Third, Cam Newton is a young man and more than likely has a bright future.

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Now this string of withdrawals has again raised questions about Nadal's future: Can a man who plays with such intensity on chronically achy knees continue as a top player into his late 20s?

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Like former team-mate Lee Smith, Hall has been tipped for a switch to rugby union but sees his immediate future in the 13-man game.

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Some are even angry that John Ashcroft, their main man in the cabinet, has taken such a draconian line on civil liberties: they worry that a future attorney-general may be able to spy on conservative religious organisations.

ECONOMIST: George Bush and the social conservatives