The Play “A SHERLOCK CAROL” Brings a Barrage of Ghostly Mysterious Fun Lyrics Stage

Two prodigious masterworks that pair well as a theater couple. Additional surges of hilarity and plotting make this cup of yuletide merriment a seamless holiday indulgence for all.

A SHERLOCK CAROL

Dec. 14-December 21

Running Time: Two hours plus one 15-minute intermission.

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Spotify Playlist: A Sherlock Carol

Moriarity is as dead as dead can be. Sherlock Holmes is despondent. Deprived of his number one opponent, what’s the use of it all? Arrive a fully-fledged Tiny Tim and the cagy bereavement of everyone’s beloved humbug and it’s a jolly literary mash-up with wonders around every corner. This renewed and delightful reimagining of two of the most cherished literary characters is a “Dickens” of a yuletide gumshoe story that’s as “good as gold.” Six actors transfigure before your eyes in a spirited, clever, and jubilant holiday humor that is “elementary” for a celebratory outing sure to pleasure audiences of all ages.

With clever and spooktacular staging that has garnered rave reviews and has been described as impressive by a plethora of theater critics, A Sherlock Carol utilizes the medium of genre blending uniting Doyle and Dickens to scare up light hearted mysterious Christmas fun with rapid fire British accents to boot! The costume changes were swift, smart and operative and the sharp tongued, at times, caustic dialogue which was further animated with a pronounced British accent made for a lively busy never a dull moment type performance. There were so many nuances happening on stage, I felt a pressing need to pay attention to everything because I didn’t want to miss a thing! There was romantic interest drama which brought an understated simmering sensuality that made good adult erotic stimulation and interest. With awe aspiring visual effects along with some characterizational surprises, there was never a dull moment.

During the intermission, some of the men were buzzing in the men’s room about how the play really “came alive” during the second act which incited a fiery debate in between the sounds of flushing urinals. Even if you’re not familiar with the mysteries of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle or the campy ubiquitous classic A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, there is enough context to facilitate your enjoyment of the play as a standalone presentation. The play manages to get philosophical as some thematic elements were clearly rendered with lines like, “You’re not afraid of dying, you’re afraid of living!” Which to me was an eye-opening moment, as was also expressed by my guest sitting next to me; and if anything was a meaningful take away from this disparate play. The great chemistry between the actors made for a seamless light hearted and essentially comical experience that left audiences leaving with childlike smiles on their faces. Sherlock Carol effectively delivered a new campier version of two literary icons; I highly recommend you see this one. Five out of five stars for what it was!

Jacques Fleury is a Boston Globe featured Haitian-American Poet, Educator, Author of four books and literary arts student through Harvard University. His latest publication “You Are Enough: The Journey to Accepting Your Authentic Self” and other titles are available at all Boston Public Libraries, the University of Massachusetts Healey Library, University of Wyoming, Askews and Holts Library Services in the United Kingdom, The Harvard Book Store, The Grolier Poetry Bookshop, amazon etc… He has been published in prestigious publications such as Spirit of Change Magazine, Wilderness House Literary Review, Muddy River Poetry Review, Litterateur Redefining World and Cooch Behar anthologies out of India, Poets Reading the News, the Cornell University Press anthology Class Lives: Stories from Our Economic Divide, Boston Area Small Press and Poetry Scene among others…Visit him at: http://www.authorsden.com/jacquesfleury.

THE IMPORTANCE OF READING CULTURE

Annotation

This article discusses the role of reading culture in the development of society and the individual. It highlights the importance of reading in expanding thinking, enriching one’s spiritual world, and increasing knowledge and cultural awareness from both scientific and social perspectives. The necessity of promoting reading among young people and its positive effects are also emphasized.

Introduction

The book is one of the most important sources of human civilization and contributes greatly to the intellectual and spiritual development of society. In today’s era of globalization, when the flow of information is rapidly increasing, forming and strengthening a reading culture has become even more essential. Reading enriches human intellect, develops independent thinking, broadens perspectives, and helps individuals become intellectually mature. Therefore, the development of reading culture is one of the key factors in raising the overall cultural level of society.

Main Part

1. The Essence of Reading Culture

Reading culture encompasses respect for books, the need for reading, the ability to choose the right literature, analyze the text, and draw practical conclusions from what has been read. Societies with a strong reading culture demonstrate high levels of knowledge, enlightenment, intellectual development, and critical thinking.

