John Lennon 'back' to star in new charity advert
Twenty-eight years after his death, John Lennon is a charity spokesperson. A digitally-created version of the singer appears in adverts for One Laptop per Child (OLPC), an organisation that delivers hard-wearing, innovative laptops to children in the developing world.
Although we're accustomed to computer animated ducks, termites and hamburger buns prancing about our television screens, this is probably Lennon's first appearance as a computer-generated campaigner. "Imagine if every child, no matter where in the world they were, could access a universe of knowledge," he says in the commercials.
"They would have a chance to learn, to dream, to achieve anything they want," Lennon adds. "I tried to do it through my music, but now you can do it in a very different way."
Yoko Ono, Lennon's widow, gave her approval for the advert, which will also appear on the internet. Ono is known for her careful management of Lennon's estate and image, rarely authorising commercial – or even charitable – use.
John Lennon was shot and killed outside the couple's New York apartment in December 1980.
The OLPC foundation, established in 2005, designed and builds the XO laptop. The small, bright green computers are aimed at children in the developing world, serving as general teaching tools but also introducing them to programming and the internet. They come equipped with solar panels, a wireless antenna and are even partially waterproof. Each laptop costs less than $200 (£135) to manufacture.
The modest machines – destined for El Salvador and Nigeria – are still many times more advanced than any computer Lennon ever cast his eyes on. Then again, so are the dancing hamburger buns.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2008...charity-advert
YouTube - John Lennon "One Laptop Per Child" Commecial
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