explain xkcd - User contributions [en]

Talk:2589: Outlet Denier

2022-03-05T19:56:12Z

108.162.238.22: Oops all typos.

== undersde ==

A missing i in the title text
[[User:While False|While False]] ([[User talk:While False|talk]]) 21:47, 4 March 2022 (UTC)
:It's fixed now. I'm not sure what the policy is about updating here, I think we try to keep the original in a history page. [[User:Barmar|Barmar]] ([[User talk:Barmar|talk]]) 22:46, 4 March 2022 (UTC)
:Try a Trivia? As last seen [[2587:_For_the_Sake_of_Simplicity#Trivia]], for reference.
:(Hmmm, I wonder how many (noticed!) re-edits there are. Not all will be exactly so marked, but every Trivia section can be checked - when someone has time.) [[Special:Contributions/172.70.86.64|172.70.86.64]] 02:46, 5 March 2022 (UTC)
The cursed connectors series is alive again! [[User:GcGYSF(asterisk)P(vertical line)e|GcGYSF(asterisk)P(vertical line)e]] ([[User talk:GcGYSF(asterisk)P(vertical line)e|talk]]) 06:05, 5 March 2022 (UTC)

== Actually exists ==

Outlet deniers are a real thing. For example, the Instant Pot air fryer attachment has one of these on its plug to discourage people from using it at the same time as the main pot (which would be bad). Photo here: https://www.adventurousway.com/images/i/fzjll58c5a77/1536w/gear-reviews/instant-pot-air-fryer-lid-review/air-fryer-lid-plug.webp

: Came her to say this. But, it's also to keep anything from using the second outlet, as the air fryer lid is 1500W, and just about anything else would trip a breaker. -- [[User:Dtgriscom|Dtgriscom]] ([[User talk:Dtgriscom|talk]]) 18:25, 5 March 2022 (UTC)

== D shape? ==

Any idea what the D shape might be? Is it to deny some specific shape of power connection I'm having trouble visualizing, or simply a handle (though I also have trouble visualizing the designers of this adding such a convenient feature). [[Special:Contributions/172.70.135.78|172.70.135.78]] 23:32, 4 March 2022 (UTC)

:It might be the way to block the other outlet on a wall plug. [[Special:Contributions/172.70.114.253|172.70.114.253]] 00:01, 5 March 2022 (UTC)

::Wouldn't the long bars on the top and bottom already do that? [[User:N-eh|N-eh]] ([[User talk:N-eh|talk]]) 01:12, 5 March 2022 (UTC)

:I'm amused by the plug orientation. Over here, I'm used to 'horizontal spread' configuration, [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Protected-Extension-Socket-Electric-Protection-White/dp/B08R2ZMJNY like this], with the occasional rare [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Invero%C2%AE-Extension-Adapter-British-Approved-White/dp/B01NASNRLT diagonally-skewed vertical assembly].
:But the 'Denier' seems to be only marginally-denying (possibly the D-handle will be awkward, but not more than the straight edge is a basic trip-hazard or full preventer of using 'badly'-placed sockets because of the floor).
:Of the three plugs currently in the 5-way I've got sitting flat on the bench next to me, one has the USB-charger-cable poking straight up (coaxial to the pins), one has the USB cable jutting out of the 'top' of the plug (towards me, as the strip has its Earth slots towards me) and the third is a standard pre-moulded plug (leading to a cloverleaf end plugged in a laptop power-supply module) and so the cable nuts out of the bottom (away from me) - this all being BS1363-compatible.
:But although there might be tricky situations for each plug (the coax-out wouldn't plug so easily into the socket on the wall in the other room, with the sofa up against it, though the up/down-cabled ones don't have problems.
:This denier (assuming UK-standard pins, but same orientation as shown) would actually plug into just ''one'' of my household wall-sockets (either of the two switched outlets it has, though it might block one of them if I choose the wrong one to plug to) because that's half way up a wall. I could probably get three of them in this 5-way 'extension strip' I mentioned, certainly two (and one other plug?). Depends upon the size of the D bit.
::''edit, for something other than a typo/misformat: ...the 'T-bar' would actually deny the half-up-wall-double-socket-unit's second socket, I realise, , though I may be able to put my coax-USB-plug through the D-hole. [[Special:Contributions/172.70.162.147|172.70.162.147]] 03:29, 5 March 2022 (UTC)
:But obviously there are weird things with US sockets. I've been to the states, and also know the plugs from the ones that sometimes come in boxed goods - usually supplemented with a UK version ''as well'', by the official distributor in this country. [[Special:Contributions/172.70.162.147|172.70.162.147]] 03:20, 5 March 2022 (UTC)
The D shape might be to even defeat something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Flexible-Protector-Outlets-Office-Travel/dp/B07T83PY3F?th=1 [[Special:Contributions/172.70.131.122|172.70.131.122]] 12:36, 5 March 2022 (UTC)

