BS: Bono

Subject: RE: BS: Bono
From: GUEST,Hasty and Ill Thought Out
Date: 13 Nov 06 - 11:14 AM

Oh, please. They've been well-known as a Christian band for twenty years. They're low-key compared to Stryper, but come on...

And Lox, "If he was advocating christianity and had made up his mind then surely he would be saying that he had in fact "found what he's looking for" and he'd be telling you where to find it too." displays a dim view of Christians as a whole, expecting them all to be trying to convert everyone.

Surely those dark ages are behind us.

Subject: RE: BS: Bono
From: Lox
Date: 13 Nov 06 - 10:45 AM

for a link you can actually reaad without paying, click here

I think this one suggests that its not that cut and dried.

"I know, I know. Religion can be the enemy of God"

Though certainly he is christian.

Subject: RE: BS: Bono
From: Lox
Date: 13 Nov 06 - 10:39 AM

Interesting Mick. Thanks for the link.

Subject: RE: BS: Bono
From: Big Mick
Date: 13 Nov 06 - 10:35 AM

Bono's views on his being a Christian

Subject: RE: BS: Bono
From: Lox
Date: 13 Nov 06 - 10:30 AM

Do U2 have a christian agenda? I would have argued that they refer to God and Jesus more in a metaphorical way to add a certain character to their art.

If he was advocating christianity and had made up his mind then surely he would be saying that he had in fact "found what he's looking for" and he'd be telling you where to find it too.

He comes from a deeply christian culture and refers to it honestly, while at the same time he has a fascination with the african american root to rock and roll, which itself is inextricably rooted in christianity.

It doesn't follow that he has a christian agenda or that he is himself christian. I have no idea what he is or what specific philosophy he advocates if any, despite listening to many U2 songs.


In fact, he covers such a wide subject area in his work that to ascribe any agenda to him seems somewhat hasty and ill thought out.

Subject: RE: BS: Bono
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Nov 06 - 10:52 PM

I'm put off by the hysterics in his vocal style, I'll tell you that.

And the Christian agenda of the band.

Subject: RE: BS: Bono
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Nov 06 - 05:38 PM

Are there many orphanages in the third world not linked to one religion or another?

Subject: RE: BS: Bono
From: Stower
Date: 12 Nov 06 - 05:34 PM

I know this is kind of thread drift, but it is relevant to the above discussion. I just saw an interview on BBC3 with Madonna. She was asked about the adoption of the Malawian boy, and she said that it is part of her commitment to building orphanages to look after the children of Malawi. OK, so far so good. Then she explained that in these orphanages the children will be taught "spirituality for kids", i.e. the tenets of kabala, the odd Jewish offshoot sect that has had such a grilling in the press for questionable activities (including financial ones), and that mainstream Judaism wants nothing to do with. (In fact, you don't even have to be Jewish to be in the sect - you just have to be loaded and willing to part with huge amounts of dosh). For me, that puts a different complexion on the whole matter. I won't make further comment. Make up your own minds.

Subject: RE: BS: Bono
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Nov 06 - 09:50 AM

Yea but he wrote some decent songs as has Bono.

Subject: RE: BS: Bono
From: GUEST,lox
Date: 10 Nov 06 - 05:13 PM

LOL

"But you wouldn't want to drink it. Fish fuck in it."

My aunty had four so that beats your paltry little contribution!

"I must remember to use it again when I am gigging"

I don't think lenin would have done that either.

Subject: RE: BS: Bono
From: Big Mick
Date: 10 Nov 06 - 05:06 PM

I absolutely loved it, John!! I am still chuckling. I must remember to use it again when I am gigging.

Mick

Subject: RE: BS: Bono
From: John O'L
Date: 10 Nov 06 - 05:05 PM

Oh, I shouln't've done that. Sorry, no offense intended. Just friggin' around...

Subject: RE: BS: Bono
From: John O'L
Date: 10 Nov 06 - 05:03 PM

"...and to have my out of context words used to justify an irrelevant point of view that is a part of a discussion that has nothing to do with the discussion that I am trying to have and that my words pertain to."

But you wouldn't want to drink it. Fish fuck in it.

Subject: RE: BS: Bono
From: GUEST,lox
Date: 10 Nov 06 - 08:18 AM

shambles

Leave me alone

read my whole post and try not to be selective in your reading of it.

In context, those very same lines illustrate the exact opposite of what you are implying they say.


