Get Ready! Here comes Survivor: Cook Islands Hold on to your hats! It's a new season of Survivor, and they've already got a jump start on the backbiting and the snarky comments. No, I'm not talking about the contestants, I'm talking about the media and their reaction to the announcement that this season the tribes will be separated by race. It appears that there will be intially four tribes: an Asian-American tribe, an African-American tribe, a Hispanic tribe, and a Caucasian tribe. It appears some city councilmen in New York are all up in arms claiming "the show's divisive premise would do nothing but promote the spread of negative stereotypes based on the actions of the different tribes." Hmmmm... like reality shows as a whole don't promote most sterotypes already? Ummmm.... don't they kind of look for that type of thing during casting? Or am I the only one that thinks a large percentage of the contestants on all reality shows are chosen precisely because they behave on the extreme end of the segment of America that they represent? Don't get me wrong! I watch just about every reality show out there, so they're obviously doing something right! But I guess I personally am not any more offended this time around than I was last season when it was the strappingly handsome young men and the young perky girls against the old men and old women. So anyway, Survivor decided to take the "in-your-face" route this time around. Like it or hate it, they're hoping folks will tune in. So if you're interested, join me to watch them struggle, suffer, sabotage, and ultimately survive... all from the snuggly-warm comfort of our own homes. The new season kicks off on Thursday, September 14th at 8 p.m. on CBS.

Meet the Survivors! Okay, it's time we get to know this latest group of guinea pigs a little bit better. Based on the little bit of information that is made available about each of the contestants prior to the season, I've developed a highly-technical scoring system of "First Impression" points. I took a look at four characteristics that are crucial to the long-term survival of the players in this game, and determined how they all stacked up: Sex Appeal: Because, let's face it. They're all far from home, hanging out on the beach all day with each other. Looks get noticed! And it will get you further than you think in this game. (Remember Amber??) Smarts: A keen intellect is key! Are you the kind of player that's really going to be aware of what's going on, and how it's going to affect you? Can you figure out some of the brain puzzles that come later in the competition? Can you tell the difference between poisonous and non-poisonous plants and critters? I tell ya, your mind is your greatest weapon! Strength: And on the other end of the scale, pure brute strength has its value too. How many competitions do you just know are going to absolutely destroy certain players just based on their physical weakness. The strong do survive! Strategy: Ahhh... truly, what it all comes down to. You can have all the other attributes in spades, but if you're on the wrong side of an alliance, it's not going to help you a bit. Richard Hatch introduced all of us to this many moons ago. Too bad no one introduced him to H&R Block. So let's review the castaways. Let the scoring begin!

Adam Adam Gentry 28 San Diego, CA Copier Sales (really... copier sales??) Leo Interesting fact: Adam stripped naked at the second Woodstock festival and was pictured that way in Newsweek magazine. Way to go, Adam! Sex Appeal: aaaa Heck, you've got to give it to him. Nice smile, he's done some modeling, and apparently he doesn't mind bearing his bum in public! Smarts: aa He did go to Virginia Polytechnic Institute, which implies some smarts. However, he's selling copiers mainly to churches? How many copy machines can a church need? And don't most churches hold on to things until they absolutely positively have no alternative but to replace it with a new one? You may want to go back to being a personal trainer. I think you could sell that better. Strength: aaaa Let's see... he used to be a personal trainer, he's a basketball player, swimmer, and loves beach activities. Yeah, that should all come in handy. Strategy: a You know, I just can't get over the selling copiers to churches thing. It doesn't sound like a good strategy to me, so I think this may be his weakness. Overall, seems sweet, and a good team player. They'll probably eat him alive. For more on Adam, take a look at his official Survivor Bio and his MySpace Page.

