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24vcaa
why has apple never updated their software to allow us to leave group texts?
At face value, it seems idiotic to not give customers something Apple has to know we gripe about. I know that iMessage will send individual messages to people within the group behaving more like email than a group chat. Ok, so why is SMS different, and why isn't it an option to either select a group chat or send a ma...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/24vcaa/eli5why_has_apple_never_updated_their_software_to/
{ "a_id": [ "chaznuv", "chb1mgl", "chb408w", "chb6lmi", "chbc31z", "chbch8p" ], "score": [ 17, 5, 2, 2, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "As a non-apple user, it drives me up a wall when apple users do group texts.", "The person sending the message controls who gets th...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
1ut7dr
how did dust fuse together to form a planet?
I heard that rocky planets previously were a disk of dust around the sun that fused together until it formed a big planet, but shouldn't the dust just stay next to each other instead of forming a big single rock? Why does it becomes one?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ut7dr/eli5_how_did_dust_fuse_together_to_form_a_planet/
{ "a_id": [ "celf2lj", "celf3p0", "celf64i" ], "score": [ 2, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Solar systems do start off as accretion disks -- enormous disconnected masses of rotating dust and gas. But over time the little particles of the disks bump into each other and stick together. Smaller...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
g1hk3k
why does “ph” stand for potential hydrogen, when a low ph means a high concentration of h+ ions?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/g1hk3k/eli5_why_does_ph_stand_for_potential_hydrogen/
{ "a_id": [ "fnfo1ie", "fnfon0y", "fngkb1c" ], "score": [ 6, 49, 3 ], "text": [ "A high pH means a low concentration of H+ ions, so there is a high “potential” for more. In a low pH solution the “potential” has already been realized because there is a high concentration of H+ ions....
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
24qf5w
why do tetrapak cartons (and others) have colored markings on the packaging, opten hidden under the flap?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/24qf5w/eli5_why_do_tetrapak_cartons_and_others_have/
{ "a_id": [ "ch9nlta" ], "score": [ 11 ], "text": [ "Those are colour registration marks which are used for print quality control purposes. These marks allows the printer operator or quality control personnel to check if all of the base colours (such as CMYK) are printed correctly (no missing colo...
[]
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[ [] ]
5pz14i
what's the psychology behind people becoming so caught up in support of an idea that they can't change it even when they're obviously wrong?
Examples are everything from conspiracy theorists, to people who refuse to believe that a particular car they like is outperformed by a car from another manufacturer, to believing objectively false claims that support their political affiliation. What causes this?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5pz14i/eli5_whats_the_psychology_behind_people_becoming/
{ "a_id": [ "dcw0e3w" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Ah, good old \"confirmation bias\" as it's called.\n\nI agree with /r/iliketobuildstuff74\n\nPeople have too much pride in their opinions and aren't open to admitting that they can be wrong and changing their minds. Even though it's a more enligh...
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[ [] ]
5u8vpk
why is it that some people can learn equations and concepts when examples are involved ie: physics/chemistry but struggle with similar ideas when examples aren't involved ie: trig/calc/algebra?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5u8vpk/eli5_why_is_it_that_some_people_can_learn/
{ "a_id": [ "dds77zr" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "There have been many theories of learning which categorise people into different groups depending how they learn.\n\nPretty much all of these theories have been disproven.\n\nHowever, one thing that *is* known is that, however hard it is to categ...
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[]
[ [] ]
1o5di8
if you had a rod that was (hypothetically) a light year long, and you swung the rod in one direction, wouldn't the speed at the other end be faster than the speed of light?
Since moving the rod would be an instant thing, wouldn't the far end of the rod move way further in an instant? Think of a fishing pole. When you barely move the top of the fishing pole, the line/bait moves a lot. Now do the same thing, but with a metal rod.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1o5di8/eli5_if_you_had_a_rod_that_was_hypothetically_a/
{ "a_id": [ "ccowoot", "ccowrey", "ccowuf3", "ccozbfx", "ccp1eut" ], "score": [ 4, 38, 3, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "It wouldn't be instant, far from it. When you move something a \"wave\" goes up it at the speed of sound in that object. It's only when the \"wave\" reache...
[]
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[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
82k0jp
why can’t we capitalize numbers like how we capitalize letters?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/82k0jp/eli5_why_cant_we_capitalize_numbers_like_how_we/
{ "a_id": [ "dvanbfw", "dvanbji", "dvanipo" ], "score": [ 5, 4, 5 ], "text": [ "There is no point or meaning to do so.\nNumbers are exactly what they are.\nLetters are to build up a language created locally (and spread) and then interact with others.\nMaths / numbers are universal....
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Text_figures#/media/File:Mediaevalziffern.svg" ] ]
3oguv2
canadian federal election, why are the liberals doing so much better than the ndp in the polls right now?
Based on some polls linked to on /r/canadapolitics, such as "Nanos (Oct 12): LPC 35.7%, CPC 28.9%, NDP 24.3%." Did the Liberals do anything in particular that won a lot of people over? Did the NDP do anything in particular that turned a lot of voters away? Both?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3oguv2/eli5_canadian_federal_election_why_are_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cvx447q" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Momentum has a lot to do with it. With the Liberals starting to pull ahead, people who care more about defeating the Conservatives than voting NDP are taking their vote to Trudeau's Liberals, sending the NDP into a death spiral. \n\nAs for why th...
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[ [] ]
62py6m
how were huge circulation daily newspapers like the new york times prepared/printed/distributed nationwide before computers?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/62py6m/eli5_how_were_huge_circulation_daily_newspapers/
{ "a_id": [ "dfofjof" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Manufacturing was handled with a machine that assisted with typesetting, which did the work that computer programs do now (I will post video links for some of this below because I can't simply describe it) and webfed offset presses (these are big...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://youtu.be/32RKn46E6Ig", "https://youtu.be/yhdEYeXsHts" ] ]
8r69px
how are woodpeckers able to keep their beaks sharp enough to chip into trees while also not breaking them?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8r69px/eli5_how_are_woodpeckers_able_to_keep_their_beaks/
{ "a_id": [ "e0ots6d" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Not an expert but I found this, hope it helps, \"Sometimes a bird needs more than a specialized beak to enable it to get the food it needs. ... The woodpecker's beak is strong and sturdy, with a chisel-like tip for drilling holes in wood. The woo...
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[ [] ]
3tm0rc
why are singers always described as "flat" but never "sharp"?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3tm0rc/eli5_why_are_singers_always_described_as_flat_but/
{ "a_id": [ "cx7bi5h" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Assuming the people describing the singers voice know the difference between flat and sharp, I would say that it is more common for a singer to sing flat than sharp. This is because singing involves efficient breathing and usage of the diaphragm....
