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Pollux writes:

You have to admire Paul the Octopus’ bravery: predicting Germany’s loss in the World Cup game against Spain while residing in a German aquarium? Gutsy move (do octopuses have guts?).

The Germans and the Argentines (Paul also predicted Argentina’s loss against England) are up in arms, but the eight-armed Paul blithely continues to do his work.

To defer to animals as oracular messengers is as old as civilization itself. Ancient Egyptians consulted divine animals such as “The Bull Who is in Hermonthis, Lord of Medamud, Who is in Tod.”

Octopuses are said to be highly intelligent, and Paul’s prognostication proved correct against the face of popular opinion, namely that the Germans would handily beat Spain and advance to the World Cup Final against the Netherlands.

I’m impressed, and Paul’s predictions make me want to ask Das Krakenorakel questions unrelated to World Cup soccer.

Paul, is the war in Afghanistan a big mistake?

CHOICE #1: Yes
CHOICE #2: Define “mistake.”

Paul, is there life in other parts of the universe?

CHOICE #1: Yes, but you’ll only find it in octopus form.
CHOICE #2: We’re all alone, so exceedingly, extremely alone.

Paul, what is your opinion on Ayn Rand’s criticisms of altruism and her overall philosophy regarding selfishness and its place within a larger societal framework founded on capitalism?

CHOICE #1: Netherlands.
CHOICE #2: Spain.