I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere

Episode 323: Sherlock Holmes and the 12 Days of Christmas

<h4 style="text-align: center;"> “Particularly bright and joyous” [THOR] </h4><h4 style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRWK94QxCY2JP5NGue7LuRQdL7XM66_UA71rtZK4uWiwKPTB_vDhzrOBkHL2iWYLbNbtoxhjlUIx_VMAROVKFn4raRZUiOG4KhYeVGD1EdEU6UcruWa3BhVo0VKtvc-2XYnbx-g17wLcZ3rhVWe_88nrVLlFdBCsprwBduqzuNXHuG_QHvgccDUmgZ1ccs/s1400/ihearofsherlock323-header.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRWK94QxCY2JP5NGue7LuRQdL7XM66_UA71rtZK4uWiwKPTB_vDhzrOBkHL2iWYLbNbtoxhjlUIx_VMAROVKFn4raRZUiOG4KhYeVGD1EdEU6UcruWa3BhVo0VKtvc-2XYnbx-g17wLcZ3rhVWe_88nrVLlFdBCsprwBduqzuNXHuG_QHvgccDUmgZ1ccs/w640-h426/ihearofsherlock323-header.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></h4><p></p><p>Forget about the silence you might think is suggested by the word “pantomime.” British panto is a raucous, musical, holiday tradition that expects the audience to be as loud as possible, booing the villain and cheering the hero. It’s usually a comic, theatrical retelling of a fairy tale — like Cinderella or Aladdin — with slapstick for the kids, cheeky innuendo for the adults, and a cast that includes a campy "Dame" (a man in an over-the-top dress). </p><p>Now Holmes, Watson, and the world of 221B have been lovingly added to the panto tradition in <i><a href="https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/whats-on/sherlock-holmes-and-the-12-days-of-christmas/" target="_blank">Sherlock Holmes and the 12 Days of Christmas</a></i>, playing through January 18, 2026, at England’s Birmingham Rep. The show is also a genuine whodunnit: West End stars are being murdered in mid performance. Can Sherlock Holmes solve the case?</p><p>It’s all the work of our guests <b>Humphrey Ker</b> and <b>David Reed</b>, writers and stars whose love of the Victorian Age, history, and classic literature has infused almost twenty years of collaboration. You’ll hear about their work creating radio plays for the BBC, stage shows for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and their adventures as two-thirds of the comedy troupe “The Penny Dreadfuls.” </p><p>You’ll also learn how <i><b>Sherlock Holmes and the 12 Days of Christmas</b></i> came about, and how it came to inspire new songs by <b>Tim Rice</b> and <b>Andrew Lloyd Webber</b> — creators of some of the most enduring musicals in history.</p><p>Then it’s on to our review of Sherlockian society activities in the second half of January in "The Learned Societies" segment. The remarkable Madeline Quinones caps her series of Holmesian podcast reviews with her final report in “A Chance of Listening,” with our thanks and admiration. And the Canonical Couplet quiz tests your Sherlock Holmes knowledge, with a prize from the IHOSE vaults for the winner. Send your answer to comment @ihearofsherlock.com by December 14, 2025 at 11:59 a.m. EST. All listeners are eligible to play.</p><p>As a reminder, our <a href="https://ihose.co/ihosepatron" target="_blank">supporters</a> can listen to the show ad-free and have access to occasional bonus material. Join us on the platform of your choice (<a href="https://patreon.com/ihearofsherlock" target="_blank">Patreon</a> | <a href="https://ihearofsherlock.substack.com" target="_blank">Substack</a>).</p><p>And if you need some show swag or gift ideas, check out our <a href="https://www.ihearofsherlock.com/merchandise" target="_blank">Merch Store</a>, with mugs, notepads and more.</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Merriweather; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://traffic.libsyn.com/ihearofsherlock/ihearofsherlock323.mp3" style="color: #013fd3; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Download</a> [Save As] | File size: 80.4 MB, 1:07:12</h3><p><iframe allowfullscreen="" data-dashlane-classification="other" data-dashlane-frameid="10292" data-dashlane-rid="1bc3710e16221b1e" height="192" mozallowfullscreen="true" msallowfullscreen="true" oallowfullscreen="true" scrolling="no" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/39210250/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/414851/time-start/00:00:00/playlist-height/200/direction/backward/download/yes/font-color/FFFFFF" style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="100%"></iframe><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Merriweather; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: center;">Leave I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere a five-star rating on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-hear-of-sherlock-everywhere/id258126625?ls=1" style="color: #013fd3; text-decoration-line: none;">Apple Podcasts</a> and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/30WtRn1mnXfAtX7YaeRY5Y" style="color: #013fd3; text-decoration-line: none;">Spotify</a>; listen to us <a href="https://www.episodes.fm/1198869691" style="color: #013fd3; text-decoration-line: none;">wherever you listen to podcasts</a>.</h3><h2><br /></h2><h2>Links</h2><p></p><ul><li><a href="https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/whats-on/sherlock-holmes-and-the-12-days-of-christmas/" target="_blank">Sherlock Holmes and the 12 Days of Christmas</a> (Birmingham Rep)</li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humphrey_Ker" target="_blank">Humphrey Ker</a> (Wikipedia)<i></i></li><li><a href="https://www.mrdavidreed.com/" target="_blank">David Reed</a></li><li><a href="https://www.mrdavidreed.com/the-penny-dreadfuls" target="_blank">The Penny Dreadfuls</a></li><li>Episodes mentioned in this show:</li><ul><li><a href="https://ihose.co/ihose259" target="_blank">Episode 259: Sketches of Scions</a></li></ul><li>Other links:</li><ul><li>A Chance of Listening: <i><a href="https://www.genius-podcast.com/index.html" target="_blank">Genius</a> </i>and <i><a href="https://pod.link/1784284807" target="_blank">Sherlock Holmes Short Stories</a></i></li><li>Madeline's podcast: <i><a href="https://dynamicsofapodcast.com/" target="_blank">Dynamics of a Podcast</a></i></li><li>The Learned Societies: <a href="http://www.sherlockiancalendar.com/" target="_blank">Sherlockian Calendar</a></li></ul><li><a href="https://www.ihearofsherlock.com/merchandise" target="_blank">I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere / Trifles Merch Store</a></li></ul><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj29cSHabGIObH4IdQeGyx88PTNcrOeD1J3l8-pjNYrpKNS5DLNjRjSVWxJzYbEhJGSvRPxOa9hIwgz4QYUYM-e4vALe1Tx2Je3pl8KQh6g_rueo9E8pd7SossrtPayueShhgt9Hd_JUqsj3yqVN7VUKghho7s3n51MIBgCKCsf_FAe34zDSNstKSge7Off/s590/IHOSE%20Mug%202%20closeup.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="590" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj29cSHabGIObH4IdQeGyx88PTNcrOeD1J3l8-pjNYrpKNS5DLNjRjSVWxJzYbEhJGSvRPxOa9hIwgz4QYUYM-e4vALe1Tx2Je3pl8KQh6g_rueo9E8pd7SossrtPayueShhgt9Hd_JUqsj3yqVN7VUKghho7s3n51MIBgCKCsf_FAe34zDSNstKSge7Off/w200-h200/IHOSE%20Mug%202%20closeup.jpg" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjif67emMEZTIJ0oOOOia1YWy-moeQpeIw00bsbuzhNZovbSSppBx05SmmLRe4_PaHc-glGFGx_w2o1a7uafYZT-6n7iEep6dJdkNTrcIWXW29Whwd6WrrzrpuE-rcRZED2WbBzPHXel946i-FPAg2mqW2oF7vt9TPW1vuWHntG1NVSqgYXE3JWKZSB3jH3/s768/Notepad%20-%20IHOSE.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="768" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjif67emMEZTIJ0oOOOia1YWy-moeQpeIw00bsbuzhNZovbSSppBx05SmmLRe4_PaHc-glGFGx_w2o1a7uafYZT-6n7iEep6dJdkNTrcIWXW29Whwd6WrrzrpuE-rcRZED2WbBzPHXel946i-FPAg2mqW2oF7vt9TPW1vuWHntG1NVSqgYXE3JWKZSB3jH3/w200-h200/Notepad%20-%20IHOSE.jpg" width="200" /></a><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.ihearofsherlock.com/p/sherlock-holmes-gifts.html" target="_blank">Explore more here</a>.</h4><p>Find all of our relevant links and social accounts at <a href="http://linktr.ee/ihearofsherlock">linktr.ee/ihearofsherlock</a>.</p><p><br /></p><p>And would you consider leaving us a rating and or a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Goodpods? It would help other Sherlockians find us.</p><p>Your thoughts on the show? Leave a comment below, send us an email (comment AT ihearofsherlock DOT com), call us at 5-1895-221B-5. That's (518) 952-2125.</p><div><br /></div>

