Letting the voter-approved ban on gay marriage stand, California's Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to hear several legal challenges against the ban. Though an earlier decision by the same court in May had opened marriage to same-sex couples in the state, gay couples are legally no allowed to resume marrying before it rules anew.

Paris  - Video games from the past such as Pac-Man and Donkey Kong are making a comeback in Paris.

More and more bars, cafes and clubs in the French capital are setting up the old coin-operated machines. Classic games such as Pac-Man, Street Fighter and Arkanoid are being played by men in their 30s who remember the games from their youth.

Hamburg  - Celebrating Christmas with family remains very important to young people even in times when attending the traditional Christmas Eve religious service has lost its meaning for many people. Some don't even know what the holiday is all about.

"In a mobile world the family is an anchor," said Sabine Koppe of a Hamburg-based organization that follows trends in an interview with Deutsche Presse-Agentur dpa. That's why holidays such as Christmas carry a lot of weight.

New York  - The constant fluctuations on Wall Street can grate on even the toughest businessman's or businesswoman's nerves.

In search of a remedy, more and more brokers are taking calming classes in yoga and meditation, the New York Times reported. Working out at the gym or taking up other sports also helps brokers and other employees in the finance branch to let off steam.

New York  - Worry lines and creases between the eyes apparently are no longer a sign of virility among men in the US.

More and more men are using botox to get rid of the wrinkles. Demand for the nerve-deadening treatment has risen considerably. In 2001 about 100,000 US men got a shot of botox in their foreheads and their numbers had tripled by 2007.

Munich  - The clock ticks without heeding the loss of youth and vivacity - causing unease especially among women.

"Young" is no longer a description for people who reach important milestones such as their 40th, 50th and 60th birthdays. While some people have difficulty accepting their age, a few things such as a a flirtation test or a new project can help.