Yes I wrote this:


"If anyone of them became a media playboy it was Adam Clayton what with his affairs with various models etc.

Once off stage, Bono never abused his fame. He has been married to the same woman for many years now and unless I am otherwise mistaken she was his girlfriend from right back when U2 first started making records."


but before that I wrote this:


"Bono has never deliberately drawn attention to himself as an individual. He has never been a "showbiz personality" despite being instantly recognizable worldwide, preferring instead to present himself to the media as a part of U2 the band."


And after I wrote this:


"There has always therefore been a clear dividing line between the band, their work and their private lives.

Just the fact that I can't think of any gossip in the media about him tells a story on this subject."

lets have that last line again

"JUST THE FACT THAT I CAN'T THINK OF ANY GOSSIP IN THE MEDIA ABOUT HIM TELLS A STORY ON THIS SUBJECT."


The thread is not gossip about bono's private life, it's a discussion about Bono's integrity as a public figure, in light of his apparent involvement in various campaigns throughout the world from Australia to Africa.



I've kept out of your arguments with your mudcat opponents, having neither the time, the inclination nor the knowledge of their history to care.

I also ultimately have enough respect for people to avoid being hasty in forming opinions of them or their 'business'.

I don't appreciate being selectively quoted (like a celeb in a tabloid newspaper), and to have my out of context words used to justify an irrelevant point of view that is a part of a discussion that has nothing to do with the discussion that I am trying to have and that my words pertain to.

Imagine we were in a pub and you were having a conversation with a couple of people on a topic that you found interesting, and I joined in and started to quote snippets of points you had made in the discussion you were having in order to justify a point of view I held on a different topic.

I would one hand be showing you a lack of respect by deliberately misrepresenting you whilst also showing extremely bad manners by interrupting the conversation you were having to go on about my own shit.

Maybe that's what you do when you are out socially as well.

I am starting to get the impression that you aren't very good at thinking beyond your own experiences and terms of reference and that as a consequence you have great difficulty understanding other people.

I get the impression that you may be starved of attention and are possibly quite lonely and that interrupting other peoples conversations to assert yourself, regardless of whether you have anything to ADD to the conversation is your way of compensating.

Open your eyes, engage yourbrain and respect will follow.

Subject: RE: BS: Bono
From: jacqui.c
Date: 10 Nov 06 - 07:37 AM

I remember, during Live Aid, when Bono climbed down from the stage during their number, to help a girl in distress in the audience. That did impress me and I have been impressed by the amount of time and money that he has put into his crusade.

The man is a decent human being and it's nice to hear about the show business people who aren't having affairs or abusing drugs or alcohol.

If his action on that stage in Ireland caused only one person to make some sort of difference then it was worth it. Look what happened with one news report from Ethiopia back in 1984.

More power to his elbow I say.

Subject: RE: BS: Bono
From: The Shambles
Date: 10 Nov 06 - 06:35 AM

Like?

If anyone of them became a media playboy it was Adam Clayton what with his affairs with various models etc.

Once off stage, Bono never abused his fame. He has been married to the same woman for many years now and unless I am otherwise mistaken she was his girlfriend from right back when U2 first started making records.

Subject: RE: BS: Bono
From: manitas_at_work
Date: 10 Nov 06 - 06:20 AM

I thought the discussion was about their PUBLIC lives which are fair game.

Subject: RE: BS: Bono
From: GUEST,the cow
Date: 10 Nov 06 - 06:06 AM

give it time, give it time ... mmmeughg

Subject: RE: BS: Bono
From: The Shambles
Date: 10 Nov 06 - 06:03 AM

Kate Rusby and John MaCusker have split

Subject: RE: BS: Bono
From: The Shambles
Date: 10 Nov 06 - 05:54 AM

Why is it OK for us to gossip here about the private lives of artists like Bono and Madonna without the thread being showered with posts about The Archers?

Subject: RE: BS: Bono
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 10 Nov 06 - 04:50 AM

I suspect (and certainly for me in recent months) the difference between him and Madonna is that he does what he can without making it about him ALL the time.... she does her bit, but not only makes it about her, but breaks the laws of the country to do so. More people will remember Madonna trying to illegaly adopt one boy, than how much work Bono has done for and with the people he's helping.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Bono
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 10 Nov 06 - 04:35 AM

He'll be bloody canonised next thing.

eric

Subject: RE: BS: Bono
From: Bugsy
Date: 10 Nov 06 - 02:13 AM

I saw him interviewed by Andrew Denton on Aus TV the other night. I must admit that paid much attention to the guy before, but he came over as a pretty straight forward down to earth guy who really believes in his cause.

