- From 1945-55, Britain's bestselling book was EV Rieu's translation of the Odyssey. [The Guardian, 24th January 2005]
- Of the 91,000 eastern Europeans who arrived in Britain to work in the five months after EU enlargement, fewer than 15 have claimed benefits. [The Spectator, 29th January 2005]
- In the year of the foot and mouth epidemic, fewer animals were culled or slaughtered than in an average year. [David King, chief scientific adviser]
- On average, ten cars a day emerging from the English channel break down owing to the weight of duty-free alcohol they carry. [Drive On, DSA, 2005]
- Of the seven would-be suicide bombers arrested during Iraq's election, none was Iraqi. [The Times, 3rd February 2005]
- 41 per cent of British full-time employees work over 40 hours a week, compared to 16 per cent in France and 9 per cent in Sweden. [Eurostat]
- The largest jacuzzi on the west coast of America is owned by Washington State University—it can hold 53 students. [Wilson Quarterly, summer 2004]
- Radio 4's In Our Time is downloaded from the BBC's website more than any other programme. [The Times, 30th December 2004]
- Over 90 per cent of kebab shop sales are made after pub closing hours. [Radio 5 Live, 7th February 2005]
- Measured by GDP per head, Sweden is poorer than every US state bar West Virginia and Mississippi. [Dissent, fall 2004]
- Between a third and half of the developing world's science and tech workers live in the west. [IPPR]
- More houses in China have a DVD player than running hot and cold water. [The Guardian, 4th January 2005]
- As a result of swapping with the opposition, by mid-January, Arsenal had got through 200 team shirts this season. [Ananova, 20th January 2005]
