Mets' Santana goes on 15-day DL with ankle injury

New York Mets starting pitcher Johan Santana (57) throws against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning of a baseball game on Friday, July 20, 2012, at Citi Field in New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Kmonicek)

New York Mets starting pitcher Johan Santana (57) throws against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning of a baseball game on Friday, July 20, 2012, at Citi Field in New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Kmonicek)

New York Mets starting pitcher Johan Santana works in the first inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Sunday, July 15, 2012, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

New York Mets starting pitcher Johan Santana (57) reacts on the mound as Los Angeles Dodgers' Luis Cruz rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run in the third inning of a baseball game on Friday, July 20, 2012, at Citi Field in New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Kmonicek)

New York Mets pitching coach Dan Warthen comes to the mound for a meeting with New York Mets starting pitcher Johan Santana after Santana walked Los Angeles Dodgers Andre Ethier to score a run in the second inning of a baseball game on Friday, July 20, 2012, at Citi Field in New York. Mets catcher Josh Thole (30), shortstop Ruben Tejada (11) and first baseman Ike Davis, background, join in. (AP Photo/Kathy Kmonicek)

New York Mets starting pitcher Johan Santana paces on the mound after allowing a run in the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Sunday, July 15, 2012, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

NEW YORK (AP) ? Johan Santana is taking a break, whether he wants to or not.

The two-time Cy Young Award winner was placed on the 15-day disabled list Saturday with a sprained right ankle, the latest setback for the fading New York Mets since the All-Star break.

Santana has struggled mightily since Reed Johnson of the Chicago Cubs stepped on his foot July 6 on a play at first base. The left-hander was hit hard for the third straight start Friday night in a 7-6 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, and manager Terry Collins said afterward the team was looking for a way to get some "energy" back in his arm.

Santana missed last season following major shoulder surgery. He is 6-7 with a 3.98 ERA in 19 starts covering 110 2-3 innings.

"We knew in spring training that there might be a time this summer when he has to get shut down," Collins said. "Well, now is going to be that time."

General manager Sandy Alderson said Santana probably won't pitch again until at least Aug. 7, when the Mets return home from an 11-game road trip out West.

"Definitely, it's tough. I didn't want to go on the DL. I want to keep pitching and competing," Santana said. "They decided it's better for me to take some time off and that's what we're going to do."

New York is also missing starter Dillon Gee, who had surgery last week on an artery in his pitching shoulder after a blood clot had formed there. Gee will be sidelined for at least a couple of months and there's a good chance he'll miss the rest of the season.

Miguel Batista (1-3), a 41-year-old journeyman who has pitched mostly in relief this season, started in Gee's place Saturday. He lasted only three innings in an 8-5 loss to ex-Met Chris Capuano (10-5) and the Dodgers.

Right-hander Jeremy Hefner was recalled from Triple-A Buffalo to help an overworked bullpen. The Mets will bring up reliever Elvin Ramirez on Sunday.

Santana became the third member of New York's opening-day rotation to go on the disabled list. Mike Pelfrey had season-ending elbow surgery in May.

"Johan I think has exhibited the effects of 100 innings and a sore ankle the last couple of starts," Alderson said. "We think that the ankle injury may have led to some general fatigue in his shoulder, specifically. And in light of the surgery and where he's been and what he's accomplished, we've gotten to the point where he probably needs to get that ankle right and get back to the point where he feels confident about pitching."

Alderson said the Mets haven't decided how to fill out their depleted rotation going forward. Santana's next turn would have been Wednesday against Washington ace Stephen Strasburg.

"We'll make a decision on the rotation in the next couple of days," Alderson said. "We're now filling two spots instead of one."

Hefner, a starter at Buffalo, has made three starts for New York this season. Another option is prized prospect Matt Harvey, though the Mets have been cautious about rushing him up from Buffalo.

They may need a boost if they want to stay in contention. New York (47-47) has lost eight of nine to fall back to .500 for the first time since it was 13-13 after play on May 4.

"We're not done," Santana said. "We're just going to continue playing and hoping to put some wins together again."

