March 2009 - Father Damien

Father Damien was the famous pastor who visited Molokai when it was a leper colony.

Recent news has come that Father Damien is set to be canonized by the Catholic Church in October of this year.

Instead of a documentary, we watched a rendition based on the true story. Molokai: The Story of Father Damien

"He went there (to Hawaii) knowing that he could never return," The Rev. Alfred Bell, who spearheaded Damien's canonization cause, told Vatican Radio. "He suffered a lot, but he stayed."

article

February 2009 - Pig ®

Patent for a Pig

In February, the world famous author Jeffrey Smith came to the Big Island to give a presentation. In honor of his arrival, we invited the community to watch a TV investigation called "Patent for a Pig."

Jeffrey Smith is one of the main characters in this show, and in a mere 45 minutes does an excellent job of explaining the dangers of GMOs. Additional interviewees (one formerly from Monsanto) uncover the "bottom line" attitude at the top and the deliberate disregard for safety checks before marketing.

A large part of the story follows a Swedish pig farmer as he alerts his fellow farmers to the latest threat from Monsanto's throne: patenting genes in pigs. Monsanto has taken motions towards patenting genes that allow pigs to produce more meat. At the end of the movie we find out with absolute certainty (through multiple DNA lab results) that this gene already exists in nature.

"It sounds too crazy to be true," was the first thought that entered my mind. I'm rethinking that attitude, however, as I stand in amazement of Monsanto's $11 billion/year empire, armed headquarters, and literally the best army of lawyers money can buy. Who knows what's possible.

I personally asked Jeffrey Smith about any developments in patenting pigs at the Q&A. He hasn't heard any updates.

January 2009 - Vaccines Safe?

Vaccine Nation was the showing this month.
I wasn't there for the showing, but can comment on the movie.
This documentary follows a few cases of parents who have noticed what seem to be extreme bodily and mental reactions in their kids immediately after they were given vaccinations.

A subplot to this story is a man falsely imprisoned for Shaken Baby Syndrome, and the amazing amount of work and research he did in prison exposing the risks involved with vaccines. Very eye opening, and definitely a controversial debate.

December 2008 - It's a Wonderful Life

In the spirit of Christmas, and the opening of the Pahoa Urgent Care Facility, the movie "It's a Wonderful Life" rocked our small theater.
With the help of the community, merchants and businesses donated raffle gifts, matched contributions, and we were able to raise a hefty love offering to the new clinic.
It was quite a feast of feasts with music, food, chai, and cookies.

All around a great night for the whole town.
There was only one disappointment: I was the only one who didn't win a raffle prize.

November 2008 - Electronic Voting

Stealing America: Vote by Vote

This was one of the many great documentaries covering the issue of electronic voting. The narrative covers the issue that all Americans need to face, regardless of left/right/liberal.