I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere

OTD: Without a Clue

<h4 style="text-align: center;">
[an uncommon drunk sort o' man" [STUD]</h4>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp6-1XCzuQ3wT1R7eYFfpfkflA09NWNa2QHCJC5TdSZli7u_0vaAr2BcPE5lCXU0Wyc7W0K0AvNwOnbGAJREzUlK1VmEzf4S90deJB8bgq6E9VG273clP5Yjl3hiEYABnaabScntDeBRP8/s1600/gamesafoot+Caine.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Michael Caine as Reginald Kincaid, aka Sherlock Holmes" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp6-1XCzuQ3wT1R7eYFfpfkflA09NWNa2QHCJC5TdSZli7u_0vaAr2BcPE5lCXU0Wyc7W0K0AvNwOnbGAJREzUlK1VmEzf4S90deJB8bgq6E9VG273clP5Yjl3hiEYABnaabScntDeBRP8/s640/gamesafoot+Caine.jpg" title="Michael Caine as Sherlock Holmes" width="325" /></a></div>
One of the more unlikely Sherlock Holmes movies to come along in recent memory is <a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B00RYZFOKA" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="85f7c0d7df02f5109cd473d4b71688e7" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Without a Clue" href="https://amzn.to/3lbck4f" id="amznPsBmLink_2077826" rel="nofollow" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Without a Clue</a> (1988), starring Michael Caine and Ben Kingsley.<br />
<br />
Well, we should clarify. When we say "recent memory," we of course refer to anything within the last generation or so. And with today marking the 27th anniversary of the release of Without a Clue, that still manages to keep us within striking range of a generation, according to our calculations.<br />
<br />
In case you're not familiar with the plot of the film — and we highly recommend that you watch it — our hero, Sherlock Holmes, is nothing more than a profligate drunkard of an actor, hired by Dr. Watson (known to himself as "John Watson, the Crime Doctor!") to mask his (Watson's) true identity as a successful detective while he applies for a position in an exclusive hospital.<br />
<br />
Much to his chagrin, the character actor becomes popular and the public (and later Watson) can't seem to do without him. It was a case of art imitating life, as another doctor — one A. Conan Doyle — was resigned to the same fate as the Crime Doctor.<br /><br />It's a fun film, and with a PG rating, it's family-friendly as well.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Let's raise a glass to Caine, Kingsley and <i>Without a Clue</i>, 27 years on!<br />  <br /></div>
<div>
  <script type="text/javascript">
amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "scottmonty-20";
amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";
amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";
amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";
amzn_assoc_region = "US";
amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links";
amzn_assoc_asins = "B00RYZFSJM";
amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit";
amzn_assoc_linkid = "0e093f5a11f65f41acb966fe6c9b5c9f";
</script>
<script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script>
--<br />
<br />
<br /></div>

OTD: Without a Clue

[an uncommon drunk sort o' man" [STUD] One of the more unlikely Sherlock Holmes movies to come along in recent memory is Witho...

+ Read more »