2. The Impact of Reading on Personal Development

Mental development: Reading strengthens brain activity, improves memory, and enhances thinking skills.
Language growth: A person who reads regularly gains a richer vocabulary and develops the ability to express thoughts clearly.
Spiritual enrichment: Literary works shape moral values, expand spiritual understanding, and strengthen ethical qualities.
Creativity: Reading enhances imagination and develops creative thinking.

3. The Impact of Reading Culture on Societal Development

In countries with a high level of reading culture, science and technology develop rapidly, competitiveness increases, and an enlightened generation emerges. Societies where people read actively tend to have higher levels of literacy, culture, respect for the law, and social engagement.

4. The Relevance of Promoting Reading Among Youth

Today, spending excessive time on smartphones and social media has weakened the habit of reading among young people. Therefore, promoting reading through educational institutions, families, and society, as well as strengthening library activities, is extremely important. Young people who develop a love for books grow into knowledgeable, morally mature, and thoughtful individuals.

5. Ways to Improve Reading Culture

Encouraging interest in books within the family

Organizing reading weeks in schools and universities

Modernizing the activities of libraries

Expanding the use of electronic books and audiobooks

Conclusion

Reading culture is one of the most essential factors for the intellectual and spiritual development of society. Reading broadens a person’s thinking, enriches their worldview, and shapes their approach to life. Moreover, societies with a high level of reading demonstrate strong cultural, scientific, and developmental capacity. Therefore, every individual, especially young people, must strengthen their need for reading and make books an integral part of their everyday life.

References

1. Abdulla Avloniy – Turkiy Guliston yoxud Axloq

2. Speeches of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan and materials on spirituality

3. Reading Culture and Its Role in Social Development – collection of scientific articles

4. Abdulla Qodiriy – O‘tkan kunlar, a source of national literature and spirituality

5. Modern textbooks on pedagogy and spiritual studies

I am Satimboyeva Risolat Ilhomboy qizi. I was born on 16 February 2007 in Hazorasp district of Khorezm region. I am currently a first-year student at the Tashkent International University of Financial Management and Technologies in Tashkent city. I studied at School No. 12 in Hazorasp district of Khorezm region and participated in numerous academic olympiads, winning honorable 1st and 2nd places.

I hold several international certificates in Russian and Turkish languages. I have also worked as a tutor, teaching students Russian, and I can speak both Russian and Turkish fluently. During my school years, I actively took part in reading competitions and was repeatedly awarded certificates in the “Best Reader” and “ exemplary student” nominations.

I participated in intellectual competitions such as “Zakovat,” advancing to the regional level. My photos were displayed at school as one of the most exemplary young readers and role-model students. I am the holder of many certificates and also frequently participates in literary anthologies. In my free time, I write poems and continue doing so; one of my books has already been published.

Reaching this level at the age of 18 is largely due to the support of my parents and grandmother, whose encouragement has played a significant role in my achievements.

MISSING YOU SO MUCH

I look at myself and don’t recognize myself.

There is an after you.

I roam the night like a horse without a bridle,

But with spurs digging into my flesh.

My heart is fragile and an abyss of memories lies beneath
My feet…

The pillar of your absence on the line of the sky

Tenacious connection of your memory, is the hateful
Certainty of the final.

The fact that you only remain in my memory

Sometimes, it’s hard for me to breathe,
I feel the weight of loneliness,

That floods my soul

Everything about you is an oratory,
taking you to heaven
You are here, in my dreams.

If a part of me didn’t hide like a wounded beast

If a part of me didn’t deny the lease of my soul and your absence
If a prescribed part of me didn’t include the pauses and the silences.
Then, my dear husband, I could smile without missing you so much…

December 6, 2025 Buenos Aires

GRACIELA NOEMI VILLAVERDE is a writer and poet from Concepción del Uruguay (Entre Rios) Argentina, based in Buenos Aires She graduated in letters and is the author of seven books of poetry, awarded several times worldwide. She works as the World Manager of Educational and Social Projects of the Hispanic World Union of Writers and is the UHE World Honorary President of the same institution Activa de la Sade, Argentine Society of Writers. She is the Commissioner of Honor in the executive cabinet IN THE EDUCATIONAL AND SOCIAL RELATIONS DIVISION, of the UNACCC SOUTH AMERICA ARGENTINA CHAPTER.

THE FIREFLY VILLAGE 

I had been riding a boat since I was a child, letting the two oars carve a path through rough seas.

One day, when the boat was damaged and brought back to the beach, a boy from the firefly village told me that a woman had sent a postcard. How she knew where I was remains a mystery to this day. After a long phone conversation, she came to that remote village. Together, we repaired the damaged part of the boat using the stylish metal fittings she had brought with her.

