Day 25 of the Government Shutdown

Day 25 of the Government Shutdown

Day 25 of the Government Shutdown: When the Machinery Stops, We All Feel It

When a nation’s government grinds to a halt—not for one or two days, but for weeks—the ripple effects extend far beyond the halls of Congress. On the 25th day of the ongoing shutdown, it’s becoming increasingly clear just how deeply public services, families, and the economy are being affected.

1. Federal employees & contractors — the human toll

Hundreds of thousands of federal workers are being pulled into this impasse. Some are furloughed—they cannot work and receive no pay. Others, deemed “essential,” are working but without pay until the impasse is resolved. Our Public Service+4Al Jazeera+4Brittany Pettersen+4
The result: families delaying bills, tapping savings, foregoing discretionary spending. One commentary noted that shutdowns “curtail the ability of civil servants … to provide crucial public benefits, conduct scientific research, manage the economy, address national security challenges and more.” Our Public Service
While law requires retroactive pay in many cases, that doesn’t erase the immediate financial stress. Salud Carbajal
For example:

• Some employees must cancel leave, forego routine purchases, or dip into credit just to stay afloat. Government Executive+1

• Some federal contractors may not have the same guarantee of back pay—exposing a gap in the safety net. Salud Carbajal
  On Day 25, even more uncertainty looms: how long will this last? What savings will be exhausted next?

2. Public services & families — lost access, hidden costs

Beyond the workers, shutdowns ripple out to families and communities who rely on federal programs and services. Some examples:

• Programs that depend on annual appropriations face interruptions. For instance, early‐childhood programs like Head Start are at risk of running out of funds. AP News

• Food­security programs are under threat. For example, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) may face benefit suspension in some states if the shutdown continues. People.com

• Immigration and visa applications, small-business loans, federal permits and certifications — all delayed. Brookings+1

• Environmental oversight and disasters: For example, with agency staff furloughed, pollution monitoring and environmental protections can slip. euronews

So for many families, the impact is not just theoretical. It’s: “Will my benefit get delayed? Will the preschool my child attends lose funding? Will the permit for my small business lag by months?” The uncertainty alone creates stress and deferred decisions.

3. The economy — the surprising drag on everyday life

Shutdowns may look like “Washington stuff,” but their economic consequences are both tangible and wide‐ranging. Some key points:

• Analysts estimate the economy could lose billions of dollars per week the shutdown continues. The Guardian+1

• In past shutdowns, the damage included reduced growth, delayed private-sector investment, and lost future output. CRFB+1

• Consumer confidence and spending may drop as workers lose or defer paychecks and contractors see delays.

• Some sectors feel it acutely: air travel (because of flight inspection/maintenance delays, staff shortages) and tourism (closed or limited national parks, museums). U.S. Travel Association+1
  In short: the knock-on effect of “government shuts down” touches business decisions, household budgets, and long‐term investment plans.

4. What this means in real life

• If you’re a federal employee: you may either be unpaid or worried about when pay resumes. Your household budget is squeezed.

• If you rely on a federal benefit or program (childcare, nutrition assistance, housing support, permits): you may suddenly face delays or interruptions.

• If you’re in a small business that relies on federal contracts, certifications or permits: your pipeline can stop.

• If you’re book­ing travel, exploring national parks, or relying on timely regulatory oversight: you may face cancellations, closures or longer wait times.

• If you’re simply a taxpayer: the longer this lingers, the greater the risk of degraded public infrastructure, delayed services and weakened economic growth.

5. The wider human cost

Financial disruption. Program uncertainty. Delayed life‐plans.
But also: loss of trust. When government services falter, citizens feel less secure. In a recent poll, the majority of Americans said the shutdown is a “significant problem” and that both political parties are to blame. PBS
And hidden costs mount: delayed repairs to federal properties, research projects paused, environmental clean-ups postponed, all of which raise costs down the road. Wikipedia

6. What to watch for going forward

• Will states begin to cut back support where they fill in gaps in federal programs? NCSL

• Which benefits or services will begin to be suspended if the shutdown drags deeper? (For example, nutrition assistance, early‐childhood services, new farm loans).

• How long will federal workers go without paid work before long-term harm sets in: credit issues, health‐insurance lapses, decision to leave federal service?

• How much does diminished confidence seep into business investment and household spending?

• When the shutdown ends, how long until “normal” returns? Some losses are irrecoverable. CRFB

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In conclusion
Day 25 is far from “just another news item.” For hundreds of thousands of workers, for families depending on federal programs, for tens of thousands of small businesses, and for an economy already facing headwinds, the shutdown is more than political theatre — it’s a disruption of everyday life. When government functions pause, it’s not just the federal agencies that feel it — it’s communities, children, workers, and taxpayers.

