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2jxp3f
how does government debt work? i've always wondered, is the us still paying off, say the vietnam war?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2jxp3f/eli5_how_does_government_debt_work_ive_always/
{ "a_id": [ "clg0wwo", "clg91qz", "clgj7qc" ], "score": [ 8, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "The way government debt is issued is through bonds. The Treasury issues bonds all of the time. Anyone can buy those bonds. Some American people will buy them. Some institutional investors will buy them ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/britain-pays-off-final-instalment-of-us-loan--after-61-years-430118.html" ] ]
bfd55w
where do those monster waves in the middle of the ocean come from?
Tsunamis get that big since the beach makes that the water has no space when going high up. But those monster waves just exist on the oceans with hundreds of meters ocean dephts??
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bfd55w/eli5_where_do_those_monster_waves_in_the_middle/
{ "a_id": [ "elcrjrk", "elcw8ze", "eldieeu", "eldmzyu", "eleef9p" ], "score": [ 24, 12, 4, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Research into this is ongoing. We know what can cause them sometimes, but we don't know what causes them all the time. They seem to happen most reliably in ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://i.imgur.com/4n9awqc.gifv", "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjaioEX1OBU&vl=en" ], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-2khcTHIgs" ], [], [ "https://youtu.be/2ylOpbW1H-I" ] ]
cii7gs
i just learned that having 6 fingers is the dominant trait and having 5 fingers is recessive. if that’s so, why don’t more humans have 6 fingers rather than 5?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cii7gs/eli5_i_just_learned_that_having_6_fingers_is_the/
{ "a_id": [ "ev5skii", "ev5u56m", "ev5xhbk", "ev6a851", "ev6epxd", "ev6n41o", "ev6nh00", "ev6o1uj", "ev6r2uv", "ev6rveo", "ev6sjxk", "ev6tjze", "ev6u5yj", "ev6wbqe", "ev6xihw", "ev6xk41", "ev6zfnp", "ev76go5", "ev76gvu", "ev7ag91", "e...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polydactyly" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://population.%20it/" ], [], [], [ "https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/real-life-stories/fourteen-members-same-family-12-6448609" ], []...
vwacd
why do some former british colonies still retain the british flag in their own flag?
Why does New Zealand, Australia, Tuvalu, Fiji, and Bermuda have the British flag in the corner of their own flag? India, USA, Canada, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, the Bahamas and Belize were also former British colonies, but they don't have the British flag in the corner of theirs.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/vwacd/eli5_why_do_some_former_british_colonies_still/
{ "a_id": [ "c586ueq", "c586vug", "c58a8x1", "c58lxo5" ], "score": [ 2, 5, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "A lot of them are British Overseas territories which still have the British Monarch as their head of state, _URL_0_ \n\n\n", "Like your 5:\n\nWhen you grow up one day you will ...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_overseas_territories#Symbols_and_insignia" ], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_flag#History" ], [] ]
e1ssxp
how does tesla manage to use lithium ion batteries to power an entire vehicle?
It even powers that new Cyber Truck. How on Earth does a Lithium Ion battery survive Tesla cars, SUVs and Trucks? I read that a transmission isn't even needed and a single gear powers it all. Somehow they got majority of weight closer to road like a Ferrari. I work IT and I constantly dispatch Dell techs to replac...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/e1ssxp/eli5_how_does_tesla_manage_to_use_lithium_ion/
{ "a_id": [ "f8rkov5", "f8rm1m2", "f8rs2h0", "f8s5uma", "f8sbl8n" ], "score": [ 8, 5, 5, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Each tesla has thousands of batteries, and drains from all of them equally, which basically you have thousands of times the battery life.", "Tesla cars ar...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
6fac91
horses, hunting, and the native people
I've heard the reason why many native cultures were not as advanced as the Asia/Euro/African people due to the lack of domesticated livestock such as horses, cows, pigs etc, which also led to the unprepared immune systems of the North American Native people. Then how are some native cultures, like the Lakota so heavily...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6fac91/eli5_horses_hunting_and_the_native_people/
{ "a_id": [ "dign0s1", "digrmyn" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Horses were introduced into the Americas by some of the first europeans when they came, over time, more europeans came, along with more horses. Soon enough horses became an important part of many native american cultures.", ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
32hz4t
why don't sprint races use a countdown?
instead of say someone firing a gun
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/32hz4t/eli5why_dont_sprint_races_use_a_countdown/
{ "a_id": [ "cqbdhjx" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The idea is that if none of the racers know when the gun is going to go off, then no one can expect it. Let's say they did use a countdown. A good racer would then train their internal clock to anticipate the green light or 0 or whatever.\n\nHo...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5qdf2j
where does the mustard from "mustard gas" come from?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5qdf2j/eli5_where_does_the_mustard_from_mustard_gas_come/
{ "a_id": [ "dcyc5yn" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "Sulfur mustard (mustard gas) agents are generally yellow-brown in color and have a smell similar to mustard, garlic, or horseradish.\n\nAlthough if you can smell it you're in real trouble." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3twbqg
why are parents not automatic organ donor matches for their children?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3twbqg/eli5_why_are_parents_not_automatic_organ_donor/
{ "a_id": [ "cx9sn2z" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Because blood types are more complicated than that. Let's say you have a mom with an A blood type (she has AO, as in, the gene for A and the gene for O, and A is dominant over O), and a father with a B blood type (he has BO, and B is also dominan...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
6fqfbx
where do fireflies go when summer is over? if they hide in trees, where do they go in the winter?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6fqfbx/eli5_where_do_fireflies_go_when_summer_is_over_if/
{ "a_id": [ "dik83j7", "dikac1z" ], "score": [ 18, 3 ], "text": [ "Fireflies, like most insects, die when it gets cold. Their larva survive the winter under leaves and dirt or perhaps inside the bark of trees, and then they emerge when it's warm and they're ready. ", "The adult stage o...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
46ywgs
why is the volkswagen emission scandal such a big deal?
I've been hearing about the VW Emissions Scandal for a while now and am wondering exactly what the big deal is. It's obviously dishonest for companies to lie about their product but it's certainly not the first time that has happened. What is it about lying about your emissions that is generating such a negative respon...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/46ywgs/eli5why_is_the_volkswagen_emission_scandal_such_a/
{ "a_id": [ "d08ve8t", "d08vepr", "d08ww79", "d08xm5m" ], "score": [ 7, 29, 5, 4 ], "text": [ "The US has \"CAFE\" fuel standards. These are government rules about how good your fuel economy has to be. Also, EPA guidelines dictate how much emissions/pollution your vehicles ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
begsa9
how does a body stay preserved in a mausoleum? i just exited the ho chi minh mausoleum in hanoi vietnam and his body is pristine. how come it hasn’t decomposed?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/begsa9/eli5_how_does_a_body_stay_preserved_in_a/
{ "a_id": [ "el5tqrw", "el5v235", "el69552" ], "score": [ 4, 22, 7 ], "text": [ "Take out all their blood and internal fluids and replace then with chemicals made to preserve flesh. You can preserve food to make it never expire through certain processes, you can do the same with a ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://theculturetrip.com/asia/vietnam/articles/how-ho-chi-minhs-body-is-kept-preserved/", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrogen_peroxide", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lenin%27s\\_Mausoleum#Preserving\\_the\\_body", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethyl_alcohol", "https://en....
dw5udz
how do “pilot frixion”erasable pens work, and why can’t the eraser on the end of them be used to erase pencil? -how do erasers work-
[like this! ](_URL_0_)
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dw5udz/eli5_how_do_pilot_frixionerasable_pens_work_and/
{ "a_id": [ "f7gso8l", "f7gx67w" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "As far as I know they work because of friction. The ink in these pens gets deleted once it becomes hotter, so when you rub the eraser on the ink, it will disappear.", "Pink pencil erasers are ripped into tiny pieces by p...
