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w02pj
why are african-americans incarcerated at such a higher rate than whites. do they really commit more crimes or is it the system?
I'm in an argument with someone about this and any relevant explanations and data would be very appreciated.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/w02pj/eli5_why_are_africanamericans_incarcerated_at/
{ "a_id": [ "c5939sz", "c593bjr", "c593q3a", "c5949yc", "c597lej", "c59csg5", "c59o6z3" ], "score": [ 3, 49, 11, 6, 8, 5, 8 ], "text": [ "Blacks are probably more likely to commit crimes, but a lot of the causes of this phenomenon are probably due to...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fair_Sentencing_Act", "http://advocatesforpregnantwomen.org/issues/punishment_of_pregnant_women/south_carolina_leading_the_nation_in_the_prosecution_punishment.php", "http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/feb/14/nypd-stop-frisk-record-high", ...
66casb
how do fingerprint readers / touch ids maintain security without the need for frequent changes like a normal password?
Edit: So it's biometric data, but it's still 1s and 0s just like any other data.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/66casb/eli5_how_do_fingerprint_readers_touch_ids/
{ "a_id": [ "dghbuhy", "dght79s", "dgi0wqp" ], "score": [ 12, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "A password is something you know. It's knowledge. Knowledge can be given away, or stolen. So if you haven't changed your password, maybe someone has figured it out. So, for security reasons, you should...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
56nx6m
how does people selling a stock en mass cause the value to go down, when there also has to be someone buying it
For someone to sell a stock someone has to buy it, and vice versa. If people are selling a stock the price goes down, and if they are buying the price goes up. Why doesn't each transaction cancel itself out leaving the stock price the same?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/56nx6m/eli5_how_does_people_selling_a_stock_en_mass/
{ "a_id": [ "d8kwvw5", "d8kxjtz" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "If Buyers > Sellers, then prices go up.\nIf Buyers < Sellers, then prices go down.\n\nIf many people are trying to sell something, the buyers have the luxury of choosing the lowest offer. The sellers then have to compet...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1nyno8
fossils
How do they form, especially old ones? If I throw some bones on a sidewalk they don't fossilize, what environment is required for something to fossilize?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1nyno8/eli5_fossils/
{ "a_id": [ "ccna6ml", "ccnbviy" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "IIRC:\n\nThe fossils aren't the actual bones of the animals/plants. Rather when they die and certain events occur, I think immediately covered by mud/rock is the most common the animal has a hard time decomposing and does s...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
488dtn
what is the difference between an allergy and hypersensitivity?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/488dtn/eli5_what_is_the_difference_between_an_allergy/
{ "a_id": [ "d0hrmfn", "d0hv134" ], "score": [ 3, 9 ], "text": [ "Generaly, Hypsersensitivity can cause mild discomfort, extreme perception of the event or even mild pain. Things like hypersensitivity to light or sound because your eyes can percieve light better than others or hypersensit...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
23fid5
why do plastic bottles have pointed bottoms? also, how come others like gatorade completely ignore this and don't have it?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/23fid5/eli5_why_do_plastic_bottles_have_pointed_bottoms/
{ "a_id": [ "cgwgwzn", "cgwi1jl", "cgwj8ni", "cgwjayw", "cgwleex", "cgwm4ma", "cgwn5an", "cgwny97", "cgwpq1j", "cgwpqkl", "cgwptbu", "cgwrmen", "cgwsv1t", "cgwu3qi", "cgwu6aj", "cgww33s", "cgwyakk", "cgwziin", "cgx0k0a", "cgx39ue", "c...
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[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://i.imgur.com/yCJLDv2.jpg", "http://www.reddit.com/r/answers/comments/1j9i62/why_is_it_that_plastic_soda_bottles_have_the/" ], [ "http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UJYSR7DXEqI/TkUHfAnUWj...
4lmhid
why are hurricanes so rare in the south atlantic?
I was actually in Porto Alegre when Hurricane Catarina hit Brazil back in 2004, so this question has bothered me for quite some time now. Located just south of the equator, one would think that the water temperatures of The South Atlantic are well warm enough for all and any tropical development.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4lmhid/eli5_why_are_hurricanes_so_rare_in_the_south/
{ "a_id": [ "d3op2vn" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Lower wind speeds in the atmosphere and higher temperatures in the North Atlantic allow hurricanes to form more easily.\n\n\"The Intertropical Convergence Zone drops one to two degrees south of the equator, not far enough from the equator for the...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4z8jpk
why do some 12v adaptors have chunky brick plugs that block power strips while others are thin and fit so nicely?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4z8jpk/eli5_why_do_some_12v_adaptors_have_chunky_brick/
{ "a_id": [ "d6u9akq" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Two different technologies, their use being dictated by cost. \n\nThe heavier \"brick like\" power supplies employ a simple iron-core wire-wound step-down transformer. They are cheap and long-lasting, but they are also bulky and heavy. \n\nThe sl...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
16x8ax
why it takes so long for movies/games/etc. to be released in australia
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/16x8ax/eli5_why_it_takes_so_long_for_moviesgamesetc_to/
{ "a_id": [ "c8075rc", "c807xne" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "because everyone hates australia", "We get games the same time as every other PAL territory. Most publishers have global release dates now.\n\nSome movies are scheduled differently but this happens in plenty of countries...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2fr1wu
how can steam have so many sales and still make money?
Every time I go to buy a game there are multiple games with over 50% off and don't get me started on steam sales. Doesn't make sense
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2fr1wu/eli5how_can_steam_have_so_many_sales_and_still/
{ "a_id": [ "ckbwwi7", "ckbyl1k" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "* Low costs due to virtual distribution rather than manufacturing physical copies\n* Usually only reduce older ( > 1 year old) products they have already made profit on", "Because Valve / Steam is acting more like a cred...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
7o1rh0
how do aged spirit brands(whisky etc.) that grow rapidly manage to have enough stock if everything is aged minimum 10 years?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7o1rh0/eli5_how_do_aged_spirit_brandswhisky_etc_that/
{ "a_id": [ "ds65lfj", "ds65n37", "ds66e1h", "ds67g7o", "ds6ag1f", "ds6agdi", "ds6bb5i", "ds6bde2", "ds6bgws", "ds6bntg", "ds6brpl", "ds6bsyk", "ds6by3e", "ds6c2i8", "ds6c3hf", "ds6c7c1", "ds6ca7c", "ds6ceiw", "ds6chhw", "ds6cs2s", "d...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "www.forbes.com/sites/hbsworkingknowledge/2015/07/01/a-bank-that-accepts-parmesan-as-collateral-the-cheese-stands-a-loan/#3f6e4d7210a2" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MGP_of_Indiana" ...
1nk8e9
why do i feel pain in my balls when i mess with my belly button, and why does my belly button always smell so bad even after cleaning it?
