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19zn9y
why is it so hard to make realistic water/liquids in video games?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/19zn9y/why_is_it_so_hard_to_make_realistic_waterliquids/
{ "a_id": [ "c8sr0dj", "c8srryb" ], "score": [ 9, 2 ], "text": [ "Water is made of lots of tiny particles, and these particles are constantly moving, colliding, and changing velocity. \n\nSolids have lots of particles, but they don't move, and you don't have to calculate their speed, or ho...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
208mdw
how do firefighters in large cities like nyc handle getting places during rush hour?
Excuse my ignorance, I don't live in a big city but have been to NY and seen the gridlock there can be on the streets. How do the trucks get around? How do the cars get out of the way? What do they do?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/208mdw/eli5_how_do_firefighters_in_large_cities_like_nyc/
{ "a_id": [ "cg0sa07" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Blaring sirens, an advance guard of police cars clearing the way (also with sirens) and picking routes less prone to traffic. People will find ways to move when it looks like they'll get plowed by a firetruck. It's still not a perfect system - tr...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5rgw6l
why does getting startled/adrenalin rush make us panicked and less capable of clear and practical thought rather than more decisive and aware?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5rgw6l/eli5_why_does_getting_startledadrenalin_rush_make/
{ "a_id": [ "dd740jw", "dd7dz8a" ], "score": [ 6, 3 ], "text": [ "The adrenaline response is part of the so-called \"fight or flight\" response (sometimes referred to as the \"fight, flight, or freeze\" response).\n\nThe fight-or-flight response is an instinctual, biological mechanism that...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
5vgnz6
in the formula (ep=-gm1m2/r), why is the negative there? since energy is a scalar value, wouldn't you always end up converting the result back to a positive?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5vgnz6/eli5_in_the_formula_epgm1m2r_why_is_the_negative/
{ "a_id": [ "de1ys58" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Scalars can be positive or negative, so having negative energy is valid. What scalars don't have is direction: energy doesn't point up, down, or sideways, but it can be positive or negative.\n\nThe key feature of energy is that it is conserved:...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3propu
why is it in dreams when you try to punch someone it feels like it's in slow motion as if you don't have the to strength to actually hurt them?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3propu/eli5_why_is_it_in_dreams_when_you_try_to_punch/
{ "a_id": [ "cw8szed", "cw8ucjs", "cw8vs4z", "cw8w7ic", "cw8wmb4", "cw8xf2z", "cw8xj5k", "cw8y87d", "cw8ye0r", "cw8zmby", "cw99jup" ], "score": [ 70, 23, 4, 2, 3, 2, 23, 3, 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Perhaps along with othe...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleep_paralysis" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
3vbvv0
world hunger and food distribution
We have enough 'extra' food, we know there are millions of starving people out there. Why? What is keeping parts of the world hungry? Distribution systems? Political boundaries? Lack of will? Food safety issues? Non-native invasion of agriculture? All of these things? Some? None? Others? More? Thanks! I think this is...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3vbvv0/eli5world_hunger_and_food_distribution/
{ "a_id": [ "cxm4g58", "cxm7a22" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "A problem in the U.S. is food safety and liability. Most companies are afraid to get sued by anyone they give food to. That's why food banks pick up food for pennies on the dollar but the grocery stores typically sell or dum...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3x1yfm
what are algorithms and data structures and how are they related to programming?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3x1yfm/eli5_what_are_algorithms_and_data_structures_and/
{ "a_id": [ "cy0t5mg", "cy0teol" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "An algorithm is a set of instructions (e.g. commands, rules, etc.) that solve a particular problem given a certain input. A simple adding algorithm may, for example, take input X and input Y and then return the sum of X + Y....
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
14skvh
why doesn't apple get in the same kind of trouble for 'maps' being integrated, that microsoft did for 'internet explorer'?
I put this here because I thought it might get buried (or at least the wrong kind of responses) in AskReddit. I don't know all the background and history, but I was investigating eliminating Apple's Maps to replace it with the Google Maps app, and I see that Apple's pre-loaded apps can't be removed. I'm sure some of ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/14skvh/why_doesnt_apple_get_in_the_same_kind_of_trouble/
{ "a_id": [ "c7g0kwm" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Because it has a smaller percentage of the initial total market compared to IE in windows." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
50syo1
if the rashes we get from poison ivy, poisson oak, and poison sumac are all from the contact with urushiol on the plants leaves, why are the rashes so different?
I got Poison Sumac for the first time last month and had no idea what it was at first since it looked so much different from Poison Ivy. I'm just curious as to what causes the difference - thanks in advance!
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/50syo1/eli5_if_the_rashes_we_get_from_poison_ivy_poisson/
{ "a_id": [ "d76qslz" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "I've been under the impression that its because of the different concentration of the active ingredient in the plants (Urushiol), which is what gives you the rash. A higher concentration means greater distribution of it on the skin (can spread mo...
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[]
[ [] ]
3lrbgt
how did turing purchase exclusive rights to produce daraprim, even though the drug has been on the market since 1953?
According to the FDA's website (_URL_0_?), "Patents expire 20 years from the date of filing. Many other factors can affect the duration of a patent." 1953+20, carry the one=1973?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3lrbgt/eli5how_did_turing_purchase_exclusive_rights_to/
{ "a_id": [ "cv8rk3t" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "A low life hedge fund manager bought the rights to a drug that has a small market. Because the market is small and the costs of the drug were low, nobody was making a generic copy of the drug.\n\nHe has now cranked up the price, but also careful...
[]
[ "http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DevelopmentApprovalProcess/ucm079031.htm#How%20many%20years%20is%20a%20patent%20granted%20for" ]
[ [ "http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/21/business/a-huge-overnight-increase-in-a-drugs-price-raises-protests.html", "http://archive.fast-edgar.com//20150817/A522K22EZZ2R8JZ222ZG2ZXRMTBIEZ22N27Q/" ] ]
b567o5
if the brain can’t go longer than 6 minutes without oxygen before brain damage occurs, how can some free divers hold their breath for 10, 15 and even 20 minutes without getting severe brain damage?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/b567o5/eli5_if_the_brain_cant_go_longer_than_6_minutes/
{ "a_id": [ "ejbhcw6", "ejbheqp", "ejbhjal", "ejbiyvl", "ejbqlw7", "ejc1e28", "ejczttc" ], "score": [ 37, 26, 279, 6, 20, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Because when you hold your breath you still have some oxygen running through your veins and your body can fun...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
37e3pm
why is the average modern movie's runtime so much longer than movies from the past?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/37e3pm/eli5_why_is_the_average_modern_movies_runtime_so/
{ "a_id": [ "crlxi22", "crlxlra", "crlylyb", "crlz1s3", "crm04h6", "crm0qrd", "crm1a3x" ], "score": [ 2, 13, 2, 6, 2, 9, 2 ], "text": [ "Because movies used to be on reels. Longer movies would require multiple reels and intermissions to switch them....
