North of the Stupid Line

I am fully aware that most people do not like Céline Dion. Indeed, at the mention of her name, most people pull a face and/or go “eeew!”.

However, I am a self-confessed fan of Céline, and have been so since 1996, which is when she released the single Think Twice, her first million-selling single in the UK.

Rachel and I went to see Céline in concert at the O2 Arena, a 20,000 capacity venue in the heart of the Docklands, London, and is located inside the infamous Millennium Dome (that Labour turkey at the turn of the millennium). Céline is currently on a world tour to accompany her recent album: Taking Chances, and landed at the O2 Arena for two dates: 6 and 8 May 2008. Rachel and I saw her on 8 May 2008.

Here are a few pictures:

The venue was full – imagine, 20,000 Céline fans in one place!

I preferred the O2 Arena to the Wembley Stadium in 1999, which was the first time I saw Céline live. It was smaller compared to Wembley Stadium’s 60,000 (it was full then too!), and we had a really good view of the screens and the stage, so we were actually able to see Céline without relying on the screens.

The highlight for me was All By Myself, which earned Céline a standing ovation.

All in all, a great night, and definitely worth the £95 ticket price!

I am currently being exposed to the fervour of the Valleys that is Joe Calzaghe and his big fight against Bernard Hopkins in Las Vegas, USA.

On the orders of my missus and the in-laws, I have subscribed to Setanta Sports for one month so that they can watch the big fight tonight on Setanta 1 at about 3am in the bloody morning! Yes, the in-laws, and possibly even Kirsty and Sam, are popping over in the middle of the night to watch a boxing match!

I ain’t even that bothered about the match; would rather be in cuckoo land! But, needs must!

For your information, Calzaghe grew up in Pentwynmawr, where the in-laws live, and Joe’s family are quite well known in these parts. In fact, Rachel’s great-grandmother used to live a few doors down from Calzaghe’s family, and used to go “Hello Joe!” occasionally when he walked past as a child on his bicycle or whatever, to which Calzaghe would reply “Hello Mrs Davies!”.

Hence the local obsession!

Rachel and I are currently ploughing our way through all five series of Ally McBeal. We’re currently on series 3, disc 4, if you really wanted to know.

The point of this post is to talk about Cage & Fish, the law firm in which the series is set and where Ally works. The gist is this: I want to work in a law firm like Cage & Fish.

Why?

• Emphasis on fun;
• Bar in basement with a permanent singer;
• Interesting cases;
• Nice, plush offices; and above all
• The embracing of individuality and eccentricities.

I very much doubt there are many law firms out there like this. Oh well, I’ll just have to set one up myself, won’t I?

Everyone knows The Sound of Music. It was on BBC1 today for Easter Monday, and I watched it as there was nothing else on. It occurred to me as I watched it (and really enjoying it), that old adage: “They don’t make ‘em like that anymore”. The Sound of Music really is a timeless classic.

Made in 1965, you find yourself swept away in the romanticism of it all, even on the umpteenth time of watching it. I’m a self-confessed Sound of Music fan, and I can remember when I was a lickle boi watching it (without subtitles) and being addicted to it. When it finally came on TV with subtitles, I recorded it with the subtitles and watched it over and over, memorising all the songs. I’m not as mad on it now, but it is still a pleasure to watch.

What’s so special about The Sound of Music? Why does it remain so watchable?

All in all, a very worthwhile way of spending an Easter Bank Holiday Monday afternoon!

Rachel and I spent a rather trashy and fun evening last night watching The X Factor Final on both ITV1 and ITV2 from 18:40 onwards. Although I agree with A that it’s a lot of nonsense, it is compulsive viewing. Rachel and I have been following the series since it started at the audition stage up to the Final.

What is it about TV programmes like this that make them compulsive viewing? Well, I do have a theory. We all have a dream to become popstars or celebrities. The X Factor is about finding ordinary people and making them stars. The power to make people stars is in the public’s hands. The show has a mixture of music, tears, laughter, tension and shocks. The judges are great fun (although I find Louis really annoying), and the standard of talent this year has been exceptionally high.

You probably all know that Shayne Ward won The X Factor, and funnily enough, he is the act that I wanted to win after Brenda Edwards went out last week. Brenda was my favourite of the lot – she was amazing.

Anyway, I know that some o you reading this will be going “oh ffs, get a grip will you? X Factor is shite!”. Well, that may well be true, but it’s pretty damn good fun, and kept us entertained on a Saturday evening. Saturday evenings will be rather empty from now on, but at least there will be a new series in 2006!