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!

Test your English (10 items)

Grammar Quiz for Advanced Learners

1. What would you say in this situation?
You receive a compliment about your English skills.

A. Thanks, I can speak English well.
B. Thanks, I can speaking English well.
C. Thanks, I can to speak English well.
D. Thanks, I can speaks English well.

2. How would you ask someone about their weekend plans?
You want to know if they have any specific activities planned.

A. Did you have any plans for the weekend?
B. Have you any plans for the weekend?
C. Do you having any plans for the weekend?
D. Had you any plans for the weekend?

3. What is the correct sentence?
You want to express that you've been studying for a long time.

A. I'm studying for two hours.
B. I study since two hours.
C. I've been studying ___ two hours.
D. I've studying ___ two hours.

4. Which sentence is grammatically correct?
You want to express your ability to swim.

A. I can swimming.
B. I can to swim.
C. I can swim.
D. I can swam.

5. Which sentence is correct?
You want to describe the fruit on the table.

A. ___ apple is on the table.
B. A apple is on the table.
C. The apple is on the table.
D. Apple is on the table.

6. Which sentence is in the past tense?
You want to talk about an event that happened yesterday.

A. She will goes to the store.
B. She going to the store.
C. She went to the store ___ .
D. She go to the store.

7. What is the correct phrase?
You want to express your interest in history.

A. I am interesting in history.
B. I am interested on history.
C. I am interested ___ history.
D. I am interested in history.

8. Which sentence has the correct subject-verb agreement?
You want to talk about someone having a car.

A. He have a car.
B. She has a car.
C. They has a car.
D. We have a car.

9. What is the correct sentence?
You want to express your enjoyment of swimming.

A. I enjoy to swim.
B. I enjoy swim.
C. I enjoying ___ .
D. I enjoy swimming.

10. Which sentence has the correct punctuation?
You want to express your preference for certain animals.

A. I like dogs, cats, and birds.
B. I like dogs cats and birds.
C. I like dogs, cats and birds.
D. I like dogs, cats, and, birds.

Test your English (10 items)

Grammar Quiz for Advanced Learners

1. Select the correct sentence:

A. He speaks English fluently.
B. He speak English fluently.
C. He speaking English fluently.
D. He spoken English fluently.

2. Choose the sentence with the correct word order:

A. Yesterday, she went to the store.
B. Went she yesterday to the store.
C. Yesterday to the store she went.
D. She to the store went yesterday.

3. Which sentence is grammatically incorrect?

A. I have been studying for two hours.
B. She have been studying for two hours.
C. They have been studying for two hours.
D. We have been studying for two hours.

4. Select the correct form of the verb:

A. I can swimming.
B. I can to swim.
C. I can swim.
D. I can swam.

5. Choose the sentence with the correct use of articles:

A. An apple is on the table.
B. A apple is on the table.
C. The apple is on the table.
D. Apple is on the table.

6. Which sentence is grammatically incorrect?

A. She will goes to the store.
B. She going to the store.
C. She went to the store.
D. She go to the store.

7. Identify the sentence with the correct word choice:

A. I am interesting in history.
B. I am interested on history.
C. I am interested at history.
D. I am interested in history.

8. Select the sentence with the correct subject-verb agreement:

A. He have a car.
B. She has a car.
C. They has a car.
D. We have a car.

9. Choose the sentence with the correct use of the gerund:

A. I enjoy to swim.
B. I enjoy swim.
C. I enjoying swimming.
D. I enjoy swimming.

10. Identify the sentence with the correct punctuation:

A. I like dogs, cats, and birds.
B. I like dogs cats and birds.
C. I like dogs, cats and birds.
D. I like dogs, cats, and, birds.

Test Your Vocabulary

Test Your General Knowledge as Global Citizens

Answer Key:

Islamophobia : Origin and development

"Islamophobia" is a term that refers to fear, hatred of, or prejudice against the Islamic religion or Muslims, generally due to political, cultural, religious, or existential anxieties. The term itself is a modern construction, but the sentiments it describes can be traced back to interactions between the Islamic world and other cultures, particularly in the West.