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/12/17/why-are-2012-s-holiday-movies-so-damn-long.html" ], [], [], [], [], [] ]
6lc08i
why do we tend to enjoy nocturnal recreational activity although humans are diurnal animals?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6lc08i/eli5_why_do_we_tend_to_enjoy_nocturnal/
{ "a_id": [ "djsoknb", "djtonfn" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Well our cognitive capacity makes us pretty good at ignoring our biological instincts. Just imagine skydiving. No other animal in its right mind would consider it fun to willingly jump out of an airplane, but many of us do i...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
23b1uk
why do particular combinations and patterns of notes sound more appealing to people than others?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/23b1uk/eli5_why_do_particular_combinations_and_patterns/
{ "a_id": [ "cgvmhar" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Certain frequencies go well together(harmony), while other's don't(dissonance). A perfect fifth, like an F and C played together, is very harmonious because the intervals of those frequencies is simple, 3/2, while a discordant interval, like an F...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equal_temperament#Comparison_to_just_intonation" ] ]
7iqqi7
freshman here- why wouldn’t everybody apply to as many colleges as possible?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7iqqi7/eli5_freshman_here_why_wouldnt_everybody_apply_to/
{ "a_id": [ "dr0opim", "dr0opzh", "dr0osgc", "dr0p2d2", "dr0p3j2", "dr0pah3", "dr0t9gf", "dr13k8s", "dr1t5qz" ], "score": [ 4, 22, 4, 3, 3, 5, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Some colleges and most universities have an application fee.\nIt just...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
pnjlp
why are singers more famous than scientists and why does it matter?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/pnjlp/eli5_why_are_singers_more_famous_than_scientists/
{ "a_id": [ "c3qrxfv" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Because singers reach a much more broad audience. The average person doesn't turn on scientific lectures in their car when they drive to work. \n\nIt's all about exposure and the amount of interest people have to go and learn about things on thei...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
9sg769
why did it take so long to start making cars that turned off their lights when the car turned off?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9sg769/eli5_why_did_it_take_so_long_to_start_making_cars/
{ "a_id": [ "e8oiaze", "e8om3np" ], "score": [ 10, 2 ], "text": [ "Without the electronics being computer-controlled it becomes difficult to essentially turn off the light with a timer that starts when the car is turned off. It'd be easy to just turn the lights off automatically when the c...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
excd6a
considering blood in arteries transports oxygen, why doesn’t that make our blood coagulate inside them?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/excd6a/eli5_considering_blood_in_arteries_transports/
{ "a_id": [ "fg7ec0o", "fg7fmym", "fg7grn2", "fg7ksa0" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 6, 2 ], "text": [ "Because oxygen in our blood is contained within red blood cells and outside oxygen is airborne, platelets react with airborne oxygen and not with our red blood cells\nDo correct me...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
4qhrw3
how are insects able to walk up a verticle pane of glass?
It's such a smooth surface, I don't know what they are able to "hang" onto.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4qhrw3/eli5_how_are_insects_able_to_walk_up_a_verticle/
{ "a_id": [ "d4t2t26", "d4t2tw4", "d4t2ylp", "d4t6cny" ], "score": [ 3, 3, 7, 2 ], "text": [ "On a microscopic scale, it's not that smooth. But insects have sticky little hairs on their feet.", "[glass under a microscope](_URL_0_)\n\nGlass isn't all that smooth.", ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xCbc0cSk9dI/UIieEQG-J3I/AAAAAAAAAD0/XicGBEvh3ww/s1600/window+glass+surface+replace+vinyl+patio+door+windows.png" ], [ "http://imgur.com/9uSpjP8" ], [] ]
380hds
why is the united states of america considered the wealthiest nation in the world when poverty rates are certainly not the lowest and the actual debt of the country is so high.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/380hds/eli5_why_is_the_united_states_of_america/
{ "a_id": [ "crr9zby", "crrabgw", "crraod5" ], "score": [ 9, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "\"Wealthiest nation\" isn't really much of a qualifier; it doesn't really mean anything.\n\nThe U.S. does have the highest gross domestic product and the highest gross national income of any country; th...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
477cd2
how does the government of eritrea work, and the current situation there?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/477cd2/eli5_how_does_the_government_of_eritrea_work_and/
{ "a_id": [ "d0aq3u6" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Eritrea is a one party state. Nominally their constitution allows for other political parties and elections, but since gaining their independence from Ethiopia in 1993, they've never had an election.\n\nThe government claims that because of their...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
bx198z
when i’m falling asleep, if i hear a sound that startles me, why is it accompanied by a bright flash inside my eyelids before i properly rouse.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bx198z/eli5_when_im_falling_asleep_if_i_hear_a_sound/
{ "a_id": [ "eq2y0bc" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "It's called Exploding Head Syndrome. [_URL_1_](_URL_0_) It's not a mental illness, it's more of a brain misfire, though the cause isn't really known. And yes, it is kind of scary. I've had it happen also." ] }
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exploding_head_syndrome", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exploding\\_head\\_syndrome" ] ]
217208
am i the brain? or am i the body?
I've read many great responses that helped me understand more on what I was asking. I know they may not be "facts", but they're good enough. Thank you all!
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/217208/eli5_am_i_the_brain_or_am_i_the_body/
{ "a_id": [ "cga8ybt", "cga9b5z", "cgaa02c", "cgaaezj", "cgabtnh", "cgaeu9u", "cgakor4" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 12, 2, 2, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "It depends on what you mean specifically, but in the way most people think about it you are your brain. \n\nThink...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind-body_dichotomy" ], [], [ "brain.It" ], [], [], [] ]
4g3hjl
what's behind the symbolism of a haircut in japanese games/movies/literature?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4g3hjl/eli5_whats_behind_the_symbolism_of_a_haircut_in/
{ "a_id": [ "d2e92xm" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "This isn't exclusive to Japan. Or women, which all of your examples are, although for a woman to cut her hair when she takes a more active role in her life is pretty common, as long hair= feminine and passive, while short hair= masculine and acti...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/ImportantHaircut" ] ]
2m35wr
help finding the becomings of these slang terms
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2m35wr/eli5_help_finding_the_becomings_of_these_slang/
{ "a_id": [ "cm0irrl" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Buzzing - never heard of it meaning \"cool\" and couldn't find anything that used it like that. Do you mean cool like temperature or like someone who is hip?\n\nRip-off - originated in black communities in America in the 1960s. Was used by beatni...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/radio/specials/1130_uptodate2/page18.shtml", "http://www.word-detective.com/back-z.html" ] ]
3zz9qc
when driving really fast, how does the turning right to go left thing work.
The debate that happened in the movie cars.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3zz9qc/eli5_when_driving_really_fast_how_does_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cyqc00y" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "He's describing drifting. You want the front wheels to be pointing in the direction of travel, so if the rear end of the car has slid out from lack of traction in a hard left turn, you'll need to turn the wheel to the right to keep them pointing ...
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[]
[ [] ]
8b15pu
why does venting about stuff that frustrates you help you feel better about it
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8b15pu/eli5_why_does_venting_about_stuff_that_frustrates/
{ "a_id": [ "dx364c2", "dx386bp", "dx3ak6j" ], "score": [ 11, 2, 7 ], "text": [ "Speaking and naming your feelings always helps your brain process those feelings, and emotional validation and social support also cause those good chemicals to flow through your brain.", "Because ...
