Just in time for gatherings of family and friends, here is a list of interesting facts to jump start a conversation.

• Forest covers one quarter of Russia.
• Muhammad is the world's most common first name.
• During World War Two, Oscars were made of wood because metal was scarce.
• Philadelphia was the site of the first stock exchange in 1791.
• Siberia used to use solid blocks of tea as currency.
• Before going into space astronauts are not permitted to eat beans.
• In the 1830's ketchup was sold as medicine.
• If you refrigerate rubber bands they will last longer. 
• When leaving a cave bats always turn left.
• The Flintstones were the first prime time couple shown in bed.
• In one night a mole can dig a 300 foot tunnel.
• Bruce Springsteen's 'Born in the USA' was the first US CD ever pressed.
• In one year Mexico City sinks about an inch.
• The blood of a lobster is blue.  

Almost anything is easier to get into than out of.