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☆ Pope Francis to gather cardinals to mark his 10th anniversary as pontiff
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-13 | by ( Philip Pullella | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

VATICAN CITY, March 13 (Reuters) - Pope Francis will mark his 10 years as head of the Roman Catholic Church on Monday celebrating Mass with cardinals in the chapel of the Vatican's Santa Marta hotel where he has lived since his election. The Argentina-born Francis, 86, became the first Latin American pontiff on March 13, 2013, succeeding Benedict XVI who had become the first pope in six centuries to resign. Francis has said he would be ready to step down if severe health problems prohibited from running the 1.38-billion-member Church. With his 10 years as pontiff, Francis has now reigned longer than the 7.5 years average length of the previous 265 pontificates. The shortest is believed to be that of Urban VII, which lasted 13 days in 1590.

☆ Pope Francis marks 10th anniversary with Mass and podcast
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-13 | by ( Philip Pullella | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

VATICAN CITY, March 13 (Reuters) - Pope Francis marks 10 years as head of the Roman Catholic Church on Monday celebrating Mass with cardinals in the chapel of the Vatican's Santa Marta hotel where he has lived since his election. The Argentina-born Francis, 86, became the first Latin American pontiff on March 13, 2013, succeeding Benedict XVI who had become the first pope in six centuries to resign. With his 10 years as pontiff, Francis has now reigned longer than the 7.5 years average length of the previous 265 pontificates. After that comes the papacy of John Paul II, who reigned for more than 26 years between 1978 and 2005. The shortest is believed to be that of Urban VII, which lasted 13 days in 1590.

☆ A solid gold swastika disc is the oldest-known reference to Odin of Valhalla, the Norse god of war and death, say archaeologists
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-12 | by ( Bethany Dawson | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Danish scientists have found the oldest-known reference to the Norse god Odin. It is the first piece of evidence that Odin was worshipped as early as the 5th century. Odin was also the god of war and death who ruled over Valhalla, a majestic hall dedicated to those killed in battle, according to Nordic religion. He was predominantly worshipped by Norse and later Viking kings, warrior chieftains, and their men, according to the National Museum of Denmark. It included 2.2 pounds of gold medallions the size of saucers and Roman coins made into jewelry.

☆ ‘Roman Landscapes: Visions of Nature and Myth From Rome and Pompeii’ Review: Idylls of Ancient Italy
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-11 | by ( Judith H. Dobrzynski | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

‘Wall Painting With Sculptures and Birds in a Garden’ (late first century B.C.-early first century A.D.)San AntonioIf, as the medieval saying goes, all roads lead to Rome, might the artistic path to landscape painting trace back to the eternal city as well? That is a theme of “Roman Landscapes: Visions of Nature and Myth From Rome and Pompeii” at the San Antonio Museum of Art, which has gathered about 65 wall paintings, relief sculptures, mosaics, and glass and metal vessels created between 100 B.C. and about A.D. 250 as evidence.

☆ Roman 'shrine' discovered in cathedral graveyard could be a sacrifice site linked to fertility and mystery cults, say archaeologists
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-11 | by ( Isobel Van Hagen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Archeologists in Britain discovered what they believe to be an ancient Roman shrine. Archaeologists from the University of Leicester excavate a Roman cellar at Leicester Cathedral. There has always been a "folk tale" for centuries that a Roman temple once stood where the Leicester Cathedral is now, the expert said. Archeologists made many other finds at the cathedral site, including ancient Roman coins and pottery. "This excavation has produced a remarkable amount of archaeological evidence from a modestly sized area," said John Thomas, Deputy Director of the University of Leicester Archaeological Services.

☆ Pope says Ukraine war fuelled not just by 'Russian empire'
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-10 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

VATICAN CITY, March 10 (Reuters) - The war in Ukraine is driven by the interests of several "empires" and not just of Russia's, Pope Francis said in an interview published on Friday. Francis said the conflict was fuelled by "imperial interests, not just of the Russian empire, but of empires from elsewhere". He expressed a readiness to talk to Russian President Vladimir Putin to call for peace. Extracts were published on Friday by Italian dailies La Repubblica, La Stampa and Corriere della Sera. I have less physical resistance, the knee (problem) was a physical humiliation, even if the recovery is going well now," he said.

