Under explosive bursts of crimson, purple and blue, more than 1 million New Year revelers in Sydney got one of the world’s biggest parties started today—bidding farewell to the tough year that was 2009 and welcoming a new decade. As the family-friendly, pre-midnight fireworks show illuminated Australia’s largest city, preparations were under way across the world for pyrotechnics, parties and prayers in the final countdown to herald the end of the period dubbed “the Noughties.” The mood of celebrations was tempered in some places by the effects of the financial downturn, which bit hard in 2009, sending economies into recession and causing millions to lose their jobs and home foreclosures to rise dramatically in some countries. In Sydney, crowds—organizers expected more than 1.5 million people—thronged to harborside parks and public places for the annual fireworks extravaganza over the landmark harbor bridge and opera house.
World gets ready for 2010
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