Monday, January 13, 2025

Don't Make Promises You Can't Keep

 
Angry people marching with strike signs.

 "March On" - Bahamas AI Art
©A. Derek Catalano
 
 

Don't Make Promises You Can't Keep

In the heart of the islands, where turquoise seas sing,
The people dream of justice, of a fairer, better thing.
But year by year, the cycles repeat,
Promises made, but never complete.

I. The Golden Words
Campaign banners line the streets, vibrant and tall,
Voices thunder in halls, hope rebounding off every wall.
“Jobs for the youth! Schools that inspire!
Hospitals equipped, and the wages higher!”

Their lips drip honey, their words gilded with gold,
The people clap and cheer, young and old.
For every tear, they offer a dream,
But dreams, we learn, are not what they seem.

Iguana on the Park

 
Woman's Tongue Tree

Woman's Tongue Tree, Joe Billy Park
Fowler St. Nassau, Bahamas
©A. Derek Catalano


Saw a few people in the community pointing fingers and looking upward at this Woman's Tongue tree. Some were taking photos on their phones and others were making calls. I walked over to investigate.
 

Iguana on Limb
 
Iguana on Limb - ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 
I ask one a da brudders what happenin'. He say "Bey Derek, one big Iguana up in da tree."
I say "Wha..?!" He say "Yes bey!"
I say "Where?" He point his finger and say "Look right up dere on da end a dat limb."
Lo and behold dere it was. A huge Green Iguana. Muddoes! I could hardly believe it.
Where did it come from. Was it an escaped pet? Did it break out of Ardastra Gardens? Did it enter the country illegally by boat?
Then another person said it had been hangin' out on the park for a li'l while now. I say "Or."


Iguana on Limb

Iguana on Limb - ©A. Derek Catalano

I took a few pics as best I could. The Green Iguana is not native to The Bahamas. It is invasive and destructive. The Rock Iguana is a native species of The Bahamas.
 
 
Derek
 


Sunday, January 12, 2025

Be Aware - Report: Psychological Manipulation

Family staring at TV static.

 "Psychological Manipulation" - Bahamas AI Art
©A. Derek Catalano
 
 

Report: Psychological Manipulation

 

Introduction

Psychological manipulation is a complex and multifaceted concept that involves influencing another person’s behavior, thoughts, or emotions for specific purposes, often through covert, deceptive, or exploitative means. It is a phenomenon prevalent in various domains of human interaction, from personal relationships to organizational settings, and even on a societal scale. This report delves into the definitions, mechanisms, techniques, contexts, and ethical considerations of psychological manipulation, offering a thorough analysis of its implications and strategies for prevention.

Saturday, January 11, 2025

Moonlight Beach - Phone Wallpapers

 
Moonlight Beach

"Moonlight Beach" - Phone Wallpapers
Bahamas AI Art - ©A. Derek Catalano

Download full size: 3072x5376

Thursday, January 9, 2025

Majority Rule Day in The Bahamas

 
Bahamians celebrating in street.

 "Happy Majority Rule Day" - Bahamas AI Art
  ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 

Majority Rule Day in The Bahamas

Majority Rule Day, celebrated annually on January 10th, is one of the most significant national holidays in The Bahamas. It commemorates a transformative moment in the nation’s history when the political landscape shifted to reflect the majority will of the Bahamian people, marking the start of a new era of equality, democracy, and self-determination.

Solid Plump Rump

 
Happy couple dancing in street party.

 "Solid Dancer" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 Note: A little risque but done with humor.
 
 

Solid Plump Rump


Oh, hail to the curves, a divine masterpiece,
The solid plump rump, where allure doesn’t cease.
A marvel of nature, a true work of art,
The queen of all assets, it conquers the heart.

It sways with a rhythm, a pendulum’s grace,
Commanding attention in every place.
Be it denim or silk, or a dress that clings tight,
A plump rump’s parade is a glorious sight.

