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67qcyl
why does the us not have much of a textile industry anymore?
I know many of our textiles come from countries with cheap labor, but I'm surprised we haven't built looms that can just out-produce them.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/67qcyl/eli5_why_does_the_us_not_have_much_of_a_textile/
{ "a_id": [ "dgse1vz", "dgsextq" ], "score": [ 11, 3 ], "text": [ "Textiles are not a high margin product. Simply put - its the kind of product that extremely wealthy economies don't do much with. Technology doesn't really matter, even fully automated factories aren't really worth the ti...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
4ddrvz
how do you convert rotational motion into energy that can charge a battery?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4ddrvz/eli5_how_do_you_convert_rotational_motion_into/
{ "a_id": [ "d1q0c99" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Put a magnet on the rotating body and have it move past a coil.. Or put the coil on the rotating body and the magnet stationary... \nThat's how a generator works" ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3y32v3
when someone is court ordered to pay an amount they can't pay for whatever reason (too much, not working, ect.) what happens?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3y32v3/eli5_when_someone_is_court_ordered_to_pay_an/
{ "a_id": [ "cya1qm3", "cya7jo3", "cyaa1bo", "cyabo04" ], "score": [ 84, 6, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "Recurring interest and penelties until they max out, generally doubling the initial debt. Then the debt is sold to a collection agency and added as a mark to your credit report. T...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://aclu-wa.org/sites/default/files/attachments/Modern%20Day%20Debtor's%20Prison%20Final%20(3).pdf" ], [] ]
beqcwb
when a country falls to a rival power, is there a currency transfer? how does it work and how long does it take?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/beqcwb/eli5_when_a_country_falls_to_a_rival_power_is/
{ "a_id": [ "el7upxp" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "This is actually an exceptionally difficult question to answer. In the event of an armed takeover, the winner can set whatever terms they want, and the loser can suck it. In the event of a peaceful transition of power, what happens to the money (...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
23br1n
why don't we count wind chill and heat index in temperature?
You hear things like "it's 40 but feels like 34 with the wind chill" or "it's 100 but the heat index is 104”. Why don't we just say 34 or 104?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/23br1n/eli5_why_dont_we_count_wind_chill_and_heat_index/
{ "a_id": [ "cgvfoje" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "windchill: if you're out of the wind, it has no effect. so air temp is a useful number on its own." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1g3nja
as a non-gamer, can someone explain what all the fuss is at the moment between sony and microsoft?
What did microsoft do with the new xbox to create all this rage?! Plz explain.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1g3nja/eli5_as_a_nongamer_can_someone_explain_what_all/
{ "a_id": [ "cagf4mr", "cagf8wt", "cagfiep", "caghwp6", "cagn2vn" ], "score": [ 6, 34, 8, 4, 3 ], "text": [ "Essentially the new Xbox One is going to be online all the time to work (needing to be connected once every 24 hours at the least) and is going to have DRM w...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
4lzl7l
people say that proving p=np would change computing overnight, but how? wouldn't you still have to figure out the programming/computing technology to solve the np problems? how would it affect our current computing?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4lzl7l/eli5_people_say_that_proving_pnp_would_change/
{ "a_id": [ "d3rdst8", "d3re87k", "d3rejj3", "d3rfne8", "d3rorpg", "d3rqepb", "d3rqkyv", "d3rr3ca", "d3rtgl7", "d3rw0lg" ], "score": [ 4, 220, 4, 56, 3, 2, 4, 3, 3, 11 ], "text": [ "One example is encryption. Finding component...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
591wf1
if we had a second sun, would things change color?
I was watching a video recently where the man was saying that suns distance from us, affects the colors we see though out the day. So if we had two suns would that change the colors we see?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/591wf1/eli5if_we_had_a_second_sun_would_things_change/
{ "a_id": [ "d95bzw6" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ " > If we had a second sun, would things change color?\n\nThat mostly depends on what color the other star is.\n\nThe Sun emits mostly yellow and green light, with smaller amounts of red and blue/purple light. Accordingly, our eyes evolved to be m...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2ixp21
how do printers make all the colours without all the primary colours?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ixp21/eli5_how_do_printers_make_all_the_colours_without/
{ "a_id": [ "cl6g0d0", "cl6gb6o", "cl6gck0" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 4 ], "text": [ "(Clever username, btw :)\n\nIt is astounding how many colors can be produced through very few starting tones. \n\nIn nature, for instance, there are actually very few naturally occurring colors. Howev...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/de/Hippotragus_leucophaeus%2C_Naturhistorisches_Museum_Wien.jpg/640px-Hippotragus_leucophaeus%2C_Naturhistorisches_Museum_Wien.jpg", "http://www.andrewisles.com/assets/Bookmine/b/BMImg_25472_25472_bluebuck.jpg" ], [], [] ]
2occwb
why is there no universal stun weapon that allows police to subdue, without killing, a suspect?
My buddy and I had this long discussion on a drive today about various police incidents we all are witnessing. His question/take made me think: how is that there is such amazing technology in so many realms and still there isn't the one sure thing that officers can rely on that is non-lethal but subdues a "risky" suspe...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2occwb/eli5_why_is_there_no_universal_stun_weapon_that/
{ "a_id": [ "cmlssef", "cmlst4o", "cmlt29h", "cmlu7fp", "cmlvldm", "cmm1mr8" ], "score": [ 20, 5, 9, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Because anything that is guaranteed to subdue an incredibly strong/tough subject, is going to run the risk of killing a weaker subject....
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
2d6vc9
why does vulva appearance vary so much from one female to another but men's penises are mostly the same - aside from size variation?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2d6vc9/eli5_why_does_vulva_appearance_vary_so_much_from/
{ "a_id": [ "cjmnosq", "cjmnubm", "cjmo13f", "cjmofu3", "cjmoihu", "cjmop8z", "cjmoyuc" ], "score": [ 23, 8, 9, 3, 5, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "You need to go look at more photos of penises if you think that is true!", "Penises vary nearly as much. ", ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
44040k
why does only one wheel spin on a car?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/44040k/eli5_why_does_only_one_wheel_spin_on_a_car/
{ "a_id": [ "czmcjjs", "czmiiqs", "czmki1l", "czmksiq", "czmmeir", "czmnowp", "czmt8tv", "czmuuzl", "czmuysp", "czmzafj", "czn0tv1", "czn1q4q", "czn2hqg" ], "score": [ 22, 2, 3, 18, 2, 2, 65, 9, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2 ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://youtu.be/K4JhruinbWc?t=113" ], [], [] ]
3d3ozl
what is the difference between www. and ep. or ep1 in front of a web addresses?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3d3ozl/eli5what_is_the_difference_between_www_and_ep_or/
{ "a_id": [ "ct1i36p" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "They're different subdomains of the domain, sometimes referring to different servers (or groups of servers), or sometimes just pointing to different top level folders on a server as a way to segment it without adding a ton of slashes after the do...
