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Weekend at Paso Robles2/21/2025 Last weekend, I took a trip to Paso Robles, a charming wine country getaway in Central California. We started our journey from Los Altos, driving down scenic highways before arriving at Cass Winery for lunch. The setting was peaceful, and the wood-fired pizza was a perfect way to kick off the trip. Afterward, we checked into our Airbnb, where we would stay for the next three nights. A quick nap later, we were off to Parchetto, a cozy Californian restaurant, for dinner. The meal was fresh and flavorful, setting the tone for a relaxing weekend.
The next morning, we grabbed some of Dolly's Donuts before heading to Villa San Juliette, a winery perched on a hill with breathtaking views. The rolling vineyards stretched endlessly, making it a picture-perfect spot to enjoy a meal. We ordered a smashburger with truffle fries, and it was absolutely delicious making it the best meal of the trip. After another afternoon nap, we went to Junction, a Spanish restaurant located next to a train station. Unfortunately, the food was overly salty and didn’t live up to expectations, making it the only real letdown of the trip. On our final morning, we revisited Dolly’s Donuts, proving that one visit just wasn’t enough. The donuts were just as good the second time. Afterward, we made a quick stop at a local deli for lunch before starting the drive back home. Paso Robles was a mix of great food, relaxing moments, and beautiful scenery. Between the wineries, cozy eateries, and scenic drives, it was the perfect short escape—one that I’d definitely do again.
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Is the NFL rigged?1/6/2025 Is the NFL rigged? It is unlikely that each and every game's outcome is already decided, but a series of recurring controversies would make us question: there is more behind the scenes than just fair and straight competition. Questionable officiating, like the infamous missed pass interference call in the 2019 NFC Championship game, often occur at peak moments, leading to suspicions of subtle league influence. Besides, it is important to state that high-profile teams, such as the Dallas Cowboys and New England Patriots, make the NFL a very lucrative business, accounting for billions of dollars. With the high-revenue franchises that this league focuses on, along with headlines such as Tom Brady's miraculous 2020 Super Bowl win with the Buccaneers, questions can be raised about whether the outcomes are fabricated for entertainment and profit.
The suspicion escalates, especially with the league's bias towards star players such as unnecessary roughness calls on fair hits. Though having no actual proof, there could be reasons to believe the NFL is rigged, because of inconsistent refereeing patterns and the apparent favoring of specific teams and players. However, as fans, do we need more fair matches and greater neutralism? If I were given the chance to know my future, I would not like to know it for these reasons. Knowing what to expect is nice and lets you prepare for what is to come, but I feel that the whole point of life is about not knowing what will happen next. If you know your future, you will also know when you die and will just be essentially waiting to die on that date. In return to this date being given to you, you will tell all of your friends and family to say goodbyes before you die. Also, destiny is a funny thing. You don’t know if you will swim in a pool, or kill a bug, or anything really. But when it happens, it just happens without you consciously knowing you are doing it by choice. Life is full of decisions and choices for you to make, and making the wrong one will lead you down a path that may lead to other bad ones or good ones. Think of it as a game. You start at zero and I give you choices to make and over time every good choice you make you gain a point and bad one lose a point. Your goal is to reach whatever amount of points you wish, it could be 10, 20, 0, etc. Here is the catch: you don’t know your score until you die and if you reach the score with a 10 point leeway, you get your wish, even to be reborn into anything. If you don’t, you will get cursed for the rest in your afterlife. Would you play the game? See, I just gave you a choice full of other choices. Kind of crazy, am I right?