== Anti-expander? ==

This is basically the opposite of an outlet expander. Is that worth mentioning? [[User:BunsenH|BunsenH]] ([[User talk:BunsenH|talk]]) 23:51, 4 March 2022 (UTC)

== Rocker Switch ==

in the article it says "Many (most?) power strips have a rocker-style power switch at one end". this might be the case in the US but it is definitely not a global thing. whole power board switches are pretty uncommon here in Australia where most of them have switches per socket or none at all. would it make sense and be correct to edit this to say something like "It is common in the US have a rocker-style power switch at one end of a powerboard"? [[User:TomW1605|TomW1605]] ([[User talk:TomW1605|talk]])

:Rocker switchs are very common all over the world with the exception of the commonwealth, where most (all?) countries require switches on the sockets. But e.g. in continental Europe, USA and all Asian and Middle Eastern countries I have visited so far, sockets with integrated switches do not exist at all. So you either have none or one on the power strips, making the latter option very common. (Though of course rockerless exist for all applications where you totally do not need a switch and want to save half a buck or 3 cm of length.)

:: It's not uncommon in the US to see a switch that controls an outlet. You can also get an outlet/switch combo (one of the outlets is replaced with a standard switch), which can be - but aren't necessarily - used to control the connected outlet. And then there are outlets (typically required outdoors or near taps) that have cutoff switches to prevent shorts. [[Special:Contributions/108.162.238.22|108.162.238.22]] 19:56, 5 March 2022 (UTC)

Talk:2589: Outlet Denier

2022-03-05T19:55:23Z

108.162.238.22:

Talk:2588: Party Quadrants

2022-03-03T08:10:31Z

108.162.238.22:

I added a first draft. I'm sure someone can make it better.
:The Venn diagram specifically says ''my'' birthday party. [[User:Barmar|Barmar]] ([[User talk:Barmar|talk]]) 00:01, 3 March 2022 (UTC)

I can't be the only person who thinks I'd like to go to that party. [[User:Angel|Angel]] ([[User talk:Angel|talk]]) 23:44, 2 March 2022 (UTC)

Competitions are not uncommon at parties. E.g. "pin the tail on the donkey". [[User:Barmar|Barmar]] ([[User talk:Barmar|talk]]) 00:01, 3 March 2022 (UTC)
: I assume the "not fun" for others part is trivia, specifically geography trivia. [[Special:Contributions/172.70.206.163|172.70.206.163]] 01:05, 3 March 2022 (UTC)
:: I am clearly Randall. I definitely cannot organise parties. The last BBQ I tried to organise, for the neighbours, was pre-Millenium. The weather did ''not'' cooperate and the neighbours moved away within only 10-15 more years!
::(I also haven't even had a birthday party since the early '80s, and haven't minded missing the stressfulness of the occasion at all.)
::Oh, and of course I do love a good map-based problem. [[Special:Contributions/141.101.99.32|141.101.99.32]] 01:50, 3 March 2022 (UTC)

