A New Holmesian Christmas Carol

<h4 style="text-align: center;"> “her wits turned at the singing” [HOUN]  </h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZw6f7s3jiwRwyPV6VffZyDYf8nZU56Dmf4AWnSogh98BrHfgn0IHEFpwn2z7AmUFU1kBn3jQTbsQ4_I2Ea64Gbitbfzurg8mhaOxLaGqJxi1PGEACzJB4unA3laU6_LVSbzxWovk7cGMq1xAYfrw4BQuU4Ds1-I9vzlkHCZuSQ_CV-qiOVZQhPdSxzLju/s1280/VS--YouTube-HaveYourselfaMaryMorstanChristmas-0%E2%80%9905%E2%80%9D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZw6f7s3jiwRwyPV6VffZyDYf8nZU56Dmf4AWnSogh98BrHfgn0IHEFpwn2z7AmUFU1kBn3jQTbsQ4_I2Ea64Gbitbfzurg8mhaOxLaGqJxi1PGEACzJB4unA3laU6_LVSbzxWovk7cGMq1xAYfrw4BQuU4Ds1-I9vzlkHCZuSQ_CV-qiOVZQhPdSxzLju/w640-h360/VS--YouTube-HaveYourselfaMaryMorstanChristmas-0%E2%80%9905%E2%80%9D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>We know that Watson cared enough about Sherlock Holmes to call upon him "the second morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the compliments of the season." [BLUE]</p><p>While there is no mention of Christmas caroling in "The Blue Carbuncle," a close reading of <i>A Study in Scarlet</i> finds some surprising singing happening in a rather unusual location:</p><blockquote><p>"Leaning back in the cab, this amateur bloodhound carolled away like a lark while I meditated upon the many-sidedness of the human mind."</p></blockquote><p>We also know that Watson cared enough about Mary Morstan to make her his wife following the events in <i>The Sign of Four</i>.</p><p>So it would stand to reason that there ought to be some caroling in honor of Mrs. Watson. That's the thought of <b>Paul Thomas Miller</b>, who has written and performed a new holiday standard, "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d27v-HT5Bq0" target="_blank">Have Yourself a Mary Morstan Christmas</a>" — a loving homage to the original "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas."</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="438" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/d27v-HT5Bq0" width="527" youtube-src-id="d27v-HT5Bq0"></iframe></div><br /><p>As Paul describes it: "Believe it or not, this is how it sounds <b><i>with</i></b> auto-tune. Imagine how flat I was before I tried to fix it."</p><p>While the video is captioned, here are the lyrics for those not brave enough to listen:</p><p>Have yourself a Mary Morstan Christmas.<br />Sleep alone at night.<br />From now on, your husband will be out of sight.<br />Have yourself a Mary Morstan Christmas.<br />Wonder if he's gay.<br />From now on, your husband will be miles away.</p><p>Here we are as in olden days.<br />Lonely single days are of yore.<br />Faithful friends of those dear to us.<br />Steal the cheer from us once more.</p><p>Through the years we'll sometimes be together<br />When Sherlock allows<br />And a lonely star upon the highest bough<br />And have yourself a Mary Morstan Christmas now.</p><p>Here we are as in olden days.<br />Lonely single days of yore.<br />Faithful friends of those dear to us.<br />Steal the cheer from us once more.</p><p>Through the years we'll sometimes be together<br />When Sherlock allows.<br />Hang a lonely star upon the highest bough.<br />And have yourself a Mary Morstan Christmas now.</p><p><br /></p><p>Compliments of the season, we suppose.</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Related</h3><p>You can listen to Paul Thomas Miller regale us with all sorts of wonderful humorous insights on <a href="https://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2019/07/episode-172-watson-does-not-lie-doyles.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Episode 172: Watson Does Not Lie / Doyle's Rotary Coffin</a>:</p><p><iframe allowfullscreen="" data-dashlane-classification="other" data-dashlane-frameid="6365" data-dashlane-rid="89d9e5ebe038ee03" height="192" mozallowfullscreen="true" msallowfullscreen="true" oallowfullscreen="true" scrolling="no" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/10519109/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></p><p><br /></p>

A New Holmesian Christmas Carol

 “her wits turned at the singing” [HOUN]   We know that Watson cared enough about Sherlock Holmes to call upon him "the second morning ...

+ Read more »

by Scott Monty

The Sherlock Escape Room Appears to Have Closed

<h4 style="text-align: center;"> “The Red-headed League is Dissolved” [REDH]  </h4><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisJPSmN0czlSC4GdZWfdhlSyqexJqbwUoBy_CzPqcy5n4fjnMCVdMkaxugtMYSlIETTSP8qRNP6TooeBTZYNBxLuyPiZrNcxYbVVoPe0bXMYeTdh21MUc1DVOg8X6mxCmAtxrTkH0WIpKkNrFEB70TNQVNbwh6oT189gZ6frRKc9EKZnTTHx9fgLM3JAWv" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The 221B flat set, part of the Sherlock Escape Room" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisJPSmN0czlSC4GdZWfdhlSyqexJqbwUoBy_CzPqcy5n4fjnMCVdMkaxugtMYSlIETTSP8qRNP6TooeBTZYNBxLuyPiZrNcxYbVVoPe0bXMYeTdh21MUc1DVOg8X6mxCmAtxrTkH0WIpKkNrFEB70TNQVNbwh6oT189gZ6frRKc9EKZnTTHx9fgLM3JAWv=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>It appears that the <a href="https://www.sherlockescaperooms.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">official <i>Sherlock</i> escape room</a> in London has shut down. </p><p></p><p></p><p>I last <a href="https://www.comicsbeat.com/the-bbc-sherlock-tv-show-lives-on/" target="_blank">visited in July</a> in conjunction with an event put on by the Sherlock Holmes Society of London. However, in November, a <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Sherlock/comments/1p0fo59/the_sherlock_escape_room_in_london_looks_like/" target="_blank">Reddit poster</a> reported that, when trying to book a slot to visit, there was no response to the phone number or email address. I had a similar experience — when emailing, I got an immediate auto-response, but no actual follow-up. </p><p>Comments on that same post report an announcement that the owners "have decided to commence liquidation proceedings" as well as a former worker claiming co-workers were still owed payment. As well, Google Maps lists the venue as "<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Sherlock:+Escape+Rooms/@51.5032451,-0.2195316,418m/data=!3m3!1e3!4b1!5s0x48760fc4c703e30d:0xd1063be3b2e46785!4m6!3m5!1s0x48760f6c1b0a5ffd:0x5a68d02e6a007e5a!8m2!3d51.5032451!4d-0.2195316!16s%2Fg%2F11fhqmg06t?hl=en-US&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTIwOC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Permanently closed</a>". </p><p>I very much enjoyed the three times I got to visit, and I will always treasure my picture in "Sherlock's chair". It's not a terrible surprise that, eight years after the show last aired, there isn't the same audience (although the Mind Palace Bar was enjoyable, even without playing the game). </p><p>I hope the materials are archived somewhere, and not lost to time. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>

The Sherlock Escape Room Appears to Have Closed

 “The Red-headed League is Dissolved” [REDH]   It appears that the official  Sherlock  escape room in London has shut down.  I last visited...