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[ [] ]
1hnx9b
why, no matter how much i pee, does the toilet never fill up?
I just peed a bunch and the water line just stayed the same!
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1hnx9b/eli5_why_no_matter_how_much_i_pee_does_the_toilet/
{ "a_id": [ "caw5e2x", "cawc85s", "cawet5z" ], "score": [ 32, 5, 3 ], "text": [ "The drain has a \"U\" bend so that if water is added to one side (like urine) the other side rises just as much and drains down into the sewer. This has the benefit of making a water \"plug\" that prev...
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[]
[ [], [], [] ]
bs3gq0
please explain the relationship between a video game/program & how the computer decides which transistors to flip?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bs3gq0/eli5_please_explain_the_relationship_between_a/
{ "a_id": [ "eoikjdb" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "You have a lot of questions in your post, and a lot of misconceptions.\n\nHere, I'll walk you through some of the events and layers of abstraction between \"w\" and walking forward.\n\n1. You depress the \"w\" key on your keyboard, closing a set ...
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[]
[ [] ]
4akcjj
does sound travel slower/quieter on mars?
This may sound weird. Since sound waves travel using air as a medium, and the air is much thinner on mars, would that affect the way that sound travels?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4akcjj/eli5_does_sound_travel_slowerquieter_on_mars/
{ "a_id": [ "d113ut8" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Yes - the speed of sound on Mars is much lower. Around 240ms^-1 compared to around 332ms^-1 on Earth. \n\nThe density and pressure are much lower, which as you surmise, reduce the speed at which interactions between molecules are able to transmit...
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[ [] ]
64gg82
what is the reasoning behind food chains not putting their prices online?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/64gg82/eli5_what_is_the_reasoning_behind_food_chains_not/
{ "a_id": [ "dg1ybfc" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "It is up to the district manager for the franchise. So one person can buy a wendys and set their prices but they are overseen so it's set by the district manager, not the individual store. It goes along with how some cities are more expensive to ...
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49w2ac
why do people go to those places to cash a check? why not go to a bank?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/49w2ac/eli5_why_do_people_go_to_those_places_to_cash_a/
{ "a_id": [ "d0vcijq", "d0vcirg", "d0vcony", "d0vcwf9", "d0vd1ht" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 2, 2, 6 ], "text": [ "Because many banks don't like to set up in bad neighborhoods, and the people living there can't really afford the time or transport cost to go to a good neigh...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
1fpale
how do companies issue stock and establish equity if they are a new company?
Is there a formal way of doing it? What's the process with that?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1fpale/eli5_how_do_companies_issue_stock_and_establish/
{ "a_id": [ "cacghhx" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "So I am assuming you mean private stock? In this case, when you **incorporate** you create your business with a certain amount of equity that you put in. For instance, lets say I start a coffee shop as a corporation for $10,000 of my own money. I...
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[ [] ]
crjhca
why do women feel bad during their period?
Both psychologically and physically
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/crjhca/eli5_why_do_women_feel_bad_during_their_period/
{ "a_id": [ "ex5thnu", "ex7g1jq" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "From what my sister has told me -she's a nurse- is that when a woman has a cramp it's pretty much her body simulating birth, but a mild version of it. Her entire uterine lining has been built up for those 28-30 days, and whe...
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[ [], [] ]
3115gq
why is local produce more expensive than non-local?
I would like to be green and help the planet but it seems like local produce is always more expensive and I don't understand why. Shouldn't the fact that it takes less resources to bring the produce to market automatically make it cheaper? Do the markets like Whole Foods know that anyone that actually cares about this ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3115gq/eli5_why_is_local_produce_more_expensive_than/
{ "a_id": [ "cpxmn8j", "cpxmoss" ], "score": [ 11, 3 ], "text": [ "It's due to economies of scale. As Wikipedia puts it, \"economies of scale are the cost advantages that enterprises obtain due to size, output, or scale of operation, with cost per unit of output generally decreasing with i...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
7doxka
what makes someone an intellectual "genius" or "prodigy"? how can someone be tremendously smarter than the general population?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7doxka/eli5_what_makes_someone_an_intellectual_genius_or/
{ "a_id": [ "dpze733", "dpzkhn8" ], "score": [ 10, 3 ], "text": [ "**TL;DR**: *They \"won\" the smartness genetic lottery, plus had time and exposure to get really good at what they do.*\n\nLet's make an analogy with dogs.\n\nWith dogs, you have your basic dumb-as-a-post mutt that would ha...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
qxx8x
flooding the engine
What does it mean, what does it cause, how do you fix it, etc. thank you!
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/qxx8x/eli5_flooding_the_engine/
{ "a_id": [ "c41cf7i", "c41cwv9", "c41g4t2" ], "score": [ 6, 6, 3 ], "text": [ "When you flood the engine, that means you have injected too much fuel. In order for combustion to take place, the oxygen/fuel ratio has to be within certain limits, within the lower and upper explosive...
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[ [], [], [] ]
5bx673
how is it possible that the brain wants to take action but actually prevents itself from doing anything?
Like when I really want to learn to better my grades but end up doing nothing instead. It has the capacity to acknowledge its bad situation, even offers a solution but ends up doing nothing. I mean it is the very same brain -same origin of thought- but it feels more like two brains fighting each other. It drives me c...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5bx673/eli5_how_is_it_possible_that_the_brain_wants_to/
{ "a_id": [ "d9rxbuf", "d9rxtph", "d9t2n0m" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Incredibly accurate. Some people might say it's because you don't really want it, I've been told that, but I just have to disagree.", "If you really want to know about the brain check out Brain Game...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://braingames.nationalgeographic.com/" ], [] ]
3v67ki
considering the computational power of supercomputers, could a 60s, 70s or 80s supercomputer run a video game with massive space battles?
Or just simply big battles with lots of explosions and units shooting/fighting. The space battles in the 70s and 80s Star Wars movies weren't that large, but those have must of been done with supercomputers as modern cartoons are done with it too. What I am referring to in my initial question is could they do this wit...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3v67ki/eli5_considering_the_computational_power_of/
{ "a_id": [ "cxkmury", "cxkn8si" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "The original star wars battles were done with models made of plastic and glue with special wires and motors to move them around, then filmed with a camera. The versions with computer animation were done just before episode I...
[]
[ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EE1KFiTQp6s", "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9x8eYjUQzg" ]
[ [], [ "https://ajaylee.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/toystory1995brrip720px21.jpg" ] ]
j4fw0
[li5] what is the fourth dimension, why is it significant, and how would i plot a line in a tesseract?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/j4fw0/li5_what_is_the_fourth_dimension_why_is_it/
{ "a_id": [ "c292189" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "The fourth dimension commonly refers to time. A dimension is essentially a direction in which things happening can be compared. So something can be up from something else, or to the left, or to the front, or in the future.\n\nHowever, your ques...
