Adding Contributors to IHOSE

<h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> "the intelligence of your correspondent" [VALL] </h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wsmonty/4182495602/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="five-03 by Scott Monty, on Flickr"><img alt="five-03" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2569/4182495602_e66a161d74_m.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> A little over five months ago, without much (or any) fanfare, this humble online publication celebrated its fifth anniversary. In real life, that is but a blink of an eye; but on the Web, it may as well have been a lifetime ago. To give you a sense of what was happening in the world just five years ago:<br /> <ul> <li>Pope John Paul II died</li> <li>Tony Blair was elected for a third term</li> <li>London was hit by terrorist bombings </li> <li>Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc on the Gulf Coast</li> <li>More than 350 million digital songs were downloaded (current download rates are 10 million <i>a day</i>)</li> <li>Facebook still had another year before it would be open to the general public</li> </ul> Our first post was on <a href="http://www.bakerstreetblog.com/2005/08/baker-street-blog-welcome-to-baker.html"><b>August 10, 2005</b></a> and compared with the other 492 posts since then, it wasn't all that earth-shattering. But over time, our efforts have both expanded and contracted, and the resultant site is what you see today. It has largely been a single-handed effort, but that is about to change - with your help.<br /> <br /> <h4> <b>A New Model</b></h4> Because the world of Sherlock Holmes is so full of news, information, events and new material every day, we determined that a single-proprietor model simply will not do. Our mission:<br /> <blockquote> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>To be the definitive site for news and information</b></i></span></div> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"></span><br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>about Sherlock Holmes in popular culture.</b></i></span></div> </blockquote> For that reason, we're <b><u><a href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/p/aboutcontribute.html#.WVq-KmgrLb0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">turning this site into a multi-author publication</a></u></b>, wherein contributors can each cover topics of interest to them, on a cadence appropriate to each. You may have already seen examples from <a href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/search/label/Sherlock%20Holmes%20for%20Dummies" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Steven Doyle</a> and <a href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/search/label/terrace" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Francine Kitts</a>, who are regular contributors; we have also welcomed first contributions from a handful of others as well. You'll continue to see some this week.<br /> <br /> If you or someone you know would like to contribute to our site and help educate the world on what's new in the world of Sherlock Holmes - events, book reviews, games, etc. - <a href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/p/aboutcontribute.html#.WVq-KmgrLb0"><b>please visit the Contribute page of the Who We Are tab</b></a> you'll find at the top of the site. There you'll find an entry form that will allow you to become a contributor.<br /> <br /> We look forward to expanding our coverage and our editorial team. We're looking for people who write well and who have an ear to the ground for Sherlockian developments. And it should go without saying that an avid interest in Sherlock Holmes is also required. For example, someone who would know to post an image from "The Five Orange Pips" in a post marking our five years in existence...<br /> <br /> Thank you in advance for considering this opportunity and for sharing it with those you know.<br /> <br /> <i>--</i><br /> <i><br /></i>

Adding Contributors to IHOSE

"the intelligence of your correspondent" [VALL]  A little over five months ago, without much (or any) fanfare, this humble on...

+ 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

Favorite Sherlock Holmes Quotes

<h4 style="text-align: center;"> "a favourite ditty" [LAST] </h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-zNMayIn7gaSIBOWDNVnhNV4DCHIWkX9Yk-cKX0J1dB-VJKA-FTTS5KWeM0dbfkSSXSeqszdY20Rq1iLW6f3ljrq_H8_XXCBH70HrWngPgL3iUTNLOUcjVQxXtRN8iTex9KGzJJA0HuBs/s1600/Quotable+Sherlock+Holmes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-zNMayIn7gaSIBOWDNVnhNV4DCHIWkX9Yk-cKX0J1dB-VJKA-FTTS5KWeM0dbfkSSXSeqszdY20Rq1iLW6f3ljrq_H8_XXCBH70HrWngPgL3iUTNLOUcjVQxXtRN8iTex9KGzJJA0HuBs/s1600/Quotable+Sherlock+Holmes.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0446677272" style="border: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="1" />As you may know, we have a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ihearofsherlock">Facebook Page</a>. We use it to notify our fans that we have new content on the site here, but we also try to use it for other purposes, such as quick posts that might not seem to warrant a full entry here, lighthearted observations, and an opportunity to interact.<br /> <br /> One of the regular things we share include quotes from the Canon. We certainly have our own favorites, but as you can imagine, everyone has his or her preferences as well. We love hearing from our fans - on Facebook or below in the comments section - so <a href="http://www.facebook.com/BakerStreetBlog/posts/10150110898262713">we recently asked our fans on Facebook</a> a relatively innocuous question (well, for Facebook, anyway):<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/BakerStreetBlog/posts/10150110898262713"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8eCt8hKN3UAALS4a6PhqZGPNMfQimPWNNBWwMU_nbimj_kk6AfrLeNW2-1NvfPgN2eNv93JxUI97TOqTm2Hfn5JjVyR6H8QDBW_65wYlz32JwL6FEcNxn_oNzIm9pTru3GDufrD_8KouF/s1600/Capture.PNG" /></a></div> <br /> Here are some of the responses we received:<br /> <br /> "But there are always some lunatics about. It would be a dull world without them."<br /> <div style="text-align: right;"> - "The Adventure of the Three Gables"</div> <br /> "Life is infinitely stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent."<br /> <div style="text-align: right;"> - "A Case of Identity"</div> <br /> "It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data."<br /> <div style="text-align: right;"> - "A Scandal in Bohemia"</div> <br /> "When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth."<br /> <div style="text-align: right;"> - <i>The Sign of Four</i></div> <br /> "You're not hurt, Watson? For God's sake, say that you are not hurt!"<br /> <div style="text-align: right;"> - "The Adventure of the Three Garridebs"</div> <br /> "Is there any other little service that I can do you, my friend?"<br /> "A match and a cigarette."<br /> <div style="text-align: right;"> - "The Adventure of the Dying Detective"</div> <br /> "The world is big enough for us. No ghosts need apply."<br /> <div style="text-align: right;"> - "The Adventure of the Sussex Vampire"</div> <br /> Some of our favorites include:<br /> "For once you have fallen low. Let us see in the future how high you can rise."<br /> <div style="text-align: right;"> - "The Adventure of the Three Students"</div> <br /> "Education never ends, Watson. It is a series of lessons with the greatest for the last."<br /> <div style="text-align: right;"> - "The Adventure of the Red Circle"</div> <br /> "When one tries to rise above Nature, one is liable to fall below it."<br /> <div style="text-align: right;"> - "The Adventure of the Creeping Man"</div> <br /> If you'd like to see what some of the most popular quotes are, as ranked by Randall Stock, check out <a href="http://www.bestofsherlock.com/top-10-sherlock-quotes.htm">The 10 Most Famous Sherlock Holmes Quotes</a>, which includes an explanation of the ranking criteria as well as the complete context around each quote.<br /> <br /> Do you have some favorite lines from the Canon? Please leave a comment below and tell us. No account or login is required to do so.<br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /><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 = "0446677272"; amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "302c7ce111b6120869c3c0cd4e811845"; </script> <script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script><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 = "022665964X"; amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "388b8d3d24b01309f4f1bb0d5b09efc4"; </script> <script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script><br /></div>

Favorite Sherlock Holmes Quotes

"a favourite ditty" [LAST]  As you may know, we have a Facebook Page . We use it to notify our fans that we have new content ...