More power to him


CHeers


Bugsy

Subject: RE: BS: Bono
From: Lox
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 08:03 PM

I agree barry and what's more I think he's quite prepared to sacrifice his public image to get the job done.

Subject: RE: BS: Bono
From: Big Mick
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 07:57 PM

My man. Good job, Barry.

And thank you for not beating on that goatskin this past weekend ...... ***snerk***

Mick

Subject: RE: BS: Bono
From: Barry Finn
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 07:54 PM

Bono has done more than most for the children of Africa. Can anyone say they know someone who has done more. I couldn't give a shit about what kind of musician he is. He's draged millions from governments & kings that wouldn't offer a penny until he shamed them, tricked them, begged them to support this cause in Africa.

I asked my sister-in-law (check her out if you want - Paula Donovan, senior adviser to the UN special envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa) if he was for real or was he just pulling some kind of stunt. She told me that he's for really for real, he's totaly commited & he works his ass off, for nothing in return & he's been very successful & very effective.
There you got it from the horse's mouth. If you can't help the man do the job he's doing get out of the way & don't drag him down. Or at the very least give him credit for the job you're not doing.

Barry

Subject: RE: BS: Bono
From: GUEST,lox
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 06:17 PM

do we have to

Subject: RE: BS: Bono
From: Big Mick
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 06:15 PM

Fair enough, buddy. Now let's go watch what tarheel posts next....LOL.

Subject: RE: BS: Bono
From: GUEST,lox
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 06:13 PM

absolutuely mick.

And it was thought provoking and interesting and inspired me to write a response.

I didn't direct it at you or say you were saying any of those things.

Subject: RE: BS: Bono
From: Big Mick
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 06:09 PM

OK, lox, but I wasn't really saying he was like Madonna. What I said was, "This has similarities to the Madonna piece". What that means is that in both cases, celebrities who have put their money where their mouth is, tried to make a difference, are chastised. All of your criticisms of Madonna may be valid, but the facts are, she put a lot of money up to build orphanages and help kids. She simply fell in love with one of them.

I am not defending her, or telling you she and Bono are the same. I thought the statement I made was simple enough.

Mick

Subject: RE: BS: Bono
From: GUEST,lox
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 05:39 PM

I think Bono and madonna are very different to each other.

Bono has never deliberately drawn attention to himself as an individual. He has never been a "showbiz personality" despite being instantly recognizable worldwide, preferring instead to present himself to the media as a part of U2 the band.

Consequently he is no more famous than the edge, adam clayton or larry mullen.

If anyone of them became a media playboy it was Adam Clayton what with his affairs with various models etc.

Once off stage, Bono never abused his fame. He has been married to the same woman for many years now and unless I am otherwise mistaken she was his girlfriend from right back when U2 first started making records.

There has always therefore been a clear dividing line between the band, their work and their private lives.

Just the fact that I can't think of any gossip in the media about him tells a story on this subject.

He hasn't needed to titillate or "shock" his audience to get their attention, being able to rely on the strength of his art to do that for him. He and the edge are enormously prolific and versatile songwriters and have many enduring classics to their name.

Their can indeed be pretentious, but they always attempt to say something meaningful and many of them are extremely evocative.

None of them are about "me" and none of them encourage us to put "me" first.

The consistent tone and content of U2's music and lyrics is all about "the other guy". They are a band who look outwards from themselves to the world around them and comment on the sadness, beauty and injustice that they see in it.

It would be consistent for Bono, realising that he has billions of people world wide listening to him, and that politicians will therefore suck up to him to look good, to feel that he might make use of his popularity to become a thorn in their side and perhaps a spokesman for those with whom he has so consistently shown empathy over the years.

He is criticized for dong what madonna refuses to do and that is including himself in the politics. Slowly a media personality is beginning to emerge for the first time, but it is not a flattering one. It is that of a cardigan clad boring old liberal.

This image is still very seperate from the "character" BONO that he plays in the band U2, who is by contrast very enigmatic exciting and charismatic.

He is actively involved in campaigns worldwide and has been for years and has not sought to publicly put himself on the cross in the way that Madonna has.

