: "To paraphrase the esteemed Mr. Holmes, when you eliminate
: the highly probable, whatever is left, however improbable, must be the
: truth.

I *still* don't get this.  Why would you want to discard the
highly probable in favour of the improbable?  What is the
relevance of this paraphrase to Nouma's argument for considering
magic?

And I *still* don't see your problem with this.

I always thought that the quote was 'Once you eliminate the Impossible,
whatever is left, however improbable, must be the truth.'  Your example, of
the killer who wore the Ranma t-shirt, was left handed, limped, and ate hot
dogs without any condiments on the third Tuesday of any month that has at
least 30 days.  You show a man who almost fits that description.  When you
add the clause, 'But I was in Mexico at the time.', the man shifts from the
probable to the impossible.  He is therefore eliminated.  If you are dealing
with Magick, you could concievably say, 'Once you eliminate the probably,
the rest, however impossible, must be true.', but that would be silly.  And
Lord knows we wouldn't want to be silly.

(slight silliness)

Thank you very much.  You have destroyed years of theraputic work, and
shaken my entire belief foundation.  How did you do this?  Well, Richard,
you killed Ryouga.  Not only did you kill him, you had the daughter of Ranma
and Akane kill him.  That was evil.  Ryouga's death I might have gotten
over, but not this corruption of the Saotome/Tendo line.  This is
unforgivable.  This is a "Cry Havok and let loose the Dogs of War!" level
offence.  This is beyond the trouble that makes you say "Oh, bugger!".  This
is Double Big Mac whammy trouble.  Taste my four all beef patties, special
sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles and onions of Rage on the sesame seed bun of
Justice!!!!  SPOON!!!

(end slight silliness)

I'm sure you had your reasons for killing Ryouga, and I'm sure that they are
good ones, but that doesn't mean that I have to like it.

J. D. Farber
Firm believer in the Ryoga/Ukyo match
Owner of Ryoga's Travel Agency
Member of the Order of the Cold Shower
Member OLA (Weapon: Scottish Claymore)  #%SHING%# #%SHING%#
Right hand of Sailor Jupiter
Fianna Kinfolk
X-Tatic Mage
Known to some as Arcady Sabo, House Lugosi

Dakedo Akane warau to kawaii yo.