Scant decades ago, a ball drop in Times Square was more likely to take place in one of its infamous adult theaters than in the square itself. These days, when there is not even traffic in the iconic plaza, even the historic crystal ball which sees in the New Year is clean.
The new energy efficient LED ball, and the glowing “2010” numerals, will this year be powered by bunnies. Duracell has set up stationary bikes in the square which use leg power to generate electricity and then store it, ready for midnight tonight. The whole setup requires 32,000 Watt hours of juice, which is probably not much by Times Square standards, but isn’t bad for human-power.
Reading through the Duracell “Power Lab” blog, it appears that things are a little more surreal in Times Square. Aside from “celebrities” turning up to help juice the batteries (Gabourey Sidibe, anyone? Anyone?), there is also mention of special events being held in the Charmin Restrooms, a sponsored public lavatories, consisting of comedians showing off custom toilet seats “which include everything from bright colors to glitter and feathers”.
Strange activity in the bathrooms? I guess Times Square hasn’t changed that much.
Duracell Powerlab [Duracell]
Pedal-Powered Generators to Illuminate Times Square on New Year’s Eve [Inhabitat. Thanks, Yuka!]
Image: Duracell Power Lab
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