Once You Stop. . .You Still Can Pop

"I think Pringles' initial intention was to make tennis balls. But on the day that the rubber was supposed to show up, a big truckload of potatoes arrived. But Pringles was a laid-back company. They said 'Screw it. Cut 'em up.' " - Mitch Hedberg

I couldn't help but think of these wise words of wisdom as I heard the news that Fredric J. Baur had passed away. For those of you who don't know who Fredric J. Baur is (like me), he's the man who designed the Pringles potato chip packaging system. For those of you who don't know what the Pringles potato chip packaging system is. . .I feel pity for you.

Pringles revolutionized the potato chip container. Now you no longer had to feel shame as you tipped the bag and emptied all the crumbs into your mouth and all over the front of your shirt. The can gave you undamaged chips which enabled you to play the Pringles Chip Challenge. Here's how you play: Two (or more) people stuff the chip behind their lips, but in front of their teeth (the chip needs to be vertical and not horizontal). Then the two (or more) people stare at each other. When someone smiles or laughs, their Pringles chip will crack and they lose. It's simple, yet entertaining. . .and delicious.

But I digress.

Baur was very proud of his invention, it seems. He decided that he wanted to be buried in a Pringles can! Now, I know what you're thinking (because I thought the same thing) and no, it was not a custom-made giant Pringles can. Darnit. Baur was cremated and part of his ashes were placed in a normal-sized Pringles can (probably the blue "Ranch flavor" can because it's the best) and buried. Another part of his ashes were placed in an urn (a Sour Cream and Onion flavored urn, I bet) and buried and the final third of his remains were placed in another urn (I can't decide which flavor to choose - you decide) and given to a grandson.

Now, call me crazy, but this is not the way I want to go. I don't think I want my remains put in something that could be mixed up with pantry items. But at least this man lived to the ripe old age of 89. I guess things could be worse. For example, one could be buried by rednecks after dying because they mooned someone or something like that.