In the next, he would reject traditional artists' tools in favor of found objects, black tar paper (textured and pebbly and quite iridescent, giving the impression of a midnight sky) or sentimental postcards, eliminating, in a sense, all traces of technique and skill--and even of the artist (some of the "objects" were assembled by carpenters).

FORBES: Miro's Creative Destruction

In Auckland, the major city closest to the International Date Line, fireworks exploded over the city's 328m (1, 076ft) Sky Tower as midnight struck (11:00 GMT).

BBC: New year revellers welcome 2013 with fireworks

As the midnight hour struck, fireworks streaked across the sky above Copacabana beach.

BBC: Rio leads the American millennium

Public displays of affection are frowned upon in mainstream society, so at midnight, the only fireworks were in the sky: there was no kissing even among couples.

FORBES: My Thai, Part 2: Happy New Year From Opposite Land!

It was getting close to midnight in London, and there were no dancers, no waves, no Miami Sound Machine blasting through the August sky.

WSJ: 2012 London Olympics: Jason Gay: A Farewell to Queens of the Beach, Kerri Walsh Jennings and Misty May-Treanor