The Chemistry of Happiness and My Photos of the Day

This posting is inspired by my recent observation of a friend that was so happy after we attended an event that she loved. She appeared to be in Cloud 9, possibly due high levels of dopamine and oxytocin in her brain.

Happiness isn’t some elusive secret; it’s built into our biology. Chemicals like dopamine, oxytocin, endorphins, and serotonin connect our inner feelings to the life we live. A warm hug, soaking up sunlight, or sharing a laugh with friends—small moments with big impact. The science behind happiness shows just how connected we are to the world around us.

Here are the four foundation for true happiness, consisting of these basic ingredients:. 

• A feeling of safety.
• A sense of satiation.
• A sense of perspective.
• Quietude.
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• Meanwhile here are my photos of the Day
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Personal Note: Our Cache Creek Casino Excursion June 10 was one of the most enjoyable activity I have participated here in THD since my move 2 years ago. Thank You, Activity and THD Management for Improving our quality of life and sense of community belonging by hosting this type of activity. 

My Lunch at the Asian Cafe was Pork Sinigang. It has the authentic tamarind-sour taste and enough left over for take out. It was yummy! They have Adobo also in their menu. Cache Creek is celebrating their 40 years in business. Two other THD residents were with me along with our capable driver, Liza and excellent host, Camille, Thank you Liza and Camille for the wonderful day excursion!  Perhaps, next time we could leave early or go to Graton Casino in Marin County.  Here's the leftover of My $120 budget for the trip. I lost but had a grand time!  Looking for the next Casino trip excursion soon.     

The Benefits of My Weekly Massage- An Update

This is a repost of my article I wrote a couple of months ago with an update.

If you read my blogs, you probably know that I have once a week a whole body massage for the last 15 months here at THD ( home visit). My massage therapist ( home visit) is Indy ( Darryl Choy), Walnut Creek- 925-487 6096.

Here's what I wrote previously on the benefits of massage( muscles stretching) that Indy provides.  

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2024/04/thai-massage-versus-traditional-swedish.html

The Update: Here's information from Indy's Website: https://indy.abmp.com/about

Indy at our Table During the Wine-Tasting Event here at THD last Thursday, April 10, 2025

BODHI SUN HEALING CENTER                                                                                                    925 487 6096

2363 Boulevard Circle Suite 1                                                                  iching94583@yahoo.com

Walnut Creek CA 94595 

  TLC * this is who I am, what I believe in, and what I choose to do

           TOUCH  when we touch each other,  we create peace and harmony

LAUGHTER  when we laugh together, it is impossible to be scared, angry, or worried

CONVERSATION  if, and when we speak, it is with profound intimacy and intensity

The delivery system of this technology is:

 MASSAGE FLIGHTS * --are like wine flights! and are designed to provide a client / passenger with the opportunity to experience different and varied styles and qualities of touch  from multiple therapists---and to find their ideal one.  This is our revolutionary concept, and it is the foundation and the core curriculum of our :

 "THE FIRST DAY OF KINDER-GARDEN FOR ADULTS"*

      designed to teach each of us how to truly feel our emotions and to touch each other; on an elementary and essential level.  The mission of the KINDER GARDEN is to transform the human condition through

                         LESS TALK, MORE TOUCH*

  We conduct and facilitate KINDER-GARDEN* classes at your company, school, club, family reunion, convention.... Anywhere, anytime.

 *this is a never-to-be-patented technology I discovered, invented, and created.

        TLC, like love, and friendship, (and all forms of wealth) does not exist unless it is shared. 

 ABOUT THE PRACTITIONER: INDY is the stage name/nickname of Darryl Choy.  He was born and raised in the fabled neighborhood of North Beach in San Francisco.  INDY was shaped and influenced by the Beat Generation, the Hippies, and all that was the 50s, 60s, and 70s... .

Formally, and conventionally, Darryl ('56) attended and graduated from Lowell High School (74),  City College of San Francisco (77), UC Berkeley (79), and USF School of Law (82). 

