I’m not sure why you find it “pretty dumb”? Unless, possibly, you are ignorant of science-fiction’s legacy of first creating the concept which later inspires actual inventions?

The list of inventions seeded by science-fiction includes submarines, self-propelled dirigibles, robots, spaceships, cell phones, laser weapons, home microwave ovens, etc.

Also, is it possible that you are unaware “food” is just the latest application for this already successful printing technology which is already being used to manufacture functioning electronic components, 3-d models, and cell deposition substrates?

Besides, if you think about it, this is just a natural evolution of those sheet icing printers that allow your picture to be edibly “printed” on top of your birthday cake.

Or maybe it just seems preposterous now as it did 50 years ago that people would abandon Jiffy Pop for “microwave” popcorn?

Ever since Nixon removed the gold backing of U.S. currency, printed money has largely become meaningless as something fungible – more just numbers used as an excuse to reallocate “real”, i.e. tangible, resources. And even before that, the founding fathers, or more specifically, Benjamin Franklin, discovered the wonders of inflation associated with printed money with its marvelous ability to literally make a debt owed worth less.

The real thanks should go to that silver-tongued devil Hans Sprungfeld, AKA Jebediah Springfield.

“A noble spirit embiggens the smallest man!”

Sigh… a miss the days when The Simpsons was funny (and clever).

“Embiggen,” thank you Kayla, youv’e given me my new favorite word.

Recloaking. }:-D>