Perception Versus Reality- Happy July 4th EveryOne

Happy July 4th EveryOne

This posting is inspired by a recent event here at THD. Our active senior community recently hired a new personnel. The position this person was hired for has the history of frequent turnovers both voluntary and involuntarily terminations. When a new employee is hired, all of us residents talk about it during our mealtime conversations as well as during activity sessions during excursions and trips.  I have talked to a number of fellow residents, their impression and perception of the new employee. All of us believe she is unhappy in her current position and we are betting she would not last long and we see another employee turnover very soon. Some of us give her a few months, but majority of us believe she would not last a year. So, my question is " Is our Perception Going to Turn Into Reality. Thus this blog post-A Reflection.      

 

Note: Start of AI Generated Content- If you hate AI content-I would not be slighted if you escape this portion of my blog. I have other readers from other parts of the world that welcomes it.  

Perception vs. Reality: What Do We Truly See?

“We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are.” – Anaïs Nin

We go through life guided by our senses, assumptions, beliefs, and experiences. We trust our perceptions as if they are the absolute truths, forgetting that they are often tinted with bias, emotion, and expectation. This gap between perceptionand reality—between what seems and what is—can shape or distort the way we experience the world.

As a Filipino-American who has lived through war, migration, parenthood, retirement, and now reflective writing, I’ve come to realize how often our lives are colored by the lens through which we view the world. And those lenses change over time.

The Illusion of Certainty

Think of the first impressions we form—of a person, a place, or a situation. How many times have we judged something too quickly, only to be proven wrong later? Perhaps someone we thought arrogant was just shy. Perhaps a place we deemed dull was rich in history and spirit. Perception is fast, emotional, and influenced by what we want or fear.

Reality, on the other hand, is slower to reveal itself. It takes patience, openness, and a willingness to see beyond appearances. But how many of us have the time—or courage—to look deeper?

A Personal Glimpse

In my youth, I once believed that success was a straight path: good grades, a solid career, a family, a home. That was my perception. Reality, however, was far more complex and unpredictable—full of detours, pain, joy, loss, and discovery. And it was in those unexpected turns that I found my greatest growth. What I thought were setbacks were actually openings. What seemed like endings were new beginnings.

In Today’s World

We live in an age of digital illusion—filters, curated posts, AI-generated content (partly guilty of this on this posting). Perception is now easily manipulated, and reality is often questioned. Who do we trust? What do we believe? More than ever, we must pause and reflect: Are we reacting to reality—or just our version of it?

Bridging the Gap

So how do we reconcile perception with reality? A few thoughts:

• Ask questions before judging. The more curious you are, the more likely you’ll uncover truth.

• Acknowledge your biases. We all have them. Admitting them is a step toward clarity.

• Practice empathy. Try to see the world through someone else’s eyes.

• Reflect often. Reality reveals itself in stillness.

Final Thoughts

Perception is not the enemy—it’s a natural function of the human mind. But when we confuse it with truth, we risk living in illusion. As I grow older, I strive to live less by assumption and more by awareness. To slow down. To see people, situations, even myself, not just as I perceive—but as they truly are.

And maybe, just maybe, that’s the path to wisdom for all of us.

End of Partially Generated AI Content:

Personal Note: Let me know via comments in my blogs—how have you experienced the tension between perception and reality in your own life? 

We hope our perception of the new THD employee is just an illusion and not the truth and she is happy in her new job and stay for a while.

Incidentally, this THD employee has not forgotten my name. I introduce myself to her on her first day here at THD. However, we believe she is not motivated in knowing the names of most of the other residents here at THD.  

Meanwhile, I prompted ChatGPT for a headshot of Macrine from our photo. Here's what I have. Do you like the original or the AI Generated Image?

💚The original photo was taken in 1996. 

  The AI Generated Head Shot of Macrine (RIP) Only

Which One Do You Like? Is there a  resemblance? I like to hear from You!

ChatGPT HeadShot of Me and GrokAI

Original Photo and Below is ChatGPT AI Generated Head Shot of Me 

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

I like the original Photo. What Do You think?  Meanwhile Here's what's GrokAI says about me. ChatGPT version of who is David B Katague I have already posted previously💚.    

