Month: October 2024

Pumpkin Spice Latte & Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino

- Roshan

The Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) and the Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino are two popular, pumpkin-flavored drinks often offered by coffee shops in the fall, but they differ in several ways:

1. Temperature & Texture

  • Pumpkin Spice Latte: Served hot (or iced) and has a warm, cozy feel. The texture is smooth and creamy with the warmth enhancing the spice flavors.
  • Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino: A blended, ice-cold drink with a thicker, slushier texture. This gives it a dessert-like feel, which is refreshing on warmer days but still has the pumpkin spice flavor.

2. Flavor & Ingredients

  • Pumpkin Spice Latte: Contains espresso, steamed milk, pumpkin spice syrup, and is topped with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spices. Its warm temperature can bring out the spices more intensely.
  • Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino: Typically made without espresso, though you can add it. It includes milk, ice, pumpkin spice syrup, and is blended until smooth. The cooler temperature can mute some spice notes, so the flavors may feel a bit more subtle.

3. Caffeine Content

  • Pumpkin Spice Latte: Contains espresso (1-2 shots, depending on the size), so it has a higher caffeine content and feels more like a traditional coffee drink.
  • Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino: Typically caffeine-free unless you add espresso, so it feels more like a dessert than a coffee fix.

4. Caloric Content

  • Pumpkin Spice Latte: Generally lower in calories than the Frappuccino, though still rich due to milk and whipped cream. (You can reduce calories by ordering with a non-dairy milk or without whipped cream.)
  • Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino: Usually has more sugar and calories since it’s blended with ice and syrup, giving it a milkshake-like quality.

Which One to Choose?

  • Go for the PSL if you’re looking for a cozy, caffeinated, and warming fall drink.
  • Opt for the Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino if you’re in the mood for a cold, refreshing, and creamy treat that tastes like a pumpkin spice dessert.

Each offers a delicious seasonal twist but brings a different mood to the table!

Pumpkins After Dark In Ottawa, Ontario

- Roshan

Pumpkins After Dark is an award-winning outdoor Halloween event held annually in Ottawa. The 2024 event runs from October 10 to October 31 at Wesley Clover Parks, located at 401 Corkstown Rd, Nepean, ON K2H 8T1.

The event features over 10,000 hand-carved pumpkins arranged into illuminated sculptures and displays, accompanied by music, sounds, and special effects. Attendees can enjoy live pumpkin carving demonstrations, indulge in fall-themed treats from local food trucks, and capture memorable photos at various themed photo-ops.

Tickets are available for online purchase only, with prices starting at $21.62 for adults and $17.49 for youth on Thriller Thursdays. Weekend admission starts at $27.81 for adults and $23.68 for youth. Family packages and flexible entry passes are also offered.

Top 10 Best Selling Books Of Horror Author Stephen King (6-10)

- Roshan

Stephen King is one of the most prolific and bestselling authors, known for his wide range of horror, suspense, science fiction, and fantasy novels. Here are some of his top-selling and most iconic books:

6. Pet Sematary (1983)

A haunting tale about grief and resurrection, “Pet Sematary” is one of King’s scariest novels. It was a massive hit and is often cited as one of his most terrifying works.

7. Salem’s Lot (1975)

This vampire novel set in a small New England town has become a classic, often noted as one of the best vampire books in modern horror literature.

8. 11/22/63 (2011)

A time-travel novel where a teacher tries to prevent the assassination of JFK, blending historical fiction with sci-fi and suspense. It became an instant bestseller.

9. The Stand (1978)

This post-apocalyptic epic about a plague that wipes out most of humanity is one of King’s most ambitious works and has maintained a devoted fan base.

10. Doctor Sleep (2013)

The sequel to The Shining, this novel revisits Danny Torrance as an adult and explores the impact of his traumatic childhood experiences. The book was highly anticipated and quickly became a bestseller.

These books, along with many others, have made Stephen King one of the bestselling and most beloved authors worldwide.

