NORTH KOREAN LEADER KIM JONG-IL DEAD AFTER HEART ATTACK

(CNN) -- North Korea's enigmatic leader Kim Jong Il -- who, after succeeding his father 17 years ago, captained his poor, closed nation and antagonized its enemies -- is dead, state media reported Monday. Kim, 69, died at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, according to state media. A tearful broadcaster reported that Kim died due to "overwork" after "dedicating his life to the people." Kim suffered "great mental and physical strain" while on a train during a "field guidance tour," North Korea's state-run KCNA news agency reported. A look back at the life of Kim Jong Il More specifically, the agency reported that Kim suffered a heart attack and couldn't be saved despite the use of "every possible first-aid measure." He had been treated for "cardiac and cerebrovascular diseases for a long period," KCNA noted. Kim Jong Il's death shocks South Korea Report: Kim Jong Il dead North Korea: Our leader is dead His funeral will be held December 28 and the national mourning period extends until December 29, said the news agency. North Korean and communist party officials "released a notice on Saturday informing" members of the Workers' Party of Korea, military "and all other people" of Kim's passing, according to KCNA. South Korea's national security council convened after news broke about Kim's death and was still meeting as of 2 p.m. Monday, President Lee Myung-bak's office said. The president canceled the rest of his Monday schedule, and all members of South Korea's military have been placed on "emergency alert," according to Lee's office. Under the alert -- which is short of the highest possible level -- South Korean forces will monitor North Korean troop movements closely and tighten security measures at sea, according to the ministry of defense. In addition, South Korea's National Police Agency has ordered police across the country to be on emergency work shifts. "South Korea's concern is warranted, frankly, because an insecure North Korea could well be an even more dangerous North Korea," a U.S. official said. The White House, meanwhile, released a statement saying U.S. officials are "closely monitoring reports" of Kim's death and are "in close touch with our allies in South Korea and Japan." This Just In: Up-to-the minute news on the death of Kim Jong Il "We remain committed to stability on the Korean peninsula, and to the freedom and security of our allies," the White House statement said. The son of Kim Il Song, founder of the communist nation, Kim Jong Il had been in power since 1994 when his father died of a heart attack at age 82. The enigmatic leader was a frequent thorn in the side of neighboring South Korea, as well as the United States. There have been reports in recent years about his health, as well as that power will be transitioned to his son, Kim Jong Un. U.S. 'committed' to Korean security Can the son of the 'Dear Leader' lead? What is North Korea's future? North Korea's nuclear program -- and international attempts to hinder its nuclear weaponry potential -- put Kim at odds with many world leaders in recent years, as did his governing style.

La Boum

La boum (English title: The Party) is a 1980 French language motion picture comedy directed by Claude Pinoteau, and starring Claude Brasseur, Brigitte Fossey, and Sophie Marceau appearing in her film début. The movie was an international box-office hit. The music was written by Vladimir Cosma, with Richard Sanderson singing the song "Reality". A sequel movie La boum 2 was released in 1982

Plot

Thirteen-year-old Vic (Sophie Marceau) is new at her high school. She makes friends with Pénélope (Sheila O'Connor) and together they check out the boys at their school, looking for true love. Vic is frustrated by her parents, who will not allow her to attend the "boum", a big party. Her grandmother, Poupette, helps her out, and Vic ends up falling in love with Matthieu (Alexandre Sterling). While Vic is busy finding her true love, her parent's marriage faces a crisis when her father's ex-girlfriend demands a last night together.[1]

Production

This was Sophie Marceau's first movie. She and her co-star Claude Brasseur (who plays her father) were re-united in the 1986 crime thriller Descente aux enfers playing the parts of husband and wife.