Seriously, that shit smells bad and it hurts to clean.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1nk8e9/eli5_why_do_i_feel_pain_in_my_balls_when_i_mess/
{ "a_id": [ "ccjc84h" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "_URL_0_ The Urachus connects your bellybutton area to somewhere in your privates. It can contract and expand depending on your position and I guess the amount of pressure you put on it. This is why sometimes when I sit at a desk all day and go to...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urachus" ] ]
2nouhp
why do we have differents concepts in our education system around the world?
A few days ago I realized that in the USA teach that America is divided in 2 **different** continents: North America and South America. I was told (Nicaraguan here) that the continents are: *America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania and that's it.* Also, something that bother me A LOT is: 1,000,000,000 this in spanish ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2nouhp/eli5_why_do_we_have_differents_concepts_in_our/
{ "a_id": [ "cmfhjjy" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "In the very broad sense, it's because different countries value different things.\n\nIn a more specific sense, it's because many of the differences don't have an objective right answer (it doesn't really matter if you use long or short scale with...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
yub3a
why did the world switch to 1366 x 768 when all preceding standard resolutions were multiples of 8?
So I remember being a kid and 800 x 600 was our desktop resolution. Some people had 1024 x 768. When I got a widescreen monitor, it was 1280 x 768. My old laptop was 1280 x 800. But I was buying a laptop recently and was pretty shocked to see every single one was 1366 x 768. Why? Is this aspect ratio better or somethin...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/yub3a/why_did_the_world_switch_to_1366_x_768_when_all/
{ "a_id": [ "c5yw1oz", "c5yw3dr" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "Essentially, 1024x768 has long been a standard minimum resolution for computing. Because of this, screens with less vertical resolution than that typically don't have sufficient room for standard system dialog boxes- like \"...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1aythp
what happens when i lose consciousness?
So I was thinking about this while falling asleep last night. What happens exactly? I know you could drift into 'what exactly is consciousness territory' here. But what's my brain doing/doing less of and why does it mean I lose consciousness altogether? Also as a bonus question - whats the difference between being kno...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1aythp/eli5what_happens_when_i_lose_consciousness/
{ "a_id": [ "c921xb2", "c923ck9", "c924q5w" ], "score": [ 18, 10, 4 ], "text": [ "Your brain is compartmentalized. Different bits of it handle different tasks. When you lose consciousness, the part that handles being awake slows down to a crawl while some other parts are still pa...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
2qm5lf
why is some level of debt 'good' for a company?
I know that almost all publicly listed companies carry some level of debt / money owed (I assume in the forms of long-term loans from banks or corporate bonds that they have issued.) For example, Apple currently has around $40 BN worth of debt, despite revenues of $183 BN and total assets of $230 BN. So, my question i...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2qm5lf/eli5_why_is_some_level_of_debt_good_for_a_company/
{ "a_id": [ "cn7ckde", "cn7e7lg" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "If a company thinks that investing the money in operations will make them more money than they have to pay in interest, they'd be crazy not to take loans. And with interest rates currently near zero, it's free money. Further...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capital_structure" ] ]
9ff1d3
how did old west town bars get beverages? where did it come from?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9ff1d3/eli5_how_did_old_west_town_bars_get_beverages/
{ "a_id": [ "e5w00k8" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "To my loose knowledge, most of the bars brewed the beverages themselves and kept them in underground cellars to keep them cool. Other than that I could see barrels of whiskey being carried by caravan because keeping whiskey warm in barrels for th...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2cy5cs
how did an american forest cockroach just survive over a minute in my microwave?
I live in florida and occasional these things _URL_0_ find it into houses. Well somehow one got into my microwave, I was just heating something up and I realized my cat was interested at whatever was in there. Then I see it, an american forest cockroach RUNNING around inside... I couldn't BELIEVE it was still alive. (W...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2cy5cs/eli5_how_did_an_american_forest_cockroach_just/
{ "a_id": [ "cjk7825", "cjkbf6z" ], "score": [ 29, 5 ], "text": [ "Microwave ovens, at least the ones I've used are notorious for cooking food unevenly. Perhaps the Palmetto bug or whatever, found areas in the microwave chamber that did not disperse microwaves adequately. I don't own a mic...
[]
[ "http://www.pestproducts.com/images/amrch.jpg" ]
[ [], [ "http://oldblog.orbitingfiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/imgp0102.JPG", "http://orbitingfrog.com/2008/05/13/measure-the-speed-of-light-using-your-microwave/" ] ]
1ewm1p
why does the moon have the gibbous shape when the apparent "change" is cause by the earth casting a shadow on it, and the earth is circular?
Kind of poorly worded, but what I mean is, since the Earth is round, and it's the Earth's shadow that causes the appearance of the waxing and waning of the moon, shouldn't it look like someone is taking a bigger and bigger bite out of the moon? How is it that we get the convex gibbous wax/wane stages?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ewm1p/eli5_why_does_the_moon_have_the_gibbous_shape/
{ "a_id": [ "ca4h6jp", "ca4ka02" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ " > it's the Earth's shadow that causes the appearance of the waxing and waning of the moon\n\nNo it's not. It's the moon's own shadow. The dark area is where it's nighttime on the moon (i.e. the sun has set, and is blocke...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Moon_phases_en.jpg" ], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhqzW97_47w", "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuhNZejHeBg" ] ]
1d8esa
what are dermatologists looking for when they examine moles?
I went to the dermatologist today for the first time in 27 years. I was born and raised on a farm, so my chest, scalp, and arms were heavily exposed to the sun. Because of that, I have a lot of moles of various shapes and sizes, many of which I was concerned about. The dermatologist briefly looked over all of them, a...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1d8esa/eli5_what_are_dermatologists_looking_for_when/
{ "a_id": [ "c9nw90d" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Dark and irregularly shaped moles are more likely to become cancerous." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3fet8m
why do people find blondes so attractive?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3fet8m/eli5why_do_people_find_blondes_so_attractive/
{ "a_id": [ "ctnyjti", "cto0v7e" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Its just a media thing, nothing more than a stereotype. Some men prefer blondes, some do not.", "Some of us don't find blondes attractive. I personally prefer brunettes. Sometimes red heads but I married a brunette. " ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
swo5u
how can cyanide kill in seconds?
even touching a small 'grain of sand like' drop with the tongue results in instant death. Doesnt it take a few minutes for blood to travel?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/swo5u/eli5_how_can_cyanide_kill_in_seconds/
{ "a_id": [ "c4hlrcs", "c4hlsbs", "c4hlt60", "c4hltgs", "c4hm3gs", "c4hn3r6", "c4hn9kb", "c4hobk1", "c4hocxq", "c4hs7gz" ], "score": [ 44, 259, 152, 13, 2, 18, 2, 11, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "I'm pretty sure it interrupts the Oxygen...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://books.google.com/books?id=SRIvmTVcYBwC&amp;pg=PA939&amp;redir_esc=y#v=onepage&amp;q&amp;f=false" ], [ "http://hypertextbook.com/facts/2003/MarinaTheodoris.shtml", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyanide_poisoning#Acute_poisoning", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyanide_poisoning#Tre...
2ze5h3
why do eastern countries (e.g philippines, japan) focus on discipline, honor and excellent grades more than western countries (e.g america, canada?)