Episode 323: Sherlock Holmes and the 12 Days of Christmas

“Particularly bright and joyous” [THOR] Forget about the silence you might think is suggested by the word “pantomime.” British panto is a ...

+ Read more »

by Scott Monty

Baker Street Elementary – Off to Violin-Land

<h4 style="text-align: center;">“Holmes would talk about nothing but violins” [CARD] </h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5FAm-TGqQMaABbQ8W7xiLPmt9S61_l5Bxn7m1Uq_CPtySlULNy1kV5KJdN35UL8Mn2BJq4ZU0pLx4WGT0nR4HLQ5YqrVa7M9qNJ0CWBdpRfkMgLR1n8f31IMhMpOmJ6r7p9nz-715W5vu86jA6GfvCHQwNpbweRqhVIQ90oQQoszvuazIhh6fSoU3dZw/s1365/Baker%20Street%20Elementary%20215.1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1365" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5FAm-TGqQMaABbQ8W7xiLPmt9S61_l5Bxn7m1Uq_CPtySlULNy1kV5KJdN35UL8Mn2BJq4ZU0pLx4WGT0nR4HLQ5YqrVa7M9qNJ0CWBdpRfkMgLR1n8f31IMhMpOmJ6r7p9nz-715W5vu86jA6GfvCHQwNpbweRqhVIQ90oQQoszvuazIhh6fSoU3dZw/w640-h360/Baker%20Street%20Elementary%20215.1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Does the quality of an instrument affect the ability of the player? Marketers of high-end instruments would certainly like us to believe so.</div><div><br /></div><div>In Sherlock Holmes's case, it is perhaps the difference between Watson tolerating his intermittent concerti and throwing the instrument through the window.</div><div><br /></div><div>When they first meet, the young Holmes tests Watson thusly:</div><div><blockquote><div>“Do you include violin-playing in your category of rows?”</div></blockquote></div><div><div>Fortunately, Watson passed with flying colors when he replied, </div><div><blockquote><div>“It depends on the player,” I answered. “A well-played violin is a treat for the gods—a badly-played one—” </div></blockquote></div><div>Watson would later confirm this for us, as he made his famous list "<i>Sherlock Holmes</i>—his limits":</div><blockquote><div>10. Plays the violin well</div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div>Of course, Sherlock Holmes knew he had the upper hand here, as he later confirmed to Watson that his was a Stradivarius, acquired for just 55 shillings. Stradivarius violins are the most famed types of violins in existence, often being insured for millions of dollars. It just goes to show what great bargains one can get if you know what you're looking for!</div><div><br /></div><div>Later on, Watson referred to Holmes's violin playing as "remarkable," but also alluded to the careless "scraping" of the violin across Holmes's knee and its "low, melancholy wailings." One could easily tie playing style to moods more so than to the quality of the instrument.</div><div><br /></div><div>Whatever it was, Holmes knew how to get his violin to perform for him.</div><div><br /></div><div>Listen to the <a href="https://ihose.co/trifles89" target="_blank"><i>Trifles</i> episode on Holmes's Stradivarius violin</a>:</div><div><br /></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" data-dashlane-classification="other" data-dashlane-frameid="2766" data-dashlane-rid="15c364574f83a447" height="192" mozallowfullscreen="true" msallowfullscreen="true" oallowfullscreen="true" scrolling="no" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/7040212/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/3a4e59/time-start/00:00:00/playlist-height/200/direction/backward/download/yes/font-color/FFFFFF" style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="100%"></iframe><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Let's see if all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony at Baker Street Elementary...</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIXtDEtwbEltzsWwbhgcQ21nTewC-OpfEmF48hDf4p0Km71Cw1gyWZR1jBrpx4nCWdAQLYxdvOVfDqMYBhMDNgUwWOdhpQZ0JdEj-gz2iiSa7yfJX30Ec_H_LeDYSKzc1hTaOnmDg9YkOb6k0XEs9ZPO46vhVWPxHo-mWnCbthxmJBjxjr_PZm4DanlpA/s1365/Baker%20Street%20Elementary%20215.4.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1365" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIXtDEtwbEltzsWwbhgcQ21nTewC-OpfEmF48hDf4p0Km71Cw1gyWZR1jBrpx4nCWdAQLYxdvOVfDqMYBhMDNgUwWOdhpQZ0JdEj-gz2iiSa7yfJX30Ec_H_LeDYSKzc1hTaOnmDg9YkOb6k0XEs9ZPO46vhVWPxHo-mWnCbthxmJBjxjr_PZm4DanlpA/w640-h360/Baker%20Street%20Elementary%20215.4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_FzW2N3pdQ0hCmQe9i2HDygoVJS_T91emNuz0uCtGUSyfzY8c1Xbi6MCaCd_MneTRDtu6hhPYj0s9k4hFiY_MezoKSfsAHIo111_ZVbgT3C9iPFwr0JUFwFy7yl4qgSd38fFeAKMulZbUUxP2eL5xOj0_kprl_904t4GXq5jhidHmvwigSveMMGUisSw/s1365/Baker%20Street%20Elementary%20215.3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1365" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_FzW2N3pdQ0hCmQe9i2HDygoVJS_T91emNuz0uCtGUSyfzY8c1Xbi6MCaCd_MneTRDtu6hhPYj0s9k4hFiY_MezoKSfsAHIo111_ZVbgT3C9iPFwr0JUFwFy7yl4qgSd38fFeAKMulZbUUxP2eL5xOj0_kprl_904t4GXq5jhidHmvwigSveMMGUisSw/w640-h360/Baker%20Street%20Elementary%20215.3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDpxouOdJ-cWr6WNGbBZL14gvfNrweK8wbZikT4jhUMPcuqS_2QWk51pkVFXLQRmdT6mV_Ony08haQK7ZyYzd9HYF0_Wjz97JrY-s7-aPJq_U6wAL5aH0lQwaAF-LCCMugmR8z5eA71QmvWib9jUjD3U7Ff3plWgTbtM9YEkN0sX1VOSLAfbTXv_BGlV4/s1365/Baker%20Street%20Elementary%20215.2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1365" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDpxouOdJ-cWr6WNGbBZL14gvfNrweK8wbZikT4jhUMPcuqS_2QWk51pkVFXLQRmdT6mV_Ony08haQK7ZyYzd9HYF0_Wjz97JrY-s7-aPJq_U6wAL5aH0lQwaAF-LCCMugmR8z5eA71QmvWib9jUjD3U7Ff3plWgTbtM9YEkN0sX1VOSLAfbTXv_BGlV4/w640-h360/Baker%20Street%20Elementary%20215.2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"><i>Baker Street Elementary</i></b><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"> follows the original adventures of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson, as they and their friends work through the issues of elementary school in Victorian London. An archive of all previous episodes can be viewed at the <a href="https://www.dfw-sherlock.org/baker-street-elementary.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Baker Street Elementary website</a></span><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">.</span></div><div><div><br /></div><div><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-size: 14px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyHxoov2AdCNzI-sA382WHyzmCYKmU5vuVxxUUbwgmzd_zESpxNTWBoDo-0BOUVmZPf0EpIOXFT9y59il288HBvx1-_JJJXxHhZAn2orzWJPWbYZasKlLBplbQMHDaY9thgs_w1diI7ch/s1600/Baker+Street+Elementary.jpg" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyHxoov2AdCNzI-sA382WHyzmCYKmU5vuVxxUUbwgmzd_zESpxNTWBoDo-0BOUVmZPf0EpIOXFT9y59il288HBvx1-_JJJXxHhZAn2orzWJPWbYZasKlLBplbQMHDaY9thgs_w1diI7ch/s640/Baker+Street+Elementary.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Baker Street Elementary – Off to Violin-Land

“Holmes would talk about nothing but violins” [CARD] Does the quality of an instrument affect the ability of the player? Marketers of high-...

+ Read more »

