Tuesday, May 13, 2025

Caribbean Barbie - Phone Wallpapers

 
Caribbean Barbie doll

"Caribbean Barbie" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 Download full size: 3072x5376
 

Caribbean Barbie doll

"Caribbean Barbie" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 Download full size: 3072x5376

Monday, May 12, 2025

Don't Give Up

 
Man climbing mountain peak

 "Reach the Top" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 

Don't Give Up


Good morning, good afternoon, good evening—wherever you are in life right now, this message is for you.

If you're tired, frustrated, overwhelmed, or just plain stuck, I want you to stop for a moment and hear me loud and clear:

Don’t. Give. Up.

Moon Over Beach

 
Moon Over Beach

"Moon Over Beach" - Bahamas AI Art
 ⒸA. Derek Catalano
 
 View my Tropic Gallery

Sunday, May 11, 2025

Happy Mother’s Day

 
Woman sitting in chair with her children

"Happy Mother with Children" - Bahamas AI Art
 ⒸA. Derek Catalano
 

Happy Mother’s Day

Not just a day, but a lifetime earned—
In quiet hours, in bridges burned.
In scraped knees wiped, in hard truths told,
In arms that shield, in hands that hold.

You are the engine that never stalls,
The steady step when the burden calls.
The softest touch, the sharpest mind,
The one who waits, the one who finds.

You made a home out of fractured things—
A coat of warmth, with broken wings.
You read the room when no one spoke,
And bore the weight so we wouldn’t choke.

Saturday, May 10, 2025

Ākāra - A Bijayini Satpathy's Choreography

 
Dance performance poster

 Ākāra - A Bijayini Satpathy's Choreography
 
My son Carlito will be dancing in Utah. 
 
Ākāra is retelling of quintessential dances of Odissi when it emerged as a national dance - expressed through young global practitioners of today, whose life and realities are far and unfamiliar to the land of Orissa. - View Instagram post.
 
Related article: Shirley Bass Foundation Sponsors Bahamian Dancer

Who Pushed the Button

 
destroyed wasteland city

 "The Horror" - Bahamas AI Art
 ⒸA. Derek Catalano
 
 

Who Pushed the Button


We built the bombs to keep the peace—
as if extinction was a shield,
as if the threat of total death
could keep the battlefield sealed.
Steel death we worshipped underground,
wired for silence, not for sound,
stacked neatly in their silver tombs—
our faith misplaced in lethal rooms.

We told ourselves it kept us safe,
this balance born of mutual fear.
A thousand warheads humming deep
in silos far and near.
Each one a god, asleep but armed,
a curse disguised as charm,
a guardian that held its breath
to keep us balanced close to death.

But how could peace be built on edge,
on trembling hands at history’s ledge?
We had the codes. We drew the lines.
We played with fire. We mined the mines.
Bombs for the East, bombs for the West,
bombs for the ones who claimed they’d bless
the Earth with order, law, and pride—
a genocide all justified.

Thursday, May 8, 2025

Don't Make Up Facts

 
People at table drinking and telling exaggerated stories

 "Don't Make Up Facts" - Bahamas AI Art
 ⒸA. Derek Catalano
 
 

Don't Make Up Facts

Don’t make up facts—
not to win a fight,
not to sound smart under neon light,
not to dress your doubts in borrowed suits,
or twist the root to bear false fruits.

Don’t claim the sky was red last June
just to own the room.
Don’t fake the tide, or bend the moon
to fit your chosen tune.

There’s power in “I don’t know,”
in silence, in letting the real thing grow.
Lies are loud and cheap to sell,
but truth is slow—
and rings like a bell.

Tropicscape - PC Wallpaper

 
Colorful tropic beach scene

"Tropicscape" - Bahamas AI Art
 ⒸA. Derek Catalano
 
 Download full size: 5376x3072
 
 
Colorful tropic beach scene

 "Tropicscape" - Bahamas AI Art
 ⒸA. Derek Catalano
 
 Download full size: 5376x3072

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

The Bahamas as an Unincorporated U.S. Territory: An In-Depth Analysis

I've heard it suggested before that The Bahamas should become a part of the United States. Let's explore.
 
 
US flag and Bahamian flag over tropic beach.

 "Flags Flying" - Bahamas AI Art
 ⒸA. Derek Catalano
 
 

The Bahamas as an Unincorporated U.S. Territory: An In-Depth Analysis

Introduction

The idea of The Bahamas becoming an unincorporated territory of the United States is a provocative one, raising a mix of geopolitical, economic, cultural, and legal questions. While such a transformation is purely hypothetical at present, analyzing its potential implications offers a useful lens through which to examine issues of sovereignty, U.S. territorial policy, Caribbean geopolitics, and economic integration. This essay explores the ramifications of such a shift, examining its historical context, legal feasibility, political implications, economic outcomes, social and cultural impacts, and international response.

