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1mya63
beer before liquor, never been sicker.....
Why do I feel as if I'm more intoxicated when I mix beer, wine, and liquor in the same day? More so, why does adding liquor to the beer in my belly lead to a worse tomorrow? I have friends at parties who will be fine mixing beer and liquor, but as soon as they smoke a J they are "obliterated." How does adding the third...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1mya63/eli5_beer_before_liquor_never_been_sicker/
{ "a_id": [ "ccdq7s6", "ccdqrko" ], "score": [ 8, 2 ], "text": [ "it's really a myth that mixing alcohol makes you more drunk.\n\nThe thing is, if people are mixing drinks, it's very likely they are drinking more than they would usually. it's likely that is why the intoxication level is hi...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3disw6
what is this whole res thing
I keep seeing people talking about RES and I'm not sure what it is
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3disw6/eli5_what_is_this_whole_res_thing/
{ "a_id": [ "ct5iqbs", "ct5ir7s" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "It's the Reddit Enhancement Suite, a browser extension that lets you customize how you view/interact with Reddit. It's great for filtering out specific kinds of posts. ", "[Reddit Enhancement Suite](_URL_0_) \n\nIt's a b...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://redditenhancementsuite.com/" ] ]
f22fjd
what happens at subatomic level when we touch things? shouldn't electrons repel from each other due to their negative charge?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/f22fjd/eli5_what_happens_at_subatomic_level_when_we/
{ "a_id": [ "fh9y3p7" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Atoms never touch each other when things touch.\n\nThe atoms get pushed back (due to the nuclei having similar charge) and we sense this force as touch." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
uscdh
why are there so many different citation manuals (e.g. mla, apa, chicago, etc.)?
I tried Googling and Wikipedia-ing, but they were only able to explain the major differences between the manuals, not the rationale behind having so many different ones. By the way, here's the [Wikipedia article](_URL_0_). My rationale for asking? I'm just curious. But thanks for your help!
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/uscdh/eli5_why_are_there_so_many_different_citation/
{ "a_id": [ "c4y3zsv" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "I think this explains it well for a 5 year old: [_URL_0_](_URL_0_)" ] }
[]
[ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Style_guide" ]
[ [ "http://xkcd.com/927/" ] ]
25k93y
why do we use hours, minutes, seconds to measure time versus increments of a decimal system?
Seems like the world uses an "English" system to measure time when it should be using a "metric" system.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/25k93y/eli5_why_do_we_use_hours_minutes_seconds_to/
{ "a_id": [ "chhzrpr", "chhzxts", "chi0b86", "chi0bkf", "chi0h6n", "chi2s8z" ], "score": [ 5, 10, 3, 2, 3, 5 ], "text": [ "A metric time system was proposed back when the metric system started being a thing, but people didn't really like it. \n\nThe way huma...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylonian_numerals" ], [], [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6xJfP7-HCc" ] ]
3rz1er
what dimension does science say we exist in presently? how do scientist know?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3rz1er/eli5_what_dimension_does_science_say_we_exist_in/
{ "a_id": [ "cwskya5", "cwsn6wz" ], "score": [ 24, 6 ], "text": [ "We exist in 3 spatial dimensions and 1 time dimension.\n\nWe know this because we invented the language of math and physics that describes these dimensions. \n\nThe spatial dimensions are the x,y,z coordinates we use in any...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compactification_%28physics%29", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M-theory" ] ]
7fh92g
virtual particles please.
I understand the basic concept behind them but would like to know more.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7fh92g/eli5_virtual_particles_please/
{ "a_id": [ "dqbwmcn", "dqc054j" ], "score": [ 39, 2 ], "text": [ "Virtual particles are particles that *cannot* be measured but *must* exist. Take, for example, two electrons interacting with each other. Because they have the same charge, they will repel each other. How do they \"know\" t...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://sciencevspseudoscience.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/moller_feynman_tree.png" ], [] ]
1245bb
imaginary numbers and i (square root of -1)
I took a look over the simple wiki page.. And though it made me get it a bit more, I'm still almost as confused as I was when I didn't know yet.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1245bb/eli5_imaginary_numbers_and_i_square_root_of_1/
{ "a_id": [ "c6rztje", "c6s283j", "c6s7iqg" ], "score": [ 8, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Let's start with the number line, and say we have some number. What happens when you multiply that number by another one? You \"stretch\" away from 0 if the second number is bigger than 1 or less than -...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/10h7nl/eli5_complex_and_imaginary_numbers/c6djd3z" ], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nth_root", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casus_irreducibilis**" ] ]
bvjjbh
why cannot there ever be a successful breeding between a human being and another animal?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bvjjbh/why_cannot_there_ever_be_a_successful_breeding/
{ "a_id": [ "eppo26l", "epppkl7", "epppzai", "eppwbqp" ], "score": [ 20, 12, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "Huge over simplification; when you make a baby, its DNA comes equally from the mom and the dad. The DNA is a big set of building instructions, and a playbook of how to react to s...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
2j4dhj
how do they measure how much water travels through a a waterfall every minute/second?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2j4dhj/eli5_how_do_they_measure_how_much_water_travels/
{ "a_id": [ "cl89du5" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Geometry. The wall of water is a rough rectangle the width of the opening, and the thickness of the water depth at the edge. Drop a knotmeter in and you get the third dimension - speed of the rectangle (distance per time). So, assume a waterfa...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
bqk8v8
what's the difference between a technologist and a technician?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bqk8v8/eli5_whats_the_difference_between_a_technologist/
{ "a_id": [ "eo54krk" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Technician actually performs work/maintenance on machinery. A technologist studies said machines looking for ways to improve on it" ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1q3uy6
why using the word "rape" is considered normalizing the issue while using the word "murder" is not.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1q3uy6/eli5_why_using_the_word_rape_is_considered/
{ "a_id": [ "cd8vzfl", "cd8w18c" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "I think part of the problem is that the crime of rape is very different from murder. The act of sex can be something consensual or considered rape, depending on who is involved. The act of murder is always murder and alway...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
as3glk
how does diabetes work on a cellular level?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/as3glk/eli5_how_does_diabetes_work_on_a_cellular_level/
{ "a_id": [ "egri0gp" ], "score": [ 13 ], "text": [ "Really rough and basic: imagine your cell has a lock on it. Insulin is the key to open that lock. Depending on whether you have Type 1 (little to no insulin production) or type 2 (insulin cannot recognize the key hole and thus can’t let the suga...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
es4g5q
can you get your pets sick, or vice versa?
