Episode 225: Evidence Boxes

<h4 style="text-align: center;">“I’ll show you a grim little bit of evidence” [RETI] </h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXu2wOUVAaLtKmrUVhS991AYw1LWugmw9xeJHWvG3uus3ru7CpV4jfjQkwxRE6sRlR-2YDi1tjrTg7gLGe_aZLwoDZ5WNwOG033KBDlcMQ0DTb0hpXYh7pSCUulutloQyQdU4Af9CWW0g/s1200/Evidence+Box+contents.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXu2wOUVAaLtKmrUVhS991AYw1LWugmw9xeJHWvG3uus3ru7CpV4jfjQkwxRE6sRlR-2YDi1tjrTg7gLGe_aZLwoDZ5WNwOG033KBDlcMQ0DTb0hpXYh7pSCUulutloQyQdU4Af9CWW0g/w640-h480/Evidence+Box+contents.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><p>Paul Churchill, BSI (“Corot”) delighted in recreating evidence boxes for each Sherlock Holmes story. After his death in 2008, Deborah Clark became their steward.</p><p>Regular attendees of Watson's Tin Box see evidence boxes at every monthly meeting, but we wanted to give you a peek inside as well. Debbie sat down with us to detail what these evidence boxes are, how Paul created them, and what makes them so special. </p><p>The contents inside them (and outside of some of them) are astounding in their reality and detail, bringing the Sherlock Holmes stories to life in a unique way. We have posted <a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/56803056" target="_blank">photos of some of the contents</a>.</p><p>And of course, we have another <b>Canonical Couplet</b> to challenge your acuity. If you are chosen as a winner, you'll get <i>The Sherlock Holmes Scrapbook</i> by Peter Haining. Answers are due by October 14, 2021 at 11:59 a.m. EDT.</p><br /><p>Information on sponsors, links, and notes are available below.</p><div style="text-align: center;"><a data-patreon-widget-type="become-patron-button" href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=2318606">Become a Patron!</a></div><script async="" src="https://c6.patreon.com/becomePatronButton.bundle.js"></script><p></p><div><div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;">Please do consider becoming a <a href="https://ihose.co/ihosepatron" target="_blank">Patron of the Arts</a>. Your support helps us to ensure we can keep doing what we do, covering file hosting costs, production, and transcription services. </div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><h3><a href="https://traffic.libsyn.com/ihearofsherlock/ihearofsherlock225.mp3" target="_blank">Download</a> [Save As] | File size 29.4 MB, 59:46</h3><div style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Interstate, "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", "Lucida Sans", Garuda, Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; line-break: anywhere; overflow: hidden; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap; word-break: normal;"></div><br /><iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1133659216&color=%23ce1a21&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true" width="100%"></iframe><div style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Interstate, "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", "Lucida Sans", Garuda, Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; font-weight: 100; line-break: anywhere; overflow: hidden; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap; word-break: normal;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/ihearofsherlock" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="ihearofsherlock">ihearofsherlock</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/ihearofsherlock/evidence-boxes" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Evidence Boxes">Evidence Boxes</a></div><div style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Interstate, "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", "Lucida Sans", Garuda, Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; line-break: anywhere; overflow: hidden; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap; word-break: normal;"></div><div style="line-break: anywhere; overflow: hidden; text-overflow: ellipsis; word-break: normal;"><br /><br /><br /></div></div></div><h2 style="margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Sponsors</h2><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><a href="http://www.danandriacco.com" target="_blank">Dan Andriacco</a> has a new edition in the McCabe-Cody series: <i><a href="https://mxpublishing.com/products/no-ghosts-need-apply-mccabe-and-cody-10?_pos=3&_sid=2c713ae10&_ss=r" target="_blank">No Ghosts Need Apply</a></i>, available on September 28.</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><a href="https://www.wessexpress.com/" target="_blank">Wessex Press</a> is the premier publisher of books about Sherlock Holmes and Arthur Conan Doyle, including Terence Faherty's <i><a href="https://wessexpress.com/html/trueadventures.html" target="_blank">The True Adventures of Sherlock Holmes</a></i>.</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><a href="https://mxpublishing.com/" target="_blank">MX Publishing</a> has a number of new Kickstarters that need your attention: <i><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/vincestadon/hounded-my-obsession-with-sherlock-holmess-hound" target="_blank">Hounded: My Obsession with Sherlock Holmes's Hound</a></i>, <i><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1208756724/the-magnificent-madness-of-tessa-wiggins" target="_blank">The Magnificent Madness of Tessa Wiggins</a></i>, and <i><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/amazonianexplorer/sherlock-holmes-and-the-adventure-of-the-amazonian-explorer" target="_blank">Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Amazonian Explorer</a></i>.</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;">Would you care to advertise with us? You can find <a href="https://www.ihearofsherlock.com/p/contact.html#.Vc1Qx7JViko" target="_blank">more information here</a>. Let's chat!<br /><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><h2><b>Links</b></h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><ul><li>This episode: <a href="https://ihose.co/ihose225">ihose.co/ihose225</a></li><li><a href="https://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2008/11/genuine-corot-sign_9.html#.YVW_sZrMLb0" target="_blank">Remembering Paul Churchill, BSI</a></li><li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/56803056" target="_blank">Photos of some of the contents of evidence boxes</a></li><li><a href="http://www.watsonstinbox.org/" target="_blank">Watson's Tin Box</a></li><li><a href="https://www.scintillation.org/" target="_blank">A Scintillation of Scions</a></li><li>Previous episodes mentioned:</li><ul><li><a href="https://ihose.co/ihose153" target="_blank">Episode 153: The Rooms at 221B Baker Street</a></li><li><a href="https://ihose.co/ihose203" target="_blank">Episode 203: The Jeremy Brett Sherlock Holmes Podcast</a></li><li><a href="https://ihose.co/ihose219" target="_blank">Episode 219: The Baker Street Almanac</a></li><li><a href="https://ihose.co/ihose137" target="_blank">Episode 137: Boxes from Royalty</a></li><li><a href="https://ihose.co/ihose107" target="_blank">Episode 107: A Scintillation of Scions</a></li></ul></ul><div><div style="margin: 0px;">Many more links, articles and images are available in our Flipboard magazine at <a href="https://ihose.co/flipsherlock" target="_blank">ihose.co/flipsherlock</a> as well as through our accounts on <a href="https://facebook.com/ihearofsherlock" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://youtube.com/ihearofsherlock" target="_blank">YouTube</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/ihearofsherlock" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/ihearofsherlock" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><b>Please subscribe via the podcast provider of your choosing:</b></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://pod.link/258126625" target="_blank">Listen to I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere</a></div><br />And would you consider leaving us a rating and review? It would help other Sherlockians to find us.</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;">Your thoughts on the show? Leave a comment below, send us an email (comment AT ihearofsherlock DOT com), call us at (774) 221-READ (7323).</div><div style="font-family: "times new roman";"><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div></div><h3><br />Transcript</h3><div style="margin: 0px;">We are so grateful for your support <a href="http://patreon.com/ihearofsherlock" target="_blank">on Patreon</a>, which makes our transcripts possible. Every amount helps. A transcript will be here soon.</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a data-patreon-widget-type="become-patron-button" href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=2318606">Become a Patron!</a></div><script async="" src="https://c6.patreon.com/becomePatronButton.bundle.js"></script><p></p><div><div></div></div><p style="-x-system-font: none; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font: 14px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px;"><br /></p></div><p style="-x-system-font: none; display: block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font: 14px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px;"> <a href="https://www.scribd.com/document/529745022/Transcript-I-Hear-of-Sherlock-Everywhere-Episode-225-Evidence-Boxes#from_embed" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="View Transcript - I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere Episode 225: Evidence Boxes on Scribd">Transcript - I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere Episode 225: Evidence Boxes</a> </p><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.7729220222793488" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_45291" scrolling="no" src="https://www.scribd.com/embeds/529745022/content?start_page=1&view_mode=scroll&access_key=key-ouDURx42Xdd33tZEVFKs" title="Transcript - I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere Episode 225: Evidence Boxes" width="100%"></iframe><p style="-x-system-font: none; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font: 14px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px;">--</p></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>

Episode 225: Evidence Boxes

“I’ll show you a grim little bit of evidence” [RETI]  Paul Churchill, BSI (“Corot”) delighted in recreating evidence boxes for each Sherlock...

