Hugh Hefner owns the crypt next to Marilyn Monroe.

A designer drug based on the bacterium used to ferment salami and sauerkraut may be offered as an alternative to antibiotics. Instead of killing off bad bacteria, the tiny bug, lactobacillus plantarum 299V, encourages healthy microbes to grow and squeeze out the unwanted ones.

A demijohn is a long-necked glass or crock bottle encased in wicker-work.

Junk food lovers could soon be eating sweets made from an oat-based fat substitute that may cut calories and cholesterol. Called Nu-Trim, it was developed at the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture’s research department in Peoria, Illinois.

Nutmeg may be poisonous if injected intravenously.

The above is information which Mr. Smarty Pants read in a book, a magazine, or the newspaper; heard on the radio; saw on television; or overheard at a party. Got any facts? Write to Mr. Smarty Pants in care of the Chronicle, or e-mail to mrpants@auschron.com

This article appears in October 16 • 1998 and October 16 • 1998 (Cover).

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