Part 1: Rignano
Our week-long travel to Italy started off smoothly with a short three-hour flight from Lisbon. We landed in Florence and were greeted by a taxi driver who drove us an hour away to Rignano. Our hotel, Resort 37, was huge, spanning over 10 acres of mostly uninhabitable land, but it was beautiful. The kind staff escorted us to our room and showed us around the property. After the tour, we changed and went for dinner where I ordered the seafood gnocchi. Gnocchi is my favorite food, and pairing it with seafood made it unreal. We asked the front desk about activities to do in Rignano, and their answer was the outlet mall. There was really nothing else to do here but unwind. We dozed off for the night, anticipating our exciting day tomorrow at the mall. The morning started off great with breakfast at the buffet, which included yogurt, bread, and a variety of roasted veggies. They also made fresh orange juice, which was nothing short of amazing. The mall was packed with locals and tourists from Florence. We didn’t find much throughout the day since it was an outlet, but the prices were to die for. There was also one restaurant there which had authentic Italian food and desserts. We tried it and, as expected, it was unreal. Out of all the places in Europe I have been, Italy consistently has the most reliable food. Dinner was the same as yesterday, so nothing much changed. The next day was filled with relaxation, allowing us to unwind completely and do whatever we wanted. Believe it or not, that is what we did: enjoying the pool, sleeping, and reading all day. The heat was unpleasant, so we spent most of our time in the pool. Tomorrow is another day of travel, but not by much; just a train ride back to downtown Florence. Part 2: Florence We hopped on an early train to Firenze Santa Maria Novella (Florence Downtown). The hotel was only a five-minute walk from the station. The check-in process was unpleasant. The staff told us our room wasn't ready and tried to give us a worse room than what we had paid for. They wrote an apology letter but didn't provide the token of understanding they mentioned. Despite the horrendous service, the location was nice, giving us access to shopping, restaurants, and tourist attractions by walking. Other than eating, shopping, and resting, our trip was nothing special except for visiting the Duomo. As our trip came to an end, we could feel it. Filled with beautiful sights, memories, and experiences, Portugal and Italy showed just how unique and beautiful they both are. Part 1: Lisbon
We eagerly began our month-long adventure by leaving from SFO on a 13-hour flight to Lisbon. After a lethargic start, we ate some great food at Zenith Cafe. I ordered the signature Oreo pancakes, which melted in my mouth, and the Oreo ice cream on top was a perfect addition. We also tried the most popular baked item in Portugal, the Pastel de Nata (custard tart). In the evening, we took a tuk-tuk around the city to see its biggest sites, such as the Cathedral of Lisbon, which had medieval architecture and beautiful statues inside. Later that night, we unexpectedly met our friends from the Bay Area and joined them for dinner at Solar 753. During the dinner, a Euro semi-final game between Portugal and France was on, and the energy was electric. Though Portugal sadly lost in penalties, the city was still buzzing with music. The food, mostly ham and pork, wasn't amazing, but the reunion was the highlight of the night. The morning began with a traditional Portuguese breakfast with pastels, coffee, and fresh-squeezed orange juice. After demolishing breakfast, we headed to Castelo Sao Jorge, the castle overlooking the whole city. The castle had 500-year-old cannons and watchtowers and was also home to some peacocks, adding life to the old structure. Debating our next move, we asked some locals who recommended the Tower of Belem and Jeronimos' Monastery, located 20 minutes from downtown. The monastery was mind-blowing, with architecture inspired by many countries, blending harmoniously. The next day awaited us in Sintra, a town hidden in the mountains 30 minutes away. Let's see what waits for us there... Part 2: Sintra and Cascais The drive to Sintra was one of the most scenic of all time. The trees lined the Tagus River, offering picturesque sights like the Moorish Castle overlooking the town. Our hotel was located on the top of a mountain, making it cold, foggy, and windy. As expected, our room wasn’t ready for a few hours. Sintra was visited for one primary place: Quinta da Regaleira. This estate is renowned for its romantic architecture, enigmatic symbolism, and, most notably, its initiation well. The initiation well is a mysterious, inverted tower that spirals deep into the earth. Walking down the well was like stepping into another world. The staircase, winding around the walls, descends in a spiral pattern through nine levels, believed to represent the nine circles of Dante's Inferno. The air was cool and damp, and the dim lighting added to the mystique. Each level revealed more intricate stonework, and the moss-covered walls made it feel ancient and secretive. At