# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Help Save The ENDANGERED

From EXTINCTION!

The Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus

Rare photo of the elusive tree octopus
(Enhanced from cropped telephoto)

The Pacific Northwest tree octopus ( Octopus paxarbolis) can be found in the temperate rainforests of the Olympic Peninsula on the west coast of North America. Their habitat lies on the Eastern side of the Olympic mountain range, adjacent to Hood Canal. These solitary cephalopods reach an average size (measured from arm-tip to mantle-tip,) of 30-33 cm. Unlike most other cephalopods, tree octopuses are amphibious, spending only their early life and the period of their mating season in their ancestral aquatic environment. Because of the moistness of the rainforests and specialized skin adaptations, they are able to keep from becoming desiccated for prolonged periods of time, but given the chance they would prefer resting in pooled water.

An intelligent and inquisitive being (it has the largest brain-to-body ratio for any mollusk), the tree octopus explores its arboreal world by both touch and sight. Adaptations its ancestors originally evolved in the three dimensional environment of the sea have been put to good use in the spatially complex maze of the coniferous Olympic rainforests. The challenges and richness of this environment (and the intimate way in which it interacts with it,) may account for the tree octopus's advanced behavioral development. (Some evolutionary theorists suppose that "arboreal adaptation" is what laid the groundwork in primates for the evolution of the human mind.)

Reaching out with one of her eight arms, each covered in sensitive suckers, a tree octopus might grab a branch to pull herself along in a form of locomotion called tentaculation; or she might be preparing to strike at an insect or small vertebrate, such as a frog or rodent, or steal an egg from a bird's nest; or she might even be examining some object that caught her fancy, instinctively desiring to manipulate it with her dexterous limbs (really deserving the title "sensory organs" more than mere "limbs",) in order to better know it.

Map of estimated tree octopus maximum range, including spawning waters

Tree octopuses have eyesight comparable to humans. Besides allowing them to see their prey and environment, it helps them in inter-octopus relations. Although they are not social animals like us, they display to one-another their emotions through their ability to change the color of their skin: red indicates anger, white fear, while they normally maintain a mottled brown tone to blend in with the background.

The reproductive cycle of the tree octopus is still linked to its roots in the waters of the Puget Sound from where it is thought to have originated. Every year, in Spring, tree octopuses leave their homes in the Olympic National Forest and migrate towards the shore and, eventually, their spawning grounds in Hood Canal. There, they congregate (the only real social time in their lives,) and find mates. After the male has deposited his sperm, he returns to the forests, leaving the female to find an aquatic lair in which to attach her strands of egg-clusters. The female will guard and care for her eggs until they hatch, refusing even to eat, and usually dying from her selflessness. The young will spend the first month or so floating through Hood Canal, Admiralty Inlet, and as far as North Puget Sound before eventually moving out of the water and beginning their adult lives.

Why It's Endangered

Route 101, separating the rainforests of the Olympic Peninsula from Hood Canal

Although the tree octopus is not officially listed on the Endangered Species List, we feel that it should be added since its numbers are at a critically low level for its breeding needs. The reasons for this dire situation include: decimation of habitat by logging and suburban encroachment; building of roads that cut off access to the water which it needs for spawning; predation by foreign species such as house cats; and booming populations of its natural predators, including the bald eagle and sasquatch. What few that make it to the Canal are further hampered in their reproduction by the growing problem of pollution from farming and residential run-off. Unless immediate action is taken to protect this species and its habitat, the Pacific Northwest tree octopus will be but a memory.

The possibility of Pacific Northwest tree octopus extinction is not an unwarranted fear. Other tree octopus species-including the Douglas octopus and the red-ringed madrona sucker-were once abundant throughout the Cascadia region, but have since gone extinct because of threats similar to those faced by paxarbolis, as well as overharvesting by the now-illegal tree octopus trade.

Tree Octopus hat from 1923

The history of the tree octopus trade is a sad one. Their voracious appetite for bird plumes having exhausted all the worthy species of that family, the fashionistas moved on to cephalopodic accoutrements during the early 20th Century. Tree octopuses became prized by the fashion industry as ornamental decorations for hats, leading greedy trappers to wipe out whole populations to feed the vanity of the fashionable rich. While fortunately this practice has been outlawed, its effects still reverberate today as these millinery deprivations brought tree octopus numbers below the critical point where even minor environmental change could cause disaster.

While efforts were made in the past to preserve remaining tree octopus habitat, these were met with resistance by the timber industry, which has traditionally viewed the tree octopus as a nuisance, both because the octopuses favor the valuable, moss-shrouded trees of old growth forests-pitting conservation needs against lucrative sources of lumber-and because octopuses hiding among felled trees often gummed up sawmills and stained pulp vats with their ink.

