofpw", "cd8r4bl", "cd8rxak" ], "score": [ 12, 3, 5, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Well, this is not the reason, but I think if this were true, many high-school people would be in 3rd grade.", "Probably just becaus...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
4c6auc
what are negative sound waves and how do they work?
Me and a few of my buds were out looking for some ear buds when I stumbled across the noise cancellation ear buds. Now it may seem far fetched, but would it be possible create negative gravity waves or to cancel out other forces? Just curious.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4c6auc/eli5_what_are_negative_sound_waves_and_how_do/
{ "a_id": [ "d1fedjn" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "Sound is a pressure wave, meaning it is created by rapid changes in pressure. When something is \"negative\" that doesn't mean it has negative air pressure, it means it has less pressure with respect to the background air pressure at rest. Positi...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
j9x4d
what is the story of the qur'an, like i'm five?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/j9x4d/what_is_the_story_of_the_quran_like_im_five/
{ "a_id": [ "c2adibd", "c2adpmc", "c2adxnf", "c2aeaxv", "c2aecgu", "c2aegy6", "c2aehre", "c2aeqbz", "c2aezw9", "c2adibd", "c2adpmc", "c2adxnf", "c2aeaxv", "c2aecgu", "c2aegy6", "c2aehre", "c2aeqbz", "c2aezw9" ], "score": [ 10, 22, ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.quranexplorer.com/quran/" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.quranexplorer.com/quran/" ], [], [], [], [] ]
1mb35a
why can't we have infinite propulsion in space?
My thinking is that if space is a vacuum, why couldn't we just keep the rockets on the shuttles and have them continuously propel us forward? If we do this for a full day, for instance, wouldn't it be possible to just keep accelerating until we reach light speed and beyond?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1mb35a/eli5_why_cant_we_have_infinite_propulsion_in_space/
{ "a_id": [ "cc7hgdz" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "To run an engine you need to burn fuel. It's the hot products of this burning that are vented out of the rockets and which push the spacecraft forwards. Obviously if you want to reach a significant fraction of the speed of light you have to keep ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2rzqx3
is every house key completely unique? how is this done?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2rzqx3/eli5_is_every_house_key_completely_unique_how_is/
{ "a_id": [ "cnkroib", "cnkrrgx" ], "score": [ 5, 3 ], "text": [ "A better place to ask this question would be /r/lockpicking . many professional locksmiths browse that sub.", "No, somewhere there is probably be (or will be) a lock that will open with your house key but there are 5^8 ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3xjwkp
how did reddit catch users like unidan that has multiple accounts and manipulate votes?
My friends was telling me about the great unidan, but when I asked how, he just said maybe it's ip addresses. Is that all there is to it?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3xjwkp/eli5_how_did_reddit_catch_users_like_unidan_that/
{ "a_id": [ "cy5aa1l" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Yes. The admins can see the users' IP addresses. They can see if multiple accounts all use the same IP address and all vote on the same comments.\n\nNote that this isn't detected automatically - the admins noticed it only after Unidan stirred up ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
91rmei
what is an ip and is it assigned to device or network?
What do each of the digits mean? Is IP assigned to device [ie phone or computer] or network connection? What is a static IP and a dynamic IP? In the absence of cview3 [cookie data], can a consistent IP identify a device? Thanks!
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/91rmei/eli5_what_is_an_ip_and_is_it_assigned_to_device/
{ "a_id": [ "e305klf", "e3069l2" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "An IP is like a phone number. It is assigned to your router much like a phone number is assigned to a phone. A Mac address is like a serial number for each device, ie your printer,photocopier etc. A static IP never changes. ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3nfgfb
how come coca-cola cleans toilets, but doesn't clean teeth and wrecks them instead?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3nfgfb/eli5_how_come_cocacola_cleans_toilets_but_doesnt/
{ "a_id": [ "cvnk9zz", "cvo6coe" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "The same reason bleach cleans your clothes, but wrecks your intestines; different reactions with different materials", "Coke, in fact most fizzy drinks, but particularly coke, is very acidic. So acidic that if I used it ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1o5wcs
how can i make an informed decision when voting if candidates can lie about anything and aren't held to their election promises?
