|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2005 9:02 pm
 ~ Posting Permissions ~
1. One of Doctor Moreau's 'test subjects'
2. A staff member of the Island
~ Credits ~
Official Art (c) to Hargun
Character Concept (c) Alatariel Rakamash
IODM Shop Concept (c) Chibi Hige / Sirenz
Other Test Subjects (c) their respective owners"O to be a dragon,
a symbol of power of Heaven -- of silk-worm
size or immense; at times invisible.
Felicitous phenomenon!"
~~Marianne Moore, "O to be a dragon"
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2005 9:05 pm
Name: Joliette Marie Rigiel (first name pronounced Jooleeai )
Age: 23
Date of Birth: December 29th
Height: 4'5"
Weight: 55Kg (121 Lbs)
Race: British-Raised French Girl
Hair Color: auburn hair
Hair Length/Style: very curly shoulder length which she attempts to keep control of by tying it in a ponytail
Eye Color: Emerald Green
Former Occupation: Photo Journalist
Family: Mama, Papa, Grandpa and Grandma
Romantic Interest: David (Chubbs)
Former Likes/Loves: Vegetables
Former Dislikes/Hates: ANYTHING meat, overexposed film and blurry photographs, being called a paparazzi
Preffered Food: Raw meat, fresh
Former Prefferences: Vegetables
Dislikes/Hates: overexposed film and blurry photographs, being called a paparazzi, not being vegetarian anymore
Former Favorite Food: Salads
Hobbies: Photography, Graphic layout, desktop publishing, net searching, researching a good lead, photo developing (darkroom)
Distinct Features: Though her name is more them obviously very french, Joliette speaks with a strong British accent.
Motto: Do it right or trash it!
Personality: Joliette is outgoing about her work yet rather reserved when it comes to everything else. She is a perfectionist and likes to make every frame of film count. She will not submit her work to her employer until she believes it is perfect, she often creates her own albums of work she likes but is not in her opinion good enough to publish. When around other people she is either doing her job or trying to hide in the background, she hates being called a paparazzi and it is one of the few times she will be loud or snap at someone. She will however defend herself to the very best of her ability should the need arise.
Personality Changes on Isle: As time passes Joliette has begun to start opening up to a few people, people she has begun to feel comfortable with. She has also begun to allow herself to accept romantic interests of others. Though at this point she is still very much a perfectionist. Joliette has opened herself up enough to fall in love, she's determined to continue her photography as long as possible. Her two months in the wild and her near attack of Awen & mistrust of herself following that drew Joliette a bit back into herself and she returned close to her original self or being selfconscious around others, especially in group situations.
~ 2 ~
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2005 9:10 pm
Joliette is a fairly typical French woman with the exception that though she was born in France she was raised in Britain. She likes photography and always has, even as a child. Her parents, though born both in Paris, moved to Britain when Joliette was only two, they had moved to get a new start in their own careers as security guards. They both decided as Joliette grew she would take lessons in the martial arts which would allow her to have a form of self defense as she got older as they believed she was the kind of girl they'd have to beat the guys away with a stick and she excelled becoming a black belt. Joliette however did not take a liking to any particular guys even as a teenager, she was more interested in technology and even moreso, photography. She begged her parents at the age of twelve for her first camera and used all her allowance on film and developing.
She never had a sibling and honestly never asked her parents why, the only family she truly ever knew was her parents and grandparents. After graduating she attended one of the most prestigious schools of photography she could find in Britain. She put her all into the classes often coming out within the top five students in each class, she paid little attention to guys or eve the concept of romance, this wasn't to say some of her classmates did not ask her out on dates, she just very often tended to chose school work over them. After completing her schooling she freelanced for various magazines, tabloids and newspapers often getting repeat work from many of them, her subjects were very broad and could range from celebrities to dramatic news.
Unlike her parents, Joliette has chosen the path of being a true vegan after one of her class projects exposed her to food processing plant as she was to document the process from start to finish of how a certain product came to be on the market, in this case it was beef and she couldn't handle eating anything meat related thereafter.
~ 3 ~
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2005 9:12 pm
Possessions Upon Arrival:
A couple outfits which were in the cabin of the boat which include: Khakhi shorts ~ white cotton shirts ~ undergarments ~ a couple pairs of canvass shoes ~ hair scrunchies ~ her photography vest ~ Black pajamas that that can pass for Gi (cuase they actually are Gi)
Purse Stuff & Identification: Passport ~ Drivers Lisense ~ Press ID ~ credit cards ~ checkbook ~ keys ~ wallet ~ watch
Electronic Equipment/Journalist Stuff: Palm Pilot ~ Laptop ! ~ portable printer ~ Cell Phone ~ iPod with songs on it ~ Notepads, Pens & Pencils
Boat: A rented Princess V46 ! ~ ! ~ !