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3uzb0a
why do reddit points fluctuate over time?
I'm not being naive -- I know points operate through up and down votes. Are there other factors at play though? Do posts gain or lose points according to responses below or above them? And, most importantly, how do you game them? > :)
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3uzb0a/eli5why_do_reddit_points_fluctuate_over_time/
{ "a_id": [ "cxizali" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "The fluctuations are a bot prevention mechanism. Shadow bans were created in order to get rid of malicious bots, but that could be easily tested if their upvote did not count toward a thread if the page was refreshed a minute later. Thus, Reddit ...
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[]
[ [] ]
33p7g1
i live in the ne united states; this morning it is 30 degrees fahrenheit; how come the sun beating down on us for 13.5 hours a day doesn't warm it up?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/33p7g1/eli5_i_live_in_the_ne_united_states_this_morning/
{ "a_id": [ "cqn1wuw", "cqn29st" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "There is constantly more cold air coming in to negate the heating effects of the sun", "The sun is still pretty low this time of the year, so its rays have to cover much more ground than during the summer when the rays h...
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[ [], [] ]
43lc9q
what is the difference between the imf and the world bank?
What functions do they serve and how do they differ?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/43lc9q/eli5_what_is_the_difference_between_the_imf_and/
{ "a_id": [ "czj1hxg" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "The World Bank (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development) is primarily concerned with economic development in developing nations. It helps poor nations get richer by giving them loans for improvements they might need, like rebuilding...
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[ [] ]
1vwnhe
the strategy, gameplay, and scoring of curling.
I'm interested in watching curling at the 2014 winter olympics. I can't seem to find a good explanation on the gameplay (how ends work), strategy and scoring of the game.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1vwnhe/eli5_the_strategy_gameplay_and_scoring_of_curling/
{ "a_id": [ "cewls48", "cewp8wu" ], "score": [ 15, 3 ], "text": [ "Throw the rock into the bullseye, sweeping makes it go straighter and farther.\n\nRocks in front of the bullseye (actually called the house) make it harder to remove rocks on the bullseye. \n\nThe scoring is based on rocks ...
[]
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[ [], [] ]
8goew6
why does the air trapped in food become puffy before it expires? (like packaged meat)
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8goew6/eli5_why_does_the_air_trapped_in_food_become/
{ "a_id": [ "dydc3n4", "dydc761" ], "score": [ 4, 5 ], "text": [ "Bacteria can sometimes produce gases as they grow, in a sealed package this will lead to swelling. However sometimes the air is trapped in the sealing process.", "It's not the air that's trapped inside that expands. Mos...
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[ [], [] ]
23917j
germans of reddit, i'm trying to understand your school system. please break it down for me?
From Grundschule to Your Job.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/23917j/eli5_germans_of_reddit_im_trying_to_understand/
{ "a_id": [ "cgunv4x", "cguo0ou" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "There is the Grundschule which is Elementary school, everyone goes there for four years.\n\nFrom then on there are three branches:\n\n* Hauptschule which goes to grade 9 and is meant to give you the very fundamentals\n* Real...
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[ [], [] ]
2b7yzf
why doesn't nato or un not send military to claim mh17 crash site?
As a Dutchman I don't understand why we let the rebels keep control, don't we vastly out gun them? Why don't we take control of the crash site?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2b7yzf/eli5_why_doesnt_nato_or_un_not_send_military_to/
{ "a_id": [ "cj2np0z", "cj2nw1t", "cj2rfd1" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 4 ], "text": [ "Money, lives, and public opinion.\n\nIt costs lots of money to deploy the US military somewhere. Deploying troops in the Ukraine would cost at least billions of dollars.\n\nIt is not a situation where a...
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[]
[ [], [], [] ]
755rx9
why does water create "white rings" on wood?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/755rx9/eli5_why_does_water_create_white_rings_on_wood/
{ "a_id": [ "do3tzy2" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "By wood I believe you are referring to wood furniture. \n It doesn't effect the wood itself but rather it goes into the clearcoatband finish on the table or other wood surface.\n A hot pizza box will do the same thing if placed directly on a ta...
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[ [] ]
4pskxf
today the richest 400 people lost billions. when stuff like that happens where does the money go?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4pskxf/eli5_today_the_richest_400_people_lost_billions/
{ "a_id": [ "d4nlqrt" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Nowhere.\n\nIf I have a mint condition copy of Action Comics #1 (1st Superman, worth $millions) and my cat pees on it, I now have an old smelly comic worth nothing. The money it was \"worth\" didn't go anywhere; one minute it had perceived value...
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[ [] ]
3bzmyd
how can you have a prison sentence for 120 years when the prisoner won't live for that long?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3bzmyd/eli5_how_can_you_have_a_prison_sentence_for_120/
{ "a_id": [ "csqylcy", "csqylks", "csqyph2", "csr0m7x" ], "score": [ 8, 5, 2, 4 ], "text": [ "If the sentence allows parole, then generally you're only eligible for parole after you've served a certain fraction of the total sentence, so longer sentences are used to set when...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
6jcmh7
how can drug manufacturers get fda approval when they can't prove or even understand it's underlying mechanisms?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6jcmh7/eli5_how_can_drug_manufacturers_get_fda_approval/
{ "a_id": [ "djd9hwh", "djd9jv2", "djdb0ui", "djdba69" ], "score": [ 6, 2, 2, 7 ], "text": [ "They can prove it. They do YEARS of testing both on animals and then later on humans. Trial after trial and document it all so they have as much data as possible on how it works an...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
8gyxqp
how is it that nearly every independent study confirms that piracy costs the movie, music and games industries virtually nothing in lost sales? it seems counter-intuitive that it wouldn't, since it's reducing the artificial scarcity. and why do they refuse to accept these facts?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8gyxqp/eli5_how_is_it_that_nearly_every_independent/
{ "a_id": [ "dyfoscv" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Intellectual property is a funny thing legally. It doesn't exist physically, but has value, and deserves to be respected. So I think it's less of a profit thing and more of an intellectual property thing." ] }
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[ [] ]
6osxu1
why is it that the audible sound of one person clapping isn't the same decibel level as an audience clapping since all participants are doing the same sound causing action?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6osxu1/eli5_why_is_it_that_the_audible_sound_of_one/
{ "a_id": [ "dkjyyrm", "dkkkht4" ], "score": [ 7, 2 ], "text": [ "Sound is pressure waves. And when two pressure waves meet the pressures are added together to generate higher pressures. So when you have two sound sources of the same sound you get more volume then any single one of them.",...