[]
[]
[ [ "www.google.com", "google.com" ] ]
378iwb
is there a practical reason why cars don't have rubber-like material like tugboats have tires on the side of them to reduce damage to a car?
I know most people probably wouldn't like their car covered in tires for aesthetic reasons but is there any other reason why we don't have rubber-like material to protect our car as well as occupants from further damage during an accident or bump?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/378iwb/eli5_is_there_a_practical_reason_why_cars_dont/
{ "a_id": [ "crkjh2f", "crkjhl4", "crkjlgg" ], "score": [ 2, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Imagine [this](_URL_0_) but with some pieces of rubber mixed in. ", "Cars protect the occupants in many ways, they are however mostly destructive to absorb energy. Ships don't go that fast and the t...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://thetrashblogdotcom.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/wrecked-car-8.jpg" ], [], [] ]
2ffzl6
why is "memory" required in graphics cards when you already have ram?
why do graphics cards have to both calculate and have memory while a CPU only calculates and RAM only stores memory
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ffzl6/eli5_why_is_memory_required_in_graphics_cards/
{ "a_id": [ "ck8u5em", "ck8u5i9" ], "score": [ 5, 5 ], "text": [ "Because video RAM works in a completely different way and is optimized for graphics purposes and is also much faster at this than 'normal' RAM.\n\nA graphics processor is also optimized for calculating very specific tasks, r...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
7th8lt
why when you rub your eyes for long enough do you begin to see shapes, grids, and other stuff?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7th8lt/eli5_why_when_you_rub_your_eyes_for_long_enough/
{ "a_id": [ "dtcj9vy", "dtckwa8", "dtcrjmo", "dtcrlwd", "dtctm9g", "dtctr38", "dtcuk6a", "dtcutbz", "dtcvisk", "dtcwpde", "dtcxx0v", "dtczjxk", "dtczrxh", "dtd24lw", "dtdeyfg", "dtdkk5h" ], "score": [ 211, 1718, 4, 9972, 614, ...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_of_specific_nerve_energies" ], [], [], [], [ "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2a/Phosphene_artistic_depiction.gif" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
adqjg9
how can the military hire “privatized security” such as blackwater/academei for operations in foreign countries?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/adqjg9/eli5_how_can_the_military_hire_privatized/
{ "a_id": [ "edjhhc7" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "By paying them money to provide a service. It is honestly that simple. \n\nThink of it this way, sometimes the military hires private companies to provide services, that is just a natural part of how they operate. This could be because they are n...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3r8lkg
what happens in the brain when you're desensitized?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3r8lkg/eli5_what_happens_in_the_brain_when_youre/
{ "a_id": [ "cwlu3kp" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Basically, anything in your brain happens because some stimulus is fed to neurons and if the stimulus is above a certain threshold, the neurons fire and cause your response. \n\nIf you - for example - take cocaine, your brain releases lots of dop...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3ai0ig
how do they film planes flying in the air for movies?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ai0ig/eli5_how_do_they_film_planes_flying_in_the_air/
{ "a_id": [ "cscsrp5" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "With other planes or helicopters, or with fast panning cameras on the ground. It's not really very difficult to film a flying plane at all." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3trgrc
how do redditors catch the popular posts before they're popular?
I often find myself in the situation of wanting to comment and discuss on a popular thread, but I'm always too late to the party. It feels as though I'd have to be on the specific sub it arose from and just stare at the new posts to be able to get in on the fun, but like most people I don't have the time to sit at my c...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3trgrc/eli5_how_do_redditors_catch_the_popular_posts/
{ "a_id": [ "cx8ko7p" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "I mean...i browse new on Askreddit and ELI5, but browse top on Gaming and Funny, and I feel like neither are more time consuming than the other. \n\nI don't understand what you mean, 10 minutes on reddit is still 10 minutes in reddit, regardl...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4u6elw
if someone makes a profit (so they have more money than before), does that mean that there must be an equal amount of loss in the economy to balance out the gain?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4u6elw/eli5_if_someone_makes_a_profit_so_they_have_more/
{ "a_id": [ "d5n86s7", "d5n87s7", "d5n892e", "d5n8lu0", "d5n92bo", "d5n9cto", "d5n9uh2", "d5nejb8" ], "score": [ 41, 5, 3, 6, 5, 2, 3, 13 ], "text": [ "No, this is a common fallacy in economic thinking--the economy is not \"zero sum,\" meanin...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
196cgf
what is the importance of each feature/spec in a cpu?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/196cgf/elif_what_is_the_importance_of_each_featurespec/
{ "a_id": [ "c8l7hja" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Thare are *hundreds* of specs you could be referring to. If you're interested in some specific ones, feel free to ask.\n\nIn general, though, it's like asking \"what's the importance of each organ in the human body?\" Sure, each organ does someth...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
456zoj
superdelegates, unpledged delegates, pledged delegates?
How do these work? An example would probably help.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/456zoj/eli5_superdelegates_unpledged_delegates_pledged/
{ "a_id": [ "czvo2o4", "czvo52q" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Super delegates are another name for unpledged delegates. Pledged delegates are the ones that are allocated by primary voting in each state. \n\nUntil, quite recently primaries were rare and carried little weight in nomina...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3d7c8p
why does a car driving through the hot sun not get as hot as a car parked in the hot sun?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3d7c8p/eli5_why_does_a_car_driving_through_the_hot_sun/
{ "a_id": [ "ct2mtzj" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Convective cooling.\rThe shell of a moving car is going to be air temperature mostly while a stationary car since it has much less convection can be quite alot warmer." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
456eb2
what happens when when a stone falls into water?
