Conversational topics when you have nothing in common

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Assuming you know someone and realized that you two share no common interests, what kind of topics could we talk about after the initial conversation starters? Also, in a relationship there are different levels of intimacy. For example, the type of questions you would ask an acquaintance would be different than what you would ask your friend which would be different from your a good friend. I have trouble differentiating the appropriateness of the topics based on how well you know each other.

So could you guys list topics categorized based on the level of friendship so I can learn to socialize better?
Let me start.

Acquaintance or higher:
Name
Education background
Previous employment history
Hobbies
Favorite movies, TV shows, music
Where from
Family? (I'm not sure exactly what type of questions I'm allowed to ask about family without sounding too inappropriate)
News

Friends:
General info on relationship status (unless if you're trying to pick up a girl, then acquaintance is okay too)
Politics?

Good friend/bff:
Specific questions about relationships, religion, salary,

I know there are exceptions here. For example, one could debate about politics with a stranger if he seems knowledgeable in that field. I just don't want to meet them and say, "Hi, how are you?" and "That's good, I'm doing well myself." then leave. I've exhausted things to talk about and I meet with these people on a regular basis.

I wouldn't delve into asking them about their family or background if I didn't know them very well; that sort of thing seems a bit too personal.

I might talk about why we were in the same place (college? work?) and the last time we met up. If we have any mutual friends or aquaintances, I might ask how they were doing.