by I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere

Tips for Making the Most of the BSI Weekend

<h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">“</span><b>Let me have the straight tip and you won't be a loser</b><span style="text-align: left;">”</span><b> [SILV] </b></h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFYYwNkDcFee52TLetezTvrjJuCKXcoJ8tRTmgBBmyA6s8xbAhLwknSBTpj-Pkrx6jpEyFqM9xEg-CaN-pHP8mPZatyZtGZm8Rqasu7Kb8BZSgUSpY_ZdFEBKopS_ZrYAzONcuAGPHOHA/s1600/BSI+logo+full.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFYYwNkDcFee52TLetezTvrjJuCKXcoJ8tRTmgBBmyA6s8xbAhLwknSBTpj-Pkrx6jpEyFqM9xEg-CaN-pHP8mPZatyZtGZm8Rqasu7Kb8BZSgUSpY_ZdFEBKopS_ZrYAzONcuAGPHOHA/s640/BSI+logo+full.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="text-align: center;">With the </span><b style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://bsiweekend.com" target="_blank">BSI Weekend</a></b><span style="text-align: center;"> coming up in January, we thought it might be helpful to provide a series of tips for the veteran attendees and the newbies alike.</span><br /><br />The <a href="https://bsiweekend.com" target="_blank">Baker Street Irregulars Weekend</a> is happening January 7–11, 2026, and it's usually a pretty big deal if you're taking time out of your life to head into New York City for three or more days of activities with people you haven't seen in a year (or years!) or those you may have only known online until now.<div><br /></div><div>Whether you're making the trip for the first or twenty-first time, you know that the Weekend provides the same level of excitement, anticipation, and giddiness as Christmas morning does to a child.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha6OGNTJ9y_alsmGZ4itwvxut6FnZFBQOLkk-N2WkkKYRjWi6VhW3taPMuwHbm71ZOdynxKBFX43yxwG0F0HkBqsQx3Z1pc4kiIezeMXQG6zPdPVmG4FPv6y_wsBc8QavGdfNnOZ680d6u/s1600/TWIS+Hugh+Boone.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha6OGNTJ9y_alsmGZ4itwvxut6FnZFBQOLkk-N2WkkKYRjWi6VhW3taPMuwHbm71ZOdynxKBFX43yxwG0F0HkBqsQx3Z1pc4kiIezeMXQG6zPdPVmG4FPv6y_wsBc8QavGdfNnOZ680d6u/s320/TWIS+Hugh+Boone.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><a href="https://www.amateurmendicantsociety.com/" target="_blank">Amateur Mendicants</a> welcome too!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />It's usually during those anxious moments that our brain-attic tends to forget some of the essentials that help make a great trip perfect. And for the uninitiated, it's just a matter of not knowing what you need to survive the BSI Weekend.<br /><br />This marks <b>13 years</b> since we began sharing these tips — the <a href="https://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2012/12/a-suggestion-perhaps-houn_28.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">first of which</a> was inspired by interviewing several members of the Baker Street Irregulars — including some newer members who might have a less distant memory of their first Weekend, and some who have been at it literally for decades. Information has been updated to reflect changes in the city as well as in technology.</div><div><br /><br />And if there are any additional tips that you think would be helpful to attendees, please feel free to add your own as a comment below. And if you'd like a sense of what it's like, listen to <a href="http://ihose.co/ihose74" target="_blank">Episode 74</a>:<br /><br /><iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/191368218&color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%"></iframe><br /><br />Herewith are the suggestions:</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><h3>Bags 🧳</h3><ul><li>Make sure that you have plenty of room to bring home books that you buy. If you have to bring an extra bag that you can fold up and put in your suitcase, do so. </li><li>Some suggest bringing a plastic shopping bag to the BSI dinner, as it makes carrying the dinner packet around a little easier, especially if you plan to go to another venue afterward. </li><li>You might also consider <b>bringing a shopping bag to the Merchants Room</b> on Saturday to carry your various purchases. Not all merchants provide bags; carting away your haul is <i>your</i> responsibility. And you <i>do</i> want a haul, don't you?</li></ul><br /><h3>Meeting Others 📇</h3><ul><li>Bring business cards (a quaint tradition). You will be meeting a lot of new people, and you will be sharing contact information. Put as many as you think that you will need in your pack, and then double it. And be sure to include all modes of contacting you, including website, social media, etc. </li><li>If you're in need of a good card, the <a href="http://moo.com/">Moo</a> does a splendid job and <a href="http://vistaprint.com/">VistaPrint</a> has a fast turnaround time. </li><li>If you want to make sure you get your table mates to sign your menu, bring a pen to the dinner.</li><ul><li><b><i>Pro tip</i></b>: there's usually a pen in the dinner packet.</li></ul><li>Allow yourself time to schmooze with other Sherlockians. This is the fastest way to make new friends, who will quickly become old friends. </li></ul><br /><h3>Comportment / Etiquette 🤝</h3><ul><li><b>Do</b> tell people how good it is to see them again — or how lovely it is to meet them for the first time after having known them only online. </li><li><b>Do</b> tell them that you miss them in the intervening months between BSI weekends. </li><li><b>Do</b> tell them how invaluable they are to you as a Sherlockian comrade-in-arms and friend and how much you value their friendship. </li><li>If this is your first time at the Weekend or at an event, <b>ask questions</b> if you're unsure of something, are curious, or would like to understand more. As in <i>The Valley of Fear</i>, "certain rites, and also certain duties" may be involved, and it may not be clear why.