Rock and Roll Hall unveils nominees for 2012 (Reuters)

(Reuters) – Trailblazing women in rock such as Joan Jett and Heart's Wilson sisters, as well as iconic rappers the Beastie Boys were among 15 music acts nominated on Tuesday for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.

"From vocal groups to hip-hop, from singer-songwriters to hard rocking artists, this group represents the spirit of what we celebrate at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame," president and chief executive Joel Peresman, said in a statement.

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, whose "I Love Rock N' Roll" became an anthem of the musical genre fame, and "Crazy on You" singers Heart, led by Ann Wilson and her sister Nancy Wilson, are both first-time nominees.

They are joined by rockers Guns N' Roses, The Cure, The Small Faces/The Faces and R&B artists The Spinners, Rufus with Chaka Khan, bluesman Freddie King and 1980s rappers Eric B. & Rakim among those nominated to the Hall for the first time.

Repeat nominees who failed to make it into the institution in previous years were the Beastie Boys, funk rockers Red Hot Chili Peppers and War, as well as disco-era songstress Donna Summer and 1960s artists Donovan and Laura Nyro.

The 27th annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place in Cleveland on April 14.

Acts are eligible for induction 25 years after their first release. This list of nominees all put out first albums in, or prior to, 1986. Inductees will be decided by 500 voters who include previous inductees and record industry insiders.

Days prior to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, the institution will celebrate the grand opening of it's new Library and Archive -- the world's largest collection of materials dedicated to rock 'n' roll.

(Editing by Bob Tourtellotte)

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Canada unveils flag for Prince William (AP)

OTTAWA, Ontario – Canada's prime minister unveiled Wednesday a personal flag for Prince William for use during his upcoming visit.

It will be flown for the first time on Thursday when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive for a nine-day tour of his future realm. Prime Minister Stephen Harper said the flag was approved by Queen Elizabeth II and William.

The flag will be flown at any building during his stay and on all vehicles. It is the first flag to be created by Canada for a member of the Royal Family since 1962, when the queen adopted a personal flag for her own use in Canada.

The queen also approved the design and creation of a personal flag for William's father Prince Charles. The queen is the head of state in Canada, a member of the British Commonwealth of former colonies.

Harper is the most pro-monarchy Canadian leader since the 1950s, and his ambition is to foster a national identity that is more conservative and more aware of its historical roots.

"The flag is a testament to the special bond between Canada and the Royal Family and pays tribute to our shared history, traditions and institutions. It will be flown with great pride throughout the upcoming Royal Tour by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge," Harper said in a statement.

Harper has been shifting the country's ideological bearings from center-left to center-right — a project that lays greater stress on such symbols as the monarchy, the military, hockey and the Arctic.

To mark the queen's husband's 90th birthday this month, Harper announced that he appointed Prince Philip an honorary admiral and general in the Canadian Armed Forces, the first time an honorary rank has been granted at the highest level of the Canadian Armed Forces

Harper is expected to bask in the aura of William and Kate on their first official overseas trip as a married couple.

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