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6zppn5
why does water left on certain wooden surfaces turn the surfaces white?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6zppn5/eli5_why_does_water_left_on_certain_wooden/
{ "a_id": [ "dmx3gkd", "dmx3ito" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "The water may contain dissolved minerals or pull minerals out from the wood. Then when it evaporates, those minerals are left behind as a white deposit.", "Water that is not distilled has minerals in it. When the water e...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
bn9597
why light changes color depending on wavelength?
I learned that different color has different wavelength. But what is the reason for that?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bn9597/eli5_why_light_changes_color_depending_on/
{ "a_id": [ "en3htk9", "en3i29h" ], "score": [ 12, 2 ], "text": [ "Your question seems to assume that colour is a separate property that happens to change based on wavelength.\n\nOur eyes have the ability to sense the wavelength of light, and colour is simply the word we use to describe th...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2btif3
as a canadian with only a peripheral awareness of us politics, why do so many americans hate obama so very much?
I mean, healthcare plan sounds good, brought troops home which is good, and he seems a fair guy. I know he's accused of being a socialist, and some of his programs probably are, but that doesn't justify the vitriol I see. Clearly I'm missing something. It's one thing to dislike a politician, it's another thing to hate ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2btif3/eli5_as_a_canadian_with_only_a_peripheral/
{ "a_id": [ "cj8qgwa", "cj8rf0t", "cj8xnq3", "cj8yaxx", "cj8yhqv", "cj903r1", "cj91cm5" ], "score": [ 15, 9, 3, 2, 8, 2, 6 ], "text": [ "This question will be an easy target of bias. I hate politics and I try to be neutral so I will try to answer thi...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
45v4ki
how a car loan works and how payment options on them work
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/45v4ki/eli5_how_a_car_loan_works_and_how_payment_options/
{ "a_id": [ "d00eahs" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "The bank gives you enough cash to buy the car outright and then provides options (how much and how long) to give them their money back. Usually they charge you a little extra (interest) for using their money." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
6b5pw5
if a person wins a car on a game show do they still pay taxes on that prize or does it fall under a different category because it isn't money?
So as the title says but I know with cash prizes it gets taxed because the prize is added to your yearly income. So how do non-cash prizes work?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6b5pw5/eli5_if_a_person_wins_a_car_on_a_game_show_do/
{ "a_id": [ "dhjy3bj", "dhjyasu" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Yes. It is called a windfall tax and you owe taxes on the monetary value of any prize that you win. ", "It kind of depends on the tax jurisdiction, but the general rule is that if you win something, no matter what it is,...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
71r88v
how come the same prescription for eyeglasses produces thick "coke bottle" lenses can be used for paper thin contacts?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/71r88v/eli5_how_come_the_same_prescription_for/
{ "a_id": [ "dnct06f", "dncvm1b", "dnd9vus", "dndd5yz", "dndj5gd", "dndpuqf" ], "score": [ 70, 10, 7, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The glasses are pretty far from your cornea (the lens on the front of the eye. Contact lenses are, or course, in contact with the cor...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2f/Spherical_cap_diagram.tiff/lossless-page1-1011px-Spherical_cap_diagram.tiff.png" ], [], [], [], [] ]
1nlrcd
is the universe a fractal?
I was looking at a Mandelbrot set and I couldn't help but wonder if the universe worked in a similar way. Considering that the universe expands outward indefinitely (which I might be wrong about), can it divide indefinitely inward as well? I'm sorry if this is a repetitive question in any way!
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1nlrcd/eli5_is_the_universe_a_fractal/
{ "a_id": [ "ccjqjyg" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "I'd say no. It appears there is some limit to how much things can be divided. Our current understanding of physics is that quarks (which make up protons and neutrons) and electrons are generally the bottom of the system, and they can't be divid...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
bnhlwp
why can't phone screens be dimmed way more so that they are easier on our eyes when it's dark?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bnhlwp/eli5_why_cant_phone_screens_be_dimmed_way_more_so/
{ "a_id": [ "en5p5wh" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Do you have an iPhone? I can dim mine to where it’s hardy viewable even in darkness. Also, I saw a video not too long ago about a trick you can do to dim it even further." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
ccr23k
what is a waterspout and what would happen if an object or even a person was to get caught in it?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ccr23k/eli5_what_is_a_waterspout_and_what_would_happen/
{ "a_id": [ "etoqhd4" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "A waterspout is like a tornado, but over water. I've seen one before, and it's really freaking weird. \n\nFirst, you'll see a cloud getting a spike coming down out of it, which looks strange, because clouds are something you never think of a...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
8ljfwa
why it is so difficult to pronounce a word in a foreing language even when we are trying to imitate other person?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8ljfwa/eli5_why_it_is_so_difficult_to_pronounce_a_word/
{ "a_id": [ "dzfyusv", "dzg07qi" ], "score": [ 7, 3 ], "text": [ "In my own experience learning to speak Korean was difficult because the Korean language has sounds English doesn't and vice versa. ", "Foreign languages have sounds and syllables that an English speak person just doesn't...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2b4hhc
what exactly is a conductor doing?
In classical performances and stuff, besides keeping tempo in check. Is he really needed?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2b4hhc/eli5_what_exactly_is_a_conductor_doing/
{ "a_id": [ "cj1pg2e" ], "score": [ 18 ], "text": [ "First, what you don't get to see while watching a performance is all the work a conductor has put into shaping the music. The conductor is much like the director in a movie: they decide how to interpret to music like a director interprets a scri...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
g03sm2
how come we can see the moon, but not all the satellites orbiting earth?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/g03sm2/eli5_how_come_we_can_see_the_moon_but_not_all_the/
{ "a_id": [ "fn7kwce", "fn7ld35", "fn7lpr6" ], "score": [ 3, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Size and light redaction. Moon is huge and reflects a lot of light but is far away. Satellites are small and closer to earth but can sometimes reflect light (depending on location of the satellite, moon...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
5aehk4
how the chicago river's flow was reversed in 1900, in order to divert the pollution from the meat packing industry.
Today I learned that in 1900, the city of Chicago actually reversed the the flow of the Chicago river but no one could explain how one does that.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5aehk4/eli5how_the_chicago_rivers_flow_was_reversed_in/
{ "a_id": [ "d9ftd6a" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "[These maps](_URL_0_) will give you a feel for how they diverted the water. Basically they dug canals so that \"downhill\" for the water, went the other direction. They could do that because that area of Illinois is very flat, so creating a dif...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/53/Diversion_of_Chicago_Waterways.png" ] ]
1xqx2r
why do modern soldiers never have armor over their faces?
I realise it would hinder visibility, but seems strange there's no Ned Kelly-like protection at all
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1xqx2r/why_do_modern_soldiers_never_have_armor_over/
{ "a_id": [ "cfdt8kj" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "Mobility and vision is more important. Armor reduces both." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
dn1o1d
why do different organ transplants have such wildly different success rates?