Becky Becky Lee 28 Washington, D.C. Attorney Virgo Interesting Fact: Becky enjoys doing "hot yoga". What is this...? I must find out. "Hot" yoga sounds much better than boring old-fashioned, "non-hot" yoga. Sex Appeal: aaa She's cute and looks sweet. I'm sure the guys will like her, and yet the girls are less intimidated by "cute" so hopefully the claws won't come out too early. Smarts: aaa She's an attorney! Tell all the lawer jokes you want, it takes some brain power to pass the bar exam. Strength: aa She plays tennis and flag football, so she's active... but may have a hard time up against some of the bigger guys. Strategy: aaaa Attorneys know how to argue a point, and think on their feet. I think she'll be strong here! If she flies under the radar for a bit, and gets some strong allies on her side, I think Miss Becky will go far. If you want to find out more about Becky, take a look at her official Survivor Bio.

Billy Virgilio "Billy" Garcia 36 New York, NY Heavy Metal Guitarist Taurus Interesting Fact: Billy is a professional wrestler that goes by the name "Spanish Fly." I just happened to look up what else goes by the name "Spanish Fly"... and ladies, I think he's trying to tell us something! Sex Appeal: aa From this picture, I think he may be trying to ride the Johnny Depp - Pirate wave. But he needs some more eye liner or something. But he does play in a band! That always gets extra credit. Smarts: a While he was sick when he was 15, he heard the song "Juke Box Hero" on the radio and that's what made him want to pursue becoming a rock and roll star. What would have happened to this poor guy if he would have heard "She Works Hard For The Money" instead??? Strength: aaaa He is trained in the martial arts, he wrestles, and he is a big boy. This is definitely his strongest attribute. Strategy: aa When he was young, he saved his lunch money to buy his first electric guitar. That shows focus and an abilty to keep his eye on a goal. If he can translate that focus to this game, he may do okay! If his strength helps his tribe win a lot of challenges, then he should make it to the merge no problem. But that same strength can be a threat once everybody is competing against everyone else... so he better have another trick up his sleeve by then. For more on Billy, take a look at his official Survivor Bio.

Brad Brad Virata 29 Los Angeles, CA Fashion Director Sagittarius Interesting Fact: Brad was allegedly hand-picked for this season of Survivor by Mark Burnett himself when Burnett spotted him in a restaurant. What do you think he was doing that got Mr. Burnett's attention?? Was he eating grubs? Sex Appeal: aaa He certainly has it, but he seems to know he has it... so he loses a point. Smarts: aa Gosh, when you look at his "Favorites" portion of his official Survivor profile, he seems to have very sophisticated tastes, and likes to use lots of big words. But since I'm not sure if this is intelligence or arrogance... I have to go the middle of the road here. Strength: aaa Let's see... weight training, running, rollerblading, power yoga, and beach volleyball. Well okay, so he's not a couch potato... but is he strong? I'm not sure. For general fitness though, we'll give him the benefit of the doubt. Strategy: a If we find out that he strategically placed himself near Mark Burnett, and knew just the right thing to do or say to land him on the show, than I'll come back and give him top points here. But because I think it was all about happening to be at the right place at the right time, I can't give him a lot of credit for that. Being "Lucky" will only get you so far in Survivor, (although it seems he's making a decent career out of it!) I'm not sure about Brad. If we find him half as entertaining as he seems to find himself, then I hope he stays around for a while. To learn more about Brad, take a look at his official Survivor Bio.

Candice Candice Woodcock 23 Fayetteville, NC Pre-Med Student Scorpio Interesting Fact: Survivor:Africa inspired Candice to do service work in Africa. Following her freshman year of college, she spent 10 and a half weeks living in a mud hut with a tribal family in the western highlands of Kenya. Gee... the summer after my freshman year in college, I got a job at Baskin-Robbins. I feel like a schmuck. Sex Appeal: aaaa Cute, athletic, smart. I think the guys and girls will both like her. Smarts: aaaa Let's see... A perfect score on the math portion of her SATs, two full merit scholarships, B.S. in biology and psychology with a minor in chemistry. Yep. She's leading the pack in this category. Strength: aaa Watersports, flag football, soccer, rock climbing, rafting, kayaking, camping, hiking, snow and water skiing. The only reason she doesn't get four points is I think some of the men will have size and leverage on her. Strategy: aaaa She seems to have a good head on her shoulders, I think she'll be able to handle the strategic side of this game just fine. Well, I think I've found an early favorite! I'm all kinds of impressed with this young lady. And if she gets voted out quickly, she's got a good future elsewhere. For more on Candice, take a look at her official Survivor Bio.

