Conforming is not essential to being success in life, in addition bump stereo types. Uniqueness, individualism, originality, real attitude are attractive traits. Peace and love world. - A.T. Yoda Brooks
Saturday, May 31, 2025
Friday, May 30, 2025
100-mile border rule?
How does this work in real life?: CBP on Buses and Transportation
As part of its immigration enforcement efforts, CBP boards buses and trains in the 100-mile border region either at the station or while the bus is on its journey. More than one officer usually boards the bus, and they will ask passengers questions about their immigration status, ask passengers to show them immigration documents, or both. These questions should be brief and related to verifying one’s lawful presence in the U.S. Although these situations are scary, and it may seem that CBP agents are giving you an order when they ask you questions, you are not required to answer and can simply say you do not wish to do so. As always, you have the right to remain silent.
Refusing to answer CBP’s questions may result in the agent persisting with questioning. If this occurs, you should ask if you are being detained. Another way to ask this is to say, “am I free to leave?” If the agent wishes to actually detain you — in other words, you are not free to leave — the agent needs at least reasonable suspicion that you committed an immigration violation to do so. Also, if an agent begins to question you about non-immigration matters, say to ask about drug smuggling, or if they haul you off the bus, they need at least reasonable suspicion that you committed an offense in order to briefly detain you while they investigate. You can ask an agent for their basis for detaining you, and they should tell you.
The longer CBP detains you the more suspicion they need — eventually they will need probable cause once the detention goes from brief to prolonged. If the agent arrests you or searches the interior of your belongings, they need probable cause that you committed an offense. You can ask the agent to tell you their basis for probable cause, and they should be able to articulate their suspicion.
"The answer to the below questions hopefully would be "yes" it is being respected."
Is the rule being observed? https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/border-zone
"In the spirit of Mr. John Lewis; good trouble up to the line of freedom we out to hold the line! And yes its not my place to tell anyone what to do but the I am not asking anyone to be quite about injustice & inequality"
The Sabbath Tradition
Tradition: the Sabbath which I hardly ever to observe as an adult. When able should still be honored. it or Showing respect and honor to one faith tradition which says to light candles 18 Minutes Before Sunset on Friday. Besides the traditional Sabbath stated in the old testament I do no claim to be an expert nor read more into this practice. Peace, love and faith everyone. Praying that one person if not more are inspired to hold strong to faith is a blessing.
Exodus 20: 8 - 11
Source: https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/3240769/jewish/Why-Are-Shabbat-Candles-Lit-18-Minutes-Before-Sunset.htm
How Many Federal Agencies Has Trump Elminated?
My vote would be hands of the Department of Education. Whatever they in Washington D.C. are doing is not in support of students finishing their college, university, trade school & G.I. Bill funded degrees. The FAFSA process has literally been taking down. Which is outrages a stable educational program for decades. We the people do not have the luxury for this institution to be rebuilt while the Administration figures out a replacement. - A.T. Yoda Brooks
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The proposed budget slashes the EPA's funding by more than half.
- National Science Foundation (NSF): The NSF's budget would also be cut by over 50%.
- State Department: The State Department faces a proposed cut of 84%.
- Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): HUD's budget could be reduced by 44%.
- Department of Education: The Department of Education would see a 15% reduction.
- Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): HHS faces a 26% budget cut, with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) bearing the brunt of the reductions.
- NASA: NASA's overall budget would be reduced by 24%, including significant cuts to its science programs.
- Department of the Interior
- Department of Labor
- Department of Agriculture
- Department of Commerce
- Department of Energy
- Department of Justice
- Department of the Treasury (specifically the IRS)
Thursday, May 29, 2025
Never Liked "Fake it till you Make it"
Keep the gifts God has blessed you with on the light side. I never liked the term" Fake it till you make".