The time we spent that early morning, working side by side, passed in an instant. She spoke to me about trends and later, the fleeting nature of those trends was proven true. Perhaps she, too, was searching for her own path.

I came to understand everything only later: my path was not somewhere out there, but my own life one I could not control. I am writing this poem to tell her that. But at that time, we were so absorbed in each other that nothing else existed.

We faced each other, feeling as though we had drawn closer to ourselves. As the day ended and the boat grew dark, we slowly synchronized the flicker of our souls with the fireflies of the village on each other’s skin, in each other’s hair. Since we were going nowhere, the boat became filled with a rich, inner silence.

Biography of Taro Hokkyo

1998 Rekitei Shinei Award in Japan.2021 Arab Golden Planet Award. 2022 Awarded the title of Doctor of Letters from the Arabic-speaking world.2023 My poems are published in Orfew.al magazine in Albania. Also translated into Italian2024 My poem is published in the Daily Global Nation in Bangladesh. My poems published in Samantaral Bhabna, India. Interview with an Algerian newspaper is published. My poem is published in Greek Police Magazine. Received a certificate of honor from English poets. Published in a Korean magazine.

Published in Koltaka jishu International Poetry Magazine, India. My poem is published in a Greek e-magazine. My poem is published in the Barcelona Literary Magazine. My poem is published in Poetry Planetariat, a Nepalese poetry magazine. My poetry collection is published in Bengali-speaking countries. Three of my poems were published in India’s Half-yearly magazine. Three of my poems were published in the Raft of Dreams Literary Magazine. My poem is published in Hyperpoem in Nepal.

SPEECH DEVELOPMENT DEFICIENCIES IN PRESCHOOL CHILDREN AND WAYS TO OVERCOME THEM

Navoi State UniversityPreschool Education Program,

3rd-year student

Yarmamatova Sevinch Elyor qizi

Abstract

This article analyzes the main deficiencies encountered in the speech development of preschool children, their causes, and effective pedagogical approaches to overcoming them. The topic is also relevant for foreign preschool educational institutions, and the importance of early pedagogical intervention in developing children’s language competence is highlighted.

Keywords: preschool age, speech development, phonemic hearing, speech therapy, communicative competence, pedagogical technology, language development, early intervention, vocabulary, articulation exercises.

Introduction

Speech is the main tool in children’s socio-psychological development and forms the foundation of thinking, communication, and learning processes. During preschool age, speech development occurs rapidly; however, due to various factors, some children may experience delays or disorders in speech development. Such conditions negatively affect later stages of reading, writing, and social adaptation.

1. Main Speech Development Deficiencies

1.1. Limited Vocabulary

Many children have a vocabulary level below age norms. This makes it difficult for them to express thoughts consistently, answer questions, or engage in communication.

1.2. Underdeveloped Grammatical Structure

Errors in sentence construction, incorrect use of cases and tenses, and inability to arrange sentence components coherently are commonly observed.

1.3. Speech Sound Disorders

Sound articulation disorders such as sigmatism and rotacism, sound substitution, or omission are widespread among children.

1.4. Deficiencies in Phonemic Development

Children’s inability to distinguish or correctly perceive sound differences in words can later lead to difficulties in literacy acquisition.

1.5. Insufficient Communicative Competence

Shyness, inability to express thoughts freely, and poorly developed dialogic skills are also significant issues in the speech development process.

2. Causes of Speech Development Deficiencies

Insufficient Speech Environment in the Family

Limited verbal interaction with adults or excessive exposure to screen-based media slows down speech development.

Pedagogical Neglect

Failure to provide age-appropriate speech activities and lack of active engagement in communication.

Psychological Factors

Stress, fear, and attention deficits can hinder speech development.

Biological Factors

Prenatal or perinatal injuries and hearing impairments affect speech formation.

3. Ways to Overcome Deficiencies and Methodological Recommendations

3.1. Enriching the Speech Environment

Reading books to children, daily conversations, and role-playing games help expand vocabulary.

3.2. Speech Therapy Sessions

Regular activities such as sound correction, articulation gymnastics, and exercises to develop phonemic hearing are essential.

3.3. “Early Development” Programs

Sensory development activities, communication games, and kinesthetic and visual materials have a positive impact on speech development.

Yarmamatova Sevinch Elyor qizi was born on July 11, 2005, in Khatirchi district of Navoi region.She graduated from General Secondary School No. 39 in her district. Currently, she is a third-year undergraduate student majoring in Preschool Education at Navoi State University. From an early age, Sevinch has been deeply interested in poetry and literature. Her goal is to become a highly qualified specialist in her profession and to share the valuable knowledge she has gained with future generations.