+ Read more »

by Scott Monty

Episode 107: A Scintillation of Scions

<h4 style="text-align: center;"> "Excellent, Watson! You scintillate today." [ILLU] </h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxS0Hvj-xcyQRMeCAzZiGWKUUren4rU9SjowOCI9gpazXSbBHgUjjlUU4OaiYgSw18tQwpmkHxnxq0obajpQxOBqn8Vzz4VQknlJxM9hMC9-z3tyAJjc-is-VH08PfS6kT4VAjPf74QudX/s1600/Jacquelynn+Morris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="417" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxS0Hvj-xcyQRMeCAzZiGWKUUren4rU9SjowOCI9gpazXSbBHgUjjlUU4OaiYgSw18tQwpmkHxnxq0obajpQxOBqn8Vzz4VQknlJxM9hMC9-z3tyAJjc-is-VH08PfS6kT4VAjPf74QudX/s640/Jacquelynn+Morris.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <iframe allowfullscreen="" height="90" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/4786093/height/90/width/600/theme/custom/autonext/no/thumbnail/yes/autoplay/yes/preload/no/no_addthis/no/direction/backward/no-cache/true/render-playlist/no/custom-color/1f8383/" style="border: none;" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="600"></iframe><br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> In 2017, we'll celebrate the 10th anniversary of <a href="http://www.scintillation.org/" target="_blank">A Scintillation of Scions</a>, appropriately called "a family reunion for Sherlockians." In this episode, we're fortunate to be able to speak with the founder of the event, Jacquelynn Morris, BSI ("The Lion's Mane").<br /> <br /> From an AOL discussion board to membership in one of Maryland's finest Sherlockian societies, we hear about Jacquelynn's first meeting with Sherlock Holmes and the many people who have influenced her along the way. Hers is a story that typifies the magnificent power of friendship and colleagues as one finds one's way into the world of Sherlock Holmes fans. It includes the encouragement of outsiders and younger individuals, a fine tradition which Jacquelynn herself carries on today.<br /> <br /> We also touch on topics such as Undershaw and <a href="http://ihose.co/ihose99" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chris Redmond</a>'s latest publication <i><a href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2016/10/about-sixty-eliminates-improbable.html" target="_blank">About Sixty: Why Every Sherlock Holmes Story is the Best</a></i>. Much like an onion, the more layers we peel back from Jacquelynn, the more we discover — and she's fascinating!<br /> <br /> Listen in to find out what a wedding, a sword fight, Vincent Wright and a deli platter all have in common.<br /> <br /> <div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a div="" gt="" href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=2318606&redirect_uri=http%3A%2F%2Fihearofsherlock.com%2Fpodcast"><br /> <img height="40" src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/widget-images/become-patron-widget-medium%402x.png" width="204" /></a></div> <br /> Please consider becoming a regular supporter of us on <a href="http://patreon.com/ihearofsherlock" target="_blank">Patreon</a>. Won't you be part of this ongoing success story?<br /> <br /> <h3> <b>Notes</b></h3> 1:35 Introduction<br /> 3:24 Sponsor — Wessex Press<br /> 4:45 Welcome Jacquelynn Morris, BSI, ASH<br /> 10:30 Remembering alt.fan.holmes, the Hounds of the Internet and Steve Clarkson<br /> 12:01 Watson's Tin Box of Ellicott City, Maryland<br /> 14:58 If you own a restaurant, be wary of Watson's Tin Box<br /> 18:08 Saturdays with Sherlock Holmes at the Pratt Library<br /> 20:23 The origins of A Scintillation of Scions<br /> 26:34 Essay contest for 7th graders in Howard County, Maryland<br /> 32:30 The stand-out speaker of all of the Scintillations<br /> 33:22 Other memorable events at Scintillation<br /> 35:48 Upcoming features at A Scintillation of Scions X<br /> 38:09 Getting involved with Undershaw<br /> 42:57 Jacquelynn's contribution to <i>About Sixty</i><br /> 50:00 A chapter in <i>The Wrong Passage</i> about which poison Anna Coram took<br /> 57:53 Sponsor — The Baker Street Journal<br /> 1:00:09 Contact information and review<br /> 1:01:36 Sherlock Holmes Brand ad<br /> 1:02:43 Special news announcement<br /> <br /></div> <div> <div> <h3> Sponsors</h3> This episode includes our two longtime sponsors. Please support our sponsors by visiting their sites:<br /> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.wessexpress.com/" target="_blank">Wessex Press</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.bakerstreetjournal.com/" target="_blank"><i>The Baker Street Journal</i></a> </li> </ul> <br /> <br /> Would you care to become a sponsor? You can find <a href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/p/contact.html#.Vc1Qx7JViko" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">more information here</a>.</div> <div style="font-family: 'times new roman';"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <br /></div> </div> </div> <div> </div> <h4 style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://traffic.libsyn.com/ihearofsherlock/ihearofsherlock107.mp3" target="_blank">Download</a> [Save As] | File size 30.42 MB, 1:06:17</h4> <div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/290620939&color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%"></iframe><br /> <br /></div> </div> <div> <h3> </h3> <h3> Links</h3> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.scintillation.org/" target="_blank">A Scintillation of Scions</a> (website)</li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/A-Scintillation-of-Scions-266787909052/?fref=ts" target="_blank">A Scintillation of Scions</a> (Facebook)</li> <li><a href="http://www.watsonstinbox.org/" target="_blank">Watson's Tin Box</a> (website)</li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/57660702562/" target="_blank">Watson's Tin Box</a> (Facebook)</li> <li><a href="http://sherlockinmaryland.com/2016/10/sherlockian-program-returns-to-pratt-library-for-37th-year/" target="_blank">A Saturday with Sherlock Holmes</a> at the Enoch Pratt Free Library</li> <li><i><a href="http://www.bakerstreetjournal.com/saturdayspratt.html" target="_blank">Sherlockian Saturdays at the Pratt</a></i> by William Hyder (book)</li> <li><a href="http://hclibrary.org/a-students-teachers/sherlock-holmes-essay-contest/" target="_blank">Sherlock Holmes Essay Contest</a> for 7th graders in Howard County, MD</li> <li><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Arthur-Sherlock-Conan-Creation-Holmes/dp/1632860392" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Arthur and Sherlock: Conan Doyle and the Creation of Holmes</a></i> by Michael Sims (pre-order on Amazon)</li> <li><a href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/search/label/Undershaw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Undershaw links</a> on IHOSE</li> <li><i><a href="http://www.bakerstreetjournal.com/wrongpassage.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Wrong Passage</a></i> from the BSI Manuscript Series</li> </ul> </div> <div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <div style="text-align: left;"> Many more links, articles and images are available in our Flipboard magazine at  <a href="http://ihose.co/flipsherlock" target="_blank">ihose.co/flipsherlock</a>, as well as on the <a href="https://plus.google.com/communities/114565123495685504221" target="_blank">The Sherlock Holmes Community</a> on Google+ (with over 3,900 members), as well as through our accounts on  <a href="http://facebook.com/ihearofsherlock" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://instagram.com/ihearofsherlock">Instagram</a>, <a href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2016/04/ihose-on-snapchat-just-in-time-for.html">Snapchat</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/ihearofsherlock" target="_blank">Twitter</a>  and <a href="http://ihearofsherlock.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Tumblr</a>.</div> </div> <br /> <br /> Please <a href="http://bit.ly/ihearofsherlock" target="_blank">subscribe to us on iTunes</a>, <a href="https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/I2nib4h55h3cz3yxmzovj6icbmi">Google Play</a>, <a href="https://soundcloud.com/ihearofsherlock" target="_blank">Soundcloud</a>, <a href="http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/i-hear-of-sherlock-everywhere?refid=stpr" target="_blank">Stitcher</a> or <a href="http://www.spreaker.com/user/ihearofsherlock" target="_blank">Spreaker</a> and be kind enough to leave a rating or review for the show. And please tell a friend about us, in any fashion you feel comfortable.<br /> <br /> Your thoughts on the show? Leave a comment below, send us an email (comment AT ihearofsherlock DOT com), call us at (774) 221-READ (7323).<br /> <br /></div> <div style="font-family: "times new roman"; margin: 0px;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman";">--</span><br /> <div> <span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><br /> </span></div> </div>

Episode 107: A Scintillation of Scions

"Excellent, Watson! You scintillate today." [ILLU]  In 2017, we'll celebrate the 10th anniversary of A Scintillation ...

+ Read more »

by Scott Monty

"Texas, I Think" [FIVE]

