From: esp@snet.n   
      
   The tradition continues and a new ball in Times Square tonight.   
      
   This is from USA Today   
      
   The Constellation Ball for 2026 is the largest one yet, measuring 12.5   
   feet in diameter and weighing 12,350 pounds.   
      
   Organizers said the ball also 'features new modernized technology, with   
   state-of-the-art lighting, motion, and control system, as well as a new   
   signature sound and interactive capabilities.'   
      
   On New Year’s Eve, the massive shimmering ball will be lowered at Times   
   Square in New York City to kick off the new year. Though the ball drop   
   tradition at Times Square began in 1907, New Year’s Eve celebrations at   
   the iconic venue were first held in 1904.   
      
   The original ball, measuring 5 feet in diameter and weighing 700 pounds,   
   was made of iron and wood and was covered with 100 25-watt light bulbs.   
   It was made by a young immigrant metalworker named Jacob Starr,   
   according to the Times Square website.   
      
   Over the years, the ball witnessed major changes. It went from a   
   400-pound iron ball in 1920 to a 150-pound aluminum ball with 180 light   
   bulbs in 1955. In 1995, the aluminum ball was upgraded with aluminum   
   skin, rhinestones, and computer controls. The crystal New Year’s Eve   
   ball, meanwhile, was introduced in 1999 to welcome the new millennium.   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)