It seems like when someone gets a liver or kidney transplant, the organ keeps them going for years, sometimes decades. But with things like intestinal or lung transplants, the complication rates are super high and often the organ lasts a much shorter amount of time. Heart transplants seem to be somewhere in the middle....
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dn1o1d/eli5_why_do_different_organ_transplants_have_such/
{ "a_id": [ "f5bwsh8" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Organ transplants from a living donor are a lot more successful than transplants from a dead donor. Kidney and liver transplants are much more likely to be from a living person.\n\nIn addition, livers are the only major organ that regenerates in ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2p4vqb
is there a reason that only uranium and plutonium is used in nuclear weapons? could other radioactive elements be used just as easily?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2p4vqb/eli5_is_there_a_reason_that_only_uranium_and/
{ "a_id": [ "cmtdz7j", "cmtfiwk", "cmtjxnz", "cmtlh2p", "cmtlho3" ], "score": [ 7, 126, 3, 6, 2 ], "text": [ "Those two substances have the necessary qualities of being stable over a wide range of temperatures, and over a wide range of time so they can be built into...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critical_mass#Critical_mass_of_a_bare_sphere" ], [], [] ]
1psum5
why do wine glasses hum when rubbed.
I found this out yesterday and had no idea why it happened but when you move your finger round the rim wine glass with a wet finger it will hum. Why does this happen and is it similar to when you flick the edge and it makes a noise?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1psum5/eli5_why_do_wine_glasses_hum_when_rubbed/
{ "a_id": [ "cd5nrsb", "cd5ocs0", "cd5pqn3", "cd5px12", "cd5q9jb" ], "score": [ 7, 2, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "When you flick the wine glass vibrations are made and the sound resonates inside the glass. When you wet your finger and run it across the rim you make micro ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://youtu.be/EDrnNztzhvg" ], [], [ "http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0f/Interference_of_two_waves.svg" ], [] ]
393rkm
how did tumblr get its negative stereotype?
Just saw the tumblr cosplay girl post (holding the 'I'm offended' sign) and my immediate thought was 'lol of course - she's a tumblrina'... But then I thought: how did this negative meme become defacto for a site I'm sure it's developers hadn't originally intended? Or did they actually want this nasty color painted? W...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/393rkm/eli5_how_did_tumblr_get_its_negative_stereotype/
{ "a_id": [ "cs03yuz", "cs04ovf" ], "score": [ 7, 3 ], "text": [ "Tumble got all kinds of teen girls and guys into blogging. Popular blogs revolve around current issues. \n\nTo a teen that idea of important is transgender and gay community. (Not hating on them) so if any comment doesn't co...
[]
[ "http://i.imgur.com/RpIph3h.jpg" ]
[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patriarchy", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third-wave_feminism", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_justice#.22Social_Justice_Warriors.22", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genderqueer" ] ]
95ab25
how do we get information about the distance and color of objects just from photons hitting our eyes?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/95ab25/eli5_how_do_we_get_information_about_the_distance/
{ "a_id": [ "e3r5nza" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "Light is better considered as a wave when thinking about visual perception.\n\nWe have different types of receptors for light in the back of our eyes (in the retina). These are cued to send a signal to the brain by different wavelengths (i.e. dif...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
zt08g
what is sound? and why is it made?
Seriously, if i flicked a table it would make that quick "tap" sound. But why? Where does it originate?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/zt08g/what_is_sound_and_why_is_it_made/
{ "a_id": [ "c67g5ac", "c67g8pb", "c67m8u1" ], "score": [ 6, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Sound is how our brains interpret vibrations in the air.\n\nWhen you tap the table, it causes the table, your finger, and the air around it, to briefly vibrate. Those vibrations ripple out through the ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
3ps1tj
why did nes video games with battery saves need the reset button to be held, while turning off the console?
I was talking to one of my students who was wearing a Zelda t-shirt, about how the very first Zelda had a warning on the back of the cartridge that indicated that, without holding the reset button while turning off the NES, hurt the battery save feature. As a teenager, I just did that without thinking, but now that I'...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ps1tj/eli5_why_did_nes_video_games_with_battery_saves/
{ "a_id": [ "cw8vr6h", "cw8vrbf", "cw8vu6q" ], "score": [ 2, 4, 7 ], "text": [ "it puts it into standby mode so that it has enough time to write all the data to the internal memory and avoids partial save files. ", "I've looked into this before and found conflicting answers. Th...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://gaming.stackexchange.com/questions/229723/why-is-it-needed-to-hold-reset-when-powering-off-the-nes", "http://board.zsnes.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?p=28592#p28592" ] ]
626q32
why did announcing brexit last summer lead to the devaluation of the pound sterling ?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/626q32/eli5_why_did_announcing_brexit_last_summer_lead/
{ "a_id": [ "dfk3tt7" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Because people assumed demand for the pound would fall as British exports to the wider EU (by far its largest market) are constricted by the UK dropping out of the single market (and thus being forced to trade with the EU by some other objectivel...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1f78qz
finite elements method
first explained to me as a way to break down a system into parts to better understand the whole, but it seems like there's much more to it than that.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1f78qz/eli5_finite_elements_method/
{ "a_id": [ "ca7gsrf" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Ok I'll have a go..\n\nSo FEM is a numerical method used to solve boundary value problems..\n\nTo give you an example, imagine a system where a metal rod was placed with one end in an oven at constant temperature, and the other in a fridge at con...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1zhrj8
why do we mine for salt when it seems much easier to just evaporate sea water?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1zhrj8/eli5_why_do_we_mine_for_salt_when_it_seems_much/
{ "a_id": [ "cftrlte", "cfts7sh", "cfts9uf" ], "score": [ 5, 2, 15 ], "text": [ "Finding the space on shorelines to evaporate all that water is the biggest issue. You need a a lot of sunlight and a lot of open area, and people tend to use that real estate for recreation and develop...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
8v4e05
why is "imbd" considered more official (or truthful) than "wikipedia", even though both can be edited by anyone?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8v4e05/eli5_why_is_imbd_considered_more_official_or/
{ "a_id": [ "e1kfw90", "e1kge78", "e1kkva0", "e1kmfwm" ], "score": [ 14, 7, 3, 5 ], "text": [ "do you mean IMDB? and IMDB isnt considered more official or truthful than wikipedia, theyre handling totally different things. Theyre bot databases, but one is strictly working wi...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
29tp3s
what makes depression and suicidal thoughts an illness?