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ze5h3/eli5why_do_eastern_countries_eg_philippines_japan/
{ "a_id": [ "cpi2sd2", "cpia7ok" ], "score": [ 12, 6 ], "text": [ "Because western countries focus more on creativity, individual achievement and social development? Many eastern schools produce children who can recite facts but not know how to use them. Many western schools have kids who ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1nbvvj
what is the difference between 4d and 3d?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1nbvvj/eli5_what_is_the_difference_between_4d_and_3d/
{ "a_id": [ "cch6cy6", "cchcj5j", "cchcq5n" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "A dimension.\n\nIf you're talking about cinema, it's usually some form of water, smell, movement in the chairs etc. added to \"enhance\" the experience. Calling it 4D is bullshit though.\n\nIn science, ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gg85IH3vghA" ], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9sbdrPVfOQ" ] ]
cq7wet
if a nail is lying flat on the road, how is it that it appears to pierce your tire after running over it?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cq7wet/eli5_if_a_nail_is_lying_flat_on_the_road_how_is/
{ "a_id": [ "ewugoag", "ewutf9p" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "It might lie on the uneven surface in such a way that it is raised a bit in one end which can catch on your tire and get burried even further as you roll over it. It might be slightly bent which helps with this. Alternativel...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
j5y8o
how do grave yards start out?
Having a grave yard with one person in it seems strange, but so does getting "starter corpses"... I don't know how they start out.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/j5y8o/how_do_grave_yards_start_out/
{ "a_id": [ "c29f65j", "c29f65j" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "I suppose at some point every graveyard must have only one grave. I don't think there's any particular procedure, though. Many times, graveyards are contained on church property. Other times, property is set aside as a cemet...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
35j861
how does someone escape from child pornography charges?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/35j861/eli5_how_does_someone_escape_from_child/
{ "a_id": [ "cr4waet" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "If the police had a search warrant to go through his house and get his computers, then the most likely answer is that the search did not turn up enough evidence to satisfy the prosecutors that they would win at trial.\n\nProsecutors really don't ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
81vlas
why do lipids have hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions?
And to add onto that, what happens if you exposed the hydrophobic region to water? (Repost cuz I made a typo in the last one)
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/81vlas/eli5_why_do_lipids_have_hydrophilic_and/
{ "a_id": [ "dv5ie91" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "well depends on the lipid. i assume your talking about phospholipids in the cell membrane. the hydrophobic region (on the inside) acts as a protective barrier between the inner and outer cell-so that everything within the extracellular fluid can'...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
64wf0b
what is the advantage of "creeping barrage"? please see comment for elaboration
Hey guys, I like to consider myself a bit of a military history buff but I've always been a little confused about the creeping barrage. For those of you that don't know, a creeping barrage is an artillery tactic wherein the shells are timed such that they land right on front of their advancing infantry, providing a ki...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/64wf0b/eli5_what_is_the_advantage_of_creeping_barrage/
{ "a_id": [ "dg5k2y4", "dg5k40m" ], "score": [ 3, 7 ], "text": [ "The advantage of the creeping barrage, when done correctly, is that your infantry is protected by a moving bubble of artillery fire that cloaks their movements in the smoke/fire/dirt and prevents enemy soldiers from firing a...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
a2lug1
what is the purpose of capacitors and resistors in electronics?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a2lug1/eli5_what_is_the_purpose_of_capacitors_and/
{ "a_id": [ "eazhl3r" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Resistors are used to limit current from a known voltage, since many components can handle a much larger range of voltages than they can currents.\n\nA capacitor stores power which can be used for many things from creating timers like in a toaste...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
pua4v
what is a head rush and what am i seeing when my vision gets blurry?
By "head rush" I mean the temporary dizziness one gets after standing up after a long period of sitting or laying down.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/pua4v/eli5_what_is_a_head_rush_and_what_am_i_seeing/
{ "a_id": [ "c3sadvi", "c3safx9" ], "score": [ 8, 2 ], "text": [ "The medical term is [orthostatic hypotension](_URL_0_).\n\nWhen you stand up, the blood pools in your legs, preventing enough blood from getting to your brain, which is what causes the dizziness and vision problems.\n\nBut i...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orthostatic_hypotension" ], [] ]
ey331b
how are fetal genetic abnormalities detected from cfdna?
I’m pregnant and able to take a cell-free DNA screening which is a non-invasive test where they’re able to tell me whether the fetus has a high or low risk of any trisomy chromosomal conditions. How does the test work? How is the fetus’ dna floating around in my blood?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ey331b/eli5_how_are_fetal_genetic_abnormalities_detected/
{ "a_id": [ "fgexlrb" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Because of the pregnancy, you have some of the fetuses genetic material circulating in your blood. The screening test takes a small sample of your blood and screens for these abnormalities (Trisomy 21, 18, & 13). \n\nThe American College of Obs...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://m.acog.org/-/media/299A387F276544BD8F1F90ABD4A7D3E9.pdf" ] ]
27erks
what would happen if i throw a marble at 99% the speed of light?
Would instantly evaporete? what if it hits something??
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/27erks/eli5what_would_happen_if_i_throw_a_marble_at_99/
{ "a_id": [ "ci03f8o", "ci03jgn", "ci04g4o", "ci04ms0" ], "score": [ 9, 7, 6, 3 ], "text": [ "Actually, here's a pretty rad article about what would happen if you throw a baseball at the speed of light: _URL_0_\n\nThe short version is - something very similar to a nuclear e...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://what-if.xkcd.com/1/" ], [], [], [] ]
274p5a
flex fuel
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/274p5a/eli5_flex_fuel/
{ "a_id": [ "chxd25o", "chxd3yd" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ " > Flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) are designed to run on gasoline or a blend of up to 85% ethanol (E85). Except for a few engine and fuel system modifications, they are identical to gasoline-only models. FFVs experience no l...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
29aag1
how do our bodies know what to eat when we have a vitamin deficiency.
I have heard stories of people who were stranded on lifeboats or in the wilderness and developed cravings for things like liver or eyes, but it seems strange that we know exactly what to eat.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/29aag1/eli5_how_do_our_bodies_know_what_to_eat_when_we/
{ "a_id": [ "cij0xwo" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "That's very interesting, I'd like to know more about this too. I was just reading the article on [rabbit starvation](_URL_0_), which is when a person eats only lean meat without enough fat or carbohydrates, and their body can't process the protei...
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[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabbit_starvation" ] ]
3lbyus
how exactly do handicapped wheelchair bound people drive ? how do they shift themselves from wheelchair to car seat ? and vice-versa. how do they press clutch, brake with their legs, if they are handicapped in legs?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3lbyus/eli5_how_exactly_do_handicapped_wheelchair_bound/
{ "a_id": [ "cv4yqwo" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "[Reference](_URL_0_)\nThough not all handicap vehicles are the same, this is a pretty good representation. The key components are a ramp, no drivers seat, and hand controls. You are unlikely to find a handicap vehicle with a standard transmission...