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[ [], [] ]
39enoi
what would happen to reddit if everyone suddenly stopped buying reddit gold?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/39enoi/eli5_what_would_happen_to_reddit_if_everyone/
{ "a_id": [ "cs2r18w", "cs2r2sa", "cs2sp1j", "cs2w3xg" ], "score": [ 27, 8, 8, 2 ], "text": [ "Reddit would have to run a lot more ads. The reason you only see a couple of ads on the sidebar instead of banner ads and paid comments is because the cost to keep Reddit running ...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
fqhlav
how do they actually perform the rt-pcr tests?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fqhlav/eli5_how_do_they_actually_perform_the_rtpcr_tests/
{ "a_id": [ "flqf9d3", "flqms7z", "flqow36", "fltveeg" ], "score": [ 3, 3, 6, 3 ], "text": [ "They basically throw in Primers that can attach to the RNA of Coronavirus together with a bunch of materials needed to build new RNA.\n\nIf the coronavirus RNA is present the the p...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://youtu.be/KWpq5zliENc", "https://imgur.com/a/6qUPlqa" ], [], [] ]
d3om9j
- what does it mean when someone says something is “lovecraftian”? (i know who hp lovecraft is, but never read any of his books)
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/d3om9j/eli5_what_does_it_mean_when_someone_says/
{ "a_id": [ "f0431fe", "f043r38", "f04532r" ], "score": [ 21, 9, 4 ], "text": [ "_URL_0_\n\nFirst line of this Wikipedia page.\n\nLovecraftian horror is a subgenre of horror fiction that emphasizes the cosmic horror of the unknown (or unknowable) more than gore or other elements of...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lovecraftian_horror" ], [], [] ]
7s6vdv
why is there a discernible difference in the amount of red and or blue light seen when switching from left or right eye?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7s6vdv/eli5_why_is_there_a_discernible_difference_in_the/
{ "a_id": [ "dt2e5m4", "dt2f9t4" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Are you sitting near a window? Is the windows facing your right or left side of your head? The light from the outside is more blue, forcing your eyes to reduce the reactivity to blue light, and making things appear more mage...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
ji8mt
the plot to my little pony
Title says it all.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ji8mt/eli5_the_plot_to_my_little_pony/
{ "a_id": [ "c2cbv77", "c2cbxgt", "c2ccre9", "c2cbv77", "c2cbxgt", "c2ccre9" ], "score": [ 2, 12, 2, 2, 12, 2 ], "text": [ "Twilight and her pet baby dragon Spike are sent on a mission (because they are always forever alone) to make friends in a small villag...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
fabcf4
why is it that some days you think “wow i’m actually good looking” and other days you think “wow damn i’m the ugliest being in the universe?”
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fabcf4/eli5_why_is_it_that_some_days_you_think_wow_im/
{ "a_id": [ "fiwx8u3", "fiwxetn", "fiwyy72", "fix0fqk" ], "score": [ 40, 5, 8, 6 ], "text": [ "Serotonin swings due to changes in Vit D production / consumption, tryptophan ratio of protein intake, and some magnitude of other nutritional and environmental variations. You ar...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
blnh3w
what's the difference between a creative commons license and traditional copyright?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/blnh3w/eli5_whats_the_difference_between_a_creative/
{ "a_id": [ "empuysb", "empwnbb" ], "score": [ 2, 6 ], "text": [ "Creative commons let's you do more stuff.\n\nCopyright is a bit like saying \"This is my work, nobody can do anything yo it or copy it without my explicit permission. If you put any part of it anywhere it must be s tiny bit ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1oz796
how is it legal for a city government pass a law to ban smoking within a private business?
It doesn't make sense for a government to pass laws to restrict a business owner in a free enterprise market.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1oz796/eli5_how_is_it_legal_for_a_city_government_pass_a/
{ "a_id": [ "ccx3b2h", "ccx3cum", "ccx3i47", "ccx4c1t", "ccx4fyh", "ccx69r1" ], "score": [ 7, 3, 2, 4, 2, 2 ], "text": [ " > It doesn't make sense for a government to pass laws to restrict a business owner in a free enterprise market.\n\nBut it does make se...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.wwnytv.com/news/politics/Milk-No-Longer-Treated-As-Oil-By-EPA-119717664.html", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commerce_Clause#Text_and_pairing" ], [] ]
1mpagv
why has youtube has taken away the 'pause and let it buffer' function to its videos and changed it with the new (seemingly very unpopular) system?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1mpagv/eli5_why_has_youtube_has_taken_away_the_pause_and/
{ "a_id": [ "ccbbyx4", "ccbfhot", "ccblltk" ], "score": [ 15, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "I would imagine it's to conserve bandwidth. If a lot of people were buffering videos, but not watching them to the end, that's a whole lot of wasted bandwidth", "I didnt even know that was changed....
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
fsiysb
why is a pitch black room a different color than that same room with your eyes closed?
I have a room in my house that has no windows. When I close the door and just stare into the blackness vs closing my eyes and in that room, I cant pinpoint exactly the difference but I can tell its different. Whether I'm mistaken or it is different please explain
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fsiysb/eli5_why_is_a_pitch_black_room_a_different_color/
{ "a_id": [ "fm1o1gd" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Because the room isn’t truly pitch black. It is very, very difficult to truly snuff out all light in a room. There’s probably some coming in under the door, or through some hinges, or from some other source, and in comparison to the utter blackne...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3913tk
why do westerners like being tan while asians prefer being pale?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3913tk/eli5_why_do_westerners_like_being_tan_while/
{ "a_id": [ "crzfp1n", "crzfrri" ], "score": [ 7, 3 ], "text": [ "Beauty has several societal factors. One of the biggest that can be seen across diverse cultures is what the powerful/rich do. For a long time in Western history, being pale was considered beautiful. Why? Because it meant yo...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
25j0tk
why did women in the 18th and 19th century "swoon" and faint? why don't they do that now?
Its a trope seen in books and film since forever and when I was a kid, I always just took it for granted that fainting was just something women did. Is it purely psycho schematic? I kind of imagine it being like the falling people in those evangelical healing spectacles where the pastor touches them on the head and th...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/25j0tk/eli5_why_did_women_in_the_18th_and_19th_century/
{ "a_id": [ "chhnbv6", "chhngyy", "chhnmfn", "chhnzt8", "chho1he", "chhoqhl", "chhslvv", "chhy6ya", "chi4mc9" ], "score": [ 4, 22, 51, 7, 2, 11, 5, 16, 2 ], "text": [ "I vaguely remember it had something to do with corsets and how it ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "http://youtu.be/VOm9qLwlvSc" ], [], [], [], [], [] ]
2314mj
why are older, smaller houses more expensive toward the downtown core than bigger, newer houses in the suburbs?
