FULL CREDIT TO SURVIVORPHOENIX.COM

US was there: What you won't see on TV, plus our picks for the top 5 million-dollar contenders

US WEEKLY - Hard Copy, no link available
by Ben Pappas
September 22, 2003 issue

After three years, six rounds and one naked striptease, Survivor (premieres September 18 at 8 p.m. on CBS) is still upping the ante. The latest locale? The Pearl Islands, a remote archipelago off Panama where 16th-century pirates hid their booty. The 16 latest resdy-to-rumble castaways (who range from a Scout troop leader to an ex-attorney for "The Jerry Springer Show") would certainly give those buccaneers a run for their treasure. During one challenge, two naked men dragged a 300-pound pirate's cannon in a race to win the "Survivor" immunity idol.

A two-hour boat ride from Panama City, the Pearl Islands were roamed in the 16th and 17th centuries by Sir Francis Drake and Sir Henry Morgan, the tribes' namesakes.

A few more surprises:

PIRACY RULES!
The Tribal Council set resembles a 16-th century Spanish-style fort with real iron cannons. And check out this twist: After certain challenges, the winning tribe can raid the loser's camp.

THE PLAYERS ARE NO GOODY-TWO-SHOES
Not only did Thesmokinggun.com unearth e-mail inquiries about illegal drugs (allegedly sent by Christa and Ryan S.) and a drunk-driving arrest, but "Us" has also learned that Ryan O. was arrested for reckless driving four years ago.

STILL STARVING
After bashing a pelican's head with a rock, one castaway made a stew - only to be told by the on-set doctor, "No soup for you!" He feared the fowl was diseased.

THE OUTDOORSMAN
RUPERT BONEHAM, 39
FROM Indianapolis
OCCUPATION Counselor for troubled teens
PREP WORK "I've been painting hardener on my fingernails for weeks - I can unscrew screws. I've also been practicing catching fish with my hands in my tanks at home."

THE SUPER-FAN
MICHELLE TESAURO, 22
FROM Pittstown, New Jersey
OCCUPATION College graduate
PREP WORK "My mom set up an immunity challenge at dinner: We had to eat octopi that were raw and slimy. I won and had immunity from doing the dishes."

THE TEASE
CHRISTA HASTIE, 24
FROM Los Angeles
OCCUPATION Computer programmer
PREP WORK "I've gone to tropical gardens to research plants [native to] Panama, like mango flower. I plan on cooking a lot. I also researched plants as medicines for PMS."

THE STRATEGIST
JON DALTON, 29
FROM Los Angeles
OCCUPATION Art consultant
PREP WORK "I went on eBay and bought every single episode of "Survivor." "Survivor The Amazon," I watched twice!"

THE POWERHOUSE
NICOLE DELMA, 25
FROM Hermosa Beach, California
OCCUPATION Massage therapist
PREP WORK "I cut out all carbs and started to eat clean. I trained as if I was running a marathon and worked out six days a week for at least three hours."