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The 2016 BSI Weekend — Wrap Up and How You Can Help

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"Ha! our party is complete." [REDH]</h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXROtXpzSHvROklBBDCxwb4FtGVoSU3PXCk1WiI9xoiT5PG1YVBVbSCoVIDGh_qC_JNnlEyplgcBkvi95uPA1qR40GYgsX4ak7DRzo-TbyJJqtGfbJPNZwH-QFd7r5OLwdgMAWUBQr9TMK/s1600/BSI+2016+Reception.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXROtXpzSHvROklBBDCxwb4FtGVoSU3PXCk1WiI9xoiT5PG1YVBVbSCoVIDGh_qC_JNnlEyplgcBkvi95uPA1qR40GYgsX4ak7DRzo-TbyJJqtGfbJPNZwH-QFd7r5OLwdgMAWUBQr9TMK/s640/BSI+2016+Reception.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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 The 2016 <a href="http://bsiweekend.com/" target="_blank">BSI Weekend</a> is over. Once again, the Yale Club was the central location of a number of events, as well as the place where many made their homes over the weekend. The Roosevelt Hotel around the corner was equally as hospitable.<br />
<br />
With books bought, bags packed, and the last farewells spoken, Sherlockians from around the world (Japan, France, Canada, England, Switzerland, Spain and more) begin to make their way homeward. And while there is typically a sense of sadness and longing that the annual fun comes to an end, there is also great satisfaction in friendships made and rekindled, special moments that range from intimate chats in the nooks of busy rooms or between dinner companions, to grand gestures and performances that delighted the masses.<br />
<br />
While we can easily recount the events, locales and orders of business throughout the three or four days in New York, one thing remains difficult to convey to outsiders: the <i>feel</i> of the BSI Weekend for those who choose to attend. It is a brilliant assembly of wit and literary knowledge; it is a gathering of those who enjoy food, drink and good conversation; it is a celebration of Sherlock Holmes and all he has brought us; it is the culmination of so much volunteer activity from throughout the year; it is a family reunion comprised only of family members one would want to see.<br />
<br />
The sum of all of these parts and more equate to an annual experience like no other. And when the world intervenes — perhaps through work commitments, family issues, weather, or other inconveniences — it deeply affects us. The opportunities, the friends, the events — all of these hold a special place in our hearts.<br />
<br />
The BSI Dinner was an homage to the fateful 1991 BSI Weekend, when women finally achieved what they had deserved long before: admission into the BSI. There were memories of the Great Dinner Picket of 1968, the seemingly honorary investiture of Lenore Glen Offord ("The Old Russian Woman") from years before, and the reception during which Tom Stix, Jr., BSI made his historic announcement.<br />
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center" lang="en">
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Evy Herzog and Peter Blau recount the history of women in (and out of) the BSI. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BSIWeekend?src=hash">#BSIWeekend</a> <a href="https://t.co/cwkPPewPkT">pic.twitter.com/cwkPPewPkT</a></div>
— I Hear of Sherlock (@IHearofSherlock) <a href="https://twitter.com/IHearofSherlock/status/688190435949297664">January 16, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />
<br />
So when the new class of Investitured Irregulars was welcomed to the fold on Friday evening, it was something of an open-armed and warm embrace. The new investitures included:<br />
<ul>
<li>Tim Greer — "The Ragged Shaw"
</li>
<li>Dana Cameron — "The Giant Rat of Sumatra"</li>
<li>Bert Coules — "The Whole Art of Detection"</li>
<li>Jenn Eaker — "Mary Sutherland"</li>
<li>John Durein — "Wilson, the Notorious Canary Trainer"</li>
<li>Jay Ganguly — "The Great Agra Treasure"</li>
<li>Will Walsh — "Godfrey Norton"</li>
<li>Tom Francis — The Two Shilling Award</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwcPp3NUp9gv25aqHygXPBClDh6p-Y0FjEUBmq518RHtPwE8CVF4ahzhfZxaVUg4oizZ_awyIGqdnyP41h_07KMgMfwnkv3Wu9n0SL8jnX_9PHcMp8myt4OK-wYeFKV2FNpauAFrwaY4J/s1600/BSI+2016+Investitures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwcPp3NUp9gv25aqHygXPBClDh6p-Y0FjEUBmq518RHtPwE8CVF4ahzhfZxaVUg4oizZ_awyIGqdnyP41h_07KMgMfwnkv3Wu9n0SL8jnX_9PHcMp8myt4OK-wYeFKV2FNpauAFrwaY4J/s640/BSI+2016+Investitures.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Class of 2016 Baker Street Irregulars (L-R): John Durein, Jay Ganguly, Tim Greer, Jenn Eaker, Bert Coules, Dana Cameron, and Will Walsh.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<h3>
We Need Your Help</h3>
<h4>
"those scenes which are indelibly fixed in every detail upon my memory" [HOUN]</h4>
This was without question one of the most documented BSI weekends to date. The memories flowed out on Facebook, Twitter and elsewhere, with photos galore. And there were even more assets that were not shared publicly (such as videos and audio, per the BSI's policy). But rather than allowing these to be scattered to the digital wind, we thought we could collaborate.<br />
<br />
If you have assets of some sort that have been posted or that you have stored somewhere — a Facebook album or photos, a tweet that got some likes, RTs or replies, as well as video or audio you may have recorded — <a href="mailto:comment@ihearofsherlock.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">please email us with #BSIWeekend in the subject line</a> and let us know. We'll be compiling these assets and determining how to get some of them to the BSI Trust, as well as how to cull together those publicly available posts in a place for all to see.<br />
<br />
What another fine weekend of memories, for those present and those following along online. May we continue to make many fine memories together.<br />
<br />
--<br />
<br />

The 2016 BSI Weekend — Wrap Up and How You Can Help

"Ha! our party is complete." [REDH] The 2016 BSI Weekend is over. Once again, the Yale Club was the central location of a n...