We were supposed to take home a new kitten tonight, but my son was sick (Possibly strep. Negative on the quick strep test but the doctor wanted to do a culture because the symptoms say strep.) So we had to reschedule. Between orange juice and ibuprofen, my son asked if he could get the kitten sick. I honestly don't kno...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/es4g5q/eli5_can_you_get_your_pets_sick_or_vice_versa/
{ "a_id": [ "ff7qnbu", "ff7th7z", "ff7ufwh", "ff7wzok" ], "score": [ 6, 16, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Sometimes. \n\nDifferent animals and humans have different bacteria and viruses that can get them sick. Some can affect both, while others only one. \n\nMost only affect one. I be...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
fcvbgs
how does saliva become "sticky" sometimes?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fcvbgs/eli5_how_does_saliva_become_sticky_sometimes/
{ "a_id": [ "fjd65ks", "fjd68nj" ], "score": [ 2, 6 ], "text": [ "Vape liquids are literally vaporized sugar water with flavors/nicotine.\n\nIt's just sugar alcohols and water. Also any kind of respiratory irritant will cause a bodily response and increases mucus secretion.", "People a...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3hsyw3
why is tire pressure printed so tiny?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3hsyw3/eli5_why_is_tire_pressure_printed_so_tiny/
{ "a_id": [ "cuaam3w" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Because that's not the pressure you should be going by anyway. That's the absolute maximum that tire should ever see. Your car's door jamb should have a sticker that shows the proper pressure that's been calculated for the load your car will put ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1qpi32
can someone explain what the vote for the "upton bill" is about?
I'm having trouble understanding what the upton bill is and what it has to do with obamacare? I keep hearing about it but I don't get what its about. Please eli5! Thankyou!
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1qpi32/can_someone_explain_what_the_vote_for_the_upton/
{ "a_id": [ "cdf5bvt" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "One thing the Affordable Care Act did was prohibit insurance companies from selling new policies that were not up to certain standards. This affected some people who had bought these policies after the original cut-off date.\n\nOne proposal, spon...
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[ [] ]
2rttnm
why is it, and why was it originally, seen as insulting for other people to have sex with your mother? why are 'your mom' jokes so insulting, yet little is said about 'your dad' jokes?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2rttnm/eli5why_is_it_and_why_was_it_originally_seen_as/
{ "a_id": [ "cnj7lp9", "cnj86br", "cnj8lgv", "cnjahxf" ], "score": [ 8, 3, 3, 15 ], "text": [ "Because of the persisting belief in our society that when a man and a woman have sex the man 'wins' and the woman 'loses'.", "Because my dad could totally beat up your dad. So...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
3h5886
why would people want to buy bonds with short maturity dates when the return is lower than the average inflation rate?
I was looking at CDs and bonds on scottrade and I realized that some of the short term bonds have returns below 1%. This is way below the average inflation rate. Why would people want to invest in these types of short bonds.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3h5886/eli5_why_would_people_want_to_buy_bonds_with/
{ "a_id": [ "cu4es8f", "cu4htyf" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Some accounts even have negative interest rates. \n\nIf you have a $1,000,000, what are you going to do with it? Ordinary bank accounts are only insured up to $250,000. If you buy real estate it's no longer easy to get if y...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3t625g
if there ia only one harvest season, how are most vegetables able to be sold year round?
I live in TN where the corn is grown. It grows in the spring and ia harvested in the fall. All the cornfields are nubs now. But corn is sold around the year. How can they sell it around the year if there is only one harvest season? And why don't they do the same for pumpkins and watermelons? Those are only sold dur...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3t625g/eli5_if_there_ia_only_one_harvest_season_how_are/
{ "a_id": [ "cx3d28p" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "It's grown in other areas that have different harvest seasons, and then shipped around the world to supermarkets.\n\nYou can buy pumpkins and watermelons year round, as well, but when it's not the local harvest season the price goes up beyond wha...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
9vifo6
how do radical muslims interpret the quran in such a way that they feel compelled to conduct extremist acts such as suicide bombings? is there a certain passage that is misinterpreted?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9vifo6/eli5_how_do_radical_muslims_interpret_the_quran/
{ "a_id": [ "e9cgynw" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Sadly it's not a misinterpretation at all...it's laid out pretty clearly and people are simply following what it says. Downside is that it was written ~1400 years ago when it was completely accepted that murder was the proper punishment for all k...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
64swn9
if you owned land would the land underneath be still considered yours?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/64swn9/eli5_if_you_owned_land_would_the_land_underneath/
{ "a_id": [ "dg4qhnt", "dg4qlqc", "dg4qpmp" ], "score": [ 3, 6, 5 ], "text": [ "Depends on the country. In some places the \"mineral rights\" (rights to dig up what's underneath) are sold separately from the land.", "Generally, only up to a certain depth. Everything below that ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
3gnht9
what is the difference between china's "devaluing currency" and america's "quantitative easing?"
Don't they both just involve using monetary policy as an economic stimulus (i.e. printing money)? It feels like politician doublespeak to me.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3gnht9/eli5_what_is_the_difference_between_chinas/
{ "a_id": [ "ctzptwf", "ctzpy17", "ctzr7nr", "ctzxbus" ], "score": [ 5, 3, 25, 6 ], "text": [ "From my limited but hopefully growing background in economics, from what I know so far, it seems China is selling more yuan back into the Forex markets whereas the US is lending/g...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "http://i.imgur.com/er71ama.png" ] ]
2rka6y
what is the big deal with stradivarius violins, can't the just make an exact clone of it by analyzing it?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2rka6y/eli5_what_is_the_big_deal_with_stradivarius/
{ "a_id": [ "cngn9kt", "cngndrh", "cngnmwe", "cngqdi3", "cngqewz", "cngsdpl", "cngurc5", "cngvheh", "cngxrib", "cngy0vx", "cngykux", "cnhekwh" ], "score": [ 211, 13, 9, 22, 70, 4, 5, 2, 3, 9, 10, 2 ], "text": [ ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.npr.org/blogs/money/2014/05/09/310447054/episode-538-is-a-stradivarius-just-a-violin" ], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.nagyvaryviolins.com" ], [], [ "http://www.bachbrass.com/instruments/product.php?model=18037&category=Trumpets" ], [ "maestronet.com" ...
