www.bahrainthismonth.com January 2014 73 ELMA BARTHOLOMEW What does a man have to do to get a knighthood around here? Wait — according to the deciding committee. You would think a soccer legend of his stature would have become a knight already. Unfortunately, a row amongst the officials in charge of the top UK award has set David Beckham aside yet again. The former England captain was expected to be recognised for his service to the nation before 2013 was out. Little did anybody expect his order of chivalry to be limited to the Order of the British Empire that he got a decade ago! The rejection is embarrassing as this is not the first time that the shoe-in has been snubbed. Officials of the New Year’s Honours think it would do him no harm to wait a bit longer, say at least another year. If Beckham is to receive the honour in the future, the entire vetting process will have to start from scratch. The only good thing that perhaps came from the irrational decision is saving Posh from being titled Lady Victoria, unless she was looking forward to it. Who wouldn’t want to shake off the ‘Spice’ from their past? The interesting aspect of this misfortune is the vigorous debate that is said to have taken place over whether Becks should get the nod. Apparently, the argument was that sporting medals were being given away like confetti. Of course, this slam hinted at the knighting of Tour de Francewinning cyclist Sir Bradley Wiggins last year. He evidently isn’t used to behaving like a knight, considering he chose a charity dinner to support victims of child abuse as the perfect venue to make a crude sex joke. Beckham has captained his country at an international level and played a key role in helping to secure the London 2012 Olympic Games for Britain. He played for, among other clubs, Manchester United, Real Madrid and AC Milan, in a glittering career. The father of four has embarked on several charity projects, including with UNICEF and Elton John’s Aids Foundation. The 38-year-old retired footballer isn’t the only one to be reserved for later. Andy Murray had also been seen as a likely candidate for a knighthood after becoming the first Wimbledon men’s singles champion after 77 years. Adding insult to injury, Becks could only manage 13th place on GQ’s list of best dressed men of 2014, despite being named most stylish man in their own Men of the Year awards over a month ago. Interestingly, Prince Philip, the 92-year-old Duke of Edinburgh has been voted on to the list as well, albeit in 26th place. Although he was number eight on last year’s list, Prince Charles didn’t quite cut it in GQ’s revised line-up. downtimeintro A Knight in Waiting 74 Gadgets x 78 Music x 80 Computer games x 81 Websites x 82 Apps x 83 Movies Also this month Quotes of the Month “True charity is the desire to be useful to others with no thought of recompense.” – Emanuel Swedenborg “Those who gave thee a body, furnished it with weakness; but He who gave thee Soul, armed thee with resolution. Employ it, and thou art wise; be wise and thou art happy.” – Akhenaton “It wouldn’t be New Year’s if I didn’t have regrets”. – William Thomas For more quotes use the QR code above to go to the Bahrain This Month website at www.bahrainthismonth.com.
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