+ Read more »

by Johanna Draper Carlson

Sherlock Holmes: Holiday Whodunnits

<h4 style="text-align: center;"> “a trick for the other side” [NORW]</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBp-Rq1pjfb_jupr8vCd3LyyXDiyJCuiw9BPrmBChaLvEfo4AxizmDS7OtN9oF9reKccOTK4fhg5SmQgkyVkR5mF1JLKByOpJhJ7WfhB7IBvzkTrEZQ8GIt4hmnJp2ep_PenIhbYJI9uIhDD2psrJUeNKLe-9XEIN-aoM1NweABHVAqTW6HBU7N70LcPgK/s1000/Holiday%20Whodunnits%20cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="1000" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBp-Rq1pjfb_jupr8vCd3LyyXDiyJCuiw9BPrmBChaLvEfo4AxizmDS7OtN9oF9reKccOTK4fhg5SmQgkyVkR5mF1JLKByOpJhJ7WfhB7IBvzkTrEZQ8GIt4hmnJp2ep_PenIhbYJI9uIhDD2psrJUeNKLe-9XEIN-aoM1NweABHVAqTW6HBU7N70LcPgK/w640-h512/Holiday%20Whodunnits%20cropped.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Last year, I told you about <i><a href="https://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2024/12/sherlock-holmes-crimes-for-christmas.html">Sherlock Holmes: Crimes for Christmas</a></i>, a selection of seasonal Sherlock Holmes stories by Derrick Belanger. This year, there's a follow-up, <b><i>Sherlock Holmes: Holiday Whodunnits</i></b> (<a href="https://amzn.to/4rSxwJS" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://bookshop.org/a/110285/9798271669811">Bookshop.org</a>), in the same format. </p><p>That means thirteen stories, split into two parts each, which covers December 1st through Boxing Day (in honor of the character's British origins). One day, the reader gets the case setup; the next, the solution, so the reader can play along in trying to solve the mystery. </p><p>Cases cover murders, ciphers, missing persons, thefts, con artists, and forged documents, all set during the holiday season. All feature a traditional Holmes and his good friend and story narrator Dr. Watson. Other familiar characters make appearances, especially Mrs. Hudson and the Inspectors Lestrade and Gregson.  </p><p>In the introduction, Belanger explains that he was inspired by Donald J. Sobol's <i>Encyclopedia Brown</i>, and these do read similarly. To solve the case, one has to figure out the twist or trick. These stories are lightweight, but that's good for a festive read, I find. </p><p>There are two more traditional pastiches included as well, set during the early days of Holmes and Watson's partnership. Overall, it's a nice little bundle of cases for Christmas. </p><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://amzn.to/3MWKXYU" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1499" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfyvOgiCkVLmbsOJ34ufkdPAAMuBWgNSuOrsOmx6uIKwEsK62_wNt0O1yC0ZTUmti6mND99ynuoZ3CuKmiDDlY1LxdaWwUkY11H8HujMk-LbkCkSznQBQRqV-yX3KwXCUDV0m8JN8WJ3Yp6xAUdfKVOa4Bbs__80O9Fz35Sr5LhDgevzqh6FczKAD4fPHe/s320/Holiday%20Whodunnits.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Available on <a href="https://amzn.to/3MWKXYU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="https://bookshop.org/a/110285/9798271669811">Bookshop.org</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>

Sherlock Holmes: Holiday Whodunnits

 “a trick for the other side” [NORW] Last year, I told you about Sherlock Holmes: Crimes for Christmas , a selection of seasonal Sherlock Ho...

+ Read more »

by Johanna Draper Carlson

Baker Street Elementary – It Never Ends

<h4 style="text-align: center;">“I gave him the best of educations.” [PRIO] </h4><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw41xJIhDXBCEGgLv-q5iCmjL7w6DNj2LZJ86ykDfDBqcSTg_OjgwQkh5sLUulrDVNa0Sf3Lcfj94uST2jRwVXygmylOdU56qJruA7rAvu4a3X9IpJpVZNkPpGgcGCLsDywcNJ4DpyDXYjOD95L23kiEP6S7LknWuGSM5YJNrrij5apKENtaFxj0L9_C0/s1365/Baker%20Street%20Elementary%20216.1.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/AVvXsEiw41xJIhDXBCEGgLv-q5iCmjL7w6DNj2LZJ86ykDfDBqcSTg_OjgwQkh5sLUulrDVNa0Sf3Lcfj94uST2jRwVXygmylOdU56qJruA7rAvu4a3X9IpJpVZNkPpGgcGCLsDywcNJ4DpyDXYjOD95L23kiEP6S7LknWuGSM5YJNrrij5apKENtaFxj0L9_C0/w640-h360/Baker%20Street%20Elementary%20216.1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>In my professional life, I coach leaders and write <a href="https://www.timelesstimely.com" target="_blank">a newsletter on leadership and character</a>, ending every missive with the phrase “There's so much to learn.” As the philosophers will tell you, we don't know what we don't know, and those who are curious and life-long learners make the best leaders.</div><div><br /></div><div>And although Sherlock Holmes could easily forget more than any of his contemporaries from Scotland Yard might ever know, he kept educating himself.</div><div><br /></div><div>In "The Adventure of the Red Circle," Watson questions why Holmes would take on the case of Mrs. Warren and her strange lodger:</div><div><div><div></div><blockquote><div>“Why should you go further in it? What have you to gain from it?”</div><div>“What, indeed? It is art for art’s sake, Watson. I suppose when you doctored you found yourself</div><div>studying cases without thought of a fee?”</div><div>“For my education, Holmes.”</div><div>“Education never ends, Watson. It is a series of lessons with the greatest for the last.</div></blockquote><div></div></div><div>And that last line, as simple as it is, is also one of the most profound in the Canon. Those who are curious and of the disposition to keep learning throughout life will continue to gain knowledge until the very end, only to learn the mystery of what awaits us in the great beyond.</div><div><br /></div><div>Does this mean Sherlock Holmes believed in the afterlife? Perhaps. We certainly know his creator did. But perhaps for Holmes it will simply mean finding the solution to the greatest mystery of all — the mystery of life.</div><div><br /></div><div>Over on Trifles we talked about the boarding schools in <a href="https://ihose.co/trifles127" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Episode 127 - School's Out</a>:</div><div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" data-dashlane-classification="other" data-dashlane-frameid="12876" data-dashlane-rid="19fbffff75fabece" height="192" mozallowfullscreen="true" msallowfullscreen="true" oallowfullscreen="true" scrolling="no" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/10055063/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><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Now let's see what the boys are learning as Baker Street Elementary enters its 12th year...</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/AVvXsEjmG-omb4rx-Q2q9eymkJSgarV8RePjfbsTg7k0ltEQnYI1JrVp05jpSLXhpos86ttjj8dXKwlP8U8c-0j375lf9p9ybG1wbPu2tQ9529nZAri3U3tLza55ZfkD6uICS_CnPEMWuLFfWuZywnlmB0omky2l1ML-3IKImwIlUjkH8iH_C5NUNanteWRXNOE/s1365/Baker%20Street%20Elementary%20216.2.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/AVvXsEjmG-omb4rx-Q2q9eymkJSgarV8RePjfbsTg7k0ltEQnYI1JrVp05jpSLXhpos86ttjj8dXKwlP8U8c-0j375lf9p9ybG1wbPu2tQ9529nZAri3U3tLza55ZfkD6uICS_CnPEMWuLFfWuZywnlmB0omky2l1ML-3IKImwIlUjkH8iH_C5NUNanteWRXNOE/w640-h360/Baker%20Street%20Elementary%20216.2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJBhdLE_CbcW4AQd9ICO5kHRwmZ28pFtIJNSuJyOG9NC_HUZtKjxH_jhstE4tkNwgH7KR-BS1XndG58IP1IDNvhussMbpc3AvRismMQZSa616Syhus5KNrc3duUFwaMYyJ58lN5Kbc6y16kRUVM3HSvs6fFCXfjiUSr_eGG26uXS1IBMIQtWU1g9vtPM/s1365/Baker%20Street%20Elementary%20216.3.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/AVvXsEjHJBhdLE_CbcW4AQd9ICO5kHRwmZ28pFtIJNSuJyOG9NC_HUZtKjxH_jhstE4tkNwgH7KR-BS1XndG58IP1IDNvhussMbpc3AvRismMQZSa616Syhus5KNrc3duUFwaMYyJ58lN5Kbc6y16kRUVM3HSvs6fFCXfjiUSr_eGG26uXS1IBMIQtWU1g9vtPM/w640-h360/Baker%20Street%20Elementary%20216.3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB7rIsL0yq9uA8QhhTd-fcwTJEwlTlFMvo9bXHmbK_osVw98lstZ4k2ubmNmmVx_O6CcyeI4vlcGlsKuwStqULy66Spr7uprAyz7mH7BNelnyu0dvuuAUS6sebxrpwNZJzj_JnNgEyXqDrUY7eJ48AS_JQ7BouAU5fn9bVSog81KMTCq1g0eKzOcVfsTU/s1365/Baker%20Street%20Elementary%20216.4.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/AVvXsEgB7rIsL0yq9uA8QhhTd-fcwTJEwlTlFMvo9bXHmbK_osVw98lstZ4k2ubmNmmVx_O6CcyeI4vlcGlsKuwStqULy66Spr7uprAyz7mH7BNelnyu0dvuuAUS6sebxrpwNZJzj_JnNgEyXqDrUY7eJ48AS_JQ7BouAU5fn9bVSog81KMTCq1g0eKzOcVfsTU/w640-h360/Baker%20Street%20Elementary%20216.4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8LSGTQyO8RLKgKJOG1Oo40TPOzLgot6eoW2Lx1dxwE4JKAETSdk2Hg-BYQg6yhqoy8bZdbr248-3L_Oqj1M5Hf5lihryCyCOrEkCA_5jTMpbVQCQkL289i3lhbKWlCVG6T66ZuRZ-p9dncUrpNZKWv_cEAr6aQ4Pw3MYT3H_rAMDqIRkXhoWsQT_5hg/s1365/Baker%20Street%20Elementary%20216.5.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/AVvXsEgx8LSGTQyO8RLKgKJOG1Oo40TPOzLgot6eoW2Lx1dxwE4JKAETSdk2Hg-BYQg6yhqoy8bZdbr248-3L_Oqj1M5Hf5lihryCyCOrEkCA_5jTMpbVQCQkL289i3lhbKWlCVG6T66ZuRZ-p9dncUrpNZKWv_cEAr6aQ4Pw3MYT3H_rAMDqIRkXhoWsQT_5hg/w640-h360/Baker%20Street%20Elementary%20216.5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div></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 <a class="b-tooltip-container" data-preview="" href="https://www.google.com/search?ved=1t:260882&q=John+Watson+Sherlock+Holmes&bbid=6321981775136876837&bpid=3408911776569555507" target="_blank"><span class="b-tooltip" style="display: none;"><iframe src="/share-widget?w=poi&o=t&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fsearch%3Fved%3D1t%3A260882%26q%3DJohn%2BWatson%2BSherlock%2BHolmes%26bbid%3D6321981775136876837%26bpid%3D3408911776569555507"></iframe></span>John Watson</a>, as they and their friends work through the issues of elementary school in <a class="b-tooltip-container" data-preview="" href="https://www.google.com/search?ved=1t:260882&q=Victorian+London&bbid=6321981775136876837&bpid=3408911776569555507" target="_blank"><span class="b-tooltip" style="display: none;"><iframe src="/share-widget?w=poi&o=t&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fsearch%3Fved%3D1t%3A260882%26q%3DVictorian%2BLondon%26bbid%3D6321981775136876837%26bpid%3D3408911776569555507"></iframe></span>Victorian London</a>. 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 /><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />

