Sherlock Holmes The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle | Thoughts on Chapter 8

Sherlock Holmes The Hound of the Baskervilles* [HOUN] by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle | Thoughts on Chapter 8

(*First published in a serialized fashion by The Strand Magazine August 1901 - April 1902. SPOILERS AHEAD)

One must gather one's aplomb even if one happens to be a story. That's what happens here in this chapter titled First Report of Dr Watson. That, and we get a sort of playbill to boot. Also, a nice feature is its relative brevity and straightforwardness (unless that's redundant to say). A cleansing of the palate some, after the previous chapter's elongated whirling dervish routine.

We begin with an explanation as to what the heck we have here. Watson will be transcribing for us, his letters home to Holmes. All but one ominously tantalizing missing page mentioned as such in quite a subtle manner. I have questions! I don't even know what they are. Of eerie creepy note is that the date is set at Oct. 13th. "He asked for a 13, but they drew a 31." - The Offspring, Pretty Fly for a White Guy. It's a great date, though. If not a bit overtly on-the-nose.

We learn more of the moor's 'grim charm' from the pen of W. "When you are once upon its bosom..." another bit of personification to file alongside the previous and repeated 'melancholy.' We are also cued into a certain out-of-timeliness of the place. "you have left all traces of modern England behind you... you are conscious everywhere of the homes and the work of prehistoric people." This makes fresh as the previously-mentioned ivy, the horrible tale of the poor maiden of ye olde Baskerville lore.

Then W cuts out his own poetry and brings up the canonical Holmes' "complete indifference as to whether the sun moved round the earth or the earth round the sun." Neat take on dialog that. Then Doyle gets all Doylean in telling the reader through Watson just how absolutely surprising what he's about to read will strike him or her as. First, the escaped convict must be gone by now, for what food has he to eat? Fair enough.

Then, he expresses his concern regarding the Stapleton sibs. A lovely lady and a frail man, set miles alone and adrift upon the moor. Perkins the groom is offered up as guard but passed on by the pair. Then we learn that Henry has begun to show "a considerable interest in our fair neighbor." And rightfully-so, seeing as she is a dark beauty all 'tropical and exotic.' This is so odd, since her brother is so, well, not. He reads as if appearing as a strip of dried-out Scotch Tape.

Aside from no longer being sticky, Jack also might not be so nice. "You would find him an interesting study." Indeed, I feel H already has. We see that he does not take kindly to Henry's interest in his sister Beryl. Why though, he's such a catch?! Intriguing and all told, a bit more than a bit obvious. Oh, and Dr Mortimer is back and hot and heavy into another skull. Such a 'single-minded enthusiast,' he. He takes them to see more moor. More doubt is cast on the pale Barrymore. Why is his paleness so warily treated while (see previous Scotch Tape reference)?

We add another character to said playbill then, in one 'Mr Frankland, of Lafter Hall.' He loves to litigate. Loves the (British) law and the bogged-down goodness of a good suit. It's all a bit Dickens Bleak House (1852-53) Jarndyce and Jarndyce. Bleak House is an excellent mystery with no shortage of humor and Lafter Hall. LAUGHTER, see? I dunno. Your mileage may vary but I can't shake the connection. Regardless, Frankland's latest legal escapade is sure to leave him broke and broken, his large fortune depleted.

Then we revisit the telegram in a forced manner in order to further suspect that the butler did it. Also, his wife is quite dull in every way, apparently. The takeaway here (spoiler alert but not really. What exactly is an Easter egg?) is that we learn in order to smooth over Barrymore's ruffled feathers due to these icky suspicions, Sir Henry gives him some hand-me-down clothes. What an absolutely lovely gesture of friendship and trust. I was gonna throw these out, do you want to wear them instead? Yikes.

Finally, and get ready for this... steel your nerves, good man! The infamously light-sleeping Watson spies a long shadowed Barrymore carrying a candle. He follows him to an empty room where from its window, B seems to somehow be in some sort of communication with the moor. Come moorning, Watson tells Henry of this and they seemingly hatch a plan. What is it? "I will not speak about it just now, but it should make my next report interesting reading." UuuGH. Cliff-hanger.

This is all quite interesting reading. Page-turner reading. In fact, it's ten pounds of interesting puzzle pieces crammed into a five-pound interesting puzzle piece bag. We end feeling as we know so ::: very ::: much moore than we really maybe do. A superb and titillating chapter of primordial noir. I'd love a Spillane rewrite. This could read as a rewrite of Poe. Doyle at his finest and most Doyle.

By the by, I am unsure what those ten pounds would be worth in today's USD but I am eye-balling, with great interest, the calculator sitting to my left upon my desk.

ADDITIONAL HOUN
Thoughts on Chapter 7
Thoughts on Chapter 9

::: very :::

Online sources for this article: The Arthur Conan Doyle Encyclopedia (The Hound of the Baskervilles). You can read this tale in full there, so you know. READ MORE

The Kaplowitz Media. Podcast | Episode Eight

The Kaplowitz Media. Podcast | Episode Eight

I discuss two topics, one of Tobacciana and one of Sherlockiana, each in a brief-ish manner. I do have plans of writing out the two in separate articles at some vague point in the future. One is about budget sticks, premium cigars, and cheap stogies. The second is about Sherlock Holmes pastiche, fan-fiction, and criticism. Oh, boy! yw

If the audio player below does not show up in your email or browser, please click HERE to enjoy it on Spotify. If it does, of course, simply click play to just as equally enjoy.

::: very :::

Gurkha Cigars Castle Hall in Review

Gurkha Cigars Castle Hall in Review

WRAPPER: Nicaraguan Habano
BINDER: Nicaraguan
FILLER: Nicaraguan

FORMAT: Toro
ORIGIN: Nicaragua (N. Caribbean Cigars SA)
INTENSITY: Medium

NOTES:
White pepper | Cedar | Cardboard

Stifled notes all jumbled together sans delineation. Cedar, cardboard, lemon, and dirt; listed in no particular order because there just ain't one. A white peppercorn somewhat harshly distinguishes itself as the driving bit. Hints of caramel, nougat, milk chocolate. Did I say cardboard? Not assaulting to the senses but definitely not complimentary of their abilities either. A retro-hale brings in more dirty lemon-pepper.