Misc Photography Paraphenalia including: Canon EOS 20D digital camera body ~ Sigma 20 mm f1.8 EX wide angle lens ~ Canon 100 mm f2.8 macro lens ~ Tokina ATX-Pro 12-24 f4 zoom lens ~ Tolkina ATX-Pro 28-70 mm f2.8 zoom lens ~ Tokina ATX-Pro 80-200 mm f2.8 zoom lens ~ Sigma 300 mm f2.8 HSM APO EX lens ~ Sigma 1.4x and 2x teleconverters ~ Canon 25 mm extension tube ~ Canon MT-24 EX macro flash ~ Canon 550 EX Speedlite flash ~ Sigma EF 500 Super flash ~ Gitzo 1340 tripod, Bogen 3047 head ~ Tripod ~ Canon EF 500mm f/4.0 L IS USM Lens (Super Telephoto Lens) ~ other misc lenses ~ and a hell of a LOT of film ! ~ ! ~ !
Lost Possessions:
Boat: A rented Princess V46 ! ~ ! ~ !
New Possessions:
Darkroom: Safelights, Kodak Supra Endura Paper of various sizes, Various bleachfix, brightener and stabilizer chemicals, Main developing and stopbath chemicals, Process Timers, Dishwarmer & Thermometer, Photographic Print Tongs, Print Trays and Chemical Storage Bottles, Measuring Cylinders, Film Tank, darkroom sinks & Ventilation, Exposing Enlarger, Focus tool, filters, etc, Extra specialized film of varying kinds
Clothing: Winter Coat & Ear Muffs, VERY oversized button up shirt (used for PJs), a few blouses, one or two t-shirts, a few shorts, a skirt never even had the tag off, and a pair of pants
Stuff that will never see light of day: a box of naff clothing hidden away
~ 4 ~
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2005 9:15 pm
Unit #27 ~ Original Residence
Joliette is in a downstairs unit. It's sparecely the room is sparcely decorated as she never had much stuff with her to beging with. Thanks to Harguns generosity her drawers are fuller then they were for a long time and Joliette is not stuck wearing the same things every day. Nearly none of her photography equipment is kept in her unit although she does tend to keep her laptop in her unit if she hasn't taken it out of hte room for one reason or another. Upstairs of Joliette is #28, which is not occupied by another islander it has become hers as well but for a seperate purpose then the use which #27 serves. #28 is filled with darkroom equipment, it is where she keeps her camera equipment when it too is not in use.
Unit #25 ~ Current Residence
While technically not HER unit Joliette has said yes to David's (Chubbs') request for her to live with him. to this end she is going to be moving a good portion of her belongings to his unit. Over time she did, all her belongings either wound up in #25 or #28 depending on their use/purpose, anything that could have anything to do with her photography went upstairs, everything else... to David's
~ 5 ~
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2005 9:19 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2005 9:22 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2005 9:28 pm
01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42
1. Vasile DiRossi
First Impressions: Well I found him, he seemed in constume. Damned actors faking their own deaths! Well he took off running, he told me to wait for him though *raises brow*
Growing Impressions: Well this is intersting he's a flirt I think, but that is of no consequence. A good athlete too...
2. Dr. Sabin Duvert
First Impressions: Seems nice enough to me, offered me an exclusive. Let me read his script they are working on. Though he didn't seem to like the fact that I'm a vegan
Growing Impressions: GAWD DAMN WHITE-HAIRED GORMLESS ARSE!!!
Further Impressions: I soooo loathe this man. Sooo damned cocky! Sooo full of himself! He may have gotten the last laugh, But at least he knows what kind of strength this little woman has!
3. Aubrey
First Impressions: Quiet person, I don't know anything about her
4. Hargun Aikason
First Impressions: First person I met after Mr Sabin... She wears a costume.. a ?bat? I dunno, she got really upset in the cafeteria too... I certainly enjoyed her company overal, I do hope to get together with her again if it doesn't interupt her work
Growing Impressions: She was playing a charade with me? Not sure how to take that.. least not at first, but now I can understand why...
Further Impressions: She is very wonderful, she gave me some clothing, that will really really help! I find her easy to talk to and also a sympathetic ear.