+ Read more »

by Scott Monty

Scuttlebutt from the Spermaceti Press — February 2011

<h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> "where all gossip is welcome" [VALL]</h4> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMeFYaBiY1B-pW6S11qDWZTvXxsbMkogVb78yuOt7nnQBcsfk3lmq8oAXKkPhukKqWMkffMjPiB8-M8b8FTbbKBqseOv5H13_ynDYtK9ZY18Mdsk9n_bsjIrXa9MoEvZQdUe1qL89XsRV/s1600/blackpeter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMeFYaBiY1B-pW6S11qDWZTvXxsbMkogVb78yuOt7nnQBcsfk3lmq8oAXKkPhukKqWMkffMjPiB8-M8b8FTbbKBqseOv5H13_ynDYtK9ZY18Mdsk9n_bsjIrXa9MoEvZQdUe1qL89XsRV/s1600/blackpeter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMeFYaBiY1B-pW6S11qDWZTvXxsbMkogVb78yuOt7nnQBcsfk3lmq8oAXKkPhukKqWMkffMjPiB8-M8b8FTbbKBqseOv5H13_ynDYtK9ZY18Mdsk9n_bsjIrXa9MoEvZQdUe1qL89XsRV/s1600/blackpeter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMeFYaBiY1B-pW6S11qDWZTvXxsbMkogVb78yuOt7nnQBcsfk3lmq8oAXKkPhukKqWMkffMjPiB8-M8b8FTbbKBqseOv5H13_ynDYtK9ZY18Mdsk9n_bsjIrXa9MoEvZQdUe1qL89XsRV/s1600/blackpeter.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> We're pleased to bring you the latest issue of <i>Scuttlebutt from the Spermaceti Press</i>, Peter Blau's ("Black Peter") monthly newsletter of Sherlockian or Doylean gossip, published in print form since 1971 and as a <a href="http://members.cox.net/sherlock1/scuttle.htm">text-only digital archive on Sherlocktron</a> since 1985. In agreement with Peter Blau, we've arranged to publish facsimiles of the print newsletter here, so online readers can see what the newsletter looks like. Below the scan you can find links to the sites mentioned in the text - in most cases, directly to the article, video or publication, to save you from having to search for the terms.<br /> <br /> The following is the February 2011 issue; please feel free to share it via email, social network, or embed it on your own site.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/49743460/Scuttlebutt-from-the-Spermaceti-Press-February-2011" 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; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto; text-decoration: underline;" title="View Scuttlebutt from the Spermaceti Press, February 2011 on Scribd">Scuttlebutt from the Spermaceti Press, February 2011</a> <object data="http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf" height="600" id="doc_423152052236684" name="doc_423152052236684" style="outline: none;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="100%"> <param name="movie" value="http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf"><param name="wmode" value="opaque"><param name="bgcolor" value="#ffffff"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><param name="FlashVars" value="document_id=49743460&access_key=key-1v9u7tyd0rcuyhnm96z1&page=1&viewMode=list"><embed id="doc_423152052236684" name="doc_423152052236684" src="http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf?document_id=49743460&access_key=key-1v9u7tyd0rcuyhnm96z1&page=1&viewMode=list" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="600" width="100%" wmode="opaque" bgcolor="#ffffff"></embed> </object> <b>Links</b> (in order of mention): <br /> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.thesherlockian.com/"><i>The Sherlockian</i></a></li> <li><a href="http://www.audible.com/search/ref=sr_nb_1_1_1?searchNarrator=Flo%20Gibson&qid=1298939756&sr=1-1">Flo Gibson recordings on Audible.com</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.bfronline.biz/">Bertram Fletcher Robinson Online</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QG1vBxRp1zo">Richard Dornbush skating to Hans Zimmer's "Sherlock Holmes"</a> (<i>Note: this video <u>might</u> not be available because of copyright claim by U.S. Figure Skating</i>)</li> <li><a href="http://www.parenfaire.com/">"Murder at Mount Hope Mansion"</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.police.uk/overview/?q=Baker%20Street,%20Paddington,%20Greater%20London%20NW1,%20UK">UK Crime Hotspots - Baker Street</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.lybrary.com/sherlock-p-94740.html">SHERLOCK at Lybrary.com</a></li> <li>Sherlock Holmes Roombox - <a href="http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/1207390607058424832RrHRdd">Photo 1</a> and <a href="http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/1207390801058424832AHTIrk">Photo 2</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sir-Arthur-Conan-Doyle-Murdered/dp/B0043CT9BW?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The Man Who Murdered Sherlock Holmes (DVD)</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B0043CT9BW" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li> <li><a href="http://www.centralalbertatheatre.ca/">"The Reluctant Resurrection of Sherlock Holmes" - Central Alberta Theatre</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.sherlock-holmes.com/e_times11-2.htm">The Sherlockian E-Times</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.theatre3dallas.com/">"The Crucifer of Blood" - Theater Three, Dallas</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.thehumanmarvels.com/?p=138">Discussion of Eugen Sandow</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.sandowplus.co.uk/sandowindex.htm">The Great Eugen Sandow</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.michael-procter.com/holmes">Database of Sherlockian pastiches</a></li> <li><a href="http://umedia.lib.umn.edu/assets/Sherlock%2520Holmes?keys=Sherlock%20Holmes&sc=keyword">University of Minnesota's UMedia Archive of Sherlock Holmes Collection</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/20/magazine/20Computer-t.html?scp=1&sq=%22the%20name%20of%20this%20hat%20is%20elementary%22%20watson&st=cse">"What is I.B.M.'s Watson?" - <i>New York Times</i></a></li> <li><a href="http://kieranmcmullen.wordpress.com/2010/12/08/weapons-of-maiwand/">"The Weapons in Maiwand" - Kieran McMullen</a></li> <li><a href="http://auction-team.de/new_highlights/2011_03/ph/031.html">Bloch Sherlock Holmes camera - Auction Team Breker</a></li> <li><a href="https://traderspress.com/detail.php?PKey=859"><i>Trading in the Footsteps of Sherlock Holmes: Balancing Probabilities for Successful Investing</i></a></li> <li><a href="http://bakerstreetjournal.com/ebooks.html"><i>The Baker Street Journal</i> & BSI Publications Indexes</a></li> <li><a href="http://bakerstreetjournal.com/ebooks.html">"Portlandia" Hide & Seek segment</a></li> <li><a href="http://english.ruvr.ru/2011/02/15/44488963.html">"From Sherlock Holmes' London to Erast Fandorin's Moscow"</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.liart.ru/site/index.php?id=1330">"Two Great Cities - Two Famous Detectives" (exhibit)</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.byook.com/">Byook</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.oakknoll.com/detail.php?d_booknr=105527&d_currency="><i>Other People's Books: Association Copies and the Stories They Tell</i></a></li> <li><a href="http://caxtonclub.org/events.html#symposium">Caxton Club & Newberry Library Symposium (Chicago)</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.stephengaspar.blogspot.com">"Cold Hearted Murder" by Stephen Gaspar</a> & <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydPh44KG1I">promo video</a></li> <li><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Classic-DC-Figurine-69-Detective-Chimp-and-Magazine-/350436804879?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5197a9490f#ht_1848wt_881">Detective Chimp (eBay)</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.bakerstreetblog.com/p/holmes-on-facebook.html">Sherlock Holmes Entities on Facebook</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.edwardrhamilton.com/">Edward R. Hamilton</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.laurierking.com/">Laurie R. King - including A Mary Russell Companion (e-book)</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.picturetrail.com/leeann1948">Miniature versions of the Canon</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/3194486">Sherlockian miniatures</a></li> <li><a href="http://indyplanet.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4271"><i>The Edge of the Unknown</i></a></li> <li><a href="http://www.ronaldknoxsociety.com/">Ronald Knox Society of North America</a></li> <li>IDW Publishing - Sherlock Holmes <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sherlock-Holmes-Vol-Graphic-Classics/dp/1600105521?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Vol. 1</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1600105521" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sherlock-Holmes-Arthur-Conan-Doyle/dp/1600106595?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Vol. 2</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1600106595" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> & <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sherlock-Holmes-3-Graphic-Novel/dp/1600107834?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Vol. 3</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1600107834" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li> <li><a href="http://www.drwatsonsblog.com/">The Blog of Dr. Watson</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.grandtheatre.com/">"Sherlock Holmes: Final Adventure" - Grand Theatre, London, ON</a></li> </ul> <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> --

Scuttlebutt from the Spermaceti Press — February 2011

"where all gossip is welcome" [VALL] We're pleased to bring you the latest issue of Scuttlebutt from the Spermaceti Pr...

