Ineffable Twaddle “It is my business to know what other people don’t know.” The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle A monthly publication of The Sound of the Baskervilles
A Scion Society of The Baker Street Irregulars • Since March 31, 1980
Serving the Greater Puget Sound Region of Western Washington
Volume 2 8, I ss ue 1 2009 Master’s Dinner January 2009 Join Us for Holmes’ 155th Birthday Celebration!! Return your check for Date: Saturday, January 3 Inside this issue: $26.15 per person—payable to Time: 2:00 p.m. Barnaby’s —to Terri Haugen by 2009 Master’s Dinner 1 Cost: $26.15 per person * mail by December 23. Winner Named for 1 Place: Barnaby’s, 16401 West Valley Hwy, 2009 “Footprints” Tukwila We must have a count on menu items one week in Save These Dates 1 There’ll be toasts, and handouts including advance of the banquet! our 2008 Beaten’s Christmas Annual, and Examine First Half of 2 Please write good food and lots of fun!! SIGN for January your WA Driver’s License # Meeting * Cost includes tax & tip and your choice of 5 entrées on your check! (prime rib, Hawaiian chicken, Kensington Club A Few Thoughts by a 2 steak, King salmon and vegetable Alfredo ), soup Guy… Contributed by or fresh salad bar, and coffee, tea or soda Ann Deusenberry (alcoholic beverages are additional ). Things to See, Buy, 3 Remember: Winner Named for 2009 Do & Know Our Annual Dessert Buffet “Footprints” Award Test Your Knowledge 3 immediately follows The Master’s of Great Britain, Dinner on January 3 . With the precedent set last Decem- Part IV Contributed Driving directions to Jean Macdonald’s ber, Treasurer Al Nelson was recog- by Stu Shiffman home will be provided that night. nized at the December 8 Meeting and, with deserved compliments and a list of Member News & 4 And, please bring a treat to share!! good deeds, nominated SOB Margie Updates Deck for our 2009 “The Footprints of a Save These Dates Gigantic The SOBs will attend two performances of Hound” award. Sherlockian plays in early 2009!! As is our cus- S o m e o n e tom, please contact the theatre yourself to reserve quickly called and pay for your own tickets!! for closing the “The Final Toast”, Saturday, February 28, nominations, Joy & 3:00 p.m., The Broadway Center for the Per- the vote was forming Arts, Tacoma, $34 ($22, seniors) , (800) taken, and so Hank & Margie Deck Happy 291-7593. Supper follows at Hank & Margie Margie was unanimously named the new Deck’s home. Hound award-winner!! Congratulations, Holidays “The Crucifer of Blood”, Saturday, March 7, Margie!!! 2:00 p.m., Centerstage Theatre, Federal Way, Meet Margie and hear more kudos of her to One $25 ($20, seniors), (253) 661-1444. Refreshments contributions at The Master’s Dinner, of follow at Al & Margaret Nelson’s home. course!! and All!! P a g e 2 Ineffable Twaddle
Drawing of the Examine First Half of SIGN for January Meeting Andaman Pe- The January 12 th Meeting of The Sound of the Baskervilles will begin at 6:00 nal Colony p.m. at T.S. McHugh’s Public House, 21 Mercer Street, Seattle, (206) 282-1910. Headquarters, Come early, order dinner and catch up with other SOBs! Many arrive as early as 5:00. made in 1872 Says PFL David : As this novel is lengthy but has no “long boring part”, at- —a time when Jonathan tendees at the December Meeting decided we’ll cover it over two Meetings . At Small was incarcerated there. Sholto the January Meeting, we’ll discuss and quiz on the first 6 chapters; at the February might have entered this building on Meeting, we’ll discuss and quiz on the last 6 chapters. occasion as part of his prison job. This second published chronicle by Dr. Watson originally appeared in Lippin- cott’s Magazine with the subtitle, “The Problem of the Sholtos”, but was later or- The Sign of Four ganized into chapters for novelization. The Sign of Four is actually comprised of two tales: The death of Bartholo- mew Sholto, along with the subsequent theft of the Agra Treasure; and the ro- Interesting Facts From SIGN : mance between Watson and their client, Mary Morstan. This story contains the only Don’t miss the fun, as we get several opportunities to view Holmes’ attitude mention of Watson’s elder brother, toward woman, and Watson wooes Mary with the same ardor that Holmes uses who is the source of John’s middle to track down the killers!! name: Hamish. Did you catch the fact that two wooden-legged people are men- A Few Thoughts