Month: April 2025

Some More Facts About The Croissant

- Roshan

A croissant is classified as a “viennoiserie” in France. In France, the croissant is part of the category of pastries that the French call “Viennoiserie”, a nod to their origins in Vienna, The term viennoiserie comes from a 20th-century term for supposedly Vienna-style pastries.

The Croissant became the French national product in 1920 and started as a luxury product, but by the end of the nineteenth century, it was middle-class (the rich preferred a good brioche).

Before the modern croissant, puff pastry was used as a garnish or shell, not to eat on its own.

The chocolate croissant is actually called pain au chocolat, as it is not in the shape of a crescent.

A croissant should be golden brown, crispy and flaky on the outside with visible layers. The interior should be soft and airy with honeycomb air pockets. It should taste rich and slightly buttery but should not be too greasy just as you will get them in our Cafe Brunch restaurants.

Arsenal 0 Paris Saint-Germain 1

- Roshan

Arsenal must come from behind to reach the Champions League final after Ousmane Dembele’s early strike gave Paris St-Germain victory at Emirates Stadium.

Dembele stunned Arsenal when he swept home a low finish from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s delivery only four minutes into the semi-final first leg. PSG dominated the early stages with a relentless attacking assault, which saw Arsenal keeper David Raya make a superb save from teenager Desire Doue. The hosts survived without further damage to work their way into contention, and once again giant Italian keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, as he was against Liverpool and Aston Villa earlier in the competition, was PSG’s hero. He saved brilliantly from Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard either side of the break, while Arsenal saw Mikel Merino’s header from a Declan Rice free-kick ruled out for offside.

PSG had chances to extend their advantage late on, but substitute Bradley Barcola shot wide and Goncalo Ramos hit the bar. The hosts whipped the Emirates crowd into a frenzy with a spectacular light and pyrotechnics show before kick-off, only to see the thunderous atmosphere punctured almost immediately by that priceless early goal. Mikel Arteta’s side appeared to be stunned and could have suffered further damage as PSG poured forward in wave after wave of attacks in the opening phase. Arsenal never lacked for heart or effort, but PSG controlled Bukayo Saka superbly and when the chances came they ran into the same wall of defiance from keeper Donnarumma that broke Liverpool and Aston Villa’s hearts.

The Italy goalkeeper was the hero against Liverpool when PSG won on penalties at Anfield, while three superb second-half saves kept Unai Emery’s side at bay at Villa Park. Martinelli should have scored when clean through, but Donnarumma’s low save diving to his left from Trossard was high class. And when the Gunners thought they had made the breakthrough early in the second half, Merino’s smart header was ruled out for offside after a lengthy video assistant referee check, although the very deep starting position of Arsenal’s players at the set-piece was running that risk. Arteta will believe his side can turn the tie around after beating Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, but PSG are an entirely different proposition and this now looks like a mammoth task for Arsenal reach the final in Munich.

Some Facts About Paris Saint-Germain

- Roshan

For the longest time, Paris did not have a football club that truly belonged to the elite. That finally changed in 1970, when a group of businessmen went through with the plan of merging Paris FC and Stade Saint-Germain into a single club named Paris Saint-Germain. Not surprisingly, PSG immediately drew sympathies of the Parisian crowd, which was exalted to finally have a club that could contend for domestic trophies. Shortly after earning promotion to Ligue 1 in 1972, the club moved into the legendary Parc des Princes, which would serve as their home to this day.

Winning the first major trophies

The early 80s saw PSG win their first major trophies by claiming back-to-back French Cups in 1982 and 1983. This naturally led to the club winning their first Ligue 1 title in 1986 and consequently trying their luck in European competitions, where they played a number of memorable matches but ultimately failed to advance past the quarter-final. It was during this period that PSG developed a penchant for attacking-minded football, which would play a large part in the club becoming fan favorites, both in France and abroad.