The real issues arise in construction and combustion. Without them, this is simply a thing to smoke while doing another thing. An at least pleasant lingering taste in your mouth. (Except for that it burns hot, thus is somewhat scorched in that alluded-to finish.) The problems don't end there. Tries to tunnel out of the gate. Draw is quite hesitant throughout, demanding double/triple puffs, lending to its hot temp, singed remains.

The ash is flaky with brick-like clumps that confirm less than ideal bunching, it also splits. The good news is that a threatening mouse-hole burn doesn't make good on said threats--simply due to this thing smoking past it at Mach speed. An uneven burn-line requires numerous re-touches but never fully behaves. Seams loosen by the puckered mascara. Top-leaf cracks audibly. My humidor is working fine, thanks for asking.

All too often, budget sticks aren't worth the cost.

TASTE: B
DRAW: B-
BURN: B-
BUILD: B-

FINAL GRADE: B-
A 90-100 B 80-89 C 70-79

::: very :::

An Oliva Cigars Serie O Answers (through me) A Proust Questionnaire

An Oliva Cigars Serie O Answers (through me) A Proust Questionnaire

Please do enjoy this fun little exercise, one that I like to believe has some merit. Although far be it from me to insert the word "fun" in your mouth. For a fuller understanding of both this cigar and the Proust Questionnaire, please see the FURTHER (Kaplowitz Media.) READING section after this brief interview. thx

Your favourite virtue? Diligence.

Your favourite qualities in man? Dependability and decorum

Your favourite qualities in woman? Dependability and decorum

Your favourite occupation? Maintaining tradition.

Your chief characteristic? Reliability. Balance.

Your idea of happiness? Running chores.

Your idea of misery? Letting someone down.

Your favorite colour and flower? Goldenrod.

If not yourself, who would you be? Cal Ripken.

Where would you like to live? DC Metro area.

Your favourite poets? Robert Frost, Carl Sandburg.

Your favourite painters and composers? Gustave Courbet, Mahler.

Your favourite heroes in real life? Fathers.

Your favourite heroines in real life? Mothers.

Your favourite heroes in fiction? I don't read fiction.

Your favourite heroines in fiction? I don't read fiction.

Your favourite food and drink? Artisan bread, Wine.

Your favorite names? Junior.

Your pet aversion? Irresponsibility.

What characters in history do you most dislike? Rabble rousers.

What is your present state of mind? Ready to be of service.

For what fault have you most toleration? Type A personalities.

Your favourite motto? CDO. It's OCD but alphabetized. See? I can be funny. And a little spicy. And also a little sweet.

FURTHER (Kaplowitz Media.) READING

On Confession Albums, The Proust Questionnaire, and Arthur Conan Doyle

Oliva Cigars Serie O in Review

::: very :::

Kaplowitz Media. Cigars of the Month for July 2022

Kaplowitz Media. Cigars of the Month for July 2022

(listed in alphabetical order)
(names are links to full reviews).

PDR Cigars Flores y Rodriguez 10th Anniversary Reserva Limitada in Review

Hullo! It would seem that this offering is the (unofficial) Cigar of the Month as well.

::: very :::

Sherlock Holmes The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle | Thoughts on Chapter 7

Sherlock Holmes The Hound of the Baskervilles* [HOUN] by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle | Thoughts on Chapter 7

(*First published in a serialized fashion by The Strand Magazine August 1901 - April 1902. SPOILERS AHEAD)

"The fresh beauty of the following morning did something to efface from our minds the grim and grey impression which had been left upon both of us by our first experience at Baskerville Hall." Because this can't be a wall-to-wall creeper, for what would the fun be in that? Casting occasional light into the dark really does make the dark seem all the darker. Dark. In this chapter named The Stapletons of Merripit House, that is precisely who we meet, speaking of dark.

[The environs continue to play in a Jekyll and Hyde manner.]

But what's so dark and in sunlit-breakfast juxtaposition about the goofy Jack Stapleton and his green butterfly net? We'll get to that shortly. First, "did you hear someone, a woman I think, sobbing in the night?" Asks Watson of Sir Henry who responds he did indeed but thought it was a dream. A nice murky surreal touch, bringing in the dream-state. The two call for Barrymore to explain and he just gets paler and paler. Whoever it was, he assures the pair, that it wasn't his wife if that's what you mean. Nope. Nuh-uh. Liar!

"But her tell-tale eyes were red and glanced at me from between swollen lids." relates Watson via narration just moments after her hubby's denial. Watson then decides to take a four-mile jaunt over to the post-master to check for certain that Barrymore really did receive that telegram, in his hand, as proof of him not being the fake-bearded spy from Holmes' flubbed chase. Sure, he (again) has a real beard and stands quite taller but LET'S GO. Also, an eight-mile no big deal walk really explains why late Victorians/early Edwardians don't seem so capable of being fat.

Think of the canonical drawings of Mycroft Holmes and The King of Bohemia. These are noted big men who wouldn't be so-so notably big these days. Thanks, fast food! Oh, and the kid did not deliver the telegram directly into Barrymore's hands and all bets are now on the butler actually having done it--although again, nothing fits there. Not really the strongest of red herrings, that. But surely he's more likely a culprit than... enter Jack Stapleton. "Suddenly, my thoughts were interrupted by the sound of running feet behind me and by a voice which called me by name."

Stapleton is described as, essentially, the least threatening person who ever pranced the moor's green earth. Also, it bears mentioning again, that he's carrying a butterfly net. Silly! Maybe it really is the dark-bearded Lurch-seeming butler. Oh and in Stapleton's other hand is a box for botanical specimens. Definitely that damned murderous butler. Two ::: very ::: important things next happen. One is that S says he knows of the legendary 'fiend dog.' "I have heard it." Furthermore (1B), he posits that said dog chased Sir Charles and frightened him to death as he did.

The second thing is here we get Watson being properly introduced to a quite important facet of the moor's personality. The Grimpen Mire, Mr. Hyde if you will. It eats moor ponies, fer chrissakes. Two more moor ponies in the last two days alone! {an additional spoiler alert warning before we continue} But no worries, Stapleton can traverse it, often does, and furthermore would absolutely never-ever drown in the thing. Not that anyone would ever assume him to do so because of what he just told Watson. But even if he ever maybe did, there's no sense looking for him to make sure.

