Latest news with #EternalFlame
Novaya Gazeta Europe
5 days ago
- Politics
- Novaya Gazeta Europe
St. Petersburg child agency requires foster parents to prove they haven't ‘changed their sex' — Novaya Gazeta Europe
Children of the Russian Youth Army salute the Eternal Flame monument during Russia Day celebrations in Moscow, Russia, 12 June 2025. Photo: EPA-EFE/SERGEY ILNITSKY Child protection services in St. Petersburg now require individuals seeking to adopt or arrange custody over children to certify that they have not ever 'changed their sex', investigative media outlet IStories reported on Friday, citing prospective foster parents and employees from the organisation. According to IStories, St. Petersburg guardianship offices began to require such certification in 2024, despite national legislation not listing it as an official requirement for adoption. In July 2023, the Russian State Duma passed a widely criticised 'sex change' law, which bans gender-affirming surgery, forbids transgender people from changing their gender in official documents and prevents them from adopting children. One woman who applied for guardianship of a child in summer 2024 told IStories that she was asked by the agency to obtain a birth certificate from the civil registry office to 'prove' her sex and gender. 'The guardianship officer told me, 'We're embarrassed ourselves to ask for a certificate that you haven't changed gender. We even ask elderly people who are applying for guardianship over incapacitated children'', she said. 'Their explanation was that they'd get in trouble if they accepted the documents without this certificate. I found it ridiculous … I have given birth to five children. What doubts could there possibly be in my case?' she added. Lawyers interviewed by IStories say that child protection services cannot legitimately require potential foster parents to provide such information, as it is not an official requirement for Russian citizens residing in the country, according to federal law. Though the 2023 anti-trans law does prohibit transgender people from adopting children, only foreign, stateless, or Russian individuals that permanently live abroad are legally obligated to sign a document testifying that they have never undergone a 'sex change' when seeking to become foster parents, the lawyers told IStories.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘80s Music Icon Shares a ‘Highlight of My Life'
'80s Music Icon Shares a 'Highlight of My Life' originally appeared on Parade. has likely experienced several amazing moments since breaking out of the Los Angeles club scene in the '80s with The Bangles, and yet, the singer is calling one of her recent concert appearances 'a highlight of my life.' Hoffs, 66, took to Instagram on Friday, May 30, to share a clip from her recent appearance at the Beach Life Festival in Redondo Beach, Calif. In front of a massive crowd, Hoffs performed The Bangles 1989 No. 1 hit 'Eternal Flame.' 🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 The clip also features video of Hoffs herself superimposed, adding commentary about the moment with a huge smile on her face and occasional laughs. 'This was a highlight of my life—to be able to walk out on the ramp and share such a special moment with the audience!' she wrote in the caption. 'I finally had the chance to do what I'd always dream of onstage!' reads text overlaid on the video prior to Hoffs beginning her commentary. 'I had thought that it was time to go back and then I didn't want to go back,' Hoffs said as she watched the video of herself on the ramp. She then rocked back-and-forth to the power ballad before she observed the crowd. 'Whoa! Look at all the people,' she added. At one point in the performance, Hoffs knelt and held the hand of one fan. That prompted her to comment, 'I wanted to hold everyone's hand.' As she successfully hit a high note during the song's crescendo, Hoffs held up her hands in victory. Fans in the comments on Instagram were there to give Hoffs their approval. 'Wow… you are so special and sweet. 😍,' wrote one. 'Protect this woman at all costs!' added another. 'Omg!!this is so beautiful and so moving!! Forever Eternal Flame dearest @susannahoffsofficial ❤️❤️,' a third fan wrote.'80s Music Icon Shares a 'Highlight of My Life' first appeared on Parade on May 30, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on May 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
Metro
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Atomic Kitten singer Liz McClarnon, 44, pregnant with first child
