Wise Oracle Quits While Ahead

The Octopus, Oracle Paul to retire. Such wisdom!

The Associated Press reports that with World Cup over Octopus Paul, who became a world renown oracle, is retiring from the swami business. Paul, a German -- rather a resident of the the Sea Life aquarium in Oberhausen, -- I 'm not sure if he has German citizenship. His handlers have not taken me into their confidence. I haven't seen his papers. He could be from outer space.

Anyway, Paul the Octopus correctly predicted the outcome of all seven of Germany's World Cup games, plus the Spain-Netherlands final. When Paul predicted that Germany would lose in the semi-final game against Spain, there were a few death threats made against him. So, I can see why he may be retiring. Why risk life and legs, and getting folks mad at him, for predicting to some folks disadvantage, sports games, or political contests, or the stock market?

Tanja Munzig, a spokeswoman for the Sea Life aquarium in Oberhausen, told AP, that Octopus Paul will "step back from the official oracle business. Paul will get back to his former job, namely making children laugh."