4blxbm
why cant we just stop media outlets from covering terrorism? wouldn't that effectively make it pointless?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4blxbm/eli5_why_cant_we_just_stop_media_outlets_from/
{ "a_id": [ "d1aay9z", "d1ab703", "d1acu3h", "d1acuzq", "d1acx0h", "d1ad11b", "d1aftut", "d1ag2de", "d1ahrlq", "d1aife2", "d1ajajb", "d1akacf", "d1amdjt", "d1amlwq", "d1ammpl", "d1aobpr", "d1aoflw", "d1aolk3", "d1apmgk", "d1apnun", "d...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
60cka7
why isn't renting an apartment/house go under monopoly laws?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/60cka7/eli5why_isnt_renting_an_apartmenthouse_go_under/
{ "a_id": [ "df58wxy", "df597h0", "df597sh", "df59e9l" ], "score": [ 2, 4, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "Because lots of different people rent or sell houses. No one company or person controls the market, which means its not a monopoly.", "For starters.... Housing is not a RIGHT ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
1qkwg8
the difference between feminism and women's rights.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1qkwg8/eli5the_difference_between_feminism_and_womens/
{ "a_id": [ "cddtwey", "cdduyrq", "cddvdsp" ], "score": [ 9, 8, 2 ], "text": [ "Good luck finding two feminists that can agree on what feminism even means.\n\n...and that's before you bring in the trolls & misogynists shitting all over the thread.", "Women's rights is a about...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
5tw9hl
what caused the deepwater horizon catastrophe?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5tw9hl/eli5_what_caused_the_deepwater_horizon_catastrophe/
{ "a_id": [ "ddpio6j" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "1) BP Co man tried to be cheap & reduced the number of pipe centralizers by a significant number. \n2) Halliburton was hired to pump cement to solidify the pipe. Head cementer noticed the discrepancy & noted it to the Co man. Insufficient ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
8d45ve
why is it possible for certain animals, particularly typical pets, to die from extreme stress?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8d45ve/eli5_why_is_it_possible_for_certain_animals/
{ "a_id": [ "dxk6tv4" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "stress has an inpact on the body functions and chemicals up to a point that it gets dangerous to the body functions.\n\nit is possible for almost all animals including humans to die from stress.\n\nthe amount of stress needed might be different. ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
33sot1
differences in pain? (example: stab, sharp pain vs. punch pain?)
Getting pinched or getting punched can hurt equally as much, but they feel...different. When you get pinched, have a shot, or get stung by a bee, it feels kind of sharp. When you get punched, hit your knee on wood/metal, or stubbing your toe feels different than that sharp feeling I described. Do these two things have ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/33sot1/eli5_differences_in_pain_example_stab_sharp_pain/
{ "a_id": [ "cqo27si" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Part of it is the degree of pressure. A pinch stimulates nerves more accurately than a punch. A sting or stab is more centralized than a punch. If you were pinched at the same pressure as a punch, it would hurt more than a punch. Punches also ar...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1j10c7
why do i stop being able to see properly for a brief period if i exercise vigorously?
Sometimes after running vigorously or doing stair climbing training, I become very sensitive to light right after and things become almost blurry, but more so, I can't see properly.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1j10c7/eli5why_do_i_stop_being_able_to_see_properly_for/
{ "a_id": [ "cb9zlal", "cb9znc2" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "I'd say this is more a question for your doctor rather than reddit. ", "There's doctors on reddit... I think OP question is quite a common thing after working out. It happens to me too." ] }
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1s23ob
why is it that some paintings are popular and others are not?
It seems like the quality of the art doesn't change much from a person selling their art on the street to a big time artist selling their paintings in a museum or a high class art show. Is it just the name of the artist that sells the paintings? If so, how does anyone actually become famous in the first place?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1s23ob/eli5_why_is_it_that_some_paintings_are_popular/
{ "a_id": [ "cdtetti" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "As far as technique is concerned you're somewhat correct as there is an overabundance of artists with the appropriate training/ability to paint/draw/sculpt a masterpiece. The difference between an artist on the street and a big name artist in mod...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
7o98ks
why did south korea and japan become so successful after world war 2, but the philippines didn’t?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7o98ks/eli5_why_did_south_korea_and_japan_become_so/
{ "a_id": [ "ds7rgz8", "ds7tlnv", "ds7tuj4", "ds7uqpu", "ds7uxuk", "ds7uzwd", "ds7wr04", "ds7x43j" ], "score": [ 40, 334, 172, 36, 6, 26, 5, 5 ], "text": [ "For 20 years after WWII, the country was plagued by Communist rebels and by corruptio...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [ "http://aapidata.com/blog/countmein-income-disparities/", "https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/asian-american-poverty-nyc_us_58ff7f40e4b0c46f0782a5b6" ], [], [], [] ]
9jxszz
why does using a pillow feel comfortable when it makes your head tilted?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9jxszz/eli5_why_does_using_a_pillow_feel_comfortable/
{ "a_id": [ "e6uw8zh" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "It's about supporting the neck more than the angle of your head. Ideally, you want to keep the spine aligned while maintaining that neck support so that your muscles are not straining to try to provide that alignment. So you're basically letting ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
6cxv8x
why do you continue to sweat from running (particularly in hot weather) after taking a cold shower?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6cxv8x/eli5_why_do_you_continue_to_sweat_from_running/
{ "a_id": [ "dhy7lsr", "dhy7pjm", "dhzaqqs" ], "score": [ 3, 6, 2 ], "text": [ "Your body doesn't stop sweating into your internal organs cool down. A cold shower is only cooling off the outside.", "A quick, cold shower will help cool the outside of your body, but you may still...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
2rn0mr
what are islamic extremists actually trying to accomplish by violent attacks, like the one today in paris? don't these attacks just embolden the majority against the viewpoints of the attackers?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2rn0mr/eli5_what_are_islamic_extremists_actually_trying/
{ "a_id": [ "cnhciga" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "We can only speculate on their motives. They may simply want to lash out with violence due to anger or hurt regardless of its effectiveness. They may want to provoke an 'emboldened response' since such would likely embolden people on their own si...
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[]
[ [] ]
bwr0yy
can bees sense any ''human-made'' signals such as bluetooth or wi-fi?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bwr0yy/eli5_can_bees_sense_any_humanmade_signals_such_as/
{ "a_id": [ "epzou23", "epzsbc6", "epzsciv" ], "score": [ 12, 3, 20 ], "text": [ "I don’t know what type of waves they can detect, but is it possible he was just responding to the vibrations of your head phones? Or perhaps his hearing is better than ours, so he could hear the music...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://ehtrust.org/science/bees-butterflies-wildlife-research-electromagnetic-fields-environment/" ] ]
1xq3ar
why don't we say "an user" instead of "a user"?
Or "an utensil". "An umbrella" sounds normal. Why don't we say "an user" even though it starts with a vowel?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1xq3ar/eli5_why_dont_we_say_an_user_instead_of_a_user/
{ "a_id": [ "cfdkule", "cfdkum9", "cfdkwfp", "cfdkxj6", "cfdkyj9", "cfdl2bo", "cfe3fg7" ], "score": [ 4, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "We determine whether a word should be associated with \"a\" or \"an\" by its sound, not by its spelling. For examp...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
4262bd
why does radiation destroy human dna and make human life impossible but yet trees can survive and flourish?
