Source: Star Bulletin

On August 11, 2004 Star Bulletin reported, "Buddha Bar opened Thursday in Waikiki with promoters promising 'a modern upscale European nightclub with Asian accents' modeled on a Paris bar with the same name. [However] local Buddhists, offended at the use of a revered name, launched a letter-writing campaign to city and state government agencies... The bar manager took a sidewalk Buddha Bar signboard down at the direction of the Honolulu Liquor Commission... The name can be reinstated if the bar operator goes through the [approval]...

Source: News24

http://www.news24.com/News24/South_Africa/News/0,,2-7-1442_1571071,00.html

On August 11, 2004 News24 reported, "The Buddhist temple in Bronkhorstspruit called on the help of sangomas last week in an attempt to curb crime in the area. Peter Just, spokesperson for the temple, said crime escalated in the area over the past few months. Because the perpetrators were probably from the local tribal communities, the temple thought that a...

Source: The Honolulu Advertiser

http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2004/Aug/11/ln/ln09a.html

On August 11, 2004 the The Honolulu Advertiser reported, "some Buddhists are so concerned about the name of a new Waikiki bar that they have started a writing and telephone campaign to proprietors, politicians and community groups. The Buddha Bar, in the former House of Hong restaurant in Waikiki, opened Thursday. Some Buddhists find the name offensive......

Source: The Miami Herald

Source: The Miami Herald

Source: Christianity Today

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2004/009/2.23.html

On August 10, 2004 Christianity Today reported, "Christians are fighting attempts by Buddhist nationalists to stem the growth of Christianity. A political party for Buddhist monks, Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU), introduced the 'Prohibition of Forcible Conversions of Religions Bill' in Parliament on July 21. The bill bans religious conversions obtained by force or fraud. Christians oppose...

Source: Taipei Times

Wire Service: AFP

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2004/08/10/2003198164

On August 10, 2004 Agence France-Presse reported, "Bigger is better, according to a Taiwan-based religious sect planning a 10-story Buddha at a temple in a nondescript Vancouver suburb. 'The size of the Buddha and the building reflect his importance. You're supposed to be awestruck when you look at the Buddha....

Source: The Seattle Times

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2001998981_change07m.html

On August 7, 2004 The Seattle Times reported, "Four years ago, when the Northwest Dharma Association organized 'Change Your Mind Day,' about 75 people attended. This year more than 300 are expected, according to the association's president. Change Your Mind Day is an annual festival held in more than 40 cities in the United States to celebrate...

Source: Deseret Morning News

http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,595082458,00.html

On August 7, 2004 Deseret Morning News reported that, "[prayer beads] were one of the first sources of human artistic expression, emotional comfort and spiritual mystery. From a lone Buddhist monk rubbing his beads in contemplation of the flaws of man to a Catholic woman holding her rosary in prayer, these tiny objects, bound together by cord, provide tactile comfort and company to...

Source: Pasadena Star News

http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/Stories/0,1413,206~22097~2321511,00.html

On August 7, 2004 Pasadena Star News reported, "Rapid development seeking to service the explosion of Asian immigrants in parts of the San Gabriel Valley has pushed area residents to the brink. Hundreds of Rowland Heights residents cried out recently against a proposed Buddhist temple on Fullerton and Pathfinder roads because it represents everything...

Source: Duluth News Tribune

Wire Service: AP

http://www.duluthsuperior.com/mld/duluthtribune/9336902.htm

On August 6, 2004 Duluth News Tribune/AP reported, "The independent candidacy of state Rep. Arlon Lindner has caused discord among Republicans in his suburban district, leading party activists to call on their colleagues to turn away from Lindner's re-election bid. Lindner has ignited repeated controversies in the Legislature...