;Why are there no examples of party games in the other 3 quadrants?
Am I missing something important? For the other 3 quadrants, why are there no examples of party games that may be enjoyed/not enjoyed. Eg; Squid Game (not enjoyed by anyone), TenPin Bowling (probably enjoyed by everyone). [[User:Beechmere|Beechmere]] ([[User talk:Beechmere|talk]]) 02:09, 3 March 2022 (UTC)Beechmere
:Less is more? There's three things. Two different 'party zones' that pretty much are the same thing, except for slight birthday-boy/host differences in emphasis, and the party that ''happens'', which is a self-indulgent planned activity that lies entirely outside those. :There are probably an infinite number of other 'party game spots' to place, but I think it's funny enough to show 'reality doesn't match theory' in just the one highly specific way. YMMV, but that's my interpretation. [[Special:Contributions/172.70.90.173|172.70.90.173]] 03:22, 3 March 2022 (UTC)
::Agree. The joke is that this diagram clearly indicates where his party should lie on this diagram. Fine if it's his birthday, it's OK it is more fun for him than the guest, but not so it would move up to not fun for the guest. And then he adds his latest attempt at a party, which is extremely fun to him and extremely dull for his guests, a long way from what is appropriate for a party. --[[User:Kynde|Kynde]] ([[User talk:Kynde|talk]]) 07:59, 3 March 2022 (UTC)
The statement "while music would be considered fun for most people" should be removed or a [citation needed] added. People have no concept of appropriate volume and have different taste in music, making it no fun, or alternatingly fun, for most attendees. Parties are much more fun when you can actually hear and understand the people around you.

2586: Greek Letters

2022-02-27T20:37:08Z

108.162.238.22:

{{comic
| number = 2586
| date = February 25, 2022
| title = Greek Letters
| image = greek_letters.png
| titletext = If you ever see someone using a capital xi in an equation, just observe them quietly to learn as much as you can before they return to their home planet.
}}

==Explanation==
{{incomplete|Created by '''''O R B S''''' PRO®- Missing explanations for some letters. The text for each letter should be in the explanation with an attempt at explaining it. This has not been included and many of the letters have no explanation of the given text, only for what they actually are used for. Do NOT delete this tag too soon.}}
Mathematics uses lots of Greek letters, typically using {{w|Greek_letters_used_in_mathematics,_science,_and_engineering|the same letter consistently}} to represent a particular constant or type of variable. This comic gives a (non-)explanation of what they typically mean, see [[#Greek letters|below]].

In the title text the joke about capital Xi from the main comic is continued. In the main comic those using Ξ (capital xi) greets us as Earth mathematicians, indicating they are not from Earth, but have come here to learn what we know of math. In the title text the idea that any one using Ξ must be aliens is made clear. So if you ever meet someone using this letter while doing math, then learn as much as you can be quietly observing them, before they return to their home planet. Either learn from their possible advanced math (that allowed them to construct a way to get from one star system to another), or learn about them as the aliens species they represent.

Previously [[Randall]] made a similar comic, [[2520: Symbols]], about math symbols.

===Greek letters===

* '''π (lower-case pi)''' — Typically used to refer to the constant ratio between a circle’s circumference and its diameter (approximately 3.14). This usage of pi commonly applies to equations in introductory geometry classes, which would be considered "simple" by advanced mathematicians. However, pi also shows up seemingly randomly in extremely advanced and complicated equations (that have nothing to do with a circle), as part of the solution to an infinite series or whatnot. (There are also {{w|Pi_(letter)#Lowercase_Pi|several advanced equations}} which use pi to represent variables other than the ratio of the circumference to the diameter.)

* '''Δ (capital delta)''' — Typically used to refer to a change in quantity.

* '''δ (lower-case delta)''' — Also typically used to refer to a change in quantity, but unlike the capital delta, this is only for infinitesimal changes and is used in derivative and integration expressions in mathematics hence the text's reference to "a mathematician's fault".

* '''θ (lower-case theta)''' — Typically used to refer to an angle, and is notably used in the polar coordinate system. The text refers to its close relationship with circles, on which the polar coordinate system is based.

* '''ϕ (lower-case phi)''' — Typically used to refer to another angle other than one referred to by theta. It's used in spherical coordinates, and the text refers to how spheres, or orbs, are important in spherical coordinates.

