Saturday, January 31, 2026

Papua - AI Redo

Something I sketched many years ago and had it redone with AI. I used no reference image so there are some elements that may not fit, but I do what I like.

Painted portrait of Papua native

"Papua" - After AI
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 Download full size: 1024x1536
 
 
Pencil portrait of Papua native

"Papua" - Before AI - Pencil Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 Download full size: 1024x1536


Hug Someone Now

 
Hug Someone Now

Related poem: Hug Someone Today

Friday, January 30, 2026

Time Travel Paradox: The Man Who Was Never Meant to Exist

 
Man and woman standing outside time travel ship.

"The Time Travellers" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

Time Travel Paradox: The Man Who Was Never Meant to Exist

The first time X101 realized something was wrong with his existence, the archive went silent.

In the year 3000, silence was unnatural. Data never truly stopped flowing; it merely changed channels, reorganized itself, whispered in new ways. The Chronal Archives of Earth hummed constantly—billions of timelines cross-referenced, compressed, corrected. History was no longer remembered; it was maintained.

So when X101 searched for his own designation and found a blank space where a life should have been, the silence rang louder than any alarm.

Newsband - Carlito Catalano: Dancing Odissi Across Oceans

 
Newsband - Carlito Catalano: Dancing Odissi Across Oceans

Newsband - Carlito Catalano: Dancing Odissi Across Oceans
 
Our son Carlito makes the news again! Featured in an interview in Newsband, another newspaper in India. Well done son. We love you. 💗
 
---------------------------------- 
 
From the verandas of The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas to international Odissi stages, Carlito Catalano's journey is one of devotion, resilience, and cultural bridge-building. As the sole practitioner of Indian classical dance in his homeland, this artist has turned solitary passion into a global pursuit.
 
 
More articles about Carlito Catalano.

Call for Submissions for Short Tales 2026

 

Announcing Short Tales 2026!

Call for Submissions!!

Attention Playwrights!

Do you want to get your work produced?

Send us your short scripts for consideration!

One Day Will Be Your Day

 
One Day Will Be Your Day

 

Thursday, January 29, 2026

The Importance and Advantages of Speaking Properly and Communicating Effectively

 
Man and woman talking to each other

 "Speaking and Communicating" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 

The Importance and Advantages of Speaking Properly and Communicating Effectively

Speaking properly and communicating effectively are essential skills in everyday life. They influence how people understand us, how seriously we are taken, and how successfully we interact with others. Communication is more than just talking. It involves choosing the right words, using an appropriate tone, listening carefully, and expressing ideas clearly. When people develop strong communication skills, they gain advantages in education, work, relationships, and personal growth.

Moon Garden - PC Wallpaper

Full moon over colorful flower garden by the sea.

 "Moon Garden" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 Download full size: 5376x3072

 
Full moon over colorful flower garden by the sea.

 "Moon Garden" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 Download full size: 5376x3072

You Win Some, You Lose Some

 
You Win Some, You Lose Some

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Manners and Respect Will Take You Around the World

 
Two men shaking hands in high-rise office

"International Meeting" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 

Manners and Respect Will Take You Around the World

In the bustling streets of a neon town,
Or where the golden sun goes down
In quiet fields of emerald green,
A silent power moves unseen.
It is not gold, nor silver rare,
Nor jewels that wealthy monarchs wear;
It is the grace of how we stand,
A bridge that spans from land to land.
For though the tongues we speak may change,
And customs seem both new and strange,
A common thread binds every shore:
The kindness we can all outpour.

The "magic words" are keys of light
That turn the darkness into bright.
A simple "Please" can open gates
That have been locked by iron weights.
And "Thank you" is the softest song
To right a day that’s going wrong.
When errors fall, as they often do,
A "Sorry" brings the heart to view;
It heals the rift and mends the tear,
And clears the tension from the air.
"Excuse me" is the gentle plea
To honor shared humanity.

Respect is not a heavy crown,
But laying self-importance down.
It’s honoring the elder’s face,
The wisdom etched in time and space.
It’s seeing those who serve our food,
With patience and with gratitude.
The porter, clerk, or passing guest—
Each soul deserves our very best.
For when we treat the humble well,
We cast a warm and lasting spell;
The world reflects the light we give,
In every city where we live.

For Colored Girls - A Powerful Stage Experience You Don’t Want to Miss

 
For Colored Girls poster

For Colored Girls

 
For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf
An emotionally charged story about love, heartbreak, healing, and strength.
 
Jan 30 & 31 – 8PM | Feb 1 – 4PM
 $30 | 18+
 Regency Theatre, Grand Bahama
 
 
 Or purchase in person at Baha Gala (Rayvin Mall) & DeGregory Fine Foods (Seahorse Plaza)
 
 This powerful stage production is coming
to Regency Theatre in Grand Bahama and you do not want to miss it!

