Food for thought: Eastern college student is selling meaty resemblance of deceased pope on eBay
By NATHANIEL WEST, Staff Writer
CHARLESTON -- Unlike many college students, E.J. Rouzin-Moy actually follows the news ââ¬â especially the death of Pope John Paul II.
You could say Rouzin-Moy is keeping abreast of the situation.
And after making a mental connection between his chicken dinner and the late pontiff, Rouzin-Moy hatched an idea.
"With all that stupid stuff they put on eBay, I figured I might as well give it a shot," he said.
Thus, to the humor of some and the outrage of others, the Eastern Illinois University student is selling a baked chicken breast he swears looks like John Paul, who died April 2.
As of press time Tuesday, the on-line auction site eBay listed the current bid for Rouzin-Moy's so-called "relic" at $17.50, with the sale ending at 5 p.m. April 21. Four people have bid on the item so far.
He has sold other items like comic books on eBay, "but nothing like this," he said.
This is actually the second time Rouzin-Moy posted the meaty profile, which he discovered a week ago while dining in the Thomas Hall cafeteria on the Charleston campus.
"I noticed the nose right off the bat," he said. "The more I stared at it ... I finally deducted it looks kind of like the Pope."
The first go-round, eBay deleted the item after it received more than 8,000 inquiries, said Rouzin-Moy.
Officials with eBay did not give him an explanation, but they told the Tampa (Fla.) Tribune that the college student had failed to list the piece of chicken as a "collectible."
After correcting the error, Rouzin-Moy resubmitted the chicken breast Monday night.
He has kept it in a plastic bag in his dorm room freezer. So far, it has remained intact.
Under the eBay alias nfgpunk119, Rouzin-Moy said he is willing to discuss shipping options with the winning bidder.
"I have the utmost respect for Pope John Paul II, and I could not believe the resemblance I saw between my piece of chicken breast and him," Rouzin-Moy said on his eBay listing.
"I am deeply touched that I was chosen to receive this possible visit from the Holy Father."
Rouzin-Moy has received only two comments from eBay users. He said one praised his effort, while another said it was "tasteless."
Obviously, that person has also eaten dorm food.