+ Read more »

by Scott Monty

Batman Wasn't the Original Caped Crusader

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <h4 style="text-align: center;"> "I have seen those battle-signals" [GOLD] </h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL0UZRWbvAGkKZZcth5UPnrobWXq14bQFFj0tPFNek1dmcbdHGPMZZ6KlH41O9skWm5Fm81hUq2a4p_LIuLGNvAvEIHhAu4Ph8FUBhlWzcOHsHnHpAr1VpNhY-ldfLzN_CGY-Cpyu56O2Z/s1600/Batman+Detective+Comics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="203" data-original-width="610" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL0UZRWbvAGkKZZcth5UPnrobWXq14bQFFj0tPFNek1dmcbdHGPMZZ6KlH41O9skWm5Fm81hUq2a4p_LIuLGNvAvEIHhAu4Ph8FUBhlWzcOHsHnHpAr1VpNhY-ldfLzN_CGY-Cpyu56O2Z/s640/Batman+Detective+Comics.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> Sherlock Holmes was <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wsmonty/4171526019/" target="_blank">the original Caped Crusader</a>. Even Detective Comics have acknowledged that Sherlock Holmes was one of the inspirations behind one of its most famous characters.<br /> <br /> If you haven't seen connections between Batman and Sherlock Holmes, let us bring you up to speed a bit. The image at right is from the 50th anniversary issue of Detective Comics, in which <a href="http://crossover.bureau42.com/zbatmanholmes.html" target="_blank">Holmes himself makes an appearance</a>. But beyond that, let's explore a bit of the similarities that we're aware of: each is granted superior intellectual powers, which are the basis behind their greatness; they have a knowledge of Asian hand-to-hand combat techniques; each started alone, yet gained an assistant over time; Batman has Alfred, his butler while Holmes has Mrs. Hudson, his landlady. We're sure there are more, but you get the idea.<br /> <br /> <h3> <b>"Fantastic outrage" [SIXN]</b></h3> The point of this post is to bring your attention to a poll that is running on Comicbookmovie.com called <a href="http://www.comicbookmovie.com/action/news/?a=30960" target="_blank"><b>BATMAN vs. SHERLOCK HOLMES: Battle Poll</b></a>. They pose the following:<br /> <blockquote> Battle of the greatest detectives, who wins in this battle of wits and wiles? Is it elementary? Who solves this puzzle?</blockquote> Currently, Holmes is losing this battle - which seems a little odd, given that he's a progenitor of the Dark Knight. We need your help: circulate this to your Sherlockian network and let's vote Sherlock Holmes as the superior power. Can you do it?<br /> <br /> And to reward yourself for a job well done, you might want to view <i>Batman Brave and the Bold - Trials of the Demon</i> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAfvk0c2sFU">Part 1</a> and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVBFhPsCWLs&feature=related">Part 2</a>, in which Holmes makes a guest appearance.<br /> <br /> --<br /> <br />

Batman Wasn't the Original Caped Crusader

"I have seen those battle-signals" [GOLD]  Sherlock Holmes was the original Caped Crusader . Even Detective Comics have ack...

+ Read more »

by Scott Monty

Dining Out with the Detective

<h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> "from the dummy's chair" [MAZA] </h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3571/3515327795_19a7188e03_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3571/3515327795_19a7188e03_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> [<i><b>Editor's note</b>: "From the Dummy's Chair" is a regular column on the I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere, written by Steven Doyle, BSI ("The 'Western Morning News'"), who is the author of the Edgar-nominated <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sherlock-Holmes-Dummies-Steven-Doyle/dp/0470484446?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank"><b>Sherlock Holmes for Dummies</b></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0470484446" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />. Because of the limitations in the print world, he wasn't able to completely fit everything he wanted into the book. This column serves as a real-time continuation of that labor of love. Steve is also half the team behind <a href="http://www.wessexpress.com/">Wessex Press</a>.</i>]<br /> <h3> <br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Dining Out with the Detective</b></span></h3> Few trifles in the Sherlockian canon escape examination and investigation. Every story is sifted for insight into the character and personality of the master Detective — even his taste in restaurants. It is generally believed that favorite restaurant is <a href="http://www.simpsonsinthestrand.co.uk/">Simpson's-in-the-Strand</a>, one of London's oldest and best-known traditional English restaurants.<br /> <br /> Located in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strand,_London">the Strand</a>, an historic street in London, Simpson's began as a smoking room and coffee house, but eventually became famous for its traditional English food, especially its roast beef. Holmes wasn't the only famous personality to enjoyed a meal at Simpson's. The restaurant was frequented by many historic characters, including Charles Dickens, Benjamin Disraeli and William Ewart Gladstone.<br /> <br /> For years I have imagined the Great Detective and the Good Doctor retiring to Simpson's upon the conclusion of yet another successful case, but the restaurant was actually only mentioned in two stories; "The Dying Detective" and "The Illustrious Client." What are the implications of this? Should Simpson's-in-the-Strand still be considered Holmes's favorite restaurant by virtue of it being mentioned twice? Or are a mere two mentions not enough to earn that distinction? After all, I know that sometimes it takes two visits to determine that a restaurant's quality...one to have a bad meal, and a second to have another bad meal. In this case two visits wouldn't make such a place my favorite.<br /> <br /> Consider that both of Holmes's visits to Simpson's followed cases in which Holmes was physically incapacitated. In "The Dying Detective" he craved Simpson’s following a three day fast. In "The Illustrious Client" he had nearly had his brains beaten in and had just finished a period of recuperation and bed-rest. The evidence seems to indicate that Holmes perceived Simpson’s not as a place to go with Watson to discuss the loose ends of a case over a casual celebratory dinner, but rather as the destination for a much-needed restorative meal.<br /> <br /> Despite our romantic sentiments about Simpson's being his favorite restaurant, this must be true. Holmes, whose body was a mere appendix to his brain, who at times could not spare energy for digestion lest it detract from his mental processes, didn't commonly dine for the mere pleasure of the experience. What the implications of this revelation are for the quality of Mrs. Hudson's cooking, which was passed over even after a three day fast, I will leave to someone else!<br /> <br /> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Image credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/34842043@N02/3515327795/">Josh Friedman Luxury Travel (Flickr)</a></i></span><br /> <br /> --<br /> <br />

Dining Out with the Detective

"from the dummy's chair" [MAZA]  [ Editor's note : "From the Dummy's Chair" is a regular column on the ...