I have been diagnosed with severe depression and I have been on medication for a few months. my psychiatrist keeps describing my depression as an illness. what makes it an illness and not just a way of thinking?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/29tp3s/eli5_what_makes_depression_and_suicidal_thoughts/
{ "a_id": [ "ciodrlm", "cioe2xi", "ciogv4s", "ciohj8i" ], "score": [ 9, 8, 13, 2 ], "text": [ "I had the same question a couple years ago when battling depression here's a simplified version of what I found. Depression is thought to be caused by a chemical imbalance. The de...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://web.psych.utoronto.ca/psy342/Happiness_Disorder.pdf", "http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Szasz" ], [], [] ]
2nmfzr
why do countries like germany want to make the free trade agreement ttip with the us and ceta with canada, if they could be sued by companies for making laws that could damage the company?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2nmfzr/eli5_why_do_countries_like_germany_want_to_make/
{ "a_id": [ "cmeyp3h", "cmf061z", "cmf07jx", "cmf4xcu", "cmf6cxa", "cmf7gz5", "cmf8c58", "cmfac3t", "cmfesbs" ], "score": [ 13, 10, 3, 3, 6, 3, 9, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "They think the pros of having better access to the American marketpl...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2013/march/tradoc_150737.pdf" ], [ "http://www.biicl.org/files/3937_1990_aapl_v_sri_lanka.pdf", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franz_J._Sedelmayer#Expropriation_and_legal_challenges" ], [ "http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2014/march/tradoc_152279....
4xopk8
does clutter increase room temperature?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4xopk8/eli5does_clutter_increase_room_temperature/
{ "a_id": [ "d6h63ft", "d6h8rzg", "d6h9987", "d6h9euv", "d6hb60k", "d6hbfjy" ], "score": [ 71, 2, 34, 3, 3, 8 ], "text": [ "Not directly, but it will stifle air circulation which will make a room feel stuffy and increase the temperature. ", "I thought th...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
2hlvrq
why are towns, roads, and structures always named after someone? are there any names which were simply made up?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2hlvrq/eli5_why_are_towns_roads_and_structures_always/
{ "a_id": [ "cktw59o" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "They're not always named after people. They could also be named after physical features, plants (i.e. Rose Street), animals (i.e. Beaver Road), other towns (i.e. New York), or any variety of other things from colors to shapes." ] }
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[ [] ]
ot0pn
rooting and modding an android phone, and all the steps in between.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ot0pn/eli5_rooting_and_modding_an_android_phone_and_all/
{ "a_id": [ "c3jtgxz", "c3jv13e", "c3jxyqy" ], "score": [ 4, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "well what phone? there is a different method for every phone. i would just google 'how to root [phone]'. \n\nusually it's putting a file in the root of your sd card or using command lines then putting a...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
42psxh
the caucuses, and why only 3 states "matter", why exactly do those states matter do much?
Iowa, new Hampshire, etc
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/42psxh/eli5the_caucuses_and_why_only_3_states_matter_why/
{ "a_id": [ "czc6coo", "czc7413", "czc80mi", "czcwx5c" ], "score": [ 5, 11, 17, 3 ], "text": [ "Others certainly matter. In 2008, the race between Obama and Clinton went deep into primary season before Obama was a clear winner. In a normal race, things are pretty much decid...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
69isy7
why do storm systems sometimes come from different directions?
We just had a storm come from the Southwest moving Northeast and now where have one coming from the Northwest moving Southeast. What dictates the direction a storm will move?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/69isy7/eli5_why_do_storm_systems_sometimes_come_from/
{ "a_id": [ "dh6x7wy" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "I can't really explain it very well and plus I am not even sure if I am right but I think that it is because there are different circulation cells that are spread throughout the earth. So air rises near the equator, flows up to the poles, comes d...
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[]
[ [] ]
afii7a
how is data actually transferred through cables? how are the 1s and 0s moved from one end to the other?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/afii7a/eli5_how_is_data_actually_transferred_through/
{ "a_id": [ "edyv1xu", "edyvrs6", "edyw9ar", "edyy6fa", "edz2uh1", "edz55lw", "edz5h4k", "edz8wce", "edz8xua", "edz9i07", "edzb148", "edzbzb5", "edzdxve", "edzutft", "ee1dsof" ], "score": [ 988, 1037, 21, 96, 29, 2, 29832, ...
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[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_semaphore", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quadrature_amplitude_modulation#/media/File:QAM16_Demonstration.gif" ], [], [], [] ]
1fjs8z
how do shows like masterchef conduct so many interviews of the cooks before something is about to happen?
Do they pull people aside every few minutes to find out what is going through their heads or is it all staged afterwards?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1fjs8z/eli5_how_do_shows_like_masterchef_conduct_so_many/
{ "a_id": [ "caaxn9n" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Just from watching, it definitely seems that the interviews are conducted afterwards. Possibly long after, when the producers develop a storyline from the footage they shot. \n\nYou can watch closely for hair, makeup, & clothing changes to see ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
f4xjm5
why do elastic material on clothes get crunchy when it gets old?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/f4xjm5/eli5_why_do_elastic_material_on_clothes_get/
{ "a_id": [ "fhv74v1" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Rubber and stuff has chemicals and compounds it it that help make it stretchy. These can either evaporate over time, or solidify if not streched. As an example, the moon Rover the astronauts used has wire mesh wheels because in hard vaccum ru...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-120508a.html" ] ]
2d1l6a
what is an aneurysm? can epilepsy cause an aneurysm?
My dad was epileptic, had an aneurysm, and passed away. Can epilepsy cause an aneurysm to occur? Or are they unrelated? Is there a way to prevent or stop an already occurring aneurysm?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2d1l6a/eli5_what_is_an_aneurysm_can_epilepsy_cause_an/
{ "a_id": [ "cjl6a1n", "cjl6azn", "cjl6t96", "cjl6vas", "cjl7sqx", "cjl9m97" ], "score": [ 2, 5, 2, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "An aneurysm is when there is a blood-filled bulge in the wall of a blood vessel. Epilepsy is a long term history of seizures; the seizur...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2426305/" ], [], [] ]
3mkmgz
does learning a new language cause you to have a different accent on your first language?
As I said in the title, Does learning a new language cause you to have a different accent on your first language? Are there different parts of your memory/language area in your brain that keeps them separate? Any help with this question is much appreciated!
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3mkmgz/eli5_does_learning_a_new_language_cause_you_to/
{ "a_id": [ "cvfqmzt" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "Short answer is no. Learning a new language does not *necessarily* give you an accent while speaking your original language. \n\nAccents are believed to be a result of two factors. The first is one's \"articulatory settings\", or the default posi...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://youtu.be/TDxFrwkiHIw" ] ]
2sguwb
how do investigative journalism publications successfully conduct investigations when they don't have police powers?
For instance, in the UK there's a publication called Private Eye (probably closest Britain has to Charlie Hebdo) that is famous for uncovering scandals. Even now they have an article about how they've found out the Attorney General has loads of offshore offices to avoid tax. My question is how do they find out all of t...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2sguwb/eli5_how_do_investigative_journalism_publications/
{ "a_id": [ "cnpcavf" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "plenty of legal ways of obtaining information\n\n1) ask people\n\n2) ask pissed off former employees\n\n3) dumpster diving\n\n4) look thru published records, look for inconsistencies" ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
f279w9
how does plastic window wrap do such a good job at insulating windows? it's just a thin layer of tight plastic
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/f279w9/eli5_how_does_plastic_window_wrap_do_such_a_good/
{ "a_id": [ "fhclu9q", "fhap6bi", "fhap7gu", "fhapaja", "fhb0dx4", "fhb5abi", "fhbixv7", "fhc8z2s" ], "score": [ 2, 251, 10, 5, 19, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Air is very good at convection and very bad at conduction.\n\nBut what does that mean? ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
45t9ip
how can gas giants exist if the average temperature of space falls below the boiling point of both helium and hydrogen (i.e. what for the most part makes up the gas planets we know)?
