Time to Say Thank You to Our THD Staff-PerplexityAI and Me

It's time of the year, to give back and show Gratitude to the People who have served and touched your life the whole year here at THD. It's Christmas time and time to remember our efficient servers at Newtons as well as your housekeepers and other THD employees( drivers, concierges) who went out of the way and served you beyond their call of duty this year. The above is the employee list updated for 2025.

Several new THD residents have asked me what is the customary tradition in giving Xmas gifts( TIPS) to the Staff.

I told them, that there is no customary traditions, but in general the residents gave Cash Gifts or Checks, either individually or as a Group ( All servers and All Cooks). 

What I have done the past two years, is to give cash gifts in individual envelops. I also gave Eats/ Chocolates/ Lumpia as a Group in the Front Desk.      

I know a lot of residents, just gave one Check or Cash and just gave it to Carmen or Joel for equal distributions to their servers and assistant cooks. 

Speaking of The Christmas Spirit and also at the Eve of my 91st birthday, I have requested and have been approved that we will have Lumpia served in the Appetizer at our December 19, Friday Cocktail Hour. I also requested that Alex, the Russian, provides our Music. Indeed, I am looking forward for our December 19, Friday, Cocktail Hour. I hope to see you All then.

 Meanwhile, 

If you are following my daily blogs, you probably know I am into AI for the last 6 months. I have been experimenting on three AI Apps, ChatGPT, PerplexityAI and GrokAI. This posting is from Perplexity AI. I have posted previously on the same topic, what ChatGPT and GrokAI knows about me. The tone and style of writing is very different, although most of the contents are the similar since it is based on the 17 Chapters of My Autobiography.    

Me and My Youngest Grand Daughter, Carenna Katague Thompson

A Life of Inquiry:  The Story of David B. Katague : David B. Katague stands as a remarkable example of lifelong curiosity and creativity, blending science, art, and humanity across decades of experience. Born in Iloilo, Philippines, and later a proud Filipino-American immigrant, David's life is notable for achievements in chemistry, writing, and community leadership. His scientific background has been matched by a passion for literary and creative pursuits, including running a personal blog that documents his journey, discoveries, and evolving perspective on culture and society.

Blogging: Curating Stories Across Cultures David is an avid blogger with interests ranging from autobiography to art analysis, travel stories, and headline news. Seventeen thoughtfully written chapters of an autobiography, featured on his personal blog, highlight his journey to his coming 91st birthday, emphasizing insight, gratitude, and the richness of a multicultural life. He is known for commissioning drafts, arranging posts by thematic collections, and performing editorial analysis of topics, ranging from film narrative careers to reflections on major news events, like the collapse of the FDA and global politics.

Voice Recital with Minda Azarcon-Pinole, California

Music, Art, and Cultural Passions

An aficionado of music, particularly in classical vocal and performance spheres, David regularly explores both the artistic and technological sides of musical creation. He’s passionate about the history and artistry of figures such as Fernando Amorsolo and Martin Wong, often displaying deep appreciation for Filipino fashion exemplified by his posts on the terno and barong, as well as for contemporary global musicians like Dimash Qudaibergen. His inquiries extend into philosophical topics like the creativity linked to handedness and the science-religion interface, as well as karaoke culture and evolving performance art.

Researcher, News Curator, and Travel Enthusiast

David’s blog showcases a blend of independent research and real-time news curation. He is a regular reviewer of world news, US politics, and scientific developments from earthquake data and medical advances to analysis of presidential approval ratings and legal controversies. Travel is another enduring interest: posts share stories of adventurers like Luisa Yu and personal narratives about hiking logistics and memories, covering everything from trekking obstacles to the marvels of iconic locations.

Personal Reflections and Later Life

As David approaches his 91st birthday, his blog becomes a reflective space, a mosaic of gratitude, contemplation, and advice to younger generations. He not only explores topics like senior living and health management but also reflects on personal milestones and familial bonds through his writing, aiming to inspire and connect with a global audience.

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David B. Katague’s digital footprint is a testament to a multifaceted life, one enriched by scientific rigor, creative exploration, and a ceaseless quest for knowledge and meaning. His blog stands as a living archive, a place where art, science, travel, and news convene under the thoughtful gaze of a lifelong learner.

