Month: November 2013

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Welcome to Seven New Charter Members

The Society warmly welcomes six new Charter Members:Patricia Caouette, JHWS “Rip” of Winooski, Vermont

We hope to learn more of Patricia’s Sherlockian and Watsonian background and will post the information when it is received. Until then, please welcome Patricia with the Society’s greeting:

“You have been in Afghanistan, I perceive.”

Francis Perry, JHWS “Roger” of Reading, Berkshire, UK.
We welcome Francis and hope to learn more of his Holmesian background. Please extend a warm welcome with our traditional greeting:
“You have been in Afghanistan, I perceive.”

Scott William Schulz, JHWS “Philo” of Garner, North Carolina

Scott Writes:  “I have been a fan of Mr. Holmes and Dr. Watson for many years, but I have never really participated in the fandom beyond being a member for many years of The Hounds of the Internet (must be 10+ years now) and the
WelcomeHolmes email groups.  But even on those I am merely an avid
reader.

To date, my singular contribution to the advancement of the tradition of the Canon has been though my incessant championing of both Holmes and Watson to any who happen to wander past my office and who either express an interest of any of the items on the wall or shelf of said office, or who happen to linger too long near one of those items. Oh, and I did bring my wife to the light that is the Jeremy Brett rendition of Holmes (she would fix bags of popcorn and a fresh pot of coffee at 11 PM every Saturday evening for us to enjoy while watching that week’s episode while they were being rerun here on PBS).

We invite Scott’s participation and look forward to his contributions to the Society. Please welcome him with the traditional greeting:

“You have been in Afghanistan, I perceive.”

Wayne Weatherwax, JHWS “Regis” of Westfield, Massachusetts.

We welcome Wayne and hope to post his biographical information when received. Until then, we extend our greeting:

“You have been in Afghanistan, I perceive.”

Ellen Reeher, JHWS “Gilda” of St Paul, Minnesota

Ellen writes:  “I found out about the society just this morning from the dulcet tones of Scott Monty over at the “I hear of Sherlock Everywhere” podcast and came right over to subscribe.

Unlikely though it may be here in the wilds of Minnesota, I’ll look forward to someday hearing the society greeting.”

And so, we extend that greeting of welcome to Ellen:

“You have been in Afghanistan, I perceive.”

Sharon Conroy, JHWS “Maggie” of Williamston, Michigan

James Conroy, JHWS “Schnapps” of Williamston, Michigan

The Conroys are members of the Greek Interpreters of East Lansing. We are delighted to welcome them to membership and look forward to their contributions to the Society’s activities.  Please extend a warm greeting:

“You have been in Afghanistan, I perceive.”

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Weekly Quiz on Holiday until January 4, 2014

At the urging of our Quiz Masters and Members, Buttons is declaring a Quiz Holiday for the Holidays. We will suspend the Weekly Quiz until Friday, 4 January 2014 when we will resume with an all new year of Canonical quizzing!

Buttons needs a holiday, too, from the scribbling of notes in the margins of his Doubleday. He is planning on spending time with his mates at the local across the square, The Frog and Pig, where a turkey Cornish pasty and a few pints of best bitter are calling. The good Doctor and Mr Holmes will likely be looking for a two-barred goose again his year, and Buttons will repair to the Alpha Inn for a bit of supper and a nice eggnog.  An abundancy of Thanksgiving and Festive Greetings to all!

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Ron Lies “Chips” on an Allusive Mystery Story 

Our Society’s frequent contributor, Ron Lies “Chips”, sends along a few clues to an allusive mystery story related to Dr Watson and Mycroft and Sherlock Holmes.

Members who would like to add this to their collection, can find the book on Amazon listed for about $7.00. Information below:

“Chips” writes:

“A fellow member of the Sherlock Holmes Society of India posted the information about a short story where Dr. Watson beats the Holmes Brothers at their own game. The story is written by Collin Dexter who created The Inspector Morse stories. It is in the collection Morse’s Greatest Mystery and Other Stories. The short story is “A Case of Mis-Identity.” The tale is enjoyable and worth the time to find it.”

Chips

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Weekly Quiz #9: 15-20 November 2013

Weekly Quiz #9
15 – 20 November 2013; 4 pm (Pacific)

RESULTS:  Weekly Quiz #9 produced the following Quiz Masters: Answers are posted below.

Member Individual Category:  Michele Lopez “Reggie” took the honours with a perfect score of 20/20 plus the 5 bonus points for 25 total. Michele was closely followed by a two-way tie between Denny Dobry “Kirby” and James O’Leary “Pippin” with 19/20.