I'm trying to research and prepare for the upcoming city election, but seriously... How do I know all of what I'm reading isn't bullshit?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1o5wcs/eli5_how_can_i_make_an_informed_decision_when/
{ "a_id": [ "ccp1yo7", "ccpp6qu" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "The best you can do is not look at what they SAY they've done, but look at what they've ACTUALLY done. \n\nDid they say they created a bill which helped something? Go read the bill. Do you like it? Do you think it actually h...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "Politifact.com", "Thomas.gov" ] ]
5r9yj8
could a state seperate from the rest of the united states?
I saw a post on social media where they made a joke about several Western States joining Canada. Could a state seperate from the United States and if they did how hard would but be to join canada?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5r9yj8/eli5_could_a_state_seperate_from_the_rest_of_the/
{ "a_id": [ "dd5jfxb", "dd5ji62", "dd5jr5u", "dd5l58i" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 6, 7 ], "text": [ "There is no legal mechanism for a state to unilaterally separate from the union.\n\nIt could separate if the rest of the country agreed.", "No, it was tried in the 1860s.\n\nJo...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
670k6q
what is the difference between a medical doctor, a phd doctor in a medical related field and a specialist doctor in a specific medical field?
To my understanding: A medical doctor knows about the human body in it's entirety and can perform surgery, A specialist doctor has expertise on a specific field or system in medicine and can perform surgery, A PhD doctor in a medical related field has a doctorate in that field of knowledge but can't perform medical pro...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/670k6q/eli5_what_is_the_difference_between_a_medical/
{ "a_id": [ "dgmr8xt", "dgmusl7" ], "score": [ 2, 5 ], "text": [ "A typical general practice doctor is an MD, they have received training in all of the major fields of medicine, but no specialization. They focus on being the first point of contact, know enough to know to handle the common ...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obstetrics_and_gynaecology" ], [] ]
7tt02n
why does mathematics work to describe reality (physics)?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7tt02n/eli5_why_does_mathematics_work_to_describe/
{ "a_id": [ "dtexh54", "dtf1zsw", "dtf41z7", "dtf84j1", "dtf9fj4", "dtf9t34", "dtfagc6", "dtfcjy9", "dtffkjc", "dtfi6gq" ], "score": [ 339, 7, 49, 4, 39, 13, 2, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Cheating really. Its not a coincidence that...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [ "https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Unreasonable_Effectiveness_of_Mathematics_in_the_Natural_Sciences" ], [], [], [], [], [] ]
1b92ty
how come i can't smell food coming from the oven.. until it is ready?
You know how the smell floods your house? How come that doesn't happen until it's ready?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1b92ty/eli5_how_come_i_cant_smell_food_coming_from_the/
{ "a_id": [ "c94qxy8", "c94rmwv" ], "score": [ 7, 3 ], "text": [ "The heating of the oven causes a chemical reaction in the food. This reaction not only excites the molecules, making them more energetic and more likely to fly around out of the oven and into your nose, but it also allows t...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maillard_reaction" ] ]
e2kfx1
- why do uterus muscles contractions hurt but stomach contractions don't?