the bottom of the well, there was a stunning mosaic floor featuring a compass and a Templar cross, symbols often linked to the Knights Templar and Masonic rituals. It felt like a journey through time and myth. Beneath the well were catacombs of unique rock formations, twisting tunnels, and hidden grottos. The darkness and echoing drips of water made exploring these tunnels feel like an adventure. We emerged from the underground labyrinth at a series of cave pools reminiscent of Cancun’s cenotes, where light filtered through the water, creating an ethereal glow. The rest of the castle, though impressive, seemed ordinary compared to the enchanting initiation well and its subterranean wonders. Satisfied with our exploration, we recharged for the next day. Next, we visited Cascais, a coastal town that looked remarkably similar to Highway 1 in Half Moon Bay/Pacifica. We asked a local for a good place to eat, and he recommended Porta Santa Maria. Walking in, we could tell the seafood would be exceptional. We had a feast of baked red snapper in tomato sauce, garlic prawns, and calamari, all while looking out over the ocean. We reunited with our friends once more at the restaurant, sharing stories and laughter over the scrumptious meal. After dinner, we headed to the beach, where I decided to take a dip in the water. The sub-zero temperature of the water froze my feet, making my bones feel nonfunctional. Despite the cold, my friends also hopped in, feeling the power of the icy water. As the night was still young, we returned to the hotel to rest in preparation for our adventurous drive down to the southern towns of Algarve. Part 3: Algarve Algarve. Where do I even begin? Let’s rewind… The drive to Algarve was similar to Sintra, but longer at 2.5 hours. Most of the drive was on a main highway, and with everyone sleeping through most of it, it felt shorter. We reached there promptly, greeted by our hotel staff with ice-cold water while our dad checked in. As usual, our room wasn’t ready, so we ate lunch at the pool restaurant. The food was nothing special, but the private beach was something else. The 2-mile hike to the beach was worth it, showcasing rock formations that displayed the Earth's creation over 35 million years. The concierge booked us a popular tourist destination in Algarve, Benagil Cave. Early the next morning, we sailed across the sea to see Benagil Cave and other caves and rocks Algarve is known for. The first cave, a submarine cave, was pitch dark inside, and a yellow rock shaped like a submarine inspired The Beatles' song, “The Yellow Submarine.” Crocodile Cave had a crocodile-shaped rock at the entrance and a secluded beach at the end. The Arc of Lovers, though not a cave, held a chapel on a neighboring cliff where marriages were held. The star of the show, Benagil Cave, had a hole at the top letting sunlight in, creating a guiding light in the darkness. We also visited Lagos and Faro. Lagos' main beach, Praia Dona Ana, had a border of teal and dark blue water. The crowded beach and choppy water forced us to settle in a corner under a rock for shade. The weather and timing weren't on our side, so we left early. Faro, an hour away, was surprisingly empty with few open restaurants. After a quick meal, we explored the rusted cobble streets and an empty castle. With no one around and another Euro game barely watched, we left Faro without plans to return. Our last day in Algarve was set aside to rest after our hectic trip. The next day marked the beginning of a new journey in Florence, Italy, as our dad returned to SF and my brother, mom, and I continued our adventure. My Dinner At Gary Danko5/31/2024 Over the past month, I have been to many restaurants including Vivace and Lolo’s. However, the restaurant that stood out the most was Gary Danko. Hidden in a small neighborhood of San Francisco, this place was more than fancy. It had chandeliers raining down light, and the ambience was a dark gloomy (in a good way) vibe. The waiter proceeded to seat us at a corner table and immediately gave us some avocado and asparagus soup. Not liking either, I reluctantly ate them and ordered my steak. Not very sure of the cut, I assumed it was large so I worked up an appetite by having a hearty discussion with my family. After some time, the food arrived and I saw my steak glimmering under the chandelier; it was to die for. They told me it came with gravy and mashed potatoes, which I couldn't say no to. The first bite filled my mouth with a party. The mashed potatoes were so smooth I thought it was whipped cream. The gravy on the other hand had a unique tanginess which honestly added some flavor to the overall meal. My brother ordered risotto along with my parents who each ordered a 3-course meal! We devoured our food and dessert was the star of the show. Chocolate souffle was special in the house so we had to try it. It was as fluffy as a pillow and the waiter filled it with white chocolate sauce and Belgian dark chocolate sauce. My stomach was filled over the 3 hour dinner and before we headed home, the waiter gave us each a fruit cake to remember our dinner the next morning. How nice!