+ Read more »

by Scott Monty

A Map of the Meringen Area

<h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> "the little village of Meiringen" [FINA] </h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtKRZHumhvigVHgiUTdr7B92uVwn0WS45bAKnYBYWkMOLduUxRg-ntJCvSgF4RAWJhhOlL-FY_rd_Vj76TWjkeaNgfVE-6_iAqCE8UZDnmI1kl45A6_UE9MtvCsuKPBWjVQJwQjbGuQehk/s1600/Reichenbach+falls.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="553" data-original-width="850" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtKRZHumhvigVHgiUTdr7B92uVwn0WS45bAKnYBYWkMOLduUxRg-ntJCvSgF4RAWJhhOlL-FY_rd_Vj76TWjkeaNgfVE-6_iAqCE8UZDnmI1kl45A6_UE9MtvCsuKPBWjVQJwQjbGuQehk/s640/Reichenbach+falls.PNG" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <br /> Michael Meer, BSI ("The Englisher Hof") posted an interesting link to Facebook. It was titled <a href="http://maps.google.ch/maps/ms?hl=de&ie=UTF8&msa=0&ll=46.728389,8.185973&spn=0.019209,0.055404&t=h&z=15&msid=207422993767587739800.00049d2f97f6f0ec80ae6">Sherlock Holmes in Meiringen</a> and it passed through to a Google Map.<br /> <br /> Meer is part of a group based in Switzerland called <b><a href="http://www.221b.ch/index.html">The Reichenbach Irregulars</a> </b>(a group which now has a place on our "Gathered from Many Nations" section of the <a href="http://www.bakerstreetblog.com/p/resources.html">Resources</a> page above). Michael says the group is resurrecting itself - how appropriate - just as Holmes managed to reappear in "The Empty House" after his encounter with Professor Moriarty at the Reichenbach Falls.<br /> <br /> As one would expect from an Irregular investitured as "The Englisher Hof" and being part of the aforementioned Swiss group, it's not at all unlikely that Meer would have created and shared this excellent Google map. We've embedded it here below for you to see - you can scroll around, zoom in and out, and click on the pins to get more information on some of the sites. These include: the place of the fatal encounter between Sherlock Holmes and Moriarty; two commemorative plaques; the statue by John Doubleday; Conan Doyle Place; the Sherlock Holmes Museum; the Englisher Hof; and more.<br /> <br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <iframe frameborder="0" height="425" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.ch/maps/ms?hl=de&ie=UTF8&msa=0&t=h&msid=207422993767587739800.00049d2f97f6f0ec80ae6&ll=46.728389,8.185973&spn=0.019209,0.055404&output=embed" width="625"></iframe><br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <small><a href="http://maps.google.ch/maps/ms?hl=de&ie=UTF8&msa=0&t=h&msid=207422993767587739800.00049d2f97f6f0ec80ae6&ll=46.728389,8.185973&spn=0.019209,0.055404&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">Sherlock Holmes in Meiringen (english version)</a> auf einer größeren Karte anzeigen</small></div> <br /> Have you made it over to Meiringen, Interlaken or Rosenlaui? We'd love to hear of your travels along these hallowed grounds for Sherlockians.<br /> <br /> <i>Please consider visiting our sponsors (in the right column) from time to time. It helps defray the costs associated with running this site.</i> <br /> --<br /> <br />

A Map of the Meringen Area

"the little village of Meiringen" [FINA]  Michael Meer, BSI ("The Englisher Hof") posted an interesting link to F...

+ Read more »

by Scott Monty

Amazon Offers Sherlock Holmes in Streaming Video

<h4 style="text-align: center;"> "I saw them a moment later streaming" [SIGN] </h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz15S3geZKu7Px2_YgUcg-z0lkY4zF949LXatB2EP_6jqAkHWZo5sMOp2KEFWWoHxS28L-OLmJk2zYzDY4byNvG2ig95fKuHD8LvsuyCSEreK2gv1Qjy4bfR3tjHwqda9xofGLNeA1kt7B/s1600/Selecting+a+Sherlock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz15S3geZKu7Px2_YgUcg-z0lkY4zF949LXatB2EP_6jqAkHWZo5sMOp2KEFWWoHxS28L-OLmJk2zYzDY4byNvG2ig95fKuHD8LvsuyCSEreK2gv1Qjy4bfR3tjHwqda9xofGLNeA1kt7B/s640/Selecting+a+Sherlock.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> The big news from Amazon is that they have <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/22/amazon-launches-prime-instant-videos-unlimited-streaming-for-pr/">enabled streaming video for Prime members</a> (available only in the U.S. currently). This means that Netflix now has a competitor in the streaming video-on-demand segment.<br /> <br /> With this service, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Fprime%2Fsignup%2Fvideos%3Fie%3DUTF8%26redirectURL%3DL2Iv%25250A%26redirectQueryParams%3Dbm9kZT0yNjE1MjYwMDEx%25250A&tag=thebakerstree-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=390957"><b>Amazon Prime</b></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=ur2&o=1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> members have the ability to watch unlimited, commercial-free instant streaming of some 5,000 movies and TV shows on your PC, Mac, Internet-enabled television, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/LG-BD570-Network-Blu-ray-Player/dp/B0036WT1RW?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank"><b>Blu-Ray players</b></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B0036WT1RW" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> or set-top boxes.<br /> <br /> Some of the titles that Amazon highlighted with their announcement that might also appeal to our readership include: <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rose/dp/B003LZ5B7S?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&search-alias=UnboxVideoDownloads&field-keywords=Doctor%20Who%20Season%201" target="_blank"><i>Doctor Who</i></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B003LZ5B7S" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></b>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&search-alias=UnboxVideoDownloads&field-keywords=Fawlty%20Towers" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><i>Fawlty Towers</i></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-color: initial !important; border-width: initial !important;"><b><i><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></i> </b></span>and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&search-alias=UnboxVideoDownloads&field-keywords=The%20BBC%20Office" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">The BBC <i>Office</i></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-color: initial !important; border-width: initial !important;"><b><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></b></span>. We also spotted <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&search-alias=UnboxVideoDownloads&field-keywords=jeeves%20wooster" target="_blank">Jeeves and Wooster</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></i></b>. But you're probably interested in another subject.<br /> <br /> To wit, here is a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fie%3DUTF8%26ref_%3Damb_link_355368542_2%26rh%3Dn%253A16386761%252Cp_85%253A1%26page%3D1&tag=thebakerstree-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=390957"><b>list of Sherlock Holmes movies and TV shows available for streaming</b></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=ur2&o=1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />from Amazon. From Wonter to Rathbone, Brett, Downey, Cumberbatch and more (including a few surprises!) you'll have a wide variety to choose from.<br /> <br /> <br /> Are you planning on trying this service? What title(s) in the lineup interest you?<br /> <br /> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Image credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61098690@N00/5408271299/">Digital Sextant (Flickr)</a></span><br /> <br /> --

Amazon Offers Sherlock Holmes in Streaming Video

"I saw them a moment later streaming" [SIGN]  The big news from Amazon is that they have enabled streaming video for Prime m...

+ Read more »

by Scott Monty

"Answers Which I Gave Him" [SIGN]

<h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> "answers which I gave him" [SIGN] </h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj15TyKHdwn5_ly-snzX7-LstbE2mIBu2rE21w0wrB0sv1jbbAzzjrii7mTWhy4L8juJWgxI2RnWM0K6f9GTsUKDzgKiERuuITbfub4WomiUbipKsgkEjJnhAOcY_mQg9Fl1x-7hL9MLqHc/s1600/danc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj15TyKHdwn5_ly-snzX7-LstbE2mIBu2rE21w0wrB0sv1jbbAzzjrii7mTWhy4L8juJWgxI2RnWM0K6f9GTsUKDzgKiERuuITbfub4WomiUbipKsgkEjJnhAOcY_mQg9Fl1x-7hL9MLqHc/s320/danc.jpg" width="272" /></a></div> <br /> Last week, for Valentine's Day, we<a href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2011/02/bruc_14.html#.WVrDkmgrLb0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> posed a short quiz to test your knowledge</a> on love interests in the Canon. We received a couple of dozen responses, seven of which answered every question correctly. We had hoped that we created a quiz that was at once familiar and easy, but not without a few challenges.<br /> <br /> A couple of the challenges that we threw in included: all three Cushing sisters from "The Cardboard Box," in addition to the surname Tregennis in "The Devil's Foot" we added Tregallis, which was the surname of the gamekeeper in "The Musgrave Ritual." These two questions seemed to throw most of you off.<br /> <br /> In case you're interested in the answers, the key is below.<br /> <ol> <li>Jefferson Hope</li> <li>Mary Cushing</li> <li>Jack Crocker</li> <li>Grace Dunbar</li> <li>Brenda Tregennis</li> <li>Leonardo</li> <li>Henry Wood</li> <li>Cyril Morton</li> <li>Hilton Cubitt</li> </ol> <br /> We'll be reaching out to our randomly-selected winner so they may select their prize. Thank you for following along with the fun; if you feel the need to bone up on your skills, there's always <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sherlock-Holmes-Quiz-Book/dp/0847316785?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The Sherlock Holmes Quiz Book</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0847316785" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></i></b>.<br /> <br /> <i>Please consider visiting our sponsors (in the right column) from time to time. It helps defray the costs associated with running this site.</i> <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br />

"Answers Which I Gave Him" [SIGN]

"answers which I gave him" [SIGN]  Last week, for Valentine's Day, we posed a short quiz to test your knowledge on love...