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[ [ "http://i.imgur.com/ljcMqeK.jpg" ] ]
9vlcj1
why raining/fire sounds and those asmr sounds can help for falling asleep?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9vlcj1/eli5_why_rainingfire_sounds_and_those_asmr_sounds/
{ "a_id": [ "e9d7tit", "e9d81sn" ], "score": [ 2, 5 ], "text": [ "Abnormal noises get your attention, white noise drowns them out. This allows your mind to drift off and you to fall to sleep. After a while you start to associate these noises with sleep so your body responds accordingly.\n\...
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[ [], [] ]
39zh9u
why are some foreign countries called states?
I have an idea but I don't want to be that guy who answered his own ELI5.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/39zh9u/eli5_why_are_some_foreign_countries_called_states/
{ "a_id": [ "cs7vl79" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "All countries are States. Well a state is a chunk of land controlled by a government. \n\nThe United States is weird because it was formed to act a a bunch of individual States with their own governments that all United under a single government ...
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[ [] ]
2sr5vj
why is the national bird for america so important to its identity, while the national birds for other countries are virtually unheard of?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2sr5vj/eli5_why_is_the_national_bird_for_america_so/
{ "a_id": [ "cns3ln3" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The Bald Eagle isn't just the national bird. It's the national animal. Other countries have national animals. They just tend not to be birds. I think Canada's is a beaver and Mexico has the golden eagle.\n\nBut I guess crazy American patriotism c...
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[ [] ]
9qyvdy
psychologically speaking, what is fun?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9qyvdy/eli5_psychologically_speaking_what_is_fun/
{ "a_id": [ "e8cs5e5", "e8cv25c", "e8cvltl" ], "score": [ 18, 7, 3 ], "text": [ "The question is a little vague but I will try to explain what I interpreted.\n\nSo what we think is \"fun\" varies from person to person. Some like to play video games while others like to play sports ...
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[ [], [], [] ]
75cmny
is gravity a push or pull? would the effects be different if it were the opposite?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/75cmny/eli5_is_gravity_a_push_or_pull_would_the_effects/
{ "a_id": [ "do54ent" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "\"Push\" and \"pull\" aren't extremely technical terms, but *technically* gravity would be a \"pull.\"\n\nGravity is the attractive force generated between two objects. When you're standing, the gravitational force of the Earth is \"pulling\" you...
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[ [] ]
6ms3e5
why we think we look worse when a picture of us is flipped ie from a forward facing camera?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6ms3e5/eli5_why_we_think_we_look_worse_when_a_picture_of/
{ "a_id": [ "dk3xdty" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "I think \"worse\" in this context is just how jarring the differences are. We see ourselves reflected all the time. In mirrors and pictures. Flipping the image is just so different that it looks almost unsettling, hence \"worse.\"" ] }
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[ [] ]
2nrcnj
if the middle of great britain was transposed directly west, it would lie in freezing cold places such as northern quebec. cities in this region in canada have average winter temperatures of around -25°c, yet winter in the uk is relatively mild (average 6°c) and rarely even snows. why?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2nrcnj/eli5_if_the_middle_of_great_britain_was/
{ "a_id": [ "cmg5ayq", "cmg5d1m", "cmg5j7h", "cmg5tqn", "cmg5tv3", "cmg5xrx", "cmg6b7k", "cmg6lrc", "cmg6ns1", "cmg6plt", "cmg73z3", "cmg75kx", "cmg7c9y", "cmg7d7m", "cmg7qif", "cmg7vwh", "cmg879n", "cmg87hj", "cmg9a1q", "cmg9oy0", "c...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.cartographicarts.com/catalogs/Gulf_Stream.pdf" ], [], [], [ "http://www.listrocket.com/ktml2/user/1241_M837Hca3MN/images/uploads/1241_cnzfTSqUND0J35QLq6gO_files/image014.png" ], [], [ "http://www.diercke.de/bilder/omeda/501/100272_175...
2qulny
why do game publishers often release a game as exclusive to a console they own. wouldn't they make more money if they'd release it for as many platforms as possible from the start?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2qulny/eli5_why_do_game_publishers_often_release_a_game/
{ "a_id": [ "cn9nl7c" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The publishers have contracts with the companies that make the consoles. Halo 3 made more money on Xbox 360 than COD: MWII did on xbox 360, ps3, Wii, and PC combined. It really depends on the popularity of the game. Destiny was made by the Bungie...
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[ [] ]
1qlq8e
what gives a government the right to govern the people?
From where do governments derive their mandate to tax, organize defense, institute social programs, regulate the economy ect. I'm after something more than the standard because they were elected to do so.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1qlq8e/eli5_what_gives_a_government_the_right_to_govern/
{ "a_id": [ "cde25j9", "cde2al7", "cde2uk4" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "[Consent of the governed.](_URL_0_) Article 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that \"The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government\".", "From the US d...
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[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consent_of_the_governed" ], [], [] ]
8tnb0b
what causes a person's nose to get stuffy when they drink?
Sometimes when people drink it causes their nose to get stuffy. Why does this happen?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8tnb0b/eli5_what_causes_a_persons_nose_to_get_stuffy/
{ "a_id": [ "e18tr00" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Alcohol is a vasodilator, it opens up small blood vessels. This is why some people get red in the face and why you feel warm, that extra blood circulating closer to the skin makes the nerves which sense temperature warmer. Alcohol dilates the blo...
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[ [] ]
awpm5y
what’s menthol and why is it in some cigarettes?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/awpm5y/eli5_whats_menthol_and_why_is_it_in_some/
{ "a_id": [ "eho9gv1" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "Menthol is an organic compound made synthetically or obtained from the oils of corn mint, peppermint, or other mints. \n\n\nBut what's important is that menthol is the compound that causes that cooling sensation you get when you eat mint. It is...
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[ [] ]
2g2bn4
why is it that when a youtube video features on reddit, their comments are flooded with 'le reddit army is here' followed by attempts at insulting the video creator?
I have just joined reddit to ask this question.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2g2bn4/eli5_why_is_it_that_when_a_youtube_video_features/
{ "a_id": [ "ckeyoit", "ckf0qx7", "ckf13dr", "ckf165p", "ckf25yb", "ckf3my3", "ckf45ol" ], "score": [ 9, 20, 6, 8, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Because people are assholes. I stick to lurking basically and don't tell anyone. (Shhh)", "Because children a...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
sxq4o
brain fatigue
Why can't I study for hours on end? Why does my brain feel weary and unable to learn after hours of work, and why does taking a break help?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/sxq4o/eli5_brain_fatigue/
{ "a_id": [ "c4hv38t", "c4hvce4", "c4hvf4h" ], "score": [ 10, 6, 163 ], "text": [ "I'm only 10% sure that sleep is the way your brain clears out your head: File away important memories, dump extraneous information, \"reboot the system\" so to speak.\n\nI think I read that somewhere...
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[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1lmpgm
why is it when i am sleeping, i always want to sleep "a little bit more?"
