Song of the Season: "God Turn it Around"

https://youtu.be/h7-IAFogxcM?si=GwyloGoPFlaJ4y40

 "God, Turn It Around" is a popular contemporary Christian song written by Jon Reddick, Anthony Skinner, and Jess Cates. 

Prayer for Family, Partners & Couples

 

"Dear Heavenly Father,

We come to You seeking healing and restoration after this conflict. We ask that You soften our hearts and help us to lay down our pride, resentment, and anger. Please forgive us for the harsh words spoken and the ways we have hurt each other. 

Lord, guide us to listen to understand, rather than to defend. Give us the humility to admit our faults and the grace to truly forgive each other, just as You have forgiven us. 

Strengthen our bond and remind us of the love that brought us together. Help us to learn from this disagreement and to grow closer to You and to each other. May Your peace, which transcends all understanding, fill our home. 

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen."

Cite:https://www.facebook.com/groups/themarriage/posts/2630281293968485/ 

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 !!

Spanish; Varying ways to say okay

Mantra: Peace, communication and love.

​

"You can say "okay" in Spanish in many ways, depending on context and region, with common options including Vale (Spain), De acuerdo (agreement), Está bien (it's fine/good), Claro (of course), Dale (Latin America/let's do it), Perfecto, and even the English loanword OK or Okey, plus informal regional slang like Órale (Mexico) or Chevere (Peru/enthusiasm). [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6] 

Common & General 

• ¡Vale! (Spain) - "Okay," "alright," "sounds good". 
• De acuerdo - "Agreed," "all right". 
• Está bien - "It's fine," "that's okay," "all good". 
• Bueno - "Good," "fine," "right". 
• Claro - "Of course," "sure". 
• Perfecto - "Perfect," "great". [1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 9] 

Informal & Regional 

• Dale / Sale - "Okay," "go for it," "deal" (common in Argentina, Mexico, Colombia). 
• Órale - "Okay," "cool," "let's do it" (Mexico). 
• Hágale / Hágamosle - "Let's do it" (Colombia). 
• Jalo - "I'm in" (Mexico). 
• Ya quedó - "It's set," "done" (Mexico). 
• Chevere - "Cool," "great," "awesome" (Peru, Venezuela). 
• De una - "Right away," "sure thing" (Argentina, Colombia). [2, 3, 6, 10, 11] 

For "It's Okay" (Reassurance) 

• No pasa nada - "Nothing happens," "no worries". 
• No hay problema - "No problem". 
• Tranquilo/a - "Calm down," "take it easy". [4] 

Quick Agreement 

• Sí - "Yes". 
• Mmm, okay - Using the English word directly, understood by most. [11] "

AI responses may include mistakes.

[1] https://www.quora.com/How-do-you-say-okay-in-Spanish

[2] https://springlanguages.com/learn-spanish/ok-in-spanish/

[3] https://www.reddit.com/r/SpanishAIlines/comments/1oex5fq/lots_of_different_ways_to_say_ok_in_spanish/

[4] https://quillbot.com/blog/frequently-asked-questions/how-do-you-say-its-okay-in-spanish/

[5] https://brightreplies.com/say-ok-in-spanish/

[6] https://www.amautaspanish.com/blog/peruvian-spanish-many-translations-word-ok/

[7] https://www.reddit.com/r/Spanish/comments/1auc1cl/how_do_you_say_okay_in_a_neutral_way_in_spanish/

[8] https://www.spanishdict.com/translate/okay

[9] https://www.youtube.com/shorts/5PwoW2TrKpk

[10] https://www.spanishtomind.com/how-to-say-okay-in-spanish-the-colombian-way/

[11] https://www.reddit.com/r/Spanish/comments/159dydh/what_is_the_simplest_way_to_say_ok_or_gotcha/

Image Source: Beardy Ranks Art

Maverick City Music: Tiny Desk Concert - Christmas Season!

If the only ministry resides in one place the mission is defeated; We do not deal with Defeatism(s). 

Deciding on a our Angel Tree gift/contribution this season. And you know what; this small family is broke. Supporting this young lady anyhow. Be blessed world!

GMA First Look Full Broadcast - Dec. 2, 2025: Report on Less Phone Time even for Adults - 5 Minutes or more to break or Meditate Can Free the Mind to Recalibrate

Choose to include in 2025/2026

                                                     Choose to include in 2025/2026

Image citation: https://www.facebook.com/LetsFeelThePower/posts/for-anyone-feeling-left-out-or-excluded-mondaymotivation/2306229219453439/

Have yet to figure out hash tags but here you go: #mondaymotivation

Supporting Autism Speaks!

