Japan poised to shoot down North Korean missile

The Japanese government has ordered its military to shoot down the missile that is expected to be launched by North Korea as early as Monday.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/northkorea/9728806/Japan-poised-to-shoot-down-North-Korean-missile.html

A group of divers in Mexico rescue a pregnant whale shark from almost certain death on Wednesday. The divers, who were on a routine tourist trip to a marine nature reserve in Roca Partida, cut a thick rope which had got caught around its body. The whale shark was around 10 metres long and weighed about 15 tonnes

Follow this link for video (won't embed unfortunately):
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/video/2012/dec/06/whale-shark-rescued-mexico-video

Catcher in the Rye dropped from US school curriculum

Schools in America are to drop classic books such as Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird and JD Salinger's Catcher in the Rye from their curriculum in favour of 'informational texts'.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/booknews/9729383/Catcher-in-the-Rye-dropped-from-US-school-curriculum.html

Matt's thoughts:
This is precisely how one would use the educational system to create a police state. First, remove any and all ideas that foment rebellious thought (Catcher), or enforce justice (Mockingbird). Then, replace that information with rote, technocratic ideas that have no emotions or political ideology. The resulting vacuum will both eliminate opposition and create vessels into which a government can pour its own agendas / doctrines / ambitions / propaganda. You will have a nation of expressionless workers doing what they are told, because they don't know otherwise.

Source deux, for those who think the Telegraph is calling our bluffs:
http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/11/22/what-should-children-read/

China to flatten 700 mountains for new metropolis in the desert

Lanzhou new area plan to begin with 'mountain-moving project', but financial and environmental wisdom of project questioned.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/06/china-flatten-mountain-lanzhou-new-area

Smith & Wesson Posts 48% Increase In Second Quarter Sales As Demand Surges For All Firearm Products

http://cnsnews.com/blog/gregory-gwyn-williams-jr/smith-wesson-posts-48-increase-second-quarter-sales-demand-surges-all

5.6 Magnitude Earthquake EASTERN NEW GUINEA REG, PAPUA NEW GUINEA - 7th December 2012

Magnitude
5.6
Date-Time
Friday, December 07, 2012 at 19:50:21 UTC
Saturday, December 08, 2012 at 05:50:21 AM at epicenter
Location
7.633°S, 146.963°E
Depth
118.9 km (73.9 miles)
Region
EASTERN NEW GUINEA REG, PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Distances
98 km (61 miles) S (182°) from Lae, New Guinea, PNG

5.0 Magnitude Earthquake NEAR THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN - 7th December 2012

Magnitude M 5.0
Region NEAR EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN
Date time 2012-12-07 19:25:01.0 UTC
Location 40.97 N ; 142.83 E
Depth 45 km
Distances 120 km NE Hachinohe, Honshu, Japan

Kate Prank Call: DJs Suspended After Nurse Death

The radio presenters who made a prank call to the hospital treating the Duchess of Cambridge have been suspended from their show after a nurse involved was found dead.

Mel Greig and Michael Christian were said to be "deeply shocked" by the tragedy, which has provoked an angry backlash against them on the internet.

The pair, who work for 2Day FM in Australia, and the radio station's parent company Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) decided together that they should stay off air.

http://news.sky.com/story/1022350/kate-prank-call-djs-dropped-after-death

Pre-Empty: US ramps up WMD rhetoric against Syria

China & India on collision course as oil & gas tension mounts

David Icke Debunked

Robert Patrick Hoffman II arrested after 'attempting to hand over Navy's secrets to FBI agents posing as Russian spies'

Former U.S. Navy submarine warfare specialist Robert Patrick Hoffman II was arrested Thursday morning on charges of turning over classified information to undercover FBI agents posing as representatives of the Russian Federation.

Hoffman, 39, of Virginia, allegedly gave the agents information on how to track U.S. submarines.
He faces life in prison if convicted.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2244374/Submarine-expert-arrested-attempting-hand-Navys-secrets-FBI-agents-posing-Russian-spies.html

U.S. ignites another 'Cold War' as Senate passes Magnitsky Law targeting Russian corruption

Congress ignited outrage in Moscow on Thursday by voting to empower the U.S. to punish Russians implicated in human rights abuses.

The Senate approved the measure, which has already passed the House of Representatives, in a sweeping 92-to-4 vote.

