We finally got around to reading the NY Times obituaries section from yesterday and came across this sad report: Florence Z. Melton, 95, creator of the foam-rubber slipper, has passed away.

We didn't know anything about Ms. Melton before this, but her obit revealed a woman who lived a very interesting - and long - life, which included holdings of some 18 patents, including, get this: one for shoulder pads.

Now we know who to blame for the '80s.