Boston prepares for First Night

12/30/2011 Boston, MA Dancers with Chu Ling Dance Academy students (l to r) Michelle Qui (cq), 25, Kaya Mark (cq) and Maya Ludtke (cq) with instructor Chu Ling during practice for tomorrow nights First Night performance at Chu Ling Dance Academy on Friday December 30, 2011. (Matthew J. Lee/Globe staff) slug: 31firstnight section: metro Reporter:

Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff

The 36th Annual First Night festivities include live music, dance, two firework shows, and a festival of International Short Films.

For First Night director, final push is grueling, fun

One million partygoers are expected tonight for First Night festivities. For Geri Guardino, First Night’s executive director, the final preparations are a whirlwind of activity.

People dressed as the Russian Santa Claus, Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost) (2R) and his companion Snegurochka (Snow Maiden) (2L), kiss during a New Year parade in the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek, on December 31, 2011. New Year, which was the biggest informal holiday of the year in the former Soviet Union, is also very popular in predominantly Muslim Central Asian nation of Kyrgyzstan. AFP PHOTO / VYACHESLAV OSELEDKO (Photo credit should read VYACHESLAV OSELEDKO/AFP/Getty Images)

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New Year’s celebrations around the world

New Zealand and Australia are among the first in the world to welcome 2012 with New Year celebrations.

Logan expects to set a record

A record number of passengers flew in and out of Logan International Airport this year, a growth Logan officials attributed to the recent arrival Southwest Airlines and expansion of JetBlue.

GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s (far right) campaign style is polished and buttoned down. By contrast, rival Newt Gingrich (center) acts the professor, and Ron Paul (left) the idealist.

Jeff Haynes; Jim young; Jessica Rinaldi/reuters

Different flavors of the GOP

The difference in styles between the Republican presidential candidates has intensified in the closing days before the Iowa caucus.

A vending machine that serves up safety

A group of MIT undergraduates designed HelmetHub vending machines that would dispense headgear to riders of Hubway, Boston’s bike-sharing system.

Some Bostonians prefer quiet, warm welcome to new year

Many in the city will trade tonight’s fireworks and other First Night fanfare in exchange for quieter celebrations with family and close friends.

“Customers are using Logan more than they ever did, which is great news for everyone. The more passengers you have, that generates more revenue.”

Edward Freni,  director of aviation for the Massachusetts Port Authority

Metro

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Peabody, Mass. -12/30/11 - Funeral services were held for Peabody firefighter James M. Rice at St. John The Baptist Church, as hundreds of firefighters from all over came to pay respect. In Peabody Aquare, Alex White, 8 and his friend Paige Biscaia, 6 both from Salem were allowed to stand in front of firefighters as they saluted along with them. Globe staff photo by John Tlumacki (metro)

Peabody says goodbye to a hero

James M. Rice’s funeral marked the second time in two weeks that firefighters from across the region flocked to a final salute for a colleague.

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Historic theater gets new hope

The Everett Square Theatre in Hyde Park has been closed for three decades, but a new marquee is sparking hopes for a larger renovation project.

Nation & World

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Syrian forces strike at protesters

Tens of thousands of protesters poured into the streets across Syria, braving a government onslaught of tear gas, nail bombs, and gunfire that activists said killed at least 16 people.

Sports

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Thomas has become next in line for Patriots

Donald Thomas hadn’t played a regular-season game in two years. Suddenly, last week against the Dolphins, he was starting at left guard against the team that drafted him.