Assad Threatens Israel With Missiles if Syria is Attacked (But is it true?)

Syrian President Bashar Assad has ordered the heads of his military to hit Israel with a barrage of missiles should there be any foreign intervention in Syria, a Jordanian news website reported on Saturday.

According to the site, Our Country’s News, Assad gave the order in a secret meeting with the heads of the Syrian army last Thursday, in light of his fear of a U.S. military strike in Syria.

The report said that Assad ordered that if any military action is started against Syria, the Syrian army should respond by firing missiles in Israel, with a particular emphasis on Israeli military airports.

The report added that an operations room has been opened in Damascus and that it is continuously manned by officers from Syria and Iran, as well as by Hizbullah terrorists, all of whom coordinate their military operations in the event of external military intervention in Syria.

A similar operations room has been opened in Tehran, said the report, and is manned by Iranian as well as by Hizbullah terrorists.

Hizbullah has also opened a similar operations room in Lebanon, said the Jordanian website, and Iran and Hizbullah have promised Syria to launch missiles at Israel from their territories as well. more

Vatican reveals documents on Pope Pius XII, the Jews

The Vatican on Wednesday unveiled secret documents aimed at showing controversial pope Pius XII’s attention to the persecution of the Jews and promised the full archives would be opened soon.

The documents are part of an unprecedented exhibition in Rome of rare Vatican archives spanning centuries of history and include a report from a papal envoy on the conditions inside seven internment camps in southern Italy.

Another document is a letter from a formerly interned rabbi in 1942 who thanks the then head of the Roman Catholic Church for sending aid to the camp including clothes and linen.

A third document is from former Jewish detainees who met with the pope for an audience in 1944 and expressed their gratitude for his support.

They said the pope had sent “substantial and generous gifts and demonstrated his keen and paternal interest in our physicial, spiritual and moral wellbeing” and said he had saved them from the threat of deportation to Poland in 1942.

The Vatican’s second in command, Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone, visited the opening of the exhibition on Wednesday and said he had been most struck by the documents relating to the papacy of Pius XII.

Bertone said the documents were part of efforts for “historical truth,” adding: “The research on the period of Pius XII has so far generated more than two million files and information about prisoners of war.” more

Passenger trains collide in Poland, killing at least 8

Two trains collided head-on in southern Poland on Saturday evening, an accident that has apparently killed several people, injured around 60 and appears to be one of the worst rail disasters in the country in recent years, a government minister said.

Both trains were travelling on the same track but toward each other and collided head-on, Andrzej Pawlowski, a member of the board of the state railway company PKP, said in an interview on the all-news station TVN24. He said one of the trains, which was travelling from Warsaw to Krakow, should not have been on the track. The other train, headed from the eastern city of Przemysl to Warsaw, was on the right track, Pawlowski said.

Polish media broadcast images of white and green train cars that were twisted and appeared to be knocked off the tracks.

"Everything indicates that this is one of the most serious railway catastrophes of recent years in our country," Transport Minister Slawomir Nowak told TVN24 in a telephone interview. "There are people who have died, there are many injured people." more

3 die from typhoid in Cebu, Philippines

MANILA, Philippines – Three people diagnosed with typhoid fever have died in Tuburan, Cebu, health officials said.

Department of Health (DOH) records revealed that there are 60 typhoid patients from Tuburan.

Twenty-four have been admitted to different hospitals while 300 more suspected cases are being monitored.

Most of the affected patients were children.

Residents have converged at the municipal covered court to get free medicine from the health department.

The DOH said contaminated water could be the cause of the disease. The agency has recommended the installation of water purifiers to all affected barangays of Tuburan.

The health department said typhoid symptoms include severe fever, headache and body pain. - Source

Sierra Leone Cholera Outbreak - 17 Dead

A cholera epidemic has killed 17 people in northern Sierra Leone since mid-February, announced Thursday a regional medical officer.

"Cholera broke out in the regions of Port Loko and Kambia," said Dr. Tom Sesay, stating that about 433 people were hospitalized.

Cholera, acute intestinal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. © Agence France-Presse Source

Suspected bird flu patient recovers, Vietnam

HCM CITY — The third person to have caught bird flu in Viet Nam is recovering, according to the HCM City Hospital for Tropical Diseases.

Truong Phu Son, 22, still being kept under surveillance, was hospitalised with high fever and respiratory problems on February 23 after slaughtering and eating ducks in Cu Chi District. Tests confirmed the man from Binh Duong Province had contracted the H5N1 virus.