As it was originally crafted, the legislation was meant to strengthen U.S. relations with Russia by finally lifting Cold War-era restrictions on trade relations. The restrictions were adopted in the 1970s as a means of punishing Communist countries. Without them, trade with Russia is expected to double.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2244391/U-S-ends-Cold-War-starts-measure-targeting-Russian-corruption.html

Catfish Hunting pigeons.

6.3 Magnitude Earthquake NORTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND - 7th December 2012

Magnitude
6.3
Date-Time
Friday, December 07, 2012 at 18:19:08 UTC
Saturday, December 08, 2012 at 07:19:08 AM at epicenter
Location
38.334°S, 176.044°E
Depth
167.2 km (103.9 miles)
Region
NORTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
Distances
32 km (20 miles) SW (221°) from Rotorua, New Zealand

Nine out of 10 knife yobs don't go to prison with 20% escaping with just a caution

Nine out of 10 youths caught in possession of a knife walk free without being locked up, new figures show.

The number receiving a caution for possession of a knife has also fallen with the lowest form of formal police action being accepted by 20 per cent (875 cases) of those caught carrying bladed weapons.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2244396/Nine-10-knife-yobs-dont-prison-20-escaping-just-caution.html

Apocalypse: Advice Issued For End Of The World

British authorities have insisted they are prepared for the looming apocalypse and have issued advice on how to cope.

In the event that the world ends on December 21, the public should check the car, fit a smoke alarm and learn to make a fire.

The helpful advice follows an official US government blog this week which insisted that "the world will not end on December 21, 2012, or any day in 2012".

http://news.sky.com/story/1022272/apocalypse-advice-issued-for-end-of-the-world

Egypt: Protesters 'Breach' Palace Barricade

Egyptian protesters have broken through a barbed wire barricade outside the presidential palace in the capital Cairo, according to reports.

Thousands of protesters had gathered outside the palace following a night of clashes between supporters and opponents of President Mohamed Morsi on Thursday.

After forcing their way through, some protesters climbed onto army tanks and began waving flags, Reuters said.

http://news.sky.com/story/1022186/egypt-protesters-breach-palace-barricade

Kate Prank Call: Online Backlash At DJs

A fierce online storm has been sparked by the death of a nurse who was the subject of a prank call by two DJs about the Duchess of Cambridge.

Furious demands were made for the presenters, who work for 2Day FM in Australia, to resign and for the recording of the hoax to be removed from the radio station's website.

http://news.sky.com/story/1022350/kate-prank-call-online-backlash-at-djs

US boy, 7, pieces together his parents' dismantled gun and shoots his eight-year-old sister

A seven-year-old boy accidentally shot his eight-year-old sister in the arm after he managed to open a lock box and put together a dismantled gun.

Police say the youngster inadvertently fired at his sister while playing with the weapon at home in the West Oak Lane area of Philadelphia at around 10.40am on Thursday.

The gun was stored in a lock box at the home of the children's grandparents, but the boy managed to get hold of the keys, open it up and put it together.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2244454/Boy-seven-pieces-parents-dismantled-gun-shoots-year-old-sister.html

Kiaran Stapleton holds prison vicar hostage after losing appeal against whole life sentence

A self-proclaimed 'psycho' killer who laughed as he shot a stranger in the head has tried to take his prison chaplain hostage after his appeal against a life sentence failed.

Kiaran Stapleton, who bragged 'I can do 30 years standing on my head', wanted to seek revenge in an attack at Full Sutton prison near York.

In October Stapleton pleaded to have his jail term reduced, despite saying he whiles away his days in 'the best cell on the wing' waiting for his favourite soaps to begin while stuffing himself with sweets.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2244467/Psycho-killer-laughed-shot-victim-tries-hold-prison-vicar-hostage-30-year-term-cut.html

Now Leveson wants new laws to regulate internet: Judge's broadside at Twitter and Google as he calls for end of web 'mob rule'

Lord Justice Leveson has today called for new laws to 'civilise' 'mob rule' on the internet during a £620-a-ticket Australian lecture on privacy in the media.

Warning of 'trial by Twitter' the judge said the internet allows people to make damaging personal accusations and give victims 'unending punishment, and no prospect of rehabilitation, via Google’.

A prank call by Australian radio presenters who got a condition report from the Duchess of Cambridge's nurse by pretending to be the Queen and Prince Charles proved a need for new privacy laws, he added.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2244532/Levesons-broadside-Twitter-Google-calls-end-web-mob-rule.html

World's biggest trees dying 'alarmingly' fast

http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2012/12/07/big-trees-dying.html

State laying groundwork for managed bankruptcy for Detroit

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20121207/OPINION03/212070365/State-laying-groundwork-managed-bankruptcy-Detroit?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE

Typhoon aftermath in Philippines

Rebels circle Damascus airport; Russia, U.S. downbeat

Rebels fighting to topple Syrian President Bashar al-Assad declared Damascus International Airport a battle zone on Friday, while Moscow and Washington both sounded glum about the prospects of a diplomatic push to end the conflict.

