How Many K-9 Veterans Are There?

 "There isn't a precise count of all K-9 veterans (retired military working dogs), but over 30,000 have served in the U.S. military, with around 2,500 active MWDs currently, plus many more in law enforcement; organizations like K9s For Warriors help rescue and train dogs for veterans with PTSD, highlighting the many K-9s transitioning from service to civilian life. 

Key Figures & Context

• Total Service: More than 30,000 dogs have served in the U.S. military since the K-9 Corps started in 1942.
• Active Duty (Military): Around 1,600 to 2,500 Military Working Dogs (MWDs) are on active duty at any given time, with roughly 700 deployed overseas.
• Law Enforcement: The U.S. also has about 50,000 active police K-9s, many of whom also transition to veteran status. 

Where Do They Go?

• Many retired military and police dogs find new purpose through rescue organizations like K9s For Warriors, which trains rescue dogs to become service dogs for veterans with PTSD, connecting them with a new mission. 

Why the Focus on Veterans?

• K-9 Veterans Day (March 13th) honors these dogs, recognizing their critical roles in detecting explosives, narcotics, and providing security, often at great risk alongside their handlers, making them heroes deserving of recognition. "

A.I. generated

Image Source: https://pawsteams.org/service-dogs-for-veterans

Maybe the most moving questions is this; “Are you a Christian “

​Words of wisdom to youth and adults. Citation for the above image of our brother monks coming later. 🙏🏽🤝

History of St. Francis of Assisi Prayer; last phrase - can society change such?

​Lord, make me a channel of thy peace,

that where there is hatred, I may bring love;
that where there is wrong,
 I may bring the spirit of forgiveness;
that where there is discord, I may bring harmony;
that where there is error, I may bring truth;
that where there is doubt, I may bring faith;
that where there is despair, I may bring hope;
that where there are shadows, I may bring light;
that where there is sadness, I may bring joy.
Lord, grant that I may seek rather to 
comfort than to be comforted;
to understand, than to be understood;
to love, than to be loved.
For it is by self-forgetting that one finds.
It is by forgiving that one is forgiven.
It is by dying that one awakens to Eternal Life.

Career Advice, from A.I. researched

​

To survive the new civil service environment, 

focus on building strong internal networks, staying informed on policy changes, practicing self-care for resilience, documenting everything, and strategically managing your reputation while embracing continuous learning and adapting your mindset to navigate uncertainty and drive genuine impact. 

1. Navigate Change & Build Resilience:

• Find Your "Squad": Connect with supportive colleagues and mentors across levels to understand internal dynamics and share experiences.
• Manage Your Mindset: Recognize external changes and the internal emotional transition; focus on positive action and find motivation in your work's impact.
• Stay Informed: Follow updates from OPM and agency guidance, especially concerning new policies, and understand the legal context of changes. 

2. Enhance Your Professional Practice:

• Document Everything: Keep records of emails, instructions, and problematic interactions to protect yourself.
• Be Authentic & Collaborative: Build genuine connections and ask questions to understand needs and processes better.
• Get Out & Learn: See the work firsthand, talk to citizens, read widely, and network across government for broader perspective.
• Focus on Value: Understand the "why" behind processes and show how new ideas can bring tangible benefits, avoiding conflict with long-term staff. 

3. Prioritize Self-Care & Security:

• Protect Yourself: Maintain strict boundaries between personal and work devices, use strong passwords, and secure personal information online.
• Recharge: Take short breaks, exercise, eat well, and ensure you're getting enough sleep.
• Seek Support: Connect with friends, family, or support groups to relieve stress and combat isolation. 

4. Strategic Positioning:

• Don't Rock the Boat (Too Much): Balance being a problem-solver with understanding existing dynamics to avoid creating unnecessary roadblocks.
• Be Your Best Self: Be authentically brilliant and focus on building collaborations, but also be aware of colleagues who might take credit for your work.
• Utilize Resources: Join your union if applicable, especially if it's a strong one, for added support.   AI GENERATED

Turtles in the winter do what?

​“When it gets cold, turtles go into a dormant state called brumation, slowing their metabolism to survive winter by finding cozy spots in mud at the bottom of ponds, lakes, or rivers, or burrowing deep into soil/leaf litter on land, sometimes using existing burrows, to stay insulated and conserve energy until warmer weather returns. They can even breathe underwater through their cloaca (butt) to get oxygen, and may occasionally wake to bask on warm winter days. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7] 

Where They Go (Depending on Species):

• Freshwater Turtles (Pond/River Turtles):
• Bury deep in the mud at the bottom of water bodies. 
• Nestle under logs, roots, or in leaf piles at the bottom. 
• Some may even move around under the ice. 
• Terrestrial Turtles (Box Turtles, Tortoises):
• Dig deep burrows into soil or under logs, safely below the frost line. 
• Find stable underground spots (hibernacula) to avoid extreme temperature swings. [1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9] 

How They Survive (Brumation):

• Slowed Metabolism: Their body functions drastically slow down, so they don't need to eat much, if at all, surviving on stored body fat. 
• Breathing: They can absorb oxygen through their skin or cloaca (cloacal respiration) to get oxygen from the water. 
• Activity: They aren't truly asleep like hibernating mammals; they can wake up on warm days to move or bask before returning to their winter spot. [1, 2, 3, 5, 7] 

Key Takeaway: Turtles are cold-blooded (ectothermic), so they don't hibernate; they brumate, and find the most stable, insulated spots in their environment to wait out the cold. [2, 5, 7, 10] 

AI responses may include mistakes.

