Well, Well, Well! For all the hype about this group of castaways being given “No Help” whatsoever, it seems it was just that! Hype!
According to my sources on the web, the following is a transcript of Jeff Probst’s initial instructions to the castaways excerpted from the “official CBS website.” (Although I admit, I haven’t been able to locate exactly which “official CBS website” they refer to.)
Probst: "Just behind you... that beach is your new home. Waiting for you, you will find: two machetes, one map to water. Along with the most valuable thing in this game, immunity. There are two immunity necklaces, one for the first woman, one for the first man who can get to shore and claim them. You are all on your own, it is your choice. But I suggest you make a decision, and start acting now, because this game is on."
Vidcaps from E! News Live (again February 15th) show the “Race to the beach” and the first two who win the ugly necklaces are Ian and Jolanda. BTW, if after watching tonight’s show, you think that Ian looks rather tall, your not alone. It turns out that this string-bean is 6’8” tall.
There is also footage of Jeff Probst instructing Ian and Jolanda (since they won the race to the beach) to “pick your tribes.” (There is some discussion as to whether or not this happens late in the day of day 1 or sometime on day 2)
Ian and Jolanda, go back and forth and divide the castaways into the following tribes:
Ulong: Angie, Ashlee, Bobby Jon, Ibrehem, James, Jeff, Jolanda, Kim & Stephenie.
Koror: Caryn, Coby, Gregg, Ian, Janu, Jennifer, Katie, Tom & Willard
The new tribes are then given their buffs and sent on their merry way to separate camps.
Now for the observant among you, you will note that there are only 9 on each tribe for a total of 18.
“But there were 20 castaways!” you say!
“What happened to Jonathan and Wanda?” you ask!
This is the first of (we’re told) many “twists” this season. Jonathan and Wanda are the last two castaways in “pick your tribes.” Being the last two, Jeff Probst informs them that they are the first two eliminated this season.
Yep, they’re sent packing before they can even start the game.
Additional vidcaps show the Immunity Challenge (which appears to be a typical obstacle course type challenge) and it appears the winner of the first Immunity Challenge is Koror.
Now Jeff Probst has also made numerous comments about “booting your strongest teammates early on may mean that you’ll be back at tribal counsel” (or some such nonsense.) Anyway, this leads many on the spoiler sites to believe that Ulong boots a “Strong” player first. And who is stronger than the perceived leader of the tribe, the one who picked the members of the tribe? Yes ladies and gentlemen, the spoilers out in webland are picking Jolanda as the first bootee! (Remember, Wanda and Jonathan were eliminated, not booted.)
Anyway, I have no reason to argue with those who have been doing this much longer than I have so, without further ado, here is:
Tribal “Pick-em” eliminate-ees - Jonathan & Wanda
Immunity Challenge winner - Koror
First Bootee - Jolanda
Take care, 
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside,
thoroughly used up,
totally worn out,
and loudly proclaiming....
Wow, what a ride!"
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