[]
[ "https://ephmedia.giphy.com/e20781b4-a211-4187-8492-83629fe564f9.gif" ]
[ [], [] ]
c057sl
why do golf players earn so much compering to other athletes who are way more known?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/c057sl/eli5_why_do_golf_players_earn_so_much_compering/
{ "a_id": [ "er1acq6", "er1bahq", "er1doda", "er1pyep" ], "score": [ 4, 3, 10, 2 ], "text": [ "Endorsements. \n\nIn 2018, Forbes ranked Tiger Woods as the world's 16th highest-paid athlete, with $42 million out of his $43.3 million total earnings coming from endorsements.\n...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
8tghcz
does whiskey have an angering effect on people more than beer or is it a placebo effect?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8tghcz/eli5_does_whiskey_have_an_angering_effect_on/
{ "a_id": [ "e17bhvf" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "If you're a natural angry drunk, it's just there's more booze hitting you more quickly. I hate angry drunks. " ] }
[]
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[ [] ]
5sk5o3
how does gag reflex work ? how do you get rid of it ?
Are you able to train your body to get rid of this reflex ?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5sk5o3/eli5how_does_gag_reflex_work_how_do_you_get_rid/
{ "a_id": [ "ddfr33e" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Its a sensory response from the back of your throat to your medulla and back down again. It triggers a defense response to prevent ingestion of something dangerously large or \"disgusting.\" Basically it sends out an autonomic signal triggers sal...
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[]
[ [] ]
1trmnp
why does my brain automatically read closed captioning while watching a movie instead of actually watching the movie?
I was watching a movie today and the captioning was stuck on. Both my friend and I kept reading the captions instead of paying attention to the action of the movie. Is there some sort of sciencey explanation for this?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1trmnp/eli5why_does_my_brain_automatically_read_closed/
{ "a_id": [ "cearjqh", "ceas1f0" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "It's less reading, and more \"noticing\". The human eye is drawn to movement. Before a subtitle appears, there is a void of text in that space. The sudden appearance of a new line isn't processed by the brain as \"appearing\...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
5dig2s
why are advertisements for the cable provider you are currently using almost always lower resolution than the rest of the tv?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5dig2s/eli5why_are_advertisements_for_the_cable_provider/
{ "a_id": [ "da4rnde" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Theoretically... You're already paying for xfinity, so they don't need to spend as much on you seeing the ad.\n\nConsider it like this, if it's a 30 second ad at 1080 would be 30mb and a 30 second ad at 720p would be 20mb, they'd be saving 10mb o...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
6z4cqw
why is it that one feels terribly sick/tired/etc before arriving at the workplace, do their shift as if they weren't sick/tired/etc, or only be affected much less, then the moment they clock out, it crashes onto them again.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6z4cqw/eli5_why_is_it_that_one_feels_terribly/
{ "a_id": [ "dmsddp5", "dmsdr98" ], "score": [ 7, 5 ], "text": [ "This has happened to me a couple times, and I believe it has to do with conditioning. If you're properly conditioned to do a task, you set out to do it no matter what and focus less on your symptoms. After you complete said ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2dtoby
if i am driving 40mph with the wind blowing 40mph and i stick my arm out the window, having the wind blowing from behind and going forward at the same speed, what would i feel?
Would I feel nothing - no resistance, as if I were not moving or would it feel normal as if there was no wind going with me?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2dtoby/eli5_if_i_am_driving_40mph_with_the_wind_blowing/
{ "a_id": [ "cjsy40n" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Yes, you would feel nothing. However, the wind is never just blowing 40mph. It's gusty and and switches directions. So in reality, you would feel gusty wind." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4afjpm
how come, in a perfectly still room, a candle could be flickering in one moment then be completely calm in another moment?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4afjpm/eli5_how_come_in_a_perfectly_still_room_a_candle/
{ "a_id": [ "d0zx9p1", "d0zxbe5", "d101ac4" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Even in a room that seems \"perfectly still\", variations in air temperature (caused by the candle and/or other sources of heat) will create small air currents that, when they pass through the candle's ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
4i35il
where does the worm in the tequila bottle come from and what does it mean?
For Cinco De Mayo I guess.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4i35il/eli5_where_does_the_worm_in_the_tequila_bottle/
{ "a_id": [ "d2un3xu", "d2unt8e", "d2uu5p5", "d2v1cms", "d2v6wxz" ], "score": [ 20, 27, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "It's actually not in tequila, but a very similar liquor called Mezcal, which is often a source of confusion. \n\nAllegedly the worm is there to provide extr...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.boiseweekly.com/boise/mezcal-worms-and-rites-of-passage/Content?oid=927945" ] ]
356guj
what is happening on the ground during this nuclear blast?
_URL_0_ It appears that immediately upon the detonation everything becomes a pillar of smoke, then a shockwave hits. What is causing the pillars of smoke from the building and why is it so much faster than the shockwave?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/356guj/eli5_what_is_happening_on_the_ground_during_this/
{ "a_id": [ "cr1ezn2" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Explanation from /u/teslasmash on the original post:\n\n > In a nuclear explosion, you're literally unleashing forces hotter than the sun.\n\n > At that point, and when you consider the blast is in a (relatively) localized place, it becomes a m...
[]
[ "http://i.imgur.com/e5Aqwkh.gif" ]
[ [] ]
46ytte
why are coconut water cans so thick?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/46ytte/eli5_why_are_coconut_water_cans_so_thick/
{ "a_id": [ "d08xl5k", "d090rle" ], "score": [ 12, 34 ], "text": [ "I would imagine it would have something to do with where the product was canned.\n\nIn many parts of the world, steel is still the most used packaging material for canning instead of aluminum.\n\nIt could also just be that...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
4hcw7k
why does 98% of our genome not code for anything useful?