*Reeeeeally* eli5, please; am not a scientist, much less an astrophysicist. Does it have to do with the atmospheric pressure of these individual planets rendering the boiling point lower than normal?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/45t9ip/eli5_how_can_gas_giants_exist_if_the_average/
{ "a_id": [ "czzzmr7", "czzzs0y", "d001bfq" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The temperature of empty space may be low, but the temperature of the gas giants isn't the same thing. Just like the temperature of the Earth is not the same as the space around it. Gas giants get ene...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phase_rule" ] ]
bwhvc3
how come your car's aircon needs topped up and recharged, but your fridge in your kitchen does not?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bwhvc3/eli5_how_come_your_cars_aircon_needs_topped_up/
{ "a_id": [ "epxorlh", "epyba30" ], "score": [ 13, 2 ], "text": [ "Your fridge is a pretty well closed off system where all the joints can be firmly sealed, and then it never moves for 10-20 years. \n\nYour car has a lot more flexible hoses and seals because it has to move the refrigerant ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
j4p0p
li5: mlb trading, after the trade deadline has passed.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/j4p0p/li5_mlb_trading_after_the_trade_deadline_has/
{ "a_id": [ "c295bp9" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The Major League Baseball Trade Dealing is July 31st. After this, players can still be traded, but with limitations.\n\nAugust 31st is called the \"waiver\" trade deadline. Any player can be traded before August 31st, but first they have to \"cle...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1xzo5v
will the ice in my driveway melt faster if i break it up?
We usually chip the ice in my driveway after a snow/ice storm. I'm not convinced it helps the driveway melt faster, but it sure does wreck my shoulders. Anyone care to tell me if there is any benefit to this practice?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1xzo5v/will_the_ice_in_my_driveway_melt_faster_if_i/
{ "a_id": [ "cfg195a", "cfg1cto", "cfg1isc" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "well, yes, but probably only slightly. More surface area means more of the ice chunk is exposed to warmer air. ", "Yes, breaking up the ice will make it melt faster. Warm air and the warm ground ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
3g7rns
why does the government prioritize subsidizing meat/dairy and not healthier foods like veggies and starches?
I would like to know how this benefits the economy, since we are also paying the cost for peoples unhealthy eating in health care expenses. Thanks.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3g7rns/eli5why_does_the_government_prioritize/
{ "a_id": [ "ctvnvxb" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "What makes you think starches are healthier than dairy?" ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
9mqmxw
why do posts get archived?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9mqmxw/eli5_why_do_posts_get_archived/
{ "a_id": [ "e7gk19l" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "The focus on this site is on relevance and recency. Things that are newer will be prioritized over things that are older. By archiving discussions, you ensure that the conversation must be focused on things that have recently been posted." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4qoybq
axiom of choice
Trying to wrap my head around this concept. If someone could kindly duh it down for me I would be grateful. Thanks!
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4qoybq/eli5axiom_of_choice/
{ "a_id": [ "d4ut8hk", "d4uvb57", "d4uvbxp", "d4uvzry", "d4uxxii", "d4v1f9m" ], "score": [ 2, 4, 2, 3, 10, 3 ], "text": [ "Imagine you have a laundry basket filled with an infinite number of white socks. The axiom of choice says that you can pick out all th...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://cornellmath.wordpress.com/2007/09/13/the-axiom-of-choice-is-wrong/" ] ]
2o74bl
why is nasa's space/launch center based in florida?
As compared to any other state.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2o74bl/eli5why_is_nasas_spacelaunch_center_based_in/
{ "a_id": [ "cmkcc0u", "cmkcemy", "cmkcfyb" ], "score": [ 3, 7, 2 ], "text": [ "- Spacecraft launch eastward, so that the Earth's rotation helps them get into orbit. Any space launch center will want a giant empty area to the East, so that nobody will get hurt if a rocket explodes...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/space-shuttle-weather-florida/" ], [] ]
6jf6zm
how do you determine the quality of a classical music performance? if two musicians play a piece perfectly according to the sheet music, what makes one person a glen gould and another just really good?
I have a neighbor that is really good at piano and his wife is really good at violin. Like really really really good. Playing Rachmoninov good. Can sight read most things, play around with time signatures and all that. When I suggest that they should play pro or something they just laugh. They play me the piece by a ...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6jf6zm/eli5_how_do_you_determine_the_quality_of_a/
{ "a_id": [ "djdrxln", "djdwq2u", "djdzlpc", "dje618a", "djebktn", "djezhrf" ], "score": [ 14, 3, 2, 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "If a musician plays a piece perfectly according to the sheet music he is good technically but not musically. A good musician play sligh...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://www.ted.com/talks/benjamin_zander_on_music_and_passion" ], [ "https://youtu.be/Wb3ws7tBtCs" ], [], [] ]
2s5iu9
how do movies afford to destroy expensive cars in films?
Like the Fast Furious series and the Need for Speed movie.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2s5iu9/eli5how_do_movies_afford_to_destroy_expensive/
{ "a_id": [ "cnmddjp", "cnmdlef", "cnmdxxb", "cnmglw4" ], "score": [ 5, 3, 10, 2 ], "text": [ "Movies have pretty high budgets and a lot of the cars destroyed are replicas. They wouldn't actually blow up a half million dollar Ferrari, but they could make a kit car that loo...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
273vct
how did we decide there are 365 days in a year, 24 hours in a day, 60 minutes in an hour, and 60 seconds in a minute?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/273vct/eli5_how_did_we_decide_there_are_365_days_in_a/
{ "a_id": [ "chx4pn6", "chx4pws", "chx5nns" ], "score": [ 8, 2, 7 ], "text": [ "Days in a year is fairly obvious; a day and a year are natural phenomena, so they were observed. Seconds per minute and minutes per hour came from the Babylonians, who used a base-60 counting system.\n\...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/24-hour_clock", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hour#History", "http://www.ubr.com/clocks/frequently-asked-questions-faq/clocks-and-time-faq-origin-of-hours-and-minutes.aspx", "http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/experts-time-division-days-hours-minute...
3nyouy
what is the reason behind the qwerty and azerty keyboards?
Why can't keyboards be ABCDE... instead of QWERTY or AZERTY?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3nyouy/eli5_what_is_the_reason_behind_the_qwerty_and/
{ "a_id": [ "cvsdznp", "cvshqvc", "cvshvv8", "cvsisko", "cvsj0xk", "cvso0i6", "cvsp862", "cvsphem" ], "score": [ 316, 6, 2, 24, 11, 2, 9, 2 ], "text": [ "With old typewriters, if two adjacent letters were pressed in quick succession, there wa...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnUBl90tayI" ], [], [], [ "http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/fact-of-fiction-the-legend-of-the-qwerty-keyboard-49863249/?no-ist" ], [], [ "http://i.imgur.com/PwDMF.png" ], [] ]
2busbr
when i'm not sick and i cough, it's no big deal. when i am sick and i cough, it feels like a coarse steel wool pad scratching at my throat. what exactly is happening to inflict that intense pain?
