My Hero From Wham-O

Despite the depressing fact that the ability to use a Hula-Hoop seems to have been completely bred out of my genetic makeup, I am in awe of Richard Knerr, who passed away Monday. (LA Times obituary) He and his partner "Spud" Melin built Wham-O out of pure creativity and audacity. In a world of one-hit wonders, it's hard to believe that one company (from Pasadena no less) launched the Hula-Hoop, the Frisbee, the Super Ball, the Slip-N-Slide, and the Wacky Wiggle. Yes, the instant fall-out shelter was a failure, but nobody's perfect! Building your career on helping people have fun - and having fun yourself - how cool is that.