For instance in Pripyat, there are many trees growing.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4262bd/eli5_why_does_radiation_destroy_human_dna_and/
{ "a_id": [ "cz7u8la", "cz7z8gk", "cz7z8u8", "cz86ck0", "cz88l0f", "cz8alzy", "cz8ba7s", "cz8c2sa", "cz8prb1" ], "score": [ 88, 600, 18, 2, 2, 4, 4, 3, 7 ], "text": [ "Human life isn't impossible in Pripyat. It's just not necessarily ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Forest" ], [], [], [], [] ]
2tnpnh
why does nasa launch its rockets in florida which is prone to a lot of rain? why not launch in arizona where rain is rare and the skies are very clear
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2tnpnh/eli5_why_does_nasa_launch_its_rockets_in_florida/
{ "a_id": [ "co0mxtf", "co0n4yp" ], "score": [ 10, 2 ], "text": [ "Crashing in the ocean > crashing in populated areas. ", "A couple reasons:\n- It takes less fuel to reach orbit the closer you are to the equator\n- The launch site is away from populated areas so debris doesn't hit p...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
94veki
why can the sound volume of commercials on internet tv be double the actual show's volume?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/94veki/eli5_why_can_the_sound_volume_of_commercials_on/
{ "a_id": [ "e3o3vf5", "e3o4ezj", "e3o4p2q", "e3oewlu" ], "score": [ 5, 22, 6, 2 ], "text": [ "It is illegal in the USA for broadcasters, cable, and satellite providers to have louder commercials. The [CALM Act](_URL_1_) lays out procedures which must be followed. One probl...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/hc/en-us/requests/new?ticket_form_id=33794", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commercial_Advertisement_Loudness_Mitigation_Act" ], [], [], [] ]
823ken
what is derealization?
I tend to suffer from this a lot. Quite confused as to why and how it happens?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/823ken/eli5_what_is_derealization/
{ "a_id": [ "dv78b0m", "dv79mcq", "dv7f1vg", "dv85abe" ], "score": [ 6, 11, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "It is usually termed depersonalization/derealization and in essence, it is the vague feeling that everything is just a dream, or that life has no substance. Its really difficult t...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
urmam
how are teeth made and why can't your body make additional ones?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/urmam/eli5_how_are_teeth_made_and_why_cant_your_body/
{ "a_id": [ "c4xweh6", "c4xz5bf", "c4y0wuy", "c4y1gin", "c4y206e", "c4y2357", "c4y7ipy" ], "score": [ 14, 42, 2, 2, 34, 11, 2 ], "text": [ "I also would like to know this, especially since I have seen pics of cysts and tumors on reddit, that had teet...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [ "http://i.imgur.com/ojTq1.jpg" ], [ "http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=19429790" ], [] ]
6wl5it
how the heck do keurig's actually work?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6wl5it/eli5_how_the_heck_do_keurigs_actually_work/
{ "a_id": [ "dm8tkjv", "dm8trid" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "They punch holes in the top and bottom of the capsule, and run hot water through it.\n\nAhoy, matey! Yer not alone in askin', and kind strangers have explained:\n\n1. [How Does a Keurig Work? | The Coffee Whisperer ](_URL_0_...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://coffee.germar.net/?p=74", "http://blog.crosscountrycafe.com/blog/bid/374738/Just-How-Do-Those-K-cup-Thingys-Work", "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctkiIOjoBzQ", "NYTimes.com", "http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2013/08/14/business/how-a-keurig-vue-works.html" ], [] ]
6gsf03
why does the surface of a stirred liquid calm before the rest of it?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6gsf03/eli5_why_does_the_surface_of_a_stirred_liquid/
{ "a_id": [ "diso09h" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Well, water is sticky stuff. However its 'stickiness' is a factor of surface tension. Water wets glass, which means that it sticks to glass more than it sticks to itself.\n\nWhere the glass meets the water at the bottom of the glass, there's no...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4jxkk5
if i donate blood while high off marijuana, will the same chemicals that are making me high (thc,cbn,cbc,cbd) make the recipient high when they receive the blood?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4jxkk5/eli5if_i_donate_blood_while_high_off_marijuana/
{ "a_id": [ "d3ajrw5", "d3akj5x" ], "score": [ 6, 8 ], "text": [ "No. That made me think of a new question though. What is the difference between being high off Marijuana, and high ON Marijuana?", "I give blood high all the time and I asked to make sure it's okay and the nurse said it ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3om8n8
what causes the fishy smell in clean dishes?
It's happened pretty much everywhere I've lived. Pull a clean glass, fill it with water, and within five minutes it smells like you have a trout swimming around down there.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3om8n8/eli5_what_causes_the_fishy_smell_in_clean_dishes/
{ "a_id": [ "cvyf3wj", "cvyf8fe" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Uhmm...have you ever cleaned them properly using piping hot water? That only ever happens if you don't clean dishes and such like properly as bacteria can fester in the water.\n\nEither that, or your water supply in the area...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
jy0rf
the poincare conjecture.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/jy0rf/eli5_the_poincare_conjecture/
{ "a_id": [ "c2g27o7", "c2g2lne", "c2g27o7", "c2g2lne" ], "score": [ 2, 5, 2, 5 ], "text": [ "I'm not sure it's possible to explain one of the Millenium Prize Problems to a five-year-old. The [Simple English Wikipedia entry](_URL_0_) on the topic may provide the insight you...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poincar%C3%A9_Conjecture" ], [], [ "http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poincar%C3%A9_Conjecture" ], [] ]
37heyj
why is whatsapp so popular?
