Conga Scrape - ©A. Derek Catalano
Here's a beat I created 20 years ago. It was
originally a MIDI file but I finally got around to converting it to a
WAV file which was needed for my video editor. Enjoy.
Related music: I Don't Like Rum
Sunday, August 31, 2025
The Benefits of Sitting by the Sea and Breathing in Salt Sea Air
"Pink Sands Beach, Harbour Island" - ©A. Derek Catalano
The Benefits of Sitting by the Sea and Breathing in Salt Sea Air
Sitting by the sea and breathing in the salt-rich air offers a variety of benefits for both your physical and mental well-being. This is a practice that has been recognized for centuries, and many of the reported benefits are supported by a growing body of scientific research.
Change Starts With You
"Change Starts With You" - Bahamas AI Art
©A. Derek Catalano
Change Starts With You
You want to see a world reborn,
A future bright, a brand new morn?
You whisper pleas to a deaf sky,
And wonder why the years drift by,
With chaos coiled in every street,
A bitter taste on every sweet.
You see the shadow of the past,
A silent chill, a die that's cast.
But look within, and see the truth,
Beyond the wisdom of your youth.
The change you crave, the light you seek,
Is not for others, frail and weak.
It’s not a banner held so high,
That others follow, and then die.
It’s not a whisper in the wind,
A wish that's lost, a dream unpinned.
It starts with you, a quiet choice,
A single action, a silent voice.
The kindness shown, a gentle word,
A truth that's spoken, a prayer unheard.
It’s in the litter that you pick,
The broken branches that you stick
Back in the earth, to heal and grow,
A simple act, a tiny sow.
A future bright, a brand new morn?
You whisper pleas to a deaf sky,
And wonder why the years drift by,
With chaos coiled in every street,
A bitter taste on every sweet.
You see the shadow of the past,
A silent chill, a die that's cast.
But look within, and see the truth,
Beyond the wisdom of your youth.
The change you crave, the light you seek,
Is not for others, frail and weak.
It’s not a banner held so high,
That others follow, and then die.
It’s not a whisper in the wind,
A wish that's lost, a dream unpinned.
It starts with you, a quiet choice,
A single action, a silent voice.
The kindness shown, a gentle word,
A truth that's spoken, a prayer unheard.
It’s in the litter that you pick,
The broken branches that you stick
Back in the earth, to heal and grow,
A simple act, a tiny sow.
Friday, August 29, 2025
About 31/ATLAS
"Comet" - Bahamas AI Art
©A. Derek Catalano
What is Comet 3I/ATLAS?
Comet 3I/ATLAS is a rare and exciting celestial object—it's an interstellar comet, meaning it originated from outside our solar system, likely from another star system. It's only the third interstellar object ever discovered, following 'Oumuamua in 2017 and Borisov in 2019.
The name "3I/ATLAS" breaks down as follows:
3I: "3I" stands for "third interstellar object."
ATLAS: This refers to the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System, the robotic survey telescope network in Chile that first spotted the object on July 1, 2025.
What makes it so interesting to scientists is its unique chemical makeup and its incredibly high speed, which is evidence that it has been hurtling through interstellar space for potentially billions of years. Its journey through our solar system offers a rare chance to study a pristine sample from a distant planetary system.
When will it arrive?
Comet 3I/ATLAS has already "arrived" and is currently passing through our solar system. It was first discovered on July 1, 2025.
Closest approach to the Sun: The comet will make its closest approach to the Sun (known as perihelion) in late October 2025. At this time, it will be at a distance of about 1.4 AU (astronomical units), which is approximately 130 million miles (210 million km), putting it just inside the orbit of Mars.
Closest approach to Earth: The comet's closest approach to Earth will be in December 2025. At its nearest, it will still be at a very safe distance of about 1.8 AU (170 million miles or 270 million km).
The comet will be difficult to observe from Earth in late September and October as it will pass too close to the Sun, but it's expected to become visible again in early December 2025.
Will it hit Earth?
