News
The World Rings In 2012
Celebrations kicked off with Australia, New Zealand being among the first to welcome the New Year. Fireworks, candlelight vigils, balloons, even a Guinness record-breaking attempt, were all part of the festivities as people around the globe celebrated the end of one year and the beginning of another.
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A couple takes a photo near the river front promenade called 'the Bund, one of the most popular tourist destinations in town, as it is illuminated to celebrate the New Year on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011, in Shanghai, China. (AP)
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People gather to celebrate the new year 2012 at the illuminated Temple of Heaven, the city's historic landmark in Beijing on January 1, 2012. Billions marked the end of 2011 with noisy celebrations from Sydney to Stockholm. (AFP)
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Buddhist Thais use lotus to apply holy water on the statues of Lord Buddha for their luck as part of a New Year celebrations in Bangkok, Thailand, Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011. (AP)
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Fireworks illuminate the Hong Kong skyline above Victoria harbor during New Years celebrations on January 1, 2012. An estimated 400,000 people were at the display marking the new year. (AFP)