Sad News in the Times today: Richard Knerr, alleged creator of the Hula Hoop, is dead. From the paper’s excellent obit:
Mr. Knerr and Mr. Melin came up with the idea for the Hula Hoop after encountering a wooden hoop used in exercise classes in Australia. Their epiphany came when a friend from Australia showed them how to gyrate their hips to spin the thing.
Still, it’s clear that the Times doesn’t wholly have its facts straight. As everyone knows, the Hula Hoop was invented by Norville Barnes:
You know, for kids!
