The annual tradition likely wouldn’t exist at all — at least, not in its current form — if not for a man by the name of Adolph Ochs, the owner of The New York Times at the start of the 20th century. After the memorable apple design was phased out, the traditional white lightbulbs returned, and in 1995, the ball received a striking makeover for the rising computer age: an aluminum skin fitted with glitter, rhinestones, computer controls, and strobes — much of which was done for the benefit of those watching the ball drop on their televisions at home. For people around the world, the Times Square Ball Drop on New Year’s Eve is a symbolic gesture to acknowledge the passage of time, to celebrate survival and achievement, and to look toward a brighter future.
Author: Austin Harvey
Published at: 2025-12-31 22:00:00
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