Larger investments leading to international success

Following the takeover by Canal+ in 1991, the club’s future was destined for greatness. With the new owners investing large sums of money into big-name signings such as George Weah and Raí, PSG quickly developed into one of the most dominant clubs in the country. In addition to claiming their second Ligue 1 trophy (1994), three French Cups (1993, 1995, 1998) and two League Cups (1995, 1998), PSG became the second French club to win a European trophy by defeating Rapid Wien in the 1996 Cup Winners’ Cup final.

Decline

These golden years were followed up with a period of decline due to severe mismanagement and cracking under pressure in the title races. Even though the club had some Cup success during the 00s – including three French Cups and a League Cup – this period is mostly remembered for numerous crisis situations and problems with hooliganism.

New owner and new stars

Their fortunes took a turn for the better after the club was bought by Qatar Sports Investments in 2011. Led by their new star, Zlatan Ibrahimovi?, PSG returned to the spotlight by winning three consecutive Ligue 1 titles from 2013 to 2015. They also added to their trophy collection by claiming another French Cup in 2015 and two more League Cups in 2014 and 2015. In 2017, a new world record transferred was made when the Brazilian star Neymar was bought from Barcelona for a €222 million fee. Another mega star, Lionel Messi, was transferred to the club in 2021, also from Barcelona.

Most champions in France

After winning the national league in the 2022-23 season, PSG became the French club with most titles (11), in front of Saint-Étienne with 10 titles. Whereas PSG has dominated the French football during the 2012, Saint-Étienne has not won the title since 1981.

4 Movies That Are Shot In & Set In Canada

- Roshan

Reader’s Digest has a list of 10 best movies set in Canada. I have watched 4 of those movies, which are all good in different ways.

The Sweet Hereafter (1997)

One of the most critically-acclaimed movies set in Canada, director Atom Egoyan’s Oscar-nominated The Sweet Hereafter follows the aftermath of a horrific school bus crash that kills 14 children. Mitchell Stephens, a lawyer played expertly by the late Ian Holm, arrives in Sam Dent, B.C., and tries to persuade the grieving parents to file a class action lawsuit against the town. The city of Merritt and community of Spences Bridge—both located in British Columbia—were used as stand-ins for the fictional town, and their peaceful landscapes contrast beautifully with the emotional horror taking place on-screen.

One Week (2008)

Consider yourself warned: after watching One Week, you’ll want to see all that the Great White North has to offer. After being diagnosed with cancer, Dawson’s Creek star Joshua Jackson embarks on a motorcycle trip, starting in Toronto and finishing in Tofino, B.C.. Director Michael McGowan’s love letter to Canada is loaded with all things Canuck: Sudbury’s Big Nickel, Alberta’s Dinosaur Provincial Park, and the late Gord Downie. Not Canadian enough for you? Jackson’s character is inspired to take his journey after seeing a cryptic message inscribed in the rim of his Tim Horton’s coffee cup!

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)

Feeling like a Toronto time capsule, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World presents a more familiar picture of the Big Smoke. Based on the graphic novel series by Bryan Lee O’Malley, this offbeat action-comedy is one of the very few Hollywood-produced movies set in Canada. As nerdy musician Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera) tries to win the love of cool girl Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) by battling her seven evil exes, a greatest hits-style line-up of Toronto attractions are given the spotlight, including the CN Tower, Distillery Historic District, Casa Loma, the Baldwin Steps and Lee’s Palace.

Bon Cop, Bad Cop (2006)

When a dead body is discovered at the Ontario-Quebec border, two cops are forced to work together to solve the crime: by-the-book Toronto detective Martin Ward (Colm Feore) and rock-and-roll Montreal detective David Bouchard (Patrick Huard). Much of Bon Cop, Bad Cop‘s humour is derived from Canada’s bilingual heritage and love of hockey. And while Hogtown and the City of Festivals are the two other main stars of the movie, Ottawa and Vancouver makes appearances as well. Easily my favourite in this list.