Beach Living

 
Colorful wooden beach house

"Beach Living" - Bahamas AI Art
 ⒸA. Derek Catalano
 

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Firefighting and Firefighting Services: A Comprehensive Overview

 
Firefighters battling fire of colonial building.

 "Firefighting" - Bahamas AI Art
 ⒸA. Derek Catalano
 
 

Firefighting and Firefighting Services: A Comprehensive Overview

 

Introduction

Firefighting is both a profession and a critical public safety service. At its core, it involves the suppression of fires to protect life, property, and the environment. But firefighting today is much more than just putting out fires. It encompasses a broad set of responsibilities including rescue operations, hazardous material response, medical emergencies, disaster preparedness, fire prevention, and public education. As urban populations grow and climate patterns shift, the demands on firefighting services are increasing in complexity, scope, and risk.

Pastel Sky - PC Wallpaper

 
Sunset over tropic sea with sailboats and seagulls.

"Pastel Sky" - Bahamas AI Art
 ⒸA. Derek Catalano
 
Download full size: 5120x2880


Sunset over tropic sea with sailboats and seagulls.

"Pastel Sky" - Bahamas AI Art
 ⒸA. Derek Catalano
 
Download full size: 5120x2880

Monday, May 5, 2025

Fire, Fire Safety Precautions and Effects on People

 
Colonial stylesd building on fire by tropic shore.

 "Fire!" - Bahamas AI Art
 ⒸA. Derek Catalano
 
 

Fire, Fire Safety Precautions and Effects on People

 

1. Introduction

Fire is a chemical reaction involving rapid oxidation or combustion, releasing heat, light, and various reaction products such as carbon dioxide, water vapor, and smoke. While fire is essential for energy, industry, and daily life, it poses significant risks to human safety, property, and the environment. Effective fire safety precautions are critical for preventing fires, minimizing damage, and protecting lives.

Tropic Drink Stand, Lemnoade GriL - PC Wallpaper

 
Tropic Drink Stand under shady tree by sea with young girl.

"Tropic Drink Stand" - Bahamas AI Art
 ⒸA. Derek Catalano
 
 Download full size: 5376x3072
 
 
Memonade stand under shady tree by sea with young girl.
 
"Lemnoade GriL" - Bahamas AI Art
 ⒸA. Derek Catalano
 
 Download full size: 5376x3072

Thursday, May 1, 2025

One Day at a Time

Middle-aged woman sleeping in bed with sun coming in.

 "One Day at a Time" - Bahamas AI Art
 ⒸA. Derek Catalano
 
 

One Day at a Time

The sun breaks in like a whispered dare,
Through blinds that bend but do not break.
Another morning, heavy air—
Another breath I have to take.

The clock forgets my aching limbs,
It doesn't pause to see the weight.
It only ticks with soulless hymns
While I drag hope through heaven’s gate.

I used to plan the distant years,
Stacked dreams like bricks in tidy rows.
But futures fold when fed by fears,
And worry reaps what no one sows.

Tropic Thunder Storm - PC Wallpaper

 
Tropic Thunder Storm over beach and sea

"Tropic Thunder Storm" - Bahamas AI Art
 ⒸA. Derek Catalano

Download full size: 5376x3072


Tropic Thunder Storm over beach and sea

"Tropic Thunder Storm" - Bahamas AI Art
 ⒸA. Derek Catalano

Download full size: 5376x3072

Wednesday, April 30, 2025

The Green Heron in The Bahamas: Ecology, Behavior, and Conservation

 
Green Heron flying low over pond

 "Green Heron, aka Po' Joe, Gaulin" - Bahamas AI Art
 ⒸA. Derek Catalano
 
 
 

The Green Heron in The Bahamas: Ecology, Behavior, and Conservation


Introduction

The Green Heron, aka Po' Joe, Gaulin, (Butorides virescens) is a small, secretive wading bird found throughout the Americas, including The Bahamas. Unlike larger, more conspicuous herons, the Green Heron is compact and often overlooked due to its shy nature and preference for dense wetland cover. In The Bahamas, this bird plays a quiet but essential role in the coastal and wetland ecosystems. Understanding its presence in the archipelago sheds light on both local biodiversity and broader environmental health. This essay explores the biology, behavior, habitat, and conservation challenges of the Green Heron, with a focus on its role in the Bahamian environment.