by a Guy Who Made a Living tioned in this tale? Senegambia is a region of western Out of Observing Absurdity in Action Africa around the Senegal and Gambia rivers. For those of us who enjoy silliness, wordplay, floor. absurdity and punditry, we couldn’t let the pass- • What does it mean to pre-board? Do ing of stand-up comedian George Carlin go with- you get on before you get on? out notice. Carlin, whose long career was distin- • When you step on the brakes, your life is Robert Downey Jr. guished by pointed social commentary that placed gets clocked in the him on the cultural cutting edge, died on June 22 in your foot's hands. • noggin by his 7-foot of heart failure in Santa Monica. Enjoy these!!! Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and Sherlock Holmes co- • Atheism is a non-prophet organization. anyone going faster than you is a ma- star. This is why • By and large, language is a tool for conceal- niac? skeptics said the clas- ing the truth. • I went to a bookstore and asked the sic story Sherlock • Don't sweat the petty things, and don't pet saleswoman, “Where's the self-help sec- Holmes and the Fist- the sweaty things. tion?” She said if she told me, it would fight With Yoo Ming • Dusting is a good example of the futility of defeat the purpose. was unfilmable . Entertainment Weekly, 12/12/08 trying to put things right. As soon as you • Some people see things that are and ask, dust, the fact of your next dusting has al- “Why?” Some people dream of things ready been established. that never were and ask, “Why not?” • In comic strips, the person on the right al- Some people have to go to work and Remarkable Collection at U of M ways speaks first. don't have time for all that. Though now retired, SOB Ed Funk • • Most people work just hard enough not to I'm completely in favor of the separation still gets mailings from the get fired and get paid just enough money of Church and State. My idea is that U of Minnesota Foundation, whose not to quit. these two institutions screw us up last mailing included an item on the • “Frisbeetarianism” is the belief that when enough on their own, so both of them bequest to the Sherlock Holmes you die, your soul goes up on the roof and together is certain death. Collections at the U from Allen gets stuck. • May the forces of evil become confused Mackler, “a noted Sherlockian and • One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, on the way to your house. avid collector”. The Collections now include Mackler’s full-scale Christopher Morley model of Holmes’ sitting room, —who wrote the which now resides in Wilson Introduction to the Library. The gift also included a Doubleday version library of 5,000 to 6,000 books, of The Canon— lives on: original Sherlockian art, and an Source: Tacoma endowment to fund a curator News Tribune for the Collections. Volume 28, January, 2009, Issue 1 P a g e 3
Things to See, Buy, Do & Know And, The Winner Is… The 1 st place prize in our From SOB Margaret Nelson: • Through (a 98104, (206) 587-5737, www.seattlemystery.com Second Short Story-Writing Northwest Cos- From Cenarth Fox in Australia: 2 Sher- woman at work), I found out about • I have Contest went to current tume Shop lockian CDs and 5 Sherlockian books , 2315—6th Avenue S.W., Tacoma, (253) available. SOB Treasurer Allen Nelson . 383-4700. Mary Johnson and her husband own the The books are about the Schoolboy Sherlock Holmes Writers this year were challenged whole building; they have the shop on the 1st floor, and have won rave reviews; details at www.twit.biz . to complete an essay begun by but on the 2nd floor, they are recreating a ballroom, The CDs are explained in the following advert . Sherlock Holmes' flat and a pub. Allen stopped in Overseas delivery is no problem, and PayPal is avail- Nacho Ospina prior to his and learned they supply local theatre productions able. untimely death in May 2008. with costumes and offer a variety of rental options. Entries were required to The Real Sherlock Holmes • From SOB Geoff Jeffery: 2009 marks the 150th complete—but not alter—the A three-hander, a comedy/drama about the amazing life and first 645 words of Nacho’s tale, anniversary of the birth of Arthur Conan Doyle, and to work of Arthur Conan Doyle and his ‘friend’ Mr. Holmes. celebrate his life and works, Harvard’s Houghton Rave reviews. titled “A Night of Horror”. Library will host a symposium May 7 to 9, 2009 I've greatly