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

 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.

 

Related video: PRAVESH Odissi Performance by Carlito Catalano

The Bahamas is the Place to Be

 

 "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" - 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

 

 

"Dancer 3987" - Bahamas AI Art

©A. Derek Catalano

Neo Bahamiana Resort

 

"Neo Bahamiana Resort" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

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

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UFO and Alien Disclosure - A Convo with AI

 

 "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

 

"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.

Pleasure Boating in The Bahamas: A Comprehensive Guide

 "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.

A Good Wife is Good

 "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

 

"Dancer" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

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

Seagull Beach

 

"Seagull Beach" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

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

ZNS Set Design by Christopher Catalano

 

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" - 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

 

"Dancer - 7336" - Bahamas AI Art

©A. Derek Catalano

Moonlight Calm - PC Wallpaper

 

"Moonlight Calm" - Bahamas AI Art

©A. Derek Catalano

Download full size: 5376x3072

Happy New Year Bahamas

 

Happy New Year Bahamas

from NativeStew.Com

Happy New Year Bahamas

Oh Bahamas, land of sun and sea,
As dawn breaks anew on the horizon free,
The winds whisper softly through island air,
A promise of hope, a fervent prayer.

Happy New Year, to your shores so bright,
Bathed in the glow of the first morning light.
May this year bring peace, a tranquil song,
To guide us where we all belong.

A Year for Growth and Prosperity

Let the waves echo dreams of employment,

and a better standard of living for all,
Lifting each soul, no matter how small.
Entrepreneurs rise, your visions take flight,
Building a future as bright and dazzling as starlight.

Prosperity’s promise shines like the sun,
Uniting our efforts till battles are won.
Together we forge, with strength anew,
A Bahamian path, proud and true.

Junkanoo Pattern Quad

Created this in Adobe PS. Worked with a close-up photo of a junkanoo pattern of my stepson's costume, turned it into a kaleidoscope, from scratch, no filter, then added the rhinestones and AI art in the center.

 

 

Junkanoo Pattern Quad - ©A. Derek Catalano

Download full size: 2400x2400

Junkanoo Pattern Quad - ©A. Derek Catalano
Download full size: 2400x2400

Undersea Scenery - PC Wallpaper

 

"Undersea Scenery" - Bahamas AI Art

©A. Derek Catalano

Download full size: 5376x3072

You Win Some, You Lose Some

 

 "Win and Lose" - Bahamas AI Art

©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

 You Win Some, You Lose Some

The whistle blows, the clock ticks down,
The crowd erupts, their voices a crown.
In the arena of life, on fields of strife,
Victory and loss dance sharp as a knife.

The Surge of Triumph

Your heart explodes like a rising sun,
The moment you know the game is won.
Arms held high, cheers flood the air,
Glory shines on the sweat you bear.
The taste is sweet, a nectar divine,
Hard work and grit have crossed the line.
But beware the glow, for it can blind,
And lull the edge of a sharp-edged mind.

The Sting of Defeat

The clock runs dry, the score runs thin,
Your best was given, yet you didn’t win.
The hollow ache, the silent stare,
The weight of failure too heavy to bear.
But there’s wisdom wrapped in the bitter pill,
A humbling force that tempers your will.
It teaches the heart to fight again,
To rise from the ashes of where you’ve been.

 

 "Birthrate" - Bahamas AI Art

©A. Derek Catalano

 

Report on the Birthrate and Population of The Bahamas

 

Introduction

The Bahamas, a nation of over 700 islands and cays in the Atlantic Ocean, has a rich and complex demographic history. From its early settlement by the Eleutheran Adventurers in 1648 to its present-day status as a prosperous island nation, the population trends of The Bahamas have been influenced by migration, economic shifts, and cultural transformations. This report examines the historical and current trends in population and birthrate, analyzes the factors driving these changes, and provides a forecast of future demographic developments.

The Bahamas National Junkanoo Stadium Concept

 

" The Bahamas National Junkanoo Stadium Concept" - Bahamas AI Art

©A. Derek Catalano

 

My architectural design concept for The Bahamas National Junkanoo Stadium.
 
1/2 mile long.
Junkanoo groups enter one end, exit other end.
One group at a time.
One run only.

Awesome acoustics.
Air-conditioned.
Huge parking areas.
 