It seems like it would be wasteful to transcribe such an excess of DNA every round of the cell cycle. Is there a reason for this? Edit: misused a term
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4hcw7k/eli5_why_does_98_of_our_genome_not_code_for/
{ "a_id": [ "d2p2c2s", "d2p32a8", "d2paqem" ], "score": [ 3, 8, 2 ], "text": [ "I maybe wrong, but one would think that that 98% is not useless. Just that we've only discovered the use for 2% of it", "1. Scientists haven't discovered what every single bit of our genome codes fo...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1s2zxy
how does tts (text-to-speach) software work?
In particular, how do they know how to pronounce the words, what sound bites to use?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1s2zxy/eli5_how_does_tts_texttospeach_software_work/
{ "a_id": [ "cdthooy" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Databases of rules and sound bites.\n\nThere's something called the international phonetic alphabet, (_URL_0_), which you can use to represent every known word. \n\nBut when you encounter something that isn't a word, you do what an 8 year old do...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Phonetic_Alphabet" ] ]
38mazo
does every cell in our body contain all of our dna?
So basically, I was reading this story - _URL_0_ - and I started thinking... If we can grow limbs from cells, can we do that with just any cell? What if in the future, people can be "grown" back (starting as babies) from the DNA of a single cell. Crazy right?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/38mazo/eli5does_every_cell_in_our_body_contain_all_of/
{ "a_id": [ "crw46ez", "crw4r51", "crw5hbh", "crw8dzt" ], "score": [ 71, 3, 2, 13 ], "text": [ "Most cells contain all of your DNA but there are cells that do not, the best example being your red blood cells which are basically bags of hemoglobin and lack both a nucleus and...
[]
[ "http://www.foxnews.com/health/2015/06/04/scientists-create-first-lab-grown-limb/" ]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
3rzul1
people claim that spanking children is bad for their development. have there been any studies which examine whether spanking is a better alternative for the parents, being a low-damage, therapeutic outlet for pent up frustration?
Basically, has it been studied whether spanking reduces the chance of more serious physical punishments?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3rzul1/eli5_people_claim_that_spanking_children_is_bad/
{ "a_id": [ "cwsry7d" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Well for starters, position I've reinforcement worked better for me - I found that being lived and appreciated for what I did made me want to do it more, rather than feeling horrible and ashamed for doing the wrong thing - it would make me angry ...
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[]
[ [] ]
2h5gba
why is the credit cards security code which is used to purchase things online on the back of the card? that makes it so easy to use when stolen, why not some externally given code like pin?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2h5gba/eli5_why_is_the_credit_cards_security_code_which/
{ "a_id": [ "ckpj7jh" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "The point of the CVV isn't to prove the card isn't stolen. It's to prove the card is physically in the hands of the purchaser.\n\nEurope uses chip-and-PIN cards, and these are (very slowly) coming to the US to provide better verification that you...
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[ [] ]
11daab
how major isps will be able to track illegal p2p file sharing without looking at everything a user is downloading.
I am referring to the new "anti-piracy" plan laid out by the major ISPs of America in [this article.](_URL_0_)
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/11daab/eli5_how_major_isps_will_be_able_to_track_illegal/
{ "a_id": [ "c6lgkto" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "It depends on the protocol. Bittorrent, ED2k and many others use unencrypted or lamely encrypted (easily decrypted) data streams. With these, it's easy to calculate a \"fingerprint\" of all data blocks that are exchanged, for example with MD5. No...
[]
[ "http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2012/10/isp-file-sharing-monitoring/" ]
[ [] ]
fv1i9a
why do small bugs refuse to move past a line drawn by a pen or pencil?
Anybody else drawn a line before when there’s a small bug (like an ant) and they don’t move past it but instead move around it? Why is that? Is it their depth perception and why don’t they move over it if it’s 2D? Do their antenna detect it and then they just try to move around? Sorry for all the questions lol
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fv1i9a/eli5_why_do_small_bugs_refuse_to_move_past_a_line/
{ "a_id": [ "fmgd40b", "fmgl0k5", "fmfuvdy" ], "score": [ 5, 3, 29 ], "text": [ "What if you circle the ant, will it not be able to get out?", "Ants operate as a collective using scent trails - they're constantly following scent trails left by other ants in order to find their ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1xnu89
do our memories have some sort of physical form?
Always wondered this, like proteins stored in a part of our brains or something?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1xnu89/eli5_do_our_memories_have_some_sort_of_physical/
{ "a_id": [ "cfd0wsx" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "In a sense, but not in the sense that you're thinking of. Bear with me, this is a long story.\n\nAt the very basic level, as far as we understand at the moment, memories are encoded by altering the connections between neurons - known as synapses ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
d73m9e
how is a yellow-ish filter on your screen helpful for eye comfort on phones?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/d73m9e/eli5_how_is_a_yellowish_filter_on_your_screen/
{ "a_id": [ "f0xaqbs", "f0xb7q2" ], "score": [ 4, 4 ], "text": [ "Blue light is the strongest out of all colours; using the opposite, yellow light, puts less strain on the eye because it is not as strong.", "It removes the blue light from your screen.\nBlue light is hard on the eyes, b...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2lmmc7
what is the death with dignity act do considering the terminally ill are already euthanized in states without this act?
The Death with Dignity act has never passed in California despite numerous attempts. My grandma had terminal cancer about 10 years ago in California and she was basically drugged up on high doses of morphine and not given any food at the hospice. She died of starvation after sleeping a week without food. It was simply ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2lmmc7/eli5what_is_the_death_with_dignity_act_do/
{ "a_id": [ "clw73yr" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Removing life support is not the same as assisted suicide. In the case of assisted suicide, someone who is healthy enough to continue living unassisted is provided drugs to kill them. It's an active intervention." ] }
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[ [] ]
58clc6
why is it safe to inject capsaicin?
There have been a few clinical trials involving capsaicin injections in humans. One of them is a knee injection for osteoarthritis. I understand capsaicin affects the nerves to reduce pain, which is the goal of most of these trials, but how is injecting it anywhere safe... I mean, doesn't that damage tissues in general...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/58clc6/eli5_why_is_it_safe_to_inject_capsaicin/
{ "a_id": [ "d8z9veg" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Capsaicin simulates the \"heat\" nerve impulse, which in turn causes the body to respond with inflamation and increased mucus membrane activity.\n\nIt does not directly damage cells or cause chemical burn, it's just the body's over-reaction to th...
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[ [] ]
3giko0
why do airplane cabins have to be pressurized?
In the Flight Attendant's speech at the beginning of the trip, he/she explains that the cabin is pressurized and if needed oxygen masks will drop if there is a lack of oxygen.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3giko0/eli5why_do_airplane_cabins_have_to_be_pressurized/
{ "a_id": [ "ctyg2ep", "ctyg3xc", "ctyg42g", "ctygdnk", "ctygewr", "ctygvlo" ], "score": [ 6, 2, 5, 2, 3, 31 ], "text": [ "Because there's not enough oxygen to survive at the altitudes commercial airlines generally cruise at. They often cruise at altitudes ...
