Pope leads traditional Good Friday rite at Rome Colosseum

By Philip Pullella

ROME (Reuters) - Thousands of people holding candles turned out at Rome's Colosseum to see Pope Francis mark the first Good Friday of his pontificate with a traditional "Way of the Cross" procession around the ancient amphitheatre.

Francis, who was elected on March 13, sat under a red canopy on Rome's Palatine Hill as representatives of the faithful from around the world alternated carrying a wooden cross on the day Christians commemorated Jesus's death by crucifixion.

"Sometimes it may seem as though God does not react to evil, as if he is silent," the Argentine pope said, speaking slowly in Italian and in a somber voice at the end of the evening service.

"And yet, God has spoken, he has replied, and his answer is the Cross of Christ: a word which is love, mercy, forgiveness. It is also reveals a judgment, namely that God, in judging us, loves us," he said.

"Christians must respond to evil with good," he said, urging them to beware "the evil that continues to work in us and around us".

The meditations for the 14 "stations of the cross" which commemorate events in the last hours of Jesus's life - from when Pontius Pilate condemned him to death to his burial in a rock tomb - were written by young people from Lebanon.

The wooden cross was passed from one group and person to another - including a person in a wheelchair. Those who carried it came from Italy, India, China, Nigeria, Syria, Lebanon and Brazil.

Several of the meditations, read by actors, referred to conflict in the Middle East and the suffering of its people.

One meditation called the Middle East "a land lacerated by injustice and violence".

Francis praised those Lebanese Christians and Muslims who tried to live together and who, he said, in doing so gave a sign of hope to the world.

Prayers were read out for exploited and abused children, refugees, the homeless and victims of religious intolerance, war, violence, terrorism, poverty, injustice and drug addiction.

There were also prayers against abortion and euthanasia.

Good Friday is the second of four hectic days leading up to Easter Sunday, the most important day in the Christian liturgical calendar.

On Holy Thursday, two young women were among 12 people whose feet the pope washed and kissed at a traditional ceremony in a Rome youth prison, the first time a pontiff has included females in the rite.

After celebrating an Easter eve service, on Easter Sunday he will deliver his first "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and the world) message in St. Peter's Square.

(Reporting By Philip Pullella; Editing by Michael Roddy)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/pope-leads-traditional-good-friday-rite-rome-colosseum-220528001.html

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Science Explains the Best Way to Get Songs Out of Your Head

Some songs just get stuck in your head, whether you like them or not. However, a recent study claims to have found the key to kicking that Taylor Swift tune out of your head: puzzles.

The sticky songs we call earworms engage what psychologists call the Zeigarnik Effect: our tendency to experience intrusive thoughts about things we start and don't finish. A song's catchy hook or chorus is particularly prone to intrude your thoughts if you don't know the next verse, leaving them unfinished in your mind. So, to excise that tune, finish something simple:

"The key is to find something that will give the right level of challenge," said Dr Ira Hyman, a music psychologist at Western Washington University who conducted the research. "If you are cognitively engaged, it limits the ability of intrusive songs to enter your head.

"Something we can do automatically like driving or walking means you are not using all of your cognitive resource, so there is plenty of space left for that internal jukebox to start playing.

Likewise, if you are trying something too hard, then your brain will not be engaged successfully, so that music can come back. You need to find that bit in the middle where there is not much space left in the brain. That will be different for each individual."

Don't have a quick crossword or anagram readily available? Check out our other tips for ditching that earworm, and read the full study over at Wiley Online. Or just give in and put that jam on repeat.

Get that tune out of your head - scientists find how to get rid of earworms | The Telegraph via The Atlantic

Photo by Joe Loong.

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/Osm3jysPMlw/science-explains-the-best-way-to-get-songs-out-of-your-head

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Art 7 Entertainment: Acting - Getting Started

If you want to be an actor the first thing you have to understand is that everyone and their grandmother thinks they can act and wants to be an actor. The competition you will face will be monumental. With that in mind, here are some tips on what to do if you want to have a career as an actor.

For starters, you must understand that there is no one way to become a successful actor. Some very famous actors were discovered while doing other jobs and just happened to be in the right place at the right time. Yes, there is a lot of luck involved in this business. In addition to that luck you'll need connections and a lot of determination. Here are a few ways to get your foot in the door.