Fighting around the capital city has intensified over the past week, and Western officials have begun speaking about faster change on the ground in a 20-month-old conflict that has killed 40,000 people.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/07/us-syria-crisis-idUSBRE8AJ1FK20121207

5.0 Magnitude Earthquake OFF THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN - 7th December 2012

Magnitude
5.0
Date-Time
Friday, December 07, 2012 at 16:18:42 UTC
Saturday, December 08, 2012 at 02:18:42 AM at epicenter
Location
37.707°N, 143.877°E
Depth
32.6 km (20.3 miles)
Region
OFF THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN
Distances
269 km (167 miles) ESE (102°) from Sendai, Honshu, Japan

4.7 Magnitude Earthquake OFF THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN - 7th December 2012

Magnitude
4.7
Date-Time
Friday, December 07, 2012 at 16:11:56 UTC
Saturday, December 08, 2012 at 02:11:56 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
37.810°N, 143.741°E
Depth
34.9 km (21.7 miles)
Region
OFF THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN
Distances
224 km (139 miles) ESE of Ishinomaki, Japan

Jacintha Saldanha Commits Suicide after Taking Prank Call from Australian DJs

A nurse working at the hospital treating the pregnant Duchess of Cambridge, who was duped by a prank phone call, has died in a suspected suicide.

Jacintha Saldanha, who has worked at the hospital for four years, was found dead at an address near King Edward VII's hospital in London on Friday morning.

The hospital confirmed she had been the victim of a hoax phone call in which two Australian DJs phoned up about Kate, who was being treated for severe morning sickness.

http://news.sky.com/story/1022287/royal-prank-call-nurse-commits-suicide

Mysterious "apocalyptic" booms in Verde Valley, Arizona, USA, December 04 2012

CBS 5 - KPHO

Loud Rumbling Sounds in Southern Wisconsin, USA

These noises were heard on Saturday September 01, 2012. These rumbling noises went on and off from 10:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. It was not fighter jets, no thunder, not a train, and all labor day festivities were done by 10:30 p.m. You may need to turn your speakers up to listen.

Pink lake (Hiller Lake)

5.1 Magnitude Earthquake OFF THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN - 7th December 2012

Magnitude
5.1
Date-Time
Friday, December 07, 2012 at 16:01:54 UTC
Saturday, December 08, 2012 at 02:01:54 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
37.723°N, 143.868°E
Depth
30.7 km (19.1 miles)
Region
OFF THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN
Distances
238 km (147 miles) ESE of Ishinomaki, Japan

COMING CRISIS ALERT: Syrian "intervention", military invasion imminent -- December 7, 2012

UPDATE: January 6, 2013

Russia has bolstered Syria with 16 warships and thousands of marines, essentially deterring any kind of Western intervention unless they're interested in starting a full blown third world war. The tide seems to have turned in Syria, and all signs now point at a Rebel loss due to all the additional support and equipment Assad has received. We will lift his alert for the time being, but will keep track of things and reinstate it should the situation change.

UPDATE: December 30, 2012

Iran has equipped Syria with Fateh short-range missiles. Jordan has been issued chemical warfare gear and training in anticipation of a chemical weapons attack. Russia had undertaken large naval exercises near the opening of the Persian Gulf, in conjunction with Iranian naval exercises. Reports have begun surfacing of low-grade chemical weapons exchanges (in the form of grenades) between Syrian Rebels and Syrian Army Regulars in a number of cities. We'll keep you posted.

UPDATE: December 19, 2012

ALERT REINSTATED. Russia's shipment of Iskander cruise missiles to Syria, and possibly Iran, have risen the stakes significantly. The sudden departure of Western fleets, including the US fleet, now makes sense, since they'd likely end up the loser in a confrontation with the hypersonic nuclear-capable missile. The provision of such weapons indicates that Russia is unwilling to see Syria fall. We will keep a close eye on the situation as it unfolds. 