As I understand it uterine contractions cause period cramps, so why do stomach contractions during digestion not hurt?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/e2kfx1/eli5_why_do_uterus_muscles_contractions_hurt_but/
{ "a_id": [ "f8vyu92", "f8vyvfx", "f8x2a5n" ], "score": [ 7, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The uterus has more sense nerves because of their role in giving birth. The pain is not something that would be acceptable after every meal so the evolutionary pressure is pretty clear.", "There's ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
37h4ko
the north american free trade agreement
What is it for? How does it work? What are its benefits? Please eli5 or eli4 Edit: thank you all for the responses!! Im reading each one and its honestly hurting my stupid brain but they are all super helpful.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/37h4ko/eli5_the_north_american_free_trade_agreement/
{ "a_id": [ "crmnz2t", "crmnz7i", "crmuvri", "crmyoxd" ], "score": [ 22, 2, 7, 2 ], "text": [ "When a company imports or exports a product to another country, they have to pay a tax called a tariff on that product. NAFTA was an agreement between Canada, the US, and Mexico...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "www.nafta-sec-alena.org" ], [], [] ]
1s76pt
how are best before dates determined?
What are the processes behind determining the best-before date of a product? I've even got a water bottle here with the best before date of 07 April 15, how does that work?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1s76pt/eli5_how_are_best_before_dates_determined/
{ "a_id": [ "cdumnoe" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The only thing to 'expire' in a water bottle is the water diffusing into the water. It'll last a long time if you keep it out of sunlight though in a cool place so you don't need to worry about the expiring date. I work more on the food science p...
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[]
[ [] ]
74gcir
did the holocaust have any lasting effects in the make-up of non jewish people in germany and elsewhere?
Specifically, in Germany have more blonde, blue eyed people than it would have otherwise? Obviously it had rippling effects in Jewish and Roma populations, but curious if it influenced human physical traits in the long run. Btw, I hate Nazis and highly condemn all that they have done. I think diversity is very importa...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/74gcir/eli5_did_the_holocaust_have_any_lasting_effects/
{ "a_id": [ "dny5gi3" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Before we say anything else here, it's important to note that there are many Jewish people who are blonde with blue eyes, and many Germans who do *not*!\n\n*That* said, here's the thing. *Tens of millions* of people died during WWII - 3% of the t...
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[]
[ [] ]
6x32my
why do semi trucks in the united states have front wheels where the lug nuts protrude past the edge of the tire while each subsequent wheel has recessed lug nuts?
Currently on a road trip from southern to Northern California and all the trucks we've passed so far have this pattern. Is this an industry standard? Or does it relate to safety in some manner?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6x32my/eli5_why_do_semi_trucks_in_the_united_states_have/
{ "a_id": [ "dmcqduh", "dmcr4el", "dmcrtqn", "dmcuhte", "dmculmn", "dmcus2w", "dmcvy8x", "dmcygmr", "dmd008f", "dmd044k", "dmd4tw3", "dmd5jhu", "dmd697v", "dmd7y1q", "dmd86au", "dmd9dxt", "dmd9e8t", "dmd9rpx", "dmdc3n6", "dmdcm0g", "d...
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[ [], [ "http://tracgear.com/product/rc4wd/wheel/semiTruck/g8/DSC_5491.jpg" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://imgur.com/a/Tcalq" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
3nxtzr
when a website/software says "checking for viruses" when handling or downloading a file, what exactly is it looking for?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3nxtzr/eli5_when_a_websitesoftware_says_checking_for/
{ "a_id": [ "cvs85vv", "cvs8nfe" ], "score": [ 7, 3 ], "text": [ "There's a database which has a big list of what malicious code looks like. It goes through that to see if there's any malicious code in the file.", "Take every program on your computer and run it through some process tha...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
7fjnac
how does water affect the human body in a swimming pool?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7fjnac/eli5_how_does_water_affect_the_human_body_in_a/
{ "a_id": [ "dqcbjve" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The density of the human body is fairly close to that of fresh water (and this varies by individual as well; muscle tissue is denser than fat tissue). As a result people experience buoyancy in swimming pools. The water holds you up. Beyond tha...