Is there physical contact of something inside my throat, are muscles ripping, or what?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2busbr/eli5_when_im_not_sick_and_i_cough_its_no_big_deal/
{ "a_id": [ "cj93ukv", "cj94q7t" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "It depends on the sort of sickness. If you mean something like a sinus infection, it's due to the type of moisture. Any time you have a sickness that causes a stuffy nose, all that phlegm and snot and nastiness eventually dr...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
13hpv1
- the odd little sparks of colored dots i sometimes see
I don't know if this happens to anyone else, but when I was young and laying in bed my field of vision would occasionally be clouded by subtle white dots kind of like a very spread out white noise from a television. usually at the center of this would be a tiny moving, blinking mass of colored dots. They would still ap...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/13hpv1/eli5_the_odd_little_sparks_of_colored_dots_i/
{ "a_id": [ "c74291e", "c742l6b" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "I don't know, but I've had similar things happen to me. It's much more mild though. I occasionally see a single, small, randomly colored dot appear and disappear in the corner of my vision. No clouds or anything. When I was ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3ionvu
why are there different sockets on motherboard for cpus? why isn't there a universal socket to fit all cpus?
e.g. LGA 1150, LGA 1155 etc.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ionvu/eli5_why_are_there_different_sockets_on/
{ "a_id": [ "cuia5d5", "cuibvkr" ], "score": [ 7, 3 ], "text": [ "Part of it forces you to upgrade your entire computer at a certain points and part of it is due to compatibility.\n\nAs for the compatibility part, when a socket is designed it has certain features they are trying to support...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
6y3i14
how do humans retain the skill of riding a bicycle even with long periods of unuse?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6y3i14/eli5_how_do_humans_retain_the_skill_of_riding_a/
{ "a_id": [ "dmkh77i", "dmky6zo" ], "score": [ 13, 3 ], "text": [ "Bike riding is 95% confidence. You get on a bike, it's unstable it tips over, no way you're going to pick your feet up an barrel forward on that precarious contraption.\n\nAfter much cajoling from your parents or whoever, ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
90j39f
if i fall asleep at 12:30am and naturally wake up at 6:30am, will i be better or worse off then getting 2 more hours of sleep, but waking up to an alarm?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/90j39f/eli5_if_i_fall_asleep_at_1230am_and_naturally/
{ "a_id": [ "e2qsyz7" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "I heard it's best if you get up the first time you wake up naturally. It's your natural cycle. Majority of people need around 8 hours but there are people who just need 6. some might need 10, it depends. I've noticed myself that I'm less tired ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1szhhc
why do deaf people's voices sound different?
Deaf people seem to have a very distinctive sound to their voice. Why is that?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1szhhc/eli5_why_do_deaf_peoples_voices_sound_different/
{ "a_id": [ "ce2szia", "ce2t18l", "ce2t53f" ], "score": [ 5, 8, 3 ], "text": [ "They can't hear what they're saying. ", "When you speak, you constantly adjust the tone/pitch/etc of your voice. A deaf person can't do this, because they can't hear it.", "Born deaf and deaf la...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
3m2vyh
why are my hands "stickier" to things like plastic after i wash and dry my hands?
To clarify, I mean that feeling you have after you finish washing your hands, when your hands aren't exactly 100% dry and feel just a tad *moist*.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3m2vyh/eli5_why_are_my_hands_stickier_to_things_like/
{ "a_id": [ "cvbgmw3" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Because you've washed off all the natural oils on the surface of the skin? Just a guess..." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1mwtts
why is iphone 5s's processor faster than other top-of-the-line android phones when they have more cores and ghz?
The question is in the title. Example: iPhone 5s: Dual core, 1.3ghz. Samsung Galaxy S4: Quad core, 1.9ghz. However, iPhone 5s dominates in benchmarks. How is this possible? Where does the speed come from?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1mwtts/eli5_why_is_iphone_5ss_processor_faster_than/
{ "a_id": [ "ccdchs3", "ccdf1ry" ], "score": [ 2, 4 ], "text": [ "I'm no expert, but I think it comes down to optimization. \n\niOS runs on, at most, 20 different hardware specs. You've got the Iphone, Ipod, Ipad - With its various flavors. \nThat means that the developers of iOS know exa...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2b8zft
why dota 2 is such a big deal
I know that the International tournament is going on in Seattle right now and that the prize money is over 10 million, but what why are so many people enthralled with the game? What makes it so interesting that so many people are watching it on Twitch and what about the game made so many people raise money for the Inte...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2b8zft/eli5why_dota_2_is_such_a_big_deal/
{ "a_id": [ "cj2xx7k", "cj2y2fo", "cj2yg5c" ], "score": [ 9, 6, 2 ], "text": [ "1. It's replayable. Every game is unique because of HUGE amount of heroes and ways they can be combined and played.\n\n2. It's pretty balanced (fair). It's not only balanced is sides and heroes, but als...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pyv8_QTALSw" ] ]
5o9lcj
neo-conservatism vs conservatism & neo-liberal vs liberal
i am studying sociology and i cannot for the life of me understand it properly. if someone can explain it as simply as possible i would be able to understand it :/ if it helps im from Singapore and some people describe it as conservative and i kind of understand that. P.S.: i dont know if someone can use singapore a...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5o9lcj/eli5_neoconservatism_vs_conservatism_neoliberal/
{ "a_id": [ "dchptnx", "dcht4tv" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "No one can properly explain it.\n\nEverything is changing very fast and more than just these poorly-defined categories. Sometimes people claim a situation belongs to one of them when it does not at all.\n\nStrictly speaking ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3s8egc
why is there controversy over the seasonal starbucks cup?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3s8egc/eli5_why_is_there_controversy_over_the_seasonal/
{ "a_id": [ "cwv0347", "cwv0g3r", "cwv25w5", "cwv2z5u", "cwv3j65", "cww84rq" ], "score": [ 44, 27, 7, 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Because there are no snowflakes on it and it is plain and christians think they are denouncing christmas..... Im not joking", "Som...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "http://www.aspirantsg.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Screen-Shot-2015-10-31-at-11.44.12-pm.png" ], [], [] ]
4dchr6
why does birth control and/or the morning after pill only suitable for women under 176 lbs?
From what I've read and been told the Morning After Pill (as well as some forms of BC), are only to be used with women under 176 lbs (IIRC). Why is this?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4dchr6/eli5_why_does_birth_control_andor_the_morning/
{ "a_id": [ "d1pnwg0", "d1pnxgg" ], "score": [ 6, 9 ], "text": [ "I'm guessing because the medication is only potent enough for so much body mass. Think of it like alcohol. Someone who is 300lbs vs 120lbs can drink a whole hell of a lot more because the alcohol interacts with far more 'b...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
k0occ
a priori and a posteriori knowledge.
