The year started with a bang - literally - as fireworks exploded around the globe to celebrate the arrival of a new millennium (except it wasn't, of course). Next morning, there was a collective sigh of relief as people awoke to find their computers still working, the millennium bug having failed to live up to its reputation. That was one catastrophe avoided, but there were plenty more waiting in the wings. Planes and trains crashed with alarming frequency; the world held its breath when a sub went down with 118 men, and watched live via satellite as fires and floods devastated the lives of millions. Russians and Americans elected new leaders (eventually), Filipinos moved to impeach theirs and an academic raised questions about ours. Students, teachers and fishermen demonstrated in Hong Kong, and horrific details of hideous crimes were revealed in our courts. It was a triumphant year on the sports field, with the best Olympics ever, and in the lab, with the cracking of the human genetic code. Chickens and gladiators ruled the roost at the cinema; hobo chic caused a stir on the catwalk. And everywhere there were photographers, taking the shots that defined 2000.
Millennium
1 London's Millennium Dome started the year as it would continue - with cock-ups. An audience of 10,000 queued for up to four hours because of ticket-issuing problems and tight security surrounding guests of honour British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Queen Elizabeth. Financial problems beleaguered New Labour's white elephant when it attracted fewer visitors than expected; commentators noted the only people keen to get in were the four crooks who broke in with a JCB and attempted to steal a diamond from the 'Money Zone' in November.
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2 The Eiffel Tower exploded with fireworks in Paris, where big wheels lined the Champs Elysees.
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3 Midnight in the Holy Land was marked with fireworks and the release of 2,000 doves in Bethlehem, birthplace of Jesus Christ. But in Jerusalem, rabbis barred hotels from throwing New Year's Eve parties because it was the Jewish Sabbath.