Book Review of the Da Vinci Code
by Angeline M. Perkins

Introductory Comments by Dan E. Austin, Transatlantic Times
In a string of successful best sellers, author Dan Brown in this book seems to be cashing in on a very popular theme for secular writers attempting to take biblical themes that are clearly spiritual and making them figures ofimagination and objects for the wandering and restless thought of the finite mind. These themes have become extremely popular lately, in books, movies, television dramas, and so on. The focus on Jesus Christ and Mary Magdalene for the purpose of exploiting the potentially sacrilegious overtones of the romantic story is not new. For every generation this seems to remain an ever tempting apple. The lure of its prospective excitement and success in linking the spiritual theme intended to elaborate on the saving grace of Christ irrespective of gender is twisted by the wandering imagination of the depraved mind into some fascinating religious love story. It may be sad to many who accept the bible as holy to see such an attempt at this perverse plot and perceive it as outright blasphemy. On the other hand, we are reminded that the very same object of the love of Jesus Christ extends to all in the sense of a common grace, even those who would blaspheme Jesus Christ.

The Da Vinci Code: Intriguing Mix of Fact and (Mostly) Fiction

The Da Vinci Code, written by Dan Brown, reveals another chapter in the life of Robert Langdon, a prominent Harvard history professor. This novel begins with his visit to The American University of Paris where he gives a lecture on symbology. During his stay, Langdon has an appointment to meet a curator at the Louvre Museum. However, he never gets the opportunity to meet this man because he has been murdered and Langdon becomes the primary suspect. More >> (Subscription Required)

Fighting for Womens Issues
We Must Continue Everywhere - Britians Senator Mary Henry
An interview with Mary Henry of the Irish ParlimentTransatlantic Times, Lagos, Nigeria

Can we meet you madam and have an insight into your background?
I am a member of the Senate in Ireland and there are 60members. I was selected by the Trinity College of Dublin University. Member of the Health Committee of the Upper House of the Senate. I also chair some sub-commissions, member Foreign Affairs Committee, a long standing member of UNFPA, interest in UNICEF in Geneva U.N and have strong affection about Africa particularly Ethiopia, Uganda and Zambia.

You are a medical doctor, how then did you venture into politics and what has been the driving force behind your success?
When you want to get something done, you have to be sure of yourself. For many years I have been Mary Robinson’s election agent when she was running for president, I decided to go for the Senate and I have been there now for 15years and there is definitely going to be an election in Ireland next year and am not going to run myself. More >> (Subscription Required)

Soccer Survives and Flourishes in the USA
By Sharon J. Alfred

The sport of soccer is growing in popularity in the United States. Not a shocking statement. How about this? Professional soccer has been played in the U.S. since the 1920s. That’s right, the American Soccer League was founded in the year 1921. However, despite its longevity of presence in the U.S., soccer is not a big-time American sport like baseball, football, and basketball.

These three games are seen as thoroughly American sports, and thus they are major sports in the U.S. But, what about the game of soccer? How does the generic American sports fan perceive it? Why isn’t soccer yet a major sport in America? It has avid fans here too. Scholarly speculation indicates that early forms of football (soccer) were played by many ancient races in countries such as China, Japan, Greece and Rome. Later, the English took a liking to the football game, and came up with most of the official rules that modern soccer goes by today. More >> (Subscription Required)