Sarah Palin won’t run for president in 2012

On Wednesday, the former vice-presidential candidate and the acknowledged star of the Republican Party Sarah Palin finally announced that she is not going to run for the presidency in 2012. A day before that another Republican hopeful, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie also announced his decision not to run.

The former Alaska governor’s supporters founded a group called Organize4Palin to build a grassroots network and essentially campaign for her: go to county meetings, stump for Palin with politically connected Iowans, and form a loose campaign structure for what they saw as an inevitable Palin campaign. It turned out not to be.

Sarah Palin made her decision known Wednesday releasing a statement to ABC News and telling radio host Mark Levin that she will not enter the presidential race. Wednesday evening she told Greta Van Susteren on Fox News that she “apologize(s) to those disappointed” with her decision saying that she had heard from them over the last few hours and hopes they understand “you don’t need a title to make a difference in this country.”

As the news broke that she would not run those supporters that were the most invested said they were “disappointed,” but had “no regrets.”

What is questionable, though, is whether the Republicans will be able to come up with an electable candidate. Until recently there seemed to be only too viable contenders – Mitt Romney and Rick Perry, with chances for Chris Christie to intervene and change the scene. After Christie’s decision not to run, one would suppose that the field has narrowed to two candidates. But then unexpectedly businessman and columnist, former chairman and CEO of Godfather’s Pizza Herman Cain made a strong showing at some Republican caucuses, and now he is considered to be on equals if not ahead of Rick Perry whose support has faltered.

The problem is that Republican primaries starting next January and the general elections in November are very different. And the candidate most liked by the party and Republican-leaning independents might not be as welcomed by the majority of general voters. Therefore, winning the party nomination may play a trick on the frontrunner preventing him from winning the votes of the center, which will inevitably determine the general outcome.

Perry, who has dropped in the polls recently following unimpressive debate performances, issued a statement calling Palin “a good friend, a great American and a true patriot. I respect her decision and know she will continue to be a strong voice for conservative values and needed change in Washington.”

The man who picked her as his running mate in 2008, Sen. John McCain of Arizona, said on Twitter that Palin will “continue to play an important role in our party and for our nation.”

Later, the former Alaska governor told Fox News Channel’s Greta Van Susteren, “You don’t need a title to make a difference in this country.”

Palin urged voters not to wait for perfection from the current Republican field of contenders.

“There is no one perfect candidate, and I want people to keep that in mind and not be extremely disappointed in a politician,” she said.

Statement released by Palin on her decision.

October 5, 2011

Wasilla, Alaska

After much prayer and serious consideration, I have decided that I will not be seeking the 2012 GOP nomination for President of the United States. As always, my family comes first and obviously Todd and I put great consideration into family life before making this decision. When we serve, we devote ourselves to God, family and country. My decision maintains this order.

My decision is based upon a review of what common sense Conservatives and Independents have accomplished, especially over the last year. I believe that at this time I can be more effective in a decisive role to help elect other true public servants to office – from the nation’s governors to Congressional seats and the Presidency. We need to continue to actively and aggressively help those who will stop the “fundamental transformation” of our nation and instead seek the restoration of our greatness, our goodness and our constitutional republic based on the rule of law.

From the bottom of my heart I thank those who have supported me and defended my record throughout the years, and encouraged me to run for President. Know that by working together we can bring this country back – and as I’ve always said, one doesn’t need a title to help do it.

I will continue driving the discussion for freedom and free markets, including in the race for President where our candidates must embrace immediate action toward energy independence through domestic resource developments of conventional energy sources, along with renewables. We must reduce tax burdens and onerous regulations that kill American industry, and our candidates must always push to minimize government to strengthen the economy and allow the private sector to create jobs.

Those will be our priorities so Americans can be confident that a smaller, smarter government that is truly of the people, by the people, and for the people can better serve this most exceptional nation.

In the coming weeks I will help coordinate strategies to assist in replacing the President, re-taking the Senate, and maintaining the House.