+ Read more »

by Scott Monty

Happy 221B Day

<h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> "apply 221B" [NAVA] </h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/vgm8383/3287091355/in/set-72157604928782321/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-tt76KUPJdkzWQOhyfo80Y2qPdjeaZRpawOeQbwxpyBtgEmxvc883fZkGVIk5uQ-8ON7Xl9vcUdIIl9YiRtMtKkhoRHLk10DqPjsCbtiJPs_dI0wVFmPvD5Q3vs1YkLq2hSxC9vKY8jb/s640/towerbridge.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> As you no doubt have noticed today is 2/21 (as in 221B - get it?). As such, we thought it was an apt time to take a look back at a January 2010 entry in  <i>Smithsonian</i>: "<a href="http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/Sherlock-Holmes-London.html">Sherlock Holmes' London</a>."<br /> <br /> The piece opens with a description of a 30 year-old Arthur Conan Doyle heading into London from his Southsea home to attend a dinner with the publisher of <i>Lippincott's</i> with none other than Oscar Wilde in attendance. The dinner was auspicious in that it resulted in two commissions: Wilde's <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Picture-Dorian-Gray-Three-Stories/dp/1936594625?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The Picture of Dorian Gray</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1936594625" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></i></b> and Conan Doyle's <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sign-Four-Sherlock-Holmes-Mystery/dp/1451562462?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The Sign of Four</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1451562462" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></i></b>. But for the purpose of the article, it was even more significant that it took place at the Langham Hotel, which itself turned up in no fewer than three Sherlock Holmes stories (Quick! Which three? Comments below, please.).<br /> <br /> The article covers a bit about Conan Doyle's life and the ongoing life that has sprung from his most famous creation, but then also covers another character in his stories - one that plays a constant supporting, if transparent, role: the city itself. Conan Doyle's mastery of the language in order to effectively set the scene is readily observed in this passage from The Sign of Four - that novel born from the very dinner at the Langham:<br /> <blockquote> It was a September evening, and not yet seven o'clock, but the day had been a dreary one, and a dense drizzly fog lay low upon the great city. Mud-coloured clouds drooped sadly over the muddy streets. Down the Strand the lamps were but misty splotches of diffused light, which threw a feeble circular glimmer upon the slimy pavement. The yellow glare from the shop-windows streamed out into the steamy, vaporous air, and threw a murky, shifting radiance across the crowded thoroughfare. There was, to my mind, something eerie and ghost-like in the endless procession of faces which flitted across these narrow bars of light - sad faces and glad, haggard and merry. Like all human kind, they flitted from the gloom into the light, and so back into the gloom once more.</blockquote> And while those ghostly gas-lamps no longer fail at 20 feet, the piece takes us through London past and present, through the Holmes stories and Conan Doyle's life. Naturally, there's a stop at 221B. And even helpful commentary from longtime reader and <a href="http://www.sherlock-holmes.org.uk/">Sherlock Holmes Society of London</a> member Roger Johnson. We highly recommend you <a href="http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/Sherlock-Holmes-London.html">check out the article</a> - especially if you're planning a pilgrimage to London and wish to visit some of the highlights.<br /> <br /> Accompanying <a href="http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/sherlock-holmes-london-10998186/">the article</a> is a quick video called "The Many Faces of Sherlock Holmes," with a look at Holmes of the stage and screen over the years, from Gillette to Norwood, Wontner to Owen, Rathbone to Neville, and Moore, Neville, Plummer, Rowe and Caine and even including Wilder.<br /> <br /> <center> <script height="338px" src="http://player.ooyala.com/iframe.js#pbid=MGQxZGQ1N2VlMDRjNGJmNmFmN2QwY2U2&ec=F4cmUzMTrG3GTelEy1pikv2_5l6l-bl-" width="600px"></script></center> <br /> <br /> Whew! We're glad they didn't stoop quite so low as <a href="http://www.shadowlocked.com/201102141482/lists/a-study-in-error-the-ten-worst-sherlock-holmes.html">the comprehensiveness of this list</a><a href="http://www.shadowlocked.com/201102141482/lists/a-study-in-error-the-ten-worst-sherlock-holmes.html">, titled "A Study in Errors</a>."<br /> <br /> Do you have a favorite site or a favorite Holmes? Please feel free to share it with us as a comment. And while we have you here, what better way to celebrate this important date than to get yourself your very own 221B oval sticker? For your car, your laptop, your refrigerator - or anywhere you like.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Bj1EEsApKPhxsQflSP22wz05kxcYDuhTaEFuCahd3qqZaoZzltWe7Rytjt2T0yigKdWKqsSJQFxMYDhuG1MW1kc3p084krfvgzT9oIqV0bKLM6luUqPmTw0wUmDTHWveqabkFP2vYNzy/s1600/221B+Sticker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1104" data-original-width="1600" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Bj1EEsApKPhxsQflSP22wz05kxcYDuhTaEFuCahd3qqZaoZzltWe7Rytjt2T0yigKdWKqsSJQFxMYDhuG1MW1kc3p084krfvgzT9oIqV0bKLM6luUqPmTw0wUmDTHWveqabkFP2vYNzy/s400/221B+Sticker.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <center> <br /> <br /> <img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.paypal.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" /></center> <br /> <i>Tower Bridge image credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/vgm8383/3287091355/in/set-72157604928782321/">vgm8383 (Flickr)</a></i><br /> <br /> --<br /> <br />

Happy 221B Day

"apply 221B" [NAVA]  As you no doubt have noticed today is 2/21 (as in 221B - get it?). As such, we thought it was an apt tim...