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[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1j5shd
why do some alcoholic beverages taste better over time and others don't.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1j5shd/eli5_why_do_some_alcoholic_beverages_taste_better/
{ "a_id": [ "cbbgfsy" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Wine and liquor are aged in oak barrels in order to impart the flavor of the barrel to the drink. Oak wood has a number of mellow, complex flavors that are considered to be desirable, including a great deal of vanillins (the primary chemicals th...
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[]
[ [] ]
1ye360
why nazi germany was chosen for the 1936 olympics?
I know that there is a panel of judges ( of sorts ) that chooses amongst potential host countries applicants. So why Nazi Germany?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ye360/eli5_why_nazi_germany_was_chosen_for_the_1936/
{ "a_id": [ "cfjoj7b", "cfjojd4", "cfjojfs", "cfjomet", "cfjpj00", "cfjq3jr", "cfjwdhv", "cfkcadv" ], "score": [ 4, 3, 6, 128, 2, 11, 8, 2 ], "text": [ "Berlin won the bid to host the Games over Barcelona, Spain, on 26 April 1931, at the 29th...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1936_Summer_Olympics" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
d4gfd4
the working of the hubble space telescope and how its able to capture galaxies far away.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/d4gfd4/eli5_the_working_of_the_hubble_space_telescope/
{ "a_id": [ "f0bhh81", "f0bnojh" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "There are a few things to remember.\n1) the sky is an asshole. Makes everything hard to see and whatnot. Relative to the emptiness of space, the sky makes everything blurry, so putting a telescope right in space solves that ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3f002l
how does killing animals help conserve them?
Also, here is a bonus, that 19 year old Texas Tech cheerleader, Kendall Jones claimed that killing EXOTIC animals helps conserve them. I don't have an opinion on what she said, as I don't know how all of this works.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3f002l/eli5how_does_killing_animals_help_conserve_them/
{ "a_id": [ "ctjzz9o", "ctk001z", "ctk06v2", "ctk1zpb" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 8, 3 ], "text": [ "In general, the idea is that the money that gets spent on hunting permits goes towards the conservation in general, because hunters do have \"not wanting the animals we want to hun...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
d0b83a
why can’t manufacturers just add more cpu’s to make the computer faster?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/d0b83a/eli5_why_cant_manufacturers_just_add_more_cpus_to/
{ "a_id": [ "ez8ed99", "ez8fa9n" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "They can and do. But for the average consumer, the cost quickly outweighs what a consumer needs and is willing to pay for.\n\nMy computer is dual socket, which means it has two cpu slots on the motherboard. Currently I only ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
j3f74
i played "touch rugby" when i was a kid. then i tried to learn *real* rugby. can someone please explain it to me li5?
All I know is that whoever gets tagged/tackled has to roll the ball back between his/her legs to a teammate behind. They then can only throw the ball sideways or backwards making it to the goal line for a try. What causes a scrum? What causes a ruck? What's the difference between running the ball in for a try and kick...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/j3f74/i_played_touch_rugby_when_i_was_a_kid_then_i/
{ "a_id": [ "c28tcpj" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "If it's the kind of rugby where the player rolls it back through his legs after being tackled, we're talking about Rugby League, not Rugby Union. A lot of the time when people say \"rugby\" they mean \"Rugby Union\" so that can be confusing. I'll...
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[ [] ]
3a01bx
why oil and latex paints in can's are separated from colors at first, but after shaking seem to stay together.
This seems like a really dumb question, but having a trees thought while painting a room the other day, it stuck with me. I don't think I ever had to do much more than stir the can even if its been sitting for a year or so. Is it because the pigments used are oil based themselves and stay bound? Am I dumb?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3a01bx/eli5_why_oil_and_latex_paints_in_cans_are/
{ "a_id": [ "cs81q43" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "They keep the pigments separated from the base paint so they don't have to have 10,000 variations of paint.\n\nThey have the different types of base (depending on the sheen) and then add whatever combination of pigments to get the desired color.\...
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[ [] ]
3a22db
why are we not supposed to use phone cleaning apps?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3a22db/eli5_why_are_we_not_supposed_to_use_phone/
{ "a_id": [ "cs8j38x", "cs8xnic", "cs8ykhu" ], "score": [ 11, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "For one, Android uses an SD card for file storage rather than a traditional hard drive. SD cards are a type of flash memory — similar to solid state drives — and don’t need to be defragmented. In fact,...
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[]
[ [], [], [] ]
5famme
the difference between the roman empire, the byzantine empire and the ottoman empire
I googled around yesterday and realized that the Roman Empire (at least the Eastern part half of it), the Byzantine Empire, and the Ottoman Empire consisted of basically the same area. And each of those empires' respective era overlapped fairly well to give me (an uneducated person at history) the initial theory that t...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5famme/eli5_the_difference_between_the_roman_empire_the/
{ "a_id": [ "daisj4l", "daisk5t", "daisor5" ], "score": [ 8, 3, 5 ], "text": [ "Byzantine Empire = Eastern Roman Empire\n\n > How far off am I in this reasoning?\n\nRather badly. The East-West divide occurred in 313 AD; in 295 AD as a result of vast rebellions the original Empire w...
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[]
[ [], [], [] ]
2mr85k
how did the "weekend" happen?
I saw a lot of old questions about the seven days a week, and why that number, but how did the concept of a weekend happened? As in, after a 5-day workweek? I can understand how Christian-based nations developed one day of a week for rest, but how did we get two that every non-service industry uses together? (On tha...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2mr85k/eli5_how_did_the_weekend_happen/
{ "a_id": [ "cm6urhf", "cm71ogk", "cm7n0ef" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "I can tell you about the weekend of Jews. Basically, in Saturday (as you said, the holy day of rest), Jews cannot do any type of work. Therefore, we ought to prepare for Saturday on Friday. This prepara...
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[ [], [], [] ]
6kceif
why real estate agents promote themselves like they're a celebrity and how this became standard practice?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6kceif/eli5_why_real_estate_agents_promote_themselves/
{ "a_id": [ "djkz6iw", "djkzv14" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Many people don't do much homework when choosing something, in this case a realtor. If you decide to sell your house, the conversation may well go like this:\n\n\"Let's sell this dump!\"\n\n\"K\"\n\n\"Who should we call?\"\n...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1wvwk8
what is stopping new life from being "created"?
