As promised, the ball that will drop in Times Square tonight to herald the new year will be dazzling both in its brightness and its energy efficiency. On the 100th anniversary of the tradition, the 1,415-pound ball with a circumference of some 6 feet will glow with more than 9,500 energy-efficient LED lights. Its descent will be viewed by an estimated million people in the square, who will also be treated to fireworks (kind of making the environmental angle moot, we’re afraid) and showered with confetti including New Year’s wishes in nearly 25 languages. Another billion people worldwide are expected to watch the spectacle on TV. Bring it on, 2008 — we’re ready for ya.