I can use Google Hangouts or GroupMe from me PC but not WhatsApp (I think recently there is an extension that allows this but it uses your phone as a server). Personally, I find other messaging apps to be a lot more reliable and have many more features. So why is WhatsApp so popular?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/37heyj/eli5_why_is_whatsapp_so_popular/
{ "a_id": [ "crmqgfj", "crmqs8i", "crmryfa", "crmsv0n", "crmvpj9", "crneomb" ], "score": [ 61, 3, 13, 91, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Very easy setup. No account needed. Takes over from your phone number. It's literally like texting over wifi", "Easier, account n...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
3mqz75
places like norway and iceland seem to have few to no trees, yet i've seen old dwellings and other ancient structures built out of wood. we're there forests at one time?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3mqz75/eli5_places_like_norway_and_iceland_seem_to_have/
{ "a_id": [ "cvhc01c", "cvhcapc" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Correct. \n[Source](_URL_0_)\n\n*At the time of human settlement about 1140 years ago, birch forest and woodland covered 25-40% of Iceland's land area. The relatively tall (to 15 m) birch forests of sheltered valleys graded ...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.skogur.is/english/forestry-in-a-treeless-land/" ], [] ]
kk0wq
- utilitarianism
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/kk0wq/eli5_utilitarianism/
{ "a_id": [ "c2kvoqw", "c2kytgu", "c2kyu5j", "c2kvoqw", "c2kytgu", "c2kyu5j" ], "score": [ 18, 2, 11, 18, 2, 11 ], "text": [ "Utilitarianism is basically the principle that the best course of action in any given situation is the one which maximizes the overa...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
6hxk9b
why do police helicopters circle instead of hover?
Yea, there's sirens and a circling helicopter a few blocks away. I wondered.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6hxk9b/eli5_why_do_police_helicopters_circle_instead_of/
{ "a_id": [ "dj1wavo", "dj1y25a", "dj1ziu6", "dj23gju", "dj7n4rt" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 3, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Because it gives them a constant overview. If they hover they only have one vantage point. If the cops wanted a stationary observer they could just send a man...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
bq2hp1
how did old hand-drawn animation achieve such consistent color?
Mainly wondering how they avoided discoloration or the presence of brushstrokes. Thanks!
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bq2hp1/eli5_how_did_old_handdrawn_animation_achieve_such/
{ "a_id": [ "eo0ksl0", "eo0pas6", "eo1d9w6", "eo1dcfh", "eo1h8wv", "eo1j3or", "eo1ngsq", "eo1yes8", "eo248ns", "eo2m66r", "eo2tq5e", "eo3bjdv" ], "score": [ 6197, 373, 23, 13, 516, 92, 9, 25, 12, 3, 7, 6 ], "text":...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "Tested.com", "https://Tested.com" ], [], [], [ "https://www.darkhorse.com/Interviews/1629/Technically-Colored-Interview-with-Kat-Sapene-10-09-08" ], [] ]
1ywpcz
if stars we see now could actually by "burnt out" due to the traveling of light, will the major constellations (i.e. the big dipper) ever disappear?
If so, how long would that take?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ywpcz/eli5_if_stars_we_see_now_could_actually_by_burnt/
{ "a_id": [ "cfof0gt", "cfof3qr", "cfojgzp" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Yes. Millions or Billions of years for most stars.", "All stars have a life cycle, so eventually they will all die, but likely not for millions or billions of years. When the stars of the Big Dippe...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
8dacox
how do transistors in a cpu work together?
Just wondering how transistors work when there isn't just one single one :) Thanks guys
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8dacox/eli5how_do_transistors_in_a_cpu_work_together/
{ "a_id": [ "dxljhz6" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "First we'll need a reference image. [This is how transistors are arranged in a NAND gate](_URL_1_)\n\nThe top two transistors are ON normally and turn OFF when A or B goes high. The bottom two transistors are OFF normally and turn ON when A or ...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.interfacebus.com/ic-4-bit-adder.jpg", "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e2/CMOS_NAND.svg/368px-CMOS_NAND.svg.png" ] ]
338lqr
what does "cogito ergo sum" mean? and what is the importance of this statement?
The statement seems remains a possibility: Am I a brain in a vat? How philosophers answer it?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/338lqr/eli5_what_does_cogito_ergo_sum_mean_and_what_is/
{ "a_id": [ "cqiiwvn", "cqij1wo", "cqij375", "cqikphd", "cqit98u" ], "score": [ 7, 4, 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "I think therefore I am.\n\nThe importance of it is that, while all other knowledge can be doubted, because we are inherently limited by our senses, being abl...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
8kh1pe
why there are rainforests along australia's east coast but not the west?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8kh1pe/eli5_why_there_are_rainforests_along_australias/
{ "a_id": [ "dz7lrhl", "dz7n0xf" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "The mountain range running the length of the east coast (the Great Dividing Range) causes moist air that's coming off the ocean to rise (called orographic uplift), when it rises it cools, condenses, and comes down as rain, a...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2otd11
why do restaurants need to do 2 trips with my check? why can't they just give me the check with the tip line in the first place?
**Edit**: I just commented this but will leave it here for newcomers to see: > Wouldn't it be much more efficient to give me the check with the tip line originally so my server knows exactly how much money to charge to my credit card? I just don't understand why I can't sign, tip, and give them my card in one smooth...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2otd11/eli5_why_do_restaurants_need_to_do_2_trips_with/
{ "a_id": [ "cmqbjpj", "cmqc296", "cmqcj6i", "cmqfnns", "cmqko19" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 15, 2, 6 ], "text": [ "Letting you add a tip when you put your card in would not reduce the number of trips. They still have to bring you the bill, take it to the computer to proce...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
751ph7
what's the subconscious drive that gets you motivated to do something your conscious brain doesn't want to do?
Like when you're about to start the last rep or you need to get up and do laundry and you consciously think to yourself "I don't want to do this, I'm tired" but then your body autopilot starts doing the task like starting that final set and you think "oh screw it" and bang it out.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/751ph7/eli5_whats_the_subconscious_drive_that_gets_you/
{ "a_id": [ "do2rqx5" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Humans have an instinct side, this decisions are made without our \"permissions\" and it represents what our reptilian side of the brain does.\n\nThe reptilian side of our brain represents our primary survival function. Your heart, lungs and othe...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
e7dshx
how does the shape of an airplane's wings generate lift? and how does the retractable wing flaps affect that?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/e7dshx/eli5_how_does_the_shape_of_an_airplanes_wings/
{ "a_id": [ "f9y3hii", "f9y49wk", "f9y4jki" ], "score": [ 4, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The shape of the wing when viewed from the side is called an aerofoil.\n\nAs the aerofoil moves, the wind / air splits into 2 streams.\n\nThe air passing above the aerofoil generates higher velocity (sp...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
32ojl1
is it possible to see the iss from earth?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/32ojl1/eli5_is_it_possible_to_see_the_iss_from_earth/
{ "a_id": [ "cqd33gx", "cqd33yw" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Yes, often without binoculars. On a clear evening, far from the city, with a cheap pair of binoculars you can make out the solar panels on the side.\n\n[NASA webpage providing estimated viewing times](_URL_0_)", "Yes. At...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://spotthestation.nasa.gov/sightings/#.VS5lmsmc_Kc" ], [ "http://spotthestation.nasa.gov/" ] ]
av9j88
emps
How do they work? And are the electronics that get affected by them permanently broken?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/av9j88/eli5_emps/
{ "a_id": [ "ehdl27e", "ehdl3b7", "ehdna1r", "ehdslox" ], "score": [ 10, 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "EMP stands for electromagnetic pulse. It is a sudden massive burst of energy, which can be created through multiple natural and artificial processes.\n\nThe main way EMPs cause da...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
424833
since there is a nautical mile, is there also a nautical feet, inch, etc?
