As of 2008, the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball has been a 12-foot geodesic sphere (twice the size of the old New Year’s Eve Ball), weighing 11,875 pounds. It is covered in 2,668 Waterford Crystals.
Source: Times Square Alliance
Stories by FactCheck.org
December 30, 2009
In 1904, the first subway line in New York City opened, and the city’s first New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square took place.
Source: Times Square Alliance
December 29, 2009
Sarah Thomas became the first woman to officiate a college bowl game on Dec. 26, when she worked as the line judge in the Pizza Bowl between Ohio and Marshall.
Source: Associated Press
December 28, 2009
Poinsettia plants got their name from an American minister to Mexico, Joel R. Poinsett, who brought the plant to the U.S. from Mexico in 1828.
Source: History.com
December 27, 2009
Greek Orthodox churches that follow the Gregorian calendar observe Christmas on Dec. 25, like other Christian churches. But those that still follow the old Julian calendar observe Christmas 13 days later, on Jan. 7.
Source: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
December 26, 2009
Boxing Day, Dec. 26, is celebrated in Australia, Canada, Britain and New Zealand. It began in Britain with a practice of giving to the less fortunate the day after Christmas. But there are several theories about its exact origins.
Source: Snopes.com
December 25, 2009
On April 29, 1975, Armed Forces Radio broadcast Bing Crosby’s rendition of "White Christmas" as a code to signal the U.S. evacuation of Saigon, Vietnam.
Source: Military.com and Time.com
December 24, 2009
"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" was written for Judy Garland to sing in the movie musical "Meet Me in St. Louis."
Source: Entertainment Weekly
December 23, 2009
The most popular holiday song played at malls is "Jingle Bells."
Source: International Council of Shopping Centers
FactCheck Mailbag, Week of Dec. 15-Dec. 21
This week, readers sent us comments on climate change, dire health care predictions and private insurance in a single-payer system.
In the FactCheck Mailbag we feature some of the e-mail we receive. Readers can send comments to editor@factcheck.org. Letters may be edited for length.