As mentioned in the Peter Grant series, which is a brilliant work that everyone should read, the real life UK law enforcement/London Met has an IT system called called the Home Office Large Major Enquiry System = HOLMES. At one point, it is remarked that when the Met put out an updated version of the database they wanted to name it SHERLOCK, but nobody could make up a good acronym, so it was named HOLMES 2.
Well, I think Aaronovitch should hold a contest to find the Best Acronym. My entry would be Services/Historical Emergency Records of London's Official Constabulary of the King. (WHAT. I'm allowed to dream.)
Also, this led me down the path of pondering what would be a good substitute for HOLMES in the universe of BBC's Sherlock series (see: Celebrity Paradox). Current top two contenders: DUPIN and WOLFE. Other contenders: MARPLE, POIROT, WIMSEY. I love Father Brown but that name is too common, and the series isn't terribly well known.
(Where have I been? I've been doing far more nonfiction writing as of late than fiction, due to my Actual Timesuck Job. I don't know how everyone else in the blogosphere seems to balance the two so well, kudos to each and every one of you. I'm getting a few things ready for submission, but it's taking ages.)
POIROT -- I like it!
ReplyDeleteHaha, thanks! Now I just need to dream up an expansion for such an acronym. :)
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