Tips to middle-high school college-bound teenagers

Heading off to college is a significant milestone, and preparing for it can start as early as middle and high school. These years are not just about preparing for college but also about personal growth and development. Here are some tips for college-bound teenagers on how to spend these formative years.

1. Focus on Academics: Your grades matter, so strive for excellence in your coursework. This doesn't mean you have to be perfect, but you should aim to do your best.

2. Explore Interests and Passions: Use these years to explore different subjects and activities. This can help you identify what you might want to study in college or pursue as a career.

3. Develop Good Study Habits: Learning how to study effectively can make your high school years more manageable and also prepare you for the rigors of college academics.

4. Get Involved in Extracurricular Activities: Colleges look for well-rounded students. Participate in clubs, sports, music, arts, or volunteer work to develop a diverse set of skills and interests.

5. Build Relationships with Teachers and Mentors: These individuals can provide valuable guidance and support. They can also write recommendation letters for your college applications.

6. Start Thinking About Careers: While you don't need to decide on a career path yet, it's helpful to start considering your options. This can guide your choices in high school and beyond.

7. Learn Time Management Skills: Balancing schoolwork, extracurriculars, and personal life is a key skill that will benefit you throughout your life.

8. Prepare for Standardized Tests: If the colleges you're interested in require SAT or ACT scores, start preparing early. Consider taking practice tests and, if necessary, seek out prep courses or tutoring.

9. Research Colleges and Universities: Start looking at colleges early to understand what each offers and what their admission requirements are. This can help you tailor your high school experience to meet these criteria.

10. Cultivate a Love for Learning: Above all, maintain a curious and open mind. The love for learning will not only help you in getting into college but also in succeeding once you're there.

11. Take Care of Your Mental and Physical Health: High school can be stressful, so it's important to practice self-care. This includes getting enough sleep, eating healthily, and finding ways to manage stress.

12. Seek Guidance When Needed: Don't hesitate to ask for help from counselors, teachers, or family members when making decisions about your future.

Who lived on earth 100,000 years ago and beyond?

 

Around 100,000 years ago, Earth was inhabited by various species of hominins, a group that includes modern humans and our closest extinct relatives. The most notable among these were:

1. Homo sapiens (Modern Humans): Our species, Homo sapiens, is believed to have appeared in Africa about 300,000 years ago. By 100,000 years ago, Homo sapiens had started to spread out of Africa, though the majority still resided on the African continent.

2. Neanderthals (Homo neanderthalensis): Neanderthals were widespread in Europe and parts of western Asia. They were well-adapted to cold climates and are known for their robust builds and distinct cultural practices. They lived alongside and occasionally interbred with Homo sapiens.

3. Denisovans: A less well-known group, the Denisovans, are known primarily from genetic evidence and a few fossil fragments. They inhabited parts of Asia, and like Neanderthals, they also interbred with modern humans.

4. Homo erectus: By 100,000 years ago, Homo erectus was likely nearing the end of its existence. This species had a very long tenure on Earth, first appearing around 2 million years ago. They were widespread in Africa and Asia.

5. Other Homo species: There were likely other Homo species, some known and possibly some yet undiscovered, living in various regions of Africa and Eurasia.

These groups were characterized by their use of tools, varying social structures, and, in some cases, symbolic behavior and art. The period was marked by significant climatic changes, which these hominins adapted to in various ways. The interaction, both cultural and genetic, between these groups and early modern humans is a subject of ongoing research and fascination in anthropology and archaeology.

Advanced Grammar Quiz 4

Advanced Grammar Quiz 4

Advanced Grammar Quiz 3 (5 items)

Advanced Grammar Quiz 3

Advanced Grammar Quiz 2 (5 random items)

Advanced Grammar Quiz 2

Advanced Grammar Quiz 1(5 items, random)

Advanced Grammar Quiz

This is exactly what we need more and more : North Bay cafe owners targeted by hateful vandalism

Jesus as a Controversial Figure

In Judaism, Jesus is not regarded as the Messiah. Jewish tradition holds that the Messiah will fulfill specific prophecies, such as restoring the kingdom of David, rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem, ingathering Jewish exiles to Israel, and bringing about a messianic age of peace and universal recognition of God. Since Jesus did not accomplish these tasks, he is not considered the promised Messiah by most Jews. Additionally, the concept of Jesus being divine or a part of God is incompatible with the strict monotheism in Judaism. The group known as "Jews for Jesus" incorporates Jewish practices but is not recognized as Jewish by the broader Jewish community because their beliefs are theologically incompatible with Judaism​​.

In Islam, Jesus (Isa in Arabic) is considered one of the most important prophets, born of the Virgin Mary, and is revered for his purity and his miracles, which are seen as signs of God’s power. Muslims acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah (Al-Masih), but strictly as a human and a prophet, not as the Son of God or part of a divine trinity. The Qur’an recounts miracles of Jesus, such as speaking from the cradle, forming birds from clay, and raising the dead, all by God's permission. The Islamic narrative also differs significantly from the Christian one in that it denies Jesus’ crucifixion, proposing instead that someone else was made to resemble Jesus and was crucified in his place​​.