We also, in this epic-length chapter read a (pre)historical overview of the area, learn Stapleton's back story, get "did you ever hear a bitter booming," see him then run off after a moth or something (cyclopides literally means sorta just that), and then W meets Mrs. S and she warns him to get the hell back to London fast. I feel like this one chapter could have been three and furthermore that if it were a person it would be stealing catalytic converters to fund its meth addiction. Watson naturally finds Beryl Stapleton quite attractive. Great, Jack is back. More dialog and wait--she thought W was Henry. Uh-oh.

I'm tired.

"I had a school," says Stapleton to Watson since for some dang reason W thought it was a good idea to follow these weirdos home. I have begun to feel like I'm also on an eight-mile cross-country elongated sentences hike. No map. Did I mention that Jack was super interested in Sherlock Holmes being on the case? I did now. Also now but also really later, Beryl just wants Watson to forget about that silly warning she gave him that was actually meant for Henry. She falls back on the story of the hound as an explanation, and drops a big something of "My brother is very anxious to have the Hall inhabited." Oh, really?

Watson hoofs it back to the Hall. I'm calling a cab. Chapter seven is a funny one, with lots of ado in a rather helter-skelter more rambling downright tedious manner. It leaves a fellow reeling, feeling quite on his tired heels.

ADDITIONAL HOUN

Thoughts on Chapter 6
Thoughts on Chapter 8

::: very :::

Online sources for this article: The Arthur Conan Doyle Encyclopedia (The Hound of the Baskervilles).

Romeo y Julieta Cigars Habana Reserve in Review

Romeo y Julieta Cigars Habana Reserve in Review

WRAPPER: Nicaraguan
BINDER: Nicaraguan
FILLER: Honduran, Nicaraguan

FORMAT: Robusto (554)
ORIGIN: Honduras (La Flor de Copan)
INTENSITY: Medium-full/Full

NOTES:
Vegetal | Coffee beans | Nuts/woods

Quite vegetal at least on its onset, but far from being raw-bitey green. Roasted and toasted grains and darkly sweet grasses hit on a neat savoriness. Dusty and non-descript spices are accompanied by a kindly-cracked black peppercorn. Almonds and black walnuts, heavy on their shells, evolve into lively hardwoods of excellent structure and delineation. That said, not all notes are fully-formed, many are vague while bold.

Nicely balanced and goodly nuanced, especially in the opening half. Not an awful lot of kind complexity throughout. Errs on occasion toward somewhat burnt notes, particularly when Italian roasted coffee beans flood into the second-half and mess with the harmony. Big transition away from vegetal toward more rigidity. Smoky. Charcoal. Seasoned wood. An inky dark profile come the smoothed out last-third.

Exhibits flaky, airy ash and an uneven burn that requires a pair of retouches, one almost an entire re-light. The draw is quite excellent, does tighten a tick via progression. Smoke out-put fluctuates but always shows an interesting woodsy-spicy aroma, not acrid nor off-putting, but heady af. Big as the profile. Smokes fairly quickly, lending to a sense of excitability, not calmness. Sort of gives me a knot in my stomach.

TASTE: B+
DRAW: A-
BURN: B
BUILD: B+

FINAL GRADE: B+
A 90-100 B 80-89 C 70-79

::: very :::

A Sherlock Holmes Fight Night Recap | Canonical Characters Square Off in the Boxing Ring

A Sherlock Holmes Fight Night Recap | Canonical Characters Square Off in the Boxing Ring

I often find parody, more-so than pastiche, successfully captures the essence of the Sherlock Holmes world. But hey, I could be wrong.

CAIRNS- AMBERLEY

Josiah Amberley scored a thunderous opening-round knock-down. Surviving that, Patrick Cairns got his timing down and counter-punched/defended himself on his way to a sixth-round TKO victory. Cairns exhibited somewhat of an issue pressing the action but proved to excel while working off Amberley's madly aggressive and awkward stalkings. Stamina proved an issue for the one-legged Amberley and his over-developed upper-body. Overheard between rounds was Cairns asking repeatedly, "What's so bad about rum?" 

MILVERTON-BASKERVILLE

Dark dealings were apparent here, as renowned blackmailer Charles Augustus Milverton scored an opening round knock-out at the 16-second mark via a jab to Sir Henry's midsection that caught an awful lot of glove. In a post-fight interview, Baskerville made it clear that, "I thought Beryl was his sister! I'm tired of having this held over my head." Some confusion occurred here, as this unsavory affair was made quite public in 1901. 1902, the latest. What the deuce? Proof yet again that man often erects his own prison cells.

ADLER-MORSTAN

WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP  

Irene Adler almost and maybe did theatrically steal many rounds with flurries at the end. Nevertheless, Mary stoically and dutifully plowed ahead and controlled much of the action and pace throughout. Albeit in a somewhat plodding and oddly overly polite fashion. Thus, the 10-round decision went to Mary Morstan, Watson's first(?) of who knows how many wives. Watson was overheard ringside, speaking to an unnamed fellow about it being nice to allow a spouse to go off alone on the occasional adventure.

ROYLOTT-LESTRADE

After a quite dazzling ring walk display that included many an exotic animal, Dr. Roylott succumbed to the unimaginative yet technically superior Inspector Lestrade's pugilistic skills. R did land a shot or two that rocked L but the inspector showcased his defensive efficiency and weathered at least one storm. In the 8th round, Grimsley Roylott had a point deducted due to attempting to bite L as if he was some sort of fictitious snake. R did not answer the round 9 bell. Instead, he yelled across the ring, "I'll kill you like I killed my wife! Why do people not just assume that I killed my wife, too?!"

WATSON-MORIARTY

Watson bravely fought through a pair of nagging yet vaguely-placed injuries to secure a third-round KO and painfully almost cringy lop-sided victory. Moriarty put on a physical display that one might expect from an advanced-aged mathematician with a bad back. Afterward, Holmes berated W for his lack of ability in carrying Moriarty in a more convincing manner. "I myself made the whole world believe this man pushed me off a blasted waterfall!" In response, Watson gingerly rubbed his shoulder as he complained of searing leg pain.

HOLMES-MORAN

The hands of time hold still for no man, and perhaps a different outcome would have occurred if this fight had been fought a decade earlier. As such, a stiffly upright Holmes was able to ole each savage charge of the fierce yet old man Sebastian Moran. Yet each savage charge grew increasingly savage and finally H perhaps inadvertently, reacted with a Baritsu maneuver that got him disqualified in the 4th round. "It was a few delicious minutes," said Holmes as he casually wiped the colonel's blood from his stiletto's blade. "It's called BARTITSU, roared out Moran from under the ring doctor's needle and thread.

