Thursday, September 26, 2024
My Short Story Featured at DA
My short story "Bertram and the Square Grouper" got a Daily Feature Award today at Deviantart.Com
Wow! Many thanks to Dev Art for the DD. I really appreciate it. Most of all, many thanks to my followers who continue to support me.💗 Thank you, thank you, thank you.😊
I used AI to create the image but NO AI was used to write the story. I used my brain only.😊
Took me about 2 hours to write it, imagining and writing and putting it together.
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Exuma, The Obeah Man: A Biography of Bahamian Musician Tony McKay
"Tony McKay, Exuma, The Obeah Man"
Bahamian Singer/Musician
Exuma, The Obeah Man: A Biography of Bahamian Musician Tony McKay
Introduction
Tony McKay, better known by his stage name Exuma, was a visionary Bahamian musician and performer whose eclectic blend of folk, calypso, African rhythms, and spiritual themes catapulted him into the realms of cult legend. Best known for his fusion of Bahamian music with New Orleans blues and his deeply mystical and spiritual performances, McKay adopted the persona of Exuma, The Obeah Man, drawing from Caribbean folklore, the African-derived religion of Obeah, and his own rich cultural heritage. Throughout his career, Exuma remained a deeply enigmatic figure who defied categorization, both musically and personally.
This biography traces his life from his Bahamian roots through his rise in the Greenwich Village folk scene, his creation of a unique musical genre, and his enduring legacy in Caribbean culture and beyond.
Into The Shore
"Into The Shore" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano
"Into The Shore" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
Imagination is Everything
"Imagination Mind" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano
Imagination is Everything
Imagination is the spark of dawn,
A silent dream where thoughts are born.
A whisper in the quiet night,
That weaves the dark and bends the light.
It builds the bridges no hands can span,
Turns simple dreams into grander plans.
A painter’s brush in a barren sky,
Crafting worlds where spirits fly.
It knows no walls, no chains, no bars,
It dances free between the stars.
Where oceans rise and mountains fall,
Imagination embraces all.
A silent dream where thoughts are born.
A whisper in the quiet night,
That weaves the dark and bends the light.
It builds the bridges no hands can span,
Turns simple dreams into grander plans.
A painter’s brush in a barren sky,
Crafting worlds where spirits fly.
It knows no walls, no chains, no bars,
It dances free between the stars.
Where oceans rise and mountains fall,
Imagination embraces all.
Ancient Tech Junkanoo
"Ancient Tech Junkanoo" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano
"Ancient Tech Junkanoo" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano
Pastel Beach Sunrise - PC Wallpaper
"Pastel Beach Sunrise" - Bahamas AI art
"Pastel Beach Sunrise" - Bahamas AI art
Monday, September 23, 2024
The State of Dilapidated and Crumbling Buildings in Nassau, Bahamas: A Comprehensive Report
"Aged Historic Mansion" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano
The State of Dilapidated and Crumbling Buildings in Nassau, Bahamas: A Comprehensive Report
Introduction
Nassau, the capital city of the Bahamas, is renowned for its vibrant culture, historic landmarks, and colonial-era architecture. However, the city’s architectural heritage is under threat due to the deterioration of many aging buildings. The sight of dilapidated and crumbling structures is a growing concern, as neglect of these historic buildings compromises both Nassau’s cultural legacy and the safety of its residents. This report delves into the current state of old, dilapidated architecture in Nassau, highlights the dangers posed by these neglected structures, and discusses the significance of preservation efforts for the city’s architectural landmarks.
Ancient Tech Costume
"Ancient Tech Costume" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano
"Ancient Tech Costume" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano
Sunday, September 22, 2024
The Echo of Empty Promises
"Island Rally" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano
The Echo of Empty Promises
In the twilight of speeches, where hope took flight,
A thousand promises, bright as the night,
Were whispered with fervor, loud and clear,
To the ears of the people, eager to hear.
