Celebs are getting their party on this New Year's Eve.

Of course, NYC's biggest bash takes place in Times Square, and a bevy of the hottest names in pop music will be on hand to perform before the ball drops - Taylor Swift, Psy, Carly Rae Jepsen, Train and Neon Trees.

The ladies of that bunch should take note: Last year, Lady Gaga doled out a midnight smooch to Mayor Michael Bloomberg... » more

We all know about the Times Square ball drop on New Year's Eve, so here is a look at New Year's traditions from around the world:

SPAIN At the stroke of midnight, many Spaniards ring in the new year by eating 12 grapes, one at each chime of the clock. Each grape signifies good luck for one month in the coming year, and everyone tries to finish their grapes by the 12th chime. The tradition,... » more

For its annual New Year's Eve concert, the New York Philharmonic will highlight the work of the late composer Marvin Hamlisch, who often conducted concerts there. We reached out to some performers for their thoughts on what appeals to them about Hamlisch, who was best known for the scores of "A Chorus Line" and countless films.

Audra McDonald "What I loved about him was that... » more

75%: The percent of Americans who told surveyors they plan on ringing in 2013 by staying in as opposed to going out, according to a new survey conducted for Hasbro, the board game manufacturers of board games such as Monopoly and Scrabble. Here is who respondents said they would least like to partner with while playing games:

40%: their boss

21%: an in-law

15%: their own parents

11%:... » more

amNewYork's puzzles and horoscope will return on Jan. 2.... » more

An ailing, 60-foot-long finback whale, found beached on the Breezy Point shores in Queens, died Thursday morning and authorities immediately began planning a necropsy to find a cause of death.

After the procedure -- the marine-biology equivalent of an autopsy -- the carcass will be buried or taken to a landfill, according to Mendy Garron, Northeast stranding coordinator for the National Oceanic... » more

The Nets' December slide has claimed its first casualty: Avery Johnson.

The Nets "relieved" the head coach of his duties Thursday afternoon, announced GM Billy King.

Johnson had been named the Eastern Conference Coach of the Month for October and November after leading the Nets to an 11-4 record. But the team went 3-10 this month, resulting in Johnson's departure.

"The... » more

1. "Gangnam Style" 2. "Fiscal Cliff" 3. Tim Tebow 4. 47% 5. Honey Boo Boo 6. Those inspirational posters on Facebook 7. Rihanna's Twitter photos 8. Constant rumors about whatever the next iPhone is 9. Lindsay Lohan gets a) arrested b) hauled into court c) new movie 10. Taylor's Swift's latest boyfriend... » more

Sandy relief Rebounding from the devastating effects of Superstorm Sandy is only one weather-related challenge we face today.

President Barack Obama sent Congress a $60.4 billion emergency spending request to cover the damage, of which about 10% would be earmarked for local transit. The Sandy relief bill is being debated in Congress.

Also, in 2013, the City Council will hold hearings... » more

With the United States, or about 51% of it, putting its trust in Barack Obama to serve another four years as president, the commander in chief enters 2013 with job security. He'll also enter the new year with some big issues to tackle. Here's a look at what's on Obama's plate.

'Fiscal cliff' If Jan. 1 arrives with no "fiscal cliff" deal, spending and tax cuts that could send the... » more