So...how were the 'spectacular' fireworks?

[Shaun]

I live in England, and I was just stuck in home, alone, last night. On TV I just saw London's fireworks, and there was the Queen, smiling at these pointless fireworks that cost so much money.

I personally hate New Year's Eve. If you go out you're only going to encounter pissed chavs, and you can't even send anyone a "Happy New Year' message because the mobile networks are clogged up. If all of the money that was wasted on these fireworks went to third-world countries, that'd make it a happier next year for me.

Well, I hated it. But what do you think?

[Christmas]

there was the Queen, smiling at these pointless fireworks that cost so much money.

Not even once a year?

[Shaun]

Not even once a year?

I understand what you're saying, but these fireworks - there were so many. They must've cost a fortune. Even using a quarter of the amount would've been good if they were to help unfortunate countries with the rest.

[Alive-Cat]

I missed them. Punk rock music, and such...:rolleyes2

[Christmas]

People will start complaining on how the government is being a miser on the fireworks and those money saved might not go to the third world countries anyway.

[Rye]

In America, we don't really have a lot of fireworks on New Years. A few in Time Square and a few from some random people who have them, but that's it. I didn't see any outside, but I saw some on TV after the ball drop. It was nice. I love the ball drop.

[Apollo]

Yeah, the ball drop is really cool. I watch it on T.V every year with my friends and family. Someday I want to go there and see it for myself though, I think that'd be really cool.

I spent most of my New Years Eve going up north with 2 of my friends to get a friend who moved up there and bring her down here to celebrate the new year with us. It was a great new years. ^^

[Jess]

Ball drop?

I'm also in the UK, and I didn't see the fireworks because I was at a party, but I love fireworks they are really pretty.

[boris no no]

we didnt see any
but a bunch of 20 year old with whiskey chess and a gamble ring set up are not too bothered about that sort of thing :P

[Chaos]

I was in Brighton for New Years...I saw about three fireworks go off...mind you, I was at my mates flat dancing around to le punk rock.

[Old Manus]

I stood out on the balcony and I could see the whole town and there were tons of fireworks - but the drink may have made me start seeing things

[Cz]

I like fireworks. They may not solve any problems or serve a purpose beyond lighting up the sky with pretty colours, but they're a treat, and a way of celebrating the coming of a new year in a way that's a little more eventful than just getting drunk and forgetting the words to Auld Lang Syne. This year's display was particularly fantastic, a light show with real structure that gives a real sense of occasion to those who couldn't make it to a party.

It's true that the money spent on New Year's celebrations could have been put to better use, but sometimes it's important to give people something to enjoy. An extravagant fireworks display might not be the wisest use of thousands of pounds, but I think that you can justify the occasional indulgence for the sake of a New Year's celebration that gives people something to cheer about.

[Primus Inter Pares]

They were good, my grandmother only allowed my grandad to get one rocket thing...

So of course, he gets the biggest mothersmurfer there, there was over 100 small rockets in it xD.

[KoShiatar]

I don't like New Year's Eve because it makes me think about how lonely I am.

[Psychotic]

If you care so much about third world countries, how about instead of using your time posting on internet forums, you use it to do charity work for third world countries? Heck, sell your computer and give the proceeds to said third world countries too, and while you're at it, sell your video games consoles, TV and CD/mp3 players and donate the money to those living in poorer countries.

All these things are as necessary as fireworks, in that they aren't. Until you don't have any unnecessary luxuries, don't point the finger at anyone else.

Now, let's all forget about third world countries and indulge in the decadent lifestyle of the west.