</li><li>If you're scheduled to speak at an event, be mindful not to overdo the alcohol beforehand. Dutch courage is usually inappropriate in such circumstances. </li><li>In this hyper-connected world, it's easy to forget that there are those attending the weekend for whom "it is always 1895" — or nearly so. When you're taking photographs, please be mindful of those who are firmly rooted in the 20th (or 19th!) century and who might not want to appear on your timeline by <u>asking their permission</u> to share your photos of them online. Common courtesy is timeless.</li><li>Please be kind to anyone helping you from the BSI and wider Sherlockian community. We're all volunteers, doing this out of the kindness of our hearts. Your kindness, patience, and understanding will go a long way.</li></ul><div><br /></div><h3>Attire 🥿 🧥</h3><ul><li>Bring comfortable shoes. The weekend inevitably includes a lot of walking. </li><li>This one is especially for the ladies: it's useful to have a change of shoes in your handbag so the stilettos don't murder you by the end of the evening (or vice versa). </li><li>Bring warm clothes. It is winter in New York, and non-Sherlockian New York friends say they know when we are in town because we bring really bad weather. </li><li>Dress in layers. Many times, the weather can be cold, but there have been instances in New York in January when we could — and did — comfortably walk about the streets without even a jacket on. </li></ul><br /><h3>Money 💰</h3><ul><li>Bring small bills. They will come in handy as you share taxis going from place to place, and you’ll find them handy when tipping helpful service employees. It is also customary to leave a tip for your housecleaning staff at the hotel.</li><ul><li><b><i>Pro tip</i></b>: We prefer withdrawing $2 bills from the bank and bringing them with us to make things extra efficient when entering or exiting doors and taxis.</li></ul><li>Bring a checkbook (or cash!) to the Merchants Room, as not everyone there takes credit cards (yet) and you may find an item you must have. </li><li>If you see something you're interested in at the Merchants Room and you can afford it, don't wait until your second sweep of the room — it will probably be gone by then.</li><li>Most of the vendors in the Merchants Room are very kind and understanding people, and many are also collectors or Sherlockians themselves. If you would care to haggle with them, they're likely open to it. It can't hurt to ask.</li><li>The BSI and Wessex Press tables accept <b>credit cards, PayPal and Apple Pay</b>.</li><li>Estimate, on the top side, what you expect to spend — and then double it. That might get you through. 💸</li></ul><br /><h3>Time 🕰️</h3><ul><li>If you have any health conditions, allow yourself time to go back to your hotel room for periodic rests. Many find these rests invaluable, enabling them to enjoy the weekend despite their condition. Schedule your time. </li><li>Know when you need to be places (including when you need to catch the train/plane back home). </li><li>Count on it taking some time to get a cab amongst the other Sherlockians who may be headed to the same events as you.</li><li>Alternatively, download a ride-hailing app (such as <b>Uber </b>or <b>Lyft, </b>or <b>Curb </b>for taxis) to help you avoid these waits. <b>See below for more details and a way to save money on rides</b>.</li></ul><br /><h3>Getting Around 🚕 🚇 🚶</h3><ul><li>Hey, Magellan, guess what? You have the power of a global satellite navigation system in the palm of your hand. That is, if you have a smartphone. Google Maps or Apple Maps are indispensable for getting around, by foot, taxi, or public transportation.</li><li>If you want something customized to New York, there are other apps to choose from: <a href="https://citymapper.com/nyc" target="_blank">Citymapper</a>, <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=guide.unitedstates.newyork.prod&hl=en_US&gl=US" target="_blank">New York Guide for Android</a> and iOS has the <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/new-york-travel-guide-offline/id319296365?mt=8">New York Travel Guide and Offline Map</a>.</li></ul><ul><li>If you don't like using the map app on your phone, print out a street map of the city with the places you need to be circled or otherwise identified. Many things are within walking distance, but it is good to know you are starting out in the right direction (or know when to turn). </li><li>Download and print Monica Schmidt's <b><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sdjyiMn4hWp-3iVqImETafEgbrylo_ufMgqiKE2aSBw/edit?fbclid=IwY2xjawOK3mFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeEXCN35IE1fxQmeVISoe4LFDc8dJ_wt8NYC2dG-PUqu4K8DoN7I3i85LlCrw_aem_rHGiHFJCgVQDw5Sw97-TKw&tab=t.0" target="_blank">handy schedule</a></b>, particularly if you're more visually inclined. It's a nice grid. </li></ul><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhalssA5h6bHIv-uPJDeNhkIGQOBS8dppo8kzALF3m0vj1oj2j4Ka-QcV_4ZgUYE56xHY4Tk3O9WdnfUymdk70-Sc1ZU-8siWzA9rttiqPFdVIzggebowrfMMKuXO6Kb0pyxMHw0ZbxuzcC3N5tDpAfpPUkppDYrPv_pohAMEeIebrwWHYx8WQQXbCpm1kb" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="796" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhalssA5h6bHIv-uPJDeNhkIGQOBS8dppo8kzALF3m0vj1oj2j4Ka-QcV_4ZgUYE56xHY4Tk3O9WdnfUymdk70-Sc1ZU-8siWzA9rttiqPFdVIzggebowrfMMKuXO6Kb0pyxMHw0ZbxuzcC3N5tDpAfpPUkppDYrPv_pohAMEeIebrwWHYx8WQQXbCpm1kb=w400-h299" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Click image to enlarge; <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sdjyiMn4hWp-3iVqImETafEgbrylo_ufMgqiKE2aSBw/edit?fbclid=IwY2xjawOL2plleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe8341Ut7X2Dk21oANHvAiIYjknyq-drMTQCOpy2mJTEM9UaU7dyzARraHH6o_aem_yjmqXMtVYTvEIo0oFBUyyw&tab=t.0" target="_blank">click here</a> to open