[]
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[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
2qb48u
how does gdp show the worth of a country? isn't gdp based on companies who make money in the country and not the money the government makes?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2qb48u/eli5how_does_gdp_show_the_worth_of_a_country_isnt/
{ "a_id": [ "cn4hion", "cn4hkpz", "cn4hql0" ], "score": [ 4, 7, 3 ], "text": [ "GDP tells you the size of a country's economy. A country =/= it's government. ", "GDP represent the total wealth a country produces, both from governmental and nongovernmental sources.", "You ...
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[]
[ [], [], [ "https://www.ted.com/talks/michael_green_what_the_social_progress_index_can_reveal_about_your_country?language=en" ] ]
n5ow8
why are gawker sites "bad?"
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/n5ow8/eli5_why_are_gawker_sites_bad/
{ "a_id": [ "c36g7h5", "c36giqp", "c36gstz", "c36hak2", "c36hw2e", "c36hxjt", "c36hy35", "c36hyfw", "c36i86x", "c36ib02", "c36iq67", "c36irkj", "c36jbws", "c36jgwt", "c36jx7y", "c36mp4l", "c36g7h5", "c36giqp", "c36gstz", "c36hak2", "c...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://gawker.com/5328840/the-time-gawker-put-the-washington-post-out-of-business", "http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/discussion/2009/07/31/DI2009073102615.html" ], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/reddit.com/comments/ekqfa/just_the_peasants_gawker_hacked...
20oco8
what is the difference between metaphor and metonymy?
I am struggling to understand semiotics, metaphor and metonymy. The explanations offered through search engines are useless to me. Any insights?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/20oco8/eli5what_is_the_difference_between_metaphor_and/
{ "a_id": [ "cg57li8", "cg58na4" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "a metaphor is a comparison that does not use \"like\" or \"as\". Example: After I ate that pepper, my mouth was on fire.\n\na metonymy is when you replace a word or concept with something else closely related to it. for in...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
30aq46
why aren't coastal cities in oregon more populated?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/30aq46/eli5why_arent_coastal_cities_in_oregon_more/
{ "a_id": [ "cpqo1zr", "cpqpi0q", "cpqq16m" ], "score": [ 3, 6, 3 ], "text": [ "The beaches there lack the same appeal as the southern states'.", "In the case of Oregon, and Washington, the costal areas are by and large very segregated. Mountains, forests, very rough terrain a...
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[]
[ [], [], [] ]
46lq5p
how come online libraries only have a specific amount of ebooks? couldn't it be infinite since it is digital?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/46lq5p/eli5_how_come_online_libraries_only_have_a/
{ "a_id": [ "d062e9t", "d064nab" ], "score": [ 10, 4 ], "text": [ "This is a part of their agreement with the publisher--if they could offer free copies to anyone, it would really undermine the market for the book. But by only authorizing a certain amount of electronic downloads, it can be...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2gd7x6
why does oman rank so high in the who rankings compared to the uk and the us
_URL_0_
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2gd7x6/eli5why_does_oman_rank_so_high_in_the_who/
{ "a_id": [ "ckhy2ys" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "According to the link, Oman spends 62 times more per capita on health care than the US, and more than double than the UK. It's a very rich, very small country. In addition, more than half the country lives in a single city, making access to healt...
[]
[ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Health_Organization_ranking_of_health_systems_in_2000" ]
[ [] ]
639p2g
is the universe made up of increasingly bigger things or does it eventually stop getting bigger?
Everything from the life on Earth to the planet to the solar system to the galaxy gradually increases in size. Is there a point where there is the biggest thing in existence or will there always be something bigger? If it's the latter, is it possible that life repeats itself like galaxies being atoms to an even bigger ...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/639p2g/eli5_is_the_universe_made_up_of_increasingly/
{ "a_id": [ "dfsdjar", "dfsdoe8", "dfshic7" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The limits imposed by having the speed of light in vacuum being the speed of causality would seem to indicate that ultra-large scale \"atoms\" in a functional sense, couldn't work. It doesn't make sense...
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[]
[ [], [ "http://gizmodo.com/new-3d-map-of-the-universe-features-a-whopping-1-2-mill-1783688322" ], [] ]
5bxre2
if i captured a video that had the potential to go viral and wanted to profit from it, what would i need to do and how should i go about doing it?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5bxre2/eli5if_i_captured_a_video_that_had_the_potential/
{ "a_id": [ "d9s2sfs" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Make sure that the video doesn't violate any copyright. That it is done in fair use, and either with consenting people, or in a place where there is no expectation of privacy." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1syv52
how is a film rated as r or pg-13 and what goes into the rating.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1syv52/eli5_how_is_a_film_rated_as_r_or_pg13_and_what/
{ "a_id": [ "ce2mqo7", "ce2ob6f", "ce2pvs7", "ce2xpwp", "ce2yqnq" ], "score": [ 28, 9, 7, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "If you have Netflix, check out [This Film is Not Yet Rated](_URL_0_). It goes over some of the discrepancies between rating certain films.", "An 'industr...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://movies.netflix.com/WiMovie/This_Film_Is_Not_Yet_Rated/70043954?trkid=2361637" ], [ "http://www.slashgear.com/south-park-creators-reveal-mpaa-corruption-in-plain-english-29220604/", "https://thepiratebay.pe/search/%22this%20film%20is%20not%20yet%20rated%22/0/7/0" ], [], [], [] ]
62lvft
why do crops need to be planted in a different place every year for the ground to be exhausted, but trees can just keep giving fruit for years in the same place?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/62lvft/eli5_why_do_crops_need_to_be_planted_in_a/
{ "a_id": [ "dfnjxne" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Trees don't take nitrogen from the soil like many crops do. That's the issue. You can't grow crops if there's no nitrogen in the soil. Certain crops pull nitrogen from the air and put it back into the soil, and in some cases it's better to do tha...
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[ [] ]
3egb2y
why did the italian colonization of libya ultimately fail, while the french colonization of tunis, algeria, and morocco succeeded?
Today, the previously French countries of Tunis, Algeria, and Morocco are among the most stable in the region. The French language is frequently used there, and soldiers from these countries even fought alongside France in World War II. However, Libya is of course of the most unstable, and there is very little Italian ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3egb2y/eli5_why_did_the_italian_colonization_of_libya/
{ "a_id": [ "ctepokv" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Calling Algeria stable is a bit of a stretch (look at the 90's) and France has been a distabilizing power at times. \n\nItaly started colonization late and was still a young country at the time, France started to colonize or control Maghreb befo...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4b6pzv
why haven't we invented or made a clothing factory with only robots and machines?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4b6pzv/eli5_why_havent_we_invented_or_made_a_clothing/
{ "a_id": [ "d16iutu" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Robots and machines are really really expensive to build, develop, and maintain.\n\nPeople in Bangladesh are dirt cheap labor that can accomplish the same thing at small fraction of the cost of said robots and machines.\n\nClothes being an easy i...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5a0r4k
how do drilling companies drill 7000+ feet below the surface? and when it comes to fracking, how do they begin drilling horizontally that deep underground?
