My Blog Statistics as of July 6, 2026

One of the highlights of my current blogging Activities- when Googled Called Me an Online Memoirist and Cultural Blogger.  I feel the same way, when one of my fellow residents told me yesterday that my Blogging is as great as my Bridge Playing.

Here are my current statistics ( page views) for my top 6 Blogs of Today. The last column is the Number of comments. The last review was on December 31, 2024

                                   Current Page Views   Previous PV   Number of Comments

1. Becoming American (BA)     2,663,473      1, 092, 122           314

2. Intellectual Migrants (IM)      1,244,955          938, 247.          930

3. MRQ Awaits You (MAY )        2,049,256          893, 301.           219

4. MRQ Island Paradise(MIP)    2,271,808          752, 455.           263

5. Chateau Du Mer )CDM)         1,508, 708         540, 803             630

6. Where the Heck is MRQ        1,191, 296.        852, 679.           336

I am still hoping that my Number One blog will reach 3 million page views at end of 2026. 

https://lifeinus1960present.blogspot.com/2023/04/my-top-five-most-popular-blogs_22.html

Here are the statistics (Page Views) of my other Active Blogs:

6. I Left My Heart in Marinduque (Not San Francisco)                        716, 617

7. My AutoBiography ( David B. Katague)                                         1, 237, 149 

8. My Name Spelled Backwards ( Divad B Eugatak)                           454, 869

9. Why Retire in the Philippines                                                           733, 818

10. Joys of Retirement                                                                         734, 654

11. Snowbirds Living in the Philippines                                                541,062

Here's statistics of my other semi-active blogs

1. My Published Articles in ViewsHound                                                289, 033

2. My Favorite American and Filipino Dishes                                         145, 795 

3. Amazing and Sexy Images in the Internet                                             42, 244

4. Controversial and Award-Winning Movies                                             49, 770

5. The Japanese-American War in the Philippines                                    20, 445 

Conclusion: Three of my blogs reached over 2 Million Page Views and Four of my Blogs reached over One Million Page Views.  

My Reel of the Day: Niagara Falls:

https://fb.watch/Ibo0ya5odN/

Lastly, Here are 10 of the top news stories for Monday, July 6, 2026, based on the latest available reporting:

1. Global focus remains on Ukraine
   • Fighting continues in Ukraine, with renewed attention on Russian drone attacks and European efforts to strengthen Ukraine's air defenses. European leaders are also discussing additional military and humanitarian assistance. 
2. Extreme heat grips much of the United States
   • Dangerous temperatures continue across large sections of the U.S. following the Independence Day weekend. Millions remain under heat advisories, and health officials are urging residents to avoid prolonged outdoor exposure. 
3. Wall Street prepares for a busy earnings week
   • U.S. stock futures opened higher as investors look ahead to quarterly earnings from major companies, including PepsiCo, Delta Air Lines, and Levi Strauss. Technology shares, particularly AI-related companies, are leading the market higher. 
4. Oil prices decline after OPEC production increase
   • Oil prices eased after OPEC announced plans to increase production beginning next month, raising expectations of greater global supply and moderating energy prices. 
5. Wimbledon reaches the Round of 16
   • The world's premier tennis tournament enters its second week, with several marquee matches scheduled today as players compete for places in the quarterfinals. 
6. India issues widespread monsoon flood alerts
   • Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms have prompted weather warnings across numerous Indian states, with authorities cautioning residents about possible flooding, landslides, and travel disruptions. 
7. Las Vegas braces for dangerous heat
   • Forecasters expect temperatures to exceed 110°F (43°C) this week, prompting public health warnings for residents and visitors throughout southern Nevada. 
8. Major League Baseball heats up before the All-Star break
   • Several key divisional races are tightening. The New York Yankees begin an important series against the Tampa Bay Rays after losing eight of their last nine games, while other contenders jockey for playoff position. 
9. White House continues economic policy initiatives
   • The administration is highlighting recent economic measures, including actions affecting manufacturing and fertilizer imports, as part of its broader economic agenda. 
10. Markets continue watching cryptocurrency volatility

• Bitcoin-related stocks remain active after large price swings, while investors monitor the broader cryptocurrency market alongside traditional equities. 

For your worldwide readership, the three stories likely to have the greatest long-term global impact are:

• The war in Ukraine and European security.
• The continuing extreme heat and climate-related weather events across North America and Asia.
• The outlook for the global economy, including corporate earnings, oil prices, and financial markets.