[1] https://virginiazoo.org/where-did-the-turtles-go-for-the-winter/

[2] https://mnzoo.org/blog/what-do-turtles-do-in-the-winter/

[3] https://www.youtube.com/shorts/fhq2yzFi230

[4] https://digital.tnconservationist.org/article/Wait...What%3F+Turtles+Use+Their+Shells+and+Butts+to+Survive+During+Winter%3F/3794535/678262/article.html

[5] https://lakemax.org/where-do-turtles-go-in-the-winter/

[6] https://splashsupplyco.com/turtles-winter/

[7] https://www.facebook.com/summitmetroparks/posts/have-you-noticed-a-distinct-lack-of-turtles-where-do-they-go-in-the-winter-natur/1028918622600829/

[8] https://www.canaltrust.org/2023/01/where-do-the-turtles-go-during-the-winter/

[9] https://blog.nature.org/2017/02/15/torpid-turtles-tortoises-and-terrapins/

[10] https://myfahlo.com/blogs/wildlife/where-do-turtles-go-in-the-winter-and-4-other-facts-on-turtle-hibernation”

Lean in on Peace & Faith

" Lean in on Peace & Faith. The question this the final days of 2025? Is Faith a fight or power or both?

What it is not society has no power over IT" - A.T. Yoda Brooks

 

 

 

The noble prize is not given for doing nor saying nothing. 1 penny is significant, one person versus a machine, or a computer or an A.I. speaking up for right creates an impactful ripple effect for change. Sharing information on the 'Monk' Peace Walk (Texas to D.C.). 

 

Source : https://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2025-12-30/buddhist-monks-persist-in-peace-walk-despite-injuries-as-thousands-follow-them-on-social-media 

 https://www.cbsnews.com/atlanta/news/buddhist-monks-on-cross-country-walk-for-peace-arrive-in-georgia/ 

Look up: not an eclipse but appears 🌙 moonlit at 10 AM EST

​Today, December 28, 2025, features the Moon moving into Aquarius, highlighting community and ideals, while Venus conjuncts Juno for charm and commitment but potential jealousy; the Sun, Mars, and Venus are in Capricorn, focusing on discipline, with Mercury in Sagittarius bringing expansive ideas, but Jupiter and Uranus are retrograde, suggesting review of growth and innovation. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] 

Key Planetary Aspects & Movements

• Moon in Aquarius: Expect a focus on social connections, unique perspectives, and ideals; a need for individuality within the group. 
• Venus conjunct Juno: A strong emphasis on committed relationships, partnership, and attraction, but with potential for possessiveness or power struggles. 
• Sun, Mars, & Venus in Capricorn: A grounded, ambitious energy, pushing for structure, responsibility, and tangible achievements. 
• Mercury in Sagittarius: Expansive thinking, seeking truth, and philosophical exploration. 
• Jupiter & Uranus Retrograde: Important periods for re-evaluating long-term goals, personal growth, and technological understanding. [1, 2, 3, 5] 

Astrological Themes for Today

• Balancing Independence & Connection: The Aquarius Moon encourages unique self-expression while connecting with others. 
• Relationship Dynamics: Venus-Juno energy brings focus to loyalty and partnership, demanding honesty about feelings. 
• Practical Ambition: Capricorn placements drive hard work and discipline towards long-term goals. [1, 2, 5] 

In essence, it's a day for purposeful ambition and deep relationship work, infused with flashes of inspiration and the need to stay true to personal ideals. [1, 2] 

AI responses may include mistakes.

[1] https://www.plutoschild.com/daily-horoscope/the-currents-by-week/

[2] https://www.theplanetstoday.com/astrology.html

[3] https://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/astrology/planets-in-retrograde/

[4] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/astrology/horoscope/capricorn-daily-horoscope-today-december-28-2025-destiny-reshapes-through-unexpected-events/articleshow/126206302.cms

[5] https://www.jessicaadams.com/astrology/current-planetary-positions/.   

https://www.redbull.com/us-en/solar-eclipse-photos

Quiz: Health Information and Coding?

 How does the FOIA correlate with health information privacy policies? Tip the knowledge bass is beyon HIPAA.
Anser provided after January 2026! 

Image Citation: https://www.healthcare-management-degree.net/faq/what-are-the-differences-between-health-information-management-and-health-informatics/

National Day of Racial Healing

 

Christmas Performance Update.

​Risking sounding ‘fufu’ the Sunday before Christmas I had the upmost pleasure of being invited to perform musically behind the pulpit at North Bay Community Church- Clearwater,FL. The Orchestra and Old school choir in addition to its two Directors and 2 moderators pulled it off with only 1 rehersal. What helped me stay within the service mindfully and performance was 3 points (a pyramid if you will) the young cellist who stepped up to join us while being a Freshman in H.S. , the piano player and the vibrations emitting from my personal string bass. Matter of fact having no embarrassment my hands were not shaking but allowing those tones to vertebrate naturally. Will add a caption later. Blessings this holiday season !!