Basically, how do oil drilling companies manage to drill that deep into the earth?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5a0r4k/eli5how_do_drilling_companies_drill_7000_feet/
{ "a_id": [ "d9cv7vi", "d9d0rqc", "d9d5scz", "d9d6fwk" ], "score": [ 14, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Basically when the drillers get to the depth where they want to start deviating from vertical there are directional parts of the drill bit they start pointing in a direction other...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
avkjma
how do vinyl records have dual channel?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/avkjma/eli5_how_do_vinyl_records_have_dual_channel/
{ "a_id": [ "ehftb8l", "ehftppe" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "If the grooves go up and down you get one channel\n\nIf the grooves go left to right you get the second channel.\n\nEdit: more detail\n\nFirst things first, a moving magnet will produce an electric current in a conductor (li...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
1rmduz
why do stores carry pre-paid cards.
Why do stores carry prepaid cards at the listed price? What are the benefits of carrying these cards since it appears that the stores don't make profit.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1rmduz/eli5_why_do_stores_carry_prepaid_cards/
{ "a_id": [ "cdoohi6", "cdoojwv", "cdox6kg" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "- some people don't end up using the balance so that is pure profit\n\n- once you purchase one you are setting up a future sale that will likely be more than the face value", "Lets say you buy a $10...
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[]
[ [], [], [] ]
j3rbd
li5: will someone please explain the current situation/relations between the u.s. and china?
I would just like to know more about the relations with the U.S. and China, seeing how some people say we will go to war eventually, and others say we are friendly. Thanks.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/j3rbd/li5_will_someone_please_explain_the_current/
{ "a_id": [ "c28w1jt", "c28wa15" ], "score": [ 2, 30 ], "text": [ "We are on friendly terms with them, and, in fact, much of our manufacturing is done in China, primarily to take advantage of lower cost labor.\n\nThe future wars are speculative. China has the largest population of any coun...
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[ [], [] ]
9lxegt
fiat currency vs gold.
Why do governments sell something valuable, like precious metals, in exchange for fiat money that has no intrinsic value other than the face value? I know they got rid of the gold standard but do they still want to keep up the idea of the gold standard?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9lxegt/eli5_fiat_currency_vs_gold/
{ "a_id": [ "e7a527h", "e7a59sd", "e7a6u7k", "e7acol2", "e7al4j6", "e7alezw", "e7bo4sp" ], "score": [ 4, 30, 12, 2, 2, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "Governments don't want to tie their currency to something like gold, because it leaves them vulnerable to econom...
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[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
39owhb
why do children communicate by shouting?
I don't have kids but I live in an apartment block with lots of families and I've noticed that young kids (of, say, 5 years and under) communicate with each other by yelling rather than talking. This seems to be less the case as they get older. Why does it come naturally to young kids to shout rather than talk to each ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/39owhb/eli5_why_do_children_communicate_by_shouting/
{ "a_id": [ "cs5611t", "cs56af8", "cs56co8", "cs56cwn", "cs57pe6", "cs580kn", "cs58m8q", "cs59lsm", "cs59pqh", "cs59zvz", "cs5aotf", "cs5ce4r", "cs5lkt3", "cs5mi0n" ], "score": [ 374, 2, 44, 97, 14, 8, 5, 6, 3, 12, ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
3a0mw9
why are universities such as harvard and oxford so prestigious, yet most asian countries value education far higher than most western countries? shouldn't the asian universities be more prestigious?
In most Asian countries, they take education super seriously, like people rent out rooms just so they can study more. I'd only assume that they universities are very selective of their students and that the criteria to get in would be equally as selective. But, when looking at the top universities in the world, it seem...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3a0mw9/eli5why_are_universities_such_as_harvard_and/
{ "a_id": [ "cs86a2n", "cs86faz", "cs86nz4", "cs86vkb", "cs87br9", "cs87e6h", "cs88ebj", "cs88nbr", "cs88qq2", "cs88vvt", "cs88wxy", "cs88zwl", "cs89210", "cs8924w", "cs89fdl", "cs89fgk", "cs89fu4", "cs89gxd", "cs89mnk", "cs8a1q5", "c...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academic_Ranking_of_World_Universities" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://youtu.be/NK0Y9j_CGgM" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], []...
aidib0
is there a good, logical, or historical reason why some password setup fields severely limit the field length or disallow particular characters?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/aidib0/eli5_is_there_a_good_logical_or_historical_reason/
{ "a_id": [ "eemwutc", "eemxa5w", "eemxci5", "eemycp8" ], "score": [ 5, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "In some cases there might be issues with text encoding disallowing particularly funky characters like ø, ⋄, ¯, or η, but mostly it is either bad code, or them 'trying' to help by e...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://xkcd.com/936/" ], [], [], [] ]
19ty07
why is senator rand paul doing a filibuster? what will he gain from doing this?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/19ty07/eli5_why_is_senator_rand_paul_doing_a_filibuster/
{ "a_id": [ "c8r9v01", "c8r9yjh" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "So he can stall (aka: filibuster) the bill making process. Normally when people filibuster, they try and make it so a bill doesn't get passed. Since congress has a boatload of bills to go through in little time, pulling a fi...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
1oc8oo
is there a way to turn water into a solid without freezing it?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1oc8oo/eli5_is_there_a_way_to_turn_water_into_a_solid/
{ "a_id": [ "ccqo588" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The phase of water depends on its temperature and pressure. You can either drop the temperature or put it under a *lot* of pressure (like 10k times normal atmospheric pressure)." ] }
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[ [] ]
6wwtaa
with the flooding in huston for example, how does that much water that high just stay put?
Seeing pictures of Huston with water up to the traffic lights kind of boggles my mind. How does all that water manage to accumulate and mostly stay put? I would assume it would just all flow outward in all directions. Is there something preventing it from flowing?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6wwtaa/eli5_with_the_flooding_in_huston_for_example_how/
{ "a_id": [ "dmbddab", "dmbepzb", "dmbfta7" ], "score": [ 5, 4, 3 ], "text": [ "Water is added via rain directly on the area, rain upstream, and storm surge at a rate faster than it naturally drains. It does flow out down hill (not all directions) until it meets a containing barrie...