5. Awen Zyn
First Impressions: What on earth is her problem? She certainly went off on a tangent, well I suppose actoresses are tempermental ^^;
Growing Impressions: She's intersting in my mind. I still have to form an opinion on her...
Further Impressions: Awen is cool, she honest and true to herself, I have begun to form a friendship with her, she doesn't seem to know or want to know what she is becoming, I cant totally say I blame her
Even Further Impressions: She seems to like her most recent changes, and isn't afraid of the water anymore... She forgave me from my near attack of her when I lost control... I'm glad she could forgive me... but I'll never forget what I almost did.
6. Ian Campbell
First Impressions: Quiet and has a way of... disappearing
Growing Impressions: Quiet... changed again... last I saw he was still adjusting to it.
Further Impressions: Very caring towards Emerwyn in my observations, even willing to deal with the git to get her help... and that is saying something
7. The Dude
First Impressions: Woah now this actor is intersting, easily excitable and rather intersting, I kinda have to say I wouldn't mind getting to know more about him... and get my keys back... though the former more then the later...
Growing Impressions: Ok Dude is awesome, he's funny and cool. I think he's gonna be worth making sure is a good friend here.
Further Impressions: sad I found out he passed away, in small places like this you can only rely on friends... and now he's gone...
8. Amaya
First Impressions: First straight forward person I met on the isle, she's the one who told me what really was going on here... Not sure I want to believe her, though her words make sense...
Growing Impressions: Well she's truthful and wow, she changed last time she changed. I dont think she lost her spark though
9. Ambrose
First Impressions: Interesting man, he's turning into something just as much as Hargun is, I don't know what... He says everyone is friendly on the isle but hte scene I witnessed in the cafeteria makes me wonder about that
Growing Impressions: Wow I think he has a rough time ahead of him here... especially with his girlfriend trapped here too... A good conversationalist though
Further Impressions: He's really quite nice, he helped me find a way I can handle eatting the meat my body has started to crave against my wishes
Even Further Impressions: I'm confused about how I'm feeling about him now, he seems supportive, yet wary about me, I can't entirely say I blame him...
10. Father Stewart
First Impressions: *sigh* Another person tricked by the island, but seems firmly set in his beliefs...
11. Greer
First Impressions: Oh. My.... I have only met her in passing but remind me NEVER to get on her bad side without being ready to defend myself
12. Jamal
First Impressions: Confusing black man who like me is still normal... He seemed really distraught by the time he left...
Growing Impressions: He's cool, nice to get to know. Helpful certainly knows nothing about photography equipment... but oh well... oh and he seems to like bubblewrap *laughs*
Further Impressions: I dont think I'll ever understand this guy... it makes me wonder...
13. Colche
First Impressions: She seems so... innocent, I guess she doesn't realizy her humanity is being taken from her. She seems happy about it and that just doesn't make sense to me
Growing Impressions: Wow I really don't know what to say about Colche I don't know how anyone could be as happy about what is happening here as she is.
Further Impressions: Although she is so very innocent she is very sweet and kind, I can't thank her enough for getting me out of the meat locker
14. Chubbs
First Impressions: Man I feel sorry for this guy, not to mention the kids he left behind back home... I hope he finds out the truth... I didnt have the heart to tell him
Growing Impressions: I think he is rather funny, in a good way... He has a wonderful sense of humor I'm glad he is my neighbor I don't think I could have asked for a better one in the circumstances.. Ya know... I want to get to know him better... I think I'm gonna have to get over my reserved quiet side to do that adequately...
Further Impressions: Great big ol teddybear of a guy. Very kindhearted, girls rejected him, I dont think they got to know the real him.
Romantic Impressions: Thats it I can't help it, I've fallen for him, I certainly didn't expect to... but I have... Theres no doubt in my mind that he is the best thing about having gotten stuck here
15. Emelyn
First Impressions: She's intersting I like her. Seems kind and friendly, I didn't get much time to talk to her though...
Growing Impressions: I really enjoy conversations with Emelyn, Moreau thinks she's on his side so she has to be careful what she says but she has a wonderful sense of hunour and I look forward to further conversations
Further Impressions: A very good friend, she's supportive and understanding, I'm glad to have met her... even if she plans to stay living in the wild all the time.
16. Emerwyn
First Impressions: Helpful, Kind and a good conversationalist... I'm glad to have met her
Growing Impressions: Last I saw her she was really sick, I hope she is ok...
