Happy Birthday Bono!

Mon, 05/10/2010 - 4:42pm by CasualTim

Today is the birthday of Paul David Hewson, better known as U2's Bono. Bono is also well known for his humanitarian work, which has spanned causes from world hunger to AIDS to internet access (along with many others).

In honor of Bono's birthday, I have put together a small and hopefully helpful list of items for those of us who would prefer to avoid U2, Bono, and those annoying sunglasses.

If you're looking for something slightly less repetitive than U2, the AADL has a cd of just footstep noises! Actually, we have TWO! They're part of the BBC Sound Effects Library, of which the AADL has about 45 discs. Two of those are just livestock noises, another album I'd be happy to listen to before U2!

Afraid Bono might sneak up on you and try to get you to celebrate with him today? Look to James Watson (of Watson and Crick, describers of the structure of DNA) and his Avoid Boring People and other lessons from a life in science. Library Journal calls it "surprisingly wry, witty, and instructional."

But what if Bono catches you off guard? Hand him our copy of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Songwriting. For the price of free (assuming Bono returns it!), this is an investment you shouldn't pass up.

Finally, if you just can't escape the persistent sounds of Bono echoing through the streets and alleyways of your neighborhood, you may need Neighbor Law: Fences, Trees, Boundaries & Noise to help you understand your rights. What rights do you have to insist that your neighbor turn down the stereo? Can exposure to Bono be considered a danger to children? Who pays to repair your fence if your neighbor's copy of The Joshua Tree falls on it? If you have questions like these, this book may help!