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wsmonty/4181732995/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="five-06 by Scott Monty, on Flickr"><img alt="five-06" height="230" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2632/4181732995_3dda0b360e_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br /><i><b>Editor's note:</b> the following was submitted by the John Openshaw Society.</i><br /><br />On Saturday, October 4th, 1980, Tom Harman and Warren Chaney chartered the John Openshaw Society<br />(JOS) of Houston, Texas. The first newsletter, The Pip’s Log, announced (Vol. 1, No. 1) on November 30, 1980:<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">“The John Openshaw Chapter of the Baker Street Irregulars is established in memory of the former young gentleman from Horsham, John Openshaw, who, on September 29, 1887, brought to the attention of the master, Sherlock Holmes, the remarkable case of The Five Orange Pips. It was during this adventure, ‘so remarkable in its details and so startling in its results’ that the great State of Texas was brought to the attention of both Holmes and Watson. In particular, the barque Lone Star, a sailing vessel owned by the Johanssen Brothers of Savannah, but constructed at the Port of Galveston, is featured in a most singular fashion. It is only fitting that the Houston Chapter of the Baker Street Irregulars be named in memory of the man who gave his life, however indirectly, to advance the name of the State of Texas.”</blockquote><br /><a name='more'></a>Over several years, the JOS scion grew to almost fifty members and held many interesting meetings. Sometimes they traveled to Galveston, Texas, where they joined the Strollers on the Strand scion and together enjoyed the distinctive Strand district which is historically so well aligned with Sherlock Holmes and 1895. The two groups even enjoyed a trip to a submarine docked in Galveston while studying "The Bruce Partington Plans." The JOS also traveled to England. Warren Chaney made a statue of Sherlock Holmes that he and Tom Harman presented to the London Sherlock Holmes Society. They also gave a JOS membership certificate to the Sherlock Holmes Restaurant and Pub in London. Tom Harman and his wife Karen visited that famous London Pub this past summer and verified that the Sherlockian certificate is still hanging on the wall. Over the years the John Openshaw Society has attended local Sherlockian plays, movies, and book signings (i.e. Laurie R. King).<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wsmonty/4182495602/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" title="five-03 by Scott Monty, on Flickr"><img alt="five-03" height="314" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2569/4182495602_e66a161d74.jpg" width="320" /></a>The recent resurrection of the John Openshaw Society, a la Holmes in "The Adventure of the Empty House" (albeit less dramatically), has not only retained some of the original members, but also has been of interest to newcomer fellow Sherlockians. The society has taken advantage of social networking sites such as <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-John-Openshaw-Society/127225660696149"><b>Facebook</b></a> and Twitter to expand membership and strengthen connections with fellow societies. The development of <b><a href="http://www.johnopenshaw.org/">the official website</a></b> has also been instrumental, along with posters located at Murder-by-the-Book bookstore, in spreading the word and reaching out to more fans. The members cover a range of interests, from engineers to artists, from Sherlock Holmes connoisseurs to passionate newcomers. Whether discussing possible land erosion at Reichenbach Falls, or to questioning the date of the typewriter used by Dr. Watson in the recent Sherlock Holmes movie, whether raising our glasses to Professor Moriarty or Mrs. Hudson, or listening to our member Ipek playing the piano, or listening to another member Julia asking those difficult questions about the Holmes story of the day, the John Openshaw Society is a place for those who have read the stories and thought "I want to read these again," for those who have watched the stories and thought "I want to watch these again," for those who have visited 221B and the moors and thought "I want to visit here again," and for those who have done all of these and thought "I want to share all of this with someone!"<br /><br />Ken Rozek, a long time devotee of Sherlock Holmes, has quietly collected Sherlockian philatelic material such as stamps, first day covers and cinderella items, for over eight years. Over this time period, he has made contact with many Sherlockians via email, snail mail or eBay. One of those Sherlockians was Peter Blau, who has been a Baker Street Irregular ("Black Peter") for over forty years. Peter continues to travel the United States pursuing geological conferences as "a practical, but limited, geologist." Every few years, one of these geological societies meets in Houston, Texas. Last spring Peter and Ken discussed over dinner several Sherlockian ideas. One of these ideas was to re-activate the John Openshaw Society scion in Houston, Texas. This led to someone saying, "Where does one go in Houston, Texas to share experiences and learn more about the Great Detective? Why, it’s elementary my friend, the John Openshaw Society, of course."<br /><br />The first reactivated JOS meeting was held at the Red Lion Pub in June 2011. On that night, eight people came, and over a few drinks and an English meal we got to know each other and began to formulate our plans for the scion. After a meeting or two, we hit upon a format that seems to fit us well. The group meets bimonthly and share a few toasts over a libation or two, break bread together with an English meal, enjoy a presentation by a member on a Sherlockian theme, take a quiz from a story in the Canon, plan for future meetings, and end with a reading of <a href="http://always1895.net/post/11857862603/starrett1-birthday-week-2011">the poem "221B" by Vincent Starrett</a>.<br /><br />For the meeting in August, the group met at the Ruggles café in the Montrose area to enjoy a travelogue presentation by Tom and Karen Harman about their recent visit to Great Britain that included visiting many places of interest to Sherlockians, including the 221B location in London. The quiz that night was on "The Five Orange Pips" - the story from which the group took its name.<br /><br />In October they reconvened at Ruggles café for a travelogue presentation by Ken Rozek about his recent visit to Reichenbach Falls near Meiringen, Switzerland. Members could almost feel the spray on their faces as they pondered if the location of the precipice has been moved by erosion, or by some other means, from that which is depicted in Paget's image. Our quiz, that evening, of course was on "The Final Problem."<br /><br />For December there was a group outing to the showing of the Robert Downey, Jr. movie <i>Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows</i>. Then off to the Black Labrador café on Montrose Avenue to discuss the movie together. The Black Labrador proved to be a perfect location for meetings and the JOS plans to make this a regular meeting place. It has two private rooms, good prices and a delightful English-based menu including shepherd's pie, bangers and mash, bubble and squeak, as well as the traditional fish and chips. What more could a Sherlockian hope for in this day and age? The quiz that night was "The Blue Carbuncle," an appropriate story for the Christmas season.<br /><br />For February 2012 it was back to the Black Labrador for another travelogue presentation by Ken Rozek about his recent visit in January to New York City for the 158th Sherlock Holmes birthday celebration. Ken explained and showed us in pictures how fellow Sherlockians eat, drink and made merry over five very chilly days. Our quiz that evening was on "The Speckled Band." <br /><br />Keeping with the tradition of the earlier John Openshaw Society, the reactivated scion has elected several officers: First Pip - Ken Rozek, Second Pip - Julia Sanders de Berardinis, Third Pip – Ipek Bozkurt,<br />Fourth Pip - Rick Etchells and Fifth Pip - Michael Coulter.<br /><br /><i>Tom Harman and each Pip has contributed ideas to this article.</i><br /><i><br /></i>Do you have a Sherlockian society event to report? We would be glad to <a href="mailto:ihearofsherlock@gmail.com" target="_blank">receive and review your submissions</a>. Any upcoming events can be submitted to the <a href="http://sherlockiancalendar.homestead.com/" target="_blank">Sherlockian Calendar</a>.<br /><br />--</div>

"Texas, I Think" [FIVE]

Editor's note: the following was submitted by the John Openshaw Society. On Saturday, October 4th, 1980, Tom Harman and Warren Chaney c...

+ Read more »

by Scott Monty

Sherlockian Picture Puzzles Republished

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <h4 style="text-align: center;"> "Never mind your usual petty puzzles" [BRUC] </h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9N4r9phc1i1eaUvj9biIJxbjH_rKYg6-TT7kT9p3IJ6HX4qHueBlMI7_VFz8ObajPUVZkl8QxGgZxbtOMF1shXGVI8AujWB6-NVF_Mtfm_7-XeVK-1E75710SGMs_xYsbQUM_u4R8TfR/s1600/AddyPuzzle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9N4r9phc1i1eaUvj9biIJxbjH_rKYg6-TT7kT9p3IJ6HX4qHueBlMI7_VFz8ObajPUVZkl8QxGgZxbtOMF1shXGVI8AujWB6-NVF_Mtfm_7-XeVK-1E75710SGMs_xYsbQUM_u4R8TfR/s1600/AddyPuzzle.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> In the early 20th century, Sherlock Holmes was as seamless a part of the media as he is today. Case in point: regularly produced picture puzzles in which Sherlock Holmes invited the reader to make sense of a number of clues (or, “clews”) found in the picture. He appeared in a variety of situations, and all of the puzzles rely on the double meaning of words. <a href="http://www.musgraves-sherlockholmes.co.uk/">The Musgraves Sherlock Holmes Society</a> in the UK has now compiled<a href="http://www.musgraves-sherlockholmes.co.uk/node/2"> twelve of these puzzles, along with answers and explanatory notes, into a 26-page monograph</a> by John Addy.<br /> <br /> The puzzles themselves are from Eliot Keen's original 1905 illustrations that originally appeared in American newspapers (can you see the William Gillette portrayal coming through?), with solutions following in subsequent publications.<br /> <br /> I tried one of the puzzles, with little initial success. As the flyer above states, the trick is that one has to think as though one is still at the turn of the twentieth century. This proved to be more challenging than I thought it would be, but if it weren't a challenge then it wouldn't be as fun. I freely confess to resorting to the internet to verify (or, ahem, discover) the solutions I came up with. Some practice in the art of ‘punning’ is also helpful (in the below example, he’s pointing to a sawhorse - ha). <br /> <br /> The idea to make some of these puzzles available again is brilliant; it is both a fun mental exercise and a neat way to look at life and customs of the time. If you're interested in purchasing a copy of the monograph, you can find the ordering information on the link above. <br /> <br /> This might make for an interesting challenge at your next Sherlock Holmes society meeting, or simply a bit of good fun and a mental challenge on your own. Go ahead - what do you make of it? <br /> <br /> See the sample puzzle below to try your hand at it.<br /> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6321981775136876837" name="more"></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg317/Catkatie1/sherlock.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg317/Catkatie1/sherlock.png" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /> <br /> <i>Kate writes at <a href="http://thediaryofdrwatts.com/">The Diary of Dr. Watts</a>.</i><br /> <br /> --</div>

Sherlockian Picture Puzzles Republished

"Never mind your usual petty puzzles" [BRUC]  In the early 20th century, Sherlock Holmes was as seamless a part of the media...

