Introducing Batman & Robin-Cats Symbolism

Batman and Robin-2.5 years old-male neutered American Short-Haired Domestic Breed ( Black and White-Tuxedo Cats)

If you are following my blogs, you probably already know, my two cats, Batman & Robin have been my apartment mates here at THD since my move last year in June. I have written a few articles about cats, but today's blog discus the spiritual and physical symbolism of cats, in general and in most cultures all over the world. Here's the article for your reading  pleasure.        

Cats have held significant symbolic meanings across various cultures and belief systems, both spiritually and physically. Here’s a breakdown of their symbolism:

Spiritual Symbolism

1. Independence and Freedom: Cats are often seen as symbols of independence due to their solitary nature. They embody self-sufficiency and the ability to thrive on their own.
2. Mystery and Intuition: Cats are frequently associated with the mysterious and the unknown. Their nocturnal habits and enigmatic behavior contribute to a perception of them as creatures connected to the spiritual realm, enhancing intuition and mystical insight.
3. Protection and Guardianship: In some cultures, cats are believed to protect against negative energy and spirits. For example, ancient Egyptians revered cats as protectors of the home and symbols of divine protection.
4. Feminine Energy: Cats are often linked to feminine qualities, such as nurturing, sensuality, and intuition. In various mythologies, goddesses associated with love, beauty, and fertility are often depicted with cats.
5. Rebirth and Transformation: In some spiritual beliefs, cats symbolize rebirth and transformation, reflecting their ability to adapt and thrive in various environments.

Physical Symbolism

1. Agility and Grace: Physically, cats represent agility and grace. Their ability to move silently and with precision symbolizes elegance and poise.
2. Curiosity and Exploration: Cats are naturally curious creatures, symbolizing a thirst for knowledge and the exploration of the unknown. This trait encourages individuals to seek out new experiences.
3. Balance and Flexibility: Cats are known for their physical balance and flexibility, which can symbolize adaptability and the ability to navigate life's challenges with ease.
4. Playfulness and Joy: Their playful behavior highlights the importance of joy and play in life, serving as a reminder to embrace lightheartedness.

Conclusion

In summary, cats symbolize a blend of spiritual and physical qualities that encompass independence, mystery, protection, femininity, agility, curiosity, and joy. Their multifaceted nature allows them to hold a unique place in human culture and spirituality, resonating with various aspects of life and human experience. For Details visit:

https://ashevillecatweirdos.org/cats-muse-symbol-and-icon-in-art-literature-and-pop-culture/#:~:text=In%20literature%2C%20cats%20have%20been,Mistoffelees%20in%20T.S.

From My FaceBook Page After the Presidential Debate( 9-10-24).  Reacting to Crazy Trump Comments. The cat looks like my young Robin.  This is Trump Pet Conspiracy- Unbelievable and Untrue!
https://www.cnbc.com/2024/09/15/republican-ohio-gov-mike-dewine-trump-vance-false-immigrant-pets-conspiracy.html

A Short Visit from Ditas Yesterday- My Harris -Walz T-Shirt and Pin

Photo Credit: Martha Rodriguez: Me with Ditas, Emily and Gwen at Sunday Brunch, September 15, 2024 

I had a 2-hour short visit from Ditas yesterday. She took time off from her business travel in California to have brunch with me. She brought me a gift- A Harris-Walz T-shirt and Pin ( see photos below). We had a great brunch with Emily Ehm and Gwen Corbett.  She stayed with me from 10:30AM to 12:30PM. She has to be at the airport by 1PM to fly to LA for tomorrow's meeting. What a busy life!  

If you are reading my blogs you probably know that Ditas is an SES employee and a Presidential Appointee.  So to retain her job as Associate Director for Communications in the Bureau of Census, Department of Commerce, Kamala Harris has to be elected our next president this November. 

 https://www.census.gov/newsroom/bios/ditas-katague.html

Here are some photos during her visit.  Ditas is my youngest daughter. Currently she is residing in Alexandra, Virginia, with my youngest grand daughter Carenna and her pet dog- Leif.

