Seeing (Red) Through Bono's Eyes

The next wave of ads for the (Red)^® campaign, U2’s front man, Bono, launches appealing to the generosity of sensible Americans in these tough economic times. A long with an entourage of his celebrity friends, they name off things we squander our money on, and how little it takes to keep a person alive with AIDS for another day; only .12 cents.

This is not the lead singers first dabble into philanthropy. Before the (Red)^® campaign came into fruition, there was ONE^®, whose primary focus was to end world poverty. The objective now, continues to be just as ambitious; provide a ready source for people infected with AIDS to get the proper medical treatment. This time around however, Bono is doing more than just meeting with world leaders.

Understanding the principle that money makes the world go ‘round is of ample importance here, and one that Bono knew he had to capitalize on. Talking is important but only goes so far. To fund his goal, he merged with industry giants such as Dell, American Express, Apple and Starbucks. Selling (Red)^® products through these companies, he’s able to provide a constant stream of donations to his cause. The singer has also set up a clothing company based in Africa so that it can continue to profit globally and fund its own needs.

With the world being what it is, it’s refreshing to see someone take such an active approach to bettering their surroundings. Having made enough money in his career to never need for anything, the singer is vocal about his motivation for continuing this cause. Years ago, while visiting a village in Africa with his wife, a father asked him to take his daughter back with him to Ireland knowing fully well he’d never be able to provide the basic things the girl would need. This experience changed him forever. “I think about my own family. My own girls and become angry and want to do things different,” he says.

“This is a global pandemic, and if we don’t stand up and do something about it, knowing fully well it’s within our scope to do something about it, God will punish us,” he tells Oprah in an interview.  Indeed such conviction for justice is commendable.

I hope further down, both world hunger and AIDS will become an historic topic far in the crevices of time, but for now, I hope we all do our part to help both actively and passively. I hope that we think of how fortunate we are to have urgent care available and that millions around the world are not as lucky. I hope we pause at the thought of all things (Red)^® and be supportive by purchasing (Red)^® products. This is my hope for the world.

Kathy Griffin: Comedianne Supreme

Last week launched the 6^th season of the hilarious reality show Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D List. Two Emmys, a New York Times best seller and two Grammy nominations later, it’s hard to imagine Griffin every going back on the D list, but as she says, she’s very quickly reminded by everyone else around her where she stands on the totem pole.

Few were those whom actually knew who Griffin was five years ago. Aside from her adoring ‘gays,’ there wasn’t much activity going on the Griffin camp. In fact, sporadic shows would reckon mediocre attendance, but Griffin is a prime example of funny being funny, not matter where it comes from. She’s built an act that rivals no one else. Making her living “talking shit about celebrities,” she makes no excuses for what she says and where she says it. So true to her persona that she’s managed to offend Catholics, Jews, straights, gays, democrats, republicans, her own mother—really no one is off the table.  In fact, a look into the Griffin camp has won her mother, Maggie Griffin, a popularity that rivals that of Kathy’s. As Griffin put it, “She’s the star, and I’m just a co-star. It’s her show.”

It’s this real look into the life of a celebrity that has won her an honest following. A couple seasons back, Griffin dealt with divorce and the death of her father in front of the cameras. It was put out there for her fans to see and the public was much appreciative. As a result, Griffin’s popularity has grown so much, that she dabbles with A-listers like Bette Midler, Liza Minnelli, and Cher at the drop of a hat. But it’s not only with celebrities that she’s become popular, but with a huge audience just looking for a laugh. Having said that, with equal swiftness has she managed to alienate and piss off everyone else.

To promote the new season of My Life on the D List, Griffin was invited on The View—a show she’s been banned twice from, and met one of those opponents, Elizabeth Hasselbeck, a staunch republican. As Griffin gabbed away Hasselback pouted silently until finally confronting for not being funny. Without skipping a beat, Griffin replied, “Well actually, these are the moments that I live for, so bring it!” The audience responded insanely.

This season promises to bring a more laughs and funny scenarios at Griffin and her mother’s expense. From hosting a Kiddy Pageant to a public Pap smear, Griffin will provide an interesting take on what it’s like to be a D list celebrity, all the while driving her assistants mad. With all the garbage on television, its refreshing to see Bravo take such care of a funny show. Here’s hoping for season 15.