Traveling sideshow exhibits, such as this one by Glen "Bones" Hartzell from 1942, demonized tree octopuses to the ignorant masses
(Click to enlarge)

These nuisances led many loggers to regard tree octopuses as bad luck, resulting in the pointless killing of octopuses on sight at logging camps in a misguided attempt at eradicating the troublesome species. Anti-octopus sentiment was so strong among loggers that some even began to fear that the octopuses were prone to attacking humans.

These fears were fueled in no small part by gratuitous stories involving tree octopuses harassing lumberjacks and distressing damsels in Northwestern-themed pulp magazines of the 1930-40s and variously "nipping", "entangling", or "suckering the flesh" of the heroes of men's action magazines of the 1950-60s. (The magazine publishers depended on cheap paper made from wood pulp and were glad to contribute to the anti-octopus propaganda campaign of the timber industry.)

To this day, misunderstanding and fear of these gentle creatures can still be found among many old timers, although education campaigns-and special octopus-separators installed at sawmills-have largely halted the practice of tree octopus eradication.

How You Can Help

More Tree Octopus Information

Posters motivate the citizenry to action! Post them!

Tree Octopus FAQs - Frequently asked questions, now with answers.

Tree Octopus Sightings - Includes photos of and behavioral research on the Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus and other tree octopus species.

Tree Octopus In The Media - appearances of tree octopuses, both real and fictional, in the media and popular culture.

Research On Other Tree Octopus Species:

The author of this article and its subsections is Lyle Zapato.
This site is not associated with any school or educational organization,
other than the Kelvinic University branch of the Wild Haggis Conservation Society.
Not to be confused with the Pacific Northwest Octopus Tree.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Information about the endangered Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus and what you can do to save it.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This is a grueling event - don't try this at home! You are allowed 5 minutes' rest after each hour of rolling. The unofficial rule is that you must roll continuously, but you are permitted brief stops to throw up! Unfortunately, I had to avail myself of that rule - many times!

After breaking the jumping jacks record in 1979, I noticed that the somersault record was listed directly underneath in the gymnastics section of the Guinness Book. "Wow", I thought, "it would be cool to have 2 records right next to each other." However, after attempting several rolls my enthusiasm quickly diminished. Some nut had rolled 8.3 miles! But over the next several weeks it kept bothering me that I had given up because I sincerely believed that if another person has done something extraordinary, so can you.

So I went out at 2 a.m. to a nearby track to practice. I chose that time because I didn't want people in my neighborhood to think I was crazy; but the plan backfired. Some poor, innocent guy walking his dog came upon me and dashed off in shock despite my protests that I was normal! Anyway, I managed to complete a quarter of a mile and staggered home dizzy, nauseous, bruised, covered in dirt and glass, but totally thrilled with my self-transcendence.

I went on to roll 10 mile Park in New York, and several years later (since nobody had broken the record) rolled 12 1/4 miles along the length of Paul Revere's historic ride in Massachusetts. It was the hardest record I ever set. When I told Regis Philbin about it he observed: "We (finally) found a guy crazy enough to break Ashrita's record and it was him!"

Somersaulting Fastest Mile
This event, the fastest time covering one mile while doing forward rolls, is difficult because you have to constantly push yourself while the world is spinning out of control around you.

I first set this record in Washington, D.C. a few years ago. James Carville, former Democratic President Clinton's friend and advisor, happened to spot me as I rolled by the Smithsonian Institute. Recognizing how brutal the activity was, he quipped:

"I also know a lot about pain, I'm Clinton's cam paign manager!"

I believe in giving political parties equal time. The next time I attempted this record, the event was covered by the British (BBC) Recordbreakers program. The host of the show, who kept yelling out words of encouragement, happened to be Ron Reagan, the former Republican President's son!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This is a grueling event - don't try this at home! You are allowed 5 minutes' rest after each hour of rolling. The unofficial rule is that you must roll continuously, but you are permitted brief stops to throw up! Unfortunately, I had to avail myself of that rule - many times!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
NOW IN BOOK FORM!

Welcome to the AFDB Website

This site is dedicated to spreading the word about the Aluminum* Foil Deflector Beanie and how it can help the average human. Here you will find a description of AFDBs, how to make and use them, and general information about related subjects. I hope that you find the AFDB Homepage to be an important source of AFDB know-how and advocacy.

What Is An AFDB?

An Aluminum Foil Deflector Beanie (AFDB) is a type of headwear that can shield your brain from most electromagnetic psychotronic mind control carriers. AFDBs are inexpensive (even free if you don't mind scrounging for thrown-out aluminium foil) and can be constructed by anyone with at least the dexterity of a chimp (maybe bonobo). This cheap and unobtrusive form of mind control protection offers real security to the masses. Not only do they protect against incoming signals, but they also block most forms of brain scanning and mind reading, keeping the secrets in your head truly secret. AFDBs are safe and operate automatically. All you do is make it and wear it and you're good to go! Plus, AFDBs are stylish and comfortable.