Just about every town in the world has a small theater where they put on local amateur performances. Take advantage of this even if you're really only interested in film or television. The truth is, acting is acting and it doesn't change much just because you're on a stage instead of in a film or television studio. Any practice that you get is only going to improve your chances of getting the gig that you're looking for. Also, many agents and casting directors go to these small theaters looking for talent. There's always the chance that they're going to spot you.

Next there's student films. If there is a college in your hometown, most likely they have a performing arts program with students involved in doing their own films. Film students are always on the lookout for talented actors to appear in their films. You could very well be just what they're looking for. They probably won't be able to pay you anything and the film itself will probably be pretty bad but it will be good experience for you. Just make sure you get a video tape of your performance and keep in touch with the student director. You never know where this might lead.

Another way to get your foot in the door is to be an extra. Many times when a movie studio is filming on location shots they need extras such as people in a crowd. Go down there and tell them that you're interested in being an extra. You never know what this could lead to. The casting director may just like your looks and ask you to come in and read for a speaking part, if not for this film, for a future one. Plus, this will give you great experience as you will get to see what a professional film set looks like and how things run. Every little bit helps.

Then there are independent films. Many of these companies can't afford to hire experienced actors. This is a very good chance to get your foot in the door. Plus there is always the chance that one of these independent films will take off and be big hit. It has happened. You could very well be the next overnight success because of it.

After you've built up a bit of a resum? doing the things above, get yourself an agent and put together a portfolio for him to shop around. That's his job. He'll have more contacts than you and a much better chance of getting you something.

Most of all, be persistent. Don't give up. Becoming a successful actor is one of the most difficult things that anyone could want to do but it is also one of the most rewarding. In many cases simply by not quitting you'll finally land the part that you've always dreamed of.

Source: http://art7entertainment.blogspot.com/2013/03/acting-getting-started.html

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Flood Insurance Rates Expected To Rise | WNEP.com

Posted on: 6:12 pm, March 28, 2013, by Bill Wadell, updated on: 06:26pm, March 28, 2013

WEST PITTSTON ? Some home and business owners with National Flood Insurance Program policies in the Wyoming Valley are expected to see their premiums increase later this year.

According to a spokesman, the Federal Emergency Management Agency eliminated ?certain artificially low rates and discounts which are no longer sustainable? when the Biggert-Waters Act was signed into law last summer.

FEMA said policy owners with properties that have been repeatedly flooded, and people who are insuring a summer home in a flood zone will likely see the biggest rate increases later this year.

Dave Scalzo told Newswatch 16 that he dropped the flood insurance policy for his home on Susquehanna Avenue in West Pittston in 2009.

Two years later, Scalzo said his neighborhood was devastated when the Susquehanna River flooded after the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee stalled over the region.

?To come in here and see two and a half feet of water on your first floor and knowing that you don`t have flood insurance, knowing that you`re going to have to put a lot of money out of pocket into it and hopefully get help from FEMA, it was devastating,? said Scalzo.

Donna Walsh said she and other agents at Flock Insurance in Wyoming are still waiting for more information from FEMA about the changes.

?Between the homeowners insurance and being required to carry flood insurance, that`s not in the budget. It makes a huge difference,? said Walsh.

?In some instances, you can obtain a flood elevation certificate, which will lower your premium and that requires a surveyor, which is at your cost.?

Source: http://wnep.com/2013/03/28/flood-insurance-rates-expected-to-rise/

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Approaching Menopause in a Healthy and Natural Manner | Jackie's ...

"The Plus Size Evening Gowns Bible: How to choose the right plus size dress for a wedding, cocktail evening, formal event or family party" focuses on helping curvy women find the perfect dress for all occasions. Plus size fashion news site Plus-Size-Magazine.com has created its second book dedicated to full-figured women who want to look great, and embrace their curves.

For curvy women, finding plus size evening dresses can be a real chore. All curvy women want to shine at special occasions or events, but this means there is more pressure on finding a dress that is really perfect. Their options are limited , it can be hard to find the right fit and it?s not always easy to find a beautiful evening gown on a budget. This is what inspired the writers behind ?The Plus Size Evening Gowns Bible?.

