...thoughts from Ollie's peasized brain...

The end of this blog

2006-04-01T08:27:00.000-08:00

Ollie passed away this morning, April 1, sometime between midnight and 7 a.m. He had just seen the doctor Thursday afternoon and seemed to be on the rebound. But Saturday morning was found to be in a sleeping position and could not be woken up. He seemed to have gone peacefully.

Ollie was adopted in Murrieta, Nevada, the first of his clutch and only a few days old. From the moment he was adopted, he showed a unique personality. Usually sleeping the first few months and then feverishly chasing after crickets soon after. He was only year and seven months.

I know Ollie was only a lizard but he brought a lot of happiness to my life. Ollie also gave me a respect for all life: tiny or large, furry or with scales. The most suprising thing were the responses on this blog in regards to Ollie. I'll miss him for a very long time. He'll be buried in the desert in East San Diego where the other lizards roam free.

Good bye, lil' Ollie.
Darlene

Photo album
Ollie's birthday slide show

- ADDENDUM-

Ollie was buried on a bright Sunday morning in the quiet desert between San Diego and El Centro. On a rock covering his grave is a stoned shellacked with his first newspaper clipping from the North Park News.

My hardline stance on illegals

2006-03-28T12:11:00.000-08:00

Lately across the nation, there have been protests on the issue of illegals.

Well you're hearing it here first: I think that hedgehogs and monkeys should have legal rights to be in California and have medical access when necessary. I admit, it is a controversial view but I strongly stand behind my belief.

Are there any other illegals that should be legal status?? Let your voice be heard!

Give hedgehogs legal status in California!

Check the out these stems...!

2006-03-28T10:03:00.000-08:00

Actually they're my legs. Not bad, eh?

I need my own medicine cabinet

2006-03-24T14:01:00.000-08:00

I'm still recovering from being ill but just wanted to show you all the medicine I've had to take.

Behold! My own stash of medicine...

Not included are the syringes of antibiotics I've had to take because I just finished that course this past week. I'm now on oral antibiotics and the antibiotics for my eye are done with.

Miscellaneous

2006-03-18T09:16:00.000-08:00

To make up for the lack of posts here is a mish mash of items.

I must be the only person without a cellphone. But have to admit, some ringtones are darn cool. Some annoying.

Russell, the iguana, better watch out! I'm now in fighting mode!!

Did I mention I was fast. Look at me go!

Sorry

2006-03-06T18:36:00.000-08:00

... but I've been sick. Reason: asthma and my eye infection is back.

Tried hibernating because that's what leopard lizard in Nevada are doing right now but think that's what brought in the asthma. Sigh... hoping to be posting regularly again soon.

Three correct answers

2006-01-24T08:37:00.000-08:00

I posted a question a few weeks ago about what leopard lizards and grizzly bears have in common and all answers submitted were correct.

The gang at Poi Rats and Cats and Timmy were scientifically correct that both species hibernate. While on the other hand, Tiffany was correct with her beguiling her answer that grizzly bears and leopard lizards were both cuddly and cute.

I'm in the process of trying to hibernate but no luck so far. In other news, hope everyone survived yesterday (January 23) which is the most depressing day of the year.

A question for you

2006-01-07T10:05:00.000-08:00

What do bears and leopard lizards have in common??
Answer to come in the next post.

An illustration modeled after me!

2006-01-06T10:14:00.000-08:00

I personally don't think it looks like yours truly but it is me. I swear! The illustration was done by my landlord, Paul Horn.

Holiday in the sand

2005-12-29T10:13:00.000-08:00

Whether you'll be spending your holiday in the sand, snow, rain or fog, I hope everyone has a peaceful new year!

Do yourself a favor and visit this page for instant gooeiness

2005-12-22T10:35:00.000-08:00

Click here!

For all my dear friends I give you this...

2005-12-20T11:46:00.000-08:00

Holiday crickets! Enjoy!!