Baker Street Elementary – It Never Ends

“I gave him the best of educations.” [PRIO]  In my professional life, I coach leaders and write a newsletter on leadership and character , e...

+ Read more »

by I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere

Celebrating 40 Years of Young Sherlock Holmes

<h4 style="text-align: center;">“an old friend and school companion” [TWIS] </h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYDJ6zbfr_hige1VnokIE0OuTNWFYW9DfjMsaLNQzB9wCjdjoNgAzg_XhJ-m6u8hXfWF0DkH1mdN4Dmhnuai03AkqzyyUeR-VAOcToorFus4r54h45rX_PvUuMC9L3FWTaCLBNz8Q8k5Vqa60QLnBhsQA7HWAY_6a6NcIKmw8KH_afBMGJvp230pGiEQTC/s1754/Young%20Sherlock%20Holmes%20screenshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1118" data-original-width="1754" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYDJ6zbfr_hige1VnokIE0OuTNWFYW9DfjMsaLNQzB9wCjdjoNgAzg_XhJ-m6u8hXfWF0DkH1mdN4Dmhnuai03AkqzyyUeR-VAOcToorFus4r54h45rX_PvUuMC9L3FWTaCLBNz8Q8k5Vqa60QLnBhsQA7HWAY_6a6NcIKmw8KH_afBMGJvp230pGiEQTC/w640-h408/Young%20Sherlock%20Holmes%20screenshot.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>It is hard to believe that four decades have passed since we first saw a teenage Sherlock Holmes meet a bespectacled John Watson at Brompton Academy. Released on December 4, 1985, <i><a href="https://amzn.to/4rAtUMl" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Young Sherlock Holmes</a></i> celebrates its 40th anniversary today.</p><p>Originally known as <i>Sherlock Holmes: The Pyramid of Fear</i> in some markets, it was clearly an attempt by the studio, Amblin Entertainment, to capture the zeitgeist of films like <i>Raiders of the Lost Ark</i> and <i>Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom</i>. In some ways, it worked.</p><p>For many Sherlockians of a certain generation, this film was a gateway drug into the Canon. But to truly appreciate this curiosity, let's step back and look at the Sherlockian landscape of the era.</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">“the source and origin” [SIXN]</h3><p>Personally, this was a time of wonder and discovery for me, as I discovered Sherlock Holmes the previous summer and selected Sir Arthur Conan Doyle as the author I would highlight for a research paper for my English class.</p><p>Our school and town library didn't have much in the way of secondary material, so my teacher suggested I call Channel 3 in Hartford, as she had seen a fellow who ran a Sherlock Holmes society the night before on <i>Evening Magazine</i>. I dutifully followed the trail, and when Harold "Tyke" Niver, BSI ("The Man on the Tor") answered his phone with a jaunty "Baskerville Hall!" I knew I was in good hands.</p><p>The conversation took place in the fall of 1985, which was a golden age of Sherlock Holmes adaptations. Just months before <i>Young Sherlock Holmes</i> hit theaters, the second series of Granada Television’s <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3Kb8uEP" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes</a></i> had concluded in the UK. Jeremy Brett was at the absolute height of his powers. In fact, "The Final Problem" had aired in September 1985, leaving audiences with the image of his Holmes tumbling over the Reichenbach Falls.</p><p>It wasn't just Brett, though. In 1982, American producer Sy Weintraub partnered with English producer Otto Plaschkes to make six television films of Sherlock Holmes stories. Only two were made, starring Ian Richardson: <i><a href="https://amzn.to/4ppUrus" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Sign of Four</a></i> and <i><a href="https://amzn.to/48hJF3b" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Hound of the Baskervilles</a></i> in 1983. Weintraub found out that Granada had been granted rights to make television films by the Conan Doyle estate, and cancelled production.</p><p><i><a href="https://youtu.be/04oYgn-3kWU?si=3lhVluehaq_nzBxN" target="_blank">The Many Faces of Sherlock Holmes</a></i> aired in 1985 — a documentary hosted by Christopher Lee (who, of course, played both Holmes and Mycroft in his time), which celebrated the history of the character just as Paramount was trying to reinvent him. It was no coincidence, of course; it was a promotional tie-in with the film. The opening scene was the trailer for <i>Young Sherlock Holmes</i>.</p><p>The contrast could not have been more stark. On the small screen, we had the faithful, Victorian fidelity of the Granada series and Weintraub films; on the big screen, we were given a Hollywood blockbuster that treated the great detective with the same energy as <i>The Goonies</i>.</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">“Remarkable—most remarkable!” [DEVI]</h3><p>The tagline in the trailer for <i>Young Sherlock Holmes</i> captured the moment perfectly: </p><blockquote><p>"Before the lifetime of adventure, came the adventure of a lifetime."</p></blockquote><p>When the film premiered, the reception was mixed. Directed by <b>Barry Levinson</b> and written by a young <b>Chris Columbus</b> (fresh off <i>Gremlins</i>), the film was an oddity. It was produced by <b>Steven Spielberg</b>, and it showed.</p><p>Critics at the time were divided. Roger Ebert was a fan, giving it three stars and praising the performances of Nicholas Rowe and Alan Cox. However, many purists balked. The script took massive liberties with the Canon — establishing that Holmes and Watson met as schoolboys rather than at St. Bartholomew's Hospital — and the plot, involving a murderous Egyptian cult in the heart of London, felt more like a Lucasfilm adventure than a Conan Doyle mystery.</p><p>Financially, it was a disappointment, grossing only about $19 million against an $18 million budget. It seemed too dark for children (it was one of the first films to push the boundaries of the PG-13 rating with its terrifying hallucinations) yet perhaps too whimsical for the adult mystery crowd.</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">“<span style="font-size: 18.72px;">had grown steadily more </span>impressed” [VALL] </h3><p>However, 40 years later, <i>Young Sherlock Holmes</i> has aged into a significant piece of cinema history, primarily for two reasons.</p><h4 style="text-align: left;">1. The Stained Glass Knight</h4><p>We cannot talk about this film without mentioning the "stained glass knight" sequence. Created by a division of Lucasfilm called The Graphics Group (which would later spin off to become Pixar), this 30-second sequence was the first fully computer-generated character in a feature film. It took the team four months to create that half minute of film. </p><p>If you enjoy the visual effects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe today, you can trace their lineage directly back to that church scene in <i>Young Sherlock Holmes</i>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="417" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uOsxXi-tu_U" width="501" youtube-src-id="uOsxXi-tu_U"></iframe></div><p><br /></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">2. The Proto-Potter</h4><p>Watching the film today, it is impossible not to see the blueprint for the Harry Potter franchise. You have a trio of friends (the hero, the loyal sidekick, and the smart girl) solving mysteries in a British boarding school, uncovering a dark teacher, and facing supernatural threats. </p><p>Chris Columbus wrote this film 16 years before he directed <i>Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone</i> ; in some ways, <i>Young Sherlock Holmes</i> feels like his dry run.</p><p><br /></p><p>Nicholas Rowe eventually grew into the role quite literally, appearing as "<a href="https://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2015/07/mr-holmes-emotional-and-somber-sherlock.html" target="_blank">Matinee Sherlock Holmes</a>" in the 2015 film <i><a href="https://amzn.to/4atqapC" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mr. Holmes</a></i> starring Ian McKellen. But his 1985 performance remains a touching portrait of the detective before the armor hardened — before he became the "calculating machine."</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">“the list of the prizes” [NOBL]</h3><p>While the box office may have been unkind to the film, certain members of the crew were recognized for their efforts. The effects team of <b>Dennis Muren</b>, <b>Kit West</b>, <b>John Ellis</b>, and <b>David Allen</b> were nominated for an Oscar for Best Effects, Visual effects — because of that stained glass knight scene, as well as Watson's dessert nightmare, with cream puffs attacking.</p><p>The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films nominated <b>Chris Columbus</b> for a Saturn Award for Best Writing and the film itself notched a nomination for Best Fantasy Film. But it was composer <b>Bruce Broughton</b> who took home the film's sole award for Best Music.</p><p><br /></p><p>While it may not be Canonical, <i>Young Sherlock Holmes</i> does succeed in capturing the spirit of friendship and adventure that keeps us coming back to Baker Street. It posits a heartbreaking origin for Holmes's emotional isolation and gives us a Watson who is loyal, brave, and deeply human.</p><p>So, tonight, pour a glass of wine (not Petri!) or make a hot cocoa, avoid any suspicious cream puffs, and celebrate four decades of a fun exploration of what an early Holmes and Watson might have done.</p><p>Here, though the world explode, these two survive. And it is always 1985.</p><p><br /></p>

