AWESOME FACTS ABOUT EVERYTHING CXIV

1. The Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary has been banned in some states due to its inclusion of sex-related words. 

2. According to the American Library Association's website, Martin Handford's Where's Waldo? was one of the top 100 most frequently challenged books between 1990 and 1999. The original issue included a picture of a topless sunbather in a beach scene. In later editions, the sunbather is given a bathing suit top.

3. Ancient Greeks and Romans believed that the gemstone amethyst could ward off drunkenness and keep you clear-headed and quick-witted.

4.The musical CATS takes place in a junkyard.

5. The lotus is the national flower of Egypt.

6. Forever stamps cost 41 cents each when first introduced by the Post Office in 2007.

7. This year (2024) is the 25th consecutive year of the Blobfest in Phoenixville, PA. Held at the iconic Colonial Theater to commemorate its place in cinematic history as the filming location for The Blob, the 1958 classic sci-fi horror film. The film afforded young Steve McQueen (billed as Steven McQueen) his first starring role. 

8. Hydrox was the original chocolate sandwich cookie - predating Oreo. It was originally made by the Loose-Wiles Sunshine Biscuit Company in 1902. Nabisco totally copied the cookie in 1912 as the Oreo. Oreos eventually surpassed Hydrox in popularity, giving many the false impression that Hydrox was an off-brand of Oreo. Hydrox cookies were discontinued in 2003 and brought back in  2015. They are available online, but very difficult to find in stores.