MAIN EVENT 

CHAMPIONSHIP BOUT

MATHEWS-WILLIAMS

"Mathews, who knocked out my left canine in the waiting-room at Charing Cross." - Holmes, The Adventure of the Empty House. "Williams, who drove you to-night, was one of them. He was once light-weight champion of England." - The Sign of the Four. (If you haven't noticed, I have not designated weight-classes here.) 

That said, and despite some ring rust, Williams controlled Mathews at the bout's onset prior to being overwhelmed by Mathews and suffering some damage in the middle rounds. Thrillingly, W took his licking and kept on ticking, until it began to look as though he'd dance out on top on the score cards. Then, in the 11th round, M caught him with a haymaker that sent him hurling to the canvas. The bout continued to its scheduled conclusion, with Mathews garnering the split-decision victory and the title. 

All round, a superb night at the fights.

Who will dethrone Mathews? Did Williams have a rematch clause in his contract? Is Moriarty set to hang 'em up? Will Moran ever stop roaring like a deranged animal? Will Holmes be able to retain his boxing license? Will Baskerville ever allow himself to shine? Who is Mary's next challenger? Who else will throw down? All, some, or none of these questions just might be answered at some point in the future!

FURTHER KAPLOWITZ MEDIA. READING

A Few Delicious Minutes | Looking at a Sidney Paget Illustration from Sherlock Holmes The Adventure of the Solitary Cyclist

A Brief and Abridged Overview of Boxing History in England | On Williams from Sherlock Holmes The Sign of the Four

::: very :::

Online sources: Baker Street Wiki, Arthur Conan Doyle Encyclopedia, Project Gutenberg.

Common Questions from Other Geekdoms Answered Through a Cigar Lens

Common Questions from Other Geekdoms Answered Through a Cigar Lens

The wonderful world of cigar geekdom (and I use the term 'geek' lovingly while including myself in the lot) has certain oft-asked and asked again and again questions (and again). This aficionado phenomenon is not confined, however, to cigars. Each culture of geekery surely does as well. I suppose at times here they're more sentiments than questions, but I digress. Why not have fun with this then?

I am a fan of cast iron. Skillets, particularly. Nothing better for frying up some, well, anything. We shall therefore begin in that world of perfectly seared meats. "Is this rust?" Well, between mold and plume, it's always the former and is never the latter. The prevailing wisdom is if it can be wiped off, do so, then smoke it. If it appears on the foot in the filler tobacco, pitch it. Personally, I wouldn't smoke anything sporting visible mold. Also, try frying up some bacon in it, then take it from there. It never hurts to reseason. In the world of books, this query's form takes on that of "Is this mold or foxing?"

Speaking of books, which are a large part of my life as well as my house, "Should I leave the dust jackets on?" Store cigars as you receive them. Do not remove or add cellophane; neither is there a need to alter the cello by clipping off the folded-over end. Cellophane is not plastic and is perfectly breathable. It also isn't super-duper necessary. Tubos on the other hand should be removed from their tubes prior to being stored, or at the very least unscrewed and left open. Make sure said tubes do not mar other neighboring nekkid or less-protected cigars. I personally remove my dust jackets because the bare spines look nicer on a shelf.

I keep the jackets in case of transporting, which has occurred once this decade. Also, take the cigar band off whenever you like, whenever that is, and carefully, They do not hold together a cigar but you could well mangle a cigar during their removal. For the life of me, I don't know how anyone could ever read a book with the dust jacket on; it must be maddening, or they must be some sort of psychotic.

I like boxing a lot. But do I like it enough or often enough? "Are you just a casual?" (More typically, 'casual' is a hurled accusation by 'real' fight fans.) An excellent way of being a real cigar smoker is to regularly smoke cigars, whatever 'regularly' means to you. Smoking infused or mild cigars is still quite literally smoking cigars, thus making you a real cigar smoker. Ditto for enjoying mild profiles and smoking only once a month say. All that stated, if you can't spot the dumbest fellow in a room, congrats on being him. In that case, listen more than you speak, but do always enjoy yourself.

Mike Tyson is not the greatest heavyweight ever but thanks for announcing your staggering ignorance up-front. While we're discussing real versus fake, did you yourself buy that cigar in Cuba and from a reputable establishment on that island? If not, you might ::: very ::: well already have your answer. No need to post to internet forums then, correct? Good.

As much as I love a good book, I'm not ever beholden to suffer a bad one. Neither are you, or anyone. This is excellent news! "How many pages should I read before giving up on a book?" If you have to ask, you (again) already know the answer. Smoking a cigar should be, above all else, pleasurable. When it is not--stop it. Again, when should you stop smoking? When it becomes less than enjoyable. Furthermore, you don't owe it to any author to try another of his or her books just to make sure. There are plenty of writers out there. Plenty of used bookstores. If you find a cigar to be terrible for any reason, you do not owe it another try.

Tea is a lovely beverage, for sure. "I'm afraid of being looked down on for drinking supermarket bagged tea, should I try loose leaf?" If anyone makes you feel bad for your choice of enjoyment, kindly say screw them to they. If your budget isn't huge or if you just happen to be a cheap date, enjoy the heck out of your mixed filler bundled smoke. I do it myself, and quite often. I chomped on one while writing parts of what you're now reading. That said, maybe get a bit fancy once in a while. As long as you don't subscribe to the philosophy of Stoicism, I see no issue there. I adore both British Blend and Irish Breakfast from Tetley.

"Is this tea still good?" The 70/70 rule of cigar humidification/temp is fine but try 65% RH because it's better and if you flit over that 70% threshold by a hair you will be prone to growing mold (not plume nor foxing). As far as temp, keep your stash at a consistent room temperature. But why so many cigars? Keep less on hand. Let the retailer concern themselves with storage. Tea won't go bad, it will however go stale. It won't hurt you but it might not delight you one bit. TL;DR have less on hand... except for books... have much more of those. Also, I keep my tea in a cabinet. In a jar or in its original unopened packaging. Usually.