Further Impressions: Nice girl, she helped me find shelter and for that I'm grateful
17. Chana Cohen
First Impressions: She's... different, It'll be intersting to get to know her. she seemed a lil far-off last I saw her...
Growing Impressions: woah what got up her bottom end...
Further Impressions: Nice person for certain, interesting to get to know.
18. Rayanya VonStrantz
First Impressions: The first person I tried to tell the truth to... It didn't work out so well, I think she doesn't believe me. She ran into me on the beach... literally, thats how I met her...
Growing Impressions: She's cool I saw her again while making my christmas rounds after I had my first change, she seemed desperate about something... not to mention sympathetic when she noticed my changes
19. Lauren "Thorn" Granger
First Impressions: This woman is rather confusing, she seemed nice enough but I think I'm gonna have to get to know her better before I can make a true opinion
Further Impressions: Seems like a pretty nice person to me, I camped with her for a few weeks during the lockout and got to know her better.
20. Pyroth
First Impressions: Seems a nice guy, I didn't get to know much about him but he's pretty nice
21. That Tattooed Woman (Aka Antoinette Devereux)
First Impressions: I have no clue what this woman's problem is! Jeez I barely talk to her and she attacks me! Right Twit.. she needs to get her finger out.
Further Impressions: I think this woman will never change, not in her attitude at least... Rude arrogant woman...
22. Cassidy Smith
First Impressions: Only met Cassidy for a short time but I think she's nice, she seems to be loosing her legs, I feel bad for her I truly do, she said snake... she's from Canada, west coast, I haven't been that far into North America, but it sounds interesting I suppose.
23. Lily Delaney
First Impressions: Strange girl, seems almost... too innocent, but I don't know, that could be her personality. I suppose we'll see...
Further Impressions: I was right... she is not entirely what she seems... In fact she worked for Moreau himself! That seriously puts a damper on her friendship with many I'm sure.
24. Timothy Matthews
First Impressions: Oh man I do feel bad for these man, Komodo is one thing but a skunk? Those creatures really do not smell very good. He was the first new face I met during our time in lockout, though he seems nice enough he has a down feeling about whats happening...
Further Impressions: EW ew ew.. he musked me... ok I suppose it was my fault... but still!!
25. Avery Calder
First Impressions: Don't know much about him, met him right after the power came back on, he was with Awen and offered to share some skittles. He seems nice....
26. Zachary Bloodstone
First Impressions: Very nervous guy this one, I think he's taking the isle with disbelief, and to be frank I cannot say I blame him...
Further Impressions: Wow this one is really changing.... he's interesting to say the least
27. Rex Vadnais
First Impressions: Straight forward and honest, didn't beat around the bush asking about my animal which surprised me, he'll be interesting to get to know.
28. William "Billy" Woodrow
First Impressions: Gormless Plonker! Took my new camera, and BROKE the lens! Wasn't my best or favorite lens... but still!!!!!! And then had hte nerve to say he was PLAYING!!!!
Further Impressions: First he breaks my camera lens, then he accuses me of stealing from him! ARGGG!!!
29. Bobby Reynolds
First Impressions: Interesting woman, she makes me wonder a lil, a vacation I pity her... She knew of me though.. she knew of hte search... Is she the last? will others come to this island who have heard of the search?
30. Alec Derring
First Impressions: Lighthearted and relaxed teen from my observations, will be intersting to get to know him a lil better
Further Impressions: Caring, and nervous, he seems to be taking being changed in stride.
31. Kaveri Porter
First Impressions: Oh my god.... wow... and I thought I was gullible...
32. Dr. N. Moreau
First Impressions: Gormless arse! coming into my home and doing that to me, ok when I dont know he's done it is one thing but to do that to me when i'm awake....
33. Fiona
First Impressions:
34. F
First Impressions: Wow this one is an intersting one, seemed to like the fact that I'm a Komodo... like it was something to be proud of...
35. Newt
First Impressions: Very nervous, and skittish, it would drive me nuts to be around it all day...
36. Tommy
First Impressions: Kind and caring, definetaly someone I want to keep as a friend.
37. Angelina
First Impressions: I can see why Ambrosse loves her so much, she's a kind hearted lady from what I can tell.
38. Richard
First Impressions: An embarassing situation to meet him under but still very kind and helpful in a person's time of need.
39. Jordan
First Impressions: I am not an alligator -_-; Oh well, he's kind and a good friend to Awen, and we all need friends... Will have to get to know him better.
