# Big Bang Theory 3/10--The Prestidigitation Approximation **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [March 10, 2011, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-bang-theory-3-10-the-prestidigitation-approximation/574180 "2011-03-10T15:30:31Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 17\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![GuanoLad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guanolad/32/42_2.png) [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2011, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-bang-theory-3-10-the-prestidigitation-approximation/574180/41 "2011-03-12T01:00:49Z")
You guys take sitcoms so seriously. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2011, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-bang-theory-3-10-the-prestidigitation-approximation/574180/42 "2011-03-12T01:02:21Z")
> [@Sampiro](#): > > I missed the episodes when Leonard and Penny broke up. What happened and who broke it off? Penny. Leonard said “I love you” and she couldn’t say it back. Episode 59 “The Wheaton Recurrance” It’s all Wil Wheaton’s fault. ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2011, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-bang-theory-3-10-the-prestidigitation-approximation/574180/43 "2011-03-12T01:15:12Z")
Yes, the set up is for Leonard to tell Priya that he does not want her to take the job and to break up with _her_ - and as he’s pointed out, he’s not been on that side of things before. And to hide that he did that from Penny because he does not want her to know that he still really only wants her. Wheaton did it to win a bowling match by getting Penny, the star player for the other team, upset and leave. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Second\_Stone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bbe5ce/32.png) [@The\_Second\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Second_Stone)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2011, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-bang-theory-3-10-the-prestidigitation-approximation/574180/44 "2011-03-12T01:43:20Z")
> [@Skara\_Brae](#): > > I think this episode reeked of bad writing. > > Priya goes from a friendly polite girl to a total bitch in 1.2 seconds, Penny turns into a total rube (really, crashing their date and slurping Leonard’s drink?), and Leonard acts befuddled? > > Argh. Also, isn’t Penny Sheldon’s friend too? Is she going to totally ditch him as well? I thought that Priya understood that Penny isn’t done with Leonard and was trying to do something about it. I also thought that Penny knew exactly what was going on in the restaurant and was asserting her dominance while ACTING! oblivious. As for poor Sheldon, he distrusts his friends, but doesn’t understand people. My roommates did something similar to me in college and it was really funny for about 20 minutes during dinner once. They laughed hard at every other joke I tried to make, no matter how lame, and then pretended to be disgusted at all the odd ones. Once I figured it out, I started telling really bad ones when they were supposed to laugh and tried to save the good ones for when they weren’t. If only I’d known more good ones. ---
**Author:** ![ptr2void](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ptr2void/32/3406_2.png) [@ptr2void](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ptr2void)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2011, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-bang-theory-3-10-the-prestidigitation-approximation/574180/45 "2011-03-12T14:31:20Z")
> [@Cat\_Whisperer](#): > > The contacts thing really bugged me - in real life, contacts let you see _better_ than glasses, and it pisses me off that I can’t wear them. This is not necessarily the case, particularly when there’s astigmatism involved. I see far better with glasses than contacts as a result. ---
**Author:** ![Sampiro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/2acd7d/32.png) [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2011, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-bang-theory-3-10-the-prestidigitation-approximation/574180/46 "2011-03-12T19:20:49Z")
> [@ptr2void](#): > > This is not necessarily the case, particularly when there’s astigmatism involved. I see far better with glasses than contacts as a result. There are contacts specifically for astigmatism that supposedly will let me see better or at least as well as I can with glasses, but unfortunately they’re very expensive. You can’t just pick them up at Wal-Mart for $25 a box or whatever. Plus when you’re used to glasses contacts make you feel so naked. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2011, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-bang-theory-3-10-the-prestidigitation-approximation/574180/47 "2011-03-12T19:31:11Z")
> [@Sampiro](#): > > Plus when you’re used to glasses contacts make you feel so naked. Once you get used to contacts, you’ll wonder how you ever managed so long with glasses. Not being able to use sunglasses (or having to have a prescription pair), always having to clean them, only being able to see clearly in that narrow range where you’re looking through the lenses, worrying about losing or breaking them, having to dry them off after coming in from the rain, waiting for them to defog after being out in the cold (or going out in the humidity)…but I get what you’re saying. ETA, just taking a very quick glace at 1800contacts, contacts for astigmatism seem to run about twice what regular contacts run, but still less then what I’m paying for my Night and Days which I absolutely looove. BTW, Sam’s Club is cheaper then 1800Contacts, at least for my lenses. If all that’s holding you back is the cost, call Sams club and get and find out how much they are, you might be surprised. PureVision (random brand I picked) are $55 on 1800Contacts, I’m guessing they’re closer to $50 or $45 at Sams Club. ---
**Author:** ![Sampiro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/2acd7d/32.png) [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2011, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-bang-theory-3-10-the-prestidigitation-approximation/574180/48 "2011-03-12T19:34:51Z")
[QUOTE=DSeid] Wheaton did it to win a bowling match by getting Penny, the star player for the other team, upset and leave. [/QUOTE] First he lies about a dead Meemaw- the ultimate blasphemy- and now this… Wheaton must be DESTROYED!!! ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2011, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-bang-theory-3-10-the-prestidigitation-approximation/574180/49 "2011-03-12T19:37:38Z")
nm ---