Lastly, My Food For Thought For Today

Related Articles: GrokAI and ChatGPT Response to the Query: Who is David B Katague

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2025/07/grokai-response-to-my-query-who-is.html

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2025/05/david-b-katague-according-to-chatgpt-in.html

Continuous Remote Health Monitoring For Seniors-My Budd Watch

Yesterday, I got a Budd 💜Watch for Free. It was from a Personalized Demo of Vitalfriend, Inc session with Gourab Kohli, Founder & CEO.  Looking forward to enjoying this watch in addition to my Apple Watch.  Our very-own Jenny Shively took photos during my personalized acquisition and I am posting it below. 

Revolutionary Continuous Remote Health Monitoring for Seniors and personalized AI benchmarks. 

Meanwhile here's information from the Vitalfriend.com website.   💚

💚VitalFriend represents a groundbreaking innovation in senior healthcare through our FDA-approved BP watch (cuff based) - the first-ever wearable device capable of continuous blood pressure monitoring. This unique technology transforms traditional episodic health tracking into seamless, real-time health management. At  VitalFriend, we understand that senior care is more than just assistance, it’s about providing safety, security, dignity, and peace of mind.

Our BUDDI (Biometric Unified Data Delivery Interface)💜 wearable continuously monitors four critical vitals: blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and body temperature. Unlike existing wearables that provide limited health metrics, our FDA-approved device delivers comprehensive, medical-grade monitoring that integrates seamlessly with other RPM devices like smart scales and glucose monitors.

This proactive approach fundamentally shifts senior healthcare from reactive treatment to preventive care, potentially extending longevity and improving quality of life. Healthcare facilities benefit from automated documentation, reduced staff workload, and enhanced patient monitoring. Doctors receive daily vital sign reports through Continuous Remote Patient Monitoring (CRPM), enabling more informed care decisions.

Implementation is remarkably simple: "wear it and forget it." The device requires no complex setup, manual recordings, or constant user interaction. One-click manual readings are available when needed by the care takers, but the system operates autonomously, making advanced health monitoring accessible to seniors regardless of their technical proficiency. This seamless integration ensures continuous care without disrupting daily routines. Below are the specifications and FDA Number.

Gaurav and I  

PersonalNote:

At Our Dinner last night, I showed proudly my new Budd Watch to a fellow Resident Couple, my neighbors and Chair VolleyBall friends. They told me they have tried it for 2 weeks and were not too happy and they returned the watch. Some of the reasons they cited was that the watch woke him up in the middle of the night that affected his sleeping. He mentioned that the data (blood pressure readings)were not as accurate compared to their manual blood pressure apparatus. Both had a hard time with the watch cuff on and off mechanism. 

• Primary Contact

Gaurav KohliHealthcare AI ExpertFounder & CEOP 855 742-7300 x911C  415 316-6891E  gaurav@vitalfrnd.comW www.vitalfriend.comhttps://www.fala.org/vendors-guide/vitalfriend-inc
My Food For Thought For Todayhttps://www.facebook.com/reel/1274156557811964

Five Emotional Challenges of Getting Old

Five Emotional Challenges in Getting Old

 A Personal Reflection on the Emotional Landscape of Aging

Aging is often described in the language of biology, wrinkles, aches, slower metabolism, and fading memory. But the deeper changes happen in the quiet chambers of the heart. Getting old is not only a physical journey; it is an emotional pilgrimage, one that asks us to redefine meaning, identity, and love in gentler, quieter ways.

1. The Diminishing Circle

As we age, the circle of life narrows. Friends move away, grow frail, or simply vanish into the silence of time. Social gatherings become smaller, and sometimes the phone stops ringing as often. The loneliness that comes with this shrinking circle can be profound,  not because of the absence of noise, but the absence of shared memories. We grieve, not just for those we’ve lost, but for the part of ourselves that lived in their laughter.

2. Letting Go of Control

There comes a moment when we must surrender not out of defeat, but acceptance. The body no longer obeys as it once did, and independence gives way to reliance. For many, this loss of control is the hardest part: letting others help, trusting caregivers, allowing the world to move at its own pace. It’s an emotional reckoning that tests humility and grace.