From catwalks to sidewalks, it’s hard to ignore,
The solid plump rump always leaves them wanting more.
It whispers, it roars, it declares with a sway:
“I am here, I am proud, come marvel today!”

Dancer 2827

 
Costumed dancer dancing in the night street parade.

"Dancer 2827" - Bahamas AI Art
  ©A. Derek Catalano

Moonlight Night - PC Wallpaper

 
Full moon over tropic sea homes.

"Moonlight Night" - Bahamas AI Art
  ©A. Derek Catalano

Download full size: 5376x3072


Full moon over tropic sea homes.

"Moonlight Night" - Bahamas AI Art
  ©A. Derek Catalano

Download full size: 5376x3072

Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Report: Online Scamming

 
Woman viewing scam alert warning on laptop.

 "Scam Alert!" - Bahamas AI Art
  ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 

Report: Online Scamming


Introduction

Online scamming, a form of cybercrime, has emerged as one of the most pervasive threats in the digital era. With the rapid growth of the internet and the increasing reliance on digital transactions, scammers have evolved their tactics, leveraging sophisticated methods to deceive individuals and organizations. This report delves into the various facets of online scams, including their types, methodologies, impacts, preventive measures, and the role of international cooperation in combating this menace.

Take Responsibility for Your Actions

 
Man pondering standing in office.

 "Take Responsibility" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 

Take Responsibility for Your Actions

When morning light spills through the skies,
And shadows fade as the dawn replies,
There lies a moment, quiet, still—
To face the truth, to test the will.
For in each choice, each word, each deed,
We sow a thought, we plant a seed.

The web of cause, the river's flow,
Returns to us what we bestow.

Blame not the wind, nor curse the rain,
Nor seek escape from self-made pain.
The mirror whispers what hearts conceal,
Reflecting truths we fear to feel.
It speaks no lies, it casts no blame;
Its voice is quiet, yet calls our name.

For freedom blooms when we confess,
Our part in chaos, in duress.

Each step you take, each path you tread,
Is paved by choices forged in your head.
A reckless word, a fleeting lie—
Can cast a shadow, dark and high.
But courage dwells where guilt resides,
To mend the wounds, where shame abides.

Dancer 8364

 
Dancer 8364

"Dancer 8364" - Bahamas AI Art
©A. Derek Catalano

Tropic Train

 
Colorful train along tropic seashore.

"Tropic Train" - Bahamas AI Art
  ©A. Derek Catalano

Download full size: 1280x720


Colorful train along tropic seashore.

"Tropic Train" - Bahamas AI Art
  ©A. Derek Catalano

Download full size: 1280x720

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

US Presidential Transition Forecasting

 
Trump, Biden with US flag background.

 "Trump, Biden Transition" - Bahamas AI Art
  ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 

US Presidential Transition Forecasting

 
Will it be a smooth transition in the US from President Biden to former President Trump on January 20th, 2025,  or may there be protests, perhaps even violence?

The transition between President Biden and former President Trump is likely to depend heavily on several factors, including the tone set by both leaders, the political and social climate, and how supporters of both parties react. Here are some considerations:

Take Pride in Your Children

 
Happy Family

 "Happy Family" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 

Take Pride in Your Children


Take pride in your children, for they are the seeds,
Sown in the garden where love meets their needs.
Nurtured with patience, their roots find their place,
Grounded in kindness, they bloom in their space.

Their first timid steps, a wobble, a fall,
A glance in your eyes can mean more than it all.
For the whispers of praise, the gleam of your pride,
Are the winds that will carry their dreams far and wide.

Take pride in their questions, the "why" and the "how,"
The way their imaginations take flight even now.
For a curious mind is a treasure untold,
A spark of the future, a glimpse of pure gold.

Shirley Bass Foundation Sponsors Bahamian Odissi Dancer's Journey to India

Carlito Catalano Odissi dance pose.

 Carlito Catalano
We are all proud of you son.
 