“We’ll build a future, grand and free!
A world of justice, prosperity!”
The banners flew, the voices roared,
And the voters, hopeful, pressed forward.
But seasons turned, and time revealed,
That words once golden were never sealed.
The pledges, bold as morning sun,
Faded like shadows when the day was done.
Saturday, September 21, 2024
Drunk in Public
"Falling Down Drunk" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano
Drunk in Public
Did you know it is illegal to be drunk in a public place in The Bahamas?
TITLE xv
COMMON OFFENCES AGAINST
PUBLIC ORDER, HEALTH AND MORALITY
Drunken, Riotous and Disorderly Conduct
200. (1) Whoever is found drunk in any public place shall be liable to a fine of five dollars or imprisonment for four days.
(2) Whoever is drunk and disorderly or drunk and incapable in any public place shall be liable on a first conviction to a fine of fifteen dollars or to imprisonment for seven days and on a second or subsequent offence to a fine of fifty dollars or to imprisonment for fourteen days.
201. (1) Whoever is drunk and behaves violently or indecently in any public place or is drunk on the premises of any person, to the annoyance or disturbance of that person or of any inmate of the premises, shall be liable on a first conviction to a fine of fifteen dollars or to imprisonment for seven days and on a second or subsequent offence to a fine of fifty dollars or to imprisonment for fourteen days.
(2) Whoever, having been thrice convicted under the provisions of any law for having been drunk and behaving violently or indecently, is, within one year from the first conviction, found drunk in any public place, shall be liable to imprisonment for three months as an habitual drunkard.
Source: Bahamas Penal Code
Related article: Alcohol Abuse in The Bahamas: A Comprehensive Report
Related article: Alcohol, Drugs, and Their Association with Mental Illness and Crime
Related poem: I Don't Like Rum
Yellow Elder Tree - Nat'l. Tree of The Bahamas
"Yellow Elder Tree" - ©A. Derek Catalano
"Yellow Elder Tree" - ©A. Derek Catalano
Hydra 242 - PC Wallpaper
Friday, September 20, 2024
Roadside Mexican Petunias
"Roadside Mexican Petunias" - ©A. Derek Catalano
Wellington St., Nassau, Bahamas
"Roadside Mexican Petunias" - ©A. Derek Catalano
Wellington St., Nassau, Bahamas
Thursday, September 19, 2024
Bertram and the Square Grouper
"Bertram and the Square Grouper" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano
Bertram and the Square Grouper
Bertram Lowe, a middle aged fisherman in The Bahamas, was out in his dingy boat on the sea fishing when he spotted an object floating on the water. He approached it cautiously and discovered it was a bale of marijuana wrapped and tightly sealed in plastic, fresh and undamaged. A big square grouper. It must have just recently been in the sea. Probably lost overboard somehow.
Bertram was happy and afraid too, because he was sure the marijuana belonged to drug traffickers who would want it back. Nevertheless he pulled it aboard and covered it with the tarpaulin he kept onboard that he used to cover up with just in case it rained when he is out fishing. He sped home with the surprise catch being careful not to be seen and buried it in the bushes by his home, not reporting his find to the police with the hopes that maybe he could make a lot of money from it.
Bertram was happy and afraid too, because he was sure the marijuana belonged to drug traffickers who would want it back. Nevertheless he pulled it aboard and covered it with the tarpaulin he kept onboard that he used to cover up with just in case it rained when he is out fishing. He sped home with the surprise catch being careful not to be seen and buried it in the bushes by his home, not reporting his find to the police with the hopes that maybe he could make a lot of money from it.
Psychedelic Cuttlefish
"Psychedelic Cuttlefish" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano
"Psychedelic Cuttlefish" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
Promises Made, Promises Broken
"Couple Of Concern" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano
Promises Made, Promises Broken
I promised you the moon and stars,
A love untouched by time or scars.
With every word, a future bright,
But shadows crept to steal the light.
