The Flip Side

Bono

From Hollysccop.com:  Rocker Bono and artist Damien Hirst were praised last night at a Valentine’s Day charity auction for raising more than $40 million for AIDS relief. Now that’s impressive!

The U2 star teamed up with Hirst to head “The (Red) Auction” event at the Gagosian Gallery in New York City , which sold off contemporary art to the highest bidders.

Auctioneers Sotheby’s have hailed the $42.6 million that was raised as one of the biggest single charity events in history. Organizers were originally hoping to raise around $29 million. All proceeds from the fundraiser will be donated to the United Nations’ HIV relief initiative in Africa .

Bill Gates

Yup, you’ve heard it before.  With great wealth comes great responsibility.  I’ve always admired Bill Gates for his charitable contributions.  The money he gives away is astounding.  Of course, he makes a lot, but it’s a relief that this extraordinarily wealthy man is giving back.  Imagine if he were not using that money to help others.

From Hollyscoop.com:

Microsoft chairman Bill Gates traveled to Davos, Switzerland Friday to announce that his foundation would give $306 million to use green technology and farming techniques to boost millions out of hunger and poverty.

He received a standing ovation and lots of praise from Bono, who is always present at the World Economic Forum. Gates is stepping down as Microsoft chair later this year and will focus more on philanthropy. Gates said the foundation set up by him and his wife, Melinda would give the money to help millions of African farmers feed themselves and others and work their way out of poverty in a new green revolution using targeted technology and training. …

Bono

I guess being a rock star isn’t all that eco-friendly…

DAVOS, Switzerland (AFP) - Having climate campaigner Al Gore round to your house is to open yourself to a self-flagellating guilt trip, Irish rock star Bono confessed Thursday.

Sharing a stage with the former US vice president at the annual gathering of world movers and shakers in the Swiss ski resort of Davos, the U2 frontman joked that their friendship was a source of pressure on the domestic front.

“He’s been round my house and it’s like… here’s the recycler Al, you know… I’ve got a posh car, but it runs on ethanol Al,” Bono said.

Acknowledging that a career in rock music was not always conducive to a green lifestyle, Bono compared a conversation with Gore to an act of religious contrition.

“It’s like being with an Irish priest. You start to confess your sins,” he said. “Father Al, I am not just a noise polluter, I am a noise-polluting, diesel-soaking, gulfstream-flying rock star.

“I’m going to kick the habit. I’m trying father Al, but oil has been very good for me — those convoys of articulated lorries, petrochemical products, hair gel.”

Bono and Gore were in Davos to push their respective campaigns for poverty alleviation and reducing carbon emissions.

I know most of you have heard about the campaign (PRODUCT) RED.  These are items for purchase like cell phones, handbags, etc. where a portion of the profit goes to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa.  Bono and Bobby Shriver started the campaign.

I recently managed to buy a marc ecko handbag which I love, but haven’t been able to find much in the red products in my area.  Anyone else managing to support the cause?