Month: December 2024

How New Year’s Is Celebrated In Canada

- Roshan

New Year’s in Canada is celebrated in various ways, reflecting the country’s rich cultural diversity. While there isn’t a single nationwide tradition, several celebrations stand out and are widely recognized.

Common Traditions:

Countdown and Fireworks:
Like in many other countries, the countdown to midnight is a special moment for Canadians. Many cities host large events featuring concerts, fireworks, and special projections to ring in the New Year.

Family and Friends Gatherings:
New Year’s is a time to celebrate with loved ones. Families often come together for a special dinner, exchange gifts, and toast to new beginnings.

House Parties and Club Events:
House parties and club events are highly popular, offering music, dancing, and plenty of fun.

Regional Celebrations:

Niagara Falls:
One of Canada’s most iconic New Year’s celebrations takes place at Niagara Falls. Thousands gather to witness a breathtaking display of lights and fireworks illuminating the falls.

Toronto:
Canada’s largest city offers numerous ways to celebrate, from grand parties in arenas to cozier events in specific neighborhoods.

Montreal:
With its strong French influence, Montreal celebrates New Year’s with a European flair. Expect street parties, concerts, and cultural events.

Vancouver:
On the West Coast, Vancouver hosts a variety of celebrations, including boat parties, fireworks, and events in local parks.

Fun Facts:

Polar Bear Dip:
In cities like Toronto, the “Polar Bear Dip” is a daring event where brave participants dive into icy waters to welcome the New Year.

Winter Festival of Lights:
In Niagara Falls, the Winter Festival of Lights transforms the falls and surrounding parks into a magical wonderland with millions of twinkling lights, creating a perfect backdrop for New Year’s celebrations.

Indigenous Traditions:
Many Indigenous communities in Canada celebrate the New Year with traditional ceremonies, including dances, songs, and purification rituals.

2024 Comes To An End!

- Roshan

So another year ends and a new one begins. 2024 went by in a flash it seems. I mean, I can barely remember the months January to May. It seems to be that way to me more and more as the years go by. I do remember a few things during January – handy having a daily blog eh? – like buying a Stanley Mug kinda mug and remote training a team of 4 disabled people. That latter experience was a wonderful and rewarding experience for me.

Unfortunately I was hospitalized twice this year – in May and then in June – due to my muscle issues and it hasn’t really gone away. Also, my dad and I both got Dengue fever in July and although I only had to take rest for a week and take some tests, my dad was admitted to hospital for 10 days and needed a lot of physical therapy to fix his body weakness. He also has issues with forgetfulness due to his dementia and that is a challenge for us but we keep trudging along.

Positive things, I was able to move to a new process, one were I get to work from home all the time unless ofcourse I have new people joining and hence I have to go to the office (which I am in the second week of January) and I also bought a new desk for home office nook. I can’t think of many positives to be honest.

A Farewell To Kings – Rush

- Roshan

A Farewell to Kings is the fifth studio album by Canadian rock band Rush, released on Anthem Records on August 29, 1977. The album reached No. 11 in Canada and marked a growth in the band’s international fanbase, becoming their first Top 40 album in the US and the UK. After reaching a critical and commercial peak with 2112 and touring the album, Rush decided to record the follow-up outside Toronto for the first time and settled in Rockfield Studios in Wales after their debut European tour.

The title track starts things off with an acoustic interlude by Alex Lifeson before Geddy Lee’s keys is added and then segues into the full band and lyrically is about dealing with hypocrisy, and finding your own way by looking within yourself. And then there is the grand 11:05 minute Xanadu – beginning with a five-minute-long  instrumental  section before transitioning to a narrative written by Neil Peart, which in turn was inspired by the Samuel Taylor Coleridge poem Kubla Khan. In Peart’s lyrics, the narrator describes searching for a place called “Xanadu” that will grant him immortality. After succeeding in this quest, a thousand years pass, and the narrator is left “waiting for the world to end”, describing himself as “a mad immortal man”.