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by Scott Monty

Here Are Your #BSIWeekend Tips

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<b>"I think we had better do as you suggest" [SPEC] </b></h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAY0oDklGkSH3fNIux_1k4evva04lHJCnGGyNngc_Dsf6hlKyg4J-1fIx_wprLqLhOQXjDSGFwmt6XLAKbxlCOHaR0lrq6GPjsMxUqc_YpgOhYcnLjEd-q7ARMcwJIq26SX9k_icfmaO9i/s1600/BSI+Weekend.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAY0oDklGkSH3fNIux_1k4evva04lHJCnGGyNngc_Dsf6hlKyg4J-1fIx_wprLqLhOQXjDSGFwmt6XLAKbxlCOHaR0lrq6GPjsMxUqc_YpgOhYcnLjEd-q7ARMcwJIq26SX9k_icfmaO9i/s640/BSI+Weekend.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">With the </span><b style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bsiweekend.com/">BSI Weekend</a></b><span style="text-align: center;"> coming up, we thought it might be helpful to provide a series of tips for the veteran attendees and the newbies alike.</span><br />
<br />
The <a href="http://bsiweekend.com/" target="_blank">Baker Street Irregulars (and Friends) Weekend</a> is happening January 14-16, 2016, and it's usually a pretty big deal if you're taking time out of your life to head into New York City for 3+ days of activities with people you haven't seen in a year (or years!) or those you may only know online. Whether you're making the trip for the first or twenty-first time, you know that the Weekend provides the same level of excitement, anticipation and giddiness as Christmas morning does to a child.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wsmonty/4181746031/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="twis-05 by Scott Monty, on Flickr"><img alt="twis-05" height="240" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2549/4181746031_de7435af0b_m.jpg" width="188" /></a>It's usually during those anxious moments that our brain-attic tends to forget some of the essentials that help make a great trip perfect. And for the uninitiated, it's just a matter of not knowing what you need to survive the Baker Street Irregulars (and Friends) Weekend.<br />
<br />
This is our fourth annual installment of this post — the first of which was inspired by interviewing several members of the Baker Street Irregulars — including some newer members who might have a less distant memory of their first Weekend, and some who have been at it literally for decades. Information has been updated to reflect changes in the city as well as in technology.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6321981775136876837" name="more"></a>While we know how many well-informed and helpful readers we have, we were quite astonished at the quality and quantity of suggestions that can make the BSI Weekend an enjoyable and stress-free one for you. And if there are any additional tips that you think would be helpful to attendees, please feel free to add your own as a comment below. And if you'd like a sense as to what happens, listen to <a href="http://ihose.co/ihose74" target="_blank">Episode 74</a>:<br />
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<iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/191368218&color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%"></iframe><br />
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Herewith the suggestions:<br />
<br />
<h4>
Bags</h4>
<ul>
<li>Make sure that you have plenty of room to bring home books that you bought. If you have to bring an extra bag that you can fold up and put in your suitcase, do so. </li>
<li>Some suggest bringing a plastic shopping bag to the BSI dinner, as it makes carrying the dinner packet around a little easier, especially if you plan to go to another venue afterward. </li>
<li>You might also consider bringing a shopping bag to the Merchants Room on Saturday to carry your various purchases. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<h4>
Meeting Others</h4>
<ul>
<li>Bring business cards. You will be meeting a lot of new people, and you will be sharing contact information. Put as many as you think that you will need in your pack, and then double it. And be sure to include all modes of contacting you, including website, Twitter handle, etc. </li>
<li>If you're in need of a good card, the <a href="http://moo.com/">Moo</a> does a splendid job and <a href="http://vistaprint.com/">VistaPrint</a> has a fast turnaround time. </li>
<li>If you want to make sure you get your table mates to sign your menu, bring a pen to the dinner. </li>
<li>Allow yourself time to shmooze with other Sherlockians. This is the fastest way to make new friends, who will quickly become old friends. </li>
</ul>
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<h4>
Comportment / Etiquette</h4>
<ul>
<li><b>Do</b> tell people how good it is to see them again. <b>Do</b> tell them that you miss them in the intervening months between BSI weekends. <b>Do</b> tell them how invaluable they are to you as a Sherlockian comrade-in-arms and friend and how much you value their friendship. </li>
<li>If you're scheduled to speak at an event, be mindful not to overdo the alcohol beforehand. Dutch courage is usually inappropriate in such circumstances. </li>
<li>In this hyper-connected world, it's easy to forget that there are those attending the weekend for whom "it is always 1895" — or nearly so. When you're taking photographs, please be mindful of those who are firmly rooted in the 20th century and who might not want to appear on your Facebook timeline by asking their permission to share your photos of them online.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<h4>
Attire</h4>
<ul>
<li>Bring comfortable shoes. The weekend inevitably includes a lot of walking. </li>
<li>This one is especially for the ladies:, it's useful to have a change of shoes in your handbag so the stilettos don't murder you by the end of the evening (or vice versa). </li>
<li>Bring warm clothes. It is winter in New York, and non-Sherlockian New York friends say they know when we are in town because we bring really bad weather. </li>
<li>Dress in layers. Many times the weather can be cold, but there have been instances in New York in January when we could - and did - comfortably walk about the streets without even a jacket on. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<h4>
Money</h4>
<ul>
<li>Bring small bills. They will come in handy as you share taxis going from place to place, and you’ll find them handy when tipping helpful service employees. </li>
<li>Bring a checkbook to the Merchants Room as not everyone takes credit cards and you may find an item you must have. </li>
<li>If you see something you're interested in at the Merchants Room and you can afford it, don't wait until your second sweep of the room - it will probably be gone by then.</li>
<li>The BSI table will accept <b>credit cards, PayPal and Apple Pay</b>.</li>
<li>Estimate, on the top side, what you expect to spend – and double it. That might get you through. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<h4>
Time</h4>
<ul>
<li>If you have any health conditions, allow yourself time to go back to your hotel room for periodic rests. Many find these rests invaluable, enabling them to enjoy the weekend despite their condition.Schedule your time. </li>
<li>Know when you need to be places (including when you need to catch the train/plane back home). </li>
<li>Count on it taking some time to get a cab amongst the other Sherlockians on 10th Avenue after the Gillette Luncheon. If the weather is not inclement and you’re fairly healthy, you may find a brisk walk from 19th Street to 45th Street a way to burn off those calories. </li>
<li>After the Gillette Luncehon, you might also consider walking the High Line just above 10th Avenue — head uptown to 34th Street and rest up by using a MetroCard on the crosstown bus to connect with subway lines at 8th Ave./7th Ave./6th Ave. 34th Street local/express stations or at Park Avenue for 33rd Street local up to Grand Central Station.</li>
<li>Alternatively, download a ride-hailing app (such as Uber, Lyft or Via) to help you avoid these waits. See below for more details.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<h4>
Getting Around</h4>
<ul>
<li>Print out a street map of the city with the places you need to be circled or otherwise identified. Many things are within walking distance, but it is good to know you are starting out in the right direction (or know when to turn). </li>
<li>If you're smartphone-enabled, there are plenty of map apps to choose from. Aside from the standard Google Maps, there's <a href="http://citymapper.com/" target="_blank">Citymapper</a>, <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gogobot.gogodroid.cityguide.newyorkcity" target="_blank">Gogobot's York City Guide for Android</a> and iOS has the <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/new-york-travel-guide-offline/id319296365?mt=8">New York Travel Guide and Offline Map</a> by Ulmon.</li>
<li>Download and print the <a href="http://www.bsiweekend.com/2013/11/summary-of-weekend-events.html#sthash.xS12f57r.dpbs">Summary of Weekend Events</a> from <a href="http://bsiweekend.com/">bsiweekend.com</a> (and seen below), or bookmark it on your smartphone. </li>
<li>If you want to go to Otto Penzler's <a href="http://mysteriousbookshop.com/" target="_blank">Mysterious Bookshop</a> and are staying at The Yale Club or the Roosevelt the easiest, quickest and cheapest way to go is by subway. From Grand Central take a 4 or 5 express train <b>two</b> stops to City Hall Station; it is a very short walk over to Otto's. Don't take a local (which makes 10 stops). The express is about five minutes. </li>
<li>Pool funds with others to buy regular per-ride <b><a href="http://web.mta.info/metrocard/mcgtreng.htm">MetroCards</a></b>. These can be shared by up to four people on each trip and are good for one transfer between subway/bus or between buses on uptown/crosstown routes within 2 hours.</li>
<ul>
<li>If you're 65 or older, present ID for a reduced fare MetroCard — $2.75 for two rides with the same transfer provisions noted above. <b>Note:</b> a 65+ MetroCard <b><i>cannot</i></b> be shared and you must find a live 'token booth' clerk to inspect your ID — reduced fare not available in machines.</li>
<li>If you reach the end of the Weekend with a balance on your MetroCard, return to New York more frequently! Or give your card to local-area Sherlockians.</li>
</ul>
<li>Download a ride-hailing app such as <a href="http://uber.com/" target="_blank">Uber</a>, <a href="http://lyft.com/" target="_blank">Lyft</a> or a similar service. </li>
<ul>
<li>We recommend <a href="http://ridewithvia.com/" target="_blank">Via</a>, which runs from 6:30 am - 9:00 pm and costs only $5 per ride anywhere in Manhattan. Use the code <b>scott5q3</b> to sign up and get a free ride.</li>
<li>If you'd like a code for Lyft, use <a href="https://lyft.com/i/SCOTT726787">SCOTT726787</a> to sign up and receive a $50 credit towards rides.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<br />
<h4>
Logistics</h4>
<ul>
<li>Bring your event payment confirmations, just in case of a glitch in the system. </li>
<li>Also, everything is pretty centrally located, but it's a good idea to have a list of your schedule with the addresses of the venues so that you don't suddenly find yourself asking, where the devil am I supposed to be right now? </li>
<li>The heat during the BSI dinner has been uncomfortable in years past in the Yale Club (potentially dangerously uncomfortable 4 years ago) -- if this continues, vests/waistcoats are not advised. Unless you're <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcaric/8379354330/">Mattias Bostrom</a>. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<h4>
The Unscheduled</h4>
<ul>
<li>If possible, make breakfast plans with other Sherlockians (unless you eat breakfast alone) </li>
<li>To some, the secret to enjoying the jam-packed weekend is to find private, unpublicized events for more intimate interactions. How to find these? “You know my methods. Apply them.” </li>
</ul>
<br />
<h4>
Dining</h4>
What? You’re not getting enough food between events? Thankfully there are gaps that allow a Sherlockian to venture places on his or her own. And of course, there are plenty of restaurants in and near Grand Central Station, which is in great proximity to the Yale Club and the Roosevelt Hotel.<br />
<ul>
<li>Several Sherlockians like to go to the Oyster Bar for dinner after the Thursday night lecture. </li>
<li>There is a Cosí across the street from the Roosevelt, at 38 East 45th Street, and of course Starbucks in the station and at nearly every corner. </li>
<li>For a more comprehensive listing of eateries nearby, <a href="http://newyork.seriouseats.com/2013/07/where-to-eat-near-grand-central-station-nyc.html" target="_blank">Serious Eats has a guide</a> that breaks them down by category and of course <a href="http://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=restaurants+near+grand+central&find_loc=New+York%2C+NY%2C+USA" target="_blank">Yelp has many suggestions</a> as well. </li>
<li>And heaven forbid, don't forget about the <a href="http://www.redflamenyc.com/">Red Flame</a>, the perennial favorite next door to the Algonquin Hotel on W. 44th Street.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<h4>
Online</h4>
Whether you're in New York for the festivities or sequestered at home, it might be worthwhile to follow along online. Some ways to do that:<br />
<ul>
<li>The official hashtag of the BSI Weekend on Twitter is <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23bsiweekend&src=typd">#BSIWeekend</a>. We have a feed set up on the <a href="http://bsiweekend.com/" target="_blank">BSI Weekend website</a>, or you can simply follow along by clicking on the hashtag, or even on <a href="http://tweetdeck.com/">TweetDeck</a>. </li>
<li>We'll be providing occasional updates on these pages, so please follow along. </li>
<li>Of course, we'll also be providing updates via our <a href="http://twitter.com/ihearofsherlock">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://facebook.com/ihearofsherlock">Facebook</a> accounts. </li>
<li><a href="http://www.bakerstreetbabes.com/">The Baker Street Babes</a>, who will be out in force during the weekend, will undoubtedly have a unique real-time perspective of the weekend. </li>
<li>We also have a <a href="http://twitter.com/ihearofsherlock/lists/sherlockians">list of Sherlockians on Twitter</a> whom you might consider following. A number of them will be at the weekend as well. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
Here is a handy downloadable and printable guide for the weekend; you may also bookmark it on your smartphone for easy reference (or download the Scribd app [<b><a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CDkQFjAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Fapp%2Fscribd-worlds-largest-online%2Fid542557212%3Fmt%3D8&ei=-CbdUJjZGcvkqQHM0IDoDQ&usg=AFQjCNFJrFun262V6ZZVXqQGlmr6dpo80A&sig2=1OSvbhebL4loQDJvzNIoJA&bvm=bv.1355534169,d.aWM">iOS</a></b> or <b><a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&ved=0CEIQFjAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fplay.google.com%2Fstore%2Fapps%2Fdetails%3Fid%3Dcom.scribd.app.reader0%26hl%3Den&ei=-CbdUJjZGcvkqQHM0IDoDQ&usg=AFQjCNGmLSiZ-MqZs3_glflhk5qz1KmvgQ&sig2=O0KNeNDotXW6UwFloblUBA&bvm=bv.1355534169,d.aWM">Android</a></b>] to make it easier).<br />
<br />
<div 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;">
<a href="https://www.scribd.com/doc/245302997/The-2015-BSI-and-Friends-Weekend" title="View The 2015 BSI and Friends Weekend on Scribd">The 2015 BSI and Friends Weekend</a></div>
<br />
That sums up our list. Do you have tips as well, dear readers? Please leave them in a comment here on our site or drop us a line and let us know what your secrets are so we can all be the beneficiaries.<br />
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Here Are Your #BSIWeekend Tips

"I think we had better do as you suggest" [SPEC] With the BSI Weekend coming up, we thought it might be helpful to provide...

