Let’s kick off this year by talking about the last ten seconds of last year.

The first New Year’s Eve Ball made of iron and wood was adorned with one hundred 25-watt light bulbs. Measuring 5 feet in diameter and weighing 700 pounds, it was lowered from the flagpole atop One Times Square. A ball has been “dropped” every year since except 1942 and 1943.

In 1920 a wrought iron ball weighing 400 pounds replaced the first one. Then in 1955 it was changed again for an aluminum ball weighing only 150 pounds. In 1980 red light bulbs and a green stem were added for a “I Love New York” marketing campaign that lasted until 1988. The traditional ball returned but was then upgraded again in 1995 with aluminum skin, rhinestones, strobes, and computer controls. For Times Square 2000 the New YEar’s Eve Ball was completely redesigned by Waterford Crystal and Philips Lighting using modern technology and traditional materials. The most recent upgrade in 2007 includes the use of Philips Luxeon LED bulbs that increase the brightness and color capacity of the ball.

Interesting birthdays today include Paul Revere 1735 and Betsy Ross, 1752.