+ Read more »

by Katie Magnusson

"Where the Prospectors Had Been at Work" [SIGN]

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ktjEedyqHRo/AAAAAAAAAAI/AAAAAAAAAAk/kcRlchiVqu8/photo.jpg?sz=200" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ktjEedyqHRo/AAAAAAAAAAI/AAAAAAAAAAk/kcRlchiVqu8/photo.jpg?sz=200" /></a></div>News from the southwest: Irregular Bob Stek, BSI ("The Mysterious Scientist") moved to Tucson, Arizona a few years ago and naturally took with him his love of Sherlock Holmes.<br /><br />In doing so, he founded the Desert Prospectors of Arizona and has led them on a regular cadence of meetings. In Bob's own words (submitted as a tip to our site - see the mail icon to submit yours):<br /><br /><blockquote>Still less than a year old, the DPA’s have met three times, but have already heard papers about deerstalker caps, Edith Meisner, seeing and observing, the violin in the Canon, Lillie Langtry as the model for Irene Adler, and have heard two violinists with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra play the theme to the BBC Jeremy Brett series – transcribed for two violins by ear! At our last meeting we heard from the artistic manager of the Arizona Theater Company who informed us about the world premiere of “Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Suicide Club” to be presented in Tucson on September 23rd and later in Phoenix. Naturally the Prospectors will attend the opening night en masse.</blockquote><br />Bob was kind enough to share <a href="http://www.tucsonweekly.com/TheRange/archives/2011/07/13/tucsonweeklytvcom-the-sherlock-holmes-scion-society">an article from the Tucson Weekly</a> which also incorporated this video featuring an interview with Bob and other members:<br /><br /><br /><center><object height="349" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/dYBQ8eDPkZg?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/dYBQ8eDPkZg?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="560" height="349" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></center><br /><br />Is there a society near you that has recently done something you'd care to share? Please feel free to submit an item or sign up as a correspondent by <a href="http://www.bakerstreetblog.com/p/about-me.html"><b>filling out the short form on the About tab</b></a>.<br /><br />If you're looking for an organization near you, there are a few resources you might want to check out:<br /><br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.sherlockian.net/societies/index.html">Sherlockian.net has a complete set of resources</a> about societies</li><li><a href="http://www.sh-whoswho.com/">The Sherlockian Who's-Who</a> is a global directory</li><li>Peter Blau's <a href="http://members.cox.net/sherlock1/three.txt">comprehensive list of societies can be found on Sherlocktron</a>.</li></ul><br />We also have a number of other links available on the <a href="http://www.bakerstreetblog.com/p/resources.html"><b>Resources tab</b></a> at the top of the page and an ever-growing list of <a href="http://www.bakerstreetblog.com/p/holmes-on-facebook.html"><b>Sherlock Holmes entities on Facebook</b></a> which you might want to check out, not to mention the <a href="http://sherlockholmes.ning.com/">Sherlock Holmes Social Network</a>. You're not alone in your singular pursuit; there's lots of support from like-minded individuals.<br /><br /><i>Please consider visiting our sponsors (in the right column and footer of the site) from time to time. It helps defray the costs associated with running this site.</i> <br />--

"Where the Prospectors Had Been at Work" [SIGN]

News from the southwest: Irregular Bob Stek, BSI ("The Mysterious Scientist") moved to Tucson, Arizona a few years ago and natural...

+ Read more »

by Scott Monty

Sherlock Holmes Comes to Arizona

<h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> "he went prospecting into Arizona" [NOBL] </h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC5csW9uM3BX0SLXTS4nY0jR7eD3VkO3kTlovCmyDAfolvu7oJLJ_GakJV8ud_FYhZHShyPdTT6GuBtwpANIpTBbAqXDDhPX-WabSkKjDDxy2-a_jdjGB_JlmR6rDxhnb4mujRh0xQxSnz/s1600/BSI+2016+Reception.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="443" data-original-width="960" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC5csW9uM3BX0SLXTS4nY0jR7eD3VkO3kTlovCmyDAfolvu7oJLJ_GakJV8ud_FYhZHShyPdTT6GuBtwpANIpTBbAqXDDhPX-WabSkKjDDxy2-a_jdjGB_JlmR6rDxhnb4mujRh0xQxSnz/s640/BSI+2016+Reception.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> [<i>Editor's note: the following was submitted to us by Robert Stek, BSI ("The Mysterious Scientist")</i>]<br /> <br /> Announcing the formation of Southern Arizona's first Sherlock Holmes scion society - at <a href="http://www.bookmans.com/">Bookmans</a>, 1930 E Grant Road, Tucson - <b>Sunday, March 20, 2011</b> from 2 PM to 4 PM.<br /> <br /> The 'parent' organization of Sherlockian societies is the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baker_Street_Irregulars">Baker Street Irregulars</a>, started in 1934 by one of the founders and editors of the Saturday Review of Literature, Christopher Morley. Today there are over 400 active scion societies worldwide, and nearly 200 in the U.S. alone. What is a scion society? According to the late John Bennett Shaw, a distinguished Sherlockian, "It's two Sherlockians, a copy of the Canon [the 60 stories], and a bottle. In a pinch, you can dispense with one of the Sherlockians." Shaw also suggested that a scion society might begin with three members; that way, two can vote the third one out if necessary.<br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a> The purpose of any Sherlockian group is to "keep green the memory of the Master" and to play the '<a href="http://bakerstreetjournal.com/grandgamev1.html">Grand Game</a>' - i.e., Holmes, Watson and all the other characters in the stories are not fictitious. Watson wrote these stories and had them published by his Literary Agent, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Part of the pleasure of playing the Game is in using Holmes' own methods in deducing more information about the stories, and in finding inconsistencies and errors in the Canon (or sometimes Conan, as the 56 short stories and 4 short novels are collectively referred to). For example, Holmes referred to his college days - we know he is brilliant and can therefore deduce that he went either to Oxford or Cambridge. Or in <i>A Study in Scarlet</i>, Watson refers to his wound during the Afghan war - at the battle of Maiwand a Jezail bullet grazed the subclavian artery in his shoulder - but in later stories he limped due to his war wound. Did he suffer two injuries? Watson's wife referred to her husband, John H. Watson, as 'James.' One explanation is that the 'H.' stood for the Scottish name 'Hamish' - a variation of 'James.'<br /> <br /> The focus of a scion society is both fun and scholarship. Often a particular story is suggested reading for a meeting. At the meeting the story may be discussed and analyzed and/or a quiz may be given on the story with a small Sherlockian prize awarded the person with the highest score. Toasts (alcoholic and/or non-alcoholic, depending upon the venue) are also given at meetings - to Holmes, Watson, Mrs. Hudson, <i>the</i> woman - Irene Adler - Mycroft, the Queen, and even to the Literary Agent; often the toasts are in rhyme. One or two 'learned papers' are usually presented by attendees, usually focusing upon some inconsistency in a story, perhaps a new deduction or possibly a review of some current Sherlockian film or play.<br /> <br /> In some scions, Victorian dress is encouraged and may be the topic of a talk or two, or even a fashion show! Factual papers about the Holmesian era are often presented; for example, sometimes prices in pounds and shillings are mentioned in the stories. Adjusted for inflation and currency exchange, what would these figures be today? Dramatic readings and short plays may also be presented and as well older movies or videos may be shown. An interesting discussion of Sherlockian scion societies can be found at <a href="http://www.sherlockian.net/societies/bvw.html.">Sherlockian.net: Singular sets of people</a>.<br /> <br /> Formal meetings may be held two or more times a year. Small groups often meet at someone's home - sometimes light refreshments are provided, sometimes a potluck dinner is organized. Larger meetings are sometimes held at local restaurants, especially if the prepared meal is one described in one of the stories. Other than paying for meals or a pro rata proportion of refreshments and/or venue rental, there are no dues.<br /> <br /> Whether March 20th from 2 PM to 4 PM at Bookmans turns out to be an intimate meeting of three Sherlockians or a standing room only crowd (the meeting room at Bookmans can only hold about 25), this will be the first meeting of the as-yet-unnamed southern Arizona Sherlockian scion society. (The Desert Beekeepers meet monthly in Fountain Hills!) RSVP's appreciated to: stekster@gmail.com by March 18th. And since "A Scandal in Bohemia" occurred on March 20, 1888, you might find it worthwhile to re-read that famous case for this first meeting!<br /> <br /> --<br /> <br />

Sherlock Holmes Comes to Arizona

"he went prospecting into Arizona" [NOBL]  [ Editor's note: the following was submitted to us by Robert Stek, BSI (...