No, there is absolutely no danger of Comet 3I/ATLAS hitting Earth. Its trajectory and distance have been carefully calculated by astronomers, and it is confirmed to be on a hyperbolic orbit that will take it safely past the Sun and continue its journey out of our solar system, never to return.
©A. Derek Catalano/Gemini
Related link: Discovery and Overview
Related link: Hubble Telescope Image
The Current State of Education in The Bahamas and Pathways for Improvement
"Education in The Bahamas Mural" - Bahamas AI Art
©A. Derek Catalano
The Current State of Education in The Bahamas and Pathways for Improvement
Introduction
Education in The Bahamas is a critical pillar of national development. With a population of just over 400,000, the nation relies heavily on human capital to sustain its economy, particularly in tourism, financial services, and emerging sectors like technology. The Bahamian government invests significantly in education, but systemic challenges remain. This report provides an in-depth overview of the current state of education in The Bahamas, identifies key strengths and weaknesses, and outlines comprehensive recommendations for improvement.
Thursday, August 28, 2025
We Are Watching You
"Eye on You" - Bahamas AI Art
©A. Derek Catalano
The people of a nation stand vigilant, observing their government and leaders, holding them accountable for their decisions. This poem, "We Are Watching You," is a reflection of this dynamic, a powerful expression of the public's watchful eye and their collective voice demanding justice, transparency, and good governance.
We Are Watching You
We are the many, the unseen, the quiet hum,
A tide of faces in the gathering storm.
The promises you make, we count each one,
The laws you forge, the future you transform.
We watch you as you walk the halls of power,
With every word you speak, each whispered plea.
For in this fragile, ever-ticking hour,
Your choices echo through eternity.
We are the farmers in the sun-scorched field,
The mothers cradling a child's soft hand.
The scholars whose bright minds will not yet yield,
The laborers who toil across the land.
We are the people, a vast and vibrant throng,
And you are not the kings on high,
You are the servants where we all belong,
Beneath the same wide and indifferent sky.
A tide of faces in the gathering storm.
The promises you make, we count each one,
The laws you forge, the future you transform.
We watch you as you walk the halls of power,
With every word you speak, each whispered plea.
For in this fragile, ever-ticking hour,
Your choices echo through eternity.
We are the farmers in the sun-scorched field,
The mothers cradling a child's soft hand.
The scholars whose bright minds will not yet yield,
The laborers who toil across the land.
We are the people, a vast and vibrant throng,
And you are not the kings on high,
You are the servants where we all belong,
Beneath the same wide and indifferent sky.
Dictatorship and Broadcasting: Control, Propaganda, and Power
"Obey" - Bahamas AI Art
©A. Derek Catalano
Dictatorship and Broadcasting: Control, Propaganda, and Power
Introduction
Broadcasting has historically been a decisive instrument of authoritarian regimes. Dictatorships, by nature, depend on information monopolies to maintain legitimacy, suppress opposition, and mold collective consciousness. Radio, television, and more recently digital platforms, have provided dictators with unparalleled means of propaganda and surveillance. This paper analyzes the role of broadcasting in dictatorships, the mechanisms of control, notable historical case studies, the transformation of authoritarian broadcasting in the digital age, and the enduring struggle between propaganda and resistance.
Tropic Dream - PC Desktop Wallpaper
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
The Cultural Tapestry of Rake 'n' Scrape: From Humble Origins to a Bahamian National Treasure
"Rake 'n' Scrape Instruments" - Bahamas AI Art
©A. Derek Catalano
The Cultural Tapestry of Rake 'n' Scrape: From Humble Origins to a Bahamian National Treasure
Rake 'n' Scrape music stands as a vibrant and enduring symbol of Bahamian culture and national identity. More than just a musical genre, it is a living artifact that embodies the nation’s history, resilience, and unique spirit. Characterized by the distinctive "raking" of a carpenter's saw with a metal object, the percussive beat of a goatskin drum, and the melodic undertones of an accordion or concertina, Rake 'n' Scrape represents a powerful fusion of African rhythmic traditions and European folk instruments. This blog post will explore the comprehensive history of Rake 'n' Scrape, from its improvised origins and historical evolution to its crucial role in contemporary Bahamian society and its promising future.