I know that A priori knowledge is knowledge that is gained "before experience" and A posteriori is knowledge "based on experience." But, when I try to think of hypothetical "knowledge situations" I am unable to categorize them. Can you help expand my understanding, please?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/k0occ/eli5_a_priori_and_a_posteriori_knowledge/
{ "a_id": [ "c2gms19", "c2gmsna", "c2gms19", "c2gmsna" ], "score": [ 4, 5, 4, 5 ], "text": [ "Anything I tell you is a posteriori knowledge. The theory of knowledge goes that there are certain things that are known internally. You just have knowledge of these things indepen...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "reddit.com" ], [], [ "reddit.com" ] ]
201ra6
on an international flight, what would the drinking/purchase age be?
I'm 18 and let's say I'm flying from Canada (age to drink/purchase is 19) to Luxembourg (age to drink/purchase is 16). What country would set it?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/201ra6/eli5_on_an_international_flight_what_would_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cfyzvab" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Airlines tend to use the legal drinking age based on their registration location. Thus, an American airline based out of New York state would use 21 as a drinking age, an Ontario based airline/origin flight will use 19. \n\nThere are some notable...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3ht6hd
why does video compression make red so pixelated?
I was watching a show on my computer and noticed that [bright red colors normally look super pixelated](_URL_0_) compared to everything else. It happens on the Wii U when you're streaming to the gamepad too, it's especially noticeable on the red text in Super Mario 3D World and on all red loading screens. Is there a...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ht6hd/eli5_why_does_video_compression_make_red_so/
{ "a_id": [ "cuafjm3" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "This can be an effect of \"Chroma subsampling\": _URL_0_\n\nIn ELI5, more compression is done to the color parts of images/video than to the black-and-white parts of it. This saves a lot of space but is not _that_ noticable to us usually." ] }
[]
[ "http://i.imgur.com/Bsazkwm.png" ]
[ [ "https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chroma_subsampling" ] ]
4zxdi5
there is a recurring joke about "thank god for mississippi" - how did mississippi end up being the worst off of the states in so many categories?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4zxdi5/eli5_there_is_a_recurring_joke_about_thank_god/
{ "a_id": [ "d6zi417", "d6zj53s" ], "score": [ 9, 7 ], "text": [ "Because it generally is (worst in practically everything, that is). For example:\n\n1) [Highest obesity rate in the nation](_URL_2_).\n\n2) [Most high school drop outs](_URL_1_).\n\n3) [Highest unemployment rate in the U.S...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2014/02/23/most-miserable-states/5729305/", "http://www.statemaster.com/graph/edu_per_of_peo_who_hav_com_hig_sch_inc_equ-completed-high-school-including-equivalency", "http://calorielab.com/news/2015/10/31/fattest-states-2015/", "http://www.bls.gov/web...
2398cc
why is food for astronauts transported in dehydrated form?
Is it solely so that it takes up less space, or are there other factors at play? (bonus question: is space-tea served on flying saucers?)
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2398cc/eli5_why_is_food_for_astronauts_transported_in/
{ "a_id": [ "cgupkp6", "cguplc1" ], "score": [ 3, 6 ], "text": [ "there are 3 reasons:\n\n- it's lighter\n\n- it take less space\n\n- it's method of preservation", "Space and preservation are factors but the biggest factor is mass.\n\nIt's expensive to bring things up in to space. And ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
4q9mdi
why is snorting a substance an efficient method of getting high? what is happening between your nostril and euphoria?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4q9mdi/eli5_why_is_snorting_a_substance_an_efficient/
{ "a_id": [ "d4r9b83", "d4rhas3" ], "score": [ 8, 3 ], "text": [ "Lots of wet mucous membranes inside your nasal cavity, very high surface area. The extremely fine powder can get all over these ruffled, folded surfaces and **quickly dissolve into your bloodstream**. This is not too dissimi...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
agitcv
how do apparel companies such as getonfleek sell stuff with obviously copyrighted or otherwise branded material (spongebob references, memes, etc) without amassing lawsuits/ being shutdown?
If you visit their website, or other apparel brands that sell third-party designed shirts, there's tons of designs that blatantly use or reference things that are copyrighted. There's a bold and brash t shirt which is directly from spongebob, there's a shirt with the 'y tho' meme which should be considered intellectual...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/agitcv/eli5_how_do_apparel_companies_such_as_getonfleek/
{ "a_id": [ "ee6jioe" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "How do you know they are not licensed? \n\nIn the UK primark is a well know cheap as chips company knocking cotton tees out for £2 or less. \n\nThey sell genuine licensed Harry Potter, Marvel, Adventure Time, Disney etc and still manage to know e...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3j4vzn
on a plane, why do they tell people to put their own oxygen mask on before helping others?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3j4vzn/eli5_on_a_plane_why_do_they_tell_people_to_put/
{ "a_id": [ "cuma7c8", "cuma9h4", "cumacfg" ], "score": [ 7, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "If you pass out.. how are you suppose to help? lolol", "If you pass out on a plane you are no good to anyone. If you put the mask on you first you can still help others. Hoped this helped this is my...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
4dmm3c
why people get so much more fascinated by bad news on tv rather than focusing on good news?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4dmm3c/eli5_why_people_get_so_much_more_fascinated_by/
{ "a_id": [ "d1sbpmv", "d1scoi9", "d1sdrmx", "d1sff1q" ], "score": [ 2, 18, 9, 2 ], "text": [ "Easiest answer... Bad news is more prominent, and sells... Not to mention we tend to get hooked when bad news is happening...", "Good news is typically the absence of news - T...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
2bufgk
why are ants attracted to the extension cord ends out in my yard?
I pick up the cord and there is a frenzy where the male and female ends meet. Happens all the time.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2bufgk/eli5why_are_ants_attracted_to_the_extension_cord/
{ "a_id": [ "cj908l6" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "Some ants are attracted to electrical current. I don't know that there is a consensus as to why this is. \n\nOne idea is that, once at the electrical source, the ants are shocked and release signals to other ants thus causing them to swarm. " ]...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5z0kzm
when writing a really big piece of software, how do the large numbers of programmers involved make sure they don't break everybody else's bits of code every time they change something in their little bit?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5z0kzm/eli5_when_writing_a_really_big_piece_of_software/
{ "a_id": [ "deub6b4", "deubkqk", "deucttr", "deuftty", "deuhdza", "deuisuj", "deunxqe", "dev18nd", "dev42ar", "devhpbk" ], "score": [ 6, 42, 206, 7, 7, 2, 143, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "In we'll run projects they use tests to ens...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
1gy2wt
why can cars with manual transmission be push started and cars with automatic transmission can't?