+ Read more »

by Scott Monty

"Little Red Circles of Light" [TWIS]

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2591/4182490752_efb958617a_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2591/4182490752_efb958617a_m.jpg" /></a></div>Some 10 years ago or so at a Baker Street Irregulars dinner, Roger Johnson, BSI ("'Pall Mall Gazette'") alluded to the Gilded Age of Sherlock Holmes that we honor and lament as something of the past, yet he noted that at the time we were entering something of a Golden Age as interest was resurgent. Today, with the hype cycle once again waxing, coupled with the near-universal availability of Internet access, we believe that we're entering into something of a Platinum Age of Sherlock Holmes - where the subject of our interest intersects with burgeoning technology.<br /><br />One example of this is the proliferation of websites dedicated to Sherlock Holmes. We've selected a few of interest here in the sidebar - "<i>Groups of Mysterious Persons</i>" are some scion societies that have sites and includes a link to the master list of all societies; "<i>Gathered From Many Nations</i>" highlights some of the Sherlockian groups from around the world; "<i>Perhaps He Desires the Publication to Read</i>" is a short list of some of the sites that can help the avid Sherlockian attempt to sate the never-ending thirst for more. It goes without saying that <a href="http://sherlockian.net/">Sherlockian.net</a> is probably the grand-daddy of all of these.<br /><br />Recently, we were made aware of one of the older scion societies - <a href="http://www.redcircledc.org/"><b>The Red Circle of Washington, DC</b></a>, having just celebrated its 60th anniversary - finally making the leap to the digital world. This is quite considerable, as Peter Blau, BSI ("Black Peter"), 2s, ASH, who has long been a sparking plug within the group (he holds no official title, incidentally), is known for his typed notices that even in this post-Web 2.0 world still find their way to inboxes and mailboxes alike.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ZEgMSAEWAuYFn5TUZu4nw9QGFlK5w8GegoH_2613kDbYLehYaHPwolL2rHL82NlvVjsbyu17__g5Cf8GxFOv7gVLL2F7MaJuy-O6AYT4SVJRcMvo2LvuqpCC-W-QJCv3WisI5vgN202f/s1600/REDC.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="389" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ZEgMSAEWAuYFn5TUZu4nw9QGFlK5w8GegoH_2613kDbYLehYaHPwolL2rHL82NlvVjsbyu17__g5Cf8GxFOv7gVLL2F7MaJuy-O6AYT4SVJRcMvo2LvuqpCC-W-QJCv3WisI5vgN202f/s400/REDC.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Screenshot of <a href="http://www.redcircledc.org/">http://www.redcircledc.org</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />If you take a look at the Red Circle's website, you'll find a nice layout with everything the Beltway native (or visitor) would need: notes of meetings past, present and future; a calendar of events, essential links, and perhaps our personal favorite: Black Peter's Logbook. It's an homage to the story from which Peter's investiture is taken, and a nod to what Peter is really doing: blogging (Shh - don't tell him!).<br /><br />Are there other favorite Sherlockian sites that you have? What should we add to our roster? Please share them in the form of a comment below.<br /><br /><i>Please consider visiting our sponsors (in the right column and footer of the site) from time to time. It helps defray the costs associated with running this site.</i>

"Little Red Circles of Light" [TWIS]

Some 10 years ago or so at a Baker Street Irregulars dinner, Roger Johnson, BSI ("'Pall Mall Gazette'") alluded to the Gil...

+ Read more »

by Scott Monty

"In the New Almanac" [VALL]

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAbsoLgNpm_1qV7jrJ2azD9eqzjwpMKNOUVaXjUdSlzwpL2mvCk53CTAxQlenWyv54e4qjEVXRe4iwcgSy0tXJ2pXcUMIjs8bv7Q0yLsEbQ-oBqLnoFqLo0qkc8hnsKElvw2A624NQNzWA/s1600-h/veil-01.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198231504581546930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAbsoLgNpm_1qV7jrJ2azD9eqzjwpMKNOUVaXjUdSlzwpL2mvCk53CTAxQlenWyv54e4qjEVXRe4iwcgSy0tXJ2pXcUMIjs8bv7Q0yLsEbQ-oBqLnoFqLo0qkc8hnsKElvw2A624NQNzWA/s200/veil-01.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" /></a>Peter Blau very kindly pointed out that Garrison Keillor mentioned The Baker Street Irregulars and Sherlockian societies in <a href="http://writersalmanac.publicradio.org/programs/2008/05/05/#wednesday">a recent episode of The Writer's Almanac</a> on American Public Media. For those of you who don't have access to public radio or whose local markets don't pick it up, not to worry. Such shows typically have the audio available on the Interwebs.<br /><br />In this case, we've got <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.publicradio.org/tools/media/player/almanac/2008/05/07_wa">an audio link</a> to the 5-minute program from May 7, 2008 that you can access by <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.publicradio.org/tools/media/player/almanac/2008/05/07_wa">clicking here</a>. You'll need <a href="http://www.americanpublicmedia.us/help_audio.php">RealAudio</a> to listen. It's a free download and the software is free as well.<br /><br />The show notes are a little more extensive than Keillor's commentary (after all, he's only got 5 minutes). Here's what he had to say about the BSI and other societies:<br /><blockquote>Novelist Christopher Morley founded, in 1934, the Baker Street Irregulars to celebrate the work of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and today there are many groups of Sherlockians, including the Adventuresses of Sherlock Holmes, who developed in protest to the men-only Baker Street Irregulars. Both of those groups now admit members of both sexes. The London Sherlock Holmes Society, which began in its current incarnation in 1951, has an annual dinner and regular meetings, and produces a Sherlock Holmes Journal twice a year. There are also occasional mock trials, trivia challenges, pub nights, London walks, and cricket matches against the P.G. Wodehouse Society.</blockquote>I think Christopher Morley would be proud - not necessarily that his creation still lives on - but that he's noted as a novelist.

"In the New Almanac" [VALL]

Peter Blau very kindly pointed out that Garrison Keillor mentioned The Baker Street Irregulars and Sherlockian societies in a recent episode...

+ Read more »

by Scott Monty

"For Sixty Years the Bulwark..." [BLAC]

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.tc.umn.edu/%7Ebergq003/norwegianexplorers/images/greenman.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.tc.umn.edu/%7Ebergq003/norwegianexplorers/images/greenman.gif" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 133px; height: 137px;" /></a>This is an all-points-bulletin to heads of Sherlockian societies around the world. If you haven't received an email from Gary Thaden, the current president of the <a href="http://www.tc.umn.edu/%7Ebergq003/norwegianexplorers/">Norwegian Explorers of Minnesota</a>, please pay special attention to this post. And if you have, pay special attention all the same.<br /><br />In early January 2008, the Explorers will celebrate 60 years of being a scion society of the <a href="http://www.bsitrust.org">Baker Street Irregulars</a>. As such, they are holding a dinner and welcome any greetings or congratulatory messages from your group to theirs. You may email Gary directly at gthaden AT gmail DOT com or you may comment on the blog here (click the "comments" link at the bottom of this entry) and I'll see that the messages are passed along to the Explorers. Please have your comments in by November 30th.<br /><br />In my experience, the Minnesota Sherlockians are some of the most genuinely nice people (they're <span style="font-style: italic;">supposed</span> to be - it's Minnesota, right?) and some of the most profoundly knowledgeable about Sherlock Holmes, Conan Doyle and related subjects. Whether they're active in the <a href="http://special.lib.umn.edu/rare/holmes.phtml">Friends of the Sherlock Holmes Collections</a> at the University of Minnesota Libraries, or busy coordinating <a href="http://www.tc.umn.edu/%7Ebergq003/norwegianexplorers/2007_conference.html">their latest symposium</a>, the group is filled with many great contributors. I won't name any of them here, out of fear of forgetting someone, but my hope is that you'll be able to hear from some of them next year on <a href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com">I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere</a>.<br /><br />Thank you in advance for rallying around the Sherlockian community and showing support for one of our own.

"For Sixty Years the Bulwark..." [BLAC]

This is an all-points-bulletin to heads of Sherlockian societies around the world. If you haven't received an email from Gary Thaden, th...

+ Read more »

by Scott Monty

"Whom Would you Recommend Then?" [HOUN]

