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Ukraine Faces Deepening Power Shortages After Russian Strikes

A resident shows a journalist where a Russian drone struck the roof of an apartment building, depriving its residents of water, heat and electricity, in Kyiv. Ukraine is confronting one of its most severe energy shortfalls since the start of the full‑scale invasion, with the country currently able to supply only about 60% of its electricity needs. A new wave of Russian missile and drone attacks has heavily damaged power plants and transmission infrastructure across multiple regions, pushing the grid to the brink. Officials report that nearly every major power‑generating facility has been hit in recent weeks. Cities such as Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, and Dnipro have experienced rolling blackouts, leaving millions of residents coping with limited heating, lighting, and communications during the winter season. Ukraine’s government has warned that the situation remains extremely challenging. Engineers are working around the clock to repair damaged facilities, but repeated strikes have slowed...
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Valentine's Day: A Timeless Celebration of Love

 

Every February 14, hearts flutter and red roses bloom as people around the world mark a day dedicated to love. While today’s festivities often revolve around exchanging cards, chocolates, and flowers, the origins of Valentine’s Day weave a rich tapestry of history, myth, and transformation.

The roots of the holiday trace back to ancient Rome, where the raucous festival of Lupercalia celebrated fertility with rituals that included animal sacrifices and the pairing off of women with men by lottery. As Christianity spread through the Roman Empire, these pagan customs began to fade. In the late 5th century, the Catholic Church, seeking to offer a more pious alternative, established a feast day in honor of Saint Valentine—a clergyman martyred for defying the emperor’s ban on marriages for soldiers. According to legend, while imprisoned, Valentine miraculously restored the sight of his jailer’s daughter and sent her a parting note signed “from your Valentine,” a sentiment that echoes in today’s love letters and cards.

The medieval period further transformed the holiday’s meaning. English poet Geoffrey Chaucer famously linked February 14 to the beginning of birds’ mating season in his poem "The Parlement of Foules," thus cementing the association between Valentine’s Day and romance. Over the centuries, what started as a somber memorial for a martyr evolved into a vibrant celebration of all forms of love—from romantic partnerships to heartfelt friendships. Today, many cultures add their own unique twists: in Japan, for example, women gift chocolates to men (with the favor returned on White Day), while in the Philippines, mass weddings are held as an expression of communal love. 

Modern Valentine's Day is as much about personal expression as it is about tradition. Beyond the commercial bustle of gift shops and florists, the day invites us to celebrate the people who enrich our lives—be they partners, friends, or family. Whether you're crafting a handmade card, planning a quiet dinner, or even treating yourself to a moment of self-love, Valentine’s Day reminds us that love, in all its forms, remains a timeless and universal language.

Happy Valentine’s Day—may your day be filled with warmth, connection, and a little bit of magic!

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