Member Team Category:  Sheila Holtgrieve “Daisy” and Margie Deck “Gwen”
took the Team honours once again in a continuation of their unbroken run with 20/20 plus 5 bonus points for 25 total.

Congratulations to all!

This week’s quiz is a similar to the classic quizzes that were used in past years to qualify devotees as having the requisite knowledge of the Canon to be designated “Sherlockians.”  In this version, the questions are focused on Dr Watson, are worth 5 points each with an added 5 point bonus for accurate citations. Submit your answers by 4 pm Wednesday, 20 November to buttons@johnhwatsonsociety.com.

Questions:

  1. When and to whom did Dr Watson recommend large doses of a poison as a sedative? What was the poison? In which story? For whom?
  2. In what story was Dr Watson’s body in one chair and his legs upon another?
  3. In what story was Dr Watson settled into a well-worn, low armchair?
  4. To whom did Dr Watson ascend to a second time with a message?
  5. What time did Dr Watson sit down beside the fire to await Holmes’s return?
  6. Where was Dr Watson when asked to recall tracks?
  7. When was it sufficient for Dr Watson to share the sport and lend his humble help?
  8. What was the event that Dr Watson asked Holmes to give him the points about?
  9. What case was Dr Watson asked to add to his annals?
  10. When did Holmes and Watson ascend followed by a doctor?
  11. When Dr Watson turned up the time-table and found the last train gone, where had they wanted to go?
  12. When and where was the glare from the brickwork painful to Dr Watson?
  13. Holmes offers Dr Watson a cigar during a trip to where?
  14. What was the case that began with hot tea prior to the train on a winter morning?
  15. Whose father did Dr Watson have the pleasure of knowing?
  16. By what statement does Dr Watson paraphrase Descartes?
  17. What was another of Dr Watson’s bulls-eyes?
  18. To whom would the Dr’s bankers determine the worth of his guarantee?
  19. Dr Watson was with whom when he observed the faces in the diffused light from the shops?
  20. Dr Watson’s guest drank what at the first lunch where?

 

file_download.pngDownload Week 9 Questions

 

 

file_download.pngDownload Week 9 Questions and Answers

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Welcome to Noreen Pazderski, DVM, JHWS “Eos”

A very warm welcome is extended to Noreen Pazderski, DVM “Eos” from Tonowanda, New York. Dr Pazderski is a veterinarian and a long-time Sherlockian and member of An Irish Secret Society in Buffalo.

We look forward to Noreen’s contributions and welcome her with our greeting:

“You have been in Afghanistan, I perceive.”

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Welcome to David Parker, JHWS “Nigel” to Charter Membership

The Society is most pleased to have David R. Parker, JHWS “Nigel” as a Charter Member. David resides in Burnley, Lancashire, England. He has a most interesting website :  www.johnhwatsonmd.com where he acts as Dr Watson’s literary agent, writing regular insights and features about the good Doctor and posting frequent Twitter “telegrams” concerning Watson and Holmesian events and topics.

Please visit his website and exptend a warm welcome to the Society with our greeting to new members: “You have been in Afghanistan, I perceive.”

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Welcome to Michael Seward, JD, JHWS “Ritchie,” SHSL

We welcome to Charter membership Mr Michael Seward “Ritchie” of Berwick, Pennsylvania. Michael is a member of the Sherlock Holmes Society of London and the White Rose Irregulars.

We look forward to Michael’s participation and contributions to the Society’s activities and journal.  Please extend welcome with our new member greeting:

“You have been in Afghanistan, I perceive.”

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Welcome to Stephen Boothe, JHWS “Roscoe”

A warm welcome is extended to Stephen Boothe, JHWS “Roscoe” and member of the Hounds of the Internet and An Irish Secret Society at Buffalo.  Stephen lives in Silver Creek, New York and has also introduced his daughter, Hannah, to the Society. We greatly enjoy having this new student member and her father as new members.

Stephen writes:

“I’ve always associated my love of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson with family. As a youth in the 1980’s, I was introduced to Sherlock Holmes through the Ian Richardson Holmes portrayals in movies of that era. This started me on my Sherlockian path. One of the fondest memories of my entire life was my Dad calling around to local bookstores to find me a volume of Sherlock Holmes for my very own. Receiving some good advice from a bookseller, he put in a special order and purchased me a copy of The Complete Sherlock Holmes.

