Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Pinewood Gardens: A Waterlogged Nightmare and Potential Solutions

Flooded Island Neigborhood

"Flooded Island Neigborhood" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano


Pinewood Gardens: A Waterlogged Nightmare and Potential Solutions

 

Introduction: The Origins of Pinewood Gardens

Pinewood Gardens, located in New Providence, Bahamas, is a residential community established in 1972 by Pinewood Gardens Ltd. It was purchased in liquidation in 1983 by Arawak Homes Ltd. Initially, it was developed to provide affordable housing for Bahamians, targeting middle- and lower-income families looking to invest in homeownership. At the time of its development, New Providence was experiencing significant growth, and many Bahamians sought to own land amidst the island’s expanding suburban landscape. Pinewood Gardens appeared to be an ideal solution—an area that would allow families to settle into homes away from the increasingly crowded capital of Nassau.

However, the development of Pinewood Gardens was not without controversy. Questions arose over the suitability of the land for residential purposes. Over the years, this community has faced persistent and severe flooding problems, exacerbating concerns about the land's conditions and whether it was ever appropriate for residential development in the first place.

Tropic Deck

Tropic Deck

 "Tropic Deck" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano


Tropic Deck

"Tropic Deck" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano

Sci-Fi Junkanoo Dancer

 
Sci-Fi Junkanoo Dancer

"Sci-Fi Junkanoo Dancer" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano


Sci-Fi Junkanoo Dancer

"Sci-Fi Junkanoo Dancer" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano

Into Soria V25 - PC Wallpaper

 
Sunset over futuristic planet city.

"Into Soria V25" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano

Download full size wallpaper: 5376x3072

Monday, September 9, 2024

Bahamian Hotel Ownership in The Bahamas

 
White and pink colonial style hotel on tropic shore.

"The Island Imperial Hotel" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano
 

Bahamian Hotel Ownership in The Bahamas

 

Introduction

Tourism is the heartbeat of The Bahamas, serving as the foundation of its economy and offering a tropical paradise to millions of visitors annually. With its pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and luxurious resorts, The Bahamas has long been a prime destination for global travelers. The hotel industry plays a pivotal role in supporting this influx, with hotels ranging from extravagant all-inclusive resorts to intimate boutique establishments.

However, while tourism thrives, there is an emerging need for more Bahamians to assume ownership roles within the hotel industry. The hospitality sector offers tremendous potential for economic empowerment, but many of the large hotels and resorts are foreign-owned. Encouraging and supporting more Bahamians to become hotel owners, especially on the Family Islands, is essential for fostering sustainable growth, ensuring that more profits remain within the country, and promoting authentic Bahamian experiences for visitors.

Tropic Vacation Get-Away

Over view of colorful tropic beach village resort.

"Tropic Vacation Get-Away" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano

 
Over view of colorful tropic beach village resort.

"Tropic Vacation Get-Away" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano

Sci-Fi Junkanoo Warrior

 
Metallic Sci-Fi Junkanoo Warrior

"Sci-Fi Junkanoo Warrior" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano
 
 
Sci-Fi Junkanoo Warrior

"Sci-Fi Junkanoo Warrior" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano

Journey To New Nassau

 
Aircraft flying toward futuristic island city.

"Journey To New Nassau" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano


Submarine under futuristic island city.

"Beneath New Nassau" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano

Saturday, September 7, 2024

Animal Extinction: Worldwide and The Bahamas

 
Flamingo and Iguana on tropic beach.

"Flamingo and Iguana" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano
 
 
 

Animal Extinction: Worldwide and The Bahamas

 

Introduction

Animal extinction has become a growing global concern as species across the world face increasing threats from human activities and environmental changes. From habitat loss and overexploitation to climate change and pollution, many factors contribute to the decline of wildlife populations. In regions like The Bahamas, several unique species are on the brink of extinction, reflecting the broader global biodiversity crisis. However, efforts to combat extinction are gaining momentum, with local and international initiatives focused on protecting habitats, restoring ecosystems, and enforcing regulations to safeguard vulnerable species. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the causes and solutions to the pressing issue of animal extinction, highlighting the importance of coordinated action for conservation and recovery.

Tropic Drone Fly-Over

 
Tropic cliffside cabanas overlooking the sea.

"Cat Cay Cliff Cabanas" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano


Beach shore settlement.

"San Juanito" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano

Junkanoo Face Painting

 

Junkanoo Face Painting

"Junkanoo Face Painting" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano

Journey To Plexsus

 
Flying craft heading toward futuristic city over the sea.

