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I know, I’m a day behind the news, but you know I do have far more important things to be spending my time on than the sheer bollocks of other people’s lives – especially the “K” sisters. The other thing is I just cannot get my head (and therefore my thoughts) around these women, nor understand why anyone bloody cares? I mean every now and again I allow myself to watch reality TV. Ozzy and family was pretty quirky, the Apprentice is great, as is Idol and X Factor, but a bunch of women, sitting around talking shite while bleaching their anuses? I just DON’T get it. Voyeurism and celebrity is a mainstay in our lives – I enjoy it, we all enjoy it – and some celebrities are actually doing phenomenal things in the world, or better yet, STAYING QUIET – which is usually my preference. But these girls??? Can someone PLEASE tell me what all the fuss is about? Is it because they’re so bad everyone loves them? Is it the ability to get a bird’s eye view into a glamorous and unreachable world? Is it their looks? Is it the “Days of our Livesness” of their lives that people can’t get enough of? Is it the migrant success story? What is it? Or has the intellectual level of the world reached such a low point – because we’re all eating too many preservatives, additives and genetically modified food – and because of this, we’ve all been stupefied enough to actually find these women interesting? Is that it? I am confused, bewildered, and not even mildly entertained by the life and times of these sisters. And yet they earn $70 million a year for this bollocks? I mean who gets $25K from Armani for one Tweet? And more importantly, does Armani see these girls as good brand ambassadors? All I know is I obviously chose the wrong profession. I don’t know, I really don’t and I’d be very happy to have my mind changed, or my view redirected, but so far, I just find them bloody ridiculous. Can anyone help me look at these ladies in another way? Because I have to say, the obsession for them does take away a little bit of my hope in humanity. It’s important that I’m clear on something here. I don’t hold anything against these sisters for doing what they’re doing or how they’re making money – good on them. I just don’t understand why they are successful, nor do I see them as positive role models for women or Americans. Looking for clarity…. and expecting to be looking for a long time, but do me a favour and write down the first three words that spring to mind in the comment box below when thinking about the Kardashians? That should be interesting. Yours, without the bollocks Andrea PS: Kim, do yourself a big bloody favour and donate $10 million to a great and worthy cause – maybe you’ll help your credibility a little… But then maybe you don’t give a crap, and if so, fair enough. PPS: here’s a good article by Alissa Warren from Australia, posted on Mamamiatoday – but I still don’t understand….

I was reading this blog by I, Cringely and it’s quite different to his normal IT industry commentary. He’s talking about the future for his kids and the opportunities they may or may not have professionally, based on where things are headed – something most parents wonder or worry about in some context today – right? Additionally, with the world hitting seven billion people yesterday, I’m sure this stuff is more top of mind for most. Many friends have expressed huge concerns for their kids’ futures, and in Asia, it seems to be a hotter topic of conversation. The main reason for this obviously has to do with the sheer number of people in this part of the world – more than 60% of the world’s population – but in these parts, education is also a massive thing. Competition for universities is unbelievable, and with approximately four billion people, that’s a lot of educated professionals entering the workforce! People round these parts are also very very smart – mind boggling so – something the Western world should definitely be taking heed of. But there is one thing that gives me solace. We’re all so bloody different, we all bring such different qualities to the professional table and we all view things in such different ways – and it is this that reassures me it’s going to be alright. Our kids are going to be much more advanced than us, and I reckon they’re going to move beyond ignorance and separation, realising it is the mish-mash of humanity that makes our world so great. I definitely believe the future will be about the richness and creativity that comes out of our differences and our kids will harness this to create a world we can’t even imagine today. I definitely know our kids are going to do something amazing, something we can’t even comprehend. I mean look at where they are now? How many will never know a world before the iPad? In fact, some won’t even know what a remote control is when voice activated TV takes off. Shit, dildos will probably be voice activated – or maybe they already are? Technology is a huge part of their world, but it won’t dominate their world because human beings are essentially social and creative, so this fear around digital doesn’t sit with me. Then again, us humans have always feared change and the unknown. I also reckon our kids are going to change the current war and aggression mentality. They’re going to grow up and realise it doesn’t have to be this way. It’s not like it’s ever worked anyway. I think recent generations have made big progress here, but it is the generations coming through now that will really finish this job and move our world towards peace. I really do believe that! Our kids will also sort out the environment, because they’ll have a bigger picture view of the world. They’ll also sort out corporate and media brainwashing, get food back to its natural state, move our