Liz McClarnon has admitted she is 'petrified' ahead of welcoming her first child after having two miscarriages. As a teenager Liz joined the girl group Atomic Kitten alongside Kerry Katona and Natasha Hamilton. The group – who later had Jenny Frost join after Kerry left – scored three number-one hits – Whole Again, Eternal Flame, and The Tide Is High – plus two number-one albums. However last year Liz was left as the only member of Atomic Kitten after the other two quit. A year on Liz has revealed some exciting news in her private life. Earlier this month the 44-year-old admitted she'd 'been keeping a secret'. 'I've mostly kept myself off social media because sometimes it was hard to smile. But after years of sometimes quite painful IVF quite dark times…I'm pregnant,' she captioned a video, which showed her sitting in a park cradling her bump. 'I started to record a video of me just telling you but I got too emotional, so I thought I'd just hide behind this little announcement instead. I just can't believe we're here,' she continued. 'So many have been through exactly what I went through and worse. ❤️ I want to share what I can and add my voice and ears to those who already help others understand or deal with all that comes with IVF and loss after so much hope. I've been a part of some beautifully supportive communities. I'm so grateful.' The singer is expecting her first child with husband Peter Cho, a doctor she met on a dating app during the pandemic. Four months later they moved in together and four months after that the couple were engaged. Early in their relationship they began the IVF process as both wanted children and were aware her being 40 might delay the natural process. However, in 2022 they had three failed embryo transfers, and last year she suffered two miscarriages after the first successful cycles. In an interview with The Mirror, Liz said she decided to share her fertility struggles following 'dark times'. 'The whole process made me truly appreciate that having a baby is a miracle,' she said. 'When it doesn't work, you're just in shock. 'I felt so bad emotionally, it was really tough.' But Liz said she was now 'loving life' and was excited to find out the sex of her baby. She did joke about her nerves though too. 'My knees already hurt. Don't get me wrong, I'm so grateful, but I'm also petrified. But you know what? It's happened to women older than me before, and it'll happen again – so we'll just get on with it!,' she said. When sharing her pregnancy publicly, Liz was flooded with many messages of support – including from her former bandmates. 'Literally couldn't be any happier for you both! After all you've been through, this little miracle is everything,' Natasha wrote. 'The best news ever …. You have been through it girl but never lost faith in what you knew was meant to be 🤍 Beyond happy for you both,' Jenny added. More Trending Liz and Peter married in 2023, but she only revealed his identity to her followers when they celebrated their first wedding anniversary last year. After sharing photos with her husband's face covered by confetti soon after their wedding, she paid tribute to Peter a year later. Sharing a photo of them together, she wrote: 'Guess what?! I've been married to my perfect match for a whole year, I love you Peter Cho!' Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: SXSW London: Everything you can expect from festival's inaugural week in the Capital MORE: Atomic Kitten's Natasha Hamilton 'horrified' after family members narrowly avoid Liverpool parade car crash MORE: 'Gigs don't have to cost £400 – the next Taylor Swift could be down the road'
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Time of India
A light bulb that won't die: California's 124-year-old light still glows, defying time, tech and AI
In a world where gadgets become obsolete overnight and even humans face replacement by AI, one unassuming piece of 19th-century engineering has quietly defied time—and logic. Known as the Centennial Bulb , this humble light fixture has remained (mostly) lit since 1901, shining dimly but dutifully in a fire station in Livermore, California. Originally installed by the Shelby Electric Company, this century-old survivor isn't part of a science fiction novel. It's real, it's still glowing, and it's drawing tourists, tech geeks, and romantics alike from around the globe, all eager to witness the bulb that beat time. The Light That Outlasted Generations Installed during the days of horse-drawn carriages and telegrams, the Centennial Bulb has now outlived several generations, two world wars, and the invention of the internet. And while it hasn't technically been on every second since 1901—temporary shut-offs during building relocations were unavoidable—it remains an engineering marvel. Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions settings , opens captions settings dialog captions off , selected Audio Track default , selected Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Secure Your Child's Future with Strong English Fluency Planet Spark Learn More Undo The fire station has even installed a live webcam feed, allowing you to watch this ancient beacon flicker in real time. If your idea of fun is staring at a 4-watt lightbulb suspended in a room, you're in luck—it's probably the most underwhelming yet awe-inspiring livestream on the internet. — historyinmemes (@historyinmemes) What's the Secret Behind the Eternal Flame? Experts and enthusiasts alike have tried to unravel the secret of its longevity. Some say the answer lies in its hand-blown glass shell, which is unusually thick and durable. Others credit its low wattage—just 4 watts, a whisper compared to today's bright LEDs. The result? A bulb that gives off a warm glow rather than dazzling light, allowing it to avoid the burnout that fells even the most advanced smart bulbs. You Might Also Like: Why you should never store onions in the fridge? The science behind keeping the layered bulbs fresh And yes, it does come with a cost. Over its 124-year lifespan, the bulb has consumed approximately 4,326 kWh, costing an estimated $51,916.46 based on current California rates. While many scoff that it's far more expensive and dimmer than modern lights, fans argue that its longevity is priceless. 