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[]
[ [] ]
anhk8c
why is there such a significant delay when streaming live content online such as sporting events as opposed to watching ota?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/anhk8c/eli5_why_is_there_such_a_significant_delay_when/
{ "a_id": [ "eftfx7b" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "OTA, you're looking at a continuous signal representing video. This used to be an analog signal, but DTV didn't really rethink TV, it just recoded it.\n\nStreaming is a sophisticated two-way protocol that automatically balances the packet rates ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5m922l
what is the united states' political structure? what are 'the house", senate, and congress?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5m922l/eli5_what_is_the_united_states_political/
{ "a_id": [ "dc1q6z8" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "The house and the senate are two legislative bodies that make up congress.\n\nThe Senate has 100 members elected every six years, and the House has... shit.. 400-some members elected every two years.\n\nTogether they write and pass laws which the...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2jeeik
when i take a picture of my computer screen with my phone, why does it make little ripples? example pic in the comments below.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2jeeik/eli5_when_i_take_a_picture_of_my_computer_screen/
{ "a_id": [ "clax0ox", "clazeai" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "What's happening is that you have two patterns lining up, the grid of pixels in your camera's sensor and the grid of pixels on the computer screen. When they don't line up exactly evenly, you get a Moiré pattern, which is a ...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moir%C3%A9_pattern" ], [] ]
35xp4b
what were the driving factors that caused the occupy wall street movement to fizzle out?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/35xp4b/eli5_what_were_the_driving_factors_that_caused/
{ "a_id": [ "cr8sgzc", "cr8t9m6", "cr8teea", "cr8tryu", "cr8u6wr", "cr8u9cp", "cr8ugqo", "cr8uiy3", "cr8uoih", "cr8up5s", "cr8uqry", "cr8uu1g", "cr8uzhr", "cr8uzk5", "cr8v3hj", "cr8v7rm", "cr8v7su", "cr8v9d6", "cr8v9f4", "cr8vczg", "c...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://ucrtoday.ucr.edu/896" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.c-span.org/video/?303866-1/occupy-washington-dc-mcpherson-square-permit-decision" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], ...
20nrya
do dogs mourn the loss of their owner or the loss of a food provider?
I always see these sensationalized stories on dogs that grieve the loss of their owner. I have always wondered to what extent this might be true. Are they actually mourning the loss of a leader or are they upset that their main source of food has gone?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/20nrya/eli5_do_dogs_mourn_the_loss_of_their_owner_or_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cg51gte" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "It's the owner. As any dog owner will tell you, the dog is happy to see you even when you're not doling out food. And this makes sense. Dogs are descended from wolves, which are pack animals. They bond to their pack." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
7or7uy
why are property taxes the same or more than the cost of if you were simply renting the home? seems like it defeats the purpose. let's use nyc as an example.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7or7uy/eli5_why_are_property_taxes_the_same_or_more_than/
{ "a_id": [ "dsbm8l7" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Property taxes are merely a crude form of wealth tax, with origins in the time when only wealthy people owned land. The amount of money needed by the city or county (or school district or state) is divided by the number of property owners in tha...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3ca6fq
why do people use skipping ropes? would it not be the exact same to jump up and down and do the motions?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ca6fq/eli5_why_do_people_use_skipping_ropes_would_it/
{ "a_id": [ "cstn9m8" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "No. Just jumping is easier than skipping ropes.. When you skip ropes, you can miss your shot. So you need coordination and it's more challenging. I don't know anyone who is bad at jumping, but I do know people who are bad at skipping ropes. " ]...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3wjph3
why do patterns of three feel so 'right' to us? does this differ in different parts of the world?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3wjph3/eli5_why_do_patterns_of_three_feel_so_right_to_us/
{ "a_id": [ "cxworcb" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "My theory is this:\n\nImagine somebody on stage, speaking. He starts a list. The first item is just a thing: nothing special. The second item is like the first, but this now sets up a pattern: we've just had two very similar items, so we expect t...
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[ [] ]
3mue79
how'd that mars water/ice get to the top of those hills?