According to the theory of the Last Universal Ancestor, all life on earth can trace it's origins back to an organism that lived roughly 3 billion years ago. What is stopping a new organism, of completely no relation to any other life, from coming about just as the first life did on Earth? I would imagine that whatever ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1wvwk8/eli5_what_is_stopping_new_life_from_being_created/
{ "a_id": [ "cf5udmw", "cf5ufv6", "cf5y89x", "cf5y9un" ], "score": [ 2, 12, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "The conditions have changed. Earth was a lot different 3.5 billion years ago to what it is now. The oceans today are basically water and salt. 3.5 billion years ago the oceans ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
6n8sma
what is a brokerage firm and how do they make profit?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6n8sma/eli5_what_is_a_brokerage_firm_and_how_do_they/
{ "a_id": [ "dk7kjf2", "dk7negi", "dk7s5j5" ], "score": [ 3, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "A group of people who help you buy and sell stocks (or other investments). They charge you a fee every time you buy or sell something.\n\n_URL_2_\n\n_URL_1_\n\n_URL_0_", "You know how retailers buy ...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2pn8yk/eli5_what_exactly_is_being_a_stock_broker_and_if/", "https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3g3ady/eli5what_is_a_broker/", "https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/270qdm/eli5_what_is_a_stock_broker/" ], [], [] ...
2rjb7x
why do computers have bulky power converters however small devices such as phones don't?
Why do a lot of electronics have bulky power AC to DC power converters or PSUs whereas smaller electronics such as phones do not? [Edit] Thank you; I now understand! :D
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2rjb7x/eli5_why_do_computers_have_bulky_power_converters/
{ "a_id": [ "cngd7y6", "cngdcq6" ], "score": [ 5, 5 ], "text": [ "I'm pretty sure for usb-charged stuff like phones, the entire AC converter is in the boxy bit that plugs into the wall.", "Because laptop computers require a *lot* more power than phones. Their batteries are ~ 10X large...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2ioev8
why is the fact that a sitcom or tv show is single-camera or multi-camera emphasized?
I notice that often when you see a description of a TV show, they make a point of mentioning that it's single- or multi-camera. What difference does it make? And is that something that's going to be relevant to the general audience, or is it one of those tidbits of info that's more relevant to producers and film studen...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ioev8/eli5_why_is_the_fact_that_a_sitcom_or_tv_show_is/
{ "a_id": [ "cl3xfuv", "cl3xluh", "cl3xs12" ], "score": [ 2, 6, 3 ], "text": [ "More relevant to producers and film students than anyone else. Has to do with overall quality of the production.", "Single camera shows are shot more like movies, multi camera shows are more like pl...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1wtvuw
what is bootstrapping - this word comes up a lot when reading about programming in particular.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1wtvuw/eli5_what_is_bootstrapping_this_word_comes_up_a/
{ "a_id": [ "cf5b5if", "cf5bpto" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "\"Bootstrapping\" refers to starting a self-sustaining process that will continue without input. The term refers to the saying \"pulling yourself up by your bootstraps\".", "With respect to programming, bootstrapping is ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
jy42u
why guantanamo bay is such a controversial issue
So I get that Guantanomo Bay is a prison where they send terrorist suspects. But what is Obama's and Congress's position on the matter? What's so controversial about Guantanamo? Who wants Guantanamo closed/open? How's the treatment of the prisoners? And on what charges are they detained?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/jy42u/eli5_why_guantanamo_bay_is_such_a_controversial/
{ "a_id": [ "c2g1t3u", "c2g1vtz", "c2g3lqz", "c2g47ov", "c2g1t3u", "c2g1vtz", "c2g3lqz", "c2g47ov" ], "score": [ 7, 10, 2, 2, 7, 10, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The world's biggest bully decided that they could break the rules that everyone in the wor...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
8csznk
shortselling. how do people calitalize off of plumiting stocks?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8csznk/eli5_shortselling_how_do_people_calitalize_off_of/
{ "a_id": [ "dxhkaqh", "dxhkhss", "dxhki8r", "dxhnhaq" ], "score": [ 3, 3, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "When you short sell, you pay someone a fee to borrow shares of stock that they own for a limited time, and after that time is up, you have to return the shares to them. \n\nYou th...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
4e3884
how do economies grow and shrink? is wealth created and destroyed in the process?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4e3884/eli5_how_do_economies_grow_and_shrink_is_wealth/
{ "a_id": [ "d1wlwcs" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Economic growth/decline is usually measured in terms of (real) Gross Domestic Product, sometimes per capita (per person), meaning how much stuff got bought and sold, total, in a year, in the country. In other words, how much stuff got bought and...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2rgrtg
3, 2, 1 and d on automatic transmission cars.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2rgrtg/eli5_3_2_1_and_d_on_automatic_transmission_cars/
{ "a_id": [ "cnfpwst" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Automatic transmissions attempt to select the best gear ratio for the speed you are driving at, and generally speaking, this is what \"D\" (or Drive) is for. However, there are several driving situations where you are better off \"forcing\" the t...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
7jk0qy
how are the globetrotters' players not in the nba?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7jk0qy/eli5how_are_the_globetrotters_players_not_in_the/
{ "a_id": [ "dr6wk12", "dr6wl36", "dr6wnoe" ], "score": [ 2, 15, 3 ], "text": [ "Because their skills don't translate to playing in the NBA. They may be good basketball players, but not to that elite level. And the tricks wouldn't serve any purpose/be legal so they're not beneficia...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
3usptw
why is it that every single video on youtube now has an ad, where as ads used to only be on certain videos/channels?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3usptw/eli5_why_is_it_that_every_single_video_on_youtube/
{ "a_id": [ "cxhh13s", "cxhh6iv", "cxhhgg2", "cxhln2v", "cxhm2fn", "cxhmhg7", "cxhnxaa", "cxhof92", "cxholkj", "cxhp0mw", "cxhqevn", "cxhw5av" ], "score": [ 32, 41, 64, 185, 4, 6, 7, 4, 2, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
4er69l
could the u.s. ever change its "first-past-the-post" voting system (that virtually guarantees a two-party system) to one that promotes multiple political parties/platforms?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4er69l/eli5_could_the_us_ever_change_its/
{ "a_id": [ "d22jkkg", "d22mjei" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "Theoretically, yes it could. A constitutional amendment could abolish the electoral college and implement any voting system we desired.\n\nHowever, its not super likely to happen because the established political parties be...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
qb5a6
why can serrated blades cut through things that straight blades can't?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/qb5a6/eli5_why_can_serrated_blades_cut_through_things/
{ "a_id": [ "c3w6gyk" ], "score": [ 9 ], "text": [ "Think of each peak on a serrated blade as its own blade. The pressure you put on a straight blade is evenly distributed along the whole blade, while with a serrated knife, it is focused on those peaks. Each peak cuts a small amount along the line...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5ilqx3
why are/were sacrifices such a common part of religion?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5ilqx3/eli5_why_arewere_sacrifices_such_a_common_part_of/
{ "a_id": [ "db96gwk" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "The cynical answer is that it's how the priests got fed. Priests typically ate sacrificed animals and used sacrificed money to maintain the temples and their own lifestyle. \n\nThere is also a component of commitment. Sacrificing something ties y...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5ulds8
how does piracy affect revenue for films, tv shows, video games, and books?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5ulds8/eli5_how_does_piracy_affect_revenue_for_films_tv/
{ "a_id": [ "ddux4c0" ], "score": [ 10 ], "text": [ "Ok - music producer here:\n\nBasically, its very difficult to \"prove\" or show a direct relationship between piracy and any adjustment in the receipt of revenue for the creative industries.\n\nPiracy has been around decades, people used to reco...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4q5k9t
what kind of inventions/technology can we expect with the discovery of a pear shaped nucleus?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4q5k9t/eli5_what_kind_of_inventionstechnology_can_we/
{ "a_id": [ "d4qdy7z" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Not all discoveries lead to a practical use. Sometimes science is just science for the sake of science. The end goal of science isn't to make something The end goal of science is to understand it. \n" ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
7e906r
if forbes says a person is "worth" $1bn, how does that translate in terms of that person's bank balance? do they have $1bn to spend?
