U2 ::: Watch More TV

At midnight last night, MYX began airing nothing but U2 programs and music videos (and will do so until midnight tonight) in what they've dubbed as U2 24. Naturally, I've been a lazy arse blob in front of the TV since 8 am. I'd like to say that getting to see the band, and Bono's face, mature throughout the years, video after video is worth hearing "bone-know" said over and again but thank you, still, to the genius behind the mute button.

Besides music videos, they've also aired the Vertigo Milan show (mini version), ZOO TV Sydney (also mini), and (surprise!) 'A Day In The Life of The Edge' in full. For some reason, they don't have the vid for Who's Gonna Ride... which is a shame because it's one of the current favorites.

C's latest post talks about some nut raising hell over U2 marketing. Well, boy, you don't know half of it and I, for one, thank MCA Music for pulling strings to get this program on the air. Next time, I'd like some interviews dug from the early 80s and won't mind them being in "moan-know".

FLAK ::: MJ's Residency Lapses

As The Onion welcomes the New King of Pop (really), we strain to hear the sheep shuffling to get new fake tattoos. Streeeeetch your air time a little longer, kids.

Did Someone Say Justified?

Anne L. from MTV Philippines called me on the cell yesterday to deliver good news: my Mobbed prizes were ready for pick-up. She was a pleasant phone pal, might I add. Although I maintained coolness, I could have dashed there and then to get 'em but I didn't want to show up like a turd in my work uniform. So today I went down there (MTV at The Fort) on my lunch break. I was anxious, too, as I always am when I have a small window of time to do something.

My taxi took an hour to get to MTV from my workplace in Malate (thanks to that jammed Buendia traffic) but, thankfully, the people who met me gave me no problems. They checked my ID, had me sign a claim sheet and I was off. The guard even had me inspect the Motorola headphones and commented that it was pretty neat. I said nothing as I was more concerned about the other prize.

On my way back, I had the headphones to my side and a brown Manila envelope on my lap. Inside it was the "U2 cd" mentioned on the claim sheet. I peeled the tape, opened the flap and was blown away. They could not have given me a better gift for Valentines, not that I obsess over that occasion. It was the one thing I've been wanting to get but can't because it's not locally available, the U2 18 Singles superdeluxenoneofyourfriendshaveit uber limited edition CD-DVD. Yes, the one with the Vertigo '05 Milan concert!! Yyyeaahhh!!

U2 ::: Unbecoming MTV

Quickly now.

On Feb 19, 8 PM, MTV Asia will air the hour-long (disappointment of the year, I know) U2 'Vertigo 2005 Live In Milan'. It's the same thing they screened at Greenbelt last month but less grainy.

Still Hoping It'll Happen Today

I've yet to receive--or even be contacted by MTV Phils about claiming--my Mobbed prizes. It's not like there's anything I can do about it anyway. Waiting is what it's all about so "we keep on waiting (waiting), waiting on the world to change".

Did you guys watch the Grammys? I think the best performances came from John Legend and Mary J. Blige. I loved Lionel Ritchie singing "Hello", one of my favorite songs of his. Meanwhile, Christina Aguilera will never stop oversinging and Justin Timberlake can't stop trying to prove himself. Pity.

I'm glad for the Dixie Chicks. I'm glad for everyone who speaks up against what they believe is wrong. Kids, don't just agree to everything shoved down your throat. Don't depend on media to tell you what to like and to buy! They're selling to you and they're paid to do that. Guess what? They don't always have your best interest in mind! In fact, they have their own interests to look after. Never forget the late 90s.

U2 ::: Jesus Boys Grow Up

From yesterday's atu2.com update.

I never knew U2 had caught the attention of the starched up CCM industry early in their career. This feature article from '82 mentions Larry and Edge's backstage bible study and has Bono crushing the Big Bang.

“I can’t accept a belief that I just came out of gas, you know? That we as a race just exploded into existence—I can’t believe that, and I don’t think others can, really. Deep down, everybody is aware.”

Yes, I am aware and no, I can never believe you came from gas. Gas, Bono, dissipates but you're in the papers every week.

Those atU2 moles are great but could they possibly dig up some new details on that IMAX film? By the way, this bit(e) on the Red lobster from a couple of Bloomberg muckrakers isn't on their news list. Tall puppy syndrome, is it?

The article was picked up by Business Mirror and now I want to share how I discovered it. You have my leave to stop reading now and go back to your email.

We had a small party at work today and they lined the tables with newspapers. You know, for food and other messy stuff. I'm there dumping food on my plate when I see Bono's face soaking in soda. I checked the date and it was from two days ago, meaning we still had extras lying around. I later secured an unspoiled copy and realized Bono made the front page headline complete with a lengthy full-page article about his not-so-altruistic business practices vis a vis his lobbying activities. I was like "What is this? Are they serious?" That's not really news to any U2 watcher but these two fellas think they're mavericks.

* * *

Recently, my brother pointed out to me how "beautiful" the melody for the coda (is that what you call 'em?) in Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses is. I agree and become outraged that this band isn't a school subject yet. Anyway, as he kept playing it on the guitar, I notice the lyrics go:

Don't turn around, don't turn around again

Don't turn around, your gypsy heart

Don't turn around, don't turn around again

Don't turn around, and don't look back

Come on now love, don't you look back

I got to wondering if this isn't another biblical reference like in Until The End Of The World. Y'know, same sessions, same vibe, same album. My guess is Bono's talking about Lot's wife, the poor woman with the stiff neck.

Feb-ulous!

I'm glad to report that Marissa Loh from MTV has confirmed that my loot is en route! The loot is en route! Yeah, she'll be passing the Motorola Bluetooth DJ headphones and my ultra special edition U2 18 singles cd. Alright, Marissa! Wooh!