With the possible detection of gravity waves there's always this analogy and I was curious of the energy transfer of it. Does the stone create a wave as long as it continues to fall or does the force from the water closing back together create the wave and the stone is then not so influential?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/456eb2/eli5_what_happens_when_when_a_stone_falls_into/
{ "a_id": [ "czvjx5t" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "The waves will keep going, but where they start will move down.\n\nThink of those pictures of jets crossing the sound barrier, and that cone shaped cloud that forms. If you tilt it so that the jet is heading straight down, that's what the waves f...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
bftkus
when you have explosive/sudden diarrhea, does your body keep any of the nutrients/energy from the food or is everything expelled as fast as it goes in?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bftkus/eli5_when_you_have_explosivesudden_diarrhea_does/
{ "a_id": [ "elg8he6" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Your body will attempt to digest and absorb as much of the nutrients as possible, but a large majority of it will be pooped out. You don't get much water because of diarrhoea as well, which can cause dehydration." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
esi2if
whenever we get hit by something, why is there a moment in time (like a split second) where we don't feel any pain but know that we've been hit and then after that moment passes we feel the pain?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/esi2if/eli5_whenever_we_get_hit_by_something_why_is/
{ "a_id": [ "ffanhm2", "ffaprzw", "ffasjk2", "ffa3830", "ffa7b55", "ffa7s2u", "ffa86ba", "ffa8mg4", "ffa96vr", "ffacyqr", "ffaf7t2", "ffagaq2" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2, 21, 3, 33, 253, 5, 1775, 2, 228, 2 ], "text": [ ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwd-wLdIHjs" ], [], [] ]
6aa6vc
why is it that you can leave water in a bottle for a year and it's ok to drink but if you use it right away you can't continue reusing it for a year?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6aa6vc/eli5_why_is_it_that_you_can_leave_water_in_a/
{ "a_id": [ "dhd1r3i", "dhd66nz" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "An easy enough explanation that would cover most sealed products is that a lot of it is vacuum-sealed, which protects it from any microorganisms that would spoil it quicker, and once you have opened it, be it water, ketchup ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
bsshlf
why do some countries have super deadly animals while others dont?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bsshlf/eli5_why_do_some_countries_have_super_deadly/
{ "a_id": [ "eoq36ld" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "Deadly animals live in all habitats. Before humans were around, there were deadly animals virtually everywhere in the world, save for perhaps a handful of deserted islands.\n\nAs humanity grew and spread, and learned how to defend themselves, ani...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
24jwom
why is the background really dark in extreme high fps slowmo videos? and how does zooming in help make the video slower?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/24jwom/eli5_why_is_the_background_really_dark_in_extreme/
{ "a_id": [ "ch7u2vz", "ch7v2q4" ], "score": [ 9, 6 ], "text": [ "If using a high-speed camera to create slow motion, since the frames are taking much faster than standard cameras, each frame receives less light due to the short shutter speed. The nicer high-speed cameras have large sensor...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
28jsqd
given the amount of lint that comes out of the dryer, are my clothes slowly disintegrating with time? would they eventually disappear completely?
Sometimes the sheet of lint that comes out feels pretty substantial. It's surely a non-negligible amount of fabric.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/28jsqd/eli5_given_the_amount_of_lint_that_comes_out_of/
{ "a_id": [ "cibkr8o", "cibl59y", "ciblxda", "cibqs5x", "cibu5i5", "cibuq1l", "cibut0q", "cic9v9e" ], "score": [ 11, 11, 60, 3, 9, 44, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "yes, that's how holes eventually develop in your clothing", "It seems to me that my ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
ua4xu
hydroponics
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ua4xu/eli5_hydroponics/
{ "a_id": [ "c4tlmrk", "c4tncj2" ], "score": [ 8, 2 ], "text": [ "Is the process of growing plants in nutrient rich water, without any soil. The roots of the plant can be grown in water or some inert material such as mineral wool. \n\nIt is based upon the fact that the normal conditions th...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
vwpps
how cats communicate / what does "meow" mean
I have always wondered this - am I blatantly ignoring a request / compliment / insult from my cat?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/vwpps/eli5_how_cats_communicate_what_does_meow_mean/
{ "a_id": [ "c58a8mc", "c58aasg", "c58azj9", "c58b9ze", "c58brsj", "c58femh" ], "score": [ 11, 6, 5, 5, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Feed me / pet me / let me outside / let me inside / whaaargbl", " > am I blatantly ignoring a request / compliment / insult from my...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
6hdz50
how can european companies like zara afford to produce their clothes in places like portugal and spain, while american companies rely on sweatshop labour to sell at the same price?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6hdz50/eli5_how_can_european_companies_like_zara_afford/
{ "a_id": [ "dixk719", "dixkf7q", "dixkgew", "dixl7qs", "dixlj0q", "dixu62s", "diy4ihp", "diy4jrg", "diy4pg7", "diy5h2f", "diy6wuc" ], "score": [ 23, 7, 9, 323, 123, 70, 3, 5, 3, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "It's not that Americ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [ "https://www.somo.nl/flawed-fabrics/" ], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
1yxsp4
why does "new" snowden info seem to show up every day?
The guy has been in hiding for awhile, he made a huge document release years ago and yet it seems like something new is released every week. I know it was a big initial group of data but would it really take so long to go through it? Is someone releasing small bits every few days? I'm confused.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1yxsp4/eli5_why_does_new_snowden_info_seem_to_show_up/
{ "a_id": [ "cfopwls", "cfoqy4d" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "My guess? There's a lot of dirt, and he doesn't want the story to be buried under Bieberwatch, so he leaks it so that people don't forget the story. ", "Snowden released truly massive amounts of information to a few sele...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2dd0qt
what is significant about a 4th domain of life being discovered
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2dd0qt/eli5_what_is_significant_about_a_4th_domain_of/
{ "a_id": [ "cjocxke" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "To the average person, absolutely nothing. I'm sure someone else will come through and explain to me why I am wrong, but the truth is that this knowledge will not change how you live your life for decades (if ever). \n\nWhat this means though is ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
7qclus
why hasn't harvey weinstein been arrested?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7qclus/eli5_why_hasnt_harvey_weinstein_been_arrested/
{ "a_id": [ "dso2cyn" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "He has been accused of sexual harrassment and abuse but that doesn't lead to an arrest until criminal charges have been brought against him. \n\nHe was not caught by law enforcement in the act of committing a crime. \n\nFrom the New Yorker: \n\n ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5d7z31
how an entire town goes about replacing its plumbing system and what it will take to restore clean water to flint
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5d7z31/eli5_how_an_entire_town_goes_about_replacing_its/
{ "a_id": [ "da2k87l" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "The entire plumbing system does not necessarily need to be replaced because there are liners and coatings that can be inserted inside the existing water mains without digging up the streets. As for the home plumbing, check out [aceduraflo's pipe ...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.aceduraflo.com/epipe/3d-process-video", "http://www.aceduraflo.com/" ] ]
5gk1sk
what would happen if you were to give an a+ blood transfusion to a b- patient?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5gk1sk/eli5what_would_happen_if_you_were_to_give_an_a/
{ "a_id": [ "daswhlc", "daswjow" ], "score": [ 7, 3 ], "text": [ "They would undergo an immune reaction against both the B component (antigen) and the + component (Rh factor). Large numbers of antibodies would be released that would bind to the blood cells, preventing them from working and...
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[ [], [] ]
561kov
why does the night sky look different/better in photographs than it does to the naked eye?