* '''ϵ (lower-case epsilon)''' — Epsilon is typically used to refer to very small quantities which go to zero in the limit. In this interpretation, the comic suggests that because these quantities are very small, they are unimportant, when in reality the study of quantities that go to zero gives rise to limits and calculus. Also used for the series of transfinite numbers that are unreachable from ω (see below) using addition, multiplication, and exponentiation, and in statistical modelling to denote observational noise.

* '''υ,ν (lower-case upsilon and lower-case nu)''' — Common in college level physics and engineering equations.

* '''μ (lower-case mu)''' — Among other things, mathematicians use ''μ'' in category theory, measure theory, and as the symbol for the Ramanujan–Soldner constant, all uses with highly abstract applications. Physicists use latin letters for the indices of the 3-vectors of classical physics and greek indices for the 4-vectors of special relativity. This leads to ''μ'' being ubiquitous in a field which is very far from everyday experience (where speeds approach the speed of light). It is, however, also employed in statistics for the mean of a population, and in various fields of classical physics, e.g. as the symbol for the coefficient of friction, both concepts that most people are well acquainted with empirically if not formally. Another common use of ''μ'' – outside of equations – is the symbol of the SI prefix ''micro-''.

* '''Σ (capital sigma)''' — Typically used as a symbol for summation of a series of numbers.

* '''Π (capital pi)''' — Typically used as a symbol for multiplication of a series of numbers.

* '''ζ (lower-case zeta)''' — Frequently used with number theory, in particular the {{w|Riemann zeta function}}, which is a the focus of a famously unsolved problem in highly advanced mathematics.

* '''β (lower-case beta)''' — This could be a reference to the typical usage of beta to represent coefficients of independent variables in the {{w|Ordinary_least_squares#Linear_model|ordinary least squares regression model}}. Regression can potentially have a large number of independent variables, hence potentially many different betas (differentiated by subscript, or compacted into matrix notation) would be used. Alternatively, the comic might suggest whatever source this equation is from has run out of Latin letters to use as symbols, and is now going through the Greek letters.

* '''α (lower-case alpha)''' — Typically used to represent the probability of a Type-I error (false positive) occurring in a hypothesis test. It could also possibly refer to the {{w|fine-structure constant}} which shows up in high energy physics, atomic physics, quantum electrodynamics, and at least [[1047|one other xkcd comic]]. Alpha could also refer to {{w|angular acceleration}}, or the acceleration of spinning systems, which are capable of killing people in a number of [[123|interesting ways]]. Another dangerous annotation of α comes from ionising α-radiation: while it can be easily blocked by even a sheet of paper, it has been {{W|Alexander Litvinenko#Poisoning and death|used for assassinations}} through ingestion.

* '''Ω (capital omega)''' — Omega is the last letter of the Greek alphabet, and thus often seen as momentous (the end, the final word, death). This symbol has been used for a {{w|Omega_function|variety of mathematical functions}} and as the symbol for the {{w|first uncountable ordinal}}. Commonly used – outside of equations – as the symbol for {{w|ohms}}, a unit for electrical resistance.

* '''ω (lower-case omega)''' — Lower-case omega is used for the {{w|Transfinite_number|lowest transfinite ordinal number}}, a specific way of referring to a type of infinity in a mathematically robust way. The line about dying here among the transfinite equations may be in reference to the literally infinite scope of the branch of mathematics. It is also used in physics and electrical engineering for angular velocity, equal to 2πf.

* '''σ (lower-case sigma)''' — In statistics, commonly refers to the standard deviation of a distribution. Statistics often attempts to use simplified models to explain real-world phenomena.

* '''ξ (lower-case xi)''' — Randall comments that this looks like a strand of curly hair. Xi is used in the {{w|Riemann Xi function}}.

* '''γ (lower-case gamma)''' — Used for the Lorentz factor, an important variable in special relativity calculations. Its use implies that you are dealing with speeds approaching the speed of light, and therefore with spaceships or other moving objects not confined to Earth.

* '''ρ (lower-case rho)''' — often used to measure density, such as air density that a wing might be travelling through.