Haunted Hotels : The Hotel Kurrajong, Canberra, Australia

- Roshan

The Hotel Kurrajong, located in Canberra, Australia, is known for its reported hauntings, particularly by the ghost of former Prime Minister Ben Chifley, who died in the hotel in 1951. Some guests and staff have reported experiencing unusual occurrences, such as flickering lights, unexpected drafts, and mysterious sounds, adding to the hotel’s reputation as a haunted location.

Elaboration:

Chifley’s Presence:

Ben Chifley, who served as Prime Minister of Australia from 1945 to 1949, lived at the Hotel Kurrajong during his time in Parliament. He died in the hotel in 1951 after suffering a heart attack in his room.

Haunting Reports: Many guests and staff have claimed to have experienced paranormal activity, including seeing Chifley’s apparition, especially in the area of the hotel where he died.

Other Reported Phenomena: Besides Chifley’s supposed spectral presence, reports also include flickering lights, unexplained cold spots, and unusual sounds.

Historical Significance: The hotel is not only considered haunted but also has a rich history, having served as a prominent residence for many political figures, including Prime Minister Chifley.

Chifley Experience: Some visitors can even book a “Chifley Experience” which includes staying in Chifley’s former room (now known as The Chifley Suite) and enjoying various perks.

Permanent Waves – Rush

- Roshan

Permanent Waves is the seventh studio album by Canadian rock band Rush, released on January 14, 1980 through Anthem Records. After touring to support their previous album, Hemispheres (1978), the band began working on new material for a follow-up in July 1979. This material showed a shift in the group’s sound towards more concise arrangements and radio-friendly songs, though their progressive rock blueprint is still evident on “Jacob’s Ladder” and the nine-minute closer “Natural Science.” Bassist/vocalist Geddy Lee also employed a more restrained vocal delivery compared to previous albums. Permanent Waves was the first of seven studio albums the band recorded at Le Studio in Morin-Heights, Quebec with production handled by the group and Terry Brown.

Let’s start things off with one of the most friendliest of songs that talks about the role that the radio plays in our lives. The Spirit Of Radio became their first top 30 single in Canada and reaching number 51 on the US Billboard Hot 100 but 13 on the UK Singles Chart in March. Lyrically, the song is a lament on the change of FM radio from free-form to commercial formats during the late 1970s. The Brampton, Ontario based station CFNY-FM—which had not abandoned free-form programming—is cited as an inspiration for the song. The second song is another favourite – Freewill. The song’s lyrics deal with the subject of free will; in a December 1989 interview on Rockline, Lee stated that “the song is about freedom of choice and free will, and you believing in what you decide you believe in”. It has been described as an “explicitly atheistic” song that mocks those who believe in a god, exemplified by the lyrics “choose a ready guide in some celestial voice”.

Developed during their warm up routines, Jacob’s Ladder is the 3rd song on the record. uses several time and key signatures, and possesses a dark, ominous feel in its first half. The lyrics are based on a simple concept; a vision of sunlight breaking through storm clouds. The song’s title is a reference to the natural phenomenon of the sun breaking through the clouds in visible rays, which in turn was named after the Biblical ladder to heaven on which Jacob saw angels ascending and descending in a vision. The 3rd single off the album, Entre Nous is up next with it’s straight ahead rock and acoustic interlude. French for “Between Us” comes from Ayn Rand’s 1943 novel The Fountainhead and captures the sense of rapport Neil Peart feels with members of the audience.

Different Strings is kinda unique as the lyrics were written by Geddy Lee and it also features Hugh Syme on piano. And then we have the length album closer Natural Science which has 3 parts – Tide Pools, Hyperspace and Permanent Waves finishing off in great Prog Rock style! t was featured, with a different arrangement, on the 1996 Test for Echo Tour, the 2002 Vapor Trails Tour, the 2007–2008 Snakes & Arrows Tour and the 2015 R40 Live Tour. The album reached No. 3 in Canada and the UK and No. 4 in the US. ush supported Permanent Waves with a concert tour of Canada, America and the UK between January 17 and June 22, 1980. The band toured with a 25-member road crew who handled the 60 tons of equipment to stage the show, which included Boeing 707 landing lights, a $50,000 mixing console and a screen projector behind the band.