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by Scott Monty

Final Day of the 2010 BSI Weekend

<h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Breakfast 2s 6d, Cocktail 1s" [NOBL] </h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB20Y1YxEIwT5nuLq4WqiVP052RKpNpKW1C0sQcdqH0H_7ttmvdQ1K80XbaWLjE6XXBAJe3X2QgvfHogeDWny3WbMjcE594FjCJVOm9yxHQgLMVeD3BlbtfuJME_EZEZ0enD5ChVPmkm9-/s1600-h/IMG_0281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB20Y1YxEIwT5nuLq4WqiVP052RKpNpKW1C0sQcdqH0H_7ttmvdQ1K80XbaWLjE6XXBAJe3X2QgvfHogeDWny3WbMjcE594FjCJVOm9yxHQgLMVeD3BlbtfuJME_EZEZ0enD5ChVPmkm9-/s640/IMG_0281.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
For our final day at the <a href="http://bsiweekend.com/">BSI Weekend</a>, we recreated the Saturday experience as we've known it for some years: breakfast at the <a href="http://www.theredflamediner.com/">Red Flame Diner</a>, browsing the Vendors' Room at the Algonquin Hotel, and then the Baker Street Irregulars Reception.<br />
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Each of these has an important and universal component to it: we have an opportunity to spend time interacting with other Holmesians present at the events. With the advent of Facebook and the Sherlock Holmes Social Network, it's easy to connect with other like-minded souls at any time. But as we've said before, our little hobby is one of the original social networks. We gather because of a single common interest, yet we connect on a variety of levels. And the the convivial conversation, witty banter and intellectual discourse we have in person is irreplaceable. Indeed, it's one of the driving forces behind so many hundreds of us gather in New York each January.<br />
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Breakfast at the Red Flame is one of the unscripted events during the weekend. The diner is directly next to the Algonquin, so it's a natural stop for so many of us. Walking in the door, you feel like you're in a neighborhood establishment, as you're instantly greeted by waves and greetings. The booths accommodate up to 4 people, so the breakfast discussions are usually intimate - and funny if you happen to be at some of the booths we've been lucky enough to join over the years.<br />
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The gates to the Vendors' Room open at 9:00 a.m., and one will usually find Jerry Margolin foaming at the mouth, lest anyone gain admission before he does. Jerry is always first in and first with his checkbook out. The collectibles range from a full table of <a href="http://bakerstreetjournal.com/itemsforsale.html">BSI publications</a> to rare books, theatre cards, correspondence, jewelry, and a wide variety of Sherlockiana. It's really a site to behold. And usually, we stop in between the tables, chatting with each other and congratulating the newest members of the BSI as they come through.<br />
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<h3>
<b>The Reception</b></h3>
Over the last few years, the New York City Bar Association has graciously shared their quarters with us - very convenient, as they're literally across the street from the Algonquin. In addition to food and drink, attendees hunger and thirst for the entertainment that accompanies this annual party. The BSI dinner is capably recapped - in verse - by Al Rosenblatt ("Inspector Bradstreet") and his daughter Betsy Rosenblatt ("Lucy Ferrier"). This year, they focused on current events including recent late night television show wars, Tiger Woods, and of course the Guy Ritchie film.<br />
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Another highlight is the auction for some unique Holmesian items, the proceeds of which benefit the John H. Watson Fund. The fund helps to defray the travel costs for Sherlockians who are otherwise unable to afford the entire price of the BSI Weekend. <a href="http://www.bakerstreetblog.com/2009/11/funds-of-society-were-raised-redc.html">This year's auction items</a> included a pillow embroidered to reflect events in "The Abbey Grange," a set of posters from the new film, a medical certificate signed by Joseph Bell's father (Bell himself being a medical school professor of Conan Doyle's and an inspiration for the character of Sherlock Holmes), and a set of five medals/pins from the Curious Collectors of Baker Street. There was also an impromptu bidding for a BSI dinner packet which was left behind last night by the author of this blog. (!)<br />
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<center>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" data-footer="true" data-header="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/wsmonty/albums/72157623107545453" title="2010 BSI Weekend - Day 3"><img alt="2010 BSI Weekend - Day 3" height="480" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/2801/4283914116_4189dc295e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center>
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<br />
Ray Jessel, lyricist for the 1965 Broadway musical "<a>Baker Street</a>"<br />
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Here's one of the impromptu pieces Ray graced us with:<br />
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MhsPYMdxxM4" width="560"></iframe></center>
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With that, we wrapped up the weekend and hopped on a flight back home. The full recap of the weekend events will be available in the Spring issue of the <a href="https://ihose.co/BSJ"><b><i>Baker Street Journal</i></b></a>. Please follow the link to subscribe.<br />
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--<br />
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Final Day of the 2010 BSI Weekend

"Breakfast 2s 6d, Cocktail 1s" [NOBL] For our final day at the BSI Weekend , we recreated the Saturday experience as we'...

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by Scott Monty

"Just a Suggestion, Perhaps" [HOUN]

