breaking news: mcdonalds is *bad* for you!!

i recently finished reading "the da vinci code," which is apparently all the rage these days. "the da vinci code" uses a boring, typical plot formula to convey some rather atypical, interesting perspectives about mary magdalen, the holy grail, and leonardo da vinci. i disliked the novel and the way it was written, but everyone loves a good conspiracy. i'm no different, especially when it concerns the catholic church. damn right i'm eating meat on fridays during lent!

it's mind-boggling to imagine the research that went into "the da vinci code," although the amount of time he had to spend researching it does explain the lack of any good plot twists or development. surely, he had to fly to france and england in order to write this novel. surely, his publishing company paid for it. surely, if i ever become a big, famous writer, someone will want to fly me to france and england for research purposes.

publisher: but your novel takes place in ohio.
me: yes, but the main character's ancestors originated in paris and london. so it's crucial that i go.
publisher: you don't even mention her ancestors. or where they're from!
me: duh. that's because i haven't done the *research* yet.

anyhow, artistically speaking, i give the book one thumb up. on a scale of three thumbs.