[math-fun] A Mathematical History of Taffy Pullers

http://arxiv.org/pdf/1608.00152v1.pdf by Jean-Luc Thiffeault "We describe a number of devices for pulling candy, called taffy pullers, that are related to pseudo-Anosov mapping classes. Though the mathematical connection has long been known for the two most common taffy puller designs, we unearth a rich variety of early designs from the patent literature." The article is interesting, even if like me you knew nothing about pseudo-Anosov mapping classes at the start. Also, a former U.S. president makes a surprise appearance and is commended by the author for "a keen grasp of topological dynamics". -Thomas C