* '''Ξ (capital xi)''' — Resembles the icon of some {{w|Stack Exchange}} [https://stackexchange.com/sites# sites]. This character is also looks similar to Besh, the second letter of the {{w|Aurebesh}} alphabet [https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Aurebesh] used in ''Star Wars.'' According to the comic, anyone using this letter is likely a being from another planet. That is perhaps the character looks vaguely like a poster depicting an {{w|UFO}}.

* '''ψ (lower-case psi)''' — Psi looks exactly like a trident. In quantum mechanics it's used to describe the wave function of a particle, leading to a bad pun. (Psi is also used in mathematics to represent the sum of the inverse of the Fibonacci numbers, the division polynomials, and the supergolden ratio.)

==Transcript==
:[A list with 21 explanations of different Greek letters. To the left the letter (on in one case two letters) are shown, and then the explanation is written to the right in one or two lines (and in one case on three lines). Above these explanations there is a header in a slightly larger font:]
:<big>What Greek letters mean in equations</big>
:π This math is either very simple or impossible.
:Δ Something has changed.
:δ Something has changed and it's a mathematician's fault.
:θ Circles!
:Φ '''''Orbs'''''
:ϵ Not important, don't worry about it.
:υ,ν Is that a v or a u? Or...oh no, it's one of ''those''.
:μ This math is cool but it's not about anything that you will ever see or touch, so whatever.
:Σ Thank you for purchasing ''Addition Pro''®!
:Π ...and the ''Multiplication''® expansion pack!
:ζ This math will only lead to more math.
:β There are just too many coefficients.
:α Oh boy, now '''''this''''' is math about something real. This is math that could '''''kill''''' someone.
:Ω Oooh, ''some'' mathematician thinks their function is cool and important.
:ω A lot of work went into these equations and you are going to die here among them.
:σ Some poor soul is trying to apply this math to real life and it's not working.
:ξ Either this is terrifying mathematics or there was a hair on the scanned page.
:γ ''Zoom'' pew pew pew [space noises] ''zoooom!''
:ρ Unfortunately, the test vehicle suffered an unexpected wing separation event.
:Ξ Greetings! We hope to learn a great deal by exchanging knowledge with your Earth mathematicians.
:ψ You have entered the domain of King Triton, ruler of the waves.

{{comic discussion}}

[[Category:Math]]
[[Category:Aliens]]

2568: Spinthariscope

2022-02-08T00:13:11Z

108.162.238.22: /* Explanation */ punctuation

{{comic
| number = 2568
| date = January 14, 2022
| title = Spinthariscope
| image = spinthariscope.png
| titletext = Other high scorers are melt-in-your-hand aluminum-destroying gallium and tritium-powered glowsticks. Lawn darts are toward the other end.
}}
*This was the third comic to come out after the [[Countdown in header text]] started.

==Explanation==
This is another comic with one of [[Randall|Randall's]] [[:Category:Fun fact|fun facts]].

As stated in the comic, a {{w|spinthariscope}} is a device with a small amount of radioactive material ({{w|americium}} or
{{w|thorium}}) and a screen. When one of the radioactive atoms decays, it emits an {{w|alpha particle}}, which strikes the screen, which emits a small flash of light. You can see these flashes by looking through a lens.

It was invented in 1903 initially as a scientific instrument, but was soon replaced by more accurate and quantitative devices. But the original device was still popular for some time as an educational toy for children, and you can still get them today.

The joke in the comic is that most people have little understanding of radiation, and overreact to any mention that something is radioactive. So when Cueball tells Megan, White Hat, and Ponytail that the toy contains radioactive material, they're shocked and scared. But the amount of radioactive material in the toy is very tiny and the radiation is itself so trivially contained that there's practically no risk from it. The short-ranged {{w|alpha particles}} are likely stopped by the lens through which the harmless flashes of light (from particles that instead hit and neutralise in the internal screen element) are seen. Alpha decay always leads to an unstable decay product, which results in further decay (always gamma decay, and sometimes beta decay as well) which are less easily blocked, but the amount of such radiation from these decay products is negligible.

