Thursday, January 29, 2026

2026 Junior Junkanoo - January 29th, 2026

 
 
 

2026 Junior Junkanoo - January 29th, 2026

The Importance and Advantages of Speaking Properly and Communicating Effectively

 
Man and woman talking to each other

 "Speaking and Communicating" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 

The Importance and Advantages of Speaking Properly and Communicating Effectively

Speaking properly and communicating effectively are essential skills in everyday life. They influence how people understand us, how seriously we are taken, and how successfully we interact with others. Communication is more than just talking. It involves choosing the right words, using an appropriate tone, listening carefully, and expressing ideas clearly. When people develop strong communication skills, they gain advantages in education, work, relationships, and personal growth.

Moon Garden - PC Wallpaper

Full moon over colorful flower garden by the sea.

 "Moon Garden" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 Download full size: 5376x3072


 
Full moon over colorful flower garden by the sea.

 "Moon Garden" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 Download full size: 5376x3072

You Win Some, You Lose Some

 
You Win Some, You Lose Some

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Manners and Respect Will Take You Around the World

 
Two men shaking hands in high-rise office

"International Meeting" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 

Manners and Respect Will Take You Around the World

In the bustling streets of a neon town,
Or where the golden sun goes down
In quiet fields of emerald green,
A silent power moves unseen.
It is not gold, nor silver rare,
Nor jewels that wealthy monarchs wear;
It is the grace of how we stand,
A bridge that spans from land to land.
For though the tongues we speak may change,
And customs seem both new and strange,
A common thread binds every shore:
The kindness we can all outpour.

The "magic words" are keys of light
That turn the darkness into bright.
A simple "Please" can open gates
That have been locked by iron weights.
And "Thank you" is the softest song
To right a day that’s going wrong.
When errors fall, as they often do,
A "Sorry" brings the heart to view;
It heals the rift and mends the tear,
And clears the tension from the air.
"Excuse me" is the gentle plea
To honor shared humanity.

Respect is not a heavy crown,
But laying self-importance down.
It’s honoring the elder’s face,
The wisdom etched in time and space.
It’s seeing those who serve our food,
With patience and with gratitude.
The porter, clerk, or passing guest—
Each soul deserves our very best.
For when we treat the humble well,
We cast a warm and lasting spell;
The world reflects the light we give,
In every city where we live.

For Colored Girls - A Powerful Stage Experience You Don’t Want to Miss

 
For Colored Girls poster

For Colored Girls

 
For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf
An emotionally charged story about love, heartbreak, healing, and strength.
 
Jan 30 & 31 – 8PM | Feb 1 – 4PM
 $30 | 18+
 Regency Theatre, Grand Bahama
 
 
 Or purchase in person at Baha Gala (Rayvin Mall) & DeGregory Fine Foods (Seahorse Plaza)
 
 This powerful stage production is coming
to Regency Theatre in Grand Bahama and you do not want to miss it!

The Bahamas Dances Odissi: Carlito Catalano

Indian newspaper screenshot featuring Carlito Catalano
 
The Bahamas Dances Odissi: Carlito Catalano
 
 
Our son Carlito has been featured in the Indian DCN News Epaper today. Read it in their dance column "Rhythms and More".
 
Congratulations again son. You make us all very proud.
 
More articles about Carlito Catalano.

Conquer That Mountain

 
Conquer That Mountain

Related poem: Make It Happen
Related poem: Time to Level Up

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

World Models: The Architectures of Imagination and the Future of AI

Computerized world over city at night

 "World Models AI" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

World Models: The Architectures of Imagination and the Future of AI

 

Introduction

For decades, the standard paradigm in Artificial Intelligence has been reactive. Whether through the pattern matching of Large Language Models (LLMs) or the trial-and-error loops of Reinforcement Learning (RL), AI has primarily functioned by mapping inputs directly to outputs. However, a profound shift is underway. Researchers are increasingly converging on the concept of World Models—internal, predictive simulations of reality that allow machines to "dream," plan, and reason about physics before they act. By moving beyond statistical correlation toward an understanding of causal dynamics, world models represent the most viable path toward Artificial General Intelligence (AGI).

Majestic Moonrise - PC Wallpaper

 
Majestic Moonrise over tropic sea

"Majestic Moonrise" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 Download full size: 5376x3072

You Only Could Do What You Could Do

 
You Only Could Do What You Could Do

Monday, January 26, 2026

The Feasibility and Challenges of Relocating the Prison in Nassau to a Family Island or Undeveloped Island in The Bahamas

 
Modern Prison on Secluded Isle

 "Modern Prison on Secluded Isle" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 

The Feasibility and Challenges of Relocating the Prison in Nassau to a Family Island or Undeveloped Island in The Bahamas

The idea of relocating the primary prison facility from Nassau to a Family Island or even an undeveloped island in The Bahamas is as bold as it is complex. It reflects one of the most significant potential shifts in the Bahamian approach to corrections, community planning, and regional development. At face value, its appeal is clear: reduce social friction in densely populated urban communities, free up valuable land in Nassau, and possibly re-envision the correctional system toward a more rehabilitative model. But once the idea is unpacked, it reveals an array of logistical, economic, social, cultural, political, and ethical challenges that must be carefully weighed.