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wsmonty/4181746031/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="twis-05 by Scott Monty, on Flickr"><img alt="twis-05" height="240" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2549/4181746031_de7435af0b_m.jpg" width="188" /></a><br /><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">With the #<b><a href="http://bsiweekend.com/">BSIWeekend</a></b> quickly approaching, we thought it might be helpful to provide a series of tips for the veteran attendees and the newbies alike.<br /><br />After all, it's usually a pretty big deal if you're taking time out of your life to head into New York City for 3+ days of activities with people you haven't seen in a year (or years!) or those you may only know online. Whether you're making the trip for the first or twenty-first time, you know that the Weekend provides the same level of excitement, anticipation and giddiness as Christmas morning does to a child.<br /><br />It's usually during those anxious moments that our brain-attic tends to forget some of the essentials that help make a great trip perfect. And for the uninitiated, it's just a matter of not knowing what you need to survive the Baker Street Irregulars Weekend.<br /><br />Not being the type to remember everything ourselves (we swear that on every trip, our mind isn't calmed until we can figure out just what it is that we forgot to pack), we reached out to several members of the Baker Street Irregulars - some newer members who might have a less distant memory of their first Weekend, and some who have been at it literally for decades.<br /><br /><a name="more"></a>We were expecting a smattering of solid advice, but we were quite astonished at the quality and quantity of helpful hints that can make the BSI Weekend an enjoyable and stress-free one for you. Herewith the suggestions:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b id="internal-source-marker_0.359670840902254" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bags</span></span></b></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Make sure that you have plenty of room to bring home books that you bought.  If you have to bring an extra bag that you can fold up and put in your suitcase, do so.</span></b></li><li><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Some suggest bringing a plastic shopping bag to the BSI dinner, as it makes carrying the dinner packet around a little easier, especially if you plan to go to another venue afterward.</span></b></li><li><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You might also consider bringing a shopping bag to the Vendors Room on Saturday to carry your various purchases.</span></b></li></ul><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Meeting Others</span></b></span><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bring business cards. You will be meeting a lot of new people, and you will be sharing contact information.  Put as many as you think that you will need in your pack, and then double it. And be sure to include all modes of contacting you, including website, Twitter handle, etc.</span></b></li><li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If you're in need of a good card, the <b><a href="http://moo.com/">Moo</a></b> does a splendid job and <b><a href="http://vistaprint.com/">VistaPrint</a></b> has a fast turnaround time.</span></span></li><li><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you want to make sure you get your table mates to sign your menu, bring a pen to the dinner.</span></b></li><li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A</span></b></span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">llow yourself time to shmooze with other Sherlockians.  This is the fastest way to make new friends, who will quickly become old friends.  </span></b></li></ul><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Comportment</span></b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">DO tell people how good it is to see them again. DO tell them that you miss them in the intervening months between BSI weekends. DO tell them how invaluable they are to you as a Sherlockian comrade-in-arms and friend and how much you value their friendship.</span></b></li><li><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you're scheduled to speak at an event, be mindful not to overdo the alcohol beforehand. Dutch courage is usually inappropriate in such circumstances.</span></b></li></ul><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Attire</span></b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bring comfortable shoes.  The weekend inevitably includes a lot of walking.</span></b></li><li><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This one is especially for the ladies:, it's useful to have a change of shoes in your handbag so the stilettos don't murder you by the end of the evening (or vice versa). </span></b></li><li><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bring warm clothes.  It is winter in New York, and non-Sherlockian New York friends say that know when we are in town because we bring really bad weather.</span></b></li><li><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dress in layers. Many times the weather can be cold, but there have been instances in New York in January when we could - and did - comfortably walk about the streets without even a jacket on.</span></b></li></ul><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Money</span></b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bring small bills.  They will come in handy as you share taxis going from place to place, and you’ll find them handy when tipping helpful service employees.</span></b></li><li><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bring a checkbook to the Vendors Room as not everyone takes credit cards and you may find an item you must have.</span></b></li><li><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you see something you're interested in at the Vendors Room and you can afford it, don't wait until your second sweep of the room  - it will probably be gone by then.</span></b></li><li><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Estimate, on the top side, what you expect to spend – and double it. That might get you through.</span></b></li></ul><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Time</span></b></span><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you have any health conditions, allow yourself time to go back to your hotel room for periodic rests.  Many find these rests invaluable, enabling them to enjoy the weekend despite their condition.</span></b><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Schedule your time. </span></b></li><li><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Know when you need to be places (including when you need to catch the train/plane back home).</span></b></li><li><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Count on it taking some time to get a cab amongst the other Sherlockians on 10th Avenue after the Gillette Luncheon. If the weather is not inclement and you’re fairly healthy, you may find a brisk walk from 19th Street to 45th Street a way to burn off those calories.</span></b></li></ul><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Getting Around</span></b></span><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Print out a street map of the city with the places you need to be circled or otherwise identified.  Many things are within walking distance, but it is good to know you are starting out in the right direction (or know when to turn).</span></b></li><li><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Download and print the </span><a href="http://www.bsiweekend.com/2012/10/summary-of-weekend-events.html"><span style="color: #1155cc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Summary of Weekend Events</span></a><span style="font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> from </span><a href="http://bsiweekend.com/"><span style="color: #1155cc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">bsiweekend.com</span></a><span style="font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (and seen below), or bookmark it on your smartphone. </span></b></li><li><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you want to go to Otto Penzler's Mysterious Bookshop and are staying at The Yale Club or the Roosevelt the easiest, quickest and cheapest way to go is by subway.  From Grand Central take a 4 or 5 express train four stops to City Hall Station it is a very short walk over to Otto's.  Don't take a local (which makes 10 stops). The express is about five minutes.</span></b></li></ul><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Logistics</span></b></span><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bring your event payment confirmations, just in case of a glitch in the system.  </span></b></li><li><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Also, everything is pretty centrally located, but it's a good idea to have a list of your schedule with the addresses of the venues so that you don't suddenly find yourself asking, where the devil am I supposed to be right now?  </span></b></li><li><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The heat during the BSI dinner has been uncomfortable the past two years in the Yale Club (potentially dangerously uncomfortable 2 years ago) -- if this continues, vests/waistcoats are not advised.</span></b></li></ul><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Unscheduled</span></b></span><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If possible, make breakfast plans with other Sherlockians (unless you eat breakfast alone)</span></b></li><li><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">To some, the secret to enjoying the jam-packed weekend is to find private, unpublicized events for more intimate interactions. How to find these? “You know my methods. Apply them.”</span></b><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></b></li></ul><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dining</span></b><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What? You’re not getting enough food between events? Thankfully there are gaps that allow a Sherlockian to venture places on his or her own. And of course, there are plenty of restaurants in and near Grand Central Station, which is in great proximity to the Yale Club and the Roosevelt Hotel. </span></b></span><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Several Sherlockians like to go to the Oyster Bar for dinner after the Thursday night lecture. </span></b></li><li><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There is a Cosí across the street from the Roosevelt, at 38 East 45th Street, and of course Starbucks in the station and at nearly every corner.</span></b></li><li><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For a more comprehensive listing of eateries, </span><a href="http://newyork.seriouseats.com/2011/07/where-to-eat-near-grand-central-station-nyc-new-york-city-gcs-midtown-east-manhattan-restaurants.html"><span style="color: #1155cc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Serious Eats has a guide</span></a><span style="font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> that breaks them down by category and of course </span><a href="http://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=restaurants+near+grand+central&find_loc=New+York%2C+NY%2C+USA"><span style="color: #1155cc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Yelp has many suggestions</span></a><span style="font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> as well.</span></b></li></ul><br /><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Online</span></b><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Whether you're in New York for the festivities or sequestered at home, it might be worthwhile to follow along online. Some ways to do that:</span></b></span><br /><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The official hashtag of the BSI Weekend on Twitter is <b><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23bsiweekend&src=typd">#BSIWeekend</a></b>. We have a feed set up on the BSI Weekend website, or you can simply follow along by clicking on the hashtag, or even on <a href="http://tweetgrid.com/">Tweetgrid</a>.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We'll be providing occasional updates on these pages, so please follow along.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Of course, we'll also be providing updates via our <a href="http://twitter.com/ihearofsherlock"><b>Twitter</b></a>, <a href="http://facebook.com/ihearofsherlock"><b>Facebook</b></a> and <a href="http://ihearofsherlock.tumblr.com/"><b>Tumblr</b></a> presence.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.bakerstreetbabes.com/">The Baker Street Babes</a>, who will be out in force during the weekend, will undoubtedly have a unique real-time perspective of the weekend.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We also have a <b><a href="http://twitter.com/ihearofsherlock/lists/sherlockians">list of Sherlockians on Twitter</a></b> whom you might consider following. A number of them will be at the weekend as well.</span></span></li></ul><br /><br /><br />Here is a handy downloadable and printable guide for the weekend; you may also bookmark it on your smartphone for easy reference (or download the Scribd app [<b><a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CDkQFjAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Fapp%2Fscribd-worlds-largest-online%2Fid542557212%3Fmt%3D8&ei=-CbdUJjZGcvkqQHM0IDoDQ&usg=AFQjCNFJrFun262V6ZZVXqQGlmr6dpo80A&sig2=1OSvbhebL4loQDJvzNIoJA&bvm=bv.1355534169,d.aWM">iOS</a></b> or <b><a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&ved=0CEIQFjAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fplay.google.com%2Fstore%2Fapps%2Fdetails%3Fid%3Dcom.scribd.app.reader0%26hl%3Den&ei=-CbdUJjZGcvkqQHM0IDoDQ&usg=AFQjCNGmLSiZ-MqZs3_glflhk5qz1KmvgQ&sig2=O0KNeNDotXW6UwFloblUBA&bvm=bv.1355534169,d.aWM">Android</a></b>] to make it easier).<br /><a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/111531792/The-2013-BSI-Weekend" 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 The 2013 BSI Weekend on Scribd">The 2013 BSI Weekend</a><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.772727272727273" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_48954" scrolling="no" src="http://www.scribd.com/embeds/111531792/content?start_page=1&view_mode=scroll&access_key=key-2bgqubgkxqdi417fs9py" width="100%"></iframe><br /><br /><br />That sums up our list. Do you have tips as well, dear readers? Please leave them in a comment here on our site or drop us a line and let us know what your secrets are so we can all be the beneficiaries.<br /><br />--<br /><br /></div></div>

"Just a Suggestion, Perhaps" [HOUN]

With the # BSIWeekend quickly approaching, we thought it might be helpful to provide a series of tips for the veteran attendees and the new...

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by Scott Monty

#BSIWeekend — the Official Hashtag of the 2012 BSI Weekend

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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
"a very pretty hash you have made" [LADY]</h4>
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At this time next week, we'll be in at the <a href="http://www.bsiweekend.com/">Baker Street Irregulars Weekend</a> in New York City, preparing for a few days of interaction with fellow Sherlockians and Holmesians from around the country and a few from around the world.<br />
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There are a variety of events (see the embedded guide below - or click through to the post if you're reading this on email or RSS) that will keep us busy throughout the weekend, but if you're not there, we'd like to keep you updated on what we Irregulars experience. After all, we're supposed to be able to "go everywhere, see everything and overhear everyone."<br />
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Throughout the weekend, we'll be making updates via the <a href="http://twitter.com/ihearofsherlock">@IHearofSherlock</a> Twitter handle and we'll be using the what's called a <i><b>hashtag</b></i> on Twitter. A hashtag (or #) is placed in front of a word to make it a topic of conversation that anyone can see, regardless of who they're following on Twitter.<br />
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Our hashtag is <b>#bsiweekend</b>.  If you're attending and would like to tweet, please use #bsiweekend in all of your tweets. We'll pick it up and make it available to everyone on the <b>BSI WEEKEND NEWS</b> sidebar over at <b><a href="http://bsiweekend.com/">http://bsiweekend.com</a></b> and in <b>"Every Nerve in a Twitter" [TWIS]</b> in the sidebar here on this site.<br />
<br />
We'll also try to bring you photos as quickly as possible as the weekend unfolds. Stay tuned here and on our <a href="http://facebook.com/ihearofsherlock">Facebook page</a> for more information.<br />
<br />
And if you're at the event and can provide additional coverage, <a href="mailto:bakerstreetblog@gmail.com">we'd love to hear from you</a>. In the meantime, if you're planning to attend, download and print this handy one-page reference to keep you on track during the weekend:<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: "trebuchet" , "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/71062982/The-2012-BSI-Weekend" 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 The 2012 BSI Weekend on Scribd">The 2012 BSI Weekend</a><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.772727272727273" data-auto-height="true" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_27014" scrolling="no" src="http://www.scribd.com/embeds/71062982/content?start_page=1&view_mode=list&access_key=key-h576m1zersde9ejz4tn" width="100%"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">(function() { var scribd = document.createElement("script"); scribd.type = "text/javascript"; scribd.async = true; scribd.src = "http://www.scribd.com/javascripts/embed_code/inject.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(scribd, s); })(); </script><br /><i><br /></i></span><br />
To see previous BSI Weekend coverage on this site, <a href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/search/label/bsiweekend">please click here</a>. <br />
<br />
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#BSIWeekend — the Official Hashtag of the 2012 BSI Weekend

"a very pretty hash you have made" [LADY] At this time next week, we'll be in at the Baker Street Irregulars Weekend ...