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[]
[ [], [], [] ]
jjp34
how wikipedia manages to be the first thing that shows up on a google search for almost anything
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/jjp34/eli5_how_wikipedia_manages_to_be_the_first_thing/
{ "a_id": [ "c2co65v", "c2commp", "c2co65v", "c2commp" ], "score": [ 7, 10, 7, 10 ], "text": [ "Iirc, the more someone clicks on something, the higher it ends up in search results. And a lot of people search \" < thing > Wikipedia.\" ", "When you search for a word or g...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
4o9lp4
why do glass beer bottles have tiny dots near the bottom of the bottle?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4o9lp4/eli5_why_do_glass_beer_bottles_have_tiny_dots/
{ "a_id": [ "d4apwnn", "d4aq29s" ], "score": [ 112, 11 ], "text": [ "They're usually mould identification marks so the maker knows which mould was used to produce a particular bottle. That way, if they get a run of rejects they'll know which mould to pull for replacement.", "It's a cod...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
exnnx5
how do construction workers drill through mountains to make car tunnels?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/exnnx5/eli5_how_do_construction_workers_drill_through/
{ "a_id": [ "fganpj0", "fganrr8", "fgazguo" ], "score": [ 7, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Deep tunnels often use tunnel boring machines. This is basically a big tube with a drill on the front that removes dirt, sends it back and supports a section of the tunnel behind it. Precast concrete se...
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[ [], [], [] ]
2vnw5p
how are known drug fronts able to run and operate without getting caught?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2vnw5p/eli5_how_are_known_drug_fronts_able_to_run_and/
{ "a_id": [ "cojc1jq", "cojg2yl" ], "score": [ 11, 11 ], "text": [ "My hometown is a place that became a central place where all drugs going into Canada would touch. Because of this they established two fronts. The first was a Skidoo shop, the second was a gas station. This is a town of...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
am99cs
why do overhead power lines need to be de-iced in cold weather?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/am99cs/eli5_why_do_overhead_power_lines_need_to_be/
{ "a_id": [ "efkaikk", "efkaoc2", "efkccu0", "efkcvh8" ], "score": [ 6, 10, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Water drops on them and freezes, making an ever-growing coating of ice. While the wire is pretty strong, that ice can get to heavy and break it.", "Ice is heavy. If power lin...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
aaw4ey
how can restaurants have so many different dishes available and ready in such a small time, while not wasting much food?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/aaw4ey/eli5_how_can_restaurants_have_so_many_different/
{ "a_id": [ "ecvf0u9", "ecvflq2", "ecvjy7z", "ecw42i0" ], "score": [ 12, 7, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "The biggest thing is knowing your averages for a night and doing The prep accordingly. So Friday and Saturday nights are generally your biggest. On average you sell this many chic...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
7m8bpq
the difference between drugs like cocaine and amphetamine and their seemingly more dangerous big brothers crack cocaine and meth amphetamine?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7m8bpq/eli5_the_difference_between_drugs_like_cocaine/
{ "a_id": [ "drs2eq3", "drs5jah" ], "score": [ 4, 3 ], "text": [ "For crack vs cocaine: normally, cocaine exists as an ionic salt, mixed to an acid salt (such as hydrochloride salt). By mixing the salt with a very strong base (with a higher PH than the cocaine), the cocaine is deprotonat...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
22kx55
when i heat up a cup of hot chocolate in the microwave, why does the mug heat faster than the liquid itself?
It gets on my nerves when I heat up some hot chocolate for one and a half minute, only to feel that the mug is warm. But as soon as I take a sip, the liquid is cold! Then when I heat it up again, the liquid is hot, as it should be, but the mug is burning! Why this unbalanced temperature? :(
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/22kx55/eli5_when_i_heat_up_a_cup_of_hot_chocolate_in_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cgntplx", "cgnts3q" ], "score": [ 2, 5 ], "text": [ "Terrible cups to be making hot chocolate in. For starters. ", "Microwaves work by exciting the atoms of polar molecules and the friction makes heat. They key part of this is that the molecules on the outside of the objec...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
5xgqnl
why does the existence of wormholes automatically make time travel possible?
When I was reading Stephen Hawking's "Universe in a nutshell", I came across this notion of "if wormholes were to exist, they would enable time travel". I could never wrap my head around the relation between the two (no matter how many times I read that part), and I don't understand why wormholes can't just lead to dif...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5xgqnl/eli5_why_does_the_existence_of_wormholes/
{ "a_id": [ "dehxcrm", "dehxx4k", "dei5rdq" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 6 ], "text": [ "Not an expert, but I think it has to do with the amount of distance you would travel in a short amount of time. If you travel through a wormhole to a very distant place, you would be traveling from poin...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Earth" ] ]
13ei01
how a thermopile works
How does it make power(i know through heat difference but how), and how much power can it make?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/13ei01/eli5_how_a_thermopile_works/
{ "a_id": [ "c73c1i1" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "To start at the end: very little.\n\nBasically, if you warm up a piece of metal on one side, it energizes the electrons over there and some start moving. Not a lot, not like when you put a battery on it or move a magnet near by, but some. So thes...
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[ [] ]
2qite5
why do the narrators of infomercials purposefully sound so fake?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2qite5/eli5_why_do_the_narrators_of_infomercials/
{ "a_id": [ "cn6hjee", "cn6hk53" ], "score": [ 8, 6 ], "text": [ "They sound fake only because we associate their typical voice-over style with infomercials, which we think are typically fake anyway.\n\nThat sort of voice they have used to be the golden standard of communications, radio, n...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_American", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Received_Pronunciation", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mid-Atlantic_English" ] ]
c39p7a
why does china put falun gong worshippers in jail?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/c39p7a/eli5_why_does_china_put_falun_gong_worshippers_in/
{ "a_id": [ "erpimtk", "erpizwq" ], "score": [ 9, 4 ], "text": [ "The peoples republic of china has a pretty strict code for worldview. Minor details not aligning with \"the official opinion\" can end you up in jail or even sentenced to death. \n\nThere is a pretty detailed narrative of wh...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
7xcnuj
how does a bluetooth source device control volume?
If you have a set of Bluetooth headphones at full volume you can control the volume from your phone still. What is happening? Is there something in the coding that says "go louder" to the headphones even though they're maxed or is it actually increasing the transmission strength?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7xcnuj/eli5_how_does_a_bluetooth_source_device_control/
{ "a_id": [ "du7ab0l" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Think of it as multiplication.\n\nIf your volume on the source is at 50% and your BT headphones are at 100%, the resulting volume is 50%. If you turn down your headphones to 50% the resulting volume is 25%.\n\n" ] }
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[ [] ]
92p6u1
how could the united states transition to a ranked voting system?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/92p6u1/eli5_how_could_the_united_states_transition_to_a/
{ "a_id": [ "e37b44e", "e37bnvg", "e37h7oi", "e37idlj" ], "score": [ 5, 4, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The states have considerable freedom to implement their elections in the manner they see fit. They could elect their members of Congress, and their electors for the office of Presi...
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[ [], [], [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUVAgejhLaE" ] ]
2ncsoi
the hong-kong umbrella movement?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ncsoi/eli5_the_hongkong_umbrella_movement/
{ "a_id": [ "cmcgf6o" ], "score": [ 9 ], "text": [ "The people of Hong Kong are accustomed to having a democratically elected government and a relatively free society. This isn't really the way things are done in mainland China, though, and Hong Kong has been owned by China for a little over a dec...