UPDATE: December 16, 2012

In a move equivalent to knifing a fully aired tire, the US has completely withdrawn its fleet from the Syrian coast. The chances of war went from "nigh" to "highly unlikely", and several countries have been left wondering as to what the US is up to. The CC is also mystified by this move, and keep an eye on the situation to see if the newly installed patriot missile batteries and troops in Turkey are the reason why the fleet is no longer required. This alert, now lifted may be reinstated at any time.

The Coming Crisis now has sufficient information to make the announcement that a military invasion of Syria is likely to happen sometime soon. Various nations, including the United States, Great Britain, France, and Russia have stationed fleets off the Syrian coast containing thousands of marines, carriers and air forces. Arab nations are also preparing their military forces for the intervention, with Saudi Arabia moving its troops to the border, and the smaller nations preparing their air power. This may very well lead into a direct conflict with Iran and Hezbollah, although the degree conflagration remains unknown.

EMERGENCY INSTRUCTIONS:

1. If you are currently in Israel, get out. If you are unable to get out, stay close to your shelters and keep your gas masks within grabbing distance at all times due to the possibility of chemical weapons usage. Please, do not take this step likely, and do not put your faith in Iron Dome to stop all of these weapons. Make sure your children are also versed in wearing appropriate emergency materials.

2. Israelis and Syrians: If you do not possess potassium iodine pills, consider acquiring some. While remote, there is the possibility of a nuclear exchange should mass-casualty weapons be employed. In the event of a chemical weapons attack, keep your gas mask on at all times until informed it is safe to remove them. In the event of a nuclear exchange, stay clear of windows, and get beneath a secure area, crouch down, and cover the back of your head and neck with your arms. Do NOT look outside. Do NOT remove your gas mask unless it is specifically instructed to you by your government to remove them.

3. If you are in any Western-friendly Arab nations, consider preparing an exit.

4. All citizens of the region should immediately stock up on food and water if they haven't done so, a minimum of several weeks' worth. Keep a radio on hand and active at all times for further emergency instructions and information.

The Coming Crisis will keep a close eye on this situation. It may remain localized to just Syria, which is the best (though still highly unfortunate) outcome. Should the conflict widen, or begin to draw in other powers, we will keep you informed. Absolutely stay tuned.

5.0 Magnitude Earthquake OFF THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN - 7th December 2012

Magnitude
5.0
Date-Time
Friday, December 07, 2012 at 15:15:31 UTC
Saturday, December 08, 2012 at 01:15:31 AM at epicenter
Location
37.800°N, 143.850°E
Depth
35.8 km (22.2 miles)
Region
OFF THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN
Distances
233 km (144 miles) ESE of Ishinomaki, Japan
233 km (144 miles) SE of Ofunato, Japan

Paris: NATO-Arab Syria intervention imminent

More here:
http://www.debka.com/article/22594/Paris-NATO-Arab-Syria-intervention-imminent

Nasa releases stunning satellite images of the Earth at night

View entire amazing gallery here:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/nasa-releases-stunning-satellite-images-of-the-earth-at-night-8389372.html

Cat parasite toxoplasma uses 'Trojan horse' to infect human brain and may cause suicidal thoughts and risk-taking

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/cat-parasite-toxoplasma-uses-trojan-horse-to-infect-human-brain-and-may-cause-suicidal-thoughts-and-risktaking-8390165.html

Dutch to Send Turkey 2 Patriot Systems

The Dutch government approved a NATO request Friday to send two batteries of Patriot missile defense systems to Turkey, following in Germany's footsteps, Foreign Minister Frans Timmermans said.

Parliament must sign off on the Cabinet decision, but Prime Minister Mark Rutte's two-party coalition has a comfortable majority in the 150-seat lower house, so the vote is expected to be a formality.

The Dutch decision comes a day after Germany agreed to send two Patriot batteries and troops to Turkey's southern border with Syria at NATO's request.

http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/dutch-send-turkey-patriot-systems-17903190#.UMIG4-TLS8A

Mr Burns Explains The Fiscal Cliff

Royal Prank Call Receptionist 'Kills Herself'

The receptionist who put through a prank call at the hospital treating the Duchess of Cambridge is understood to have committed suicide.

