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.

Vacation Sunrise

 

"Vacation Sunrise" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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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.

Bahama 500 - Desktop Wallpaper

 

"Bahama 500" - Bahamas AI Art

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"Bahama 500" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
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Announcing Shakespeare in Paradise 2025! September 22-October 12, 2025 Rehearsals are under way in our newly renovated Black Box for our seventeenth festival!

Photos courtesy of Edward Knowles

Four Shows over Three Weeks!

Short Tales 2025

Short Tales features works by new and returning playwrights. Not all of our writers this year are Bahamian—we have offerings from the USA and from Trinidad as well. Selected by a panel of judges who read the plays blind, Short Tales 2025 will delve into issues as varied as mothers’ relationships with their children, what to do when you have unwanted visitors, how to deal with pesky insects, and the best ways to die. Don’t miss it! Runs September 22-October 4, PAB Black Box

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.

Tiger on the Beach

 

"Tiger on the Beach" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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 "Tiger on the Beach" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
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 "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.

Cat Nap

 

"Cat Nap" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

Visit my Tropic Gallery

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.

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.

 

Vote here

Sunset Beach - PC Desktop Wallpaper

 

"Sunset Beach" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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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.

Tropic Vacation - PC Desktop Wallpaper

 

"Tropic Vacation" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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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

Vibrant Sea Garden

 

"Vibrant Sea Garden" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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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.

Moonlight Serenity - PC Desktop Wallpaper

 

"Moonlight Serenity" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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"Moonlight Serenity" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
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Neo-colonialism, Neoliberalism, and Post-Democracy: A Caribbean Perspective

 

"The Toppling" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

Neo-colonialism, Neoliberalism, and Post-Democracy: A Caribbean Perspective

The complex interplay of neo-colonialism, neoliberalism, and post-democracy has profoundly shaped the political, economic, and social landscapes of developing island nations, particularly within the Caribbean Commonwealth. While these concepts are distinct, they often function in a mutually reinforcing manner, perpetuating a cycle of dependency, inequality, and diminished sovereign power. This essay will provide a comprehensive and extensive analysis of these ideologies, focusing on their historical roots, key tenets, and specific manifestations within the context of the Caribbean Commonwealth, with an emphasis on the challenges they pose to genuine development and self-determination.

The Sea Princess

 

"The Sea Princess" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 The Sea Princess

Deep in the heart of the Bahama Sea,
Where coral gardens bloom so free,
And sun-dappled waters gently gleam,
Lived Princess Delina, a mermaid's dream.

Her skin, the color of a moonless night,
A perfect canvas, a wondrous sight.
Her hair, a cascade of midnight curls,
Adorned with pearls and ocean swirls.

Her tail, a shimmering, opalescent hue,
A spectrum of blues, from cobalt to cerulean blue.
With every flick, a sparkling dance,
A flash of beauty, a captivating glance.

Sea Garden Surprise

 

"Sea Garden Surprise" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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New Song: NRBARZ - "DA RUSH" (Official Music Video)

 

 

 

 NRBARZ - "DA RUSH" (Official Music Video)

The Resilient Echo: A Comprehensive Study of the Steel Pan

 

"Steel Pan Player" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

The Resilient Echo: A Comprehensive Study of the Steel Pan

The steel pan, a remarkable musical instrument born from the ingenuity and resilience of the people of Trinidad and Tobago, is more than just a drum—it is a symbol of a nation's spirit. From its humble and rebellious beginnings to its current status as a sophisticated, fully chromatic orchestral instrument, the steel pan has captivated audiences worldwide with its distinctive, resonant timbre. This essay will explore the rich history of the steel pan, detail the intricate process of its creation and tuning, examine its role in competitions, trace its introduction and popularity in The Bahamas, identify key figures in its development, and discuss the challenges and opportunities for its preservation in the modern era.