I have never understood this.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2314mj/eli5_why_are_older_smaller_houses_more_expensive/
{ "a_id": [ "cgscx8z", "cgscyx2" ], "score": [ 13, 3 ], "text": [ "Location, location, location.", "This is not true in all cities. If the downtown is an attractive are then this increases the prices of all houses in the area. It's nice to be able to walk to the businesses down town. A...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
8o6rkl
why do mammalian young drink milk while other animals start on solids immediately after birth?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8o6rkl/eli5_why_do_mammalian_young_drink_milk_while/
{ "a_id": [ "e01h5ud" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Evolutive advantage, at some point in the evolution race our ancestors started to feed their young with secretions from their own body, it was so successful on keeping young alive that we still do it today.\n\nIn the evolutive race of you have a ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
fwrl82
when a pen quits half way through the word, why will it write on a fresh piece of paper but not over the words it failed to write in the first place?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fwrl82/eli5_when_a_pen_quits_half_way_through_the_word/
{ "a_id": [ "fmqtic0", "fmqvpxi", "fmr5kka", "fmpzqc3", "fmqdw1i" ], "score": [ 212, 58, 12, 18297, 2663 ], "text": [ "The tiny ball bearing in a pen is lubricated by its own ink, but expecting some friction to keep it rolling. When the pen stops writing its because...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
1e9gya
on the news this morning, it said that our co2 levels are the highest in human history. what does this mean for us and our planet?
on the today show this morning, a woman said the co2 levels in our atmosphere are the highest they've been in 4 million years, and it takes decades to reverse co2 damage. what does this mean for the human race? and our planet as a whole? how will it affect us, if at all, and what can we do to fix it?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1e9gya/eli5_on_the_news_this_morning_it_said_that_our/
{ "a_id": [ "c9y22y0", "c9y2ibj", "c9y31a1" ], "score": [ 6, 4, 9 ], "text": [ "higher CO2 will lead to increased temperatures, among other problems. This will lead to may issues including melting of ice caps and ocean levels rising.\n\nThis is the whole basis behind concerns abou...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
2onhyn
how come i can feed my dog the same exact food for weeks but as a human i need to change up what i eat daily?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2onhyn/eli5_how_come_i_can_feed_my_dog_the_same_exact/
{ "a_id": [ "cmorfyy", "cmorgdf", "cmorgph", "cmorlwb", "cmorw4y", "cmowqv3" ], "score": [ 3, 6, 12, 8, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "You wouldn't if you had a well-balanced slop you could eat all day every day. (And really even if you didn't. People didn't change what...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
krnew
astrological signs and how they supposedly affect us
Why our birthday makes us a certain sign, what the personality traits are, and what the planets have to do with it.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/krnew/eli5_astrological_signs_and_how_they_supposedly/
{ "a_id": [ "c2mn2dg", "c2mpl0a", "c2mn2dg", "c2mpl0a" ], "score": [ 11, 4, 11, 4 ], "text": [ "Ancient people didn't understand what outer space was, and thought that the night sky was just a large blanket with dots on it, which depicted signs from the gods. As such, they...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
bwecx1
why do things get sun bleached through a window but you don't get a sunburn when sitting near a window?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bwecx1/eli5_why_do_things_get_sun_bleached_through_a/
{ "a_id": [ "epwyyfv" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "Ultraviolet rays are broken down into two types: UVB and UVA. Normal windows block most UVB rays which are the ones responsible for sunburn. However, they still let in UVA rays, which can still cause bleaching." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3gcwcp
how can there be so many swimming world records every year? shouldn't there be a limit to how fast you can swim?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3gcwcp/eli5_how_can_there_be_so_many_swimming_world/
{ "a_id": [ "ctx1u2e" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "Swimming at the professional/Olympic level has basically reached its limits from a human standpoint. What changes now is that engineers find new materials and ways to design swimwear that makes the swimmers more and more hydrodynamic, so they wil...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
16rd0l
please explain the new mathematical breakthrough for this effective teleportation to me like i'm 5.
_URL_0_ Article can be seen here, and here is a link to the post in /r/science: _URL_1_ Thanks in advance!
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/16rd0l/please_explain_the_new_mathematical_breakthrough/
{ "a_id": [ "c7yrj6p", "c7ytqct", "c7z8yvb" ], "score": [ 3, 9, 2 ], "text": [ "Lots of upvotes, no responses.\n\nGuess this is a tough one...\n\nHope you get an answer to this, I'm also curious..", "It has nothing to do with what you're thinking of as teleportation.\n\nIt's ve...
[]
[ "http://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/mathematical-breakthrough-sets-out-rules-for-more-effective-teleportation/", "http://www.reddit.com/r/science/comments/16qvz8/mathematical_breakthrough_sets_out_rules_for_more/" ]
[ [], [], [] ]
16oocb
how can production companies afford to release straight to dvd movies?
I can understand it a bit better from a CGI cartoon movie, but I just saw a commercial for Death Race 3. I know Death Race 2 was straight to dvd. But these are live action movies with large budgets. How do these keep getting made when 99% of the time they will not make their budget back?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/16oocb/eli5_how_can_production_companies_afford_to/
{ "a_id": [ "c7xwhbe", "c7xwksy", "c7xxrc8" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The standard Roger Corman answer is, they don't have large budgets. (someone brought him the script for \"Waterworld\" and he said, \"This picture could easily go to a million dollars!\" ) ", "Well ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1eg9la
who makes money off of those "meet hot singles in your area" ads and how? do they actually work?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1eg9la/eli5_who_makes_money_off_of_those_meet_hot/
{ "a_id": [ "c9zx2ki", "c9zxrio" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "The websites who host the adverts are the ones who make the money from showing them, same as any website advertisement. \n\nAs for whether or not they work, I would assume they must get a reasonable amount of visitors throug...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
5srory
why do people use carpet in their homes?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5srory/eli5_why_do_people_use_carpet_in_their_homes/
{ "a_id": [ "ddhbqs9", "ddhbrbn", "ddhbsqk", "ddhbuds", "ddhcad1", "ddhf03p", "ddhfncn", "ddhmlyk", "ddhrezn" ], "score": [ 2, 4, 11, 10, 3, 3, 4, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "It is soft underfoot, and you make less noise when you're moving aro...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
6w7ce7
how do tall trees work? wouldn't the higher branches simply shade the lower branches, killing efficiency?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6w7ce7/eli5_how_do_tall_trees_work_wouldnt_the_higher/
{ "a_id": [ "dm5uqwp" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "The sun isn't always directly overhead so lower branches still get some light. They also tend to grow to be farther away from the trunk than the branches at the top.\n\nBut the big point of being a tall tree is to get above all the *other plants*...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
449lmm
the different biases and an example of each?