CastClaude Brasseur as François Beretton
Brigitte Fossey as Françoise Beretton
Sophie Marceau as Vic Beretton
Denise Grey as Poupette
Dominique Lavanant as Vanessa
Bernard Giraudeau as Éric Thompson
Jean-Michel Dupuis as Étienne
Jacques Ardouin as Père de Raoul
Evelyne Bellego as Éliane

Sophie Marceau

Sophie Marceau (French pronunciation: [sɔfi maʁso]; born 17 November 1966) is a French actress director, screenwriter, and author. She has appeared in 38 films. As a teenager, Marceau achieved popularity with her debut films La boum (1980) and La boum 2 (1982), receiving a César Award for Most Promising Actress. She became a film star in Europe with a string of successful films, including L'étudiante (1988), Pacific Palisades (1990), and Fanfan (1993). In the 1990s, Marceau became an international film star with her performances in Braveheart (1995), Firelight (1997), and the James Bond thriller The World Is Not Enough (1999).
In February 1980, Marceau and her mother came across a model agency looking for teenagers. Marceau had photos taken at the agency, but did not think anything would come of it. At the same time, Françoise Menidrey, the casting director for Claude Pinoteau's La boum (1980), asked modeling agencies to recommend a new teenager for the project. After viewing the rushes, Alain Poiré, the director of the Gaumont Film Company, signed Marceau to a long-term contract. La boum was a hit movie, not only in France, where 4.5 million tickets were sold, but several other European countries and Japan.[citation needed] In 1981, Marceau made her singing debut with French singer François Valéry on record "Dream in Blue", written by Delanoë.[citation needed]

In 1982, at the age of 15, Marceau bought back her contract with Gaumont for one million French francs.[4] She borrowed most of the money. After starring in the sequel film La boum 2 (1982), Marceau focused on more dramatic roles, including Fort Saganne in 1984 with Gérard Depardieu and Catherine Deneuve, Joyeuses Pâques (Happy Easter) in 1984, L'amour braque and Police in 1985, and Descente aux enfers (Descent Into Hell) in 1986. In 1988, she starred in L'étudiante (The Student) and Chouans!. That year, Marceau was named Best Romantic Actress at the International Festival of Romantic Movies for her role in Chouans![5]

In 1989, Marceau starred in Mes nuits sont plus belles que vos jours (My Nights Are More Beautiful than your Days), which was directed by her long-time boyfriend Andrzej Zulawski. In 1990, she starred in Pacific Palisades and La note bleue, her third film directed by her companion. In 1991, she ventured into the theater in Eurydice, which earned Marceau the Moliere Award for Best Female Newcomer.[5] Throughout the 1990s, Marceau began making less-dramatic films, such as the comedy Fanfan in 1993 and La fille de D'artagnan in 1994—both popular in Europe and abroad. That year, she returned to the theatre as Eliza Dolittle in Pygmalion.[5]

Marceau achieved international recognition in 1995 as Princess Isabelle in Mel Gibson's Braveheart. That year, she was part of an ensemble of international actors in the French film directed by Michelangelo Antonioni and Wim Wenders, Beyond the Clouds. In 1997, she continued her string of successful films with William Nicholson's Firelight, filmed in England, Véra Belmont's Marquise, filmed in France, and Bernard Rose's Anna Karenina. In 1999, she played Hippolyta in A Midsummer Night's Dream, and became a villainess Bond girl in her role as Elektra King in The World Is Not Enough. In 2000, Marceau teamed up again with her then-boyfriend Andrzej Zulawski to film La fidélité

Pocahontas

Pocahontas (born Matoaka, and later known as Rebecca Rolfe, c. 1595 – March 1617) was a Virginia Indian[1] notable for her association with the colonial settlement at Jamestown, Virginia. She was the daughter of Chief Powhatan, the head of a network of tributary tribal nations in Tidewater Virginia. In a well-known historical anecdote that may or may not be true, she is said to have saved the life of Indian captive John Smith in 1607 by placing her head upon his own when her father raised his war club to execute him.

Pocahontas was captured by the English during Anglo-Indian hostilities in 1613, and held for ransom. During her captivity, she converted to Christianity and took the name Rebecca. When the opportunity arose for her to return to her people, she chose to remain with the English. In April 1614, she married tobacco planter John Rolfe, and, in January 1615, bore him a son, Thomas Rolfe.