What Is Claustrophobia? (Since I Suffer From This A Bit)

- Roshan

Claustrophobia is an intense fear of confined or enclosed spaces. It’s classified as a type of specific phobia, meaning it’s focused on a particular situation.

People with claustrophobia may experience extreme anxiety when they are in spaces like:

  • Elevators

  • Airplanes

  • Crowded rooms

  • Tunnels

  • MRI machines

  • Small cars or closets

Even thinking about these spaces can sometimes trigger fear.

Symptoms

The symptoms can be both physical and emotional, such as:

  • Rapid heartbeat (palpitations)

  • Sweating

  • Trembling

  • Shortness of breath

  • Feeling faint or dizzy

  • Nausea

  • Sense of panic or doom

  • Urge to escape the situation immediately

Causes

Claustrophobia can develop from:

  • Past traumatic experiences (like being trapped as a child)

  • Learned behaviors (seeing others react fearfully)

  • Evolutionary factors (being cautious of tight spaces may have been a survival trait)

It usually starts in childhood or adolescence, but it can also develop later in life.

Treatment

Good news: claustrophobia is very treatable! Common approaches include:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps reframe fearful thoughts.

  • Exposure Therapy: Gradually and safely exposing someone to tight spaces to desensitize the fear.

  • Relaxation Techniques: Like deep breathing, mindfulness, and meditation.

  • Medication: Sometimes prescribed to manage anxiety symptoms.

Hair Cut, Shave & Toe Nails Cut!

- Roshan

So today I got a haircut and shave done today as well al cut my toe nails. This should be a regular normal thing right? However it was rather different in that I called up a saloon at home service two days ago and set up an appointment for someone to come and cut my hair at home. This is due to the fact that since my feet are facing an issue due to the bacterial infection that I have on my legs, it is difficult for me to walk. I have pain on my feet and ankles.

So after coming back from the hospital, I have only been to see my family at my sister’s place. Then I came back straight home. I wanted to get a haircut as my hair was long, while I hadn’t shaved in 3 weeks and also I hadn’t cut my toe nails in many month. They were overgrown and curving in places as well. So I looked for a saloon at home type service and 2 days ago I found one and then I gave them my details and directions to my home. The guy came in today at 12 pm as discussed. He brought toe nail clippers – the ones that cut really tough and long ones – and the barber setup.

He cut my hair and then shaved my face. Then after he sweeped the floor and got rid of the hair, he cut my toe nails. Man, I felt so much better after that. Especially now that it is summer and it’s hot & humid. I then paid the guy and then once he left, I went to have a shower. Good feeling!

Newish Grocery & Coffee Delivery App : Zepto

- Roshan

India has so many of these options that it’s becoming like we are spoiled. We have a lot of startups and a lot of people looking for work, hence the choices we get. Zepto is an Indian quick-commerce company headquartered in Bengaluru. It was founded in July 2021 band as of August 2024, the company is valued at over $5 billion and operates over 250 dark-stores across ten metropolitan areas in India. But you know what I really like – they have a cafe!

Not too much stuff but they have cold coffees and shakes and a few snacks. Zepto’s competitors in India’s grocery delivery space include Amazon’s India unit, Flipkart, Swiggy Instamart, Blinkit, and BigBasket. But as far as I know, none of them have this service. I am sure that they will add more to their cafe. A colleague told me of this and I thought I would check them out. Bonus, they have an outlet very near me. So I can get groceries and coffee/snacks in less than 10 minutes.

So on Thursday I ordered an Ice Cappuccino and a bag of popcorn. The popcorn was fresh and warm and the coffee was good. The next day, I ordered biscuits, some frozen chicken legs, a couple of coffees which was really good, bread, cheese and instant coffee as well. The groceries are ofcourse the usual stuff but it’s good to know that I can get good cheaper cold coffees and frappes in a few minutes if I want to. Good choice!