Years later, I now have the opportunity to pass along my fascination with Holmes and Watson to my children. Several years ago, I had the pleasure of introducing my eldest daughter, Hannah, to the canon.  More recently, I have happily exposed her to the new Sherlockian renaissance through the BBC Sherlock series. Seeing elements of the original canon stories re-interpreted to current times has hooked her on that series and, more importantly, on those original stories themselves. I’m proud that she wishes to be part of this worthwhile Society and will be joining with me as a charter member.

I am a member of An Irish Secret Society at Buffalo and the Hounds of the Internet (The Nonconformist Clergyman). I also enjoy taking part in Sherlockian social media including Twitter and the Sherlock Holmes community on Google+.”

Please welcome Stephen with the Society’s traditional greeting, now extended to 114 Founding and Charter Members:  “You have been in Afghanistan, I perceive.”

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Welcome to Hannah Boothe, Charter Member (student) JHWS “Penny”

As always, we are particularly delighted to welcome a student member to the Society. Hannah Boothe, JHWS “Penny” lives in Silver Creek, New York. She writes:

“I live in Silver Creek, New York, and attend Silver  Creek High School. I was first introduced to Sherlock Holmes when my dad suggested I read the stories a few years ago. He also recently introduced me to BBC’s Sherlock. I am very interested in Watson’s relationship with Holmes, as Holmes is so secluded, yet allows Watson into his life fairly quickly. I feel that being a member of this society will help me to further discover what is so special about their relationship.”

We extend to Hannah a warm welcome and invite her to participate in the Society activities and to consider articles for the journal, The Watsonian. We also would like to encourage Hannah to consider creating a Consulting Room branch of the Society at her high school. The Society will help her with that and offer support to that endeavor if desired.

Please extend a warm welcome with our greeting:  “You have been in Afghanistan, I perceive.”

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Welcome to Flora Spector, JHWS “Teddie”

The Society is pleased to welcome Flora Spector, JHWS “Teddie” to Charter Member. Flora joins from Reading, Pennsylvania. We will have more information when we receive her biography.

Until then, please welcome Flora with our greeting: “You have been in Afghanistan, I perceive.”

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Weekly Quiz #8; Monthly Quiz #2: 8 – 13 November 2013

Weekly Quiz  #8
Monthly Quiz #2
8 November 2013 to 13 November  2013

RESULTS: Congratulations to our members who successfully participated in the weekly and monthly quiz: Denny Dobry “Kirby” scored 22/25 to take the Weekly Quiz Master Member Individual honours, followed by James O’Leary “Pippin” and Michele Lopez “Reggie”.

Margie Deck “Gwen” and Sheila Holtgrieve “Daisy” retained the Member Team Category for the week with 25/25, as well as the Monthly Team Quiz Masters. They are invincible!

The Monthly Quiz Master goes to James O’Leary “Pippin” with 80/100 points. He was followed closely by Michele Lopez “Reggie” of Italy who is working without the benefit of most of the Sherlockian scholarship and reference books.

The answers are posted below.

The Weekly Quiz #8 is also our Monthly Quiz #2. The theme is Scholarship Easily Researched. One of the hallmarks of some Sherlockians and Watsonians is their knowledge of the scholarship of the past 80 years. The sources for the questions this week are from publications found in most enthusiasts’ libraries.

Each question (there are only five) is answered in a book of scholarship that is widely known or readily available. Identify the original scholarly writer, the book where the reference appears, the object where called for, and the story referenced. Each accurate answer is worth 5 points.

Questions:

  1. Who wrote “As for us, gentlemen, we wish to have our intelligence insulted. How did Holmes know about the snuff?”
  2. Who wrote that Mendelssohn’s Auf Flugen des Gesanges “might well have been [another] favourite with” Watson?
  3. Who wrote in what book that [name it] is located about one and one-half miles to the south-west of [name where] and has on it a logan stone that can be rocked by means of a natural handle? (give the author, book name, the story, the object and location described, and the source of the scholarship).
  4. Who scoffed at Holmes’s conclusion about a single dumb-bell and suggested Watson knew better but let Holmes have his fun? (The writer, the story, and where the reference is given)
  5. Who wrote, “I myself have stood in Baker Street and surveyed a suppositious upper story, wondering whether Sherlock Holmes was standing beside the dark hangings in the windows, looking up and down for a hansom-cab with a suspicious driver”? (Name the writer and the publication or book in which it appears; no story required).

 

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Download Week 8 Questions

 

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Download Week 8 Questions and Answers

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Ashley Mayo, JHWS “Argos” is our Newest Charter Member, U.K.