In 1616, the Rolfes traveled to London. Pocahontas was presented to English society as an example of the civilized "savage" in hopes of stimulating investment in the Jamestown settlement. She became something of a celebrity, was elegantly fêted, and attended a masque at Whitehall Palace. In 1617, the Rolfes set sail for home, but Pocahontas died at Gravesend of unknown causes. She was buried in England, but her resting place is not known.

Numerous places, landmarks, and products in the United States have been named after Pocahontas. Her story has been romanticized over the years, and she is the subject of art, literature, and film. Her descendants through her son Thomas include members of the First Families of Virginia‎, First Ladies Edith Wilson and Nancy Reagan, astronomer Percival Lowell and American reality television personality Benjamin Wade.

Early lifePocahontas's birth year is unknown, but some historians estimate it to have been around 1595 based on the accounts of Captain John Smith. In A True Relation of Virginia (1608), Smith described the Pocahontas he met in the spring of 1608 as being "a child of tenne years old".[2] In a letter written in 1616, he again described her as she was in 1608, but this time she had grown slightly to "a child of twelve or thirteen years of age".[3]

Pocahontas was the daughter of Powhatan, the paramount chief of Tsenacommacah, an alliance of about thirty Algonquian-speaking groups and petty chiefdoms in Tidewater Virginia.[4] Her mother, whose name and specific group of origin are unknown, was one of dozens of wives taken by Powhatan; each wife gave him a single child and then was sent back to her village to be supported by the paramount chief until she found another husband.[5]

Pocahontas's childhood was probably little different from that of most girls who lived in Tsenacommacah. She learned how to perform what was considered to be women's work, which included foraging for food and firewood, farming, and searching for the plant materials used in building thatched houses.[6] As she grew older, she probably helped other members of Powhatan's household with preparations for large feasts.[5] Serving feasts such as the one presented to John Smith after his capture was a regular obligation of the mamanatowick, or paramount chief.[7]

[edit] NamesAt the time Pocahontas was born, it was common for the Algonquian-speaking Virginia Indians to be given several personal names. Bestowed at different times, the names carried different meanings and might be used in different contexts. It was not uncommon for American Indians to have more than one name at the same time, to have secret names that only a select few knew, and to change their names on important occasions.[8] Pocahontas was no different. Early in her life she was given a secret name, Matoaka, but later she was also known as Amonute. None of these names can be translated.[9]

The name Pocahontas was a childhood nickname that probably referred to her frolicsome nature; according to the colonist William Strachey, it meant "little wanton".[10] The 18th-century historian William Stith claimed that "her real name, it seems, was originally Matoax, which the Indians carefully concealed from the English and changed it to Pocahontas, out of a superstitious fear, lest they, by the knowledge of her true name, should be enabled to do her some hurt."[11] According to the anthropologist Helen C. Rountree, Pocahontas "revealed [her secret name] to the English only after she had taken another religious—baptismal—name, Rebecca".[12]

Pocahontas's Christian name, Rebecca, may have been a symbolic gesture to Rebecca of the Book of Genesis who, as the mother of Jacob and Esau, was the mother of two "nations", or distinct peoples. Pocahontas, as an American Indian marrying an Englishman, may have been seen by herself and by her contemporaries as being also, potentially, the mother of two nations

House music

House music is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in Chicago, Illinois, United States in the early 1980s. It was initially popularized in mid-1980s discothèques catering to the African-American,[1][2] Latino American,[1][2] and gay[1][2][3][4] communities; first in Chicago circa 1984, then in other locations such as New York City, New Jersey, Toronto, Montreal, London, Detroit, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Miami. It then reached Europe, and since the early to mid-1990s, it has been infused in mainstream pop and dance music worldwide.