☆ The Justice Department investigated Jeffrey Epstein's death. Then it went silent.
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-09 | by ( Jacob Shamsian | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +25 min

Jeffrey Epstein's death in a federal jail was seen as a shocking Justice Department failure. But more than three years later, the office still hasn't released its report into the circumstances of Epstein's death. "We all took it by surprise," Mark Epstein told Insider. Barr tasked the Justice Department's inspector general, Michael Horowitz, and the FBI with investigating "the circumstances of Mr. Epstein's death." Mark Epstein told Insider that he spoke to his brother about once a month in the years before his death.

☆ In homeland of Pope Francis, long absence prompts prayers for return
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-09 | by ( Lucila Sigal | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

[1/4] Catholic faithfuls pray during a mass at the Basilica San Jose de Flores, where Pope Francis used to attend in his childhood, in Buenos Aires, Argentina March 6, 2023. Some in Argentina claim Pope Francis as a Peronist, part of the powerful political movement forged by Juan Domingo Perón in the 1940s based on social justice values. She accused him of taking sides politically and once avoided him by shunning a traditional Mass in Buenos Aires. "We shouldn't rule out the possibility that (the pope) is concerned his presence will sharpen the political divide," De Vedia said. Bergoglio, he pointed out, had gained the nickname "Papa villero" - Pope of the villas - due to his closeness with the people.

☆ Sheep come to the rescue of Pompeii ruins
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/5] Sheep graze the grass as part of an initiative to protect ancient ruins from growing green in unexcavated areas of the archaeological site in Pompeii, Italy, March 6, 2023. Archaeologists have uncovered only around two thirds of the 66-hectare (163 acres) site at Pompeii since excavations began 250 years ago. Preserving the unexplored sections of the ancient city against erosion by nature and time is a priority for those who manage the site. "If grass and other plants grow in or on the ancient walls and houses this is a problem. It was woods, vineyards, sheep and it was this kind of rural environment and in the midst of that you had Pompeii."

☆ Russia says it is considering a challenge to US nominee to head World Bank
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-08 | by ( Andrea Shalal | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

WASHINGTON, March 7 (Reuters) - Russia is consulting with its allies about challenging the U.S. nominee to head the World Bank, Moscow's top representative at the bank said on Tuesday, a move that could complicate what was expected to be a smooth succession process. Russia remains a voting member of the World Bank, although the bank halted all programs in Russia and Belarus last March, citing what it called "hostilities against the people of Ukraine" following Russia's invasion. Roman Marshavin, the World Bank executive director who represents Russia and Syria, told Reuters the "listing of potential candidates and consultations are still ongoing," but gave no details. Banga, who is traveling in Africa this week, last week said he had already won support from India, Ghana and Kenya. The World Bank has been headed by someone from the United States, the lender's dominant shareholder, since its founding at the end of World War Two.

☆ The life and times of Pope Francis as he marks his 10th anniversary as pontiff
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-08 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +9 min

[1/3] Pope Francis greets people as he attends the weekly general audience in St. Peter's square at the Vatican, March 8, 2023. REUTERS/Guglielmo MangiapaneVATICAN CITY, March 8 (Reuters) - Following are some of the major events of the life and ministry of Pope Francis, who marks the 10th anniversary of his election as pontiff on March 13. 2017Jan. 2 - Pope Francis says in a letter bishops must show zero tolerance to clergy who sexually abuse children. May 18 - In unprecedented move, all Chile's bishops offer to resign after attending crisis meeting with Pope Francis. In March 2022, he introduces a reform saying Catholic women could in future take charge of most departments.

☆ Russia says it may challenge Biden’s nominee to head the World Bank
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-08 | by ( ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

Russia is consulting with its allies about challenging the US nominee to head the World Bank, Moscow’s top representative at the organization said Tuesday. Russia remains a voting member of the World Bank, although the bank halted all programs in Russia and Belarus last March, citing what it called “hostilities against the people of Ukraine” following Russia’s invasion. Roman Marshavin, the World Bank executive director who represents Russia and Syria, told Reuters the “listing of potential candidates and consultations are still ongoing,” but gave no details. US President Joe Biden last month nominated ex-Mastercard CEO Ajay Banga, 63, to replace David Malpass at the helm of the World Bank, which oversees billions of dollars in funding for developing countries. The World Bank has been headed by someone from the United States, the lender’s dominant shareholder, since its founding at the end of World War Two.