_URL_0_ This guy is said to be worth $1.1bn. Can he use said "worth" to go buy a yacht or a plane. Or does this not translate as monetary gain?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7e906r/eli5_if_forbes_says_a_person_is_worth_1bn_how/
{ "a_id": [ "dq39jw7", "dq39mpf", "dq3d3d1", "dq3fzip", "dq3ndjs" ], "score": [ 7, 3, 3, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "No. It’s in assets. Most people do not have their money in spendable currency, but rather in investments and property. \n\nThe other term most people throw ar...
[]
[ "http://www.bbc.com/news/business-41859941" ]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
2fb6uo
when i listen to someone playing the piano, why do i know when they make a mistake even if i've never heard the song they're playing?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2fb6uo/eli5_when_i_listen_to_someone_playing_the_piano/
{ "a_id": [ "ck7kl5j" ], "score": [ 9 ], "text": [ "Your ears will naturally lock on to the key/tune of the piece of music. So if someone deviates from it, your ears will notice." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1fvlny
why should i care about my privacy if i have nothing to hide?
I am asked this question all the time, and I have never been able to break it down in terms that they can understand without them thinking I am a conspiracy theorist. How can I describe the value of privacy to someone who is scared of terrorism and believes that giving up some/all of their privacy is a good thing?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1fvlny/eli5_why_should_i_care_about_my_privacy_if_i_have/
{ "a_id": [ "cae7xmh", "cae8jci", "cae8s9r", "cae8vvh", "cae8xzi", "cae966h", "caebtys", "caecqym", "caed2rj", "caefdem", "caejjzz" ], "score": [ 8, 55, 8, 5, 43, 14, 8, 3, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Ask them to take off al...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_they_came%E2%80%A6" ], [], [], [ "http://www.smbc-comics.com/?id=2849" ], [], [ "http://www.lefthandedtoons.com/toons/drew_anopenlettertosubway.gif" ], [] ]
atifai
how come you sometimes get those red marks from clothes/sheets when you sleep and sometimes you don’t?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/atifai/eli5_how_come_you_sometimes_get_those_red_marks/
{ "a_id": [ "eh19u2q" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "When you sleep, you will sometimes toss and turn, and other times you won't. You get the red marks on your skin when you don't toss and turn. Your blood concentrates in places where it is forced, like the bottom side of the body if you're in bed,...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
699575
why does he government pay a premium for everything it's involved in?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/699575/eli5_why_does_he_government_pay_a_premium_for/
{ "a_id": [ "dh4q1tx", "dh4q49s", "dh4r4ll", "dh4sw7y", "dh4xk8k" ], "score": [ 10, 4, 3, 7, 2 ], "text": [ "its not *just* the govt... youd be surprised at business to business pricing too. Its very lucrative to target this stuff, perhaps because business's are so...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
4pjsdg
can someone explain the new theory on dark matter?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4pjsdg/eli5_can_someone_explain_the_new_theory_on_dark/
{ "a_id": [ "d4lmcxg", "d4lmsjr", "d4luqiz", "d4lwrqz", "d4m1yon", "d4m2ie1", "d4m5tl7", "d4miida", "d4n7lja" ], "score": [ 189, 3127, 82, 14, 31, 6, 25, 7, 2 ], "text": [ "The new theory essentially is that there are FAR more black h...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Primordial_black_hole", "https://www.ligo.caltech.edu/news/ligo20160615", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weakly_interacting_massive_particles" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "Space.com" ] ]
g2jzbd
why is andrew jackson in the 20 dollar bill even though he commited one of the worst crimes against humanity during his presidency?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/g2jzbd/eli5_why_is_andrew_jackson_in_the_20_dollar_bill/
{ "a_id": [ "fnluy00", "fnlvacf", "fnlvdfn" ], "score": [ 4, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Itt he's on the 20 because of those things exactly. America hasn't always been ashamed nor apologetic about its treatment of indigenous peoples nor of its historical treatment of immigrants.", "He s...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2Fexplainlikeimfive&subject=Can%20you%20review%20my%20thread", "https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/wiki/detailed_rules" ] ]
6wse23
how do leggings keep somebody warm in the fall and winter months?
As a guy, I have very little experience with leggings. How could they possibly be warm enough to be the only thing a female wears on her legs, especially in the colder months?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6wse23/eli5how_do_leggings_keep_somebody_warm_in_the/
{ "a_id": [ "dmadat4", "dmadf2p", "dmalxj9", "dmbnygo" ], "score": [ 4, 4, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "For me it's two words: Fleece-lined. Marvelous, I tell you. Keeps you kinda toasty even if you're in the Midwest like me. Sometimes she might be wearing an extra pair.", "Short...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
4ni64a
consistently waking up without an alarm clock, are internal or bio clocks real?
I pretty much always wake up between 6:27-6:29 every single day regardless of when I go to sleep. How is this possible? My alarm is set for 6:30 (has been for the last 6 years) but this has been on going for probably the last 3 years or so? I have irregular bed time hours, and regardless of whether I get 5 hours of sle...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4ni64a/eli5_consistently_waking_up_without_an_alarm/
{ "a_id": [ "d4434j8" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Can't really explain it like you're 5, but in short, yes.\n\nIf you were to sleep in a completely dark (no blue or sun light) you would eventually disrupt this \"clock\".\n\nOur bodies get tired at night because of the difference in the wavelengt...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2b8bc9
if tv commercials have been around for many years, and there's a whole advertising industry, why are most commercials so awful?
While watching pretty much every commercial I see on TV, I picture the advertising pitch in the meeting room, and cannot understand how people can hear that idea and decide to pay all that money to make it and use it. Shouldn't commercials be much funnier/more clever/all around better by now?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2b8bc9/eli5_if_tv_commercials_have_been_around_for_many/
{ "a_id": [ "cj2qwe5" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Commercials are expensive to write, film, and produce, and that's before you even think about the cost to air it on TV. Most smaller companies do not have that kind of budget and so they hire bad ad agencies, or worse they try to do it themselves...
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[]
[ [] ]
1eyhm4
the apple tax scandal
What's all the hoopla about?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1eyhm4/the_apple_tax_scandal/
{ "a_id": [ "ca501ng" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "The hoopla is about people believing that apple has been deceiving the government and not paying taxes on everything they own and make. Basically people feel cheated because Apple \"manipulates the tax code to not pay taxes\" and normal people ca...
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[]
[ [] ]
5ztalh
what is the difference between an email recipient and a cc?