The Bahamas Dances Odissi: Carlito Catalano

Indian newspaper screenshot featuring Carlito Catalano
 
The Bahamas Dances Odissi: Carlito Catalano
 
 
Our son Carlito has been featured in the Indian DCN News Epaper today. Read it in their dance column "Rhythms and More".
 
Congratulations again son. You make us all very proud.
 
More articles about Carlito Catalano.

Conquer That Mountain

 
Conquer That Mountain

Related poem: Make It Happen
Related poem: Time to Level Up

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

World Models: The Architectures of Imagination and the Future of AI

Computerized world over city at night

 "World Models AI" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

World Models: The Architectures of Imagination and the Future of AI

 

Introduction

For decades, the standard paradigm in Artificial Intelligence has been reactive. Whether through the pattern matching of Large Language Models (LLMs) or the trial-and-error loops of Reinforcement Learning (RL), AI has primarily functioned by mapping inputs directly to outputs. However, a profound shift is underway. Researchers are increasingly converging on the concept of World Models—internal, predictive simulations of reality that allow machines to "dream," plan, and reason about physics before they act. By moving beyond statistical correlation toward an understanding of causal dynamics, world models represent the most viable path toward Artificial General Intelligence (AGI).

Majestic Moonrise - PC Wallpaper

 
Majestic Moonrise over tropic sea

"Majestic Moonrise" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 Download full size: 5376x3072

You Only Could Do What You Could Do

 
You Only Could Do What You Could Do

Monday, January 26, 2026

The Feasibility and Challenges of Relocating the Prison in Nassau to a Family Island or Undeveloped Island in The Bahamas

 
Modern Prison on Secluded Isle

 "Modern Prison on Secluded Isle" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 

The Feasibility and Challenges of Relocating the Prison in Nassau to a Family Island or Undeveloped Island in The Bahamas

The idea of relocating the primary prison facility from Nassau to a Family Island or even an undeveloped island in The Bahamas is as bold as it is complex. It reflects one of the most significant potential shifts in the Bahamian approach to corrections, community planning, and regional development. At face value, its appeal is clear: reduce social friction in densely populated urban communities, free up valuable land in Nassau, and possibly re-envision the correctional system toward a more rehabilitative model. But once the idea is unpacked, it reveals an array of logistical, economic, social, cultural, political, and ethical challenges that must be carefully weighed.

Starburst Bush

 
Starburst Bush

"Starburst Bush" - ©A. Derek Catalano
 
Download full size:  2880x3024
 
 
Starburst Bush

"Starburst Bush" - ©A. Derek Catalano
 
Download full size:  2880x3024

Don't Wait Until the Last Minute

 
Don't Wait Until the Last Minute

Related poem: Always Plan Ahead

Sunday, January 25, 2026

Introducing Bahamian Artist Carlito Catalano & Odissi

 
Carlito rehearsing in India

Carlito rehearsing in India

 

Introducing Bahamian Artist Carlito Catalano & Odissi

 
 
Bahamians exhibit an incredible versatility that is truly remarkable.
 
It’s likely that you, like many of us, have never encountered Odissi, an ancient and intricate form of Indian classical dance. I was introduced to this captivating art form only recently (sort of), thanks to a dear friend (𝐃𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐤 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐨 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐰 ~ Bit.ly/4n31U1c) from my television days at the Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas. His son, Carlito Catalano, is a pioneering Odissi practitioner in The Bahamas. 
 
Carlito has devoted himself to mastering this expressive dance, known for its graceful movements and rich storytelling rooted in Hindu mythology. His passion not only highlights the beauty of Odissi but also enriches the Bahamas' cultural tapestry, offering a unique fusion of traditions that celebrates both this Indian heritage and the Bahamian spirit. Through his performances and teachings, Carlito fosters greater awareness and appreciation of this centuries-old dance form, enabling audiences to experience its elegance and profound emotional depth. 
 
Carlito Catalano is celebrated for his unconventional path in the arts, having taught himself the intricate and graceful movements of Odissi and Bharatanatyam through a wealth of online resources and instructional videos during his teenage years. His self-directed study reflects a passion for classical dance and a commitment to mastering these traditional art forms.

Beware of the Megalomaniac

 
The Megalomaniac

 "The Megalomaniac" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 

 Beware of the Megalomaniac


Observe the man upon the height, who claims to own the very sun,
Who views the world as mere domain, and life a race already won.
Behind the gaze of frozen glass, where empathy has gone to die,
There dwells a mind of grand design, built on a tower of a lie.
So harken now to every verse, and let the warning bell be struck,
For those who walk within his path shall surely find a bitter luck.