There's no rain on Mars so it must be different from how Earth water gets uphill. Is this a geological thing? What are some theories?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3mue79/eli5_howd_that_mars_waterice_get_to_the_top_of/
{ "a_id": [ "cvi5rpw" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "Leading theory is that certain salts can suck enough moisture out of air that they actually dissolve in it. So take some of this \"perchlorate\" salt in the soil at the top of a cliff, and blow moist air over it, and over time it'll form a small ...
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[ [] ]
1jdx3y
why do some people find repetitive sounds irritating and others find them soothing?
A friend of mine recently got a 110 year old grandfather clock as a gift. He finds the ticking to be very soothing while I would sooner put the clock through a wood chipper than listen to it for more than a few minutes.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1jdx3y/why_do_some_people_find_repetitive_sounds/
{ "a_id": [ "cbdq4m8" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "I remember hearing somewhere that humans' brains are hard-wired to try to locate the source of a repetitive sound. That is why things like back-up alarms and the like work. It most likely hearkens back to our primitive ancestors, where tracking a...
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[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passive_sonar#Passive_sonar" ] ]
2b7d5k
how has japanese culture become such a big thing in western countries?
Anime/Manga, Japanese video games, J-Pop, getting Kanji tattoos, Japanese words (eg. kawaii) etc. How has Japan's culture managed to spread over into Western Countries and become so popular? I'd also like to know how some of those things (particularly anime and manga) originated in Japan itself.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2b7d5k/eli5_how_has_japanese_culture_become_such_a_big/
{ "a_id": [ "cj2hz3s", "cj2i7wv", "cj2ial5", "cj2il8u", "cj2j7ew", "cj2jjn9", "cj2jk0q", "cj2jlbc", "cj2jxp0", "cj2k6wu", "cj2kk4u", "cj2kvhx", "cj2l2si", "cj2lbty", "cj2lelo", "cj2lgdl", "cj2lh3c", "cj2lrbb", "cj2ls6c", "cj2luh0", "c...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.eenc.info/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/JStaines-CMercer-Mapping-CCI-Export-Strategies-Feb-2013.pdf" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [...
2ajwur
where did palestine come from? does israel predate palestine?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ajwur/eli5_where_did_palestine_come_from_does_israel/
{ "a_id": [ "civvgyi" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Israel was an independent state thousands of years ago, but was not a Jewish state after the diaspora in the centuries before the 1 century AD.\n\nPalestine became a state after the British and French (mostly) arbitrarily drew borders in the Midd...
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[ [] ]
1m6yp8
market socialism
Hello. I checked Wikipedia and I used Reddit's perfect search engine and did find a result for this type of ELI5, but I would like a more in-depth, but still simple explanation than what I saw. What is Market Socialism, and how is its effectiveness and is it employed by countries today?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1m6yp8/eli5market_socialism/
{ "a_id": [ "cc9e29m" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Frist off, market socialism is bunk from a marxist perspective. For anyone who isn't in high school, socialism is the push towards to the abolition of capitalism. This means the ending of production for exchange/commodioty production, wage-labo...
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[ [] ]
1txg86
how does apple get away with their proprietary charging plugs and ornery connections?
A few years ago, cell phones all switched to micro USB charge cables from company specific plugs, but Apple and iPhones didn't. Apple competes also use different connections on their computers. Why?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1txg86/eli5_how_does_apple_get_away_with_their/
{ "a_id": [ "cecf1rm" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Apple introduced Thunderbolt connectors on its computers because, like Firewire before it, Thunderbolt promises to enable some incredibly fast transfer rates between the computer and external hard drives. Thunderbolt also incorporates the Displa...
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[ [] ]
3tbmy5
what makes the google website's source code so huge and complicated?