Celebrating 40 Years of Young Sherlock Holmes

“an old friend and school companion” [TWIS]  It is hard to believe that four decades have passed since we first saw a teenage Sherlock Holme...

+ 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

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>

Baker Street Elementary – Through the Magic Door

“who seems to have the powers of magic” [SUSS]  We don't hear much of magic in the Sherlock Holmes stories, other than Holmes being call...

+ Read more »

by I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere

The Greyhound of the Baskervilles

<h4 style="text-align: center;">“being dogged in London” [HOUN] </h4><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEis3E5sRQZX6SNeS4n7OXW2Wbei8EWclG4k4jTJngbpaCaQ6-YU5-7AluluA3fWd-L5JOEtNWF8dQq4Gbzq9k766vuJo8Y0XhS9t3sRUHsgvKlmL7jWRkXbqH2sqeopCLYCErWAEl6hw31nKWXDKCQ-Rt-zJTKNgiYC1HRvocY77xjbWDUnLL0eV4wi52Cp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="878" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEis3E5sRQZX6SNeS4n7OXW2Wbei8EWclG4k4jTJngbpaCaQ6-YU5-7AluluA3fWd-L5JOEtNWF8dQq4Gbzq9k766vuJo8Y0XhS9t3sRUHsgvKlmL7jWRkXbqH2sqeopCLYCErWAEl6hw31nKWXDKCQ-Rt-zJTKNgiYC1HRvocY77xjbWDUnLL0eV4wi52Cp=w640-h462" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I'm sure readers of this blog have read <i>The Hound of the Baskervilles</i>, in some version, or perhaps seen one of the media adaptations. If you'd like a way to see the story through fresh eyes, though, you may want to check out <i>The Greyhound of the Baskervilles. </i></p><p>In this adaptation, by John Gaspard, Sherlock Holmes has a pet greyhound named Septimus. As the author puts it in his preface, describing what's different about this version, "it's a little shorter, it's a little leaner, a little less verbose in some sections. But the chief difference is that it's now narrated by a dog." </p><p>One of the reasons the story's a bit shorter is that Septimus tends to get bored and nap when human characters are going on and on. Which, fair, I can't blame him. But he won me over when we start the story with him mouthing the walking stick left by Dr. James Mortimer. </p><p>The dog has his own priorities, of course, as when he thinks, "Yes, yes, yes... The dead body is interesting, I'm sure. But what of the hound that you mentioned?" </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/4o939fC" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2495" data-original-width="1714" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghMFasvS9M63w-290V9-V4jKNWpWhNpqgZnoZLRm7itKdlv0HGEtQEMb3BI8XETDBHk_FjZIeUDDFW_5vsdNeQK8okQNK-ykD5Omk3Oc9Zj05_-86w2WGsWyocVyqCjrhBUsseET8Ci9LxrGyZTWZvF0tZ_1bp3F3XEA6lKllkDt3awCpwvKhmWihCTgcH/w220-h320/Greyhound%20of%20the%20Baskervilles.jpg" width="220" /></a></div><p></p><p>The majority of the story is familiar. I would have liked more from Septimus, actually. But it was a fun way to revisit one of the most famous dog stories ever. </p><p>The book can be obtained <a href="https://www.albertsbridgebooks.com/dogs#/the-greyhound-of-the-baskervilles-1/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">directly from the author</a> or <a href="https://amzn.to/4o939fC" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">from Amazon</a>. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>

The Greyhound of the Baskervilles

“being dogged in London” [HOUN]  I'm sure readers of this blog have read The Hound of the Baskervilles , in some version, or perhaps see...

+ Read more »