There must be, right?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/424833/eli5_since_there_is_a_nautical_mile_is_there_also/
{ "a_id": [ "cz7hrbl", "cz7iu08" ], "score": [ 3, 5 ], "text": [ "I'm sorry to say, but there isn't. \n\n_URL_0_\n\nThat is a good reference, but I'll try to sum it up.\n\nA nautical mile is defined as 1,852 meters. So, from that alone you can see that it wouldn't have an immediate basis i...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nautical_mile" ], [] ]
47vaqj
how hindu religon / gods works
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/47vaqj/eli5_how_hindu_religon_gods_works/
{ "a_id": [ "d0fthvs" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Do [these previous discussions](_URL_0_) help?" ] }
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/search?sort=relevance&t=all&q=subreddit:explainlikeimfive%20hindu%20gods" ] ]
3hj83c
if it takes lawyers 3 years to learn the law, how can we trust a cop to learn it in 6 months?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3hj83c/eli5_if_it_takes_lawyers_3_years_to_learn_the_law/
{ "a_id": [ "cu7ug4q", "cu7ujnf", "cu7ur7b", "cu7va7i", "cu7w5wq", "cu7w9hn", "cu7wwa4", "cu7xk4e", "cu80yeu", "cu81515", "cu821hd", "cu823ee", "cu82jrr", "cu82q88", "cu832nq", "cu83lpg", "cu83xmf", "cu83yml", "cu84823", "cu84ekp", "c...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
8ux9s2
how does the koenigsegg gearless transmission work?
I understand how automatic, manual, CVT and dual clutch transmissions work, but I've been trying to understand how the Koenigsegg transmission works with little avail.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8ux9s2/eli5_how_does_the_koenigsegg_gearless/
{ "a_id": [ "e1iw3m4", "e1iw8t9" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Basically its not a transmission at all... the engine is linked directly to the wheels through a differential type unit. Meaning that the ratio of engine speed to wheel speed never changes. Normally this won't work with gas ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://youtu.be/glf_k4qGBAA" ] ]
c03t9e
when astronauts play with liquids in space aren't they worried about water damage to parts from all the floating liquid?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/c03t9e/eli5_when_astronauts_play_with_liquids_in_space/
{ "a_id": [ "er0p1mf" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "They have machines that filter the moisture from the air which then gets filtered and recycled for reuse." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
kq7s0
software patents and why they are "evil"
I'm not quite sure what a software patent is, and Wikipedia doesn't have the greatest information. Is it like the creation of a file type that others cannot use (.rar where only winRAR can make but others can unarchive)? Or is it like a process (the way VLC opens a video file)?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/kq7s0/eli5_software_patents_and_why_they_are_evil/
{ "a_id": [ "c2mast9", "c2mb67i", "c2mcuc1", "c2me7ix", "c2meh22", "c2mf7q8", "c2mast9", "c2mb67i", "c2mcuc1", "c2me7ix", "c2meh22", "c2mf7q8" ], "score": [ 20, 22, 4, 2, 2, 2, 20, 22, 4, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://patentabsurdity.com/watch.html" ], [], [ "http://www.npr.org/blogs/money/2011/07/26/138576167/when-patents-attack" ], [ "http://www.dailytech.com/Apple+Crushes+Samsung+in+German+Court+Galaxy+Tab+101+Ban+is+Complete/article22682.htm" ], [ "http://www.ifso.ie/documents/rms-2004...
3kvdm9
what are the most likely effects of this super powerful el nino season?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3kvdm9/eli5_what_are_the_most_likely_effects_of_this/
{ "a_id": [ "cv0vxm6", "cv0wivr", "cv0xrja", "cv0yvo6", "cv12hhq", "cv19une" ], "score": [ 20, 2, 12, 5, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "I remember in the 90's being in California and having a powerful El Niño taking us from a 10 year drought to \"normal\" in a month (it...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
ey4of4
how can babies scream for a long time and not hurt their vocal cords but adults can easily hurt themselves when they cream for a few minutes?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ey4of4/eli5_how_can_babies_scream_for_a_long_time_and/
{ "a_id": [ "fgf3phk", "fgf41c0", "fgf45gu" ], "score": [ 11, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "When adults do what now?", "Because most of the time, babies aren't screaming they're just vocalising. \n\nOpen your mouth, push air out by tensing your belly - that's what a baby does, it isn't ac...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
5jtd4h
why is it so satisfying to peel something?
For example, plastic off a new screen.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5jtd4h/eli5_why_is_it_so_satisfying_to_peel_something/
{ "a_id": [ "dbizb3h", "dbj3usz" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "I'm assuming it's because when we were in nature and evolving and stuff, we would get some sort of dangerous stuff on us. The ones who would peel it off would live, so peeling stuff is satisfying", "I'd assume that it tr...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1q8mzh
why do theists often deny evolution? what religious beliefs does evolution disprove?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1q8mzh/eli5_why_do_theists_often_deny_evolution_what/
{ "a_id": [ "cdaan0g", "cdac3jo", "cdackbl", "cdacru1", "cdaiv17" ], "score": [ 4, 5, 3, 8, 2 ], "text": [ "It pretty much ruins the whole \"Made in God's own image\" thing that most of them have going on...Nobody wants a god which therefore looks like an amoeba.", ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/4588289/The-Vatican-claims-Darwins-theory-of-evolution-is-compatible-with-Christianity.html" ] ]
fnz9hq
why does depression sometimes cause cognitive dysfunction issues, such as reduced attention span, memory, concentration, information processing capability and executive functioning, that sometimes persist after a depressive episode is over?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fnz9hq/eli5_why_does_depression_sometimes_cause/
{ "a_id": [ "flccv27", "flcgiv2", "flcls7e", "flcn9gg", "flcnmny", "flcooxf", "flcopfl", "flcosli", "flcpesp", "flcpibn", "flcpt5j", "flcpx3m", "flcqr6h", "flcsjbv", "flcssa1", "fld6wdr" ], "score": [ 1323, 100, 17, 282, 141, ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [ "https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/effects-brain#3", "https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2013.00203/full" ], [] ]
a6ua46
why law enforcement uses polygraphs but they are not admissible in court
If polygraphs are not reliable enough to be admissible in court then why do law enforcement use them to help eliminate suspects or possibly confirm their suspicions?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a6ua46/eli5_why_law_enforcement_uses_polygraphs_but_they/
{ "a_id": [ "eby14mj", "eby9jsr", "ebykza1" ], "score": [ 2, 8, 5 ], "text": [ "Because even though it might not be admissible In court, it'll flag people who are worth investigating further... and when you investigate those people further, you WILL find evidence that IS admissible...