by Scott Monty

My First Night Among the Sherlockians

<h4 style="text-align: center;">
"Saturday night is our meeting” [VALL]</h4>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW29FFVKDMDEbND3LLsb7VBNbCrAqY0fa1bTNfX6ryNfreLma8IFoZbGMEyzmTnneuat9Lz9ZjHtbEcSjjpSBa3qgVAlPnHeQMq66XBire7Rpyq4Qf79ZF-6JBjzC9zXEYEbFVitloCUi4/s1600/REDH-04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW29FFVKDMDEbND3LLsb7VBNbCrAqY0fa1bTNfX6ryNfreLma8IFoZbGMEyzmTnneuat9Lz9ZjHtbEcSjjpSBa3qgVAlPnHeQMq66XBire7Rpyq4Qf79ZF-6JBjzC9zXEYEbFVitloCUi4/s1600/REDH-04.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last month, I ventured from the safety of Internet
Sherlockian discussion to meeting real-life Sherlockians when I attended my
first-ever Sherlock Holmes Society meeting. <a href="http://sherlockholmesofstcharles.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Harpooners of the Sea Unicorn</a> met in St. Charles, Missouri to
discuss “The Adventure of the Stockbroker’s Clerk.” So I pushed myself out of
my comfort zone and made the 45 minute drive to attend my first society
meeting.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I remember <a href="http://muppet.wikia.com/wiki/Sherlock_Hemlock" target="_blank">Sherlock Hemlock</a> and <i><a href="http://amzn.to/1PqDlIo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Great Mouse Detective</a></i>
fondly from my early years and can tell you I ordered <i><a href="http://amzn.to/1PqDagl" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Revenge of the Hound</a></i> by Michael Harrison from a Scholastic book order when I was in sixth
grade, but my first interaction with the Great Detective is gone from my
memory.  Twelve years ago, I received a
copy of the Canon for Christmas, and I can pinpoint my obsession taking off from
there.  Exhaustively reading the original
60 stories led to reading pastiche and eventually scholarly writings. Along the way, I wanted to find others whom I
could discuss ideas and questions with, so like most people these days, I took
to the Internet.  <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And why would I ever need to meet people in real life when I
had <a href="http://twitter.com/Rob_Nunn" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere, <a href="http://sherlockpeoria.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sherlock Peoria</a>, <a href="http://sherlockian.net/">Sherlockian.net</a>
and so many other great resources available whenever I wanted and from the
comfort of my own couch? Not to mention
DVDs of Jeremy Brett and Benedict Cumberbatch to watch on the weekends?  Pfft, who needs to go to a meeting?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Turns out, I did.  <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sure, listening to <a href="http://ihose.co/ihoseshows" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">IHOSE</a> every month is almost like having
a conversation about Sherlockian topics, and tweets thrown out to the wind can
lead to some great discussions, but I still wanted more. My wife humors me for a while, my six year old daughter is only interested if I can make Holmes relevant to Peppa Pig,
and my friends just stare at me blankly when I start to ramble. I needed some other Sherlockians that would
know who I’m talking about when I mention Jefferson Hope or Thorneycroft
Huxtable.  <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had no idea what to expect with my first meeting. I can say I was pleasantly surprised. I sat down to an informal dinner with four
other Sherlockians ranging from high school aged to retirement. Dinner conversation drifted all over the
place, from news of the Pope to the books of John Green. But once it was time to start, we delved into
the problem of Hall Pycroft’s gullibility. 
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I reread the story in preparation for the meeting, I kept
thinking about Pycroft and Jabez Wilson from "The Red-Headed League."  I was feeling pretty superior about our
modern day society.<br />
"Victorians were so
gullible," I thought.  “We wouldn’t fall
for such a ruse. We’re much more
advanced."<br />
<br />
And then the meeting’s paper
was presented, showing all of the parallels between the scam in "The
Stockbroker’s Clerk" and Ponzi schemes and the Bernie Madoff scandal. Well, that made me rethink my superior
attitude, and led to a very insightful discussion about confidence schemes
and how prevalent they have been throughout history.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My other question about this story was why Holmes made it a
point to bring Watson along. There was
no expected need for his medical expertise, and since Holmes didn’t ask Watson
to pack his revolver, one can presume he didn’t expect things to turn too
rough, so why did he hunt down the good doctor at the beginning of the story? I brought this up as part of our discussion, and everyone seemed to
agree that it was because of their friendship. At the beginning of this story, Holmes and Watson have not seen each
other for a while, and the general consensus was that Holmes just wanted to
have someone to share his adventure with.<br />
<br />
After going to my first (and definitely far from my last) Sherockian
meeting, I know how Holmes felt. 
Sometimes you just need some like-minded folks around in real life.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<br />
<i><b>Editor's note:</b> this is Rob's first post for I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere.</i><br />
<br />
--<br />
<br /></div>

My First Night Among the Sherlockians

"Saturday night is our meeting” [VALL] Last month, I ventured from the safety of Internet Sherlockian discussion to meeting re...