'They Don't Make 'Em Like They Used To' On Reddit and beyond, the Centennial Bulb has sparked both nostalgia and disbelief. 'It is pretty cool that the bulb has not been changed since 1901,' wrote one user. 'I wonder if it will continue to work in 100 years from now.' Others echoed the sentiment: 'They don't make 'em like they used to.' It's a refrain that encapsulates more than just lightbulbs—it taps into a broader longing for durability, simplicity, and things built to last. In an age where smartphones die in two years and software needs updates every week, the Centennial Bulb stands as a quiet, glowing testament to the craftsmanship of the past—and a reminder that maybe, just maybe, some things were better back then. You Might Also Like: 'Floodlighting' is the new dating trend Gen Z can't stop talking about. But why is it a red flag experts are warning against? A Symbol in the Age of AI As artificial intelligence threatens to replace not just tools, but thought, the Centennial Bulb flickers on as a symbol of enduring human ingenuity. It's not just a bulb—it's a metaphor for perseverance in the face of constant change. In the end, the Centennial Bulb isn't just lighting a fire station in California. It's lighting a fire in the hearts of those who still believe in making things that last.
Newsweek
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Russia Deploys FSB's 'Presidential Regiment' to Key Ukraine Fortress Town
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Russia has deployed its elite FSB "Presidential Regiment" to protect the strategically important eastern Ukrainian town of Chasiv Yar, according to Kyiv's military. The regiment is assisting Russia's 98th Parachute Division in its efforts to seize the fortress town, where fighting has been ongoing for more than a year, according to Ivan Petrychak, spokesperson for the 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade. Why It Matters The town of Chasiv Yar, which had a pre-war population of more than 12,000, and is dissected by a canal, is located in the Donetsk region and has been the focus of Russia's military since March 2024. Its strategic position has allowed Ukraine's forces to hold the town and deal heavy losses to advancing Russian troops. Ukrainian servicemen prepare a drone for its flight toward the front line in the area of Chasiv Yar in Ukraine's Donetsk region on April 29, 2025. Ukrainian servicemen prepare a drone for its flight toward the front line in the area of Chasiv Yar in Ukraine's Donetsk region on April 29, 2025. GENYA SAVILOV/AFP/Getty Images What To Know The regiment under Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB), which reports directly to President Vladimir Putin, is "significantly strengthening" the Russian 98th Parachute Division in Chasiv Yar, Petrychak said. "These are top-level specialists. Now we have to face very intense fighting, and very accurate and precise work," he said. Petrychak suggested the deployment signals that Russian forces are facing some trouble in the area. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a U.S.-based think tank, said Monday that the Presidential Regiment is "primarily responsible for fulfilling honor guard duties at state functions and guarding Russian officials, the Kremlin, and the Eternal Flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier near the Kremlin Wall." "ISW has not previously observed the regiment operating in Ukraine. Russian state media reported in 2014 and 2016 that the unit is approximately the size of a motorized rifle brigade and is composed of conscripts and contract soldiers," the think tank said. Fierce fighting is ongoing in Ukraine's Donetsk and Luhansk—two regions largely under Russian occupation. The Kremlin has been pushing for the total capture of the two regions since Russia's covert intervention in eastern Ukraine in 2014. The ISW said it assessed that Russian forces lack the capacity to make significant battlefield advances in the near future. What People Are Saying The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said on Monday: "The Russian military command's decision to deploy the Presidential Regiment to fight in Ukraine is likely part of a larger Russian effort to intimidate Ukraine and the West through intensified battlefield activity and portray Russian forces as elite and fully capable of achieving significant successes in Ukraine in the near future. "The Russian military command may also be trying to feed any manpower available into the Chasiv Yar area due to its apparent effort to prioritize offensive operations against Kostyantynivka in recent months." What Happens Next Fighting in Donetsk is expected to intensify as Russian forces continue their push to seize full control of the region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on Putin to hold face-to-face bilateral peace talks in Istanbul on Thursday. The Kremlin hasn't confirmed whether the Russian president will attend the proposed meeting. "President Zelensky will not meet with any other Russian representative in Istanbul, except Putin," Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said on Tuesday.