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4cb3bq
is it possible for there to be a solar system in a solar system?
If there was a solar system with a large central star could it have a smaller star orbiting it that in turn had planets orbiting the smaller star like moons? (I now it is possible for there to be multiple states in a solar system) I'm curious because I want to know if the solar system in Firefly is possible.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4cb3bq/eli5_is_it_possible_for_there_to_be_a_solar/
{ "a_id": [ "d1gkjhn", "d1gylp4", "d1hmieu" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Stars that orbit one another are fairly common. However, it's unlikely that any planets would remain in stable orbits. The tug from the other star would keep pulling them around. The stars don't even ne...
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a2k7gp
how are sine, triangle, square, and saw waves used to produce sound?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a2k7gp/eli5_how_are_sine_triangle_square_and_saw_waves/
{ "a_id": [ "eaz56qz" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Those waves are a representation of the sound. Let's take a square wave because that'll be a simple example, at 1000hz. So 1000 times a second there will be a high and a low on the wave. So 1000 times in one second, the speaker playing the sound ...
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3t9wp5
how are fetishes learned but sexual orientation is inborn?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3t9wp5/eli5_how_are_fetishes_learned_but_sexual/
{ "a_id": [ "cx4ek8c", "cx4i4s1", "cx4iier", "cx4j33f", "cx4jbrc", "cx4jz52", "cx4kgm0" ], "score": [ 144, 15, 3, 7, 8, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Your question suggests that we already know this is the case, but that's not really the truth. Depending on who...
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[ [], [], [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1blqou/redditors_who_are_into_sexual_fetishes_which_are/c97thqr" ], [], [], [], [] ]
ae8kf0
how can people with dark skin say they're, "half-white" and white people can say they're, "half-black"?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ae8kf0/eli5_how_can_people_with_dark_skin_say_theyre/
{ "a_id": [ "edn74g9", "edn8mtg", "edn97i3" ], "score": [ 11, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "No, race is a complicated and mostly made up categorization. It includes culture and characteristics beyond phenotypes including historical affiliation.\n\nIts not a good categorization, but its more c...
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2d00xv
why are nike shoes $150 or more and how do they enhance performance in sports?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2d00xv/eli5_why_are_nike_shoes_150_or_more_and_how_do/
{ "a_id": [ "cjkpvhw", "cjku3rk" ], "score": [ 8, 2 ], "text": [ "It's a fashion statement mostly.\n\nDon't get me wrong - there's some technology and research there, but not nearly enough to really affect, well, anything that much. You may jump a few millimeters higher through some new b...
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3vdga6
why did the us care so much about not letting cuba, parts of latin america, vietnam, and other parts of the world become communists?
Why were we so infatuated to the point that American blood would spill all so these countries didn't become communist nations. But let's say we left them all to their own devices and they became communist, couldn't we still have had diplomatic relations with them, trade with them, etc? Or is the conspiracy theory answ...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3vdga6/eli5_why_did_the_us_care_so_much_about_not/
{ "a_id": [ "cxmjx81", "cxmlff8", "cxmlqav" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "We were (and some argue still are) at war with Russia. Allowing a communist nation in our region of influence would give Russia a point that they could use to attack up directly faster than we could rea...
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51x7bt
why is footage from camera that was attached to you always shaky while you don't see same shaky effect through eyes?
Hey, why is it that when we use camera without OIS attached solidly to our body - we get shaky footage even though it was moving at same speed/distance/direction/force as our head. While through eyes everything looked smooth and seamless?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/51x7bt/eli5_why_is_footage_from_camera_that_was_attached/
{ "a_id": [ "d7fk4j0" ], "score": [ 32 ], "text": [ "There's three things going on:\n\n1) Our eyes automatically counterbalance the effects of walking; as we step up slightly during our gait, our eyes look slightly down (pretty much automatically) to keep our field of vision somewhat stable. Most ...
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2yto4u
if diamonds are just compressed carbon, why cant we make a machine that just compresses carbon into diamonds
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2yto4u/eli5_if_diamonds_are_just_compressed_carbon_why/
{ "a_id": [ "cpctk2b", "cpcts1x", "cpctt3w", "cpcutqr" ], "score": [ 16, 4, 11, 5 ], "text": [ "We have them. They make industrial diamonds for saw blades and the like quite frequently. We produce diamonds all the time through a variety of processes, though it only recently...
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[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synthetic_diamond" ], [], [] ]
2zkl14
why do three-pin sockets block two-pin plugs when this security measure can easily be bypassed by a three-pin plug key or using a stick to push the relevant lever?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2zkl14/eli5_why_do_threepin_sockets_block_twopin_plugs/
{ "a_id": [ "cpjqzyw" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "Because you're supposed to be more afraid of the fire you're likely to start by doing that than proud of how clever you are for using the stick. " ] }
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4k2l4a
what are the main doctrines of christianity?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4k2l4a/eli5_what_are_the_main_doctrines_of_christianity/
{ "a_id": [ "d3blac8" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "- Believe God exists and created everything\n- Believe John 3:16\n- Love God\n- Love people\n- Pray faithfully\n- Acknowledge the existence and reality of heaven, hell, and eternity\n- Don't be stupid" ] }
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6aiaj3
what keeps your skin cells in a human shape instead of them reproducing outwards indefinitely?
I remember in high school biology we were shown diagrams of what it looks like when someone gets a cut and the cells reproduce to fill the gap as it heals, but I'm having trouble understanding what makes them know they're done.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6aiaj3/eli5_what_keeps_your_skin_cells_in_a_human_shape/
{ "a_id": [ "dhes9td" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Oversimplified: Skin grows upward from a base layer - as you go further there's less and less blood supply, and cells aren't supported. The outer surface of your skin is substantially dead cells that form a protective layer.\n\nIn the case of inj...
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1tqn9d
why did humans lose fur?
Why did we lose the need for fur?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1tqn9d/eli5_why_did_humans_lose_fur/
{ "a_id": [ "ceaj9km", "ceal6x5", "ceau3v7" ], "score": [ 8, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "_URL_0_ \n \nThis article brings up an interesting fact about humans and their long-distance running abilities. \n > “Ancient humans exploited the fact that humans are good runners in the heat,” Dr....