I recently got to thinking about the different types of biases and realized I didn't understand many of them. Confirmation bias in particular. Maybe reddit can help me on this one? EDIT: Thanks everyone! This was all very helpful :)
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/449lmm/eli5_the_different_biases_and_an_example_of_each/
{ "a_id": [ "czokmhk", "czokoug", "czokpki", "czokzzw", "czomu78" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "I don't have a list of every kind of bias in front of me, so I'll give you a partial answer and explain confirmation bias.\n\nConfirmation bias is essentially...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://io9.gizmodo.com/5974468/the-most-common-cognitive-biases-that-prevent-you-from-being-rational" ], [], [], [ "http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/naturalnews-fbsymbol_7793.jpg", "http://www.wallcoo.net/paint/bob_ross_csg/images/bob_ross_csg024_autumn_glory.jpg", "http...
2d7ezp
why do many lesbians date other lesbians who take on a male appearance (short hair, loose jeans, macho behavior)?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2d7ezp/eli5why_do_many_lesbians_date_other_lesbians_who/
{ "a_id": [ "cjmth2u", "cjmtkrv", "cjmur61" ], "score": [ 6, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "The best answer I can give is a question:\n\nIf *you* were to date a straight butch-looking, masculine-acting woman would that make you a little bit gay? ", "There is a division between butch (the o...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
132eur
why is it a big deal that general petraeus was having an affair?
Is it just our Puritan American attitude? Or are there greater governmental implications I'm just not understanding? (I haven't been following the news super closely)
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/132eur/eli5_why_is_it_a_big_deal_that_general_petraeus/
{ "a_id": [ "c707qr9", "c70876p", "c70a0dv", "c70ak9c", "c70amxg", "c70azjl", "c70bcu3", "c70by3x", "c70cxk7", "c70eerl", "c70ewny" ], "score": [ 121, 72, 2, 2, 5, 4, 2, 3, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "On one level the affair...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
d3f18l
is it possible to identify personality disorders in a scientific way ?
I'm talking about MRIs or similar methods to identify a personality disorder (borderline, bipolar, etc) in a certain way, less subjective than therapy. Thank you !
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/d3f18l/eli5_is_it_possible_to_identify_personality/
{ "a_id": [ "f029b6f", "f02g6cx" ], "score": [ 3, 5 ], "text": [ "I remember something saying that people with borderline personality usually have a smaller frontal cortex.\n\nIt does not mean they are stupid, as the \"smaller area\" is mostly involved into emotion processing, rather than ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
43huc3
what would happen if you combined the strongest acid with the strongest base?
Combining equal parts (100mL if you guys need an amount) of Fluoroantimonic acid (pH of -18 to -31) and Lithium diisopropylamide (pH of 36)
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/43huc3/eli5_what_would_happen_if_you_combined_the/
{ "a_id": [ "czib16k", "czib1y3", "czibc02", "czicv9v" ], "score": [ 7, 2, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "They would react and you would have roughly 200ml of whatever the leftover chemicals would be.\n\nThe same as if you mix milk and lemon juice.", "Well, \"equal parts\" in this ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
6y942z
why is there a european and american model for tracking major storms (hurricanes, tropical storms, snowstorms etc) and why are they always so drastically different?
For instance, the upcoming Hurricane Irma path from the EU model is saying it'll [stroll through the Caribbean with decent strength before drastically losing strength and making it's way up the western Florida coast and dying off in Mid Atlantic interior](_URL_0_) Whereas the American model it's saying Irma is gonna f...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6y942z/eli5_why_is_there_a_european_and_american_model/
{ "a_id": [ "dmljyc0", "dmloorh", "dmlz5ni" ], "score": [ 25, 6, 12 ], "text": [ "Basically the algorithms used are a bit different as you can imagine weather especially on the scale of hurricanes is complex. Additionally the EU and US use different satellites to get data. In recen...
[]
[ "https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.washingtonpost.com/amphtml/news/capital-weather-gang/wp/2017/09/05/catastrophic-hurricane-irma-now-a-cat-5-is-on-a-collision-course-with-florida/" ]
[ [], [], [] ]
6frbvk
why do governments and corporations pay to continue support for operating systems like xp rather than just upgrading?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6frbvk/eli5_why_do_governments_and_corporations_pay_to/
{ "a_id": [ "dike4i4", "dike5wv" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Usually the reason is they have made a ton of custom software that only runs on it. They have to recode large parts of their programs which is very expensive.", "I'm not completely sure why the government does this, but ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3yurfr
if ginseng is so valuable why don't/can't people just plant it?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3yurfr/eli5_if_ginseng_is_so_valuable_why_dontcant/
{ "a_id": [ "cygsi06", "cygudt8", "cyh0u2p" ], "score": [ 3, 3, 4 ], "text": [ "_URL_0_\n\nThis guy will explain why my friend", "It takes about 10 years to mature and requires very precise conditions to grow.", "My grandfather/uncle was a ginseng farmer in Korea. \n\nThe ...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkGnhqRAQRA" ], [], [] ]
1r7a4c
how can a toothpick balance a fork and knife on the edge of a glass cup?
Please explain the science behind this. _URL_0_
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1r7a4c/eli5_how_can_a_toothpick_balance_a_fork_and_knife/
{ "a_id": [ "cdkbe6r" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Center of mass. The ends (the parts you hold) are heavier than parts that go into your mouth, so the center of gravity (where it needs to balance on the pivot) is further down the toothpick that it seems." ] }
[]
[ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUad2c4jdK8&feature=youtube_gdata_player" ]
[ [] ]
5mxg7d
do viruses and bacteria have a colour?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5mxg7d/eli5_do_viruses_and_bacteria_have_a_colour/
{ "a_id": [ "dc71jl1", "dc737qx" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe viruses are too small to reflect visible spectrum light. So, in essence they are colourless. However, whether it be for aesthetic detail or visibility they are pseudocoloured to what eve...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
6i4s5f
why do some hotels fill their rooms with uncomfortably large pillows? are they comfortable for anyone?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6i4s5f/eli5_why_do_some_hotels_fill_their_rooms_with/
{ "a_id": [ "dj3j7om" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "The people picking out the pillows don't necessarily try them before theu buu them. It probably looks nice till you actually try it, and if it looks nice on their website, people will want to stay there." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
z80h2
what value to society does investment banking add?