Origins

Early Historical Roots:

• Medieval Period: With the spread of Islam and its military successes from the 7th century onwards, Christian Europe viewed Islam as a religious and existential threat, which is reflected in the Crusades (1096-1291) and the Reconquista (711-1492).

• Literature and Religious Texts: Medieval literature, including the famous "Chanson de Roland," often depicted Muslims as idolatrous and heretical, reinforcing negative perceptions among the populace.

• The Ottoman Empire: For centuries, the Ottoman Turks were seen as the representatives of Islam in Europe, and their military incursions into Eastern Europe fueled fears and prejudices.

Colonialism and Orientalism:

• Orientalist Scholarship: During the 18th and 19th centuries, the academic field of Orientalism began to study Eastern societies, including those under Islamic rule. While some of it was scholarly, it also often framed these societies as exotic, backward, and in need of Western intervention or guidance.

• Colonial Attitudes: European colonial powers often regarded their Muslim subjects with a mix of fascination and contempt, perceiving their cultures as needing to be civilized.

Development

The development of modern Islamophobia is tied to several historical and contemporary events:

Post-Colonial Migration:

• Post World War II, European countries saw significant immigration from Muslim-majority countries, often former colonies. The integration of these immigrant communities has sometimes been challenging, with economic, social, and cultural tensions arising.

The Iranian Revolution and Hostage Crisis (1979):

• This event shifted Western views of Islam, highlighting the potential for radical Islamic governance and international conflict.

The Rise of Political Islam:

• Islamist terrorist attacks, such as the 9/11 attacks in 2001, have been pivotal in shaping perceptions, conflating the actions of a minority with the broader Muslim population.

The "Clash of Civilizations" Thesis:

• Samuel Huntington’s theory suggested that cultural and religious identities would be the primary source of conflict post-Cold War, which some people interpreted as a prediction or justification of conflict with the Muslim world.

Media Representation:

• The portrayal of Muslims in media often emphasizes negative stereotypes, amplifying fears and misunderstandings. Studies have shown that media coverage can significantly influence public perceptions and policies.

Political Rhetoric:

• Politicians in various countries have exploited fears of Islamic extremism for political gain, sometimes enacting policies that single out Muslim communities.

Evidence of Islamophobia

Hate Crime Statistics:

• Data from law enforcement agencies often shows spikes in hate crimes against Muslims following terrorist incidents or during periods of heightened political rhetoric.

Discriminatory Policies:

• Policies like the "Muslim Ban" in the United States, which restricted entry from several Muslim-majority countries, are cited as evidence of institutional Islamophobia.

Social Studies and Surveys:

• Surveys have consistently shown that Muslims report experiencing discrimination at higher rates than other groups.

Academic Research:

• Researchers have documented the ways in which anti-Muslim sentiments are perpetuated through cultural, educational, and political structures.

Media Analysis:

• Content analysis of media outlets demonstrates that Muslim-related coverage is disproportionately negative.

Negative incidents that have contributed to anti-Muslim sentiments in Europe often stem from broader geopolitical conflicts, acts of terrorism, cultural clashes, and economic anxieties. Here are several key incidents and factors that have contributed to the rise of anti-Muslim movements:

Terrorist Attacks

Madrid Train Bombings (2004):

• Bombings of commuter trains by an Islamist militant group killed 193 people and injured around 2,000. The attack deeply shook Spanish society and heightened fears of radical Islamic terrorism.

London Bombings (2005):

• Known as the 7/7 bombings, a series of coordinated suicide bomb attacks targeted the public transport system in London, leading to 52 deaths and 700 injuries. The involvement of British-born Muslims highlighted issues of integration and radicalization.

Charlie Hebdo Attack (2015):

• In Paris, two brothers, identifying as part of Al-Qaeda in Yemen, attacked the offices of the satirical weekly newspaper Charlie Hebdo, killing 12 people. The newspaper was targeted for its controversial depictions of the Prophet Muhammad.

Paris Attacks (2015):

• Coordinated attacks by ISIS militants at various locations in Paris, including the Bataclan theatre, resulted in 130 deaths. This incident was one of several that led to the intensification of anti-Muslim sentiment across Europe.

