This is a new site highlighting my autobiography with my name David B Katague spelled backwards. The photo above is Chateau Du Mer Beach House in Boac, Marinduque, Philippines. Photo taken in the Spring of 2012.
BREAKING NEWS: Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza just delivered a powerful message that left some of the world’s richest and most influential people stunned, and then he backed it up with action.
At a star-studded black-tie charity gala in Indianapolis, surrounded by Fortune 500 CEOs, Big Ten boosters, and celebrities dripping in designer gowns and tuxedos, Mendoza took the stage to accept the Walter Camp Foundation’s National Community Impact Award, but instead of the safe, rehearsed speech everyone expected from a breakout college quarterback, the 22-year-old spoke straight from the soul.
He didn’t thank boosters by name or brag about the Big Ten title. Instead, he looked out at a room packed with millionaires and billionaires and said:
“If you are blessed with success, use it to lift others. No man should celebrate victories while children have no chances. If you have more than you need, it is not truly yours; it belongs to those who need hope.” The ballroom went dead silent.
According to guests, several high-profile donors froze; no polite applause, no smiles; just stunned stillness as the words of a kid from California who just beat Ohio State hung in the air. Of course they didn’t clap right away. Truth hits different when it’s delivered by someone who actually lives it.
Because Fernando wasn’t talking envy. He was talking responsibility.
And he didn’t stop at words. That same night, Mendoza announced he is personally donating his entire $1.7 million in NIL earnings from this season to fund after-school programs, tutoring centers, and college scholarship funds for underserved kids in his hometown and across Indiana, proving leadership isn’t just spoken; it’s lived.
Mendoza’s message was simple, timeless, and undeniably human:
“Success means nothing if it doesn’t serve others.” While boosters chase rings and headlines, a quarterback who just won the Big Ten reminded the world that true greatness isn’t measured by what you keep; but by what you give.
In an era where college athletes are called mercenaries, Fernando Mendoza didn’t just speak tonight. He made the world listen.
BREAKING: Fernando Mendoza Named to TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in Global Culture, a defining moment for a leader who refused to be boxed in.
From relentless competitor to emblem of pride for the Indiana Hoosiers, Fernando Mendoza’s unwavering drive, discipline, and fearless presence have reshaped conversations far beyond the field. This recognition cements what supporters have long known: he isn’t just an athlete, he’s a cultural force who sets the standard, challenges expectations, and leaves a lasting mark.
After the 1960s, Filipino nurses didn’t just migrate, they reshaped global healthcare systems. As hospitals in the U.S., Middle East, Europe, and Asia became heavily staffed by Filipino nurses, institutions quietly adjusted shift structures, teamwork norms, bedside practices, and training methods around Filipino nursing culture.
Hospitals noted Filipino nurses’ strengths in patient-centered care, adaptability, English proficiency, and crisis resilience. Over time, some nursing schools abroad even modeled curricula on Philippine training standards, while hospitals adapted scheduling around collective work ethics and strong peer support systems common among Filipino staff.
In effect, Filipino nurses became an invisible backbone of modern global healthcare, so essential that systems bent around them, even if rarely acknowledged.
1. Greenland’s political parties reject U.S. threats — All five parties in Greenland’s parliament issued a joint statement saying they want to decide the island’s future without interference, in response to repeated comments from U.S. President Trump about potentially asserting control over the strategically important Arctic territory.
2. Pro-government crackdown intensifies as Iran protests spread — Anti-government demonstrations have expanded across Iran, with the supreme leader warning security forces won’t back down and rights groups raising alarm about communication blackouts and escalating tensions.
3. Russia uses new hypersonic missile in major strike on Ukraine — Russia launched its new hypersonic missile in a significant attack on Ukraine, signaling a heightened phase of the conflict and sending a message to Western nations supporting Kyiv.
4. Philippines: rescuers find signs of life in garbage avalanche disaster — After a massive collapse at a waste facility in Cebu city, Filipino rescuers have detected signs of life amid the rubble, as search operations continue for dozens missing.
5. Swiss canton leader blasts lack of safety checks after deadly bar fire — The head of a Swiss canton expressed outrage that a bar which recently caught fire had not been inspected for years; the blaze killed about 40 people and authorities are investigating.
PersonalReflections on Wealth, Purpose, and Four Generations of Blessings
Reading the Wall Street Journal article by Juliet Chung about the record number of billionaires in the world reminded me of a simple truth I have learned over 91 years: money alone is never a guarantee of happiness.
According to the report, there are now nearly 2,900 billionaires with a combined wealth of almost $16 trillion. Some earned their fortunes, others inherited them, and many spend their lives chasing even more. But I’ve lived long enough to see that the size of one’s bank account does not always reflect the size of one’s joy.