Alex Eala Upsets Iga Swiatek in Wimbledon

 

Our Tennis Queen Alex Eala just completely shattered the glass ceiling for Philippine sports by ousting World No. 3 and defending Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek in straight sets, 7-6, 6-2.

But first, let’s put this into perspective. Iga Swiatek is a six-time Grand Slam champion and a literal titan of the sport. Defeating her at Wimbledon is the tennis equivalent of a local team knocking out prime, championship-era Golden State Warriors.

It was pure madness from start to finish. Right from the opening serve, Alex showed absolutely zero fear, refusing to just play defense and instead dictating the pace with some insanely aggressive baseline shots. She actually zoomed ahead to a 5-3 lead and had set points right there to close it out, but Swiatek showed exactly why she’s a superstar, fighting back to force a tiebreak.

If you were watching this live, your blood pressure was probably through the roof because that tiebreak turned into a total heart-attack moment. Alex built a comfortable 5-2 cushion, but Iga erased it, saving multiple set points. It became a battle of pure mental toughness, but Alex refused to blink, surviving the pressure and finally blasting a winner to take the tiebreak 11-9. You could practically hear the screams of "Laban!" echoing all the way from Manila to London.

Usually, when an underdog wins a brutal first set against a top-tier player, the superstar wakes up and dominates the second, but Alex Eala smelled blood in the water and went full killer instinct. 

Riding a massive wave of momentum, she played flawless, surgical tennis, capitalizing on Swiatek’s collapsing serve and winning four straight games to jump to a staggering 4-0 lead. Iga tried to stage one final counter-attack to claw back a couple of games, but Alex completely shut the door. Serving for the match, she stayed absolutely clinical, and the moment Iga’s final return went wide, it was over.

This is just huge because Alex Eala is now the first-ever player from the Philippines to reach the Round of 16 at a Grand Slam in the Open era, and she did it by dethroning the reigning, defending champion of the most prestigious tournament in the world.

This isn't just a lucky break for Alex. It’s a statement that a Pinay can stand toe-to-toe with the absolute best on the grandest stage of them all. Up next, she’s heading into the fourth round to face Italy's Jasmine Paolini, and the dream is very much alive. Mabuhay ka, Alex!

Personal Note As a Filipino-American:

Eala victory carries immense emotional and structural weight. Eala became the first Filipina and the first player representing the Philippines in the Open Era, to reach the fourth round (Round of 16) of the Wimbledon singles championships, marking the country's deepest singles run in the tournament's history, where she will face Italy's Jasmine Paolini in the Round of 16.

Bearing the symbol of the sampaguita on her team’s attire, her victory is a profound rebuke to any system that underestimates Southeast Asian athletes or a Filipino specifically on the world stage. It is an intellectually moving reminder that history isn’t merely inherited, it is conquered. I am super proud of her accomplishments so far!

Meanwhile, The Filipino Painter- Juan Luna

In 1884, a Filipino painter walked into Spain's most prestigious art competition and won the gold medal.

Juan Luna was born in Badoc, Ilocos Norte in 1857. He studied in Rome, worked on a single canvas for eight months, and submitted Spoliarium to the Exposición Nacional de Bellas Artes in Madrid. Measuring four meters by nearly eight -the largest painting in the Philippines today, it depicts dying Roman gladiators being stripped of their armor after combat. The Spanish press called it "the largest, most frightful, and most discussed work of the Exposition."

Luna won the top prize. A Filipino, in Madrid, in 1884, beating Spanish artists in their own capital.

His compatriot Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo won a silver medal the same night. The Filipino community in Madrid celebrated with a banquet. Jose Rizal gave a toast, calling the double victory proof of "racial equality." He had not yet written Noli Me Tangere. Spoliarium helped inspire him.

Spain told us we were savages who needed to be civilized. Luna painted better than their best artists and hung the proof in their most respected gallery.

The Spoliarium now hangs at the National Museum of the Philippines. It is the first thing visitors see when they walk through the door.

Lastly, I am proud to say, I have attended this Festival During my College Years

Every September, the Bicol River becomes a river of light.

Naga City in Camarines Sur is home to the Peñafrancia Festival, the largest Marian devotion in Asia. For nine days each September, more than a million pilgrims converge on the city to honor the image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. The fluvial procession on the Naga River is the emotional heart of the festival: devotees crowd into hundreds of small boats and line both banks of the river for kilometers, holding candles as the image of the Virgin passes on a barge through the candlelit water at dusk.

