It’s what in the British tradition could be termed “putting a good face on trade”, and what better face to put on the messy business of colonialism and blatant asset grabbing, war mongering jingoism that Prince William. He could peddle anything from Old Spice, to Dove Soap to the best tailored men’s suits. And maybe if tensions perk up, Kate can be winged in to bake biscuits and serve tea for the boys defending nation and pass on the archbishop of Canterbury’s blessing. The British foreign secretary has termed William’s posting “entirely routine.” Right. And why celebrate the Falklands War other than symbolically invoke Thatcherism?
…Simmering diplomatic tensions between Britain and Argentina have not deterred the Government from planning a series of high-profile events to mark the 30th anniversary of the Falklands War. The celebrations include a visit by a Foreign Office Minister, a new memorial to the Falklands victims and a service at St Paul’s Cathedral – all against the backdrop of growing anger in Buenos Aires, partly fuelled by Prince William’s deployment to the disputed territory….
---Morrissey’s five-strong band appeared alongside a flag of Argentina which took centre stage on their drum kit. Argentine fans praised the incendiary T-shirts in online forums. In recent weeks Union Jacks have been burnt outside the British Embassy in Buenos Aires.---Read More:http://in2eastafrica.net/morrissey-stirs-falklands-row-at-argentina-gig-as-his-band-wear-we-hate-william-and-kate-t-shirts/
Wars are more usually celebrated on their 25th, 50th and 75th anniversaries. However, it is understood the decision to turn the 30th anniversary of the Falklands War into a major commemoration was taken partly as a mark of respect to Margaret Thatcher, who led Britain to victory as Prime Minister. It was hoped Lady Thatcher, 86, would be able to take part in the events. However, she has been forced to give up her public appearances due to frail health. Last week, the Argentine government was angered when it was announced that HMS Dauntless was being sent to the South Atlantic.
---The limited edition of "William and Catherine Royal Wedding Giftset" has the couple's plastic replicas dressed in the garb they worn at Westminster Abbey. Kate's doll wears an ivory wedding gown with a lace torso and full skirt, and rocks an ivory veil, a sparkling tiara and matching drop earrings. Will's doll dons a replica of his scarlet Irish Guards colonel's uniform. The pair of dolls is part of the Barbie Collector Editions, which also featured Edward and Bella from the "Twilight Saga" series.---Read More:http://www.aceshowbiz.com/news/view/00047898.html
The new Type 45 destroyer is armed with a battery of missiles which, in the words of one Royal Navy source, could ‘take out all of South America’s fighter aircraft, let alone those of Argentina’. Just hours later, Prince William arrived in the Falklands, although officials confirmed he will not be completing any ceremonial duties while on the islands but is there purely in his role with the RAF.
The Prince began his duties as a search-and-rescue Sea King helicopter pilot yesterday. It was a low-key start for Flight Lieutenant Wales, who spent the first shift of his six-week tour being briefed on the challenging flying conditions. Yesterday it was also revealed a nuclear submarine would be deployed to the Falklands, reviving sensitivities over the sinking of the Argentine cruiser General Belgrano. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2096466/Falkland-Islands-Prince-Williams-tour-duty-30th-anniversary-celebrations-war.html#ixzz1oQoGtgpS
Meanwhile, the Morrissey tour looks a profitable one. As yet, the singer has not found a plausible excuse to cancel a show, although Argentina’s history – think Jacobo Timmerman, Man without a Name, Cell Without a Number- of political violence and a way station for Nazi war criminals on the lam should give pause to this celebrity “gauchiste” and meat is murder man. Perhaps its a fantasy for Morrissey to be imagining himself on the high plains with the Caballero himself, looking over the vast stretches of cattle grazing in peace knowing they will never know an abbatoir. Morrissey too is part of this Western cultural circus and his “art” can be neatly folded into the canon of capitalist conservative ideology and the entertainment complex with its global reach.
ADDENDUM:
At the time, it probably seemed a good idea for Prince William to perk up his controversial, determinedly reclusive RAF posting in the Falklands by doing a little light shopping and sightseeing in the capital, Port Stanley, late on Saturday morning. Stanley (population 2,500) is often a sleepy place at the weekend. It was half-term. The sun, for once, was shining. And most importantly, perhaps, there were unlikely to be many of the journalists around who have converged here as the 30th anniversary of the Falklands war has approached and Britain and Argentina have refought the conflict rhetorically….Read More:http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/shortcuts/2012/mar/05/prince-william-falklands-walkabout
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But the worst of the lot is Morrissey. Having a Morrissey gig cancelled is almost a rite of passage for his long suffering fans. Indeed, he has called off so many shows he has long since given up the standard issue sore throat excuse. Morrissey has pulled out of gigs claiming problems with the water mains, central heating and snow on the roof of a venue. Best excuse of all has to be when the militant vegetarian discovered the venue was formerly used as an abattoir. I suppose it beats just admitting you’re not in the mood. Read More:http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/culture/neilmccormick/100001714/morrissey-the-mystery-of-the-cancelled-gigs/
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