 Supporting Autism Speaks! Consider making a donation to this outstanding cause.

Source: https://www.autismspeaks.org/

We do not lose time nor achievements due to setbacks

"The question I asked was do people loose time after a setback? Material recognition do not make a person just as hair does not the person. Confidence, faith and a rebellious spirt are powerful. " - A.T. Yoda Brooks

"Whether people lose "time" after a relapse is a matter of personal perspective and program-specific rules, especially in the context of addiction recovery groups. 

Here's a breakdown:

• Program-Specific View: Some 12-step programs or recovery communities might emphasize restarting a "sober time clock" after a relapse, viewing sobriety as continuous abstinence. Earning milestones like sobriety chips is often linked to continuous days without substance use.
• Personal Perspective: For many individuals, the decision to restart their sober clock is a personal one. Some might see their time spent sober as still valid, even after a relapse, viewing recovery as a process rather than a strict timeline. Others might choose to restart their clock as a way to acknowledge the relapse and recommit to sobriety.
• Loss of Knowledge and Progress: While the concept of losing "sober time" is subjective, it's important to note that a relapse doesn't erase the knowledge and skills gained during the period of sobriety. Individuals can still learn from the relapse and continue their recovery journey.
• The Importance of Learning from Relapse: Relapse is often considered a part of the recovery process, providing an opportunity for learning and growth. Recognizing the patterns and triggers that led to the relapse can help individuals develop better coping mechanisms and prevent future relapses. 

Regarding the connection to memory:

• Addiction and Memory: Addiction can significantly impact memory, affecting both short-term and long-term memory. This can lead to difficulties recalling recent events or even experiencing blackouts.
• Relapse Triggers: Drug-associated memories can play a strong role in triggering cravings and potentially leading to relapse. Exposure to familiar places, people, or objects related to past substance use can trigger these memories, making it difficult for individuals to resist the urge to use.
• Cognitive Control and Relapse: Research suggests that impairments in cognitive control, including working memory, can increase the likelihood of relapse. 

In essence, while the physical "time" on a sobriety clock may be reset after a relapse, the experience and knowledge gained in recovery are not lost. Relapse is a serious challenge in recovery and should be addressed by seeking help and support from professionals or recovery communities. "

Source: Google Dive deeper in AI Mode

Developing Extra Life Charity Gaming Team

 Developing Extra Life Charity Gaming Team

Yoda's Warriors of Faith

We're on a mission to play games to help change kids' health. We've each chosen our local Children's Miracle Network Hospital. With 170 hospitals to choose from, each location treats thousands of kids annually, regardless of their illness, injury or family's ability to pay. This particular group is an adult PC team with the goal of raising funds for worthy youth charity cause (not with the ranked competition series), that being said here's additional information. ALL Children's Hospital St. Petersburg, Florida is the eve benefiting non-profit. Haha during this forming year there is no interaction with the youth we will support which is not essential for the purpose of this charity and/or partnership effort. The launch date is no longer than November 2025. As of June 22, 2025 the id is concept stage not yet completed nor put onto a practice schedule.

The Team organizer Grumps Yoda on the Nexus (not gramps) advice is not to rushing formation of the group in its initial year to be played on the Blizzard gaming platform Heroes of the Strom. 

Please reach out for interest to atyodabrooks@gmail.com. Peace, love and unity.

Link to Team: https://www.extra-life.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donordrive.team&teamID=69290

Repeat Verse Even During Pride Month

 From a speck a dust to being created in the image of God. Upon this rock I shall build the church the verse cannot leave the climate of discussion during this heated summer of 2025! Not a rallying call to build a new church remembering our legacy as a faith ; I am just a believer. I pray that tonight nutrition is provided to those who need to muster their faith in the lord God almighty (less meat and more vegetables on our diets people)! Peace and love. The actually Bible verse goes as follows: Matthew 16: 17 

Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock ........I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bond in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven"

   This Bible verse speaks of the power of prayer in faith rather it is written or spoken. If I may pray for not just myself but the reader of this post hatred released, fear & anxiety, bigotry released, spirits of depression & adultery released.  Family bonds strengthened in spite of ‘complexities’ for prayer in additional to small gestures are sufficient for believers in Jeus the Christ.  Amen - A.T. Yoda Brooks

Speak up youth even to your parents; respectfully. Spare the rod take the rod and throw it if you must!

