Sunday Sign of Hope 1/1/2006
from WNBC:
Revelers Celebrate New Year In Times Square
The confetti was as thick as a snowstorm. The kisses spontaneous and ubiquitous. The Waterford crystal ball mesmerizing. The collective scream familiar: "Happy New Year!"
It was another singular New York moment at Times Square, signaling the start of 2006 for the hundreds of thousands of revelers who gathered with hopes, prayers and sincere resolutions.
"Now bring on peace and happiness!" exclaimed Tarra Meaders, visiting from Arlington, Texas.
Many had braved the weather and a temperature hovering around freezing -- all to say they were part of the biggest party in the world and an American tradition.
"It was the best," said Chey Collura, of Lincoln, Neb. "We've been here eight and a half hours in the rain and snow and cold."
After being absent last year because of a stroke, Dick Clark, appearing fragile, returned for the televised 1-minute countdown of the ball drop.
"It's real good to be back with you again this year," Clark, 76, said slowly, slurring his speech. "You and I have been a part of each other's lives for so many New Year's Eves that I wouldn't have missed this for the world."
Clark's appearance even had the usually phlegmatic Mayor Michael Bloomberg emoting.
"It just would not be New Year's Eve without Dick Clark," Bloomberg said. "I know I speak for all New Yorkers and all Americans: Dick, we love you. It's gonna be a great 2006."
This year's celebration honored New Yorkers who aided in recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina. Workers from city agencies who joined in the relief and jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis served as the guests of honor.
Marsalis, artistic director for Jazz at Lincoln Center, joined representatives of the fire, police, correction and emergency management departments in pressing a button at 11:59 p.m. to begin the descent of the 1,070-pound Waterford ball, decorated with 504 crystal triangles, atop 1 Times Square.
Highlights of the program, televised worldwide to an estimated 1 billion people, included fireworks after the ball was lit and raised at 6 p.m., singing by Mary J. Blige and Mariah Carey and the return of Clark, who suffered a stroke in 2004, for ABC-TV's "New Year's Rockin' Eve."
The sultry Carey was a highlight of the night. The diva, who donned a revealing white evening gown, didn't disappoint her many fans.
"I got Mariah Carey's autograph and told her I love her," said 8-year-old Nicole Boritz, whose 2006 goal is to earn her black belt in karate.
Police stopped traffic along Broadway and other streets around Times Square, which has hosted New York's official New Year's celebration for more than 100 years.
The event seemed to go off without a hitch, with police reporting no arrests.
One group of Swiss tourists even toasted the new year with a bottle of champagne despite an alcohol ban.
"I hope that everybody's happy and healthy in the new year," said Nadia Burgi, of Zurich, who smuggled in a bottle of bubbly and glasses.
Revelers Celebrate New Year In Times Square
The confetti was as thick as a snowstorm. The kisses spontaneous and ubiquitous. The Waterford crystal ball mesmerizing. The collective scream familiar: "Happy New Year!"
It was another singular New York moment at Times Square, signaling the start of 2006 for the hundreds of thousands of revelers who gathered with hopes, prayers and sincere resolutions.
"Now bring on peace and happiness!" exclaimed Tarra Meaders, visiting from Arlington, Texas.
Many had braved the weather and a temperature hovering around freezing -- all to say they were part of the biggest party in the world and an American tradition.
"It was the best," said Chey Collura, of Lincoln, Neb. "We've been here eight and a half hours in the rain and snow and cold."
After being absent last year because of a stroke, Dick Clark, appearing fragile, returned for the televised 1-minute countdown of the ball drop.
"It's real good to be back with you again this year," Clark, 76, said slowly, slurring his speech. "You and I have been a part of each other's lives for so many New Year's Eves that I wouldn't have missed this for the world."
Clark's appearance even had the usually phlegmatic Mayor Michael Bloomberg emoting.
"It just would not be New Year's Eve without Dick Clark," Bloomberg said. "I know I speak for all New Yorkers and all Americans: Dick, we love you. It's gonna be a great 2006."
This year's celebration honored New Yorkers who aided in recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina. Workers from city agencies who joined in the relief and jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis served as the guests of honor.
Marsalis, artistic director for Jazz at Lincoln Center, joined representatives of the fire, police, correction and emergency management departments in pressing a button at 11:59 p.m. to begin the descent of the 1,070-pound Waterford ball, decorated with 504 crystal triangles, atop 1 Times Square.
Highlights of the program, televised worldwide to an estimated 1 billion people, included fireworks after the ball was lit and raised at 6 p.m., singing by Mary J. Blige and Mariah Carey and the return of Clark, who suffered a stroke in 2004, for ABC-TV's "New Year's Rockin' Eve."
The sultry Carey was a highlight of the night. The diva, who donned a revealing white evening gown, didn't disappoint her many fans.
"I got Mariah Carey's autograph and told her I love her," said 8-year-old Nicole Boritz, whose 2006 goal is to earn her black belt in karate.
Police stopped traffic along Broadway and other streets around Times Square, which has hosted New York's official New Year's celebration for more than 100 years.
The event seemed to go off without a hitch, with police reporting no arrests.
One group of Swiss tourists even toasted the new year with a bottle of champagne despite an alcohol ban.
"I hope that everybody's happy and healthy in the new year," said Nadia Burgi, of Zurich, who smuggled in a bottle of bubbly and glasses.
posted by A Mad Man at 8:52 AM
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