Seagull Shore

 
Tropic beach with seagulls

"Seagull Shore" - Bahamas AI Art
 ⒸA. Derek Catalano
 

Tropicorna

 
Sci-fi habitats on planet sunset river

"Tropicorna" - Bahamas AI Art
 ⒸA. Derek Catalano
 
Download full size: 1344x768

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

The Generation Gap

 
Grandpa reading newspaper, grandson using laptop.

 "The Generation Gap" - Bahamas AI Art
 ⒸA. Derek Catalano
 
 

The Generation Gap

They say we live in different worlds,
But sleep beneath the same blue sky.
You tap a screen to chase your dreams,
I built mine brick by brick, by try.

You speak in gifs, in memes, in snaps,
I wrote in cursive, mailed with stamps.
You stream your music from the clouds—
We spun it slow on vinyl clamps.

We watched the clock; you watch your feed.
We mowed the lawn; you plant a seed—
A digital one, that blooms in likes,
While we were told to “earn our stripes.”

Tropic Thunder Storm - PC Wallpaper

 
Tropic Thunder Storm with lightning over hill tops

"Tropic Thunder Storm" - Bahamas AI Art
 ⒸA. Derek Catalano
 
Download full size: 5376x3072


Tropic Thunder Storm with lightning over hill tops

"Tropic Thunder Storm" - Bahamas AI Art
 ⒸA. Derek Catalano
 
Download full size: 5376x3072

Catalano Cafe - PC Wallpaper

 
Sidewalk cafe watercolour painting

"Catalano Cafe" - Bahamas AI art
 ⒸA. Derek Catalano
 
 Download full size: 5376x3072


Sidewalk cafe watercolour painting

"Catalano Cafe" - Bahamas AI art
 ⒸA. Derek Catalano
 
 Download full size: 5376x3072

Monday, April 28, 2025

Cloning: Science, Ethics, and Perspectives in The Bahamas

 
Three gray cloned men standing on tropic beach

 "Cloned" - Bahamas AI Art
ⒸA. Derek Catalano
 
 

Cloning: Science, Ethics, and Perspectives in The Bahamas

Cloning is the process of creating a genetically identical copy of an organism. The science behind cloning has evolved rapidly since the 20th century, with landmark achievements like the cloning of Dolly the sheep in 1996. There are two primary types of cloning: therapeutic cloning, which produces embryonic stem cells for medical treatment, and reproductive cloning, which aims to create a living organism genetically identical to the donor. The implications of cloning span scientific innovation, ethical dilemmas, and societal impacts.

Golden Senna

 
Golden Senna flower close-up

Golden Senna - ⒸA. Derek Catalano

Download full size: 2082x1578


Golden Senna flower

Golden Senna - ⒸA. Derek Catalano

Download full size: 2826x3864

Friday, April 25, 2025

National Parks Day

 
BNT Logo on tiles

Bahamas National Trust
 ⒸA. Derek Catalano
 
The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) is welcoming the public to join them inside national parks across The Bahamas for free outdoor activities on National Parks Day – Saturday, April 26, 2025.  Read more.

Thursday, April 24, 2025

Noise Pollution: An Overlooked Menace in the Modern Soundscape

 
Woman covering ears in anguish

 "Noise Pollution" - Bahamas AI Art
 ⒸA. Derek Catalano
 
 

Noise Pollution: An Overlooked Menace in the Modern Soundscape

Noise pollution—defined as unwanted or excessive sound that disrupts normal environmental conditions—has become one of the most pervasive and under-regulated forms of pollution. From the bass-thumping rhythms of Bluetooth speakers in public parks, to souped-up exhaust systems that shatter silence on suburban streets, noise pollution is creeping into daily life in ways both subtle and severe. Though often dismissed as a mere annoyance, excessive noise has measurable consequences for health, well-being, and the quality of urban life.

Obeah Man

 
Obeah Man sitting in sea blowing flute

"Obeah Man" - Bahamas AI Art
 ⒸA. Derek Catalano

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

The Current State of Employment in The Bahamas

 
Various workers

 "Employment in The Bahamas" - Bahamas AI Art
 ⒸA. Derek Catalano
 
 

The Current State of Employment in The Bahamas 

 

Executive Summary

As of mid-2024, The Bahamas has achieved its lowest national unemployment rate in 16 years, standing at 8.7%. Despite this progress, youth unemployment remains a significant concern at 19%, with nearly 8,000 young individuals aged 15–24 unemployed. Additionally, a substantial portion of the workforce lacks formal qualifications, highlighting challenges in aligning educational outcomes with labor market demands.