Early house music was generally dance-based music characterised by repetitive 4/4 beats and rhythms centred around drum machines,[5] off-beat hi-hat cymbals and synthesized basslines. Whilst house displayed several characteristics similar to disco music, it was more electronic, minimalistic,[6] and less structured around the song rather than a repetitive rhythm. House music today, whilst keeping several of these core elements, notably the prominent kick drum on every beat, varies a lot in style and influence, ranging from the soulful and atmospheric deep house, to the more minimalistic microhouse. House music has also fused with several other genres creating fusion subgenres, such as Euro house and tech house.[7]

House music, after enjoying significant underground and club-based success from the early 1980s onwards, emerged into the UK mainstream pop market in the mid to late 80s. Popularity quickly followed in Europe, from the late 80s to early 90s, and it became a global phenomenon from the mid 90s onwards.[8] It proved to be a commercially successful genre and a more mainstream pop-based variation grew increasingly popular. Artists and groups such as Madonna,[9][10] Janet Jackson,[11] Björk, and C+C Music Factory[12][13] incorporated the genre in their work. After enjoying significant success in the early to mid-90s, house music's popularity started to decline by the latter part of the decade;[14] nevertheless, the genre still remained popular and fused into other subgenres which were popular. In Europe, the genre remained highly popular into the 2000s, with groups and artists such as Daft Punk[15] and Justice performing in the genre, and obtaining commercial success and critical acclaim.[16] In the 2000s, a house subgenre known as electro house achieved popularity. Today, house music remains popular in both clubs and in the mainstream pop scene.

Plastic surgery

Walter Yeo, a British soldier, is often cited as the first known person to have benefited from plastic surgery. The photograph shows him before the procedure (left) and after (right) receiving a skin flap surgery performed by Sir Harold Gillies in 1917.

Plastic surgery is a medical specialty concerned with the correction or restoration of form and function. Though cosmetic or aesthetic surgery is the best-known kind of plastic surgery, most plastic surgery is not cosmetic: plastic surgery includes many types of reconstructive surgery, hand surgery, microsurgery, and the treatment of burns.Reconstructive surgery techniques were being carried out in India by 800 BC.[3] Sushruta, the father of Surgery,[4] made important contributions to the field of plastic and cataract surgery in 6th century BC.[4] The medical works of both Sushruta and Charak originally in Sanskrit were translated into Arabic language during the Abbasid Caliphate in 750 AD.[5] The Arabic translations made their way into Europe via intermediaries.[5] In Italy the Branca family[6] of Sicily and Gaspare Tagliacozzi (Bologna) became familiar with the techniques of Sushruta.[5]

British physicians traveled to India to see rhinoplasties being performed by native methods.[7] Reports on Indian rhinoplasty performed by a Kumhar vaidya were published in the Gentleman's Magazine by 1794.[7] Joseph Constantine Carpue spent 20 years in India studying local plastic surgery methods.[7] Carpue was able to perform the first major surgery in the Western world by 1815.[8] Instruments described in the Sushruta Samhita were further modified in the Western world.[8]



Cosmetic surgery
Rhinoplasty or Nose SurgeryAesthetic plastic surgery involves techniques intended for the "enhancement" of appearance through surgical and medical techniques, and is specifically concerned with maintaining normal appearance, restoring it, or enhancing it beyond the average level toward some aesthetic ideal.

In 2006, nearly 11 million cosmetic procedures were performed in the United States alone. The number of cosmetic procedures performed in the United States has increased over 50 percent since the start of the century. Nearly 12 million cosmetic procedures were performed in 2007, with the five most common surgeries being breast augmentation, liposuction, nasal surgery, eyelid surgery and abdominoplasty. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery looks at the statistics for thirty-four different cosmetic procedures. Nineteen of the procedures are surgical, such as rhinoplasty or facelift. The nonsurgical procedures include Botox and laser hair removal. In 2010, their survey revealed that there were 9,336,814 total procedures in the United States. Of those, 1,622,290 procedures were surgical (p. 5). They also found that a large majority, 81%, of the procedures were done on Caucasian people (p. 12). [12] The increased use of cosmetic procedures crosses racial and ethnic lines in the U.S., with increases seen among African-Americans and Hispanic Americans as well as Caucasian Americans. In Europe, the second largest market for cosmetic procedures, cosmetic surgery is a $2.2 billion business.[13] Cosmetic surgery is now very common in countries such as the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. In Asia, cosmetic surgery has become an accepted practice, and China, followed by India has become Asia's biggest comestic surgery markets.[14] Children undergoing cosmetic eye surgery can be seen in Japan and South Korea.