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[ [ "http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/27/health/27well.html" ], [ "http://www.ted.com/talks/elaine_morgan_says_we_evolved_from_aquatic_apes.html", "http://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/19/science/why-humans-and-their-fur-parted-ways.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm" ], [] ]
6qmliu
what's the difference between a strategist and a tactician?
In an article I read today, putin was referred to as a good tactician, but not a good strategist. I thought the we're synonyms. To be honest.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6qmliu/eli5_whats_the_difference_between_a_strategist/
{ "a_id": [ "dkyev5o" ], "score": [ 15 ], "text": [ "Strategy is big picture, tactics is more technical. A military example would be: \n\n\"let's move our armies to X area to damage the enemy's food supplies\" - strategy\n\n\"let's go this way and flank the enemy with our soldiers\" - tactics" ]...
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3kpk1d
why do children so often cry on public transport whilst a private car sends them to sleep?
Children five and below whether in a buggy on a busy or quiet bus/tram/train in a parents arms or buggy, always seem to get agitated whilst in a car very young children tend to sleep, why?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3kpk1d/eli5_why_do_children_so_often_cry_on_public/
{ "a_id": [ "cuzdkuw" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Maybe its all the strangers comming off and on the bus. \nWhen its a car its just your family and you all the while. " ] }
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4rq6cc
the difference between curd and yogurt.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4rq6cc/eli5_the_difference_between_curd_and_yogurt/
{ "a_id": [ "d536mbs", "d536on3" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "I like both cheese (curds) and yogurt and no one has answered, so I'll have a go at this. \n\nMilk is made of water, sugars, fat and proteins. When they're all flowing together as a liquid, that's milk or cream.\n\nCurds are...
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97cz7c
why is it bad for our body to shower daily, but it's okay to wash our hands many times a day?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/97cz7c/eli5_why_is_it_bad_for_our_body_to_shower_daily/
{ "a_id": [ "e4797af" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "I think I'll have to disagree with your premise. Can you show evidence that your claim of daily showers being bad?\n\n" ] }
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21i6vz
the difference between countries ruled by england (eg scotland/wales) and colonies of england (eg canada/australia)
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/21i6vz/eli5_the_difference_between_countries_ruled_by/
{ "a_id": [ "cgd8qzo" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "Scotland, Wales, England and Northern Ireland are all constituent countries of the United Kingdom. Although England is the largest country and home to the capital, England does not rule the other countries. in fact its the other way around as the...
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j3jz4
can somebody please explain how the person betting $1billion that the united states will lose it's aaa rating will make money if that happens.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/j3jz4/eli5_can_somebody_please_explain_how_the_person/
{ "a_id": [ "c28um4p" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "You can [short sell](_URL_0_) anything. In this case, he shorted US government bonds.\n\nShort selling is the practice of borrowing a stock or bond (or anything) from person A and selling it to person B. Then after the price goes down (hopefull...
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[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Short_%28finance%29" ] ]
3qm851
why do some pencil sharpeners work perfectly and others simply mutilate my pencil slowly without sharpening the lead?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3qm851/eli5_why_do_some_pencil_sharpeners_work_perfectly/
{ "a_id": [ "cwge5zo" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "There is 2 main factors to a good pencil sharpener. 1 - Blade sharpness, the sharper the blade the more smoothly you can sharpen your pen without the tip \"cracking\" and the sharper it is the sharper the maximum sharpness the tip can be. 2 - The...
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5gcajg
what happens if a wedding guest "speaks now" instead of "forever holding their peace"?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5gcajg/eli5_what_happens_if_a_wedding_guest_speaks_now/
{ "a_id": [ "dar3jb1" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Usually nothing. By that time if someone speaks up at that moment, they're drunk or delusional. \n\nBut, there is a good reason to do this. Marriage is a funny institution, so one cannot legally be married to two people at a time. I remember read...
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fgknil
what happens to my feces when it’s at the gates but i’m driving and can’t stop to defecate? it feels as though it simply goes away and i get a bit of stomach rumbles
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fgknil/eli5_what_happens_to_my_feces_when_its_at_the/
{ "a_id": [ "fk583xy", "fk58d4q", "fk58kr5" ], "score": [ 4, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "What makes you feel like you have to poop (or pee for that matter) is that there are muscles in your stomach which you don't have any control over. Those muscles try to push the poop/pee against muscle...
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7ii4rn
beyond the protection of fame and money, how do serial sexual predators like cosby, weinstein, or spacey get away without serving any jail time?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7ii4rn/eli5_beyond_the_protection_of_fame_and_money_how/
{ "a_id": [ "dqyxd7t" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "You can only get jail time of you're convicted of a crime. A lot of the people accused of sexual misconduct are accused of behaviors which aren't actually criminal. They might be unlawful civilly, where they could be sued over it, or they might j...
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yt865
why can't they make space elevators with propellers on them to reduce tension forces?
The big problem with the space elevator idea is the huge forces pulling the cable upwards. Very hard to makes something that can withstand those forces. Why can't they build into the cable some stations that have propellers thrusting the cable toward the earth to reduce this tension? The propellers could be powered...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/yt865/why_cant_they_make_space_elevators_with/
{ "a_id": [ "c5ylxbc" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "That would only work in the atmosphere, where the propellers have something to push: air. But the cable will experience the same amount of tension above the atmosphere, where there is no air for the propellers to push. The only real solution is...
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bzere2
what makes some color combinations more aisthetically pleasing than others?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bzere2/eli5_what_makes_some_color_combinations_more/
{ "a_id": [ "eqrwopt" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Mostly it comes to personal preference. I would recommend watching this video by Kurzgesagt about what makes humans 'like pretty things.'" ] }
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2say64
how do chinese speakers imply sarcasm?
In my very limited knowledge of the Chinese language I know that the inflection of a syllable changes its meaning, so how does one say something sarcastically?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2say64/eli5_how_do_chinese_speakers_imply_sarcasm/
{ "a_id": [ "cnns33f", "cnnuib8" ], "score": [ 21, 5 ], "text": [ "You can still stress syllables in Chinese without changing the tone. In addition in China people tend to be very creative with word choices and puns to imply sarcasm or even insults. \n\nSource: Native speaker. ", "Chin...
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3q80e2
why do people that play hockey or other sports left handed prefer to golf right handed?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3q80e2/eli5_why_do_people_that_play_hockey_or_other/
{ "a_id": [ "cwcynjb" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Canadian kids starting to learn hockey are taught to place their dominant hand on the end of the stick. This translates to playing golf \"left-handed\"" ] }
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