enjoyed reading The Real Sherlock Holmes - At the December 8 Meeting, and mount a major exhibition May 4 to August 15, now I want to see it performed! May you go from strength Editor Terri presented Al with a 2009 “to honor the man whose enduring contributions to strength! big hug and a certificate honoring Roger Johnson, The Sherlock Holmes Society of London st to the post-Victorian world include the creation of An utter delight!, a very poignant script and performance. his 1 place achievement, and modern detective fiction and the genre’s most famous Classic Specialties, USA the now-finished pastiche will literary character.” It stars Sir Arthur, his mother Mary, to whom he wrote some appear in our 2008 • From SOB Treasurer Allen Nelson: 1500 letters and his greatest creation, Mr. Sherlock Holmes. Beaten’s Christmas Annual. “The Victorian Society” Discover the man behind the world’s greatest consulting detec- , based in England, has a tive. Each CD only A$19.50 post free—www.foxplays.com monthly magazine I’m subscribing to. The group is pricey to join, but their cause is a good one: Promot- Sherlock Stock and Barrel ing the preservation of Victorian and Edwardian archi- A five-hander, a musical comedy where 5 actors play 73 roles in a hilarious staging of 25 tales from the Canon. Great reviews. tecture throughout England and Wales. To learn Enjoy The Hound of the Baskervilles, The Sign of Four, The more, go to: www. victorian-society.org.uk . Speckled Band, The Blue Carbuncle and many more. In researching British money for my Beaten’s Cenarth Fox would have to be one of our most knowl- article, I found a really neat website: www.victorian edgeable writers on the life and works of web.org . It has all kinds of neat historical stuff and Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes. Sherlock Stock and Barrel is a roller coaster ride of the stories links to an even vaster source. peppered with songs and comedy. A very enjoyable piece. John Hall’s latest • Seattle Mystery Bookshop has , John Gunn—Curtain Up Photo by Bill Seil Sherlock Holmes at the Raffles Hotel (Breese trade If the Reduced Shakespeare Company were to tackle PB original, $18.50) in stock. Now retired, Watson Sherlock Holmes the result might be something like this fears Holmes will stagnate without cases to keep his but it would probably lack Cen Fox’s profound knowl- PFL David (left) presents to Allen edge of the Holmesian Canon. Hugely enjoyable. The Nelson in November 2007 the 1st mind sharp. A vacation is what these two need, to show is played at a frantic pace, is dramatic, tuneful, Place Prize in our First Short Singapore! Once there, settled in their hotel, the ingenious, and above all, very funny. Story-Writing Contest game, once more, is afoot. For more: Seattle Mys- Roger Johnson, The Sherlock Holmes Society of London tery Bookshop, 117 Cherry Street, Seattle, WA Both CDs only A$29.50 post free—www.foxplays.com Test Your Knowledge of Great Britain, Part IV Climate Source: The Daily Telegraph (London) cated, especially if your 1) The best thing about the British cli- brolly has the name of an ex- mate is: a) at least it isn't worse; b) it pensive sporting event you gives the British something to talk haven't been to printed on it. about; c) there isn't one, it's ghastly; d) 4) Tornadoes happen in Britain: a) more it's getting warmer. often than anywhere else in the world; 2) The worst thing about the British cli- b) on quiet news days when there isn't mate is: a) there isn't one; it's marvel- anything else to put in the papers; c) but ous; b) it gives the British something to not anywhere near us; d) and the odd talk about; c) for some inexplicable rea- thing is that they never hit caravan son, it isn't suited to our railway infra- parks. structure; d) it's getting warmer. 