world beyond the destruction of organised religion, and so much more. They’ll do it because they’re smarter than us, just like most of us are smarter than our parents. It’s definitely not all doom and gloom from where I’m sitting and I’ve obviously got a lot of faith in our kids. As you can probably tell, I’m not worried for my boys. They’re going to speak English and Mandarin (and Hindi if I can manage it), they’re going to know and be friends with people from all races and cultures (they already are – an advantage of living in this multi-cultural society), they’re going to learn to dance, sing and hopefully play musical instruments, they’ll have a love of reading because we do, we’ll encourage them to be creative and imaginative, we’ll take them to far off lands so they can see this magnificent world in all its glory, they’ll have us as parents and we hope we do a good enough job for them, but most importantly, in the end, they’ll identify something within them that they want to do with their lives, and it’ll be a perfect match for who they are. And if they’re out of work for a while, they’ll always be welcome home to sort it out and get some extra love. Whatever it is they decide to do they’ll be alright I reckon, we’ve just got to arm them in every way we can – confidence, emotional maturity, skills, education, awareness, life experience, an ability to question, curiosity, sensitivity, acceptance, and so much more – to prepare them for whatever future they want. That’s how I reckon it’s going to be – what do you think? Yours, without the bollocks Andrea

I just had a couple of charming moments only a parent could know, and thought I’d quickly jot them down and share. Two additions to the things I hate most about parenting are: 1.       Sitting in your child’s pooh dust. Now Lex is quite advanced in this area and recently stopped requiring assistance, but naturally, as has always been the case with my children at 15 months apart, Jax started up the “assistance needing” when Lex stopped. I sat through a good 30 minute pooh dust session tonight, gagging all the way 2.      When children have colds, snot becomes the order of the day. We all have things that make us squirm and snot is mine. I have become quite immune to it since becoming a mother, however what bliss tonight when Jax decided to wipe his nose on my leg…. Ugh! But there was a golden moment, my two-mini lads counting to 10 in Mandarin – bless ‘em! Yours, without the bollocks Andrea

Meeting Nathalix off the train A little while ago I read an article suggesting that women who don’t spend enough time with great female friends, don’t live as long as those who do. Apparently men don’t “need” friendship nourishment, but women do. So it got me thinking, as the past few years have left me pretty isolated from the great friends in my life, and this has all happened at probably the worst time to be isolated – aka the early years of motherhood. I’ve always felt very fortunate to have made amazing friends all around the world, everywhere I’ve lived (except maybe Phuket?) and two of the pivotal friendships I made in London were with Saskia and Nathalie. We have been in each other’s lives since 1996, and were always there for each other when things were good or bad, we were witnesses/bridesmaids/special people at each other’s weddings, have holidayed together in gorgeous places, and so much more. It is a friendship I’ve always treasured and I absolutely want it to stand the test of time, but that’s not always easy when everyone is spread across different countries, time zones and leading busy lives. After seven years of not seeing each other face-to-face, I decided enough was enough – I was gunna surprise Saskia for her 40th b’day. And you know what, surprise her I did. I was very impressed with her husband Eylard for not letting the cat out of the bag, and it was really hilarious seeing her reaction – I don’t think she could quite believe her eyes for the first few hours. Ellen’s beautiful home Nathalix arrived from Paris the next day and apart from the birthday obligations and party (which was a FABULOUS dinner party for 13 with Sas’s favourite women!) we talked and talked and talked. Eylard’s magnificent mother Ellen said you girls never stop talking. And Saskia said yes, but we also listen too. It’s an amazing talent us women have, how we can talk and listen at the same time, don’t you think? So much has happened for all of us in the last seven years, and for me in particular, it was so nice to be listened to and given some perspective that helped me look at my life in a slightly different way. I needed that. I missed my boys while I was away, I felt terrible leaving Steve to handle our little loves all alone for seven days, but I have come home refreshed and looking at life with different eyes. I just got some perspective on my thinking that I could never get when I am living in the middle of life. And for that I am thankful to Sas and Nathalix, Eylard and Ellen, and Steve. Eylard the chef, his mum bought the apron I’m also really thankful for the love and warmth I got in Holland – I have family there you know. The Wurpels are amazing people who open their homes and hearts to you, and I know they will always be there to back and support me, no matter what. And I’ve got another family in Paris too! How lucky am I? You just don’t make those kinds of friendships everyday and that is the reason I went – I want to keep this friendship alive and still be talking (and listening) with these girls when we’re all old crones. Although Nathalix and Saskia will never be old crones! Yours, without the bollocks Andrix PS: Andrix and Nathalix comes from a shared love of Asterix – she is French afterall. Saskia got Saskium, but she never dug Asterix as much as we did, so it never stuck.