I have made a habit of going to bed at around 11pm-12am, and waking up between 8am-9am. From what I *do* know, I'm getting enough sleep.. So why is it I keep delaying trying to get up, keep trying to wait out 8:57 - 9:00, etc...???
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1lmpgm/eli5why_is_it_when_i_am_sleeping_i_always_want_to/
{ "a_id": [ "cc0sjc9" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "**[You sleep in cycles, and you've probably woken up during the wrong part of it](_URL_0_) is the very concise and simple answer.**\n\nTo build on it, there are certain parts of your sleeping that you actually rest in. It's during the deep sleep ...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleep#Physiology" ] ]
2lrx7h
why does japan seem to have such a low proportion of immigrants when compared to other developed countries?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2lrx7h/eli5_why_does_japan_seem_to_have_such_a_low/
{ "a_id": [ "clxk1az", "clxkzv4", "clxq1j3", "clxx5fl", "cly3wk0", "cly4aos" ], "score": [ 192, 65, 59, 4, 8, 2 ], "text": [ "Japan is a very (ethnically) homogeneous society and was essentially closed to foreigners for more than 250 years. Foreigners are no...
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[]
[ [], [ "http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=gaijin%20hunter" ], [], [], [], [] ]
clu2jc
why do humans have chins?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/clu2jc/eli5_why_do_humans_have_chins/
{ "a_id": [ "evxv0vy", "evxv2lj", "evxwyfh", "evxxw94", "evxyr3y", "evxzpx9", "evy11t7", "evy1c5k", "evy1e73", "evy2xu8", "evy4jy9" ], "score": [ 10, 60, 8, 3, 8, 8, 5, 3, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "We don't know. There are...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spandrel_(biology\\)", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spandrel_(biology)" ], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chin" ], [], [], [], [] ]
1tn31q
what's the difference between a galaxy and nebula?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1tn31q/eli5_whats_the_difference_between_a_galaxy_and/
{ "a_id": [ "ce9k1nw" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "A galaxy is a huge collection of gravitationally bound stars, nebula, dark matter and so forth. The number of stars ranges from millions to trillions. \n\nA nebula is a collection of gas and dust." ] }
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[ [] ]
5b4f5z
why do people love things that rock/swing
Why are people predisposed to things that swing? We have hammocks, rocking chairs, swing sets, suspended chairs, loads of people rock back and forth on conventional chairs etc. Is it a reminder of being cradled in our arms when we were children or for some other reason?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5b4f5z/why_do_people_love_things_that_rockswing/
{ "a_id": [ "d9lqia3" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "My understanding is that it's actually a reminder of being in the womb. The rocking that seems to calm a baby when they get upset stems from the same thing.\n\nWhen humans started to walk upright, the shape of our pelvis changed, and the size of ...
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[ [] ]
39cbhu
what creates more 'work' for the body: climbing 100 vertical feet using lots of small (say 6") stairs, or climbing 100 vertical feet using big (say 24" stairs)? why?
Physics would define 'work' as distance traveled, but which would create more work in terms of calories burned?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/39cbhu/eli5_what_creates_more_work_for_the_body_climbing/
{ "a_id": [ "cs26ybj" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "This is really more of a physiology question than a physics one. It mostly depends on how efficiently your body is able to climb 6 inch stairs vs 24 inch stairs at a given speed." ] }
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[ [] ]
5jv0s7
how does the penis know when to ejaculate? (nsfw)
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5jv0s7/eli5_how_does_the_penis_know_when_to_ejaculate/
{ "a_id": [ "dbj8h8z", "dbja0bg", "dbjnz84" ], "score": [ 45, 165, 4 ], "text": [ "It's not the penis that causes ejaculation, it's the brain.", "Both penile erections and ejaculations are under the control of the autonomic nervous system. The erection in a man's penis is contr...
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[]
[ [], [], [] ]
4h7kar
if light travels forever, why isn't the earth always lit from other stars?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4h7kar/eli5_if_light_travels_forever_why_isnt_the_earth/
{ "a_id": [ "d2o3osw" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Light spreads. The farther it goes, the more it spreads, and the less hits any particular point. Couple this with the fact that eventually some of that light hits other shit, even very small shit, and eventually you can see that while uninterrupt...
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[ [] ]
20bwcf
how does uranium become electricity? what pros/cons are there to it?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/20bwcf/eli5_how_does_uranium_become_electricity_what/
{ "a_id": [ "cg1pgu0", "cg1pgyf" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Uranium itself does not become electricity.\n\nUranium is used to heat water. The water boils, and goes up as steam through a turbine, which spins and generates electricity.\n\nMost nuclear power plants are based on this des...
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[ [], [] ]
3d7wz2
what does a 'hypercube' represent? and what is a 'tesseract'?
I'm really curious about what a [Hypercube](_URL_1_) is, and what a [Tesseract](_URL_0_) really is. I've loved the book *A Wrinkle in Time* for many years, however, I've come to understand that some of its ideas are... dated. To say the least. Can someone explain to me what any of this means?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3d7wz2/eli5_what_does_a_hypercube_represent_and_what_is/
{ "a_id": [ "ct2mho9", "ct2miwn", "ct2mizs" ], "score": [ 2, 5, 3 ], "text": [ "A line has a length of x. A square has an area of x^2. A cube has a volume of x^3. A tesseract has a \"volume\" of x^4. As such, you can think of the relationship between a cube and a tesseract as simil...
[]
[ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tesseract", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypercube" ]
[ [], [], [ "http://sierra.nmsu.edu/morandi/CourseMaterials/graphics/CubeShadow.gif", "http://www.fourthdimensionapp.com/" ] ]
1drad4
what is each widely-used programming language is used for?
I am pursuing software engineering once I enter college, but before I begin to learn the languages, I'm just curious: what is each widely-used programming language is used for? Thank you!! :)
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1drad4/eli5_what_is_each_widelyused_programming_language/
{ "a_id": [ "c9t3qzn" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "Hmmm. This is hard because a lot of languages are general purpose, and there are few hard rules, but I can give an overview of the general cases.\n\n* C: systems programming, writing operating systems, and \"low level\" services that need to be v...
[]
[]
[ [ "Amazon.com" ] ]
7qb7yd
why are you able to leg-press or hack-squat so much more than you can raw-squat?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7qb7yd/eli5why_are_you_able_to_legpress_or_hacksquat_so/
{ "a_id": [ "dsnt0q2", "dsojfca" ], "score": [ 7, 2 ], "text": [ "Your body weight is being supported by a machine in a leg-press or hack-squat, whereas a raw-squat forces you to lift your body as well. There is also the rigid, supported movement of the machine to consider, so you don't ha...
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[ [], [] ]
deqr0y
why don’t the fbi or other 3rd party agencies investigate cases of police misconduct, wouldn’t this cut down on “no evidence of wrongdoing” reported by departments investigating their own people?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/deqr0y/eli5_why_dont_the_fbi_or_other_3rd_party_agencies/
{ "a_id": [ "f2y9h94", "f2y9t8h" ], "score": [ 20, 5 ], "text": [ "They do. The FBI has a big public corruption unit. \n\nIn cases like police brutality or racial bias the justice department also investigates but since rules about police brutality are written at the state and county level ...