5) Global warming will mean: a) less 3) You should carry a brolly when you Britain; b) more rain; c) less rain; d) go out in Britain: a) just in case it rains; more moaning. b) it's more likely to be sunny if you do; Parts I, II and III of this Test appeared in c) do you mean an umbrella? d) it the April and July, 2007 and the December, makes you look suave and sophisti- 2008 issues of Ineffable Twaddle . The Sound The Sound of the Baskervilles is a scion By appointment society of the Baker Street Irregulars, of the of Her Majesty, serving the greater Puget Sound Region of Baskervilles Western Washington, U.S.A., and has met Queen Victoria monthly since March 31, 1980. $20 per year brings Members the monthly newsletter “Ineffable Twaddle”, a copy of Ineffable Twaddle Beaten’s Christmas Annual, and the incalcu- lable benefits of association with a group of A monthly publication of certifiable Holmes aficionados. The Sound of the Baskervilles Meetings are held at 6:00 p.m., the 2nd A Scion Society of the Baker Street Irregulars since March 31, 1980 Monday of each month. Location of the Serving the Greater Puget Sound Region of Western Washington meetings may vary. Regularly scheduled additional events throughout the year President: David Haugen, PFL, SOB, PSC include: “The Master’s Dinner” celebrating Treasurer: Allen Nelson Holmes’ birthday (January), “The Annual Secretary/Editor: Terri Haugen ([email protected]) Wreath Throw” commemorating Holmes’ Webmaster & Historian: Lloyd Hedberg, WFL loss at Reichenbach Falls (May), “The Dr. ([email protected]) John H. Watson Picnic” (July), and “The Website: www.soundofthebaskervilles.com Will Crakes Memorial Jollifica- tion” (December). Other activities—book Direct correspondence to : crawls, teas, plays and gaming events—are 3606 Harborcrest Court N.W. as announced. Gig Harbor, WA 98332-8981 USA To join, send your check for dues—$20 for Phone: 253-853-5187 individuals, $30 for families (U.S. funds Fax: 253-853-5187 only)—to the address shown at left. Email: [email protected]
Watson’s use of the term “jollification”, which led to the Member News & Updates moniker given our annual December celebration!!
Dates of Those attending the November Meeting, pre- David was thrilled to be able to quote a line or two Interest sided over by PFL David Haugen , were: from the story, and to add his sickeningly favorite,
● January 3 Al Nelson Marge Nelson Barbara Nelson “And, don’t call me ‘Shirley’!”. Master’s Dinner, John Nelson Lauran Stevens Terri Haugen Dr. Ed told us that intellect is not based on the size
2:00 p. m., Margie Deck Hank Deck Herb Leake of the brain but on the capacity to take in and store Barnaby’s in Ed Funk Joyce Funk Paul Williams knowledge of every day life. Amen to that! James Romnes Ginie Romnes Tukwila; And, Paul gave us a terrific imitation of Holmes dessert buffet News & Notes : laughing “...in the hearty, noiseless fashion which was immediately • What a gift to see Paul back among us!! And, peculiar to him .” follows at Jean happily, Ginie & James made the trek from the • Sad Times 1 : Louise Fry notified us on Decem- Macdonald’s southeast end too! ber 8 that Sam’s cancer has progressed, and he is ● January 12 • The cookie exchange was an astounding suc- now under hospice care at home in Olympia. No Regular cess and a bit of a frenzy, as all the cookie- calls or visits please , but cards and letters are Monthly makers doled out their wares. Not surprisingly, most welcome! Their P.O. Box address is shown Meeting, T.S. it was moved/seconded and unanimously passed on the SOB Membership list. • Sad Times 2 : Kay McHugh’s that our December Meeting will henceforth in- Chelemedos’ Christmas card, received on De- ● February 9 clude a cookie exchange!! Yippee!! cember 9, told us Peter is making a good recov- Regular • A bit of good news is that Joyce is much better ery from his heart attack...heart attack???!!!! Monthly after a recent (and nearly fatal) bout with illness!! Seems he was in hospital for 8 days in late Octo- Meeting, T.S. Welcome back, Joyce (and Ed )! ber, followed by rest at their daughter’s home. McHugh’s • Forgoing a quiz on BLUE , since we know it so ⇨ Our prayers and good wishes go out to both ● February 28 very well, PFL David led us in a good discussion. the Fry and the Chelemedos families!!! • Karen Murdock sent holiday greetings and “The Final Interesting facts and remarks included: news that she was invested into The Adventur- Toast” play in When David commented on Holmes' frequent use Tacoma of the term "friend" in this story, Barbara noted it esses of Sherlock Holmes in November. Kudos!! • If you would like to offer a formal toast at the March 7 certainly wasn't a term Holmes would toss around ● Master’s Dinner? Please e-mail PFL David at: “The Crucifer of lightly. Added Lauran , Holmes says at one point that [email protected] . He just needs to Blood” play in Watson is his only friend. know your subject, so there’s no repetition. Federal Way Ginie noted, as no one has previously mentioned,