woven together by satellite tv , the world 's nearly 200 countries , in their 24 time zones , became a jamboree of disparate cultures -- south pacific islanders singing handel 's `` hallelujah '' chorus , buddhist monks praying for peace in japan , a german choir singing in a church in nazareth , israel , and a huge french-made bell tolling a welcome in newport , ky. for each time zone entering 2000 .