Firstly, I know or at least think it has something to do with exposure and noise etc, but I don't know how this works? I'd like to understand it a little better. I don't now if it's worth mentioning but I have always lived relatively centrally in the UK. Is there any kind of geographical reason for why most of the coo...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/561kov/eli5why_does_the_night_sky_look_differentbetter/
{ "a_id": [ "d8fj1eo", "d8fkwod" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Your eye might be constantly open to look at light, but your brain is \"blinking\" about 70 times every second. It takes a picture and sends that off to be understood and processed. Then it blacks everything out and gets a n...
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[]
[ [ "http://www.photographymad.com/files/images/sharp-star-trails.jpg" ], [] ]
2z4p2g
what is this new canadian anti-terror bill and why are people protesting it?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2z4p2g/eli5_what_is_this_new_canadian_antiterror_bill/
{ "a_id": [ "cpfmwd7", "cpfttw9" ], "score": [ 35, 5 ], "text": [ "It's basically our version of the Patriot Act, meant to expand police and intelligence services' surveillance powers. People don't like it because it means the police will need less evidence to detain or charge people and ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3hgxkd
why does mustard cause oil and vinegar to combine or emulsify?
I know that mustard can help combine oil and vinegar for a vinaigrette, but what substance in the vinegar accomplishes that?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3hgxkd/eli5_why_does_mustard_cause_oil_and_vinegar_to/
{ "a_id": [ "cu78wci" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "Apparently, [the proteins in mustard coat oil particles](_URL_0_), which prevents them from repelling water as they usually do." ] }
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.ochef.com/1411.htm" ] ]
4w1dlg
i know that some reptiles and fish can change gender if necessary for breeding but how do they decide who is going to change and how do they know that all of them are not going to change?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4w1dlg/eli5_i_know_that_some_reptiles_and_fish_can/
{ "a_id": [ "d635pbl" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "In clownfish, the school of fish has a strong hierarchy built into the male fish's social structure. When the female dies (or wanders off), the the most dominant male changes sex to become the next female. (Yes, Nemo's dad should have been his mo...
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[ [] ]
8v4h8m
what are the circuits of court?
I am seeing news regarding things like the 9th circuit of court. What do they mean? Do some have more power? Are they a US thing or do other countries also have these circuits?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8v4h8m/eli5_what_are_the_circuits_of_court/
{ "a_id": [ "e1kgcej", "e1khf7b", "e1khg5v", "e1khlos" ], "score": [ 4, 8, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Afaik the circuit courts are the US federal courts just below the Supreme Court. I think each \"circuit\" is really just a geographical area that court is responsible for.", "W...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
6fwywn
if getting sunburns increases your chances of skin cancers, does burning your mouth on hot foods increase your chances of mouth cancer?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6fwywn/eli5_if_getting_sunburns_increases_your_chances/
{ "a_id": [ "diln6rh" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "More like the esophagus than the mouth itself. But to answer your question... the body doesn't like getting burned. People who drink very hot beverages have a higher chance of getting esophageal cancer. If you're burning the lining of your esopha...
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[ [] ]
6sk8w0
how is alienation and commodity fetishism related in marxist theory?
You can hopefully help me with my struggles. I think i got a decent understanding of them separated but I cant figure out how they are related? Alienation is something happening for the worker in the workplace because of his relation to the product that he produces. It comes in four areas: - From the product - From t...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6sk8w0/eli5how_is_alienation_and_commodity_fetishism/
{ "a_id": [ "dldg211" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "You may have more luck in /r/communism101 as this is pretty deep into Marxist theory.\n\nBut my 2 pennoths would be that alienation from the process backs up commodity fetishism and vice verca because commodities seem to because commodities no lo...
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[]
[ [] ]
zimtl
how have the voyager probes managed to propel themselves away from the sun's gravity for 35 years?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/zimtl/eli5_how_have_the_voyager_probes_managed_to/
{ "a_id": [ "c64wpxk" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "In space there is no air/atmosphere, thus no friction do to it. The Voyager probe only needed to propel itself to a certain speed, then continue going potentially forever. Satellites and spacecraft also have the option to \"slingshot\" themselv...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2t8o0v
how did hotels work before credit cards?
If i book a hotel I have to have a credit card on file just incase something happened, how was this worked out before credit cards were common? did people just carry around a ton of money for a deposit? I've googled and search this subreddit and i cant find anything
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2t8o0v/eli5how_did_hotels_work_before_credit_cards/
{ "a_id": [ "cnwquda" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "I never stayed in a hotel that required a deposit, though I remember a lot more info was required to get a hotel before like home address, car info, etc.\n\nIt was basically, if I remember, an honor system." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2n3xzw
how is pirating (movies, songs, etc.) illegal?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2n3xzw/eli5_how_is_pirating_movies_songs_etc_illegal/
{ "a_id": [ "cma2z9h", "cma2zmk", "cma333j", "cma36xg", "cma980a" ], "score": [ 6, 3, 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "People own the copyrights (literally, the right to make copies) on those things, and when you make copies without getting their permission, they have the lega...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
925yal
why do some house flies bumble round seemingly randomly, whilst others fly in straight lines and make short, sharp turns?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/925yal/eli5_why_do_some_house_flies_bumble_round/
{ "a_id": [ "e33add1" ], "score": [ 9 ], "text": [ "Lines means they're seeking food or shelter, zigzags mean they've found a comfortable temperature in the room to just be annoying in." ] }
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[]
[ [] ]
6toc9y
i know that oil is from plants and animal bones, but how do it actually become oil? what happens with the bones and plants?
As the title asks.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6toc9y/eli5i_know_that_oil_is_from_plants_and_animal/
{ "a_id": [ "dlm7ghd" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Most plants contain oils and waxes. Olives, sunflower seeds, rapeseed plants, amongst others, have enough to press out and sell in supermarkets. When they die and get buried, bacteria digest the material and split large molecules into smaller f...