His two sons, Aaron ('92) and Ethan ('94), and his late father ('33) and late mother ('34) and paternal grandmother and maternal grandfather, were the principal persons who have shaped and influenced and motivated him to create his "right livelihood."

The work of INDY touches the fundamental architecture of the human spirit.  His tools are TLC - Touch, Laughter, and Conversation

Meanwhile, Here's is my latest reading why Muscle Stretching reduces stress, anxiety, depression and fatigue. 

 

Your body holds wisdom beyond the conscious mind—stored emotions, past experiences, and even stress accumulate in your muscles and joints. This simple stretch doesn’t just loosen your hips, hamstrings, and spine—it also helps release tension trapped in your nervous system. 

Ancient yogis believed that flexibility in the body leads to flexibility in the mind, allowing energy (prana) to flow freely. Science confirms this by showing how movement reduces anxiety, boosts mood, and rebalances the nervous system. Every time you stretch, you are realigning your body, mind, and spirit—bridging the gap between physical and energetic health. Take a deep breath, fold forward, and feel the release. What part of your body do you feel holds the most tension?

Recent scientific discoveries suggest that a simple, soothing massage of the face and neck could improve the brain’s ability to clear out waste.

Lastly, Here's my reading on why Marriage is Not Beautiful

Jobs AI will Replace in the Next Five Years

This posting is inspired by my recent readings from the Wall Street Journal of how AI is affecting the search for jobs if you just graduated recently.   

AI is impacting jobs for new graduates, though it's not as simple as outright replacement—it’s more nuanced and varies by industry, role, and skill level

https://gaper.io/15-jobs-will-ai-replace-by-2030/

How AI Is Replacing or Reshaping Jobs

1. Automation of Routine Tasks:
   AI and automation tools can now handle tasks that entry-level workers often did, such as data entry, basic customer service (via chatbots), content summarization, and simple coding/debugging.

2. Shrinking Demand for Some Roles:
   Roles like junior analysts, content writers, administrative assistants, and even paralegals are seeing reduced demand because AI can perform many of their core functions faster and cheaper.

3. Hiring Freezes or Re-Defined Entry-Level Jobs:
   Companies may hire fewer new grads for roles AI can supplement. Instead, they look for candidates who can work with AI, rather than be replaced by it.

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But AI Is Also Creating New Opportunities

1. New Career Paths:
   There’s growing demand for AI-related roles—e.g., prompt engineering, AI ethics, data labeling, model training, and AI-assisted design and development.

2. 
   Upskilling Advantage:
   Graduates who learn to use AI tools (like ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot, etc.) gain an edge in productivity and employability. Employers value those who can blend domain knowledge with tech-savviness.

3. Entrepreneurial Opportunities:
   AI has lowered barriers to entry for freelancing, startups, and content creation. Some graduates now build businesses or personal brands faster using AI tools.

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What Can New Graduates Do?

• Adapt and Upskill: Learn how AI affects your field and how to use it to your advantage.

• Focus on Human-Centric Skills: Creativity, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and communication remain hard for AI to replicate.

• Look at Emerging Industries: Green tech, healthcare tech, cybersecurity, and remote collaboration are growing and AI-enhanced.

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1. AI’s Impact on Specific Career Fields (for New Graduates)

Career Field	Impact of AI	Advice for Graduates
Business/Admin	Automates data entry, scheduling, and reports.	Learn tools like Excel + AI plugins, project management software, and data visualization.
Marketing & Content	AI generates blogs, ads, SEO content, social media posts.	Focus on strategy, brand storytelling, and AI-assisted content creation.
Customer Service	Chatbots and voice AI reduce need for entry-level reps.	Specialize in customer experience design, empathy-based roles, or chatbot training.
Software Development	Tools like GitHub Copilot can generate basic code.	Learn full-stack, DevOps, or AI development to stay ahead.
Law / Legal Research	AI tools summarize case law and draft contracts.	Focus on legal strategy, negotiation, or AI law and ethics.
Journalism	AI can write simple news and sports summaries.	Shift toward investigative journalism, multimedia skills, and data journalism.
Graphic Design	AI design tools generate quick templates and logos.	Learn branding, UX/UI, and design thinking—areas needing creativity and context.
Finance / Accounting	Bookkeeping, budgeting, and forecasting are becoming automated.	Emphasize financial advising, analytics, or forensic accounting.
Healthcare	AI helps with diagnostics, admin tasks, and data analysis.	Pursue hands-on care roles or learn AI-health applications (e.g., radiology tech).
Education	AI tutors and learning platforms are supplementing human instruction.	Specialize in personalized learning, curriculum development, or educational tech.