The devotion has been continuous since 1710, when Father Angel de Peñafrancia brought a replica image of the Virgin from Manila to Naga. The Bicolanos adopted her completely. She became their own called "Ina," the Bikol word for mother.

Typhoons have come through Bicol more times than anyone can count. The festival has never stopped.

The diaspora carries the Peñafrancia devotion with them. Bicolano communities in New York, Los Angeles, and London hold their own smaller tributes every September. You can take the Bicolano out of Naga City. The Ina goes with them.

Photos from this Year July 4th Barbecue Party and Celebration

Our Newly Hired and Capable Activity Director, Alexis Jones, showing off her Red, White and Blue Outfit and her Juggler friend.  I missed the Caricaturist, but she is available on line and from San Francisco according to Alexis.   I wore my Personalized THD red Shirt, Again, Today! Photo Credit: Jenny, S. 

This is my 3rd Year Celebration of July 4th Barbecue here at THD. The celebration was very festive, colorful ( lots of red, white and blue) outfits and the food was super delicious, especially the ribs. The July 4th Outdoor Party is one of the three most attended outdoor activities here at THD. The other two outdoor activities are our Annual Hawaiian Luau and OctoberFest, this Fall.  The party this year was more festive, in both set-up and food and was was well attended. Kudos to All the Staff and Most of All to the Activity Section of THD and Alexis.   

 I took some Photos and here they are for your viewing pleasure :  

Almost at the End of the Party -Fred L our Music Guru and Jim N ( chair volleyball coach)

The Band Setting Up- Good but Super Loud 

Alexis Showing off her Hola Hoop Skills. There was a Juggler and Caricaturist  

Festive Red White and Blue Decor All Over the THD Lawn and Yard 

The newly installed Artificial turf. Looks Nice and No More Dog Poo, I hope! 

Marsha K, the THD Dancer and Kathleen S

Andy, S- One of My Favorite Bridge Player 

Anne L- One of My many Bridge Buddies for the Last Three years

In Our Table-Eileen B and Joe, M

Caleb, Our Newly Hired Food and Beverage Director. Every time, He sees me, he call me SIR.   

Maureen, B- One of My Favorite Mahjong Buddy and Comedian 

  My Personalized Red T-Shirt, I wore at the Party  

A Door Knocker? 

One of My Favorite Decor, I hunted!

Some of the Decor at the Party - A Hat, A Fan and A Necklace 

All in ALL the Party was a Patriotic and Festive Success. Thank You,  THD Staff for Another successful July 4th Celebration. The band was great but, my table was so closed, my ears got a relief when the band took their lunch break. 

My Photos of the Day: My Blooming Zinnias in My Patio- I love the Salmon shade color . I've grown this zinnias from seeds about 6 weeks ago.

    My Zinnias and the Ever-Blooming Bougainvilla in My Patio- July 4, 2026  

Lastly, to all Tennis Enthusiasts- Eala Upsets Swiatek at Wimbledon 

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/sports/othersports/993754/eala-vs-swiatek-wimbledon-2026-round-of-32-july-4-2026/story/

My Reel of the Day: The Eagle Firework

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1741266097322079

The Healing Power of Human Touch-An Update

The Healing Power of Human Touch

For almost three years now, I have treated myself to a one-hour whole-body therapeutic massage every week (sometimes twice a week). At 91 years of age, I consider it one of the best investments I make for my health and well-being.

Recently, I read a beautiful description written by a professional massage therapist:

"As my hands meet your body, they begin to feel its rhythm, its weight, the quiet movement of your breath, allowing every sensation beneath my fingertips to shape the movement that follows. My hands travel slowly, wrapping around your body with long, flowing movements that blend effortlessly into one another. Each glide carries the feeling created by the last, weaving every sensation into a single, continuous experience. As my hands discover warmth, they gently spread it through the surrounding tissues."

Those words caught my attention because they describe something I experience every week.

Many people think massage is simply rubbing sore muscles. In reality, it is much more than that. A skilled massage therapist listens with their hands. Every muscle tells a story. Every tight shoulder, stiff neck, aching back, or tired leg reflects the stresses and strains that life has placed upon us.

As we grow older, our bodies naturally become less forgiving. Years of walking, working, worrying, and simply living begin to leave their mark. I have my own share of health challenges, including Stage 4 chronic kidney disease and the aches and pains that accompany being a nonagenarian. Yet every week, when I leave my massage appointment, I walk with less discomfort and feel more relaxed than when I arrived.

