Kareem meets Hillary Clinton in Abu Dhabi
Like Monaco and Singapore, Abu Dhabi drew celebrities and Middle Eastern royalty like a magnet as the dramatic Yas Marina Circuit was adjudged a huge success.
Beyonce returned to Formula One after her appearance in Singapore, and was joined by fellow musical stars Kings of Leon, Aerosmith, the Wailers and Jamiroquai, together with rapper Timbaland. And even US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton paid a visit, as did American basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Photo (L to R): Hillary Clinton (USA) United States Secretary of State with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (USA) Basketball legend. Formula One World Championship, Rd 17, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Qualifying Day, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, UAE, Saturday, 31 October 2009.
England cricketer Freddie Flintoff was a guest at Red Bull, while McLaren’s Ron Dennis made his first appearance at a Grand Prix since Melbourne. Ferrari’s President Luca di Montezemolo and Piero Lardi Ferrari met up with former employee Jean Todt, who made his first official appearance as the new President of the FIA, while Peter Sauber was present as the future of his team remains uncertain, David Richards was having another look at F1 racing, and the entire board of Mercedes-Benz was gathered for key talks about their partnership with McLaren.
Damon Hill, Richard Phillips and Neil England of the British Racing Drivers’ Club were present to discuss the future of the British Grand Prix with Bernie Ecclestone, the former world champion accompanied by son Josh who is currently racing in Duratec Formula Fords as the third generation member of the famed racing family.
Sir Jackie Stewart was back, as were Ferrari’s Michael Schumacher and Felipe Massa, together with former fellow racers Stefan Johansson, Johnny Herbert, Jacques Villeneuve, Jackie Oliver and Andrea de Adamich.
On the track, iSport’s Davide Valsecchi took an impressive first victory in Saturday’s GP2 race, which opened the GP2 Asia series and inaugurated single-seater racing at the Yas Marina track. The Italian took pole position but lost the lead to Britain’s Sam Bird at the start. He quickly repassed the ART Grand Prix driver, however, and his task was made easier after Ocean Racing Technology’s Fabio Leimer stalled on the formation lap grid and then Scuderia Coloni’s Roldan Rodriguez stalled on the grid.
As Valsecchi pulled away, Luca Filippi (MalyasiQI-Merotus.com) and James Jakes (Super Nova Racing) fought all race over third place. Although he pitted just as a safety car was deployed on lap 12 following a collision between Barwa Addax Team’s Luiz Razia and DAMS’ Christian Vietoris in Turn 12, Filippi managed to stay ahead of Valsecchi at the restart, with Jakes running in third place ahead of Bird, Alexander Rossi in the second Ocean Racing Technology car, Super Nova’s Josef Kral, Arden’s Rodolfo Gonzalez and Vietoris.
Valsecchi was half a second faster than Filippi, however, and after closing the gap the pair of them ran side-by-side through Turns 11, 12 and 13 on the 19th lap before Filippi eventually had to concede in Turn 14. Thereafter, Valsecchi romped to victory which not even a brief second safety car period could jeopardise. Filippi kept Jakes at bay, and they completed the podium as Rossi held on for fourth on his debut ahead of Kral, Vietoris and Trident’s Johnny Cecotto. Bird retired late in the race with brake problems, leaving fellow Briton Oliver Turvey to finish eighth in the second iSport car, and thus take pole for Sunday’s second race.
As the sprint event got underway, however, a slow-starting Turvey was pushed back to fourth with Vietoris seizing the lead from third, ahead of Kral and Rossi. Despite a mid-race safety car, caused by a spin by the Coloni of Will Bratt which in turn collected Ocean’s Fabio Leimer, Vietoris led from start to finish and clinched his maiden GP2 victory. A charging Valsecchi took second on the last lap from third-placed Kral, while Turvey, Rossi, Cecotto, Piscopo and Filippi made up the top eight. After scoring 19 points over the weekend, Valsecchi now leads the series ahead of Vietoris on nine points.
November 10th, 2009 at 4:09 pm
Mr. Abdul-Jabbar, you don’t know me from a can of paint and chances are you may never have the opportunity to grace me with your presence but you will not believe what I am about to say. I saw you kind of dragging your left leg about several weeks ago and last night you were heavy in my spirit and I began to pray to God for your healing, not knowing what you were about to share with the world today on Good Morning America. Ones mind always determine the outcome of ones health and I know that you have a brillant and strong mind and will to live a long and healthy life. Leukemia is just a name that I believe is not associated with you. I remember when I had my brain hemorrhage and the doctors were giving me what I considered the worst prognosis, my daughter said all I was saying “I rebuke it in the name of Jesus” and when they ran the test to see where the bleeding was coming from so that they can stop it through surgery that area of the brain sealed off the bleeding on its own, therefore, there was no need for an operation to stop the bleeding. The doctors called it a miracle and I called it the work of God. He is the creator of all things. 1 Peter 2:24 – He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.