I’ve arrived in Amsterdam and after seven years, it’s been wonderful catching up on life with Saskia and Eylard. No idea where seven years went? But to get here, I had to endure 13 hours in economy class at the back of a plane. One of the challenges about flying to Europe from Singapore is a lot of people are journeying on from the Antipodes, which means a great number of passengers have already been on the road 10+ hours and the stench is palpable. But the main challenge is being surrounded by a bunch of people with plane food already in their guts, which adds another dimension – plane farts! My God I was gagging! Hideous stuff. But there was one great thing. I got to watch three movies! I haven’t been able to enjoy many movies since two mini-men came into my life, so it was absolute luxury. First was “Bad Teacher” starring Cameron Diaz and Justin Timberlake, and I have to say, what a bloody funny movie. Superb comedy and definitely have a look if you get a chance. Second was a quirky little British movie called “Submarine,” the story of a teenage boy who wants to lose his virginity and stop his Mum having an affair with a new age spiritual type with a mullet. An incredibly clever movie, full of fantastic characters, and Noah Taylor plays the dorky Dad to perfection. It’s awkward and witty and brilliant. Check it out. I almost finished X-Men as well – but I missed Hugh. But now, having recovered from my flight and not feeling too bad after excessive wine consumption last night, I’m off for a day of fine Dutch weather and fun with the birthday girl. It’s so lovely being back in Europe and hanging out with Sas really is soup for the soul. There’s nothing better than great friends in life. So Happy 40th my friend – thrilled to be able to share it with you. Yours, without the bollocks Andrea PS: I miss my three boys…. a week feels such a long time away

Well after much torment – because when I make a commitment to do something, I do it – I have decided not to pursue my teams of International Spunks and International Ugly Bastards (or Those with Nice Personalities,) in the way I originally set out. Taking my lead from you, my precious readers, it just hasn’t generated enough interest. When I write about the shite in my life, I get lots of support and comments, which is very much appreciated. When I explore my head from a religion/spirituality perspective, it seems to resonate with many. When I write book reviews, it gets a bit of interest from friends equally voracious about their reading materials. When I write about vaginas or anuses, well, those blogs are still being read and regularly popping up in searches!!! So I reckon I’ll throw in the towel on this project now, because it is a shitload of effort compiling this information, and if it ain’t going to get read and no one’s going to vote, I’ll just be heartbroken. Naturally, I will continue to compile my teams in my head, because it really does make rugby so much more enjoyable. It also doesn’t help that I am a mother, and the father in this equation is much more of a rugby head than I, so it is only fair that every four years I make it possible for him to watch as much rugby as possible – thus taking on child responsibilitys reduces perving opportunities significantly. The things we do for love? But I do not mind. Steve has always shared the parenting load. Here is a compilation of photos that I believe represents why I love this game. Men in all their muscular glory has always been my thing. If you’re interested, my International Team of Spunks is below, and I’ve made it possible for you to go and check them out, although I don’t think they look as great in these pictures as they do when they play. Yours, without the bollocks Andrea My absolute favourite spunk – Alesana Tuilagi – Samoa My second favourite spunk – Ma’a Nonu – NZ Victor Matfield – Sth Africa Morné Steyn – Sth Africa Mike Phillips – Wales Jamie Roberts – Wales Joe Ansbro – Scotland Ally Strokosch – Scotland Richie McCaw – NZ Dan Carter – NZ – definitely think he’s gotten better with age. Was too pretty for me before  Saia Faingaa – Aus – his brother doesn’t have the lovely locks Nathan Sharpe – Aus – I just love him, a true gentleman of the game AdamAshley-Cooper – Aus David Pocock – Aus Quade Cooper – Aus – he’s got something, although he’d pull his finger out of his arse this weekend! Alisi Tupuailai – Japan Toetuu Taufa – Japan Bryce Robins – Japan Brian O’Driscoll – Ireland Cian Healy – Ireland – huge fan of his thighs Tasesa Lavea – Samoa AnthonyPerenise – Samoa Maurie Faasavalu – Samoa Ofisa Treviranus – Samoa GeorgePisi – Samoa Manaia Salavea – Samoa Pat Danahy – USA ScottLaValla – USA Todd Clever – USA Alexander Voytov – Russia Andrey Ostrikov – Russia AlexeyMakovetskiy – Russia Nick Easter – England Shontayne Hape, England – Shontayne? Courtney Lawes – England, although who calls a son Courtney? James Haskell – England Fulgence Ouedraogo – France Romain Millo-Chluski – France Albert James Vulivuli – Fiji Sakiusa Matadigo – Fiji Felipe Contepomi – Argentina And last, but not least, because I just love him, Piri Weepu gets on my team Overall spunkiest team – Samoa. And best ears I think has to go to Danie Rossouw of Sth Africa. Here’s a selection of Danie Rossouw pictures to give you an idea. He is closely followed by Simon Shaw of England. PS: to the teams missed, my apologies. I couldn’t get you all!

