V22 N8

The Activity Column
Catherine Dugan’s guide to getting out there... this week, be a little foolish!
Treat yourself to some foolishness this
spring. Not only is it polite to let
a little kid think he fooled you on
April 1, the giggle you get is good
for your health — laughter enhances
oxygen intake and reduces stress. Of course,
it’s not just kids who play the fool. The State
of Delaware once posted a faux news release
about a tunnel linking Cape May to Lewes.
Similarly silly announcements alleged that the
Washington Street Mall would be enclosed,
that Morey’s Piers was replacing French fries
with kale chips, and that Cape May Brew Co.
was turning dehydrated beer into jewelry. A
bit of foolishness is good for the soul.
The word “fool” comes from the Latin
“follis” for “bellows,” because, like a tool to
force air into a fire, a fool’s head holds only air.
“Fool” later referred to an entertainer whose
job was to amuse guests with magic, music,
juggling and jokes. The verb “to fool” may
mean to mislead in a serious way, or to trick in
an amusing way — the difference often comes
in the attitude of the fooled person.
It takes courage to make a fool of yourself,
according to Charlie Chaplin, and you have
to risk making a fool of yourself to step up to
an open microphone. Support some future
stars at open mic nights at Nauti Spirits, 916
Shunpike Road, Thursdays from 6 to 9pm,
where they blend “spirited history” with performances
by local artists and musicians.
Treasure seekers are disappointed by
“fool’s gold,” but pyrite has its own value. As
its name suggests, pyrite can produce sparks,
and is useful as a firestarter. Native Americans
used polished pyrite as mirrors. The presence
of pyrite can also indicate that there is
gold or copper nearby. Similarly, when you’re
beachcombing, don’t dismiss any treasures
you do find. You may find fabulous sea glass
while looking for Cape May diamonds along
the bay shore, or diamonds while looking
for shells. These things don’t have monetary
value, but they make great souvenirs. Guests
of Congress Hall can join a Cape May diamond
hunt on Saturday March 30 from 10am
to 11am. Non-guests are welcome for $5. Visit
caperesorts.com for more.
“Fool” is also a dessert, usually made with
mashed fruit and custard or whipped cream.
The name may come from the French word
“fouler” which means “to mash,” or it may be
that, like trifle, its culinary cousin, the dessert
was called a fool because it was insubstantial.
Enjoy a fool-ish dessert, like a fruit tart, at
Chez Michel bakery, 600 Park Boulevard, West
Cape May, to satisfy your sweet craving.
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BINGO SALE
Spin the wheel for a
guaranteed discount of 12-33%
in addition to sale items!
Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10-4 & Online Anytime
130 Park Boulevard • 609-884-2760 • theflyingfishstudio.com
March 28, 2024 EXIT ZERO Page 39