Lord Fredrick Lugard, the first colonial governor (1914-1918), amalgamated what was called the southern and northern protectorates to form the creation, the Flora Shaw’s named “Nigeria”, formerly the Royal Niger Company. The creation was valid for a hundred years (December 31 2014/January 1, 2015). Afterwards, the people who would be identified as Nigerians could decide to negotiate terms of their co-existence. 

The major founding fathers of Nigeria, according to history, in the likes of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Alhaji Tafawa Balewa and the rest were not adults at the time Nigeria was created. Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe was born in 1904. Chief Obafemi Awolowo was born in 1912 while Alhaji Tafawa Balewa was born 1910. Therefore, they had no business being the major founding fathers of Nigeria, contrary to the historical narrative. Of course, Nigeria was (and still is) a British creation. Interestingly, they did not express their belief in the efficacy of the geographically created entity. For instance, in 1948, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, asserted Nigeria as being not a country but a geographical location separated by artificial boundaries. In the same breath, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa stated that the people in Europe—Belgium, Holland, England—are similar in cultures than the Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba, which are the three major tribes. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, in 1964, who was paraded as the “Zik of Africa” and proponent of “One Nigeria”, stressed the need for Nigerians, four years after independence, to separate or go in pieces!

The major tribes have been existing for thousands of years before Nigeria was birthed. The DNA-based anthropological tests attest to this. It is a thing of concern most Nigerians today do not really know what the identities of their parents and or grand parents were, before October 1, 1960—the day Nigeria became a sovereign entity. Living former leaders such as General Yakubu Gowon (Retired), Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Alhaji Abdul Salam Abubakar were born before Nigeria’s day of Independence which clearly identifies them as  not “Nigerians”before independence. Who were they, then? That’s a question for another day!

From the inception of leadership of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe (with Alhaji Tafawa Balewa being Prime Minister) to the current admission of Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the bones of contention depicted over the years have been reflected in terms of tribalism, religion and ethnicity, all pointing at one thing; Nigerians have not been ONE people. From the deficits of the first coup in 1966, the subsequent Nigeria-Biafra Civil War (1967-1970),  the incessant tribal clashes among the major tribes in the following years, the erupted religious crises of the 80s and 90s, even in the 2000s and documented ethnic conflicts to the aggravating economic hardships, particularly from the 90s till present, the marriage known as Nigeria was, for the sake of sanity, amongst the couple’s (the Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa tribes) long due for a divorce. Without a doubt, it has never worked out in the favour of the participating tribes—it is still not working! Yet, by some proxy-relates means, which apparently defeat the strength of comprehendible political, and socio-cultural rationale, Nigeria is still existing!

How can a people who are different in culture, economic and political dynamics be “forced” to co-exist forever? The friction had long been established since independence. The history-claimed founding fathers, representatives of their tribes, brings to attention their position on the British-created Nigeria. The realistic incompatibility among the tribes got worse in subsequent years. It is amazing how the  major tribes—knowing they are better existing independently—still officially co-existing as Nigerians.

What the Nigerian entity has created were generations of men and women who would develop disdain for each other and depict bad demeanors in dealing with themselves, having being fed by questionable and tweaked historical narratives and orchestrated happenings. Hence, ushering leaders who would emerge and govern the people based on how they reflect themselves. After all, a good leader is a  reflection of (gotten from) a good people and a bad leader is gotten from or shows how bad a people is.

The current president was quoted as saying “I don’t believe in One Nigeria” in 1997, in an interview granted to a newspaper daily. Like his predecessor, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Nigerian sovereignty is a mirage. But for some political aggrandizement, he became sworn-in as the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on May 29, 2023!

The devalued Naira, the Nigerian currency, deserves attention. On  January 1, 1973, one  Naira was equivalent to one British Pound. At the time, the standard of living was said to be, compared to the presently harsh economy, high. General Yakubu Gowon (Retired), the then head of state, bragged  about Nigeria being so rich that its problem was how to spend money! The de-valuing of the Naira, resulting from frivolous spending by the previous administration, began.  The Shagari-led regime in the late 70s was tasked with the onus of devaluing the currency, before the overthrow by Retired Major Muhammadu Buhari, who would become head of state, then Retired General Ibrahim Babagida in 1985. The Naira’s  declining value was witnessed through the years. What was of a greater value than the US Dollar before 1985 is now no match to.the CFA (currency used by West African countries) and Ghanian Cedis. The Naira is presently so valueless and the cost of living is unimaginably high for an average Nigerian to afford. The current exchange rate of the US Dollar to the Naira is:

$1 is equivalent to 1610 Naira.