With the non-waiver trade deadline looming July 31, the Mets must quickly determine whether it would be wise to make a move.

"The presumption here is that we're buyers, and it has been," Alderson said. "Realistically, the next seven, eight or 10 games become important for us."

The 33-year-old Santana is 0-3 with a 13.50 ERA in his last three outings. He has given up 19 runs, 28 hits and six homers over 12 2-3 innings, the worst stretch of his stellar career. He was pulled for a pinch-hitter after throwing 72 pitches in three innings Friday night.

"We sat for quite a while this morning in discussions with Johan and the training staff and we've pretty much determined that the ankle issue is bigger than anybody has realized," Collins said. "Ever since he had the ankle injury he's lost ? basically his command has not been there, due to the fact that we don't think he can land properly. He's using all arm to pitch, causing some fatigue in his shoulder. No pain, there's just nothing there."

Santana insisted his shoulder is OK.

"It's just that when you start compensating and doing other things you get different results, especially with command of your pitches," he said. "I feel fine, it's just that you've got to (have) time to recover."

So the stint on the DL is designed to give Santana rest, heal his ankle and rebuild his arm strength. Alderson said no tests are planned.

"As I told Johan, I don't think anyone should be surprised by this," the GM said. "Certainly no one as competitive as Johan wants to go on the disabled list. I think he recognized that was probably the best resolution in this case."

Santana is 3-5 with a 6.54 ERA in eight outings since throwing a career-high 134 pitches June 1 against St. Louis to finish off the first no-hitter in Mets history. Some still wonder whether that one-night workload led to his recent slump, but Alderson doesn't think so.

"I think really at this point it has more to do with the ankle," he said.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/347875155d53465d95cec892aeb06419/Article_2012-07-21-Mets-Santana/id-ab16db18b5f844b5a155af2d48f43cc8

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Israelis bury 5 victims of Bulgaria attack

JERUSALEM (AP) ? Devastated mourners grasped at dirt atop fresh graves and screamed in agony Friday as they buried the five Israeli victims of a bombing in Bulgaria ? an attack that Israel has blamed on Iran and its proxy group Hezbollah.

Two days after the deadly blast in a popular vacation spot, investigators in Bulgaria and in several other countries were still struggling to confirm the attacker's identity.

Bulgarian prosecutors said the attacker had short hair, not the long hair seen in the security video footage captured of him at the airport. A witness said he appeared to be wearing a wig.

The victims' coffins were received early Friday in a military ceremony at Israel's international airport. Seventeen Israelis remain in hospitals.

Childhood friends Itzik Kolengi, 28, and Amir Menashe, 27, were buried in the central Israeli town of Petah Tikva.

Kolengi's wife, Gilat, was wounded in the attack and remains hospitalized. The couple has an infant daughter.

"I promise you that the family and I will watch forever over your wife, Gilat, and your amazing daughter, Noya, who looks exactly like you, and we'll raise her just as you would have wanted," Kolangi's brother David said during his eulogy.

Menashe's wife, who was also wounded in the attack, attended the funeral in a wheelchair. They too have an infant son.

Nearby, in Rishon Lezion, hundreds of mourners joined the family of Cochava Shriki, a 42-year-old woman who had recently become pregnant after years of fertility treatments.

In the northern Israeli town of Acre, Maor Harush, 26, and his close friend Elior Price, 24, were laid to rest. A third friend remains hospitalized in serious condition.

Israeli and American officials have blamed the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah for Wednesday's bombing, which killed five vacationing Israelis, along with a Bulgarian bus driver and the attacker, in the Black Sea resort town of Burgas.

In TV interviews Friday, Defense Minister Ehud Barak said he was certain who carried it out.

"Hezbollah is behind the attack, it was part of a series of attacks," he told Israel's Channel 2 TV. "We know that Iran is behind it all. What we don't know is who the actual man is."

Iran denied responsibility for the attack, which threatened to further escalate a shadow war between the two countries over allegations that Tehran is trying to build nuclear weapons. Iran says its atomic program is for peaceful purposes only.