One of my favourite songs of Rush from the first time I heard it back in the late 1990s is Closer To The Heart. It was released in November 1977 as the lead single off the album It was the first Rush song to feature a non-member as a songwriter in Peter Talbot a friend of Neil Peart’s. It was Rush’s first hit single in the United Kingdom, reaching number 36 in the UK Singles Chart in February 1978. It also peaked at number 45 in Canada and number 76 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and has been a live favourite in the US, Canada, the UK & Brazil. Cinderella Man is a song based on one of Lee’s favourite films, the 1936 romantic comedy drama Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, and the themes that it portrays.

The short 2:35 minute Madrigal is up next; a rare love song and ballad. The album closes with “Cygnus X-1 Book I: The Voyage”, a science-fiction song that tells the story of an unnamed explorer who travels to the centre of Cygnus X-1, a real black hole, in a spaceship named the Rocinante, believing there may be something beyond it. Upon approaching the centre the protagonist loses control of the ship and is drawn into it by the pull of gravity, its body destroyed. This song was inspired by an article on black holes that Peart had read. Lee thought the science-fiction genre presented limitless musical ideas which inspired the band to “use all your goofy, weird sounds because that’s what’s happening out in space.” The song has a part II which came out in the next album.

A Farewell to Kings received a generally positive reception from critics. Rush supported the album with their most extensive tour at the time, headlining major venues across North America and Europe for over 140 dates. A 40th anniversary remastered edition with bonus tracks and a 5.1 surround sound mix was released in 2017.

Wings Is Something That I Will Always Try To Order If I See It On A Menu

- Roshan

It has to be wings right now. If I go out to a bar or cafe and I see that they have wings on the menu, then for sure I am ordering it. And good thing that e have now a whole lot of options to place wings from. Other than the fast food joints like KFC, Pizza Hut, Dominos, McDonalds, Burger King, La Pinoz,  Chicking and Popeyes (the latest entrant), we also have local cafes and restaurants joining in and giving us wings.

I have just checked and I have had wings from about 10 local cafes and there is a lot more just waiting to be eaten. I love bbq, bakes or fried wings but I think baked are the best. Chicken wings are widely loved because of their crispy, flavorful skin, the versatility to be seasoned with a variety of sauces, their relatively low cost compared to other cuts of chicken, the social aspect of sharing them while eating, and the fact that they are considered a “convenient” food option due to their small size and ease of preparation. And if they are ordered in from a cafe, the better.

There is even 1 or 2, by my last count, wings specialty fast food in Kochi. I think The Wing Culture opened in the last year, certainly not before 2024 January, and they are really expensive. Their prices are not based on reality so I do not feel like ordering from them. The other one is called Valhalla Wings and I haven’t checked them out either. I am happy with the various options now when just 5 years ago, we only had 6 or 7 places that offered wings.

The Formats Of Video Content That I Prefer To Watch

- Roshan

Which format of video content do you like most? TikToks, Youtube Videos, TV shows, movies, etc.

Well I do watch a lot of videos and that is my main source of entertainment and passtime. I love watching movies and tv shows. I am a movie buff and enjoy a good movie – thrillers, dramas, scifi, horror, comedy and action. I like rewatching the ones that I like and love. The same goes for tv shows – thrillers, dramas, scifi, horror, comedy and action. I love rewatching the ones that I like and love. I also join Facebook groups of my fav scifi tv shows.

Youtube is my jam. I love Youtube and it’s what I spend the majority of my time on it. I spend many hours per day on it and I love the format I like short videos, medium videos and long hour long ones. I love vlogs, music videos, live concerts clips, etc etc. I subscribe to plenty of channels and I have so many interests that I can keep up with on this platform that I could live 10 lifetimes and still not bored of Youtbe.

Over the past few years I have also spent a lot of time going through Facebook reels & Instagram reels to the point where I do not spend a night before going to bed and watching some for atleast 30 minutes or so. Otherwise I can’t go to sleep. We don’t get TikTok here in India as the government banned it.

Prompt from Journaling Prompts from The Coffee Monterz Co . Com

New Year Traditions In Scotland

- Roshan

Scotland: Redding of the house and “Auld Lang Syne”

In Scotland, Hogmanay is an end-of-year New Year’s Eve party that starts on December 30 and ends on New Year’s Day. There are many variations of Hogmanay celebrations throughout the country, but the most common tradition is that of “first footing,” which involves being the first to visit friends and neighbors, often with a symbolic gift in hand.