[1/5] The destroyed Habib-i Najjar Mosque is pictured in the aftermath of a deadly earthquake in Antakya, Turkey February 16, 2023. "What we learn from our elders is that Hatay witnessed seven earthquakes in its history but it was reborn from its ashes. PAINTINGS OF THE SAINTSThe bell tower lies on its side, with clothes placed on top for earthquake victims to take. Among the victims of the Feb. 6 earthquake were Saul Cenudioglu, leader of the Jewish community in Antakya, and his wife, Tuna Cenudioglu. The rabbi said he came to Antakya after the earthquakes to check on the Jewish community and take them to Istanbul.

REUTERS/Rebecca Cook/File PhotoMarch 6 (Reuters) - American carmakers will lean on technology to keep the horsepower wars going among their electric muscle cars, a tectonic shift from the big, rumbling motors of the past. GM and Dodge have both issued timelines to stop selling gas-powered muscle cars and replace them with electric variants that will wear the same badges. Dodge's Charger and Challenger muscle cars will not be made next year, while Chevrolet has laid out plans for an electric Corvette. Brands such as Polestar and Mercedes-Benz (MBGn.DE) have announced optional power upgrades to their sedans that improve acceleration and total horsepower via paid OTA (over-the-air) software updates. Dodge has said it will transition its muscle cars to an electric platform, and is working to differentiate those models.

☆ 'Truth serum' drugs do exist. Here's how medicines like sodium pentothal and scopolamine can manipulate the brain.
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-05 | by ( Jessica Orwig | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +13 min

Numerous accounts and scientific reports suggest that you're more prone to tell the truth under the effects of truth serum drugs, but the drugs have other side effects. Furthermore, not only are truth serum drugs not all that useful, they are illegal under certain circumstances, including interrogation. A truth serum experimentTo find out if truth serum works, TV journalist Michael Mosley experienced it for himself in 2013. To investigate sodium thiopental, one of the more popular truth serum drugs, Mosley took two different doses of it. The future of truth-telling drugsThere may be a more powerful truth serum drug out there that researchers have yet to discover.

☆ I'm a 34-year-old CEO who worked remotely from different cities for 5 months. I learned that a walk-in closet doesn't make a great office and I need at least 3 weeks to get to know a new place.
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-04 | by ( Jordan Pandy | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Roman Pedan founded short-term rental platform Kasa Living in 2016. He traveled the country for five months and stayed at Kasa properties while working remotely. Previously, my longest stint fully living in Kasa properties was a few months in 2021 when I was between moves. But most of the time you're working. Sometimes one of us was working in the walk-in closet while the other one was working in the kitchen area.

☆ London court allows 'unprecedented' stranded Russian share sale
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-03 | by ( Naomi Rovnick | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

LONDON, March 3 (Reuters) - London's High Court has ruled that the administrators of Sova Capital, a collapsed London broker formerly controlled by Russian banker Roman Avdeev, can employ a novel deal structure to swap a portfolio of Russian shares. The broker collapsed a year ago as Western sanctions hit businesses with Russian ties. In his ruling, the judge noted that "MOEX prices for the Russian Securities are no more than nominal for Sova". Another constraint, he said, was Sova's ability to get cash from a sale of securities that were "effectively trapped". ($1 = 0.8338 pounds)Reporting by Naomi Rovnick; Editing by Dhara Ranasinghe and Alexander SmithOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Fact Check-Mother Theresa and Anthony Fauci are not related, and there is no evidence she trafficked children
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-03 | by ( Reuters Fact Check | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Claims that Anthony Fauci is the son of Mother Theresa are false, contrary to some posts on social media. Similarly, there is no evidence to support online suggestions that Mother Theresa was a child trafficker. Reuters, however, found no reports supporting the claim that she sold babies or was involved in child trafficking (bit.ly/3xuRIWY). Fauci did not respond to a request for comment when claims about his supposed relation to Mother Theresa were first debunked by Reuters in 2021. Claims that Anthony Fauci is the son of Mother Theresa, or that Mother Theresa was a child trafficker, are false.

With Russia embroiled in conflict again in Ukraine, in what the Kremlin says is a fresh existential battle for national survival, memories of the Soviet dictator loom large. "Firstly, thank you for the victory (in World War Two)," said 21-year-old Madina in a typically mixed view of Stalin's legacy among people on the streets of Moscow. said Moscow resident Andrei, 31, praising Stalin as a strong unifying personality whose war victory should be lauded. Today, Gori's Stalin museum, located on the town's Stalin Avenue, is the town's most famous tourist attraction, drawing visitors from across the world. In 2010, the Georgian government ordered the town's Stalin statue removed, saying he did not deserve it.