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[ [] ]
6wzzqq
why does whole grain food cost more if it presumably requires less processing?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6wzzqq/eli5_why_does_whole_grain_food_cost_more_if_it/
{ "a_id": [ "dmbzg08", "dmbzjrl", "dmc0ojm", "dmc15do", "dmciduf" ], "score": [ 17, 2, 18, 9, 2 ], "text": [ "Often whole grains contain components which will go bad (rancid) within months if not refrigerated. So it isn't as easy to store.", "The fact that they ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
d0cbvj
how does one suddenly develop a mid-life nut allergy and is it possible to reverse it?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/d0cbvj/eli5_how_does_one_suddenly_develop_a_midlife_nut/
{ "a_id": [ "ez8nihw" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "We don't really know why adults develop allergies later in life. We don't really understand why it happens in childhood, but we understand that more than with adults." ] }
[]
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[ [] ]
2xq29q
the major points from steven pinker
He's got a bunch of books and: 1. I don't know where to start 2. I have very little time but 3. I've heard very great things about this man. Also, where in philosophy, morality and linguistics do his ideas fit in, and how much credibility does he have, ie do his ideas generally reflect our current knowledge?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2xq29q/eli5_the_major_points_from_steven_pinker/
{ "a_id": [ "cp2cpml" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "1) Read the wikipedia pages if they exist, they will summarize the arguments for you. On top of that, skim through the chapter titles, then look for things that look like concluding paragraphs or important recap points. These are techniques I use...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://stevenpinker.com/files/pinker/files/sociology-2015-pinker-0038038514556797.pdf" ] ]
1j1rj6
"short selling" stock or a house.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1j1rj6/eli5_short_selling_stock_or_a_house/
{ "a_id": [ "cba87m6" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "These are different things. \n\nA short sale on a house usually means the house is being sold for less than is currently owed on it. So for example you owe $500,000 on a house but because prices have declined and you can't afford your payments yo...
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[]
[ [] ]
54r5ck
trickle down economics from the perspective of both a large corporation and small business.
Edit: Would be helpful to also understand how this would vary depending on if the tax is changed for an individual vs a business.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/54r5ck/eli5_trickle_down_economics_from_the_perspective/
{ "a_id": [ "d84ccy0" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "The concept is that when those 'at the top' gain, the gains 'flow down to those not at the top'. That theoretical framework doesn't change if you're talking about a Large Corporation, a Small Business, or the .01% of taxpaying individuals.\n\nIf ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
7wmfdj
what is the difference between a $10 hdmi cord and a $150 gold plated hdmi cord? how are some high speed and some 'ultra high speed'?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7wmfdj/eli5_what_is_the_difference_between_a_10_hdmi/
{ "a_id": [ "du1g3oc", "du1gl01", "du1hdk2" ], "score": [ 13, 5, 4 ], "text": [ "No difference what’s so ever. HDMI is digital. 1s and 0s no in betweens. One of the biggest cons going is expensive HDMI cables. ", "So, the term \"high speed\" or \"ultra high speed\" is pretty me...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1txzed
how are electronics in cars grounded if the tires prevent electricity running through them?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1txzed/eli5_how_are_electronics_in_cars_grounded_if_the/
{ "a_id": [ "ceck4mp", "cecljpy" ], "score": [ 4, 3 ], "text": [ "The electrical system of the automobile creates its own \"ground\", which is more-often-than-not connected to the negative terminal of the battery.\n\n\"Ground\", in this instance, is used in the sense of a connection being ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
d2yzow
how we detect water in the atmosphere of a planet 110 light years away.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/d2yzow/eli5_how_we_detect_water_in_the_atmosphere_of_a/
{ "a_id": [ "ezxog5f", "ezxycsb" ], "score": [ 64, 7 ], "text": [ "We use super-powerful telescopes that can look out into space in a wide range of spectrums of light. \n\n\nSo when we start looking for potentially habitable planets, what we often start with is finding planets that are o...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
25yqfy
what is the difference between a $300 watch and a $10,000 watch? is it more than brand name?
All watches tell time and when you spend in the couple hundred dollar range you can be sure you are getting a precision instrument that will keep time consistently. I know there is a difference in shitty $10 watch pieces from more expensive ones, but when you are getting to say a Citizen to a Breitling or Rado what i...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/25yqfy/eli5_what_is_the_difference_between_a_300_watch/
{ "a_id": [ "chlzvnn", "chm00wx", "chm0gfj", "chm1lso", "chm27oe", "chme29a" ], "score": [ 2, 4, 3, 6, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "it's brand, materials used used like diamonds, gold, silver, titanium. instead of steel or plastic. and precision. some watches loses...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [ "http://i.imgur.com/4eeMy0S.jpg", "http://www.minus4plus6.com/PriceEvolution.htm", "http://i.imgur.com/orBAdZn.jpg", "http://i.imgur.com/34TgAoa.jpg" ], [] ]
5uo4fp
how does the "ping" command on the terminal actually work?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5uo4fp/eli5_how_does_the_ping_command_on_the_terminal/
{ "a_id": [ "ddvu8we" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "Simpler explanation:\n\nI write you a letter that says \"This letter was sent from < my address > on < date > and < time > . Please send me a letter back as soon as you get this, with the exact time and date you received this.\n\nYou follow ...
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[]
[ [] ]
3zoddx
how do podcast apps work?
I'm using an app for android called Player FM that lets me subscribe to particular podcasts, but recently I've noticed there are duplicate subscriptions to the same podcast available on the catalog. Are these duplicates people submitting duplicate RSS feeds to the app catalog? In general, how do podcast apps fetch list...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3zoddx/eli5how_do_podcast_apps_work/
{ "a_id": [ "cyo2e79" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The app once every time interval (you can usually change this) downloads RSS feeds and compares the feed to It's own database. If there are new entries it automatically downloads the file from the URL specified in the RSS feed and marks that epis...
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[]
[ [] ]
6pzzt0
how do slang words (like selfie) and memes go from being completely unknown to viral sensations?
I've always wondered if it starts with just one person posting and then by some miracle it just takes off..,
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6pzzt0/eli5_how_do_slang_words_like_selfie_and_memes_go/
{ "a_id": [ "dkthvd2", "dktiygp" ], "score": [ 3, 5 ], "text": [ "[Slang Gang](_URL_0_) might be a good place to start?", "Think of the term \"friendzone.\"\n\nThe act of a woman putting a man who wants to date them in a platonic state, is as old as humanity. I'm sure ancient cultures ...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://youtu.be/pEDit2uJCvY" ], [] ]
f7elki
when pregnant mothers drink alcohol or use drugs, do the babies feel the effects?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/f7elki/eli5_when_pregnant_mothers_drink_alcohol_or_use/
{ "a_id": [ "fiarmvu", "fiau289", "fiauhd3" ], "score": [ 5, 11, 5 ], "text": [ "Yes, not sure about the strength of the hit for the baby though. But you do get all the bad stuff dead brain cells if you drink. Or addiction , babys can be born addicted to crack and have to go throug...
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[]
[ [], [], [ "https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/foetal-alcohol-syndrome/" ] ]
6ewk2z
what security does the us caller id system have and how could it be improved?
Logistically speaking, is there a way the US caller ID system could be effectively secured or are there technological or other non-policy hurdles in the way of a secured system?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6ewk2z/eli5_what_security_does_the_us_caller_id_system/
{ "a_id": [ "didmhcp" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "There is no security whatsoever. The ability to set your outgoing ID to any arbitrary number is an intended *feature* of the service. There are also redirect services that will trace back a *blocked* ID to reveal the actual number. Some of these ...