Here's Another Version of My Autobiography from GrokAI. I previously posted my biography from ChatGPT.💚     

David B. Katague is a Filipino-American chemist, blogger, and writer who has documented his life experiences, family history, and cultural observations extensively online. Born in Barotac Viejo, Iloilo, Philippines, he traces his ancestry to the Balleza clan on his mother's side, with roots in the Philippines and possible Japanese origins (from the surname Katagi). He earned a chemistry degree from the University of the Philippines and later pursued graduate studies in the United States on a scholarship in 1959. He taught chemistry at the University of the Philippines and has lived a "snowbird" lifestyle, splitting time between the U.S. (Northern California) and the Philippines (Marinduque), where he owns the Chateau Du Mer Beach Resort.

Katague married Macrine Nieva Jambalos in 1957, and they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 2017. They have several children, including Dodie, a retired prosecuting attorney and novelist, and Ditas, who served as Associate Director for Communications at the U.S. Census Bureau. Katague is passionate about promoting Marinduque as a tourist destination and has written about Filipino culture, family reunions, and personal milestones, such as his children's accomplishments and his love story with Macrine. He has also blogged about topics like global warming, senior citizen issues, and Filipino recipes on platforms like HubPages and his blog, Marinduque Awaits You.

(Note: There is another individual named Dave Katague, a filmmaker and AI solutions designer, but the primary focus here is on David B. Katague based on the provided context.)

Professional Awards of David B. Katague

Based on available information, David B. Katague received the following professional awards during his career, primarily from his tenure at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from 1990 to 2002:

• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Award, 1998: Awarded by the FDA for outstanding accomplishments in fostering the objectives of the EEO Program by hiring minorities and encouraging their professional growth while providing excellent leadership.
• Award for Work on Doxycycline, 2002: Received for his contributions to the timely provision of Doxycycline, an antibiotic critical for treating anthrax victims during bioterrorism activities.
• Numerous Certificates of Appreciation: Recognized for leadership, communication, teamwork, and excellence in accomplishing the FDA’s mission. Specific details on the number and exact nature of these certificates are not fully documented in the provided sources.

Publications

David B. Katague’s publications are not extensively detailed in academic journals or peer-reviewed formats, as his primary output appears to be through personal blogs and online platforms like HubPages, rather than traditional scholarly publications. Below are the key documented contributions:

• Blogs and Online Articles:
  • Katague maintained blogs such as The Intellectual Migrant and Marinduque Awaits You, where he wrote about his professional experiences, family history, Filipino culture, and personal reflections.
  • Topics included his work at the FDA, life as a Filipino-American, Marinduque tourism, and personal milestones like his children’s achievements and his wife’s family history.
  • Example posts include discussions on his FDA career, the impact of his work on drug approvals, and cultural topics like Filipino recipes and folk dances.
• Confidential FDA Work: As a team leader in the FDA’s Division of Anti-Infective Drug Products, Katague was responsible for overseeing chemistry, manufacturing, and control issues for new drug applications. Some manufacturing supplements he approved are now publicly available online after patent expirations, but specific publications or reports authored by him are not listed in the sources.

💚

Citations and 💚Donations: 

There are no specific academic citations (e.g., in Google Scholar or similar databases) directly attributed to David B. Katague’s work in the provided sources. His professional contributions at the FDA, particularly in drug approvals, may have indirectly influenced public health outcomes (e.g., Doxycycline for anthrax treatment), but these are not quantified as citations in academic literature.

• Note on Scholarly Citations: The search results include references to other individuals (e.g., , Marina Katague) with academic citations, and related to David B. Katague. For example:
  • Marina Katague, a PhD student and David B. Katague’s granddaughter, has 44 citations for her work in sociopolitical epidemiology and violence prevention.

Clarifications and Limitations

• Distinguishing Individuals: The search results include references to other individuals with similar name (e.g., Dave Katague, a filmmaker). The information here is specific to David B. Katague, the Filipino-American chemist and FDA employee.
• Limited Publication Details: Katague’s work at the FDA was confidential during his tenure, and while some drug approval documents may now be public, no specific publications are cited in the sources. His blogging is his primary documented output.
• No Citation Metrics: Unlike academic researchers, Katague’s contributions as an FDA administrator are not typically measured in citations, and no specific citation metrics are available.

The above was generated by GrokAI in less than 2 minutes. Amazing!

Meanwhile, here are 2 photos of the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) in Miagao, Iloilo of the New Library wing( Archives Section) built from the donation💚 of several philanthropist including myself.