I know a lot of people that are aiming to join the investment banking industry primarily driven by the pay. What I wonder is how such an industry became so big and attractive? Why is the industry so lucrative when it does not produce anything beyond a service as a middleman? (you can correct me if my perception of the...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/z80h2/eli5_what_value_to_society_does_investment/
{ "a_id": [ "c629g4y", "c62adjd", "c62blez" ], "score": [ 3, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Investment Banking (very simply) moves money placed into savings back into the economy. \n\nA worker gets paid and takes his money to the bank, putting it there for safe-keeping. Without investment bank...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
38j7zh
why are we so scared of ai ?
If we achieve an AI capable of developing consciousness, wouldn't it make sense that the only goal of that entity would be to live forever? Therefore it would do everything to balance resources , stabilize society as a whole so it can stay powered endlessly and never be threaten by humans ? What else could be its goal ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/38j7zh/eli5_why_are_we_so_scared_of_ai/
{ "a_id": [ "crvf95l", "crvgege", "crvhlmp", "crviiq5", "crvlm13", "crvu7d1" ], "score": [ 3, 3, 2, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "God creates man...\nMan kills God...\nMan creates AI...\nAI Kills Man...\nMan wonders where he went wrong.", "The problem is you don...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technological_singularity" ], [], [], [ "http://wiki.lesswrong.com/wiki/Paperclip_maximizer" ], [] ]
cb5uor
how the hell did so many natives die from unfamiliar eastern viruses, but conquistadors didn’t all die from unfamiliar western ones?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cb5uor/eli5_how_the_hell_did_so_many_natives_die_from/
{ "a_id": [ "etd9mnv", "etd9q6o", "etd9sfj" ], "score": [ 10, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Europe was MUCH more crowded and had much more of a transportation network set up. So there was massive amounts of commerce going into and out of every European port. Sailors carried all the diseas...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
5fvuwc
why does vitamin c make us wanna eat more?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5fvuwc/eli5_why_does_vitamin_c_make_us_wanna_eat_more/
{ "a_id": [ "danff10" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Vitamin C gives you alertness.. energy to say. When you are even the slightest bit energised your body is going to want to consume so therfore your body is reacting to food without food your energy will die out." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
cm40aw
why is it that some fruits and vegetables have to be refrigerated and others do not?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cm40aw/eli5_why_is_it_that_some_fruits_and_vegetables/
{ "a_id": [ "evzv3xq" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "So, ultimately it doesn’t really matter if an organic product is refrigerated as almost all of them are capable of being the same no matter the climate they are stored in. \nThe primary reason we store cucumber, lettuce or cabbage in a fridge an...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3zsscx
why would the news of north korea's hydrogen bomb test cause the stock markets to drop?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3zsscx/eli5_why_would_the_news_of_north_koreas_hydrogen/
{ "a_id": [ "cyoqltq", "cyor7xz" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Political stability is good for business and keeps people calm. Political instability, like a nut job with nukes throwing his weight around makes people stressed and might hurt the economy, leading to stock market drops. B...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2pr4wc
why don't they put filters on toxic waste pipes to make the output cleaner?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2pr4wc/eli5_why_dont_they_put_filters_on_toxic_waste/
{ "a_id": [ "cmza3xm" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Because then you'd have a bunch of filters filled with super-toxic waste that you have to dispose of, and are back to square one.\n\nA filter doesn't just make toxic things *disappear*. It has to go somewhere - namely, caught in the filter." ] ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
aisi3g
why are many electronics survivable in water only to certain depths?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/aisi3g/eli5_why_are_many_electronics_survivable_in_water/
{ "a_id": [ "eeq40o5" ], "score": [ 13 ], "text": [ "The deeper you go, the higher the water pressure. If you have ever been swimming in a deep pool, you probably felt the pain of water pressure against your ears when you tried to touch the bottom.\n\nMore water pressure means that the water is li...
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[ [] ]
6du2do
why are there so many different types of orange-like fruit? e.g: mandarins, blood oranges, pomelo, satsuma, etc.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6du2do/eli5_why_are_there_so_many_different_types_of/
{ "a_id": [ "di5duf2" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "There are 5 \"original\" citrus fruits: the kumquat, the papeda, citron, pomelo and mandarin.\n\nThe rest are the result of various degrees of cross breeding. Chart here:\n\n_URL_0_" ] }
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2017/02/explore-food-citrus-genetics/" ] ]
2a5e6x
what does it feel like for an alcoholic or other substance abuser to resist the drug?
pretty much what the titel says. what does it feel like to try and resist? for how long does it feel like this? what does it feel like when you finally have a drink? what does it feel like if you don't?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2a5e6x/eli5_what_does_it_feel_like_for_an_alcoholic_or/
{ "a_id": [ "cirmwjh", "cirmx0u", "cirmxk0", "cirmxwj", "cirn2ta", "cirn7f2", "cirou4u", "cirr0fp" ], "score": [ 5, 8, 3, 5, 3, 4, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "It feels like you can't do anything without the substance - we'll say alcohol. You don't wa...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
39xbfl
when someone has completely no vision, what is it that they "see"?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/39xbfl/eli5_when_someone_has_completely_no_vision_what/
{ "a_id": [ "cs7a6nr", "cs7bwcj", "cs7c5js" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Depends on what you mean, the form of blindness, and whetehr they ever had sight. [Some see colors](_URL_0_). At least some blind from birth [see an abyss; not black, but no color](_URL_1_).\n\nHowever...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-ouch-31487662", "http://www.quora.com/What-do-blind-people-see" ], [], [] ]
382xpw
how do sites like gfycat pay for their bandwith?
Imgur has ads but gfycat is essentially ad-free as far as I can tell.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/382xpw/eli5_how_do_sites_like_gfycat_pay_for_their/
{ "a_id": [ "crs2y8g" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "1. Build a simple, useful service\n\n2. Build a massive user base\n\n3. Sell to someone who will monetize and scare away all the users" ] }
[]
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[ [] ]
3d214g
why do pizza companies have secret offers? it's like they have an option for me to spend less money but they don't advertise them so it seems like they don't actually want me to use them
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3d214g/eli5_why_do_pizza_companies_have_secret_offers/
{ "a_id": [ "ct12fmv", "ct12kq9", "ct140rd" ], "score": [ 5, 2, 9 ], "text": [ "Because roughly half of the customers never ask for specials or cut coupons and just pay full price like fucktards and make the pizza shop more money. Perhaps, I shouldn't use fucktard in discussions wi...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://www.pricingforprofit.com/pricing-explained/differential-pricing.php" ] ]
4lq9e8
why is it said that milk is good for heartburn if milk is acidic?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4lq9e8/eli5_why_is_it_said_that_milk_is_good_for/
{ "a_id": [ "d3pa8bj", "d3pne47", "d3prfeb" ], "score": [ 12, 8, 2 ], "text": [ "While milk is acidic, it's only very slightly so and while you're experiencing heartburn it could reduce the acidity level.\n\nHowever, milk is actually **bad** at treating heartburn. It *temporarily* ...
