Array() shenanigans...

gistfile1.rb

>> Array([])
=> []
>> Array(nil)
=> []
>> Array([{foo: 'bar'}])
=> [{:foo=>"bar"}]
>> Array([{foo: 'bar'}, {bar: 'baz'}])
=> [{:foo=>"bar"}, {:bar=>"baz"}]
>> Array({foo: 'bar'})
=> [[:foo, "bar"]]

# SIDE EFFECTS MAY OCCUR :)
1.9.3p0 :020 > class Hash
1.9.3p0 :021?>   def to_ary
1.9.3p0 :022?>     [self]
1.9.3p0 :023?>     end
1.9.3p0 :024?>   end
1.9.3p0 :026 > Array({ foo: 6 })
 => [{:foo=>6}]
1.9.3p0 :029 > hsh = { baz: nil }
 => {:baz=>nil} 
1.9.3p0 :030 > hsh[:baz] = Array(hsh[:baz]) << { foo: 6 }
 => [{:foo=>6}] 
1.9.3p0 :031 > hsh
 => {:baz=>[{:foo=>6}]} 
1.9.3p0 :032 > hsh[:baz] = Array(hsh[:baz]) << { foo: 9 }
 => [{:foo=>6}, {:foo=>9}]