Thank you again for all your support. Let’s unite to restore this country!

God bless America.

– Sarah Palin

India hopes for grand F1 finale

CHENNAI: India’s top drivers said on Monday they were upbeat about the country holding a spectacular inaugural Grand Prix to complete the 2011 Formula One season after the race was pushed back to December.

The sport’s governing body, the FIA, unanimously voted last week to reschedule the Bahrain race, which was cancelled in March due to civil unrest in the Gulf state.

The Bahrain GP will now be held on October 30, the original slot for the Indian GP which will now be the season-closing finale on December 11.

The Indian race is set to be staged at a new $350 million 5.14-kilometre (3.2-mile) circuit designed by renowned German architect Hermann Tilke in Greater Noida on the outskirts of New Delhi.

Karun Chandhok, a Team Lotus reserve driver, said the decision to postpone India’s race provided an opportunity to put together a show worthy of a season climax.

“On one hand it is tough for the people in the teams as this extends the championship and gives them very little time before the next season,” he said in a statement.

“But on the other hand it will be an honour for our entire nation to host the season finale in the inaugural year of the Indian GP.”

Chandhok is hopeful of getting a one-off race seat ahead of regulars Jarno Trulli or Heikki Kovalainen after being limited to practice duties this season.

Hispania Racing Team driver Narain Karthikeyan, from Chennai, said the cool weather conditions in December could have a bearing on the race.

“The one concern is the morning fog. That could make things a little more testing,” said Karthikeyan, 34. “But to host the season finale is very prestigious.”

Karthikeyan, making a comeback to the F1 circuit after six years, is looking forward to driving before home fans although Hispania are struggling at the bottom of the table.

The under-construction circuit is part of an ambitious 1,000-hectare (2,500-acre) sports complex being built by the Jaypee group, a fast-rising business conglomerate run by the Gaur family.

The race will be followed by the FIA General Assembly and the prize-giving gala.

Vicky Chandhok, president of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI), said it would be challenge to rework planning for the event.

“By rescheduling the race, we now have to address logistical issues such as hotel re-booking and flight tickets. But we are ready to put up a great show,” he said.

“It’s an opportunity to prove what India’s capable of.” AGENCIES

Rihanna equals Elvis record with 5th UK Number 1

LONDON: R&B singer Rihanna took the pop music charts by storm this week with a number one single, album and two other songs in the charts.

The Official Charts Company said on Sunday the Barbadian singer had re-written the record books becoming first female solo artist in chart history to achieve five number one singles in consecutive years with “What’s My Name”.

The only other solo artist to equal this achievement was Elvis Presley in the 1950s, it said.

The 22-year-old singer knocked X Factor champion Matt Cardle’s “When We Collide” from the top spot to number two after three weeks at number one.

Her Album “Loud” held on to its number one slot beating off competition from British rapper Plan B’s “The Defamation of Strickland Banks” which had been ahead in the race for pole position last week.

Rawalpindi: 5 die as car crashes into spectators during drag race

Atleast five people have been killed and two injured in the phase 8 of Bahria Town Rawalpindi when a car crashed into the spectators during drag race, trendpk.Com reported on Sunday.

The car was running at 160 kilometers per hour when all of a sudden it crashed into the spectators who were standing along the road. Of those killed include a minor as well.

Talking to trendpk.Com DCO Rawalpindi Imdad Bosal said that Rawalpindi administration did not allow for the race and therefore the organizers selected an area of Islamabad. On the other hand Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Aamir Ali has said that Islamabad administration was also not asked for the permission for drag race however the organizers organized the race on their own.

SHO Rawat has admitted that the race was being held in the precincts of Rawat police station and that 2 Sub-Inspectors, 1 ASI while 10 constables were deployed at the venue of race.

Deepika dying to work with Saif

MUMBAI: Deepika Padukone is eager for a repeat act with her Love Aaj Kal co-star. Keenly contests for all starring roles opposite the actor

Deepika Padukone may have pipped other actresses (Priyanka Chopra and Kareena Kapoor to name a few) to be the female lead in Race 2 but the real reason behind her saying a yes to the project is Saif Ali Khan.

