I don't go out anymore. I used to get drunk at least twice a week; not for the sake of it, just as a by-product of socialising.

But I got drunk last night.

And this is the first, bona fide hangover I've had for a year.

It's football related, but I won't be banging on about football again. Well, maybe just a little bit.

There is a misconception that Liverpool play "shit on a stick" football all of the time. Sure, Liverpool played ugly football last night. But the game's true piece of skill -- and its most effective -- was Gerrard's burst into the Arsenal box. Other teams' supporters loathe Liverpool -- especially in the Champions League -- because they know that Benitez is the best in the business at two-legged European games. It blinds their supporters to Liverpool's effectiveness, and mealy mouthed accusations of ugliness and fortitude conveniently fail to acknowledge great attacking footballing performances against the likes of Deportivo [away], Leverkeusen [away], Juventus [home], Barcelona [away], PSV [away], Besiktas [home], Marseille [away] and Inter [away].

There was much to be admired in Arsenal's play last night. Lots of movement, fluidity and great technique. But there's great technique in tackling too. It is a game played by men, not butterflies, and Liverpool's obduracy and determination were as impressive, if not as aesthetically pleasing, as Arsenal's fancy dancing.

Talking of fancy dancing, once we'd finished watching the match upstairs in Telfords I was planning on going home. Wednesday night is salsa night and it would be an understatement to say that I'm not keen.

As I was about to flee the Ricky Martin-lite latin rhythms and gyrating geriatrics [well, one... but the alliteration is more amusing than factual accuracy] Aussie Stew and Tote came in and their presence persuaded me to stay for one more that become two more, three more... maybe eight more. I mention it here because Stew has had a very good idea.

At this point, it's only an idea.

He is thinking of putting a regular Welsh night on that will provide a platform outside Wales for bands from the Sin Roc Gymraeg. Stew wants to try something different and wants to get some new blood into Telfords. Basically he sees the idea working if they can find some kind of subsidies from the relevant authorities or if the SRG come across the border to support their heroes on an English stage [with a very fine P.A and ample parking!]

So, if you have anything to do with the Welsh language scene -- or you have an opinion you would like to share -- leave a comment below and I will pass them on to Stew.

I will be bothering Gethin, Steffan and DJ Fuzzyfelt about this, no doubt.

Be warned!



And finally, the man pictured has challenged me to a doughnut eating contest.

Thin, isn't he?

With a normal sized mouth and without a gut of great capaciousness.

He's going down. Right down. All the way to sugar town. Back to the top of the page...