Security camera footage from before the attack showed the suspected bomber wandering in and out of the terminal, wearing a baseball cap over long hair, a T-shirt and plaid shorts, with a bulky backpack.

Interior Minister Tsvetan Tsvetanov told reporters the bomb was in the backpack and detonated in the luggage compartment of the bus. The bomber was believed to have been about 36 years old and had been in the country between four to seven days, he said.

He later said in an interview with state TV that the blast was caused by 3 kilograms (6.6 pounds) of TNT powder.

Bulgarian prosecutors said the man tried to rent a car in the days before the bombing but was turned down because his ID appeared suspicious. Authorities have examined his fingerprints, his DNA and his fake Michigan driver's license.

They also said the man actually had short hair. It was not clear if he was wearing a wig, or if he had a haircut after the airport footage was taken.

Afrodita Petrova, the owner of the car rental company, told Bulgarian National TV that the suspect had short dark hair when visiting the office. She said he was the same person from the video camera footage and appeared to be wearing a wig.

"He spoke English with an Arab accent," she said.

Tsvetanov said the investigation had ruled out that the bomber was a Bulgarian citizen, but did not say how authorities know that. He said the investigation had also ruled out that the bomber was Mehdi Ghezali, a Swedish citizen and former Guantanamo detainee whom authorities had previously fingered as the bomber.

"Now we are focused on finding out the identity of the suicide bomber and his possible whereabouts ahead of the blast," Tsvetanov said.

Police and prosecutors refused to give any more information, saying it would compromise the ongoing investigation.

Israel has attributed a series of attacks on its citizens around the world in recent months to Iran and its proxies.

The Islamic militant group has not commented on the attack.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast called the accusation "baseless."

A U.S. official told The Associated Press on Thursday night that Hezbollah was believed to be behind the attack. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive intelligence issue.

However, Pentagon press secretary George Little said Friday the U.S. government has not established with certainty who was behind the attack.

"The attack does bear some of the hallmarks of Hezbollah, but we are not in a position to make any final determination," Little said. He declined to say what aspect of the attack resembled the methods or other features of Hezbollah.

Israel has officially issued a complaint with the U.N. Security Council, accusing Iran of responsibility for the attack. Israeli representative Haim Waxman wrote the Security Council president that the attack in Bulgaria was part of an international terrorist campaign against Israelis and Jews worldwide, led by Iran and Hezbollah.

___

Associated Press writers Veselin Toshkov in Sofia, Bulgaria, and Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations contributed to this report.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/israelis-bury-5-victims-bulgaria-attack-175155642.html

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Video: First photo released of alleged Colo. gunman

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Become More Secure With Good Personal Finance Advice

Unfortunately, most people in this world have not gained control of their personal financial situation. Not knowing about money management techniques can be a big problem. Do not worry any longer because the article below has many beneficial tips to help put you in a situation that isn?t on the path towards financial disaster.

Keeping a budget in writing is the best way to keep your finances in order. Make a detailed list of all your expenses at the first of each month. Make sure you don?t leave out anything. Add expenses for gas, electricity, food, phones, Internet and your morning Starbucks runs. Try to remember every single expense, even ones that occur only occasionally. Write down how much you need to pay, and be sure that your expenses do not exceed your income.

Try to adjust your insurance policies to reduce your total payments. Think about bundling your policy or getting rid of extra coverage. This can save you a ton of money over time.

Thrift shopping is no longer just for the desperately needy. Go to different thrift stores and you will see that many people are getting quality items at low prices. These stores are also great for kids, as they enjoy scouring the store for interesting finds. In order to find the best variety of items, shop first thing in the morning!

If you tend to live paycheck to paycheck, it may be wise to seek overdraft coverage from your financial institution. This fee may save you from a lot bigger fees in the future.

Try to stay away from getting into debt when you can so your personal finances can benefit. Some debt is normal, such as education loans and mortgages, but try your best to avoid bad debt such as credit cards. You won?t have to dedicate as much of your funds to paying interest and fees if you borrow less.