What are you waiting for? Make one today!

REBUTTAL TO THE MIT ANTI-AFDB STUDY: Rahimi et al.'s paper "On the Effectiveness of Aluminium Foil Helmets: An Empirical Study" has serious flaws that make its conclusion highly suspect. Read more...

BEWARE OF COMMERCIAL AFDBS: Since you should trust no one, always construct your AFDB yourself to avoid the risk of subversion and mental enslavement. Sometimes, AFDBs will be sold on places like eBay. Do not purchase these pre-made AFDBs, even if the seller seems trustworthy. They may contain backdoors, pinholes, integrated psychotronic circuitry or other methods that actually promote mind control.

AMIGA AND LINUX USERS: It is advised that you get a copy of MindGuard for your personal anti-psychotronic needs. Although an AFDB is an effective guard against most forms of psychotronic mind control, it is no substitute for the comprehensive protection afforded by MindGuard.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Information about psychotronic mind control blockage using an Aluminum Foil Deflector Beanie

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Depending on your trajectory, the world's only life-size chocolate moose is either the first or last worthy Roadside attraction you will find in Maine. "Lenny," as he has been named, is a mute-but-cheery ambassador for The Pine Tree state and a confection of Maine's most marketable civic animal -- if you don't count the lobster -- with the insatiable sweet tooth evident in most of its inhabitants.

Lenny draws the tourists to Len Libby Candies, a store that sells handcrafted chocolate and ice cream just south of Portland. Locals were jammed into the store on the evening we visited but ignored Lenny, their attention drawn to the display cases of candies and butternut crunch. Perhaps they needed a sugar burn to stay warm; it was a cool night./p>

Lenny's sculptor, reportedly a former Fulbright fellow, traveled to Freeport to study the stuffed moose on display in the lobby of L. L. Bean. He then spent a month slathering, slapping, and dripping 1,700 pounds of "superlative grade" milk chocolate over a wire lathe to create Lenny -- eight feet tall and over nine feet from nose to tail -- a process lovingly documented in a video that loops endlessly on a TV monitor next to his creation. Lenny stands in the Len Libby ice cream parlor, behind a wooden fence to prevent licking, in front of a mural of a log cabin and -- no surprise -- pine trees. His feet disappear in a pond of white chocolate, dyed blue./p>

Lenny was unveiled on July 1, 1997, and seems to have held up remarkably well, especially given the tragic track record of some other giant roadside food attractions. One of the store's clerks told us that the temperature around Lenny can never rise above 70 degrees Fahrenheit, which is not really a problem in an ice cream parlor in Maine.

Aside from Lenny's principal claim to fame, he is also reportedly " the world's largest chocolate animal sculpture" -- which makes us wonder what other animals are out there, waiting to be discovered, rendered out of the sticky stuff.

Lenny, the Chocolate Moose

Len Libby Candies

Address:

419 US Hwy 1, Scarborough, ME

Directions:

I-95 exit 42. Straight on Haigis Pkwy, then right onto Route 1 South at the lights. At Len Libby Candies, which is immediately on the right.

Hours:

Summer M-Sa 9-8, Su 10-8; fewer hours and days off-season. (Call to verify)

Phone:

207-883-4897

Admission:

Free.

RA Rates:

Worth a Detour

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Lenny, the Chocolate Moose, Scarborough, Maine

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Depending on your trajectory, the world's only life-size chocolate moose is either the first or last worthy Roadside attraction you will find in Maine. "Lenny," as he has been named, is a mute-but-cheery ambassador for The Pine Tree state and a confection of Maine's most marketable civic animal -- if you don't count the lobster -- with the insatiable sweet tooth evident in most of its inhabitants.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
"We must stop Iran and North Korea from stockpiling DHMO before it is too late!"
Secretary of State Jim Kerry: United Nations, New York (June 17, 2014)

Coalition to Ban DHMO: http://BanDHMO.org

"The United States will not weaponize DHMO as long as I am President. You have my solemn word on this.
Beware of Conservative Republicans though. Some of them are pro clean DHMO."
President Barack Obema: Washington, DC (January, 2010)

The Invisible Killer
Dihydrogen monoxide (DHMO) is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and sickens over 4 billion and kills over 2 million people every year (United Nations World Health Organization, 2008: www.WHO.Int). Most of these deaths are caused by accidental inhalation of DHMO, but the dangers of dihydrogen monoxide do not end there. Prolonged exposure to its solid form causes severe tissue damage. Symptoms of DHMO ingestion can include excessive sweating and urination, and possibly a bloated feeling, nausea, vomiting and body electrolyte imbalance. For those who have become dependent, DHMO withdrawal means certain death.
"Recreational DHMO illness can have a significant impact on public health not only
because of the severity of the illness but also the number of people who die."
Department of Health, State Of Washington (www2.DOH.WA.Gov)

