We Are Put On Notice By a Medium

The Los Angeles Times reports the obvious — that scores of products are being linked to the success of The Da Vinci Code. Cashing in on the novel and the movie has become a growth industry.

Reporter Louis Sahagun reveals an interesting admission from a Deputy Publisher at Harper San Francisco:

A month ago, on the day “The Da Vinci Code” was released in paperback, Harper San Francisco published Michael Baigent’s “The Jesus Papers: Exposing the Greatest Cover-up in History,” which suggests that Jesus was anesthetized by friends to numb the pain of crucifixion, then went on to raise a family with Mary Magdalene.”We wanted ‘The Jesus Papers’ to be out before Easter and then carry the book through the advent of the film ‘The Da Vinci Code,’ ” said Harper Deputy Publisher Mark Tauber. “It’s a business move. This is when the media is talking about it, when readers are interested in it, and when the movie is being released.

At least he is honest — it is all about the money.

Meanwhile, Sahagun also reports that Vishal Mangalwadi is scheduled to speak at the Hollyood Presbyterian Church on “Sexual Mysticism: The Da Vinci Code and Beyond.” I’m sorry I’ll have to miss that one. The lecture looks truly interesting.

Here is my favorite part of Sahagun’s article:

Carrie Carter of Fenton, Mich., is among those compelled to speak up with the movie’s release. She’s a self-described “spirit medium” and said a special source told her “the time is right” to spread the good news: ” ‘The Da Vinci Code’ will change our future. The angels told me ‘The Da Vinci Code’ will rock this world. They said it will make people look inside themselves and start to question things,” said Carter, adding that she also has channeled Mary Magdalene.”The angels also told me this is only the start of a great awakening — there will be more books and more movies,” she added. “I may write a book myself, or maybe lecture.”

I guess we should consider this statement as fair warning. Stay tuned.