The DARK Side of ICQ and related Type of Technology: I am glad that it feel

 The DARK Side of ICQ and related Type of Technology: I am glad that it fell. Can we make a list of other technologies and apps with a dark side that should fall? TikTok survived the test lets hope they do not allow for the Chinese to steal our ideas and intellectual property. Standing by the right to privacy but not isolation. There is a dark of such apps in party culture; I am a person taking a journey of recovery out of it and thank God my partner and I did not get stuck in it. Peace, love and unity. -A.T. Yoda Brooks

"One of the oldest, still-running online platforms is finally closing its doors after 27 years. ICQ, a once-popular instant messaging service, announced on Friday via its website that it would be shutting down next month. 

"ICQ will stop working from June 26," reads a message on ICQ.com. "You can chat with friends in VK Messenger, and with colleagues in VK WorkSpace."

The alternative recommendations are messaging platforms belonging to VK, a Russia-based social media platform popular in the country and works much like Facebook. VK acquired ICQ in 2010 from AOL, which had bought the service in 1998.

The first of the instant messengers 

ICQ is considered one of, if not the earliest instant messaging service on the internet. 

The platform, named after the phrase "I Seek You," was developed by a small Israeli company named Mirabilis and launched in November 1996. ICQ predates other popular IM services like AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) which became synonymous with the instant messaging space.

From the mid-90s up until the aughts, instant messaging services reigned supreme on the internet. Services like AIM, MSN Messenger, and Yahoo Messenger backed by the online tech giants of the time, served as one of the the prime ways in which internet users interacted before social media.

However, despite these big competitors, ICQ caught on among the early adopters of the internet. In 1998, its biggest rival, AOL acquired the company for an upfront payment of $287 million, followed by an additional $120 million over three years based on the services' performance. 

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By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy PolicyIn 2001, AOL announced that ICQ had grown to over 100 million users. However, in the following years, the accessibility and access of social media apps like Facebook on mobile phones greatly cut into the IM market share. Instant messenger usage waned as users moved on to platforms like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp. 

The end of IM

Of the previously mentioned IM platforms, MSN Messenger was the first to close in 2014, followed by AIM in 2017, and Yahoo Messenger in 2018. But, ICQ survived.

AOL sold the service to VK in 2010 for $187.5 million where it continued to serve a dedicated user base. According to VK, there were roughly 11 million ICQ users in 2022.

ICQ long enjoyed a healthy user base outside of the U.S., which likely helped keep it afloat much longer than its contemporaries. The service used ICQ numbers to identify users, along with the customary username, which helped its popularity in countries like China. In addition, Hong Kong residents flocked to ICQ in 2021 after users dropped WhatsApp due to a change in the platform's privacy policy. Due to VK's ownership, ICQ also had a large Russian user base.

However, there were signs that VK was planning to sunset the platform. ICQ's mobile apps disappeared from Apple's App Store and the Google Play store around 2022. ICQ was still accessible via its web-based platform and its desktop apps. However, those apps were last updated over a year ago.

Of course, 27 years is quite the run. However, with ICQ's demise, it does appear the age of instant messaging is officially dead. With that said, ICQ's official account on X appears to be having fun in its final days…or perhaps even hinting at something new in the future. "

Source: https://mashable.com/article/icq-instant-messaging-service-shutting-down#:~:text=In%202001%2C%20AOL%20announced%20that,like%20Facebook%20Messenger%20and%20WhatsApp.

https://www.aclu.org/news/privacy-technology/the-aclu-is-committed-to-protecting-your-personal-information

Praying Jealously Way April 06, 2025 & Commentary of Cursing Christians

 I admit yes to cursing verbally way to much and working on it. The below interesting article addresses Christians who curse. Does it lessen our or faith. My feelings is that it does not. Praying away that emotion of jealously in my partnership (s) and on behalf of those needing prayer please read the below suggestions. - A.T. Yoda Brooks

"For instance, you have preachers talking in great detail about sexual issues, ranging from programs to have “sex every day for seven days” to more extreme versions in which they speak very graphically about specific sexual acts from the pulpit.

The cussing preacher

Then you have the “Cussing Preacher” syndrome. The pastor thinks it’s cool to use profanity in the pulpit so people will see him as one of them." 

Source: https://harvest.org/resources/gregs-blog/post/john-macarthur-on-profanity-in-the-pulpit-and-my-two-cents/

"To release feelings of jealousy, you can pray for inner peace, contentment, and a renewed focus on gratitude and God's blessings, as well as seeking guidance to overcome comparison and self-doubt.