My New T-Shirt and PIN- Harris-Walz For the People-A Gift From Ditas

With My Harris-Walz T-shirt and PIN!!! GO! Kamala, Go!

Meanwhile, here are some photos I took during the Chips and Salsa Party yesterday afternoon hosted by our efficient Activity Coordinator- Teresa Nudo. Thank you, Teresa for a job well done! 

Ditas next visit is scheduled this coming December to attend the celebration of My 90th Birthday!

A visit from Relatives and/or Friends always lift up my spirits and feeling of my being here in the Gilded Cage!

Remembering Names of Fellow Residents- I am the Only David

One of the many complaints of my fellow residents here at THD is their ability to remember names of their Fellow Residents.  I told every one I have no problem in remembering first names of most of the residents here at THD that I met during meal times and activities. I also told them I study the phone book. Thus, I also know most of the last names of residents here also.  I even know the first name of the ghost lady in the Fairmont Building, but I do not know her last name. Speaking of her she said " HI"  to me the other day. Usually, I will the first one to greet her, but the other day she was able to say Hi to me first. She is coming out of her Shell!

I did study the listings from our September phone book and I found there are five residents name Mary ( Alice Ratbun, Reiser, Sorensen, Fenelon, Ann Dewald).  There are four Linda's ( Botton, Esner, Lachick and Moschel). There are two Jan's ( Muto and McGowan), two Nancy's ( Schultz and Klieber),  two Jane's ( Mowry and Williams), three Sue's ( Hoyt, Kaplan, Rosenberg) and two Phyllis's ( Monachello and Morecal). There are two Peggy's( Quirk, Yamada). There are two Judy's( Mesick, Mullin). There are two Emily's ( Ehm and Yee). Emily Yee is a super new resident.

On the Mens side, There are two Steve's ( Davis and Kam),  two Jay's( Pollack and Redka), two Ray's ( Chiljam and Gordon) and two Richard's ( Botton and Esner). There are 28 men, out of 120 + 1 residents here at THD but I am the only one named David.   

When I mentioned this to  my mahjong Group the other day, that I am the Only "David" here at THD, one of the players shouted "Thanks God, we can not tolerate another David.  David always wins in mahjong, corn hole and ladder ball! That is not true, that I do not win most of time in mahjong, but perhaps my percentage of winning in my Bridge Games is better than average. As they say, give me the cards and I will bid it and play with skill and perfection. As far as Corn Hole or Ladder Ball, I win once in a while, but not all the time. 

The other day, I got another nickname from a fellow resident. She called me JD. When I asked her what it meant she said "Just David".  I told her it better not be 💚JD Vance.  Or Is JD  a Term of Endearment?  I hope so! 

💚 https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-haitian-eating-pets-immigrants-facebook-source-b2612208.html  

So My Fellow Residents if your memory is starting to Fail You, Don't Worry-it's part of aging. I would not mind if you don't remember my name as long as you don't call me Hey You! You can also call me the Blogger, if you forget "David".  Officially my name is David B. Katague. This is to differentiate it from the three other David Katague's all over the world.  B my middle name is the initial of my mother's last name "Balleza". 

(https://theintellectualmigrants.blogspot.com/2016/11/today-is-david-iii-birthday-update-on.html)

It is pronounce as Cat Tag' Gay- not Cat Tag Guay'.   

There was a suggestion that all residents be provided with name tags and we should wear it during Activity Times, at all times. Another suggestion is not be afraid to introduce oneself to new residents or the other residents whose names you have forgotten, if you had a chance.

Good Day to All and Study the Phone Book( see photo above), if you want to know the Names of your Fellow Residents.     

Note: My word of the Day is Triskaidekaphobia, the fear of the number 13.

The Crushing Feeling of Abandonment by John Larinore

I received the following letter from John the other day. He requested that I post this in my blogs, because his experience along with Carol show the ever-worsening problem in our world--social isolation and miscommunications as explained in the last paragraph of this letter.  Please note the last sentence in John's letter that I highlighted and enlarged. 