Cao Boi Anh-Tuan "Cao Boi" Bui 42 Christiansburg, VA Prelate, Loyal Order of Moose Aries Interesting Fact: Bui is the world-record holder in Marathon Softball where he played for 100 hours. Hmmm... is Marathon Softball an individual sport, or a team sport? If it's a team sport, wouldn't he share this record with the rest of the team? And if it's an individual sport... how the heck do you play softball by yourself??? I sure hope he talks about this around the campfire some night. I'm dying to know details. Sex Appeal: a Sorry Cao Boi, I'm just not feeling it. It's not you, it's me. Smarts: aa Another Virginia Tech alumni, so he definitely gets credit for that. But he can't seem to settle into a career... so he's still figuring out to apply what he learned. Strength: aa He's a biker and a hiker, so he may be fit... but I'm not sure how strong he'll be against the big boys. Strategy: aaaa Well, he's read Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman, a favorite of mine as well. I just have a hunch, he's going to be strong on the strategic side of things. Okay, Cao Boi, just like me, the others my underestimate you. Feel free to prove me wrong! You can find out more about Cao Boi on his official Survivor Bio.

Cecilia Cecilia Mansilla 29 Oakland, CA Tecknology Risk Consultant Capricorn Interesting Fact: Cecilia didn't learn to speak English until she was 16, but went on to secure college scholarships to all the schools where she applied a mere two years later. Wow! Fast adapting skills! THAT will come in handy. Sex Appeal: aa She seems pleasant enough, but I don't know if it will give her any strategic advantage. Smarts: aaa She's a smarty! Can she apply it to island life though? Strength: aa She works out, but there isn't much mention of specific physical skills she possesses. But if they have a volleyball competition, she may do okay. Strategy: aaa If she can adapt to a new life so readily at 16, hopefully she can so the same on the islands. She's here, but is she ready to play? Let's find out. For more on Cecilia, check out her official Survivor Profile.

Cristina Cristina Coria 35 Los Angeles, CA Police Officer Aires Interesting Fact: Cristina has gone through not one, but TWO life threatening situations during her career as a police officer. Once almost crushed by a car, and the other when she was shot during a hostage standoff. What, so you think she's going to get rattled when tribemates talk behind her back and break their word to her? Uhhhh... I don't think so. She's made of tougher stuff. Sex Appeal: aa Too bad she can't wear her police uniform. The boys would give her extra points for that. Smarts: aaa I think she has street smarts, which in this game can be very valuable! Strength: aa I'm sure she's in shape, being a police officer and all. But again may not be able to wrestle the bigger boys to the ground without her handcuffs. (Hmmm... maybe those will be her luxury item?) Strategy: aaa I think that given her background, she's going to be able to read people and situations pretty effectively, and that it will give her a definite edge. If you'd like to learn more about Cristina, take a look at her official Survivor Bio.

Jenny Jenny Guzon-Bae 36 Lake Forest, IL Real Estate Agent Taurus Interesting Fact: Jenny used to be a local TV reporter, and is not afraid to admit she likes being the center of attention. And now she is a real estate agent, and gets to put pictures of herself up all over town! She must love that. Sex Appeal: aaa I think she's got some fiery spunk, and she admits she's going to demand some attention. Smarts: aa I think the smartest thing she can do is to think before she speaks... but I just don't get the impression she's that kind of girl. But I think she's going to be highly entertaining! Strength: a She plays volleyball, and used to be into gymnastics and ballet... but I think the competitions are going to demand more than she may have. Strategy: aa She's got experience selling other people's houses, and telling other people's stories... but for this adventure she's got to get in there and direct the reins herself. I'm not sure if she's up for that...? I personally like her! But I'm not sure she's got what it takes to stay in the game until the end. To learn more about Jenny, visit her official Survivor Bio, or watch her Audition Tape

