The Power of Belief

 

 "Power of Belief" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

This essay explores the concept of belief, its impact on individual achievement and resilience, and its role in shaping societies. It also touches upon the subjective nature of reality as influenced by belief.

 

 

The Power of Belief

Belief, at its core, is the acceptance of something as true or real, often without concrete proof. It is a fundamental aspect of the human psyche, shaping our perceptions, influencing our actions, and ultimately defining our reality. Far from being a mere passive acceptance, belief possesses an extraordinary, almost alchemical, power to transform individuals, societies, and even the course of history. From the quiet conviction of a single person to the shared dogma of a civilization, belief acts as a potent catalyst, driving innovation, fostering resilience, and occasionally, leading to profound folly. Understanding its multifaceted influence is key to unlocking human potential and navigating the complexities of the world.

The Night the Crabs Attacked

 

 "Killer Bat-Crab" _ Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

The Night the Crabs Attacked

 

Prelude

 

The creeks and ponds of Andros island in The Bahamas are the habitats of the land crabs that live there, which are caught and sold as a source of income for many of the Adrosian islanders.

 

But toxic fluids from experiments at a secret US Military Investigation Laboratory Base, had unknowingly been leaking into the creeks and ponds and the crabs were drinking it.

More Showers of Gold

 

"Showers of Gold Flowers" - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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"Showers of Gold Tree" - ©A. Derek Catalano
 
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"Showers of Gold Tree" - ©A. Derek Catalano
 
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Be a Role Model

  

"Role Model" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Be a Role Model

The world, a stage where every soul takes flight,
Looks up, looks out, for guiding stars of light.
Not born of fame, nor etched in marble grand,
But in the quiet kindness of a helping hand.

To be a role model is a sacred trust,
A living lesson, built on what is just.
It's not a crown, nor power to command,
But seeds of goodness scattered through the land.

It starts within, a spirit strong and true,
With values firm, in all you say and do.
Integrity, a compass in your breast,
Guiding your choices, putting truth to test.

Tropic Shore - PC Desktop Wallpaper

 

"Tropic Shore" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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"Tropic Shore" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
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Abandoned Hummingbird Nest

 

"Abandoned Hummingbird Nest" - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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"Abandoned Hummingbird Nest" - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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Go Tell It on the Mountain

 I just had to share this. A mighty powerful gem of a movie.

 

 

 

Go Tell It on the Mountain

 

Starring:  Paul Winfield, James Bond 3rd, Olivia Cole

 

Drama - 1hr. 36 mins.  - IMDB

This film adaptation of James Baldwin's celebrated novel tells the journey of a family from the rural South to "big city" Harlem seeking both salvation and understanding and of a young boy struggling to earn the approval of a self-righteous and often unloving stepfather.

My rating: 7/10 

Alcohol: The Silent Killer of Inspiration, Motivation, and Community

 

 "The Silent Killer" - Bahamas AI Art

©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Alcohol: The Silent Killer of Inspiration, Motivation, and Community

Alcohol is deeply embedded in many cultures. It is present at celebrations, rites of passage, holidays, and even business deals. It’s marketed as a gateway to fun, relaxation, and connection. But behind this glamorized facade is a substance that has quietly but profoundly devastated lives, stripped people of their drive, and hollowed out entire communities. Alcohol doesn’t just damage health — it kills inspiration, erodes motivation, and fractures the social fabric that holds communities together.

Feel the Vibes - PC Desktop Wallpaper

 

"Feel the Vibes" - Bahamas AI Art

  ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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Nebular Tropic Beach

 

"Nebular Tropic Beach" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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Mangoes Ripening on Tree

 

"Mangoes Ripening on Tree" - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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Be Thankful for the Small Things

 

 "Thankful for Small Things" - Bahamas AI Art

©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

 Be Thankful for the Small Things

The sun's first kiss upon your sleepy face,
A gentle warmth, a whisper of grace.
The morning coffee, steaming, dark, and deep,
A quiet moment, secrets it will keep.
Be thankful for the small things, soft and true,
The everyday wonders, waiting just for you.

The bird's sweet song, a melody so clear,
Dispelling shadows, banishing all fear.
The rustling leaves, a whisper in the breeze,
The ancient language of the towering trees.
Be thankful for the small things, freely given,
Little blessings, sent to us from heaven.

A friendly smile, a nod from passing by,
A shared connection 'neath a boundless sky.
The warmth of touch, a hand within your own,
A seed of kindness, beautifully sown.
Be thankful for the small things, light and fleet,
The simple moments, wonderfully sweet.