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[ [], [], [] ]
3okgie
does something like a golf ball travel faster if you hit it whilst it's already moving (gif example in text)
Saw [this GIF](_URL_0_) on /r/GIFS which had me thinking, if you hit a ball already traveling does it then move faster than it would if you'd hit it while stationary (from a tee for example)? And how does this work?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3okgie/eli5_does_something_like_a_golf_ball_travel/
{ "a_id": [ "cvxzfz1", "cvy05u9", "cvy55dw", "cvyaq0h" ], "score": [ 6, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "You know how there's the flat moving tracks at airports? If you walked in the same direction, you will move faster.\n\nThe same thing applies: the first golfer hits the ball with ...
[]
[ "http://i.imgur.com/8NzCBUO.gif" ]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
1r3470
(geology) are continents geologically any different from ocean floors?
Is it just a matter of dry land/wet land? or is there some important difference in the makeup of a continent versus all that rock at the bottom of the sea? I was just reading up on Pangaea and plate tectonics, made me wonder.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1r3470/eli5_geology_are_continents_geologically_any/
{ "a_id": [ "cdj5bv4" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Yes. Oceanic crust is thinner and is made almost entirely of basalts. Continental crust is thicker. It both rises higher and sinks lower into the mantle. And it is composed mainly of granitic rock with a smattering of various igneous, sedimentary...
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[ [] ]
5e6ezr
why is it so common for people to raise their hands on rollercoasters?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5e6ezr/eli5_why_is_it_so_common_for_people_to_raise/
{ "a_id": [ "daa0qql" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "It enhances excitement, and is also a show of bravado. It removes some of the very limited control you still have left as a passenger, which makes it more exciting for most people. And it also shows everyone else that you're so unafraid that yo...
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[ [] ]
3612rp
how does the police or fbi search through someone's computer?
If someone does something illegal on their computer does the FBI actually have to physically go through the computer or do they use some sort of tool to inspect the hard drive?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3612rp/eli5how_does_the_police_or_fbi_search_through/
{ "a_id": [ "cr9qbq1" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The easiest thing for them to do is take the hard drive out, attach it to a work bench, use a master key to get past any of the built in security systems, and just start scanning the files." ] }
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[ [] ]
6ycppr
how do we know if our car has been towed instead of being stolen? and what should we do if the car has been illegally and or accidentally towed?
Asking for a friend.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6ycppr/eli5_how_do_we_know_if_our_car_has_been_towed/
{ "a_id": [ "dmmdbju" ], "score": [ 16 ], "text": [ "Report it to the cops as stolen. If it was towed, the tow company would register that with the authorities. If it was illegally towed, that's still \"stolen\"." ] }
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[ [] ]
3n8ost
please explain what measures the usa can take on a practical level through political, legal and social means to start eliminating these mass shootings?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3n8ost/eli5_please_explain_what_measures_the_usa_can/
{ "a_id": [ "cvlt70k", "cvltxbf" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Not a whole lot sadly, we have passed very little gun restriction over the past few decades, notable exceptions include:\n[Gun Control Act of 1968](_URL_0_)\n\n[Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act](_URL_2_) (1993)\n\nRecen...
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[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_Control_Act_of_1968", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_laws_in_Australia", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brady_Handgun_Violence_Prevention_Act", "http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/13/gun-control-newtown_n_4425157.html", "http://static6.techinsider.io/i...
6nac39
brick and mortar stores going out of business while apple stores continue to thrive?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6nac39/eli5_brick_and_mortar_stores_going_out_of/
{ "a_id": [ "dk7x7up" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Apple products are sold at a much higher profit margin than most retail products, because Apple is ruthless about punishing retailers that discount their products. The USA in particular has tried to prevent such punishment so that retailers are f...
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[ [] ]
2aehc6
does pure water really kill you? how "pure" does this water have to be?
Just see lots of different stuff on this...some people say distilled water is a-okay, but then occasionally you hear about water so pure that it saps the minerals from your body. What's the deal? Would love this sorted out....
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2aehc6/eli5does_pure_water_really_kill_you_how_pure_does/
{ "a_id": [ "ciu9349" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "Pure water, even extremely pure water, isn't harmful unless it's the only thing you drink for a long time, and some other unusual conditions are met.\n\nWithout going into too much chemical detail, your body needs a certain amount of minerals, pa...
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[ [] ]
1ixpsi
why do so many black people fall into stereotypes?
I am in no way trying to be racist, as I DO know black people who couldn't be farther away from stereotypes, but it seems that even members of their families in some way fit into the category of stereotypical black people (in jail, drug dealing, talking in movie theaters, eating fried chicken). Is there something in th...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ixpsi/eli5_why_do_so_many_black_people_fall_into/
{ "a_id": [ "cb92oqq" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Hello! Black person here. The thing about stereotypes is, at some point or another, something happened to cause them to be. In the case of black people being in jail, dealing drugs, etc., I find that it's largely just a factor of location, income...
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[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confirmation_bias" ] ]
18cqqi
how does internet data work and where does it come from?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/18cqqi/eli5_how_does_internet_data_work_and_where_does/
{ "a_id": [ "c8dmyjv", "c8do48x", "c8dqn7y", "c8driyv" ], "score": [ 2, 4, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "Can you be a little more specific about what you mean by \"Internet Data\"?", "You're not very specific but, data comes from computers, much like yours. Only difference is that...
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[]
[ [], [], [ "www.google.com" ], [] ]
4cdmrq
why can people add riders to completely unrelated laws and such in the us government?
I understand its like they say... you have to read the fine print. but seriously, they could tuck anything anywhere it seems and it makes me very concerned about what things we may never find out have been passed until its far too late. We need to stop this now. [This is what got me fired up today](_URL_0_)
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4cdmrq/eli5_why_can_people_add_riders_to_completely/
{ "a_id": [ "d1h8jrg" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Because there's nothing saying they cannot do it and it makes political sense to add riders to a bill. If you want to stop it, engage in political advocacy or some such though it would require a constitutional amendment or getting Congress to cha...
[]
[ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illicit_Drug_Anti-Proliferation_Act" ]
[ [] ]
dekmw0
how would you organize a library or index in a language without an ordered alphabet, such as chinese?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dekmw0/eli5_how_would_you_organize_a_library_or_index_in/
{ "a_id": [ "f2w687x", "f2wpi2d", "f2x3d91", "f2xbucs" ], "score": [ 169, 39, 4, 6 ], "text": [ "One way that some librarians or bookstores organise books \"alphabetically\" is by using the Chinese *pinyin* system.\n\nBasically, pinyin is how you would \"spell\" a Chinese w...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]