document</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><br /></div><ul><li>If you want to go to Otto Penzler's <a href="http://mysteriousbookshop.com/" target="_blank">Mysterious Bookshop</a> and are staying at The Westin Grand Central Hotel, the easiest, quickest and cheapest way to go is by subway. From Grand Central take a <b>4</b> or <b>5</b> express train <b>two</b> stops to <b>Brooklyn Bridge Station</b>; it is a very short walk over to Otto's. Don't take a local (which makes 10 stops). The express is about five minutes. </li><li>Download the <b>The Official MTA App</b> from the <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mymta/id1297605670?mt=8">App Store</a> or <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=info.mta.mymta&hl=en">Google Play</a> for navigating the subway. </li><li>Beginning in 2026, New York City subways will transition away from MetroCards to OMNY cards or payments with physical and digital debit and credit cards. You can already use Apple Pay, Google Pay, or your touchless credit card to pay at the turnstile.</li></ul><ul><li>Download a ride-hailing app such as <a href="https://lyft.com/i/SCOTT726787" target="_blank">Lyft</a>, Uber, or <a href="https://my.gocurb.com/invite85u83u" target="_blank">Curb</a>. </li><ul><li>If you'd like a code for <b>Lyft</b>, <a href="https://lyft.com/i/SCOTT726787">click here</a> to sign up and receive a $5 credit towards rides.</li><li>For <b>Uber</b>, you can get a 50% discount on your first two rides (up to $10 each) by <a href="https://referrals.uber.com/refer?id=26ayuga4aant" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.</li><li><b>For NYC taxis, </b><a href="https://my.gocurb.com/invite85u83u" target="_blank">download the Curb app</a> to get $5 when you create an account. You can either request a cab with it, or when you're in a cab simply enter a 7-digit code displayed in the cab and it will pair with your device.</li></ul></ul><br /><h3>Logistics 📝</h3><ul><li>Bring your event payment confirmations, just in case of a glitch in the system. </li><li>Also, everything is pretty centrally located, but it's a good idea to have a list of your schedule with the addresses of the venues so that you don't suddenly find yourself asking, where the devil am I supposed to be right now? </li><li>The heat during the BSI dinner has been uncomfortable in years past in the Yale Club (potentially dangerously uncomfortable a few years ago) – if this happens again, vests/waistcoats are not advised. Unless you're <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcaric/8379354330/">Mattias Bostrom</a>. </li></ul><br /><h3>The Unscheduled 📅</h3><ul><li>If possible, make breakfast plans with other Sherlockians (unless you prefer to eat breakfast alone — saving energy for later conversations).</li><li>To some, the secret to enjoying the jam-packed weekend is to find private, unpublicized events for more intimate interactions. How to find these? “<i>You know my methods. Apply them</i>.” </li></ul><br /><h3>Dining 🍽️</h3>What? You’re not getting enough food between events? Thankfully there are gaps that allow a Sherlockian to venture places on his or her own. And of course, there are plenty of restaurants in and near Grand Central Station, which is in great proximity to the Yale Club and the Westin Grand Central Hotel.<br /><ul><li>The restaurant scene in NYC has changed drastically during the pandemic. Some old favorites may no longer be there; some may have restricted hours or dining arrangements.</li><li>Check <b><a href="https://www.opentable.com/landmark/restaurants-near-grand-central-station" target="_blank">Open Table</a></b> for restaurants that take reservations; they offer free booking and allow you to see availability of tables by time and by number of seats. </li><li>Several Sherlockians like to go to the <b><a href="http://www.oysterbarny.com/">Oyster Bar</a></b> for dinner. There are a number of <b><a href="https://www.grandcentralterminal.com/restaurants/" target="_blank">Grand Central Restaurants</a></b> inside. </li><li>For a more comprehensive listing of eateries nearby, check <b><a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/RestaurantsNear-g60763-d103371-Grand_Central_Terminal-New_York_City_New_York.html" target="_blank">TripAdvisor</a></b>, <b><a href="https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Restaurants+Near+Grand+Central+Station&find_loc=New+York%2C+NY" target="_blank">Yelp</a></b>,</li><li>And heaven forbid, don't forget about the <a href="http://www.redflamenyc.com/">Red Flame</a>, the perennial favorite next door to the Algonquin Hotel on W. 44th Street.</li></ul><br /><h3>Online 📱</h3>Whether you're in New York for the festivities or sequestered at home, it might be worthwhile to follow along online. Some ways to do that:<br /><ul><li>The official hashtag of the BSI Weekend is <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23bsiweekend&src=typd">#BSIWeekend</a>.  </li><li>The Doylean Honors will be held <b>online </b>as well as in person on Thursday, January 8 at 11:15 a.m. EST. <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfAtaRx_QhRZEE_PU7HGx4u0ErUTG7r63OwBelTs6LouBcUgw/viewform" target="_blank">Register in advance using this form</a>.</li><li>The Literary Agents will hold their meeting exclusively online on Friday, January 9 at 10:30 a.m. EST. Interested viewers <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdZAD1BZn5AR8EzYY7B20TUs0aJAPDjsLSrC_a-igyzl3SzOQ/viewform" target="_blank">will need to register here</a>.</li></ul><br /><br /></div><div>That sums up our list. Do you have tips as well, dear readers? Please leave them in a comment below or drop us a line and let us know what your secrets are so we can all be beneficiaries.<br /><br /><br /><div style="font-family: "times new roman"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">--</div></div>