When you go to send an email you can type out all of the people you want to send it to. What is the point of CC when you can jus type out all of the names in the "send to" field?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5ztalh/eli5what_is_the_difference_between_an_email/
{ "a_id": [ "df0unp7", "df0xjlf", "df14cny" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "A CC is a carbon copy, in which someone receives a copy of the email you are sending to someone else as a reference point of sorts.", "To add more, there is also BCC, literally \"blind carbon copy\"...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
2kaw07
why can't i buy a ready made meal with all of the perfect amounts of nutrients and just eat that every day?
I couldn't care less about what I ate, as long as it was all guaranteed to be healthy for me and involved minimal effort in preparing. I'd really like to just eat what I need without having to go to the effort of looking at all the calories and fats and carbs and everything else that's in my food. Why doesn't this ex...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2kaw07/eli5_why_cant_i_buy_a_ready_made_meal_with_all_of/
{ "a_id": [ "cljii04", "cljijfe", "cljiptc" ], "score": [ 6, 4, 12 ], "text": [ "It does, it's called Soylent, it's a shake with every nutrient you'd need so it's exactly what you're describing,", "because there's really no demand for it. although some products like ensure, sl...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soylent_\\(drink\\)", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nutraloaf" ] ]
133g9d
how are the "unknowns" chosen to be buried in the tomb of the unknown soldier?
There must be hundreds of dead soldiers, how do they chose just one or however many get buried inside a countries tomb of the unknown soldier?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/133g9d/how_are_the_unknowns_chosen_to_be_buried_in_the/
{ "a_id": [ "c70gzg0" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "The wiki actually does a great job describing it _URL_0_\n\nIn short, they were selected from a group unknown remains from each WW I, WW II, Korea, and Vietnam. \n\nThe soldier from Vietnam was identified later and now that section remains empty,...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomb_of_the_Unknowns#The_Unknown_of_World_War_I" ] ]
38ufhu
relativistic mass and gravity
As we travel closer to the speed of light, our mass increases. The gravitational pull of an object with a greater mass is greater than that of an object with less mass, so logically traveling close to c would increase our gravitational pull. I've seen from other answers that this is not true, and some referring to the...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/38ufhu/eli5_relativistic_mass_and_gravity/
{ "a_id": [ "crxy5ii", "crxyhqs" ], "score": [ 4, 3 ], "text": [ "Relativistic mass is generally avoided in modern physics because it leads to misleading situations like this. The whole reason that we had an idea of \"relativistic mass\" was that it ends up in the relativistic momentum cal...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
5yjes2
how does a pill prescribed to you know exactly what to do in your body?
For example Advil gets absorbed into your stomach, then it stops a headache. How does that happen? How does it know where to go?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5yjes2/eli5_how_does_a_pill_prescribed_to_you_know/
{ "a_id": [ "deqj17u", "deqlhur", "deqljix" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 6 ], "text": [ "It's more like your body knows what to do with the pill.\n\nSo for instance a sleeping pill will contain things to make you sleep. These things will be absorbed in your bloodstream. Your blood will trav...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
2vf28v
why is it that when i write a word over and over again that it stops even looking like a word?
For example: If I write the word "school" repeatedly (as if i were doing write-offs for punishment) that it stops even resembling a word to me.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2vf28v/eli5_why_is_it_that_when_i_write_a_word_over_and/
{ "a_id": [ "coh193h", "coh1gih", "coh92fq" ], "score": [ 5, 9, 2 ], "text": [ "I often have that feeling. I guess at some point the word stops being processed by the part of the brain that has to do with language, and starts being processed by other parts of the brain (visual perh...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semantic_satiation" ], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamais_vu" ] ]
3vh6o5
did our ancestors (refering back to stone age) already have the same kinds of emotions we do or did emotions grow along with our general evolution?
For example, let's say a warrior lost his wife to some predator, did he mourn for her like we do nowadays, or was he simply not able to have that emotion yet?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3vh6o5/eli5_did_our_ancestors_refering_back_to_stone_age/
{ "a_id": [ "cxnidgp" ], "score": [ 13 ], "text": [ "They had emotions, or things that we could easily think of as emotions - many animals do, and primates certainly do. It is almost impossible to understand to what degree emotions relate to _language_. It is believed that stone age people had l...
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[]
[ [] ]
3zvvqv
why do certain vibrant colours make your eyes hurt when looking at them?
An example of a vibrant eye-hurting image: _URL_0_ (Edit#1 for clarification) Edit#2: This question remains kind of still unanswered as of Friday January 8th 2016
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3zvvqv/eli5_why_do_certain_vibrant_colours_make_your/
{ "a_id": [ "cypisr3", "cyq5gt2" ], "score": [ 16, 6 ], "text": [ "Ever since the blue LED x-mas lights came out I have called them \"hurtyoureyes\" blue. I wouldn't even mind a ELI25 as to why they are so vibrant.", "I am slightly colour \"blind\" in the red-green (i can see them but ...
[]
[ "https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/1f/44/38/1f4438975782ec83abc24a2c677e2f4a.jpg" ]
[ [], [ "http://i.istockimg.com/file_thumbview_approve/38100614/6/stock-illustration-38100614-color-blind-test-teapot.jpg" ] ]
2xjmfu
how is it that android has 81.5% of the smartphone market, yet 9/10 people with smartphones that i see have iphones?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2xjmfu/eli5_how_is_it_that_android_has_815_of_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cp0oeen", "cp0ohq2", "cp0oze4", "cp0ronb", "cp0sdk2", "cp0sgi4", "cp0t1rs", "cp0tesj", "cp0todm", "cp0tsbt", "cp0u0xv", "cp0u8rg" ], "score": [ 92, 33, 6, 6, 12, 4, 3, 2, 5, 11, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.comscore.com/Insights/Market-Rankings/comScore-Reports-July-2014-US-Smartphone-Subscriber-Market-Share" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
2jnmlv
what happens to an insect that tags along as a stowaway on my car and ends up far away from its home?
Whenever I see an insect stuck in my car or hanging out on my windshield, I get this not-so-serious feeling of guilt that I'm taking it away from its home. Does it just adapt and find a new "family" and "home" in the new location or is this a seriously confusing situation for the insect?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2jnmlv/eli5_what_happens_to_an_insect_that_tags_along_as/
{ "a_id": [ "clddoy2" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Most bugs (I'm just going to use this term because it's impler) don't really have anything like a family or home. Most bugs, as long as it's not a wildly different environment, are probably just going to adapt to whatever area it's in. If it's a ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4z7wgh
as people get fitter, how does their ability to burn calories change?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4z7wgh/eli5_as_people_get_fitter_how_does_their_ability/
{ "a_id": [ "d6tkfw3", "d6tshzw" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "You are correct that both factors are at play.\n\nOn one hand, your body becomes more efficient at burning calories, so a three-mile run won't burn away as much for an athlete as it would for someone who is out of shape.\n\n...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
8752i6
why can some animals like snakes go more than 1 year without eating but humans need to eat regularly
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8752i6/eli5_why_can_some_animals_like_snakes_go_more/
{ "a_id": [ "dwa94zh", "dwa9fai", "dwadfkf", "dwadxni" ], "score": [ 18, 4, 4, 10 ], "text": [ "Their requirements for energy are much lower. Cold blooded animals do not burn calories to maintain body heat. ", "Snakes have the ability to lower their metabolic rate durin...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
53gs5x
why do telephone numbers start with a 0?