Inspired by [this XKCD comic](_URL_0_) I went to _URL_1_ and hit "View Source" on my browser. I'm surprised that the source code for such a clean and simple page, with very few elements, is so... gigantic and messy and hard to read/understand. I'm sure the code for the actual search engine, which will be very compli...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3tbmy5/eli5_what_makes_the_google_websites_source_code/
{ "a_id": [ "cx4r56l" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "You know how the search results load as soon as you start typing, instead of you having to hit enter and refresh the page? That's because all of the code for displaying the search results (not the backend code that generates it, just the code to ...
[]
[ "http://xkcd.com/1605/", "google.com" ]
[ [] ]
6bn4gr
why is philosophy so seemingly dead today but in previous times reveled upon?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6bn4gr/eli5why_is_philosophy_so_seemingly_dead_today_but/
{ "a_id": [ "dhnzc8l", "dhnzyy6" ], "score": [ 3, 8 ], "text": [ "Are you sure that it is dead?\n\nThere are many modern philosophers and most every artist shares philosophical ideas through their chosen medium.\n\nWe simply don't hear about our contemporary philosophers because their idea...
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[ [], [] ]
a874mq
how is only the end of my one strand of christmas lights, opposite the power source, lit?
I understand the concept behind one broken bulb breaking the circuit and preventing the rest of the lights in the strand from lighting up. But when I hung this strand of lights (indoors, from command hooks) all of them were lit. After two days up, I woke up to the first quarter, beginning at the plug/outlit, not being ...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a874mq/eli5_how_is_only_the_end_of_my_one_strand_of/
{ "a_id": [ "ec8htsn", "ec8ibcs", "ec8idks" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Typically better/newer ones have a bypass so a broken section won't kill the entire string, so the bypass is still working and getting to the last strand. That said, for it to go in sequence suggests th...
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[ [], [], [] ]
a07avx
what is the cause of diarrhea
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a07avx/eli5_what_is_the_cause_of_diarrhea/
{ "a_id": [ "eaf5rgw" ], "score": [ 12 ], "text": [ "There are few different causes. What they all have in common is that too much liquid is traveling through the intestines. You can have different liquids. The 2 main culprits are water and oil/fats. If your body is not digesting or not absorbing ...
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43r1hw
why do some people have more than one credit card?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/43r1hw/eli5why_do_some_people_have_more_than_one_credit/
{ "a_id": [ "czk90ri", "czk9ak6", "czk9rui", "czkb1np", "czkhoos" ], "score": [ 13, 6, 3, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "American Express is my most generous reward card, but isn't accepted everywhere so I keep a MasterCard that has wider acceptance. \n\nA few old ones I keep a...
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[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
6xeu4y
is whole foods really good for your health? they say, for example, that bread made with whole grains have less sugar and more fiber that is good for you. what truth are in the whole food thing?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6xeu4y/eli5_is_whole_foods_really_good_for_your_health/
{ "a_id": [ "dmfcel5", "dmfcmi5" ], "score": [ 2, 7 ], "text": [ "Yeah it pretty much means natural foods as they are. There are three main segments to a grain, and the tiny segment in the centre contains a buttload of nutrients and all the fibre of the grain. The outside layer contains so...
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[ [], [] ]
2ic58n
how can my cat sleep most of the day without losing muscle mass, or having any other side effects?
We let both our cats out every day, and around 3 times a week we'll find something dead or dying on our doorstep. They come in every morning if they've been out, and but usually stay inside all night and most of the day. Sometimes they don't go out at all, and spend what must be close to 24 hours sleeping, shifting nap...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ic58n/eli5_how_can_my_cat_sleep_most_of_the_day_without/
{ "a_id": [ "cl0vss6" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Because losing muscles is an active process. Your body specifically makes an effort to reduce unnecessary muscles, because they are heavy and cost energy. Depending on the animal, they may do this too. It would be completely detrimental to a cat ...