The Biggest Pizza Chains In The World

- Roshan

The largest pizza chains in the world, measured by the number of locations and revenue, are dominated by well-known brands that operate in multiple countries. Here are some of the biggest:

  1. Domino’s Pizza
    • Global Reach: Over 19,000 stores in more than 90 countries.
    • Specialty: Known for efficient delivery service and consistent quality worldwide.
    • Revenue: Tops the list in terms of revenue, benefiting from heavy investments in tech-driven delivery.
  2. Pizza Hut
    • Global Reach: Over 18,000 stores in more than 100 countries.
    • Specialty: Recognizable for its wide-ranging menu and dine-in experience, though they also focus on delivery and takeout.
    • Revenue: A close second, with international popularity and brand loyalty.
  3. Little Caesars
    • Global Reach: Over 5,500 stores in around 27 countries.
    • Specialty: Known for its affordable “Hot-N-Ready” model, offering pizzas for quick grab-and-go.
    • Revenue: Strong in the U.S. and growing internationally, with a significant market share in the affordable pizza segment.
  4. Papa John’s
    • Global Reach: Over 5,000 stores in more than 45 countries.
    • Specialty: Focused on quality ingredients, with an emphasis on better-tasting pizza.
    • Revenue: Consistent growth due to customer loyalty, particularly in North America and Europe.
  5. Papa Murphy’s
    • Global Reach: About 1,300 stores, primarily in the U.S.
    • Specialty: Known for “take-and-bake” pizzas, where customers bake pizzas fresh at home.
    • Revenue: Smaller footprint internationally but strong U.S. sales.

RIP Teri Garr

- Roshan

Teri Garr, the quirky comedy actor who rose from background dancer in Elvis Presley movies to co-star of such favorites as “Young Frankenstein” and “Tootsie,” has died. She was 79. Known for her comedic roles in film and television she received nominations for an Academy Award, and a British Academy Film Award. Garr died Tuesday of multiple sclerosis surrounded by family and friends. She battled other health problems in recent years and underwent an operation in January 2007 to repair an aneurysm.

Garr was raised primarily in North Hollywood, California. She was the third child of a comedic-actor father and a studio costumer mother. In her youth, Garr trained in ballet and other forms of dance. She began her career as a teenager with small roles in television and film in the early 1960s, including appearances as a dancer in six Elvis Presley musicals. She studied acting at the Lee Strasberg Institute in New York City. She had her big break appearing in an episode of Star Trek, “Assignment Earth”. Garr was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her comedic role as an acting student in  Tootsie (1982).

She is known for her roles in Francis Ford Coppola’s thriller The Conversation  (1974) and One from the Heart (1982), Mel Brooks’s comedy Young Frankenstein (1974), Steven Spielberg’s science fiction film Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) and Martin Scorsese’s black comedy After Hours (1985). She also acted in the comedy films Oh, God! (1977), Mr. Mom (1983), Dumb and Dumber  (1994), Michael (1996) and Ghost World (2001). Garr was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her comedic role as an acting student in Tootsie (1982). She is known for her roles in Francis Ford Coppola’s thriller The Conversation (1974) and One from the Heart (1982), Mel Brooks’s comedy Young Frankenstein (1974), Steven Spielberg’s science fiction film Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) and Martin Scorsese’s black comedy After Hours (1985). She also acted in the comedy films Oh, God! (1977), Mr. Mom (1983), Dumb and Dumber (1994), Michael (1996) and Ghost World (2001).

In the late 1990s, Garr landed a role as recurring character Phoebe Abbott in Friends, the estranged birth mother of Phoebe Buffay. She retired from acting in 2011. In 2006, Garr published an autobiography,  Speedbumps: Flooring It Through Hollywood, which details her career and health struggles after her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. In the early 1980s, Garr was in a seven-year relationship with film executive Roger Birnbaum, followe y a 7 year relationship with physician John O’Neil. Garr married  building contractor John O’Neil, and that same year, in November, they were present when their adopted daughter Molly O’Neil was born. The couple divorced in 1996.