Let’s hope that the longer this goes on, the stronger the resolve on both sides to reopen services and restore stability. Because each day added doesn’t just add a number — it adds cost, stress, and uncertainty.

My Food For Thought For Today:

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1630003031063221

The Philippines Harana and the Special Filipino Dinner Here at THD

Harana is the Filipino art of romantic serenade, where a suitor sings love songs to his beloved, often accompanied by a guitar, under her window. This tradition, influenced by Spanish culture and its musical rhythms, is a public and communal event, as the singer's admiration is announced to her family and neighbors. The music itself, a form of kundiman, is characterized by a smooth, flowing, and often melancholic rhythm, expressing deep but sometimes unrequited love.  

The Practice of Harana

• The Serenade: 

  A young man, often with friends providing musical accompaniment, would sing to the window of the woman he admired. 
• Community Involvement: 

  The entire household and community would often hear the harana, as it was a public declaration of affection, not a private one. 
• The Music: 

  Harana music is a type of kundiman, characterized by a flowing, lulling rhythm that was inspired by the Spanish habanera. 
• Symbols of Love: 

  The songs express the suitor's deep love and commitment, with melodies featuring dramatic intervals. 

Historical and Cultural Context

• Spanish Influence: 

  The word "harana" derives from the Spanish word "jarana," a stringed instrument. The practice, influenced by Spanish musical traditions, was adapted to create a uniquely Filipino style. 
• Rural Origins: 

  The art form is rooted in rural courtship, with depictions often showing the suitor at a small hut. 
• A Form of Art: 

  Harana is considered a cultural art form that reflects the romantic ideals of its time. 

Decline and Modern Equivalents

• Changing Norms: 

  Modernization, including Western-style dating and private communication like texting, has diminished the prevalence of traditional harana. 
• Modern "Harana": 

  The essence of harana continues today through modern means such as social media platforms where people dedicate songs and create personalized music playlists. 

  
  

  Meanwhile,  

  

  Did You Know?

  

  Hidden beneath the Philippine seas lies a sleeping giant — the Apolaki Caldera, the largest known supervolcano on Earth!

  

  Location: Deep within the Philippine Rise (formerly Benham Rise), east of Luzon

  Size: Around 150 km wide — bigger than Yellowstone and Toba!

  Formed: Millions of years ago by massive volcanic eruptions that reshaped the ocean floor

  Name Meaning: “Apolaki” — the ancient Filipino god of the sun and war

  Discovered by: Filipino marine geophysicist Jenny Anne Barretto and her team in 2019 using advanced seafloor mapping

  Status: Dormant — but a powerful reminder of the Philippines’ fiery place in the Pacific Ring of Fire

  
  

  Moreover, Do you Know why the Philippines Keeps Shaking

  Did you know that the Philippines sits on 180 active faults and 6 major trenches — all connected to the Pacific Ring of Fire?

  That means the ground beneath us is constantly moving, storing pressure that can unleash powerful earthquakes at any time. From Luzon to Mindanao, no region is completely safe.

  
  

  https://www.facebook.com/reel/1505911067275453

  
  

  Finally, Personal Note:

  The US is Celebrating Filipino-American History Month (FAHM) the whole month of October. The flyer Filipino History in incorrect.

  

  Misspelled: Courtesy not Courtsey of Resident David Katague
  
  

  The long-awaited Special Dinner Celebrating Filipino-American-History Month (FAHM) is scheduled for Wednesday, from 4-7PM October 29, 2025.Thanking THD 💚management for a much welcome treat. I hope to see you all next Wednesday. Attached above is the flyer given to me ahead of time. In the original menu, I submitted for approval, I included Lumpia as Appetizer. I ask Joel, why it was not in the menu. Joel said it was disapprove by THD manager. Too bad because Lumpia is the most well-known and familiar dish to non-Filipinos. Joel did not informed me of the reasons why Lumpia was not included. My guess is cost-cutting on Food cost.   

  
  

  I am a bit disappointed that one popular dish was cut off from my suggested menu, since this special menu is only served once a year. If the reasons to cut it off was to save money, I have a better suggestion to THD management. The current serving portion of the main dish is large. Most of us seniors, after our soup and salad, normally consumed only a half portion of the main dish to give room for dessert. I suggest that serving portion of the main dish be only 2/3 or 3/4 of the current portion served.  I see a lot of food dumped and wasted.  If you read this and resides in THD please comment if you agree with my suggestion.   