I don't know if this is the case for every country around the world, but when I want to call someone, the first digit has to be a 0 if I'm calling someone within the country or 00[telephone code for country] if I'm calling someone abroad. Bonus question: why can the country codes (0049 for Germany for instance) be re...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/53gs5x/eli5_why_do_telephone_numbers_start_with_a_0/
{ "a_id": [ "d7sxwd6", "d7sxx2y", "d7sy05v", "d7sz4sh", "d7tc4r5", "d7tfb8z" ], "score": [ 7, 3, 25, 2, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "So \"+\" means you need to dial your international call prefix (for example in the UK this is \"00\". Its different for other countries...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7b/Rotarydial.JPG/800px-Rotarydial.JPG" ], [], [] ]
1a2r8u
why doesn't man-made pollution have the same cooling effect on earth that volcanoes do?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1a2r8u/eli5_why_doesnt_manmade_pollution_have_the_same/
{ "a_id": [ "c8tk77k", "c8tl4sj", "c8tlx8k", "c8tm1mn" ], "score": [ 17, 6, 6, 3 ], "text": [ "The only way a volcano can cool the earth is by literally blocking the sun with a blanket of ash. \n\nIf we ever produce enough smog to blanket the earth like that we will be dead...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://articles.cnn.com/2002-08-07/tech/contrails.climate_1_contrails-cirrus-clouds-david-travis?_s=PM:TECH" ], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_dimming" ], [] ]
2frque
why do humans love candy so much?
Is there any science behind it? Is it evolutionary?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2frque/eli5_why_do_humans_love_candy_so_much/
{ "a_id": [ "ckc4gna", "ckc554b", "ckc55r0", "ckc5qpf" ], "score": [ 6, 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "We like the sugar. Candy is packed with simple carbohydrates which are a quick and abundant source of energy.", "they *love* the sweet taste", "It likely is evolutionary. ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
2flws0
why do cats go crazy and run around wildly from room to room for no obvious reason?
Are they just burning off extra energy? Do they sense something that we don't? Do big cats do this as well as domesticated cats? Do other animals get the crazies?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2flws0/eli5why_do_cats_go_crazy_and_run_around_wildly/
{ "a_id": [ "ckai99o", "ckaidu8", "ckaixk5", "ckaj22u", "ckaj87e", "ckajcwn", "ckaty05" ], "score": [ 5, 27, 4, 6, 10, 13, 2 ], "text": [ "Probably the catnip flashbacks.", "More importantly, why do they tend to do it after they poop??\n\nGranted...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
kxj7h
holocaust deniers.
Basically, why do people deny the holocaust? What evidence do they use to justify what they are saying? Who are some groups/individuals that are known for this? How would it even be possible to deny?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/kxj7h/eli5_holocaust_deniers/
{ "a_id": [ "c2o1sk5", "c2o1tid", "c2o1vpp", "c2o2e3v", "c2o2yqx", "c2o34m1", "c2o35k8", "c2o3l0q", "c2o3rz3", "c2o3uq2", "c2o3vu3", "c2o4dm2", "c2o4lqe", "c2o5igl", "c2o69c7", "c2o6zmc", "c2o1sk5", "c2o1tid", "c2o1vpp", "c2o2e3v", "c...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=654178281151939378" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.amazon.com/Denying-Holocaust-Growing-Assault-Memory/dp/0452272742/" ], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holocaust_denial" ], [], [], [], [], [ "http...
8appcz
why did the us rely on opec oil for so long when it's now an exporter?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8appcz/eli5why_did_the_us_rely_on_opec_oil_for_so_long/
{ "a_id": [ "dx0ifak", "dx0k9z6", "dx0to4s" ], "score": [ 7, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "A lot of the oil the US exports is called shale oil. Until about 10 years ago, it was very difficult to extract and the cost to do so made it impractical. Now we can extract it at about the same cost at...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.bloomberg.com/amp/news/articles/2018-02-06/u-s-oil-heads-to-middle-east-in-latest-sign-of-shale-s-spread" ], [], [ "https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kern_River_Oil_Field" ] ]
65inkm
what happens if you look at a mirror in a dark room without light wearing night vision goggles
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/65inkm/eli5_what_happens_if_you_look_at_a_mirror_in_a/
{ "a_id": [ "dgak9f9" ], "score": [ 12 ], "text": [ "Realistically, you'll see the electric glow around your eye, produced by the night vision piece (depending on how much light it makes). Night vision only amplifies existing light so if there's none already there, the only source of light will be...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
58dfsy
why is data not unlimited for everyone? does it really cost that much to maintain everything?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/58dfsy/eli5_why_is_data_not_unlimited_for_everyone_does/
{ "a_id": [ "d8zh9pf", "d8zh9zs", "d8zhbrz" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Yes, it costs money to provide an Internet connection. Maintaining infrastructure, managing servers, all of this requires upkeep.\n\nAre data caps the best solution? I don't think so. But cash flow ha...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
35p7m6
why cant individual shingles on a roof each be a small solar panel in a chain of panels rather than the current large boxes?
I keep seeing these small flat solar panels on base for deployments and wonder why they cant make those into individual shingles to cover an entire roof. The current boxes I have seen leave wide spaces meaning wasted energy and I am sure it has something to do with costs but wouldn't the extra energy/efficiency eventua...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/35p7m6/eli5_why_cant_individual_shingles_on_a_roof_each/
{ "a_id": [ "cr6gpwb", "cr6i91j", "cr6pcev" ], "score": [ 4, 6, 2 ], "text": [ "Solar cells are extremely fragile. The box is to hold the thick piece of pecan plastic so the cell doesnt get damaged when wind blows. Or hails.\n\nYou could make smaller panels, but that means more l...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_shingles" ] ]
35w0f5
jumping from a tall height into water.
I jump from the high board at the pool and soft landing into the water. The water seems to part for my body. However, if I jump from a much higher bridge, I may die. Why is that ? Its obvious that its the speed that I hit the water at that causes trauma, but what makes the water act like concrete ? In other words, why ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/35w0f5/eli5jumping_from_a_tall_height_into_water/
{ "a_id": [ "cr8c8u3" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Water is made up of molecules, and those molecules can only move so fast. When you jump in from a lower height, you enter the water much more slowly and the molecules have time to relocate themselves to make room for your body as it enters the wa...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
m8v2v
why the hell skyrim is so popular
I don't get it...did I have to play previous games to know the story?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/m8v2v/eli5_why_the_hell_skyrim_is_so_popular/
{ "a_id": [ "c2z0mno", "c2z0rne", "c2z0mno", "c2z0rne" ], "score": [ 8, 4, 8, 4 ], "text": [ "You don't have to know the story.\n\nThe incredible character building, thousands of detailed quests, and (nearly) complete freedom to do whatever you wish is a massive draw.\n\nI ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
2d9kvv
how someone can be sentenced for 900+ years?
