Gillard's chances get a legs-up
Forget the polls and the electronic worms. If the prophecy of the Herald's very own psychic octopus is to be believed, Tony Abbott will be inked out of history come the federal election.
The octopus, Cassandra, was consulted at the Sydney Institute of Marine Science, after it became clear that Paul - the German oracle octopus that enjoyed a spectacular run of success during the World Cup - was too busy to help.
Cassandra's preference for Julia Gillard was clear. Despite being a solitary animal, she wrapped her long arms around the Prime Minister's photo.
Her reaction to the Opposition Leader's image was less enthusiastic: she turned a defensive black colour.
In Greek mythology Cassandra was given the gift of prophecy by the god Apollo. However, when Cassandra did not return Apollo's love, he placed a curse on her so that no one would believe her predictions, such as the fall of Troy.
Apart from her dabble in divination, Cassandra will be used as part of a research project involving the Marine Science Institute, Macquarie University and Harvard University to investigate whether octopuses can learn by observation.
http://www.smh.com.au/federal-election/gillards-chances-get-a-legsup-20100716-10e73.html