2012 DECLARED CANDIDATES

Stewart Alexander
In terms of hedging your bets, the 59-year old former radio talk show host has it down pat and probably created a little bit of history for himself in the process. Alexander has declared his candidacy for the Oval Office seat with two different political parties; the Socialist Party and the Peace and Freedom Party. This will be Alexander’s first attempt for the office after failed Vice-Presidential bid in 2008. Alexander's profile, official website and positions on the issues
Declared 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate U.S. Representative from Minnesota Michele Bachmann
Michele Bachmann, the three terms Minnesota Congresswoman, is the current chair of the Congressional Tea Party Caucus. The attractive Iowan has seen her fortune plummet in recent weeks following the entry of Texas Governor, Rick Perry, into the race. The resignation of deputy campaign manager, David Polyansky, and the redeployment of campaign manager Ed Rollins into a consulting role tell us that all is not well in the Bachmann camp. Her September poll numbers, hovering between 6-8%, is just a third of her post-Ames Straw Poll victory figures barely a month ago. Pundits have long cited the risks of Bachmann’s increasing tendency to move to the right, and it now appears that she may be holding her two top strategists responsible for the shift in hercampaign’s fortunes. Bachmann's profile, official website and positions on the issues
Declared 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate Businessman, Politician & Media Herman Cain
Cancer survivor, YouTube sensation and former mathematician with the US Navy, Herman Cain has a résumé that demands your attention. His experience on all three major fronts of American politics - corporate, legislative and media – through his stellar career at Pillsbury, the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City (as chairman) and as the host of WSB’s "The Herman Cain Show" in Atlanta, guarantees that the articulate Republican will never face a question of credibility. Cain's profile, official website and positions on the issues
Declared 2012 Libertarian Presidential Candidate Former Chair of the Libertarian Party of Texas Roger Gary
Roger Gary is a long-time Liberty activist and lifetime member of the Libertarian Party since 1977. This 64-year old candidate resides in San Antonio, where he was elected and served 6 years as Director of the San AntonioRiver Authority. His stance on major issues falls in line with the Libertarian Party Platform, such as civil libertiesissues, non-intervention foreign policy, and smaller federal government. Gary's profile, official website and positions on the issues
Declared 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich
After a 13-year absence from mainstream politics, Newton Leroy Gingrich has announced his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination. His campaign, which kicks off with 17-city swing, has unfortunately begun under a torrent of criticisms following his controversial statements on Medicare and a perceived attack of fellow Republican Paul Ryan. Nevertheless, Gingrich, a fighter and above all, a consummate politician, is expected to make a swift recovery and stamp his mark on the race. Gingrich's profile, official website and positions on the issues
Declared 2012 Libertarian Presidential Candidate 3-Tour Combat Vet, Philosopher and Law Student RJ Harris
RJ Harris is a 2012 Libertarian Party Presidential Candidate and a career Army National Guard Officer, aviator and 3-tour combat veteran. His 2010 Congressional Campaign was endorsed by Senator Rand Paul along with many prominent Libertarians and Conservatives both in the Libertarian and Republican Parties. He has run a small business, worked in the FAA as an Air Traffic Controller, graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in Philosophy, and he is a third-year J.D. Candidate at OU Law. RJ and his wife Jennifer of 20 years flourish with their five children in Norman, Oklahoma. Harris's profile, official website and positions on the issues
Declared 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate Former Governor of Utah and Ambassador to China Jon Huntsman
The 51-year old former Governor of Utah officially announced his much-anticipated entry into the presidential race, with the Statue of Liberty spectacularly serving as the backdrop. The highly rated and charismatic Republican technocrat is considered by many in Washington as one of most dangerous dark horses in the race, and is one of the few capable of unseating President Obama. Huntsman's profile, official website and positions on the issues
Declared 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate Former Governor of New Mexico Gary Johnson
The former Libertarian Republican Governor does not attend church, is pro-choice, anti-big government, pro-immigration, an outspoken critic of the war on drugs and favors legalizing marijuana. He led New Mexico for eight years, during which time the state saw no tax increase, and he vetoed over 750 separate pieces of legislation to keep the government from growing. However, his views on civil liberties, foreign policy and drugs may be difficult for many conservatives to reconcile with. Johnson's profile, official website and positions on the issues