   What I did not like as a teenager was Moms saying you're trying to be white when volunteering with a diverse group right in our very community (unpaid). Where did such talk come from? I have not raised kids, but such talk creates an issue with a kid who is not able to speak up versus such a statement. Flustered I bet that child would be or simply say "What" when they in their heart are doing what is right...period. This is my opinion even thinking when having dinner one a waitress some how just said what she think I will hate. That was not her assumption to make simply from my eye contact with her, as I could eat a variation of pasta any day even vegetarian pasta sauce. I stand by the youth who know what I am talking now as adult. Speak up but respectfully. -A.T. Yoda Brooks

 Source: https://www.embracerace.org/resources/breaking-hate-supporting-kids-to-push-back-against-white-nationalism

Shiny Star - Always Loyal

“ The theory that observing a system or phenomenon can alter it is known as the observer effect, particularly prominent in quantum mechanics, where the act of measurement inherently influences the system being observed. “

Here's a more detailed explanation:

• Quantum Mechanics:

  In quantum mechanics, the observer effect arises because the act of observation, or measurement, is an interaction that can disturb the quantum system, causing it to change its state. 
• Examples:

  • Double-Slit Experiment: A classic example is the double-slit experiment, where observing the path of an electron through the slits causes it to behave as a particle, while not observing it allows it to behave as a wave. 
  • Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle: This principle states that the more precisely you know the position of a particle, the less precisely you know its momentum (and vice versa), and vice versa. 
• Beyond Physics:

  The concept of the observer effect extends beyond physics, influencing fields like sociology, psychology, and linguistics, where the act of observing can alter the behavior of the subjects being studied. 
• Mitigation:

  In behavioral studies, researchers use strategies like physiological measures, habituation, naturalistic observation, blinding, computer-based testing, and pilot testing to mitigate the observer effec

Generative AI is experimental.

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"

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

"President Trump's proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 includes significant cuts to a wide range of federal agencies, with the exception of those focused on defense and border security.

Here's a breakdown of the agencies and departments facing the most substantial proposed reductions:

Agencies Facing Significant Cuts:

• 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.

Other Agencies Facing Cuts:

The proposed budget also includes cuts for numerous other agencies, including:

• 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)

Important Note: These are proposed cuts, and the final budget is subject to approval by Congress. Information is A.I. generated. Thank you!"

Source: https://www.govexec.com/management/2025/05/biggest-takeaways-trumps-cut-filled-fy26-budget/405037/

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. - A.T. Yoda Brooks

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

Learning a Word Today: Condescending

 Good morning, while listening on a community based meeting today the following word comes to mind. Not claiming the speakers in this meeting exhibiting this, but quite the opposite. I support such spaces which encourage recovery, healing and even pushing a person to live a more sober life. In a country where there is a liquor store on every street corner well that endeavor is not easy. - A.T. (Yoda) Brooks

That word is Condescending.

Defined as: having or showing a feeling of patronizing superiority or showing or characterized by a patronizing or superior attitude toward others.

"she thought the teachers were arrogant and condescending"

Source: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/condescending

Assistance After this Seasons Storms: Just sharing information

 

I listened in on a community phone call led by our outstanding U.S. Representative Ms. Kathy Castor on October 22, 2024. This information may not be accurate as I just want to get some helpful info out there to those whom might need it. 

For assistance if you have internet access look up : https://www.disasterassistance.gov/

The phone number to call I had a more difficult time finding, so good luck: 1-800-621-3362

Other resources and helpful agencies during time of disaster is the Red Cross.

Of course I must mentioned the Salvation Army's Disaster response teams if you see them out in your community they are always there to provide support.On occasion I give them volunteer time!

I was not approved however other might quality, It doe s not hurt to make the effort to apply. 

"I will update with more information as I receive it. In solidarity. Peace & Love" - A.T. Brooks

Vouchers/Grants for Private Education

After extensive research the position of Checks & Balances blog in regards to vouchers and or Pell grants generously handed out to families for the purposes of sending children to private schools is in opposition to all such programs. The conclusion is simple; public funds ought to be efficiently used to elevate an education received in public secondary schools to the standards and results seen in private schools. Private institutions inherently create an exclusive infrastructure for creating inequality in the type of students admitted, furthermore certain lower socio economic classes may be priced out while more well to do families would unethically use vouchers on top of personal resources, thirdly using tax payer dollars to fund religious private schools is against the spirit of our Constitution.