So it looks like everyone’s holiday gifts will be a little late from me. Sorry. Stupid, stupid, stupid work and life.

And while I’m still trying very hard to focus on Sherlock Holmes and not the individual cast and crew, I felt I did have to share this wonderful praise from JJ Abrams about Benedict Cumberbatch, in part because it explains so much about why Sherlock is so good (even when it violates our willing suspension of disbelief, but more on that when I post my Christmas Letter to Santa Moftiss later this week). Here’s an excerpt from the article:

Speaking to Digital Spy the director: “Being on the set with him… I think everyone was bringing their absolute A-game. I think, frankly, in a way, [his] presence sort of elevated everything.

“Time and again, every scene, Benedict brought a surprising, unexpected, grounded, real and often terrifying aspect to the role. So we are incredibly grateful, all of us.”

Keep in mind, Mr. Cumberbatch has said repeatedly that Martin Freeman produces the same result in him when they work together. And Mr. Freeman is getting massive doses of praise for his performance in The Hobbit as Bilbo Baggins, despite other criticism with the film. Great work guys!

Now speaking Sherlock Holmes (the original), he’s featured in this wonderful New York Time’s Sunday Review article on concentration. Being a  big fan of neuroscience, I’d read several abstracts and articles on research that supports and underlines the results highlighted in the NYTR article. Needless to say my New Year’s Resolution is to concentrate more on Sherlock Holmes (and meditate on surviving until Season 3 Sherlock).

I’ve got scads more I’d like to post, but need to dash off to a instructor’s workshop on using antiquated tech. *heavy sigh* More antler-madness is coming along with the other holiday cheer.

But you do realize that the 12 Days of Christmas start on Christmas Day and end on Sherlock’s Birthday (Epiphany), don’t you?

If you haven’t been following, there’s a wonderful Sherlock Advent Calendar and Contest at Sherlockology that tells a story (based on the original Silver Blaze plot) in the manner of the Sherlock: Casebook.

And a big Shout Out to the folks who have ordered Sherlock Quote T-Shirts and Tote Bags as well as those folks who have used the MX Publishing shop. I’m adding a bonus donation to the Audubon Society and the Cornell Ornithology Labs this month because they have a matching contribution offer.