3. Feeling Invisible

In a youth-obsessed culture, aging can feel like a quiet erasure. Society often stops seeing the elderly, not out of cruelty, but out of blindness. The world moves fast, and we become the still figures watching from the edges. Yet inside, the same spirit that once danced and dreamed still lives. The challenge is to remind ourselves and others that our worth is not measured by how visible we are, but by how deeply we have lived.

4. Facing Mortality

There comes a day when the future no longer stretches endlessly ahead, but folds gently toward its conclusion. The awareness of mortality can be terrifying, or strangely peaceful. For many, it’s both. It’s an invitation to reconcile with our past, with loved ones, and with ourselves. To live fully in the time that remains, even if that time feels borrowed.

5. The Weight of Memories

With age, memory becomes both comfort and burden. We revisit moments we can’t relive, conversations we wish had ended differently, faces we’ll never see again. Yet, memories are also our richest legacy. They are proof that we have loved, suffered, and mattered. The emotional challenge lies in learning how to carry them lightly enough to walk forward, but close enough to keep the heart warm.

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Personal Reflection

In the stillness of old age, I sometimes find myself listening not to the ticking of a clock, but to the rhythm of a life that has come full circle. The laughter that once echoed in crowded rooms now hums quietly inside me. The faces I miss have become stars in my inner sky. Aging, I’ve learned, is not the art of holding on, but the grace of letting go slowly, tenderly, and with gratitude for the beautiful weight of being alive.

Meanwhile, here's the AI Overview on the Above Topic

Five common emotional challenges in getting old are 

loss and grief, loneliness and isolation, loss of independence, fear of death and the unknown, and struggling with identity and purpose. These challenges often stem from life changes like retirement, declining health, and the death of loved ones, and can lead to feelings of sadness, anxiety, or frustration. 

1. Loss and Grief: Aging often involves multiple losses, including the death of friends, family, and partners. This can lead to a prolonged period of grieving and sadness.
2. Loneliness and Isolation: Retirement, health issues, or reduced mobility can lead to social isolation. This can result in feelings of loneliness, sadness, and even depression.
3. Loss of Independence: As physical and cognitive abilities decline, many seniors experience a loss of independence. This can lead to feelings of helplessness, frustration, sadness, and resentment.
4. Fear of Death and the Unknown: The aging process naturally brings a greater awareness of mortality. This can manifest as a fear of death, health concerns, or anxiety about the future, especially the unknown aspects of aging.
5. Struggling with Identity and Purpose: Career changes like retirement or the shift in family roles can cause some seniors to question their identity and purpose in life. This can lead to feelings of insecurity and low self-esteem. 

Lastly, 

Time does not simply move forward… it may fold around you.

For most of your life, you have been told time is a straight line. Past behind you. Present in front of you. Future waiting its turn. But cutting-edge quantum research is challenging that picture. Some physicists now propose that time might not flow at all. It may bend. Curve. Fold onto itself like pages touching in a closed book.

In quantum experiments, particles separated by distance seem to influence one another instantly. Cause and effect start to blur. Even stranger, certain models suggest that what happens now could ripple backward. In this view, the universe is not marching forward like a clock. It is constantly interacting across moments. Your present choices might not only shape tomorrow. They could echo into what came before.

Does that mean you can rewrite your past? Not in the movie-style sense. But it hints at something profound. Maybe nothing is ever truly gone. Maybe your healing changes the meaning of old memories. Maybe courage today transforms who you once were.

The science is still evolving. The equations are complex. The implications are wild. Yet the idea is simple enough to change how you live.

You are not just moving through time. You are participating in it. And every choice might ripple across more than one direction.

My Food For Thought For Today

The AI Race: Top Five News of the Day

From My Recent Readings on the Future of AI

The AI Race: Powering Economic Growth at a Planetary Cost

The global race to dominate artificial intelligence has become the defining competition of our time. Nations and corporations alike are investing billions in AI development, viewing it as the key to unlocking future prosperity.

Indeed, AI is already transforming industries from healthcare and finance to manufacturing and education fueling productivity gains and generating new streams of economic growth. But as journalist and author Karen Hao points out in her book Empire of AI, this technological revolution comes with hidden costs that extend far beyond the balance sheets.