The high cost of living, partly resulting from the devalued Naira, projected to get worse in subsequent years, is sufficient to rationalize critically the Nigerian posterity, hundred years after its creation.

The cultural diversity, religious, socio-cultural and political differences have saliently ascertained the “oneness”, known as Nigeria, is a complete shadow of itself, when and if realistically evaluated. It becomes pertinent to recognize Nigeria’s existence, a century later, would better be history, or better yet, as the title, “There Was A Country” by the late novelist, Chinua Achebe, reads, than a living entity existing today. After a hundred years. Her existence points at this: “Divided we stand, United we fall!”

MAN’S OVER-REACH AND COSMIC REVENGE
[Philosophy

When nature’s patience is tested beyond the tolerance level, the cosmic forces burst upon humanity in vengeance. The divine forces which love peace, are not known to forgive their betrayers. -Anand

The cosmos is governed by harmony and order, while the human world is characterized by chaos. As soon as a man is born, it is like a bubble which is created by trapping wind in the thin layers of water, and so long as it stays on the body of the water, it causes ripples and disruptions, and finally loses itself to the flowing waters. Thus, the essential feature of the cosmos is harmony and human beings and their passions create ripples and cause disturbance in this reign of peace.

Harmony, the Essential Feature

There is something which likes harmony, peace, and flow and this ‘something’ does not like disruption. There are men, who by their very nature, believe in the cosmic flow. But there are men who have the audacity to prick the cosmic forces with their smartness and annoy nature’s wisdom. All the overtures of man which conflict with nature are judged on merit. This process takes time and it is during this period that men who violate harmony think that, as there is no one to cry foul, there is nothing wrong in it.

The Calculated Dog-Bark

In fact, to understand the nature of cosmic forces, let us take the example of a dog who is lying in its trance on the road. If you are passing by like a gentleman, it will ignore your presence. But if you try to assume some airs, and pass causing unnecessary disruptions and speaking loudly, the dog may take offence at your inordinate actions which disturb his peace. It will issue a calculated bark. But if he finds you are consistent in your non-sensical behaviour, and do not walk like a natural human being, the bark would become a bit shrill and fierce too. That is why there is a proverb: let sleeping dogs lie.

Now apply this logic to the cosmic forces. They are busy in their daily spin. Everything is at the right angle. If there are disruptions, it is only because men create a mess. There are no natural disasters. Every disaster has a human connection. Tempests, earthquakes, whirlwinds, storms, cloudbursts – there are natural activities, but nature is peace loving, not quarrelsome by nature. When nature’s patience is tested beyond the tolerance level, the cosmic forces burst upon humanity in vengeance.

The Dynamics of Peaceful Living

Peace is the result of leading a life which is based on faith in the cosmic wisdom. Men work hard to earn their livelihood without flirting with nature’s order. But men are ancestored by apes, and they believe in smartness, which is not to the liking of cosmic forces. All those who assert their selfish wisdom come to grief. This world is full of people who go on playing foul with nature’s rhythm, and keep building fortunes. But nature quietly registers their pranks, and in time brings them down. The divine forces which love peace, are not known to forgive their betrayers. The pain and suffering that we see in the world is the result of men trying to wage a war with nature’s order, trying to get more than is permitted, finally coming to grief. They are all over-reachers who do not believe patience, and disrupt the cosmic flow.

Everything evolves in time. But those who forced the cart in a particular direction have caused bloodshed on this earth. Gods know in which direction they want to take men. And it is best to attune ourselves to the rhythm of nature and live accordingly. The first thing is to click the ‘forget’ button. And then to unlearn what we have learnt so far and return to that pristine stage of innocence – this is what gods want and this is what we resist so powerfully, leading to pain and suffering in life and the punishment which is waiting for us, in this very world, when we over-reach ourselves.

Dr. Jernail Singh Anand, with an opus of 180 plus books, is Laureate of the Seneca, Charter of Morava, Franz Kafka and Maxim Gorky awards.  His name adorns the Poets’ Rock in Serbia. Anand is a towering literary figure whose work embodies a rare fusion of creativity, intellect, and moral vision. He is not only lone of the most influential voices in contemporary Indian poetry, but a global voice, challenging readers to confront the complexities of existence while offering hope through art and ethics.