+ Read more »

by Scott Monty

Tips For Getting the Most Out of the #BSIWeekend

<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<b>"Let me have the straight tip and you won't be a loser" [SILV] </b></h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAY0oDklGkSH3fNIux_1k4evva04lHJCnGGyNngc_Dsf6hlKyg4J-1fIx_wprLqLhOQXjDSGFwmt6XLAKbxlCOHaR0lrq6GPjsMxUqc_YpgOhYcnLjEd-q7ARMcwJIq26SX9k_icfmaO9i/s1600/BSI+Weekend.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAY0oDklGkSH3fNIux_1k4evva04lHJCnGGyNngc_Dsf6hlKyg4J-1fIx_wprLqLhOQXjDSGFwmt6XLAKbxlCOHaR0lrq6GPjsMxUqc_YpgOhYcnLjEd-q7ARMcwJIq26SX9k_icfmaO9i/s640/BSI+Weekend.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">With the </span><b style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bsiweekend.com/">BSI Weekend</a></b><span style="text-align: center;"> coming up, we thought it might be helpful to provide a series of tips for the veteran attendees and the newbies alike.</span><br />
<br />
The <a href="http://bsiweekend.com/" target="_blank">Baker Street Irregulars (and Friends) Weekend</a> is happening January 4-8, 2017, and it's usually a pretty big deal if you're taking time out of your life to head into New York City for 3+ days of activities with people you haven't seen in a year (or years!) or those you may only know online. Whether you're making the trip for the first or twenty-first time, you know that the Weekend provides the same level of excitement, anticipation and giddiness as Christmas morning does to a child.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2549/4181746031_de7435af0b_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2549/4181746031_de7435af0b_m.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tips gladly accepted</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's usually during those anxious moments that our brain-attic tends to forget some of the essentials that help make a great trip perfect. And for the uninitiated, it's just a matter of not knowing what you need to survive the Baker Street Irregulars (and Friends) Weekend.<br />
<br />
This is the fifth annual installment of this post — the first of which was inspired by interviewing several members of the Baker Street Irregulars — including some newer members who might have a less distant memory of their first Weekend, and some who have been at it literally for decades. Information has been updated to reflect changes in the city as well as in technology.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6321981775136876837" name="more"></a>While we know how many well-informed and helpful readers we have, we were quite astonished at the quality and quantity of suggestions that can make the BSI Weekend an enjoyable and stress-free one for you. And if there are any additional tips that you think would be helpful to attendees, please feel free to add your own as a comment below. And if you'd like a sense as to what happens, listen to <a href="http://ihose.co/ihose74" target="_blank">Episode 74</a>:<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/191368218&color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%"></iframe><br />
<br />
Herewith the suggestions:<br />
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<h4>
Bags</h4>
<ul>
<li>Make sure that you have plenty of room to bring home books that you bought. If you have to bring an extra bag that you can fold up and put in your suitcase, do so. </li>
<li>Some suggest bringing a plastic shopping bag to the BSI dinner, as it makes carrying the dinner packet around a little easier, especially if you plan to go to another venue afterward. </li>
<li>You might also consider bringing a shopping bag to the Merchants Room on Saturday to carry your various purchases. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<h4>
Meeting Others</h4>
<ul>
<li>Bring business cards. You will be meeting a lot of new people, and you will be sharing contact information. Put as many as you think that you will need in your pack, and then double it. And be sure to include all modes of contacting you, including website, Twitter handle, etc. </li>
<li>If you're in need of a good card, the <a href="http://moo.com/">Moo</a> does a splendid job and <a href="http://vistaprint.com/">VistaPrint</a> has a fast turnaround time. </li>
<li>If you want to make sure you get your table mates to sign your menu, bring a pen to the dinner. </li>
<li>Allow yourself time to shmooze with other Sherlockians. This is the fastest way to make new friends, who will quickly become old friends. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<h4>
Comportment / Etiquette</h4>
<ul>
<li><b>Do</b> tell people how good it is to see them again. <b>Do</b> tell them that you miss them in the intervening months between BSI weekends. <b>Do</b> tell them how invaluable they are to you as a Sherlockian comrade-in-arms and friend and how much you value their friendship. </li>
<li>If you're scheduled to speak at an event, be mindful not to overdo the alcohol beforehand. Dutch courage is usually inappropriate in such circumstances. </li>
<li>In this hyper-connected world, it's easy to forget that there are those attending the weekend for whom "it is always 1895" — or nearly so. When you're taking photographs, please be mindful of those who are firmly rooted in the 20th century and who might not want to appear on your Facebook timeline by asking their permission to share your photos of them online.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<h4>
Attire</h4>
<ul>
<li>Bring comfortable shoes. The weekend inevitably includes a lot of walking. </li>
<li>This one is especially for the ladies:, it's useful to have a change of shoes in your handbag so the stilettos don't murder you by the end of the evening (or vice versa). </li>
<li>Bring warm clothes. It is winter in New York, and non-Sherlockian New York friends say they know when we are in town because we bring really bad weather. </li>
<li>Dress in layers. Many times the weather can be cold, but there have been instances in New York in January when we could - and did - comfortably walk about the streets without even a jacket on. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<h4>
Money</h4>
<ul>
<li>Bring small bills. They will come in handy as you share taxis going from place to place, and you’ll find them handy when tipping helpful service employees. </li>
<li>Bring a checkbook to the Merchants Room as not everyone takes credit cards and you may find an item you must have. </li>
<li>If you see something you're interested in at the Merchants Room and you can afford it, don't wait until your second sweep of the room - it will probably be gone by then.</li>
<li>The BSI table will accept <b>credit cards, PayPal and Apple Pay</b>.</li>
<li>Estimate, on the top side, what you expect to spend – and double it. That might get you through. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<h4>
Time</h4>
<ul>
<li>If you have any health conditions, allow yourself time to go back to your hotel room for periodic rests. Many find these rests invaluable, enabling them to enjoy the weekend despite their condition.Schedule your time. </li>
<li>Know when you need to be places (including when you need to catch the train/plane back home). </li>
<li>Count on it taking some time to get a cab amongst the other Sherlockians who may be headed to events on the other side of 5th Avenue.</li>
<li>Alternatively, download a ride-hailing app (such as Uber, Lyft or Via) to help you avoid these waits. See below for more details.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<h4>
Getting Around</h4>
<ul>
<li>Print out a street map of the city with the places you need to be circled or otherwise identified. Many things are within walking distance, but it is good to know you are starting out in the right direction (or know when to turn). </li>
<li>If you're smartphone-enabled, there are plenty of map apps to choose from. Aside from the standard Google Maps, there's <a href="http://citymapper.com/" target="_blank">Citymapper</a>, <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gogobot.gogodroid.cityguide.newyorkcity" target="_blank">Gogobot's York City Guide for Android</a> and iOS has the <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/new-york-travel-guide-offline/id319296365?mt=8">New York Travel Guide and Offline Map</a> by Ulmon.</li>
<li>Download and print the <a href="http://www.bsiweekend.com/2013/11/summary-of-weekend-events.html#sthash.xS12f57r.dpbs">Summary of Weekend Events</a> from <a href="http://bsiweekend.com/">bsiweekend.com</a> (and seen below), or bookmark it on your smartphone. </li>
<li>If you want to go to Otto Penzler's <a href="http://mysteriousbookshop.com/" target="_blank">Mysterious Bookshop</a> and are staying at The Yale Club or the Roosevelt the easiest, quickest and cheapest way to go is by subway. From Grand Central take a 4 or 5 express train <b>two</b> stops to City Hall Station; it is a very short walk over to Otto's. Don't take a local (which makes 10 stops). The express is about five minutes. </li>
<li>Pool funds with others to buy regular per-ride <b><a href="http://web.mta.info/metrocard/mcgtreng.htm">MetroCards</a></b>. These can be shared by up to four people on each trip and are good for one transfer between subway/bus or between buses on uptown/crosstown routes within 2 hours.</li>
<ul>
<li>If you're 65 or older, present ID for a reduced fare MetroCard — $2.75 for two rides with the same transfer provisions noted above. <b>Note:</b> a 65+ MetroCard <b><i>cannot</i></b> be shared and you must find a live 'token booth' clerk to inspect your ID — reduced fare not available in machines.</li>
<li>If you reach the end of the Weekend with a balance on your MetroCard, return to New York more frequently! Or give your card to local-area Sherlockians.</li>
</ul>
<li>Download a ride-hailing app such as <a href="http://uber.com/" target="_blank">Uber</a>, <a href="http://lyft.com/" target="_blank">Lyft</a> or a similar service. </li>
<ul>
<li>We recommend <a href="http://ridewithvia.com/" target="_blank">Via</a>, which runs from 6:30 am - 9:00 pm and costs only $5 per ride anywhere in Manhattan. Use the code <b>scott5q3</b> to sign up and get a free ride.</li>
<li>If you'd like a code for Lyft, use <a href="https://lyft.com/i/SCOTT726787">SCOTT726787</a> to sign up and receive a $50 credit towards rides.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<br />
<h4>
Logistics</h4>
<ul>
<li>Bring your event payment confirmations, just in case of a glitch in the system. </li>
<li>Also, everything is pretty centrally located, but it's a good idea to have a list of your schedule with the addresses of the venues so that you don't suddenly find yourself asking, where the devil am I supposed to be right now? </li>
<li>The heat during the BSI dinner has been uncomfortable in years past in the Yale Club (potentially dangerously uncomfortable 4 years ago) -- if this continues, vests/waistcoats are not advised. Unless you're <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcaric/8379354330/">Mattias Bostrom</a>. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<h4>
The Unscheduled</h4>
<ul>
<li>If possible, make breakfast plans with other Sherlockians (unless you eat breakfast alone) </li>
<li>To some, the secret to enjoying the jam-packed weekend is to find private, unpublicized events for more intimate interactions. How to find these? “You know my methods. Apply them.” </li>
</ul>
<br />
<h4>
Dining</h4>
What? You’re not getting enough food between events? Thankfully there are gaps that allow a Sherlockian to venture places on his or her own. And of course, there are plenty of restaurants in and near Grand Central Station, which is in great proximity to the Yale Club and the Roosevelt Hotel.<br />
<ul>
<li>Several Sherlockians like to go to the Oyster Bar for dinner after the Thursday night lecture. </li>
<li>There is a Cosí across the street from the Roosevelt, at 38 East 45th Street, and of course Starbucks in the station and at nearly every corner. </li>
<li>For a more comprehensive listing of eateries nearby, <a href="http://newyork.seriouseats.com/2013/07/where-to-eat-near-grand-central-station-nyc.html" target="_blank">Serious Eats has a guide</a> that breaks them down by category and of course <a href="http://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=restaurants+near+grand+central&find_loc=New+York%2C+NY%2C+USA" target="_blank">Yelp has many suggestions</a> as well. </li>
<li>And heaven forbid, don't forget about the <a href="http://www.redflamenyc.com/">Red Flame</a>, the perennial favorite next door to the Algonquin Hotel on W. 44th Street.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<h4>
Online</h4>
Whether you're in New York for the festivities or sequestered at home, it might be worthwhile to follow along online. Some ways to do that:<br />
<ul>
<li>The official hashtag of the BSI Weekend on Twitter is <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23bsiweekend&src=typd">#BSIWeekend</a>. We have a feed set up on the <a href="http://bsiweekend.com/" target="_blank">BSI Weekend website</a>, or you can simply follow along by clicking on the hashtag, or even on <a href="http://tweetdeck.com/">TweetDeck</a>. </li>
<li>We'll be providing occasional updates on these pages, so please follow along. </li>
<li>Of course, we'll also be providing updates via our <a href="http://twitter.com/ihearofsherlock">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://facebook.com/ihearofsherlock">Facebook</a> accounts. </li>
<li><a href="http://www.bakerstreetbabes.com/">The Baker Street Babes</a>, who will be out in force during the weekend, will undoubtedly have a unique real-time perspective of the weekend. </li>
<li>We also have a <a href="http://twitter.com/ihearofsherlock/lists/sherlockians">list of Sherlockians on Twitter</a> whom you might consider following. A number of them will be at the weekend as well. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
Here is a handy downloadable and printable guide for the weekend; you may also bookmark it on your smartphone for easy reference (or download the Scribd app [<b><a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CDkQFjAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Fapp%2Fscribd-worlds-largest-online%2Fid542557212%3Fmt%3D8&ei=-CbdUJjZGcvkqQHM0IDoDQ&usg=AFQjCNFJrFun262V6ZZVXqQGlmr6dpo80A&sig2=1OSvbhebL4loQDJvzNIoJA&bvm=bv.1355534169,d.aWM">iOS</a></b> or <b><a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&ved=0CEIQFjAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fplay.google.com%2Fstore%2Fapps%2Fdetails%3Fid%3Dcom.scribd.app.reader0%26hl%3Den&ei=-CbdUJjZGcvkqQHM0IDoDQ&usg=AFQjCNGmLSiZ-MqZs3_glflhk5qz1KmvgQ&sig2=O0KNeNDotXW6UwFloblUBA&bvm=bv.1355534169,d.aWM">Android</a></b>] to make it easier).<br />
<iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.7729220222793488" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_22961" scrolling="no" src="https://www.scribd.com/embeds/331666520/content?start_page=1&view_mode=scroll&access_key=key-QoIRU9WdlbfLMcMatUvC&show_recommendations=true" width="100%"></iframe><br />
<br />
That sums up our list. Do you have tips as well, dear readers? Please leave them in a comment here on our site or drop us a line and let us know what your secrets are so we can all be the beneficiaries.<br />
<br />
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--<br />
<br /></div>