In July 2010 we got some news that shook our world. For the first six months of that year, Lex was being physically and verbally abused by his teacher at his pre-school in Australia. As far as we know, the abuse included hitting, kicking, throwing shoes at him, putting tape over his mouth, making him sleep outside in the sun, kicking sand at him, and more. We’ve never gotten to the bottom of what actually happened, because everyone zipped up in an effort to protect themselves – the school was in the process of being sold, so everyone was “gagged” and threatened with losing their jobs if the sale got screwed up. There was one exception, Amanda, the lady who was brave enough to report it and went through a lot of shit because she stood up – including losing her job. As far as we know, the government department responsible has done nothing, the police thought it was no big deal, and the teacher is still teaching. It was one of the main reasons we left Australia. Two cheeky boys We obviously went through a shocking time coming to terms with it. As I was the primary school ‘dropper-off-erer,’ I beat myself up for a long time because I didn’t see any resistance from Lex going into school. Did I miss something? Then I wondered is it because he thinks that’s how things are? That’s how you get treated in the world? It was a confusing, heart-breaking, and very tough time for all of us to get through. Coming back to Singapore really gave us a chance to move on from that time. I know people deal with a lot worse, but that was pretty rock bottom for us. Our beautiful little lad had been hurt by someone and we couldn’t do anything about it. Sure we could’ve gone legal, but I drew the line at that – mainly because I really do believe it is a process that screws you up more than anything else – it’s ugly and no one wins in the end. I also couldn’t rely on witnesses, because many of them had witnessed this abuse towards other children for the past seven years without saying anything, so why would they stand up and speak now? My trust in this community was long gone. So we decided we needed to move on and focus on giving Lex the best life we could. We wanted to show him that the world is a gentle place and that he is loved beyond measure. We work hard to reassure him every day, but are we doing enough? Yesterday we got called into the school. For the past couple of weeks, Lex has been very physical with the teachers and they’ve had enough. One of the reasons right now is that his efforts to speak are creating frustration, but also embarrassment. However, we know that the deep reason is linked back to the abuse. A child psychiatrist said we can expect a recurrence of bad behaviour until he is about six or seven years old, and the main challenge will be an inability to trust outside the home. We know he hasn’t recovered from it, but in many ways, we don’t know what to do about it, other than what we are already doing. Hey we’re just parents trying to do the best for our lads, but we’re not kid experts. Yesterday his gorgeous teacher said “it’s like he’s constantly pushing us, testing us, asking us to prove to him that we do love and care about him.” Then she said something that really shook me – “it’s like he hasn’t got any self worth.” You know our biggest priority in raising our kids is to help them be confident. We think this is the most important asset a human being can have. And here we are with a little lad struggling with his own self worth. That perspective really made so much sense to me. Of course it’s about self worth. Why wouldn’t it be? During a pivotal time in his life, when he couldn’t hear properly or speak, he felt unsafe outside his family unit… I try not to get angry about what happened – I think it is pointless – but man oh man, sometimes I wish I could….! But none of it matters now, all that matters is I/we do all we can to help Lex fully love and value himself, and so the next round of finding the right specialists begins…. It’s certainly stirred up a lot of emotions this week though. Bloody kids I tell ya!! Yours, without the bollocks Andrea