Aging a cigar smooths out its profile. This makes a cigar more balanced and harmonious. However, you cannot put a Mickey Spillane book on a shelf for a year and then have it read like The Sun Also Rises. Your cheap stogie will not become a gorgeous smoke. Still, reading a Mike Hammer story will not make you sick. I'm not even sure frying a steak on a slab of rust will, but I'm no doctor. People are tougher than they seem to think. Please season your cast iron pans properly.

"But if I buy a box, I spend less on each than if I buy a fiver." Sure, but quit making fun of your Mrs. when she comes home with three dresses and a pair of shoes instead of one dress because they each cost less that way even though she spent a whole lot more in total. And now she's TAKING OVER YOUR CLOSET. (Closets do not require closely-watched humidity levels.)

"What's the perfect gift for the book lover in my life?" Unless you know his favorite cigar brand, blend, and vitola, gift cash. For the life of me, I don't understand how "Here, buy yourself something nice," ever got such a bad rap. I love getting lost in a used bookstore on someone else's dime. Speaking of bookstores, "How many books do you read in a month?" or whichever measurement of time. I rarely smoke more than one cigar a day, I don't want to risk palate fatigue nor letting my clay pipe get too lonely. Simply smoke as many as you like and are comfortable with burning. I read a lot.

There's maybe a lot here. I hope some of it helps.

::: very :::

PDR Cigars Flores y Rodriguez 10th Anniversary Reserva Limitada in Review

PDR Cigars Flores y Rodriguez 10th Anniversary Reserva Limitada in Review

WRAPPER: Ecuadorian Habano
BINDER: Dominican Olor
FILLER: Dominican, Nicaraguan

FORMAT: Figurado (6.5x52)
ORIGIN: Dominican Republic
INTENSITY: Medium/Med.-Full

NOTES:
Dessert spices | Pie crust | Suede

Picture dessert spices but no dessert. Cardamom, mace, ginger. Stuff you'd season an apple pie with. If I squint real hard and narrow I can see an apple peel. Pie crust. Okay, okay, some apple wood lends to a fairly staunch structure. This thing is a juicy red apple tease. Some tea leaf. A cracked white peppercorn nod. Way on the back-end is a caramel bit but it's enveloped in cardboard like a bakery box and still no dessert.

The under-belly is a sandy soil you'd use to pot a succulent, and there is a lot of it. Some buttery suede gets tossed in there. Nicely balanced but could use some better structure. All told, you can't knock the harmony, though. Consistent, too, minus tedium. Middlings bulge with a cereal grain addition in the opening of the second-third. So that's a transition, smoothly-so. Honey malt, particularly on the moderate finish. Yeasty.

The burn and draw start in an iffy fashion but quickly improve to excellent after the vitola's shape works past its nipply-tipply. Burn-line wobbles-some throughout but never to the point of a mandated re-touch. The draw is quite perfect to the wire. A slight-side of moderate smoke-out put yields an aroma of those desert spices and that suede but fails to accumulate into much more than a faint earthen room-note.

A pleasant maybe meditatively-so smoke with sweet hints and calmly engaging spices. It sort of doesn't give you all that you want and I sort of respect it for that.

TASTE: B+
DRAW: A-
BURN: A-
BUILD: A-

FINAL GRADE: A-
A 90-100 B 80-89 C 70-79

::: very :::

Sherlock Holmes The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle | Thoughts on Chapter 6

Sherlock Holmes The Hound of the Baskervilles* [HOUN] by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle | Thoughts on Chapter 6

(*First published in a serialized fashion by The Strand Magazine August 1901 - April 1902. SPOILERS AHEAD)

A trip to Devonshire and Holmes has boots on the ground at Baskerville Hall in the form of (as far as we know) an armed Watson. Prior to that, while at the station H sees W off with a final bit of marching orders of 'leave me to do the theorizing,' and 'Keep your revolver near you night and day, and never relax your precautions.' He just wants the facts, see. That and to welcome W safely home.

Everyone is still a suspect, the Barrymore couple, a pair of moorland farmers (most likely shepherds), a Mr. Frankland, a pair of other neighbors, this Stapleton naturalist character, and his sexy sultry sister--but Dr. Mortimer does seem clean--but again what of his wife? I just feel as though Watson could use a bit more direction and this all reads as H setting him up to underwhelm. His query of "What sort of facts?" bears that out.

According to William Baring-Gould's chronology, this tale (if I've not already mentioned in previous installments) takes place in September of 1888. About ten years prior to The Retired Colourman case (July 1898) in which W famously flubs a similar reconnaissance mission instance, returning to H with an elaborately ornate description of a wall instead of keeping an eye on peoples of presumed interest. "Cut out the poetry, Watson," said Holmes severely. "I note that it was a high brick wall." [RETI]

But we aren't there yet, and Watson does pledge to do his level-best. Oh, and as to a Sir Henry's footwear update--it's seemingly gone forever, that worn boot. Nevertheless, Watson, Mortimer, and Henry are off on their way to Devonshire, as I like to write these in an opaquely non-linear manner. Along the ride, they get to know each other a bit whilst W plays with M's Spaniel, perhaps he misses his own Bull pup... whatever he meant by that in the first place back in A Study in Scarlet.

Then we all wax poetical as to Devonshire and Mortimer waxes quite phrenological about Henry's Celtic cranium and fondly recalls the rare traits of Sir Charles' skull. Then a tick of Henry's American experience and out-of-place accent, but for now he is most excited about again seeing the moor... and so are we. A place of vague (unpleasant) dreams and a melancholy mountain. Green, jagged, and curved. Danger awaits, as does Henry's destiny and one gets the feeling that what courses through his veins also flows through the moor.

A bit more traveling and we meet yet another character. One not mentioned previously by H and I feel as though this most likely throws Watson for a goodly loop. Remember Holmes' character list? THIS ONE IS NOT ON THAT. And I was so enjoying W's poetry. Regardless, a soldier sits on horseback, rifle in hand. M asks Perkins the driver what the heck and, "There's a convict escaped from Princetown, sir. He's been out three days now, and the wardens watch every road and every station, but they've had no sight of him yet."

"It is Selden, the Nottinghill murderer." Watson notes that Holmes took interest in that case, as it was particularly ferocious and brutal. So much so that it rang of enough insanity to spare Selden from being hanged. A great addition here, for sure. A red herring and a growing sinister bit. Into this bleak terror, we continue until we are arrived and landed at Baskerville Hall. "Welcome, Sir Henry! Welcome to Baskerville Hall!" A shadowy man, a silhouetted woman, The Barrymores.