Tips For Getting the Most Out of the #BSIWeekend

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

+ Read more »

by Scott Monty

"Those Week-End Parties" [SOLI]

<a href="http://www.bsiweekend.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5128491499053133714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWL5cxiG0_dcdL5plliChV-UksPUiC9tnOYNs3nWk6c4sJzGA8XVxPo0wgXdf5UCE6qiy93jqRGy0rVTfyxoGW3fE_26BoNdyFDrIBG7EmW2uz-MXJdTymes-zSAIgjRANGSV_lPWmu-5c/s200/Algonquin_lobby_lounge.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" /></a>To every Sherlockian, it is always <span style="font-style: italic;">the </span>weekend.<br /><br />This is it! The long-awaited announcement of the January festivities that we Sherlock Holmes devotees always look forward to. For many of us, it's been nearly a year since we rubbed shoulders with each other from venues such as the Algonquin Hotel, Ollie's Noodle House, a city club or two, or just the streets of New York.<br /><br />This year, rather than reproduce the entire schedule here, I'm trying something a little different. In order to be much more comprehensive in my approach, I've created a separate site where you can find all of your BSI Weekend information - from schedules, to maps, to links to travel site and the general RSVP form for download. You can find this and more at the <a href="http://www.bsiweekend.com/">Baker Street Irregulars Weekend</a> site.<br /><br />If you join the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=5262672284">Baker Street Blog Facebook group</a>, I'll be adding BSI Weekend information and content along the way. It's a great way to meet other Sherlockians virtually and to share pictures, links and discussions with each other. Do please consider joining and seeing what it's all about.<br /><br />But one of the features I'm most excited to offer this year is <span style="font-weight: bold;">real-time updates throughout the weekend</span>. You'll be able to follow these in the upper-left section of the <a href="http://www.bsiweekend.com/">BSI Weekend site</a>. Just think- if you can't make it to the event, you can be the first to know who receives their BSI Investitures or who gets spotted at various events.<br /><br />I hope to see you in New York in January. If you have any suggestions as to how to improve the BSI Weekend site, or if you have questions about the weekend, please drop me a line.

"Those Week-End Parties" [SOLI]

To every Sherlockian, it is always the weekend. This is it! The long-awaited announcement of the January festivities that we Sherlock Holmes...

+ Read more »

by Scott Monty

The Baker Street Irregulars Online

<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<b>"Have you found it, Wiggins?" [SIGN] </b></h4>
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<br />
Since the introduction of Netscape to navigate the Internet in 1994 and pay-to-access services like Prodigy, AOL and Compuserve even earlier in the 1990s, the world has been moving to digital communications.<br />
<br />
But the world of Sherlockians has traditionally moved at its own pace. In a world where "it's always 1895," as <a href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2013/10/celebrate-national-poetry-day.html" target="_blank">the Vincent Starrett poem</a> goes, it's not surprising that the Baker Street Irregulars have taken their time establishing a web presence.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>“These relics have a history then?”</b></h3>
When your editor was invested into the BSI in 2001, one of our first suggestions was establishing a web presence — at least for the <i><a href="http://www.bakerstreetjournal.com/" target="_blank">Baker Street Journal</a></i>, since the organization was planning to sell CD-ROMs of the BSJ's holdings from 1946-2000. It made perfect sense to sell online something that required a computer to use.<br />
<br />
In doing so, we established and designed the site <a href="http://bakerstreetjournal.com/" target="_blank">bakerstreetjournal.com</a>, where we implemented PayPal for electronic payments, offered excerpts from previous issues, a table of contents for the current issue, and allowed subscribers to create automatically renewing subscriptions. The site first launched with the ability to purchase subscriptions, get back issues, and buy the CD-ROM. You can view <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20010717133833/http://www.bakerstreetjournal.com:80/" target="_blank">what it first looked like on July 17, 2001, via the Wayback Machine</a>.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62hb2ZCEbaQpGyiD5Bj5pPrXNOp_BOTTlI-zyzfhr9hLiKgE8krT9KM6cvsJd-znvqUtOvM_fP8mGB0uwjzPPR89ny9GZlF6eE0vykl9j61j-xHtPbzgvhev44M0KqpVE6XW7VUuyUyEX/s1600/BSJ+online+2001-07-21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="860" data-original-width="817" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62hb2ZCEbaQpGyiD5Bj5pPrXNOp_BOTTlI-zyzfhr9hLiKgE8krT9KM6cvsJd-znvqUtOvM_fP8mGB0uwjzPPR89ny9GZlF6eE0vykl9j61j-xHtPbzgvhev44M0KqpVE6XW7VUuyUyEX/s640/BSJ+online+2001-07-21.JPG" width="608" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We soon added the BSI History Series, edited by Jon Lellenberg, the BSI Manuscript Series, the BSI International Series, and entire articles that won the Morley-Montgomery Award. We played with the design a bit — electing to stay with the BSJ's canary yellow theme for a while. If you go to <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/*/bakerstreetjournal.com" target="_blank">the main Wayback Machine link,</a> you can trace it through the years, clicking on the calendars for particular points in time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1IsWOV07WMeTGB90rsg8L7iOX01mIEbE8zJlo5fRuU7LxyVsj-iLWXwbPSeWjBNHLik-bc_8rNG8r0FXLV4Cfd_gJN_EwY4sfhXbOTIin03kUdWGWRJ1FqiVdHEbT9h1gkv6uOBwANGQV/s1600/BSJ+online+2002-11-22.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="428" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1IsWOV07WMeTGB90rsg8L7iOX01mIEbE8zJlo5fRuU7LxyVsj-iLWXwbPSeWjBNHLik-bc_8rNG8r0FXLV4Cfd_gJN_EwY4sfhXbOTIin03kUdWGWRJ1FqiVdHEbT9h1gkv6uOBwANGQV/s320/BSJ+online+2002-11-22.JPG" width="182" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1eB3P8rRFJpNZUQ2DMn2qlnltYKY1DoinWZZ9lDF-L9Q7RK_e-1ulFIZxaKXXKIdXcGDHli7vYgESIngGQRQMagRIlT29DLEbmeZk_K3DIczm-5m1lmljUap-ZuNtVUvt7Y6s7-IX2k5D/s1600/BSJ+online+2003-12-09.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="785" data-original-width="1029" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1eB3P8rRFJpNZUQ2DMn2qlnltYKY1DoinWZZ9lDF-L9Q7RK_e-1ulFIZxaKXXKIdXcGDHli7vYgESIngGQRQMagRIlT29DLEbmeZk_K3DIczm-5m1lmljUap-ZuNtVUvt7Y6s7-IX2k5D/s320/BSJ+online+2003-12-09.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Fast forward to <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20060721090045/http://www.bakerstreetjournal.com:80/" target="_blank">July, 2006</a> and you'll find that the site underwent a considerable overhaul. We adopted the BSI's colors of <a href="http://www.sherlockholmespodcast.com/2017/03/10-dressing-gown-of-many-colors.html" target="_blank">blue, purple, and mouse</a>, and added some additional navigation. We noted that change on I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere on July 13, 2006 in the article <a href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2006/07/makes-considerable-difference-to-me-bosc_13.html#.W1DyVtIzrb0" target="_blank">"It Makes a Considerable Difference to Me" [BOSC]</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil65K0K9GST9kQOvKb5thIrnesi_E1IZ4jp-9NfpkTWRSnaJeqMNDCmb5vxSAK8STboM3P0HwLo8xeJv5zF31LsEH9ZwxUMvoV_eFRUDvwJUEwInUSjEwYa7w9LDEkS6tBbFI3xK3cJ_RV/s1600/BSJ+online+2006-06.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="851" data-original-width="908" height="598" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil65K0K9GST9kQOvKb5thIrnesi_E1IZ4jp-9NfpkTWRSnaJeqMNDCmb5vxSAK8STboM3P0HwLo8xeJv5zF31LsEH9ZwxUMvoV_eFRUDvwJUEwInUSjEwYa7w9LDEkS6tBbFI3xK3cJ_RV/s640/BSJ+online+2006-06.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
When work responsibilities became too much for us in 2008, we turned over the reins to Randall Stock, BSI ("South African Securities"), who has ably guided the site through its many updates since then. He created sections for the eBSJ, the expanded Manuscript Series and associated titles, and the events that the BSI hosts as well. It became clear in recent years that the content had outgrown the site, as the BSJ domain was doing more than simply promoting the <i>Journal</i>.<br />
<br />
Not to mention the separate site that accurately and comprehensively captures the breadth of the <a href="http://bsitrust.org/" target="_blank">BSI Trust</a>, including excerpts from the BSI's Oral History project and information on every BSI Dinner since 1934. Regular visitors to our site may find the layout and navigation of the BSI Trust site slightly familiar...<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>“</b><b>a new experience</b><b>”</b><b> [LAST]</b></h3>
Under the capable leadership of <a href="http://ihose.co/ihose71" target="_blank">Mike Whelan</a> as the BSI's "Wiggins," the Baker Street Irregulars have flourished in the last 20 years. The BSI Trust was established to house the BSI's archives and historical material, which has now found a new home at the Lilly Library. The BSI Press has become a publishing powerhouse, with over 60 titles in an ever-expanding set of categories. The BSI Weekend is much more than a weekend, and involves many satellite events stretching from Wednesday to Sunday of the "weekend." Plus, the BSI holds events that are more along the lines of expeditions every few years. And of course, the BSJ continues on its heralded quarterly schedule.<br />
<br />
With so much information to convey, it became clear that the BSJ site couldn't continue to shoulder it all; and frankly, the site was much more than just the Baker Street Journal — it was doubling as the BSI's website.<br />
<br />
And with that, Randall and team worked tirelessly over the last year or so to design and build the new <a href="http://www.bakerstreetirregulars.com/" target="_blank">Baker Street Irregulars website</a> at <a href="http://bakerstreetirregulars.com/" target="_blank">bakerstreetirregulars.com</a>.<br />
<br />
If you head over there, you'll see a clearly laid-out page that has links to sections like <a href="https://bakerstreetirregulars.com/the-bsi-press/" target="_blank">BSI Books</a>, including a number of series: Manuscript, International, Events and Expeditions, Professions, History and Biography, and more. There's a section for <a href="https://bakerstreetirregulars.com/bsi-event-dates/" target="_blank">BSI Events</a>, including the BSI Weekend and other special events and expeditions. And of course, the <a href="https://bakerstreetirregulars.com/the-baker-street-journal/" target="_blank">BSJ</a> has its own section as well. The BSI Trust will continue to be maintained as a separate site.<br />
<br />
As with the initial launch of the original BSJ site in 2001, this is a first pass. We're sure there will be improvements along the way. But the clarity that it brings to the Baker Street Irregulars brand is encouraging.<br />
<br />
The time was right — actually, it was downright overdue — to inform the world of all of the wonderful things for which the Baker Street Irregulars are responsible. We hope that, through the hard work of everyone associated with this project, Sherlockians everywhere will appreciate the tireless and unyielding work of keeping green the memory of Sherlock Holmes.<br />
<br />
<br />