40. Shenzi
First Impressions: Odd girl, but seems kind enough, I suppose only time will tell
41. Thina
First Impressions: Another one I had to break the news to, course she didn't believe me... one day she will...
42. Cody
First Impressions: Very nice kid, I do feel sorry for him being stuck here though.
Second Impression: How thoughtful! he sent me a little gift.
~ 8 ~
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2005 9:33 pm
(( Including general thoughts ))
0%
Joliette comes to the isle ~ page 1
Joliette Meets Hargun ~ page 6
First Visit to the Cafeteria ~ page 7
Checking the Beach ~ page 7
Nothing Like Reliving the Past ~ page 8
Joliette Goes Wandering and Meets Amaya ~ page 8
Bumping into Awen.. And Hargun... and Ambrose... and a Father? ~ page 8
Cafeteria Turned Warzone! ~ page 8
Like a Babe's Blanket Pulled from Under ~ page 8
Shredded Post ~ page 9
Another Newcomer ~ page 9
Laundry Day ~ page 9
Following advise of Ambrose's Instructions... ~ page 9
Building Supplies and a Darkroom! ~ page 9
"This is such naff clothing!" ~ page 9
Mattress + Joliette = Oops ~ page 9
Confusion... ~ page 9
A Gentleman in Fox's Clothing? ~ page 9
Morning Excersize ~ page 10
Islander Problems ~ page 10
Broken Intercoms and knights? ~ page 10
Frustrations! ~ page 10
DAMN THAT WHITE HAIRED GIT! ~ page 10
A Changed Kitten ~ page 10
Anger on Paper?... or Not ~ page 10
Asking for Help ~ page 10
Dude in the Shadows ~ page 10
Welcome to forever Chana ~ page 10
Calming Place ~ page 10
Cafeteria Groupings ~ page 10
"Shoulda Kept Quiet" ~ page 10
The 'Unbreakable' Protector ~ page 11
Mountainside View ~ page 11
Trust? Whats that? ~ page 11
Mistakes Mistakes ~ page 11
Unexpected Hero ~ page 11
Friendship Matters ~ page 11
A Pair of... Hyenas? ~ page 11
Giggles are Good for the Soul ~ page 11
The First Kiss ~ page 12
Pleasent Wakeup ~ page 12
Gossip in the Lunchroom ~ page 12
Snogging ~ page 12
"water conservationalist"..... !?!?! ~ page 12
To Call or Not To Call That is The Question ~ page 12
Teasing, showers, and love...oh my ~ page 12
Kata, Tag & Bean! ~ page 12
Losing Oneself ~ page 12
Expected More... ~ page 12
25%
Changes ~ page 12
Meat... & Fights... Again ~ page 13
Beginning of Discovery ~ page 13
Photos on the Cliffs ~ page 13
Mongoose on the Beach ~ page 13
Playing 'Mailman' ~ page 13
Discovery Part 2 ~ page 13
Meeting Kim ~ page 13
Just Another Day ~ page 14
WTF! ~ page 14
The Vent ~ page 14
Happy Birthday Joliette ~ page 14
Strange Encounters ~ page 14
Meeting Cass ~ page 14
Chana's Changes & Holidays ~ page 14
Colche's Place ~ page 14
Tensions ~ page 14
Oh... My... God... ~ page 14
Song From the Trees ~ page 14
Photos at the Cliffs ~ page 14
The Explosion... and the... Raft?~ page 14
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.... ~ page 15
A Party Forms For a Time ~ page 15
On the Beach ~ page 15
Aw Crap ~ page 15
The Boar?!? ~ page 15
Chana On A Raft ~ page 15
Finding David & Back to Camp ~ page 15
Awen Returns & Save the Meat ~ page 15
Vivid Dreams ~ page 15
Oi! Strangeness ~ page 15
Meeting Timothy ~ page 15
The Beast Within Meets Awen ~ page 16
Self Mistrust ~ page 16
Emelyn Changes ~ page 16
Cold & Hungry ~ page 16
Wanderings in the Jungle ~ page 16
Cave Hunting with Emerwyn ~ page 16
The Village Re-Opens ~ page 16
Joli & Em ~ page 16
In the Mini Golf Course Again ~ page 16
The One Armed Man ~ page 16
Cafeteria Talk ~ page 16
Talks Cause Thoughts ~ page 16
Not Funny! ~ page 17
Saving Awen ~ page 17
What the Hell?!? ~ page 17
Darkroom Talks~ page 17
Chubbs Changes ~ page 17
'Help the Hurts' ~ page 17
Fighting For Control ~ page 17
Basking Lizards ~ page 17
Love Continues ~ page 17
Mail? ~ page 17
Dragon et Dragon ~ page 18
50%
A Sea of Blood ~ page 18
The Change & The Skunk ~ page 18
Talking to Em ~ page 19
Tomato Soup Baths ~ page 19
Morning Meals ~ page 19
Calmer Meetings ~ page 19
'Booster Shot' ~ page 20
Joli & Alec ~ page 20
Joli & Chubbs ~ page 20
Joli & Fiona ~ page 20
Wolfman Surprise ~ page 20
75%
Change ~ page 20
Finding Chubbs ~ page 20
Who needs a figure when you have scales? ~ page 20