Bahamas Artist Registry

 
Alley through colorful tropic houses

"Harbour Island Alley" - ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 
The National Artist Registry Project is the final component of the Joint SDG Fund Programme (The Bahamas & Bermuda) Building Back Equal through Innovative Financing for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment comprised of various UN agencies inclusive of UNESCO.

The Project forms a centralized database or platform that catalogs and showcases information about creatives and their works.
 
 

Tropical Fruit Still Life - PC Wallpaper

Tropical Fruit Still Life with window sea background

 "Tropical Fruit Still Life" - Bahamas AI Art
 ⒸA. Derek Catalano
 
Download full size: 5376x3072

Monday, April 21, 2025

Grits in da Mornin'

 
Bowl of yellow grits with tropic sea sunrise background

 "Grits in da Mornin'" - Bahamas AI Art
 ⒸA. Derek Catalano
 
 

Grits in da Mornin'


Rise and shine
A new day is dawnin',
Bahamians love dey
Grits in da mornin'.

Made from corn
Grin' up dead small,
Grits for da whole family
One an' all.

Gatta know how to cook it
Don't rush da pot,
Use da right amount a water
Man, dat hit da spot.

Mini Orchids

 
Close up of pink Mini Orchids

"Mini Orchids" - ⒸA. Derek Catalano
 
Download full size: 3852x2586
 
 
Mini Orchids in white ceramic pots on counter

 "Mini Orchids" - ⒸA. Derek Catalano
 
Download full size: 3852x2586

Sunday, April 20, 2025

He Is Risen

 
Stained glass window of Jesus on clouds

"He Is Risen" - ⒸA. Derek Catalano
 
He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. Matthew 28:6

Stained glass window at Christ The King Anglican Church, Ridgeland Park, Nassau, Bahamas.
 
View: Weep Not

Saturday, April 19, 2025

Give Peace and Love

 
Peace and Love poster

"Peace and Love" - Bahamas AI Art
 ⒸA. Derek Catalano
 
 

 Give Peace and Love


The world is heavy with the weight of pain,
Skies thick with smoke, hearts soaked in rain.
Each headline screams, each screen explodes
With anger, loss, and narrow roads.

We walk through days of sharpened tongues,
Of closed-off minds and loaded lungs.
A thousand ways we’ve drawn the line,
As if to hate is by design.

But here we are—awake, aware,
Still breathing in this battered air.
And in this hour, raw and real,
We face the truth we used to seal.

Friday, April 18, 2025

Weep Not

 
Jesus on cross

"Weep Not" - ⒸA. Derek Catalano

But Jesus turning unto them said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children." Luke 23:28.
 
Stained glass window at Christ The King Anglican Church, Ridgeland Park, Nassau, Bahamas.
 

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

The Origin, History, and Current Meaning of Easter

 
Woman holding flowers in meadow

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

The Origin, History, and Current Meaning of Easter

Easter is one of the most significant and widely celebrated holidays in the Christian calendar. It marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, a foundational event in Christian theology. However, Easter’s roots, its evolution through history, and its present-day observance span religious traditions, cultural adaptations, and secular interpretations. This essay explores the origin, historical development, and current meaning of Easter, unpacking how an ancient religious festival has become a global occasion with diverse expressions.

Chief Azula - Wood Carving

 
Azula - Wood Carving

"Chief Azula" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano

Tumbleweave

 
Ball of hair on ground

"Tumbleweave" - ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 Download full size: 2814x2238

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI): An In-Depth Analysis

 
Artificial Super Intelligence

 "Artificial Super Intelligence" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 

Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI): An In-Depth Analysis

 

Introduction

Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI) refers to a hypothetical form of intelligence that surpasses human capabilities across every domain: reasoning, creativity, problem-solving, decision-making, emotional intelligence, and even social manipulation. Unlike Narrow AI (which handles specific tasks like language translation or image recognition) and Artificial General Intelligence (AGI, which mimics human cognitive abilities), ASI would be capable of independent innovation, strategic thinking, and possibly self-improvement—at a level far beyond the smartest humans.

While ASI does not yet exist, the implications of its potential development have generated significant debate across disciplines. Researchers, ethicists, and technologists are concerned not only with whether ASI can be achieved but also with how it might affect humanity. This essay will explore the theoretical basis for ASI, current trajectories toward its development, associated risks, philosophical considerations, and the growing push for control frameworks and alignment strategies.

Island Struggle

 
Weathered and worn island cottage by sea with clothes on cllothesline.

"Island Struggle" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 Download full size: 1344x768


Weathered and worn island cottage by sea with clothes on cllothesline.

"Island Struggle" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 Download full size: 1344x768