Happy Fasting To All My Muslim Friends!

Fasting is another unique moral and spiritual characteristic of Islam. Literally defined, fasting means to abstain "completely" from foods, drinks, intimate intercourse and smoking, before the break of the dawn till sunset, during the entire month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic year.

I'm not Muslim but I'm the one who will be so excited during this fasting season because it'll be lasting for a month! As we know, lots of variety foods and drinks will be sold. Most of the hotels in Sabah also will be starting their Ramadan Buffet but of course, the price will be quite expensive!

Everytime I go to the Pasar/Bazaar Ramadan, I'll be looking for ABC and Penang Assam Laksa. Not forgetting the Popiah, Karipap, Murtabak Sayur, etc. Unfortunately, the stalls here in Keningau is not quite 'happening' compare to Lahad Datu and Kota Kinabalu. That's why I only went to Pasar Ramadan once a week during fasting season last year! I really hope it'll be more 'happening' this year.

ABC

Penang Assam Laksa

Fried Popiah / Spring Rolls

To all my Muslim friends, Happy Fasting and to those non-Muslim, enjoy your trip to Pasar Ramadan starting tomorrow, 22nd Aug 09. My friend, John Bakar reminds me not to eat too much, otherwise...thanks for the advice John...LOL

Are Tattoos and Body Piercing Against Catholic Teachings?

The Catholic Church is not against tattoos or body piercing in general, but it does have a strict view of what is and is not acceptable for a Catholic to call "body art". The Catholic Church preaches that any act that damages ones body is sinful. Tattoos and piercing do not stop the breathing of their recipients. This is not to say that the Church is against body art, but body art that depicts anti-Christianity images such as gang signs, profanity, of images of gore.

Father Peter Joseph wrote in the "Latin Mass Journal of Catholic Culture and Tradition" a guide to what the Catholic Church deems acceptable.

1. In this time of disease, most rampantly spreading-HIV, doctors should be consulted about the possibility of needles entering the human body.

2. The content of an image also determines is offensive power to the Church. Multiple piercing and tattoos sometimes disfigure the people who sport them and are usually visually abrasive- demonic worship or images of mythical creatures that rival God, such as the Pegasus and the more popular minotaurs: These acts go against the First and Second Commandments," You shall have no other gods before Me: You shall not make for yourself a carved image-any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth, respectively.

According to Father Joseph, the human body is not meant to be decorated with demonic images or images of great importance to the Church such as "The Crucifixion".

The Catholic Church does not have as rigid guidelines for piercing as tattoos. The only preferences are that the piercing be done in the ear. Multiple piercing are allowed, but should be limited in number and to women. The Catholic Church recognizes male piercing to a degree, but piercing that go against the multiple piercing preference are seen as an attempt for men to sexually disorient, make themselves more feminine. This perception arrives from the Catholic Church's ongoing Crusade against homosexuality.

The easier list to remember is what is allowed. Yes, for the lovers of today, being inked with the name of a spouse or mate is allowed. Minor representations of religious stature, crosses, are also accepted as long as the person receiving the images does relate the image to his or her toughness, but leave the tattoo to religious devotion. In lay mens' terms: Do not propagate the use of religious sacramental to boasting of an ego. Piercing should be kept to body parts that are always legal to show and are above the waist: In most cases, above the neck is even better. Size, color, and shape have no bearing on whether or not a piercing is demonic.

The guidelines set down by the Church are strict and offer little to no room for discrepancy. The Catholic Church does not ask its followers to abstain from the popular trends of today, but to moderate their usage and adhere to the " code of conduct" of such behaviors. The purpose of the Catholic Church's restrictions is not to lock Catholics in convents and monasteries, but to allow them to realize a life that meets the almost inconceivable balance of moral righteousness and the ability to have a good time.

(Written by D.K.West)