He does the boring nitty gritty stuff that an attention seeker simply wouldn't have the time for and the the tabloids simply aren't interested in.

The differences are many and run deep.

The respect that he has from people like Kofi Annan, Nelson Mandela and many others, and the ability to mobilize their support for the Live 8 fiasco (something which by the way I still find it hard to understand the value of) should tell a story in it's own right. Great politicians and people of vision are not easily manipulated by shallow pop stars. It takes something extra. That little bit of homework and that bit more thought perusal and scrutiny to make so many great people see the value of your litle idea.

Bono isn't a great man, don't get me wrong, and I've already agreed that his songs can be pretentious, but I never set out to argue that case, merely to highlight some differences between him and madonna.

Subject: RE: BS: Bono
From: Big Mick
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 04:36 PM

LOL. Great post, John O'L!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Bono
From: John O'L
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 04:32 PM

If a philanthropist gives away all his wealth he seriously limits the ammount of good he can do. If he remains wealthy people will give him the time of day.

Bono is at present haranguing the Prime Minister of Australia. I've tried that. I didn't get very far.

Subject: RE: BS: Bono
From: Big Mick
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 04:19 PM

Well said, alanabit. This has similarities to the Madonna piece. If you don't care for the man, fair enough. But he does put his money where his mouth is, and invests great amounts of time in some very important fights. Why do we cannibalize ourselves this way? Why, when a musician who finally makes it and decides to use his notoriety and money for good, do we criticize him or her for trying to do good? Just sounds like someone who has a bitter life to me.

I am glad the man made it big and decides to do something to effect positive change.

Mick

Subject: RE: BS: Bono
From: Stower
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 04:15 PM

I'm no fan of Bono, but very well said, alanabit.

Subject: RE: BS: Bono
From: alanabit
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 02:46 PM

Is Bono being criticised for not being poor enough? He is in a position to lobby governments and he is doing it. Making snide remarks is a lot easier than doing the job he is. He is doing his best and I wish him well.

Subject: RE: BS: Bono
From: C. Ham
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 02:14 PM

Bono goes around lecturing governments on how much they should be giving in foreign aid and on where they should be directing those funds. Those funds, of course, come from tax dollars.

And yet, Bono has recently moved so that he doesn't have to pay high Irish taxes.

That's why he's the butt of jokes like the one I posted.

Subject: RE: BS: Bono
From: Scoville
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 02:12 PM

No kidding. I mean, it's not that I don't care about kids dying, it's just that I don't have it to spare. He does. If he lived on the scale that the rest of us do, he could feed a whole lot of kids.

Subject: RE: BS: Bono
From: Becca72
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 02:09 PM

Agreed, he is a pretentious bugger, but in fairness he does give a lot to charity (he certainly puts his money where his mouth is). Not that I want to have to listen to him brag about it...

Subject: RE: BS: Bono
From: Shaneo
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 01:43 PM

If he is that concerned with the children dying in Africa why does he not give all his money to them , he must be worth 100 million by now. Bono should put his money where his mouth is

Subject: RE: BS: Bono
From: Hand-Pulled Boy
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 11:11 AM

I've never liked him.

Subject: RE: BS: Bono
From: Paco Rabanne
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 06:27 AM

The point hasn't been missed, Bono is one pretentious dude!

Subject: RE: BS: Bono
From: The Shambles
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 06:08 AM

Perhaps the important point here has been missed?

Subject: RE: BS: Bono
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 05:43 AM

Bono, what a pretentious pillock.

eric

Subject: RE: BS: Bono
From: MBSLynne
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 02:50 AM

Lol! Is that actually true?

I wish I had a quick wit like that

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: BS: Bono
From: Old Guy
Date: 08 Nov 06 - 09:55 PM

Harr !

Subject: RE: BS: Bono
From: bobad
Date: 08 Nov 06 - 09:52 PM

Good one C.Ham - that got us laughing in our house.

Subject: BS: Bono
From: C. Ham
Date: 08 Nov 06 - 08:55 PM

A friend just sent me this one.
***

Bono is at a U2 concert in Ireland when he asks the audience for some quiet.

Then in the silence, he starts to slowly clap his hands.

Holding the audience in total silence, he says into the microphone...

"Every time I clap my hands, a child in Africa dies."

A voice from near the front of the audience pierces the silence... "Fookin stop doing it then !"