And it came to pass that in time the Great God Om spake unto Brutha, the Chosen One: "Psst!

He'd been wrong, there was a light at the end of the tunnel, and it was a flamethrower.

I would not like it thought that I do not buy my own paperclips, sir. I enjoy owning my own paperclips. It means they are mine.

This time it had been magic. And it didn't stop being magic just because you found out how it was done.

"It would seem that you have no useful skill or talent whatsoever" he said. "Have you thought of going into teaching?"

Pets are always a great help in times of stress. And in times of starvation too, o'course.

Not all questions are answered, but fortunately some answers are questioned.