New Year’s Celebration at Times Square and Across the Globe

By Stephanie Moore
Noon Edition Producer
Published: January 1, 2009

Worldwide economic gloom didn’t keep millions of people from braving the cold at times square last night.
More than a ton of confetti, and 1,000 balloons washed over the crowd, as the clock struck midnight.
Just moments before, the Jonas Brothers sang in the New Year, and Hillary and Bill Clinton led the final 60 second countdown.
People did what they could to stay warm, as temperatures dropped through the night.
At the center of attention, was a new and improved crystal ball.
It’s doubled in size, has twice the star power, and can create billions of patterns.
Starting today, it will be a year round attraction, and a permanent reminder of new beginnings.
And day one of 2009 was brought in with cheers from around the world.
Sydney, Australia was the first major city to ring in the New Year, followed by Taiwan and Tokyo.
Fireworks lit up the sky over Russia’s Red Square and London’s giant Ferris wheel.