The Baker Street Irregulars Online

"Have you found it, Wiggins?" [SIGN] Since the introduction of Netscape to navigate the Internet in 1994 and pay-to-access...

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by Scott Monty

A Note about the 2009 BSI Weekend

<h4 style="text-align: center;">
" a week-end gathering" [LAST]</h4>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdHQcRTLpSite5ltkGJldSffO_crvmeLT88K0b4RQfM2ebAfQtFZ2-7tec8_aMgMHOUaCYml96pMi9e6FNfftduHylVzLi4PBRfIy464h_HG8g8sUlPZmwBnwhvndqC1z3O-E5AoqV8UF/s1600-h/BSI_Wallpaper.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="419" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264145555401968658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdHQcRTLpSite5ltkGJldSffO_crvmeLT88K0b4RQfM2ebAfQtFZ2-7tec8_aMgMHOUaCYml96pMi9e6FNfftduHylVzLi4PBRfIy464h_HG8g8sUlPZmwBnwhvndqC1z3O-E5AoqV8UF/s640/BSI_Wallpaper.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt;" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Even though professional life has occupied our daily routine for the past 5 months or so and our commitment to various Sherlockian pursuits has suffered, our interest has not abated. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When one receives an invitation in the mail to the annual <a href="http://bsiweekend.com/">Baker Street Irregulars weekend</a>, the thrill of your first time comes flooding back. So if you've not yet had the opportunity to attend, we suggest you take note.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For many of us, it's been nearly a year since we rubbed shoulders with each other from venues such as the Algonquin Hotel, Ollie's Noodle House, a city club or two, or just the streets of New York.<br />
<br />
As we did last year, rather than reproduce the entire schedule on this site, we've posted all of the information on <a href="http://www.bsiweekend.com/">a separate site</a> where you can find all of your BSI Weekend information - from schedules, to maps, to links to travel site and the general RSVP form for download. You can find this and more at <a href="http://www.bsiweekend.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">the Baker Street Irregulars Weekend site</span></a>.<br />
<br />
Because of our responsibilities, we'll only be attending the BSI Dinner, so we won't be giving updates from all of the events, but you can still follow along on Friday evening in real-time if you'd like to see to whom the investitures go. These updates can be found in the upper-left section of the BSI Weekend site. Just think - if you can't make it to the event, you can be the first to know who receives their BSI Investitures, without having to wait for the listserv, Yahoo groups, or disussion forums to update.<br />
<br />
We hope to see you in New York in January. If you have any suggestions as to how to improve the BSI Weekend site, or if you have questions about the weekend, please drop us a line.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
--<br />
<br />
<center>
</center>

A Note about the 2009 BSI Weekend

" a week-end gathering" [LAST] Even though professional life has occupied our daily routine for the past 5 months or so and o...

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by Scott Monty

The Watson Fund Provides Financial Assistance for the BSI Weekend

<h4 style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 18.2px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: center;">
"to defray whatever expenses I may be put to" [SPEC]</h4>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCQ6NzdNlbvo6h_28U9FiknzN3n03o_G6KxgtncfJd2bXpJx3HSrTMnHFYnm50zDxxnDYSdtF8Xdsv9JhWrLX20xm0x7ayqkAcnrOpQVnXOQaPG-0DqvYQzCtbmOkoLyb1dEHQDl2wCWZm/s1600/BERY+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #006f85; font-weight: bold; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Alexander Holder's surprise [BERY]" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCQ6NzdNlbvo6h_28U9FiknzN3n03o_G6KxgtncfJd2bXpJx3HSrTMnHFYnm50zDxxnDYSdtF8Xdsv9JhWrLX20xm0x7ayqkAcnrOpQVnXOQaPG-0DqvYQzCtbmOkoLyb1dEHQDl2wCWZm/s640/BERY+2.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" title="Alexander Holder, The Adventure of the Beryl Coronet" width="512" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Invitations to the </span><a href="http://bsiweekend.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #006f85; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Baker Street Irregulars & Friends Weekend</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> in New York have been sent, and the public website was just updated. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span> <span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Whenever folks get their invitations, there's usually a sense of surprise, relief and even trepidation. Yes, trepidation. For some people, attending the Weekend is a difficult and onerous task.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Some simply don't like to be around crowds, or perhaps detest the (often) harsh weather of New York in January. Others boycott for personal reasons. But there are some who simply can't afford the price of the accumulated events and the travel required to get there.</span><br />
<h3>
<b><br />
</b><b>The John H. Watson Fund</b></h3>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">In the mid-1980s through the mid-1990s under Tom Stix, Jr.'s ("The Norwood Builder") term as Wiggins of the Baker Street Irregulars, Tom created the </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Dr. John H. Watson Fund</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">, a financial assistance package for the BSI Weekend, and credited it as his most proud achievement of leading the BSI.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">According to the BSI:</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background: url("https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5tw_a4UrYKN4scINd-_XJZDGoMQott_sVK3K2rdnQP3bYa6WYUPVBXQslpmTa5gvxuju7pHwO9ypIaAY-J_dTMMDb42Gkru8S6zS2z90KMvfTjw5lP0htSMiW8SJt_Biqb0H_t33ulBfs/s1600/quotation-l.png") left 5px no-repeat rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #006f85; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 20px; padding-left: 40px;">
<b>The Dr. John H. Watson Fund</b> offers financial assistance to all Sherlockians (membership in the BSI is not required) who might otherwise not be able to participate in the weekend's festivities. A carefully pseudonymous John H. Watson presides over the fund and welcomes contributions, which can be made by check payable to John H. Watson and sent (without return address on the envelope) to <b>Dr. Watson, c/o The Baker Street Irregulars, at 7938 Mill Stream Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46278</b>; your letters are forwarded unopened, and Dr. Watson will acknowledge your generosity. Requests for assistance should also be mailed <i><b>immediately</b></i> to Dr. Watson at the same address, and <b>must be received by December 3</b> for timely processing of requests.</blockquote>
<br style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">It is a wonderful resource that enables more people to enjoy one of the most important aspects of our hobby: spending time in the company of like-minded people. And while there are plenty of opportunities around the world to do this on a local level, the BSI Weekend happens just once a year and celebrates a long-standing (83 years!) tradition that was started by Christopher Morley.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Each year, the Fund is self-liquidating, meaning that assistance is granted to whatever extent is possible to the supplicants, and that generous Sherlockians are responsible for replenishing it every year. Traditionally this was done through simple check-writing, but then the BSI Cocktail Reception added </span><a href="http://bakerstreetjournal.com/bsiweekend/auction.html" style="background-color: white; color: #006f85; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">an auction and drawing</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">, which also raise money for the Fund. Raffle tickets are sold throughout the weekend for some choice items and Peter Blau, BSI ("Black Peter") holds forth as an auctioneer </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">sine qua non</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" />
<br />
<span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">--</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span>

The Watson Fund Provides Financial Assistance for the BSI Weekend

"to defray whatever expenses I may be put to" [SPEC] Invitations to the Baker Street Irregulars & Friends Weekend in N...