Jessica Jessica Smith 27 Chico, CA Performance Artist/Rollergirl Aquarius Interesting Fact: Wow, so many interesting things, what to choose? Jessica is a Nor Cal Roller girl who goes by the name "Flicka Flame." But she is not the favorite among the league members, some said she plays too rough and too hard. Can you believe that? She plays so rough that the other rollergirls are complaining! I can't wait to see this girl in action. Sex Appeal: a You know, I'm just not a multi-colored braided hair, shoulder-tattoo kind of person. But this is just my first impression, the tribemates may love it. Smarts: a She's very strong on the right-brained artistic side of things. But after being battered around a bit in the roller rink, I don't know how much she has on the left-brained puzzle-solving side. Strength: aaaa She makes the other rollergirls cry! I think even the men will be afraid of her. Strategy: aa She must know how to position herself for the win as a rollergirl. Lets hope she can do the same in this crazy game. I'm predicting lots of drama and sparks out of Flicka Flame. I think everyone will either love her or hate her. To learn more about Jessica, check out her official Survivor Bio.

Jonathan Jonathan Penner 44 Los Angeles, CA Writer/Producer Pisces Interesting Fact: Jonathan has already appeared previously on two other CBS shows, "CSI" and "The Nanny". My gosh, haven't you already had your share of the pie??? Let the rest of us that have never seen our pretty little faces on TV get a shot. *sigh* Sex Appeal: aaa Well, I guess I don't know what he'll look like in his Survivor Buff on the beach, but he has a nice smile and pretty blue eyes. So he gets some points from me. Smarts: aaa He has a decent education, but he has learned a lot I bet by being involved with TV productions in the past. This is a show after all, as well as a game. That experience will come in handy. Strength: aaa His bio just kind of blurbs that he plays baseball, soccer, and tennis... but at the same time he has an extensive list of snack foods that he likes. So he may not be the fittest body on the beach, but he probably has size on his side compared to some of the others. Strategy: aaaa I just have to think that this TV guy is going to do well on this TV show. He knows what it's all about, and will try and position himself with the strongest group with the most air time. He looks like a friendly ol' teddy bear. I hope he's there till the end. If you'd like to learn more about Jonathan, take a look at his official Survivor Bio and his IMDb listing.

J.P. John "J.P." Calderon 30 Marina del Rey, CA Professional Volleyball Player Virgo Interesting Fact: J.P. received a full volleyball scholarship to California State University, Long Beach. Volleyball! I had no idea I could have paid for college by being good at volleyball! All that studying, and I could have been at the beach instead. Sex Appeal: aaaa Professional volleyball player that does some modeling on the side. There you go, you've earned your points. Smarts: aa He was smart enough to figure out he could pay for college by being good at volleyball, I'll give him that! Strength: aaaa He's young and in good shape, he should be one of the stronger ones out there. Strategy: aaa Well, he has been a coach, and Survivor is a game. Maybe he'll figure out the right plays to make it to the end. He's looking like a pretty all-around strong contender. I wouldn't be surprised to see him in it at the end. For more on J.P., take a look at his official Survivor Bio.

Nathan Nathan "Nate" Gonzalez 26 Los Angeles, CA Retail Sales Leo Interesting Fact: Nate began playing the violin when he was only 8 years old, and now he is in a hip-hop group. How do you get from violin, to hip-hop? Can you pull anything resembling a hip-hop beat from a violin? Nate, if you're working your violin training into your hip-hop act, you're amazing. If you're not, look into it! It could be the next big thing. Look what happened with Ian Anderson when he pulled his flute up on stage! Sex Appeal: a Again, the hair. I guess I have issues with hair. Maybe I should see someone about that. Smarts: aa He won the Lancaster Speech Tournament, so kudos for that. But it turns out that the only ones elegible to compete for it are students that go to his city college. But I'm sure I couldn't have won it, so he gets points. Strength: aaaa He's a big guy, looks like tough competition for any physical match. Strategy: a He sells shoes in the department store. Now stategically, everyone knows the department to work in is electronics. Much bigger commissions, and you get to watch the game when things are slow. So like our first castaway Adam, I also have to question Nathan's strategic thinking based on his career choice. Okay Nate, be a big time team player until the merge, then crush them in the individual challenges afterwards and you'll do fine. To learn more about Nate, take a look at his official Survivor Bio.