Get rid of any debt on credit cards as soon as possible. Even with a minimal debt, you still are paying to let the credit card company roll your debt over. This is money that is unnecessarily spent! Whenever possible, make sure that the balance on your credit card is paid in full each month.

Analyze how you currently view your personal finances and money matters in general. If you want your personal finance to improve, you have to take into account how you?re spending your money first. Create a list outlining how you think about materials or money so you can figure this out. Doing this will allow you to curb any bad habits and work to build more feelings towards money that are more positive.

Make sure to have a safe method to get rid of important financial documents. Buying a shredder is the most straightforward way to accomplish this. If you fail to shred your financial documents, you put yourself at risk of suffering identity theft. Always shred old financial documents to protect yourself from identity theft.

If you use online banking, then consider signing up for the alert features that may be available. Banks utilize modern technologies, like e-mail and text messages, to keep you updated about your account. You can stay alert to the possibilities of identify theft and overdraft, for instance, by ordering alerts for large withdrawals and low balances.

Re-evaluate your insurance policies frequently. It?s possible that you are being overcharged for your insurance. It may be that there are cheaper alternatives on the market, or you are paying for insurance options that are unnecessary, given your current life status. You could save a lot on insurance and use this money to take care of another expense.

You can improve your credit rating by paying your bills on time and in full each month. Paying your bills on-time or early allows you to come up with a budget each month. It also helps when an unexpected expense suddenly crops up, and now you won?t have to worry whether or not you can pay your bills.

Use your financial mistakes in the past as learning opportunities. If its taken you some time to get back on track with your credit, use that as a learning tool to keep yourself out of debt. If your salary was crappy because you didn?t negotiate enough, then negotiate like a pit bull next time you get a new job. As you review your history of personal finances in your mind?s eye, realize that every lesson you can learn from your experiences is worthwhile. Learn from your mistakes, and you will see that your personal financial situation will improve.

Money management can be difficult for some people. Hopefully, you will not be in that group after having read the advice from this article. Not only can this article?s advice help you stay in control of your money, it can also seriously reduce the amount of stress you have to live with.

Confused About Your Credit Cards? Get Help Here!

Discover info concerning build up credit not to mention secured credit cards for bad credit. If you appreciate you can check out excellent credit also.

Owning a credit card has many advantages. For example, you can use a credit card to buy goods online. Unfortunately, when you apply for a new credit card, there are a few thing that you should always keep in mind. Here are some tips that will make obtaining and using a credit card, easy.

Choose one bill to put on your credit card and use your credit card for that bill every month, then pay off the card at the end of the month. That way, you make sure you?re using the card regularly and responsibly and your credit score will continually go up.

Do not make discretionary purchases if you cannot afford to substantially pay down your credit card debt each month. If you are making these types of purchases regularly, then you run the risk of not being able to ever pay down the debt, and also you will put yourself in a bad situation should an unexpected emergency crop up.

A great way to save money on credit cards is to spend the time necessary to comparison shop for cards that offer the most advantageous terms. If you have a decent credit history, it is highly likely that you can obtain cards with no annual fee, low interest rates and perhaps, even incentives such as airline miles.

It is very important that you save your credit card receipts. You need to compare them with your monthly statement. Companies do make mistakes and sometimes, you get charged for things you did not purchase. So make sure you promptly report any discrepancies to the company that issued the card.

Some people need help getting out of a jam that they have created, and others are trying to avoid the pitfalls that they know are out there. Regardless of which camp you came from, this article has shown you the best ways to use credit cards and avoid the deep debt that comes along with them.

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Bathroom Lighting Tips | ej-fransen.com

Lighting is a basic yet essential part of any bathroom remodel plan ? whether you need task lighting at the mirror in order to get ready in the morning or you want to set off your new decor to its best advantage. Even just a fixture or two situated in the right place can make a world of difference in your bathroom?s usability, appearance and even its energy-efficiency.

Avoid Casting Shadows

One of the cardinal rules of lighting in the bathroom is to avoid casting shadows around the mirror. While many bathrooms utilize a row of bulbs or a light bar above the mirror for illumination ? light coming from above and in front of you can cause your chin, nose and brows to cast shadows on your face while using the mirror. Ideally, a light fixture should be placed on either side of the mirror to provide light from both sides and prevent shadows.