General Prayers for Release:

"Lord, I acknowledge the feelings of jealousy that arise in my heart. I pray that you would heal this wound and replace it with contentment and gratitude for the blessings you have given me. Help me to see the good in others and to rejoice in their successes, rather than feeling envious."

"God, I am struggling with feelings of jealousy and comparison. Please help me to focus on my own journey and to find joy in my own life, rather than constantly comparing myself to others. Grant me the grace to be content with what I have and to trust in your plan for me."

"Father, I ask for your wisdom and guidance as I navigate these difficult emotions. Help me to understand the root of my jealousy and to find healthy ways to address it. I pray that you would fill my heart with your love and peace, and that I would be able to release these negative feelings."

"Dear God, help me to release the grip of jealousy and envy. I want to be free from these destructive emotions and to live a life filled with joy, peace, and love. I pray that you would transform my heart and mind, and that I would be able to see the world with a new perspective."

Specific Prayers for Specific Situations:

• If you are struggling with jealousy in a relationship: "Lord, help me to trust and have faith in my partner and in our relationship. I pray that you would heal any wounds that may have caused this jealousy and that we would be able to communicate openly and honestly with each other. Grant us the grace to forgive and to move forward with love and trust."

• If you are struggling with jealousy in your career: "God, I pray that you would help me to find contentment and joy in my work. I ask that you would guide me to use my talents and gifts for your glory and to be a blessing to others. I pray that I would be able to release any feelings of jealousy or comparison and that I would be able to focus on my own path."

• If you are struggling with jealousy in your social life: "Lord, help me to see the good in others and to rejoice in their successes. I pray that you would help me to overcome any feelings of jealousy or comparison and that I would be able to build healthy relationships with others. Grant me the grace to be a friend to others and to be a blessing to those around me."

Additional Tips for Overcoming Jealousy:

• Practice gratitude: Focus on the good things in your life and be thankful for the blessings you have been given.

• Reflect on your feelings: Try to understand the root of your jealousy and why you are feeling this way.

• Seek guidance from a trusted friend or counselor: Talk about your feelings with someone you trust and ask for their support.

• Spend time in nature or engage in activities that bring you joy: This can help you to relax and to refocus your mind on positive things.

• Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself and remember that everyone struggles with difficult emotions from time to time. "

Generative AI is experimental.

[1] https://hopemommies.org/a-prayer-for-the-one-who-feels-envious

[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97tis3AzKP0

[3] https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-not-be-jealous

[4] https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/battling-jealousy

[5] https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/a-very-short-prayer-for-joy-seekers

[6] https://www.calm.com/blog/how-to-deal-with-jealousy

[7] https://www.wps.ai/blog/wishes-120-prayers-for-my-boyfriend-through-faith-and-love/

[8] https://www.lettinghislightshine.com/ecclesiastes-224/

[9] https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-tell-emotional-affair-from-jealousy-therapist-advice-2020-7

A historic opportunity in St. Pete - Let is us not repeat History

 This was the plan, reading and bringing myself up to speed knowledge wise is still in progress. My commentary of this situation is not to repeat redlining practices of old. Synergy, compromise and collaboration amongst the tax payers, private interest, state, county and city serving & working together to get this done right. We have the right leaders in place at the right time; the people have provided the political will and support for expansion now whom is leading the way forward? And I have no money interest in the outcome either way. - A.T. Yoda Brooks

"Spanning 86 acres of publicly-owned land nestled in the middle of St. Pete, Florida"

Source: https://becomestpete.com/business/historic-gas-plant/#:~:text=Pete%2C%20Florida%2C%20with%20one%20of,promote%20equitable%20economic%20development%20for

Statement of Support to Our People at Home & in Uniform Abroad

 A holiday is not required in order to celebrate the service of America's civil servants and those in uniform at home and serving abroad. 

The below image reminds me of a round table of Angels. Keeping it simple this Spring season. Ill do a better job of citing the artist as this blog develops. Peace. love and unity.

Adult Talk - The History of America: Missouri Compromise (1820)

 

Missouri Compromise (1820)

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Citation: Conference committee report on the Missouri Compromise, March 1, 1820; Joint Committee of Conference on the Missouri Bill, 03/01/1820-03/06/1820; Record Group 128l; Records of Joint Committees of Congress, 1789-1989; National Archives.

