# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1071 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1072 --- ## [Why are some professions that require almost irreplaceable skills paid much less than others?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-some-professions-that-require-almost-irreplaceable-skills-paid-much-less-than-others/726368)
**Author:** [@Shagnasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shagnasty)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2015, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-some-professions-that-require-almost-irreplaceable-skills-paid-much-less-than-others/726368 "2015-07-30T19:44:34Z")
The full version of the question is “Why are some professions that require almost irreplaceable skills paid much less than others in the same general field?” The standard line is that salaries are a function of the supp… --- ## [Best way to remove magnet wire's lacquer insulation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-remove-magnet-wires-lacquer-insulation/726463)
**Author:** [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2015, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-remove-magnet-wires-lacquer-insulation/726463 "2015-07-30T16:06:24Z")
Howdy! So, two weeks ago I got my hands on a free 500’ spool of magnet wire. Being the nerd I am, I wanted to make myself a good sized loop antenna for some of my shortwave radio listening. My aim: loop the spool aroun… --- ## [Word 2013 keeps crashing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/word-2013-keeps-crashing/726572)
**Author:** [@dauerbach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dauerbach)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2015, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/word-2013-keeps-crashing/726572 "2015-07-30T15:05:05Z")
But only when I try to open up one particular file, a word document that was created from a pdf. Whenever I click on this in my documents section the computer instantly starts “not responding” and I must close the progr… --- ## [Search Warrant Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/search-warrant-question/726437)
**Author:** [@TonySinclair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TonySinclair)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2015, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/search-warrant-question/726437 "2015-07-30T14:32:12Z")
Asking this for a friend… Case 1: I stole a million dollars worth of diamonds from a jewelry store, and hid them in my house. Unfortunately, I dropped my wallet during the heist, and the coppers came to my house and se… --- ## [Temped Glass/Table Top Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/temped-glass-table-top-question/726312)
**Author:** [@SanDiegoTim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanDiegoTim)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2015, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/temped-glass-table-top-question/726312 "2015-07-30T14:20:11Z")
I have a 42" round table on which I want a glass top. I know the glass has to be tempered, but what about thickness? I’m know 3/8 is more than adequate, but is 1/4 too thin? --- ## [What was the derogatory name for americans in each war?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-derogatory-name-for-americans-in-each-war/679839)
**Author:** [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2015, 1:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-derogatory-name-for-americans-in-each-war/679839 "2015-07-30T13:55:16Z")
No offense meant in this thread. This is a serious question If you know them of course. I assume esch war has had a name for the enemy. This makes it easier to dispatch of a human life when you think of them in a der… --- ## [Windows 10 and Dell Laptops](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-10-and-dell-laptops/726467)
**Author:** [@CandidGamera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CandidGamera)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2015, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-10-and-dell-laptops/726467 "2015-07-30T13:35:42Z")
So it’s finally here, and I’m intrigued. But I’ve got a problem. A couple months ago, Microsoft released a Windows update for 7 that supposedly was to facilitate the upgrade to Windows 10. I installed it on my Dell Lapt… --- ## [Windows 10 - Change active title bar color?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-10-change-active-title-bar-color/726564)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2015, 11:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-10-change-active-title-bar-color/726564 "2015-07-30T11:31:29Z")
Just installed a fresh copy of Windows 10, and my god, what a buggy mess! The one thing that’s driving me most crazy is that all the title bars are colored white now, and there’s no easy way to tell which window currentl… --- ## [Accuracy in Psych Evaluations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/accuracy-in-psych-evaluations/726492)
**Author:** [@Little\_Room](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Room)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2015, 8:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/accuracy-in-psych-evaluations/726492 "2015-07-30T08:48:34Z")
This question stems from someone in my family right now. Sometimes, courts will order psychological evaluations - I bring this up to note that the psych eval, in such a case, is involuntary. The individual will seek out… --- ## [Why do married couples get tax breaks? Why tax credits for children?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-married-couples-get-tax-breaks-why-tax-credits-for-children/642171)