Recessed lighting is also not recommended for use around the mirror since it has a tendency to cause deep shadows if not placed properly. If you wish to use recessed lighting at the mirror, it should be placed as close to the mirror as possible and not directly above where you would stand in front of the mirror. Recessed lighting can also be placed elsewhere in the bathroom as an auxiliary light source for other fixtures that don?t give off very much light, but careful placement is a must.

Take Advantage of Natural Light

While bathrooms aren?t always constructed with natural light in mind, bringing natural light into your bathroom is a great way to set it off to its best advantage as well as reducing the need to turn on lights every time. While a window isn?t always desirable in the bathroom due to privacy and the cost of adding a new window ? there are other great options for utilizing natural light in your bathroom. You might install translucent glass blocks in the wall in a row or pattern.

Another possibility is installing a solar light tube in the ceiling. Unlike a skylight which can require extensive modification to your roof, a solar light tube is designed to pass between the roofing beams, minimizing the hassle of installation. Sunlight is reflected down the tube and through a diffuser in the ceiling, providing a good deal of soft natural light during daylight hours.

Combine Lighting Types

Ideally, your bathroom should have a balanced mix of different lighting types that are suited to different purposes ? whether you?re getting ready for a busy day or you want to come home and relax in the tub after a long day. The four different types of lighting typically recommended in a bathroom remodel are as follows:

Task Lighting: Bright lighting for applying makeup, shaving or other daily routines you perform in the bathroom. (Example: Placing fixtures on either side of the mirror)

Ambient Lighting: Soft lighting that is dispersed throughout the room by directing it towards the ceiling. (Example: Placing crown molding along the wall just below the ceiling and concealing rope or strip lighting behind the molding, allowing for soft lighting from around the edge of the room)

Accent Lighting: Lighting used primarily to set off architectural features or decorations in the bathroom. (Example: Track lighting utilized to direct light towards artwork you?ve placed on the walls in the bathroom)

Decorative Lighting: Lighting used simply for aesthetic reasons rather than to provide illumination (Example: An attractive chandelier or pendant light suspended from the ceiling)

In addition, hooking up your lighting to dimmer switches is an effective way to control the lighting in your bathroom ? allowing you to turn the lights down to the minimal amount needed to see at nighttime or to set a relaxing mood, for instance.

Consider Energy-Efficient Lighting

For many homeowners, saving money is the first thing on their minds when it comes to home improvement. Energy-efficient lighting is another possibility to consider for your bathroom remodel ? although you may pay more for the initial installation, the long-term savings can offer a great return on your investment. CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps) can take the place of incandescent bulbs in various fixtures, but LEDs are also an attractive option to replace some of the fixtures in the bathroom. In particular, LEDs are outstanding as a nightlight since they consume very little energy and will last for at least 10 years before requiring replacement.

Justin Krutz writes about a wide range of home improvement-related topics for Palatin Remodeling, Inc., a Carlsbad bathroom remodeling company which provides a complete range of home remodeling services to homeowners throughout the Southern California area.

Source: http://ej-fransen.com/bathroom-lighting-tips/

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Choose Storage Baskets and Jute Rugs for a Stylish Bedroom

A bedroom is an area where you can relax and unwind after the day's work. Create a chic modern bedroom with the help of accessories like storage baskets and jute rugs. Here are a few decor tips that will help you design your dream bedroom.

The first step to planning a stylish bedroom is to have plenty of storage. Storage baskets are perfect options for bedroom storage. You can bring home a set of baskets with five to six baskets in different shapes and sizes to accommodate all your bedroom items.

Opt for storage baskets with handles to put away the dirty laundry. Storage bins with lids can be used to tuck away bed linen and clothes under the bed. Upright storage baskets can be used to store magazines and books on the nightstand. Smaller baskets can be placed on the bedroom vanity to organize all your cosmetics and toiletries.

Choose baskets in natural material like rattan, bamboo or jute. These baskets are eco-friendly and they can be stained in any color to complement your bedroom decor. They infuse the bedroom with a nature-inspired look that gives the bedroom a contemporary style.