It?s about knowing which kind of dress works for which occasion, and how to invest in the right dress to save our readers money. Style guide ?The Plus Size Evening Gowns Bible? will show women how to figure out their body shape, choose the right lingerie, find a dress for every occasion, what to remember and what to avoid when shopping for a plus size evening dress, and tips on saving money with advice on the best places to shop online and offline.

With over five years? experience in the plus size fashion industry, we know the trials and tribulations of plus size shopping, and the kind of problems Curvy Women encounter when trying to dress fashionably and on a budget. Fit, price, lack of availability, limited choices.... Sound familiar?

You are not alone in your plus size shopping frustration! Many of our readers have asked us for solutions to their problems, and over the years we have enlisted experts and professionals to help us answer them. Use our fashion advice to arm yourself with actionable tips that fit your body type.

Table Of Contents

Introduction: Why is it so hard to find an evening gown that fits properly when you are a curvy woman?

Chapter 1 - Not all curvy women are made the same - do you even your own body shape? Here are the dresses that will best suit YOU.

Chapter 2: What are the 7 golden rules to follow? How to dress for the event, your age and your skin tone

Chapter 3 - Adele, Beyonc? and Kim Kardashian all have a secret... what it is? Shapewear! We show you how to choose the right shapewear for your body shape and how to use accessories to your advantage

Chapter 4 - Wondering which dress to wear for the festive season? Here's our guide to the best dresses for Christmas and New Year

Chapter 5 - Are you stressing out looking for a plus size dress for a special occasion? Or a dress you can wear more than once? Whatever formal event you have coming up, we are here to help

Chapter 6 - Looking for the perfect plus size cocktail dress? We show you how to shine like a star

Chapter 7 - What words of wisdom do the professionals have to say? We talk to Anna Scholz, navabi and IGIGI

Chapter 8 - Saving money: Where can you shop for plus size evening dresses on the cheap?

Conclusion: You will be the belle of the ball!

Source: http://www.jackiesbazaar.com/womensinterests/plus-size/approaching-menopause-in-a-healthy-and-natural-manner

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Spat between two Dutch companies sparks record-breaking 300Gbps DDoS attack

By Simon Evans MEXICO CITY, March 27 (Reuters) - United States central defenders Omar Gonzalez and Matt Besler went into Tuesday's game against Mexico at the Azteca Stadium with just two World Cup qualifying starts between them, but looked like they had been alongside each other for years in a spirited 0-0 draw. Gonzalez, making his third start in a qualifier and Besler making his first, held Mexico at bay in front of more than 95,000 fans as the U.S earned just their second point ever at the home of their arch-rivals. ...

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/spat-between-two-dutch-companies-sparks-record-breaking-010927453.html

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GOP moves to catch up with Democrats on technology

FILE - In this Nov. 6, 2012 file photo, Taylor Pineiro, of New York, a deputy field organizer for the Obama campaign, works the phone at a field office in Scranton, Pa., on Election Day. Republicans are moving aggressively to repair their technological shortcomings from the 2012 election, opening a new tech race to counter a glaring weakness against President Barack Obama last year. (AP Photo/Scranton Times & Tribune, Butch Comegys, File) WILKES BARRE TIMES-LEADER OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT

FILE - In this Nov. 6, 2012 file photo, Taylor Pineiro, of New York, a deputy field organizer for the Obama campaign, works the phone at a field office in Scranton, Pa., on Election Day. Republicans are moving aggressively to repair their technological shortcomings from the 2012 election, opening a new tech race to counter a glaring weakness against President Barack Obama last year. (AP Photo/Scranton Times & Tribune, Butch Comegys, File) WILKES BARRE TIMES-LEADER OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT

FILE - In this Oct. 8, 2012 file photo, Matt Sagorski, a volunteer for the campaign of President Barack Obama, walks in a neighborhood with voter registration forms, in Miami. Republicans are moving aggressively to repair their technological shortcomings from the 2012 election, opening a new tech race to counter a glaring weakness against President Barack Obama last year. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)

WASHINGTON (AP) ? Republicans are moving aggressively to repair their technological shortcomings from the 2012 election, opening a new tech race to counter a glaring weakness against President Barack Obama.

