Robot or Not?

Is a book a bound, printed collection of pages, or is it something more? <p>John Siracusa and Jason Snell.</p>

On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the robot, happy stuff: When does the apocalypse start, and when do we reach post-apocalyptic times? <p>John Siracusa and Jason Snell.</p>

We celebrate our 200th episode by going back to where it all started—news about whether something is a robot or not. Also, we may have inadvertently started a religion. (Congratulations, Listener Eric!) <p>John Siracusa and Jason Snell.</p>

In the spirit of the season, we discuss when a Christmas tree is dead. (Thanks to Listener Darran.) <p>John Siracusa and Jason Snell.</p>

Fizzy water. Is it soda, or pop, or a soft drink, or something else? (Incomparable members also get a bonus episode about Coca-Cola and cocaine, also released today.) <p>John Siracusa and Jason Snell.</p>

When are we indoors and when are we outdoors? And where do tents fit in? <p>John Siracusa and Jason Snell.</p>

Is a GIF a video? (Incomparable members also get a bonus episode about movie studio logos, released today.) <p>John Siracusa and Jason Snell.</p>

When is a child no longer a child? <p>John Siracusa and Jason Snell.</p>

When the definition escapes its antecedent. <p>John Siracusa and Jason Snell.</p>

When is it a puppet, and when is it just someone in a suit? And what does this mean for the future of Gritty? <p>John Siracusa and Jason Snell.</p>

If we clone your body and transfer your memories to it, is it you? <p>John Siracusa and Jason Snell.</p>

The universe is Candy Land. <p>John Siracusa and Jason Snell.</p>

You can use this podcast as a pillow, if you like, but it’s still not a pillow. <p>John Siracusa and Jason Snell.</p>

When a book series hasn’t completed, what does the author owe us? <p>John Siracusa and Jason Snell.</p>

Beginning in this episode, Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto will be portraying John and Jason. Or not. <p>John Siracusa and Jason Snell.</p>

Is The Cloud just Other People’s Computers? Watch out for Cloud Men! <p>John Siracusa and Jason Snell.</p>

Most people aren’t eating light bulbs. <p>John Siracusa and Jason Snell.</p>

Listener James sends us a special message from beneath his blanket. <p>John Siracusa and Jason Snell.</p>

What’s an Indie Developer, and is John one now? What does it mean to be “indie?” <p>John Siracusa and Jason Snell.</p>

Is a port a slot? PCMCIA cards have slots, but USB devices have ports. Either way, Jason has to make amends. <p>John Siracusa and Jason Snell.</p>

Whatever this is called, a lot of us are doing it these days. <p>John Siracusa and Jason Snell.</p>

My other car is also a camera. <p>John Siracusa and Jason Snell.</p>

Tabs or spaces? AFTERSHOW: Commas. <p>John Siracusa and Jason Snell.</p>

But what if they also sell shampoo there? <p>John Siracusa and Jason Snell.</p>

Morning has broken, like the first… morning? <p>John Siracusa and Jason Snell.</p>

It’s within walking distance. How far is that? <p>John Siracusa and Jason Snell.</p>

Where does your finger go when you “swipe right”? <p>John Siracusa and Jason Snell.</p>

When is it stubble and when is it more? <p>John Siracusa and Jason Snell.</p>

It’s fundamental, yes. But is it something you can do with your ears? <p>John Siracusa and Jason Snell.</p>

When is a body of water a river? <p>John Siracusa and Jason Snell.</p>

Is soup a drink? What separates liquids from food? <p>John Siracusa and Jason Snell.</p>

From dish to plate to bowl. <p>John Siracusa and Jason Snell.</p>

Does it all come down to the U.S. Postal Service? <p>John Siracusa and Jason Snell.</p>

And do sliders have to slide? <p>John Siracusa and Jason Snell.</p>

An Accidental AR podcast. <p>John Siracusa and Jason Snell.</p>

Can we differentiate between how people name pets and how they name children? Listeners Rover and Whiskers, drop us a line. <p>John Siracusa and Jason Snell.</p>

Where do we draw the line between a regular device and a “smart” device? <p>John Siracusa and Jason Snell.</p>

When does a meal turn into leftovers? <p>John Siracusa and Jason Snell.</p>

Listener Luke sent in this week’s theme song. Is it a cover version of our canonical theme song? When is a new version of a song not a cover? <p>John Siracusa and Jason Snell.</p>

What constitutes family? Blood relatives only? Are friends family? Are co-workers family? Can you escape your family? <p>John Siracusa and Jason Snell.</p>

What about when they’re ajar? <p>John Siracusa and Jason Snell.</p>

Select all the STOREFRONTS to prove that you’re a human. <p>John Siracusa and Jason Snell.</p>

By popular demand, John has done his research—or maybe not?—and is here to break down what is bacon and what is an impostor. <p>John Siracusa and Jason Snell.</p>

Prompted by a note from Listener Zach, we discuss the trend of “autonomous food delivery vehicles” on college campuses. <p>John Siracusa and Jason Snell.</p>

The entire conversation is pants. (The Brits will get that.) <p>John Siracusa and Jason Snell.</p>

How much board is required? <p>John Siracusa and Jason Snell.</p>

We’ll see you at the Carl’s Jr./Green Burrito/KFC/Taco Bell. <p>John Siracusa and Jason Snell.</p>

When is it a TV show and when is it a movie? It’s confusing. <p>John Siracusa and Jason Snell.</p>

It all goes back to Mesopotamia. <p>John Siracusa and Jason Snell.</p>

If the new “Lion King” film features CGI animals talking with other CGI animals, is it a “live-action” movie or just a different kind of animation? What about a movie like “Avengers: Infinity War”? <p>John Siracusa and Jason Snell.</p>