+ Read more »

by Scott Monty

The Real-Life Inspiration Behind Sherlock Holmes

<h4> "this insignificant-looking man inspired me" [GREE]</h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lfqk09NFgB1qejn8mo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lfqk09NFgB1qejn8mo1_500.jpg" width="414" /></a></div> <br /> [<i>Editor's note: we're pleased to welcome another contributor to our site. "Athenae" shares her own insights and opinions on Sherlock Holmes at <a href="http://findingsherlock.tumblr.com/">Finding Sherlock</a>. If you would like a chance to be considered as a contributor, please see our <a href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/p/aboutcontribute.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Who We Are</a> page above.</i>]<br /> <br /> Sherlock Holmes is a myth, a demi-god; a fictitious, heartless, blindly intelligent, insightful and confident Übermensch. Everything we want and need to be in a rapidly changing technologically-driven world. He could never be real.<br /> <br /> Or could he?<br /> <br /> When Conan Doyle was attending the University of Edinburgh as a medical student he attended a class with Dr. Joseph Bell. According to Doyle’s 1892 Interview with <i>The Bookman</i>:<br /> <blockquote> [Bell] would sit in the patients’ waiting-room with a face like a Red Indian and diagnose the people as they came in, before even they had opened their mouths. He would tell them their symptoms, he would give them details of their lives and he would hardly ever make a mistake…His great faculty of deduction was at times highly dramatic. ‘Ah!’ he would say to another man, ‘you are a soldier, a non-commissioned officer, and you have served in Bermuda. Now how did I know that, gentlemen? He came into the room without taking his hat off, as he would go into an orderly room. He was a soldier. A slight authoritative air, combined with his age, shows that we was an N.C.O. A slight rash on the forehead tells me he was in Bermuda, and subject to a certain rash known only there.’ So I got the idea for Sherlock Holmes.</blockquote> <br /> Bell was well known for more than just being the original Sherlock Holmes.  He was also considered to be an expert witness, who often took the stand at some of the more sensational murder trials during the latter half of the century.<br /> <br /> <i>For more information on the Bookman and the origins of Holmes, see our recommended reading below. - Ed.</i><br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEd8HsRZo44vv7B0yeDXiF4utXJyTp614fnFT6Zqq-Y_xA7WUPBSCXJFAg83l7255717N4Lr_uyGu19TSPd-zfzqCnUmT-cpMar70y_18qwoW4uVOsZKLMpr67XWuZS10_UED6LDkNw0dJ/s1600/bookman350.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEd8HsRZo44vv7B0yeDXiF4utXJyTp614fnFT6Zqq-Y_xA7WUPBSCXJFAg83l7255717N4Lr_uyGu19TSPd-zfzqCnUmT-cpMar70y_18qwoW4uVOsZKLMpr67XWuZS10_UED6LDkNw0dJ/s1600/bookman350.gif" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Available from<br /> <a href="http://wessexpress.com/html/bookman.html">Wessex Press</a></td></tr> </tbody></table>

The Real-Life Inspiration Behind Sherlock Holmes

"this insignificant-looking man inspired me" [GREE] [ Editor's note: we're pleased to welcome another contributor to ...

+ Read more »

by Scott Monty

"Really, Watson, You Excel Yourself" [HOUN]

<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.someecards.com/flirting-cards/ibm-computer-watson-jeopardy-ken-jennings-brad-rutter-funny-ecard"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFV-2uUN9gFHioic69GrIuwyJXungACT3JEMcvrOztkDGs0tc5r6f66oAjoW5QNMrrX7UtC6wyNUM9SqxE_Yzx-7wqERHvzavu5ucxbGTM1tK7PvhTD4YIBbZeskYP3czBD3a_0_vxBuZO/s320/Watson.png" width="320" /></a></div>Earlier this week, an IBM computer named Watson <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/17/science/17jeopardy-watson.html">beat two humans in a showdown on Jeopardy!</a> amid a wave of publicity.<br /><br />This was a huge step in the field of artificial intelligence (A.I.) and the ability for a computer to understand conversational language. The bonus is that it shared the same name as Sherlock Holmes's Boswell. In reality, it was named for T.J. Watson, the founder of of IBM, but it had more of the quality of Holmes, of whom Stamford said in <i>A Study in Scarlet</i>: "You seem to be a walking calendar of crime."<br /><br />The future of this technology, appropriately enough, seems to lie partly in the field of medicine, as <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/17/science/17jeopardy-watson.html">IBM said</a> it will "collaborate with Columbia University and the University of Maryland to create a physician’s assistant service that will allow doctors to query a cybernetic assistant."<br /><br />We wonder how Watson would have fared at the Battle of Maiwand, had his orderly Murray been an electronic assistant...<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 />--

"Really, Watson, You Excel Yourself" [HOUN]

Earlier this week, an IBM computer named Watson beat two humans in a showdown on Jeopardy! amid a wave of publicity. This was a huge step i...

+ Read more »

by Scott Monty

New From Frogwares — The Testament of Sherlock Holmes

<h4 style="text-align: center;"> "with my hands on the Testament" [IDEN]</h4> For those interested in the intersection of the worlds of <a href="http://www.bakerstreetblog.com/search/label/games">gaming and Sherlock Holmes</a>, the latest news is bound to be welcome.<br /> <br /> Frogwares Game Development Studio just announced the release of a new game for <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/PlayStation-3-160-GB/dp/B003VUO6H4?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Playstation</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B003VUO6H4" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></b> and <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Xbox-360-250GB-Console-Kinect/dp/B003O6JLZ2?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">XBox</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B003O6JLZ2" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></b>: <b><i>The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes: The Testament of Sherlock</i></b>, to be released in the fall of 2011. The announcement on the <a href="http://www.frogwares.com/">Frogwares site outlines the plot</a>:<br /> <blockquote> A mainstay genre of computer games, this new Holmes game is playable with a gamepad in a third person view, with revamped controls that suit the console. <i>The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes</i> will immerse gamers in 1898 London as they conduct an incredible investigation. All the evidence suggests our hero is the main suspect in a case involving theft, fraud and double-crossings. Unable to prove his own innocence, Holmes is rapidly losing London's trust as doubt spreads through the city like wildfire. Even Doctor Watson's faith in his friend begins to waver, as the famous detective flees Scotland Yard and raises further suspicion; prowling around at night, destruction of evidence... would Holmes go so far as to commit murder?</blockquote> Sounds intriguing to us! Below are some early screenshots of the game.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ9Z1i67VHgs7XdOoVGsYyUhOEPDvDaD0MWux9fqBzCtn3MBtDq2FotOeLH2xCVBfPPxyiFHH25uqxBuilOfx2_JeokbDhVlsM85L9zL9vhX3wou0phS8_238clNPNNj91Jes2RmCyaSTm/s1600/171459_10150093118256247_180258201246_6453798_5909248_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ9Z1i67VHgs7XdOoVGsYyUhOEPDvDaD0MWux9fqBzCtn3MBtDq2FotOeLH2xCVBfPPxyiFHH25uqxBuilOfx2_JeokbDhVlsM85L9zL9vhX3wou0phS8_238clNPNNj91Jes2RmCyaSTm/s200/171459_10150093118256247_180258201246_6453798_5909248_o.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVh0nAc5MgVrnDNBZxy4wgTeIQzWoQ22p0a7mvWvngALjoVCULEAFYu-0hmyNvKM3uGRmTSKuoFQRzUryAl0a7EORXWgSP08dSQizQ5kPkjG4ndGM3eiGIv2DiUxgksJRhEzSjem1OGjWO/s1600/175147_10150093118171247_180258201246_6453797_5417759_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVh0nAc5MgVrnDNBZxy4wgTeIQzWoQ22p0a7mvWvngALjoVCULEAFYu-0hmyNvKM3uGRmTSKuoFQRzUryAl0a7EORXWgSP08dSQizQ5kPkjG4ndGM3eiGIv2DiUxgksJRhEzSjem1OGjWO/s200/175147_10150093118171247_180258201246_6453797_5417759_o.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBd75rbnAE5Tv_5YExfl0f5OSsnqP_6Ay_xXEKVbyVTGDlVzpxTUZlFdkKrAiz9A9A6Cm6UOa2dKXh8DjOYbNl9_e_CvassWsBwoQdmk80K-RSQRLdPTp_hyGB8u4ruN0Bc1_0KQQQjKX/s1600/185635_10150093118106247_180258201246_6453796_1098293_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBd75rbnAE5Tv_5YExfl0f5OSsnqP_6Ay_xXEKVbyVTGDlVzpxTUZlFdkKrAiz9A9A6Cm6UOa2dKXh8DjOYbNl9_e_CvassWsBwoQdmk80K-RSQRLdPTp_hyGB8u4ruN0Bc1_0KQQQjKX/s200/185635_10150093118106247_180258201246_6453796_1098293_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> We'll be interested to see how the game turns out when it's finally released to the public. Are you a Sherlockian who also happens to be a gamer? Let us know if you'd be interested in becoming a game reviewer for our site by <a href="http://www.bakerstreetblog.com/p/about-me.html">filling out the form on the About page</a>.<br /> <br /> <i><br /></i> --

New From Frogwares — The Testament of Sherlock Holmes

"with my hands on the Testament" [IDEN] For those interested in the intersection of the worlds of gaming and Sherlock Holmes , t...