The Golden Mask of Vanity

He walks with heavy, arrogant stride, a king without a noble cause,
Demanding all the world obey his whims and self-invented laws.
His ego is a bloated sail that catches every passing breeze,
He does not walk upon the earth; he expects us on our knees.
An idealized vision of the self, a god carved out of common clay,
He believes the light was made for him to herald in the coming day.

The Delusion of Invincible Might

He counts himself invincible, a titan who can never fall,
To him, the highest mountain peak is but a short and simple wall.
No obstacle can block his path, no river deep enough to drown,
For in his warped and fevered mind, he wears a permanent, bright crown.
But this is not a courage found in hearts of gold or spirits brave,
It is a madness of the soul that leads him closer to the grave.

Saturday, January 24, 2026

Scullin' Home

I found an old grimy painting I did over 40 years ago and had it redone with AI. I had it add the seagulls, flowers, vibrant evening sky and calm, reflecting sea. I also did some other tweaks in Adobe Photoshop.
 
man in boat scullin toward island shore settlement

"Scullin' Home" - After AI
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
Download full size: 1248x832
 
 
Scullin' Home

"Scullin' Home" - Before AI - Acrylic paint
 ©A. Derek Catalano

Speak Gently and Respectfully

 
Speak Gently and Respectfully
 

Friday, January 23, 2026

Bahamas Bank Lending: Business vs. Vehicle

 
New Car Loan

 "New Car Loan" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 

Bahamas Bank Lending: Business vs. Vehicle

Why, in The Bahamas, are banks hesitant to lend money for a person to start a new business but would more easily lend money for a person to buy a vehicle?

In The Bahamas, this contrast in lending is a common frustration for entrepreneurs. The difference boils down to how banks perceive risk versus security. A car loan is considered a "safe" consumer product, while a new business is seen as a high-stakes "gamble."

Here is a breakdown of why it is significantly easier to get a car loan than a business loan in the Bahamian banking landscape.

Night Kite

 

Night Kite on Joe Billy Park
Nassau, Bahamas 

Rum Makes You Rowdy.

 
Rum makes you rowdy.

It's the weekend. Be careful. Rum makes you rowdy.👎
 
Related article: Alcohol Use and Its Connection to Violence and Homicide

Thursday, January 22, 2026

You Must Be Driven

 
Power couple in front of beach manor house and car

 "Dreams and Goals" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 

 You Must Be Driven


The blueprint lies upon the desk, a map of hope and light,
A calculated strategy to conquer through the night.
For dreams are merely shadows if they lack a solid base,
You need a plan to guide your steps and keep a steady pace.
But blueprints are but paper, and the ink is only dry,
Until you find the fire that reflects within your eye.
To reach the peak of promise and the goals that you have set,
You must be driven by a force the world hasn't witnessed yet.

The road is rarely level, and the path is seldom clear,
It winds through thickets of self-doubt and over ridges of your fear.
The sweat will bead upon your brow, the toil will weigh you down,
But labor is the only gold that buys a victor's crown.
You work while others slumber, and you rise before the sun,
Because the race for greatness is a race that’s never done.
It takes a heart of iron and a soul of tempered steel,
To keep the momentum moving and the spirit’s fire real.

But what if structures crumble? What if foundations fail?
What if the storm comes crashing in and rips away your sail?
There is no shame in falling, or in seeing plans decay,
The shame is only found in those who choose to walk away.
If everything you’ve built should fall and turn to dust and sand,
You brush the debris off your knees and take a firmer stand.
To start again is courage in its purest, rarest form,
To build a better shelter in the center of the storm.

Island Road - PC Wallpaper

 
Island Road with colorful buildings

"Island Road" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 Download full size: 5376x3072


Island Road with colorful buildings

"Island Road" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 Download full size: 5376x3072

What You Do in the Dark Will Come Out Into the Light

 
What You Do in the Dark Will Come Out Into the Light

Related poem: Betrayal Of Country

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

The High Cost of Living in The Bahamas

 
Living in The Bahamas

 "Living in The Bahamas" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
  

The High Cost of Living in The Bahamas

 

Introduction

Living in the Bahamas has long been associated with images of tropical beauty, beaches, and luxury tourism. For many Bahamians, however, daily life is marked by a very different reality: households face persistently high prices for basic goods and services, and earning enough to cover those costs remains a struggle for a large portion of the population. The cost of living in the Bahamas sits among the highest in the world, far exceeding what many local incomes can comfortably support. Understanding why this is so — and what can be done — is essential to grasping both the everyday economic challenges facing Bahamians and the broader political dynamics leading up to the 2026 general election.

Native Stew PC Wallpaper

 
Native Stew PC Wallpaper

Native Stew PC Wallpaper - Adobe Photoshop
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 Download full size: 1920x1080
 
View and download more wallpapers.