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by Scott Monty

The Dr. John H. Watson Fund and the BSI Weekend

<h4 style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: merriweather; font-size: 18.2px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: center;">
"to defray whatever expenses I may be put to" [SPEC]</h4>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCQ6NzdNlbvo6h_28U9FiknzN3n03o_G6KxgtncfJd2bXpJx3HSrTMnHFYnm50zDxxnDYSdtF8Xdsv9JhWrLX20xm0x7ayqkAcnrOpQVnXOQaPG-0DqvYQzCtbmOkoLyb1dEHQDl2wCWZm/s1600/BERY+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #006f85; font-weight: bold; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img alt="Alexander Holder's surprise [BERY]" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCQ6NzdNlbvo6h_28U9FiknzN3n03o_G6KxgtncfJd2bXpJx3HSrTMnHFYnm50zDxxnDYSdtF8Xdsv9JhWrLX20xm0x7ayqkAcnrOpQVnXOQaPG-0DqvYQzCtbmOkoLyb1dEHQDl2wCWZm/s640/BERY+2.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" title="Alexander Holder, The Adventure of the Beryl Coronet" width="512" /></a></div>
<br style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" />
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Invitations to the <a href="http://bsiweekend.com/" target="_blank">Baker Street Irregulars Weekend</a> in New York have been sent, and the public website was just updated. <br /><br />Whenever folks get their invitations, there's usually a sense of surprise, relief and even trepidation. Yes, trepidation. For some people, attending the Weekend is a difficult and onerous task.<br /><br />Some simply don't like to be around crowds, or perhaps detest the (often) harsh weather of New York in January. Others boycott for personal reasons. But there are some who simply can't afford the price of the accumulated events and the travel required to get there.<br /><br /><h2>
<b> The John H. Watson Fund</b></h2>
In the mid-1980s through the mid-1990s under Tom Stix, Jr.'s ("The Norwood Builder") term as Wiggins of <a href="http://bakerstreetirregulars.com/" target="_blank">the Baker Street Irregulars</a>, Tom created the <b>Dr. John H. Watson Fund</b>, a financial assistance package for the BSI Weekend, and credited it as his most proud achievement of leading the BSI.<br /><br />According to the BSI:<div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The Dr. John H. Watson Fund offers financial assistance to all Sherlockians (membership in the BSI is <u>not</u> required) who might otherwise not be able to participate in the weekend's festivities. A carefully pseudonymous John H. Watson presides over the fund and welcomes contributions, which can be made by check payable to John H. Watson and sent (without return address on the envelope) to <b>Dr. Watson, c/o The Baker Street Irregulars, at 7938 Mill Stream Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46278</b>; your letters are forwarded unopened, and Dr. Watson will acknowledge your generosity. Requests for assistance should also be mailed immediately to Dr. Watson at the same address, and must be received by December 3 for timely processing of requests.</blockquote>
<br />
It is a wonderful resource that enables more people to enjoy one of the most important aspects of our hobby: spending time in the company of like-minded people. And while there are plenty of opportunities around the world to do this on a local level, the BSI Weekend happens just once a year and celebrates a long-standing tradition (84 years!) that was started by Christopher Morley.</div>
<div>
<br />Each year, the Fund is self-liquidating, meaning that assistance is granted to whatever extent is possible to the supplicants, and that generous Sherlockians are responsible for replenishing it every year. Traditionally this was done through simple check-writing, but then the BSI Cocktail Reception added <a href="https://bakerstreetirregulars.com/bsi-weekend/" target="_blank">an auction and drawing</a> [<b><i>Editor's Note</i></b>: to be updated], which also raise money for the Fund. Raffle tickets are sold throughout the weekend for some choice items and Peter Blau, BSI ("Black Peter") holds forth as an auctioneer nonpareil.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">--</span></span><br />
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The Dr. John H. Watson Fund and the BSI Weekend

"to defray whatever expenses I may be put to" [SPEC] Invitations to the Baker Street Irregulars Weekend in New York have b...

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by Scott Monty

The Watson Fund Provides Financial Assistance for the BSI Weekend

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"to defray whatever expenses I may be put to" [SPEC]</h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCQ6NzdNlbvo6h_28U9FiknzN3n03o_G6KxgtncfJd2bXpJx3HSrTMnHFYnm50zDxxnDYSdtF8Xdsv9JhWrLX20xm0x7ayqkAcnrOpQVnXOQaPG-0DqvYQzCtbmOkoLyb1dEHQDl2wCWZm/s1600/BERY+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #006f85; font-weight: bold; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Alexander Holder's surprise [BERY]" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCQ6NzdNlbvo6h_28U9FiknzN3n03o_G6KxgtncfJd2bXpJx3HSrTMnHFYnm50zDxxnDYSdtF8Xdsv9JhWrLX20xm0x7ayqkAcnrOpQVnXOQaPG-0DqvYQzCtbmOkoLyb1dEHQDl2wCWZm/s640/BERY+2.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" title="Alexander Holder, The Adventure of the Beryl Coronet" width="512" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Invitations to the </span><a href="http://bsiweekend.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #006f85; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Baker Street Irregulars Weekend</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> in New York are on their way, and the public site will be updated on November 20 (stay tuned). </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span> <span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Whenever folks get their invitations, there's usually a sense of surprise, relief and even trepidation. Yes, trepidation. For some people, attending the Weekend is a difficult and onerous task.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Some simply don't like to be around crowds, or perhaps detest the (often) harsh weather of New York in January. Others boycott for personal reasons. But there are some who simply can't afford the price of the accumulated events and the travel required to get there.</span><br />
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</b><b>The John H. Watson Fund</b></h3>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">In the mid-1980s through the mid-1990s under Tom Stix, Jr.'s ("The Norwood Builder") term as Wiggins of the Baker Street Irregulars, Tom created the </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Dr. John H. Watson Fund</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">, a financial assistance package for the BSI Weekend, and credited it as his most proud achievement of leading the BSI.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">According to the BSI:</span><br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background: url("https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5tw_a4UrYKN4scINd-_XJZDGoMQott_sVK3K2rdnQP3bYa6WYUPVBXQslpmTa5gvxuju7pHwO9ypIaAY-J_dTMMDb42Gkru8S6zS2z90KMvfTjw5lP0htSMiW8SJt_Biqb0H_t33ulBfs/s1600/quotation-l.png") left 5px no-repeat rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #006f85; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 20px; padding-left: 40px;">
<b>The Dr. John H. Watson Fund</b> offers financial assistance to all Sherlockians (membership in the BSI is not required) who might otherwise not be able to participate in the weekend's festivities. A carefully pseudonymous John H. Watson presides over the fund and welcomes contributions, which can be made by check payable to John H. Watson and sent (without return address on the envelope) to <b>Dr. Watson, c/o The Baker Street Irregulars, at 7938 Mill Stream Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46278</b>; your letters are forwarded unopened, and Dr. Watson will acknowledge your generosity. Requests for assistance should also be mailed <i><b>immediately</b></i> to Dr. Watson at the same address, and <b>must be received by December 3</b> for timely processing of requests.</blockquote>
<br style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">It is a wonderful resource that enables more people to enjoy one of the most important aspects of our hobby: spending time in the company of like-minded people. And while there are plenty of opportunities around the world to do this on a local level, the BSI Weekend happens just once a year and celebrates a long-standing (82 years!) tradition that was started by Christopher Morley.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Each year, the Fund is self-liquidating, meaning that assistance is granted to whatever extent is possible to the supplicants, and that generous Sherlockians are responsible for replenishing it every year. Traditionally this was done through simple check-writing, but then the BSI Cocktail Reception added </span><a href="http://bakerstreetjournal.com/bsiweekend/auction.html" style="background-color: white; color: #006f85; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">an auction and drawing</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">, which also raise money for the Fund. Raffle tickets are sold throughout the weekend for some choice items and Peter Blau, BSI ("Black Peter") holds forth as an auctioneer </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">sine qua non</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">So if you're </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">in need</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> of some financial assistance, please write to Dr. Watson at the address above with a budget that outlines what you need. And if you're </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><a href="https://www.gofundme.com/johnhwatsonfund" target="_blank">able to support</a></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> this important effort to enable your friends and colleagues attend, <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/johnhwatsonfund" target="_blank">by all means, do so</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">--</span> <span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> </span>

The Watson Fund Provides Financial Assistance for the BSI Weekend

"to defray whatever expenses I may be put to" [SPEC] Invitations to the Baker Street Irregulars Weekend in New York are on...

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by Scott Monty

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