For Christians, Jesus is the central figure of their faith, believed to be the Son of God and the second person of the Holy Trinity. Key events in the life of Jesus for Christians include his virgin birth, his ministry, his death by crucifixion, and his resurrection. Christians hold Jesus as the Christ (Messiah) and believe in his second coming. His teachings, miracles, and salvific role in atonement for sin are foundational to Christian doctrine. The Christian belief in Jesus' divinity, his role in salvation, and his resurrection, which is celebrated on Easter, are among the key distinctions between Christianity and both Judaism and Islam​​.

In essence, while Jesus is a significant figure in all three faiths, the views and relationships each tradition has with Jesus vary considerably, shaped by their unique theological doctrines and historical contexts.

"Clash of Civilizations" : Was Professor Huntington right?

Samuel P. Huntington's "The Clash of Civilizations?" posits that post-Cold War conflict would be driven not by ideological or economic divides, but by cultural and religious identities between civilizations. Key concepts include:

• The world is divided into different civilizations whose cultural boundaries are less flexible than political ones.

• Conflicts will occur at the "fault lines" between these civilizations.

• Modernization does not imply Westernization, and non-Western civilizations will reaffirm their cultural identities.

Applying this to the Israel-Palestinian conflict, Huntington would likely see it as a manifestation of such a "fault line" clash, with Jewish and Islamic civilizations in conflict over territorial, cultural, and religious claims.
As for whether these notions are playing out as convincingly as Huntington anticipated, it's subject to interpretation. Some argue that the conflict is more about nationalistic and territorial issues than a clash of civilizations. Others see the enduring religious and cultural tensions as evidence supporting Huntington's thesis. The reality is likely complex, with elements of both nationalistic struggle and broader civilizational conflicts at play. 

Now ChatGPT can access the WWW and amaze you with its enhanced abilities

Using ChatGPT 4, I wanted to find out about how well this AI can synthesize data about me from the WWW. And here is what it came up with verbatim:

Dr. Snea Thinsan, also known by his political nickname Piangdin Rakthai, is a noted pro-democracy, political, and human rights activist from Thailand. He was born on June 18, 1965, in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand, and has since been active in advocating for human rights and democracy, especially in the context of Thai politics​​​​.

His life has been shaped by his upbringing as a Buddhist in a rural village in Northern Thailand, where he learned to appreciate peaceful harmony and hospitality. These early experiences have inspired him to seek out ways to improve the world around him. In more recent years, he has expanded his cultural experiences, including attending churches​​.

Dr. Thinsan has also been involved in the educational sphere, as indicated by his association with the THINSAN & FRIENDS FOUNDATION FOR EDUCATION & PEACE. The foundation focuses on education and peace, reflecting his commitment to these values. As of 2023, he was addressing the challenges of reconciliation after social upheaval and conflicts, which underscores his engagement with complex social issues​​.

Additionally, he has made contributions in the professional and organizational realm. Since June 2016, he has been serving as the Chairman of the Board of Directors in San Francisco, CA, after four years as the founder and first executive director of an unspecified organization​​.

Through his various roles, Dr. Thinsan has demonstrated a consistent dedication to activism, education, and the pursuit of peace and human rights.

Dr. Snea Thinsan has a rich background and a wide range of professional interests that reflect his commitment to education and social change. His research and professional interests include education for peace, justice, and democracy, critical thinking, and the sociology of education. He is also focused on the role of technology in education, such as Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) and the impact of e-learning on social changes​​.

Dr. Thinsan earned his Ph.D. from Indiana University Bloomington, where he majored in Literacy, Culture, and Language Education and minored in Instructional Systems Technology. His academic journey has taken him through various educational pursuits, including a Master of Education with Merit from the University of Sydney, Australia, and a Bachelor of Education with Honors from Chiang Mai University, Thailand​​.

Throughout his career, Dr. Thinsan has been recognized with prestigious scholarships and fellowships, including a Fulbright Scholarship for his Ph.D. work, and has been an active member of the Pi Lambda Theta International Honor Society since 2005​​.

In his professional capacity, he has served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Education for Peace Foundation since March 2013. This foundation aims to enhance the quality of education in third-world countries. He also held a position as a Pedagogy and Technology Specialist at the University of California at Berkeley and was an Assistant Professor of English at Ball State University​​. His work reflects a deep engagement with educational development, language education, and the promotion of peace and democracy through educational means.

Dr. Snea Thinsan has been a prominent figure in Thai politics and human rights activism, particularly known for his advocacy under the pseudonym Dr. Piangdin Rakthai. He stepped into the public eye in April 2011 through the online radio RedUDD. Dr. Thinsan has founded initiatives such as the Thai People's Revolutionary University for Democracy and the Thai Alliance for Human Rights, with a focus on promoting democratic processes and peaceful revolution. His approach to activism is noted for being insightful and polite, which stands out in the context of Thailand's intense political climate. He proposed the non-violent revolution theory "Mod Daeng Lom Chang" (Ants Toppling Elephant), urging a peaceful revolt against authoritarian military rule. Due to his anti-monarchy stance, he has faced legal challenges and is currently in exile in the United States, continuing his activism with organizations like the Organization of Free Thais for Human Rights and Democracy​​.

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All I can say, despite small editing required on some overstated glories, is WOW!