Love from the Caribbean Seas
November 10th, 2009 at 6:10 pm
Hi Kareem, I realize you don’t know me. I am in Lexington, KY. I just wanted you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers. I think we all need friends from all over the world in our time of need so if you ever need a friend to chat with in KY, please feel free. Take care of yourself!
Smiles from KY,
BJ
November 10th, 2009 at 7:38 pm
Give cancer the ol’ skyhook, Kareem. Stay well.
November 10th, 2009 at 7:45 pm
Salam Kareem,
I just wanted to let you know how much I respected you during your basketball career. You were a true influence in how to be proud of your respected race and religion. I named my second son after you.
May you always be showered with health and happiness. We are all tested in this life and you are going through a very difficult test. You are in our prayers and thoughts.
November 10th, 2009 at 10:55 pm
Hello Kareem, I wish you peace and grace. We hear CANCER and sigh, but with faith in Allah (God) and the Doctors I pray you will be alright. Just treat it as an opponent and you will persevere. God Bless.
November 10th, 2009 at 11:05 pm
Dear Kareem,
Assalamu ‘alaykum. I am a former Rice High School student and basketball player, who had the privilege of playing at Power Memorial Academy in the 1980′s before it was closed some years later. As you can imagine, I was overwhelmed at the history there, particularly with your photograph and uniform in the building. It served as both an intimidating, yet inspiring time for me.
Over the years, I have followed your career on and off the court and am proud that you represent so many of us who have attended CHSAA schools. I recently learned of your illness and while I am saddened by it, I do know that God is in control and will bring you through, In šāʾ Allāh.
May the goodness of our God, who watches over us day and night, be your strength and your comfort during this time, and forever.
Thank you for your inspiration, and guidance.
Marvin Curtis Reid
Rice High School ’81
November 11th, 2009 at 12:06 am
Dear Kareem,
we always say…what is from Allah…is good and we accept it….you are always thought of as a great player and a humble man with ethics and mission….that is a true Muslim mission…..I pray for your recovery and may Allah be always with you…..Salamat from Jakarta
November 11th, 2009 at 1:12 am
My name is Jaamil, I actually have seen you many times in person but we never actually met face to face. I work in the NBA 645 building as security personnel and I love your courage and your basketball careeer as it is one that can never be surpasses by any other giant in the league’s history! Next time you drop by the corporate office, ask for me and hope we meet soon.
“O my Lord give me good in this world and in the next world and protect me from the fire”
JAMIL
November 11th, 2009 at 4:55 am
To My Respectful Legend, I’m praying for you all the time.
May GOD be with you
Your brother,
Abu Nega
Saudi Arabia
November 11th, 2009 at 5:29 am
I am elated to know that you are in remission, and I am also an AML survivor myself (remission). God is good! In addition, I am a 69 year old retired educator of 42 years. I retired in June 06 and was diagnosed in Jan. 08. Since that time, I had the chemo treatments along with oral medication. At this time, I am thankful that I am not taking any medication for Leukemia other than a med for iron overload from transfusions that I received during treatment.
Today, I did substitute teaching. Presently, I feel great and I am enjoying a normal lifestyle with my adorable husband of 39 years, adult children, and one granddaughter.
Since you have written several books, I highly recommend that you purchase God’s Creative Power for Healing by Charles Capps.” Perhaps you already have it. Read it completely and do just as recommended. With passion and faith, you are a survivor! The mixture of faith and God’s word along with your medication, listening to your doctors and support from family and loved ones will give you a positive outcome in your life forever.
May God continue to bless you?
Robbie C. Hicklin
November 11th, 2009 at 7:25 am
Dear Karim,
I was in your situation three years ago. I am saying that a miracle happened but because of my belief in Allah and his powers and to the good people prayers to me, I made it through, Alhamdulellah.
In all cases, because of what you are, you will inshallah win and all our prayers to you.
Just remember that you are destined to WIN
Salam
Saud
November 12th, 2009 at 6:14 am
Dear Kareem,
Hoping you will see this. When I heard of your diagnosis I felt I had to write. My husband was diagnosed with CML 11 years ago and is a SURVIVOR praise God. He had a BMT (bone marrow transplant) from his sister who was a complete match. He is doing great and now they tell us that if he were diagnosed today he would not have a BMT but go on Gleevec, (which he did have to go on about 2 yrs ago for a short time). I had read that your diagnosis was CML so I especially had to write. Things are so different today and there are so many advances. Please keep a positive attitude, which is so important. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless you.
Dawn
November 12th, 2009 at 7:58 am
Kareem,
I heard about your story today and I wanted to let you know that I am praying for you. Best wishes and God Bless you!
Peace,
Bryan
November 12th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
Dear Karim,
I was in your situation three years ago. I am saying that a miracle happened but because of my belief in Allah and his powers and to the good people prayers to me, I made it through, Alhamdulellah.
In all cases, because of what you are, you will inshallah win and all our prayers to you.