The first two cases of bird flu reported in Viet Nam since the start of the year both resulted in death.-VNS Source

Bangladesh reports first case of bird flu of 2012

Bangladesh health officials have confirmed the fourth case of human infection with H5N1 avian influenza, or bird flu, since the first case was reported in 2008.

According to a World Health Organization (WHO) Global Alert and Response Friday, a 40 year-old male from Dhaka City, who was identified as part of the live bird market surveillance system on 26 February 2012. The case presented with cough and currently has recovered. The man is a live bird market worker.

Health officials are investigating the source of the man's infection.

The Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) confirmed the case of H5N1 avian influenza on throat and nasal swabs on the patient. The virus was confirmed by rRT-PCR.

In addition to the first case in 2008 and the current case, there were two cases of human infection of bird flu last year in Bangladesh. Source

EU justice chief warns Google over 'sneaking' citizens' privacy away

Viviane Reding says there are 'doubts' over legality of internet giant's move as French authorities open EU-wide investigation

The European commissioner of justice, Viviane Reding, has delivered a stinging rebuke to Google over changes to its privacy policy, warning that "we aren't playing games here" and pointing out that the obligation to protect personal data forms a part of European treaties.

In an exclusive interview with the Guardian as Google's new privacy rules came into effect, Reding said: "Any company which wants to utilise the European market of 500 million citizens – which we've made borderless, a golden opportunity – then the European rules apply."

She said that if people gave up their privacy, it should be done in full knowledge, and not by "sneaking" it away. Read More

TORNADO WARNING JACKSONVILLE FL - UPDATE

TORNADO WARNING

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE JACKSONVILLE FL

227 PM EST SAT MAR 3 2012

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN JACKSONVILLE HAS ISSUED A

* TORNADO WARNING FOR...
SOUTHERN WAYNE COUNTY IN SOUTHEAST GEORGIA
EASTERN PIERCE COUNTY IN SOUTHEAST GEORGIA
NORTHERN BRANTLEY COUNTY IN SOUTHEAST GEORGIA
NORTHWESTERN GLYNN COUNTY IN SOUTHEAST GEORGIA

* UNTIL 315 PM EST

* AT 226 PM EST...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE METEOROLOGISTS WERE
TRACKING A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING A TORNADO NEAR PATTERSON...MOVING NORTHEAST AT 45 MPH.

* OTHER LOCATIONS IN THE WARNING INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO
SCREVEN...WAYNESVILLE...JESUP...THALMANN...GARDI...DOCTORTOWN...
MOUNT PLEASANT AND EVERETT.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

IN ADDITION TO THE TORNADO...THIS STORM IS CAPABLE OF PRODUCING 1
INCH SIZE HAIL AND DESTRUCTIVE STRAIGHT LINE WINDS. Source

UPDATE:
* TORNADO WARNING FOR...
NORTHERN GLYNN COUNTY IN SOUTHEAST GEORGIA

* UNTIL 315 PM EST

* AT 244 PM EST...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE METEOROLOGISTS WERE
TRACKING A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING A TORNADO 6
MILES WEST OF BOYS ESTATE...OR 7 MILES NORTHWEST OF DOCK
JUNCTION...MOVING EAST AT 45 MPH.

5.4 Magnitude Earthquake WEST OF BONIN ISLANDS, JAPAN - 3rd Mar 2012

A magnitude 5.4 earthquake has struck West of the Bonin Islands, Japan at a depth of 33 km (20.4 miles), the quake hit at 18:29:27 UTC Saturday 3rd March 2012
The epicenter was 671 km (416 miles) Southeast of Nishinoomote, Kagoshima Prefecture
Japan
No Tsunami Warning Issued - No Reports of Damage or Injuries at this time

TORNADO ALERT CHARLESTON SC

TORNADO WARNING

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHARLESTON SC
152 PM EST SAT MAR 3 2012

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN CHARLESTON HAS ISSUED A

* TORNADO WARNING FOR...
SOUTHEASTERN BRYAN COUNTY IN SOUTHEAST GEORGIA...
SOUTHEASTERN CHATHAM COUNTY IN SOUTHEAST GEORGIA...
SOUTHEASTERN LIBERTY COUNTY IN SOUTHEAST GEORGIA...

* UNTIL 230 PM EST

* AT 152 PM EST...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE METEOROLOGISTS DETECTED A
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING A TORNADO...NEAR
SUNBURY...MOVING EAST AT 45 MPH.

