I’m 20-something North American writing, studying, and teaching in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
In case you’re wondering about the domain name: it’s a reference to Pulpo Paul, as the late English-German octopus-cum-World-Cup-sensation is known in these parts. Paul isn’t a very common name down here; I used to respond to confused looks by spelling it out letter-by-letter. Now, I just say “como el pulpo” (like the octopus) and watch the confusion turn to a smile–how else does one respond to clairvoyant octopi?
Como el pulpo 
Hey Paul,
Great blog! Since I have nothing more intelligent to comment on, I’ll just note that the correct plural of octopus is octopodes, not octopi.
At least according to British standards of correctness.:-)
Oh my, you’re right! Wikipedia the Almighty says:
“The Oxford English Dictionary lists octopuses, octopi and octopodes (in that order); it labels octopodes “rare”, and notes that octopi derives from the mistaken assumption that octōpūs is a second declension Latin noun, which it is not. Rather, it is (Latinized) Ancient Greek, from oktṓpous (ὀκτώπους), gender masculine, whose plural is oktṓpodes (ὀκτώποδες). If the word were native to Latin, it would be octōpēs (‘eight-foot’) and the plural octōpedes, analogous to centipedes and mīllipedes, as the plural form of pēs (‘foot’) is pedes.”
I’d switch to “octopuses,” but I’m afraid your comment locks me into my common-but-incorrect choice!
Hi Paul, I am planning to visit Argentina for a month over Passover. I read your account of seder at Bet El. I wonder if they will be having it this year, and how I would be able to go. If you have any information, please email me at sggiller@earthlink.net. Thanks
Susan
I’m dating myself, but back in the day, “Como el Beatle” would have sufficed.
Really great blog. Will return for a visit soon.
Thanks Angelo, I’m honored by that because your own blog is amazing. I just came upon it today while researching this whole crazy Kony 2012 thing, I’ll certainly be coming back often!