Declared 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate Political Consultant & Gay Rights Activist Fred Karger
Fred Karger, one of the shrewdest Republican political operators of the past three decades, announced the formation of his 2012 Exploratory Committee on July 18, 2010, making him the first ever openly gay aspirant for the presidency. Despite being a lifelong Republican, the 61-year old Karger will be running on an independent ticket. His campaign was hit with a sucker punch when he was locked out of the Carolina Republican Party Presidential Debate of May 5, with the organizers citing his low poll numbers as the reason. Karger's profile, official website and positions on the issues
Declared 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate Andy Martin
The self-professed People’s Attorney General and Internet Powerhouse is famously remembered as the source of the chain mail and online reports questioning the citizenship of President Obama and the claim that he was a Muslim. The 66-year old Martin filed his papers as a candidate for the next presidential election on Feb 8, and was quoted two weeks later saying, “Obama plays for keeps. He plays rough, and that's the only way to beat him, and I'm the only one that is tough enough to do that." Martin's profile, official website and positions on the issues
Declared 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate Jimmy McMillan
The former mayoral, gubernatorial and senatorial candidate for the Rent Is Too Damn High Party announced his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination on December last year. Explaining his decision not to contest the Democratic nomination, a party he was formerly registered with, karate expert McMillan was quoted as saying "the rent is too damn high." The flamboyant Vietnam veteran also gave some words of advice to President Obama, “If you don’t do your job right, I am coming at you!" McMillan's profile, official website and positions on the issues
Declared 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate Career Flight Attendant Tom Miller
Tom Miller feels that the country is being destroyed from within chiefly through a series of failed fiscal and immigration policies; a state of affair brought forth by an entrenched political elite. Miller sees himself as a representative of the people, as envisioned by the Founding Fathers themselves, and offers a solution-based approach to tackle the multitude of issues facing the nation. Ultimately, he hopes to re-empower the American people around the concept of small government. Miller's profile, official website and positions on the issues
Declared 2012 Democratic Presidential Candidate Current President of the United States Barack Obama
Born to a Kenyan father and a Caucasian mother, the former community activist and lawyer came into national prominence with a show stopping keynote address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston, befitting his reputation as a brilliant orator. In 2008, after a hard fought win against Hillary Clinton to secure the Democratic nomination, the former Senator from Illinois crushed Republican John McCain to become the first African American to claim the presidency. Obama's profile, official website and positions on the issues
Declared 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate U.S. Representative from the State of Texas Ron Paul
The former medical doctor officially announced his candidacy for the 2012 Republican Presidential nomination on May 13, 2011. The 75-year old Texas Congressman will once again center his campaign on the theme of liberty, human rights and financial market reforms. With his small but vocal pockets of supporters spread all over the country, the Libertarian leaning Republican is set to be one of the most controversial characters on the campaign trail. Paul's profile, official website and positions on the issues
Declared 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate Current Governor of Texas Rick Perry
After almost two years of uncertainty, Texas Governor Rick Perry’s wall of resistance has crumbled. Perry took advantage of the publicity generated by the Ames Straw Poll and announced his entry into the Republican nomination race in Charleston, South Carolina, with a confident declaration, "I full well believe I'm going to win". His candidacy is expected to reinvigorate the hitherto subdued Republican evangelical grassroots, and inject some excitement into the contest. Perry's profile, official website and positions on the issues
Declared 2012 Libertarian Presidential Candidate New York attorney and founder of the Paralegal Institute Carl Person
Carl Person is a self-confessed high school dropout who would later go on to become a New York attorney and found the Paralegal Institute. He finished third in voting in 2010 for New York Attorney General, a position he claims holds more power than the United States President. A small business owner for nearly 20 years, he says he knows how to turn around the economy: privatization and reduction or elimination of business regulations. Person's profile, official website and positions on the issues