It was just over 12 months ago when Lex had the operation to have his tonsils and adenoids removed, plus grommets inserted.  Since that day, we have noticed significant changes in him – both a willingness to do as he’s told more often AND his behaviour has constantly improved – generally he’s just gotten calmer. BUT he’s still not speaking properly. He understands most of the time – WE THINK – and he’s working his arse off to get the words out, but we’ve got a way to go. I’ve definitely become accustomed to him communicating his needs physically – but it’s very challenging not being 100 percent confident in what your child wants or understanding how they’re feeling. It’s almost five years now, and as Jax’s speech goes from strength to strength, I’m starting to appreciate what it is like having a child who can communicate with me. In fact, when people say “all you want is for your kids to speak and then when they do, you want them to shut up” – in Jax’s case, I finally appreciate this sentiment. Man that kid doesn’t stop! But after verbal silence for so many years, it’s really lovely too. I just wish he’d reduce the decibels sometimes…. and perhaps his expressive use of the F word…. I watch other parents speaking with their kids and feel a little pang of jealousy. I want that. I want to speak with Lex. I want to know what he thinks, understand how he feels, know his opinions on people, as well as the issues affecting him. I want to know when people embarrass him, because this is a big deal for Lex. However, because he hasn’t been able to tell people to piss off verbally, he has reacted physically, and this is usually when the trouble starts. He’s just an extremely sensitive lad and embarrassing him is not good – most people don’t seem to pay attention to that though. I do because I’m the same. As is Steve. We are definitely getting there, in a garbled kind of way, as he tries to pull sentences together, with some Lexy words filling the gaps. He started speech therapy a few weeks back and it’s making such a difference. I honestly didn’t think one session a week could do anything for him, because we do so much for him every day, but it’s focused him on his need to speak and as such, it’s really helping. He’s trying harder than ever before. Because Lex couldn’t hear properly for so long (and we have no idea how long), he’s always just gotten on with whatever he wants to get on with. Most of the time it’s death defying climbing stunts that leave us unable to relax – ever. We can’t let him run off and do what he wants, because we’ll probably find him at the top of a pole or on a roof. It’s just who he is. I think this is the biggest challenge for us. Because we can’t communicate what the real dangers are, we can’t let him go and be totally free. We just don’t know if he appreciates what is reasonable and what is out of the question because he can’t tell us that he does appreciate danger…. ahhhhhhh! Suffice to say, it’s been bloody hard, and the truth is – I just want him to speak. I need him to speak. I will feel he is safer when he speaks, because I can say ‘hey mate, don’t do that OK?’ And if he says ‘OK mum, roger that,’ then I can relax just a little bit more. We’re at about 50/50 on that front right now, but even that is a significant improvement on 12 months ago. Then I think of all the other parents whose children may never be able to speak, and my heart goes out to them. In the last five years, I’ve completely understood that communication is the most important thing for me with my kids. But at least I know Lex will communicate, and it’ll be very soon. But my oh my, if I think about the first five years of my little man’s life, the word frustration springs to mind – his and mine. Our kids are definitely sent to test us and most parents have at least one experience to share! At least I’ve never doubted him along the way. I’m proud of that. Yours, without the bollocks Andrea

I just finished reading “Oprah, a Biography” by Kitty Kelley – updated and revised. First of all, let me explain. I needed to get away from the serious stuff I’ve been reading of late, and while I was rarely an Oprah voyeur, I thought the book would be interesting, considering she is one of the most intriguing and successful women in the world – I mean let’s face it, she’s been a busy girl this last 25 years. But I have to say, I didn’t like it. Not being Oprah-endorsed, it was a ‘she said, he said’ kind of yarn and boy is there some bitterness out there. Reassured that it will be a gripping read and “a page-turner” as People Magazine claims on the front cover, I just found a lot of it pretty pointless, unworthy and trashy rubbish. I think people of Oprah’s calibre exist on such a different stratosphere to the rest of us, so when people write about them in books like this, it brings all sorts of ugliness to the surface – because can anyone truly know what it’s like to be Oprah? Don’t get me wrong, a book like this certainly shouldn’t be sycophantic, but some opinions come from pretty dubious places, and as “they” say, opinions are like arseholes, every bugger has one. Getting into the book, how can you start a discussion about Oprah without mentioning her