The fun fact in the caption says that Spinthariscopes have the highest ratio of "that can't possibly be safe and legal" to actual safety and legality of any known toy. When people hear about Spinthariscopes for the first time, they often assume, due to the radioactive material inside, that they must be very dangerous. They thus also question if such a toy is at all legal to make or own in the first place. But the fact is that Spinthariscopes are both safe and legal to make, sell and own. So, the perceived danger and presumption that it must be illegal is at a very high number, and the actual danger and the actual illegality results in a very low number on the same scale. It is this ratio between perceived and actual danger and illegality that are the highest for Spinthariscopes, higher than for any other known toy.

The formulation, however, causes some confusion, because the caption uses actual safety and legality (high) instead of actual danger and illegality (low). Instead of a high ratio between perceived danger and actual danger, the result is an even ratio between perceived danger and actual safety, which are both high. The ratios for the other mentioned toys would also be even, as they have low perceived danger and low actual safety. This is obviously not the intended meaning, as the other toys are said to be toward the other end of the scale.

The title text mentions some other materials/toys that sound dangerous but aren't. {{w|Gallium}} is a metallic element with a low melting point of 29.76°C (85.568°F) so it will melt in your hand. Additionally, gallium has strange properties when it interacts with aluminum, causing aluminum to [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgXNwLoS-Hw "melt"] or become brittle. {{w|Tritium}} is a radioactive isotope of hydrogen, but {{w|Tritium radioluminescence|can be used}} to create {{w|glowstick}}s and other lighted objects. Though these two toys might seem dangerous, they are actually typically used perfectly safely.

At the opposite end of the spectrum is {{w|lawn darts}}, a toy containing large darts that are thrown into the air to fall back down onto a target that's placed or marked upon the ground quite near the players' positions. Unlike the spinthariscope, which sounds dangerous but is actually harmless, lawn darts sound relatively innocent but can cause severe injury if you accidentally hit a person (and a few children were even {{w|Lawn darts|killed}}), so they were {{w|Lawn_darts#Safety_and_bans_in_the_U.S._and_Canada|banned in the US and Canada}} in the 1980s. When sharpened, these toys even [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EFAVGIylqE compare] quite favorably to {{w|plumbata|weapons of war}}.

Today many houses have {{w|Smoke_detector|smoke detectors}} using {{w|Smoke_detector#Ionization|ionization}} caused by radioactive decay of {{w|Americium-241}} to detect the smoke. So having something with radioactive material in your house is quite common, and in this case increases the safety level for those houses.

==Transcript==
:[Cueball is holding a small item up in on hand in front of his three friends. Megan has her arms lifted and bent in front of her, White Hat has his arms raised over his head and Ponytail is pointing at Cueball while her other hand, held down behind her, is balled into a fist.]
:Cueball: It's a spinthariscope, a 1940s toy with a radioactive isotope inside. If you let your eyes adjust to total darkness and look into the lens, you can see the flashes of individual atoms decaying.
:Megan: What??
:White Hat: ''Aaaaa!''
:Ponytail: Get it away!

:[Caption below the panel:]
:Fun fact: Spinthariscopes have the highest ratio of "that can't possibly be safe and legal" to actual safety and legality of any known toy.

{{comic discussion}}

[[Category:Fun fact]]
[[Category:Comics featuring Cueball]]
[[Category:Comics featuring Megan]]
[[Category:Comics featuring White Hat]]
[[Category:Comics featuring Ponytail]]
[[Category:Chemistry]]
[[Category:Physics]]

820: Five-Minute Comics: Part 2

2022-01-17T05:49:28Z

108.162.238.22: cat

{{comic
| number = 820
| date = November 17, 2010
| title = Five-Minute Comics: Part 2
| image = five_minute_comics_part_2.png
| titletext = Dear Wiccan readers: I understand modern Wiccans are not usually all about the curses and hexes. But Darth Vader was recently converted from Episcopalianism and he's still figuring it all out.
}}

==Explanation==
This is the second of three "five-minute comics" Randall posted during a week in November 2010. The introduction to the comic explains everything you need to know about the circumstances behind it.

