Poundin' Poi

As much as poi is good for the people of Hawaii, for us and the future, I really don't like poi. It probably had something to do with my childhood years when the Chinese word for taro sounded extremely similar to fish head. Therefore always had some kind of aversion to poi. This presenter on Nov. 2 2010 had some interesting things to say about his life in Hawaii, growing up in Waianai and living his life.

Daniel Anthony is a very excitable guy who had many things to say, some of it was very... explosive. Some of his arguments were rather idealistic, but in a realistic world, we can't always have what we want. I do have to say that Daniel was very passionate about what he was talking about, he had many experiences that some of us only have a fraction of, and he had many experiences in the "Real life".

Although only having a GED, Daniel knew his subjects. It's a wonder what Google can do. He introduced us to fish and poi, this combination he called his God. Then he ate it, and I couldn't help but think that he just ate his God. That was rather amusing to me. But the history behind it was interesting. That his ancestors survived on poi and fish and the simple things. It reminds me of ancient times or still, people today in modern day temples who live off fish and rice. Daniel then continued his thoughts on culture and religion, especially here in Hawaii and how modern Western life styles is changing it as a whole. It's a depressing thought, but it seems like few people are actually butting effort into changing it. He did mention that religion affects culture and culture affects the environment. Therefore religion affects the environment (A=B B=C therefore A=C).

This is true because religion does affect the environment. There was even this short discussion (which I really enjoyed) about how different religions such as Catholicism and Christianity respect or even do nothing to the environment. Either way it was an interesting discussion. I myself don't believe in a religion, and am rather wary of religions altogether. My roommates tell me that if I said that religion and religious practices creep me out, then I should have been worried for my health. I can't help but be scientific about it. I do respect it, everyone has their own opinions, but I can't help but question it.

All "Gods" of their religion never wrote anything down. Their disciples wrote down everything. In the case of the bible, that can't even be proven. In another scenario, the bible vs the Quran I find that both say essentially the same things just in different languages, such as Allah and God mean the same thing. Yet there is such controversy over which one is right, or more right than the other, when they are the same, if not similar.

In any case, Daniel Anthony who has a very American name, is not at all that American but has very many good ideas that he'll likely touch upon. It was great to meet him and hear his thoughts. Maybe I'll go pound poi in the future.