People gather to sing “Auld Lang Syne” (a song about friends recalling their adventures from long ago) as the clock strikes midnight, but one of the most important New Year’s Eve traditions is the redding of the house. This is essentially a deep clean around your home, from the cabinets to the front door. One spot that’s focused on is the fireplace—all old ashes are cleaned out so everyone in the house can start the year off fresh.

If you happen to be in Edinburgh for the festivities, expect to see pipers and drummers leading torch-wielding locals on a procession throughout the city (scheduled for December 29 in 2024). And on New Year’s Day, the party ends with a bracing swim in the chilly waters of the Firth of Forth. Like any festive occasion, Hogmanay is a time to enjoy food and drink, and has its own gastronomic traditions. Fruitcake, shortbread and black bun are the customary dishes to offer guests, and to present to hosts when first footing. A flute of champagne lends a celebratory sparkle to any occasion, but the only drink with which to toast the bells at Hogmanay is of course Scotch whisky.

It Would Be Nice To Know When The End Comes

- Roshan

If you could find out the date of a future event, what would you like to know the date of?

I would love know when it all comes to an end – knowing when you are going to die would be something I would appreciate knowing. Getting oneself ready for the end is a privilege not given to everyone. So I would cherish the option and would like to know when it is that I will leave this world. Having the earth ending and everyone going out at the same time is something I have thought about many times. But if it is just me, that is ok too.

So like I mentioned, I don’t want it to sneak up on me. I would want some advance and is say a week or so isn’t a possibility then atleast a day would do. That way, I would have enough time to say my goodbyes to my loved ones, my friends and family. I would need that time to make sure I leave nothing unsaid and do something to records my final thoughts with enough time to spare. Since I can’t come back to redo things or say anything I left out, I won’t be able to.

Final hours will be spent with my family. I would like to gather everyone in one place, so I can hug people and say my final goodbyes and have a final meal of all the best food we can lay out hands on. Play some of my favourite songs in the background which will be the soundtrack to the end of the night and my life. When the minutes and seconds tick off and it is the end, I guess I won’t be sad but I will be content.

Prompt from Journaling Prompts from The Coffee Monterz Co . Com

What Has Been A Positive Outcome Of The Pandemic?

- Roshan

I think if the pandemic had not happened a lot of us would not have gotten the opportunity to work from home and experience what that looks like. I don’t like to minimize the loss of lives during the pandemic and even businesses that suffered monetary loss but if I’d like to think that something good came from it, that is the fact that a lot of us got the chance to work from home.

Just the fact that working from the comfort of your own home – living room, bedroom, study/home office – is a feeling like no other. You save traveling money , your daily 3–4 cup coffee expense , you’re gonna save a lot. You also save the time you commute to and from work and hose pesky traffic jams. Work from home buys you more family time which improves your relations. If you have pets, you can spend more time with them. You’ll get a relief from those uncomfortable formals. You can be in your boxers or pajamas and work comfortably.

I can even play my music and have a football match or two on during the day and still finish my work. This is something which growing up I never imagined. Even as I started work in my early 20s and even in my 30s, I never thought I would get chance to do that. And then the pandemic hit and here we were. I like it now that I am in a process where I get to work from home.

Prompt from Journaling Prompts from The Coffee Monterz Co . Com

What’s Something You Tried Once And Instantly Knew It Wasn’t For You?

- Roshan

Yeah well, I wouldn’t that it isn’t for me but more like I don’t like the culture associated with it in India and that is not for me. Personally I do not have a problem with weed but I just haven’t partaken in it much. In fact very little. I have only smoked weed 3 times in my life.

The first and second time were in Bangalore. The very time was when I was 19 and living in a hostel in Bangalore, as I was studying in a college there. For New Year’s eve the warden had a strange rule; you had to be in by 9 pm as the gates would be locked by then. If it is after 9, then you will have to find other accommodations for the night. This as to avoid late night drinking and people coming in drunk and or fighting. So I ordered some food from a restaurant nearby and brought it to my room. My roommates were at their relative’s places, so I was alone. I had my dinner by 9 and listened to music, waiting for the fireworks.