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"This legislation admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a non-slave state at the same time, so as not to upset the balance between slave and free states in the nation. It also outlawed slavery above the 36º 30' latitude line in the remainder of the Louisiana Territory.

With the purchase of the Louisiana Territory and the application of Missouri for statehood, the long-standing balance between the number of slave states and the number of free states would be changed. Controversy arose within Congress over the issue of slavery.

Congress adopted this legislation and admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a non-slave state at the same time, so that the balance between slave and free states in the nation would remain equal.

The Missouri Compromise also proposed that slavery be prohibited above the 36º 30' latitude line in the remainder of the Louisiana Territory. This provision held for 34 years, until it was repealed by the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854. In 1857, the Supreme Court ruled that the Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional in its Dred Scott v. Sandford decision.

The document featured here is the conference committee's report on the Missouri Compromise."

Source: https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/missouri-compromise#:~:text=DocumentNext%20Document-,Transcript,prohibit%20slavery%20in%20certain%20territories.

To not Lead but Emergency but by Wisdom and love.

To not Lead but Emergency but by Wisdom and love. - A. T. Yoda Brooks 

 

 

Quote on Forgiveness

 "For God can forgive infinitely" - A.T. Yoda Brooks

It is up to us to make the first step in faith. A beloved family member stated it simply to me ' you must  believe'.

 Colossians 3: 13 Friends forgive each other and help each other in difficulties

 

José James - Lovely Day ft. Lalah Hathaway March 30 2025

An old friend once said "I like to see when men work" Just coming across Jose James a musician and artist I like the below picture; cleaned up with hair cut. Just my opinion, the song is his rendition but not the original. Peace, love and unity. - A.T. (Yoda) Brooks

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/20/arts/music/jose-jamess-no-beginning-no-end.html?pagewanted=all

Defining Closed Systems - Science Partnering with Faith

Defining Closed Systems - Science Partnering with Faith 

"A closed system is a natural physical system that does not allow transfer of matter in or out of the system, although – in the contexts of physics, chemistry, engineering, etc. – the transfer of energy (e.g. as work or heat) is allowed.

An example would be A classic example of a closed system is a sealed thermos bottle containing hot coffee, where no matter can enter or leave, but energy (heat) can be exchanged with the surroundings. "

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Closed_system

Generative AI is experimental

Tribute to Mrs. Rosa Parks

 

A Champion of Freedom. The citizens and neighborhoods of St. Petersburg Florida honor this fine lady who led a peaceful but effective method forward to achieve equality. - A.T. Yoda Brooks

Source: https://www.crmvet.org/mem/rosapark.htm

Conservative Democrats Perhaps or Crazy Republicans

 Conservative Democrats Perhaps or Crazy Republicans. That is the question.

My leanings are more  progressive but I did listen to Mr. William F. Buckley Jr. without turning off the TV or radio. I love America. Will I get in trouble for speaking up and out? Maybe the fuck I will. Standing on our Rights as Americans any day! Look him up even thought he was coined a prejudice person on some issues; he was spot on regarding economics.

Source:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_F._Buckley_Jr.

The Game of Truth or Dare

 The Game of Truth or Dare. It is clear when you are playing it. I am enjoying living not a life of perfection but still in paradise. A. T. Yoda Brooks

"Truth or Dare is a party game where players choose to either answer a truthful question or complete a dare, fostering social interaction and revealing interesting details about each other. 

Here's a more detailed look at the game:

• How it works: Players take turns asking each other "Truth or Dare?". 
• The player being asked chooses either "truth" or "dare". 
• If they choose "truth," they must answer a question truthfully. 
• If they choose "dare," they must complete a task or dare. 
• The game continues with each player taking turns asking questions or completing dares. 
Variations and Considerations:
The game can be played with any number of players. 
Truths and dares can range from lighthearted to more challenging, depending on the group's preferences. 
It's important to establish boundaries and ensure everyone feels comfortable with the questions and dares. 
Some people even use Truth or Dare as a way to get to know each other better, or as a fun icebreaker. 
Examples of Questions and Dares:
Truth Questions: What's your biggest fear? What's your favorite childhood memory? What's one embarrassing thing you've done? 
Dares: Do a silly dance, tell a joke, sing a song, or do a funny impression. 
Apps and Card Games: There are also apps and card games that facilitate playing Truth or Dare, with pre-written questions and dares.  "
Citied: Generative AI is experimental."