Here Are Some Benefits Of Working From Home (Discussion With Friends)

- Roshan

Work from is very exciting if you do it right way . Below are few benefits which you will only experience working from home .

  1. You save hell lot of money. – Yes you heard it right , you will save a lot of money which can be further utilesed to buy your desires. You save travelling money , your daily 3–4 cup coffee expense , you’re gonna save a lot.
  2. Flexible timing – Its not like you’ll have to be in office till 9 am . You’ve to report at particular time ( Exceptions might be there ) but you can wake up at your own time. You can take breaks according to your convenience .
  3. Productivity – when you’ve your own working space , which is apparently your home, you’re gonna work better which enhances your productivity. You decide your number of breaks, lunch time, coffe breaks & work time so you’re gonna increase your productivity
  4. More family Time – I know , I know you will be working, but atleast you’re there. Work from home buys you more family time which improves your relations
  5. Freedom of your own outfit.- You’ll get a Relieve from those uncomfortable formals. You can be in your boxers or pyjamas and work comfortably.
  6. Custom environment -Set up your noise level according to your convience . Should be not quite as a temple, not too high like you’re standing in the front row of a Slayer concert.

There are many more benefits , it just needs a positive outlook from people .

Work From Home Is Not A Luxury For Me

- Roshan

What is a goal you accomplished this year that you are especially proud of?

Well, the main goal I had as to either move to a shift that ends at an earlier time than the 2:30 am or 3:30 am that I was usually doing, get work at home or join another company where the process as work from home. So instead I was given the option to move to another process, a new one that was just being setup in Kochi at the office an within 3 months I could move to a steady shift and work from home.

Mainly for health reasons as well as for financial reasons me going to the office was something I wanted to avoid. Also I enjoyed working from home and wanted to get back to it. Even if was something like I had to go once a week I would have loved it. That is because I do miss some of my colleagues at the office but given a choice of working from home vs always working from the office, guess what? I would always pick the work from home option.

Now I just need to find a new desk so I can easily work on and keep both my laptops on and still have space for two speakers and a few things like earbuds and mouse and a coffee cup next to my left.

Prompt from October Journal Prompts: Gratitude and Growth at Baronfig.com

Arsenal 2 Liverpool 2

- Roshan

Mohamed Salah’s late equaliser gave Liverpool a point against Premier League title rivals Arsenal in an eventful encounter at Emirates Stadium. Arsenal led twice but were undermined by injuries to key defenders Gabriel and Jurrien Timber in the second half, having already been without the suspended William Saliba. The setbacks allowed Liverpool to apply pressure and take a point, leaving Manchester City at the top of the table – with Arsenal now five points adrift of the relentless reigning champions. Arsenal were rewarded for a fast start when Bukayo Saka bamboozled Andy Robertson to score his 50th Premier League goal, striking at the near post after nine minutes.

Their lead only lasted until the 18th minute when Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk equalised, nodding in from close range after Luis Diaz headed on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross at the near post. Mikel Merino put Arsenal ahead again with a powerful header from Declan Rice’s free-kick shortly before half-time. Liverpool improved after the break and Salah equalised with a routine finish from Darwin Nunez’s unselfish square ball after he had been set clear by Alexander-Arnold’s superb pass. It leaves them a point behind Manchester City in second place. Arsenal were facing a vastly improved Liverpool in the second half while hampered by a depleted defence, yet the home team will be frustrated they were unable to close out what would have been a big win.

The Gunners could hardly afford another loss after slipping up at Bournemouth, such are the title race’s fine margins, and fully deserved their half-time lead after an excellent first 45 minutes. The returning Saka gave Robertson a torrid time, especially when scoring the first goal, and it was no more than Arsenal merited when Merino dived forward on to Rice’s teasing set-piece delivery to restore their lead after Van Dijk’s equaliser. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was forced into changes with the departure of Gabriel, who was holding an ice pack to his thigh on the bench, and Timber, who had only just returned from injury. The pressure on their backline was consequently mounting before Liverpool broke away for Salah to score.

