Madonna of the Toast

In late 2004, a ten-year-old grilled cheese sandwich that had the likeness of the Virgin Mary burned onto one of its sides was auctioned off on eBay for $28,000. Not too long before that, thousands of people flocked to a hospital in Massachusetts when an image that resembled the Virgin Mary appeared inside a sealed window, according to hospital officials because of a chemical leak. Just this past year, Michael Jackson's face materialized on a piece of toast as it popped out of a toaster, at the very moment Jackson was acquitted of his latest legal problem. All over the world, people cherish different beliefs and personalities. Regardless if these beliefs are rooted in religion or pop culture, a true believer cannot be swayed. So, when Mother Teresa or Elvis Presley surfaces in a cinnamon bun or burrito, it is interpreted as an omen, usually one that elicits reverent responses. Madonna of the Toast showcases these extraordinary visual manifestations and the stories behind them. Remarkable for their audacity and devotion, the people and the forms encapsulate a very real aspect of American popular culture that demonstrates the power of visual communication.Poole, Buzz is the author of 'Madonna of the Toast', published 2007 under ISBN 9780977282777 and ISBN 0977282775.