REPOST: Crime and Gang Activity in The Bahamas
"Glock" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano
Crime and Gang Activity in The Bahamas
The Bahamas, known for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant tourism industry, is increasingly grappling with the pervasive issue of crime and gang activity. This complex social problem has significant implications for the nation's safety, economic stability, and overall quality of life. Read full article>
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
The Crossing
"The Crossing" - Bahamas AI Art
©A. Derek Catalano
The Crossing
The salt wind bites, a lonely, ancient song,
Across the waves where all my hopes belong.
The wooden hull, a fragile, trembling trust,
Against the sea, a world of sun-bleached dust.
I left behind the mountains, worn and green,
A life of hardship, painted in a scene
Of fading light and shadows, long and deep,
A promise that my family could not keep.
The earth was tired, and hungry was the air,
A silent burden more than I could bear.
Now stars above, a map I cannot read,
Just whispers of a future, sown like seed.
The sun, a fire, burns into my skin,
A different world I pray to enter in.
I dream of streets where labor finds its worth,
A harvest far from my own native earth.
For every step, for every aching bone,
A prayer is sent to a world I've never known.
I'll trade the fields for concrete, hard and gray,
And work my fingers raw throughout the day.
To trim the lawns, to build the rising walls,
To answer every single foreign call.
For here, they say, the dollars gleam and shine,
A single note worth more than what was mine.
And in my mind, I count the value won,
For every hour beneath this foreign sun.
This is the price for futures yet to be,
A sacrifice I make for you, for me.
I'll send it back, a lifeline, silver-bright,
To buy a future, to kindle hope's new light.
A child's new book, a meal to fill a plate,
To change the harsh and unforgiving fate.
My hands are bruised, my back is bent and sore,
But in my heart, I know it's worth much more.
I am the bridge, the link, the steady hand,
That builds a life in that far distant land.
©A. Derek Catalano/Gemini
Related article: Haitian Migration to The Bahamas
Related article: A Plan To Address The Crisis In Haiti
Monday, August 25, 2025
The Dawning of Neurachem
Circle of Dust - Neurachem
Neurachem in Altered Carbon
What it is:
A high-end genetic modification or cybernetic implant that alters the brain's send/receive thresholds, allowing for faster information processing and signal transmission.
Its effects:
It increases blood flow, speeds up reflexes, and improves sensory perception.
Its effects:
It increases blood flow, speeds up reflexes, and improves sensory perception.
How it's used:
Military-grade neurachem is used in "combat sleeves" for soldiers, while a less potent version can be a general enhancement.
Context:
It's a form of advanced augmentation that, along with mental conditioning, makes soldiers and spies more effective by enhancing their mental and physical capabilities.
Related poem: AI Man Is Coming
Related article: Transhumanism: The Future of Human Evolution
Related article: Report: Human Chip Implants
Related poem: Voyage of New Man
Related article: Artificial General Intelligence (AGI): An In-Depth Exploration
Related link: Übermensch Explained
How The Bahamas Can Better Improve Upon its Crime-Fighting Efforts
"Ya Lock Up" - Bahamas AI Art
©A. Derek Catalano
How The Bahamas Can Better Improve Upon its Crime-Fighting Efforts
Executive Summary
The Bahamas faces a significant and multi-faceted challenge with crime, particularly violent crime, which poses a threat to citizen security and the nation's vital tourism industry. While the government and law enforcement have implemented various strategies, a comprehensive and sustained effort is required to address the root causes and systemic issues that fuel criminal activity. This report provides an extensive analysis of the current crime landscape in The Bahamas and proposes a series of interconnected, evidence-based recommendations spanning prevention, policing, the justice system, and offender rehabilitation. By adopting a holistic, multi-pillar approach, The Bahamas can build a safer and more secure future for all its residents and visitors.