Joli meets F ~ page 20
Quenching Thirst ~ page 20
The Wild Encounter ~ page 20
Destruction ~ page 20
Familiar Faces ~ page 25
100%
Changes ~ page 23
Help from Another ~ page 23
On The Beach ~ page 23
Chubbs & Joli ~ page 23
Down by the lake (Joli, Awen & Jordan) ~ page 23
Christmas ~ page 23
Joli & Shenzi ~ page 24
Komodo & Wolf ~ page 24
Thina's First Outting ~ page 24
~ 9 ~
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2005 9:37 pm
Hargun Aikason Hargun made her way out of her duplex quickly, irritated with herself for not doing this sooner. In one of her arms was a few pieces of paper with scribbly writing, and several, tiny little clay figures, each wrapped in a makeshift red ribbon for a tag. Each also had a label to whom it was for. Most of them were hearts, but a few were animal shapes. She pulled out one shaped like a little camera . Then she placed it down near the door, on top of a letter that read (In terrible handwritting): Quote: Dear Joliette, Im sorry you got stuck on this place.. and Im sorry about your recent changes. It must be really hard considering the time of year it is. (I was so dumb I forgot about today.) But I want you to know, We're all here for you and that we want you to have the merriest of holidays! Love, Hargun
Cody Archer In front of the door of your duplex lies a small gift wrapped in regular paper by a string. There are some words scribbled with ordinary pen, saying: "Merry Xmas. From Cody" ((Cody doesn't remember the number of most of the duplexes his friends live in, so he painted gifts for everyone))
~ 10 ~
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2005 9:38 pm
The Komodo Dragon is the world's biggest lizard and a fierce predator. This solitary meat-eater is a reptile, a cold-blooded animal. It is diurnal, most active during the day. The Komodo Dragon is a fast runner; it can run up to 11 mph (18 kph). It is also a good tree climber and swimmer.
The Komodo Dragon's scientific name is Varanus komodoensis (genus and species). It is in danger of extinction due to loss of habitat. Its life span is about 20 years.
Physical Characteristics:
~ Komodo dragons are the world's heaviest living lizards. They can grow to a length of 10 feet, with an average length of 8 feet and weight of 200 lbs. Females are usually under 8 feet and weigh about 150 lbs.
~ They are normally a sandy brown with dark markings, although color may vary.
~ They have a long neck and the tail longer than the body.
~ Their feet have strong, sharp claws.
~ Komodo dragons have 60 small (about 2cm), sharp, backward pointing, laterally compressed and serrated teeth. These are designed to slice, tear and cut very effectively but not to chew. New teeth emerge behind the old, not underneath as in other lizards. This type of dentition is rare in lizards but common in sharks. These teeth are hidden in the fleshy gums, which is why the dragons do not have the 'toothy smile' that crocodilians do. Since the teeth of the Komodo dragons are not designed to chew, lumps of food are torn off, thrown to the back of the mouth, and swallowed whole.
~ The highly flexible skull allows it to swallow large pieces of its food.
~ The Komodos mouth is full of virulent bacteria and even if its prey survives the original attack, it will die of infection later.
~ It senses chemicals with a long, yellow, forked tongue.
~ Dragons are protected by thick, chain-mail like skin.
The Six Senses of the Komodo
~ Touch: Komodo Dragons have hard body armor made up of scales. Since the scales make it difficult to feel anything, the Komodo have special spots or sensory plaques. At least one of these plaques, which are connected to sensory nerves, can be found on every scale.
~ Sight: Komodo Dragons can see as far as 985 feet. Because their retinas only have cones, the can see color but have poor vision in dim light. The Komodo have round pupils that are more like the eyes of mammals than reptiles.
~ Hearing: Komodo Dragons hearing range is much smaller then humans. They have trouble hearing low-pitched and high-pitched sounds.