Moonlight Bay

 

"Moonlight Bay" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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 "Moonlight Bay" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
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A Celebration of Freedom: The History and Tradition of Fox Hill Day

 

"Fox Hill Day" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

A Celebration of Freedom: The History and Tradition of Fox Hill Day

Fox Hill Day, an annual festival observed in the community of Fox Hill, Nassau, stands as a powerful and enduring testament to the legacy of emancipation in The Bahamas. While the nation as a whole celebrates Emancipation Day on the first Monday of August, the Fox Hill community dedicates a specific, separate day—the second Tuesday of August—to honor the freedom of their ancestors. This unique observance is not merely a celebration but a living historical ritual, rich with tradition, cultural expression, and deep spiritual significance. It serves as a vital connection to the past, reminding a new generation of the struggles, resilience, and ultimate triumph of those who came before them.

Suriname's Recent Presidential Victory! BLUEPRINT for Women's Role in the Caribbean

 Caribbean Women in Leadership

 

 

 

𝕊𝕦𝕣𝕚𝕟𝕒𝕞𝕖'𝕤 ℝ𝕖𝕔𝕖𝕟𝕥 ℙ𝕣𝕖𝕤𝕚𝕕𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕚𝕒𝕝 𝕍𝕚𝕔𝕥𝕠𝕣𝕪!

𝔹𝕃𝕌𝔼ℙℝ𝕀ℕ𝕋 𝔽𝕠𝕣 𝕎𝕠𝕞𝕖𝕟’𝕤 ℝ𝕠𝕝𝕖 𝕀𝕟 𝕋𝕙𝕖 ℂ𝕒𝕣𝕚𝕓𝕓𝕖𝕒𝕟

(𝑃𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝐼𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑇𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑑 𝐴𝑐𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐶𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑏𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑛 𝑅𝑒𝑔𝑖𝑜𝑛)

 

By Winston D. Munnings/ChatGPT & A. Derek Catalano/ChatGPT

 

The glass ceiling on gender equality, especially in women's leadership within Caribbean governments, was first broken in 1980 when Dame Mary Eugenia Charles from Dominica made history as the region's first female prime minister. Her term from 1980 to 1985 was a major milestone, not only as the first woman to reach such a high political position in the Caribbean but also as the first female lawyer in Dominica. This historic election marked a significant turning point in Caribbean politics, symbolizing a major victory for women in the region and opening the door for future female leaders to follow her example.

 

Throughout her distinguished political career, Dame Mary Charles advocated for a wide range of social and economic reforms, showing the transformative power of women's leadership in government. Her influential leadership style and steadfast dedication to public service inspired many people in Dominica and across the Caribbean, encouraging women to pursue roles in politics and public service that had previously been out of reach.

All Is Not Gold

"Fake Golden Egg" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 All Is Not Gold

In halls of polished marble, bright and grand,
A golden promise gleams across the land.
The venture, fresh with hope and youthful fire,
Ignites a nation's soul, a shared desire.
The charts ascend, a steady, upward climb,
Forecasting fortunes, conquering all time.
The prospect smiles, its teeth of solid gold,
A story of prosperity, to be told.

But look beneath the shimmer, soft and low,
Where hidden currents of dissent may flow.
The soil is thin, the roots can find no hold,
The gilded surface hides a story old.
A market flooded, where the margins shrink,
A whispered rumor on the crumbling brink.
The hurried launch, the lack of studied grace,
A foundation built on time's relentless chase.

A country looks toward a future new,
An industry of silver, bright and true.
They pour the coin, they build the towering stacks,
Ignoring warnings, turning their straight backs.
The global currents shift, the tide recedes,
The vibrant market withers, choked with weeds.
The product, once desired, now sits in stone,
A monument to what they should have known.
The local lifeblood drains, the well runs dry,
A bitter silence answers every cry.

