America welcomes 2012: One MILLION revellers gather in Times Square for star-studded night as they celebrate a hopeful and peaceful new year

An astounding one million revellers erupted in cheers amid a confetti-filled celebration in New York's Times Square to welcome in the new year, part of star-studded celebrations and glittering fireworks displays around the world to usher in 2012.

From New Zealand to New York, the world eagerly welcomed a new year Sunday and hoped for a better future, saying goodbye to a year of hurricanes, tsunamis and economic turmoil that many would rather forget.

In New York, hundreds of thousands gathered at the crossroads of the world to witness a crystal ball with more than 30,000 lights descended at midnight. Lady Gaga and Mayor Michael Bloomberg led the crowd in the final-minute countdown of the famed crystal-paneled ball drop.

Looking glittery as the orb itself, Lady Gaga was invited by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg to press the crystal button at 11.59pm that triggered the decent of the 2012 New Year’s Eve Ball – a dazzling sphere 12 feet in diameter that weighs 11,875 pounds.

More than one ton of confetti – some of it inscribed with wishes for the New Year written by people across the globe –descended on the revellers in New York, who enjoyed an unseasonably warm New Year's.Dick Clark – who has hosted his New Year’s Eve special since the 1970s – is again being helped this year by his protege Ryan Seacrest for the 40th anniversary of the show. The ABC special has been expanded and now begins at 8pm, making the six-hour broadcast the longest ever.

The 82-year-old television personality suffered a stroke in 2004 and has stepped back in hosting duties in recent years. There has been wild speculation throughout the years if this year will be his last on Rockin’ Eve, though a spokesperson said he hopes that’s not the case.

More than 1,500 New York Police Department officers were patrolling the massive 17-block party to ensure everyone’s safety. They ensured security through the use of over 3,000 cameras and numerous check-points with bag inspections. Alcohol was also banned.

While the celebration officially kicked off at 6pm, many celebrators were there hours earlier to secure a prime spot. One California man was in his spot at 7am this morning.

‘It’s my first time and I want to have a good view,’ Peter Lin, a San Francisco State college student told the New York Daily News. ‘I didn’t want to be blocked by anybody.'

Many Americans across the nation will usher in the new year thinking that 2011 is a year they would rather forget. But as the country prepared for the celebration, glum wasn't on the agenda for many, even those that had a sour year.

May the new year bring these wishes

May the new year

Bring these wishes to all of you

Warmth of love, comfort of home

Joy for your children,

Company and support of family n friends

A caring heart that accepts

N treats all human beings equally

Enrichment of knowledge n

Richness of diversity

Courage to seek n speak the truth

Even if it means standing alone

Hopes n dreams of a just world n

The desire to make it happen

A light to guide your path

Helping hands to strengthen unity

Serenity n peace within your mind,

Heart n soul

Food for thought n soul

A hand to hold

Happy New Year 2012.

New Year, old outfit: Lady Gaga recycles her style stepping out in 1980's inspired gold outfit and retro shades

The 31st of December is usually a time to look to the future.
But it appears that Lady Gaga is taking her style inspiration from the past and was seen stepping out in a gold 1980’s style outfit earlier today. The shiny, bejeweled number was teamed with a pair of retro sunglasses and a side ponytail, with the 25-year-old singer appearing to recycle a look from earlier in December.

The Born This Way singer stepped out in the shades and a eccentric gold ensemble in Tokyo just before Christmas. Wearing similar looks more than once is not typical of the kooky singer, who prides herself on putting on a show at all times for her 'little monster' fans.

Gaga is performing in New York tonight and the singer was seen making her way to rehearsals

The singer was seen practicing her set for fans in Times Square

   Putting on a show: The singer looked every inch her star as she performed her set

Russell Brand files for divorce from Katy Perry after 14 months of marriage

Rumors have been a swirlin’ that Katy Perry and Russell Brand were on the rocks. Seems there is truth to those rumors. Brand has filed for divorce from Perry. 

They were married in October 2010 and have no children.

I knew things were not good when they spent Christmas apart, but in my heart of hearts, I refused to believe that these two crazy kids couldn’t make it work. They always seemed so genuinely fond of each other.

Let’s hope this is the final break-up for 2011. I don’t think my heart could take another split.

Shontelle - Say Hello To Goodbye

The Hot New Color for 2012 in Interior Design

The hot new color for 2012 is already on everyone’s lips and will be presented in future collections in fashion and interior design. Tangerine Tango, a “dramatic” combination of red and orange, was chosen as the defining shade for 2012 in a report released in December 8 by Pantone Color Institute.

It is well-known that Pantone Color Institute forecasts annualy the color for the upcoming year based on indicators of the current year related to socio-economic and global influences from fashion to art, music to film and interior design. If last year’s color was the pink-ish Honeysuckle Rose, this vibrant reddish orange shade will make a splash and will inspire people in creating modern homes, on runaways or even on the streets in 2012. Described as “vivacious” and “enticing”, Tangerine Tango is a bold and vivid color that uplifts people’s moods. By choosing to decorate using Tangerine Tango color scheme, you will create sofisticated but seductive interiors. Although many of you think it’s bold color, Tangerine can be easily “matching” with lots of other colors or can be introduced into the background without striking, even when it comes to classic style.

In addition, it is an optimistic color, welcoming, full of energy. Those who will use this color, will show more courage and personality. Depending on your preference there are more intense or less intense shades that you can play as you wish. If you will choose to decorate the everything in Tangerine, you can soften its intensity with accents of khaki, brown or black. You can get a look exciting and vibrant space using several shades of Tangerine in the same room. For creating a fresh look, combinations of tangerine and neutral colors like white will be just perfect.

Choose having accents like pillows, bedspreads and tabletop accessories in this high-impact hue to add spice to any room, if you don’t want to stress too much with painting walls and ceiling. You’ll be surprised how many decorations you will find in this contagious color. Whether you paint walls, have doors or furniture in this gourgeous color, you can have your home out of the crowd by that will be modern and trendy.