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[ [], [] ]
1wenr0
when a new library is built, where do they get their books? i understand many can be bought brand new from publishers. but, what about the old books, or the vast volumes of dated encyclopedias, dated periodicals, etc...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1wenr0/eli5_when_a_new_library_is_built_where_do_they/
{ "a_id": [ "cf19r86" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Librarian here.\n\nA lot of that stuff comes from stores and reserves from other libraries in the system. My library authority has been around since 1890 and has accumulated decades of stuff that due to archiving policies /librarian OCD hoarding...
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[ [] ]
3vbxil
religious radicalization
Are there examples of radicalization from other religions besides Islam in recent news media? How does the process of radicalization work?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3vbxil/eli5_religious_radicalization/
{ "a_id": [ "cxm510x" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Westboro Baptists come to mind if you want an example of Christian extremism.\n\nIt comes about when someone decides that their interpretation is more valid than anyone else's. Typically, people will hunt for passages that, when taken in a partic...
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[]
[ [] ]
69wjpq
why can sunlight reach earth, millions of miles from the sun, but it can't reach the depths of the ocean?
Watching a video on ocean depth got me wondering. They say sunlight doesn't reach the depths after a certain point, but why is that, compared to how sunlight can reach the earth?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/69wjpq/eli5_why_can_sunlight_reach_earth_millions_of/
{ "a_id": [ "dh9xew8", "dh9xfk9" ], "score": [ 3, 10 ], "text": [ "Between the Sun and our atmosphere, there's basically nothing. Part of the energy from our sun is absorbed in the atmosphere. More and more energy gets absorbed by water in the ocean. The deeper and deeper the ocean, the...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
1t5uhi
where is the safest place to be during a major earthquake?
There a many differing opinions, so if a major earthquake hit was to hit, where (and why) would be the best places to 'ride it out' or evert the most danger?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1t5uhi/eli5_where_is_the_safest_place_to_be_during_a/
{ "a_id": [ "ce4mkbq", "ce4mzfs", "ce4n5k1" ], "score": [ 24, 2, 6 ], "text": [ "In an airplane.", "One of the best places to go during an earthquake, believe it or not, is a gas station. Most gas stations are extremely well prepared for natural disasters. The roof is made by e...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1rx6km
how can computer code be "secret" when you have a copy of it on your computer?
Some people prefer and trust open-source applications like Firefox or Truecrypt. Why aren't Windows or Photoshop "open source" if I have an entire copy of it on my hard drive? Can't I just print the program out? I realize these programs are big -millions of lines- but so is Firefox. Edit: Thank you all. You've al...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1rx6km/eli5_how_can_computer_code_be_secret_when_you/
{ "a_id": [ "cdrso4d", "cdrsrbj", "cdrv43x", "cdrxb4u" ], "score": [ 4, 12, 2, 4 ], "text": [ "What you have on your computer is a compiled executable in machine code. It has all the instructions to run the program, but is not user friendly to read at all. It's not as expan...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
39xot1
how women participating in the national workforce affects the cost of living and unemployment rates
(also posted to /r/economy) I'm a woman who completely loves my career. I'd like to get it out of the way that I'm not suggesting that women shouldn't work. I'm not bringing emotion or gender issues into this at all. I just can't get my head around the maths/logic of it! However, it seems to me (totally uneducated in...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/39xot1/eli5_how_women_participating_in_the_national/
{ "a_id": [ "cs7dmxu", "cs7dovj", "cs7ep7c" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Women working increases the supply of labor, driving down wages. However, it also drives down prices of products for a lot of reasons (cheaper labor, better matching of jobs to skills due to more people...
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[]
[ [], [ "http://www.epi.org/publication/charting-wage-stagnation/" ], [ "http://smile.amazon.com/Two-Income-Trap-Middle-Class-Parents-Going/dp/0465090907/" ] ]
3n0vlt
i will read an article that is able to state the tv watching demographics. (i.e children, adults 18 -24, ect). how do they get these numbers if a single person pays the bill, and they don't know who is watching.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3n0vlt/eli5i_will_read_an_article_that_is_able_to_state/
{ "a_id": [ "cvjtoey" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Networks get viewership statistics by doing surveys.\n\nYour cable is just a dumb wire - the network doesn't know that you're tuned in to their channel, because your TV isn't sending a signal back to the cable company that says \"We were watching...
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[ [] ]
3i3f41
why are some seemingly simple and unartistic (to the simpleton) art pieces so revered in the art world?
When perusing art galleries, I often find myself questioning why some pieces are so revered, or even considered decent in any way. Examples include Mark Rothko's "[Orange and Yellow](_URL_1_) and Jackson Pollock's [splatter paintings](_URL_0_) where it seems literally any human being could recreate the work. I can unde...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3i3f41/eli5_why_are_some_seemingly_simple_and_unartistic/
{ "a_id": [ "cucxzcf", "cucy9mj", "cud47sx", "cudjvf6", "cudo72n" ], "score": [ 7, 17, 8, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "There is more to art than just technical skill. Even if a piece could easily be replicated, the conception, originality and composition can still be rewardin...
[]
[ "http://rowanberryschool.typepad.com/.a/6a00e55217fa9e8833017ee8f09652970d-pi", "http://i.imgur.com/gKZuNre.png" ]
[ [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Pablo_Picasso,_1913-14,_Head_(T%C3%AAte),_cut_and_pasted_colored_paper,_gouache_and_charcoal_on_paperboard,_43.5_x_33_cm,_Scottish_National_Gallery_of_Modern_Art,_Edinburgh.jpg", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Pablo_Picasso,_1909,_Femme_assise_(Sitzende...
597afp
what is the purpose of this waiting before downloading? "files are being prepared for download...please wait 18 seconds..."
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/597afp/eli5_what_is_the_purpose_of_this_waiting_before/
{ "a_id": [ "d966n2l" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "In the vast majority of cases, those appear on ad-supported download websites. The purpose is to force you to spend a minimum amount of time staring at the ads, and/or give you an incentive to spend money on the \"accelerated/express\" version of...
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5nb4fq
why has my town installed dual traffic lights at a busy roundabout, i thought the point of a roundabout was to keep traffic flowing and replace traffic lights.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5nb4fq/eli5_why_has_my_town_installed_dual_traffic/
{ "a_id": [ "dca3lnc", "dca3m8d", "dca3ol4" ], "score": [ 2, 16, 5 ], "text": [ "Without more clues it's difficult to say however in general, the only reason for doing this is due to (a) very heavy traffic flows in one direction that make it practically impossible for people to ent...
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[ [], [], [] ]
1rhelx
why do we "love" things/people?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1rhelx/eli5_why_do_we_love_thingspeople/
{ "a_id": [ "cdn9ve9" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "My interpretation is that loving people is essentially a biological or evolutionary trick that ensures we will take care of each other and that we will reproduce in order for our species to survive. When we think about or see people we love our b...
