...or it may just be something in Holland's water. My sister-in-law had Dutch parents and she is gorgeous, as was her sister, and my nephew is a handsome lad. Same with many German ladies. I could be the lager!

Ross, you're right about the South African women. They definitely come out prettier over there.

I've been in Australia for 7 years now and can vouch with certainty that the Aussie girls on average don't come close to the South African ones.

My guess is that its due to the deeper gene pool over there, a mixture of Dutch, French Hugeunots, English lilies, Portuguese, Greek, Indian and the angularity of the Russian Jews...what a great combo.

Now that South African Rugby has also been subjected to racial quota rather than merit, I think even Lichtenstein's team will kick their butts, but then again, so be it currently for the All Blacks.

I admit that reason is a small and feeble flame, a flickering torch by stumblers carried in the starless night, -- blown and flared by passion's storm, -- and yet, it is the only light. Extinguish that, and nought remains.- - Robert Green Ingersoll

...I did say your voice was easy on the ear. I went out with a South African girl for a while, and I could never work out what excited me more: her Dutch beauty or her lovely accent. Bring 'em on, I say.

And, the World Cup: you deserved it. We were wimps. In fact, our level of wimpy-ness is not measurable with current technology. But I'll be in contact after the 2008 Tri-Nations.

You're right Jen...these are some of the only things I truly miss about the place.

The functional simplicity of Cape Dutch architecture, being in the middle of the wild African bush
such as in Londolozi or my personal favourite, staying over at the old German fort Namutoni at Etosha in Northern Namibia.

Nothing like the deep roar of wild lions just outside your window to wake you in the morning.

Unforgettable, I urge you to go..but stick to the tourist route whatever you do.

I admit that reason is a small and feeble flame, a flickering torch by stumblers carried in the starless night, -- blown and flared by passion's storm, -- and yet, it is the only light. Extinguish that, and nought remains.- - Robert Green Ingersoll

Well, I could only understand half of it, but it's...charming.

I've been eager to get to South Africa for years -- there are some wonderful Relais & Chateaux properties there. I want to go to Londolozi and watch the elephants and lions from my bathtub, the room for which is fitted with a glass wall for viewing. Mr. Cresswell, that's where form meets function!

Jennifer

-- Food Philosophy. Sensuality. Sass.

Discussing food and sensuality...I'm so excited I feel like popping a "p".

I will contact you as soon as Rick gets off his Lithium smoothies for long enough to contact me.

Your conciliatory attitude towards my accent and culture prompted me to upload this traditional Afrikaans "sakkie sakkie" dancing song (Boeremusiek) for your personal collection, aptly named "squeeze me"

You will notice here that we start practising the art of "sakkie-sakkie" dancing from a very early age.

Hilton

I admit that reason is a small and feeble flame, a flickering torch by stumblers carried in the starless night, -- blown and flared by passion's storm, -- and yet, it is the only light. Extinguish that, and nought remains.- - Robert Green Ingersoll

Microfilm Reader

I happen to like the South Efrikan accent very much. Then again, I'm American -- we're easy that way.

If you ever want to talk food and sensuality, give me a holler. I think we'd need Linz in on that conversation though.

Jennifer

-- Food Philosophy. Sensuality. Sass.

Dratt!, was just getting ready to interview Nick...now Rick's come back. Sorry mate,...and for you guys about my SA accent I have but two words..."World Cup" Waaahahahaha!

I admit that reason is a small and feeble flame, a flickering torch by stumblers carried in the starless night, -- blown and flared by passion's storm, -- and yet, it is the only light. Extinguish that, and nought remains.- - Robert Green Ingersoll

speak of the devil...

"An in-depth interview with one of the more prominent SOLO members"

Nick Otani! 

Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers ... the grass on the park is green, and the cars in the carpark are parked perpendicular to the park.

Hilton, that's *mandatory* for next time. Hahahaha!

"so that you do not pop your "p"'s so much"

Hilton can't help it. It's that bloody Seth Efrican accent!

I'd love to hear him recite: Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.

Hilton, I thought your intro was pretty good. Your voice is easy on the ear. But, yeah, sound quality was shocking.

Ok, Hilton, after me: the grass on the park is green, and the cars in the carpark are parked perpendicular to the park.

Joking! I had a 12th Man addiction for a while. That Tony Greig.

Just using an Andrea anti-noise NC-61 microphone with MX skype recorder, and mixing and editing with "Goldwave" on PC.

My recording volume was too low and I have since experimented with and found a better mike position.

Should be better next time.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

Hilton

I admit that reason is a small and feeble flame, a flickering torch by stumblers carried in the starless night, -- blown and flared by passion's storm, -- and yet, it is the only light. Extinguish that, and nought remains.- - Robert Green Ingersoll

so that you do not pop your "p"'s so much. They are cheap.

How are you recording your audio, using what equipment?

Scott DeSalvo

Quidquid latine dictum sit, altum viditur!

Luckily I have a true master of the craft to guide me on this one.

Any suggestions as to the next interviewee, or shall I roll a dice?

I admit that reason is a small and feeble flame, a flickering torch by stumblers carried in the starless night, -- blown and flared by passion's storm, -- and yet, it is the only light. Extinguish that, and nought remains.- - Robert Green Ingersoll

... you keep the job, if you want it.

Aim to liven up, don't ramble so much, don't read from scripted questions, sound more like a SOLOist!

And for Christ's sake, find a better interviewee!

Actually, James, exceptional as always. And yes, a VERY good place for newbies to start. Spread the word!