- The Core Idea: The phrase implies that even if you don't feel confident or competent, acting as if you are can gradually lead to real confidence and competence. [2]
- How it Works: By outwardly projecting confidence and competence, you can start to believe in yourself more. This can be a powerful tool for overcoming self-doubt and taking on challenges. [2]
- Examples:
- Potential Drawbacks: While "fake it till you make it" can be helpful, it's important to avoid outright deception or dishonesty. Over-promising without the ability to deliver can damage your credibility. [1, 3]
- Psychological Basis: The idea behind "fake it till you make it" aligns with the concept of the "power pose" which suggests that physical posture can influence your feelings of confidence and power. [4]
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Speaking Out Against Violent Gangs!
Remembering our best leaders and their example while speaking out against violent gangs. Alternatives for our youth include the arts, sports and music programs. Crime within our Communities the statistics however our American people & youth are not simply statistics. This week WE honor, send respect to those who serve, have served and shall serve as they have determined that to be their pathway forward even as young adults. Remembering those who contributed to War domestic and abroad; uniform an civilian in the name of liberty, democracy and freedom. Two such youth I would like to mention leading the way showing excellence in diversity (music and business) as many graduate this Spring are my niece and Mr. Kayden Kelly. Always lean towards peace, communication and education before aggressive tactics no matter the side.
Reaching other non-profits within this fine community doing good work with the goal to unite. Not just here in the beautiful City of St. Petersburg Florida but throughout the region. Supporting our schools and recovery communities, allies within it, rather it by day by day, one good idea, or volunteer by volunteer.
I have not decided if I am going to serve a partisan political party again, but it is time that our best leaders stand up. Advocating for additional funding of all these programs. Community Service Officers (CSOs)". Efforts to expand such were at one time where many people felt the nation was pivoting towards politically. My question is what happened to that political resolve to solve one of many vexing issues throughout America?
Peace, love, democracy and faith. A vision of unity I envision for this
great country we call the United States of America. Which is one the purposes for creating this independent blog. -
Source: https://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/crime/friends-from-tampa-to-south-beach-mourn-drag-queen/2123723/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ftCOXVetjI&t=15s
Promoting Peace
Sunday, May 25, 2025
Mantra: Peace, love and faith
Last week I posted on being an introvert in social situations; redacted that message not wanting to
sound insensitive. Mantra for Memorial Day weekend is Peace, love and faith. The below Bible verse describes the power of faith to heal people, nations, situations and circumstances. Luke 8: 42 -48
And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: the faith hath made thee whole; go in peace. Luke 8: 48
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
No fear: Lead with love
Matthew 19:24 (KJV)
And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. Reflecting on this Bible verse a word raises my blood pressure, that of ‘needles’. Encouraging brothers and sisters out there….no fear!
Friday, May 16, 2025
My Thoughts on May 16, 2025
"The right to privacy and to be left alone is not advocating for isolation"
And those who explain are not liars but more teachers. That connection between the creator and mankind can never be broken. Peace, love and clarity even through relapse of whatever.....
Artist: unknown
Thursday, May 15, 2025
The Rise of Gospel/Worship Music - Unpublished May 15 2025
The Rise of Gospel/Worship Music
Inspired by many singers building upon the legacy of a older generation of singers:
Eniola Abioye, Jana Weiler, J. L. Barnes
Not a fucking test but unpublished
REGARDING UNIVERSITY HAZING: PRESIDENTS SAY OUR STUDENTS AND PEOPLE ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN TRADITION!
REGARDING UNIVERSITY HAZING: PRESIDENTS SAY OUR STUDENTS AND PEOPLE ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN TRADITION! In honor of Mr. Caleb Wilson, his mother and family. Every chapter officer and advisor on watch when this occurred are to be Fired and dismissed from service. As a former African American Christian student leader this story tugs at my heart specifically a white former manger telling me I must be beyond reproach when they are not even close to it. Revise these traditions for the measure of a man I don't feel are in line with hazing a student to death. Peace, love, and healing. A tribute to this young man. Southern University is better than this. - A.T. Yoda Brooks
Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/louisiana-college-students-death-investigated-possible-hazing-incident-rcna195196
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm2yd0el491o
Wednesday, May 07, 2025
Supporting the Carter G. Woodsen Capital Expansion Fund - Grow St. Pete Grow!