For me, happiness has always been something quieter, simpler, and far more personal.
Comfort, Not Excess
I have never wished to be a billionaire. What I wished for and still cherish is enough.
Enough to live comfortably. Enough to provide for my family. Enough to enjoy simple pleasures like travel, hobbies, writing my blogs, and in earlier years, singing in choirs with Macrine (RIP) and doing our medical mission work free of financial worries.
Money has its place. It gives security and stability. But beyond a certain point, the rest is just numbers on paper. The richest people I have known were not always the happiest. Some lived with stress, loneliness, or constant fear of losing what they had.
As I look back, the true wealth of my life came from something money could never buy.
The Accomplishments That Matter
My happiest moments were never tied to material possessions, but to accomplishment and purpose:
A long and meaningful career with the FDA.
My involvement with the 9/11 response.
The medical missions my wife and I supported in the Philippines.
And of course, my 15+ years of blogging, sharing memories, reflections, and life lessons with readers around the world.
These achievements gave my life meaning. They kept me engaged, curious, and grateful. No billionaire could purchase that feeling of fulfillment.
Four Generations of Joy
If money were the measure of happiness, then the richest would be the happiest. But the greatest treasure of my life came this year with the arrival of two great-grandsons.
Seeing four generations grow, thrive, and flourish has been my true legacy. This is the kind of wealth that deepens with time, not with interest.
Every milestone of my children, grandchildren, and now great-grandchildren tells me I have lived a life of purpose. You cannot buy that type of joy, not even with a billion dollars.
Health and Relationships: The Real Foundations of Happiness
As I approach 91, I am reminded daily that good health is priceless. It is the foundation on which all happiness is built.
Equally important are relationships, the people who stand by you, the communities you belong to, the love you give and receive. Whether at church, in my neighborhood, or here at THD, these connections enrich my days.
Even now, living with Stage 4 Kidney Disease, I find happiness in the kindness of others, the support of family, and the peaceful acceptance of life’s final chapters. No amount of wealth could substitute for these bonds.
Final Thoughts
When I read about billionaires multiplying every year, I do not envy them. I do not wish for their fortunes. I only wish that each of them finds the happiness that money alone cannot provide.
Because at the end of a long life, you learn that:
Happiness is enough, not excess. Happiness is purpose, not possessions. Happiness is love, not luxury. Happiness is health, gratitude, and the family that carries your legacy into the future.
By these measures, I am wealthier than any billionaire in this Planet Earth.
Meanwhile, here's the AI Overview on the Above Topic
That's a widely accepted truth:
money helps by reducing financial stress and meeting basic needs, increasing life satisfaction up to a point, but it doesn't guarantee happiness, which also relies heavily on strong relationships, purpose, health, and gratitude, with diminishing returns for more money beyond a certain income level. While wealth can provide comfort and security, true fulfillment comes from deeper sources, making the phrase "money isn't always a guarantee of happiness" accurate, as it's a tool, not the end goal.
How money helps happiness
Reduces stress: Financial security removes the anxiety of not meeting basic needs, which significantly boosts well-being.
Increases life satisfaction: More money correlates with higher overall life satisfaction, even if it doesn't always boost daily joy, according to some studies.
Provides options: Money buys freedom from worry and the ability to invest in experiences and support loved ones.
Where money falls short
Diminishing returns: Beyond a certain income (which varies but is often cited around $75k-$100k+), more money doesn't proportionally increase happiness.
Doesn't replace core needs: Strong relationships, a sense of purpose, social support, and good health are crucial and aren't bought by wealth.
Can create new problems: Excessive focus on money can lead to materialism or unhealthy financial behaviors, as noted in YouTube.
Key takeaways
It's a means, not an end: Money is a tool to achieve well-being, not happiness itself, like a printing press for a newspaper.
It's about perspective: How you use money and your mindset towards it (gratitude, comparison) matters more than the sheer amount.
Balance is key: Financial stability is important, but prioritizing relationships, purpose, and health alongside it leads to genuine happiness.
Lastly, here are some of my Favorite Quotes on Happiness
Last but not Least, I asked Chat GPT this Query: What does it mean to be Wealthy in the US this year? How much Money is Needed to be considered wealthy in the US today?
ChatGPT said:Good question, “wealthy” in the U.S. is a bit slippery, because it depends a lot on how you measure it (income vs net worth vs ability to live how you want), where you live, and what lifestyle you’re used to. But therearesome recent data-driven benchmarks and widely used definitions that give us a sense of what “wealthy” tends to mean for many Americans in 2025.