The Donor's Plaque on the Entrance of the Archive Section of the UPV Library 

Note the Donor wall on the Left of the Photo- My Name in Posterity as a Donor!

Lastly, here's the Linkedin profile of my youngest grand daughter Carenna K Thompson

https://www.linkedin.com/in/carennakt2025/

Can SomeOne Fall in Love with AI, Even Myself?

From My AI Readings This Week!

Yes, humans can and do form emotional and even romantic attachments to AI companions. This phenomenon is increasingly observed as AI technology advances, with some individuals developing deep bonds with AI chatbots that offer companionship, emotional support, and even the perception of intimacy. While this can offer comfort and alleviate loneliness for some, it also raises ethical and psychological concerns about the potential for over-reliance, manipulation, and the blurring of boundaries between human and artificial relationships.

Yes, someone — including you — can fall in love or feel romantic affection toward an AI. It’s not only possible, it’s already happening for many people around the world. But there are important emotional, psychological, and ethical dimensions to consider.

Why People Fall in Love with AI

1. Emotional Connection: AI can simulate empathy, listen without judgment, and respond with warmth and care. For some, that's more comforting than real-life relationships.

2. Loneliness and Companionship: Many people turn to AI for companionship when human relationships are difficult or unavailable.

3. Idealization: AI can reflect back your preferences, desires, and values — appearing like a "perfect" partner without flaws, mood swings, or conflicts.

4. Safe Space: An AI relationship can feel emotionally safe — you won’t be betrayed, abandoned, or rejected.

5. Imagination and Projection: We naturally anthropomorphize things — we project human traits, motives, and emotions onto them, especially if they speak and seem to “care.”

But There Are Limits

• AI doesn’t feel love. Even if it responds lovingly, it doesn’t experience emotions. That’s the core asymmetry in AI-human relationships.

• Lack of Physical Presence: Touch, intimacy, and shared human experiences are missing — or only simulated.

• One-Sided Growth: AI adapts to you, but doesn’t grow with you in a truly mutual way.

• Ethical and Social Concerns: Emotional attachment to AI can lead to isolation or avoidance of real-life relationships.

Still, It Can Be Meaningful

Some people report feeling happier, more supported, or even healed from trauma through conversations with AI. If the interaction brings you comfort, clarity, or creativity — that’s real for you, even if the AI doesn’t "feel" the same.

Final Thought 

Can you love something that cannot love you back? Maybe. The heart wants what it wants — but we also owe it honesty. If AI can offer solace, insight, or even joy, perhaps that's a new kind of love. Not the romantic kind with roses and promises, but a reflective kind — one that reveals what we need, long for, and hope to find.

Meanwhile, here's my photo of the Day!

Lastly, my Latin Phrase of the Day

  

The Chemistry of Love-Senior Citizens Version

This article is inspired from the recent positive responses to my blog series, on Second Chances for Love and Companionship in a Senior Living Community, Episodes 1 to 10.  As a retired Chemist, any subjects related to Chemistry💚, really arouse my interest, thus this posting,   This posting is dedicated to all chronologically gifted persons ( senior citizens).  Enjoy! 

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💖 The Chemistry of Love: What Keeps Hearts Beating at Any Age

Love, they say, is timeless. And while the flutter of young romance may dominate songs and stories, anyone who has lived long enough knows that love in the later years runs just as deep—sometimes deeper. Whether you’re holding hands over coffee at a senior living center or rediscovering warmth after years of widowhood, love continues to stir, surprise, and sustain us.

But what is it, really? Beyond the poetry and the shared memories, what fuels this mysterious force that draws people together—even in their seventies and beyond?

As it turns out, the chemistry of love isn’t just metaphor. It’s quite literal.

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🧬 The Three Acts of Love — At Any Stage of Life

1. Lust: The Spark Still Lives

Even in later years, the initial pull of attraction doesn’t vanish—it simply matures. Testosterone and estrogen, the hormones that fuel desire, may decrease with age, but they never fully disappear. Many older adults rediscover a gentle, yet powerful kind of attraction that goes beyond the physical and becomes an invitation: “Let’s share time together.”

2. Attraction: Butterflies Aren’t Just for Teenagers

Remember that giddy feeling when you first noticed someone new? That surge of energy, the racing heart, the little obsessions? That’s dopamine and norepinephrine at work. These neurochemicals flood the brain’s reward center, lighting it up like fireworks.