With the blessing of party leaders, a new crop of Republican-backed outside groups is developing tools to improve communication with voters, predict their behavior and track Democratic opponents. After watching Obama win re-election with the aid of an unprecedented technological machine, GOP officials concede an urgent need for major changes in the way they reach voters. They are turning to a younger generation of tech experts expected to play a bigger role in the 2014 midterm elections and beyond.

"I think everybody realized that the party is really far behind at the moment and they're doing everything within their realistic sphere of influence to catch up," said Bret Jacobson, a partner with Red Edge, a Virginia-based digital advocacy firm that represents the Republican Governors Association, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Heritage Foundation.

Alex Skatell, former digital director for the GOP's gubernatorial and Senate campaign operations, leads a new group that has been quietly testing a system that would allow Republicans to share details about millions of voters ? their personal interests, group affiliations and even where they went to school. Democrats began using related technology years ago, giving Obama a significant advantage last fall in personalizing communication with prospective supporters.

With no primary opponent last year, Obama's re-election team used the extra time to build a large campaign operation melding a grass-roots army of 2.2 million volunteers with groundbreaking technology to target voters. They tapped about 17 million email subscribers to raise nearly $700 million online.

Data-driven analytics enabled the campaign to run daily simulations to handicap battleground states, analyze demographic trends and test alternatives for reaching voters online.

Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, in contrast, had only a few months after a lengthy primary fight to try to match Obama's tech advantage. He couldn't make up the difference. Romney's technology operation was overwhelmed by the intense flow of data and temporarily crashed on Election Day.

A 100-page report on how to rebound from the 2012 election, released last week by Republican Party Chairman Reince Priebus, includes several technology recommendations.

"The president's campaign significantly changed the makeup of the national electorate and identified, persuaded and turned out low-propensity voters by unleashing a barrage of human and technological resources previously unseen in a presidential contest," the report said. "Marrying grass-roots politics with technology and analytics, they successfully contacted, persuaded and turned out their margin of victory. There are many lessons to be learned from their efforts, particularly with respect to voter contact."

Skatell, 26, is leading one new effort by Republican allies to fill the void. His team of designers, software developers and veteran Republican strategists is now testing what he calls an "almost an eHarmony for matching volunteers with persuadable voters" that would let campaigns across the country share details in real time on voter preferences, harnessing social media like Facebook and Twitter.

Other groups are working to improve the GOP's data and digital performance.

The major Republican ally, American Crossroads, which spent a combined $175 million on the last election with its sister organization, hosted private meetings last month focused on data and technology. Drawing from technology experts in Silicon Valley, the organization helped craft a series of recommendations expected to be rolled out later this year.

"A good action plan that fixes our deficiencies and identifies new opportunities can help us regain our advantage within a cycle or two," said Crossroads spokesman Jonathan Collegio.

A prominent group of Republican aides has also formed America Rising, a company that will have a companion "super" political action committee that can raise unlimited contributions without having to disclose its donors. Its purpose is to counter Democratic opposition research groups, which generated negative coverage of Romney and GOP candidates last year.

America Rising will provide video tracking, opposition research and rapid response for campaign committees, super PACs and individual candidates' campaigns but does not plan to get involved in GOP primaries. It will be led by Matt Rhoades, who served as Romney's campaign manager, and Joe Pounder, the research director for the Republican National Committee. Running its super PAC will be Tim Miller, a former RNC aide and spokesman for former GOP presidential candidate Jon Huntsman.

Romney and several Republican candidates were monitored closely by camera-toting Democratic aides during the campaign, a gap that Miller said American Rising hopes to fill on behalf of Republicans.

Brad Woodhouse, a spokesman for the Democratic National Committee, said his party has "a several years' lead on data and analytics infrastructure and we're not standing still."

Of the GOP effort, Woodhouse said, "We don't see them closing the gap anytime soon."

___

Peoples reported from Boston.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/89ae8247abe8493fae24405546e9a1aa/Article_2013-03-28-Republicans-Tech%20Race/id-609fa0dedaf04d1aba5e637706e503ca

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