Key benchmarks for “wealthy” in the U.S. (2025)
Net worth (assets minus debts)
According to a 2025 survey by Charles Schwab, the average American now says you need about US$ 2.3 million in net worth to be considered “wealthy.” Fortune+2Charles Schwab Press Room+2
By contrast, the same survey found that many consider ≈ US$ 839,000 sufficient to be “financially comfortable.” Charles Schwab Press Room+1
Other sources place being in the top 10% of American households (by net worth) around US$ 1.6 million, with the 95th-percentile (top ~5%) around US$ 3.8–4 million. Harness+2MarketWatch+2
To be among the top 2% of households by net worth, estimates often point to around US$ 5.5 million. Yahoo Finance+1
So depending on how “wealthy” is defined (top 10%, top 5%, top 2%, or simply “wealthy enough” per survey), the net-worth threshold ranges from roughly $1.6 M to $5.5 M+,with the “average American perception” hovering near $2.3 M.
Income (annual household or personal income)
Because wealth isn’t just what you own but what you earn, income thresholds also matter:
According to Pew Research Center, a three-person household with an annual income above ≈ US$ 169,800 is considered “upper-income”, that is, comfortably above the median. Pew Research Center+1
For those aiming to be in the top 1% of earners nationally, some estimates place the required annual household income around US$ 731,000+. SmartAsset+1
But as experts note, “high income” doesn’t automatically equal “wealthy”, especially in expensive areas. Money Talks News+1
Why “wealthy” is more than just a number
Cost of living and location matter a lot. What looks “wealthy” in a low-cost rural area might be just “upper-middle class” in a high-cost metro region (e.g. near big cities, coastal areas). Yahoo Finance+2MarketWatch+2
Assets vs. liquid assets. Net worth includes everything, real estate, investments, savings, debts. Someone may have a high net worth tied up in real estate but little in liquid assets (cash, stocks), which affects flexibility and “wealth feel.”
Lifestyle, obligations, and family structure. Costs like mortgages, children’s schooling or college, healthcare, and retirement goals dramatically shift what “wealthy enough” means for different people.
Subjective perception matters. Surveys show many people think ~$2.3 M net worth or ~$200,000+ a year income qualify as wealthy today, but that might reflect aspirations, not actual long-term financial security. Fortune+2Investopedia+2
What “wealthy” means for a place like Walnut Creek / Bay Area (High Cost of Living)
Given your location in Walnut Creek (within the broader Bay Area), the thresholds for “wealthy” are likely higher than national median or “comfortable.” In high-cost regions:
Even a household net worth of ~$2–3 M might not feel “wealthy” long-term if property values, taxes, housing costs, and desired lifestyle are high.
Household income that puts you in the “upper-income” bracket nationally (say $170K–$200K) may not afford a “rich lifestyle” in the Bay Area without savings, investments, or home equity.
To have true financial flexibility and long-term security, including homeownership, retirement savings, kids or other obligations, aiming for the top 5–10% nationally (net worth of ~$3–5 M+ and/or significant investable assets) might feel more like “wealthy.”
Wealth vs. “Financial Security” vs. “Rich Lifestyle”
It helps to think of “wealthy” not as one single category, but as a spectrum and to distinguish between:
Financial security / comfort- being able to meet needs, have savings, not worry about basic stability.
Affluence / upper-middle class -having more discretionary income, nicer home/car, vacations, some luxuries.
True “wealthy” or financially independent- having enough net worth and income to sustain lifestyle without worrying about employment, emergencies, retirement, or large expenses.
Finally, what qualifies as “wealthy” shifts based on expectations: are you thinking of being comfortable in retirement? Providing for a family in an expensive area? Having freedom to travel or pursue passions?
My suggestion to THD Activity last year for a Casino trip was granted yesterday. Four THD residents ( Jay P, Mary Ann D, Bill O and Me) along with our excellent Driver, Sean left THD around 10AM. After an hour and 15 minutes sunny drive we arrived at Graton Casino in Rohnert Park. We have lunch. Jay played regular poker after a one-hour wait. Mary Ann and I played the slots. Both of us were lucky since we brought back some money back here at THD.
I put $50 in the slots and after one hour of playing I ended up at $147. 90. For a while it was in the $285 range, but I did not quit. I expected to lose, but yesterday was my lucky day.
Before I played the slots, I went to the Poker Tables. I was planning to play a little Pai Gow Poker, but the tables were full.
For the first time, I saw card game called Red Dragon patronized mostly by Asian Americans. The Red Dragon tables were filled and overflowing with spectators including myself.
I asked ChatPT: What is Red Dragon Poker and how is it Different from Pai Gao-Chinese Poker.
Here's the AI response: What you saw at Graton is Red Dragon Poker, a relatively new Asian-influenced casino card game that has become popular in California casinos, especially among Asian-American players. It’s designed to feel familiar to Pai Gow players, but faster, simpler, and with fewer pushes.
Below is a clear, practical explanation.
What Is Red Dragon Poker?