Dihydrogen monoxide:

is also known as hydroxyl acid, and is the major component of acid rain.

contributes to the "greenhouse effect."

may cause severe burns.

contributes to the erosion of our natural landscape.

accelerates corrosion and rusting of many metals.

may cause electrical failures and decreased effectiveness of automobile brakes.

has been found in excised tumors of all terminal cancer patients.

has always been found to be a major cause of drownings in private swimming pools.

contamination has been found in all floodwaters where death has occurred.

has been found in the rains in violent thunderstorms that contain destructive lightning.

in crystalline form has been implicated in many ship sinkings.

in crystalline and liquid form has been a major factor in plane crashes.

changing from crystalline to liquid is a leading cause of the destruction of arctic ice and glaciers.

Contamination Is Reaching Epidemic Proportions!
Quantities of dihydrogen monoxide have been found in almost every stream, lake, and reservoir in America today. But the pollution is global, and DHMO contamination has even been found in Antarctic ice, all the world's oceans and even in mother's milk in developing nations. DHMO has caused millions of dollars of property damage in the midwest, Nile and Mississippi River valley and recently in California. DHMO contamination is even found in most cells in the human body!
Despite the danger, dihydrogen monoxide is often used:

as an industrial solvent and coolant.

in nuclear power plants.

in the production of styrofoam.

as a fire retardant.

in many forms of cruel animal research.

in the distribution of pesticides. Even after washing, produce remains contaminated by this chemical.

as an additive in certain "junk-foods" and other food products.

to dissolve medicines before giving them to children and older adults.

Companies dump pure waste DHMO into rivers and the ocean, and nothing can be done to stop them because this practice is still legal. The impact on wildlife isextreme, and we cannot afford to ignore it any longer!
"Se fossi uno scommettitore, vorrei chiedo se la Santa Sede contiene DHMO - dai, che uno scherzo - ottenerlo? Vedere, mare ??
Ehi, Don, io non sono stupido! Sono un papa immaginario. Stiamo parlando di vecchia acqua normale semplice!"
Pope Jon XXXVII: Iguana, Mexico (May, 2005)

The Horror Must Be Stopped!
The American government has refused to ban the production, distribution, or use of this damaging chemical due to its "importance to the economic health of this nation." In fact, the Navy and other military organizations are conducting experiments with DHMO, and designing multi-billion dollar devices to control and utilize it duringwarfare situations. Hundreds of military research facilities receive millions of tons of pure DHMO through a highly sophisticated underground distribution network daily. Many facilities store large quantities for later use. Many municipalities also have DHMO storage facilities.

It's Not Too Late!

Act NOW to prevent further contamination . Find out more about this dangerous chemical. What you don't know can hurt you and others throughout the world. Write to your Congress person and Senator. Urge them to Ban Dihydrogen MonoxideNOW!
Brought to you by the Coalition to Ban DHMO: http://BanDHMO.org.
Further Reading:

Anderson, A., & Olson, L. (1961). DHMO: The Untold Story. Chicago: Paladium Press.

________. (2007, April 1). Ahmadinejad: A rain of DHMO if Isreal attacks nuclear facilities. (Editorial).The Wall Street Journal.

Cavuto, N.J. (2003, February 12). DHMO: Was this Saddam Hussein's 'Weapon of Mass Destruction'?MSNBC.

Descy, D.E. (2015, February 31). Hitler's DHMO research (1934-1944) and his attempt to flood the market. Berlin: Garantierte und ehrliche Forschung. Wir schwren, alles, was heilig und richtig ist Journal.

Faiano, P. (2006). Weaponizing DHMO. International Journal of Inorganic Chemistry.

O'Boyle, J. (1997, January 7). DiHydrogen Monoxide: What We Don't Know Can Hurt Us!.USA Today.

Win-Tang Woo, K. (1948). DHMO: Molecular and Constancy Theory. London:Oxford University Press.

Other Web Sites for more information:

<URL:http://BanDHMO.org>
Updated: January 15 and June 15 each year and other times as required.
© BanDHMO.org, 1995-2xxx All rights reserved.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
dhmo dihydrogen monoxide dhmo research dental cigna water dihydrogen monoxide 
ban dhmo ban water cigna dihydrogen monoxide hoax dhmo

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Coalition to Ban DHMO Dihydrogen Monoxide Homepage

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
"We must stop Iran and North Korea from stockpiling DHMO before it is too late!" Secretary of State Jim Kerry: United Nations, New York (June 17, 2014) Coalition to Ban DHMO: http://BanDHMO.org "The United States will not weaponize DHMO as long as I am President. You have my solemn word on this.