I swore to hold your heart with care,
Through storm and calm, always be there.
Yet winds of doubt began to blow,
And I let go what I couldn't show.
We danced in dreams we made as vows,
But dreams can fade, and so do hows.
The promises once sealed in gold,
Became the lies we left untold.
I promised you the moon and stars,
A love untouched by time or scars.
With every word, a future bright,
But shadows crept to steal the light.
I swore to hold your heart with care,
Through storm and calm, always be there.
Yet winds of doubt began to blow,
And I let go what I couldn't show.
We danced in dreams we made as vows,
But dreams can fade, and so do hows.
The promises once sealed in gold,
Became the lies we left untold.
Tuesday, September 17, 2024
Comprehensive Report on Why Marijuana is Illegal
"Marijuana Leaf" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano
Comprehensive Report on Why Marijuana is Illegal
This comprehensive report outlines the major reasons marijuana remains illegal and the various forces—historical, social, political, and economic—that have contributed to its prohibition.
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Historical Context of Marijuana Use
- Ancient and Traditional Uses
- Marijuana in the United States Pre-Prohibition
- Early 20th Century Movements Against Marijuana
- Racism and Political Agendas
- The Role of the Media and Public Perception
- The Marihuana Tax Act of 1937
- The Influence of the War on Drugs
- Nixon’s Role and the Controlled Substances Act
- Reagan’s Intensification of Drug Policies
- Mass Incarceration and Social Impacts
- Medical Research and Health Concerns
- Studies on Marijuana’s Effects
- Concerns Over Addiction and Mental Health
- Economic and Political Interests
- The Role of Big Pharma, Alcohol, and Tobacco
- Prison Industrial Complex and Law Enforcement
- The Slow Path to Reform and Legalization Efforts
- Shifts in Public Opinion
- Decriminalization and Medical Marijuana
- Conclusion: The Present-Day Status of Marijuana and Future Perspectives
1. Introduction
Marijuana, also known as cannabis, has been at the center of legal and societal debates for over a century. Once widely used for its medicinal, spiritual, and recreational properties, cannabis became illegal in many parts of the world, particularly the United States, due to a complex mix of social, political, and economic factors. This report explores why marijuana became illegal in the U.S., focusing on the historical events, political strategies, public perceptions, and interests that led to its prohibition.
Marijuana
"Marijuana" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano
Related article: Report on Why Marijuana is Illegal
Related article: Building a Thriving Marijuana Industry in The Bahamas
Related article: Difference Between Recreational Marijuana and Medicinal Marijuana
Related article: Alcohol vs. Marijuana: Assessing the Risks
Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT for Small Business Owners
"Small Business AI" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano
Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT for Small Business Owners
A Step-by-Step Guide to Boosting Your Business with AI
Table of Contents
- Introduction to ChatGPT and Its Potential for Small Businesses ............ 1
- Setting Up ChatGPT for Your Business .................................................. 2
- Integrating ChatGPT into Customer Support ........................................... 3
- Using ChatGPT for Marketing and Social Media Content ....................... 4
- Streamlining Operations with ChatGPT .................................................. 6
- Automating Administrative Tasks with AI ............................................... 7
- ChatGPT for Research and Market Analysis ........................................... 8
- Future of AI in Small Businesses ............................................................. 9
- Conclusion: Growing Your Business with ChatGPT ............................... 10
1. Introduction to ChatGPT and Its Potential for Small Businesses
ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, is a powerful tool that small business owners can use to enhance customer service, create content, and streamline operations. It’s more than just a chatbot—ChatGPT can help you save time, improve efficiency, and even increase revenue by automating many tasks traditionally handled manually.
This report is designed to guide small business owners through the process of setting up and using ChatGPT effectively. Whether you're a local retail store, a small e-commerce shop, or a service-based business, this step-by-step guide will demonstrate how you can leverage AI to optimize your daily tasks.
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