Mortimer is in a hurry to get back to his Mrs. and vamooses. It is Watson and Henry Baskerville against the eerie world. Barrymore lets it be known the place is all set for their arrival and also that he and Mrs. Barrymore quit, or at least give their notice. Watson retires to his room where he closes a curtain against the now entirely 'melancholy' moor. He then spends much of the night listening to "... the sob of a woman, the muffled, strangling gasp of one who is torn by an uncontrollable sorrow. " Did I mention the hall itself is creepy af?

A masterful chapter of Victorian Era creeper story-telling. A fantastic entry-point into the second-third of this page-turner.

ADDITIONAL HOUN
Thoughts on Chapter 5
Thoughts on Chapter 7

::: very :::

Online sources for this article: The Arthur Conan Doyle Encyclopedia (The Hound of the Baskervilles, William Stuart Baring-Gould)

PDR Cigars A Flores Connecticut Valley Reserve Azul in Review

PDR Cigars A Flores Connecticut Valley Reserve Azul in Review

WRAPPER: Connecticut Broadleaf Rosado
BINDER: Nicaraguan
FILLER: Dominican, Nicaraguan

FORMAT: Churchill (750)
ORIGIN: Dominican Republic
INTENSITY: Medium

NOTES:
Suede | Citrus | Clay

A fuzzy savoriness and a powdery sourness. Poultry-type flesh with citrus accompaniment somewhere between lemon and orange. Lots of earthen notes, clay, terra cotta, hiking trail. Some chicken coop marries dirt with flesh. A dash of white pepper and a plank of softwood. Consistent but delivered as a singular note for the most part. Not complex, not quite nuanced. A cardboard lilt dries-some.

A bit like yelling into a pillow.

Draws with a tick too much resistance. Ash grows well. No retouches are needed. A big vein, crimped in spots, runs its full length. Smoke out-put is -moderate, yielding a muted room-note of the muffled top-notes. Smokes smoothly-soft to the point of lulling. All told, a fairly lovely though underwhelming cigar. Tries here and there to impress but none of the attempts hold; falls back to pleasant. Nothing wrong with that.

TASTE: B
DRAW: B+
BURN: A-
BUILD: B+

FINAL GRADE: B+
A 90-100 B 80-89 C 70-79

::: very :::

The Kaplowitz Media. Podcast | Episode 7

The Kaplowitz Media. Podcast | Episode 7

In this installment, I perform a bit of Kaplowitz Read Kaplowitz, but in a slightly different manner than usual. I jump around and chat a bit more. A nice dose of Sherlockiana and Tobacciana content. I also smoke a PDR Cigars Flores y Rodriguez 10th Anniversary Reserva Limitada but only mention it slightly. Look for a full written review of that blend later. 

Thanks for listening! (Simply press play below to listen.) Also please consider subscribing to The Kaplowitz Media. Podcast on your preferred podcast player. Rate and review while you're at it. Sure, why not.

::: very :::

The Partagas Project | A Kaplowitz Media. Series Index of Anejo Cigar Reviews

The Partagas Project | A Kaplowitz Media. Series Index of Anejo Cigar Reviews

Wherein I finally get around to posting actual links to each of my Partagas Anejo reviews (including intro and overview) within my Partagas Project. The (parenthetical) bits below are those said links to the corresponding full articles. thx

1. (Introduction)
2. Review (Regular review)
3. Review (Sherlock Holmes)
4. Review (Annotating a note)
5. Review (Cigar Aficionado style)
6. Review (Limerick)
7. Review (Long-form)
8. Review (Flavor wheel)
9. Review (Kaplowitz Scale review)
10. Review (Synesthesia review)
11. Review (Primary tastes)
12. (Overview)

::: very :::

Three Recent Cigar Bands Reviewed and Ranked Vol. 2 | Bocock, La Finca, and Partagas Cigars

Three Recent Cigar Bands Reviewed and Ranked Vol. 2 | Bocock (World Traveler Connecticut), La Finca, and Partagas Cigars (1845 Clasico)

Please see both the title of this post and its subsequent (mainly) repetitive subtitle for any bearing you may need as to expectations here. Also please note that the cigar names listed below are links to their full reviews here on KM. Thank you and have a pleasurable rest of your read.

Bocock World Traveler Connecticut (primary band)

White with gold trim including some nifty filigree. Tastefully embossed framing and main lettering of 'BOCOCK BROTHERS.' On the thinner sides of its traditional shape reads, 'Hand made' and 'Honduras.' Smack in the middle is Beau, their rooster logo in black silhouette with fuchsia-leaning red comb and bowtie. The border is hard to describe but here goes--of average width, gold of course, with a bit of white alternating vertically-so in cut-out fashion.

It's got all the info. A classic gold-white scheme, and a bit of its own 'cocky' addition. Not shabby at all. The aforementioned filigree works stay clear-away from overly-ornate distractions. Nicely accented, say. Its pleasant attainability is on-par with the line's profile and intent. Is Beau out of place? Sure but hey, that's Beau! (I guess. Full disclosure, we have yet to meet.)

Whether it's the blank white stock or that it's a bit towards thin, you can see the printed back from the front if you hold it up. What's there? The company's hashtag, URL, and bowtie, all of which are golden. That's cool. Why not paint up the canvas and why not give more info? I like this one a lot. It ticks most of the boxes, stays classy, and offers a bit of personality all its own. It also takes the silver medal back to its coop.

La Finca

The ::: very ::: best thing I can say of this band is what I'll say of its marketing writ large, that is it does not hit on value in a sad manner. Its name is not indicative of 'value' nor is it mentioned on the band. Nothing to me is as insulting as when a product, any product, which caters itself to the budget-friendly crowd uses things like Best Value in its name or slogan. Have you smoked the new Sorry, Chumps? See?

Anyways, the band of this 'The Farm' is of decent stock and even embossed some. Its main color is a red-orange rather bright but dirty hue with black font and gold embellishments. Well, LA FINCA is actually in fancy-ish text gold but set inside of a simple black banner. The border is gold, as well, with a similarly thin black line running inside and parallel. Pin-stripey. 'NICARAGUA' and 'HANDMADE' are one on each of the narrower sides. The center is shaped like three ovals strung-together, side-by-side, and positioned vertically.

