Nello Ferrara, creator of the Atomic FireBall and the Lemonhead, has died. Atomic FireBalls were the consensus favorite candy at the New England summer camp I went to as a boy, and being able to eat one without panting was a badge of honor. So it's a little disturbing to learn this: "Mr. Ferrara came up with the idea of spicy-hot Atomic FireBalls in 1954, after serving in Occupied Japan in the post-atom bomb era, according to his son, company CEO Salvatore Ferrara II." Ferrara was 93.
Anyone who could make it through an entire Atomic Fireball also had to deal with an intestinal Godzilla.
I wonder if bad experiences in Japan led to the racist (and mercifully retired) illustrations on the Cherry Clan box.
@Smitros: Cherry Clan was the "new and improved" name. They were original called Cherry Chan. Seriously.
As the type who makes fun of people who get hysterical over the death of celebrities, I have to admit that this death has made me sad.
Someone should check on Evan Dando.
@hman Thank you. And why isn't there a band named The Atomic Fireballs?