The Economic Boom

AI’s promise is undeniable. The automation of routine tasks has improved efficiency, while machine learning has unleashed new capabilities in science, medicine, and data analysis. According to recent studies, AI could add trillions of dollars to the global economy over the next decade. It is already reshaping labor markets, creating new professions in data science, robotics, and algorithmic design. For many governments, leading in AI means ensuring national security, technological sovereignty, and long-term prosperity.

The Environmental Toll

Yet, behind every “smart” system lies a staggering appetite for resources. Training large AI models requires massive computing power, often performed in data centers that consume enormous amounts of electricity, water, and land. These facilities rely on constant cooling, which means water is diverted from rivers and reservoirs to prevent overheating. In some regions, AI-related infrastructure competes directly with local communities for scarce water resources.

Energy use is another major concern. The International Energy Agency estimates that global data centers could double their electricity demand by 2030, much of it driven by AI workloads. Unless powered by renewables, these centers contribute significantly to carbon emissions. Land is also being cleared to build more data hubs and chip manufacturing plants, further straining ecosystems.

The Hidden Geography of AI

Karen Hao’s reporting reminds us that the AI ecosystem is not just code and servers;  it’s a vast, physical empire. From lithium mines for chip batteries to data centers in water-stressed regions, AI’s growth leaves a tangible footprint. The concentration of resources in a few powerful nations and corporations also raises questions about global inequality. While the wealthy benefit from technological innovation, marginalized communities often bear the environmental and social consequences.

Toward Responsible Innovation

AI can still be a force for good but only if its development aligns with sustainability and equity. Companies must invest in energy-efficient models, water recycling technologies, and renewable power. Governments should demand transparency on AI’s environmental impact, just as they do for other industries. And the public needs to recognize that digital progress, like industrial progress before it, comes at a cost that must be managed not ignored.

Final Reflection

As I reflect on the “AI race,” I’m struck by the paradox of our times: we are building machines that can think, yet we often fail to think about their planetary costs and consequences. The challenge ahead is not to stop the AI revolution, but to steer it wisely, balancing innovation with stewardship, and economic ambition with environmental responsibility.

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Meanwhile, here's my most recent readings On AI's Future:

AI boom or AI bubble? That's been one of the most pressing debates on Wall Street of late. Some investors see echoes of the Dotcom Bubble in Nvidia's (NVDA) and OpenAI's recent circular dealmaking bonanza and soaring stock prices. Others note the AI boom is being financed by hugely profitable tech companies, whose valuations aren't nearly as high as their Dotcom peers.

As Big Tech's AI spending has ballooned, so have the ranks of companies claiming a piece of the pie. The AI buildout has turbocharged the sales of unsexy, slow-and-steady businesses and transformed their stocks into buzzy growth names. It has also juiced the stocks of nascent companies that are years from self-sufficiency, creating pockets of exceptional froth within a pricey AI ecosystem.

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT

The stocks that gain the most during sharp market rallies are often the stocks that, when sentiment turns negative, have the farthest to fall. That is especially true of young companies that, without substantial sales, rely on debt and equity markets to fund their growth.

So, Will AI Continue Booming? Experts says, a Bubble is Inevitable. But When? It's anyone Guess.   

🌍Finally, here are the top Top Five Headlines for Today

NATO and the European Union back continued support for Ukraine amid stalled peace talks — Leaders reaffirm their commitment to defend European security, proposing use of frozen Russian assets to help fund Ukraine. The Guardian

Bad Bunny tops Spotify Wrapped 2025 as the most-streamed artist, dethroning Taylor Swift — The annual music recap revealed Bad Bunny as the #1 artist globally for 2025. ABC News+1

United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) warns global growth will slow to 2.6% in 2025 amid financial volatility — A report cites mounting pressure from global economic uncertainties and volatile markets as key risks. Xinhua News+1

Health alert: Hanoi ranks among the world’s most-polluted major cities as AQI hits dangerous levels — Air quality hit “very unhealthy” levels (AQI 208), raising serious health concerns especially for vulnerable groups. iqair.com

Markets rebound as stocks and crypto rally — Bitcoin climbs above $90,000 — After a volatile start to the week, equity markets recovered and risk assets, including cryptocurrencies, saw renewed investor interest. reuters.com+1

My Food For Thought For Today:

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