If 2001 was a year to
remember, 2002 should be better with great
promises in sport, music and local affairs.
But last year's catastrophe on September 11 in New York shook
the world and
led people to unite everywhere. It made people think
about their lives and
how they treat one another. Terrorism brought a major
loss of life but it
also brought renewal and strength, particularly in the
American people which
is growing every day. 2002 should see New York get back
on its feet,
finally clearing the final wreckage and creating a lasting
memorial to those
who died in the atrocity.
As for predictions, 2002 is the year where Britain will no
doubt shine.
Manchester will be a rousing success with the Commonwealth
Games and should
relish in the attention from the world media and the many
tourists.
Business will positively boom as a result. As a result,
Southport should
also feel the effects and hopefully it will be a bumper year
for tourism in
the resort.
Work will finally start on the Ocean Plaza Development after
much political
wrangling. The seafront will be transformed into a place
to be proud of and
it will create a boom in retail and the hotel industries.
As for national predictions, house prices will continue to
rise but not
quite as fast as last year meaning some homeowners will be
booking their
luxury cruises finally! After two disastrous years and
the events of
September 11, the stock markets will begin to recover as city
analysts and
traders take a well earned breather after the stress.
The issue of the euro
will continue to be a political hot potato and should
result in a national referendum before the end of the year. As
for the
outcome, Britain will vote to join the euro and the debate will be
over,
thank god!
It should be a good
year for sport both at home and abroad. Manchester
United will unfortunately win the Premiership and Arsenal will lift
the FA
Cup. High hopes for Southport FC as well. If they keep
going strong, they
could force their way into the football league from the conference
league.
World Cup fever will build up steam as usual and England will get to
the
final if indeed they don't win it. Michael Owen will also end
up with the
golden boot.
Motor racing news will also hot up with the Formula 1 Championships
with
Michael Schumacher as the strong contender to win the title.
Music-wise, we may see an end to the endless stream of pop bands
which
continue to swell the charts. Pop star wannabes Hearsay's star
will fade as
the public turns its attentions to new favorites, William Young of
Pop Idol
phenomenon will be the new Robbie Williams (only posher!) and new
smooth
groove sensation Zero 7 will be big business in 2002.
2002 should be a good year all in all, lots to do, lots to see and
more
importantly, lots of news and exclusives from your favorite on-line
newspaper, the Southport Recorder.
Article by Miranda Schunke
or soon to be known as The Mystic Miranda Schunke.