Randall obviously made more than three of these five minutes comics, and one of them was published later, for a short period of time by a mistake, but an android xkcd browser picked it up while it was on-line and saved it. Since then it has been added to explain xkcd. So here is a complete list of all four comics in the entire [[:Category:Five-minute comics|Five-minute comics]] series:
*[[819: Five-Minute Comics: Part 1]]
*[[820: Five-Minute Comics: Part 2]]
*[[821: Five-Minute Comics: Part 3]]
*[[Five-Minute Comics: Part 4]]

Here is a list with explanations for each of the small comics:
*1. The first comic pokes fun at improbable conspiracy theories. {{w|Dealey Plaza#Grassy knoll|The grassy knoll}} is a location famous among conspiracy theorists who believe it to be the location of an unknown accomplice in the {{w|assassination of John F. Kennedy}}.
:It turns out that, somehow, this will all lead up to a theory that perfectly explains the {{w|September 11 attacks}}.

*2. When a woman described as having a "glow" about them, it's usually just a vague sentiment of attractiveness, specifically during pregnancy, which here very suddenly reaches its conclusion as a baby is unceremoniously plopped into the world.

*3. "{{w|Cogito ergo sum}}" is philosophical statement in Latin, formulated by {{w|René Descartes}}, translated as "I think, therefore I am". Descartes wanted to build a philosophy from scratch, starting with something he could be absolutely certain of. "Cogito ergo cogito", is Latin for "I think, therefore I think." This can even beat "cogito ergo sum" in uncontroversiality; it is a {{w|tautology}}, which is why the off-screen character describes it as "playing it safe."

*4. The comic on the far right is a reference to {{w|trick or treating}}, a major part of the modern {{w|Halloween}} holiday. Children go from door to door saying, "Trick or treat?". The ''trick'' is a non-serious threat to play a trick on the person if no treat is provided (but see also {{w|Mischief Night}}). Normally, the person at the home then gives them candy (a ''treat'') as a response. Here, a Megan-like character, possible [[Danish]], visits nightmares upon small children by gifting them blood.

*5. To bail out of a plane means to escape the plane, usually via the {{w|Ejection seat|cockpit's eject mechanism}}. To bail out a boat means to manually drain water coming onto the ship with buckets. The pilots here have confused the two, although if a plane was somehow taking on a large amount of water, bailing out that water would be a reasonable course of action.

*6. Sometimes, TV shows will tell true stories while playing up the drama angle for ratings purposes. In these cases, they will often air a notice similar to "The following program is a dramatization of real events" before the show, to indicate that the story they're about to tell is true, albeit not as a literally accurate retelling of events. Here, the disclaimer is technically true, although the events are normally devoid of any drama whatsoever. To add some, Cueball is screaming.

*7. {{w|Black light}}s are a kind of lamp that filters out sub-purple light. This means that the only light it gives off is a small amount of purple light, plus plenty of ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light is invisible to humans, but it is noticeable in a few ways; it hurts the eyes, which is why it's hard to focus on things under a black light; it causes sunburns, although the amount given off by a black light is far too insignificant to do this in a realistic time; and it causes a fluorescence reaction in semen, some food stains, and dust making them appear to glow, which is why the robes look dirty. As such, a "{{w|Lightsaber|blacklightsaber}}" would, indeed, be a bad idea.
**It also causes a fluorescent reaction in clothes washed with common washing detergents (which contain brightening agents [https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/optical-brightener Optical Brighteners]) - most notably white cotton, which is why it has been used in discothèques, because of the way people in white T-shirts will light up.
** Interestingly, there is a "Black Lightsaber" in Star Wars canon; a unique, one-of-a-kind weapon known as the [http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Darksaber Darksaber].

*8. Most judicial systems have a {{w|jury}}, a panel of impartial laymen that, primarily, determines the guilt or innocence of a suspected criminal. "Ladies and gentlemen" is a formal way of addressing a crowd, and so Cueball addresses the jury as "Ladies and gentlemen of the jury."
:However, it turns out the jury consists only of women, so the "gentlemen" part is not needed. This poses a problem to Cueball's defense, which apparently relied on somewhat sexist tactics. This, sadly, is not too uncommon in real life.

