New Year Resolution

Before anything, I`d like to wish readers of this blog a happy new year. A purposeful and remarkable year may it be for all and sundry. Its of course the time of the year we tend to do an inventory of our lives. Asking ourselves what works what us and what doesnt. What to do more or less of. Im talking about new year resolutions. Some of us persevere for a couple of months and revert to our old ways, some stick at it a bit longer and some do actually keep to their vows. This year I promise myself to be more health conscious. I will be updating my LA  Fitness membership for the year and make it a duty to be there at least twice a week. So whatever you vow to change or do this year, do give a good go.

We look forward to two major events in London this year. The first is the mayoral election and the other is the  Olympic Games.But not impressed by the fact that the race is between the usual suspects.  Boring if you ask me. Boris Johnson will be staking his claim for a second term and Ken  Livingstone trying to claim back what he assumes to be his rightful throne. I personally think Boris is justified in going for a second stint at City Hall. Why Ken Livingstone is in the race I dont understand. How many tmes has he been at the helm of affairs at City Hall? Doesnt the man get tired of running the city? I predicted Boris Johnson`s victory last time around. I think he will be returned to City Hall. Put some money on that f you are a betting person.

Come summer and the spotlight is on London as host of the 2012 Olympic Games. The planning got off to a shaky start but found its feet as time went on and everything seems to be in place for a memorable showpiece. The Games have already brought some remarkable benefits to the city. A large swathe of East London has seen tremendous re-generation. as part of the preparation for the Games. London surely will prove its claim as a world class city.

Why do people entrusted with our money like to make silly decisions, then make it seem like they are doing us a favour? A couple of years ago the famous Routemaster buses could be seen gliding through the streets of London. An icon of the city. Globally recognised just like the celebrated red phone box. Then some smart alec decided the buses were to be pulled off the streets. Citing health and safety among other spurious reasons why we were better off without the eponymous buses. Now the buses have been  reinvented and reintroduced on our roads. At a whopping bill of £7.8 million for 5 units. Mathematics has never been my forte but I reckon that comes in at about £1.3m per bus. What a wind up.

Boris Johnson was in his most ebullient element yesterday while introducing us to our new expensive run around toy. Informing us how our lives will suddenly turn brighter, glamorous and our bank balances as lush as the rainforest  by catching a glimpse of the new Routemaster on our streets. Well not exactly in those words but something pretty akin to that.  I think all they needed to do was refit the old stock. Add new features like eco- friendly engines for example.