The actress is keen to work with her Love Aaj Kal co-star yet again. As soon as she was offered Abbas-Mustan”s sequel, she gave her nod to the Tips Films project without any hesitation.

She wanted to beat other actresses under consideration in the race to sign on the dotted line.

This was also the reason Dippy had agreed to feature in Vishal Bhardwaj’s Dreams. But as soon as she learnt that Saif was re-thinking doing the Omkara director”s film, she too decided to back out from the project.

Says a source, “Saif had reservations about certain aspects of the script; especially, the second half of the story.

He expressed his opinions but the writer-director was in no mood to heed to his requests. As a result, he walked out.”

Buzz was also that the actor-turned-producer was keen that Vishal commit himself to direct a project for his banner.

UK: revolutionary breakthrough in blindness cure

Three blind patients have their sight partly restored after scientists developed an eye implant in a breakthrough that is being called a significant advance . Below are other examples of scientific breakthroughs in the race to cure blindness.
Stem cells grown on contact lenses could be a cure for a common cause of blindness, claim scientists. Australian researchers said that the world breakthrough could dramatically improve the sight of patients with damage to their cornea the clear outer shell of the eye caused by disease or injury. The research team removed tissue with regenerative stem cells from patients’ own eyes and then multiplied them in the laboratory on the surface of a contact lens. This was then placed back onto the damaged cornea for 10 days, during which the cells, which can turn into any other sort of cell, were able to recolonise and patch the damaged eye surface. Within weeks the patients saw dramatic improvements in their vision. If early findings bear out then the treatment could be affective for thousands of patients in Britain and is so cheap it could be used for millions more in the Third World.

Republican wins Obama’s old Illinois Senate seat

WASHINGTON: Republican Mark Kirk won the Illinois seat formerly held by President Barack Obama in the U.S. Senate, NBC and Fox News projected on Wednesday, dealing a blow to the president and his fellow Democrats, who face a narrower majority in the chamber.

The loss by state Democratic treasurer Alexi Giannoulias was an embarrassment to Obama and his party in a state that typically leans Democratic. The president had campaigned there in the final days of the race.

The close contest was marked by harsh exchanges between the two campaigns. Republicans had made it a priority to try to win the president’s old Senate seat. AGENCIES

Gowariker has no plans to postpone release of Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey

Click above for more event stills

This is turning out to be an unimaginably busy year ahead for Deepika Padukone. She started off 2010 with Karthik Calling Karthik. Later she was seen in Housefull and it wasn’t too while ago when she enacted the role of a blind girl in Lafangey Parindey. Well, picture abhi baaki hai, literally so, as before the year ends, she would also be seen in Break Ke Baad and Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey.

While this wasn’t strenuous enough, there is more. Both her new releases would be literally arriving back to back. While Ashutosh Gowariker had announced 3rd December as the release date for his Abhishek Bachchan starrer Khelein Hum…. many months ago, Kunal Kohli’s Break Ke Baad (with Imran Khan in lead) too joined the race by declaring 26th November as the D-day.

“This means double the stress for Deepika”, comments an industry veteran, “It is an entirely different ballgame today when it comes to the release of a film. One just can’t rest after the dubbing of the film. There are ‘hazaar’ promotional events involved, not just pre as well as post the release of a film. Moreover, there are other commitments of a celebrity as well which are not just related to the films.”

All of this means that Deepika would be promoting both her new releases in a parallel manner. When at least a month long commitment is a given for the promotion of any major film, it would be interesting to see how Deepika manages it all for two movies in a 4-6 weeks long time period.

“I guess she may just have to go with the flow here”, continues the veteran, “Though it sounds tough for any artist to stop talking about a film of hers which has just released, her commitment for Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey means that she would be required to detach herself from Break Ke Baad pretty quickly. She will have to move from one Friday to another. In any case, both are very important films of her as she plays a lead protagonist here rather than just being a part of an ensemble affair.”