weight? She definitely has the most talked about weight “problem” in the world, but on the whole, I just found it horrible, awful and shitty that anyone’s personal issues are so widely discussed, and she herself, so horribly mocked. I mean how do we expect women to overcome personal image issues when we embrace these sorts of media onslaughts? The main reason it’s so impactful is the book covers all of the weight discussions that have ever been printed, all nicely wrapped together in one place. I found it a pretty horrific part of her story. Can you imagine being spoken of like that, every single day of your life? Over her 25 year career, so the story goes, Oprah went from having a pet cockroach, abandoned by her mother, molested and abused, treated like trash by men, and so much more. It’s not the nicest story to read. However, as far as her early childhood memories go, apparently her family say it’s all bullshit. Well we all know that truth is subjective, and while those in our immediate lives might disagree with our memories, it is still our own truth. Sure over the years, her life stories have changed and evolved – but doesn’t everyone’s? And let’s face it, some people are pretty motivated to go after her, as there is a lot of money in the bank, but there are also those eager to defend themselves, because they were there when bad shit happened. All in all, I found this aspect rather tedious. Maybe one day Oprah will eventually release her own autobiography and we can get her story, which will still be her own truth and probably differ from many in her life. Let’s face it, there is no such thing as truth, just perceptions afterall. If nothing else, it will certainly create a media storm. Over the years, Oprah went from being a media available darling, to having complete control over media access. When you read the stories throughout her life and how the press represented everything she said and did, is it any surprise? Shit, if I was her and had her millions, I’d wrap myself up in all the protection I could afford. Many people, who go from rags to riches, learn the hard way – initially they expose themselves to the press, which is a good career move, but after a torrent of negative publicity, they quickly learn to protect themselves. I ain’t saying Oprah is an angel. Sure she screwed up plenty of times along the way, where good things went sour or great ideas turned out to be not so well thought out, but that is as human as it gets. Many in the book who criticise her didn’t get the beacon of Oprah’s approval. This is definitely apparent with her book club, because apparently if you get the O on your cover, a millionaire you will be. But hey, she can’t cover everyone and from where I’m standing, she’s not obligated to. Throughout her life, people pissed her off or offended her, and from that day on, they had no more access to Oprah. Sometimes it seemed tedious on Oprah’s behalf, sometimes fair enough, but I can say one thing – this is a woman who knows how to hold a grudge – yikes. But Oprah has power – a LOT of power, and I think more than anything, this is the issue. People have had to tiptoe around her for years and this is the crux of many of the issues raised in this book. You want to win, Oprah can be your champion or she can screw you completely. Beware. The one thing no one can get past is that Oprah has done AMAZING things in her career. She’s gotten taboo subjects talked about – rape, sex, prostitution, teenage pregnancy, incest, body image, etc… She has donated incredible amounts of money to charities around the world – more than most earn in a lifetime. She’s gotten people thinking about new things, in a new way – especially spirituality, a big priority for her. She’s challenged conventional thinking and an entire generation of “housewives” have been motivated and inspired by her – most of whom are incredibly grateful. She is passionate, human, caring, inspirational, aspirational, and more, but she’s also a super star and with that comes lots of other quirky shit us mere mortals could never understand. I think the main issue Oprah has faced is intellectualism. Criticism come from elements in the media who think her stuff is trash BUT her