Tips for Making the Most of the BSI Weekend

“ Let me have the straight tip and you won't be a loser ” [SILV] With the BSI Weekend coming up in January, we thought it might be h...

+ Read more »

by Scott Monty

Episode 322: The Scourers of Dancing Men

<h4 style="text-align: center;"> “‘Why, Holmes, it is a child’s drawing,’ I cried.” [DANC] </h4><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjB3g6dlj97Jftzawmwb3lvAHH3OvOHTkAVqUyGeIJv01Os0LzFeQ8WuxUkNf-kVKrvU_WH8OjRoaQDvemTMe_3JrCOMN8wpOiQTlSknzceS4FZCp641qYFwkOqsX4mGpCsZElvd7LpgA0rjGR8Vvszn22DNeHyhvsuaTDNGYzh6nwRWO4A2C_uY2waXqpm" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2200" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjB3g6dlj97Jftzawmwb3lvAHH3OvOHTkAVqUyGeIJv01Os0LzFeQ8WuxUkNf-kVKrvU_WH8OjRoaQDvemTMe_3JrCOMN8wpOiQTlSknzceS4FZCp641qYFwkOqsX4mGpCsZElvd7LpgA0rjGR8Vvszn22DNeHyhvsuaTDNGYzh6nwRWO4A2C_uY2waXqpm=w640-h436" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Just when you thought everything about Sherlock Holmes and popular culture was known, a new mystery emerges from dusty U.S. newspaper archives. </p><p>Join us as we interview the remarkable Ross E. Davies, BSI ("The Temple"), organizer of "The Scourers of the Dancing Men," a fascinating research project that dives deep into a 1903 advertising campaign for the publication of "The Adventure of the Dancing Men" in <i>Collier’s</i> magazine. </p><p>They've discovered dozens of unique advertisements — including a particularly intriguing “third format" whose cryptic figures bear a striking, unexplained resemblance to the original drawings that inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.</p><p>You’ll hear about the ongoing, national hunt for missing ads and the perplexing questions these newly found "Collier’s dancing men" pose. You can even join the search to gather the data and help solve this curious, 120-year-old mystery.</p><p>Once again, we give you a glimpse of Sherlockian society activities, this time in the first half of January in "The Learned Societies" segment. Madeline Quinones is back with "A Chance of Listening," and the Canonical Couplet quiz tests your Sherlock Holmes knowledge, with a copy of a prize from the IHOSE vaults for the winner. Send your answer to comment @ihearofsherlock.com by November 29, 2025 at 11:59 a.m. EST. All listeners are eligible to play.</p><p><br /></p><p>As a reminder, our <a href="https://ihose.co/ihosepatron" target="_blank">supporters</a> can listen to the show ad-free and have access to occasional bonus material. Join us on the platform of your choice (<a href="https://patreon.com/ihearofsherlock" target="_blank">Patreon</a> | <a href="https://ihearofsherlock.substack.com" target="_blank">Substack</a>).</p><p>Bonus material for this episode includes images of the Dancing Men advertising, the current map of found newspapers, <em>Strand </em>and <em>Colliers </em>errors, and the original inspiration for the Dancing Men code.</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Merriweather; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://traffic.libsyn.com/ihearofsherlock/ihearofsherlock322.mp3" style="color: #013fd3; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Download</a> [Save As] | File size: 70.2 MB, 1:12:11</h3><p><iframe allowfullscreen="" data-dashlane-classification="other" data-dashlane-frameid="6233" data-dashlane-rid="bc5f41a64ae1fe17" height="192" mozallowfullscreen="true" msallowfullscreen="true" oallowfullscreen="true" scrolling="no" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/39046165/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/414851/time-start/00:00:00/playlist-height/200/direction/backward/download/yes/font-color/FFFFFF" style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="100%"></iframe><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Merriweather; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: center;">Leave I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere a five-star rating on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-hear-of-sherlock-everywhere/id258126625?ls=1" style="color: #013fd3; text-decoration-line: none;">Apple Podcasts</a> and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/30WtRn1mnXfAtX7YaeRY5Y" style="color: #013fd3; text-decoration-line: none;">Spotify</a>; listen to us <a href="https://www.episodes.fm/1198869691" style="color: #013fd3; text-decoration-line: none;">wherever you listen to podcasts</a>.</h3><h2 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h2><h2 style="text-align: left;">Links</h2><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://acdsociety.com/" target="_blank">The ACD Society</a></li><li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/strangersroom" target="_blank">The Stranger's Room</a> (Facebook)</li><li><i><a href="https://www.torontobootmakers.com/canadian-holmes/" target="_blank">Canadian Holmes</a></i></li><li>Episodes mentioned in this show:</li><ul><li><a href="https://ihose.co/ihose137" target="_blank">Episode 137: Boxes From Royalty</a></li><li><a href="https://ihose.co/ihose175" target="_blank">Episode 175: Building an Archive</a></li><li><a href="https://ihose.co/ihose212" target="_blank">Episode 212: All Things ACD</a></li><li><a href="https://ihose.co/ihose219" target="_blank">Episode 219: The Baker Street Almanac</a></li><li><a href="http://ihose.co/ihose234" target="_blank">Episode 234: A Masterpiece of Villainy</a></li><li><a href="https://bit.ly/ihose302" target="_blank">Episode 302: A Year in Review</a></li></ul><li>Other links:</li><ul><li>A Chance of Listening: <i><a href="https://www.224bbaker.com/" target="_blank">Fawx & Stallion</a></i></li><li>The Learned Societies: <a href="http://www.sherlockiancalendar.com/" target="_blank">Sherlockian Calendar</a></li></ul><li><a href="https://sites.google.com/view/ihosemerch" target="_blank">OUR NEW MERCH PAGE</a></li></ul><p></p><p>Find all of our relevant links and social accounts at <a href="http://linktr.ee/ihearofsherlock">linktr.ee/ihearofsherlock</a>.</p><p><br /></p><p>And would you consider leaving us a rating and or a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Goodpods? It would help other Sherlockians find us.</p><p>Your thoughts on the show? Leave a comment below, send us an email (comment AT ihearofsherlock DOT com), call us at 5-1895-221B-5. That's (518) 952-2125.</p><div><br /></div>