Declared 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate Former Governor of Louisiana Buddy Roemer
After being away from politics for the last two decades, former Louisiana Governor Buddy Roemer announced on March this year the launch of his presidential exploratory committee. The 67-year old former Democrat has cited campaign finance reforms as one of the bulwarks of his platform and has imposed a $100 limit on disclosed contributions per individual for his potential run. At a Tea Party rally in May, he claims that the current system is “disastrous, it’s dysfunctional." Roemer's profile, official website and positions on the issues
Declared 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate Former Governor of Massachusetts Mitt Romney
John McCain's defeat to Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential election signaled the reemergence of the former Massachusetts Governor as a serious contender, and clear favorite, for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination. The Harvard man has been comfortably leading almost every poll since then. He was knocked off his perch for about two months by Texas Governor, Rick Perry, during the summer of 2011. However, he has since recovered and has once again returned to his seat at the top of the leader board. And unless Perry, Cain, Huntsman, Bachmann and company can pull something out of their collective hats, the liberal turned conservative turned moderate former venture capitalist may just walk through the primaries. While his ideology and personal beliefs may be subject to debate, his knack for business is beyond question – and his across the board appeal makes him a dangerous opponent for President Obama. Romney's profile, official website and positions on the issues
Declared 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate Former US Senator from Pennsylvania Rick Santorum
The former two-term senator from Pennsylvania officially announced his entry into the GOP Presidential nomination race on June 6, 2011, symbolically launching his campaign at the Somerset County Courthouse, located not far from the coal mine where his grandfather first worked after arriving from Italy. Despite his dismal poll numbers, Santorum is confident of gaining grounds on early favorite Mitt Romney and warns, "We are going to be in this race, and we're in it to win." Santorum's profile, official website and positions on the issues
Declared 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate Matt Snyder
Matthew Bradley Snyder is a supporter of people, not parties. He believes in the passion that stirs the heart of the common man. It is not political ambition, but personal experience, that enflames that passion. A president should exude it, not emulate it. Snyder is a true representative of the people. Snyder's profile, official website and positions on the issues
Declared 2012 Democratic Presidential Candidate Pro-life Activist Randall Terry
At a glance, it may seem a little odd for a pro-life and anti-LGBT candidate to run for the Democratic nomination. A closer look however, would tell us that an estimated 30-40% of Democrats actually shares the 52-year old Terry’s views. And for those who consider this as nothing more than a publicity stunt by an anti-abortionist radical, think again. Randall Terry is planning to spend close to $3 million for a 30-second slot in the 2012 Super Bowl. Terry's profile, official website and positions on the issues
Declared 2012 Independent Presidential Candidate Danny Woodring
Danny Earl Woodring, a 63-year-old Vietnam vet (DAV) and recipient of the Purple Heart, has joined the race for the presidency as a write-in independent conservative. The telco consultant is running his campaign exclusively from the internet and welcomes assistance from volunteers. The father of five and grandfather of eight currently resides in Palm Bay, Florida, with wife Ina. Woodring's profile, official website and positions on the issues
Declared 2012 Libertarian Presidential Candidate Libertarian Activist R. Lee Wrights
R. Lee Wrights officially announced his candidacy for the Libertarian 2012 presidential nomination race at the party’s annual state convention in Hickory, on April 15, 2011. The 52-year old former sergeant with the U.S. Air Force proclaimed “I am still a warrior, but I am not at war”, a clear indication of his anti-war stance. The Tar Heel Libertarian has been an ever-present name in the Libertarian circles for over a decade and once served as Vice-Chair of the Libertarian National Committee. Wrights's profile, official website and positions on the issues
Declared 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate Businessman Vern Wuensche
Wuensche ran for President in 2008, garnering a tenth place finish in both the Iowa and New Hampshire primaries, despite spending only $36,000. In 100 days, the owner of Houston’s third oldest construction company, visited over 6,000 local businesses and churches in 242 towns in both states. He believes that businesses survive and thrive chiefly through the caliber of those who runs them and thus, these executives are perfectly qualified for a public office shorn of proven management experience Wuensche's profile, official website and positions on the issues

