Pennies from Heaven

And so I begin my second ever entry which I think means that this is officially turning into a real blog. I was walking in sunny Frankston this afternoon when provided with a glorious sight - a Christian on a soapbox! I love the whole concept of the soapbox and think they are sadly becoming a thing of the past (perhaps I would be using one if I didn't have this soapblog to hoist myself above the flotsam and jetsam of internet foot traffic). I was lucky enough to spend some time in London a couple of years ago where every week people traditionally set up a soap box in one of the parks and just let fly with whatever was on their mind (it usually was not soap).

In Frankston, this sight was a true find. A bearded man was shouting loudly about the ten commandments and how we should all admit our personal sins (he himself generously admitted to stealing - just to kick things off I felt). Being a practicing atheist, I have to check myself against getting instantly annoyed and even angry at Christians (especially loud ones) who are telling me what I should and should not do with my life. After all, I don't have a problem with some of the underlying principles of the faith, just the zealous groups that continue to meddle within the political framework, as if we non-believers don't know what's good for us. This particular soldier of God seemed to be harmless, and I actually felt pity for him - Frankston is a tough crowd at the best times. I'm an actor and musician and have performed lots of times and in different situations, but I don't think I'd ever have the guts to perform this man's task.

Anyway, a group of likely local lads approached me, and I noticed them carrying a couple of what appeared to be 100 dollar notes (apparently they were being handed out by the shouting man). Their conversation was approximately as follows:
(looking at the notes) "What the fuck is this shit?"
"Look at that, 'one million dollars'."
"Hey man, it's got a million bucks written on it."
"What the fuck is this shit?"
"A fake one million dollar note. What the fuck am I supposed to do with a fake one million dollar note?"
At this point he threw the note away and they moved on. The note, however, was caught up in the breeze and flittered around - all the while losing altitude - before hitting the ground as I passed by it. Poor little guy. I was tempted to pick it up, but I didn't want the Christians to think I would believe in things that don't exist.