Just remember that you are destined to WIN
Salam
Saud
November 14th, 2009 at 1:11 am
Kareem,
4 years ago at age 45 I was diagnosed with CLL: Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Time stopped for a year afterword. Didn’t want to renew magazine subscriptions, became depressed even though I didn’t understand that at the time, stopped exercising, changed my diet drastically as well as my lifestyle believing that somehow it all contributed to my illness. 4 years later and not only am I still hanging in there, I have attained growth in goal areas I didn’t believe possible at the time. I have gone back to enjoying life…eating healthy with some occasional enjoyment in the comfort foods and somehow finding the positive in the everyday achievements that come my way through work, life and time with my wife. Isn’t that what it’s all about? Keep up the good fight. The tests and the checkups always lead to some anxiety but it all leads to the greater good.
Best wishes to you in your endeavors.
Regards,
Jim
November 14th, 2009 at 6:02 pm
Dear Kareem,
My husband and I had the wonderful pleasure and honor of meeting you at the Festival of Thinkers in Abu Dhabi recently. You have an infectious calm about you that transforms a room when you enter. You are a wonderful human being who is making a large difference for so many people, both young and old. We applaud what you are doing. Understandably, we were shattered when we heard about your illness. If we can help in any way, small or large, please do not hestitate to ask. We will hold you in our thoughts and prayers and hope that you are able to bless this earth with many more years of selfless giving.
God willing, may our paths cross again,
Bev and Bob Brown
November 19th, 2009 at 12:14 am
Dearest Kareem,
What an opportunity for you to show God’s Greatness in your life. You are a wonderful spokesman and true charismatic presence in this world of which we have all benefitted. I feel fortunate to have had and to continuously have you walk amoungst us. Through you we are rewarded by observing God’s strength and wisdom for we sometime need to see His Inspiration demonstrated through others as we continue to go through our storms peacefully. Strength under control: that is you – Our Inspiring Legend. Thank you, Angela.
November 19th, 2009 at 2:22 am
Salalm dear Brother Kareem
i m a basket ball fan on my mid 30s. i didnt have a chance to see your games live as i was child but i see videos for your games and i m so proud of what you achieved.
kind regards
December 19th, 2009 at 7:55 pm
Sky Hook,
Salam Alikum! You and the likes of the Champion (Mohammed Ali), have been an inspiration and role model to me for all my life. I am now a man, who has just retired after 25 years of Active duty in serving our constitution. I was able to do this, because you were always there in memory….I wanted nothing more to be a good human being such as yourself. Thank you Karim, Thank you for being strong for us, Thank you for holding fast on our religion, Thank you for being you. I believe you can beat anything. You’re a giant in my eyes and will always be that giant in which I alone was able to climb to highest mountains to reach my goals. One days I hope to meet you in person and just “Shukrun” being a person I respect and admire soo deeply as a fellow human being. May Allah keep you forever! Your friend and mentee.
Ali
December 19th, 2009 at 8:22 pm
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December 22nd, 2009 at 12:37 pm
Good morning!
Mr. Kareem Abdul Jabbar, You are a great writer, I enjoy reading many of your books
keep up the great work. I have been a fan for many years, I recall when you played for the Bucks, and Showtime Lakers. you have a tremendous life, thank you for being
a postive and strong person, this to will past, I have been throw many many falls in my life money, jobs, cars, wife, home, some health issures with my legs all of my life, we much finish this race. My point you are still alive. I feel like I know you but, I only I seen you on tv, I respect you and admire you, stay (well) I’m praying for you and your family.
January 27th, 2010 at 2:39 am
Hi Kareem,
I just want to say hello from Mary and Jane Hatrmann from Inwood
we have been following your career for years, you have been an inspiration
for kids for all over the world. Do you remember our Gym teacher Mr. Hopkins
he always had a positive attitude with all of us when we were growing up.
Keep that Mr.Hopkins positive attitude with your battle with CML
God and Saint Jude be with you,
all our best,
Mary and Jane Hartmann
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:21 am
just seen this on twitter cheers for the info.
February 9th, 2010 at 6:12 pm
Peace be upon you Brother Kareem!
I am writing you from Ghana to wish you the best of health and Allah’s guidance in all your endeavors. I listened to the tail end of the interview you granted Riz Khan on Al Jazeera. I feel sad that I was not able to tune in earlier to hear the entire interview. Of the little that I heard, what particularly caught my attention was your forthcoming book on African American inventors. It is a subject I am very interested in, and I look forward to reading the book.
May Allah shower his blessings on you.
Nasser.
February 11th, 2010 at 12:30 am
My dearest Kareem ( Louie),
As-Salam Alaikum..
As teenagers we were very good friends…I lived right across the street from Power Memorial… You are always in my thoughts especially when I listen to Monk or Mingus who were you main men of the courts…..You were always smiling and would ride your bike from 200 street in the summer months down to 61 street to hang out… those were fun days…May Allah protect you and see you thru this my friend…and keep that positive attitude always…..
Your friend always
Eva Gonzalez 6lst street
February 15th, 2010 at 8:36 am
Hi Kareem,
Just learned of your health announcement and remission. I was at the gym and picked up a magazine while on the treadmill. You are in my prayers for along and healthy life.
Your long time friend Viner