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[]
[ [] ]
28pzwk
how does peasant food become popular?
For example, lobster used to be given to prisoners. Why now, is it so coveted?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/28pzwk/eli5_how_does_peasant_food_become_popular/
{ "a_id": [ "cidanms", "cidcip7", "cide4qp", "cidhnzn" ], "score": [ 6, 5, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "People tend to like the things they grow up with, and the vast majority of the world is poor. So it's not very surprising that cheap, easy to cook food is the most popular, in gene...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
1w1epz
why is coffee so much more expensive than tea?
I don't just mean in cafés - gram for gram, coffee is easily twice the price of tea in a supermarket (and you get a lot more per gram out of tea than coffee, so the per-cup price difference is even greater).
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1w1epz/eli5_why_is_coffee_so_much_more_expensive_than_tea/
{ "a_id": [ "cexrme7", "cext9sh", "cexu1fc", "cexu6tu", "cexuwpz", "cexuzjb", "cey0epb" ], "score": [ 8, 3, 2, 3, 8, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Imagine how many grams of tea leaves are on a tea tree, vs how many grams of coffee beans are on a coffee tree. As...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.urbantea.com/collections/tea/black+loose-leaves" ], [], [] ]
47n46t
why is being pro-israel a republican stance?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/47n46t/eli5why_is_being_proisrael_a_republican_stance/
{ "a_id": [ "d0e5udq", "d0e62ko", "d0e634y" ], "score": [ 2, 4, 6 ], "text": [ "Israel is considered one of our only ideological allies in the Middle East. Republican foreign policy revolves around this area as it provides large amounts of oil (or did, US production has increased ...
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[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1wwedl
why do i have to drink so much water every day?
I want to get into a healthier diet and even downloaded some apps to track how much water I drink every day. I used to drink less than half of what I apparently have to although I'm rather active. What is going to be different? Thank you so much for answering!
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1wwedl/eli5_why_do_i_have_to_drink_so_much_water_every/
{ "a_id": [ "cf60c8i", "cf60d3w", "cf60e9p" ], "score": [ 5, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "man cannot live on beer alone", "You don't. There are a lot of urban myths and bad science relating to how much water you should drink. Much of this is a product of advertising by water and drinks c...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1miw49
what is c. wright mills' "sociological imagination"?
I need to write an essay about this topic but can't really grasp the idea. Thanks in advance.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1miw49/what_is_c_wright_mills_sociological_imagination/
{ "a_id": [ "cc9svzd" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "**The Sociological Imagination**, put simply, is \"the ability to see the connection between personal troubles and social structures.\" (New Society, 6th Edition, 9)\n\nThe sociological imagination was born with the onset of three modern revoluti...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dei_gratia" ] ]
6kegpn
why does keeping food in the refrigerator make it last longer?
Why does keeping food cold make it last longer?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6kegpn/eli5_why_does_keeping_food_in_the_refrigerator/
{ "a_id": [ "djlfctg" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "It's harder for bacteria to survive and reproduce in extreme environments cold or hot, this is also why you fully cook chicken before eating it. " ] }
[]
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[ [] ]
4z54pj
why does being scared open up super congested noses?
And is there any way to harness whatever causes that for chronic allergy sufferers? (I'm on mobile and I can't access a computer so I can't flair yet. I'll do it in the morning.) EDIT: flaired!
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4z54pj/eli5_why_does_being_scared_open_up_super/
{ "a_id": [ "d6t08vh" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Being Scared activates our fight-flight response. With the sympathetic nervous system activated it triggers the release of adrenaline(to run faster or fight back). This induces vasoconstriction of the blood vessels in the nose, throat, and parana...
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[]
[ [] ]
81ep24
why do incandescent light bulbs have such a large volume compared to the tiny filament?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/81ep24/eli5_why_do_incandescent_light_bulbs_have_such_a/
{ "a_id": [ "dv2m2yg", "dv32a9z", "dv42m3b" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "more surface area for cooling itself, less likely to burn you if you touch it. \n\nAlso, sizing of fixtures was defined decades ago, probably with a healthy dose of manufacturing capabilities driving t...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
a1oe72
why has internet speed been increasing since its founding? hasn't cable been the same speed since its founding?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a1oe72/eli5_why_has_internet_speed_been_increasing_since/
{ "a_id": [ "earga6y", "earlh2h", "earmzqc" ], "score": [ 6, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The recent boost is due to fiber optic cables. Instead of travelling along bulky copper lines, signals are now basically sent as a beam of light down a fiber made of glass.\n\nThis allows much faster co...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
37xwxr
can we speed up the rotation of the earth by putting rocketengines all over the equator ? ( in theory)
Inspired by a post from ksp. EDIT: [This post](_URL_0_)
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/37xwxr/eli5_can_we_speed_up_the_rotation_of_the_earth_by/
{ "a_id": [ "crqp0rv", "crqrsfv" ], "score": [ 8, 2 ], "text": [ "If there was no atmosphere, this would certainly be possible. \nAs it is, however, I believe that the thrust would simply be absorbed by the molecules in the air and no net change in momentum would be achieved. ", "i th...
[]
[ "http://nl.reddit.com/r/KerbalSpaceProgram/comments/37v5ms/kerbins_rotational_speed_has_really_picked_up/" ]
[ [], [] ]
zuavb
how does a neon light work?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/zuavb/eli5_how_does_a_neon_light_work/
{ "a_id": [ "c67sdvs", "c67segw", "c67v374" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "There's a tube with a mixture of gases in it. Two electrodes run a very high voltage (provided by a step-up transformer) through the tube, which excites the gas molecules and makes them emit light. The ...
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[]
[ [], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjEK7RuunM8" ], [] ]
3ex7e4
why everyone wants to kill the kurds?
hello reddit, my question is raised in light of Turkey joining the fight against ISIS. Turkey also started shelling the Kurds in Northern Iraq too. Which is to me like wanting to kick someone's ass then punching a guy who is already fighting your enemy? So basically the fight scene in Anchorman. Sadam, Turkey, Asad...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ex7e4/eli5why_everyone_wants_to_kill_the_kurds/
{ "a_id": [ "ctj7jrz", "ctjeciq" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Your analysis is wrong; Turkey want to kill the PKK who are a Marxist terrorist organisation that they have been fighting for decades - the essentially want their own state in eastern Turkey. On the other hand, Turkey are fa...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://waitbutwhy.com/2014/09/muhammad-isis-iraqs-full-story.html" ] ]
32qm49
how does glasses for crossed eye people work?