"Carol and I had an experience today that has left both of us sad, puzzled, and, yes, a bit angry.  Here goes:

 

As do many of us here at THD, Carol and I have periodic checkups by physicians in various fields and, as needed, receive treatment.  One of these has been a gastroenterologist who has had a solo practice here in Walnut Creek for many years.  Since we moved to the East Bay in 2000, this doctor has not only performed routine colonoscopes on us but has also treated us with kindness and skill for intestinal illnesses. The last time we saw this doctor was in March of this year, when he happily gave Carol a clean bill of health following a colonoscopy.

 

About a month later, we received a bill from him for his services which we paid promptly.  The check was cashed, and we figured everything was fully settled.

 

About a week ago, another bill arrived in the mail for the same amount from this same doctor.  We were puzzled, but we decided to pay the bill by mail anyway, thinking that it perhaps for a visit that had not been billed, and we planned to get clarification when this check was also cashed.

 

We were shocked, therefore, when, in today's mail, we found the sealed envelope, unopened, with a sticker that read "return to sender".  We had addressed the envelope correctly.

 

Puzzled, we called the doctor's office.  Rather than anyone answering the phone, a computerized greeting came on, advising the caller, "Your call has been forwarded to an automated voice messaging system...The mailbox is full and cannot accept any messages at this time."

 

By now, Carol and I were both confused and alarmed.  The doctor was an older man, and we worried that he might have died.  This physician had been a member of John Muir Health, as is our primary care doctor.  We called our primary doctor's office, but no one had any information to provide.   They suggested we go to the gastroenterologist's office.

 

At about 4:00 P.M, we did so.  When we arrived, we sadly found the door locked, the office completely dark, and the name of a medical lab on the door.  We went to the neighboring medical office and learned that the doctor had disappeared several months ago.  The woman with whom Carol and I spoke said that, while there had been speculation among the personnel in the various offices in the complex, no one seemed to know what had happened or what had become of the doctor.  All we learned was that the man had been "a quiet neighbor".

 

This whole experience has left us completely mystified.  When other doctors we've had have retired or closed their practices, we have always been notified in advance, by letter, phone, or in person.  We knew this doctor to be extremely shy, and he always maintained a solo practice.  The lack of communication and the inability to get any useful information is distressing.

 

I am sharing this story to highlight what I believe is an ever-worsening problem in our world-social isolation and, indeed, the erosion of the desire to communicate even the most basic information to those who would benefit by receiving it.  The more we human beings are in touch with each other, the better off we will be physically, socially, and emotionally!

 

Carol and I are so grateful to live here at THD, where we can care about and share with each other", John Larimore.

Personal Note: Expand your horizons! Vary your meal times companions here at Newton's once in a while! Try the circular table for 6 in the Comet Room for a pleasant conversation at Dinner Time.  Also, enjoy the modern art paintings! The temperature settings of the room is perfect. There is no need to wear a sweater or light jackets.   

Meanwhile from My FaceBook Page Today:

 When a 78-year old man rants about dog-eaters rampaging through Ohio, you have him evaluated by a geriatric neurologist. You don’t hand him the nuclear codes.

The Amendments to the US Constitution- Trivia Party at THD

Number 27:  Limit Congressional Pay Raises, 1992

The other day, a fellow resident asked me if I know of one the most important amendment in the US Constitution. I told her, I do not know since I am not a walking Encyclopedia and told her to look it up herself. 

She smiled at me, telling me, she was just joking and was just testing me of my Trivia Knowledge💚. Her joke aroused my curiosity and  here's what I found. The degree of importance depends on the person priorities and interest in life.  