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91zm7i
why do churches tend to have pews rather than chairs?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/91zm7i/eli5_why_do_churches_tend_to_have_pews_rather/
{ "a_id": [ "e31ywwj" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Chairs can be slid around or knocked over which makes noise. Also more work is involved in making individual chairs versus a pew, fancy bench, so the price is lower. And pews tend to be a little more sturdy as opposed to chairs." ] }
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7c5d1l
why are karats only up to 99% purity and not 100%?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7c5d1l/eli5_why_are_karats_only_up_to_99_purity_and_not/
{ "a_id": [ "dpnbyho" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "You aren't able to remove every little bit of the various metals which are in a gold bar. By in large, no chemical process produces 100% purity. \n\nWhen they 'filter' out the different metals, some are left over due to random disorder in the sys...
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2ii2uq
alcohol spins why do we get them and why not with other drugs?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ii2uq/eli5_alcohol_spins_why_do_we_get_them_and_why_not/
{ "a_id": [ "cl2dc9r" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Because alcohol is unique in how it affects the fluid in the inner ear. The effect of gravity on that fluid is what helps us keep our balance, as we have can detect the orientation of that fluid. Alcohol dilutes this fluid and makes it a lot less...
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6oqr2w
why are toddlers so easily grumpy and tantrum-prone?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6oqr2w/eli5_why_are_toddlers_so_easily_grumpy_and/
{ "a_id": [ "dkjgy7m" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Think of a newborn baby. What do they do when they want something?\n\nA baby can't politely get their parent's attention and explain that they're cold, hungry or uncomfortable...and they certainly can't understand the concept that their parents a...
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89nou7
how do pressure coffee brewers work?
I'm talking about these: _URL_0_
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/89nou7/eli5_how_do_pressure_coffee_brewers_work/
{ "a_id": [ "dws7foa", "dws7wsn" ], "score": [ 3, 4 ], "text": [ "[Commonly known as a moka pot](_URL_0_). The Wikipedia article has a good animation of it.\n\nWater in the lower chamber boils, creating steam. This increases the \npressure of the lower chamber. The only way for that pre...
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[ "https://imgur.com/nZrOiAJ" ]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moka_pot" ], [] ]
2xmqpr
are superbugs more fatal when not using the antibiotic.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2xmqpr/eli5are_superbugs_more_fatal_when_not_using_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cp1h3pa", "cp1h5as", "cp1hq7w" ], "score": [ 6, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "No, probably not. In fact, there could be a slight decrease in virulence due to the fact that the superbug is using energy to produce proteins that it doesn't need in this scenario. That being said, the...
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r4had
why a company (like apple) would want to give out dividends?
It just seems like they're throwing money away. Maybe it'll make people buy their stock, but it's already on a public exchange, isn't it?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/r4had/eli5_why_a_company_like_apple_would_want_to_give/
{ "a_id": [ "c42vdno", "c42vezw" ], "score": [ 6, 3 ], "text": [ "Dividends are an incentive to buy that company's stock. Having a company pay out a dividend means that there was enough profit to pay a dividend, and it can be an indicator of the strength of the company. In Canada, they are...
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582rwm
what is it about the last track on an album that makes it sound like a closing track?
I've been digesting music one album at a time for years now, and these days, without being aware of track order, I'm able to identify the closing track while listening to it. Why is this? Oddly, there is nothing quite as frustrating as an unexpected shuffling of songs when listening to an album.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/582rwm/eli5_what_is_it_about_the_last_track_on_an_album/
{ "a_id": [ "d8y54fx" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Depends on the album and song in question. I'm writing without even knowing the genre of the song in question (might want to clarify.) Often the closing track will be longer, will sound like a continuation of the previous track or include musica...
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38riw5
why is getting hit in the temple compared to other areas of the skull so fatal?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/38riw5/eli5why_is_getting_hit_in_the_temple_compared_to/
{ "a_id": [ "crxa1wu", "crxftrt" ], "score": [ 6, 5 ], "text": [ "Several plates of bone that make up your skull join together at that dimple you can feel at your temple. This makes a weak point, where a reasonably small impact can crack the bones of your skull. When you do this, you can e...
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8bwxwf
if people with perfect (eidetic) memories don't forget anything, how do their brains not run out of storage?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8bwxwf/eli5_if_people_with_perfect_eidetic_memories_dont/
{ "a_id": [ "dxac4yw", "dxacau2", "dxaftmk" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "It's hyperthymesia and it's something like pathology. People with this deviation have enlarged temporal lobe and caudate nucleus of the brain. There is no accurate information. Perhaps, such people's br...
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[ [], [], [] ]
4osq68
does tumblr have any unique features that causes it to attract an sjw/"atypical" userbase?
Basically, I'm wondering if there's any particular feature that explains why SJWs are prevalent on it, or is it just a circumstance of it being a site where people can express themselves without fear of repression? If so are there any reasons as why that's the case?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4osq68/eli5_does_tumblr_have_any_unique_features_that/
{ "a_id": [ "d4f8mwp", "d4f9icw" ], "score": [ 7, 2 ], "text": [ "They aren't, really. It's kind of a Reddit meme, like how 4chan has its own memes about Reddit. Tumblr has around 85 million regular users (posting at least once a month) and unlike Reddit you don't get a universal front pag...
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[ [], [] ]
lx1tv
gaming
I'm in my early 30's, and I haven't played a video game since my early pre-teens. What's out there these days, what's happened in the last twenty years, and what does gaming's future look like? EDIT: Please LITERALLY explain it to me like I'm five. I am by no means a tech/electronic geek.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/lx1tv/eli5_gaming/
{ "a_id": [ "c2wa9sq", "c2wbb06", "c2wbdm7", "c2wckoj", "c2wa9sq", "c2wbb06", "c2wbdm7", "c2wckoj" ], "score": [ 6, 2, 2, 10, 6, 2, 2, 10 ], "text": [ "*Scrolling through r/explainlikeimfive*\n\nCan't answer that one...or that one...nope...di...
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[ [], [], [ "http://i54.tinypic.com/f39xqg.jpg", "http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/0f/Quakedemo.ogg/mid-Quakedemo.ogg.jpg" ], [], [], [], [ "http://i54.tinypic.com/f39xqg.jpg", "http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/0f/Quakedemo.ogg/mid-Quakedemo.ogg.jpg" ], ...
kvroi
the fermi paradox (where are all the advanced alien civilizations?)
Bonus question: Has the Kepler Telescope's mission caused any recent shifts in how we estimate the likelihood of there being alien civilizations?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/kvroi/eli5_the_fermi_paradox_where_are_all_the_advanced/
{ "a_id": [ "c2nn3j2", "c2nowqq", "c2nn3j2", "c2nowqq" ], "score": [ 5, 4, 5, 4 ], "text": [ "_URL_0_\nwatch that. it'll explain all you need to know.", "A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...\n\nSeriously though, the universe happens to be a pretty fucking sizea...