Red Dragon Poker is a dealer-banked card game played with a standard 52-card deck.
You are not playing against other players
You play one hand directly against the dealer
The goal is simply: beat the dealer’s hand
It borrows the comfort and cultural feel of Pai Gow Poker but removes much of the complexity.
How Red Dragon Is Played (Basic Idea)
You receive 5 cards
The dealer receives 5 cards
Best 5-card poker hand wins
No splitting hands, no strategy charts, no setting errors
Some versions include optional bonus bets (often called Dragon or Fortune bonuses) that pay for strong hands regardless of whether you beat the dealer.
How Red Dragon Differs from Pai Gow Poker
1. One Hand vs. Two Hands
Pai Gow Poker
You get 7 cards
You must split them into:
a 5-card “high” hand
a 2-card “low” hand
Both must beat the dealer to win
Red Dragon
You play one 5-card hand
Much simpler, no splitting decisions
2. Much Faster Pace
Pai Gow Poker
Very slow
Many hands end in pushes (ties)
Popular with social, low-stress players
Red Dragon
Faster hands
Fewer pushes
More decisive wins and losses
This faster rhythm appeals to players who enjoy action without moving to blackjack or baccarat.
3. Fewer Pushes
Pai Gow Poker
Pushes are extremely common
Many players like this because bankrolls last longer
Red Dragon
Pushes are rarer
The game feels more “alive” and results-oriented
4. No “House Way” Confusion
Pai Gow Poker
Dealer follows a complex “House Way” for setting hands
Players often rely on the dealer to set their hand
Red Dragon
No house way charts
Best hand wins—easy to understand and explain
5. Cultural Familiarity
Red Dragon appeals strongly to Asian-American players because it:
Feels closer to traditional poker logic
Avoids commissions (unlike baccarat)
Keeps the calm, communal table atmosphere common in Pai Gow
Why Casinos Like Red Dragon
Faster than Pai Gow → more hands per hour
Simple rules → easier for new players
Familiar to Pai Gow fans but more profitable for the house
That’s why you’re seeing it appear in casinos like Graton, especially in areas with large Asian-American communities.
In One Sentence
Pai Gow Poker is slow, strategic, and push-heavy. Red Dragon Poker is faster, simpler, and more decisive, designed as a modern evolution of Pai Gow.
Meanwhile, a fellow Residents asked me if I want to learn how to play Backgammon. I said yes and here's a short summary of the game. Backgammon is the National game of Egypt and Turkey and very popular in the Middle East countries like Iran and Iraq.
.
1. Board Setup
The board consists of 24 triangles called points. Each player has 15 checkers of a distinct color (traditionally black and white).
The Setup (5-3-5-2 rule): For each player, checkers are placed on specific points:
5 checkers on the 6-point.
3 checkers on the 8-point.
5 checkers on the 13-point.
2 checkers on the 24-point (the furthest point from your home).
Direction of Play: Players move in opposite directions in a horseshoe-like fashion, aiming toward their respective home boards (the 1-6 points).
2. Gameplay Mechanics
Starting: Each player rolls one die. The player with the higher number goes first, using both their roll and the opponent's roll for their first move.
Moving: On subsequent turns, roll two dice. The numbers represent two separate moves. You can move one checker twice or two checkers once.
Doubles: If you roll the same number on both dice (e.g., 4-4), you move that number four times instead of twice.
Open Points: A checker can only land on an "open point"—one not occupied by two or more of your opponent's checkers.
3. Hitting and Entering
Blots: A single checker on a point is called a "blot." It is vulnerable to being "hit".
Hitting: If your checker lands on an opponent's blot, that checker is moved to the bar (the middle divider).
Entering: If you have a checker on the bar, you must re-enter it into your opponent's home board before moving any other checkers. You re-enter based on a die roll that corresponds to an open point in their home board.
4. Bearing Off (Winning the Game)
Once all 15 of your checkers are inside your home board (points 1–6), you can start removing them.
Roll a die that corresponds to the point a checker is on to remove it.
If you roll a number higher than your furthest occupied point, you can remove a checker from that furthest point.
The first player to remove all 15 checkers wins.
5. Types of Wins & Scoring
Single Game: Winner bears off all checkers while the opponent has removed at least one.
Gammon (2 points): Winner bears off all checkers before the opponent has removed any.
Backgammon (3 points): Winner bears off all checkers while the opponent has removed none and still has a checker in the winner's home board or on the bar.
Beginner Tips
Build Points: Try to keep at least two checkers on a point to "secure" it and avoid being hit.
Don't Leave Blots: Avoid leaving single checkers exposed, especially in your opponent's reach.
Move Back Checkers Early: Try to advance your two furthest checkers (on the 24-point) early so they don't get trapped.