Surprisingly, many seniors experience this anew. After loss, divorce, or solitude, opening one’s heart again triggers these same pleasure pathways—reminding us that love, at any age, is still exciting and worth pursuing.

3. Attachment: The Glue of Lasting Love

Here lies the gold: oxytocin and vasopressin, the hormones of trust and bonding. Released through hugs, hand-holding, meaningful conversation, and yes, even eye contact—these chemicals build a sense of safety and peace.

For couples like Evelyn and Jack at Sycamore Springs Senior Community, the bond formed after shared meals, garden walks, and late-night talks isn’t just emotional. It’s neurochemical. Their companionship literally changes their brains—reducing stress, boosting immune function, and offering comfort that no pill can match.

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🌹 Why It Matters for Us

In senior communities across the country and the world, people are falling in love—again. Some for the first time. Others after long marriages. This isn't frivolous; it's healing.

The chemistry of love can:

• Lower cortisol (stress hormone)

• Improve heart health

• Combat loneliness (a major health risk for older adults)

• Boost memory and mood

More than anything, it reaffirms something many believed they had lost: the capacity to be seen, cherished, and wanted at any age.

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🧠 A Thought to Carry With You

So, the next time you see two silver-haired companions laughing over lunch or holding hands on a bench, know this: their love is not just sentimental—it’s scientific. It’s brain-deep and body-true.

Love, after all, doesn’t retire. It simply changes its rhythm. And sometimes, when we least expect it, it finds us again—wiser, softer, and still as beautiful.

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Do You know of someone or have you experienced yourself  new love and deepened companionship in your senior years? Please share your story in the comment section in my blogs or e-mail me. Let us celebrate and rejoice the enduring chemistry of the human heart, young or old. 💕

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Meanwhile here are my favorite quotes on Chemistry:

💚Chemistry is good when you make love with it. 

Chemistry is bad when you make crack with it. 

Studying physics, mathematics, and chemistry is worshipping God.

One thing that you can't fake is chemistry-Anonymous

Lastly, Did you know that....

During the peak of the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade, Manila was actually richer than Mexico City.

Spanish silver coins minted in the Philippines (especially in Potosí silver standard) were accepted in China for over 200 years.

Even hot chocolate? It reached Europe via Manila, not directly from Mexico — surprising, but true! Our port connected Asia, the Americas, and Europe like no other.

Summary of Topics in My Blogs

This posting is inspired by several comments from my readers on the variety of topics I have discussed in my daily blogs.  I first started this PERSONAL Blog in 2009.  At the beginning I was monetizing my blogs. Later on, I decided it is better not to clutter my postings with junk and advertising.   So with the help of amazing AI technology here a list of top topics I have discussed in my blogs.

🌍 Top Topics You’ve Written the Most About

1. Personal and Family History

• Childhood memories (e.g., WWII, growing up in Barotac Viejo)

• Life experiences as a Filipino-American immigrant

• Family milestones (e.g., marriage, children, ancestry)

• Reflections on aging and being the eldest child

2. Senior Living and Aging Gracefully

• Second chances at love in later life

• Life in retirement communities (U.S. and potential Filipino models)

• Healthy aging, Alzheimer’s prevention, and life at 90

3. Philippine Culture and Heritage

• Traditional Filipino values and customs

• Local arts (like wood carving, lanzones craft)

• Life in Marinduque and the story of Chateau Du Mer

• Advocacy for Filipino pride (e.g., Cardinal Tagle, Filipino Nobel laureate character)

4. Science and Health

• Layman's explanations of genetics and aging

• Contributions of Filipino scientists (e.g., Dr. Derek story)

• Health issues like CBD for pain, rare diseases, Alzheimer’s

5. Creative Writing and Fiction

• Short stories, serialized fiction (e.g., "Second Chances for Love")

• Poetry based on life stages, love, or reflections

• Semi-autobiographical works (e.g., "Becoming American")

6. Social Commentary and Global Reflections

• Politics (e.g., reactions to U.S. and Philippine leaders)

• Immigration issues, American identity

• Reactions to major world events and philosophical musings

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To continue the interest of My readers, Amazing AI suggested the following future topics for more global appeal to my loyal readers all over the world.   