I tried to explain to my mom but I failed miserably :(
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1gy2wt/eli5_why_can_cars_with_manual_transmission_be/
{ "a_id": [ "caoycrk", "cap56bb", "cap5y9f" ], "score": [ 8, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Break it down into something simpler. When you had to start one of the old cars, you would insert a crank handle and turn it a bit. The turning of the crank turned the piston rods and created a spark. S...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
30y6p2
what's with the blinking (usually green) light in that bathrooms that you usually see when the lights turn off?
I've always seen them in hotel bathrooms and apartment bathrooms, but wondered what their specific purpose is for.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/30y6p2/eli5_whats_with_the_blinking_usually_green_light/
{ "a_id": [ "cpwzrml" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Could be a motion sensor, battery indicator light for the air freshener, co2 sensor/firealarm." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
l5kqc
android, rooting, flashing, everything
I want to know everything about android. What rooting and flashing are, how you could do those things, and what roms, like cyanogen and miui, are.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/l5kqc/eli5_android_rooting_flashing_everything/
{ "a_id": [ "c2pz702", "c2q0j71", "c2pz702", "c2q0j71" ], "score": [ 8, 3, 8, 3 ], "text": [ "android is an operating system built and maintained by google for smartphones and tablet computers. the innermost part of it, the kernel, is based on linux. it competes with apple'...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
15g9z9
how does a company like hbo have so much money to dump into shows and movies without ads?
I understand that people pay the monthly fee to watch HBO but the company had clearly dumped billions into producing top quality shows, it kind of blows my mind a little bit that they can make so much money and still turn a profit, I understand there is international licensing and DVD/online sales, but wouldn't HBOGo k...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/15g9z9/eli5_how_does_a_company_like_hbo_have_so_much/
{ "a_id": [ "c7m72o2", "c7m77re", "c7m7kkc", "c7magu6" ], "score": [ 18, 21, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Remember, just because you don't see the ads doesn't mean they aren't there. Lots of product placement in some shows, which brings in a lot of $. \n\nMore info [here](_URL_0_) as...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.investopedia.com/financial-edge/0812/how-hbo-makes-money.aspx#axzz2G8D5sv8G" ], [], [], [] ]
5uvwjo
how do helicopters measure their speed?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5uvwjo/eli5_how_do_helicopters_measure_their_speed/
{ "a_id": [ "ddx939c", "ddx9knk" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "If you're looking for speed moving forward it can be approximated using the change in GPS coordinates ", "Thee same way airplanes do. They have a probe with a hole in the front of it. Air is forced into it by the movemen...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
7113tx
why does the skin on our palms and soles of our feet have ridges but the skin on the rest of our body appears relatively smooth.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7113tx/eli5_why_does_the_skin_on_our_palms_and_soles_of/
{ "a_id": [ "dn7dazt", "dn7ddkv" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "I would assume this is because of the increased grip that such skin provides; very useful on your hands and feet. \n\nEdit: it may also be associated with the large concentration of nerves in the hands and feet and the surfa...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2i3fa8
how do colorless pictures from the 1900s and below get an accurate colorization? how does one go about doing the transformation?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2i3fa8/eli5_how_do_colorless_pictures_from_the_1900s_and/
{ "a_id": [ "ckyldqg", "ckys1y2", "ckyv51y" ], "score": [ 6, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "I've done some colorization and honestly I just guess. It's easy enough to shift colors once you've applied them so I just tweak it until it looks right.\n\nI'm not sure if there is software that can lo...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://i.imgur.com/JPPpHJA.jpg" ], [] ]
rzipl
the relationship between the us and its territories (peurto rico, etc.)
What sort of control does the US have over its territories, and what independence do they retain? Why would a territory want to remain a territory and not become a state or its own country?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/rzipl/eli5_the_relationship_between_the_us_and_its/
{ "a_id": [ "c49w9k4", "c49ws22", "c4a0xqc", "c4a1m9d" ], "score": [ 13, 9, 7, 2 ], "text": [ "*Puerto Rico dammit", "There is a huge range between the different territories and the local and federal politics over their status also is very diverse (both for example betw...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insular_Area", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dependent_territory#United_States" ], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_divisions_of_the_United_States#Jurisdictions_not_administered_by_the_states" ] ]
4vgqml
could we really hook a human brain up to a machine that simulates the body functions and live?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4vgqml/eli5_could_we_really_hook_a_human_brain_up_to_a/
{ "a_id": [ "d5y83x2", "d5yb45u", "d5yf8sy", "d5yhmr9" ], "score": [ 13, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Someday maybe, but not today or any time soon.\n\n\nThe question of simulating bodily functions is an interesting one. If you provide nutrients to a disembodied brain are you sim...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_T8OuYIfhM", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Experiments_in_the_Revival_of_Organisms" ], [], [] ]
7l8c4u
what is actually coming out when a girl squirts? why can't all girls squirt?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7l8c4u/eli5_what_is_actually_coming_out_when_a_girl/
{ "a_id": [ "drkalk2" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Depends on what you mean when you are talking about squirting. \n\nIf you are talking about what is commonly done in porn and called squirting? That is often a woman urinating to make it look like she is gushing liquid. \n\nWith actual squirting ...
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[ [] ]
88y0w1
why does a video stop and show the buffering icon when the grey bar which runs ahead of the main progress bar in them is still much ahead?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/88y0w1/eli5_why_does_a_video_stop_and_show_the_buffering/
{ "a_id": [ "dwo1rmv", "dwo1rvp" ], "score": [ 8, 2 ], "text": [ "This depends a lot on what player you're using, but could be because the player is supposed to have a certain amount of data buffered (say, 5 - 10 seconds or so) and has dropped below that threshold.\n\nOr there could have b...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
ao0mvr
why does our vision not shake and wiggle like a video of say, someone mountain biking?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ao0mvr/eli5_why_does_our_vision_not_shake_and_wiggle/
{ "a_id": [ "efxf752", "efxmke5" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Our eyes are constantly shifting and are able to move to maintain smooth vision while a bike camera is locked in place and bounces on a trail same as you feel while riding it", "Our eyes compensate for movement without u...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vestibulo%E2%80%93ocular_reflex", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fixation_reflex" ] ]
2o5nyk
why do stores not sell cigarettes in smaller quantities than 20 in a pack?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2o5nyk/eli5_why_do_stores_not_sell_cigarettes_in_smaller/
{ "a_id": [ "cmjx14a", "cmjxgcp", "cmjxja8", "cmjxlo5", "cmjxtrg", "cmjxzar", "cmjyis6", "cmjytr5", "cmjz494", "cmjzfbn", "cmk08hh", "cmk0b0x", "cmk0dge", "cmk0gl3", "cmk0vxu", "cmk0zft", "cmk1266", "cmk1rvv", "cmk2c9z", "cmk2fvc", "c...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.righttimeforprimetime.com/welcome.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2findex.html" ], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
1krxs0
since the efficient market hypothesis is widely accepted, how is high frequency trading profitable/viable?