Episode 322: The Scourers of Dancing Men

“‘Why, Holmes, it is a child’s drawing,’ I cried.” [DANC] Just when you thought everything about Sherlock Holmes and popular culture was k...

+ Read more »

by Scott Monty

Baker Street Elementary – Through the Magic Door

<h4 style="text-align: center;">“who seems to have the powers of magic” [SUSS] </h4><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzgBRlXZCY6GmHalbpk0m6pwVMPX_8oL9QWpzrawoPT4vLI9TGBi52HCZngvNw9f0W4z5MgGcZ8OydalgnaztQx-cP9rORpa9DD-wVKxfglJDv3Xv0jmh8Xoz6vmZw2wzLI5vflhzJwrrH1hb1AptcAtHBh_CDdqv541Vi9jVZryNyNLda8bfQ3faLg_gn" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1365" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzgBRlXZCY6GmHalbpk0m6pwVMPX_8oL9QWpzrawoPT4vLI9TGBi52HCZngvNw9f0W4z5MgGcZ8OydalgnaztQx-cP9rORpa9DD-wVKxfglJDv3Xv0jmh8Xoz6vmZw2wzLI5vflhzJwrrH1hb1AptcAtHBh_CDdqv541Vi9jVZryNyNLda8bfQ3faLg_gn=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><br />We don't hear much of magic in the Sherlock Holmes stories, other than Holmes being called a wizard four times and a magician once (can you name the stories?). While he did have a "human love for admiration and applause," [SIXN] Holmes kept his agency flat-footed upon the ground.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>His creator, of course, was another story. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, known worldwide for his perfect reasoning machine, was also fascinated by spiritualism and participated in many seances, including a rather famous one <a href="https://www.thecollector.com/arthur-conan-doyle-vs-harry-houdini-friendship/" target="_blank">with his friend Harry Houdini that did not end well</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>But it is another type of magic that Conan Doyle wrote about in 1907 in his book <i><b><a href="https://affiliates.abebooks.com/c/2670720/77416/2029?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.abebooks.com%2Fservlet%2FSearchResults%3Fan%3DDoyle%26bi%3D0%26bx%3Doff%26cm_sp%3DSearchF-_-Advs-_-Result%26ds%3D30%26prc%3DUSD%26recentlyadded%3Dall%26rgn%3Dww%26rollup%3Don%26sortby%3D20%26tn%3DThrough%2520the%2520Magic%2520Door%26xdesc%3Doff%26xpod%3Doff" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Through the Magic Door</a></b></i>. In this memoir of sorts, the author takes us on a tour through his library through a series of personal essays that describe the transformational power of reading.</div><div><br /></div><div>The first paragraph of Chapter I sets the tone:</div><blockquote>“I care not how humble your bookshelf may be, nor how lowly the room which it adorns. Close the door of that room behind you, shut off with it all the cares of the outer world, plunge back into the soothing company of the great dead, and then you are through the magic portal into that fair land whither worry and vexation can follow you no more. You have left all that is vulgar and all that is sordid behind you. There stand your noble, silent comrades, waiting in their ranks. Pass your eye down their files. Choose your man. And then you have but to hold up your hand to him and away you go together into dreamland. Surely there would be something eerie about a line of books were it not that familiarity has deadened our sense of it. Each is a mummified soul embalmed in cere-cloth and natron of leather and printer's ink. Each cover of a true book enfolds the concentrated essence of a man. The personalities of the writers have faded into the thinnest shadows, as their bodies into impalpable dust, yet here are their very spirits at your command.”</blockquote><div><br />We know this effect from many books we've read, and certainly from Doyle's many works. In the words of T.S. Eliot, "Let us go then, you and I..."</div><div><br /></div><div>Let's see what magic the boys at Baker Street Elementary are creating.