Ozzy Oscar "Ozzy" Lusth 25 Venice, CA Waiter Virgo Interesting Fact: Ozzy camped all the way from Panama to San Diego over the course of five months. Wow! CBS should just strap a camera to his back and make a new show and call it “Panamaniac!” I also found this interesting… he likes vegan candy and Cocoa Puffs. So, if he’s a vegan, can he put milk on his Cocoa Puffs? Just wondering. Sex Appeal: aaa He’s got that cute tousle-head look and smiley eyes. The girls will like that. Smarts: aaa He’s got wilderness training like crazy. I don’t know about book smarts, but he’s like a superhero version of an Eagle Scout. Strength: aaa I don’t know how big and strong he is, but he can dive to 30 feet and can hold his breath under water for three minutes. That’s going to win him a competition or two. Strategy: a He obviously does well on his own, but I wonder if he’ll mesh well with a tribe. This may be his downfall. He sounds like a fun guy. Hope he stays around for a while to entertain us. Learn more about Ozzy on his official Survivor Bio.

Parvati Parvati Shallow 23 Los Angeles, CA Boxer/Waitress Virgo Interesting Fact: Parvati works as a female boxer AND a cocktail waitress. Nice combination! Anyone gets too touchy-feely, or crosses the line, and she'll take care of them herself -- no bouncer needed! You go, girl! Sex Appeal: aaaa Yeah, she's got it. She was even a female boxer for Perfect 10 Model Boxing. I'd put a link to their site here, but then all you guys would just go there, and never come back and read the rest of my webpage. Smarts: aaa She had a degree in journalism with a minor in French. It's not rocket science, but rocket science is overrated, so I've been told. Extra points for putting herself through school though! Strength: aaa Again: she's a boxer. And four years on the swim team. (There might be some water events on the island.) Strategy: aaaa I love the strategy of backing up being a cocktail waitress by being a boxer. There's a whole lot a guys that aren't going to see THAT coming. They may not see her coming in Survivor, either. I can't wait to watch! Go get 'em, Pavarti! If you'd like to learn more about Pavarti, read her official Survior Bio.

Rebecca Rebecca Borman 34 Laurelton, NY Make-up Artist Virgo Interesting Fact: Rebecca is an Emmy Award winning make-up artist for "The View," and does make-up for former Survivor Elisabeth Hasselbeck. You know we're all hoping she gossips about the behind the scenes drama of that show. Too bad her Survivor gig is after the whole Star Jones exit fiasco. It would have been entertaining to get her take on what it was like after the cameras went off that day! Sex Appeal: aaa LOVE her smile. And I like the braids on her! (What... you were expecting consistency?) Smarts: aa Hmmmm... she picked the one show to be on where non of the stars even get to wear make-up. You'd think she'd at least like to be on something that she could show off her craft. Maybe Big Brother 8? Strength: a Tennis, softball, and (surprise!) volleyball. But I'm afraid by comparison to some of the others though, she may not do too well. Strategy: aa Now, if she flashes that smile and is as friendly as she looks, and entertains the troops with lots of gossip from her workplace, they may want to keep her around just to hear more stories! I imagine otherwise it can get kind of boring on an island full of volleyball players with no volleyball. Advice to you, Rebecca: Be helpful, be sweet, get close to a couple strong guys, and promise to give all the girls insider make-up tips if they keep you around. You never know what's going to be the right combination in this game. To learn more about Rebecca, read her official Survivor Bio.