How do they work?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/32qm49/eli5_how_does_glasses_for_crossed_eye_people_work/
{ "a_id": [ "cqdrr7a" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Strabismus (cross-eyedness) comes in different forms, misaligned inward (esotropia), misaligned outward (exotropia), upward (hypertropia) or downward (hypotropia).\n\nExtreme cases cannot really be treated with optics and require surgery or visio...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://toddlerglasses.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/march10-481.jpg?w=600&amp;h=400" ] ]
1jo5e3
how come that electric trains work with a single overhead wire?
As far as my understanding goes, an electric curcuit needs to have a positive-pole and a negative pole in order to work. Seeing electric trains, I wonder where the first one is located, as conventional trains only have a single overhead wire for intake of electric current. So my basic question is, as wikipedia & co ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1jo5e3/eli5how_come_that_electric_trains_work_with_a/
{ "a_id": [ "cbglsl7", "cbglv58", "cbglvla", "cbglx7o" ], "score": [ 2, 4, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "The rails are the other pole.", "Usually on such systems, the output runs through the rails. \n\nSo, AC comes in through the wire, activates the windings on the traction motors...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
vu2et
- why a mac is called a mac and not a pc? other than os, what's the defining difference?
I've always thought PC stood for "Personal Computer". Isn't that what a Mac is? Other than OS they're exactly the same thing, with different hardware. I understand it's easier to tell the difference when discussing the two types of computers, but, what about any type of Linux system? they're called PC's also. different...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/vu2et/eli5_why_a_mac_is_called_a_mac_and_not_a_pc_other/
{ "a_id": [ "c57mjhz", "c57mjl3", "c57nd2y", "c57njtn", "c57nn5a", "c57npq5", "c57nqsy", "c57ntwp", "c57o5we", "c57ocku", "c57oy7u", "c57p8io", "c57pdgk", "c57s2da", "c57u7l1", "c57ufg4", "c57uhur" ], "score": [ 8, 3, 22, 283, ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBM_Personal_Computer", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBM_PC_compatible" ], [], [ "http://jeremyreimer.com/postman/node/329", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple's_transition_to_Intel_processors" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], ...
46nsv2
why isn't our sun and solar system slowly being sucked in to the black hole at the center of the milky way?
There's been some news about black hole discoveries recently, but we don't here much about the black hole in our own galaxy. What effect does it have on our solar system?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/46nsv2/eli5_why_isnt_our_sun_and_solar_system_slowly/
{ "a_id": [ "d06k52e", "d06kegk", "d06klkp", "d06ksq5", "d06ktl5", "d06kyi7", "d06lzju", "d06wi3e" ], "score": [ 26, 7, 2, 16, 2, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Black holes aren't the cosmic vacuums that some media has made them out to be.\n\nOnce you...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
albl7p
why do people raise their heads when they say goodbye to each other?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/albl7p/eli5_why_do_people_raise_their_heads_when_they/
{ "a_id": [ "efcjdg7" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "Raising your head is form of \"greeting\" it can also be used as a form of saying goodbye (similar to the itialian word ciao).\n\nNodding upwards exposes your throat, in the animal kingdom generally seen as a sign of trust.\n\nFun fact: ever noti...
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[]
[ [] ]
2rggpf
is it better to pop a zit or let it go away itself?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2rggpf/eli5_is_it_better_to_pop_a_zit_or_let_it_go_away/
{ "a_id": [ "cnfmolm", "cnfmtge", "cnfn3bc", "cnfnvb7" ], "score": [ 3, 5, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Definitely better to leave it alone. If you pop it it'll most likely just get infected and could potential scar.", "I always pop them and nothing happens, don't know what every...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
10mzwf
how do some animals know when we're sad?
I've noticed that if I'm upset or crying over something my cat or dog will come over an lick me or cuddle with me. Are they trying to make me feel better?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/10mzwf/eli5_how_do_some_animals_know_when_were_sad/
{ "a_id": [ "c6evl9w", "c6ezbqq" ], "score": [ 4, 5 ], "text": [ "I have a couple of theories.\n\nMy first thought, perhaps a bit harsh, is no. It is not aware that you are sad. Human beings have a tendency to believe things we want to believe. If we turn around and see someone behind our ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/my-puppy-my-self/201207/do-dogs-have-empathy-or-is-it-sixth-sense", "http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/canine-corner/201206/canine-empathy-your-dog-really-does-care-if-you-are-unhappy" ] ]
38qq7y
why do people censor their eyes when they post pictures of themselves when you can still pretty much tell it's them if you knew the person originally?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/38qq7y/eli5_why_do_people_censor_their_eyes_when_they/
{ "a_id": [ "crx48dg", "crx4ek5", "crx4n2b", "crxcber" ], "score": [ 85, 12, 29, 9 ], "text": [ "There is a lot of facial detail in and around your eyes. If you know the person, then your brain will fill in the blanks and help you recognize them, but if you don't know the ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
18hk01
if images are just data that says what color each pixel should be on screen, then why are some bigger in size than others?
For example, if I generate a completely black image in photoshop with a resolution of 2048x2048, it will be a few kilobytes, whereas if I make a starfield in that image with the same resolution, it will be several megabytes. Why is one image larger in size than the other, even if they are the same resolution?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/18hk01/eli5_if_images_are_just_data_that_says_what_color/
{ "a_id": [ "c8ev4wj", "c8evs07" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "The program you use to make the program is able to compress the file slightly to make it take up less space. So instead of recording info for every single pixel, it stores information for a chunk of them that are all the sa...
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[ [], [] ]
32jl68
how did t-rex sleep?
Like, I'm having trouble thinking of how in the world they would've slept. I mean, I can't really imagine spooning would've been too easy, so did they... Stand? Lean against a wall? Face plant and call it good til morning?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/32jl68/eli5_how_did_trex_sleep/
{ "a_id": [ "cqbtzhr", "cqbxcme" ], "score": [ 48, 3 ], "text": [ "Pretty much the same way [ostriches do](_URL_0_), like [this](_URL_1_).", "T-Rex was basically a big bird, so it would have probably looked like a [chicken](_URL_0_) when sleeping." ] }
[]
[]
[ [ "http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/notrocketscience/2011/08/25/ostriches-sleep-like-platypuses-and-look-wide-awake-when-they-do/#.VSzp1_nF8YE", "http://i.imgur.com/worPkCd.jpg" ], [ "http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/z/sleep-chicken-farm-as-close-up-34931349.jpg" ] ]
2mz4gn
why do dogs go crazy over red dots?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2mz4gn/eli5why_do_dogs_go_crazy_over_red_dots/
{ "a_id": [ "cm8vm1f", "cm8vwrb" ], "score": [ 2, 12 ], "text": [ "They don't. They go crazy over intense points of light.", "Because instead of having to align a front and rear sight into a proper sight picture while maintaining cheek weld, they can simply shoulder the rifle and place...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
5u4ahy
why isn't 17th-19th century style classical music not composed anymore?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5u4ahy/eli5_why_isnt_17th19th_century_style_classical/
{ "a_id": [ "ddr8odc", "ddr9mpw", "ddra3j8" ], "score": [ 6, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Composers of 20th/21st century classical music are always pushing the genre forward and looking to do something new. If they wrote something which was too close to the music of centuries ago, it would ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_music" ], [] ]
1w1dmn
why do female voices in choirs stand out more?
