Three-time ex-premier Silvio Berlusconi may be an underdog -- but at 2, 500-1, at least there's a chance.

CNN: Gambling with God: Staking a wager on the next pope

And the killing of billionaire ex-premier Rafik Hariri in Lebanon speaks to how economic upticks don't guarantee stability.

FORBES

Ex-Premier League striker Nile Ranger has been given a 12-month community order for pulling his girlfriend's hair during a row.

BBC: Former Newcastle player Nile Ranger sentenced for assault

But a spokesman said that given Thatcher's age, he doesn't expect the ex-premier to leave the hospital for a few more days, the Press Association said.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Ali Haider Gilani, the son of ex-premier Yousuf Raza Gilani from the Pakistan People's Party, is running for a provincial assembly seat in the district of Multan.

NPR: Gunmen Snatch Former Pakistani PM's Son At Rally

Even as senators, deputies and regional electors put their folded paper ballots into urns in the Chamber of Deputies, leaders ranging from Monti to ex-Premier Silvio Berlusconi, were paying calls on Napolitano at the presidential palace to beg him to consider serving again.

NPR: Napolitano Re-Elected Italy's President

The list of casualties reads like a Who's Who of Mahathir backers: the PM's close friend and former finance minister Daim Zainuddin, former agriculture minister Sanusi Junid, the ex-deputy premier Ghafar Baba, former chief minister of Malacca Rahim Tamby Chik, current deputy ministers Khalid Yunus and Railey Jeffrey, and the party's veteran information chief Hussein Ahmad.

CNN: HEN MALAYSIAN PRIME MINISTER

Since April's election in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt, the Social Democratic premier there has led a minority government tolerated by the ex-communists.

ECONOMIST: Reds at the ready

But those statistics were rendered meaningless on an afternoon of triumph for City coach and former Inter Milan boss Roberto Mancini, who pitted his wits in the Premier League for the first time against ex-AC Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti.

BBC: Chelsea 2-4 Man City

Ex-Blackburn striker Jansen's goal inspired Dean Saunders' team to their first Blue Square Premier win in seven games at Victoria Stadium on Tuesday.

BBC: Jansen hoping for Wrexham boost

The ex-Wigan and Bradford striker found managerial success with his former playing clubs, winning promotion to the Premier League with both sides.

BBC: Paul Jewell named as Ipswich Town manager