Wide center pathway for groups.
Seating on either side with padded bleachers.
Protects patrons, groups and costumes from weather.

Seats 20,000 spectators.
 
This architectural design concept ©A. Derek Catalano 2023.

Nebular Tropic Sky - PC Wallpaper

 

"Nebular Tropic Sky" - Bahamas AI Art

  ©A. Derek Catalano

Download full size: 5376x3072

Life is Fragile

 

"Life is Fragile" - Bahamas AI Art

  ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Life is Fragile

 

Life is fragile, like a crystal sphere,
Delicate, transparent, yet dazzlingly clear.
Balanced on the precipice of fleeting time,
A masterpiece of rhythm, reason, and rhyme.

Each heartbeat echoes in the chambered deep,
A whispered promise we strive to keep.
Yet, with every breath that graces the air,
Lingers the knowledge of moments rare.

A fragile thread weaves the fabric of days,
Unraveling slowly in mysterious ways.
The dawn greets us with its golden glow,
Yet shadows linger where night must go.

Mysterious Drone Sightings

 "Mysterious Drones" - Bahamas AI Art

  ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Mysterious Drone Sightings

Since mid-November 2024, numerous reports of mysterious drone sightings have emerged across various regions of the United States, particularly along the East Coast. These sightings have sparked public concern and prompted investigations by federal authorities.

Salarius - PC Wallpaper

 

"Salarius" - Bahamas AI Art

  ©A. Derek Catalano

Download full size: 5376x3072

Sunset Coconut Tree Sky

 

"Sunset Coconut Tree Sky" - Bahamas AI Art

  ©A. Derek Catalano

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Report: A House Can Be a Dangerous Place Especially When Living Alone

 

 "Danger House" - Bahamas AI Art

  ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Report: A House Can Be a Dangerous Place Especially When Living Alone

---

Introduction

While a house is often considered a safe haven, it can also be a source of unexpected dangers, particularly for individuals living alone. The combination of architectural features, common household items, and everyday activities presents a range of risks. These risks are magnified when there is no immediate assistance available, making accidents potentially more severe. This report explores the myriad ways in which a home environment can be hazardous, identifies key risk factors, and offers recommendations for prevention and safety.

Hug Someone Today

 "Hug Someone Today" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Hug Someone Today

(An Ode to the Embrace)

Amid the din of life's relentless race,
Where time and space seem scarce to trace,
A humble act, profound and true,
Awaits to bind both me and you.

A hug—its strength unseen, untold,
A silent warmth that hands can hold.
No words required, no grand display,
Just touch the heart—hug someone today.

Junkanoo Bugs Bunny

 

"Junkanoo Bugs Bunny" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

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"Bait & Tackle" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

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"Civilzed Countries" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

The Most Civilized Countries in the World Today: An Analysis

The concept of a "civilized" country is multifaceted and subjective, often reflecting cultural, economic, and social values. In modern discourse, it typically refers to nations that excel in promoting human development, governance, sustainability, and societal well-being. This report identifies and explores some of the world's most civilized countries based on key indicators such as quality of life, governance, human rights, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability.

What to Know About the History of Junkanoo, One of the Caribbean’s Biggest Holiday Celebrations

 We made it to TIME Magazine!

Junkanoo dancer

What to Know About the History of Junkanoo, One of the Caribbean’s Biggest Holiday Celebrations

 

The holidays are upon us. And this Dec. 26th and Jan. 1, as some celebrate Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, Bahamians across the world will partake in one of the biggest holiday celebrations in the Caribbean: Junkanoo.  Read more>

Junkanoo Costume by Sayed.

 

Junkanoo Costume by Sayed.

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My step grandson Sayed, created his Junkanoo costume for the Boxing Day 2024 Junkanoo Parade held on Bay St., downtown Nassau, Bahamas.

Sayed is drummer in the One Family Junkanoo group.

Learn about Junkanoo here.

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Related article: The Significance of Junkanoo to Bahamian Culture

Related poem: Getting Ready For Junkanoo

Related art: Junkanoo Concept Art

Related article: National Junkanoo Stadium Concept

 Related video: The 2024 ALIV Boxing Day Parade

REPLAY: The 2024 ALIV Boxing Day Parade. Live from Bay St - Nassau, Bahamas.

 

 

 The 2024 ALIV Boxing Day Parade.

Live from Bay St - Nassau, Bahamas.