Source: Los Angeles Times

On December 29, 2000 the Los Angeles Times reported the purchase of the Great Western Forum, a 17,500-seat arena in Inglewood, California, by the Faithful Central Bible Church of Inglewood, for $22.5 million. Bishop Kenneth C. Ulmer, head of the mostly African-American 10,000-member church, plans to "make this one of the premier family gathering places in Southern California" through a schedule of Sunday services, sporting events, concerts, and ice shows during the week, and religious revival conferences. By bringing business...

Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

On December 28, 2000, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that "Muslims in Milwaukee and around the world celebrated...the end of Ramadan -- the Islamic month of fasting meant to teach discipline and self-restraint." They had been fasting during daylight hours for the past 30 days. One observer of the holiday said the fast "brings about a profound sense of accomplishment" and "should bring about more compassion for the plight of the poor." The end of Ramadan is celebrated "in a special 'Eid' prayer. 'Eid' is...

Source: Los Angeles Times

On December 28, 2000, the Los Angeles Times reported the gathering of hundreds of Muslims at the Odyssey restaurant to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, "which marks an end to the month of reflection and fasting commemorating the prophet Mohammed's revelations in the Koran, Islam's holy book." Throughout this month, called Ramadan, "food, drink and sexual relations" are prohibited. Edris Khestoo, a UCLA student, sees it as a way to "remember what the starving and poor are going through." Eid al-Fitr is marked by feasting and,...

Source: The Houston Chronicle

On December 27, 2000 The Houston Chronicle reported on the closing of the month of Ramadan, a Muslim holy month, whose celebration dates back hundreds of years. Explains the director of a Houston Islamic society, "this is the month in which our holy book, Koran, was supposed to have been revealed to our prophet, Mohammed. It has quite much importance to us." Its celebration includes fasting from dawn until dusk and extra praying: "The people keep awake - some of them praying the whole night." Fasting and praying are...