US News
Thousands celebrate in Times Square despite bitter cold
Jan 1, 2009, 15:50 GMT
Former US President Bill Clinton and his Wife US Secretary of State designate Hillary Clinton (lower left) watch the ball drop in the new year 2009 in New York\'s Times Square USA, 01 January 2009. Hundreds of thousands of revelers ushered in the new year despite sub-freezing tempertures in New York\'s Times Square. EPA/PETER FOLEY
New York - Bitter cold temperatures in New York could not keep away hundreds of thousands of New Year's revellers who gathered to see the customary ball drop in Times Square marking the start of 2009.
Temperatures were minus 7 degrees Celsius, but strong winds left the crowd feeling much colder with wind chills of up to minus 17 degrees.
The iconic US celebration featured a count-down to the New Year as a giant ball of flashing lights fell at midnight. Former president Bill Clinton, Senator Hillary Clinton and New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg pushed the button to release the ball.
The tradition dates to 1907, but this year organizers unveiled a new sphere nearly twice as large as that used in previous years.
The 3.6-metre, 5,400-kilogram geodesic sphere now features changing coloured light patterns, replacing the white light bulbs of the past, the Times Square Alliance said. It is also more environmentally friendly, powered by energy-saving light emitting diodes (LEDs) reflected by 2,668 Waterford crystals.
The confetti released at midnight was inscribed with wishes submitted by celebrants, NY1 news reported.
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Older Talkback
page: 1
Also called dancing on the grave
The 2008 financial crisis will continue in the western countries for many more years.
I will argue that this is the collapse of western-style capitalism.
Capitalism no longer works for them; hence, the government interventions.
Socialism is a better system, especially the one that espouses adoption of pragmatism and incorporation of local characteristics.
For CHINA it is Socialism with CHINESE characteristics.
Watch and see what the Chinese Central Govt will achieve in 2009!
page: 1
might as wellJan 1st, 2009 - 20:45:58
Although the US will NEVER be what it once was it makes absolutely no sense not to party during New Year's.
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