If you are planning to create a serene looking bedroom, opt for rugs in calming colors and soft fabrics. The right color, pattern and fabric can instill a sense of peace in a bedroom. Natural fabric rugs like jute rugs are a great choice for the contemporary bedroom. Choose jute rugs in neutral shades like tan, white and gray for a well-decorated bedroom.

You can choose from rugs in standard sizes or opt for custom-fit rugs. Before making a selection, measure the area where you want to lay out the rug. Try out several layouts like under the bed or at the foot of the bed till you find the layout that complements your bedroom decor.

To introduce texture into the bedroom decor, opt for braided rugs or hand woven rugs. Rugs with interesting details like fringes add an extra depth to the bedroom decor. Opt for rugs with textured details rather than busy patterns for a Zen bedroom ambience.

Choose practical accessories like baskets and stylish decorative accents like rugs to create a bedroom you will love.

Authors Profile: Lavina Dcostaa is a certified interior designer and runs her own interior decoration consultancy. Lavina especially loves decorating a home in wooden furniture and believes that nothing gives a home as warm and cozy a touch as all-wood furniture and decor. Lavina loves reading up on new design ideas, and has a special interest in space saving techniques. Here she writes about storage baskets and jute rugs.

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Rebels keep pressure on Assad, fight near government buildings

AMMAN/BEIRUT (Reuters) - Syrian rebels kept up pressure on President Bashar al-Assad following the assassination of three top lieutenants, fighting loyalist troops within sight of the presidential palace and near government headquarters, residents said on Thursday.

An official source said the president, who has made no statement or public appearance since Wednesday's stunning bomb attack on a crisis meeting of defense and security chiefs, was still commanding operations from his Damascus office.

But opposition sources and a Western diplomat said the embattled leader was now in the coastal city of Latakia.

"Our information is that (Assad) is at his palace in Latakia and that he may have been there for days," said a senior opposition figure, who declined to be named. The palace, which Assad has used before to conduct official business, is located in hills near the city, Syria's main Mediterranean port.

Latakia province is home to several towns inhabited by members of Assad's minority Alawite sect.

The diplomat, who is following events in Syria, told Reuters: "Everyone is looking now at how well Assad can maintain the command structure. The killings yesterday were a huge blow, but not fatal."

Residents said there was no let-up in the heaviest fighting - now in its fifth day - to hit the Syrian capital in a 16-month revolt against Assad, whose family has dominated the pivotal Arab country for 42 years.

The battles encroached within sight of the presidential palace, near the security headquarters where Wednesday's emergency meeting was held, with videos showing clouds of smoke rising over the skyline.

The U.N. Security Council put off a scheduled vote on a Syria resolution until Thursday and U.S. President Barack Obama telephoned President Vladimir Putin of Russia, Assad's main ally, to try to persuade Moscow to drop support for him.

The bombing that killed Assad's brother-in-law, defense minister and a top general triggered fierce army retaliation with artillery unleashed on rebels massed in several districts and armed mostly with small arms and rocket-propelled grenades.

FIGHTING NEAR PRESIDENTIAL PALACE

A video from overnight in the neighborhood of Sayed Zainab shows a makeshift clinic in a house, with blankets and medical supplies strewn all over the floor and a man shouting directions on a megaphone as men carry in mutilated bodies on sheets.

Some of the bodies were blackened, perhaps from a blast or a fire. Others were blown apart apparently by high explosive.

Residents in the Midan and Kafr Souseh districts reported constant blasts and heavy gunfire as helicopter gunships buzzed overhead.

"The shelling did not stop all night. Shelling could be heard in all the city. It was loud. There were also sounds of clashes. Not many people are venturing out. I can't even find a taxi, so I'm waiting for somebody to pick us up," a resident in Damascus said, speaking by telephone.

"Everyone in the neighborhood is arming themselves. Some with machineguns, some with shotguns. Some even just with knives. And whoever doesn't have anything just tries to stay awake and stay alert as much as they can," said another resident, speaking by phone from the Midan area.