Brussels Bombings (2016):

• Suicide bombings at Brussels airport and a metro station killed 32 civilians, and the attackers were linked to the same cell that carried out the 2015 Paris attacks.

Berlin Christmas Market Attack (2016):

• A truck was driven into a Christmas market, leaving 12 people dead. The attacker was a failed asylum seeker, which fueled debates over immigration and security policies.

Cultural and Political Factors

Cartoon Crises:

• The Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy in 2005, where a Danish newspaper published cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad, sparked international protests and violence. Such incidents have often been exploited by right-wing groups to argue against multiculturalism.

"Grooming Gangs" in the UK:

• Reports of criminal gangs of predominantly British-Pakistani men involved in child sexual exploitation in towns like Rotherham and Rochdale contributed to tensions and were seized upon by anti-Muslim groups to generalize and demonize Muslim communities.

Migration and Refugee Crisis:

• The influx of refugees from Muslim-majority countries, particularly during the Syrian Civil War, led to various social and political tensions in Europe. Far-right parties used these tensions to argue against immigration and promote anti-Muslim rhetoric.

Rise of Far-Right and Populist Movements

PEGIDA (Patriotic Europeans Against the Islamisation of the West):

• Founded in 2014 in Germany, PEGIDA has organized numerous demonstrations, claiming to protest against the Islamization of Western culture.

National Front in France:

• The party, particularly under Marine Le Pen, has been vocal in its criticism of Islam in France, advocating for policies that some see as targeting Muslim populations.

Anti-Muslim Legislation:

• Bans on minarets in Switzerland, restrictions on wearing burqas and niqabs, and various local laws targeting Muslim practices have fueled debates over religious freedom and national identity.

Reaction to Incidents

The reaction to these incidents is often one where a significant portion of the populace, influenced by media coverage and political rhetoric, supports stricter policies on immigration and counter-terrorism measures that disproportionately affect Muslim communities. These reactions contribute to a climate where Islamophobia can flourish.

However, it is important to note that these incidents and the subsequent rise of anti-Muslim movements do not reflect the views or actions of all Europeans, and many citizens and organizations actively work to combat racism, promote integration, and foster interfaith dialogue.

Why I quit drinking Coke and other similar products

 The consumption of Coca-Cola and other sugar-sweetened beverages has been associated with various negative health effects, largely attributed to their high sugar content and presence of other additives. The scientific community has extensively studied these effects, and there is a consensus on several key issues. Here's an overview of the harmful health effects associated with the regular consumption of these drinks:

• Obesity: Sugar-sweetened beverages like Coca-Cola are high in calories and their consumption can lead to weight gain and obesity. The body does not recognize liquid calories in the same way it does solid food, so people often end up consuming more total calories. (Malik et al., 2006).

• Type 2 Diabetes: Regular consumption of sugary drinks has been linked to a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes, independent of obesity. The high sugar load may lead to insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes. (Imamura et al., 2015).

• Dental Caries: The sugar in soft drinks serves as food for bacteria in the mouth, which produce acid that can erode tooth enamel and lead to dental caries or cavities. Additionally, the acidity of these beverages themselves can also contribute to enamel erosion. (Moynihan & Petersen, 2004).

• Cardiovascular Disease: Studies have found associations between the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including stroke and coronary heart disease. (de Koning et al., 2012).

• Metabolic Syndrome: Beyond diabetes, sugary drinks are also linked to a cluster of risk factors known as metabolic syndrome, which includes high blood pressure, insulin resistance, excess waist fat, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels. (Duffey et al., 2010).

• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): High intake of fructose, which is a common sweetener in soft drinks, is associated with increased liver fat accumulation, leading to NAFLD. (Abdelmalek et al., 2012).

• Bone Health: There is some evidence suggesting that the consumption of cola beverages is associated with lower bone mineral density, particularly in women. This may be due to the replacement of milk (a source of calcium) with soft drinks in the diet or the potential effects of phosphoric acid in colas that can alter calcium-phosphorus balance. (Tucker et al., 2006).

• Addiction: The caffeine present in many cola beverages has addictive properties, and regular consumption can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms when attempting to quit. (Juliano & Griffiths, 2004).

