Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Palolo Bob

To all my island ohana and other friends from around the Pacific and world, I wanted to introduce you to my newly revised blogspot. Originally I set it up to discuss my recently released novel titled, "Voyages of Malolo: Secret of the Rongo." And while I am very happy to discuss it at length with anyone interested, I realized that the subject on which I wrote, "The Polynesian People" was so much broader and deeper than just the great migrations they undertook. Their culture and history is so rich noteworthy I am compelled to establish this blog and venue for people everywhere to read, share, learn and teach. So welcome, enjoy and be a part of this wonderful culture with me.

Respectfully, Palolo Bob Bonville
Offical book trailer available on youtube
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TQAKlZkhb8



9 comments:

  1. Book trailer for Voyages of malolo is now on You Tube.

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  2. I just watched your trailer on YouTube and thoroughly enjoyed it. Sounds like a great book!
    You might want to post the link to your trailer so people don't have to do a search for it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TQAKlZkhb8

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  3. Thanks, I will surely do that. In fact i have the master video. Perhaps I could add it to the blog page.
    Bob

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  4. Just watched your trailer on Youtube. Fascinating, intriguing. Good stuff.

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  5. A NEW DIRECTION - I have decided to refocus my blog to a more broader subject, "The Polynesian People." What better way to begin the blog than to talk about their origins, just where did they come from? Recent DNA analysis suggests that Polynesians, including Tongans, Samoans, Niueans, Cook Islanders, Tahitians, Hawaiians, Marquesans and Ma-ori, are genetically linked to indigenous peoples of parts of Southeast Asia including those of Taiwan. This DNA evidence is supported by linguistic and archaeological evidence. Recent studies into paternal analysis shows that Polynesians are also genetically linked to peoples of Melanesia... Therefore it is current belief that the Polynesian people are a hybrid race between indigenous peoples of parts of Southeast Asia and peoples of Melanesia, though it has not been proven. The question I have is, what about the African influence that is obviously present in parts of Polynesia? Any comments or ideas in this regard?

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  6. Kava - or kava-kava is a crop of the western Pacific.
    The name kava(-kava) is from Tongan and Marquesan;[1] other names for kava include ʻawa (Hawaiʻi), ava (Samoa), yaqona (Fiji), and sakau (Pohnpei).
    The roots of the plant are used to produce a drink with sedative and anesthetic properties. Kava is consumed throughout the Pacific Ocean cultures of Polynesia, including Hawaii, Vanuatu, Melanesia and some parts of Micronesia. Kava is sedating and is primarily consumed to relax without disrupting mental clarity. My personal experience with kava came in 1963 when I visited Suva Fiji. I met this young Fijian man who invited a few of us to his village some distance from Suva. While there we were honored by the village head man with a serving of kava. I can say it does as it is designed to do. Having said that it didn't go well after a day of drinking beer. But I can say I tried kava in the islands.

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  7. Ipu, Hawaiian Gourd Drum
    Large gourd drums called ipu hula or ipu heke are unique to Hawai'i. Ipu hula are fashioned from two ipu (gourds), a smaller one forming the top and a larger one the lower portion of the instrument. The gourds are specially cultivated to obtain the desired shape. When they have reached the appropriate size, the gourds are harvested and the upper portions and contents removed, leaving the hard empty shells. The smaller gourd is inverted and cemented over the open top of the larger one with glue, formerly made from breadfruit tree sap, creating a hollow figure-eight-shaped instrument. A circular hole made in the top allows the sound to escape.

    The Ipu hula is used to provide the fundamental rhythm for chants and dances, especially, as the name indicates, various forms of Hawaiian hula. It can be played by musicians of either sex. When playing the ipu hula, the musician sits and places a pad, typically made from folded cloth, on the ground to cushion the impact of the instrument. To mark the initial beat of each measure, the player strikes the instrument vertically on the padded ground, producing a deep resonant tone. The succeeding beats are marked by holding the instrument off the ground and striking the side of the lower portion with the flat of three or four fingers, creating a tapping sound. Variants of this technique also exist. Produced continuously since precontact times, the ipu hula remains a vital part of contemporary Hawaiian culture.
    After my retirement, my wife Linda and I took up the craft of decorative gourd art. Among my many pieces I created, I made a traditional Ipu. I burned in images of hybiscus and plumeria blossoms. it actually came out quite good and sold quickly at one of my craft fairs. To get a better idea of what others have created click on the following link: http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=ipu+gourd+drum&qpvt=ipu+gourd+drum&FORM=IGRE
    Aloha
    Palolo bob

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  8. Hey there! I'm a new follower from over at Book Blogs! I would absolutely love it if you'd stop by my blog for a visit! Here's the link: MaMa's Book Corner

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  9. Hello Palolo bob, I love your BLOG!! Thank you for the invitation!! My name Vai Sekona...from childhood, Polynesia has been a great interest!! I am of Tongan and Samoan descent, family ties connect me to Fiji and Aotearoa(New Zealand)... I know much more of my father's family history...You'd be surprised on the family connections for the Royal Families of all Polynesia!! Please let me know if you have any interest in the Tongan Royal Families and the 3 Dynasties that they hold...I am proud to be a link within these lines! I would love to share my knowledge Bob!! Look forward to sharing my knowledge and learning from your blog!!

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