ask the holmes brothers

Congratulations. You have found a blog where you have the great opportunity to ask Sherlock Holmes and/or Mycroft Holmes a question. [[currently not up to date with series because the admin is busy with all sorts of life adventures, sorry!]] Broken...

[asktheholmesbrothers]

Does Mycroft know ballet like Sherlock ?

Good God, no. I will leave the ballet to Sherlock.

-M. Holmes

He’s just jealous because he does does a low passé. 

SH

[asktheholmesbrothers]

Mycroft, did you ever consider that drink with lady smallwood ? If so, how was it ? If not, what dis you do instead ?

I did consider it. It was... illuminating. 

-M. Holmes

[asktheholmesbrothers]

What is your favorite type of soda? And candy?

I’m quite fond of Cadbury bars.

SH

The three people who know me would say that I have many favorites. Especially in the sweets department.

-M. Holmes

[asktheholmesbrothers]

Any New Year's resolutions?

To cut down on the processed sugar, attend fewer world security meetings.

-M. Holmes

Smoke less. Practice the violin more.

SH

[asktheholmesbrothers]

Who's more clever?

It’s not a matter of the amount of intelligence when one possesses to define “cleverness”, rather more one’s ability to adapt and to recognize one’s limitations. By this definition, I suppose, I am more clever.

-M. Holmes

It’s me.

SH

[asktheholmesbrothers]

Would you ever consider including Lestrade into your duo and become a trio?

To whom are you referring?

-M. Holmes

I’m sure Gerald would just love that.

SH

[asktheholmesbrothers]

Who's your other brother?

I do not understand the question. My only brother is Sherlock.

-M. Holmes

>////503_INTERNAL_SERVICE_ERROR

>read:did_you_forget_about_me_brother_

/SYSTEM_COMPROMISED-292%28/shut_down_programme

[asktheholmesbrothers]

Admin note!

Hello all-

This is just a heads up that I’m putting the ask box on hold so that we can try to get some of the questions you’ve sent soon!

Thanks for your patience,

Cait

[asktheholmesbrothers]

What did you get for Christmas? Did you give any?

Althea got me a new tie. Charming, even if the pattern is hideous. I sent Sherlock a fruit basket, because I know he hates them. 

-M. Holmes

I bought another violin case for myself. The old one was getting to be rather worn.

I burned the fruit basket on the front street. 

SH

[asktheholmesbrothers]

Can you tell us about your father? Or is that a more private matter?

My father was distant, to say the least. He was absent for most of our childhood, due to the nature of his work. He would send excellent Christmas presents, however. I remember one year he sent Sherlock a vintage car for his sixteenth birthday. 

Any more is private business, however, and to be quite frank with you, it is not a very thrilling tale to tell. 

-M. Holmes

[asktheholmesbrothers]

I read in one of the older renditions about you by a man named Doyle that one of your clients just burst in and before saying anything went to the wall and started banging his head against it. Um... do your clients usually do things like that??

Human beings are very strange.

SH

What my brother means, is that people react in odd manners all the time, especially in stressful times as in Sherlock’s profession.

-M. Holmes

[asktheholmesbrothers]

Admin note!

Hello all-

This is just a heads up that I’m putting the ask box on hold so that we can try to get some of the questions you’ve sent soon!

Thanks for your patience,

Cait

[asktheholmesbrothers]

Opinions on pizza?

Not my favorite. 

-M. Holmes

Excellent with anchovies and green peppers.

SH

[asktheholmesbrothers]

Did you guys share a room when you were little? How big was your house?

Mummy raised us in one of the countryside estates, which I believe had six bedrooms and eight bathrooms. We had separate rooms, but when we were very young, we would sometimes share a bedroom. The house was quite lonely otherwise, especially at night.

-M. Holmes

[asktheholmesbrothers]

Here is an example of the type of deductions I have trouble with. Earlier today I saw a clean car with a long but even scratch along the side. Do they have a child whose bike scratched it? A lawn mower? Keys sticking out of a pocket? Or maybe it happened while driving? A person in a hot climate is wearing a sundress and sandals, but also a sweltering sweatshirt. Christmas just passed so they probably got it then and so they must then be visiting from a colder climate. But I can't just assume.

Focus more on what is present, or what information you can collect. Deduction is rooted in observation- what you observe will minimize the possible assumptions until you are left with the truth. Of course, there is always the possibility that one’s assumption is false, but to get good at deductions, you must accept that possibility and strive to learn from potential mistakes. Even if you are wrong, you are teaching yourself to make observations, and that in itself is “correct”. You will, and can, learn from even your mistakes. 

 In your example, consider where the car is parked- in front of a building, in front of a house, in a driveway or on the road? Are there footprints leading from the car, and if so, how many? Is there dirt in the scratch, or was it scratched after being washed? Your answer may or may not be determined in the end, but you are practicing to be curious about the environment you find yourself in, and that is a valuable lesson, even if you never get a clear answer. 

SH

[asktheholmesbrothers]

I got a book about deduction for christmas and have devoured it. It gave some good everyday tips but nothing that would make me more perceptive than I already am. Can I get some advanced tricks/tips from the master(s)?

Refine your skills, and the rest will occur naturally. Make deductions on everything and anyone. Assume nothing, expect anything. Take careful notes, be it with a mobile telephone or sharp memory, of everything you see, no matter where you are. Understand what you do know, and more importantly, what you don’t know, so that you can improve your knowledge. Underestimate no individual and no thing. Since you seem to have already ventured into deductions yourself, you must be sure to not let any learned skill lapse- keep your mind sharp. Expose yourself to as many people and as many experiences so that you can explore any possibility. Trust in yourself. 

SH

[asktheholmesbrothers]

Were either of you overly fond of a stuffed animal which you would take on your everyday childhood adventures?

I had a dog. Much more fascinating than a toy.

SH

Not particularly. Never liked stuffed animals. 

-M. Holmes