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgetuyOP7-KGAV_p9KLq1OUmF5cPwylzMzwYihHGbgA7pnIb6IXcnOhM4NbAr_wnNpZrqqNfrpF9mCiVetLfzb5-Hu-_i27O3siEpjT4GgsLvS9AAHa2ERBiHxqjJEX9tymDsMyAp0s3VK_/s1600/Beacon05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgetuyOP7-KGAV_p9KLq1OUmF5cPwylzMzwYihHGbgA7pnIb6IXcnOhM4NbAr_wnNpZrqqNfrpF9mCiVetLfzb5-Hu-_i27O3siEpjT4GgsLvS9AAHa2ERBiHxqjJEX9tymDsMyAp0s3VK_/s1600/Beacon05.jpg" width="282" /></a></div> The <a href="http://www.beaconsociety.com/">Beacon Society</a> is a Sherlockian group that was founded some 5 years ago to support and recognize exemplary educational experiences that introduce young people to Sherlock Holmes. I have been fortunate to be involved with that group, which is comprised of some very dedicated and resourceful people. For example, you can find <a href="http://beaconsociety.com/Teacher.html" target="_blank">teaching tools</a>, course curriculum examples, lesson plans and quizzes about Sherlock Holmes. Teachers and librarians should have a field day with this.<br /> <br /> This is the time of year when we open nominations for the Beacon Award, which is our way of recognizing individuals who have done their part in bringing Sherlock Holmes to children. The benefits are obvious:<br /> - they're doing their part in encouraging childhood literacy, which is critical today;<br /> - they're helping to plant the seeds for the next generation of Sherlockians.<br /> <br /> As such, we typically bestow the Beacon Award on one or more individual or group who sets themselves apart. The <a href="http://beaconsociety.com/BeaconAwardNomination.html" target="_blank">nominations process</a> is open until October 31, so please act now - get your nominations in to the committee. The previous link will take you to the nominations page, which includes a nomination form.<br /> <br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Nominations Guidelines</span><br /> <ol> <li>One or more Award(s) for excellence in introducing young people to Holmes may be granted each year. An Award may go to a person or an organization. The person or organization may or may not be Sherlockian.</li> <li>Anyone can make a nomination. The Awards Task Group has the right to reject a nomination that is frivolous, incomplete, or otherwise deemed inappropriate.</li> <li>No one can nominate himself/herself.</li> <li>Nominations for Awards open on October 1 and close on October 31. Early or late nominations will be not accepted and will be returned to the person making the nomination.</li> <li>All Beacon Society members will be invited to join in the vote on final recipients. The list of nominees will only be distributed to Awards Task Group Members and other members of the Beacon Society who have responded to the invitation via email or some other way that they</li> <li>want to vote.</li> <li>The only restriction on voting is that a person cannot vote for himself/herself.</li> <li>Ties in voting for the award will be brought up for at least one other vote limited to the tied nominees. After the second round of voting, the Committee can decide to give two awards if, at that point, the Committee chooses, or it can vote again.</li> </ol> <script>(["mb","\u003cbr\>\nvoting, the Committee can decide to give two awards if, at that point, \u003cbr\>\nthe Committee chooses, or it can vote again. \u003cbr\>\n\u003cbr\>\n9. Each Award will consist of:\u003cbr\>\n A Certificate,\u003cbr\>\n A 1 year BSJ subscription to a school/organization of the \u003cbr\>\nrecipient's choice, and\u003cbr\>\n A short feature on the recipient in the BSJ and/or the \u003cbr\>\nSerpentine Muse.\u003cbr\>\n A cash award will only be given if the Beacon Society has the \u003cbr\>\nresources to do so. \u003cbr\>\n\u003cbr\>\n10. Once a winner is chosen, the Society will send a letter to the \u003cbr\>\nwinner and his/her nominator notifying him or her.\u003cbr\>\n\u003cbr\>\n11. Until such time that the Beacon Society has a more formal meeting \u003cbr\>\nsite and schedule, we should not expressly invite the winner to the \u003cbr\>\nmeeting.\u003cbr\>\n\u003cbr\>\nSo, if you want to request a nomination form, email me for one. It is \u003cbr\>\nalso available on the Beacon Society web site at:\u003cbr\>\n\u003cbr\>\n\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.beaconsociety.com/beaconaward/nominations.html\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>http://www.beaconsociety.com/beaconaward/nominations.html\u003c/a\>\u003cbr\>\n\u003cbr\>\nBest,\u003cbr\>\n- Andy Solberg, Awards Task Force Chair\u003cbr\>\n\u003cbr\>\n/\u003cbr\>\n/\u003cbr\>\n\u003cbr\>\n-- \u003cbr\>\n\u003cbr\>\n*A.L.S. HEALTHCARE CONSULTANT SERVICES \u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d\u003d*\u003cbr\>\n\u003cbr\>\n* *\u003cbr\>\n\u003cbr\>\n*Andrew L. Solberg \u003cbr\>\n Voice: \u003cbr\>\n410-730-2664 *\u003cbr\>\n\u003cbr\>\n*5612 Thicket Lane \u003cbr\>\n Fax: 410-730-6775*\u003cbr\>\n\u003cbr\>\n*Columbia, Maryland 21044 \u003cbr\>\n E-MAIL \u003cbr\>\n\u003ca href\u003d\"mailto:asolberg%40earthlink.net\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>asolberg@earthlink.net\u003c/a\>*\u003cbr\>\n\u003cbr\>\n* \u003cbr\>\n Strategic Planning in Health Care***\u003cbr\>\n\u003cbr\>\n/Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail message, including any attachments, \u003cbr\>",1] ); //</script><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Each Award consists of:</span><br /> <ul> <li> A Certificate</li> <li> A 1 year BSJ subscription to a school/organization of the recipient's choice, and</li> <li> A short feature on the recipient in the BSJ and/or the Serpentine Muse.</li> <li> A cash award will only be given if the Beacon Society has the resources to do so.</li> </ul> The Beacon Award is typically announced and granted during the <a href="http://www.bakerstreetjournal.com/bsiweekend.html">BSI Weekend</a> in New York.<br /> <br /> Please share this post with others, either by clicking on the mail icon or one of the bookmarking services in the button below.

"Whom Would you Recommend Then?" [HOUN]

The Beacon Society is a Sherlockian group that was founded some 5 years ago to support and recognize exemplary educational experiences th...

+ Read more »

by Scott Monty

"The Activity and the Ingenuity" [ILLU]

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.illustriousclients.org"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108427372086584786" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKPsX2vw7tDSND3lZ5A_PMtcr7EqvcDOYk3FYYnXO5U2rtyJ2FUqPHykdns0IkV2lSAE5MVosxOnHjmr-bh5vO68ITfFOsbx3iNW5EtSHN3dsOvkcLxIGkVIxngaRfDWnFYOlpkmCJAbwf/s200/clients_logo.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" /></a>A little over a week ago, I noticed a new web site spring up, but I kept quiet during its beta period, until the official launch was announced. Well, today is that day, so I'm sharing my secret with you.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.illustriousclients.org/">The Illustrious Clients of Indianapolis</a> now have a web site! Well, to call it a web site is really understating the effort Ann M. Lewis has put into it. It's much more than a simple destination; it's more of a hub and a two-way communication vehicle for this venerable Midwest scion society. This is a great example of how a scion society should embrace interactive media and forge into the 21st century.<br /><br />Expect to hear more about new developments in the Sherlockian world that are going to shift the way we think about online communications. I'll be covering these changes and announcements here as well as on <a href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/">I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere</a>, which I'd love you to subscribe to.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Features Abound</span><br />You'll find all of the standard offerings there, like meeting updates, upcoming events, links, etc. But where this site stands apart is how it integrates aspects of social media. For example:<br /><ol><li>You can register on the site as a member. It's free and doesn't require any sensitive information from you. Registration allows you to interact with other members on the site. You can post information to your profile, such as a web site, email address, or just something you'd like to write about yourself, as well as a picture.<br /></li><li>Everyone can view the photo gallery, and members can upload their own photos. It's a great place to put faces to names or to see what happened at events.</li><li>There is a section for articles and a downloads section which currently contains a PDF of the society's flyer.</li><li>A news section contains announcements of meetings as well as the latest trailer for the <a href="http://wessexpress.com/html/g2b.html">From Gillette to Brett II</a> conference. Anyone in the community can also add their own news story as well.</li><li>You can contribute in another important way: in the section called Blogs. <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Every member can create his or her own entries and write about and share anything that comes to mind.</span> You know I couldn't resist and opportunity like that. <a href="http://www.illustriousclients.org/index.php?name=Blogs&mode=display&id=1">Here's what I wrote</a>.</li><li>There's an RSS feed of both this blog and of my podcast, <a href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/"></a>for which I am grateful. What? You just don't understand RSS? Then please do me and yourself a favor and spend a quick 4 minutes watching this:</li></ol><br /><center><object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0klgLsSxGsU"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0klgLsSxGsU" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="350" width="425"></embed></object><br /></center><br />If it doesn't show, I'm very impressed with what Ann has instituted on behalf of the Clients. I've often wondered why they've never had a site, because they're an active society that publishes regularly and has a fairly dedicated base of members. Indeed, this is the home turf of Mike Whelan, the head of <a href="http://www.bsitrust.org/">the Baker Street Irregulars</a>.<br /><br />I'm glad to see that they've come blazing into the 21st century with a real winner of a site. Get over there and register. More importantly, join the conversation there, or here, or any other site that allows you to raise your voice. The wonder of the Sherlockian world is the degree with which we interact with each other, and current technology is giving us the opportunity to keep the conversation flowing 24/7.

"The Activity and the Ingenuity" [ILLU]

A little over a week ago, I noticed a new web site spring up, but I kept quiet during its beta period, until the official launch was announc...

+ Read more »

by Scott Monty

"Aided by a Dane" [TWIS]

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDkTGFJuHHXodkyZ-GVDoQtMjf920w0G3jQi6mWMuADEyOQwjelgUXUYDZKy2mheoqLWJIRRNaG2CssRSfw8U5A8Mx2kI8ODIPjwZTAOOJfQPtHR1MQd0KjX64xTLK9doqdR9KxCYxemLr/s1600-h/Copenhagen_1895.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5025443330900273458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDkTGFJuHHXodkyZ-GVDoQtMjf920w0G3jQi6mWMuADEyOQwjelgUXUYDZKy2mheoqLWJIRRNaG2CssRSfw8U5A8Mx2kI8ODIPjwZTAOOJfQPtHR1MQd0KjX64xTLK9doqdR9KxCYxemLr/s200/Copenhagen_1895.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" /></a>If you spend any time on this blog, you'll note that there are a number of links in the right column - BSI-related, People, Resources, and a Blogroll. Now that I think about it, it's probably time to create a little more organization there.<br /><br />The blogroll now includes a new Sherlockian blog that has popped up from our friends overseas - <a href="http://www.sherlockholmesklubben.blogspot.com/">the blog of the Sherlock Holmes Klubben i Danmark</a>, the Danish Baker Street Irregulars. It is ably managed by Jens Byskov Jensen. It's written in Danish, but even those unfamiliar with the language can get a sense of what's going on there. There are entries going back to May of 2006 that cover a variety of interests. Definitely worth a look.<br /><br />And speaking of our Scandinavian friends, many of them were contributors to the latest in the Baker Street Irregulars' International Series, <a href="http://www.bakerstreetjournal.com/itemsforsale/bsiinternationalseries.html">Scandinavia and Sherlock Holmes</a>.