Support the Capital Campaign
"A concern citizen supporting this cause regardless of information put out there regarding the traditional Tropicana Field and/or the land it sits. Forward with or without!" Please follow the below information to support. Consider this a pubic service announcement -A.T.Yoda Brooks
The Woodson and Pinellas Community Foundation have joined forces to raise $40 million through a capital campaign for a new and expanded museum.
The existing museum operates in the former community center of Jordan Park, the site of one of our nation’s first African American developed public housing communities. As a result of The Woodson’s growth and popularity, the museum has exceeded the use of its current single-story, 4,000-square-foot facility.
In 2023, The City of St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, the Tampa Bay Rays, and the Hines Development team reached an agreement to move forward with a new state-of-the-art ballpark and the transformative development of the Historic Gas Plant District, an 86-acre site where the team’s current stadium is located. This agreement includes expanding and relocating The Woodson African American Museum of Florida to this site.
Source: https://woodsonmuseum.org/support/
Tuesday, May 06, 2025
No Opinion But this Spring: Screening Phone Calls
Screening Phone Calls
The below is taken from AI for information; as a tool not putting trust in AI also screening calls due to the number of scams and scammers. With better laws and protections the situation 'should' improve.
" Yes, it is generally considered acceptable and increasingly recommended to screen personal calls in 2025, especially with the increasing prevalence of robocalls and scams. While the specific laws around recording calls vary by state, screening calls allows you to filter unwanted calls and manage your time effectively.
- Protecting yourself from scams:.Opens in new tabRobocalls and scams have become a significant problem, and screening can help you avoid answering suspicious calls.
- Managing your time:.Opens in new tabScreening allows you to prioritize calls and decline unwanted ones, saving you time and energy.
- Privacy and security:.Opens in new tabScreening can enhance your privacy by filtering out potential phishing attempts or spam calls.
- Legal considerations:.Opens in new tabWhile the specifics vary by state, most jurisdictions require at least one party to be aware of a recording.
- Privacy notices:.Opens in new tabIf you are screening calls for potential recording, you should inform the other party on the call that the call is potentially being recorded.
- Federal Law:.Opens in new tabFederal law prohibits recording a call without the consent of at least one party (18 U.S. Code Section 2511).
- State Laws:.Opens in new tabSome states have laws requiring all parties to consent before a call can be recorded.
- Do Not Call Rules:.Opens in new tabThe Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has rules regarding telemarketing calls, but these rules don't apply to personal calls.
Generative AI is experimental.
[1] https://callin.io/google-assistant-call-screening/
[2] https://astppbilling.org/fcc-adopts-new-call-blocking-rules-what-changes-in-2025
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telephone_call_recording_laws
[4] https://knowledge.hubspot.com/calling/what-are-the-call-recording-laws
[5] https://pirg.org/edfund/updates/getting-more-robocalls-yeah-a-lot-of-us-are/
[6] https://www.varnumlaw.com/insights/tcpa-changes-in-2025/
[7] https://phonexa.com/blog/fcc-call-recordings-compliance/
[8] https://www.ruby.com/blog/what-is-call-screening-and-how-does-it-work/
[9] https://www.mitel.com/features-benefits/call-screening
[10] https://www.aura.com/learn/how-to-screen-calls-on-iphone
[11] https://www.securelogix.com/threats/robocalls
[12] https://www.messagingservice.com/features/call-screening/
[13] https://www.ooma.com/blog/business/what-is-call-screening/
[14] https://www.bizik.co.uk/resources/call-screening-how-it-works-and-its-benefits/
[15] https://www.engagedigital.ai/live-call-screening
[16] https://www.robokiller.com/blog/call-screening
[17] https://www.ruby.com/blog/what-is-call-screening-and-how-does-it-work/
[18] https://www.messagingservice.com/features/call-screening/
[19] https://www.ringcentral.com/gb/en/office/features/call-screening/overview.html
[20] https://www.nice.com/blog/mcr-understanding-customer-service-call-recording-laws-2506
[21] https://www.justia.com/50-state-surveys/recording-phone-calls-and-conversations/
[22] https://www.mwl-law.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/RECORDING-CONVERSATIONS-CHART.pdf
[23] https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/stop-unwanted-robocalls-and-texts