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j2irl
explain (like i'm five) the importance of having gold back up our money.
So here's how I understand it: Gold is a precious metal, but carrying it around and giving it to all citizens would be inconvenient, so we print paper money to represent the gold we have. When we do not have enough gold to back up the money we print, inflation happens. The dollar is worth less. Ok so here's my issu...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/j2irl/explain_like_im_five_the_importance_of_having/
{ "a_id": [ "c28llt6", "c28lm7w", "c28lnk9", "c28lp5t" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 9, 3 ], "text": [ "Because gold is something you can almost be guaranteed to sell.\n\nGold is a [Veblen good](_URL_0_). We'd probably use diamonds if they weren't so much rarer than gold. \n\n", ...
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[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veblen_good" ], [], [], [] ]
8wm3a8
why do boxers get injured more often than muay thai/kickboxers who fought more often?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8wm3a8/eli5_why_do_boxers_get_injured_more_often_than/
{ "a_id": [ "e1wk5u7" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Boxing has a smaller target zone, so more hits to the same area. Especially the head.\n\nBoxing uses big fat gloves to protect your hands so you can hit full force, even when punching the head which would ordinarily break your hand. Without those...
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6q994x
how come when you wash your dishes they become "squeaky clean"?
What's causing the squeaky noise when you rub clean dishes?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6q994x/eli5_how_come_when_you_wash_your_dishes_they/
{ "a_id": [ "dkvjpx0" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Yer not alone in askin', and kind strangers have explained:\n\n1. [ELI5:What makes the \"squeaky\" in \"squeaky clean?\" ](_URL_1_)\n1. [ELI5: Why do things that are 'squeaky clean' actually squeak when clean? ](_URL_2_)\n1. [ELI5: Is \"squeaky c...
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[ [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5r277q/eli5_is_squeaky_clean_a_legitimate_way_to_find/", "https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/35gb37/eli5what_makes_the_squeaky_in_squeaky_clean/", "https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1h1c2d/eli5_why_do_things_that_a...
3febq7
why computers use separate jack for mic and headphones while mobiles use the same jack for input and output.?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3febq7/eli5_why_computers_use_separate_jack_for_mic_and/
{ "a_id": [ "ctnturm", "cto464a", "cto6k4p" ], "score": [ 57, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Typically those combined jacks have the same number of contacts as the separate jacks put together. They are just all together.\n\nYou can buy adapters that split these up or merge them to connect dev...
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[ [], [], [ "http://nl.aliexpress.com/item/3-5mm-headphone-mic-audio-splitter-cable-female-to-dual-male-converter-adapter-EL6097/32310306326.html", "http://cdn.head-fi.org/6/62/62264107_TRRS.GIF" ] ]
3zgjas
china stock market "circuit breaker"
And how does their subsequent temporary shut down effect the American economy and their stock market?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3zgjas/eli5_china_stock_market_circuit_breaker/
{ "a_id": [ "cylx3e8" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Most stock markets have something similar these days. If the market sees a large sharp decline, they suspend trading temporarily. \n\nThey do this for two reasons. First, there's a lot of automated trading software out there that reacts to certai...
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3ihwl4
why does plain black coffee seem to "wake me up" more effectively than coffee with creamer?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ihwl4/eli5_why_does_plain_black_coffee_seem_to_wake_me/
{ "a_id": [ "cugjpnb" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "There's no difference in caffeine if you're drinking the same volume of coffee. The only explanation is that black coffee is hotter than if you add cream." ] }
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8y7uv6
non-linear time
So i understand time as linear, progressing from one moment to the next. I get the concept of the present containing all past moments but what is the concept of non-linear time?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8y7uv6/eli5_nonlinear_time/
{ "a_id": [ "e293jzb" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "imagine the universe was just 2d and time would be a 3rd axis perpendicular to it. now regular time would be moving the surface along the time axis at constant speed, non-linear time would be non-constant speed (aka speed up or slow down). bonus:...
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3r783u
why does a stuffy nose clear up when scared or aroused?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3r783u/eli5_why_does_a_stuffy_nose_clear_up_when_scared/
{ "a_id": [ "cwli1mv" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Release of chemicals like adrenalin widen the air passages to get more air into the lungs in preparation for fight or flight." ] }
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l2ztp
why does the speed of computer components increase with more transistors?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/l2ztp/eli5_why_does_the_speed_of_computer_components/
{ "a_id": [ "c2pcez3", "c2pcgbt", "c2pf2m6", "c2pcez3", "c2pcgbt", "c2pf2m6" ], "score": [ 2, 9, 2, 2, 9, 2 ], "text": [ "Two person working on the same job is faster than one person. Same for transistors. There are exceptions, of course, in both cases. For ...
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2w2jgl
how can a country bomb another country because they contain groups of isis without first declaring war?
Do they have permission of the government of that country?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2w2jgl/eli5_how_can_a_country_bomb_another_country/
{ "a_id": [ "con0dsw", "con18b4" ], "score": [ 2, 7 ], "text": [ "Unfortunately the international rules of engagement are not that black and white.\n\nYou don't actually have to declare war on a country to invade it (See the current situation in Ukraine for example).\n\nThere are two domin...
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[ [ "http://www.sparknotes.com/us-government-and-politics/political-science/international-politics/section2.rhtml" ], [] ]
3jdjtk
why do we need to eat both carbs and fats?
Can't we just use either carbs or fats as a source of energy?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3jdjtk/eli5why_do_we_need_to_eat_both_carbs_and_fats/
{ "a_id": [ "cuoacd5", "cuoaxd0" ], "score": [ 7, 3 ], "text": [ "Our bodies require some fatty acids for survival and some proteins for survival. We can technically live just fine without any carbs at all, but they are a common source of easy energy.\n\nWe could technically live on supple...
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4j9wyb
new to reddit... why do people add “edit” to their posts and list such mundane things?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4j9wyb/eli5_new_to_reddit_why_do_people_add_edit_to/
{ "a_id": [ "d34wyp5", "d34wzxj", "d34x8ii" ], "score": [ 3, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "People don't like posts that change. So, Reddit shows when you change one. So users then have to explain their edits so that others don't think the post changed in meaning. ", "You can see when some...
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25ra8v
is there a biological reason as to why guys like girls with a slight shadow under their eyes?
I mean eyeliners and the such.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/25ra8v/eli5_is_there_a_biological_reason_as_to_why_guys/
{ "a_id": [ "chjz3fl", "chk2cnw", "chk2eia" ], "score": [ 17, 7, 2 ], "text": [ "I think it just serves to accentuate the eye itself. A nice eye with bright whites and clear lense is a sign of health so they contrast makes the eyes pop. ", "[Here's a great article that explains...
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[ [], [ "http://scienceblogs.com/observations/2010/11/04/the-science-of-makeup/" ], [] ]
4ad3pe
why is the british pound always more valuable than the u.s. dollar even though america has higher gdp ppp and a much larger economy?