Here are the top 10 for your reference and the rest of the 17 are listed in this website :

    https://constitutioncenter.org/the-constitution/amendments

BILL OF RIGHTS

---

First Amendment

Freedom of Religion, Speech, Press, Assembly, and Petition

Second Amendment

Right to Bear Arms

Third Amendment

Quartering of Soldiers

Fourth Amendment

Search and Seizure

Fifth Amendment

Grand Jury, Double Jeopardy, Self Incrimination, Due Process, Takings

Sixth Amendment

Right to Speedy Trial by Jury, Witnesses, Counsel

Seventh Amendment

Jury Trial in Civil Lawsuits

Eighth Amendment

Excessive Fines, Cruel and Unusual Punishment

Ninth Amendment

Non-Enumerated Rights Retained by People

10th Amendment

Rights Reserved to States or People

Do You Know the requirements to add an amendment to the Constitution? 

An amendment may be proposed by a two-thirds vote of both Houses of Congress, or, if two-thirds of the States request one, by a convention called for that purpose. The amendment must then be ratified by three-fourths of the State legislatures, or three-fourths of conventions called in each State for ratification. For Details visit: https://constitutioncenter.org/the-constitution/amendments

Is there a plan to add Amendment # 28? 

Governor Newsom Proposes Historic 28th 

Amendment to the United States Constitution

 to End America’s Gun Violence Crisis

https://www.gov.ca.gov/2023/06/08/28th-amendment/

Personal Notes-THD Activity : It has been suggested that Chair Volleyball be scheduled once a week instead of every other week. There were 18 players in last Tueday's game and everyone had a grand time. I also suggest to move Corn Hole and Ladder Ball to Thursday at 11AM. If you play chair Volley ball and you like this suggestion please let Activity know of your wishes. 

💚Meanwhile, I am inviting you all to attend an afternoon of trivia this Saturday, September 14 at 3PM at our Activity Lounge. Sign in the Lobby!

My word of the Day:  Triskaidekaphobia, is the fear of the number 13. It  is linked to 12 being a number of perfection, there being 12 months in a year, 12 hours on a clock and 12 zodiac signs.

Home-Cooked Filipino Dinner- The Comet Room of Newton's

Last Friday's night( September 6), John and Carol Larimore invited me to join them for filipino dinner at the residence of their bible class friends in Concord.  Ruby and Greg Atienza were our host. Ruby's is in the Filipino Food Catering Service ( see Menu above)- House of Casey.  She cooked a simple 3-menu Filipino dishes with steamed rice and sticky rice soup( congee).

The dishes were delicious. It included a grilled deboned milk fish( Inihaw na Bangus), pork adobo, sauteed (ginisang) mongo in smoked fish( Tinapa) and the sticky rice soup ( with ginger). She also send me home ( padala) the mongo dish which I plan on devouring with gusto next week.   I took some photos as follows:

The grilled milk fish was provided with lemon-soy sauce dip as well as a pickled green Papaya (Atchara) which was a gastronomic delight.

Again Thank You, John and Carol for inviting me. Please extend again my thanks to Ruby and Greg during your next Bible Class.  I plan on ordering Dishes from the Menu above for my Personal Enjoyment in the very near future.   Meanwhile here is the list of 10 traditional filipino dishes💚 you may want to taste and brag about. 

Filipino food tends to be overlooked for other Southeast Asian cuisines, like Thai and Vietnamese. But you’d be mistaken to neglect it. Pinoy cuisine has been delighting taste buds for centuries with phenomenal flavors that reflect the country’s multi-cultural influence. From deep-fried lumpia rolls to sweet leche flan, you can find Chinese, Spanish, or Native influence in almost every dish. 💚https://www.westernunion.com/blog/en/traditional-filipino-dishes/

*******************************************************************

The Comet Room -A Newton's Restaurant Expansion

Photo Credit: Jenny Shively: Dinner at the Comet Room last Night-September 11, 2024  

Last Night I had Dinner at the Comet Room-Expansion of Newton's. The Dining Room in the Comet Room ( circular table for 6) was not only very pleasant because you could hear each other conversations( noise level perfect), but also the temperature was just perfect compared to the arctic conditions ( need a sweater or light jacket) in the main Dining Room of Newton.  

So sometime again this week or next week, if you see me alone in the circular table for 6 in the Comet Room, please do not hesitate to join me for dinner.  I promise I will not monopolize the conversation and I will not talk about my blogs. I hope you can join me next time, when you see me eating alone in the Comet Room ( the Expansion of Newton's-across the Kitchen Area-see photo below).  