Sens Lose Game 3 And In Danger Of Being Knocked Out Of The Playoffs

- Roshan

Maple Leafs win Game 3 in OT vs. Senators – The Toronto Maple Leafs take Game 3 in overtime 3-2 over the Ottawa Senators. Simon Benoit scored the game winner. It’s Toronto’s second consecutive game won in OT. After being down 1-0, the Toronto Maple Leafs scored two consecutive goals, courtesy of Knies and Auston Matthews. But Brady Tkachuk got the equalizer in the third period, guiding this game to overtime before Benoit sealed the victory. 

The Leafs take a commanding 3-0 series lead. Toronto can advance to the second round on Saturday night in Game 4. Goalie Linus Ullmark said that “lady luck” wasn’t with the Senators tonight. He knows it’s going to sting for the team down 3-0 in the series. The Senators scored with Claude Giroux beating a screened Anthony Stolarz. Matthew Knies tied the game on the powerplay for Toronto’s fifth powerplay goal of the series. Auston Matthews scored less than a minute into the 3rd period to give the Maple Leafs the lead. Brady Tkachuk fired a wrist shot past Anthony Stolarz to tie this game and revved up the home crowd.

It’s a shame that the Sens outing in the playoffs is coming to an early end. The Senators last made the playoffs in 2017, losing to the Pittsburgh Penguins in seven games in the Eastern Conference Final.

Top 10 States With The Most Population In India

- Roshan

As of 2024, the top 10 most populous states in India are:

  1. Uttar Pradesh – 235.7 million

  2. Bihar – 126.8 million

  3. Maharashtra – 126.4 million

  4. West Bengal – 99.1 million

  5. Madhya Pradesh – 86.6 million

  6. Rajasthan – 81.0 million

  7. Tamil Nadu – 76.9 million

  8. Gujarat – 71.5 million

  9. Karnataka – 67.7 million

  10. Andhra Pradesh – 53.2 million

These figures are based on the latest available estimates for 2024. Uttar Pradesh remains the most populous state, with a population exceeding 235 million. Bihar and Maharashtra follow, each with populations over 126 million. The top five states collectively account for a significant portion of India’s total population, influencing various aspects such as political representation, economic planning, and resource allocation.

Arsenal 2 Crystal Palace 2

- Roshan

Crystal Palace twice came from behind to draw at second-placed Arsenal and leave Liverpool one point from being crowned Premier League champions for the second time in five seasons.

A draw against Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Sunday (16:30 BST) would now be enough for Arne Slot’s side, who lead Arsenal by 12 points, to clinch their 20th league title – equalling Manchester United’s record. Both Arsenal and Palace’s main focus is on their cup exploits, with the Gunners in the Champions League semi-finals and the Eagles at the same stage in the FA Cup – and both managers rested key players. Arsenal took an early lead at Emirates Stadium when centre-back Jakub Kiwior planted an excellent header past Dean Henderson from a Martin Odegaard free-kick in the third minute.

Palace looked dangerous on the attack but vulnerable at the back, and Oliver Glasner’s side equalised through a cleverly worked set-piece in the 27th minute. Adam Wharton clipped the ball to the edge of the area and Eberechi Eze volleyed his shot into the ground and the ball hit the post before making its way into the net. Leandro Trossard gave Arsenal the lead just before half-time when he picked up a pass from Jurrien Timber and squeezed a shot into the bottom corner. The Eagles continued to push for an equaliser and had good opportunities with headers from Justin Devenny and Ismaila Sarr but neither could get a good contact on the ball.

Palace did level for a second time through substitute Jean-Philippe Mateta, when William Saliba gifted him the ball with a dreadful loose pass 25 yards out and the striker produced an excellent chipped finish over stranded Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya. Gunners fans will be concerned by the absence of Ben White and Mikel Merino from the squad, with boss Mikel Arteta declining to comment on what their injuries were. When asked if they would be fit to face PSG on Tuesday, Arteta said: “We will have to wait and see as they were not able to be in the squad here.”