The woman, was the first to pick up the phone to the Australian DJs pretending to be the Queen and Prince Charles, and put the call through to the nurse caring for the Duchess.

http://news.sky.com/story/1022287/royal-prank-call-receptionist-commits-suicide

4.7 Magnitude Earthquake OFF THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN - 7th December 2012

Magnitude
4.7
Date-Time
Friday, December 07, 2012 at 14:32:17 UTC
Saturday, December 08, 2012 at 12:32:17 AM at epicenter
Location
37.762°N, 143.637°E
Depth
35 km (21.7 miles)
Region
OFF THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN
Distances
247 km (154 miles) ESE (102°) from Sendai, Honshu, Japan

Buba cuts German outlook, warns of recession

Beached whale dies in Spain

Chinese miners rescued after five days

Egypt's crisis will cost Mursi, even if he prevails

Demonstrators rejected a call from Egypt's Islamist President Mohamed Mursi for a national dialogue after deadly clashes around his palace and demanded the "downfall of the regime" - the chant that brought down Hosni Mubarak.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/07/us-egypt-politics-idUSBRE8B30GP20121207

Jihad Jane: From abuse to a chat room, a martyr is made

The American who called herself Jihad Jane read the words on her computer screen. Colleen LaRose was fiddling on the Internet, passing time in her duplex near Philadelphia, when the call to martyrdom arrived from halfway around the world.

The order came from an al-Qaeda operative. The date: March 22, 2009.

This was it, she thought. Her chance. At 45, LaRose was ready to become somebody.

A compact woman with a seventh-grade education, LaRose was a recent convert to Islam. She found a place for herself quickly, raising money and awareness online for the plight of her Muslim brothers and sisters. They were underdogs, just like her.

During her darkest days, LaRose had endured incest, rape and prostitution. She surrendered her life to drinking and drugs, from crack to crystal meth. Now, if she accepted the order to kill, she would surrender her life to a higher power: Allah.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/07/us-usa-jihadjane-idUSBRE8B60GP20121207

5.3 Magnitude Earthquake SOUTHERN XINJIANG, CHINA - 7th December 2012

Magnitude
5.3
Date-Time
Friday, December 07, 2012 at 14:08:43 UTC
Friday, December 07, 2012 at 10:08:43 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
38.745°N, 88.101°E
Depth
16.1 km (10.0 miles)
Region
SOUTHERN XINJIANG, CHINA
Distances
234 km (145 miles) ENE of Qiemo, China

5.0 Magnitude Earthquake OFF THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN - 7th December 2012

Magnitude
5.0
Date-Time
Friday, December 07, 2012 at 12:58:07 UTC
Friday, December 07, 2012 at 10:58:07 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
37.877°N, 143.663°E
Depth
34.9 km (21.7 miles)
Region
OFF THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN
Distances
215 km (133 miles) ESE of Ishinomaki, Japan

4.8 Magnitude Earthquake OFF THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN - 7th December 2012

Magnitude
4.8
Date-Time
Friday, December 07, 2012 at 12:48:51 UTC
Friday, December 07, 2012 at 10:48:51 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
37.535°N, 143.715°E
Depth
35.1 km (21.8 miles)
Region
OFF THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN
Distances
234 km (145 miles) ESE of Ishinomaki, Japan

4.7 Magnitude Earthquake OFF THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN - 7th December 2012

Magnitude
4.7
Date-Time
Friday, December 07, 2012 at 12:33:37 UTC
Friday, December 07, 2012 at 10:33:37 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
37.555°N, 143.651°E
Depth
34.9 km (21.7 miles)
Region
OFF THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN
Distances
227 km (141 miles) ESE of Ishinomaki, Japan

5.0 Magnitude Earthquake OFF THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN - 7th December 2012

Magnitude
5.0
Date-Time
Friday, December 07, 2012 at 12:05:27 UTC
Friday, December 07, 2012 at 10:05:27 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
37.853°N, 143.735°E
Depth
35 km (21.7 miles)
Region
OFF THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN
Distances
222 km (137 miles) ESE of Ishinomaki, Japan

US, French Troops Prepare For Syria Invasion In Response To “Chemical Weapons” Threat

The USS Eisenhower, an American aircraft carrier that holds eight fighter bomber squadrons and 8,000 men, arrived at the Syrian coast yesterday in the midst of a heavy storm, indicating US preparation for a potential ground intervention.