+ Read more »

by Rob Nunn

Episode 82: The Sincerest Form of Flattery

<h4 style="text-align: center;">
"Holmes was accessible upon the side of flattery" [REDC]</h4>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhy_zWjmSs9VMMRyvWqmH_Ixq5InEjSOEGCkD3vGS74PgZPCGtkEs4wLjEWrgP2_PK-kaEVJVRuAvsybCLVAQNqcbqzS7-QGIl19NTLtyJkznWNunWBvnxJgsgeqz3Sg40McRpIVV9oxcY/s1600/Sherlock+Holmes+books+-+large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhy_zWjmSs9VMMRyvWqmH_Ixq5InEjSOEGCkD3vGS74PgZPCGtkEs4wLjEWrgP2_PK-kaEVJVRuAvsybCLVAQNqcbqzS7-QGIl19NTLtyJkznWNunWBvnxJgsgeqz3Sg40McRpIVV9oxcY/s640/Sherlock+Holmes+books+-+large.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<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/3862116/height/90/width/600/theme/custom/autoplay/yes/autonext/no/thumbnail/yes/preload/no/no_addthis/no/direction/backward/no-cache/true/render-playlist/no/custom-color/ff7000/" style="border: none;" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="600"></iframe><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We all know that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Sherlock Holmes is no stranger to either, and with a growing database that includes some tens of thousands of work, it's easy to think that Sherlock Holmes is probably the most imitated literary character in history.</div>
<br />
We take the time in this show to explore some of the motivations behind pastiches — as well as the cliched ingredients in so many pastiches (Mrs. Hudson, Mycroft Holmes, Professor Moriarty, cocaine, the Baker Street Irregulars, Jack the Ripper, real historical figures, etc.) and what makes them work — or in many cases, not.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But more than that, we announce a new format to I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere episodes. Beginning with Episode 82, we're going to be <b>splitting the show into two episodes per month</b>. One show will be a featured interview and Gas-Lamp, while the other will be a show with the news, the quiz, and commentary related to the interview show that it precedes. In this case, our pastiche commentary is a prelude to one of the most exciting and anticipated pastiches of the year, Bonnie Macbird's <b><i><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="0008130833" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="b35d3b308d2f0dca5ea392cf0bb7bbc1" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Art in the Blood" href="http://www.amazon.com/Art-Blood-Sherlock-Adventure-Adventures/dp/0008130833/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=thebakerstree-20&linkId=b35d3b308d2f0dca5ea392cf0bb7bbc1&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_9603088" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Art in the Blood</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_9603088" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=thebakerstree-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=b35d3b308d2f0dca5ea392cf0bb7bbc1&_cb=1444871799186" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /></i></b>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
This is our first show with a musical guest, and we're pleased to introduce <a href="http://jessicalmusic.com/" target="_blank">Jessica Lisette</a> to the Sherlockian world. She performs her new hit single "Elementary," which makes its debut today. You can see <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2DpEEDuMDs" target="_blank">her video</a> embedded below.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/A8Pct9bD_hk?rel=0" width="640"></iframe><br /></div>
<br />
Our "Mental Exaltation" quiz, so adeptly written by Nick Martorelli, challenges listener Jenn Zuko to win a copy of Bonnie Macbird's <i><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="0008130833" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="4615f8aaf567d25067c4bb335959ed29" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Art in the Blood" href="http://www.amazon.com/Art-Blood-Sherlock-Adventure-Adventures/dp/0008130833/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=thebakerstree-20&linkId=4615f8aaf567d25067c4bb335959ed29&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_1540503" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Art in the Blood</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_1540503" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=thebakerstree-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=4615f8aaf567d25067c4bb335959ed29&_cb=1444872174855" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /></i>. Will she manage to pull it off?<br />
<br />
As a reminder, consider supporting our show through <a href="http://patreon.com/ihearofsherlock" target="_blank">Patreon</a>, for as little as $1 per episode.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://patreon.com/ihearofsherlock" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="73" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVNkzaBv0IoRQOSYT07nvGs_LDb5Xjyr7Jd9XzV9KKQB_Dhhsu0xxl-D6byiL7fmEqDktS1UamBhTads_a7AX5ywKqw0dHzO_EyirA977tH6wLLR_2ZQEuLtp98stiNRwghn0aQ8xuqdJj/s320/patreon.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We've been enjoying your photos and plan to post a number of them soon, so if you want to be part of this effort, please purchase as many of of our <a href="http://ihose.co/221Bstickers" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">221B or 1895 oval stickers</a> as you like and then <a href="mailto:comment@ihearofsherlock.com" target="_blank">send us a picture</a> of where you've put it.<br />
<div>
<br />
<h3>
Notes:</h3>
</div>
<div>
3:36 How to find our past episodes: the ihose DOT co code.<br />
