Squids In

[bobo the clown]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-11626050

Paul the octopus, an unlikely star of the 2010 World Cup who 'predicted' the outcome of seven matches, has died at an aquarium in Germany.

Staff at the Sea Life centre in Oberhausen said they were "devastated" to learn that he had passed away during the night.

Paul made his name by successfully choosing a mussel from one of two boxes bearing the flags of competing nations.

Octopuses rarely live beyond two years so his death was not unexpected.

Paul was two-and-a-half years old.

The centre's manager, Stefan Porwoll, said that Paul had correctly guessed the winner of all Germany's World Cup matches, including their defeat, and had "enthused people across every continent".


Paul's finest hour was his choice of Spain as winner of the World Cup As the tournament progressed, the octopus's uncanny knack of selecting the correct box drew increasing interest from the world's media, culminating in his choice of Spain as the eventual winner.

He became an instant hero in Spain, prompting a request to have him put on display at Madrid zoo.

Amid the euphoria, he was even made honorary citizen of a Spanish town.

The Oberhausen centre said he had seemed fine when last checked on Monday night but was found dead on Tuesday morning.

It was always a load of old bllx, but better than the vuvazela's.

[Lofthouse Lower]

Surprised he didn't predict his own death - smart arse!

[HMX]

Didn't see this coming.

[jimbo]

I think this has come as a real shock. No one saw it coming and to have him taken from us when he was seemingly in his predicting prime is so so cruel. My heart goes out to his family and those who are lucky enough to have known him. It's a sad day for football. It'll be interesting to see how his passing is marked at grounds around the world this weekend. For him I think a minutes applause would be most suitable to honour such a distinguished summer.

[Zulus Thousand of em]

I think this has come as a real shock. No one saw it coming and to have him taken from us when he was seemingly in his predicting prime is so so cruel. My heart goes out to his family and those who are lucky enough to have known him. It's a sad day for football. It'll be interesting to see how his passing is marked at grounds around the world this weekend. For him I think a minutes applause would be most suitable to honour such a distinguished summer.

I think we should have eight minutes applause - one for each tentacle.

[Wandering Willy]

For some reason this thread keeps reminding me of a very old joke, the punchline of which is:

"His underpants fit him like a glove".

[P.O.S.]

He had an agent for crying out loud!

[scotty]

in memory of paul the octopus, the FA have announced that this years FA cup ties will all be played over 8 legs