by Johanna Draper Carlson

Baker Street Elementary – A Whale of a Tale

<h4 style="text-align: center;">“in command of a whaler” [BLAC] </h4><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwtBIC-NV1AINRui4lVuxHYkMaNpdPU_X43azXzqR4qE1M1Zmsi22EDTidM_5B7M3YLqanHgvJzo1tLGz7_YS1hktbyMqh94dWKXgdj66X-r4oC2HeBTuNybLAr28oDUiliZysqJan7RyU1naLbLnPIDRIncshUHOO4eIp6UOCR_5lQyYGXpGyaKWkXdA" 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/AVvXsEhwtBIC-NV1AINRui4lVuxHYkMaNpdPU_X43azXzqR4qE1M1Zmsi22EDTidM_5B7M3YLqanHgvJzo1tLGz7_YS1hktbyMqh94dWKXgdj66X-r4oC2HeBTuNybLAr28oDUiliZysqJan7RyU1naLbLnPIDRIncshUHOO4eIp6UOCR_5lQyYGXpGyaKWkXdA=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Captain Peter Carey ("Black Peter") met an end that was consistent with his way of life. Found pinned to his wall by a harpoon through his chest, he was finished off by... well, we'll avoid spoilers here. </div><div><br /></div><div>But there's an interesting bit of autobiographical information that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle gives away in his description of Carey:</div><div><blockquote><div>He was a most daring and successful seal and whale fisher. In 1883 he commanded the steam sealer <i>Sea Unicorn</i>, of Dundee. He had then had several successful voyages in succession, and in the following year, 1884, he retired.</div></blockquote><div><i>Sea Unicorn</i> is a unique and memorable name for a ship. Do you know what creature is called a "sea unicorn"? If you guessed the narwhal, you're right. The narwhal (<i>Monodon monoceros</i>) is a type of toothed whale that is native to the Arctic.</div><div><br /></div><div>In 1880, Conan Doyle took a voyage on the <i>Hope</i>, an arctic whaler, and kept a diary of his experiences on board. His diary was reproduced in the marvelous book <b><i><a href="https://amzn.to/49kMtgE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dangerous Work</a></i></b>, edited by Jon Lellenberg and Dan Stashower. Is it possible that Conan Doyle came across a sea unicorn in his arctic whaling adventures?</div><div><br /></div><div>As we see from the entry on Sunday, June 6th, Conan Doyle provided two illustrations: "Towing home the Narwhal" and "The Narwhal itself."</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZUkPIYsvKR8zEQW41TbuXb7LkKBPs-zZ86IKCjCmyEpaEM83JFs3GGJ0vFkEDgHkZXtsRZ6fMSPHGFqUpBbVlHSpZ02wEc9CUbmd6PK9xQwY6-qOYOeTUyBpdAIY2UpHOmFhBg26VeAzhQux1Fom5Q3_8mAjRwggdYJl5gRXMe8fLy1fgCDaLUXjVenk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2245" data-original-width="3131" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZUkPIYsvKR8zEQW41TbuXb7LkKBPs-zZ86IKCjCmyEpaEM83JFs3GGJ0vFkEDgHkZXtsRZ6fMSPHGFqUpBbVlHSpZ02wEc9CUbmd6PK9xQwY6-qOYOeTUyBpdAIY2UpHOmFhBg26VeAzhQux1Fom5Q3_8mAjRwggdYJl5gRXMe8fLy1fgCDaLUXjVenk=w640-h458" width="640" /></a></div><br />If you're interested in hearing more about Conan Doyle's arctic adventures, <a href="https://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2012/12/episode-48-dangerous-work.html#.UuXFqcQo5w0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Episode 48 of <i>I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere</i></a> features an interview with Jon Lellenberg and Dan Stashower:</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" data-dashlane-classification="other" data-dashlane-frameid="1480" data-dashlane-rid="9e49381ca714831b" height="192" mozallowfullscreen="true" msallowfullscreen="true" oallowfullscreen="true" scrolling="no" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/2148081/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><div><br /></div><div> And a discussion of harpoons awaits in <a href="https://www.sherlockholmespodcast.com/2017/07/28-harpoons-pointed-subject.html" target="_blank">Episode 28 of <i>Trifles</i></a>:</div><div><br /></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" data-dashlane-classification="other" data-dashlane-frameid="1348" data-dashlane-rid="690e698ec0b3a2ed" height="192" mozallowfullscreen="true" msallowfullscreen="true" oallowfullscreen="true" scrolling="no" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/5529754/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>Similarly inspired, the boys at Baker Street Elementary are cooking up a whale of a tale...</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; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFFT1xUrDiSnvOK_diT6U0c-peTPW1KTdk8IzSG4BO0cwBZB5j9pX4aJB6ry19l0nmNXIR7TgDqPSBy_0fqCpbcOqAgUbyKISJH-opWBGNFtgDMLOa86B8OabuUpNiPHVSghM4ALTyw5YqVQE2d362XX6W38W87O8ovLzGibm1hlAgbFQFktZ7eWHdbVk" 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/AVvXsEiFFT1xUrDiSnvOK_diT6U0c-peTPW1KTdk8IzSG4BO0cwBZB5j9pX4aJB6ry19l0nmNXIR7TgDqPSBy_0fqCpbcOqAgUbyKISJH-opWBGNFtgDMLOa86B8OabuUpNiPHVSghM4ALTyw5YqVQE2d362XX6W38W87O8ovLzGibm1hlAgbFQFktZ7eWHdbVk=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDF0HL0owFrbXOHuYvq1lIC4kvfoU_l7aJSoAYXzzRSNlyus4ocC0lbVm8OzQZ4ip1WWHjfnyD82btD6WeKf9psJMWMO-M9XCmW1zaf5ZghaSwGJAkPJPoJELgLQ85Jkh771zTz2LGykAtzu5tXnPjNM6GvRxGV1WG37jRsa1ewS9LJ7FEdRb3HLyNI1I" 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/AVvXsEjDF0HL0owFrbXOHuYvq1lIC4kvfoU_l7aJSoAYXzzRSNlyus4ocC0lbVm8OzQZ4ip1WWHjfnyD82btD6WeKf9psJMWMO-M9XCmW1zaf5ZghaSwGJAkPJPoJELgLQ85Jkh771zTz2LGykAtzu5tXnPjNM6GvRxGV1WG37jRsa1ewS9LJ7FEdRb3HLyNI1I=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcRpS1hWJRtRoHeSkgQpUZO-jsGFkPEyTvRzSJbZxLkzwNnHslMR8wwx5c5iNq2G1DBDUfk-VD7OSfofep2EkseXLbLVdnFIJ7gsNXmxkY5cqwrx-2GAvkOoU6TyMFYNuK7F49No_Tv0UkNzl_QceZ66N4PsupAS0P6EIVipHjujqY48ZYh47mh9-u6Mo" 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/AVvXsEgcRpS1hWJRtRoHeSkgQpUZO-jsGFkPEyTvRzSJbZxLkzwNnHslMR8wwx5c5iNq2G1DBDUfk-VD7OSfofep2EkseXLbLVdnFIJ7gsNXmxkY5cqwrx-2GAvkOoU6TyMFYNuK7F49No_Tv0UkNzl_QceZ66N4PsupAS0P6EIVipHjujqY48ZYh47mh9-u6Mo=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><br /><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 – A Whale of a Tale

“in command of a whaler” [BLAC]  Captain Peter Carey ("Black Peter") met an end that was consistent with his way of life. Found pi...

+ Read more »

by I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere

Watson Returns

<h4 style="text-align: center;">“You’re surprised to see me” [EMPT]  </h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiV4J5XaGf-1aDcOegcN5rPQdyIGw8dxJbA7iud5BtRKeb0tIf9KyD2YzLHlRlBIY9aCXHatn2WqS6RbKecxRDBRB9Vft7gVTo7NzfAeW36gvQQ1fr_dA5KXLArvAltOigFF31N1OjE-ZEZgpFpLM5jwWuiHurct1Jr-hnfBkXh_YPs5mKT6FarKICSiEGV" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiV4J5XaGf-1aDcOegcN5rPQdyIGw8dxJbA7iud5BtRKeb0tIf9KyD2YzLHlRlBIY9aCXHatn2WqS6RbKecxRDBRB9Vft7gVTo7NzfAeW36gvQQ1fr_dA5KXLArvAltOigFF31N1OjE-ZEZgpFpLM5jwWuiHurct1Jr-hnfBkXh_YPs5mKT6FarKICSiEGV=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><p>The TV show <i>Watson</i> returns tonight on CBS for its second season. </p><p>Below is a short trailer for "the world's greatest doctective" [sic] that teases the appearance of Sherlock Holmes (Robert Carlyle). We had previously heard Matt Berry as the voice of Sherlock in Season 1, although that was a hallucination. </p><p>In case you hadn't watched Season 1, which began airing its 13 episodes in January 2025... the show features Dr. John Watson (Morris Chestnut), having survived the Reichenbach Fall and mourning the loss of Sherlock Holmes, setting up a clinic in Pittsburgh to treat strange and rare medical conditions. </p><p>He works with four younger doctors: twin brothers Stephens and Adam Croft (both Peter Mark Kendall), the deceitful Ingrid Derian (Eve Harlow), and the overly-aiming-to-please Sasha Lubbock (Inga Schlingmann). Helping Watson run the clinic is Shinwell Johnson (Ritchie Coster), the only one who knew Holmes, and in charge of the hospital is Watson's ex-wife Mary Morstan (Rochelle Aytes). Her mother, suffering from dementia, is the patient in tonight's episode. </p><p>Familiar characters who have appeared in the first season include Moriarty (Randall Park), Irene Adler (Whoopie Van Raam), and Mycroft Holmes (Vincent Gale). The show was created by Craig Sweeny, who was an executive producer and writer on <i>Elementary</i>. Overall, reaction has been along the lines of "it's mostly like <i>House</i> instead of particularly Sherlockian." </p><p>Season 1 of <i>Watson</i> is also <a href="https://amzn.to/3KF1znc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">available now on DVD</a>, with the following special features: </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>"My Dear Watson" -- a half hour making-of, including the show's origin, the cast, and characters</li><li>"Creating the World of <i>Watson</i>" -- nine minutes on the setting, set design, and medical research</li><li>Deleted Scenes (on about half the episodes)</li><li>And a gag reel of various actors forgetting their lines. </li></ul><div><br /></div><div>Here's the teaser for Season 2:</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9xTM0LuHubQ?si=5nM-O2GDqnFAgp1k" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The game's afoot!</div><div><br /></div><p></p>

Watson Returns

“You’re surprised to see me” [EMPT]   The TV show  Watson  returns tonight on CBS for its second season.  Below is a short trailer for ...