4:50 Supporting the show — just like Mary Miller<br />
7:00 Announcing the new IHOSE format<br />
10:02 The Sherlock Holmes news<br />
21:45 The Pope makes news while in the United States<br />
24:21 Jessica Lisette joins us to sing "Elementary"<br />
38:30 Our sponsors — including the latest Sherlock Holmes brand ad<br />
43:40 Commentary: pastiches<br />
55:41 Mental Exaltation<br />
1:02:22 Wrap up comments<br />
<br />
And as usual, you might want to be sure you pay attention for a special <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter_egg_(interaction_design)" target="_blank">Easter egg</a> somewhere in the show...<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://traffic.libsyn.com/ihearofsherlock/ihearofsherlock082.mp3" target="_blank">Download</a> [Save As] | File size 31.3 MB, 1:05:31</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/228483505&color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%"></iframe><br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<h3>
Links:</h3>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://jessicalmusic.com/" target="_blank">Jessica Lisette Music</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shsl/albums/72157658287560039" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Sherlock Holmes Society of London remembers Jeremy Brett</a> (photo album)</li>
<li>Is it really possible to have <a href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2015/09/what-to-do-with-too-many-sherlock.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">too many Sherlock Holmes books?</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2015/09/interview-with-secretary-general-of.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">An interview</a> with the Sherlock Holmes Society of India's Secretary General</li>
<li><a href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2015/09/interview-with-secretary-general-of.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A review</a> of Dan Andriacco and Kieran McMullen's <i>The Egyptian Curse</i></li>
<li>Otto Penzler's <i><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="1101870893" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="e176da2770d14d0a0cedfa6c9d606faa" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Big Book of Sherlock Holmes Stories" href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Book-Sherlock-Holmes-Stories/dp/1101870893/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=thebakerstree-20&linkId=e176da2770d14d0a0cedfa6c9d606faa&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_210727" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Big Book of Sherlock Holmes Stories</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_210727" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=thebakerstree-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=e176da2770d14d0a0cedfa6c9d606faa&_cb=1444871123132" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /></i></li>
<li><a href="http://ihose.co/ihose17" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Episode 17 with Otto Penzler</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2015/10/the-new-sherlock-trailer-is-here-and.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The new trailer</a> to the <i>Sherlock</i> special</li>
<li>The <a href="http://patreon.com/ihearofsherlock" target="_blank">I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere Patreon</a> page</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
Many more links, articles and images are available in our Flipboard and Scoop.it sites at <a href="http://ihose.co/flipsherlock" target="_blank">ihose.co/flipsherlock</a> and <a href="http://www.scoop.it/t/sherlock-holmes" target="_blank">ihose.co/scoopsherlock</a>, as well as on the <a href="https://plus.google.com/communities/114565123495685504221" target="_blank">The Sherlock Holmes Community</a> on Google+ (now over 2,800 members), as well as through our accounts on <a href="http://facebook.com/ihearofsherlock" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/ihearofsherlock" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://ihearofsherlock.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Tumblr</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
Please <a href="http://bit.ly/ihearofsherlock" target="_blank">subscribe to us on iTunes</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 />
<h3>
Sponsors</h3>
This episode includes our two longtime sponsors that deserve your attention:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.wessexpress.com/" target="_blank">Wessex Press</a> (check out the <i><a href="http://wessexpress.com/html/vatican.html" target="_blank">Murder in the Vatican: the Church Mysteries of Sherlock Holmes</a></i>)<br />
<a href="http://www.bakerstreetjournal.com/" target="_blank"><i>The Baker Street Journal</i></a>, where you should get <a href="http://www.bakerstreetjournal.com/itemsforsale/subscriptions.html" target="_blank">your annual subscription</a> in now to secure all four issues and a very special Christmas Annual about <i>The Seven Per-Cent Solution</i>.<br />
<br />
Interested in becoming an advertiser? You can find <a href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/p/contact.html#.Vc1Qx7JViko" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">more information here</a>.</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<i>Image credit:  <a href="https://flic.kr/p/85ueNP" target="_blank">horslip5 (Flickr)</a> </i><br />
<i><br />
</i> --<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>

Episode 82: The Sincerest Form of Flattery

"Holmes was accessible upon the side of flattery" [REDC] We all know that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. ...