"Journey To Plexsus" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano

Friday, September 6, 2024

The Last Stand of the Lucayan

 
Lucayan Warriors in battle stance with spears on beach.

 "Lucayan Warriors" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano
 

The Last Stand of the Lucayan

 

Part 1: The Gathering Storm

The tropical sun hung low over the turquoise waters of the Lucayan archipelago, casting shimmering rays upon the white sandy shores. The island of Guanahani, home to the peaceful Lucayan people, basked in the warmth of the day, but a tense mood clung to the air. Whispers of war, of imminent invasion, had spread from village to village. Far to the south, the fierce Carib warriors, feared for their brutality and their practice of cannibalism, were stirring, ready to sail northward in their swift canoes.

Among the Lucayan people, no one was more respected than the warrior named Haobam. Tall, strong, and brave, Haobam was a leader among his people, known for his wisdom and unmatched skill in battle. His body, tanned from years of exposure to the sun, bore the scars of past battles, each mark a testament to his bravery. Despite the peace-loving nature of his people, Haobam had trained tirelessly with his warriors, knowing that the threat of the Carib was ever-present.

Sci-Fi Junkanoo Warrior

 
Sci-Fi Junkanoo metallic face mask.

"Sci-Fi Junkanoo Warrior" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano


Sci-Fi Junkanoo metallic costume.

"Sci-Fi Junkanoo Warrior" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano

Seagull Dunes - PC Wallpaper

 
Seagulls flying over sand dunes on tropic beach.

"Seagull Dunes" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano

Download full size wallpaper: 5376x3072

Thursday, September 5, 2024

Age is Just a State of Mind

Grandfather pushing grandmother in swing on tropic beach.

 "Happy Beach Swing" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano
 

Age is Just a State of Mind

The years may come, the years may go,
But time’s a river with gentle flow.
It carries moments, sweet and kind,
Yet age is just a state of mind.

Wrinkles may trace upon the skin,
But youth still dances deep within.
In every laugh, in dreams we find,
That age is just a state of mind.

The silver hair, the slowing pace,
Can’t dim the light within your grace.
For wisdom blooms where hearts are kind,
And age remains a state of mind.

With every dawn, we rise anew,
The world is fresh in every hue.
Adventure calls, no ties to bind,
When age is just a state of mind.

Cliff Views

 
Drone view of man sitting on cliff watching over sea bay village below.

"Clifftop Seat" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano


Drone view of Cliff Shore Settlement

"Cliff Shore Settlement" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano

Crafty Crustaceans

 
Crafty Crustacean junkanoo costume

"Crafty Crustacean" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano


Crafty Crustacean junkanoo

"Crafty Crustacean" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano

Sci-Fi Beach - PC Wallpaper

 
Sci-Fi Beach

"Sci-Fi Beach" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano
 
Download full size wallpaper: 5376x3072
 
 
Sci-Fi Beach

 
"Sci-Fi Beach" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano
 
Download full size wallpaper: 5376x3072

Wednesday, September 4, 2024

Grammy Major, A Sweet Old Soul

 
Smiling Grammy Major sitting in rocking chair.

 Theresa Elizabeth Major - ©A. Derek Catalano
 

Grammy Major, A Sweet Old Soul

My Grammy Major, a sweet old soul,
Gentle, loving, and a heart made of gold,
Yet she wouldn’t hesitate, to speak her mind,
To share her thoughts, so firm, yet kind.

Born in 1900, she saw times change,
From the simple ways to the modern range,
At sixteen, she left Roses, Long Island’s shore,
For Nassau’s streets, where she saw much more.

Dancers

 
Dancer

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

Dancer

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

Sea Road Cottage

 
Sea Road Cottage

"Sea Road Cottage" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano

Download full size wallpaper: 5120x2880

Tuesday, September 3, 2024

Bush Medicine in The Bahamas

 
Bush Tea

 "Bush Tea" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano
 

Bush Medicine in The Bahamas

 

Introduction

Bush medicine, also known as herbal medicine or traditional medicine, has been an integral part of life in The Bahamas for centuries. It involves the use of indigenous plants and herbs to treat various ailments, a practice rooted in the deep cultural and historical heritage of the Caribbean. The Bahamas, with its rich biodiversity, is home to a vast array of plants that have been used for medicinal purposes long before the advent of modern medicine. This report provides an in-depth exploration of bush medicine in The Bahamas, examining its cultural significance, historical origins, and some of the various plants used in this traditional healing practice. Additionally, it will compare bush medicine to modern medical practices, investigate the claims of its efficacy in treating serious illnesses like cancer, and underscore the importance of preserving this knowledge for future generations.