Why High Schoolers SHOULD Have Jobs5/30/2024 Many high school students spend their time working at school or staying at home, but they could be spending their time more productively by working a job. Students from ages fifteen through eighteen years old are legally allowed to work as baristas, lifeguards, and in retail, as well as many other jobs that can help them progress in experience and responsibility for the future to come. This is why high school students should get part-time jobs. To start off, having a job in high school teaches students time management. For example, having school work along with a light job, gives them the opportunity to progressively stay hard working and organized while juggling both school, extracurriculars, and work commitments all at the same time. In addition, high school students can use this opportunity to gain experience eventually helping them become capable enough to get stable jobs when entering adulthood. According to a Harvard Business Review, “two to five years of experience” is the minimum amount to get a stable job with enough to support specific financial needs. Some may say, getting jobs in early high school years can affect student academic performances while others might also argue that high schoolers aren’t responsible for jobs. Although these are valid reasons as to why high schoolers should refrain from getting jobs, research shows that having a job in high school actually helps balance out academics and teaches valuable life skills, not to mention benefits students skills in time management. Without the experience of working before adulthood, students of our future generations will lack knowledge in the realm of jobs, which could lead to downfalls in our society. Consequently, having a job during this time is important because it prepares high schoolers for the future. There are many jobs that provide high school students with opportunities that will be of use in the long-term. In summary, getting a job during teenage years is important because it helps them understand what their life will look like after high school.
Why Immortality Is A Curse5/30/2024 Immortality is something that shouldn’t be seen as a superpower or a blessing to society. There are many superpowers that can be chosen over immortality and yet people overlook this. There are a variety of things that come into play when immortality is brought to humans. Overpopulation, depression, and Earth’s demise is only a fraction of what can happen if we accept immortality.
Firstly, overpopulation, a huge crisis in some parts of the world, can lead to food shortages, unpleasant appearances, and limited space. If everyone is immortal, demand for food will go up, lowering supplies and specialization. Also, people will have warts, wrinkles, and other facial irritations that can be due to crowding as a lack of hygiene. In addition, the physical body of an immortal person may stay alive forever, but the mind dwindles in capacity over time. Research says, “the brain can only last around 115-120 years if it reaches a state of immortality” (“Theoretically, How Long Could a Brain ‘Last’ If the Body It Was in Was Biologically Immortal?”). Without a functional brain, the human body can’t do what it is supposed to, leading to a variety of issues. Lastly, space limitation is going to be a dilating problem with the rapid growth of the population as more homes will be built leaving less space for farms that provide our produce that we know and love. Next, people who are immortal will encounter mental suffering or depression. Scientifically, the body is supposed to live a certain amount of years and if it exceeds this limit, people will go crazy and out of control. For example, if someone took a potion of immortality, they would live forever without the thought of death ever coming up. According to a research project, “at most 6 months of 'brain time' in stasis to inflict permanent damage that will result in a mental illness with psychotic symptoms” (“Mental Brain Damage Length”). Some may say, the immortal being can travel to desired locations with their unlimited time on Earth. This simply isn’t true because there are only so many places on Earth a person can travel to if their time, money, and health provides. Even if they travel to all the places anyone can go on Earth, they are immortal so they are stuck in a world of suffering. Lastly, eternal life is possible with this potion but this does not make the Earth immortal as well. NASA says that in about “7.59 billion years, the Earth will no longer be able to support life.” This is due to the sun being a star, which can become a white dwarf. Assuming this potion is irreversible, in 7.59 billion years, you will be floating in a pool of nothingness. Not only will this be terrifying, you will just see blackness. For example, the White Torture experiment, where a person is trapped in a white