The issues raised by the Da Vinci Code novel have apparently frightened the Church enough to inspire an entire website devoted to fervent "debunking" of the books' ideas. (and here I was thinking this was a novel!) Aside from the human cost, Satanic Panic has a very real financial bite. Former Rochdale Mayor Tony Heaford is pushing for open books on the taxpayer's cost in the Rochdale Satanic Abuse tragedy that destroyed five families and resulted in 21 children removed from their homes- some permanently. The allegations, which included graveyard ceremonies and the sacrifice of human fetuses, proved unfounded. XCosts to UK taxpayers include about $300k for a gag order to prevent public knowledge of the events.

An interesting profile of a prominent member of the Raelian "UFO cult," whose members believe that human life has been directed by extra-terrestrial forces. The Raelians came to public attention with claims of successful human cloning.

Cute "Voodoo dolls" in China are freaking parents out. (Brief note: so-called "voodoo dolls" are actually a European tradition not found in traditional African Voodoo)

Nifty: The Amadeus Code and other musical secrets