In most cases when I listen to choral music that has men and women, it always seems the collective female voices *are* the choir more-or-less, and I often need to listen closely to even make out the men. Is it simply because the music was arranged this way?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1w1dmn/eli5why_do_female_voices_in_choirs_stand_out_more/
{ "a_id": [ "cexsmsk", "cextzpo", "cexusoj" ], "score": [ 11, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The way our hearing works, we notice higher tones more readily than lower tones. You'll notice with most music, the higher notes carry the melody and the lower notes provide rhythm and harmony. Since w...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
3078hn
why couldn't we have develop computers to understand human language rather than binary?
I know very little about programming and computers in general, so forgive me if this is a bit common sense which I never received.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3078hn/eli5_why_couldnt_we_have_develop_computers_to/
{ "a_id": [ "cppr0c6", "cppr1gq", "cpptm8b", "cppyu2f" ], "score": [ 8, 2, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "Because the entire basis of binary is a physical property. The entire basis of electronic computing was the transistor. A transistor is like a see-saw; it's either on or off, on be...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
5tkbwl
how did mankind learn to make (what we now consider easy) stuffy like bread and beer?
Did someone just stumble across somehow mixing the correct quantity of ingredients and then applying a correct amount of heat for an exact amount of time or was there the equivalent of scientists back in the day just trying to make stuff?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5tkbwl/eli5how_did_mankind_learn_to_make_what_we_now/
{ "a_id": [ "ddn5s1g", "ddn5tw6", "ddn6o5s", "ddn9xp3" ], "score": [ 3, 19, 10, 2 ], "text": [ "Recorded history doesn't go back that far, so we just have to guess.\n\nFire goes back to homo habilis 100s of thousands of years ago. That's a lot of time. You have to expect ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "https://www.wired.com/2014/10/beer-yeast-attracts-fruit-flies/" ] ]
93bsk1
hydro power generation, why is there only one big turbine at the bottom of the hill and not multiple? the water should regain its kinetic energy?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/93bsk1/eli5_hydro_power_generation_why_is_there_only_one/
{ "a_id": [ "e3c47mx", "e3c48ei", "e3c4e1l" ], "score": [ 7, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Most of the energy comes from the drop in height, from the top of the lake to the level of the turbine. That generates immense pressure. Once the water comes out of the turbine, that pressure is spent. ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Gorges_Dam", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potential_energy" ] ]
2gp81q
why does pressing in a x with your fingernail make a mosquito bite stop itching?
Also, I don't remember anyone teaching me this method, but everyone seems to know about it.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2gp81q/eli5_why_does_pressing_in_a_x_with_your/
{ "a_id": [ "ckl9rip" ], "score": [ 11 ], "text": [ "I thought I was the only one that did this" ] }
[]
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[ [] ]
fcba8r
when we explore the ocean depths and find new species, we shine a light on them - if these animals live so far down in the dark and are used to pitch black, couldn’t the light harm them?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fcba8r/eli5_when_we_explore_the_ocean_depths_and_find/
{ "a_id": [ "fj9kqjb", "fj9nq4y" ], "score": [ 2, 4 ], "text": [ "Creatures that live in absolute darkness tend not to have eyes, so they won't be dazzled by a bright light because they haven't evolved to see that light. \n\nSome do have light receptors, which are less complex than our ow...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1hbwov
why are cd's still used for audio instead of dvd or blu-ray?
CDs work well at 16 bits per sample and a sample rate of 44.1 khz, but they can only hold up to (a little more than) 700 MB. Basic DVDs have 4.7 GB and basic blu-ray discs hole 25 GB. Why have neither of those been used for higher fidelity audio? Possibly 24 bits per sample at 192 khz? You could probably even fit more...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1hbwov/eli5_why_are_cds_still_used_for_audio_instead_of/
{ "a_id": [ "castqdt", "casv7x2", "casx16z" ], "score": [ 18, 4, 5 ], "text": [ "There's a *massive* installed base of CD players. Look at all the home stereos and cars that would need to be upgraded.\n\nPeople were happy with 128kbps MP3s (worse than CD) when the iPod blew up. P...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Audio_CD" ], [], [] ]
1rz437
why is it called beta-testing rather than alpha-testing?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1rz437/why_is_it_called_betatesting_rather_than/
{ "a_id": [ "cdsc4wv", "cdsc5za" ], "score": [ 6, 3 ], "text": [ "Alpha-testing is already done by the developer. \n\nBeta-testing is the second round, done by letting other people use it. ", "Because alpha testing is already a thing. \n\nIt refers to testing by the company, a contract...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_testing#Alpha_testing" ] ]
5m5uep
why are black crimes against white people so rarely classified as "hate crimes" despite evidence appearing so? e.g. chicago yesterday
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5m5uep/eli5why_are_black_crimes_against_white_people_so/
{ "a_id": [ "dc10g2p" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Because it's a sensitive subject for many people and political and non-political entities alike don't want to offend anyone. It doesn't matter if it's rational. The Chicago PD basically has a choice of saying that the torture was a hate crime, a...
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[ [] ]
6gtkjz
why do we still have to bring our license when the police can just search us up on tablets nowadays?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6gtkjz/eli5_why_do_we_still_have_to_bring_our_license/
{ "a_id": [ "disxdlh", "disz4bd", "diszukj", "dit0mll", "dit2or6" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 4, 3, 17 ], "text": [ "We can easily lie about our name and date of birth. Harder to use someone else's picture ID", "I am not a cop but it makes perfect sense to me that the \...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
g3f3dj
when you are sitting in a car that is stationary, and the car next to you pulls away, why does it sometimes feel that you are moving instead? (the amount of times i have panicked thinking i am rolling away and pressed the brakes repeatedly is silly)
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/g3f3dj/eli5_when_you_are_sitting_in_a_car_that_is/
{ "a_id": [ "fnqxc9t", "fnr00cf" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "So you have 3 ways to sense movement in the world around you, and one of them is playing tricks on the other two!\n\nYour eyes (visual), your ears (vestibular), and your skin (somatosensory) tell your body where it is and wh...
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[]
[ [], [] ]