Arsenal will be disappointed with only a point at home, but the questions that arose about this side’s character after the defeat at Bournemouth were answered again here as they showed real spirit and resilience when Liverpool scented victory in the closing minutes. The worry for Arteta now is that he may face the loss of both Gabriel and Timber for upcoming games and he will be desperately hoping they both only have minor problems.

Top 10 Best Selling Books Of Horror Author Stephen King (1-5)

- Roshan

Stephen King is one of the most prolific and bestselling authors, known for his wide range of horror, suspense, science fiction, and fantasy novels. Here are some of his top-selling and most iconic books:

  1. The Shining (1977)
    • A psychological horror set in the haunted Overlook Hotel, this novel became a classic with its eerie atmosphere and exploration of madness.
  2. It (1986)
    • A horror epic about a group of children confronting a terrifying creature known as Pennywise the Clown. “It” has cemented itself as one of King’s most enduring works.
  3. Carrie (1974)
    • King’s first published novel, this story of a bullied teenage girl with telekinetic powers set the stage for his career and became an instant bestseller.
  4. Misery (1987)
    • This suspense novel about an author held captive by an obsessed fan is both chilling and psychological. It has been popularized further by the award-winning film adaptation.
  5. The Dark Tower Series (1982–2012)
    • King’s multi-book fantasy series follows the gunslinger Roland Deschain on a quest through a parallel world. The series blends elements of horror, fantasy, and Western genres.

These books, along with many others, have made Stephen King one of the bestselling and most beloved authors worldwide.

Shawny, Chocolate & Lollipop

- Roshan

Blog about the type of pet you dream of owning, but never have. Share why you haven’t.

While I love several types of cats and several breeds of dogs and would love to have more pets, if I could choose, I would just want my two cats and dog back. Sure a new puppy that is a Lab (yellow, brown or black) would be awesome, or a German Sheppard or a Dalmatian. Or a couple of Corgis or maybe a couple of Persians. But I want my two cats Chocolate & Lollipop – a brother & sister pair of cats my family brought home when I as 12 – and Shawny, my Golden Retriever – who I got as a puppy when I was 18.

I miss them, they were part of my family. I wish I could go back in time and grab them when they were alive and well and bring them home with me. Since I don’t have a pic of them 3 together, I got AI prompts to create a picture for me and it looks so good. I wish it were real.

Prompt from October Pet Blogging Prompts at Blogpaws.org

Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son – Iron Maiden

- Roshan


Back in 1995 I was still new to the world of Iron Maiden. I was turning 19 that year and the previous year I had borrowed a friend’s copy of A Read Dead which was my introduction to the band and I had seen the music video for The Number of the Beast, which had made me curious about the band. So just after my birthday I had bought to IM albums which converted me into a big time fan – one of them was Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son!

From the opening to Moon Child I felt a bone tingling chill go up and down my spine – the album was like experiencing one of the best 70s or 80s horror movies with evil figures walking about, ghosts and goblins and old witches with a cackling laugh, who could tell your fortune using their magic, a young man on a journey that could prove deadly and on the road ahead lies werewolves and other monsters out to get him. Things slow down a bit with Infinite Dreams, an atmospheric beginning before going into that galloping style we all know and love from Maiden. A real joy is Can I Play With Madness, which I can see on the soundtrack of a horror-comedy film. The song is the sixteenth single released by the band and hit number 3 in the UK Singles Chart.

My fav track on this album is The Evil That Men Do which is a mid-tempo rocker and probably one of the best ever. The title track is up next with it’s ominous sounding intro and verses before going more furious into the chorus. Slowing down just a tad is The Prophecy, which is also a great tune. Another awesome song is The Clairvoyant, which is the band’s nineteenth single and the third from the album. It peaked at number six in the British charts. The albums ends with Only The Good Die Young which to me seems like a sister song of The Evil That Men Do – it just feels like the to songs can be played one after the other and we know that they belong. All great or really good songs, this really is one epic album for me.