*9. The commander's first line is a line from ''{{w|Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope}}''. In the original film, the commander was cut off by {{w|Darth Vader}} using {{w|Force_(Star_Wars)|the Force}} to strangle him, delivering the rebuttal "I find your lack of faith disturbing."
:Instead of belief in the Force as in the movie, the "ancient religion" referred to here is actually {{w|Wicca}}, a modern pagan religion with two deities that is most notable for practicing magic, and is related to {{w|voodoo}}. So, naturally, Darth Vader puts a hex on the commander's family. (Although, to modify a quote from the Internet, Wiccans hexing you as punishment is like a hippie threatening to punch you in your aura.)
:The title text notes that modern Wiccans don't really practice the whole "putting hexes on people" thing, which is true. Episcopalianism probably refers to the {{w|Episcopal Church (United States)|Episcopal Church of the United States}}, which was founded during the American Revolution to replace the Church of England in the colonies.

==Transcript==
:Because of a family illness, instead of regular comics, this week I'll be sharing some strips that I drew as part of a game I played with friends. Each comic had to be written and drawn in five minutes.

:--Randall

:;Comic #1
:[A ninja is hiding under a diving board as a man runs along it.]

:[The man jumps on the end of the board and hits the ninja in the head, knocking him into the pool.]

:[The ninja floats in the water. A bullet passes through the man's head.]
:''thwipp''

:[The man is lying bleeding on the diving board, the ninja is still unconscious on the pool.]

:[A sniper is at the top of a hill. The sign in front of the hill says "Grassy Knoll".]

:[Someone is pointing at the diagram of the previous panel.]
:Off-panel voice: Wait, so ''what'' does this have to do with 9/11, again?
:Cueball: I ''said'' I'm getting there!

:;Comic #2
:[Cueball is studying Megan.]
:Cueball: You look different.

:Cueball: You have this... glow about you.

:[They stare in silence.]

:[A baby falls out of Megan.]
:''plop''

:;Comic #3
:Megan: Cogito ergo cogito.
:Off-panel voice: Playing it safe, huh?

:;Comic #4
:[Two children dressed up as ghosts are standing in front of Megan at a door, each carrying a bag.]
:Children: Trick or treat!

:[Megan doesn't move.]

:Child: Um hi. Why are you just standing there?
:Other Child: Candy?

:[Another silent panel as the children stare up at Megan.]

:[The second child looks in their bag.]
:Other Child: Oh God, my bag of candy.

:Other Child: It's filling with blood.
:Child: We should go.

:;Comic #5
:[A jet is flying across the panel.]
:Pilot: Bail out! Bail out! Bail out!

:[The pilot and copilot have buckets, and are bailing water out of the cockpit.]

:;Comic #6
:The following is a dramatization of real events.

:[Cueball is at a counter, with several jars.]
:Cueball: AAAAAAAAAAAAA I'm making a sandwich! AAAAAAAAAA!

:;Comic #7
:[Two people are carrying lightsabers and wearing robes.]
:Cueball: Oh God, my eyes won't focus right! And your robe looks... really dirty!
:My blacklightsaber was not a success.

:;Comic #8
:[Cueball is standing.]
:Cueball: Ladies and gentlemen of the jury...
:Off-screen voice: It seems we happen to be all ladies, actually.
:Cueball: ...in that case, this defense is going to appear extremely ill-advised.

:;Comic #9
:[Darth Vader is sitting between two people, at a table.]
:Cueball: Your sad devotion to that ancient religion hasn't helped you conjur up the stolen data tapes, or given you—
:Darth Vader: ''HEY.'' Wicca is a legitimate belief system!

:[Darth Vader is drawing a pentagram on the table.]
:Cueball: What are you—
:Darth Vader: Putting a hex on your family.

{{comic discussion}}
[[Category:Five-minute comics| 02]]
[[Category:Comics sharing name|Five-minute comics]]
[[Category:Comics featuring babies]]
[[Category:Comics featuring Cueball]]
[[Category:Comics featuring Megan]]
[[Category:Philosophy]]
[[Category:Physics]]
[[Category:Star Wars]]
[[Category:Comics with blood]]
[[Category:Multiple Cueballs]]