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A new book of jokes published this week is likely to raise some eyebrows in the Race Relations Commission. The Half-Tidy Book of Welsh Jokes is a compendium of jokes collected by Cardiff based solicitor Huw James. He is originally from Aberystwyth and many of the jokes are at the expense of the Cardis, especially at their perceived tightfistedness. At a time when jokes that ridicule and stereotype racial or national groups are a taboo this book is close to the bone and could well offend some pople in Cardiganshire.

The author explained,

This is a collection of Welsh jokes I have assembled over the years. Many of them are Cardi Jokes. These are based on the suggestion that the people of Cardiganshire are somewhat less than keen on spending their hard-earned cash. This is, of course, a monstrous calumny. In fact I am surprised that The Race Relations Commission has not taken steps to stamp it out. The government does all it can to prevent us enjoying a bit to drink and having the food we have always liked, so why dont they appoint a minister for the suppression of inappropriate jokes? An obvious choice would be Harriet Harman.

The book includes some classic homely jokes like the one about the Welshman who built two chapels on a desert island, the T bach joke and the one about Little Dai in Oxford. The book is illustrated by Beano cartoonist Mark Morgan from Cardiff. The Half-Tidy Book of Welsh Jokes (3.95) is published by Y Lolfa and is available in bookshops and www.ylolfa.com .

As we line up for the start of the RBS Six Nations, a new online Welsh rugby TV channel launches with its selection of the high profile international and Cardiff Blues star Gareth Thomas as its main presenter.

The South Wales based online subscription tv venture welshrugby.tv has been created to deliver insight on the real stories in Welsh rugby for Welsh rugby supporters worldwide with independent comment from Gareth "Alfie" Thomas - one of Welsh rugbys biggest characters, as the main host for the channel during the RBS 6 Nations Championship. Click here to view Alfie telling us why hes involved and what he thinks welshrugby.tv should be.

The versatile player now moves into a presenters role, hosting the regular The Welsh Rugby Show on welshrugby.tv , which kicks off this week. Thomas won his 100th cap for Wales against Fiji during the Rugby World Cup in 2007, was Captain of Waless Grand Slam winning team in 2005 and captained the British and Irish Lions on their tour of New Zealand in the same year.

Thomas is keen to give fans the inside track on issues and stories about the game in Wales, and the welshrugby.tv site will provide the Welsh rugby supporter with a unique combination of the latest rugby news, professional and creative video content, analysis and opinion. welshrugby.tv will produce a behind the scenes look at all aspects of Welsh rugby, including: the 6 Nations campaign, the summer tour and the Autumn internationals, the regions, club and community rugby and player profiles. Thomas will be joined by a range of top flight and local club players, giving their views and insight into the raw truth of how things really are for those involved in the game.

Thomas said: Without doubt, Welsh rugby supporters are the most knowledgeable, passionate and committed fans worldwide. As I know from my own experience, rugby in Wales is far more than a game, its a part of who we are and Im really pleased to be part of a team thats giving real information and comment from behind the scenes, and I hope, will inspire the true Welsh rugby supporter.

Market research by the team behind the venture has shown that rugby supporters want to have different types of programming and video clips from what is already available either online, in print or on screen. Carwyn Jones from Llantrisant commented At last, someones listening to what we want we want to be able to hear the voice and views of the real Welsh rugby supporter alongside that of the usual rugby pundits and for them to take notice of what were saying.

With that in mind, as well as the The Welsh Rugby Show and the latest news at international and regional level, welshrugby.tv will host blogs, supporters forums and through the Clubzone section of the site will offer rugby clubs across Wales, the opportunity to post information on their club and upload their own videos.

Tom Stroud, CEO of Webcast Global explained Welsh rugby supporters have been saying that they want to get the bare truth and be involved with rugby in Wales at all levels pro levels. Were really looking forward to delivering a full schedule of both live and on-demand (pre-recorded) programmes, looking at elite rugby, community and grass roots level as well as being a part of the development of the game in Wales through our skills and coaching programming schedule.

Richard Owen, Director of Red Shoes added: Were passionate about producing great content that will deliver Welsh rugby in the raw at its best and without being shy of asking the crunch questions.

www.welshrugby.tv