While the Obama administration has not announced any sort of American-led military intervention in the war-torn country, the US is now ready to launch such action “within days” if Syrian President Bashar al-Assad decides to use chemical weapons against the opposition, the Times reports.

http://www.pakalertpress.com/2012/12/07/us-french-troops-prepare-for-syria-invasion-in-response-to-chemical-weapons-threat/

4.6 Magnitude Earthquake OFF THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN - 7th December 2012

Magnitude
4.6
Date-Time
Friday, December 07, 2012 at 09:56:27 UTC
Friday, December 07, 2012 at 07:56:27 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
37.572°N, 143.775°E
Depth
35 km (21.7 miles)
Region
OFF THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN
Distances
236 km (146 miles) ESE of Ishinomaki, Japan

Ancient Aliens Debunked

The Vatican is ruling the planet

CCTV: Man strangled with a scarf in unprovoked bus attack

Russia, U.S. talk as Syria events "accelerate on the ground"

The two superpowers divided by Syria's civil war met head to head on Thursday, with signs emerging that Russia might curb its support for President Bashar al-Assad and Washington saying events were gathering speed on the ground.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Dublin on the sidelines of a security conference, at a time when rebel advances have brought the 20-month war to the doorstep of the capital Damascus.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/07/us-syria-crisis-idUSBRE8AJ1FK20121207

Snow Alert: UK Faces 'Beast From The East'

Britain is facing a weather front dubbed the "Beast from the East" next week - with heavy snow and sub-zero temperatures.

Temperatures could plummet as low as -6C around London as icy winds blow in over the eastern coast.

Forecasters are also predicting "lots of snow" from Monday - "obliterating" East Anglia and spreading to southeastern areas.

http://news.sky.com/story/1022049/snow-alert-cold-weather-beast-to-hit-uk

US Aircraft Carrier Arrives Off Syrian Coast

Amidst Turkey getting NATO approval to line up Patriot anti-missile systems on its border and with US officials indicating that the consequence of President Bashar Al-Assad using chemical weapons will be military intervention, the USS Eisenhower has arrived off the coast of Syria to send a clear signal that direct confrontation could be near.

http://www.pakalertpress.com/2012/12/06/us-aircraft-carrier-arrives-off-syrian-coast/

Bridge collapse injures 1 in Turkey

5.5 Magnitude Earthquake OFF THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN - 7th December 2012

Magnitude
4.8
Date-Time
Friday, December 07, 2012 at 09:23:04 UTC
Friday, December 07, 2012 at 07:23:04 PM at epicenter
Location
37.822°N, 144.175°E
Depth
35.1 km (21.8 miles)
Region
OFF THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN
Distances
292 km (182 miles) E (98°) from Sendai, Honshu, Japan

NOTE: This earthquake has been listed by USGS as a 4.8 Magnitude, when in Fact it measured 5.5 Magnitude with a depth of just 10km.

18:23 JST 07 Dec 2012 37.9N 144.0E 10 km 5.5 Magnitude Sanriku Ok

4.7 Magnitude Earthquake OFF THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN - 7th December 2012

Magnitude
4.7
Date-Time
Friday, December 07, 2012 at 09:13:23 UTC
Friday, December 07, 2012 at 07:13:23 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
37.721°N, 143.746°E
Depth
35.1 km (21.8 miles)
Region
OFF THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN
Distances
228 km (141 miles) ESE of Ishinomaki, Japan

North Korean leader cracking down on dissent, South says

North Korea's new young leader is using an imminent rocket launch to bolster his prestige internally and crack down on dissent amid signs the transition of power is not going as smoothly as planned, a top South Korean official said on Friday.

The isolated North is to launch a rocket carrying what it says is a satellite between December 10-22 in a move that has been condemned by the United States, South Korea and Japan as they believe it is designed to test technology for a long-range missile capable of delivering a nuclear warhead.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/07/us-korea-north-idUSBRE8B607120121207

4.7 Magnitude Earthquake OFF THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN - 7th December 2012

Magnitude
4.7
Date-Time
Friday, December 07, 2012 at 09:01:53 UTC
Friday, December 07, 2012 at 07:01:53 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
37.741°N, 143.543°E
Depth
35.3 km (21.9 miles)
Region
OFF THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN
Distances
210 km (130 miles) ESE of Ishinomaki, Japan

PREPARING FOR THE END OF THE WORLD

Andrei Iltchenko knows exactly what he is going to do when the world comes to an end on December 21.

"We are buying food and alcohol for the apocalypse. Then we will descend into our bunker and happily close the hatch door," the Ukrainian student from Dnipropetrovsk, near Kiev, says.

He and his companions plan to celebrate the end of the world with a "last supper" complete with plenty of food and drink in a Soviet-era underground bunker.

http://au.news.yahoo.com/world/a/-/world/15580470/preparing-for-the-end-of-the-world/

Berlusconi party racks up tension with Italy government

Silvio Berlusconi's People of Freedom party withdrew its support for Italy's technocrat Prime Minister Mario Monti on Thursday, setting up a conflict that could force an early election.

