Octopus

Want to see some lobster babies? Or find out how your face would look covered with scales? And just how does James Brown's music feel to a fish? These questions and many more can be answered on the second floor at the New Jersey State Aquarium. About 20 exhibits, largely hands-on and interactive, explain how fish move, see, communicate and grow in the water. Keep in mind that none rivals the action of an Arnold Schwarzenegger movie. On that scale, an aquarium just can't compete.

IN AN OFF-THE-WALL STUNT, a Wacky Wallwalker is hoisted to a spot on the Franklin Institute's facade, much to the glee of Lisa Troncelliti, who designed the giant replica of the octopus-like blobby toy that walks down walls. Also on hand for the April Fools' Day event was Ken Hakuta, the wallwalker's inventor, who handed out the toys to visitors.

OK, I bought my child a Nintendo video-game system. I realize I should not admit this. I realize the Child Psychology Police may arrest me for getting my child a mindless addictive anti-social electronic device instead of a constructive old-fashioned educational toy such as an Erector Set. Well let me tell you something: All my childhood friends had Erector Sets, and although I am not proud of this, I happen to know for a fact that, in addition to...

When I was a shore person of any consequence, Long Beach Island was the place I preferred. It was less teeming. Today, while development has increased dramatically, the beaches remain remarkably uncrowded. There are quite a few more restaurants these days, but none the locals point to with consensus as a culinary port in a storm of routine seafood fare. Perhaps that is as it should be. We switch gastronomic gears when we weekend or vacation at the shore. For the most part, fresh fruits of the sea and Jersey vegetables, both simply but well prepared, are generally all we ask for. The Octopus's Garden has become one of the most popular spots on the island over the course of its 11-year existence.

Nicolas Cage wanted to introduce his pet baby octopus named Cool to his visitors. Putting his hand into the aquarium, he dislodged the creature from behind a rock. Angry, it squirted ink over his fingers and shot away to another hiding place. "He's mad at me now," said Cage. "What a pity. Just when we were beginning to get along. " Cage cares about his octopus and all the other marine life he keeps in his two large aquariums. He finds it restful to lie in bed and watch them.