Good Day to ALL! Another Good Move by THD Management!

However, I am eagerly waiting for the sound boards (acoustic panels) to be installed in the Newton's main dining Area. 

 

Remembering September 11, 2001-23rd Anniversary Bombing of WTC

The Burning Twin Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City, September 11, 2001

Do you remember what were you doing on September 11, 2001- twenty-three years ago? Today is the 23rd  anniversary of the most heinous and perverted crime in 21st century in the US- The terrorist bombing of the World Trade Center In New York and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.

Exactly 23 years ago, I was still working for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). I remember clearly what I was doing and how I felt afterward that day. Depressed and frustrated that I can not do much of what happened that historic day.

That morning in September 11, 2001, The Office of New Drug Chemistry, Center of New Drugs had a joint meeting with representatives of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PHARMA) at the Hilton Hotel in Gaithersburg, MD. At about 9:20AM, we received an announcement that the meeting is canceled and we can go home, since the World Trade Center in New York was burning. All of the attendees went to the hotel lobby and the TV was announcing the news. I felt sick, depressed but helpless to see the burning WTC building((see photo above). 

Later, I learned that the Pentagon in Washington DC was also bombed and another plane crashed in the field somewhere in Southern Pennsylvania. Later I also found out that this United Airline plane was intended for the White House. Had it not been for the courageous heroics of several passengers, the White House would have suffered the same fate as the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

The most heinous crime of the century produced thousands of burnt victims. Two drugs in my Division, Sulfamylon and Silvadene, approved for the treatment of burns were out of supply. 

A chemistry manufacturing supplement has to be approved to manufacture more of these ointments in a new facility. This required a review by the chemist, an inspection of the facility by a field inspector,  my approval as the chemistry team leader plus the paper work by the project manager. 

The drugs are needed immediately, so we have to do an expedited review of the manufacturing supplement. It took us only 12 hours to approve the new facility and the review of the chemistry, manufacturing and control submission. This review normally will take at least one month to three months depending on the availability of the field inspector and the schedule of the review chemist.  

In October, 2001, the four members of my review team received a special cash award($500 each) and Recognition Award from FDA management for our work on expediting review of two drugs, Sulfamylon and Silvadene.

Of my more than a dozen awards from FDA I had, this one was the most appreciated. I felt that I have done my job as a public servant and had helped the victims of the terrorist attack in a timely manner. My job with the FDA was the most challenging and rewarding work of my professional career. 

The next year, October 1, 2002, I retired from the FDA after 12 years of public service with pride and humility by insuring that only safe, effective, and high quality Anti-Infective drugs are marketed in the United States. 

The photo above was the first picture I saw on television the morning of September 11, 2001. I will never forget that day as long as I live.

There were domestic long-term effects of 9/11 as well. Thousands of people struggle with cancer and lasting chronic health problems relating to the toxicity from Ground Zero, the site where the Twin Towers used to stand. The September 11 attacks also changed American air travel as airlines began to require stringent security checks designed to prevent the types of weapons the hijackers used from slipping through.

Finally, the 9/11 attacks resulted in changes to the federal government and an expansion of executive power. A new cabinet department, the Department of Homeland Security, was created, and the intelligence community was consolidated under the Director of National Intelligence to improve coordination between various agencies and departments. New legislation such as the USA Patriot Act expanded domestic security and surveillance, disrupted terrorist funding by cracking down on activities such as money laundering, and increased efficiency within the U.S. intelligence community.

The tragedy of September 11, 2001 will never be forgotten, and the aftermath is still continuing to unfold. The 9/11 Memorial and Museum opened on the site of the former World Trade Center on September 11, 2011, and features reflecting pools in the footprints of where the Twin Towers once stood.

Do you remember exactly what you were doing that day when the world trembled and changed how we travel all over the world? I would like to hear from you!!! 

For Details visit: 

https://millercenter.org/remembering-september-11/september-11-terrorist-attacks