Moon Over Bay - PC Desktop Wallpaper

 

"Moon Over Bay" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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"Moon Over Bay" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
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The Perilous Bloom: Security Dangers and Safety Concerns in Legal Medical Marijuana Cultivation

 

 "Paradise Medicinals" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

The Perilous Bloom: Security Dangers and Safety Concerns in Legal Medical Marijuana Cultivation

 

The burgeoning industry of legal medical marijuana cultivation, while offering significant therapeutic potential and economic opportunities, is not without its inherent risks. Beyond the green shoots of progress lie a complex web of security dangers and safety concerns that demand rigorous attention. From the threat of illicit diversion and the physical vulnerabilities of cultivation sites to the insidious dangers of contaminants and the environmental footprint of large-scale operations, a comprehensive understanding of these challenges is paramount to ensuring public health, worker safety, and community well-being.

Pool Deck - PC Desktop Wallpapers

 

"Pool Deck" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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"Pool Deck" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
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I Don't Like Rum - Update

I wrote this song 20 years ago. Then I created some music for it. 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. It's done in the Rake 'n' Scrape style of The Bahamas. Enjoy.

 

 

I Don't Like Rum

Rake 'n' Scrape song

(chorus)

I don't like rum, but rum like me,
It stick on me like a dog wit’ a flea
Listen to me people, now can’t you see
I don't like rum, but boy rum like me

 

I bin drinkin' rum for a long, long time

I drink so much rum, ya know it mus' be a crime

I was da smartest man in da whole country

Now I can' t'ink straight because, rum like me

Before I go to sleep, I take two shot or t’ree
I drink it erry mornin’ for my cup a tea
I use to work so hard, makin’ plenty money
Nah I can’ keep a job because, rum like me

 

(chorus)
 

I hang out by da bar, scrappin’ all day long
Hustlin' rum money, for a drink real strong
When people look at me, dey don't like
what dey see
I say I look like dis because, rum like me

I see my bar room  friend, wit a bottle a rum
He walk right up to me, an’ say if I wan’ some
I cross my heart and tell him very honestly
I don’t like rum, but boy rum like me

 

(chorus)

Staggerin’ dan da road, ya know I don't live far
I fall down twice, an’ mos’ get lick wit’ car
Da driver put on brakes, an’ man I had ta flee
He say I don't like my life, but boy rum like me

 

I back home nah, an’ I take a seat
I look at da grits, but I een wan’ eat
I wish I had a woman, who I could marry
But I can’ like no woman, only rum like me

 

(chorus)

I try ta go ta sleep, but it so scary
I seein' little creatures, ‘cause I gat DTs
Thru da winda booga-man, under ‘neat’ one tree
Dis is how I live because, rum like me

 
Again dis mornin’, I say Lord no more
Den I drink my rum tea, an’ I hit da door
No care in da worl’, no responsibility
But I een really free because, rum like me

 

(chorus)

Rum is very dangerous, in are country
We need ta ban da rum, it killin’ all a we
But da leaders and da people, jess can’ agree
‘Cause rum like dem, jess how rum like me

(chorus)

derek catalano (c)2005. (No AI)

 

View my Native StewYoutube Channel

 

 

Related article: Alcohol Abuse in The Bahamas

Related news story: The Bahamas Has an Alcohol Problem

Related article: Alcohol Use and Its Connection to Violence and Homicide

Related article: Alcohol and Its Association with Promiscuity and Hypersexuality

Related article: Alcohol, Drugs, and Their Association with Mental Illness and Crime

Related song: I Don't Like Rum

Related article: Drunk in Public - Bahamas Penal Code

Related article: Alcohol: The Silent Killer of Inspiration, Motivation, and Community

Related article: Alcohol vs. Marijuana: Assessing the Risks

 

 "Free" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Emancipation Day in The Bahamas: A Chronicle of Freedom and Celebration

Emancipation Day in The Bahamas is more than a mere public holiday; it is a profound annual commemoration of the end of chattel slavery and the birth of a free nation. Celebrated on the first Monday of August, the day is a cornerstone of Bahamian national identity, representing a pivotal moment when the chains of bondage were broken, and the path to self-determination began. The history of this day is deeply intertwined with the broader narrative of the British Empire, but its celebrations in The Bahamas possess a unique cultural vibrancy that honors the resilience, heritage, and enduring spirit of its people.

Sea Garden - PC Desktop Wallpaper

 

"Sea Garden" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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