</div><div><br /></div><div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKfEeCV-LveGcTwl6TOBAlgJ9kLPd9AmJ26USdgMuGr4sPDxIz823BR7bFgLuQA2aYPm5lrBklwj3t3bj8GxtGnpSKOPnPGYmTxGgKkQWb6LV82Hz7L0WSeLQMnpX9arMq0w0zuzUfRs7xlGaaiiFdaXi20ix53ZfMR5IHGHSS65ZC_73Hu0z8b0SIdXA7" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1365" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKfEeCV-LveGcTwl6TOBAlgJ9kLPd9AmJ26USdgMuGr4sPDxIz823BR7bFgLuQA2aYPm5lrBklwj3t3bj8GxtGnpSKOPnPGYmTxGgKkQWb6LV82Hz7L0WSeLQMnpX9arMq0w0zuzUfRs7xlGaaiiFdaXi20ix53ZfMR5IHGHSS65ZC_73Hu0z8b0SIdXA7=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZknxBq3Z0EdX_SSeAsPILy2fdmM_CF7ok358GOPfmBMEHm1GN6hNUnoq3HIw4yTCaL0lVUvOW1EJc4TS4UFBaFwD75BAOQLWgWYiG7lxv49Kwh8yMWhN-3KkveTMPdpzpBYot9a9zHosdRQwVoksFScogtJtEM-kO8FeNCodvIqnu1OuE5RSYfq1xCMHt" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1365" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZknxBq3Z0EdX_SSeAsPILy2fdmM_CF7ok358GOPfmBMEHm1GN6hNUnoq3HIw4yTCaL0lVUvOW1EJc4TS4UFBaFwD75BAOQLWgWYiG7lxv49Kwh8yMWhN-3KkveTMPdpzpBYot9a9zHosdRQwVoksFScogtJtEM-kO8FeNCodvIqnu1OuE5RSYfq1xCMHt=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJDmWUsiVPF4ySBGEbjFc1fqZOtTNLTAAM4ThWZ9_OU5oi_K3AqmouVDEwJrKWCGPWT83mEbypWLMpaXVXFKmEDb-9wn9J9157adS2z2wMRnwMOTuLbaf_CctBVcjhfDTNolLjGd37wTJuGxHYXtTK3azz_w4lsBFd3YFm-qTo1duwVr0HrtDT5aSebZHL" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1365" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJDmWUsiVPF4ySBGEbjFc1fqZOtTNLTAAM4ThWZ9_OU5oi_K3AqmouVDEwJrKWCGPWT83mEbypWLMpaXVXFKmEDb-9wn9J9157adS2z2wMRnwMOTuLbaf_CctBVcjhfDTNolLjGd37wTJuGxHYXtTK3azz_w4lsBFd3YFm-qTo1duwVr0HrtDT5aSebZHL=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7HeEeLxiJLsEFhBYS7Vym5AEuVxAXLHzpPHy2mCfs5MmTs7Pscvlome235to8dza4E2-KYKjTq85kGz3ORW88J6vijsNbwTVcgLGrLVMyDcs3BJPC_n0qTpClAzbjAClhjra2bISG8TLtWBAV_XS7tQcXHjzikHNHWPz6QcP5jZqGerT0w79iVv3x7zbH" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1365" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7HeEeLxiJLsEFhBYS7Vym5AEuVxAXLHzpPHy2mCfs5MmTs7Pscvlome235to8dza4E2-KYKjTq85kGz3ORW88J6vijsNbwTVcgLGrLVMyDcs3BJPC_n0qTpClAzbjAClhjra2bISG8TLtWBAV_XS7tQcXHjzikHNHWPz6QcP5jZqGerT0w79iVv3x7zbH=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDfadqpQzexuRoUVukBdTEvTw_LS5RgDnUMQcKtE-qRxnn0IJR5J52PokHoe6Ao0dsd9lRIJNwGi5KIKDujUjnwBzDZkjJ-V7VfnUHarhloARtvZWZiNJH-zqo6YvuqngVvjwuc6UPLAx4e1eas4Pn3m_huBqYFgLrM9g4-yH9zhWe81r0-B9t7l6ZMMiF" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1365" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDfadqpQzexuRoUVukBdTEvTw_LS5RgDnUMQcKtE-qRxnn0IJR5J52PokHoe6Ao0dsd9lRIJNwGi5KIKDujUjnwBzDZkjJ-V7VfnUHarhloARtvZWZiNJH-zqo6YvuqngVvjwuc6UPLAx4e1eas4Pn3m_huBqYFgLrM9g4-yH9zhWe81r0-B9t7l6ZMMiF=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3IeleCwaqTyXHCHnqK4umw4xwKCRCzI91bnzawq3ynialLxq0hqMR9hTFNllldSKBpNcUpTmhzcOwqQpUXdnNoA6_hVQQoeqaawm0tHmrvjIByDQxrd2ev8n1Bof6KFIWa5eRnSII-ReJZwHnphdV3fWJjQYZnXR7aIjPyP1Aw1nekQZql6UfNqIVOsyT" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1365" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3IeleCwaqTyXHCHnqK4umw4xwKCRCzI91bnzawq3ynialLxq0hqMR9hTFNllldSKBpNcUpTmhzcOwqQpUXdnNoA6_hVQQoeqaawm0tHmrvjIByDQxrd2ev8n1Bof6KFIWa5eRnSII-ReJZwHnphdV3fWJjQYZnXR7aIjPyP1Aw1nekQZql6UfNqIVOsyT=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"><i>Baker Street Elementary</i></b><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"> follows the original adventures of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson, as they and their friends work through the issues of elementary school in Victorian London. An archive of all previous episodes can be viewed at the <a href="https://www.dfw-sherlock.org/baker-street-elementary.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Baker Street Elementary website</a></span><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">.</span></div><div><div><br /></div><div><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-size: 14px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyHxoov2AdCNzI-sA382WHyzmCYKmU5vuVxxUUbwgmzd_zESpxNTWBoDo-0BOUVmZPf0EpIOXFT9y59il288HBvx1-_JJJXxHhZAn2orzWJPWbYZasKlLBplbQMHDaY9thgs_w1diI7ch/s1600/Baker+Street+Elementary.jpg" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyHxoov2AdCNzI-sA382WHyzmCYKmU5vuVxxUUbwgmzd_zESpxNTWBoDo-0BOUVmZPf0EpIOXFT9y59il288HBvx1-_JJJXxHhZAn2orzWJPWbYZasKlLBplbQMHDaY9thgs_w1diI7ch/s640/Baker+Street+Elementary.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>