Cliffside Shores

 
Tropic seaside village by cliffs.

"Cliffside Shores" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano


Tropic seaside village by cliffs.

"Cliffside Shores" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano

March On Bahamaland

 
Junkanoo dancer and flamingo and blue marlin piece.

"March On Bahamaland" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano

Santorini - PC Wallpaper

 
Fururistic city over sea on planet.

"Santorini" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano

Download full size wallpaper: 5376x3072


Fururistic city over sea on planet.

"Santorini" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano

Download full size wallpaper: 5376x3072

Monday, September 2, 2024

The Bahamian Rock Oven: A Culinary Tradition Rooted in History

 
Lady tending backyard rock oven.

 "Tending the Rock Oven" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano
 

The Bahamian Rock Oven: A Culinary Tradition Rooted in History

 

Introduction

The Caribbean and the Bahamas are regions rich in cultural heritage and culinary traditions, many of which are deeply intertwined with their histories. Among the most fascinating and lesser-known aspects of this culinary heritage is the Bahamian rock oven, a traditional method of baking that has been passed down through generations. These rock ovens, often simple in design but remarkable in function, reflect the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the people who first settled in the islands. This article delves into the origins, construction, and uses of Bahamian rock ovens, explores how they are prepared and operated, and considers whether they still hold a place in Bahamian life today.

Saunders Beach, Nassau, Bahamas.

 

Saunders Beach, Nassau, Bahamas. - ©A. Derek Catalano
 

Vacation Memories - PC Wallpapers

 Vacation Memories - PC Wallpapers - Palette knife paintings
 
Sailboats on tropic sea with coconut trees.

 "Sun Sail Vacation" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano
 
Download full size wallpaper: 5376x3072


Tropic beach with resort.

"Sun Sail Vacation" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano
 
Download full size wallpaper: 5376x3072

Dancers

 
Dancer

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


Dancer

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

Saturday, August 31, 2024

For the Love of Priscilla

Pirate captain embracing beautiful maiden on tropic dock.

"Capt. Blake and Priscilla" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano

For the Love of Priscilla

In the days of old, when the Caribbean Sea was a wild and untamed frontier, piracy reigned supreme. The aquamarine waters teemed with ships flying the Jolly Roger, captained by men who lived by the sword and the code of the outlaw. These pirates, driven by the lure of treasure and the promise of freedom, plundered merchant vessels and coastal towns with ruthless efficiency. They were masters of the seas, feared by those who crossed their paths and revered by those who shared their bloodthirst for adventure.

Pirate life was a mix of brutality and camaraderie, where loyalty to the crew was paramount, and the pursuit of riches justified any means necessary. Every day was a battle for survival, every night a celebration of the spoils of war. Islands across the Caribbean served as sanctuaries for these marauders, where they could rest, repair their ships, and indulge in the pleasures of rum, gambling, and women.

Among these sanctuaries was a small tropical isle nestled in the warm, crystal-clear waters of The Bahamas. This island, unnamed on any official maps but well-known among the pirate community, became a favored stop for two very different pirate captains—Captain Scarface Ramsey and Captain William Blake. Both men were legends in their own right, but their reputations could not have been more contrasting.

Rainy Day Bahamas - PC Wallpaper

 
Rainy Day over colorful Bahamas island settlement.

"Rainy Day Bahamas" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano

Download full size wallpaper: 5076x3072

Junkanoo Rain Demon

 
Junkanoo Rain Demon

"Junkanoo Rain Demon" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano

Friday, August 30, 2024

Smartphones and Smartphone Addiction

 
Smartphone with spiral design on screen.

 "Hypno Phone" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano
 

Smartphones and Smartphone Addiction

Introduction

Smartphones have become an integral part of modern life, connecting us to a world of information, communication, and entertainment at our fingertips. These pocket-sized devices have revolutionized how we interact with the world, bringing a host of conveniences and capabilities that were unimaginable just a few decades ago. However, with their pervasive presence comes the risk of overuse, leading to a phenomenon known as smartphone addiction. This report delves into the history of smartphones, their benefits, the potential harm they can cause, the nature of smartphone addiction, and practical steps to overcome this addiction for a healthier and more balanced life.