In 2005, graphic artist Kentaro Nagai was struck by the play on words between peace and piece in relation to global politics. This concept was expanded in an exhibition entitled Twelve Animals, where Nagai rearranged outlines of the world's landmasses into shapes respective of the aspects of the Chinese Zodiac. [via]
posted by Smart Dalek on Feb 12, 2009 - 11 comments

Times Square: Crossroads of the World is the official website of Times Square in New York City. An estimated 1 million people from all over the world are in Times Square tonight, celebrating New Year's Eve and the 100th anniversary of the ball drop (with a new eco-friendly, LED-lighted ball). Also on the site: A History of New Year's Eve in Times Square, a Then and Now interactive timeline, a Signs of the Times gallery, and much more. The FAQ is also interesting.
posted by amyms on Dec 31, 2007 - 35 comments

How to learn to love exercise. How to quit smoking. How to stop drinking, or reduce your intake. How to love your body. How to feel good about yourself. How to find a career you care about. [more inside]
posted by jbickers on Dec 30, 2007 - 36 comments

How about some Dhansak? Or maybe some Patra-ni-Machi? Is anyone in the mood for Chicken Farcha?? And to wash it down, how about a cool glass of Falooda with cream? Day before yesterday, was Navroze (Jamshed-e-Navroze), and the Zoroastrian community of Iran, along with the Parsis of India, gathered together at their Fire Temples to ring in the new year, with prayers and good wishes.
posted by hadjiboy on Mar 23, 2007 - 10 comments

Seven bombs rock Bangkok as the New Year's countdown begins. At least two are dead. Is it related to the recent coup? Some photos here.
posted by Kraftmatic Adjustable Cheese on Dec 31, 2006 - 20 comments

A German New Year's ritual entirely in Enligsh. Enlighs. English.
posted by i_am_joe's_spleen on Jan 1, 2006 - 32 comments

Happy Noruz 1384! Learn about the Persian new year and festivities and traditions that take place.
posted by BuddhaInABucket on Mar 20, 2005 - 9 comments

New Year Webcams Probably a yawn but I do not want to look at Regis. Other places besides NYC...
posted by nj_subgenius on Dec 31, 2004 - 14 comments

Old Year's Quiz. Another chance to feel un-informed and clueless, or smug and well-informed, depending. Answers next week... or "when we have time to make them up."
posted by asok on Jan 5, 2004 - 7 comments

Polar Bear Clubs have become a traditional way to greet the new year. The original US club seems to be in Atlantic City, NJ, where winter bathers have been taking the plunge on New Years Day for over 100 years. Some say that the plunges are rooted in the Nordic tradition of saunas and cold water bathing, but today most clubs focus on fundraising, taking a sponsored dip for charity. On Jan 1, 2003 Ivy Granstrom took the plunge in Vancouver BC at the age of 91 -- her 75th New Years dip. New clubs are popping up all the time - everywhere from Hampton, NH to Busan, Korea to Kirov, Russia -- even Gainesville, GA boasts some Polar Bears.
posted by anastasiav on Jan 2, 2004 - 14 comments

Ring in a New Year with good news from the web: Infamous Ugandan rebel ends years of reclusion to call for talks. Peace may be coming to Sumatra, Sri Lanka, Congo and Cyprus. Bill Gates, Sr. wants his kid to preserve the estate tax. Sudanese women launch sex strike to end civil war. Sentimental, choked-up politician says, "If at the end of my mandate all Brazilians have the possibility to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner, I will have fulfilled the mission of my life" -- and is honest enough to admit this won't be easy.
posted by sheauga on Jan 1, 2003 - 8 comments

Happy New Year[in the language of your choice] Happy new year, my friends. See you on the other side.
posted by SandeepKrishnamurthy on Dec 31, 2002 - 11 comments

Black-eyed peas before noontime is a good luck custom in the U.S. southern states, often served in Hoppin John. Spaniards favor twelve grapes at midnight, Greeks munch on a slice of vasilopita bread baked with a foil-wrapped coin, the Dutch breakfast on hot oliebollen, while the intrepid Japanese defy death by snacking down on mochi rice cakes. Every culture seems to have a traditional food or beverage to celebrate the New Year - do you have a gastronomical favorite to mark the occasion?
posted by madamjujujive on Dec 27, 2002 - 26 comments

Happy Xmas (War is over) This year marks the 30th Anniversary of the UK release of John and Yoko's perennial Christmas classic. A very Merry Xmas And a happy New Year Let's hope it's a good one Without any fear War is over, if you want it War is over now. Happy Xmas
posted by thedailygrowl on Dec 25, 2002 - 1 comment

Happy New Year! While you're having some Dim Sum and King Cake at your parish Pancake Supper, remember to celebrate the Year of the Black Horse and get those fireworks set off before Lent begins! Oh, my. Now my head is swimming... have to go lie down.
posted by dwivian on Feb 12, 2002 - 8 comments

what will 2002 bring? the guardian newspaper asked various people, like the british tiolet association, for their thoughts on the new year. the result is an interesting portrait of britain today
posted by quarsan on Jan 1, 2002 - 2 comments

Wishing you all a happy new year from the GMT zone, specifically, Dublin, Ireland, where it's now appproximately 10 minutes past the hour!
posted by tomcosgrave on Dec 31, 2001 - 14 comments

Random Cheer Bombing II: Happy (Gregorian) New Year!

(Yes, I'm early; but I have a ways to drive to get kissed, so y'all can just deal. :-)
posted by baylink on Dec 31, 2000 - 5 comments