Angels and Demons by Dan Brown

Angels and Demons.
One of the first books of Dan Brown even before the Da Vinci Code was written. The book ‘Angels and Demons’ talks about the long lost brotherhood of ‘Illuminati’ which means “holders of the light” and who are rumored to be a group of people who are part of ‘satanic’ work. They are believed to be part of everything from Mafia to Harvard University to International Banking. For more information goto http://www.conspiracyarchive.com/NWO/Illuminati.htm . Dan Brown also reveals to us the art of ambigrams. Ambigrams are those signs which hcan be seen in the mirror and 180 degree upside down and look the same.

With lots of mistakes in the sentence formation and the facts, Dan Brown has attempted to write a book which will lead an overwhelming turist attraction to the “Vatican City”, Rome. The Rome has been a topic of awe since age old times. But with this book, Dan has made a good effort to capture the majesty of the Catholic modus operandi during the conclave ceremony. Although there are some places in the book where you do find the facts incredibly twisted( like assuming that the Hatha Yoga is a Buddhist practice!) and incorrect Italian use, the book keeps you rooted till the end and is a bestseller (by the way I wonder who gives the ‘bestseller’ title). You can find the errors in the book in this link, http://www.dannyscl.net/2005/01/dan-brown-is-fraud-list-of-errors-in.html, which are really convincing. Dan, famous for his research on the books he writes, can actually not afford to make a twist to the historical facts, current facts(like the depth of the Tiber, dimensions of the St. Peter’s etc.

Anyway the book is a must read. Not to miss it revolves around the ‘Antimatter’ created by the CERN (Yes the real CERN) in Geneva and the young physicist from CERN is the one who helps the hero solve the numerous mysteries behind the killings of the ‘preferitis’ . The Preferitis are the favorites, from which group the most likely successor as Supreme Pontiff is elected. Five of the Cardinals selected as preferitis they are murdered brutally by the killer. The plot is neatly planned and executed by the Chamberlain of the Pope, who thinks that the Pope has committed an unforgivable sin and takes a revenge, when he finally come to know that the Pope was not guilty. A mistaken understanding which results in the death of the Pope and four cardinals.

The book gives you a lot of information about the Catholic methods and terminology and is infact a very good advertising for the Vatican tourism department. They would be having a blast of tourists after the book. Check it out here-> http://www.nerone.cc/romemtm/nuovosito/newtours/angelsdemons.htm

Amazon.com:

“It takes guts to write a novel that combines an ancient secret brotherhood, the SwissConseil Européen pour la Recherche Nucléaire, a papal conclave, mysterious ambigrams, a plot against the Vatican, a mad scientist in a wheelchair, particles of antimatter, jets that can travel 15,000 miles per hour, crafty assassins, a beautiful Italian physicist, and a Harvard professor of religious iconology. It takes talent to make that novel anything but ridiculous. Kudos to Dan Brown (Digital Fortress) for achieving the nearly impossible.Angels & Demonsis a no-holds-barred, pull-out-all-the-stops, breathless tangle of a thriller--think Katherine Neville'sThe Eight(but cleverer) or Umberto Eco'sFoucault's Pendulum(but more accessible).Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is shocked to find proof that the legendary secret society, the Illuminati--dedicated since the time of Galileo to promoting the interests of science and condemning the blind faith of Catholicism--is alive, well, and murderously active. Brilliant physicist Leonardo Vetra has been murdered, his eyes plucked out, and the society's ancient symbol branded upon his chest. His final discovery, antimatter, the most powerful and dangerous energy source known to man, has disappeared--only to be hidden somewhere beneath Vatican City on the eve of the election of a new pope. Langdon and Vittoria, Vetra's daughter and colleague, embark on a frantic hunt through the streets, churches, and catacombs of Rome, following a 400-year-old trail to the lair of the Illuminati, to prevent the incineration of civilization. Brown seems as much juggler as author--there are lots and lots of balls in the air in this novel, yet Brown manages to hurl the reader headlong into an almost surreal suspension of disbelief. While the reader might wish for a little more sardonic humor from Langdon, and a little less bombastic philosophizing on the eternal conflict between religion and science, these are less fatal flaws than niggling annoyances--readers should have no trouble skimming past them and immersing themselves in a heck of a good read. ……”

Iniya Puthandu Vazhthukkal

To all the Tamilians living all over the world who manage to get to this site by mistake or intent. May God give you all the good things in life and the year ahead.
The month of Chitthirai has arrived and with it the Tamil New Year’s Day; April 14th – an occasion for celebration for Tamilians all over the world. Greetings of “Puthandu Vazthukal”, (Happy New Year), are exchanged with fervour on this day, which is supposedly the day when Lord Brahma (The Creator of the world, according to Hindu mythology) started creation.

The day starts with viewing the 'kanni' (the auspicious sight) at dawn, in the expectation that beginning the New Year by looking at auspicious or favourable things will bring good fortune throughout the year. The auspicious things include, gold and silver jewellery, betel leaves, nuts, fruits and vegetables, flowers, raw rice and coconuts. This is followed by the ritual bath and a visit to the temple to pray for a prosperous and happy New Year. After which, the Panchangam (almanac) is read. The ladies adorn the entrances of their houses with ‘Kolam’ (design made with rice flour) and deck the doorway with mango leaves. A grand Car Festival is held at Tiruvadamarudur near Kumbakonam every year on April 14th. Also during the month of Chitthirai the marriage of Goddess Meenakshi to Lord Sundareswarar is celebrated as ‘Chitthirai festival’.

The highlight of the festival is the 'Maanga Pachadi' (a dish made of raw mangoes, jaggery and neem flowers), which is at the same time sweet, sour and bitter. This signifies all the different aspects of our life.

April 14th also happens to be the Bengali New Year Day, Naba Barsha, which begins with the ‘Prabhat Pheries’ (an early morning procession) with songs and dances welcoming the New Year. In Kerala ‘Vishu’ is celebrated by Malayalees commemorating the beginning of the astronomical New Year in the Malayalam Calendar.

The Tamil Calendar, which has 12 months from Chitthirai (April - May) to Panguni (March - April), has a 60-year cycle.

TAMILCALENDAR
Chitthirai April 14th to May 14th
Vaikasi May 15th to June 14th
Aani June 15th to July 16th
Aadi July 17th to August 16th
Aavani August 17th to September 16th
Purattasi September17th to October 17th
Aipasi October 18th to November 15th
Karthigai November 16th to December 15th
Marghazi December 16th to January 13th
Thai January 14th to February 12th
Masi February 13th to March 13th
Panguni March 14th to April 13th