A couple of guys from Assam who I had made friends with called me to join them as they had sneaked in some weed joints and I smoked some for the first. They also shared some food with me and then by 1 am I went back to my room. A few months later I joined them again for more weed. Then I would have to wait till November, 2007 which was 12 years later. At my then office I had rehearsed with a couple of other guys some rock songs so we could perform on stage for around 200 employees and at the end of the performance, I was on personal high. A colleague asked me if I wanted to split a joint and we went under a tree on the opposite side of the hall and we smoked a joint. I enjoyed it but I am scared of people in this culture here, so I haven’t dipped into it at all.

Top Five Most Popular Christmas Food In The United Kingdom

- Roshan

1. Turkey

This one is probably one of the most popular dishes at Christmas because it is usually the main course! Other popular dishes include ham or roast beef, but in the UK, turkey is the main course of choice. People often buy a frozen turkey, thaw it, and then roast it in the oven for a couple of hours before adding garnishes and sauces. Then it’s ready to carve and serve!

2. Roast Potatoes

There is nothing like a scoop of properly roasted potatoes! These are often cut into small squares, and put into the oven with goose fat or olive oil, along with herbs such as parsley and thyme, and salt and pepper. Once the edges are browned, the potatoes are good to go!

3. Stuffing

Stuffing is another dish that can vary from region to region. Interestingly, in North America, chestnut stuffing is a popular choice (chestnut puree is stirred into the mixture of onions, breadcrumbs, butter, and other herbs) while in Britain, herb stuffing is a more traditional choice, with large quantities of rosemary or thyme added to similar ingredients. The most popular type of stuffing at Christmas dinner is sage and onion. The stuffing can be served inside the turkey or as a side dish.

4. Pigs in Blankets

These are small sausages that are wrapped in bacon, and often surround the turkey when it is served. Fun fact: In Scotland, these are called kilted sausages!

5. Yorkshire Pudding

Yorkshire pudding originates from England, and is made from a batter that includes eggs, milk, and flour. It’s usually eaten with the roast turkey, but it can be served as a dessert! Although Yorkshire Puddings are traditionally served with roast beef, many families choose to serve them alongside their Christmas dinner.

Five Fun Boxing Day Facts You Probably Were Not Aware Of

- Roshan

Boxing Day occurs on December 26.

Boxing Day is observed annually on December 26. If it falls on a weekend, the public holiday itself will be celebrated on Monday. It became an official holiday during the reign of Queen Victoria, though some historians trace its origins back much further—to medieval times. Today, it’s largely an extension of the Christmas holiday and a big day for sporting events and shopping.

No one really knows where the name Boxing Day originated.

Many historians think Boxing Day’s name is derived from the church practice of opening alms boxes the day after Christmas and distributing money to the poor. Historically, British employers followed the church’s lead by sliding workers and servants gifts or cash on December 26. Others believe the “box” refers to the boxes of gifts employers gave to their servants on the day after Christmas. (In wealthy households, servants were often required to work on Christmas Day but given December 26 off to celebrate the holiday on their own.)

No one really knows where the name Boxing Day originated.

Historically, Boxing Day’s post-Christmas sales have long made it one of the UK’s busiest shopping days of the year. And while it still falls within that category, the popularity of online shopping has reduced the overall spending people do on December 26. Fifteen years ago it was pretty much guaranteed that you would only get big sales a few times a year—Boxing Day and the big summer clearance but Black Friday and Cyber Monday illustrate Christmas sales are starting earlier and earlier. There is a possibility prices will just keep on dropping in the run-up to Christmas. This makes the Boxing Day sales incredibly diluted.

There is no boxing involved in Boxing Day.

Despite the name, British observances of Boxing Day involve no fisticuffs. For patricians, however, another sport rules the day: fox hunting. Though it’s a long-held tradition, many animal rights activists and groups would like to see the practice done away with altogether—especially because it’s technically illegal.

In Ireland, December 26 is sometimes known as Wren Day.

Ireland sometimes refers to December 26 as Wren Day, a nod to an old tradition in which poor children would kill a wren, then sell the feathers to neighbors for good luck. In today’s celebrations, the wren is fake.

What Kind Of Gifts Have I Received During The Holidays

- Roshan

Not being from a Christian family or a culture that exchanges gifts for Christmas like in the West. I am not sure about all countries in Asia and Africa but gift giving isn’t the big deal that it is the West. However that is something that I do like about the holiday season and Christmas in particular as the joy in both giving and receiving these gifts is very special.