Saturday, August 23, 2025
The Dictates of Public Opinion: Influence, Fractures, and the Democratic Ideal
"Public Demands" - Bahamas AI Art
©A. Derek Catalano
The Dictates of Public Opinion: Influence, Fractures, and the Democratic Ideal
The concept of public opinion as a guiding force for those in power is a cornerstone of democratic governance. The phrase “the dictates of public opinion” refers to the collective influence and demands that the sentiments of the public place on political leaders and policymakers. In theory, this dynamic ensures that government is responsive to the will of the people, upholding the democratic ideal of popular sovereignty. However, the reality of public opinion is far more complex than this simple ideal, characterized by significant internal fractures, susceptibility to external manipulation, and a frequent disconnect between theoretical principles and practical application.
Friday, August 22, 2025
The Negative Impact of Bad Parenting
"Neglect" - Bahamas AI Art
©A. Derek Catalano
The Negative Impact of Bad Parenting
Introduction
Parenting is a journey, a demanding and rewarding one that shapes not only an individual's life but also the future of society. However, when this journey is poorly navigated, it can lead to devastating consequences. Bad parenting, a complex issue with multiple facets, can leave an indelible mark on a child's psyche, emotional well-being, and social development. This article delves into the core of bad parenting, exploring its various forms, its profound impact on children and society, and the potential solutions that can foster a healthier and more nurturing environment for future generations.
Announcing Shakespeare in Paradise 2025!
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Thursday, August 21, 2025
From Nassau to the Fields: The Story of "The Contract" and the Bahamian Migrant Workers
"On the Contract" - Bahamas AI Art
©A. Derek Catalano
From Nassau to the Fields: The Story of "The Contract" and the Bahamian Migrant Workers
The year is 1943. World War II rages across the globe, and its ripple effects are felt even in the tranquil, sun-drenched islands of The Bahamas. While the conflict seems a world away, it sets in motion a remarkable chapter in Bahamian history, one that would see tens of thousands of its citizens embark on an unprecedented journey. This is the story of "The Contract," a pivotal moment of temporary migration that shaped families, communities, and the very economic landscape of The Bahamas for over two decades.
Bahamians Debut Amazon Film tomorrow August 22nd, 2025
Caribbean Talent Takes Center Stage in Award-Winning Drama Featuring Geneva Maccarone and JaQuay “Dasquai” Adderley
From The Bahamas and Florida to Amazon: Deon Gibson’s The Pages of My Heart Streams Globally August 22
TAMPA, FL — After years of perseverance, delays, and creative transformation, Bahamian-born, Florida-based filmmaker Deon Gibson is celebrating a major breakthrough as his film The Pages of My Heart makes its global debut on Amazon Prime Video this August 22, 2025.
The emotional, award-winning drama — led by A Madea Homecoming star Geneva Maccarone and executive produced by Bahamian entertainer JaQuay “Dasquay” Adderley — marks a powerful moment for Caribbean creatives in global cinema.
Voyage of New Man
"Cyborg Astronaut" - Bahamas AI Art
©A. Derek Catalano
Voyage of New Man
In the twilight of a world grown gray with smog,
Where the sun was a rumor, lost in the fog,
Man, once of flesh, of blood, and of bone,
Felt his humanity crumble, all alone.
The air, a poison, a venomous breath,
Brought the slow, agonizing whisper of death.
His lungs, once a forest, turned barren and thin,
His heart, a frail drum in a world full of din.
So he turned to the forge, to the circuit's bright gleam,
To chase a lost future, a desperate dream.
He shed the soft skin, the mortal design,
For plates of chrome, for a steel spine.
His eyes, once filled with a tear's salty wet,
Now held the cold glow of a cybernetic jet.
He was a New Man, a vessel of might,
A ghost in the day, a star in the night.
The memories of green, of oceans and sky,
Were data streams now, in his optical eye.
He walked through the ruins of cities gone dark,
A flickering soul, a mechanical spark.