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2. AI-Proof (or AI-Resilient) Skills for New Graduates

Skill	Why It Matters
Critical Thinking	AI can analyze data but lacks real-world judgment and nuance.
Creativity	Original ideas, innovation, and storytelling are hard for AI to replicate.
Emotional Intelligence	Human connection, empathy, and relationship-building remain uniquely human.
Communication	Writing, speaking, and active listening are vital in all roles, especially with AI.
Adaptability	Tech evolves quickly. Being open to change is a major career asset.
Problem Solving	Framing problems, exploring solutions, and decision-making require human insight.
Leadership	Inspiring teams, managing conflict, and ethical decision-making need people skills.
	Not coding alone, but knowing how to use AI tools smartly and ethically. Meanwhile, Did you know that..... After death, the body doesn't shut down instantly. While the brain and nerve cells start dying within minutes of oxygen loss, organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys can survive for about an hour. Some tissues — like skin, tendons, and corneas — stay viable for up to a day. Interestingly, even after clinical death, certain cells keep functioning for hours or days in what's known as the "twilight of death." During this time, some genes continue to activate, possibly in a chaotic response to dying — and this may explain why organ transplant recipients face a higher risk of cancer. These findings raise deep questions about life, death, and the unseen challenges in transplant science. Finally, My Photo of the Day Personal Note: Today is the Cache Creek Casino Excursion. Wish Me Luck!

My News of the Week- Trump Versus Newsome

Governor Gavin Newsom has taken a bold stance against the Trump administration, floating the idea of a federal tax boycott after the White House threatened to slash funding for California universities. Newsom pointed out that California sends about eighty billion dollars more to Washington than it gets back, and he is making it clear that the state is tired of being treated as a political punching bag. His willingness to leverage California’s economic power comes as Trump escalates attacks on the state, including deploying the National Guard to Los Angeles over the governor’s objections.

Newsom is not alone in this fight. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has strongly criticized Trump’s decision to federalize the National Guard, blaming the move for fueling chaos and violence during recent protests. Other California leaders, including former Vice President Kamala Harris and Representative Maxine Waters, have rallied behind Newsom, arguing that the administration’s actions are meant to stoke fear and division35. The state legislature has set aside fifty million dollars to fund legal challenges, and California has joined or filed nineteen lawsuits against the Trump administration since inauguration day, showing a united front.

Meanwhile, cities like Glendale are taking concrete steps to protect their communities. Glendale announced it will end its contract with ICE and stop holding immigration detainees, reflecting a growing commitment to public safety and civil rights. These moves, from local to state level, show California leaders are determined to defend their values, resist federal overreach, and stand up for residents targeted by harsh federal policies.

Finally, Did you know that....

A striking sea creature, commonly known as the “Spanish dancer”, was recently photographed at Coral Bay on the Western Australian coast. This large, vibrant sea slug captivated social media users with its bright colors and intricate patterns. It gets its name from its undulating swimming motion, which resembles the flowing movements of a flamenco dancer’s skirt.

The individual who captured the images noted that the animal arrived with the tide and was seen in shallow waters. Spanish dancers can grow up to 90 centimeters in length and are typically found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, where it is known to inhabit coral reefs and rocky seabeds. They are nocturnal creatures, usually avoiding light and becoming active late at night.