A question answered

2005-11-15T06:48:00.000-08:00

I recently received a question about leopard lizards from Susan:

Love your comments/posts! I was just wondering if you could tell me how to sex leopard lizards? I have 2 (long-noses), approx 2 yrs old, neither has shown breeding colors yet, so I can't tell that way...any info would help. Thanks!

Well Susan, the females don't show breeding colors until spring usually right after hibernation. But there is another way to tell the difference between males and females without having to wait a half a year. Male leopard lizards have enlarged postanal scales located under the tail by doo doo hole and females don't. This applies to American iguanids which include collared lizards, leopard lizards, horned lizards, chuckwallas, anoles, fence lizards, side blotches, etc.

Hope this answers your question and good luck with your lizards!

The blunt nosed leopard lizard

2005-11-14T16:36:00.000-08:00

Here's a short but sad story brought to you by Ollie.

I would like to introduce you to the blunt nosed leopard lizard (Gambelia silus). Due to construction and vanishing habitat in San Joaquin Valley located in California, they have become endangered and are now protected by the Federal government. There are approximately 60,000 left and the numbers are dwindling every year.

The blunt nosed leopard lizard are not the only animals being affected. Other animals include the giant kangaroo rat and the riparian brush rabbit.

Hate mail

2005-11-09T13:43:00.000-08:00

Whoa... I was recently the recipient for some hate mail here on my blog and an anonymous (probably also a Republican) one at that:

You aren't cute. You're a vile, cold-blooded foe of mammalian life. Were you just 80x bigger, you would gladly devour your innocent keeper and every participant on this blog without a second thought. I don't see why I should respect you. You're a lizard punk. Mammals rule, lizards drool.

I'm here to clarify that message. Yes, I am indeed cold-blooded but do I not bleed if cut?? As for being cute. I am not cute but classically handsome -- mind you, there is a wide gap between those two adjectives. In addition, I would not be surprised if I was related to dinosaurs. If I were 80 times bigger, I would probably be the size of a small cat since I am only 17 grams. And please define 'punk' -- do you mean the literal 1970s reference post disco??

Mr. Anonymous, I am not demanding any respect and you are allowed your opinions but please don't hide behind a mask. It sounds like you have some issues with reptiles and it should be taken care of immediately.

Sincerely,
Oliver Clothes Off Ollylain
aka Ollie

Not true, I tell you!

2005-10-28T18:42:00.000-07:00

Apparently it has been leaked out that I have been nominated for the Supreme Court. After Harriet Miers withdrew her nomination, I admit that I was approached to become a nominee. True, I may be more qualified than Ms. Miers but please people! Bush and Ollie Ollylain are like oil and water!!

Bounced back

2005-10-17T08:37:00.000-07:00

My eye infection is fully recovered and I'm at 100%. My appetite is back and I have a new favorite food: mealworms. But I still like them crickets!

I feel pretty!

2005-10-03T21:43:00.000-07:00

I feel pretty
Oh so pretty
I feel pretty and witty and bright,
And I pity any zombie who isn't me tonight...

Apologies to the creators of West Side Story.

On the mend

2005-09-21T07:22:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I posted so I just wanted to make a quick post. I've been ill lately with an infected eye and I'm finally on the mend.

A year in pictures

2005-08-22T22:32:00.000-07:00

My co-caretaker and landlord Paul Horn was nice enough to post this slideshow on his Web site. (Check out his funny comics!) There is a bit of a lag until the music starts. I recommend watching it a couple of times or pausing it at the beginning for a few seconds until the MP3 is loaded. It's well worth the wait. Enjoy!!

Thanks to everyone for sending their wishes.

Pop quiz: Which lizard is celebrating their Hatch Day today?

2005-08-18T08:06:00.000-07:00

Nope.

Uhh... definitely no.

Uh... that's a human trying to be a lizard so not even close.

CORRECT! It's me. Today is officially my Hatch Day and I'm exactly one year old.

As a treat, here is one of my earliest baby photos (and also the most viewed).

The day in a life of a leopard lizard

2005-08-11T08:47:00.000-07:00

One of Ollie's extracurricular activities.