The People of Freedom (PDL) walked out of a Senate confidence vote on a package of economic measures and said it would abstain in a separate confidence vote in the lower house later in the afternoon after criticism of Berlusconi from a senior government minister.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/06/italy-vote-idUSL5E8N67K720121206

One meter high tsunami hits Japan's Miyagi prefecture: NHK

Russia sees slim chance of resolving Syria crisis at talks

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov suggested there is only a slim chance of finding a solution to the crisis in Syria at talks with the United States and international envoy Lakhdar Brahimi, according to comments published on Friday.

Lavrov, who met Brahimi and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Dublin on Thursday, confirmed a U.S. State Department official's statement that U.S. and Russian officials would hold a follow-up meeting with Brahimi in coming days.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/07/syria-crisis-russia-idUSL5E8N71N920121207

Rights group: Israeli strike on Gaza home unlawful

A leading human rights group on Friday accused Israel of violating the laws of war when it killed 12 civilians in an airstrike during its recent conflict with Palestinian terrorists in Gaza.

Israel's army countered that Palestinian terrorists were to blame for hiding in civilian buildings.

Israel launched its air assault on Gaza last month to try to stop frequent rocket barrages at southern Israel. The conflict ended after eight days with an Egyptian-brokered truce.

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4316886,00.html

President Morsi will not tolerate violence

Egypt braces for protests after Morsi calls for talks

Egypt is bracing for a day of fresh protests after opposition leaders reacted angrily to a televised speech by President Mohammed Morsi.

Mr Morsi, under fire for issuing a decree that gives him sweeping new powers, had invited all major political factions to a meeting on Saturday.

But an opposition spokesman said the president had missed a historic chance for compromise.

Late on Thursday, the Cairo offices of the Muslim Brotherhood were attacked.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20636420

Philippine death toll due to "Bopha" climbs to 418

Death toll in the Philippines due to Typhoon Bopha (local name Pablo) has continued to rise to 418 based on the latest data released Friday by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

NDRRMC Executive Director Benito Ramos said Friday that of the reported deaths, only 73 cadavers were identified, while most of the unidentified victims came from southern Philippine province of Compostela Valley.

There were 383 people who were still missing, he added.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2012-12/07/c_132025624.htm

Whale Rotting On Malibu Beach

A 40-foot whale carcass has washed ashore on one of Southern California's most pristine beaches and has begun to rot while authorities try to decide who should remove it.

The 40,000-pound (18,143kg) male fin whale washed up in Malibu on Monday, not far from homes owned by singers Barbra Streisand and Bob Dylan.

Los Angeles County lifeguards had the idea of trying to pull the carcass out to sea but were unsure if they could manage the job.

http://news.sky.com/story/1021868/whale-rotting-on-malibu-celebrities-beach

Bomb Found Before Clinton's N Ireland Visit

A bomb has been discovered in a car in Londonderry just hours before US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is due to visit Northern Ireland.

The "viable explosive device" was discovered after officers investigating dissident republican activity stopped the vehicle in the Creggan area on Thursday evening, police said.

Two men aged 47 and 49 were arrested at the scene at about 8.40pm. Two others, also in their 40s, were detained later.

http://news.sky.com/story/1021923/bomb-found-before-clintons-n-ireland-visit

Japan Earthquake Sparks Tsunami Alert

A tsunami alert has been issued for Japan's northeast coast after a strong earthquake shook buildings as far away as Tokyo.

The tremor struck in the Pacific Ocean at a depth of 23 miles, and the epicentre was 285 miles from the capital.

The earthquake had a preliminary magnitude of 7.3, the US Geological Survey said, adding that there was no risk of a widespread tsunami.

http://news.sky.com/story/1022016/japan-earthquake-sparks-tsunami-alert

5.5 Magnitude Earthquake OFF THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN - 7th December 2012

Magnitude
5.5
Date-Time
Friday, December 07, 2012 at 08:48:15 UTC
Friday, December 07, 2012 at 06:48:15 PM at epicenter
Location
37.849°N, 143.581°E
Depth
34.8 km (21.6 miles)
Region
OFF THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN
Distances
240 km (149 miles) E (100°) from Sendai, Honshu, Japan

TSUNAMI WARNING NORTHERN JAPAN: GET TO HIGHER GROUND

Warnings from Japanese Stations.

