And cartoons about how the Y2K bug feels. And comment - celebrated earthwatcher David Suzuki even says it might not be a bad thing if the world as we know it collapses into chaos on New Year's Eve, so that people learn how to do without technology for a wee while. All in all, it actually sounds like a good night to have a spaceship parked close by, just in case.

Or even to volunteer to be scientifically frozen until March or so, when all the fuss should well and truly have died down. (At least that would be a good way to avoid the risk of having to eat baked beans hoarded in the cupboard for the crisis, anyway.) Failing that, it is probably wise as a business traveller to avoid flying or any other mode of transport of New Year's Eve, as most airlines have suspended or cut back significantly on flights for the night and even train travel is affected in major cities such as Sydney. For example, United Airlines has announced it is cutting back flights worldwide by one-third on New Year's Eve due to reduced demand linked to Y2K fears. So it is advisable to stay put at least for one day, no matter where you may be. But if the destination happens to be Asia on New Year's Eve, then the following round-up of activities in the region may help ...

HONG KONG - The heart of the Orient is staging a celebration featuring 50 giant lanterns, a dragon parade, top local pop artists and horse racing - including a Millennium Cup Race just after midnight.

SINGAPORE - All of Orchard Road in Singapore will be transformed into a nightclub-concert from 6pm to 3am. Half a million people are expected to join in the party. Events transmitted via video wall link-ups will include live bands, local drums and dance acts.

BANGKOK - About 1,100 couples are to tie the knot in Bangkok for a mass Millennium wedding, where couples will marry at midnight.

SEOUL - At midnight on December 31, 2,000 20-year-olds will congregate in central Seoul to take part in a massive light show involving 2,000 TV monitors in a spectacular devised to promote Korea's techno prowess.

NEW YORK - For those business travellers who just can't afford to tear themselves away from the laptop for the night of all nights, but who still want to watch what's happening, live coverage by webcast may be the way to go. Earthcam, a web site with Internet cameras, is advertising its coverage as "the webcast of the century". Sign onto Earthcam's home page and play with an interactive world map offering live viewing of cities in Asia and all over the world - even Gisborne, New Zealand! Other sites offering webcasts include America Online and Greenwich 2000:Millennium. A good reference page for all things millennium to check for information such as this is Everything 2000.

SHANGHAI - Availability for late bookings will be a problem at some Asian locales celebrating the New Year such as Japan - however, in countries such as China and Malaysia, obviously Chinese and Muslim New Year happen later, so it may not be a problem. Check individual hotels for details of millennium specials for accommodation and festivities on the night. Here are a few celebratory packages on offer. The Westin Shanghai in China has a millennium package for $US228 per couple, including accommodation, buffet breakfast and a New Year's Eve dinner.

The Westin Philippine Plaza in Manila has a Millennium celebration package starting at $US225 per couple for a two-night minimum stay, which includes accommodation and other benefits but no New Year's Eve dinner. Apparently there is a spectacular fireworks show in Manila Bay close by. In addition, the Westin Stamford in Singapore has a Millennia Mania Celebration package priced at $S899 ($US538), which includes three nights' accommodation, cocktails, a S$100 meal voucher, New Year's Day breakfast for two and other benefits.

http://www.westin.com

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