Help Others Less Fortunate

 
Help Others Less Fortunate

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Blue Marlin, The Cerulean King

 

 "Leaping Blue Marlin" - Bahamas AI Image
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 

 The Cerulean King


An Ode to the Blue Marlin, National Fish of The Bahamas

In the kingdom where the sapphire tide meets the burning gold of day,
Where the coral gardens blossom in the salt-flecked, turquoise spray,
There dwells a monarch robed in light, of muscle, speed, and grace,
The swiftest ghost of Lucayan seas, the master of the chase.
With a spear of bone and a heart of fire, through the rolling deep he runs,
A living shard of the ocean’s soul, beneath the tropical suns.

I. The Form of Majesty

His flank is etched in cobalt ink, with silvered stripes that glow,
A shifting neon symphony as he prowls the depths below.
A dorsal fin like a jagged sail, a crescent tail of steel,
He moves with the silent thunder that the trembling currents feel.
The Makaira nigricans, in shadows dark and dim,
No creature of the seven seas can ever match with him.
Ten hundred pounds of leaping power, a lightning bolt in blue,
He pierces through the glassy swell to start his life anew.

II. The Dance of the Deep

When the hook is set and the line is taut, the battle-cry is heard,
He breaks the surface, soaring high, as graceful as a bird.
He "walks the water" on his tail, a greyhound of the brine,
Against the angler’s straining reel and the singing nylon line.
In somersaults and silver arcs, he defies the heavy air,
A warrior of the indigo, with a wild and regal flare.
To see him rise is to behold a wonder fierce and grand,
The pride of every island shore and every sun-drenched sand.

Sunrise Crab - Phone Wallpaper

 
Colorful crab on tropic beach at sunrise

"Sunrise Crab" - Bahamas AI Photo
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 Download full size: 3072x5376

Stick with the Truth

 
 

Monday, January 19, 2026

Farmer's Cay Class E & C Regatta

 
Farmer's Cay Class E & C Regatta flyer

Farmer's Cay Class E & C Regatta

 
February 5-7, 2026
Farmer's Cay, Exuma 

Child-to-Parent Abuse: Understanding a Hidden Form of Family Violence

 
Sad Grammy in front of window with sea outside

"Sad Grammy" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano


Child-to-Parent Abuse: Understanding a Hidden Form of Family Violence

 

Introduction and Definition

Child-to-parent abuse, sometimes called child-to-parent violence or CPV, is a form of family abuse in which a child uses harmful behaviors to control, intimidate, or dominate a parent or caregiver. These behaviors can be physical, emotional, psychological, verbal, financial, or coercive in nature. While it is most commonly discussed in relation to adolescents, adult children can also be abusive toward their parents, particularly when dependency, unresolved family conflict, or mental health and substance issues are involved.

This type of abuse is often hidden and underreported. Many parents feel deep shame, guilt, or fear about admitting that their own child is hurting them. Others worry about being judged as bad parents or fear legal consequences for their child. As a result, child-to-parent abuse tends to remain invisible, misunderstood, and minimized, even though its impact on parents can be severe and long-lasting.

Understanding why this abuse happens, how it manifests, and what parents can do is essential for breaking the cycle and offering meaningful support to affected families.

Sunrise Sunset PC Wallpaper

 
Vibrant Sunrise over tropic sea and beach.

"Vibrant Sunrise" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 Download full size: 5376x3072


Vibrant Sunset over tropic sea and beach.

"Vibrant Sunset" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 Download full size: 5376x3072

Who is Number One? You are.

 
Who is Number One? You are.

Sunday, January 18, 2026

My Own Car

 
Smiling young man next to new Mustang car.

 "New Bran'Trans" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 

 My Own Car


I wan' my own car
'Cause I tired catchin' ride,
A new bran' trans
Wit' A/C pipin' inside.

I wan' my own car
So I could feel proud,
Inside my private space
Wit' da music turn up loud.

I wan' my own car
Engine or electric,
No matter which one
I still gatty deal wit' traffic.

Fishing Village - PC Wallpaper

 
Fishing Village with boats

"Fishing Village" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 Download full size: 5376x3072


Fishing Village with boats

"Fishing Village" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 Download full size: 5376x3072

Strive for Peace

 
 
Related poem: Who Pushed the Button

Saturday, January 17, 2026

The Digital Abyss: A Comprehensive Analysis of Doomscrolling


Skull superimposed over social media page.

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

 

The Digital Abyss: A Comprehensive Analysis of Doomscrolling

 

Introduction

In the contemporary era of hyper-connectivity, the smartphone has evolved from a mere communication tool into a portal to the collective anxieties of the world. Among the various behaviors birthed by the attention economy, "doomscrolling"—the act of continuously scrolling through bad news despite the anxiety it causes—has emerged as a defining psychological challenge of the 2020s. While the act of consuming news is as old as the printing press, the velocity, volume, and algorithmic precision of modern social media have transformed a simple habit into a destructive cycle that threatens global mental health.