El pulpo Paul: Soothsayer
A little something something for all the World Cup followers out there...
Octopus Picks Spain, German Fans Despair
Superstitious German soccer fans were dealt a blow on Tuesday when an octopus named Paul, who has a reputation as a soothsayer, seemed to advise against betting on the national team in Wednesday’s World Cup semi-final.
Paul’s handlers claim that he has correctly predicted the outcome of each of Germany’s five World Cup matches this year, so when he decided not to eat a mussel in a box decorated with the German flag after it was lowered into his tank this morning, the nation took note. With news crews from around the world recording his every move, Paul instead lowered a tentacle into a box bearing the flag of Germany’s opponent in Wednesday’s match, Spain.
German magazine Der Spiegel reported:
"Paul’s uncanny prognostications have turned the squishy cephalopod into an international star. German news broadcaster n-tv aired his selection live as “Breaking News”; the channel also reported that 20 camera teams from around the world trekked to the aquarium to cover his show. News stories about Paul’s prediction instantly appeared on Spanish news websites."
There's a bit more at the Source: The New York Times, if you're interested.
P.S. This only adds to my love of cephalopods, omg. ♥______♥
Octopus Picks Spain, German Fans Despair
Superstitious German soccer fans were dealt a blow on Tuesday when an octopus named Paul, who has a reputation as a soothsayer, seemed to advise against betting on the national team in Wednesday’s World Cup semi-final.
Paul’s handlers claim that he has correctly predicted the outcome of each of Germany’s five World Cup matches this year, so when he decided not to eat a mussel in a box decorated with the German flag after it was lowered into his tank this morning, the nation took note. With news crews from around the world recording his every move, Paul instead lowered a tentacle into a box bearing the flag of Germany’s opponent in Wednesday’s match, Spain.
German magazine Der Spiegel reported:
"Paul’s uncanny prognostications have turned the squishy cephalopod into an international star. German news broadcaster n-tv aired his selection live as “Breaking News”; the channel also reported that 20 camera teams from around the world trekked to the aquarium to cover his show. News stories about Paul’s prediction instantly appeared on Spanish news websites."
There's a bit more at the Source: The New York Times, if you're interested.
P.S. This only adds to my love of cephalopods, omg. ♥______♥