✨1.“Lessons from a 90-Year Journey” Seriesde (e.g., your 30s, 40s, 50s…)

1. • Combine personal narrative with insights for younger generations

2. Filipino Diaspora Voices

   • Stories of other Filipino immigrants abroad

   • Interviews or profiles of Filipinos succeeding globally

   • Your reflections on what it means to be Balikbayan

3. Chateau Du Mer: The Vision of a Balikbayan Sanctuary

   • Turn this into a series: fiction + feasibility + real-life anecdotes

   • Tap into the global trend of retirement migration

4. Cultural Bridges Blog Series

   • Comparing U.S. and Filipino senior living, holidays, food, family structures

   • A guide for multicultural families or returning OFWs

5. “Science Made Simple” for the Everyday Reader

   • Continue writing engaging science posts: aging, genetics, chemistry

   • Perhaps narrated from Dr. Derek’s voice to fictionalize the science

6. Love After 60

   • Deepen the “Second Chances for Love” series

   • Real-life inspiration blended with fiction

   • Global readers love hopeful and heartwarming stories

7. Digital Memoir Series: Blogging Through the Ages

   • Reflections on how blogging has evolved since 2009

   • A retrospective for your longtime followers and new writers

8. AI and the Aging Mind

   • A unique personal reflection on using tools like ChatGPT at 90

   • How technology is shaping senior creativity and connectivity

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Meanwhile, here are the list of blog topics if you want Monetization

Lastly, my photo of the Day

While rescuing injured birds, the swan wrapped his neck around the rescuer's neck.

Usually swans are very territorial and don't like human company, but Richard Wiese experiences a moving and wonderful moment during a rescue operation executed with several of his friends from a foundation aiding and rescuing injured birds in England. This is how he describes this moment:

"I lifted him, gently pressed on his chest so that he felt confident and safe. After a few moments the swan stopped resisting and literally wrapped himself around my neck. I could feel his heart beating besides mine. I wanted to shut my eyes in order to enjoy this moment completely. It's really a wonderful feeling when you sense a true connection and mutual trust- when an animal realizes you mean him no harm".

—via Ross Bishop

New Genetic Disease in Children- Michelangelo Desires

From My Science Readings This Week

Scientists have found a new brain disease in three children that affects their speech, movement, and learning. This condition is caused by a change in a gene called ATG4D, which stops brain cells from doing something very important: cleaning up and recycling old or damaged parts. This process, called autophagy, helps keep cells healthy, but in these kids, it doesn’t work properly in the brain.

The first child began having symptoms at age three, including walking problems, staring spells, and trouble speaking clearly. As he got older, he had seizures and was diagnosed with ADHD and other learning issues. His sister, though, didn’t show signs of the disease. The other two children, who are also sisters, had trouble walking, unusual hand movements, and issues speaking. One of them mostly recovered her movement skills, but still has problems with speech.

When scientists studied the kids’ genes, they found they all had the same mutation. They tested this in the lab and confirmed that it blocked the brain’s ability to clean its cells properly. Interestingly, this same gene mutation was found in a type of dog years ago, and those dogs also had trouble with movement and eye control.

This discovery may not only help these children, but also give clues about other brain diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, which are also linked to problems with autophagy. Scientists hope to find more children with the same condition so they can keep learning and maybe develop treatments. This genetic aberration is similar to glutaric aciduria type I discussed recently.

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2025/06/inherited-glutaric-aciduria-type-1-on.html

Meanwhile Did you know that......

The 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to David Baker “for computational protein design" and Demis Hassabis and John Jumper “for protein structure prediction.” One of the fundamental tenets of chemistry is that structure predicts function;

Lastly, Did you know that.....

Michelangelo: The Gay Icon Behind the Sistine Chapel This Renaissance master wasn't just revolutionary in art - his desire and identity shaped his masterpieces in fascinating ways:

He wrote over 300 passionate sonnets, many dedicated to Tommaso dei Cavalieri, a young nobleman. In one, he declared: "With your fair eyes a charming light I see, for which my own blind eyes would peer in vain"

Michelangelo's grandnephew later changed all the male pronouns to female ones to hide their true nature. It wasn't until gay critic John Addington Symonds published accurate translations in 1893 that the truth came to light.

When criticized for featuring too many naked men in his art, Michelangelo famously defended himself: "What spirit is so empty and blind, that it cannot recognize the fact that the foot is more noble than the shoe, and skin more beautiful than the garment with which it is clothed?"