"Aided by a Dane" [TWIS]

If you spend any time on this blog, you'll note that there are a number of links in the right column - BSI-related, People, Resources, a...

+ Read more »

by Scott Monty

"We Progress, My Dear Watson, We Progress." [MISS]

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCd4A830PKXSbqA99aoOe2RglgUUs5b_NRRCpaNQ0RErs6OBiau83QDYBUuuUv0X2LYEprJsXJjXyD0-sDGNP23oFebCCX5wQj76JTvDuAcDUwp5Kz2X2VyjPxxOLJ7u3yiWe9hdCnJqI/s1600-h/FiddlerRoofMusBoxR.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5017107102782143186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCd4A830PKXSbqA99aoOe2RglgUUs5b_NRRCpaNQ0RErs6OBiau83QDYBUuuUv0X2LYEprJsXJjXyD0-sDGNP23oFebCCX5wQj76JTvDuAcDUwp5Kz2X2VyjPxxOLJ7u3yiWe9hdCnJqI/s200/FiddlerRoofMusBoxR.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" /></a>I think the 21st Century is finally catching up with us, making traditions something of an anomaly. In the U.S. political world, Congress now has its first female Speaker of the House. And in the Sherlockian world, there are two other items of note.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">A Woman in the Tower</span><br />First in the news is the revelation that <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16456057/">the Tower of London has named its first female Beefeater</a>, or Yeoman Warder. This is a landmark development in the 520-year history of the profession. To their credit, the warders had this to say about the candidate:<br /><blockquote style="font-style: italic;">"There were six candidates - five were male and she was the only female. She was the best candidate for the job."</blockquote>Of course the Tower of London is mentioned once in the Canon. Bonus points if you name the story in the "comments" section below. In addition, it was a central element in Basil Rathbone's 1939 debut in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001DCYB4?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0001DCYB4">The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0001DCYB4" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" />, as Prof. Moriarty was planning to steal the Crown Jewels from the Tower.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Some Male ASH</span><br />And the more earth-shattering news comes from the latest issue of <a href="http://members.cox.net/sherlock1/scuttle.htm">Scuttlebutt from the Spermaceti Press</a> and the Winter issue of <a href="http://www.ash-nyc.com/muse.htm">The Serpentine Muse</a>. Evidently, the <a href="http://www.ash-nyc.org/">Adventuresses of Sherlock Holmes</a> (ASH) have made a landmark decision: <span style="font-weight: bold;">they will finally admit men as full-fledged members</span>.<br /><br />The only male members of the ASH that I am aware of to date are those who were granted (I believe) special/honorary status: John Bennett Shaw, William Baring-Gould, Tom Stix and Peter Blau. Even if their membership was full-fledged, they were special exceptions.<br /><br />The Adventuresses, who made a name for themselves back in the late '60s by protesting the annual all-male dinner of the Baker Street Irregulars, are finally taking a page from their own book. I think it took a lot of courage for Tom Stix (head of the BSI at the time) to take the step of admitting women to the BSI in 1991 - there were still a number of old guard who wished to keep it a men-only club. And the women admitted were noted scholars and influencers in the Sherlockian world; they deserved recognition on their merits alone.<br /><br />But I have often wondered why the ASH didn't accept men at the same time the BSI started accepting women.<br /><br />For the record, I have no problem with single-sex societies. In my view, a private organization can do as it wishes; and if a single-sex society exists in a geographical area where a coeducational society of the same status also exists, that should be the end of things. Which is why it seemed odd to me that the Adventuresses - a group that originally organized itself over the inequity inherent in a single-sex society - should employ the very same discriminatory practices they protested those many years.<br /><br />I congratulate the ASH on this belated move. It will be interesting to see how many men take them up on this and how the ASH - who are no slouches in the scholarship department - set the bar for admission.<br /><br /><script src="http://badged.net/badged.js?u=http%3a%2f%2fbakerstreetjournal.blogspot.com/2007/01/we-progress-my-dear-watson-we-progress.html;t=The+Baker+Street+Blog;dg=y;tf=y;tb=y;dl=y;nt=y;ym=y;gb=y;wl=y;ie=y;"></script>

"We Progress, My Dear Watson, We Progress." [MISS]

I think the 21st Century is finally catching up with us, making traditions something of an anomaly. In the U.S. political world, Congress no...

+ Read more »

by Scott Monty

"...The Goodness of Providence..." [NAVA]

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/5683/1768/1600/ch-logo.1.png"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/5683/1768/200/ch-logo.1.png" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" /></a><br />For those of you not connected with the New England area, there is a wonderfully gregarious and intelligent group of Sherlockians in Rhode Island. The Cornish Horrors have been meeting for three decades, and they don't show any signs of aging.<br /><br />These Horrible people are having their next dinner on November 4 in Providence, RI at the lovely <a href="http://www.providenceartclub.org/">Providence Art Club</a>. If you've never had a chance to dine there before, you're in for a treat.<br /><br />For all of the graphic details, <a href="http://bwolder.home.comcast.net/chflyer110406.pdf">download the PDF</a> of their flyer.

"...The Goodness of Providence..." [NAVA]

For those of you not connected with the New England area, there is a wonderfully gregarious and intelligent group of Sherlockians in Rhode I...

+ Read more »

by Scott Monty

"...An Enthusiastic Admirer of Napoleon..." [SIXN]

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.sh-whoswho.com/gallery/th_Donald_Yates.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.sh-whoswho.com/gallery/th_Donald_Yates.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 39px; height: 59px;" /></a>Don Yates, BSI resides in St. Helena, near Napa Valley where he presides over the Napa Valley Napoleons of SH (they're on the <a href="http://www.frappr.com/sherlockians">Sherlockians Around the World</a> map).<br /><br />Don was in the news recently, as the <span style="font-style: italic;">Napa Valley Register</span> ran a fairly good article (for a mainstream publication) about the Napoleons, titled <a href="http://www.napavalleyregister.com/articles/2006/09/24/features/community/iq_3612857.txt">Napa Valley Sherlock Holmes admirers meet to celebrate a life unlived</a>.<br /><br />This should serve as a nice inspiration for any Sherlockians looking to start their own societies. For existing societies and Sherlockians, here's a list of resources:<br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.frappr.com/sherlockians">Sherlockians Around the World</a> - an interactive map that you can add to</li><li>Peter Blau's <a href="http://members.cox.net/sherlock1/three.txt">list of societies</a> on Sherlocktron</li><li>A really nice display of faces, cross-referenced by geography and by society on <a href="http://sh-whoswho.com/index.php3">Sherlockian Who's Who</a></li><li>For more, scroll down and check out the Resources section in the right column<br /></li></ul>For those of you new to the Sherlock Holmes, there's a whole world of people out there like you. With just a few resources, you can be in touch with them and begin engaging on conversations about your favorite subject. Happy sleuthing!

"...An Enthusiastic Admirer of Napoleon..." [SIXN]

Don Yates, BSI resides in St. Helena, near Napa Valley where he presides over the Napa Valley Napoleons of SH (they're on the Sherlockia...

+ Read more »

by Scott Monty

The Baker Street Irregulars, A Musical

<h4 style="text-align: center;"> "let us escape from this weary workaday world by the side door of music" [RETI]</h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/5683/1768/1600/irregulars.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/5683/1768/320/irregulars.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="600" /></a></div> <br /> Now available online: <a href="http://www.geocities.ws/jim_hollingsworth/baker.htm" target="_blank">Act I of The Baker Street Irregulars</a>, a new Sherlock Holmes musical.<br /> <br /> With the book by J.E. Hollingsworth and music by S. Carlton and D.L. Graham, this is a two-act play consisting of 16 male speaking parts and 8-10 female speaking parts for a nearly 2-hour production. The synopsis is as follows:<br /> <br /> <blockquote> Christmas 1887 in London. The Baker Street Irregulars are a group of youngsters who act as scouts for Sherlock Holmes. They are drawn into a network of fraud, kidnapping and attempted murder at the hands of the evil Professor Moriarty, the 'Napoleon of Crime', who uses brilliant adventuress Irené Adler to perpetrate a major fraud on the Capital and Counties Bank, while he himself daringly kidnaps a wealthy American heiress on the stage of the Alhambra Music Hall. Also in the clutches of the Professor is his lover, Mary, the daughter of the bank manager, whose life is put into peril when she eventually recognises Moriarty's true nature.<br /> The Irregulars, alerted by Irené who has also seen through Moriarty, attempt a rescue operation that goes badly wrong, but Moriarty's attempt to blow them all up is thwarted by the timely intervention of Holmes and Watson. The Irregulars even get something of which they have despaired - their Christmas dinner.</blockquote> <br /> This could make a great amateur production for a Sherlockian society. If you'd like more information about the entire play, or other works by this group, check out the <a href="http://www.geocities.ws/jim_hollingsworth/baker.htm" target="_blank">Cyberluvvies home page</a>.<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, enjoy <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbXFlKTm8mA" target="_blank">the opening number</a>:<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LbXFlKTm8mA?rel=0" width="640"></iframe><br /></div> <br /> --<br /> <br /> <br />

The Baker Street Irregulars, A Musical

"let us escape from this weary workaday world by the side door of music" [RETI] Now available online: Act I of The Baker Stre...