The Spanish dancer is famous for its bright red, orange, or pink hues, often with intricate patterns, making it a stunning sight for divers and marine enthusiasts. Unlike many other nudibranchs, which crawl along the ocean floor, this species can swim by gracefully flapping the edges of its soft, fleshy body.

A Beautiful Scenic Drive to the Summit of Mt. Diablo

Eight eager THD residents including myself were 15 minutes early for our scheduled scenic drive to the top of Mt Diablo yesterday afternoon. The day was sunny and warm and was not windy at all. I was ready for a windy day at the top, but when we arrived after a 25 to 30 minutes slow and torturous drive on the 5.7 miles winding road, it was very warm at the top of Mt Diablo. I have to take of my wind-breaker jacket of. The view however was super clear and mesmerizing. It was worth the 3-4  hours we spent on the drive and tour that whole afternoon under the guidance of our capable driver- Sylvia ( I do not know her last name, since she is a very new THD employee). After tour on our way back to THD, the group fired me as the resident meteorologist for the Day. 

I purchased the above cap at the gift shop to add to my collection. Currently I have 24 caps in my collection. 

We stayed for about 30 minutes, taking pictures, visiting the visitor center and museum and me purchasing a black baseball cap to add to my cap collection ( see photo above). Here are some of the other photos I took; 

Our Capable Driver- Sylvia

Hisako Tanaka- Dressed to Kill for the Remarkable Summit View

One of the Inside Museum Framed Photographs,  I loved 

Pamela ( Pam) Atkinson enjoying One of the Museum Exhibits  

Anne Stackhouse and Eileen Breismeister

Many visitors to Mount Diablo head straight for the Summit to enjoy the famous view. As mountains go, Mount Diablo isn't particularly tall - only 3,849 feet.  However, it is surrounded by low, rolling hills and broad, flat valleys, so the view from the Summit is remarkable.  When conditions are best, you can see almost 200 miles.  Summer days are sometimes hazy, and the best viewing is often on the day after a winter storm. Then, you can look to the west, beyond the Golden Gate Bridge, to the Farallon Islands; southeast to the James Lick Observatory on Mount Hamilton at 4,213 feet elevation; south to Mount Loma Prieta in the Santa Cruz Mountains at 3,791 feet elevation, north to Mount Saint Helena in the Coast Range at 4,344 feet elevation, and still farther north to Lassen Peak in the Cascades at 10,466 feet. North and east of Mount Diablo the San Joaquin and Sacramento Rivers meet to form the twisting waterways of the Delta. To the east beyond California's great central valley, the crest of the Sierra Nevada seems to float in space.  All in all, you can see over 8,539 square miles and parts of 40 of California's 58 counties from the Summit of Mount Diablo. 

Here are three other photos taken by Sylvia and sent to me by Jenny S:

For Details visit:  https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=517

Lastly a Personal Note: Two new employees of THD/Hillandale Combo told me the other day, I look like I have Chinese Ancestry. I told them I am too good-looking to have Chinese DNA( just a joke). When I told them I am a Filipino-American, both of them look surprise. Really? Any Comments on this incident, my dear readers here at THD and other parts of the World?  I do not look like a regular or typical Filipino, because of my nose?  Agree or Disagree?   

Inherited Glutaric Aciduria, Type1 (GA-1) Disease on New Borns

I learned and heard of a very rare genetic disease after a visit to a close relative yesterday. The inherited Disease is Glutaric aciduria type 1( GA-1).

Glutaric aciduria type 1 (GA1) is a rare and can be a serious inherited condition if not treated early. It means the body can't process certain amino acids ("building blocks" of protein), causing a harmful build-up of substances in the blood and urine.

Normally, our bodies break down protein foods like meat and fish into amino acids. Any amino acids that aren't needed are usually broken down and removed from the body.

Babies with GA1 are unable to break down the amino acids lysine, hydroxylysine and tryptophan.

Normally, these amino acids are broken down into a substance called glutaric acid, which is then converted into energy. Babies with GA1 do not have the enzyme that breaks down glutaric acid, leading to a harmfully high level of this and other substances in the body.