~ Smell: Although the Komodo can smell through the nostrils on the end of the snout, it is not very effective. The Komodo Dragon does not have a diaphragm, the muscle that pushes air in and out of the lungs. This makes it almost impossible to get enough air into the nostrils in order to pick up a scent unless a breeze is blowing directly into them.
~ Taste: Dragons have no taste buds in their mouth or tongue. The only have a few in the back of their throat.
~ Vomero-Nasal: This "sixth sense" is a combination of taste and smell. The Komodo uses a specialized forked tongue to gather chemical information from the air and surrounding objects. The gathered chemicals are rubbed off onto pads on the floor of the mouth. These pads send information to a small organ (Jacobson's organ) that translates the information and sends it to the brain. By analyzing molecules in the air in this way the Komodo Dragon can "smell" objects as far away as 2.5 miles.
Abilities:
~ Komodo dragons can run at 14-18 km/hr over short distances, using their short, powerful legs armed with sharp claws. But they cannot chase down swift-footed prey like deer.
~ Despite its size, the Komodo is fast moving and agile. They can climb trees and like all monitor lizards they are good swimmers.
~ The Komodo dragon's keen sense of smell, if aided by favorable wind, enables it to seek out carrion up to 5 miles (8.5 kilometers) away.
Behaviour:
~ Dragons maintain burrows within their core ranges and occasionally males will swim from island to island over long distances. They regulate their body temperature (thermoregulation) by using a burrow.
~ Komodo dragons are generally solitary animals, except during the breeding season.
~ Territories are dependent on the size of the dragon.
~ Diurnal (active in the day)
~ When the dragons do meet, like around carcasses, social order is quickly established. Chemical signals probably allow individual animals to recognize each other. Visual signals are used around kills. Smaller dragons signal submission by pacing in a circle in a stately ritualized walk with their tails straight out, throwing their bodies side to side in exaggerated convulsions.
~ If the presence of a larger dragon itself does not intimidate, it adopts a threat posture. As it hisses, it lowers its head holding it at an angle, arching and enlarging the neck, and arching the back and tail. It moves in a slow and stiff legged way. If all this doesn't work, it lashes out with its tail. Attacks can lead to serious wounds or death.
Diet/eatting Habits:
~ The Komodo dragon is an avid hunter. But if sufficient food is available, scavenging is generally preferred as it takes less energy than hunting.
~ The Komodo Dragon is a carnivore (meat-eater). It eats almost anything that it can catch or find, including goats, deer, wild boars, other lizards, and carrion (dead meat that it finds).
~ a 101 lb (46 kg.) dragon ate a 90 lb. (41 kg.) pig in 20 minutes. As a comparison, a 100 lb. person would have to eat 320 quarter pound hamburgers in less than 20 minutes to keep up with the dragon.
~ The Komodo dragons are totally carnivorous and will eat anything they can overpower. While smaller Komodos have to be content with eggs, lizards, snakes and rodents, the larger ones hunt deer, wild pigs, water buffalos and even horses. Komodo dragons are cannibalistic, and adults will prey on young ones as well as old and sick dragons. Other dragons may make up to 10% of a dragon's diet. There are few verified accounts of dragons actually attacking living humans to eat them, although like any other animal, they will attack in self-defense.
~ While a mammalian predator might leave behind 25 ? 30% of the kill, the Komodos consume almost everything, including fur, feathers, hoofs and antlers. Only the herbivorous contents of the stomach and intestines are left behind. Komodos also have a very efficient digestive system. Everything is digested and only 8-13% is excreted. In a mammalian predator like the tiger, this figure may be 32-37%.
~ Komodos can survive on far less food. Captive dragons consume only about 156kg of meat a year (and captives are often overweight). In comparison, a mammalian predator like the wolf, weighing about half that of an adult Komodo, needs about 1,227kg of meat a year.
~ Komodo dragons rarely need to drink. They get 85% of their liquid from their prey, another adaptation of their efficient digestive system to their dry environment. Very little fluid is excreted.
Distribution and Habitat:
~ The natural habitat of Komodo dragons is extremely harsh by human standards. These arid volcanic islands have steep slopes and little available water most of the year. A short monsoon season often produces local flooding. The average annual temperature at sea level on Komodo island is 80F. degrees. Dragons are most abundant in the lower arid forest and savanna.
~ To survive in the harsh environment, like all reptiles, Komodo dragons heat up their body by basking in the sun and cool it down in shade or on moist surfaces.
