| For Immediate Release For information, contact: Alison DeSena
Dr. Fad Announces The Winners of The Annual Faddies Actors and actresses live their entire lives to win an Oscar. Writers pound at their keyboard for decades in hopes of winning a Pulitzer Prize. But when it comes to inventors, creators and those people that may seem weird because they are always spending time in the “garage,” it is the Faddie that brings them solace and a sense of accomplishment. Dr. Fad, known for bringing the Wacky WallWalker® to breakfast tables across the country, has been predicting, analyzing and mentoring budding inventors and creators of the next pet rocks out there. In that vain, Dr. Fad has announced the winners of the First Annual Faddies–a yearly list of the best and worst fads. Based on a set criteria that Dr. Fad has developed in his “lab”, which includes name recognition, sales, sustaining power and creativity, a series of winners in various categories were announced including best ten classics, grossest, dumbest and perhaps the most prestigious, top future fads. The top three fads of 2003 were: Quesy Bake Cookerator, Stinkblasters and Mental Viagra. Topping the list for classics were: Slinky, Hula Hoop and Pet Rock; while the dumbest top three fads were: The Leg, Dismembear and The Everbrown Plant. “Predicting a fad is a difficult thing to do,” explained Dr. Fad, a.k.a. Ken Hakuta. “What we’ve seen, and I predict will happen, is that the newest and upcoming fads will focus on things that are gross and disgusting. With the popularity of such sophomoric shows like Sponge Bob Squarepants and the idiotic Jackass, and the sustaining power of Slime and other gross fads–gross and silly will sell and most likely become fad history.” About Ken Hakuta Entrepreneur Ken Hakuta introduced the Wacky WallWalker®, which became one of the best-selling fad toys of all time and helped earn him the title “Dr. Fad.” Ken has strung together a series of eclectic and triumphant business endeavors—all proving that his success is anything but a passing trend. In 1982, he purchased the North American distribution rights to the Wacky WallWalker®, a plastic toy that crept down smooth surfaces. Over a period of six years, Hakuta earned $20 million while selling 250 million of this toy. His Emmy-nominated show “Dr. Fad Show” showcasing kids’ inventions, was syndicated nationally from 1987-1993. He is a graduate of the Harvard Business School and the author of a best-selling book, How To Create Your Own Fad And Make A Million Dollars. He is a frequent media guest and featured in print on such media as The Today Show, Jay Leno, Conan O'Brien, Oprah, 60 Minutes, Regis, Larry King, CBS Evening News, Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, VH1, New York Times, Washington Post, LA Times, Chicago Tribune, Time Magazine, Newsweek, Business Week, Fortune, Forbes, and many others. Ken Hakuta is available for interviews.
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