* SOME LOCATIONS IN THE WARNING INCLUDE...
HALFMOON LANDING...SUNBURY...BELFAST...KELLER...OSSABAW SOUND...
SKIDAWAY ISLAND...WASSAW ISLAND...

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

THIS TORNADO MAY BE WRAPPED IN RAIN AND NOT EASILY SEEN. IF YOU WAIT
UNTIL YOU SEE OR HEAR IT COMING IT MAY BE TOO LATE. TAKE SHELTER NOW.

REPORT HAIL...DOWNED TREES...LIMBS...AND POWER LINES DIRECTLY TO THE
CHARLESTON NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE AT 1-888-383-2024. Source

5.2 Magnitude Earthquake SOUTHEAST OF THE LOYALTY ISLANDS - 3rd Mar 2012

A magnitude 5.2 earthquake has struck Southeast of the Loyalty Islands at a depth of 10.8 km (6.7 miles), the quake hit at 18:22:32 UTC Saturday 3rd March 2012
The epicenter was 258 km (160 miles) ESE from Tadine, Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia
No Tsunami Warning Issued - No Reports of Damage or Injuries at this time

4.6 Magnitude Earthquake EASTERN HONSHU, JAPAN - 3rd Mar 2012

A magnitude 4.6 earthquake has struck Eastern Honshu, Japan at a depth of 77.4 km (48.1 miles), the quake hit at 17:48:36 UTC Saturday 3rd March 2012
The epicenter was 86 km (54 miles) NNE from Maebashi, Honshu, Japan
No Reports of Damage or Injuries at this time

TORNADO WARNING JACKSONVILLE FLORIDA

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED

TORNADO WARNING

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE JACKSONVILLE FL
117 PM EST SAT MAR 3 2012

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN JACKSONVILLE HAS ISSUED A

* TORNADO WARNING FOR..
WESTERN WARE COUNTY IN SOUTHEAST GEORGIA
SOUTHERN ATKINSON COUNTY IN SOUTHEAST GEORGIA
NORTHWESTERN CLINCH COUNTY IN SOUTHEAST GEORGIA

* UNTIL 200 PM EST

* AT 117 PM EST...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE METEOROLOGISTS WERE
TRACKING A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING A TORNADO 15 MILES SOUTHWEST OF PEARSON...OR 7 MILES NORTHEAST OF LAKELAND... MOVING EAST AT 35 MPH.

* OTHER LOCATIONS IN THE WARNING INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO
PEARSON...COGDELL...ARGYLE AND MANOR.

REPORT SEVERE WEATHER OR DAMAGE TO THE NEAREST LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY OR YOUR COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT.

A TORNADO WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 200 PM EST SATURDAY AFTERNOON, FOR NORTHERN FLORIDA AND SOUTHEAST GEORGIA. A TORNADO WATCH ALSO REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 800 PM EST SATURDAY EVENING FOR NORTHEASTERN FLORIDA AND SOUTHEAST GEORGIA.

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
TORNADO WARNING
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE JACKSONVILLE FL
113 PM EST SAT MAR 3 2012

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN JACKSONVILLE HAS ISSUED A

* TORNADO WARNING FOR... SOUTHERN WAYNE COUNTY IN SOUTHEAST GEORGIA
PIERCE COUNTY IN SOUTHEAST GEORGIA NORTHERN BRANTLEY COUNTY IN SOUTHEAST GEORGIA

* UNTIL 200 PM EST

* AT 113 PM EST...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE METEOROLOGISTS WERE
TRACKING A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING A TORNADO NEAR BLACKSHEAR...MOVING EAST AT 45 MPH.

* OTHER LOCATIONS IN THE WARNING INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO
PATTERSON...SCREVEN AND GARDI.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

IN ADDITION TO THE TORNADO...THIS STORM IS CAPABLE OF PRODUCING
1 INCH SIZE HAIL AND DESTRUCTIVE STRAIGHT LINE WINDS.

SEEK SHELTER ON THE LOWEST FLOOR OF THE BUILDING IN AN INTERIOR
HALLWAY OR ROOM SUCH AS A CLOSET. USE BLANKETS OR PILLOWS TO COVER
YOUR BODY AND ALWAYS STAY AWAY FROM WINDOWS.

IF IN MOBILE HOMES OR VEHICLES...EVACUATE THEM AND GET INSIDE A
SUBSTANTIAL SHELTER. IF NO SHELTER IS AVAILABLE...LIE FLAT IN THE
NEAREST DITCH OR OTHER LOW SPOT AND COVER YOUR HEAD WITH YOUR HANDS.