I've never understood why the Pound is more valuable than the Dollar, especially considering that America is like, THE world superpower and biggest economy yadda yadda yadda and everybody seems to use the Dollar to compare all other currencies. Edit: To respond to a lot of the criticisms, I'm asking specifically abo...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4ad3pe/eli5why_is_the_british_pound_always_more_valuable/
{ "a_id": [ "d0zb9au", "d0zbbnl", "d0zbgwg", "d0zce2y", "d0zd8oz", "d0zdhtr", "d0zeods", "d0zewga", "d0zi3vv", "d0zi8xi", "d0zil1q", "d0zj7kv", "d0zjtrc", "d0zknoq", "d0zkyb9", "d0zl4h5", "d0zlaqw", "d0zlg4t", "d0zmeca", "d0zopq3", "d...
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[ [], [], [ "http://www.economist.com/content/big-mac-index" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/series/M2", "http://www.tradingeconomics.com/united-kingdom/money-supply-m2" ], [], [], [], [...
23ewxe
why can i remember a random fact i read 10 years ago but i can't remember physics equations i studied yesterday?
Why is it that I have no trouble remembering random facts and statistics I read years ago but I can't remember things I spent hours studying the next day?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/23ewxe/eli5why_can_i_remember_a_random_fact_i_read_10/
{ "a_id": [ "cgwbjij" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "The random fact from 10 years ago, you find interesting. You don't give a damn about the physics equation other than the fact you have to know it for the class." ] }
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qjwde
potholes
how do they form, and why do they seem to form more after snow storms and such
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/qjwde/eli5_potholes/
{ "a_id": [ "c3y5o3b" ], "score": [ 11 ], "text": [ "Water gets into tiny pavement gaps. When it freezes, it expands (ice is bigger than water), breaking the pavement. Traffic and snowplows then dig up the loose chunks, leaving a hole." ] }
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4tcqm8
why would it be a good thing for the government to hide saudi ties to 9/11?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4tcqm8/eli5_why_would_it_be_a_good_thing_for_the/
{ "a_id": [ "d5gazdc" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "The most likely case of these has little to do with the Saudis themselves as much as the public wants it to be, they spy, we spy, they do dry runs, so do we, so does Germany, so does Russia, so does India, everyone is involved in schemes and spie...
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7wo0dh
what do all the buttons and knobs do in a music studio?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7wo0dh/eli5_what_do_all_the_buttons_and_knobs_do_in_a/
{ "a_id": [ "du1tn8o" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "That is a mixer. Each column (up/down from where he sits) is identical to the others left to right. Each nob changes something in the sound that is playing in its respective column. It's really quite simple once you know what they do, just as it'...
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3q2q7g
why is there still an electoral college when we have means of getting every voter's vote accounted for immediately? ( i was told the electoral college was set up in the 1700s due to individual votes taking too long to count at the time)
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3q2q7g/eli5_why_is_there_still_an_electoral_college_when/
{ "a_id": [ "cwbj0kz", "cwbj28z", "cwbj4f9", "cwbkpp5", "cwblqn2", "cwbluhf", "cwbnn2d", "cwbnsea", "cwbr1my", "cwbrq2y", "cwbsdbo", "cwbsrfe", "cwbt4qm", "cwbt98w", "cwbtxbl", "cwbuahm", "cwbuunf", "cwbuvvm", "cwbv1aj", "cwbw831", "c...
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[ [], [], [], [], [ "https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Popular_Vote_Interstate_Compact" ], [], [], [], [ "http://www.factcheck.org/2008/02/the-reason-for-the-electoral-college/" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], ...
78yzjn
what is cognitive psychology?
Question says it all. I know there is another question that explains it (along with a few other forms of cognitive sciences), but I still don't understand what Cog Psych can be used for. As a bonus can someone also please explain Behavioral neuroscience? Thanks!
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/78yzjn/eli5_what_is_cognitive_psychology/
{ "a_id": [ "doxy0be", "doxy2d1" ], "score": [ 4, 5 ], "text": [ "I studied this and related topics in university. It's the study of how the human mind handles information, learning, memory, thinking, problem solving, etc. This is different from other branches of psychology that focus on e...
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3eo6pa
why does packaged food have insane amounts of sodium in them?
Example: a 7/11cold sandwich has 2610mg/ 109% of sodium
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3eo6pa/eli5_why_does_packaged_food_have_insane_amounts/
{ "a_id": [ "ctgtiok" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "A few reasons. Yes it's a preservative, but you see those same levels even in frozen food where salt isn't needed.\n\nPeople like the taste of salt and on an industrial scale it's ridiculously cheap as is sugar. They could spend money on spice ...
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11xmjl
why kickstarter doesn't give any money to projects if they don't raise past a certain point
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/11xmjl/eli5why_kickstarter_doesnt_give_any_money_to/
{ "a_id": [ "c6qfqar", "c6qfqs3", "c6qfrrs", "c6qfzuy", "c6qh01f" ], "score": [ 4, 8, 2, 16, 4 ], "text": [ "If you pay £10 to a project you like the sound of with the promise of a book or game for your kindness, but no-one else does and the project comes to a halt,...
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[ [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.kickstarter.com/help/faq/kickstarter%20basics" ] ]
2xmwmw
the end of birdman.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2xmwmw/eli5_the_end_of_birdman/
{ "a_id": [ "cp1ipwc", "cp1isek", "cp1jpit" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "I think it's a metaphor to her seeing that he has accomplished what he set out to do, and is no longer a burnout. But that's just my opinion. I was equally as confused. ", "I assume he killed himsel...
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8ipx95
islam.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8ipx95/eli5_islam/
{ "a_id": [ "dytotlr" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ " > It seems more like a culture to me (way of life) than a religion.\n\nIt is both. Many cultures which are populated by mostly Muslim people will have Islamic religious behaviors incorporated into their culture.\n\n > How can somebody follow a...
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3u9wz8
if i'm moving at the speed of light while holding a flashlight, would there be any light that comes out of it? or how would it work?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3u9wz8/eli5_if_im_moving_at_the_speed_of_light_while/
{ "a_id": [ "cxd3xyq", "cxd4b2v" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "There is no answer because this situation can not exist. \n\nThe closest answer is that time would literally stop for you, so no light would leave the flashlight, but no time would pass either, so you wouldn't be able to tel...
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2w5ylb
why does the us make citizens do their own taxes instead of just taking it directly from their income?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2w5ylb/eli5_why_does_the_us_make_citizens_do_their_own/
{ "a_id": [ "convvij" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Because there is more to your taxes than just what your income is. You can pay less depending on a million things, like who you live with, and how many kids you have, what your spouses income is, etc.\n\nAnd you can get deductions on a million th...
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j4z7k
can anyone explain to me schizophrenia (li5)?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/j4z7k/can_anyone_explain_to_me_schizophrenia_li5/
{ "a_id": [ "c296v6w", "c297hhf" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "First of all, schizophrenia has nothing to do with multiple personalities. A lot of people think that \"crazy people\" with schizophrenia will think that they are two different people in one body, but that is not true. Multi...
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