His brothers and sisters, a legion of steel,
Felt what was once human, no longer was real.
Where the sun was a rumor, lost in the fog,
Man, once of flesh, of blood, and of bone,
Felt his humanity crumble, all alone.
The air, a poison, a venomous breath,
Brought the slow, agonizing whisper of death.
His lungs, once a forest, turned barren and thin,
His heart, a frail drum in a world full of din.
So he turned to the forge, to the circuit's bright gleam,
To chase a lost future, a desperate dream.
He shed the soft skin, the mortal design,
For plates of chrome, for a steel spine.
His eyes, once filled with a tear's salty wet,
Now held the cold glow of a cybernetic jet.
He was a New Man, a vessel of might,
A ghost in the day, a star in the night.
The memories of green, of oceans and sky,
Were data streams now, in his optical eye.
He walked through the ruins of cities gone dark,
A flickering soul, a mechanical spark.
His brothers and sisters, a legion of steel,
Felt what was once human, no longer was real.
Tiger on the Beach
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Crossing Cultural Barriers: A Journey of Connection and Growth
"One People" - Bahamas AI Art
©A. Derek Catalano
Crossing Cultural Barriers: A Journey of Connection and Growth
In a world that is more interconnected than ever, the concept of culture is both a source of rich diversity and a potential point of friction. We are constantly exposed to different traditions, beliefs, and ways of life, whether through travel, media, or our own communities. This exposure brings with it the challenge and opportunity of crossing cultural barriers. But what does this really mean? How do we do it, and why should we even try? This blog post will take a deep dive into the profound journey of bridging cultural divides, exploring its meaning, methods, benefits, and ultimate significance.
Make It Happen
"Achieve" - Bahamas AI Art
©A. Derek Catalano
Make It Happen
The world sits still, a waiting stage,
A book with an unwritten page.
The sun, though brilliant, will not bake
The bread that hungry hands must make.
The seed, though full of life and fire,
Will not grow tall to meet the sky,
Unless you break the hardened soil
And give it water, with your toil.
For dreams don’t fall like gentle rain,
To wash away a life of pain.
They do not sprout on silent air;
They wait for someone brave to care.
The mountain stands, a stony plea,
But won't surrender to a knee.
The summit’s height, a grand ideal,
Is only conquered when it’s real.
And real it is with every step,
The breathless climb, the will to keep
Your body moving, mind so keen,
Against the things you haven’t seen.
The path ahead is not laid out;
It's made by courage, without doubt.
You are the chisel, you the stone,
The architect who builds alone.
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Vote for the CJ Bahamas Travel and Sustainability Awards 2025
"Nassau Port Action" - ©A. Derek Catalano
Vote for the CJ Bahamas Travel and Sustainability Awards 2025
The CJ Bahamas Travel and Sustainability Awards celebrate the people and places that make The Bahamas such an amazing destination. But it's not just about hospitality — it's about sustainability. From hotels to sustainable islands to bars, you can choose the winners of this year's awards.
Monday, August 18, 2025
Disturbed and Violent Children: Unraveling the Path to Psychopathy and the Urgency of Intervention
"Child Psychopath" - Bahamas AI Art
©A. Derek Catalano
Disturbed and Violent Children: Unraveling the Path to Psychopathy and the Urgency of Intervention
The image of a violent criminal often conjures a fully-formed adult, but the roots of such dangerous behavior are almost always found in a troubled childhood. While it's crucial to understand that not all troubled children will become dangerous criminals, a small but significant number display early warning signs of a deeply disturbed psychological state that, if left unaddressed, can pave the way to a life of crime and profound harm to others. This blog post delves into the complex world of these children, exploring the origins of their violent tendencies, the urgent need for psychiatric help, and the devastating trajectory they can follow toward becoming psychopathic criminals.
