Happy New Year everyone! Thanks to the wonders of the Internet and YouTube, a few folks have put together their own unofficial video versions of “Mercy.” Here’s one who has done a mashup of concert footage - it should be noted the song has not been performed live, nor has it been officially released. The song may evolve into something different when it is officially released. As with the many others, the song is (c)U2.

Did anyone watch the Bono Biography on the Biography channel earlier this week? How many sites are there out there with *correct* information about U2 and Bono? Couldn’t the writer/producer of this program have checked their sources?

To have the program claim that the October album came out in 1983 with songs like “Sunday Bloody Sunday” on it really disappoints me.

There are a few other inconsistencies with the program on Biography. One would think that if you were putting something to broadcast with the reputation that the Biography channel has, they’d make sure their information was correct. Anyone else disappointed with the content of this program?

I had never seen this before. I imagine their issues/criticisms would be similar to what any other non-fan might think of the movie. (Thx to Spoutnik for sharing this link in our forum.)

Boxing Day may not be formally celebrated in the United States, but that doesn’t stop the shops from doing their post-Christmas sales.

I was able to go into Baby Gap and pick up some (RED) items for my lil’ chop at 75% off. Long sleeved onesies that were normally $20 were marked down to $4.99. They had all of their winter items rediculously marked down. I asked the store manager if Gap will still contribute the full amount to the Global Fund, and she was unable to answer that question. She did say that the spring arrivals were coming soon and they needed to liquidate their winter inventory, so if that meant that Gap needed to write off the remaining (RED) inventory, then so be it.

Hallmark had their (RED) cards, wrapping paper and ornaments 40% off. The manager there also did not know if Hallmark would contribute the full amount to the Global Fund even if it meant that Hallmark would be taking a greater loss on the product.

As a consumer, I felt quite conflicted - here I am trying to support what (RED) is doing, and the sale prices were very attractive to say the least. However, knowing that perhaps less would be going to the Global Fund, it left me feeling a bit sad that my need to save a buck or two may deprive those in need of the medication or the bed nets. It was the first time that this thrifty shopper actually felt bad about the sales.

Lookie, lookie who got their pictures taken on this Christmas eve day. U2 band members and manager Paul McGuinness leaving Lock’s restaurant in Dublin on December, 24. Mr. Hewson, as always, showcasing his questionable fashionable flair with a fascinating choice of scarf and suit color combo.

I have been trying to come up with a list of presents that U2 could receive this Holiday season, but I couldn’t come up with anything too interesting. Plus, I figured, why should I come up with a list of presents for U2 anyway? Someone who needs presents more should get them.

So, in (not very) selfless spirit, here are some presents U2 band members could give to me at some point in 2008 (I’m thinking some time around Thanksgiving?):

Larry: a new U2 album with a heartbreakingly awesome drum solo on it (even though technically we don’t do these on U2 albums)
Edge: a new U2 album with a heartbreakingly awesome guitar solo on it (even though technically we don’t do these on U2 albums)
Bono: a new U2 album full of heartbreakingly awesome lyrics (even though technically we don’t … dude! I’m kidding, I know you can do it, plus, I’m totally sure you are reading this)
Adam: a silver afro (you know it would be rad)

Happy, happy to all.

—This post brought to you by Scatter O’ Light.

Still Haven’t Found What You’re Looking For? OK…I have to admit, that phrase is getting *real* old, well 20 years old that is…I digress.

With (RED) items in the local shopping mall for sale, Edun apparel available as well, fans have choices to make a difference in people’s lives while at the same time helping to keep others alive in Africa. The Edge has also been a little busy in this front too.

Back in November, you might remember reading that The Edge had contributed a start-up jingle for the XO laptop computer from the OLPC (one laptop per child) organization. Headed up by MIT Media Lab’s founder Nicholas Negroponte, OLPC hopes to provide a connected laptop to each school-aged child in developing countries to empower and enable them to learn.

OLPC has extended their “Give One, Get One” program through the end of the year - for $399, you can buy an XO laptop for your family, and OLPC will give a laptop to a deserving child in the areas they are serving. If you live in the U.S., $200 of that purchase is tax deductible

The Edge has been collaborating with the MIT and the MIT Media Lab for quite a while now. He has served as a panel judge for a ringtone contest, contributed to an exhibit, and helped lead the now-disbanded MIT Media Lab Europe with Bono and a few others.

Creating start-up jingles isn’t a first for the creative members of U2. You might recall that Brian Eno created the Windows 95 start-up tune.

UPDATE: CNN posted this story on Monday about a laptop village in Peru that is benefiting from the OLPC project.

And now for today’s “random news” tidbit…

It seems that Bono is not the only one from around the U2 camp that dallies with politics. Several UK papers, including The Independent are reporting that Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg has appointed U2 producer Brian Eno as a political adviser. His job will be to advise the politician on how to “reach out to younger people”. My only comment on this (with no offense to Mr. Eno intended)… if you’re wanting to reach out to younger people, why choose a 59-year-old music producer best known for working with acts that young people haven’t really heard of? (A quick check with my teens reveals no knowledge of Brian Eno - or, sadly, of David Bowie. They probably only know U2 because they live in my house!) Weren’t any rap stars available?

With the busy holiday season afoot, there are a few news items that might have flown under the radar screen…

1) If you’ve been following the news about Elevation Partners, then this New York Post article is right up your alley. It gives a head’s up that Conde Nast Portfolio’s January issue features an interview with Bono, as well as gives some insight about Bono’s thoughts on hair length and the boardroom.

2) If you enjoy the work of Edun’s designer Rogan Gregory, then you’ll be happy to know that he’s finalized a deal to design for Target stores.

and finally,

3) @U2’s fearless leader, M2 has been still locking himself in his tres chic office (approx. 15 square feet) to put the finishing touches on U2 Diary, but that hasn’t stopped him from talking with U2Spain about the project. Check out the interview here.