Shirley Bass Foundation Sponsors Bahamian Odissi Dancer's Journey to India

 
The Shirley Bass Foundation proudly announces its sponsorship of Carlito Catalano, a pioneering Bahamian practitioner of Odissi, one of India's classical dance forms. This sponsorship will enable Carlito to further his studies in India, marking another milestone in his remarkable journey as a cross-cultural artist.

Despite the geographical distance between The Bahamas and India, Carlito has cultivated a deep connection with Odissi dance through determination and modern technology. His journey began in his early teens when he discovered Indian classical dance videos online and began teaching himself the intricate movements and choreographies of both Odissi and Bharatanatyam. In 2019, Carlito's dedication led him to study with renowned dancer Bijayini Satpathy at a workshop in Atlanta. When the COVID-19 pandemic shifted dance instruction online in 2020, he seized the opportunity to begin regular virtual training with Satpathy, who has since become his guru. This relationship has blossomed into multiple trips to India for intensive workshops under her guidance.

While maintaining a career in the insurance industry, Carlito has achieved significant milestones in his dance journey. He completed the Indian Classical Dance Educators' Professional Development course at UNC Charlotte in 2020 and was selected for the competitive Unrehearsed Artist Residency Program in 2023, conducted by San Francisco's Nava Dance Theatre. Through this residency, he created a short film documenting his experiences as a solo artist.  Read full story.
 

Monday, January 6, 2025

The Bahamas is the Place to Be

 
Tropic seashore with sunrise and colorful flowers.

 "Bahama Shore" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 

The Bahamas is the Place to Be

Beneath the skies of endless blue,
Where ocean whispers sing to you,
A paradise, a dream set free,
Oh, The Bahamas is the place to be.

The waves that kiss the golden sand,
Hold secrets cupped in nature's hand,
Turquoise waters, calm yet vast,
A timeless realm where moments last.

The sun awakes with a fiery glow,
Its amber rays in soft waves flow,
Palms sway gently, a tranquil plea,
Come, The Bahamas is the place to be.

The Lost Research Station

 
Lost Research Station control room with radiation shark in window.

 "Lost Research Station" - Bahamas AI Art
©A. Derek Catalano
 
 

The Lost Research Station

 

Chapter 1: Arrival at the Island

The seaplane’s engine buzzed loudly, the sound bouncing off the turquoise water below as it approached the remote island of Soldier Crab Cay in the Bahamas. Dr. Elena Vargas leaned her face against the plane’s window, watching the emerald palm trees sway in the breeze as the small island grew larger. She clutched her notebook tightly, her mind swirling with possibilities. Reports of coral bleaching in such a pristine and isolated area had baffled her colleagues at the Marine Ecological Institute. As a young marine biologist with a reputation for unraveling complex ecological puzzles, Elena had been handpicked for the investigation.

The island’s only dock jutted out over crystal-clear waters, where a skiff waited. A gruff older man, introduced simply as Captain Harris, gestured for Elena to hop aboard. “This place doesn’t see many visitors,” he said as they sped toward the southern tip of the island. “Coral’s been strange lately. Fish, too. The locals stay away from the reefs now.”

Elena raised an eyebrow. “Strange how?”

“Bigger. Brighter. And meaner,” Harris muttered. He said no more, his weathered face grim. Elena shivered, unsure if it was from the ocean breeze or his ominous tone.

That evening, she set up her equipment in a modest shack near the beach. Maps of the coral reefs, water sampling kits, and her dive gear were neatly laid out. As the sun dipped below the horizon, her resolve solidified. Tomorrow, she would explore the reef. The reports, the strange fish, the eerie tales—she was ready to find the truth.

Dancer 3987

 
Junkanoo dancer on Bay St.
 
"Dancer 3987" - Bahamas AI Art
©A. Derek Catalano

Neo Bahamiana Resort

 
Futuristic resort towers on tropic island.

"Neo Bahamiana Resort" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano


Futuristic resort towers on tropic island.