+ Read more »

by Scott Monty

"Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates." [SPEC]

<span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span>Back on <a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102); font-weight: bold;" href="http://bakerstreetjournal.blogspot.com/2006/04/date-being-asked-holmes.html">April 27</a>, we announced a Google Calendar version of the Calendar of Sherlockian Events. As it happens, that version was only open to Gmail account holders.<br /><br />After some revising, Google has made it possible for non-Gmail users to view and use the calendar, so we now present the calendar in the right column of the blog. This is a particularly useful tool for traveling Sherlockians, or for scion leaders who would like to advise Web users of their events.<br /><br />The calendar is still based on <a href="http://sherlockiancalendar.homestead.com">Ron Fish's authoritative database</a>; there are links to both versions in the "Events"section of the main blog, which as always, you can reach by clicking on the Baker Street Blog banner at the top of your page.

"Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates." [SPEC]

Back on April 27 , we announced a Google Calendar version of the Calendar of Sherlockian Events. As it happens, that version was only open ...

+ Read more »

by Scott Monty

Sherlock Holmes and the Masons

<h4 style="text-align: center;"> "a large Masonic pin" [RETI]</h4> <br /> With the imminent release of "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0382625/" style="color: #000066; font-weight: bold;">The Da Vinci Code</a>" in theaters, there has been a good deal of talk about the Masons. In fact, one of the Sherlock Holmes discussion lists asked about the connection between Conan Doyle and Freemasonry.<br /> <br /> There are a number of articles that have covered the topic. In particular on the web are:<br /> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.freemasons-freemasonry.com/beresiner10.html" style="color: #000066; font-weight: bold;">Arthur Conan Doyle: Spiritualist and Freemason</a> by Yasha Beresiner</li> <li><a href="http://themastersmasons.homestead.com/masons.html" style="color: #000066; font-weight: bold;">Sherlock Holmes - Freemason?</a> by Ron Fish.</li> </ul> <br /> Ron has gone so far as to establish a scion society of the Baker Street Irregulars, <a href="http://themastersmasons.homestead.com/" style="color: #000066; font-weight: bold;">The Master's Masons</a> for Sherlockians who are Masons.<br /> <br /> --<br /> <br />

Sherlock Holmes and the Masons

"a large Masonic pin" [RETI] With the imminent release of " The Da Vinci Code " in theaters, there has been a good de...

+ Read more »

by Scott Monty

Giving a Toast at a Sherlockian Gathering of Note

<h4 style="text-align: center;"> "What is the meaning of it Watson?" [CARD]</h4> As I reflected on Mike Whelan's comments at the Copper Beeches meeting regarding Sherlockian fellowship, it made me think back to a toast I was asked to give at the 2003 Dinner of the Baker Street Irregulars.<br /> <br /> In October 2002, I received a phone call by a fellow BSI asking me to give a toast at the BSI dinner - a tall order for a recently investitured Irregular. I immediately and effusively answered, "Sure, I'd be honored to give a toast. Who will I be toasting?" The answer followed:<br /> <blockquote> "Sherlock Holmes."</blockquote> Gulp. The Big One. The persona who represents why we're all gathering year after year. What could I, a young thirty-something Irregular say that had not been said by much greater Sherlockians than myself? By Christopher Morley, Edgar W. Smith, Isaac Asimov, Julian Wolff, Rex Stout, William Baring-Gould, etc.?<br /> <br /> I remembered that Christopher Morley's called the Canon <a href="http://www.diogenes-club.com/shlibrary6.htm" style="color: #000066;"><span style="font-style: italic;">A Textbook of Friendship</span></a><span style="color: #000066;">,</span> which further reminded me that I have forged many friends while in the pursuit of this unique pasttime. Then, reaching into my musical bag of tricks, I applied the music from the 1946 song <a href="http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=2306" style="color: #000066;">"The House I Live In"</a> (made popular <a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xejnzc_the-house-i-live-in-1945_shortfilms" target="_blank">by Frank Sinatra</a>) and applied it to the following lyrics.<br /> <br /> <center> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Gfm2l3GcVXw" width="560"></iframe></center> <br /> <h4> The Canon I Read</h4> <blockquote> What is Sherlock Holmes to me?<br /> A pipe, a cap, or the man I see<br /> A certain word: elementary<br /> What is Sherlock Holmes to me?<br /> <br /> The Canon I read,<br /> A flat on Baker Street,<br /> Lestrade and Mrs. Hudson,<br /> Or the people that I meet.<br /> <br /> The scion in my hometown,<br /> The faces that I see,<br /> All races and religions,<br /> That's Sherlock Holmes to me.<br /> <br /> The papers I write,<br /> The quizzes that I take,<br /> The journal I subscribe to,<br /> Or the toasts I have to make.<br /> <br /> Wonter, Cushing, Rathbone,<br /> Brett, Gillette and Lee,<br /> And Paget’s many portraits,<br /> That's Sherlock Holmes to me.<br /> <br /> The things I see about me,<br /> The big things and the small,<br /> Each one provides a ref’rence<br /> To a tale that I recall.<br /> <br /> Napoleons and vampires,<br /> The thumbs of engineers,<br /> And the dream that's been a growing<br /> For a hundred twenty years<br /> <br /> Our dear old Wiggins,<br /> The weekend filled with food,<br /> The final cocktail party<br /> Is a fine way to conclude.<br /> <br /> The Band, the Pips, the Beeches,<br /> Irregulars I see;<br /> It’s especially the people<br /> That's Sherlock Holmes to me.</blockquote> <br /> And so it is with many of us involved in the Game. The scholarship, the mental sparring and such are all invigorating, but it's the relationships with each other that make this hobby one of the most enjoyable of any I can imagine.<br /> <br /> --<br /> <br />

Giving a Toast at a Sherlockian Gathering of Note

"What is the meaning of it Watson?" [CARD] As I reflected on Mike Whelan's comments at the Copper Beeches meeting regarding ...

+ Read more »

by Scott Monty

Philadelphia Sherlockians

<h4 style="text-align: center;"> "we would fly together to Philadelphia" [VALL] </h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbDT9yRuMmFecjcctVfI8SqG1cS14D7oPcOyisTzaNwO3JLXGT_OsniFnp_yFhQd-gUCpC-CMSNGfgon3wXdtQBgbqlNAJewyNxAeEHZdEOOUCyjvou0bW2ZRj_0AROLOM8I2DX8TqmlzE/s1600/Copper_beech_logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbDT9yRuMmFecjcctVfI8SqG1cS14D7oPcOyisTzaNwO3JLXGT_OsniFnp_yFhQd-gUCpC-CMSNGfgon3wXdtQBgbqlNAJewyNxAeEHZdEOOUCyjvou0bW2ZRj_0AROLOM8I2DX8TqmlzE/s1600/Copper_beech_logo.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> On a personal note, we had occasion to visit Philadelphia and attend a dinner of the <a href="http://sonsofthecopperbeeches.homestead.com/" style="color: rgb(0 , 0 , 102); font-weight: bold;">Sons of the Copper Beeches</a>, a 60 year-old scion society that is thriving under the able leadership of Headmastiff Gideon Hill, BSI.<br /> <br /> Among those in attendance was Michael Whelan, the "Wiggins" (the titular head) of the Baker Street Irregulars. Mike made some great remarks about Sherlockians and the Great Game that are worth paraphrasing here. Among them:<br /> <blockquote> <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">A general truth:</span> at times, we take the Game seriously, but as a rule, Sherlockians generally enjoy themselves. One thing all scion societies have in common, whether they are six decades or six months old, is the desire for fellowship - that quiet confidence and satisfaction that we engage in a common interest.<br /> <br /> <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">An observation:</span> that with over 400 Sherlockian/Holmesian societies worldwide, over 300 of them are in the United States. Why is it that more than 70% of the world's Sherlockian groups are in our backyard?<br /> <br /> <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">A reminder:</span> the Baker Street Irregulars is not simply a group of people who gather once a year for a dinner in New York. The BSI are not "Jupiter descending," as Holmes once referred to Mycroft coming to Baker Street - they are people in your midst at every meeting; Sherlockians, like you, who have a sincere interest in the stories and in each other.</blockquote> We can highly recommend Philadelphia and its Sherlockians. The next time you're in town, consider getting in touch with Gideon Hill. You won't regret it.<br /> <br /> Related is <a href="http://ihose.co/ihose18">Episode 18: The Sons of the Copper Beeches</a><br /> <br /> <iframe allowfullscreen="" height="90" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/1115014/height/90/theme/custom/autoplay/no/autonext/no/thumbnail/yes/preload/no/no_addthis/no/direction/backward/render-playlist/no/custom-color/87A93A/" style="border: none;" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="100%"></iframe><br /> <br /> --<br /> <br />

Philadelphia Sherlockians

"we would fly together to Philadelphia" [VALL]  On a personal note, we had occasion to visit Philadelphia and attend a dinne...

+ Read more »

by Scott Monty