Original URL: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/06/11/divine_pebble_auction/
Divine Essex pebble aids Venezuelan kiddies
eBay silliness with a purpose
Posted in Bootnotes, 11th June 2007 11:23 GMT
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It's hardly an image of Our Lord in a Romanian wardrobe door (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/11/01/wardrobe_simulacrum/), but one eBayer is punting (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330132531636) what he believes is the UK's mineralogical equivalent to the sheet metal Messiah (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2006/02/28/metal_jesus/) - the Essex God pebble.
(http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330132531636)The seller's rather hopeful pitch explains: "This pebble was found at Thorpe Bay beach, near to Southend. It actually says "GOD" on it!!! The rock is a black/grey colour on the top and the letters are marked a light brown colour! I can guarantee this a actually natural markings!! If your not religous then you can ignore the smaller "o" and it says "GD" ...SMS/email/IM for "GOOD"!!"
Hmmmm. Despite our initial suspicion that this auction was merely an attempt to prey upon the gullible fundamentalist Christian geologist demographic, it turns out there's a worthy cause behind the sale.
The vendor elaborates: The item is being sold to raise funds for Venezuelan Children. On 20th July I'm going to a remote village in Mérida State, called El Tizure. Ive raised £3500 for the trip, but require a few more quid for resources to teach English and small gifts to take."
Good show. We're sure Golden Palace Casino can spare a few quid to add to its holy curios portfolio. ®
Bootnote
Thanks to Mike Gibson for the tip-off.