**Author:** [@MDKSquared](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MDKSquared)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2015, 6:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-married-couples-get-tax-breaks-why-tax-credits-for-children/642171 "2015-07-30T06:53:55Z")
I got into a debate with my girlfriend’s uncle the other day, and he is anti-gay marriage. His focus was mostly on the economic side of things, claiming that since they do not procreate, they should not receive tax benef… --- ## [Sputnik](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sputnik/726200)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2015, 6:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sputnik/726200 "2015-07-30T06:44:27Z")
Sputnik–what does the word mean? Does it have a broader, symbolic meaning, or is it merely an acronym? --- ## [Increasing the volume on a Youtube to itunes song](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/increasing-the-volume-on-a-youtube-to-itunes-song/658901)
**Author:** [@Mangosteen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangosteen)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2013, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/increasing-the-volume-on-a-youtube-to-itunes-song/658901 "2013-05-22T03:01:54Z")
Is there anyway to increase the volume of a song I downloaded from Youtube to my itune account? I had the youtube music turned up all the way, but when I play it back on itunes, its hard to hear. Its Cool Hand Luke (Pa… --- ## [child porn and yourself](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/child-porn-and-yourself/77245)
**Author:** [@theendisnear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/theendisnear)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2015, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/child-porn-and-yourself/77245 "2015-07-30T01:41:52Z")
This is kind of a weird question, but is it illegal to have naked pictures of yourself if you are underage? --- ## [Restaurants and boil water advisories](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurants-and-boil-water-advisories/726439)
**Author:** [@Red\_Stilettos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Red_Stilettos)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2015, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurants-and-boil-water-advisories/726439 "2015-07-29T23:30:10Z")
We recently had a huge boil water advisory in metro Atlanta. One of the metro counties had a county-wide boil advisory for ~48 hrs due to a broken water main. During this time, some restaurants were open, some were close… --- ## [Why can some people sing and some can't????](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-can-some-people-sing-and-some-cant/59647)
**Author:** [@anenquiringmind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anenquiringmind)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2015, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-can-some-people-sing-and-some-cant/59647 "2015-07-29T22:39:10Z")
To clarify… Why can some people “carry a tune” and some people can’t??? I’m not referring to “perfect pitch” or anything like that…just plain old singing… Does it involve the hearing? The vocal chord setup? The diaphr… --- ## [Question for Eye Surgeon](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-eye-surgeon/726435)
**Author:** [@TreacherousCretin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TreacherousCretin)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2015, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-eye-surgeon/726435 "2015-07-29T22:22:34Z")
(Solid facts only, please, no opinions) Mrs. C just had Laser Surgery to replace the lenses in both eyes (for catatracts), with spectacular results and minimal discomfort. During a followup exam today, the Doc asked Mr… --- ## [SPARC HD Radio SHD-T750 Manual](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sparc-hd-radio-shd-t750-manual/726446)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2015, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sparc-hd-radio-shd-t750-manual/726446 "2015-07-29T22:10:05Z")
I was given a SPARC SHD-T750 radio. It’s a desktop HD radio. It sounds great, and appears to be working properly, but it didn’t come with a manual or instructional CD. I would like to be able to use all of the radio’s fe… --- ## [In safe orbit around a black hole](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-safe-orbit-around-a-black-hole/726460)
**Author:** [@Onyerbike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Onyerbike)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2015, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-safe-orbit-around-a-black-hole/726460 "2015-07-29T21:07:13Z")
Let’s say mankind can generate some plot device that puts us in a stable orbit around a black hole. Let’s call it a teleporter. The existing space agencies of the world today combine to send a space vessel thru that devi… --- ## [Miracle Surgeries: Keeping Their Skills Sharp](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/miracle-surgeries-keeping-their-skills-sharp/726444)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2015, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/miracle-surgeries-keeping-their-skills-sharp/726444 "2015-07-29T19:43:58Z")
So, a very young boy just had the first-ever double hand transplant in Philadelphia. It was like a team of 40 surgeons in a 10+ hour procedure! And, a doctor told the press how careful they had to be to assure not to me… --- ## [Can stone or bone be used to start a fire instead of wood?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-stone-or-bone-be-used-to-start-a-fire-instead-of-wood/726162)
**Author:** [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2015, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-stone-or-bone-be-used-to-start-a-fire-instead-of-wood/726162 "2015-07-29T19:38:22Z")
This thread about humans tool usegot me wondering about this. I’m wondering why people would have discovered that friction could be used to start a fire by rapidly turning a piece a wooden rod in a depression in another … --- ## [Rain drop physics question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rain-drop-physics-question/726475)