Conceded 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate U.S. Representative from Michigan Thad McCotter
The lead guitarist for the New Flying Squirrels, who incidentally is also a five-term Representative for Michigan’s 11th District, filed his papers for the 2012 US Presidential Elections with the FEC on July 1, 2011, and formally announce the news during the WAAM Freedom Festival at Whitmore Lake the following day. His long-shot campaign for the GOP nomination never gained traction. On September 22, he ended his campaign and threw his endorsement to fellow candidate Mitt Romney. More on McCotter's profile and positions on the issues
Conceded 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate Former Governor of Minnesota Tim Pawlenty
Timothy James Pawlenty, the former two-term governor of Minnesota, is renowned for his ability to connect with the masses. His middle-class background lends him an earthy appeal to the average Joes, not unlike the warm Texan drawl of former president George W. Bush. His time in Minnesota is typified by his focus on grassroots issues, tackling subjects that affect them and their future. However, he announced his withdrawal from the presidential nomination race following a disappointing third-place finish in the Iowa Straw Poll, a state he has unofficially campaigned in for the past year. More on Pawlenty's profile and positions on the issues

United States elections, 2012

The 2012 United States elections will be held on Tuesday, November 6, 2012. The 57th quadrennial presidential election will be held on this date, coinciding with Senate elections where 33 races will occur, as well as House of Representatives elections to elect the members for the 113th Congress. This election year will also encompass eleven gubernatorial races, many state legislature races, special elections, and various other state and local races.

Presidential election

Main article: United States presidential election, 2012

Incumbent Democratic President Barack Obama will run for a second and final term during this election.^[1] This will be the first presidential election since the 2010 Census, which changed the Electoral College vote apportionment.^[2]

Congressional elections

House of Representatives elections

Main article: United States House of Representatives elections, 2012

This will be the first congressional election using the congressional districts that were apportioned based on the 2010 Census. Elections will be held for all 435 seats in the United States House of Representatives. Elections will also be held for the delegates from the District of Columbia and five major U.S. territories. The winners of this election cycle will serve in the 113th United States Congress.

A special election in Oregon's 1st congressional district will be held on January 31 to determine a replacement for David Wu, who resigned in August 2011. The winner will only serve out the remainder of Wu's term, and would still need to run in November if he or she wants to keep that seat.

[edit]Senate elections

Main article: United States Senate elections, 2012

The 33 seats of Class I of the United States Senate will be up for election. Currently, Democrats are expected to have 23 seats up for election, including 2 independents who caucus with the Democrats, while Republicans are only expected to have 10 seats up for election. Additionally, special elections may be held to fill any vacancies that occur.

State elections

Gubernatorial elections

Main article: United States gubernatorial elections, 2012

Eleven of the fifty state governorships and the territorial governorships of American Samoa and Puerto Rico will be up for election. Among those, two (Mitch Daniels of Indiana and Brian Schweitzer of Montana) will be term-limited out of office.

Other state-wide Officer elections

In many states where if the following positions are elective offices, voters will cast votes for candidates for the state executive branch offices of Lieutenant Governor (though some will be voted for on the same ticket as the gubernatorial nominee), Secretary of state, state Treasurer, state Auditor, state Attorney General, state Superintendent of Education, Commissionersof Insurance, Agriculture, or Labor, etc., and state judicial branch offices (seats on state Supreme Courts and, in some states, state appellate courts).

State Legislative elections

Many states across the nation will hold elections for their state legislatures.