REPORT SEVERE WEATHER OR DAMAGE TO THE NEAREST LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY OR YOUR COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT.

A TORNADO WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 200 PM EST SATURDAY AFTERNOON
FOR NORTHERN FLORIDA AND SOUTHEAST GEORGIA. A TORNADO WATCH ALSO
REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 800 PM EST SATURDAY EVENING FOR NORTHEASTERN
FLORIDA AND SOUTHEAST GEORGIA. Read More

Tornado Watch #69 - Mar 03, 2012 at 1759 UTC - Expires: Mar 04, 2012 at 0100 UTC

URGENT - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED

TORNADO WATCH NUMBER 69

NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER NORMAN OK
105 PM EST SAT MAR 3 2012

THE NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER HAS ISSUED A
TORNADO WATCH FOR PORTIONS OF

NORTHERN FLORIDA INCLUDING THE EASTERN PANHANDLE
SOUTHERN GEORGIA
COASTAL WATERS

EFFECTIVE THIS SATURDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING FROM 105 PM UNTIL
800 PM EST.

SEVERAL TORNADOES
WIDELY SCATTERED DAMAGING WINDS
ISOLATED WIND GUSTS TO 70 MPH POSSIBLE
WIDELY SCATTERED LARGE HAIL TO 1.0 INCH IN DIAMETER

THE TORNADO WATCH AREA IS APPROXIMATELY ALONG AND 60 STATUTE
MILES NORTH AND SOUTH OF A LINE FROM 15 MILES WEST OF
APALACHICOLA FLORIDA TO 40 MILES EAST NORTHEAST OF JACKSONVILLE
FLORIDA. FOR A COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE THE
ASSOCIATED WATCH OUTLINE UPDATE (WOUS64 KWNS WOU9).

REMEMBER...A TORNADO WATCH MEANS CONDITIONS ARE FAVORABLE FOR
TORNADOES AND SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS IN AND CLOSE TO THE WATCH
AREA. PERSONS IN THESE AREAS SHOULD BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR
THREATENING WEATHER CONDITIONS AND LISTEN FOR LATER STATEMENTS
AND POSSIBLE WARNINGS. Read More

TORNADO WARNING - 03/03/2012

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED

TORNADO WARNING

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TALLAHASSEE FL
1253 PM EST SAT MAR 3 2012

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN TALLAHASSEE HAS ISSUED A

* TORNADO WARNING FOR...
SOUTHEASTERN BERRIEN COUNTY IN SOUTH CENTRAL GEORGIA...
EXTREME SOUTHEASTERN COOK COUNTY IN SOUTH CENTRAL GEORGIA...
NORTHERN LANIER COUNTY IN SOUTH CENTRAL GEORGIA...
NORTH CENTRAL LOWNDES COUNTY IN SOUTH CENTRAL GEORGIA...

* UNTIL 130 PM EST

* AT 1248 PM EST...A DEVELOPING TORNADO HAS BEEN DETECTED BY THE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE 8 MILES SOUTHWEST OF RAY CITY...OR NEAR
HAHIRA...MOVING EAST AT 50 MPH.

* OTHER LOCATIONS IN THE WARNING INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO
LAKELAND

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

TAKE COVER NOW! LEAVE MOBILE HOMES AND VEHICLES FOR SAFER STRUCTURES.
MOVE TO A HALLWAY OR CLOSET ON THE LOWEST FLOOR AWAY FROM WINDOWS AND
OUTSIDE WALLS.

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
TORNADO WARNING
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE JACKSONVILLE FL
1242 PM EST SAT MAR 3 2012

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN JACKSONVILLE HAS ISSUED A

* TORNADO WARNING FOR...
NORTHERN WARE COUNTY IN SOUTHEAST GEORGIA
PIERCE COUNTY IN SOUTHEAST GEORGIA
WESTERN BRANTLEY COUNTY IN SOUTHEAST GEORGIA

* UNTIL 130 PM EST

* AT 1242 PM EST...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE METEOROLOGISTS WERE
TRACKING A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING A TORNADO 7
MILES NORTH OF MANOR...OR 9 MILES NORTHEAST OF ARGYLE...MOVING EAST
AT 35 MPH.