Day Break at Potters Cay

 

Day Break at Potters Cay - Video - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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Day Break at Potters Cay 1 - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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Day Break at Potters Cay 2 - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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Shop the Sea - Creativity and Culture Event at Montague Beach

 

Me, Chris and Caleb - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

Me, my son Chris and my grandson Caleb attended the  Shop the Sea - Creativity and Culture Event, Sat. June 28th, 2025 at Montague Beach and Park, Nassau, Bahamas. Chris was working the event shooting photos and invited me to come along. Caleb and I had a real fun time together exploring and enjoying it all. It was a good excuse for me go outside too. 😊

The Bahamas 52nd Independence Celebration Events

 

The Bahamas 52nd Independence Celebration Events

Think Before You Act

 

 "Face Off" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

 Think Before You Act

The world it spins, a rapid pace,
With choices given, time and space.
A hurried word, a swift retort,
Can leave a wound, or cut things short.
For impulse often takes the lead,
And plants a most unwelcome seed.
A thought unexamined, sharp and quick,
Can cause a sorrow, make you sick.

Consider well, before you leap,
The promises you sow and reap.
Each action taken, small or grand,
Leaves footprints on the shifting sand.
Will kindness bloom, or anger flare?
Will bridges mend, or rip and tear?
The power's yours, a potent key,
To shape the person you will be.

When tempers rise, and passions burn,
A moment's pause, a vital turn.
Breathe deep, allow the heat to cool,
Before you break a sacred rule.
For words once spoken, deeds once done,
Cannot be easily outrun.
They linger long, a whispered trace,
And etch themselves upon your face.

Antique Tropic Seascape Oil Paintings

 

 

"Antique Tropic Seascape Oil Painting" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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"Antique Tropic Seascape Oil Painting" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
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Crown Land in The Bahamas: A Comprehensive Report

 

 "Beachfront Property" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Crown Land in The Bahamas: A Comprehensive Report

Crown Land, often referred to as public land, represents a significant portion of the landmass in The Bahamas. It is a territorial area owned by the state (the government) and held in trust for the beneficial interest of the Bahamian people. Its management and distribution have long been central to the nation's economic, social, and political landscape.

Poinciana Lighthouse - PC Wallpaper

 

 

 "Poinciana Lighthouse" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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"Poinciana Lighthouse" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
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"Poinciana Lighthouse" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
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Related article: Lighthouses of the Bahamas

Everything Has Its Place

 

"The Cosmos" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

 Everything Has Its Place

The cosmos spins, a grand design,
Where every star and planet shine,
In orbits vast, a silent grace,
Affirming, "Everything has its place."

From quark to quasar, atom's hum,
To galaxies where light has come,
Each particle, a tiny trace,
All fitted in its proper space.

The mountain range, a rugged might,
Holds strata deep, from ancient light,
Each layer tells a timeless tale,
Of forces strong, that never fail.
The river carves its winding line,
Through canyon walls, a grand design,
And in its current, cool and deep,
The pebbles rest, the secrets sleep.

Pencil Reef

 

"Pencil Reef" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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 "Stray Potcake" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

The Stray Dog Problem in the Bahamas

 

1. Scope & Scale

• Estimated numbers: On New Providence alone, there are roughly 20,000 stray dogs, with a comparable number of cats. BHS notes as many as 30,000 dogs are present on the island.

---

2. Breed Focus – The Potcake Dog

• “Potcake” dogs: A mixed-breed indigenous to the region, named after leftovers from local meals. They range widely in appearance due to years of mixed ancestry.

• Students and tourists frequently encounter them – one report said 45 % of tourists see roaming dogs, with a small percentage feeling unsafe.

---

3. Root Causes

• Unregulated breeding and backyard operations: Owner neglect, backyard breeding, and abandonment contribute heavily.

• Cultural/financial barriers: Misconceptions around neutering (e.g., “taking away pleasure”) deter many.

• Impact of disasters: Events like Hurricane Dorian displaced many dogs; owners fell on hard times due to the storm and COVID‑19, contributing to increased stray populations.

• Insufficient enforcement: Although cruelty laws exist, lack of enforcement and resources means arrests/citations are rare .

Shower of Gold

 

Shower of Gold Tree - Video

 ©A. Derek Catalano

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Shower of Gold Flowers - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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Most Advanced Country in Military Power and Why

"USA Military Power" - Bahamas AI Art

©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Most Advanced Country in Military Power and Why

The United States is widely regarded as the most advanced country in military power. Here’s why:

---

1. Technological Superiority

• Advanced Weaponry: The U.S. military possesses state-of-the-art weapons systems, including hypersonic missiles, advanced fighter jets (e.g., F-35 Lightning II), stealth bombers (e.g., B-2 Spirit), and nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI): The Pentagon heavily invests in AI for autonomous drones, decision-making systems, and cybersecurity.
• Space Dominance: Through the U.S. Space Force, it secures superiority in satellite technology and space-based defense systems.
• Cybersecurity: Advanced capabilities in cyber warfare and defense, managed by U.S. Cyber Command.

Learn to Love Yourself

 

 "Love Yourself" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Learn to Love Yourself

 
The mirror shows a stranger's eyes,
Reflecting back what you despise.
A whispered doubt, a silent plea,
For someone else you wish to be.
The world, a stage of judging stares,
Compares your worth, and plants its snares.
Each flaw magnified, each virtue lost,
A silent battle, counting cost.

But listen close, a gentle hum,
A truth within, about to come.
Before the world can truly see,
The brilliance that resides in thee,
You must unearth, with tender hand,
The treasure buried in this land—
Your very self, flawed, grand, and deep,
The promises your spirit keeps.

