What could be more fun than a rubber duck in the bath tub? All right, you could probably think of more fun things, but you have to admit that rubber ducks are cute and make the world a happier place. But how much do you really know about rubber ducks? Do you know the following facts?

* Most rubber ducks aren't really made of rubber. They are actually made from vinyl plastic--which is apparently rubbery enough to get away with calling them rubber ducks.

* The first rubber ducks probably appeared in the late 1800s or early 1900s. This would have been soon after we discovered rubber and started making wonderful toys out of the stuff.

* Rubber duckies probably became a cultural icon thanks to Sesame Street, when Ernie first sang the "Rubber Duckie" song in 1970. (His rubber ducky squeaked, too.)

* Queen Elizabeth II at one time owned her very own rubber ducky, complete with an inflatable crown. It was probably a gift from her grandchildren. We're not sure if she still has it.

* According to Wikipedia, it's acceptable to spell rubber ducky as "rubber duckie" as well. This may have something to do with the fact that Ernie's rubber duck song is called "Rubber Duckie."

* Rubber ducks have been made in hundreds, perhaps thousands of different styles and colors. There are pirate rubber ducks, pink rubber ducks, Christmas rubber ducks, glowing rubber ducks, flashing rubber ducks, giant rubber ducks, etc.

* There is a listening technique called "rubber ducking." This is where you just smile and nod when someone describes their problem to you. The idea is that the other person will come to the solution on their own just by talking about the dilemma. In fact, some computer programmers have recommended putting a rubber duck or a stuffed bear on your monitor and talking to it when you can't figure something out.

* Charities often have rubber duck races. By making a donation, you can adopt a rubber duck for a chance to win prizes.

* Scientists have indirectly used rubber ducks to learn how the ocean currents work. Back in 1992, thousands of rubber ducks were accidentally dumped from a cargo ship leaving China. For fifteen years, the rubber duckies floated at sea. Some landed on southern shores, while others went north, were frozen in ice for a few years, then broke free and landed in the UK.

Now you can dazzle all your friends with your superior knowledge of rubber ducks! They'll be most impressed.