Opus Delia

Right on cue, Delia delivered 2 packages for CNN's Da Vinci Code week: one on AC about the Knights Templar and Freemasons, packaged as a Fact/Fiction check, and on PZ about Opus Dei. For the first package, Delia flew into the UK and presumably, got "exclusive access" to both groups. For the 2nd package, no qualms about the "exclusivity" as Paula taunted it. And with that, Delia has established herself as The FAV Correspondent Who Gains Unprecedented Access To Exclusive Groups.

I don't know how the Hollywood marketing machine works, but there seems to have been a coordinated effort across the board to promote the film - The History Channel even had John Allen in one of their "unprecendented access" documentaries (on, yes, Opus Dei... I wonder who actually got "precedented access" then... ). Controversial or not, 2-weeks of non-stop, shameless plugs and childish protests would have put the film on everyone's consciousness - and maybe that's how Sony Pictures wanted it. Since the film is so bad and could not be marketed on its merits, they had to create this huge smokescreen to divert the viewers' attention away from its suckiness and into the periphery. The outrage plays right into people's ignorance while the documentaries play into their intelligence. For the middle-ground movie goers who just want to be entertained, well, they would just have to be duped out of their $10, wouldn't they?

Now to Delia and Opus Dei: first, it bothered the heck out of me that she kept saying "dey" instead of "da'E", a genitive of Deus. Temporarily forgot your basic Latin there, Delia? Second, some of the shots were filmed last winter, as snow was still on the ground. So where IS Delia, since she wasn't live in the studios? Third, if Supernumerary Silas is 5'5", then Delia must be at least 5'10". Simple vector analysis. And last, Delia looks hot in chains. Damn.

I remember seeing an America Magazine cover story: it was in RED with the words "OPUS DEI" spelled out in BOLD YELLOW letters - it wasn't an ordinary cover. I also remember campus groups - Opus Dei actively (and furtively) recruited from private universities - I actually even became friends with some of them and were invited to their gatherings. What really intrigued me was how wealthy their members were. It was like an exclusive club. Numeraries, who take a vow of celibacy and live in Opus Dei houses, work legitimate jobs, many are lawyers and investment bankers - and guess what, they give all their income to the group. How do you think they could afford their building on very prime real estate at the corner of Lexington and 34th? Not from simple donations, I'm sure. In case you were wondering... I wasn't invited to join the group - I guess I wasn't wealthy enough and I asked too many questions.

Please don't get me wrong - the people I know who belong to Opus Dei are good, educated, hard-working people. They volunteer for various ministries and genuinely enjoy working with the poor. Except at the end of the day, they go home to their nice houses and exclusive residences and ponder on how they have done God's work.

I am really wondering now - is Delia one of them? Zenit was founded by Opus Dei members, and Delia fits right into the group's target membership: she came from a middle-class, relatively wealthy family and was privately educated. As for the unprecendented access - I know for certain that the group wouldn't have let her in unless she was vetted by another member. Or is one herself. Something to ponder...

(Notice snow on the ground...)

I am now on mondo dosage of both Ibuprofen (600 mg tablets - they're huge!) and Cefprozil (500 mg 2x a day) antibiotics. If you never thought you could get stoned by taking antibiotics, think again, because this is some serious stuff, dude! I honestly feel like I am walking with suspension ropes tied around me.

Delia Gallagher