📊 Prevalence

• Worldwide: About 1 in 100,000 live births.

• Higher rates in certain populations due to founder effects (where a mutation is more common in a small or isolated population). For example:

  • Old Order Amish (USA): Much more common—up to 1 in 300.

  • Ojibwe-Cree tribes (Canada): Higher prevalence noted.

  • Swedish population: Elevated rates in parts of Sweden.

🧬 Why It's Rare

GA-1 is an autosomal recessive disorder, meaning:

• A baby must inherit two defective copies of the GCDH gene (one from each parent).

• Carriers (with one copy) typically show no symptoms.

• This rarity results from the low likelihood that both parents are carriers of the same rare mutation.

Diagnosing GA1

At around 5 days old, babies are now offered newborn blood spot screening to check if they have GA1. This involves pricking your baby's heel to collect drops of blood to test.

If GA1 is diagnosed, treatment can be given straight away to reduce the risk of serious complications.

With early diagnosis and the correct treatment, the majority of children with GA1 are able to live normal, healthy lives. However, treatment for GA1 must be continued for life.

Without treatment, severe and life-threatening symptoms can develop, including seizures (fits) or falling into a coma. Some children with untreated GA1 are also at risk of brain damage, which can affect muscle movement. This may lead to problems with walking, talking and swallowing.

Symptoms of GA1

Symptoms of GA1 usually don't appear until a few months after birth, although some babies are born with a larger-than-average head (macrocephaly).

Children with GA1 may develop some floppiness or weakness in their muscles (hypotonia) during their first year and there's a risk of developing bleeding around their brain (subdural haematoma). In rarer cases, bleeding can develop around the back of the eyes (retinal haemorrhage).

Metabolic crisis

Children with GA1 may have episodes known as a metabolic crisis, sometimes early in their life. Symptoms of a metabolic crisis include:

• poor feeding or loss of appetite
• lack of energy
• abnormal movements
• vomiting
• irritability
• breathing difficulties

It's important to get medical help immediately if your baby develops symptoms of a metabolic crisis. Your doctor will give you advice to help recognise the signs.

In some cases, a metabolic crisis may be triggered later in childhood by an infection or illness. The hospital should provide you with emergency treatment instructions to follow if your child is ill, which helps to prevent these symptoms developing.

Treating GA1

Diet

Children diagnosed with GA1 are referred to a specialist metabolic dietitian and given a low-protein diet. This is tailored to reduce the amount of amino acids your baby receives, especially lysine and tryptophan.

High-protein foods need to be limited, including:

• meat
• fish
• cheese
• eggs
• pulses
• nuts

Your dietitian will provide detailed advice and guidance, as your baby still needs some of these foods for healthy growth and development.

Breastfeeding and baby milk also need to be monitored and measured, as advised by your dietitian. Regular baby milk contains the amino acids that need to be restricted, so a special formula is used instead. This contains all the vitamins, minerals and other amino acids your baby needs.

People with GA1 may need to follow a restricted protein diet for the rest of their life to reduce their risk of a metabolic crisis. As your child gets older, they'll need to learn how to control their diet and stay in contact with a dietitian for advice and monitoring.

Medication

Your child will be prescribed a medication called L-carnitine, which helps to clear some of the excess glutaric acid.

L-carnitine is given as a tablet and needs to be taken regularly, as directed by your doctor.

Emergency treatment

If your baby develops an infection, such as a high temperature or cold, their risk of having a metabolic crisis increases. It's possible to reduce the risk by changing to an emergency diet while they're ill.

Your dietitian will provide detailed instructions, but the aim is to replace milk and food containing protein with special high-sugar drinks. Medication should still be taken as normal.

Your dietitian may provide you with a feeding tube (nasogastric tube) and show you how to use it safely. This can be useful in an emergency if your baby isn't feeding well while they are ill. 