I've read where HFT/algorithmic trading/automated trading accounts for a sizable portion of all trades that occur every day in the NYSE. The EMH states that, basically, all stocks are always fairly valued based on all available information. I understand it is indeed just a hypothesis, but the EMH is an Intro to Economi...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1krxs0/eli5_since_the_efficient_market_hypothesis_is/
{ "a_id": [ "cbs15n3", "cbs2apb", "cbs3tol" ], "score": [ 3, 4, 5 ], "text": [ "In reality stocks are rarely fairly valued based on all available information. Hysteria, fear, and greed are can be even greater drivers than the fundamentals behind a company. That's part of why you'll...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
22vcvq
how are the xbox one and playstation 4 able to allow players to start playing a game before it is fully updated or installed?
I've never seen any PC games that can update themselves in the background while playing, so why is this the case with the new consoles?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/22vcvq/eli5how_are_the_xbox_one_and_playstation_4_able/
{ "a_id": [ "cgqqx74", "cgqqx9c", "cgqvz9v", "cgqy7vd" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "There are pc games that allow you to play while the rest of the game downloads one i can think off the top of my head is star craft 2. \n\nSimply put Say you have a SP game well th...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
40l7dk
why in 2016 do cell phone cameras still have a better quality one on the back and a lower quality one facing you? would it really up the cost of the phone to just put 2 good cameras in it?
I realize you don't necessarily need 12MP to take pictures of yourself, but it seems like it would just be easier to slap 2 of the same camera in there.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/40l7dk/eli5_why_in_2016_do_cell_phone_cameras_still_have/
{ "a_id": [ "cyv1k0r", "cyv4e9u", "cyv63qd", "cyv9by7" ], "score": [ 79, 32, 7, 4 ], "text": [ "The front facing camera has to fit between the edge of the screen and the edge of the phone, and people like having the screen as large as possible, which means that the front fa...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
1uk42p
how is slavery still a problem in the world today?
I came across this website earlier today that claimed there are still 29 million slaves around the globe (_URL_0_). I was astonished by the information the website had. However, I'm still not sure how slavery is still being used, why it is being used, and how people are not being caught participating in the slave trade...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1uk42p/eli5_how_is_slavery_still_a_problem_in_the_world/
{ "a_id": [ "ceivoh3" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "A lot of it is forced labor instead of legal ownership. And a lot of it involves children. " ] }
[]
[ "http://www.walkfree.org/learn/" ]
[ [] ]
bl010n
why is douglas macarthur so famous in the korean war?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bl010n/eli5_why_is_douglas_macarthur_so_famous_in_the/
{ "a_id": [ "emkk07z", "emkkyot", "emkwo6p", "emkwpx7" ], "score": [ 4, 4, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "His Island Hopping campaign strategy against the Japanese during WW2 was brilliant and was covered extensively by the press. He would simply bypass any strongly fortified Japanes...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
2htg15
why is violence still exercised in wars between countries?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2htg15/eli5why_is_violence_still_exercised_in_wars/
{ "a_id": [ "ckvu64e", "ckvud6q" ], "score": [ 8, 5 ], "text": [ "Because that's what war is. Violence is the ultimate force; just like they say in starship troopers, \"the supreme authority from which all other authorities are derived\".", "Wipe my ass. No?\n\nWipe my ass or I'll kill...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2pfat0
why are eastern asians so successful compared to other minorities in america?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2pfat0/eli5_why_are_eastern_asians_so_successful/
{ "a_id": [ "cmw52bs" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Support network of friends and family that ties your sense of self worth to how much money you earn at respectable profession. " ] }
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[ [] ]
41ay1j
off brand and store brand products.
Take mayo for example. I know every discount chain and grocery store chain doesn't have a kitchen churning out batches of mayo so they buy from a producer and private label. So is there one or two producers creating product for everyone or is it across the board with some shit coming from China or God knows where?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/41ay1j/eli5_off_brand_and_store_brand_products/
{ "a_id": [ "cz0wsvr" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "It depends a bit on the product and the label, but it is not unheard of that a brand-name product and store-brand or no-name product come out of the same factory.\n\nSometimes different sore brands come from the same supplier that just switches o...
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[ [] ]
1k4owc
the differences between types of milk.
First off, (and i know ill regret saying this) but, I've never drank a full glass of milk. Which is probably why I dont understand this. What makes people choose Half & half as opposed to regular or skim?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1k4owc/eli5_the_differences_between_types_of_milk/
{ "a_id": [ "cblc0r6" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Generally, it is whatever you were raised with. Maybe personal taste would explain a twist, but generally you will stick with whatever you drank as a kid; basically, whatever your parents bought.\n\nHowever, no one drinks half and half straight. ...
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[ [] ]
29c1ne
why aren't the muscles that move our jaw super muscular?(9
We use them constantly Edit: sorry about the title, don't know what happened there, also don't know why it's tagged nsfw Thanks for all the replies! It's answered, thank you all
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/29c1ne/eli5_why_arent_the_muscles_that_move_our_jaw/
{ "a_id": [ "cijfpwy", "cijh7gi", "cijhlgp", "cijj1kf", "cijkfwj", "cijl0uz" ], "score": [ 4, 3, 2, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Why is this labeled with NSFW?", "They are fairly muscular already, but what would be the point? We can already bite hard enough to ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [ "http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neoteny" ], [] ]
qz96w
the mass effect controversy i've been seeing lately
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/qz96w/eli5_the_mass_effect_controversy_ive_been_seeing/
{ "a_id": [ "c41muy3", "c41nzq9", "c41okq3" ], "score": [ 5, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Please use the search, this has been asked almost daily. ", "People wanted their choices to matter, but in the end all they got was different colored lights mo matter what they did and a buttload of...
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[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1v8c9b
why do people occasionally take a much larger, deeper breath?
I've also realized both of my dogs do it as well. When I was young and I used to take naps with my mom, I would listen to her breathing patterns. After every 5 or so normal breaths, she would take a much deeper, larger one. Why does this happen?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1v8c9b/eli5_why_do_people_occasionally_take_a_much/
{ "a_id": [ "cepowl4", "cepsi9l" ], "score": [ 3, 5 ], "text": [ "The best theory is that sighs reset an imbalance in the respiratory system. Too much carbon dioxide building up triggers a large, deep breath to raise the oxygen level.", "Your lungs are essentially a massively branched...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
1mti6u
why a picture or video of a person looking directly into the camera lens appears to be making eye contact with anyone looking at the picture or video, but it's not the same with a live person.
I hope this makes sense! I was watching a video tonight where the person speaking was addressing the camera, so it looked (to me, and everyone else in the room) like they were addressing me (or everyone else in the room) specifically. However, if an actual person was speaking, he or she could only make eye contact with...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1mti6u/eli5_why_a_picture_or_video_of_a_person_looking/
{ "a_id": [ "ccchcwd", "cccib7o" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "\nBecause \"you\" in this situation are the camera. When the speaker looks into the camera, he looks into what you would be seeing, as the viewer at that point. The cameras lens is a proxy for your eyes.", "Video is two ...
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[ [], [] ]