Berenger Saunier, Dan Brown Sued Again, The Burning of Major Weir, Mahavir Jayanti

Today is the birthday of Father Berenger Sauniere, the man whose life and mysterious activities sparked a mystery and inspired books such as Holy Blood, Holy Grail, and the Da Vinci Code.

Speaking of the Code, it seems poor Dan Brown can't get a break, with yet another author filing a plagiarism suit against him. This time, from an art historian who claims Brown swiped his hypothesis that Leonardo encoded theological ideas in the Mona Lisa. He just happens to have a new book...odd coincidence, that.

Another anniversary today is of the burning of Major Weir, the notorious Scottish wizard, in 1670. Major Weir's story is a strange one- after a lifetime of distinguished military service, the Puritan leader, best known for his pious public prayers, suddenly confessed to a life of witchcraft, sorcery, and sexual perversion after suffering a severe illness. Believing his illness divine punishment for his crimes, he refused all offers to repent, stating, "I have lived as a beast, and I must die as a beast!" As with all Scottish wizards, his ghost is said to be hanging about his former residence.

Jains today will celebrate Mahavir Jayanti, the birthday of Lord Mahavir, the founder of the religion. Mahavir Jayanti is observed with the decoration of the temples, and the statues of Mahavir are bathed and carried in procession. Offerings of milk, rice, and lanterns (among others) are made at the temples.