Directly behind the name is a golden tobacco leaves design. Off to each side of that is a pair of stylized sorta tribal suns. It's OK. I personally don't adore the main color and it does swallow-up the gold some. The text all works well within the design, though. No real legit complaints. It just somehow looks old-grimy not timey, not quite in a cool vintage way. That said, it does have a sort of classic appeal it might cash on in a bit more time. That said, it's been around since 1972--or at least the blend has--I'm unsure of its dress.

Bronze medal, which is fitting because the reddish color makes the gold swing thatta way anyway.

Partagas 1845 Clasico

Get this: the band design is side-ways. And get this: the cigars are meant to be displayed side-ways. The shape is traditional with less of a taper than is traditional. So not traditional at all? No, it is. In the fingers, it feels a bit less glossy than normal. Oh, and it's ALL GOLD COLORED. Other than a black border and inner rings, one which serves as a backdrop for 'PARTAGAS,' and the other which encircles (enovals?) '1845.' Surrounding that number is the only other bit of black in the form of font that runs, 'FLOR DE TOBACCOS' atop and underneath, 'CIFUENTES Y CIA.'

There are lightning bolts of perhaps more silvery bent, gold medallions, a scant peek at black laurels I missed earlier, and oh, the medallions are outlined in black. Sneaky amount of black but none on the GIGANTIC FLIPPIN' EAGLE on prominent front and (rather) center display, perched on the year. Further look-seeing shows a subtle yellowness of line inside the black boundary. Wow. Brash and subtle. Take my monies and this here gold medal.

I feel a mix of wanting to look at it more and being afraid to because I'll probably realize I missed noting something else of nuance. But it ain't busy and it doesn't overload. It's just kinda hypnotizing and so very timeless. OK, I'll look. OK, I think I covered it. Un-garish in the same way as awarded medals avoid it. That gold medal is gonna look great on it.

::: very :::

Link to Vol. 1 HERE.

Sherlock Holmes The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle | Thoughts on Chapter 5

Sherlock Holmes The Hound of the Baskervilles* by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle | Thoughts on Chapter 5

(*First published in a serialized fashion by The Strand Magazine August 1901 - April 1902. SPOILERS AHEAD)

'Three Broken Threads.' Two of which arrive via telegrams. The first brings news that Barrymore is at the Hall and is not the full-bearded man in question. The second is that the wild goose chase Holmes sent young Cartwright on at the end of chapter four, was indeed a wild goose chase; no swiss-cheese'd Times was to be found at any of the many hotels. The third thread is one we shall get to in a bit and, conveniently-so, is the one I have most thoughts on.

But let's first do this.

"Holmes raised his eyebrows in surprise. 'I had no idea that so gigantic a sum was involved,' said he." I don't know about you, but I prefer my H to be all-knowing. I don't think that's too much to ask. It is something he prides himself on, after all. Nevertheless, perhaps it was here that he thought he might get more personally involved. We have seen his behaviors and involvement dictated at times by money. I don't necessarily think he does so for the payout(s) but instead because of the heightened seriousness of matters that feature higher prizes-prices.

That said, he here still sticks to his "It is impossible for me to be absent from London for an indefinite time." Or, perhaps he simply means just that and has his finite furlough already planned and mapped-out. In any event, Watson is tasked with chaperoning Henry and both seem quite chuffed at the prospect of their impending buddy flick. Also, there are more footwear shenanigans and if H has a scent as to what's up now, he sure is still not yet letting on.

But he is letting on that danger lies in the game which is afoot. "I'm not easy in my mind about it." He tells an already high-as-a-kite action-freak W who replies, "About what?" "About sending you. It's an ugly business, Watson, an ugly, dangerous business." If you think that Holmes would truly send Watson alone into such peril... well, keep reading the book, bub. This is H employing theatrics but for what purpose I remain unsure. Perhaps just to keep the room honest.

[The room. It seems as though Dr Mortimer and Sir Henry fade away at about the time Clayton arrives to the point when C leaves, it is clear that Holmes and Watson are either alone or completely and oddly ignoring the visiting pair.]

Now we come to the third of three thread breaks, brought to us by said John Clayton the cabman of Holmes' self-diagnosed flubbed chase of the spy with the probably fake beard. (So then why were they suspecting Barrymore and his quite real beard?) Still, we see H imperfectly on his heels on Baker Street, while perfectly in his element. It's quite odd, really, though I do hold out tenuous hope he simply is not letting much on of what he knows.

Ah, but Clayton. He comes willingly and defends immediately his good name. Why would H send out such vibes as to warrant this? We know he can be quite the charmer when he so desires. We also know that C isn't implicated in anything directly, he just might know a thing or two that might help Holmes. It's a thing, how Doyle treats the masses of particular classes. They are often, and unlike as with Dickens, a simple singular character of no use until they could be, begrudgingly-so and suspiciously treated. Perhaps their lack of individuality is a victim of the visceral broad strokes with which Doyle paints.

The dialog between the two is rather lengthy and rather much like Dragnet in its manner. Perhaps I'm needlessly rough on H. "'I have nothing in the world against you, nay good man,' said Holmes." This is done to smooth the defenses. But then after getting the guy's full ID info goes on with "you may find yourself in a pretty bad position if you try to hide anything from me." Think of being Clayton here, at least you have this hoity-toity fellow flipping you half a sovereign.

That day's sovereign translates to today's USD--never mind that.

And then from C comes the punchline snapping of the final thread, as he shares the name of the spy he drove: "'His name,' said the cabman, 'was Mr Sherlock Holmes.'" The game is a 'cunning rascal' indeed! and this can't possibly be as much of a mess as we are led to believe, correct? It's almost a Victorian Era quite proper version of how Spillane deals Hammer one bum hand after another until it all seems so damnedly insurmountable. Here, there's just a lack of packed heaters and bad broads. Nothing's perfect.

This, however, is the start of something good. It's been simmering into a rolling boil and now we're just about (hard) boiled over...