6 Amazing Facts About Moldova That You May Not Know

- Roshan

Moldova is a small country between its big neighbours, Romania and Ukraine. 2.6 million people live here, and we mostly hear about Moldova in connection with Russia’s growing influence in the region. But Moldova also has good wine or a Czech village. Let’s get to know a few interesting facts you will not find in the news.

1. You can visit a Czech village in Moldova

The small village of Huluboaia in the southern part of Moldova was founded in the late 19th century by a group of 153 Czechs. Today, only a few locals speak Czech, but a group of volunteers visit every summer to promote Czech language education and revive Czech customs and traditions.

2. Moldova is the least visited country in Europe

Only 11,000 tourists visit Moldova every year. This is probably due to its location and the few tourist attractions, but those who have visited Moldova are always happy to return. The Orheiul Vechi monastery complex, carved into the rock by monks in the 13th century, is worth a visit. The best time to visit the country is the wine harvest season in October when many wine festivals are held.

3. The most extensive wine cellars are located in Mile?tii Mici

Winemaking has a great tradition in Moldova and is one of the leading industries. Moldovans mainly grow white wine, and there are still interesting native varieties to be found.

The wine cellars in the village of Mile?tii Mici have the most extensive collection of wines and have made it into the Guinness Book of Records, with almost 2 million bottles stored here. The entire length of the cellars is 250 km, but today only about 120 km are used.

4. Chi?in?u has one of the largest Jewish cemeteries in Europe

Before World War II, Moldova had one of the largest Jewish populations. Over 60,000 were killed during the Holocaust, and more than 20,000 were buried in the cemetery in Chi?in?u. The cemetery itself was founded in the 17th century. During the 20th century, however, it had to retreat from its original size – in 1958, part of it was closed for road construction, and in 1961 for a park and tennis court.

5. Special bath for newborns

The arrival of a new family member is celebrated traditionally in Moldova. It is customary for the baby to be bathed for the first time by the eldest woman on the father’s side. Apart from water, they add flowers (for a nice life), honey and milk (to give the baby a sweet life) and money.

6. Moldova is a paradise for nut lovers

Moldova is one of the world’s largest exporters of walnuts. The local climate and soil conditions are ideal for growing walnuts. They are widely used in the local cuisine, and sweet cakes with walnut filling are very popular.

A Brief Encounter With A Woman Who Captured My Imagination

- Roshan

Is there a brief encounter or an insignificant remark that stuck with you?

A brief encounter that stuck with me – this was back in 2007 and I still remember what she looked like, her smile, eyes and almost everything about her. That’s some impression I’d say! She has popped into my lonely mind quite a few times over the years since.

Her name is Meher and she told me that she was a Parsi who grew up in Mangalore and moved to Bangalore with her cousin and couple of their girlfriends for work. She had been in Bangalore working in a couple of the call centers and got promoted to the post of a trainer. She then joined a company that focused solely on training and provided training for various other companies & corporates, from an entry level employee to managers, DGMs, & even GMs & VPs on various non-product and non-technical aspects & topics. Like communications, soft skills, office/business etiquette, various other HR related stuff as well. Her company had been hired for a few weeks to provide a 30 day soft skills & communication training for the first batches of entry level call center associates at our BPO (we were providing the customer care for a large international mobile service provider for their Kerala operations).

Anyways, me & a fellow colleague were asked to go and visit with the trainers from Meher’s company and sit with them for a couple of hours and observe their training sessions, go through their modules and in short see their work. My employers wanted to know if we could replicate the same training within our own organization hence cutting costs. So this is how I met Meher as she was one of the trainers there. I spent a few hours talking her & her colleagues and she made quite an impression on me. She was smart, bright, eloquent, vivacious – not to mention elegant, classy and extremely gorgeous. She had a smile that could light up a large stadium, including the parking lot! She has these beautiful eyes and a cute nose. All in all the perfect package. I managed to communicate with her via email for a few weeks but then lost touch (didn’t get her phone number)!