STAY AWAY FROM THE COAST - GET TO HIGHER GROUND OR TALL BUILDINGS

6.2 Magnitude Earthquake OFF THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN - 7th December 2012

Magnitude
6.2
Date-Time
Friday, December 07, 2012 at 08:31:14 UTC
Friday, December 07, 2012 at 06:31:14 PM at epicenter
Location
37.939°N, 143.763°E
Depth
29.2 km (18.1 miles)
Region
OFF THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN
Distances
254 km (158 miles) E (97°) from Sendai, Honshu, Japan

7.3 Magnitude Earthquake OFF THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN - 7th December 2012

Magnitude
7.3
Date-Time
Friday, December 07, 2012 at 08:18:24 UTC
Friday, December 07, 2012 at 06:18:24 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
37.889°N, 144.090°E
Depth
36.1 km (22.4 miles)
Region
OFF THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN
Distances
245 km (152 miles) SE of Kamaishi, Japan

SUBJECT - TSUNAMI INFORMATION STATEMENT

THIS STATEMENT IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY. NO ACTION REQUIRED.

AN EARTHQUAKE HAS OCCURRED WITH THESE PRELIMINARY PARAMETERS

ORIGIN TIME - 1018 PM HST 06 DEC 2012
COORDINATES - 37.7 NORTH 144.6 EAST
LOCATION - OFF THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU JAPAN
MAGNITUDE - 7.3 MOMENT

EVALUATION

BASED ON ALL AVAILABLE DATA A DESTRUCTIVE PACIFIC-WIDE TSUNAMI IS
NOT EXPECTED AND THERE IS NO TSUNAMI THREAT TO HAWAII. REPEAT. A
DESTRUCTIVE PACIFIC-WIDE TSUNAMI IS NOT EXPECTED AND THERE IS NO
TSUNAMI THREAT TO HAWAII.

4.0 Magnitude Earthquake HINDU KUSH REGION, AFGHANISTAN - 7th December 2012

Magnitude
4.0
Date-Time
Friday, December 07, 2012 at 07:29:22 UTC
Friday, December 07, 2012 at 11:59:22 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
36.559°N, 70.160°E
Depth
208.3 km (129.4 miles)
Region
HINDU KUSH REGION, AFGHANISTAN
Distances
27 km (16 miles) E of Farkhar, Afghanistan

5.1 Magnitude Earthquake NEW BRITAIN REGION, PAPUA NEW GUINEA - 7th December 2012

Magnitude
5.1
Date-Time
Friday, December 07, 2012 at 02:25:46 UTC
Friday, December 07, 2012 at 12:25:46 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
5.301°S, 151.427°E
Depth
94.2 km (58.5 miles)
Region
NEW BRITAIN REGION, PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Distances
139 km (86 miles) SW of Kokopo, Papua New Guinea

5.1 Magnitude Earthquake BOUVET ISLAND REGION - 7th December 2012

Magnitude
5.1
Date-Time
Friday, December 07, 2012 at 01:35:09 UTC
Friday, December 07, 2012 at 01:35:09 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
54.094°S, 1.928°W
Depth
17.4 km (10.8 miles)
Region
BOUVET ISLAND REGION
Distances
346 km (214 miles) W of Bouvet Island, Bouvet Island

4.2 Magnitude Earthquake PAKISTAN - 6th December 2012

Magnitude
4.2
Date-Time
Thursday, December 06, 2012 at 23:26:56 UTC
Friday, December 07, 2012 at 04:26:56 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
28.498°N, 66.103°E
Depth
27.4 km (17.0 miles)
Region
PAKISTAN
Distances
15 km (9 miles) W of Surab, Pakistan

4.6 Magnitude Earthquake ANTOFAGASTA, CHILE - 6th December 2012

Magnitude
4.6
Date-Time
Thursday, December 06, 2012 at 20:42:15 UTC
Thursday, December 06, 2012 at 05:42:15 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
22.009°S, 68.410°W
Depth
106.6 km (66.2 miles)
Region
ANTOFAGASTA, CHILE
Distances
73 km (45 miles) NE of Calama, Chile

4.8 Magnitude Earthquake NEAR THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN - 6th December 2012

Magnitude
4.8
Date-Time
Thursday, December 06, 2012 at 20:32:05 UTC
Friday, December 07, 2012 at 05:32:05 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
35.561°N, 140.083°E
Depth
66.9 km (41.6 miles)
Region
NEAR THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN
Distances
4 km (2 miles) N of Ichihara, Japan

Clinton vows to thwart "new Soviet Union"

http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/a5b15b14-3fcf-11e2-9f71-00144feabdc0.html#axzz2EKqguDBN