+ Read more »

by Johanna Draper Carlson

Baker Street Elementary – Barking Up the Right Tree

<h4 style="text-align: center;">“the very picture of canine indecision” [SIGN] </h4><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6Z3n3UeCBMXcKqZmg23yHXkLI6-aKRqGHveOqpqNc5_yzlE_UUk2atWQ-JCrX_itAAbGH73yuqU5DgxVbcwVxkTFgowi47RSsPxGIJ95C7vK4616QKZED9MlDBRoooVFeW8j9eLGyWa62W2zzR83p7a-ClEfZu0F-TVEeE-I9XuIMYMslYroB8Vodi30" 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/AVvXsEg6Z3n3UeCBMXcKqZmg23yHXkLI6-aKRqGHveOqpqNc5_yzlE_UUk2atWQ-JCrX_itAAbGH73yuqU5DgxVbcwVxkTFgowi47RSsPxGIJ95C7vK4616QKZED9MlDBRoooVFeW8j9eLGyWa62W2zzR83p7a-ClEfZu0F-TVEeE-I9XuIMYMslYroB8Vodi30=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div>Sherlock Holmes frequently relied on the use of dogs in his work. Which is perhaps an homage to the very family of animal that laid him up at university and changed the course of his life's work.</div><div><br /></div><div>He knew that dogs are shrewd creatures, and their natural abilities afforded him additional insight and information than he might otherwise gain. Consider the various uses of dogs in the Canon:</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Tracking tools</b>: <br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Toby (SIGN) helped track the creosote footmarks of Jonathan Small and Tonga; </li><li>Pompey (MISS), given the scent of aniseed, helped retrace the path of Dr. Leslie Armstrong</li></ul><b>Clue-givers</b>: </div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The dog that "did nothing in the night-time" (SILV) is probably the most famous dog in the Canon, aside from the Hound. Its lack of activity indicated a known suspect.</li><li>Roy the wolf-hound (CREE) indicated its owner's personality with his behavior: "snarling people have snarling dogs."</li><li>The Airedale terrier, a "faithful little creature" (LION) was affected by the same condition as its master, giving Holmes a clue as to the identity of the killer.]</li><li>The strange behavior of the Shoscombe spaniel (SHOS) indicated there was something amiss with Lady Beatrice.</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Experimental subjects</b>:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The "poor little devil of a terrier which has been bad so long" (STUD) tried the placebo and then the deadly pill from Jefferson Hope's  </li><li>Carlo, the Ferguson family dog (SUSS) was not the subject of an experiment by Holmes, but by little Jackie, who was testing out the strength of poison left on arrow-tips in the household.</li></ul></div><div>Is it any wonder then, that in "The Creeping Man," Sherlock Holmes made a vow: </div><blockquote><div>“I have serious thoughts of writing a small monograph upon the uses of dogs in the work of the detective.”</div></blockquote><div>More on the appearances of dogs in the Canon in <a href="https://www.sherlockholmespodcast.com/2018/10/episode-95-woof.html" target="_blank">Episode 85 of <i>Trifles</i></a>:</div><div><br /></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" data-dashlane-classification="other" data-dashlane-frameid="2532" data-dashlane-rid="1bd06e279221d86c" height="192" mozallowfullscreen="true" msallowfullscreen="true" oallowfullscreen="true" scrolling="no" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/7298504/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/d41d1f/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 what dogs the boys at Baker Street Elementary...</div><div><br /></div><div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-OUnH4nETsD9zzNktx8Z7Oo9oAyMFGFSUmZcSbMGED1kpIMFC72RqmDVh29AUUYrZ3ZNA48jI_pnFGKLjdkx7b-6YLJuTkUMUgCgVXYQcH3uj693XpOi1MMoQgiG_MF-5Z5t9nfZ6EBubTpir1ta794qY5_oRJGXNZf95zkSjATpbYHc0SBCEKcfmiIU" 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/AVvXsEh-OUnH4nETsD9zzNktx8Z7Oo9oAyMFGFSUmZcSbMGED1kpIMFC72RqmDVh29AUUYrZ3ZNA48jI_pnFGKLjdkx7b-6YLJuTkUMUgCgVXYQcH3uj693XpOi1MMoQgiG_MF-5Z5t9nfZ6EBubTpir1ta794qY5_oRJGXNZf95zkSjATpbYHc0SBCEKcfmiIU=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtk8p_mVB4yZSSjYTH7T1Eplg-Zs6FP7Agixe2gYdqKbZr4aYUEXYeuBf2VaJksj2sU1En5ZwJdQ1u9uHtk2f1L7C5HC2YwOnlwWB3j-1e-jtFd_6RxdZK8Bo_EAf9nB9RYQvSAgUnuMcPq1dpQ3kdwt3oT5EvOMo1uRFJMdBiVzULE4Nmaq3ttrxycfM" 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/AVvXsEgtk8p_mVB4yZSSjYTH7T1Eplg-Zs6FP7Agixe2gYdqKbZr4aYUEXYeuBf2VaJksj2sU1En5ZwJdQ1u9uHtk2f1L7C5HC2YwOnlwWB3j-1e-jtFd_6RxdZK8Bo_EAf9nB9RYQvSAgUnuMcPq1dpQ3kdwt3oT5EvOMo1uRFJMdBiVzULE4Nmaq3ttrxycfM=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSWJLMtNGnyYwhuyZafxZ5sSlY8UiwiVbwsbZ7ZwIJ_n3P-Xd0Cur0lD4nPYRfFKQg0K6lruQAsaPaK00viu22BykAbTBOoJ1z_gseqe7q3gjxkj0rFLJ2VYJPIpBCotx8rhh9a3uUi0s5-d2AZgsqlMLBN_tPnq0FTNe-gMW8oaFSjF6e0ffdXAwDbxs" 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/AVvXsEhSWJLMtNGnyYwhuyZafxZ5sSlY8UiwiVbwsbZ7ZwIJ_n3P-Xd0Cur0lD4nPYRfFKQg0K6lruQAsaPaK00viu22BykAbTBOoJ1z_gseqe7q3gjxkj0rFLJ2VYJPIpBCotx8rhh9a3uUi0s5-d2AZgsqlMLBN_tPnq0FTNe-gMW8oaFSjF6e0ffdXAwDbxs=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><br /></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 – Barking Up the Right Tree

“the very picture of canine indecision” [SIGN]  Sherlock Holmes frequently relied on the use of dogs in his work. Which is perhaps an homage...

+ Read more »