**Author:** ![njtt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ecd19e/32.png) [@njtt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/njtt)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2011, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-bang-theory-3-10-the-prestidigitation-approximation/574180/50 "2011-03-12T20:48:23Z")
> [@muldoonthief](#): > > The funny thing is that a lot of magic tricks are based on confederates in on the trick, not zany gadgets & geegaws. When & if they finally tell Sheldon, he’s gonna be pissed. Actually I think it is pretty rare. Most magicians have great contempt for effects that rely on the use of “stooges” as they are called. It is too easy, too crude a form of cheating. You might fool the audience that way, but if you use a stooge more than very occasionally, your professional peers are going to despise you. I am pretty sure that there are several ways that Howard’s trick (or something that would be indistinguishably different to a non-magician) could be done without using a stooge (and Sheldon would be no better at figuring it out). Howard would just not be a good enough magician to carry them off (and that fact, and the fact that he did resort to a stooge, kind of fits his character). ---
**Author:** ![Kamino\_Neko](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kamino_neko/32/34_2.png) [@Kamino\_Neko](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kamino_Neko)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2011, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-bang-theory-3-10-the-prestidigitation-approximation/574180/51 "2011-03-12T20:52:26Z")
Of course, since the point of the trick was not to perform a magic trick that was impressive to a magician, or illusion-astute audience, but rather to drive Sheldon up the wall, that whole thing is kind of beside the point. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2011, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-bang-theory-3-10-the-prestidigitation-approximation/574180/52 "2011-03-12T22:41:09Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#): > > Once you get used to contacts, you’ll wonder how you ever managed so long with glasses. Not being able to use sunglasses (or having to have a prescription pair), always having to clean them, only being able to see clearly in that narrow range where you’re looking through the lenses, worrying about losing or breaking them, having to dry them off after coming in from the rain, waiting for them to defog after being out in the cold (or going out in the humidity)…but I get what you’re saying. > > ETA, just taking a very quick glace at 1800contacts, contacts for astigmatism seem to run about twice what regular contacts run, but still less then what I’m paying for my Night and Days which I absolutely looove. BTW, Sam’s Club is cheaper then 1800Contacts, at least for my lenses. If all that’s holding you back is the cost, call Sams club and get and find out how much they are, you might be surprised. PureVision (random brand I picked) are $55 on 1800Contacts, I’m guessing they’re closer to $50 or $45 at Sams Club. One word: LASIK. ---
**Author:** ![ptr2void](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ptr2void/32/3406_2.png) [@ptr2void](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ptr2void)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2011, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-bang-theory-3-10-the-prestidigitation-approximation/574180/53 "2011-03-12T23:53:29Z")
> [@Sampiro](#): > > There are contacts specifically for astigmatism that supposedly will let me see better or at least as well as I can with glasses, but unfortunately they’re very expensive. You can’t just pick them up at Wal-Mart for $25 a box or whatever. Plus when you’re used to glasses contacts make you feel so naked. I tried contacts out last summer (and just ordered a set for this coming summer), and I believe they were for astigmatism. They are Acuvue Oasys Toric, and I felt my vision was lacking with them, particularly at the computer. Just not quite as clear. ---
**Author:** ![Sampiro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/2acd7d/32.png) [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2011, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-bang-theory-3-10-the-prestidigitation-approximation/574180/54 "2011-03-13T00:00:12Z")
> [@What\_Exit](#): > > One word: LASIK. Does that work for astigmatism? ---
**Author:** ![well\_he\_s\_back](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/3ab097/32.png) [@well\_he\_s\_back](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/well_he_s_back)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2011, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-bang-theory-3-10-the-prestidigitation-approximation/574180/55 "2011-03-14T01:19:46Z")
LASIK just doesn’t work for everyone - Leonard is funnier the way he was in this episode - nerdy looking w/the glasses; bumping into things w/the contacts he wears to please the girl. I must not have have my critical glasses on, cause I really enjoyed this episode. and I like the way the writers are working to keep the Penny/Leonard situation interesting. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2011, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-bang-theory-3-10-the-prestidigitation-approximation/574180/56 "2011-03-14T01:32:52Z")
> [@Sampiro](#): > > Does that work for astigmatism? > [@](#): > > Depending on the type and severity of your astigmatism, you may also be able to have it corrected with refractive surgery. Discuss with your [eye doctor](http://www.allaboutvision.com/eye-doctor/) which procedure is best to correct your astigmatism, and review your options in our [LASIK & Vision Surgery section](http://www.allaboutvision.com/visionsurgery/). > Read more: [Astigmatism: Causes, Definition, Types, Treatment](http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/astigmatism.htm#ixzz1GX7pjHvz) But all my point was, is that contacts are not the best option unless you can’t go for the LASIK. I actually found glasses better then contacts but my seasonal allergies were the reason. My vision like most people, was better with contacts. But the best by far was once I got the LASIK done. ---
**Author:** ![congodwarf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e36b37/32.png) [@congodwarf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/congodwarf)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2011, 5:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-bang-theory-3-10-the-prestidigitation-approximation/574180/57 "2011-03-16T05:25:58Z")
To derail this thread a bit more, I have a very minor astigmatism. It’s bad enough that regular contacts make my vision worse than with glasses (which don’t have any astigmatism correction). But, toric lenses are way too much correction for me. The cure is aspheric lenses. Perfection. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-bang-theory-3-10-the-prestidigitation-approximation/574180.md?page=2)