+ Read more »

by Scott Monty

One Area in Which Dr. Watson Excelled

<h4 style="text-align: center;">
"this competition between them" [STUD]</h4>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_UVvYVDvQ0s2IALEVqOBRTJoGR0LdJBPAJEsaxJ7OvYcaXYOOS1Zo1XWMAPANNZ4_CCDLKRY36-k0UTGPKUFF1twXVN6VFagD_mykRhEJnw5F8Ee72inXJf3XskczhqRV3yUHamqwlJxu/s1600/The+Stockbrokers+Clerk+-+Sidney+Paget.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_UVvYVDvQ0s2IALEVqOBRTJoGR0LdJBPAJEsaxJ7OvYcaXYOOS1Zo1XWMAPANNZ4_CCDLKRY36-k0UTGPKUFF1twXVN6VFagD_mykRhEJnw5F8Ee72inXJf3XskczhqRV3yUHamqwlJxu/s640/The+Stockbrokers+Clerk+-+Sidney+Paget.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We're accustomed to seeing Sherlock Holmes triumphant. Whether it's in his cases (except the rare times he finds himself <a href="http://ignisart.com/camdenhouse/canon/scan.htm" target="_blank">on the losing end</a>) or in his demonstration of his superior intellect, the detective is ascendant over clients, over the police force and even over Watson ("It may be that you are not yourself luminous, but you are a conductor of light<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana;">.</span>" [HOUN]).<br />
<br />
And while Watson enumerated "Sherlock Holmes — his limits" in <i>A Study in Scarlet</i>, there were other areas in which the good doctor was better equipped than his flatmate. There were areas that Holmes clearly recognized:<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Watson's medical expertise</b>: "Do you imagine that I have no respect for your medical talents?" [DYIN]</li>
<li><b>Watson's way with women</b>: "Now, Watson, the fair sex is your department." [SECO]</li>
</ul>
<br />
But someone analyzed the Sherlock Holmes stories in their totality and realized that Watson came out on top in another way:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x5JEJiiSZCM?rel=0" width="640"></iframe><br /></div>
<br />
We were reminded of the clip above when we saw the news today that <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-34528586" target="_blank">Stephen Fry will step down as the host of <i>QI</i></a> on BBC Two, a position he's held for 13 years.<br />
<br />
Of course, Fry's <i>bona fides</i> in the Sherlockian world are many. <a href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2010/09/one-of-queerest-men-gree_27.html#.Vh5Q3HpViko" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">We enumerated quite a few</a> when he first announced that he was to play Mycroft Holmes in <i><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B007L5KT76" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="4fc2949f9b04ae10ecede1a8d976a295" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows" href="http://www.amazon.com/Sherlock-Holmes-Game-Of-Shadows/dp/B007L5KT76/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=thebakerstree-20&linkId=4fc2949f9b04ae10ecede1a8d976a295&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_6537576" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_6537576" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=thebakerstree-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=4fc2949f9b04ae10ecede1a8d976a295&_cb=1444841025069" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /></i>. He is also <a href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2011/03/effort-to-preserve-it-iden_7.html#.Vh5Q4XpViko" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">an avid supporter of the Undershaw Preservation Trust</a>. And as it should be clear from the clip, he is quite familiar with the Canon. We wish him well in his continuing adventures outside of <i>QI</i>.<br />
<br />
Finally, we'll make a note of <a href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2013/09/the-top-10-most-suggestive-lines-from.html#.Vh5R8npViko" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Top 10 Most Suggestive Lines from the Canon</a>, which is always worth a share.<br />
<br />
--