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I wish I had a list of bookmarks so I could just drop a link or two, but I don't have anything immediately on hand.

The easiest way I can explain it is that blockchains are a 1-dimensional path (from block 1 -> 2 -> 3), with a specific target time between those blocks. DAGs (which both IOTA and RaiBlocks use) jump to a 2 or 3-dimensional model, where instead of a set progression, the ledger itself expands infinitively in all directions.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DO2gNlEW4Aoavm_.jpg

The above is a decent representation of the difference.

Interesting analogy. I'll feel like I need to read more on them.

This video is a great watch for newbies: