Big Ben

[broma25 2]

Yes it does.....I guess I will have to make do with the dropping of the ball...

No offence to Americans meant. Its just not the same for me!!

[*julez* 124]

No offense taken! I can fully appreciate how synonymous Big Ben is with the UK New Year!

[Fandango 1,439]

Awwww damn B! But maybe your local news will do a 'New Year's around the world' seg where they show it?

Is your prof on mysp private? I search for your name and the 'other site's' page comes up. But I think I found you in the comments.

Edited January 1, 2008 by LisaD

[broma25 2]

Awwww damn B! But maybe your local news will do a 'New Year's around the world' seg where they show it?

Is your prof on mysp private? I search for your name and the 'other site's' page comes up. But I think I found you in the comments.

Duh Lisa yes its private.....do you have a page? If not I will make it so you can see it!!

[Fandango 1,439]

Awwww damn B! But maybe your local news will do a 'New Year's around the world' seg where they show it?

Is your prof on mysp private? I search for your name and the 'other site's' page comes up. But I think I found you in the comments.

Duh Lisa yes its private.....do you have a page? If not I will make it so you can see it!!

Sent ya my top secret url to my page.

[broma25 2]

ok Lisa sent you a add request

[Widge 0]

They showed extensive coverage of Bin Ben chiming and the fireworks on the Thames on BBC World News on BBC America as it goes out at 7pm ET it was live. Cannot agree more that the ball dropping just doesn't rank the same significance as Big Ben rinfing in the New Year. Happy new year to all.

[broma25 2]

Unfortunately i get cable as part of my rent package and it does not include BBC America....boo hoo

I did however download the BBC news 24 from UK nova. They did the chimes and the fireworks, so i played that just before midnight then watched the ball for hubby.

Drank some champagne and then to bed.

Happy New Year to all

[Jeraly 3]

Happy New Year guys Jeremy is still trying to explain the "ball" thing and I can't get over how lame it sounds... I think I will have to find some kind of recording... or invest in a good old fashioned grandfather clock!!

[Jeraly 3]

I've just seen it on youtube...

Will defo have to invest in a recording!! Maybe I can set the chimes as a backdrop to the ball dropping?! (Is it just me or does that sound a little dodgy...)

[mustang-sally 8]

Excuse my ignorance but whats this ball dropping?

Whats dropping balls got to do with new year?

Last year I was in the USA for new year, the first year I spent new year outside the UK. I was texting everyone at 6pm, that was in midnight in the UK. I will be looking for the bells next year, Big Ben will always mean the new year to me.

[Jeraly 3]

Haha - it's something they do in Times Square - has been on TV for around 30 years over there apparently... I never heard of it until this year either!! At least I am prepared for next year now though!! Would have been a bit anti-climactic otherwise!!!

Basically (from what I can gather) there is a giant ball that slides down a pole (it sounds worse!!) in Times Square - it takes about a minute and for the last 20 seconds there is a countdown - when it gets to the bottom it triggers a switch which lights up a sign saying the year it now is, people whoop and shout and go crazy etc

Call me patriotic but it's not a patch on Big Ben

[mustang-sally 8]

Well give me Big Ben over Big Balls any day

I will be like Broma, looking for the UK new year over there, hopefully I will be able to get BBC America or something similar.

Haha - it's something they do in Times Square - has been on TV for around 30 years over there apparently... I never heard of it until this year either!! At least I am prepared for next year now though!! Would have been a bit anti-climactic otherwise!!!

Basically (from what I can gather) there is a giant ball that slides down a pole (it sounds worse!!) in Times Square - it takes about a minute and for the last 20 seconds there is a countdown - when it gets to the bottom it triggers a switch which lights up a sign saying the year it now is, people whoop and shout and go crazy etc

Call me patriotic but it's not a patch on Big Ben

[broma25 2]

I think if you are brought up with Big Ben on New Years Eve, then nothing else will do. Now I have my recording courtesy of UK Nova (who are the best I have to add). I will be keeping it for future years.

Hopefully next year we will finally have a house, I will have a big new years eve party for all my neighbours and show them a good old fashioned English New Years Eve!!!

[elmcitymaven 9,711]

Bruce got to see the ball dropping this year for the first time* and pronounced it fantastic. I asked him if he ever wanted to see/hear Big Ben again at New Year's, and he asked, "Whatever for?" Chacun a son gout, I s'pose!

*Technically, he could have seen it last year as we were over here for our wedding, but as I was SO hungover from our reception the day before we didn't celebrate at all. I believe we were at a friend's house instead of celebrating, drinking coffee and listening to Hank Williams, Sr.!?!?!?!

Edited January 2, 2008 by elmcitymaven