by I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere

Nominations Are Open for the 2026 Susan Rice Mentorship Award

<h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">“twinkling in front of us through the gloom to guide us” [SPEC]  </h4><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/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNsgCY2JRMohz42NAtuVTQXg8WSSN8Hf4peDxiox5RWJOeJ2AS6tlyNMsQJVrNi5Ff9MdNw6PeZ7w0--Bg7bpxzouCLqGCEBhAYe_uXv1kyGoKHgvDeI8Hi3pXWWjeyO-gouPG6cbojhQ7UdI9XjtT98NM-q9zHsL6_mccy4ajEzRrQsxlSP2l3Onaw/s960/Blau-Rice.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="960" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNsgCY2JRMohz42NAtuVTQXg8WSSN8Hf4peDxiox5RWJOeJ2AS6tlyNMsQJVrNi5Ff9MdNw6PeZ7w0--Bg7bpxzouCLqGCEBhAYe_uXv1kyGoKHgvDeI8Hi3pXWWjeyO-gouPG6cbojhQ7UdI9XjtT98NM-q9zHsL6_mccy4ajEzRrQsxlSP2l3Onaw/w640-h428/Blau-Rice.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo courtesy of Will Walsh, BSI</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> <div>Every profession, every hobby needs mentors. A mentor's job is to help new arrivals understand the context and meaning of the organization they're stepping into. Mentors helpfully point out the guardrails, endlessly encourage curiosity, and consistently communicate the worth and potential of those in their charge.</div><div><br /></div><div>Mentors are leaders.</div><div><br /></div><div>And we were blessed to have such a leader in <b><a class="b-tooltip-container" data-preview="" href="https://www.google.com/search?ved=1t:260882&q=Susan+Rice+Sherlock+Holmes&bbid=6321981775136876837&bpid=5075907601162330622" target="_blank"><span class="b-tooltip" style="display: none;"><iframe src="/share-widget?w=poi&o=t&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fsearch%3Fved%3D1t%3A260882%26q%3DSusan%2BRice%2BSherlock%2BHolmes%26bbid%3D6321981775136876837%26bpid%3D5075907601162330622"></iframe></span>Susan Rice, ASH, BSI, 2s</a>.</b> ("Beeswing") as part of the <a class="b-tooltip-container" data-preview="" href="https://www.google.com/search?ved=1t:260882&q=Sherlockian+movement&bbid=6321981775136876837&bpid=5075907601162330622" target="_blank"><span class="b-tooltip" style="display: none;"><iframe src="/share-widget?w=poi&o=t&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fsearch%3Fved%3D1t%3A260882%26q%3DSherlockian%2Bmovement%26bbid%3D6321981775136876837%26bpid%3D5075907601162330622"></iframe></span>Sherlockian movement</a>. You can read <a href="https://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2020/10/remembering-susan-rice-ash-bsi-2s.html#.Y0VupXZKjb0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">what our peers had to say about Susan</a> upon her passing four years ago.</div><div><br /></div><div>Susan was an exceptional writer, and one of her specialties was <a class="b-tooltip-container" data-preview="" href="https://www.google.com/search?ved=1t:260882&q=Vincent+Starrett&bbid=6321981775136876837&bpid=5075907601162330622" target="_blank"><span class="b-tooltip" style="display: none;"><iframe src="/share-widget?w=poi&o=t&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fsearch%3Fved%3D1t%3A260882%26q%3DVincent%2BStarrett%26bbid%3D6321981775136876837%26bpid%3D5075907601162330622"></iframe></span>Vincent Starrett</a>. We had the opportunity to speak with her and <b><a class="b-tooltip-container" data-preview="" href="https://www.google.com/search?ved=1t:260882&q=Ray+Betzner+Sherlock+Holmes&bbid=6321981775136876837&bpid=5075907601162330622" target="_blank"><span class="b-tooltip" style="display: none;"><iframe src="/share-widget?w=poi&o=t&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fsearch%3Fved%3D1t%3A260882%26q%3DRay%2BBetzner%2BSherlock%2BHolmes%26bbid%3D6321981775136876837%26bpid%3D5075907601162330622"></iframe></span>Ray Betzner, BSI</a></b> ("The Agony Column") about Starrett on <a href="https://ihose.co/ihose61" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Episode 61</a>:</div><div><br /></div><div><iframe allowfullscreen="" data-dashlane-frameid="4677" data-dashlane-rid="7bd3e822dd64a1ca" data-form-type="" height="192" mozallowfullscreen="true" msallowfullscreen="true" oallowfullscreen="true" scrolling="no" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/2671427/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/000000/time-start/00:00:00/playlist-height/200/direction/backward/download/yes" style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="100%"></iframe><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And there could be no better example of Susan's mentorship than her involvement with the <a class="b-tooltip-container" data-preview="" href="https://www.google.com/search?ved=1t:260882&q=Adventuresses+of+Sherlock+Holmes&bbid=6321981775136876837&bpid=5075907601162330622" target="_blank"><span class="b-tooltip" style="display: none;"><iframe src="/share-widget?w=poi&o=t&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fsearch%3Fved%3D1t%3A260882%26q%3DAdventuresses%2Bof%2BSherlock%2BHolmes%26bbid%3D6321981775136876837%26bpid%3D5075907601162330622"></iframe></span>Adventuresses of Sherlock Holmes</a> and the quiet yet determined effort to see women admitted to the <a class="b-tooltip-container" data-preview="" href="https://www.google.com/search?ved=1t:260882&q=Baker+Street+Irregulars&bbid=6321981775136876837&bpid=5075907601162330622" target="_blank"><span class="b-tooltip" style="display: none;"><iframe src="/share-widget?w=poi&o=t&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fsearch%3Fved%3D1t%3A260882%26q%3DBaker%2BStreet%2BIrregulars%26bbid%3D6321981775136876837%26bpid%3D5075907601162330622"></iframe></span>Baker Street Irregulars</a>, which we discussed with her and <b><a class="b-tooltip-container" data-preview="" href="https://www.google.com/search?ved=1t:260882&q=Evelyn+Herzog+Sherlock+Holmes&bbid=6321981775136876837&bpid=5075907601162330622" target="_blank"><span class="b-tooltip" style="display: none;"><iframe src="/share-widget?w=poi&o=t&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fsearch%3Fved%3D1t%3A260882%26q%3DEvelyn%2BHerzog%2BSherlock%2BHolmes%26bbid%3D6321981775136876837%26bpid%3D5075907601162330622"></iframe></span>Evelyn Herzog, BSI</a></b> ("The Daintiest Thing Under a Bonnet") in <a href="https://ihose.co/ihose89" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Episode 89</a>:</div><div><br /></div><div><iframe allowfullscreen="" data-dashlane-frameid="4680" data-dashlane-rid="ef76ff83883f0b14" data-form-type="" height="192" mozallowfullscreen="true" msallowfullscreen="true" oallowfullscreen="true" scrolling="no" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/4113629/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/a70101/time-start/00:00:00/playlist-height/200/direction/backward/download/yes" style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="100%"></iframe><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>So when the <b><a class="b-tooltip-container" data-preview="" href="https://www.google.com/search?ved=1t:260882&q=Susan+Rice+Mentorship+Award&bbid=6321981775136876837&bpid=5075907601162330622" target="_blank"><span class="b-tooltip" style="display: none;"><iframe src="/share-widget?w=poi&o=t&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fsearch%3Fved%3D1t%3A260882%26q%3DSusan%2BRice%2BMentorship%2BAward%26bbid%3D6321981775136876837%26bpid%3D5075907601162330622"></iframe></span>Susan Rice Mentorship Award</a></b> was announced at the 2022 BSI Weekend, it was no surprise that stalwart <b><a class="b-tooltip-container" data-preview="" href="https://www.google.com/search?ved=1t:260882&q=Peter+Blau+Sherlock+Holmes&bbid=6321981775136876837&bpid=5075907601162330622" target="_blank"><span class="b-tooltip" style="display: none;"><iframe src="/share-widget?w=poi&o=t&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fsearch%3Fved%3D1t%3A260882%26q%3DPeter%2BBlau%2BSherlock%2BHolmes%26bbid%3D6321981775136876837%26bpid%3D5075907601162330622"></iframe></span>Peter Blau, BSI</a></b> ("<a class="b-tooltip-container" data-preview="" href="https://www.google.com/search?ved=1t:260882&q=Black+Peter+Sherlock+Holmes+story&bbid=6321981775136876837&bpid=5075907601162330622" target="_blank"><span class="b-tooltip" style="display: none;"><iframe src="/share-widget?w=poi&o=t&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fsearch%3Fved%3D1t%3A260882%26q%3DBlack%2BPeter%2BSherlock%2BHolmes%2Bstory%26bbid%3D6321981775136876837%26bpid%3D5075907601162330622"></iframe></span>Black Peter</a>") was announced as the inaugural recipient. [That's Peter pictured above with Susan.]