Science-fiction author Robert Heinlein conceived the first modern water bed.

Al Capone hated the nickname “Scarface.” He much preferred being called “Snorky,” which meant “well dressed” in the 1920s.

April 30 is Walpurgis Night. According to the ancient legends, this is the last chance for witches and their friends to stir up trouble before spring. It has many of the traditions associated with Halloween, including a version of trick or treat. In Bavaria, it is called Freinacht or Drudennacht.

Redd Foxx and Malcolm X used to work at the same N.Y. restaurant.

Several of the buildings used in the set of The Andy Griffith Show actually came from the Atlanta set for Gone With the Wind.

This article appears in March 28 • 2008.

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