I seen a documentary on TV about a man eating about 15 of his victims and got a sentence for 900+ years in jail... How that? I'm sorry if my post is having mistakes. English is not my primary language.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2d9kvv/eli5_how_someone_can_be_sentenced_for_900_years/
{ "a_id": [ "cjndvb9", "cjnh1or" ], "score": [ 3, 11 ], "text": [ "For each of his victims, he got, pretty much, a life sentence - in technicality, these would all add up to 900+ years.\n\nWill he finish it? No, he'll die pretty much for sure.", "To avoid any chance of parole for them....
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
4mamx8
are the effects of gentrification positive or negative as a whole?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4mamx8/eli5_are_the_effects_of_gentrification_positive/
{ "a_id": [ "d3txdlt" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "In so far as gentrification tends to take poor or run down neighborhoods and increase cash flow and create better areas within the neighborhood it can be good. The problem is that gentrification tends to also push many of the residents of the nei...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3lrn1n
how can mirrors refract a perfect image and still look silvery at the same time?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3lrn1n/eli5_how_can_mirrors_refract_a_perfect_image_and/
{ "a_id": [ "cv8r0hz", "cv8rpj8" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Since the surface of mirror is smooth and shiny. The light rays bounce back without scattering thus resulting in a clear image... The mirror looks silvery because it is coated with silver/ aluminium or other \"silvery\" loo...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
260yjf
why is the us just now able to go after tax havens in switzerland (credit suisse)? this has been happening for decades. what about other tax havens and what about other countries like the caymans.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/260yjf/eli5_why_is_the_us_just_now_able_to_go_after_tax/
{ "a_id": [ "chmlu04", "chmm43w" ], "score": [ 7, 2 ], "text": [ "The US actually cannot go after tax havens in Switzerland, nothing has changed in that regard. The Credit Suisse case is in regards to the illegal hiding of money but the only reason they could be charged and fined is becaus...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
67c10g
why do we have to raise money for the cures to illnesses?
We don't have crowd funding awareness campaigns for road systems, sewers, and other things we need as a civilization. So why is research to cure diseases something that we rely on donations for? EDIT: I meant the *research* for cures. Things like the Ice bucket challenge, buying pink merchandise for Breast Cancer, Mar...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/67c10g/eli5_why_do_we_have_to_raise_money_for_the_cures/
{ "a_id": [ "dgp9ogh", "dgp9zbk", "dgpa0lt" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "We do not rely only on donations. The government funds a great deal of medical research.\n\nThe problem is we have finite resources and choosing where to apply those resources is an ongoing debate. Fo...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
5u3b1t
why are most foods baked in the oven at around the same temperatures (say 350-425 degrees fahrenheit)? is there a scientific reason behind this common temperature range?
At least from what I've noticed most temperatures for food and other baking in the oven don't range below or above these temperatures despite the oven being capable of them. Anyone know why? EDIT: For those on the metric system, approximately 175-220 degrees Celsius.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5u3b1t/eli5_why_are_most_foods_baked_in_the_oven_at/
{ "a_id": [ "ddr0j1w", "ddr0paa", "ddr0x4v", "ddr2ews", "ddr2w6q", "ddr7yud", "ddr85ft", "ddr8ael", "ddrbkkc", "ddrbmhn", "ddrcv8c", "ddrdcdq", "ddrdij9", "ddreqeo", "ddrewkw", "ddrf0mb", "ddrf2s7", "ddrff7h", "ddrfmls", "ddrfxvz", "d...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maillard_reaction" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyrolysis#Cooking" ], [], [], [], [], [], ...
2g1om1
why do companies like yahoo or microsoft buy out other companies for way more than they'll make back?
Yahoo buying tumblr or Microsoft buying minecraft. They pay way more than what tumblr or minecraft make every year. What's the motive?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2g1om1/eli5_why_do_companies_like_yahoo_or_microsoft_buy/
{ "a_id": [ "ckese1v", "ckesp3v", "cketgzr" ], "score": [ 5, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The prices certainly can make one's head spin when compared to current revenues or earnings (if they even have any!). Marc Andreessen, who is an incredibly successful tech venture capitalist, explains ...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2014/04/17/from-marc-andreessen-a-lesson-in-corporate-finance/" ], [], [] ]
qctmv
the anti-vaccine crowd and their arguments
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/qctmv/eli5_the_antivaccine_crowd_and_their_arguments/
{ "a_id": [ "c3wkaw3", "c3wkgd4", "c3wkisd", "c3wkoye", "c3wkvzo", "c3wkwtd", "c3wkz8q", "c3wkzgu", "c3wl3lm", "c3wl46j", "c3wl621", "c3wl6v8", "c3wlics", "c3wlxds", "c3wm12s", "c3wm53h", "c3wm69c", "c3wmr3l", "c3wn0ox", "c3wn5ai", "c...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thiomersal" ], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herd_immunity" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vioxx#Withdrawal", "http://tallguywrites.livejournal.com/148012.html", "http://www.drmo...
3mppby
how come gm faced smaller fines than volkswagen, despite gm's cars having killed consumers, while volkswagen's polluted the environment?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3mppby/eli5_how_come_gm_faced_smaller_fines_than/
{ "a_id": [ "cvgzqq3", "cvhfjdh" ], "score": [ 16, 2 ], "text": [ "It's a matter of intentions. GM sold cars that they didn't know (ostensibly) were faulty and didn't intend to kill anyone. VW sold cars with the deliberate intention to deceive emissions tests and deceive regulators.", ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1j44d5
the plot of "primer" [spoilers]
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1j44d5/eli5_the_plot_of_primer_spoilers/
{ "a_id": [ "cbawabi", "cbazi17" ], "score": [ 2, 4 ], "text": [ "2 guys co-invent a time machine.\n\nThe time machine can only go as far back in time as to the point it was first turned on.\n\nThey play around with this for awhile, and have a good time.\n\n1 of the guys makes a second tim...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.cclapcenter.com/archives/primer08.jpg" ], [] ]
me1hh
that 'exciting' feeling after urinating
I am a guy and I wonder why I always get that 'Spider Sense Tingling' sensation after I pee
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/me1hh/eli5_that_exciting_feeling_after_urinating/
{ "a_id": [ "c305n0x", "c305st6", "c305n0x", "c305st6" ], "score": [ 10, 9, 10, 9 ], "text": [ "That my friend is syphilis. ", "The real name for the sensation is called [Post-micturition convulsion syndome.](_URL_0_) I like to call them Piss Shivers.", "That my fri...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post-micturition_convulsion_syndrome" ], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post-micturition_convulsion_syndrome" ] ]
1om6h1
why at somewhere around the turn of the century did pubic hair for the majority of women suddenly become fashionable to mostly if not totally remove?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1om6h1/eli5_why_at_somewhere_around_the_turn_of_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cctb38k", "cctbaki", "cctdirw", "cctdrhy", "ccte5ci", "ccteyo3", "cctgc68", "cctkndl", "cctlpwy", "cctmul5" ], "score": [ 20, 11, 9, 58, 13, 3, 3, 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "your title confused the mostly if not totall...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bikini_waxing‎" ], [] ]