The Nature and Meaning of Dreams
"The Dreamer" - Bahamas AI Art
©A. Derek Catalano
The Nature and Meaning of Dreams
For centuries, dreams have captivated and puzzled humanity. From ancient civilizations seeking divine prophecy in their slumber to modern scientists peering into the sleeping brain, the phenomenon of dreaming remains one of the most mysterious aspects of human consciousness. At the heart of this enduring fascination are two fundamental questions: What exactly are dreams, and do they hold any genuine meaning? While there is no single, universally accepted answer, a comprehensive look at the neurobiological, psychological, and cognitive perspectives reveals that dreams are a complex byproduct of a highly active sleeping brain, and their "meaning" is a deeply personal and functional one, rather than a prophetic or symbolic code to be deciphered.
Sunday, August 17, 2025
Tings Turn ‘Roun’
"All Mix Up" - Bahamas AI Art
©A. Derek Catalano
Tings Turn ‘Roun’
These days I notice
Tings turn ‘roun’
Like down is up
And up is down
Bad is good
And good is bad
Yes, believe me
It is very sad
Tings switch up
I must confess
Yes is no
And no is Yes
Now when I drive
I get so scared
‘Cause red is green
An’ green is red
Tings turn ‘roun’
Like down is up
And up is down
Bad is good
And good is bad
Yes, believe me
It is very sad
Tings switch up
I must confess
Yes is no
And no is Yes
Now when I drive
I get so scared
‘Cause red is green
An’ green is red
Thursday, August 14, 2025
The Royal Victoria Hotel: Pioneer of Health Tourism in the Bahamas
A newspaper advertisement for the Royal Victoria Hotel, circa 1875.
The Royal Victoria Hotel: Pioneer of Health Tourism in the Bahamas
The Royal Victoria Hotel, a historic landmark in the heart of Nassau which opened in 1861, stands as a testament to the transformative power of tourism in The Bahamas. While now a relic of a bygone era, its role in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was pivotal, as it was strategically promoted not merely as a luxury destination but as a premier health resort. This extensive campaign, driven by prevailing medical philosophies and an understanding of the burgeoning leisure class, laid the groundwork for the modern tourism industry, even as the specific focus on health eventually gave way to recreational pursuits. The story of the Royal Victoria Hotel is therefore a microcosm of the evolution of Bahamian tourism, demonstrating its origins in a niche, therapeutic market.
Deep Regret
"Through the Heart" - Bahamas AI Art
©A. Derek Catalano
Deep Regret
The words spilled out, a bitter, careless stream,
A poison from a long-forgotten dream.
I didn't think, I didn't stop to weigh
The crushing force of what I had to say.
A moment's heat, a foolish, childish rage,
That now unfolds on memory's stark stage.
I see the sting, the flinch, the wounded look,
The precious trust that broke just like a book
Slammed shut and lost forever in the dust,
Replaced by hurt, and bitterness, and distrust.
I carry now the echoes of that sound,
A ghost of pain on sacred, hallowed ground.
For in my haste, I failed to recognize
The silent grief behind your tear-filled eyes.
I was a fool, so young and full of pride,
With every flaw I desperately would hide.
But hindsight's cruel, it doesn't spare the soul,
It shows the cracks that made me less than whole.
It carves the scar, a reminder of the deed,
A tangled, twisting, self-planted, thorny weed.
A poison from a long-forgotten dream.
I didn't think, I didn't stop to weigh
The crushing force of what I had to say.
A moment's heat, a foolish, childish rage,
That now unfolds on memory's stark stage.
I see the sting, the flinch, the wounded look,
The precious trust that broke just like a book
Slammed shut and lost forever in the dust,
Replaced by hurt, and bitterness, and distrust.
I carry now the echoes of that sound,
A ghost of pain on sacred, hallowed ground.
For in my haste, I failed to recognize
The silent grief behind your tear-filled eyes.
I was a fool, so young and full of pride,
With every flaw I desperately would hide.
But hindsight's cruel, it doesn't spare the soul,
It shows the cracks that made me less than whole.
It carves the scar, a reminder of the deed,
A tangled, twisting, self-planted, thorny weed.
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