Well I’ve finally realised what a massive task I’ve set myself in coming up with an “International Team of Spunks,” and the newly named “International Team of Lovely Personalities.” I had to rename the ugly team, because somehow, when an ugly bastard plays rugby, he looks quite hot – well to me anyway. It’s such a manly, visceral game don’t you think? However this task is an intense process and requires me to watch a lot of rugby! Steve doesn’t mind of course, but really, I have better things to do with my time. The first round of matches is important, because that’s when everyone gets to play and to ensure we truly do develop two international teams, I have to watch as much as I can. We missed out on the first round of games because my husband failed to get the TV service installed that covered it – doh! So less time to survey the field. I’ve enjoyed some of the rugby, but at this stage, it’s not really the exciting stuff – the Haka’s aren’t as passionate, the competition too one sided, but it’s also evolving and improving as the teams are getting better together, so it’s all positive from here. The Ireland vs Australia game was depressing and Argentina were brutal against England. Anyone with the luck of facing Fiji, Tonga or Western Samoa certainly know it after the games – blood sport is all I can say –  and I fully appreciate why it is considered the second most dangerous sport in the world. The Russia vs US game was interesting.  America was all high fives and the Russians more sombre, not even singing their anthem in tune. But don’t the Russians have the physiques of fridges? My word. Dan Vickerman gave us a lovely show when we saw his underpants and tight buttocks in the 20th minute against Ireland, and I have to say, Adam Ashley Cooper of Australia has a very nice arse. The Irish supporters were superb, the US fans mildly entertaining, the commentary teams are doing well pronouncing all the names, and all in all, it’s a feast for the eyes and senses. Below I’ve started tabulating the names. Anything to add? Not all countries are represented yet, but I will get there I promise. I also need to start putting numbers/positions with each name to come up with a selection covering every position on the field. Oh dear, the challenges I set myself. So would you like to share your favourite moment to date? Yours, without the bollocks Andrea Nominees to date include: You can check everyone out at the official RWC11 site Spunks Victor Matfield – Sth Africa Morné Steyn – Sth Africa Mike Phillips – Wales Jamie Roberts – Wales Joe Ansbro – Scotland Ally Strokosch – Scotland Pat Danahy – USA Scott LaValla – USA Todd Clever – USA Alexander Voytov – Russia Denis Antonov – Russia Andrey Ostrikov – Russia Alexey Makovetskiy – Russia Richie McCaw – NZ Ma’a Nonu – NZ Victor Vito – NZ Richard Kahui – NZ Sekope Kepu – Aus Saia Faingaa – Aus Anthony Faingaa – Aus Nathan Sharpe – Aus Adam Ashley-Cooper – Aus David Pocock – Aus Quade Cooper – Aus – he’s got something! Alisi Tupuailai – Japan Toetuu Taufa – Japan Bryce Robins – Japan Brian O’Driscoll – Ireland Cian Healy – Ireland – huge fan of his thighs Alesana Tuilagi – Samoa Tasesa Lavea – Samoa Anthony Perenise – Samoa Maurie Faasavalu – Samoa Ofisa Treviranus – Samoa George Pisi – Samoa Manaia Salavea – Samoa Nice Personalities Gurthrö Steenkamp – Sth Africa Shalck Burger – Sth Africa Adam Jones – Wales Stephen Jones – Wales Moray Low – Scotland David Zirakashvili – Georgia Alexander Todua – Georgia Mike MacDonald – USA Sergey Popov – Russia Andrey Garbuzov – Russia Keven Mealamu – NZ Piri Weepu – NZ – although I love him! Sam Whitelock – NZ Colin Slade – NZ Andrew Hore – NZ Tatafu Polota-Nau – Aus Kurtley Beale – Aus Stephen Moore – Aus Yusuke Aoki – Japan Jerry Flannery – Ireland Paul O’Connell – Ireland Sean Cronin – Ireland Damien Varley – Ireland Census Johnston – Samoa Logovi’i Mulipola – Samoa We also need to acknowledge some other aspects of the game and give appropriate awards. Best Hair Toby Faletau – Wales Adam Jones – Wales Givi Berishvili – Georgia Viktor Kolelishvili – Georgia Louis Stanfill – USA – he’s got a mullet AND a porn star mo! Todd Clever – USA Sergey Popov – Russia Radike Samo – Aus – so far, the winner I think – what a ‘fro! Saia Faingaa – Aus – shows that braids can look cool Toetuu Taufa – Japan Alesana Tuilagi – Samoa – shows that braids can look tough Tasesa Lavea – Samoa Census Johnston – Samoa Maurie Faasavalu – Samoa Best Beard Adam Jones – Wales David Zirakashvili – Georgia Pat Danahy – USA – aka Ned Kelly Ben Alexander – Aus Tatafu Polota-Nau – Aus Yuji Kitagawa – Japan Naoki Kawamata – Japan Logovi’i Mulipola – Samoa Seilala Mapusua – Samoa Best Ears Scott Lawson – Scotland Keven Mealamu – NZ Tony Woodcock – NZ Paul O’Connell – Ireland Best Porn Star Mo Louis Stanfill – USA Mike MacDonald – USA Kurtley Beale – Aus Pat McCabe – Aus Yuji Kitagawa – Japan Juan Manuel Leguizamón – Argentina Face Brazilian Alisi Tupuailai – Japan Ryukoliniasi Holani – Japan When I get time, I’m going to add best tats, best arse, best thighs and spunkiest ref. But enough already!