Why does the man adopt the name of a great detective? [br] [originaltext]W: She

W: Sherlock Holmes, I must ask you first ...How is it that you have the same name as Sherlock Holmes, the great detective?
M: Please call me "Holmes"—that’ s what my friends and family call me—well, you see, my parents were great fans of the original Conan Doyle stories. Both parents, my father especially, would spend hours reading the adventures to me—even as a child.
W: Really?
M: Yes...and when I was born, they discussed a number of first names. They wanted to give their son a name that was uncommon—but also that represented something special. They didn’t take long to decide on "Sherlock Holmes" as he was their favourite literary figure—and they know no one would forget me once they’d heard my name. And boy, they were right.
W:  So, how do people in general react when you introduce yourself to them?
M:  Well, I get all kinds of reactions really—everything from the usual "Where’ s Dr. Watson?" type comments to people just thinking I’m being funny.
W: I can imagine. And do you mind?
M: No, not at all. I never do. I think, the best reaction was one time when I was in San Francisco, and I went into an electronics store to buy a TV. The clerk behind the counter was a young lady around 18 or so. When she saw the name on my credit card, she must have stared at it for about 10 full seconds. Then she looked up at me and said, in all sincerity, "I did not know you were real! Wait "till I tell my friends I saw the real Sherlock Holmes!" The expression on her face looked like she’ d seen a ghost. It was very amusing.
W: Given your name, do you feel that you have any special talent or ability to solve mysteries in everyday life?
M: Well, I’ll say that having the name does mean that people often turn to me if anything unusual happens. For example, if I’ m watching TV with a friend or family member and a magician comes on and does some kind of trick—all eyes turn to me to explain how it’ s done.