Here's a summary for Easy Reading:

GA-1 is a rare inherited condition that affects how a baby’s body breaks down certain proteins found in food. When someone has GA-1, their body cannot properly handle parts of the food they eat — especially proteins from things like meat, eggs, and dairy.

Instead of being broken down normally, harmful substances build up in the body and can damage the brain, especially if the child becomes sick or doesn’t eat for a while.

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🧬 How Do Babies Get GA-1?

GA-1 is something a baby is born with — it’s not caused by anything the parents did during pregnancy.

• We all have two copies of every gene: one from our mom and one from our dad.

• For a baby to have GA-1, both parents must be “carriers” of a gene that doesn’t work properly.

• Carriers are healthy — they don’t have the disease, and most never know they carry the gene.

If both parents are carriers:

• There’s a 1 in 4 chance (25%) the baby will have GA-1.

• A 1 in 2 chance (50%) the baby will be a carrier like the parents.

• A 1 in 4 chance (25%) the baby will be completely free of the gene.

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🧪 What Happens in the Baby’s Body?

Think of the body like a kitchen where food is broken down into useful ingredients. A baby with GA-1 is missing a special "tool" (called an enzyme) that helps break down certain parts of protein.

Without this tool:

• Toxic substances build up — especially glutaric acid — and these can hurt the brain over time.

• This can lead to movement problems, developmental delays, and sometimes seizures.

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🩺 How Is GA-1 Found and Treated?

• Many places now screen newborns for GA-1 using a simple heel-prick blood test. This helps catch the condition before any damage is done.

• If caught early, doctors can prevent problems with:

  • A special diet low in certain proteins

  • Supplements, like carnitine, that help the body remove toxins

  • Emergency care during illness (like flu or fever) to avoid a crisis

With early treatment, many children with GA-1 live healthy lives.

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🧪 Molecular Mechanism of Disease

1. Gene Involved:

   • The GCDH gene is located on chromosome 19p13.2.

   • It encodes the glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase enzyme, which is needed to break down certain amino acids: lysine, hydroxylysine, and tryptophan.

2. Enzyme Deficiency:

   • Mutations in GCDH reduce or eliminate the activity of glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase.

   • Without this enzyme, the body cannot properly metabolize lysine and tryptophan.

3. Toxic Build-Up:

   • As a result, intermediate compounds like glutaric acid and 3-hydroxyglutaric acid accumulate in the body, especially in the brain.

   • This build-up causes damage to basal ganglia, leading to:

     • Movement disorders (e.g., dystonia)

     • Seizures

     • Developmental delays

❤️ Final Thoughts

• GA-1 is not anyone’s fault.

• It’s a genetic condition passed down silently for generations.

• Early detection and proper care make a huge difference.

  
  

For Details visit: https://www.newbornscreening.info/ga-1-glutaric-acidemia-type-1/

Meanwhile, I treated Grandson Ian, wife Sara and Daughter Dinah for a Mexican lunch at the Mezcal Grill on 57th and Broadway, Sacramento. Dinah and I had the Chile Relleno that we consumed with delight and Ian and Sara had the SeaFood Fajitas, Tacos and Beer. While we are eating lunch great grandson Graham is enjoying his nap.  Here are four photos of my visit.

From the Restaurant Website: Here at Mezcal Grill, we take pride in bringing the vibrant and mouthwatering flavors of authentic Mexican cuisine to your table. Our menu features a delightful array of traditional dishes that honor the rich culinary heritage of Mexico. But we also believe in the beauty of culinary fusion, so we infuse a hint of Tex-Mex and Californian influences into some of our signature creations. This adds a unique and exciting twist to our offerings, ensuring a dining experience that is both familiar and refreshingly innovative.

From sizzling fajitas to irresistible street tacos, from zesty salsas to creamy guacamole, every dish is crafted with care and expertise. Whether you're craving the comforting warmth of a classic Mexican dish or the bold, adventurous flavors of a modern creation, we've got something to tantalize your taste buds.

Grandson Ian King and Great Grandson, Graham King ( One-month old)