ADDITIONAL HOUN
Thoughts on Chapter 4
Thoughts on Chapter 6

::: very :::

Online sources for this article: The Arthur Conan Doyle Encyclopedia (The Hound of the Baskervilles)

La Finca Cigars in Review

La Finca Cigars in Review

WRAPPER: Ecuadorian Habano
BINDER: Nicaraguan
FILLER: Nicaraguan

FORMAT: Robusto (4.5x50)
ORIGIN: Nicaragua
INTENSITY: Medium/Med.-full

NOTES:
Walnut | Dark chocolate | Cedar

A mixed-filler, bundle stick that punches above its weight yet stays for the most part balanced while doing-so. Plus, its claim to fame is to have been doing just that since 1972. Walnuts wrapped in leather, stored with a few black peppercorns and a lump of coal in a scorched cedar box. On top of that box are a few pips of dark chocolate.

TASTE: B+
DRAW: A-
BURN: B+
BUILD: B+

FINAL GRADE: B+
A 90-100 B 80-89 C 70-79

::: very :::

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes: My Thoughts on Each Case | Plus Rating & Ranking | A Kaplowitz Media. Series Index

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes: My Thoughts on Each Case | Plus Rating & Ranking | A Kaplowitz Media. Series Index

Some time ago, I completed my story-by-story review of each case contained in the Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. This post is a link to each of those individual look-sees. Also of note is the order you find them in below is my ranking (with parenthetical rating). Each title is a link to the full write-up. 

1. The Red-Headed League (9.5)

2. The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle (8.5)

3. The Adventure of the Copper Beeches (7)

4. The Five Orange Pips (7)

5. The Boscombe Valley Mystery (7)

6. A Scandal in Bohemia (6.5)

7. The Adventure of the Noble Bachelor (6)

8. The Adventure of the Speckled Band (5.5)

9. The Adventure of the Engineers Thumb (4.5)

10. The Adventure of the Man with the Twisted Lip (4)

11. A Case of Identity (3.5)

12. The Adventure of the Beryl Coronet (3)

I am sure there will be both agreements and disagreements as to both my rankings and ratings, but I do hope you take the time to read each take. Currently, I am considering editing these installments into a chapbook. I'm still busily straddling a fence as to that. Nevertheless, 

::: very :::

Partagas Cigars 1845 Clasico in Review

Partagas Cigars 1845 Clasico in Review

WRAPPER: Ecuadorian Habano
BINDER: Connecticut Habano
FILLER: Dominican, Nicaraguan

FORMAT: Churchill (749)
ORIGIN: Dominican Republic
INTENSITY: Medium-Full

NOTES:

White peppercorn | Nuttiness | Cream

Spicy, nutty, and creamy. A super-consistent profile that just keeps chugging easily along with a big tick of a kick to keep ya honest. A bit edgy even through those malty dollops. Spices are sweet, pale, sharp, and driving; white peppercorn leads that array. Nuts are peanut and cashew brittle. Cream is simply that, unmovingly-so, not even toasting via progression. There's also a thick somewhat hidey leather.

Under and back are dried apricots and softwoods, then chicken coop. Spicy that up and keep the leatheriness going sweetly, that'd be the aroma. Since the aroma is a product of the burn, I should note said burn operates in an excellent manner. It's not dead-even but is self-correcting all but once. Pacing is languid. Ash stacks in a pale sheath. Draws with a tick of resistance in line with the vitola. Assemblage is flawless.

TASTE: B+
DRAW: A-
BURN: B+
BUILD: A

FINAL GRADE: B+
A 90-100 B 80-89 C 70-79

::: very :::

Punch Cigars The People's Champ in Review

Punch Cigars The People's Champ in Review

WRAPPER: Honduran Habano
BINDER: Mexican San Andres
FILLER: Dominican, Brazilian, Nicaraguan

FORMAT: Robusto
ORIGIN: HATSA, Honduras
INTENSITY: Medium-full

NOTES:
Green peppercorn | Dark Chocolate | Anise

A salted savory earthiness makes up much of the profile and offers all of its consistency. That earthen bit is quite a bit of a bit and I'll call it barnyard, especially if there's a compost heap down on the farm. Savoriness is a beef stock reduction. Herbs, black pepper, and red wine are all there in that demi-glace. Green peppercorns slice through, and slicing should indicate sharpness, which happens alongside a strong anise note that can be seen as either rootbeer or licorice.

Dark chocolate more calmly swirls around the middling, but in a less even-keeled manner; it's at times waxy and other times near fudgy. Heavily toasted unmalted and malted barleys pour in at mid-point and have a somewhat-to-very bitter back-end that I get from some Irish whiskies. And it's all very smoky, almost distractingly-so. Also, far less stably anchored than the more primary notes. Charcoal browbeats a chicory N'awlins coffee that keeps trying to make itself more known.

Onto performance. Combustion happens in a wobbly though self-correcting manner. Nice smoke out-put builds a sweetly-spiced aroma that features a stiff leather not seen on the palate. Quite a dark room-note in keeping with tastes. Ash builds well but is also flaky here and there. The pacing slows a noticeable bit after a rather fast first-third. Construction is quite nice, with a smooth, even draw and firm roll with no hard/soft spots. However, the cap does degrade some. 

All told, if handed this cigar, I'd say it was exactly what most people would want.

TASTE: B+
DRAW: A-
BURN: B+
BUILD: B+

FINAL GRADE: B+
A 90-100 B 80-89 C 70-79

"All told, if handed this cigar, I'd say it was exactly what most people would want." - Me, from the above section of this post. I say this regarding its profile, to be clear. Now this from the Punch website: "Why ‘The People’s Champ’? To celebrate 180 years of Punch, I invited the Punch Brotherhood to do the unprecedented: Design a cigar from blend to band. They didn’t disappoint."

John Hakim, Punch Brand Manager, was nice enough to give me a bit more insight into the project. "In 2019 [this is a 1 June 2022 release], Punch Brotherhood members were asked a series of multiple-choice questions regarding the cigar. For example, they were asked to choose the body profile (mellow to full); experience (sweet through spicy); wrapper color (double claro through oscuro); length (3.5-4” through 7-8”); and ring gauge (<40 to >60).

"We then tabulated the results from all the votes and the most popular options were declared the winners. Based on those preferences of Punch Brotherhood members, we tested several blends that fit the profile in order to arrive at the blend. We also presented packaging choices with different branding, color and band options, and various catchphrases. "

So this, what can be seen as marketing research, corroborates what I (and many others) already knew about modern smokers' mores. That's all well and good but I'll be much more interested to see what is done with that information. Namely, if Punch keeps giving them what they want, or if it goes back to its history of creating more-so than enforcing consumer trends. Thankfully, these options are not necessarily mutually exclusive.

::: very :::