  
  

  
  

  💚The Heritage Downtown (THD) is the best active senior apartment community in the Bay Area providing senior focused living! Nestled on a quiet, suburban street in Walnut Creek, yet within walking distance from the vibrant downtown area, residents get to enjoy the best of both worlds. This unique location gives The Heritage Downtown an opportunity to keep its residents active and highly engaged in the community. At the Heritage Downtown, residents health and happiness is our highest priority. That is why we have the best amenities available. Our residents enjoy beautifully landscaped surroundings, an on-site restaurant, the best senior health and wellness programs and a wide range of social activities. Our dedicated and skilled staff is here to make sure each of our residents feel at home. Currently, there are more than 150 residents. I know I am the only Filipino-American Resident. I have resided here at THD since June, 2023. I am very happy here.   

A Milestone in My Blogging Activities

A Milestone of Gratitude: One Million Views and Counting

Today, I reached another milestone in my blogging journey—four of my blogs have now surpassed one million page views. When I started writing years ago, I never imagined that my thoughts, reflections, and life experiences would reach readers from 150 countries around the world.

To my loyal readers, both vocal and silent, I offer my heartfelt thanks. Your continued visits, comments, and quiet presence have been my inspiration to keep writing each day.

A majority of my readers are from the United States, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the Philippines. Here in the U.S., I have learned—through written and oral comments—that many of my readers are Filipino-Americans. Your support reminds me of our shared heritage and resilience, even across oceans and time zones.

Among my silent yet loyal readers is Mr. Paulo G. Pontemayor of Washington, D.C. Although Paulo has not left comments on my blogs, I know of his readership through my daughter, Ditas, who once served as the Associate Director of the U.S. Bureau of the Census. Paulo’s quiet presence—and the presence of many like him—encourages me to keep sharing stories that connect us through memory, culture, and the common threads of human experience.

On a personal note, life has its own way of balancing challenges and blessings. My daughter Ditas, who was a Presidential Appointee under the Biden Administration, lost her federal position when the new administration took office last January. At first, this seemed like a setback—but as it turns out, it was a blessing in disguise. Ditas is moving back here to California, closer to me. Her return to the West Coast is something I deeply welcome, especially at this stage in my life.

As many of you know, I continue to live with Stage 4 Kidney Disease, yet each morning I wake up with gratitude—for another sunrise, another opportunity to write, and to stay connected with readers like you from all over the world. Writing has given me both purpose and joy, reminding me that even as our bodies may grow frail, our words and stories can continue to reach far and inspire others.

To all my readers—whether you are in Manila or San Francisco, Singapore or D.C.—thank you for walking this path with me. Your time, your curiosity, and your kindness have turned what began as a personal pastime into a global conversation.

Here’s to more stories shared, more lives touched, and more milestones to celebrate—together. With gratitude, David

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Research Notes

• Total Blog Views: 4 blogs exceeding 1 million page views each

• Global Reach: Readership from 150 countries

• Top Audiences: United States, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the Philippines

• Primary U.S. Readers: Filipino-Americans based on comments and correspondence

• Silent Loyal Reader: Paulo G. Pontemayor, Washington, D.C.

• Observation: Sustained readership growth reflects long-term engagement from both local and overseas Filipino communities, particularly professionals and retirees interested in personal reflections, culture, and health-related topics.

  Meanwhile, Did You Know that......

  Alien Genes Found Hidden in Millions of Humans
  In a discovery that sounds like science fiction but has roots in real genetic research, scientists have found that fragments of ancient “alien-like” DNA may exist within millions of people around the world These mysterious genetic codes, known as extraterrestrial sequences, do not match any known human or terrestrial origin, sparking intense debate among researchers about how they got here
  Some scientists believe these unusual genes may be remnants of ancient viruses or even biological material that arrived on Earth through meteorites billions of years ago This theory, known as panspermia, suggests that life’s building blocks might have originated from space and later merged with early human DNA
  Even more fascinating is that some of these genetic fragments appear to influence brain function, intuition, and sensory perception This has led some experts to speculate that individuals carrying specific variants might possess enhanced mental abilities such as heightened empathy, rapid learning, or even forms of telepathic sensitivity Although these claims are still being studied, they point to how little we truly understand about our own genetic history
  Traditional genetics once assumed that all human DNA evolved solely on Earth But this discovery challenges that view, hinting that our ancestry could be far more cosmic than we imagined If proven, it would mean that humanity is not just a product of Earth, but of the universe itself
  Whether or not these “alien genes” truly grant special abilities, this finding reignites one of science’s most exciting questions—are we the only intelligent life in the cosmos, or are we already carrying traces of it within us

Lastly, 

Most people think Vitamin D is just another nutrient you get from sunlight or supplements — but here’s the truth: your body treats it like a powerful steroid hormone.

Once sunlight hits your skin, your body starts making Vitamin D from cholesterol. After it’s processed by your liver and kidneys, it becomes calcitriol, an active hormone that controls over 1,000 genes affecting your immunity, inflammation, bone strength, muscle growth, and even your mood.

Personal Note:

AI won't replace you, but a person using AI will.