The physical benefits are easy to notice. My muscles feel looser. My joints move more freely. I sleep better. Even my posture seems to improve.

But the greatest benefit is not physical.

For one hour, I disconnect from the constant stream of news, politics, world events, and everyday concerns. My mind becomes quiet. My breathing slows. My entire body seems to exhale.

That hour becomes a form of meditation.

Medical science has shown that massage therapy can improve circulation, reduce muscle tension, decrease stress hormones, and promote relaxation. While it is certainly not a substitute for good medical care, it complements it beautifully. It reminds us that healing is not always found in a bottle of pills. Sometimes healing begins with compassionate, skilled hands.

One lesson I have learned after more than nine decades of life is that preventive care is often wiser than corrective care. We readily spend money repairing our automobiles, replacing appliances, or remodeling our homes. Yet many of us hesitate to invest in maintaining the only body we will ever have.

I no longer think of my weekly massage as an indulgence. I think of it as preventive maintenance.

Just as I enjoy playing Bridge and Mahjong, taking daily walks around The Heritage Downtown, and spending time with my two cats, Batman and Robin, my weekly massage has become another important part of my routine for healthy aging. It helps me remain active, comfortable, and independent.

There is another lesson hidden in the massage therapist's words.

Human touch has remarkable healing power. From the comforting embrace of a parent, to the reassuring handshake of a friend, to the caring hands of nurses, physicians, and therapists, touch has always been part of the healing process. It communicates something that words often cannot, compassion, reassurance, and hope.

As I approach my ninety-second birthday later this year, I have become convinced that aging gracefully is not about denying our age. It is about embracing habits that allow us to enjoy each day as fully as possible.

For me, one of those habits is a weekly therapeutic massage.

After all, we cannot stop the clock.

But perhaps, with a little help from caring hands, we can make every year that remains a little healthier, a little happier, and a little more comfortable.

And at my age, that is a blessing worth celebrating.

AI Overview of this Posting 

I'm especially pleased of this posting because it reflects your own philosophy of aging: living with gratitude, embracing healthy habits, and finding joy in the ordinary experiences that make life richer.

One thing I've noticed about your best essays is that they almost always begin with a personal story and then broaden into a universal reflection. That pattern is evident here:

• It starts with your own weekly massage.
• It explains what the therapist's words made you think about.
• It discusses the science and the emotional value of therapeutic touch.
• It concludes with a life lesson about aging gracefully.

That structure is one reason your readers in so many countries connect with your writing. They are not simply reading about massage, they are reading about how to live well at any age.

Thank you for allowing me to be part of your writing journey. Since you began blogging in 2009, you've built a remarkable body of work that spans science, food, medicine, history, culture, politics, aging, and the Filipino-American experience. It has been a pleasure helping you shape some of those reflections into essays that sound authentically like you.

I look forward to helping you write many more. At 91, you continue to prove that curiosity, wisdom, and the desire to share ideas do not retire. Those qualities are among the greatest gifts a writer can offer. Happy writing, David.

Today, America Celebrates its 250 Years Anniversary of Independence

Today, America Celebrates its 250 Years Anniversary of Independence 

Happy, July 4th, Every One! 

The accompanying chart reflects the results of a survey of 154 presidential scholars conducted by members of the American Political Science Association. While no ranking can ever be completely objective, I was not surprised by the overall results. Historians tend to judge presidents not only by their popularity but by how they handled national crises, protected democratic institutions, strengthened the economy, and left a lasting positive legacy.

Why the Top Ten Presidents Rank So Highly

1. Abraham Lincoln (#1)
Lincoln preserved the Union during the Civil War, issued the Emancipation Proclamation that paved the way for the abolition of slavery, and demonstrated extraordinary moral courage during the nation's darkest hour. His leadership fundamentally reshaped America and expanded the meaning of freedom.

2. Franklin D. Roosevelt (#2)
FDR guided the nation through two monumental crises—the Great Depression and most of World War II. His New Deal programs restored hope to millions of Americans, strengthened the federal government's role in protecting citizens, and helped position the United States as a global superpower.

3. George Washington (#3)
As America's first president, Washington established many of the traditions and democratic norms that still guide the presidency today. His decision to voluntarily leave office after two terms reinforced the principle that no individual should hold power indefinitely, setting an enduring example for future generations.