Having said that, I have received a few gifts here and there. Off the top of my head I remember a few books, novels mostly, maybe a few comic books when I was younger. Ofcourse I am sure that I have received quite a few music cassettes back in the 90s. Book and music cassettes were the go to presents for me from the 80s till the late 90s. Everyone close to me knew that that’s what you got for someone like me. Either they would buy me the book or cassettes tapes or if they don’t know my particular taste then they give me the money for it.

After that I have only received a few Secret Santa gifts from an office or two. Most of the time it’s small little items, something you can put on your desk or maybe like a bottle of deodorant or maybe like a book yet again.

Activities For Atheists & Agnostics To Enjoy During Christmas

- Roshan

Atheists, like people of all beliefs and backgrounds, often enjoy a wide range of activities during the Christmas season. While they may not participate in religious traditions or celebrate the holiday for spiritual reasons, many still embrace the secular aspects of Christmas. Here are some activities that atheists might enjoy during the Christmas season:

  • Gatherings & Meals: Christmas is a time for many people to get together with loved ones, share meals, and enjoy each other’s company, regardless of religious affiliation. Atheists often enjoy hosting or attending festive dinners, potlucks, or casual get-togethers.
  • Exchanging Gifts: While atheists might not connect gift-giving to religious tradition, they often enjoy the act of exchanging thoughtful presents as a way to show appreciation and love for those close to them.
  • Holiday Decorations: Many atheists enjoy decorating their homes with Christmas lights, trees, wreaths, and other festive ornaments, which contribute to a sense of celebration and coziness without the religious significance.
  • Light Displays: Visiting or creating light displays is a popular secular activity. Some atheists enjoy touring Christmas light festivals or even participating in community events where people compete for the best decorations.
  • Holiday Movies: Christmas movies, both classic and modern, are a huge part of the season for many atheists. Whether it’s watching “A Christmas Carol,” “Home Alone,” “The Grinch,” or “Love Actually,” these films offer entertainment, nostalgia, and a sense of holiday spirit.
  • TV Specials: Many atheists enjoy the wide range of holiday-themed TV specials, whether they’re cartoons, sitcom episodes, or other entertainment that is festive but not religious.
  • Attending Secular Events: Some atheists like to participate in community events that celebrate the secular side of Christmas, such as Christmas markets, concerts, and holiday fairs.
  • Giving Back: Christmas is often a time when people feel moved to help those in need. Atheists may volunteer at food banks, shelters, or soup kitchens, or participate in toy drives or other charitable activities as a way of spreading goodwill and kindness.
  • Community Service: Many atheists see the holiday season as a time to support others through volunteerism, regardless of the religious significance of the holiday.

While Christmas is traditionally a religious holiday, its secular aspects—focusing on family, goodwill, and festive enjoyment—are widely appreciated by people of various beliefs, including atheists. It’s a time for community, celebration, and personal enjoyment, regardless of one’s religious perspective.

I’ll Take A Few Inches Added Vertically Please

- Roshan

Would you rather be 1ft (30cm) shorter or taller?

I’m 5ft 4in tall which is 162.52 cms. The last time that I checked was probably 3 years ago for hospital records. I have always had this complex that is short, especially in the last 10 years. I just feel that the kids these days seem to grow much taller than back then. When I was in school and in my last year, I wasn’t the tallest but I didn’t feel short as most of the other guys were either my height or just 2 to 3 inches taller.

The tallest guys in my friends circle were a 5ft 11 in guy from school and a 6ft 1 in guy in my college day but they were so few. Most guys in my friends and colleague circle are my height or slightly taller than me but people who are 20 or more years younger than me no are taller. Even the gals. It’s probably evolution or the food or evolving nutrition and medicine as the generations pass. It does make me feel insecure.

So yes I would like to be taller by 1ft. Infact, I’ll say that I don’t want to be that tall, I’ll take even 3 to 4 inches taller. That would make so much of a difference in my life. If only wishes came true – or in this case, if only words I wrote down in a post came true.

Prompt from Journaling Prompts from The Coffee Monterz Co . Com