Starburst Bush

 
Starburst Bush

"Starburst Bush" - ©A. Derek Catalano
 
Download full size:  2880x3024
 
 
Starburst Bush

"Starburst Bush" - ©A. Derek Catalano
 
Download full size:  2880x3024

Don't Wait Until the Last Minute

 
Don't Wait Until the Last Minute

Related poem: Always Plan Ahead

Sunday, January 25, 2026

Introducing Bahamian Artist Carlito Catalano & Odissi

 
Carlito rehearsing in India

Carlito rehearsing in India

 

Introducing Bahamian Artist Carlito Catalano & Odissi

 
 
Bahamians exhibit an incredible versatility that is truly remarkable.
 
It’s likely that you, like many of us, have never encountered Odissi, an ancient and intricate form of Indian classical dance. I was introduced to this captivating art form only recently (sort of), thanks to a dear friend (𝐃𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐤 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐨 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐰 ~ Bit.ly/4n31U1c) from my television days at the Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas. His son, Carlito Catalano, is a pioneering Odissi practitioner in The Bahamas. 
 
Carlito has devoted himself to mastering this expressive dance, known for its graceful movements and rich storytelling rooted in Hindu mythology. His passion not only highlights the beauty of Odissi but also enriches the Bahamas' cultural tapestry, offering a unique fusion of traditions that celebrates both this Indian heritage and the Bahamian spirit. Through his performances and teachings, Carlito fosters greater awareness and appreciation of this centuries-old dance form, enabling audiences to experience its elegance and profound emotional depth. 
 
Carlito Catalano is celebrated for his unconventional path in the arts, having taught himself the intricate and graceful movements of Odissi and Bharatanatyam through a wealth of online resources and instructional videos during his teenage years. His self-directed study reflects a passion for classical dance and a commitment to mastering these traditional art forms.

Beware of the Megalomaniac

 
The Megalomaniac

 "The Megalomaniac" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 

 Beware of the Megalomaniac


Observe the man upon the height, who claims to own the very sun,
Who views the world as mere domain, and life a race already won.
Behind the gaze of frozen glass, where empathy has gone to die,
There dwells a mind of grand design, built on a tower of a lie.
So harken now to every verse, and let the warning bell be struck,
For those who walk within his path shall surely find a bitter luck.

The Golden Mask of Vanity

He walks with heavy, arrogant stride, a king without a noble cause,
Demanding all the world obey his whims and self-invented laws.
His ego is a bloated sail that catches every passing breeze,
He does not walk upon the earth; he expects us on our knees.
An idealized vision of the self, a god carved out of common clay,
He believes the light was made for him to herald in the coming day.

The Delusion of Invincible Might

He counts himself invincible, a titan who can never fall,
To him, the highest mountain peak is but a short and simple wall.
No obstacle can block his path, no river deep enough to drown,
For in his warped and fevered mind, he wears a permanent, bright crown.
But this is not a courage found in hearts of gold or spirits brave,
It is a madness of the soul that leads him closer to the grave.

Saturday, January 24, 2026

Scullin' Home

I found an old grimy painting I did over 40 years ago and had it redone with AI. I had it add the seagulls, flowers, vibrant evening sky and calm, reflecting sea. I also did some other tweaks in Adobe Photoshop.
 
Scullin' Home

"Scullin' Home" - After AI
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
Download full size: 1248x832
 
 
Scullin' Home

"Scullin' Home" - Before AI
 ©A. Derek Catalano

Speak Gently and Respectfully

 
Speak Gently and Respectfully
 

Friday, January 23, 2026

Bahamas Bank Lending: Business vs. Vehicle

 
New Car Loan

 "New Car Loan" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 

Bahamas Bank Lending: Business vs. Vehicle

Why, in The Bahamas, are banks hesitant to lend money for a person to start a new business but would more easily lend money for a person to buy a vehicle?

In The Bahamas, this contrast in lending is a common frustration for entrepreneurs. The difference boils down to how banks perceive risk versus security. A car loan is considered a "safe" consumer product, while a new business is seen as a high-stakes "gamble."

Here is a breakdown of why it is significantly easier to get a car loan than a business loan in the Bahamian banking landscape.

Night Kite

 

Night Kite on Joe Billy Park
Nassau, Bahamas