Ozzy Osbourne’s Biggest Selling Albums

- Roshan

Ozzy Osbourne has had a storied solo career with multiple high-selling albums. Here’s a list of some of his biggest-selling albums:

1. Blizzard of Ozz (1980)

  • Estimated Sales: Over 5 million copies (U.S. certified 5x Platinum)
  • Notable Songs: Crazy Train, Mr. Crowley, Suicide Solution
  • Significance: His debut solo album and often considered a classic in rock and metal.

2. No More Tears (1991)

  • Estimated Sales: Over 4 million copies (U.S. certified 4x Platinum)
  • Notable Songs: No More Tears, Mama, I’m Coming Home, Road to Nowhere
  • Significance: Known for its polished production and a shift toward a more mainstream rock sound.

3. Diary of a Madman (1981)

  • Estimated Sales: Over 3 million copies (U.S. certified 3x Platinum)
  • Notable Songs: Flying High Again, Over the Mountain
  • Significance: Famed for Randy Rhoads’ guitar work; one of Ozzy’s most iconic albums.

4. Bark at the Moon (1983)

  • Estimated Sales: Over 3 million copies (U.S. certified 3x Platinum)
  • Notable Songs: Bark at the Moon, You’re No Different
  • Significance: This was Ozzy’s first album without Randy Rhoads, featuring Jake E. Lee on guitar.

5. The Ultimate Sin (1986)

  • Estimated Sales: Over 2 million copies (U.S. certified 2x Platinum)
  • Notable Songs: Shot in the Dark, The Ultimate Sin
  • Significance: An album that embraced the glam metal sound of the 80s.

6. Ozzmosis (1995)

  • Estimated Sales: Around 2 million copies (U.S. certified 2x Platinum)
  • Notable Songs: Perry Mason, I Just Want You, See You on the Other Side
  • Significance: A darker, more introspective album with a grunge influence.

7. Speak of the Devil (1982)

  • Estimated Sales: Around 1 million copies
  • Notable Songs: Live renditions of Black Sabbath classics like Paranoid, Iron Man
  • Significance: A live album where Ozzy revisited his Black Sabbath roots.

These albums reflect the diversity of Ozzy’s style, his collaborations with iconic guitarists, and his impact on rock and metal.

Five Fun Facts About Halloween That You May Not Have Known

- Roshan

There’s a city in South Carolina that renamed itself “Halloween”

According to The State, a newspaper published in Columbia, South Carolina, back in 2022 a city in Horry County called Conway announced that for the month of October they would be renamed the “city of Halloween,” in an effort to “boost tourism and economic development during the fall season.” Since 2022, they have continued to do so every October, with each yearly celebration getting more and more festive by increasing the seasonal events, decor and activities all month long.

One in five adults usually pretend not to be home on Halloween

A 2021 YouGov poll found that about one in five adults (or 21% of participants) keep the porch lights off and pretend not to be home when the trick-or-treaters come knocking — a number that radio station WBIW alleges has increased since, with the number more accurately being reported as 25% percent in 2023.

There’s a reason black and orange are the colors most associated with Halloween

The Library of Congress reports that the colors of black and orange trace back to the Celtic festival of Samhain, a Gaelic festival marking the end of the harvest season and beginning of winter — or the “darker half” of the year. Thus, black represents the “death” of summer while orange represents the life of the fall harvest.

Some Halloween rituals used to be geared toward finding a husband

During the 18th century, single ladies devised Halloween traditions that were supposed to help them meet their romantic match. According to History.com, women used to throw apple peels over a shoulder, hoping to see their future husband’s initials in the pattern they made when they landed. When bobbing for apples at parties, the winner would supposedly marry first. Most spookily, they even used to stand in a dark room, holding a candle in front of a mirror to look for their future husband’s face to appear in the glass. Bloody Mary who?