• Behavioral Issues in Children: Consumption of caffeinated soft drinks has been linked to behavioral problems in children, including hyperactivity and attention deficits. (Schwartz et al., 2015).

It's important to note that occasional consumption of these beverages is unlikely to cause immediate harm to a healthy individual; it is the regular and excessive intake that is concerning. Many health authorities and dietary guidelines recommend limiting the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and considering them as occasional treats rather than staples of one's diet.

Public health campaigns and policies have been advocating for reduced consumption of sugary drinks, and some places have introduced measures such as sugar taxes to curb their intake. The beverage industry, including Coca-Cola, has responded by developing and marketing a range of low-calorie or no-calorie options, although the health impacts of artificial sweeteners used in these products are also a subject of ongoing research and debate.

• Malik, V. S., Schulze, M. B., & Hu, F. B. (2006). Intake of sugar-sweetened beverages and weight gain: a systematic review. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 84(2), 274-288.

• Imamura, F., O'Connor, L., Ye, Z., Mursu, J., Hayashino, Y., Bhupathiraju, S. N., & Forouhi, N. G. (2015). Consumption of sugar sweetened beverages, artificially sweetened beverages, and fruit juice and incidence of type 2 diabetes: systematic review, meta-analysis, and estimation of population attributable fraction. BMJ, 351, h3576.

• Moynihan, P., & Petersen, P. E. (2004). Diet, nutrition and the prevention of dental diseases. Public Health Nutrition, 7(1a), 201-226.

• de Koning, L., Malik, V. S., Kellogg, M. D., Rimm, E. B., Willett, W. C., & Hu, F. B. (2012). Sweetened beverage consumption, incident coronary heart disease, and biomarkers of risk in men. Circulation, 125(14), 1735-1741.

• Duffey, K. J., & Popkin, B. M. (2010). Adults with healthier dietary patterns have healthier beverage patterns. The Journal of Nutrition, 140(11), 2123-2129.

• Abdelmalek, M. F., Suzuki, A., Guy, C., Unalp-Arida, A., Colvin, R., Johnson, R. J., & Diehl, A. M. (2010). Increased fructose consumption is associated with fibrosis severity in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Hepatology, 51(6), 1961-1971.

• Tucker, K. L., Morita, K., Qiao, N., Hannan, M. T., Cupples, L. A., & Kiel, D. P. (2006). Colas, but not other carbonated beverages, are associated with low bone mineral density in older women: The Framingham Osteoporosis Study. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 84(4), 936-942.

• Juliano, L. M., & Griffiths, R. R. (2004). A critical review of caffeine withdrawal: empirical validation of symptoms and signs, incidence, severity, and associated features. Psychopharmacology, 176(1), 1-29.

• Schwartz, D. L., Gilstad-Hayden, K., Carroll-Scott, A., Grilo, S. A., McCaslin, C., Schwartz, M., & Ickovics, J. R. (2015). Energy Drinks and Youth Self-Reported Hyperactivity/Inattention Symptoms. Academic Pediatrics, 15(3), 297-304.

English Participles : 5 quiz items

Quiz: English Participles

1. Which sentence uses a present participle as an adjective?

A) I am reading a thrilling book.
B) The running water was cold.
C) She has been singing all day.
D) We had been working hard.

2. What is the function of the underlined word in the sentence: "The shattered vase was beyond repair."

A) Present participle
B) Past participle
C) Gerund
D) Infinitive

3. Choose the sentence that correctly uses a future progressive tense:

A) I will have finished by tomorrow.
B) He is going to run a marathon.
C) He will be going to the shop.
D) She would be working if she could.

4. Identify the past participle in the sentence: "The shattered glass covered the floor."

A) covered
B) shattered
C) glass
D) floor

5. Which of the following sentences contains a past participle?

A) He quickly packed his suitcase.
B) The jumping kangaroo startled the tourists.
C) The broken window was repaired.
D) She is swimming in the pool.

Answer Key

1. B) The running water was cold.

2. B) Past participle

3. C) He will be going to the shop.

4. B) shattered

5. C) The broken window was repaired.