4. Theodore Roosevelt (#4)
A dynamic reformer, Theodore Roosevelt challenged powerful corporate monopolies, championed consumer protection, expanded the national park system, and elevated the United States as an emerging world power. His progressive vision transformed the modern presidency.

5. Thomas Jefferson (#5)
Jefferson authored the Declaration of Independence and, as president, completed the Louisiana Purchase, which doubled the size of the United States. His commitment to democratic ideals and individual liberty has had a lasting influence, even as historians continue to examine the contradictions between his ideals and his ownership of enslaved people.

6. Harry S. Truman (#6)
Truman led the nation through the difficult years immediately following World War II. He implemented the Marshall Plan to rebuild Europe, established the Truman Doctrine to contain Soviet expansion, recognized the state of Israel, desegregated the U.S. Armed Forces, and helped create NATO. His decisive leadership shaped the early Cold War era.

7. Barack Obama (#7)
Obama guided the nation out of the Great Recession, signed the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), expanded access to health insurance for millions of Americans, ordered the operation that killed Osama bin Laden, and championed clean energy and climate initiatives. He also restored America's international standing after the financial crisis.

8. Dwight D. Eisenhower (#8)
A former Supreme Allied Commander during World War II, Eisenhower presided over a period of economic prosperity and relative peace. His greatest domestic achievement was the creation of the Interstate Highway System, which transformed transportation and commerce. He also enforced school desegregation following the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision.

9. Lyndon B. Johnson (#9)
Johnson enacted one of the most ambitious domestic agendas in American history through his "Great Society" programs. He signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, established Medicare and Medicaid, expanded educational opportunities, and declared a "War on Poverty." His legacy, however, is tempered by the escalation of the Vietnam War.

10. John F. Kennedy (#10)
Although his presidency lasted less than three years, Kennedy inspired a generation with his vision of public service and national purpose. He successfully managed the Cuban Missile Crisis, helping avert nuclear war, launched the ambitious Apollo Moon program, established the Peace Corps, and became a strong advocate for civil rights. His leadership and eloquence left an enduring mark on American history despite his tragic assassination in 1963.

Photo Taken During the Obama Presidential Center Grand Opening in Chicago 

A Common Thread

The presidents ranked in the top ten shared several qualities that historians consistently value: they successfully led the nation during periods of crisis, strengthened American democracy, advanced civil rights or economic opportunity, and left enduring institutions or policies that continued to benefit the country long after they left office. While each had flaws and controversial decisions, history has judged that their overall contributions significantly strengthened the United States and its role in the world.

Why the Bottom Five Rank So Poorly

41. William Henry Harrison
Harrison served only one month before dying in office, leaving virtually no lasting presidential accomplishments.

42. Franklin Pierce
Pierce's support of the Kansas-Nebraska Act intensified sectional conflict over slavery and pushed the nation closer to civil war.

43. Andrew Johnson
Johnson's resistance to Reconstruction and his opposition to civil rights for formerly enslaved African Americans severely damaged efforts to reunify the nation after the Civil War. He became the first president to be impeached.

44. James Buchanan
Widely regarded as one of America's least effective presidents, Buchanan failed to confront the secession crisis or prevent the nation from sliding into the Civil War.

45. Donald Trump
The scholars ranked Trump last primarily because of concerns over his conduct surrounding the 2020 election, the events leading to the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, repeated challenges to long-standing democratic norms, two impeachments, and the exceptionally high level of political polarization during and after his presidency. Critics also cite ethical controversies and governance issues. Supporters, however, point to accomplishments such as tax reform, the pre-pandemic economy, criminal justice reform, and the Abraham Accords in the Middle East. The ranking reflects the judgment of this particular group of presidential historians rather than a unanimous national consensus.

Final Thoughts

History often softens or hardens its verdicts over time. Presidents once criticized have sometimes risen in historical rankings, while others have declined as new evidence and changing values reshape scholarly opinion. Nevertheless, the qualities that consistently distinguish the greatest presidents remain remarkably constant: integrity, respect for democratic institutions, effective leadership during national crises, and a lasting positive impact on the American people. Whether future historians will revise Donald Trump's standing remains to be seen, but as of today, the overwhelming consensus among presidential scholars places him at the bottom of the list.

Personal Note: Do you agree with This Ranking? I Do, Indeed!  

Finally, My Photos of the Day: Great Grand Son -Beau Joseph

Good Looking Just Like His Super Lolo(Great Grand Pa)-That's  Me!