The Sherlockian

(FYI, all shipping and distribution problems appear to be fixed. Amazon is freshly re-stocked, as are B&N and your friendly neighborhood bookshops.)

To celebrate, here’s a video of my friend Johnathan ironing my pants in preparation for my first TV appearance, on the BBC last week. Johnathan is an actor, and is the star of a TV show, so being my resident TV expert he and his wonderful wife Laura took me to the taping so I wouldn’t feel so nervous. However, when they came by Johnathan decided that the grey suit I really wanted to wear was inappropriately wrinkled for the occasion. In an act of friendship for which I have no proper response, or outlet for my gratitude, Johnathan then began to iron my suit.

Then we went off to tape the interview, which you can see here:

Thoughts: The advice I was given about doing TV was as follows: 1) Don’t blink. 2) Stare straight ahead at all times. 3) Don’t move your body.

Clearly, I failed on all three counts. Next time, I would like someone to point out a fourth admonition: Don’t look so grumpy! Maybe try smiling once or twice! Honestly, watching this now I look like I just got out of bed and haven’t made coffee yet. (For those of you who don’t know me, please consult those of you who do, and the latter will assure you that post-bed and pre-coffee is easily my grumpiest state.)

If I ever get to be on TV again — unlikely, I know — please remind me to smile. Thank you.