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[ [ "http://www.soylent.me/" ] ]
b6tiru
why don’t our internal organs get all tangled up inside of us? or does this sometimes happen?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/b6tiru/eli5_why_dont_our_internal_organs_get_all_tangled/
{ "a_id": [ "ejn0ad7", "ejn0kyc", "ejnus1y" ], "score": [ 4, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Because in general they don't really move. If a traumatic injury happens, things can get moved around and jumbled up, but in general our organs are sturdy enough and held in place by muscle, fat, tissue...
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[ [], [], [] ]
93db8v
how do our bodies know when to grow our nails from clear to white?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/93db8v/eli5_how_do_our_bodies_know_when_to_grow_our/
{ "a_id": [ "e3cd0nj", "e3cd70h" ], "score": [ 9, 6 ], "text": [ "The nail is the same color throughout. It just appears white when is isn't pressed against your skin(aka long enough to have air under it) ", "The nail is hydrated by the nail bed until it reaches a point where it no lon...
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[ [], [] ]
2iioi2
youtube's copyright policy on music.
ive seen videos that some big time youtubers have uploaded that contained music, and it wasnt removed. ive looked and i havent been able to find anything that actually explained it in a understandable manner how do you know what can and cant be used in videos? where can we find music that can be used? are there rul...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2iioi2/eli5_youtubes_copyright_policy_on_music/
{ "a_id": [ "cl2i4ai" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "If a video of your contains obvious music that belongs to someone else, it *might* (but probably won't) get caught by Youtube's filters. \n\nOtherwise, Youtube doesn't care, until the intellectual property holder contacts them about your video. A...
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[ [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tk862BbjWx4" ] ]
ebex0h
how are snaitized rooms in hospitals and scientific labs and the likes are being kept sanitized?
Im not talking about the self cleaning procedure physicians or scientists go through which is washing hands, putting on head caps etc... Like a surgeon can sneeze in the room, doctors talk to eachother mid surgery and exhaking air filled with germs, you can have some unhygenic (is unhygenic the right term?) things on y...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ebex0h/eli5_how_are_snaitized_rooms_in_hospitals_and/
{ "a_id": [ "fb456hx", "fb46xx0", "fb4af0a", "fb4bn9m", "fb4s6yw", "fb5m1po" ], "score": [ 9, 5, 3, 3, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Usually you would have high air circulation AC units with strong filtering involved so the air in the room is changed to clean fresh air...
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[ [], [], [], [ "http://www.spacedecon.com/#how-its-different" ], [], [] ]
ag5p3h
if a fugitive like scenario were to play out in real life, would the person have to go to jail even though their innocence was proven but they broke out of jail?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ag5p3h/eli5_if_a_fugitive_like_scenario_were_to_play_out/
{ "a_id": [ "ee3sjgj" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Most likely they would. If they had been found not guilty and were aware, why would they try to escape prison? The sentence would probably be reduced to a class B misdemeanor. " ] }
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v6dua
relating to music, what is bass and treble? also how to understand the equalizer in my audio device to get optimum effect?
^title^ EDIT: Just woke up to see the response. This is huge. Thanks guys.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/v6dua/eli5_relating_to_music_what_is_bass_and_treble/
{ "a_id": [ "c51qj42", "c51rw3x", "c51s616", "c51svxc", "c51uasg", "c51wfmi", "c51z8xk" ], "score": [ 226, 30, 5, 8, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Bass is low pitched stuff, tubas, bass players, lower male singers, etc. Treble is higher, usually a normal wo...
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[ [], [], [], [ "http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://jwilson.coe.uga.edu/EMAT6680Fa06/Crumley/Unit/6_files/image006.jpg&imgrefurl=http://jwilson.coe.uga.edu/EMAT6680Fa06/Crumley/Unit/6.html&h=476&w=753&sz=25&tbnid=94pLLXHouUt1BM:&tbnh=71&tbnw=113&zoom=1&usg=__tJuxR...
