I am about to share with you the greatest gift you may ever receive. It was passed down to me by my wife's friend's husband -- Patrick. It is called "The Spoon Trick", and it may save your life.
The trick is best revealed at a dinner gathering or reception. Any time you're seated at a round table with people you only half know. There are usually awkward pauses in conversation at such events -- but The Spoon Trick will break ice as thick as Alaska.
The key here is delivery. Casually pick up a spoon that's in front of you at the table. If there aren't any spoons, then you'll have to request one. I find ordering soup or pudding for dessert makes the request less out-of-the-ordinary. The bigger the spoon, the better and if you're lucky enough to find a soup spoon with a large, rounded head -- you are golden.
With one hand, hold the spoon with the handle standing upright and the back of the spoon facing you. Carefully align your middle finger and ring finger knuckles against the back of the spoon. Next, wiggle your pinky and first finger in an up and down motion. Do this a few times -- only to yourself as a warmup, making sure your alignment is correct. Click on the thumbnail to view a QuickTime (4.5MB) movie which demonstates the correct actions.
Quietly lean over to your neighbor and say "hey.. check it out." Then proceed to show them the "wiggle", turning the back of the spoon toward them, while keeping your knuckles aligned so that they can see the reflection.
The next line is "what does it look like". They will look extremely puzzled and shocked at this point. Do not stop. The important thing to remember here is that they'll be laughing in a few seconds.
Your reply is "it's a guy in the shower as viewed from behind and he is washing his feet."
Laughter ensues... the rest of the table gets curious. The trick spreads. Everyone has something to talk about for the rest of the dinner. The night belongs to you.
Pass it on. You're welcome.