</div><div><br /></div><div>The second recipient, announced at the 2023 BSI Weekend was <b>Evelyn Herzog, BSI, ASH</b> ("The Daintiest Thing Under a Bonnet").</div><div><br /></div><div>The third recipient was <b><a class="b-tooltip-container" data-preview="" href="https://www.google.com/search?ved=1t:260882&q=Francine+Kitts+Sherlock+Holmes&bbid=6321981775136876837&bpid=5075907601162330622" target="_blank"><span class="b-tooltip" style="display: none;"><iframe src="/share-widget?w=poi&o=t&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fsearch%3Fved%3D1t%3A260882%26q%3DFrancine%2BKitts%2BSherlock%2BHolmes%26bbid%3D6321981775136876837%26bpid%3D5075907601162330622"></iframe></span>Francine Kitts, BSI, ASH</a></b> ("Lady Hilda Trelawney Hope") in 2024.</div><div><br /></div><div>And the latest recipient is <b><a class="b-tooltip-container" data-preview="" href="https://www.google.com/search?ved=1t:260882&q=Julie+McKuras+Sherlock+Holmes&bbid=6321981775136876837&bpid=5075907601162330622" target="_blank"><span class="b-tooltip" style="display: none;"><iframe src="/share-widget?w=poi&o=t&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fsearch%3Fved%3D1t%3A260882%26q%3DJulie%2BMcKuras%2BSherlock%2BHolmes%26bbid%3D6321981775136876837%26bpid%3D5075907601162330622"></iframe></span>Julie McKuras, BSI, ASH</a></b> ("The Dutchess of Devonshire"),</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Nominations for the <a class="b-tooltip-container" data-preview="" href="https://www.google.com/search?ved=1t:260882&q=Susan+Rice+Mentorship+Award&bbid=6321981775136876837&bpid=5075907601162330622" target="_blank"><span class="b-tooltip" style="display: none;"><iframe src="/share-widget?w=poi&o=t&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fsearch%3Fved%3D1t%3A260882%26q%3DSusan%2BRice%2BMentorship%2BAward%26bbid%3D6321981775136876837%26bpid%3D5075907601162330622"></iframe></span>2026 Susan Rice Mentorship Award</a> are open until November 10.</b> The winner will be announced and presented with the award during the 2026 BSI Weekend.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQXTIK0FKFYMe2DJ3yLgFLMocXxgB2syBNincfwLQCeTX3An7QTCWcucAiHzG_6l5Q4Kyms8xJDI8hE2ml2wiaRwb09Q_nnePlZ7iGWiSyKDeGGCdjwouO_iXxTURfrsPMohGC2wGEQkGz-OTNJaFAqnSE_Qfd3w6VnUl_chkZlWgkXT3Lm6xpIyoj6A/s1500/Award.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1159" data-original-width="1500" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQXTIK0FKFYMe2DJ3yLgFLMocXxgB2syBNincfwLQCeTX3An7QTCWcucAiHzG_6l5Q4Kyms8xJDI8hE2ml2wiaRwb09Q_nnePlZ7iGWiSyKDeGGCdjwouO_iXxTURfrsPMohGC2wGEQkGz-OTNJaFAqnSE_Qfd3w6VnUl_chkZlWgkXT3Lm6xpIyoj6A/w640-h494/Award.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><h3>What is the Susan Rice Mentorship Award?</h3><div><div>The award is to recognize the activities of a member of the <a class="b-tooltip-container" data-preview="" href="https://www.google.com/search?ved=1t:260882&q=Sherlock+Holmes&bbid=6321981775136876837&bpid=5075907601162330622" target="_blank"><span class="b-tooltip" style="display: none;"><iframe src="/share-widget?w=poi&o=t&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fsearch%3Fved%3D1t%3A260882%26q%3DSherlock%2BHolmes%26bbid%3D6321981775136876837%26bpid%3D5075907601162330622"></iframe></span>Sherlock Holmes</a> community who has been a mentor to others, in the spirit of Susan Rice. The award will be judged on the mentor’s commitment to bringing aspiring Sherlockians into the cause and encouraging them to find ways to keep green the memory of Sherlock Holmes. While those activities could be in the traditional realm of <a class="b-tooltip-container" data-preview="" href="https://www.google.com/search?ved=1t:260882&q=trifling+monographs+Sherlock+Holmes&bbid=6321981775136876837&bpid=5075907601162330622" target="_blank"><span class="b-tooltip" style="display: none;"><iframe src="/share-widget?w=poi&o=t&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fsearch%3Fved%3D1t%3A260882%26q%3Dtrifling%2Bmonographs%2BSherlock%2BHolmes%26bbid%3D6321981775136876837%26bpid%3D5075907601162330622"></iframe></span>trifling monographs</a> and playing <a class="b-tooltip-container" data-preview="" href="https://www.google.com/search?ved=1t:260882&q=The+Game+Sherlock+Holmes&bbid=6321981775136876837&bpid=5075907601162330622" target="_blank"><span class="b-tooltip" style="display: none;"><iframe src="/share-widget?w=poi&o=t&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fsearch%3Fved%3D1t%3A260882%26q%3DThe%2BGame%2BSherlock%2BHolmes%26bbid%3D6321981775136876837%26bpid%3D5075907601162330622"></iframe></span>The Game</a>, we would also recognize that the effort could take place in other media and activities. </div><div><br /></div><div>To sum up who we are looking for in a few words: Someone who is generous, welcoming, and offers encouragement.</div><p><br /></p><h3>Who Is Eligible For The Award?</h3><p>The Susan Rice Mentorship Award is open to all living Sherlockians who are generous, welcoming, and offer encouragement. They will also need to have a proven record that supports that definition. No current judges or previous winners may be considered for the award. The award is not limited to members of the Baker Street Irregulars.</p><p><br /></p><h3>How Is Someone Nominated?</h3><p>The award will be given based on nominations. The nominator should complete an essay of <b>750 words or fewer </b>that answers this question: “Who do you believe should be recognized for their work in mentoring aspiring Sherlockians and why? Please provide specific examples of their guidance, encouragement, and welcoming spirit.” </p><p>Qualities to consider when nominating: Welcoming to all Sherlockians; looking out for new Sherlockians to join the ranks; encouraging involvement and guiding people through their participation; connecting new Sherlockians to current members of the BSI; believing in someone even if they don’t believe in themselves; leaving the organization better than when they joined it. </p><p>Should someone be nominated in one year and not win, they would need to be re-nominated for consideration in succeeding years.</p><p><br /></p><h3>Where Should Nominations Be Sent?</h3><p>Nominations should be sent to <a href="mailto:SusanRiceMentorAward@gmail.com">SusanRiceMentorAward@gmail.com</a>. An acknowledgment email will be sent in reply. </p><p><br /></p><h3>Who Are The Judges?</h3><p>The current judges are <b>Curtis Armstrong</b>, <b><a class="b-tooltip-container" data-preview="" href="https://www.google.com/search?ved=1t:260882&q=Jenn+Eaker+Sherlock+Holmes&bbid=6321981775136876837&bpid=5075907601162330622" target="_blank"><span class="b-tooltip" style="display: none;"><iframe src="/share-widget?w=poi&o=t&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fsearch%3Fved%3D1t%3A260882%26q%3DJenn%2BEaker%2BSherlock%2BHolmes%26bbid%3D6321981775136876837%26bpid%3D5075907601162330622"></iframe></span>Jenn Eaker</a></b>, <b>Ashley Polasek</b>, <b><a class="b-tooltip-container" data-preview="" href="https://www.google.com/search?ved=1t:260882&q=Rob+Nunn+Sherlock+Holmes&bbid=6321981775136876837&bpid=5075907601162330622" target="_blank"><span class="b-tooltip" style="display: none;"><iframe src="/share-widget?w=poi&o=t&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fsearch%3Fved%3D1t%3A260882%26q%3DRob%2BNunn%2BSherlock%2BHolmes%26bbid%3D6321981775136876837%26bpid%3D5075907601162330622"></iframe></span>Rob Nunn</a></b>, and <b><a class="b-tooltip-container" data-preview="" href="https://www.google.com/search?ved=1t:260882&q=Madeline+Quinones+Sherlock+Holmes&bbid=6321981775136876837&bpid=5075907601162330622" target="_blank"><span class="b-tooltip" style="display: none;"><iframe src="/share-widget?w=poi&o=t&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fsearch%3Fved%3D1t%3A260882%26q%3DMadeline%2BQuinones%2BSherlock%2BHolmes%26bbid%3D6321981775136876837%26bpid%3D5075907601162330622"></iframe></span>Madeline Quinones</a></b>. Again, judges are not eligible for the award.</p><p><br /></p><p>For a heartfelt reminiscence on Susan Rice's impact from a former mentee of hers, read <a href="http://www.vincentstarrett.com/blog/susan-rice-mentorship-award" target="_blank">Curtis Armstrong's essay on the Studies in Starrett blog</a>.</p><p><br /></p><p>We hope you nominate someone worthy of the award.</p><p><br /></p><p>--</p><p><br /></p></div>

Nominations Are Open for the 2026 Susan Rice Mentorship Award

“twinkling in front of us through the gloom to guide us” [SPEC]   Photo courtesy of Will Walsh, BSI   Every profession, every hobby needs me...

+ Read more »

by Scott Monty