2ic5ca
can you get dandruff, even if you're bald?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ic5ca/eli5can_you_get_dandruff_even_if_youre_bald/
{ "a_id": [ "cl0t0nm" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "I'm going to say yes, because, based on the wikipedia page, dandruff is the flaking of dead skin cells from the scalp, not the hair itself. Since very few people who are bald are also missing their scalp, they should still get dandruff.\n\nThat s...
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cgnph7
why nipples are sometimes erect and sometimes not
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cgnph7/eli5_why_nipples_are_sometimes_erect_and/
{ "a_id": [ "euivg6g", "eulazhv" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "The nerves in the nipple react to stimuli, both physical and psychological. So an arousing thought, change in temperature, or something as simple as the fabric of your shirt brushing against your skin can cause one or both o...
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[ [], [] ]
1pjhyn
why are hospitals kept so cold even though viruses such as the flu are generally transmitted at colder temperatures?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1pjhyn/eli5_why_are_hospitals_kept_so_cold_even_though/
{ "a_id": [ "cd2xao5", "cd2xepm" ], "score": [ 2, 5 ], "text": [ "mostly you do not want your doctor to be all wet and stinky when working on you and here have this blanket. ", "Cold air does not promote the spread of flu viruses. It is an urban legend. In fact cold air typically preve...
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[ [], [] ]
bsmdx1
how much electricity can i produce with 10000 liters of water? (hydropower)
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bsmdx1/eli5_how_much_electricity_can_i_produce_with/
{ "a_id": [ "eooajm9", "eoocbjo" ], "score": [ 7, 2 ], "text": [ "Depends how far the water falls.\n\nHydropower converts potential energy to electricity. Potential energy is mass X force of gravity X height. Hydropower is around 90% efficient so we multiply by 90/100.\n\n10,000 litres of ...
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[ [], [] ]
2cz9jl
if a person who didn't know they had ebola managed to get into a first world country, how much trouble are we in? what are the odds of this happening as well?
I'm thinking they'll spread it to family members, friends, and by the time the symptoms start, it'll be very difficult to contain the web.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2cz9jl/eli5_if_a_person_who_didnt_know_they_had_ebola/
{ "a_id": [ "cjkhnx6" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "The thing about Ebola is that the period in which it is contagious is the same period where it is extremely obvious that the person has Ebola. Additionally, Ebola kills very quickly so there isn't much time for it to spread.\n\nSo there is no \"b...
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ky3n4
why insulin is so important.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ky3n4/eli5_why_insulin_is_so_important/
{ "a_id": [ "c2o6lk1", "c2o6lk1" ], "score": [ 5, 5 ], "text": [ "Insulin is a hormone which regulates sugar (glucose) levels in the bloodstream. With another hormone called glucagon, it keeps sugar levels in the bloodstream at a nearly constant level by breaking down or building up glycog...
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[ [], [] ]
ej1pv2
what is the financial advantage to a business when it’s possible to “get a $35 gift card for only $30?”
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ej1pv2/eli5_what_is_the_financial_advantage_to_a/
{ "a_id": [ "fcuu2h3" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Giving a $5 discount to get $30 in business (and potentially more!) is actually a pretty cheap \"sale\".\n\nThats all it is, its a sale. Discounts drive more buying at many many businesses." ] }
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2ndqi9
the new facebook privacy policies going into effect on january 1
Just want to make sure what they're up to, and what I need to do with the changes!
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ndqi9/eli5_the_new_facebook_privacy_policies_going_into/
{ "a_id": [ "cmcwbly", "cmcxftk", "cmd4kip", "cmdckps", "cmdf9nn", "cmdmte4" ], "score": [ 119, 6, 11, 3, 7, 4 ], "text": [ "[Here's a quick link I found](_URL_0_) Looks like it says they can pretty much use anything on your profile/identity in any advertisi...
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[ [ "https://asmp.org/fb-tos#.VHTim1aprwI" ], [], [], [], [], [] ]