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[ [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqzMAnPKa_s" ], [], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqzMAnPKa_s" ], [] ]
5cppht
why spain is +1hr ahead of the uk but is further west. several other countries are like this all around the world.
[Heres a photo of the map with timezones](_URL_0_)
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5cppht/eli5_why_spain_is_1hr_ahead_of_the_uk_but_is/
{ "a_id": [ "d9yd6ku", "d9ydxvq" ], "score": [ 4, 10 ], "text": [ "Spain's time zone was changed in 1940 from matching the UK to matching mainland Europe's time zone, seeing as Spain is a part of mainland Europe. This makes it more convenient for people travelling from Spain to France (and...
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[ "http://imgur.com/HpXKBLE" ]
[ [], [ "http://i.imgur.com/P1RK88G.png" ] ]
74ccu7
how did dolls that were modeled after bears - animals that are scary face to face - become so popular, turning into what are now known as 'teddy bears'?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/74ccu7/eli5how_did_dolls_that_were_modeled_after_bears/
{ "a_id": [ "dnx6f9q" ], "score": [ 9 ], "text": [ "The name teddy bear comes from former United States President Theodore Roosevelt, who was commonly known as \"Teddy\" (though he loathed being referred to as such). The name originated from an incident on a bear hunting trip in Mississippi in Nov...
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[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teddy_bear" ] ]
3nh2ts
why do people say it's 'fine' to drink beer before wine, but not the other way round?
or is it simply on old wives tale?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3nh2ts/eli5_why_do_people_say_its_fine_to_drink_beer/
{ "a_id": [ "cvnz9th", "cvo3q1o" ], "score": [ 5, 5 ], "text": [ "It's an old wives' tale that is based in some decent logic. If one starts out drinking beverages with lower alcohol content, they won't get drunk very fast. A less-drunk person has better decision-making skills and has a str...
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1xxua0
what is the vsync option in video games?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1xxua0/eli5what_is_the_vsync_option_in_video_games/
{ "a_id": [ "cffkr28" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "The Urban Dictonary answer is pretty ELI5 friendly: _URL_0_\n\nVSYNC (or V-sync) is shortform for Vertical synchronization.\n\nIn video games, if you rapidly turn around, you will experience a phenomenon called 'screen tearing'.\n\nImagine a pole...
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[ [ "http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=VSYNC" ] ]
1axho9
seriously, what is the deal with airline food?
Why must it be so low quality? It tastes absolutely horrible, and I have yet to experience any airline that serves decent economy class food. EDIT: I understand that the low pressure environment causes taste buds to be less effective, but airline food doesn't even look appetizing. Why doesn't competition between airli...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1axho9/eli5_seriously_what_is_the_deal_with_airline_food/
{ "a_id": [ "c91mxm8", "c91mxrj", "c91n0q5", "c91ns73" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Why would you expect them to have restaurant-quality chefs and cooking appliances 1,600 feet in the air?\n\nThey can afford to have better food in First Class because they're *payi...
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3pt5js
why is it seen as uncool or old fashioned for guys to tuck their shirts in?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3pt5js/eli5_why_is_it_seen_as_uncool_or_old_fashioned/
{ "a_id": [ "cw99u17" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Depends on where you are.\n\nIn the business world, there are many places where it is considered unacceptable to have an untucked shirt.\n\nOf course, this is probably where the \"uncool\"ness arises: \"cool\" tends to be in opposition to what ol...
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1h9o8p
why do companies have to listen to shareholders?
From my understanding, they have to listen to them because each share is a part of the company, and as they own more shares, they become bigger owners of the company and more influential. What happens if the company doesn't do what a majority shareholder says? Isn't the worst thing they can do just selling off the st...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1h9o8p/eli5_why_do_companies_have_to_listen_to/
{ "a_id": [ "cas6lhi" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "The shareholders are the owners of the company. The CEO of the company is the manager of the company, he doesn't own it (OK in most cases he may also be a shareholder, but usually not a majority shareholder). So how do the shareholders tell the...
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6n9a88
if force = mass times acceleration, does that mean when something is moving at constant speed, there is no force?
it bothered me ever since i thought about it. the math suggests that there is no force at constant speed, but getting hit by something at mach speed certainly packs a punch. is it because only when the object moving at constant speed hits us that we feel the force the deceleration of the object or the acceleration of o...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6n9a88/eli5_if_force_mass_times_acceleration_does_that/
{ "a_id": [ "dk7ofcb", "dk7ola6" ], "score": [ 13, 10 ], "text": [ "It means there's no *net* force, yes. In our everyday experience, that usually means that whatever force would act to slow it down is balanced by whatever force is keeping it going - such as a car, being pushed by the eng...
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54op81
what is the logic behind the fifth amendment and not having to give information in court if it incriminates you?
As above. I'm sure there's a reason for it, was just curious what it could be.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/54op81/eli5_what_is_the_logic_behind_the_fifth_amendment/
{ "a_id": [ "d83o60v", "d83oayz", "d83og67", "d83tr18", "d83vjwy" ], "score": [ 7, 40, 4, 2, 5 ], "text": [ "For one thing, if you could be compelled to self-incriminate the justice system would be overloaded with frivolous cases to simply force people to admit to c...
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25oy5i
how would america respond to a real revolt, on a county wide scale?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/25oy5i/eli5how_would_america_respond_to_a_real_revolt_on/
{ "a_id": [ "chjbs0y", "chjc2gk", "chjdt7u", "chjg32u" ], "score": [ 5, 18, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Badly... People would use it as an excuse to do stupid things like steal, kill and commit other crimes. ", "I think that there are 4 groups that such an event could fall into,...
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btgbl3
why do some open world games have minimal or no loading screens while others are heavily invested in them as the player moves from one area to another?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/btgbl3/eli5_why_do_some_open_world_games_have_minimal_or/
{ "a_id": [ "eoy899w" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "It's a choice by the game company. There are ways to load the next area while you're still playing, but doing this is often technically complicated and requires additional time and therefore money. It's easier to just show a loading screen. \n\nG...
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53fxev
what is the dark triad of personality?
Can someone explain this conceptually from a psychological perspective?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/53fxev/eli5what_is_the_dark_triad_of_personality/
{ "a_id": [ "d7srr0j", "d7tl7tw" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "_URL_0_\n\nTl;Dr narcissism, psychopathy, and machiavellianism are 3 traits that are commonly associated with \"bad\" people and thus the word dark is applied. ", "The dark triad is a collection of three personality trai...
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[ [ "https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_triad" ], [] ]
dukw3q
why do people park next to you in an empty parking lot?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dukw3q/eli5_why_do_people_park_next_to_you_in_an_empty/
{ "a_id": [ "f76tzro" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "I don’t have an answer but I’ve drove show cars most of my life and I can tell you it’s something intentional because when I drove my $500 beater car not only did I park alone I was always encouraged to go first at a four way stop. \n\nAs a defen...
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