Want to be a real pest? Show people up with things they don't know, which you'll find in this collection of hundreds of little-known, fascinating facts. Example: When a family member is brushing their teeth, tell him or her this one: The first toothpaste, a thousand years ago, was a mix of honey, salt, and ground glass. When you find two lovebirds making out, inform them that in ancient Rome kissing lips was considered ordinary, but that kissing people's feet was a sign of great respect. Next time a teacher presents a map of the United States, ask which is longer, the Mississippi River or the distance from New York to London. (Answer: the river is longer if you straighten out its bends.) To really gross out everybody, when someone sneezes, explain that tiny particles of mucus have just exploded in all directions at over 100 miles per hour. There's lots more-- all with funny cartoon illustrations--including how birds get drunk, why Louis Dobermann bred a ferocious dog, and the bloody story behind striped barber poles. Warning: The author suggests that you not tell any of these facts at mealtime. Sterling 192 pages, 353 b/w illus., 5 3/8 x 8 1/4. Read Less