"Neo Bahamiana Resort" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano

Sunday, January 5, 2025

UFO and Alien Disclosure - A Convo with AI

 
UFO Over The Bahamas

 "UFO Over The Bahamas" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 

UFO and Alien Disclosure - A Convo with AI

 
I had a little conversation with ChatGPT AI chatbot.
 
Me: There is recent talk of UFO and alien disclosure soon. What are your views on this?

AI: UFO and alien disclosure has always been a fascinating topic that stirs a mix of excitement, skepticism, and curiosity. Recent developments, especially in the United States, suggest governments may be increasingly willing to discuss and disclose information on unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs). 
 
Here’s a breakdown:

New Year, New Possibilities

 
Well-dressed couple standing in front of mansion with EV.

"Possibilities" - Bahamas AI Art
©A. Derek Catalano


New Year, New Possibilities

The clock strikes twelve, a hush takes hold,
A brand-new chapter, the story untold.
The world exhales, a moment of grace,
The past dissolves, its fleeting trace.

Stars gleam brighter in the midnight sky,
Whispers of hope drift, soft as a sigh.
The old year folds like a weathered page,
Giving way to dreams, unbound by age.

Saturday, January 4, 2025

Pleasure Boating in The Bahamas: A Comprehensive Guide

Futuristic yacht on tropic sea with beach background.

 "Futura 5000" - Bahamas AI Art
©A. Derek Catalano
 
 

Pleasure Boating in The Bahamas: A Comprehensive Guide

The Bahamas, with its 700 islands and more than 2,000 cays spread over 100,000 square miles of the Atlantic Ocean, is a boater's paradise. Its crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, abundant marine life, and proximity to the United States make it a prime destination for pleasure boating. This guide provides a detailed overview of the essential aspects of boating in The Bahamas, including regulations, safety precautions, and practical tips for an enjoyable experience.

Friday, January 3, 2025

A Good Wife is Good

Wife serving husband at dining table, both smiling.

 "The Good Wife" - Bahamas AI Art
  ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 Dedicated to my wife Tracy.
 
 

 A Good Wife is Good


A good wife is a shelter from the storm,
Her arms a haven, her touch so warm.
In her heart, a fire burns steadfast and true,
Guiding the weary, offering skies of blue.

She is the dawn breaking after the night,
A beacon of hope, a radiant light.
In her laughter, there’s music, soft and sweet,
A melody that makes life’s journey complete.

Her strength is silent, yet deeply profound,
Like roots of an oak firmly in the ground.
She weathers the tempests with quiet grace,
A gentle resolve etched upon her face.

Dancers

 
Junkanoo Dancer

"Dancer" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano


Junkanoo Dancer

"Dancer" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano

Seagull Beach

 
Seagull Beach

"Seagull Beach" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano


Seagull Beach

"Seagull Beach" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano

Thursday, January 2, 2025

ZNS Set Design by Christopher Catalano

 
Television News set in TV studio.

The Bahamas Tonight
by ©Christopher Catalano - Catalano Media


My oldest son Christopher Catalano, founder of Catalano Media, is a very talented artist and multi-media producer. He recently designed a few television sets for The Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas, ZNS TV.  They have been using them for a while now. I interviewed Chris about it.

Less Talk, More Action

 
Less Talk, More Action poster with sun and mountains.

 "Less Talk, More Action" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 

Less Talk, More Action

In a world of whispers, loud and hollow,
Where promises linger, dreams can’t follow,
Words stack high like castles in the sky,
But crumble when tested, their roots run dry.

We gather in circles, we chant and cheer,
Yet the essence of effort never draws near.
Our voices are thunder, our plans are rain,
But droughts remain, and fields feel pain.

Oh, how the tongue can weave illusions,
A dance of charm, a web of delusions.
Empty speeches, their echoes vast,
Are fleeting shadows, they never last.

Dancer - 7336

 
Junkanoo dancer in junkanoo parade.

"Dancer - 7336" - Bahamas AI Art
©A. Derek Catalano