**Author:** [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2015, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rain-drop-physics-question/726475 "2015-07-29T18:27:10Z")
Not homework, just a weird random question from my nephew. Would rain drops be dangerous if there were no air? That is, imagine here on Earth, it’s raining. Suddenly, all the air disappears, so now the rain drops can … --- ## [Looking for a baby monitor that can filter out "white noise"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-baby-monitor-that-can-filter-out-white-noise/625602)
**Author:** [@fighting\_ignorant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fighting_ignorant)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2014, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-baby-monitor-that-can-filter-out-white-noise/625602 "2014-04-11T14:42:01Z")
I use a white noise machine to help our baby sleep. I also use a baby monitor. However. used in conjunction, the baby monitor broadcasts a constant stream of white noise (even in voice activated mode). Is there such a… --- ## [Do OTC Wart Removers Work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-otc-wart-removers-work/726413)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2015, 12:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-otc-wart-removers-work/726413 "2015-07-29T12:07:13Z")
I have a wart-the dermatologist has seen it, and says it is harmless. I would like to get rid of it-there are OTC solutions that claim to do this-do they work? if i have it done by a doctor, how do they remove them (liqu… --- ## [AstroNuts: Big Bang - Is This True?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/astronuts-big-bang-is-this-true/726442)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2015, 11:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/astronuts-big-bang-is-this-true/726442 "2015-07-29T11:03:10Z")
I’ve always accepted the Big Bang as plausible, but recently I read that when astronomers study stars deeper and deeper in space, they do not find stars “crunched” more and more together…as one would expect when looking … --- ## [Brake Pedal Softness](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brake-pedal-softness/726285)
**Author:** [@Laggard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Laggard)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2015, 5:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brake-pedal-softness/726285 "2015-07-29T05:41:48Z")
We just moved from Minneapolis to Los Angeles and I swear the brake pedal on my Focus feels softer. Now I could be imagining this or it could be reality. So maybe the lines need to be bled. How soft is too soft? Brak… --- ## [Depicting the human form and Islam](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/depicting-the-human-form-and-islam/726309)
**Author:** [@Hypno-Toad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hypno-Toad)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2015, 5:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/depicting-the-human-form-and-islam/726309 "2015-07-29T05:22:27Z")
From what I understand, one of the reasons that many of the ancient artworks are being destroyed by ISIS is that it is sinful to depict the human form. What is the actual rationale for this? Am I even correct about the… --- ## [What is meant by the term "threshold issue"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-meant-by-the-term-threshold-issue/726380)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2015, 5:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-meant-by-the-term-threshold-issue/726380 "2015-07-29T05:02:01Z")
Hi I came across the term “threshold issue” in the following context. What does it mean in a legal context? I look forward to your feedback. davidmich “While weather undeniably was a huge obstacle, several crewmembe… --- ## [A few questions about the fall of the USSR](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-few-questions-about-the-fall-of-the-ussr/726259)
**Author:** [@protoboard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/protoboard)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2015, 4:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-few-questions-about-the-fall-of-the-ussr/726259 "2015-07-29T04:54:14Z")
First of all, did McDonald’s really have a major hand in the fall of communism? Or was it simply just another sign of the times? Even though it opened after the Berlin wall was opened, the deal to set up shop was made … --- ## [NASA Finds Rare Earth, Not Killer Asteroids?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nasa-finds-rare-earth-not-killer-asteroids/726428)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2015, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nasa-finds-rare-earth-not-killer-asteroids/726428 "2015-07-29T03:33:33Z")
Finding planets around distant stars is tough enough, but to find a virtual earth twin 1400 light years away is phenomenal! How much light does that bad boy reflect, anyhow? Not enough to invest in “extraterrestrial sola… --- ## [Locating the truck from "Carnivàle"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/locating-the-truck-from-carnivale/694747)
**Author:** [@Amateur\_Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amateur_Barbarian)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2015, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/locating-the-truck-from-carnivale/694747 "2015-07-29T03:19:51Z")
I’m going to throw this out to the resources of the Dopers… In 2006, after Carnivàle went off the air, there was a huge auction of its props and assets. One of the items sold was the 1930 Chevy LQ truck featured in near… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1070) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1072)