They used to be carved out of turnips, potatoes and beets

Jack-‘o-lanterns did originate in Ireland, after all. Once Halloween became popular in America, people used local produce like pumpkins instead. This year, you might consider adding some creative carvings to your Halloween tableau for a more natural look that also has historical origins. When the holiday’s over, they make a delicious dinner side dish!

Most Popular Halloween Candy In Canada

- Roshan

Some popular chocolate candies for Halloween in Canada include:

  • Smarties: A Canadian Halloween classic, these colorful chocolate buttons have a smooth milk chocolate center.
  • Kit Kat: A good choice for Halloween because it’s available in mini sizes and is popular with most people.
  • Lindt Halloween Chocolates: Lindt offers a variety of Halloween-themed chocolates, including Pumpkin and Ghost LINDOR Truffles.
  • Reese’s Peanut Butter Pumpkins: A popular choice for Halloween treats.
  • Nestlé Halloween Mini Chocolate Bars: A pack of 125 mini chocolate bars.
  • Nestlé KITKAT Halloween Scary Friends: A pack of 90 milk chocolate bars.

Other popular Halloween candies include: Cadbury Fun Treats Chocolate, Maynards Halloween Candy, and Hershey Miniatures Assorted Flavored. The tradition of giving chocolate on Halloween began in Europe when people would dress up and perform tricks in exchange for food.

Five Movies That Are Set During Autumn

- Roshan

Practical Magic :  Starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, two sisters are born into a magical family who have tried their best to avoid witchcraft. When one of their boyfriends dies unexpectedly, the Owen sisters give dark magic a try, but their same spell threatens to end their family line.

Knives Out : Following in the tradition of an Agatha Christie novel and a great whodunit, Knives Out will have you guessing from the very start which member of the wealthy and dysfunctional Thrombey family is guilty when the knife-collecting patriarch is found dead. Detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) is called in to investigate and decipher truth from deception.

The Village : An Amish-style village in the woods of Pennsylvania is plagued by fears of creatures that live in the woods that surround them. When a young boy becomes ill, a young blind woman is forced to brave the woods and the unknown beings that live there to save her village.

The Goonies : “Goonies never say die!” Something about fall brings out the craving for adventure and discovery, and that’s just what the group that calls themselves the “Goonies” do when they discover a treasure map to a pirate named One Eyed Willie’s treasure. Along the way, they must dodge booby traps, keep a group of fugitives at bay, and stick together long enough to maybe save their homes.

School Of Rock : Autumn means back to school, making this classic movie a must watch of the season. Jack Black gets a group of 5th graders ready to rock for a Battle of the Bands competition. Some great music, a coming of age film, great child actors and comedy.

Arsenal 1 Shakhtar Donetsk 0

- Roshan

Arsenal beat Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League thanks to an own goal by goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk as they bounced back from defeat by Bournemouth at the weekend. Gabriel Martinelli’s effort in the 29th minute bounced off the post and hit the Shakhtar keeper in the back before trickling over the line as the home side’s dominance paid off. The Gunners started the match brightly and Riccardo Calafiori should have opened the scoring, before Gabriel Jesus had a good chance after the goal but was denied by Riznyk.

Shakhtar were well organised and provided a threat on the counter-attack with winger Eguinaldo keeping the Arsenal backline on their toes. Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side are already struggling with injury problems and were without captain Martin Odegaard and key man Bukayo Saka. The Spanish boss may have more problems to think about as Ben White did not come out for the second half, although he was on a yellow card, and Calafiori was withdrawn after receiving treatment following an awkward slip.

Leandro Trossard had the chance to score a second for Arsenal from the penalty spot late on, after the video assistant referee deemed Valerii Bondar’s arm to be in an unnatural position, but his effort was poor and saved by the impressive Riznyk. Pedrinho almost snatched a draw for the away side in stoppage time but his effort from the edge of the box was excellently saved by David Raya. Arsenal will be delighted to be back to winning ways after what they hope was a blip against Bournemouth and now can focus on a crucial game against top-of-the-table Liverpool on Sunday.