+ Read more »

by Scott Monty

A Clever Publicity Play for "The Creeping Man"

<h4 style="text-align: center;"> "the wondrous strength-giving serum" [CREE]</h4> <a href="http://www.nashvillescholars.net/jbshawbio.html" target="_blank">John Bennett Shaw, BSI</a> ("The Hans Sloan of My Age") once said that the only requirement for a Sherlockian society meeting is "two Sherlockians and a bottle. In a pinch, dispense with the other Sherlockian." As a result, One would think that all we Sherlock Holmes enthusiasts do is drink.<br /> <br /> Well, yes. But that's not <i>all</i>. We certainly <a href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2006/05/is-meaning-of-it-watson-card_8.html#.VXn-GM9Viko" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">enjoy the company of the people</a> that Holmes brings together. And <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0823212718?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0823212718" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the food</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0823212718" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></b> as well. When it all comes together - food, drink and the company of kinspirts - it makes for a wonderful experience, as <a href="http://www.sherlockpeoria.net/ViewFromSP/ViewSP2007/ViewSP102107.html" target="_blank">Brad Keefauver wrote about a few years back on Sherlock in Peoria</a>.<br /> <br /> But when you delve into the<a href="http://www.bsiarchivalhistory.org/BSI_Archival_History/The_BSI.html" target="_blank"> history of the Baker Street Irregulars</a>, you'll find that the early leadership included such libation-inspired offices as the <a href="http://221bbakerstreetla.com/bs_tantalus.asp" target="_blank">Tantalus and the Gasogene</a> and that early meetings took place in a speakeasy. Not exactly what you'd call teetotalers. But probably inspired by a few mentions of adult beverages in the Canon:<br /> <blockquote> "Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man." [ENGR]</blockquote> <blockquote> "...I found my collar-ends undone and the tingling aftertaste of brandy." [EMPT]</blockquote> <blockquote> "As long as I have my trousers I have a hip-pocket, and as long as I have a hip-pocket, I have something in it." [HOUN]</blockquote> This recent bit of artwork provides a nice homage to some of the characters we've come to know in the stories, with cocktails concocted to represent their personalities (note: one or two may represent individuals active on the forum from which this graphic was posted).<br /> <br /> <table 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/AVvXsEitP1rCp0QNLq020u6ZvID-NNkdpyUqRIqM7r9bazQLlMcefm7cm9jbttuRCNpSQ6CFtQNf8IuS9FvbB43oJv9TpzxFam9R-gy1UKLuqFmL56YKm4xX_xzJX2dIY1QJ29TlPSW9rTuZ2jNR/s1600/barsherlock.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitP1rCp0QNLq020u6ZvID-NNkdpyUqRIqM7r9bazQLlMcefm7cm9jbttuRCNpSQ6CFtQNf8IuS9FvbB43oJv9TpzxFam9R-gy1UKLuqFmL56YKm4xX_xzJX2dIY1QJ29TlPSW9rTuZ2jNR/s1600/barsherlock.jpg" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dubbed <a href="http://redscharlach.livejournal.com/212275.html">"<i>A Study in Pink Gin</i>" on LiveJournal</a></td></tr> </tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div> But the one cocktail that intrigues us is one called the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Monkey_Gland" target="_blank">Monkey Gland</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's made of gin, orange juice, grenadine and absinthe, and seems to promise something of vigor.</div><div>Created in Paris in early 1923 (as seen in the April 23, 1923 <i>Washington Post</i> article below), its origins seem to have <a href="http://www.artofdrink.com/archive/popular-cocktails/monkey-gland" target="_blank">something of a marketing ploy</a> about them. Click through to read more about the history of the drink.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyahfQrbLfS231jqFWJtXg95Nrl_d9ldiI8SDgTRVErrTPzmgUTZp_SzrvugkSFWBbZVX0iNQvpZ0_lr-_6d5U6-hoYKONLaLn6L7Px5oHru3-meFkGWuZpY-8vl0o2fOMcsoYBHx5lt19/s1600/monkeygland.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyahfQrbLfS231jqFWJtXg95Nrl_d9ldiI8SDgTRVErrTPzmgUTZp_SzrvugkSFWBbZVX0iNQvpZ0_lr-_6d5U6-hoYKONLaLn6L7Px5oHru3-meFkGWuZpY-8vl0o2fOMcsoYBHx5lt19/s1600/monkeygland.png" /></a></div><div><br /></div> But for us, there's an interesting bit of timing involved. "<a href="http://www.sherlockian.net/canon/stories/cree.html" target="_blank">The Adventure of the Creeping Man</a>" was published in March 1923 and - without giving away too much - concerns an elderly professor who goes to extreme lengths to win the affections of a younger woman. </div><div><br /></div><div>Let's just say he would have enjoyed the above drink.<br /> <br /> Was Conan Doyle inspired by Frank's concoction? Perhaps he even visited the Parisian establishment and partook of the drink himself. Or perhaps the era of Prohibition inspired such outre innovations in the bartending world. </div><div><br /></div><div>What do you think?<br /> <br /><br /> <i><br /></i> <i>--</i><br /><br /> <br /> <br /></div>

A Clever Publicity Play for "The Creeping Man"

"the wondrous strength-giving serum" [CREE] John Bennett Shaw, BSI ("The Hans Sloan of My Age") once said that the on...

+ Read more »

