The Shard view proves popular

Having worked close to the growing Shard in London for the past five years or so, I have grown (not in quite the same way) to love the building. I think it's an exciting piece of architecture.

I am delighted to read (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-20970513) that its viewing platform at 243m (the Shard is 310m high) is proving popular, with its first two days of tickets selling out before it's even open.

Viewing begins on 1 February, with tickets being sold for £24.95 for adults and £18.95 for children. Viewing is from floor 72, which is partly open to the elements. A February start will certainly test the visitors' mettle! Although tickets are bets purchased in advance there will apparently be some available for on-the-day visitors who are happy to walk up those 72 flights.

It should be an amazing view. I must book myself a ticket.

What a year 2012 was!

I know it's been said, many times, many ways, but what a year 2012 was!

Primarily for sport, of course, but then I'm a fan.
And primarily for the Olympics, of course, but then I'm a fan!

Mo Farah, Jessica Ennis, Nicola Adams ...

Bradley Wiggins winning Olympic Gold and the first Brit to win the Tour de France!
Andy Murray winning Olympic Gold and the first Brit in two-and-a half generations to win a tennis Grand Slam.

The London 2012 Paralympics set a new standard that has not even been aspired to before, and will have to be followed in Rio in 2016 (good luck with that!).

Josie Pearson - Paralympic discuss gold medal winner

If your 2012 didn't match up to mine, I wish you a better 2013.

I can't help feeling my 2013 won't quite match my 2012.