The Society welcomes Ashley Mayo, JHWS “Argos,” and Sherlock Holmes Society of London where he is on the Council of SHSL. Ashley lives in Winchester, Hampshire, England.

Last year Ashley played Dr Watson on the SHSL’s pilgrimage to Switzerland and he became quite fond of the good Doctor.

Please welcome Ashley with our new member greeting: “You have been in Afghanistan, I perceive.”

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Welcome to Karen Ellery, JHWS “Sherry”

The Society welcomes Karen Ellery “Sherry” of Minneapolis to Charter Membership.  A very active and creative Watsonian and Sherlockian, Karen describes her many interests:

I am a member of: The Norwegian Explorers; The Red-Throated League; and The Consorts of the Kings of Scandinavia.  Founding Member and “Stage Manager” of The St. John’s Wood Accomplices.  Online member of WelcomeHolmes and HOUNDS of the Internet (“Maud Bellamy”). Owner and Editor of 221T Press; editor and co-translator of the first Klingon edition of “The Adventure of the Blue
Carbuncle.”  Co-creator of the Loving Cup Teas© line of Sherlockian teas. First recipient of the Norwegian Explorers’ Sigerson Award for Poetry. Actor, lyricist, tea-lover, staunch Watsonian.

Please join in welcoming Karen with our new member greeting: “You have been in Afghanistan, I perceive.”

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Weekly Quiz #7: 1 November to 6 November 2013

Weekly Quiz #7
1 November to 6 November 2013

RESULTS: Elinor Hickey “Misty” was second in with 16/20; Dean Turnbloom “Stoker” was third in and tied with 16/20; and James O’Leary “Pippin” was first in with 15/20. They go forward to the Monthly Quiz on 8 November 2013.

Watson used colour sparingly in his writing with only a few exceptions. Compared to imagist writers, however, he was not a “colourful” writer. “Colour in the Canon” would make a superb research paper for The Watsonian (any takers?).

This week’s quiz is concerned with those few colours. Identify the object being described by the colour and an associated word or two in the text, the story, and all the accurate page citations (5 point bonus) in the Doubleday one-volume edition of 1930 (the “W” edition).

Colour – – – – Object/Person – – – – Story – – – – Page

  1. Yellow (Nov. 1895)
  2. White (rustic)
  3. Amber (pile)
  4. White (curve)
  5. Red (bully)
  6. Green (mottled)
  7. Gray (jack-in-a-box)
  8. Gray (scraped)
  9. Green (dreaming)
  10. Brown (study)
  11. Black (insane)
  12. Glossy black (noble maybe)
  13. Purple (girt round)
  14. Red (wire)
  15. Brown (first usage)
  16. Black (smoke tree)
  17. Crimson (guilty)
  18. Gray (mist)
  19. Pink (curve)
  20. Lavender (aristocrat)

file_download.pngDownload Week 7 Questions and Answers

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The Watsonian: Inaugural Issue Arrives

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The Watsonian is Here!
We are comfortable with saying the journal has arrived in our member’s mailboxes. If you have not received your issue, give it a few more days and then let Buttons know it has not been received.We are pleased that we have had no known glitches. Our printer, G&H Soho, in Elmwood Park, New Jersey has done a superb job of printing, binding and mailing and has our thanks for working with us on this first issue to get everything right. And, the Society was well within its production and postage budget for the first journal. Visit their website:  http://www.ghsoho.com .

The Society hopes you enjoy the journal and all of the excellent articles it contains from our very talented members. We have already received many kind comments from members and, if you have good things to say, or wish to comment in a constructive manner, please contact our Editor and Publisher, Dr Joanne Yates, via email at publisher@johnhwatsonsociety.com and let her know of your enjoyment, or leave a Comment here. If you wish your letter to be published in Letters to the Editor of the next journal, please indicate at the top of your email or letter: “For Letters to the Editor.” Joanne put hundreds of hours into this issue and has given us all the great benefit of her gigantic talents as an editor and a designer.

The next issue is 15 April 2014 and the deadline for articles, papers, and miscellanea is 15 February 2014. We encourage all of our members to submit selections for the journal. We will all be richer for your talents and interests. One does not have to be an experienced, published writer to submit. Some of our finest articles are from first-time writers. After all, we all share our love of Dr Watson, Sherlock Holmes and the Sacred Canon. That is the only requirement for interesting writing. Give it a try. You may just open and discover a whole new world within yourself.