by Scott Monty

The Case of the Sherlock Holmes Sequel in Search of a Title

<h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> "What sort of game is that, eh?" [DYIN]</h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYpFGq8jFukqC4oGUGxJq3QXc3nOWR-LUehaIAxNQaXz9GKQFxZ4fir_ky7ARdvZxQ6pT0us5Jkl_fiGV5Z2LXXAl8nkcpkr5a4OvtQP0n8NobyYfLJrT206Ocn7oh-CxK6AaiAB7aYLL3/s1600/Sherlock2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYpFGq8jFukqC4oGUGxJq3QXc3nOWR-LUehaIAxNQaXz9GKQFxZ4fir_ky7ARdvZxQ6pT0us5Jkl_fiGV5Z2LXXAl8nkcpkr5a4OvtQP0n8NobyYfLJrT206Ocn7oh-CxK6AaiAB7aYLL3/s320/Sherlock2.PNG" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> The sequel to <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sherlock-Holmes-Robert-Downey-Jr/dp/B001OQCV6A?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Sherlock Holmes</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001OQCV6A" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></i></b>, heretofore only known colloquially as "Sherlock Holmes 2" or in the IMDb as "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1515091/">Untitled Sherlock Holmes Sequel</a>" now has a name.<br /> <br /> Since it involves <a href="http://www.bakerstreetblog.com/2010/10/moriarty-may-have-been-engaged-vall.html">Professor Moriarty</a>, one might conjecture that the title would be something along the lines of <i>Sherlock Holmes: The Final Problem</i> or <i>Sherlock Holmes: Reichenbach Falls</i>. Or something inspiring and thrilling, like some of the titles from the Rathbone-Bruce days in the 1940s: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sherlock-Holmes-Dressed-Basil-Rathbone/dp/B0000EMYKJ?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b><i>Sherlock Holmes - Dressed to Kill</i></b></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B0000EMYKJ" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />, <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sherlock-Holmes-Spider-Woman-Rathbone/dp/B0000APVCA?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sherlock Holmes: the Spider Woman</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B0000APVCA" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></i></b>, or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sherlock-Holmes-Faces-Death-Rathbone/dp/B0000APVBL?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b><i>Sherlock Holmes Faces Death</i></b></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B0000APVBL" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />. As we said, thrilling. Exciting. Classic Sherlock Holmes.<br /> <br /> Well, Warner Bros. are treating us to <a href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2011/02/to-explode-about-cree_9.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">an explosive sequel</a>, certain to continue the action-packed elements of the first. And they're backing that up with a title to match: <i><b>Sherlock Holmes: a Game of Shadows</b></i>.<br /> <br /> What?<br /> <br /> Or perhaps better put by the sages at E! Online: <a href="http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b226341_by_jove_sherlock_holmes_sequel_has_lame.html">By Jove, Sherlock Holmes Sequel Has a Lame Title!</a> They even include <a href="http://www.eonline.com/photos/gallery.jsp?galleryUUID=2570#98366">a slideshow on the worst sequel titles</a>, capped with Breakin' 2. Reminds us of when Wessex Press held <a href="http://www.bakerstreetblog.com/2007/07/i-never-can-resist-touch-of-dramatic.html">the sequel to their Gillette to Brett conference in 2007</a>. We joked that they should have called it <i>Gillette to Brett II: Electric Boogaloo</i>.<br /> <br /> <br /> What are your thoughts on the name of the new sequel? Take the poll and let us know in the comments section.<br /> <br /> <script charset="utf-8" src="http://static.polldaddy.com/p/4560039.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /> <noscript><br /><a href="http://polldaddy.com/poll/4560039/">What do you think of the title of the sequel to "Sherlock Holmes"?</a><span style="font-size: 9px;"><a href="http://polldaddy.com/features-surveys/">online surveys</a></span><br /></noscript><br /> --

The Case of the Sherlock Holmes Sequel in Search of a Title

"What sort of game is that, eh?" [DYIN] The sequel to Sherlock Holmes , heretofore only known colloquially as "Sherlock ...

+ Read more »

by Scott Monty

"Valentine?" [BRUC]

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wsmonty/4182493694/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="danc-01 by Scott Monty, on Flickr"><img alt="danc-01" height="240" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2745/4182493694_8b506e3732_m.jpg" width="205" /></a>We're used to seeing Sherlock Holmes as a creature of logic vs. emotion. Watson called him "an automaton - a calculating machine" in The Sign of Four, and it was only many years later in "The Three Garridebs" that he noted, "For the one and only time I caught a glimpse of a great heart as well as of a great brain."<br /><br />When it came to women - even <i>the</i> woman - Holmes was not moved:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">"It was not that he felt any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler." [SCAN]</span></i></div><br />And Holmes reassured us that the softer emotion wasn't part of his character:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><i>"I have never loved, Watson, but if I did, and if the woman I loved had met with such an end, I might act even as our lawless lion-hunter has done." [DEVI]</i></span></div><br />But that's not to say that love didn't play a part of the plots of some of the 60 stories. Unforunately, we must admit that there are very few "happy ending" love stories in the Sherlock Holmes. When we do encounter love in Canon, it usually has some sort of dark side to it - twisted, tested, tortured, or tragic in nature.<br /><br />To mark the occasion of Valentine's Day, we're bringing you a quiz about love in the Canon. There are 10 questions; those who answer all questions correctly will be entered for a chance to win a Sherlockian collectible - a book, DVD or other piece of effluvium from our grab-bag.<br /><br /><center><script type="text/javascript">var host = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://secure." : "http://");document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + host + "wufoo.com/scripts/embed/form.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E")); </script><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript">var m7x3p9 = new WufooForm(); m7x3p9.initialize({ 'userName':'bakerstreetblog', 'formHash':'m7x3p9', 'autoResize':true, 'height':'500'}); m7x3p9.display(); </script></center><br />If you're having trouble seeing the form on this page or in this email, simply <a href="http://bakerstreetblog.wufoo.com/forms/sherlock-holmes-valentines-day-quiz/">click here for the direct link</a>.<br /><br />Bonus question, just for fun - no points awarded:<br /><b><i>Roses are red, violets are blue... We can name the four Violets in the Canon; can you?</i></b><br /><br />One winner will be chosen at random from entries submitted via the form by February 21, 2011. Winner will be contacted by email.<br /><br />In the meantime, is there a love story in the Canon that has stuck with you, either because of its poignancy or tragic nature? Please share it as a comment.<br /><br />--

"Valentine?" [BRUC]

We're used to seeing Sherlock Holmes as a creature of logic vs. emotion. Watson called him "an automaton - a calculating machine...

+ Read more »

by Scott Monty

"I Shall Be Back" [SIGN]

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wsmonty/5430227754/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="The Return of Sherlock Holmes by Scott Monty, on Flickr"><img alt="The Return of Sherlock Holmes" height="240" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5179/5430227754_d6ea30754c_m.jpg" width="180" /></a>The Culture Warrior column at <a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/features/culture-warrior-sherlock-holmes-popularity.php">Film School Rejects</a> poses a question that must be asked: <a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/features/culture-warrior-sherlock-holmes-popularity.php">Why Is Sherlock Back?</a><br /><br />Of course, we know that he never left us. But there were times after Conan Doyle's passing in 1930 when Holmes seemingly dominated the public consciousness - <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Sherlock-Holmes-Collection/dp/B000EXZFRQ?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Rathbone</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000EXZFRQ" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></b>, <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sherlock-Holmes-Complete-Ronald-Howard/dp/B000BBOUGI?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Howard</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000BBOUGI" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></b>, <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hound-Baskervilles-VHS-Peter-Cushing/dp/6302717647?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Cushing</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=6302717647" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></b>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sherlock-Holmes-Douglas-Wilmer/dp/B003NF97NA?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Wilmer</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-color: initial !important; border-width: initial !important;"><b><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B003NF97NA" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></b></span> and <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Private-Life-Sherlock-Holmes/dp/B00005JKHF?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Stephens</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B00005JKHF" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></b> took us from 1940-1970 or so on the big and small screen, but after Rathbone's indomitable presence in film, it was difficult to find a successor.<br /><br />Then of course, the significance of Nicholas Meyer, BSI ("A Fine Morocco Case") and his book <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Seven-Cent-Solution-Reminiscences-Paperback/dp/0393311198?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The Seven Per-Cent Solution</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0393311198" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></i></b> came roaring to the screen and blazed another trail that eventually ended in the coda that was <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Sherlock-Holmes-Boxed-Collection/dp/B000060MVK?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Jeremy Brett</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000060MVK" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></b>.<br /><br />But the author of <a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/features/culture-warrior-sherlock-holmes-popularity.php">Why Is Sherlock Back?</a> wants to know why we need three treatments of Holmes nearly simultaneously: namely, the Robert Downey Jr. "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sherlock-Holmes-Robert-Downey-Jr/dp/B001OQCV6A?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank"><b>Sherlock Holmes</b></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001OQCV6A" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />," the BBC's "<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sherlock-Season-One-Benedict-Cumberbatch/dp/B004132HZS?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Sherlock</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B004132HZS" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></b>," and "Cold Weather." We have our own ideas, complete with many other examples in recent and current popular culture, that show the argument isn't simply limited to this triad, but we're interested in what <u>you</u> think.<br /><br />Why indeed <b><i>is</i></b> Sherlock back? And if he never went away, what's behind the current fascination with him again?<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 />--

"I Shall Be Back" [SIGN]

The Culture Warrior column at Film School Rejects poses a question that must be asked: Why Is Sherlock Back? Of course, we know that he nev...

+ Read more »

by Scott Monty