~ Burrows provide cool refuges for the dragons in the heat of the day and warm homes at night. Burrows also help the dragons preserve water, as they provide a moister environment than the outside. As the sun rises, Komodos move out into the rising sun to bask in its heat. At midday, they usually retire to the shade or to their burrows to cool off.
~ As the temperatures drop towards dusk, they move off to hunt before retiring for the night. The Komodo dragon is equipped with strong front feet, and can dig a burrow 1 metre deep in an hour. Burrows are typically 1.5 metres deep and are usually dug on the banks of dry creek beds or on open hillsides.
Reproduction
Mating occurs between May and August, with the eggs laid in September. The female lays her eggs in the ground or in tree hollows, lending them some protection. Clutches usually contain an average of 20 eggs, and have an incubation period of 7 months. However, after the hatchlings are born, they are generally defenseless and many do not survive. Young Komodo dragons generally spend their first few years living in trees where they have a greater chance of survival. Komodo dragons take around five years to mature, growing to 2 metres in length, and they can live for up to 30 years.
Thankyou all wonderful sources of information on the net~ 11 ~
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2005 9:42 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2005 9:45 pm
What is a vegan? The general definition of a vegan is "someone who does not use animal products." And one reason to avoid these products is to prevent pain and suffering.
All the good things in life are made out of plants. Not convinced? Ladies and gentlemen, I give you VODKA. And wine, beer, scotch, rum, etc. etc. Now think about coffee beans, tea, garlic, onions, olives, porcini mushrooms, black kale, tobacco, macadamia nuts, dark chocolate, strawberries... Not made of dead animals, are they? People who think a vegan diet is boring have obviously never drunk a bloody mary with a plate of olives beside them, or eaten strawberries straight out of a field. Even our pub staple in this country - a pint of lager and a packet of crisps - is vegan.
Some Foods a Vegan may eat: Baked beans, Mushrooms, Jam tarts, All fruits, All vegetables, Fruit pies (as long as the pastry is made with vegetable oil rather than butter), Vegetable pasties, Nuts of any sort, Oats, Cornflakes (and any cereals), Bread (of any sort), Batter (as long as it's made with just flour and water), Maize/corn/polenta, Beans, Rice, Lentils, Any dried pasta including ordinary spaghetti, Olives, Garlic, ketchup, mustard, onion relish, brown sauce, soy sauce, Noodles (but not egg noodles), Marmalade, Jam, Vegetable samosas, pakora, bhajis, spring rolls, Miso soup, Tofu, Peanut butter, All seeds, All herbs and spices, Any vegetable oils
Thankyou all wonderful sources of information on the net~ 13 ~
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2005 9:49 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2005 9:55 pm
Joliette comes to the isle It was a fine sunny day, a lil cool Joliette would admit, but sunny and clear and the sun was high in the sky. She'd been at sea two weeks already and so far... nothing. "I certainly hope this wasn't a waste of my money" she mused to herself as she stood at her telephoto lens scanning the distance. The Princess bobbed lightly in the water it's engines cut. She did this from time to time when she wanted to take a good look instead of a skim. She wasn't alone, well not lonely at least, she had her work and that kept her happy. She'd long since moved out of the nearest cell phone range and hadn't heard from her editor since then.
She slowly turned the lens on it's mount having lowered the top of the boat, then she started to see... land? She stopped with the tip of the land in her view frame. "An island?" she looked at her maps, "Nothing listed here, strange" her speech was a monologue and it was very much to herself. She kept turning the lens stopping when a beach came into view. She took several photographs of the island stopping only to change the roll of film before focusing her lens to see what was on the beach, there was movement...
She stood up and blinked then looked through the lens again she was sure she must be imagining things. No the sight was still there... "Ok well some pictures then I'll move closer" She nods to herself and begins snapping off pictures, she takes several rolls of the sight as well as the island itself before she finishes. "Man and I thought I was just going to find a bunch of old aircraft and boats... not a movie set!" She said looking through the viewfinder again staring at what was undoubtedly Vasile DiRossi, but he seemed to be in costume. "Damn stars, so sure faking their deaths will push their rating up through the roof" She often tended to talk to herself when she was sure noone could hear her. "Well we'll see about that..."
With that she stepped away from her camera, she wanted closer shots, shots she was sure she could not get from this distance. Wearing a grin she fired up the engines of the Princess and turned the wheel so she was heading towards the island at top speed, she was glad the boat wasn't too loud even though she knew she wouldn't be able to avoid alerting the star of her presence once she was close.......
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
