"The Octopus That Almost Ate Seattle"

"The Octopus That Almost Ate Seattle"
By: MARNIE HANEL
Source: New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/20/magazine/the-octopus-that-almost-ate-seattle.html?pagewanted=1&_r=0&hpw

          Dylan Mayer, a 19-year-old Seattle occupant has caused a major uproar within his community regarding the capture of a ginormous octopus. Recently, Mayer has been testing his strength and extensively working out with his friends, in his parent’s swimming pool, in order to be fully prepared of his next big challenge. One may ask “Who is Mayer’s ultimate challenger?” The bizarre and abnormal answer to that question is a giant pacific octopus. When Mayer realized he was ready to capture his opponent he acquired a certified permit from Wal-Mart, that would allow him to hunt down any type of sea life and cook it for consumption. It would no longer be considered inhumane or any sort of abuse, due to the certification of the permit. The 19-year old traveled 40 minutes to reach his destination, Alki Beach. It is a very popular diving destination. Under the water he discovered many cues and pointers that all led to evidence of marine life. Thus, finally encountering his opponent: a nine foot pacific octopus. The creature’s size was severely mistaken by Mayer to be a little over 6 feet, due to the octopus’s ability to camouflage. Mayer, still stricken with awe, battled the octopus and withstood the painful lacerations of it’s suction cups. Thanks to his previous preparations, Mayer killed his challenger. Multiple bystanders found his actions unlawful and continued to take pictures. Mayer ignored all said “witnesses” and carried on home, awaiting to cook his long waited victory meal.
       Dylan Mayer hunted for pleasure, like most people, but still is causing pandemonium within Seattle’s residents. Why should Mayer be punished simply because he hunted an uncommon animal? Occurrences similar to this, cause people to think outside of the box and challenge themselves to do something extraordinary and unexpected. More people should follow in Mayer’s footsteps and try something new instead of harshly judging another human being, with no logical reasoning.