For self-love isn't vanity's gleam,
Nor ego's loud, demanding dream.
It's quiet strength, a steady grace,
Accepting every time and place,
The curves, the lines, the scars you wear,
The burdens that your heart can bear.
It's knowing worth, beyond the gaze,
Through sunlit days and misty haze.

Orange Poinciana

 

Orange Poinciana - Video - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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Orange Poinciana - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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Get a Good Education

 

 "Get a Good Education" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Get a Good Education

From sun-kissed shores, where turquoise waters gleam,
A future beckons, bright as any dream.
The Bahamas calls, its promise true and bold,
For tales of progress, waiting to unfold.
But how shall we build, this nation we hold dear?
With minds awakened, conquering every fear.
Get a good education, let this be our cry,
Reach for the knowledge, reaching for the sky.

The schoolhouse stands, a beacon in the day,
Where eager minds can truly find their way.
Each lesson learned, a stepping stone to climb,
To master subjects, conquering space and time.
The teacher's voice, a guide so clear and strong,
Unlocks the wisdom, where we all belong.
From mathematics, to history's grand sweep,
The seeds of greatness, in our young minds sleep.
So lean in close, absorb each whispered word,
Let every concept, truly be heard.

For good grades earned, are more than simple score,
They show the effort, that you've striven for.
A discipline built, a will to see it through,
The careful study, proving what you can do.
They open doors, to pathways yet unseen,
To higher learning, vibrant and serene.
A university's halls, a scholar's keen pursuit,
Bearing the promise, of bountiful, learned fruit.
So shun distraction, focus on the task,
Good grades in hand, behind no learned mask.

Bougainvillea Display

 

"Bougainvillea Display" - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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"Bougainvillea Display" - ©A. Derek Catalano

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The Scientific Inquiry into the Existence of Ghosts: An Empirical Review

 

 "Is That You?" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

The Scientific Inquiry into the Existence of Ghosts: An Empirical Review

Executive Summary

This report critically examines the scientific and empirical evidence for the existence of ghosts. Despite widespread belief and centuries of anecdotal accounts, the overwhelming consensus within the mainstream scientific community is that there is no verifiable proof of ghosts. Claims of paranormal phenomena, including ghosts, consistently fail to meet the rigorous standards of scientific inquiry, particularly concerning falsifiability, repeatability, and control. Instead, experiences often attributed to ghosts are largely explained by natural phenomena, psychological factors, neurological conditions, or misinterpretations of sensory input. Parapsychology, the field dedicated to studying such phenomena, is widely considered a pseudoscience due to its inability to produce reproducible evidence and its methodological shortcomings.

Floppy Hibiscus

 

"Floppy Hibiscus" - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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 "Floppy Hibiscus" - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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 "Plastic Bag Reef" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

The Dangers and Damaging Effects of Plastics and Microplastics: A Focus on The Bahamas

 

Executive Summary

Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental issues worldwide, but its impact is especially acute in island nations like The Bahamas. With an economy rooted in tourism and fishing, The Bahamas faces a dual threat: ecological degradation and economic vulnerability. This report outlines the sources, pathways, and effects of plastics and microplastics, highlighting the specific challenges and consequences in the Bahamian context.

Plumbago Flowers

 

Plumbago Flowers - Video

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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Plumbago Flowers - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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World Sea Turtle Day

 

"Hawksbill Sea Turtle" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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Today is World Sea Turtle Day, used to honor and highlight the importance of sea turtles. More info.

Turn Your Life Around

 

 "Turn Your Life Around" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

 Turn Your Life Around

 

 From shadows deep where darkness thrives,
A plea resounds, for changing lives.
To you who walk in paths astray,
Who sow the seeds of disarray,
Whose hands are stained, whose hearts are cold,
A different story can unfold.
The path you tread, it leads to pain,
A bitter harvest, naught to gain
But isolation, fear, and dread,
A life unfulfilled, a spirit dead.

Behold the tears your actions sow,
The innocent who suffer woe.
The broken trust, the shattered peace,
The fear that knows no sweet release.
Is this the legacy you crave?
A name remembered for the grave
Of decency, of hope, of light?
To dwell forever in the night?

But hear, a whisper, soft and clear,
A chance awaits, dispel all fear.
A dawn can break, a sun can rise,
Reflected in awakened eyes.
Turn your life around, the moment's now,
Before the final, solemn bow.
Cast off the chains of vice and greed,
Plant different, purer, noble seed.

Look Up

 

"Look Up" video - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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"Look Up" - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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"Look Up" - ©A. Derek Catalano
 
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 "Look Up" - PC Wallpaper - ©A. Derek Catalano
 
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Father's Day Drumbeat

 

 Father's Day Drumbeat 

 

Me playing around with the goatskin junkanoo drum on Father's Day back in 2019. Tryin' a new rake 'n' scrape beat. My cousin Claudia joined in with a shake dance. lol. We all jus' havin' fun.😊 Nassau, Bahamas. View video.