☆ Someone donated $400,000 to save an apartment that an artist spent 33 years filling with bizarre works including a lion's head fireplace
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-03 | by ( Stephanie Stacey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Ron Gittins meticulously decorated his rented apartment from 1986 till his death in 2019. Friends feared the art-filled apartment would be lost after it was put up for auction. The apartment's former resident was artist Ron Gittins, who died in 2019. After his death, friends and family came together to pay Gittins' rent and try to preserve his art-filled home. Nothing is yet known about the individual who made the donation or why they decided to make it.

☆ NHL roundup: Bruins become fastest to 100 points
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-03 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +7 min

With their ninth consecutive win, the Bruins improved to 48-8-5 on the season and became the fastest team in NHL history to record 100 points, doing so in 61 games. Charlie Coyle, Brandon Carlo and David Krejci each recorded two assists while Patrice Bergeron and Connor Clifton also scored goals. Casey Mittelstadt scored the lone goal and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 35 saves for the Sabres, who dropped their second straight. The Lightning are 2-3-3 in their past eight games and have lost three straight for the first time. The Stars gave goalie Matt Murray his NHL debut, and he finished with 19 saves for the win.

☆ Fact Check-Photographs show President Biden with ash on his forehead, not a bruise
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-28 | by ( Reuters Fact Check | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Photographs showing President Joe Biden with an Ash Wednesday smudge on his forehead are circulating with false claims that the mark is a bruise from allegedly falling down the stairs leaving Air Force One after landing in Poland. Biden can be seen with a bluish-black mark on his forehead in the images being shared across social media platforms (here), (here). The mark on Biden’s forehead is ash in the shape of a cross, which he received from a priest that day, Ash Wednesday, and not a bruise. Reuters has also previously debunked the claim that the person who fell down the stairs on Feb. 20 was Joe Biden (here). Biden’s forehead mark seen in photographs was ash applied for Ash Wednesday, not a bruise.

☆ How an AI breakthrough from Alphabet's DeepMind 'changed scientific history' and could lead to new cures
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-28 | by ( Andrew Dunn | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +11 min

"AlphaFold has sparked a wave of innovation by showing people what's possible," said Chris Bahl, the chief scientist at AI Proteins, a Boston startup using AlphaFold to help develop drugs. "AlphaFold, amazing as it, is just the beginning," Demis Hassabis, the CEO of DeepMind, said on a podcast last year. AlphaFold2 was built with far more biological and physics knowledge of proteins, Jumper said. Next uses will be 'progressively harder' as DeepMind stays secretive on its future workJohn Jumper, a senior staff research scientist at DeepMind who helped develop AlphaFold. "But AI will also continue to progress rapidly, and the folks at DeepMind are very good, so I'm optimistic."

☆ Biden taps CEOs of 3M, CVS, FedEx, Citi, others to join his Export Council on trade
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-28 | by ( Emma Kinery | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

U.S. President Joe Biden has appointed the heads of Citigroup , United Airlines , CVS , 3M and FedEx , among other top executives, to sit on a White House advisory committee overseeing international trade. The President's Export Council gives recommendations and insight into the ways government policies impact U.S. trade performance. The group also provides feedback on how Biden's trade policies are affecting businesses across sectors from industry and labor to agriculture. She previously served as chief operating officer and group president of Starbucks and CEO of Sam's Club. The Export Council features expertise from labor, real estate, national security and law, and leaders of Fortune 200 companies.

☆ CIA director says Russia is offering to help Iran's advanced missile program in exchange for military aid
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-27 | by ( Sinéad Baker | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

William Burns said Russia was likely offering Iran help with its missile program in exchange for military aid. Russia has been accused of using Iran-made drones on strikes on civilian targets in Ukraine. National Security Council Spokesman John Kirby said on Friday that US officials believe that Russia may be planning to give Iran military jets after Iran sent much-needed artillery rounds to Russia. While the US has sought to limit Iran's missile program through sanctions, it said in 2019 that Iran had managed to build the "largest missile force in the Middle East." The US and NATO have also said they see evidence that China may be planning to give Russia weapons.

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