* OTHER LOCATIONS IN THE WARNING INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO
WAYCROSS...DEENWOOD...SUNNYSIDE...BLACKSHEAR AND HOBOKEN.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

IN ADDITION TO THE TORNADO...THIS STORM IS CAPABLE OF PRODUCING
1 INCH SIZE HAIL AND DESTRUCTIVE STRAIGHT LINE WINDS.

SEEK SHELTER ON THE LOWEST FLOOR OF THE BUILDING IN AN INTERIOR
HALLWAY OR ROOM SUCH AS A CLOSET. USE BLANKETS OR PILLOWS TO COVER
YOUR BODY AND ALWAYS STAY AWAY FROM WINDOWS.

IF IN MOBILE HOMES OR VEHICLES...EVACUATE THEM AND GET INSIDE A
SUBSTANTIAL SHELTER. IF NO SHELTER IS AVAILABLE...LIE FLAT IN THE
NEAREST DITCH OR OTHER LOW SPOT AND COVER YOUR HEAD WITH YOUR HANDS.

REPORT SEVERE WEATHER OR DAMAGE TO THE NEAREST LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY OR YOUR COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT.

A TORNADO WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 200 PM EST SATURDAY AFTERNOON FOR NORTHERN FLORIDA AND SOUTHEAST GEORGIA. Source

China Urges Syria Government and Rebels To 'End Acts Of Violence' Immediately

China has urged the Syrian government and rebels to immediately end all acts of violence, after the bodies of two Western journalists who were killed in the country were handed over to the French ambassador and a Polish diplomat in Damascus.

A statement from the Chinese foreign ministry called for political dialogue under the mediation of the UN or an Arab League envoy.

Veteran war reporter Marie Colvin, of the Sunday Times, and French photographer Remi Ochlik were killed in a rocket attack in the heavily bombarded Baba Amr neighbourhood of Homs.

Their bodies in wooden coffins were transferred outside a hospital in Damascus and driven away in an ambulance. The journalists' belongings were placed in black plastic bags. Read More

4.8 Magnitude Earthquake SOUTHEAST OF THE LOYALTY ISLANDS - 3rd Mar 2012

A magnitude 4.8 earthquake has struck Southeast of the Loyalty Islands at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles), the quake hit at 17:00:12 UTC Saturday 3rd March 2012
The epicenter was 268 km (166 miles) ESE from Tadine, Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia
No Tsunami Warning Issued - No Reports of Damage or Injuries at this time

Gary Johnson who beat 16-year-old boy in brutal Youtube brawl faces TEN YEARS in prison

A father who beat a 16-year-old boy in a YouTube video, smashing his face until his teeth broke through, has been found guilty of four counts related to that August beating.

Gary Johnson of Palm Bay, Florida fainted moments after his verdict was read in court Friday, finding him guilty of battery, child abuse, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and disorderly conduct.

Johnson, 35, faces up to 57 years in prison though he's expected by prosecutors and his defense to see 10.

The video posted to YouTube last August shows Johnson at 6ft, 5in and 220 pounds towering over the 16-year-old boy who leans toward him defensively in Johnson's backyard.

Jordan Clayton Receives just 150 Hours community service for causing the deaths of Jade Pickeringand Tia Guye both just 16

A young driver who admitted causing the deaths of two teenage girls by careless driving has been ordered to carry out community service by a judge.

Jordan Clayton, 20, was handed 150 hours unpaid work for causing death by careless driving after a collision that claimed the lives of Chorley teenagers Jade Pickering and Tia Guye, both 16.

The students, who both lived on Eaves Lane, were described in court as being bright, bubbly and popular.

Speaking outside Bolton Crown Court yesterday, Jade's mum Nicola Pickering, said she was 'disgusted' with the outcome.

She said: "As a family we are devastated and disgusted at this shambles of a trial.

'They say British justice is envied all over the world, but all we can honestly ask is why?' Read More

Cambridge Murder: 22 Year old Man Arrested on suspicion of murder

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after one man dies and two others are seriously injured following a "disturbance" in Cambridge.

The 22-year-old man from Cambridge is currently being held at Parkside Police Station.

Officers had been called by a member of the public at 6.25am on Saturday to Hanover Court, near the town centre.

Three men involved in the incident were found with serious injuries by ambulance staff and one later died at the scene. The other two men took themselves to Addenbrooke's Hospital.

Detectives believe the incident may be connected to a disturbance in Market Square at around 5am and a further incident in Ditton Walk.

Police have put cordons in place at Ditton Walk, Hanover Court and Addenbrooke's A and E while forensic tests and other inquiries are carried out. Read More

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101
or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.