Sekou Sekou Bunch 45 Los Angeles, CA Jazz Musician/Recording Artist Virgo Interesting Fact: Only three years after picking up a bass guitar for the first time, Sekou recorded his first professional record at age 18... and the album eventually went gold! This man has found his talent, and is running with it. Sex Appeal: aaa Billy, take note: This is how you wear a bandana and an earring. Smarts: aaa I don't know about book smarts, but he knows how to take a passion and run all the way to the goal line with it. I hope he's passionate about winning Survivor! Strength: aaa He says he does weight training, but there are some young bucks on the island that may give hime a run for his money. Strategy: aaaa This guy is obviously a people person. He's got personality and life experience by the bucketful. I think folks will be drawn to him, and that he'll have a lot of influence in the tribe. I hope he doesn't come on too strong and powerful in the early days and get pegged as a threat. Hopefully he'll get some loyal folks around him and be able to go far. If you'd like to learn more about Sekou, take a look at his Survivor Bio.

Stephannie Stephannie Favor 35 Columbia, SC Nursing Student Cancer Interesting Fact: Stephannie was previously in the United States Armed Forces and served in Desert Storm during the Gulf War. I respect the heck out of that, and have nothing more to say. Sex Appeal: aaa Once again, a fantastic smile. And she's a veteran. And she sings gospel. And she's training to be a nurse. I think that makes her beautiful, inside and out. Smarts: aaa A nice degree from Clemson, Armed Forces background, nursing school... these are all going to help her do well. Strength: a Jogging? Frisbee? I'm afraid that won't help her against some of the other strong competition. Strategy: aaa She's bright, is obviously a care-taker, and has some military training. That's a powerful combination, and I bet she'll be observant and keep herself in the game. I'm hoping she makes it to halfway and beyond... but with the game starting off with four small tribes, all having to vote people out, the physically weak may not get too far. If you'd like to learn more about Stephannie, check out her official Survivor Bio.

Sundra Sundra Oakley 31 Los Angeles, CA Actress Capricorn Interesting Fact: Sundra has also appeared previously on another CBS show, CSI:Miami. CBS likes to take care of their own it seems. But does the love go both ways? Not according to Sundra's biography. See her "Strategy" score below... Sex Appeal: aaaa She's pretty, and an actress. I bet she'll be able to turn on the charm and the men will love her! Smarts: aa A college degree, and she attended Georgetown University. But I don't have any more information to go on...! But I'll toss her a couple points for the Georgetown mention. Strength: aa Running, soccer, boxing... so she's fit, but is she strong? Strategy: a Sundra was one of the few survivors that didn't mention "Survivor" as one of her favorite TV shows. She is the only survivor that didn't mention at least one CBS show as her favorite show. Bad, bad, strategy, Sundra. Despite all her strengths, I predict that because of her lapse in judgement of not plugging any CBS shows as her favorite, she's going to be taken out by some "unforseen production incident" in the first episode. If you'd like to learn more about Sundra, take a look at her official Survivor Bio.

Yul Yul Kwon 31 San Mateo, CA Management Consultant Aquarius Interesting Fact: Yul helped draft sections of the Homeland Security Bill and other technology-related legislation. I mean, how do you even get that job??? And how far did they have to crawl up his... uh... backgound, to clear him for position like that? Sex Appeal: aaaa He played water polo, is an ultimate fighter, and likes to volunteer with children??? Uhhh, yep... you get all the points. Smarts: aaaa Yeah, he's all kinds of smart. I'd list it all here, but there are lots of big words and I don't feel like looking them up. Strength: aaaa Say it with me now... "Ultimate Fighter" Strategy: aaaa He has a background in law, business, and technology... all of which require some strategic skill. He's actually a part of the Google business strategy group!! If he's even once watched Survivor, he's learned everything he needs to know. They need to either vote him off on day one, or they might as well write him the check and all go home. To learn more about Yul, take a look at his official Survivor Bio.