"I can't even tell you what is going on outside because I've shuttered the windows and locked the doors. I just hear every now and then the gunfire, it's like it's in the room."

Many Damascenes were reported fleeing pockets of fighting.

"We've had a lot of people come in from last evening, from other neighborhoods like refugees, and people gather around them to hear what they've seen. My neighbor tries to see if they have relatives here or see if there is someone that can host them for a while," said a woman contacted by telephone.

Checkpoints around Midan and the ancient walled Old City of Damascus had been removed, residents said. It was unclear if security forces had changed tactics to stop rebels targeting soldiers, or if it was a temporary move in the heat of battle.

COORDINATED REBEL ASSAULT ON DAMASCUS

The bombing seemed part of a coordinated assault on the capital that has escalated since the start of the week. Rebel fighters call it the "liberation of Damascus" after months of fierce clashes which activists say have killed 17,000 people.

Assad's brother-in-law Assef Shawkat, a top commander and one of the pillars of the Assad clan's rule, was killed in the Wednesday blast along with Defense Minister Daoud Rajha.

Another senior general was also killed and the heads of intelligence and the Interior Ministry were wounded, seriously wounding the security apparatus of the Assad family.

The army shelled its own capital from the surrounding mountains as night fell on Wednesday. Government troops, having vowed retaliation for the assassination, fired machineguns into the city from helicopters.

Activist videos posted on the Internet showed bloodied bodies lying in the street.

FEARS OF DESTABILISATION

A security source said the bomber who struck inside the security headquarters was a bodyguard for Assad's inner circle. Anti-Assad groups claimed responsibility.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned the Damascus blast and expressed grave concern over the use of heavy weapons.

"Time is of the essence," he said. "The Syrian people have suffered for too long. The bloodshed must end now."

Western leaders fear the conflict, which has been joined by al Qaeda-style jihadists, could destabilize Syria's neighbors - Israel, Lebanon, Turkey, Iraq and Jordan.

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said: "This is a situation that is rapidly spinning out of control." He called for maximum global pressure on Assad to step down.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said "the decisive fight" was under way in Damascus.

British Prime Minister David Cameron, whose government has sponsored the sanctions resolution, said on Thursday it was time for Assad to go to avoid an all-out civil war.

CRISIS UNIT

The generals killed and wounded in the bombing form the core of Assad's crisis unit in charge of operations to crush the revolt, which grew out of protests inspired by Arab Spring uprisings that unseated dictators in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya.

An aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has resisted Western efforts to impose international sanctions on Assad, said Russia had not been discussing the possibility of taking in Assad if he chose to leave Syria.

The Syrian armed forces chief of staff, Fahad Jassim al-Freij, quickly took over as defense minister on Wednesday, avoiding any impression of official paralysis.

"This cowardly terrorist act will not deter our men in the armed forces from continuing their sacred mission of pursuing the remnants of these armed terrorist criminal gangs," Freij said on state television. "They will cut off every hand that tries to hurt the security of the nation or its citizens."

Neighboring Jordan's King Abdullah said violence may have ruled out the possibility of a negotiated power transition.

"The realities on the ground may have overtaken us, therefore I think the clock is ticking and we have... reached the point where the political option is too late," he told CNN in an interview.

Rebels were jubilant at their success in penetrating into the capital. Abdullah al-Shami, a rebel commander based in Turkey, said: "I expect a speedy collapse of the regime ... and it means we will not be in need of outside intervention, with the regime beginning to crumble much faster than we envisaged."

Yet some opposition figures said victory would still not be easy. "It is going to be difficult to sustain supply lines and the rebels may have to make a tactical withdrawal at one point, like they did in other cities," veteran opposition activist Fawaz Tello said from Istanbul.

"But what is clear is that Damascus has joined the revolt."

(Additional reporting by Oliver Holmes and Dominic Evans in Beirut, Suleiman Al-Khalidi in Antakya, Turkey; Writing by Mark Heinrich; Editing by X)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/no-sign-assad-bomb-kills-kin-rebels-close-000219552.html

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