room without noise or social contact, gets anxiety, fear and forgets how to communicate with others. The Earth can only last so long, and immortality will push the Earth’s capacity to its limit. Some may say, the thought of death is something everyone thinks about, but with immortality, this fear vanishes. However, facing fears is something everyone needs to do and admitting death will come some way or the other, is one of them. Also, in the White Torture experiment, people argue that the test subject won’t be in the room forever, and it won’t affect their mental health over time. However, this simply isn’t correct, because one many test people were interviewed 5 years later and said that their mental health is “traumatized from that time they were stuck in a room of anguish.” Ultimately, if a potion granting immortality was available to humankind, it would be a curse because of a myriad of reasons — food shortages, overpopulation, lack of resources, and depression is just scratching the surface of what is to occur. As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “the purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste, and experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for a newer and richer experience.” Why We Need To Be More Sustainable3/12/2024 Climate change is a mix of detrimental impacts, ranging from extreme weather events to rising sea levels, biodiversity loss, ice caps melting, and disrupted ecosystems. These changes endanger human health, food security, and water resources, exacerbating poverty and inequality globally. However, individuals can make a significant difference by adopting sustainable practices in their daily lives. Simple yet impactful solutions include reducing energy consumption by using energy-efficient appliances, such as dishwashers, opting for renewable energy sources, minimizing waste through recycling and composting, implementing a plant-based diet, supporting methods like biking or any EV transportation, and advocating for policies that promote sustainability. By collectively implementing these actions, we can mitigate the effects of climate change and foster a healthier, more resilient planet for future generations to come.
I Have A Dream Speech2/21/2024 I stand before you today, not as an advocate for a single race or ethnicity, but as a voice for humanity, a call for equality that recaps what legends once did. I have a dream that one day, the chains of discrimination and prejudice will be broken, and the true meaning of equality will be embraced by all. I have a dream that one day, we will all as a synchronized group in harmony, hew out of the mountain of prejudice a stone of equality. Not all know what the difference is between equal and civil rights; I can assure you the difference is slight but they vary in paths farther apart than a galaxy light years away.
I dream of a world where the color of one's skin does not declare the path they pursue, but where the content of their character reigns. In this dream, diversity is not tolerated but celebrated. I have a dream that in the rooms of justice, the scales will be balanced for every individual, regardless of their socioeconomic status, gender, or origins. No longer will we accept prejudice as an ideal, but something we all universally can accept to lock in a jail of hate. I dream of a world where education is the great equalizer, where every child, regardless of their zip code or family background, has access to quality learning opportunities. In this world, knowledge is not a privilege but a right, a force that empowers individuals to rise far above adversity and contribute to the progress of our shared journey to a perfect society far from today. I have a dream that workplaces will be spaces where talent and diligence are the only currencies that matter. Discrimination and bias will be considered relics of the past, and diversity will be the one thing we all accept in the world to apply in our daily lives. I dream of a society where love is unchangeable, and every individual has the right to choose their path of happiness, free from judgment and persecution. In this dream, equality is not just a goal we want by 2040, but a reality, woven into the fabric of our communities, strengthening the bond that connects us all. I have a dream that the winds of change will sweep across the globe, tearing down the walls that divide us. Together, we will build bridges of understanding and compassion, forming a world where unity is our strength and differences are our collective beauty. Let us not slack in the room of justice. Let us stand united, hand in hand, and work towards a future where the dream of equal rights becomes a living truth for all. May this dream inspire us to action, as we strive for a world where justice, freedom matter most. Ruhan ChhaparwalMy experiences, trips, and perspectives are shared on this page! |
