138
Til before he was a science fiction author, Gene Wolf helped invent the Pringle potato chip
(en.wikipedia.org)
What part did he invent? The logo?
this post was submitted on 30 Aug 2025
138 points (99.3% liked)
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LP: Along those lines, is it true you invented the machine that makes Pringles potato chips?
GW: I developed it. I did not invent it. That was done by a German gentlemen whose name I've forgotten for years. I developed the machine that cooks them.
https://web.archive.org/web/20090916170648/http://home.roadrunner.com/~lperson1/wolfe.html
So the German came up with the rough idea of how to make them, but GW engineered the details of the machine that did the cooking. He also makes reference to other engineers that did other parts of the process: rolling, salting, getting off the cooker, etc.
My friends dad is the face on Pringles cans.
Just finished the first volume of the book of the new sun.
Is it worth sticking with? Thought the quality tailed off towards the end.
The second book, Claw of the Conciliator, is the hardest slog with the most confusing ending (but is ultimately rewarding when it ‘clicks’).
However the third book, Sword of the Lictor, is the best in the series. So many of the best moments are in this book, as well as some of the most famous quotes.
For me, the masquerade ball at the Archon’s palace is the “buckle up” moment for the rest of the story.
For a real trip, restart book 1 immediately after finishing book 4: there is so much you will see know that you know what to look for.
Also matey, the audible audiobooks are amazing 😎
I'd say stick with it. It's meant to be read as one big book, so the strange pacing in the first book is a consequence of that, like how it just sorta ends
It's a puzzle box, and you have to figure out how all the pieces fit together. It's not for everyone. Did you spot Neil Armstrong in there?
Really liked a lot of the ideas and tech/magic. What I've struggled with is 4 pages of description for one page of story/plot development. The Jolenta sex was weird, unnecessary/out of character for both of them and just seemed like the author getting off on it.
Were there clues on who the Autarch was or was it just a reveal?
Did not spot Neil Armstrong, Jonas?
No, Neil Armstrong is back towards the beginning. The painting of the knight
All of that wordy exposition is hinting at a couple layers of backstory that won't makes sense until your 2nd or 3rd time thru the series. Yes it's all important, but on a first read thru, you're probably fine to skip that stuff. As for that out of character scene, >!Severian raped Jolenta!< - he's an unreliable narrator, remember?
"Book of the New Sun" was a fucking fever dream and is widely considered one of the best fantasy books. My friends couldn't stop talking about it but I just thought it was strange.
"Latro in the Mist" was more accessible to me.
Potato crisp*
I don't think they call them "chips" on the container because they're different somehow.
They’re like mashed potatoes shaped into a chip and cooked, i honestly think they’re gross
As someone who occasionally enjoyed them decades ago, I've tried them a couple times the past couple years and found them absolutely terrible. Very likely it's a case of "enshittification."
If they have them in your area, "Munchos" are somewhat similar, and much tastier. Not at all healthy, of course...
love me some gene wolf