Now it has to be seen whether one of the two filmmakers would actually decide to budge from the slot that they had chosen for themselves, hence resulting in a comfortable spacing out of Break Ke Baad and Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey.

“I won’t be able to do that”, says Ashutosh Gowariker who, just like Kunal Kohli, has already released the promo of his film, “3rd December is D day for Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey. The entire calendar has already been planned and we are marching ahead with our plans. In any case, we had announced our release date many months ago. If someone else decides to come in on or around this date, it’s their call.”

Over to you Kunal.

US swimmer Francis dies in Fujairah event

The swimming fraternity responded with shock and disbelief at the untimely passing away of American swimmer Francis Crippen during the eighth and final round of the 2010 Fina 10km Marathon Swimming World Cup on Saturday.
I cant even imagine how this could have happened to Fran, Crippens teammate Alexander Meyer told Gulf News as he came out of the water following an extensive search for the swimmer. It is far too bizarre to think that such a thing could have happened, blurted Bulgarian veteran Petar Stoychev, a regular at the UAE event.Crippens absence was realized only after all the swimmers had completed the five laps of two kilometers each off the Fujairah International Marine Club (FIMC) just past noon on Saturday.Led by Stoychev, the most instant reaction came from the swimmers themselves when they went back into the water in an attempt to search for the American swimmer. Following a search of more than two hours, police and coast guard divers found Crippen just before the final buoy on the 2km-long course.Going into the final round of this eight-round competition that goes around the globe, South African Chad Ho was at the top of the overall standings with 112 points. Crippen was second with 94 points, while Brazilian Allan do Carmo was third overall with 60.Relieved after his sixth place finish to win the overall crown, Ho in fact mentioned that he had not sighted the American in the water during the later stages of the race. It was then that it came to light that Crippen had never managed to cross the finish line, thus prompting the extensive search.Just after 2 pm, a lifeless Crippen was brought out of the water and rushed to a waiting ambulance to be taken to the Fujairah Hospital even as police tried in vain to stop swimmers and friends from getting too close. Some were seen crying openly while others were hugging and consoling each other.Thomas Lurz, who won the eighth round on Saturday, was dumb-founded. I feel very sad, the German swimmer said.Crippens American teammate and close friend Alexander Meyer who in fact did not participate in yesterdays event due to an abdominal surgery last week was all over the place urging the swimmers to get back into the water to see if Crippen could be found.This is not happening man, Meyer said with tears in his eyes.After Crippen was found Meyer went running towards the ambulance to have a look at his friend, only to be stopped in his tracks by police and officials. The American quietly walked back and sat by the roadside with his head in his hands nodding in disbelief.Ayman Saad, Organising Director from the UAE Swimming Association confirmed the sad news later in the evening. At the moment we are trying to complete the formalities with the police and medical staff to repatriate the body back to the United States, Saad said.This is a sad moment and we do not want to go into the details till the medical report is put forward, the official added.Meanwhile, all other activities related to the event were called off as a mark of respect to the departed swimmer.The organizers also announced that they would be holding a press conference later last night to explain the unfortunate incident to the media and participants.

Aussie sprinter stripped of Games gold

NEW DELHI: Australian sprinter Sally Pearson has been stripped of a Commonwealth Games gold medal, hours of celebrating victory in the 100m final.

Pearson crossed the line first, finishing in 11.28 seconds, but the result was protested by Englishwoman Laura Turner due to a false start.

Pearson and Laura Turner both appeared to false start but only Turner was given a red card and was disqualified. She successfully argued her case and stayed in the race, competing under protest.

Turner finished eighth in 11.57, but the official results listed her as disqualified.

Turner upheld her protest after the race which led to Pearson also being disqualified after four hours of deliberation, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.

The gold medal will be given to Nigeria’s Osayemi Oludamola who finished the race in second place.

Pearson was briefly the

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