The life of a leopard lizard is easy and never really changes from day to day but here's a brief outline of an ordinary day for me:

6:30 a.m. Slowly wake myself from sleep. Usually have to dig myself from a dirt cave or ready made hide rock.
7 a.m. Lamp from above switches on. Finally light and heat.
7-9 a.m. Absorb heat. I do enjoy sunbathing.
9-9:30 a.m. Check the cricket stock on NYSE.
9:30-10 a.m. Potty time.
10 a.m. Crickets! Yum...
10 a.m.-3 p.m. Various activities. Pace the cage, dig numerous holes, carouse with other lizards, look out for Russell (shudder) and more sunbathing.
3-3:30 p.m. Afternoon nap
3:30-4 p.m. Attempt to reach the top of the cage by jumping
4-5 p.m. Watch the sun as I prepare myself for sleep
5 p.m.-morning Zzzzz....

Favorite things for the month of August

2005-08-05T09:11:00.000-07:00

I've been posting a lot about myself and sickness in the lizard family and not enough fun stuff. August should be fun. So here goes a quick list of things that makes my little lizard brain want to explode.

-This video. It's videos like this that make me like a song almost immediately plus the choreography work is amazing if not hilarious. It's only second runner up to the dancing sequence to "Jaan Pechaan Ho" (an extra on the Ghost World DVD).

-I wonder if this sheep runs any faster.

-You too can make your very own David Hasselhoff paper airplane.

July is over, August is here

2005-07-31T22:18:00.000-07:00

Do you know what August is?

August is...

This August, I'll be turning one year old. In celebration for my upcoming Hatch Day, I'll be reliving my past year, introducing some old and new friends and a few other surprises.

Remember to tune in.

Nothing much to say

2005-07-29T08:37:00.000-07:00

Ollie and Nicky in the morning after food.

Summer is full fledged in San Diego and the weather is agreeing with me. It's hard to believe it's almost the end of July. Sometime in the month of August will be my hatch day a.k.a. my birthday and I'll a year old.

I've been enjoying the baby food. It's sort of messy actually since I can't really swallow things as opposed to letting it go down my throat. But I do miss the occasional crunchy cricket.

Thanks to all the people who sent their wishes to Nicky for a speedy recovery.

Baby food diet

2005-07-25T09:17:00.000-07:00

Sleepy Nicky (out of focus) and Ollie with baby food on their lips in the morning.

Well aside from Nicky taking antibiotics for 30 days, she has to be fed baby food. Preferably turkey or chicken to get the optimum amount of protein. I tried some and it's not to bad actually. I think I enjoy it better than Nicky.

Update on Nicky

2005-07-23T18:57:00.000-07:00

Nicky is back home today. Actually she looks full and not scary-thin (think one of the Olsen twins). She'll be on antibiotics for the next thirty days to combat her liver (suspected) problem and hopefully on the road to recovery. She'll be feasting on turkey flavored baby food (it's the easiest thing for her to eat) until she regains her appetite and starts eating crickets again.

Nicky and Ollie earlier this year.

Nicky is ill

2005-07-22T11:11:00.000-07:00

Nicky during her better days.

One of my fellow lizards, Nicky, has fallen ill. She has been slowly losing weight and not herself that past few weeks (meaning less jumping and covorting with me). The concern for her became so overwhelming that she paid a visit to Dr. Cecil who successfully treated me earlier this year for calcium deficiency.

Dr. Cecil suspects that Nicky's production of eggs and reabsorbing it back into her body (she never dropped them like Paris) placed stress on her liver. She's being held overnight at the Avian and Exotic Animal Hospital with Dr. Cecil and will be given a round of antibiotics and an IV.

Scary cat woman

2005-07-18T16:13:00.000-07:00

Elderly woman in U.S. hoards more than 300 cats

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - About 300 cats, nearly a third of them dead, were removed from an elderly woman's Virginia home after neighbors complained of a stench coming from the house, police said on Tuesday.

The house, less than a mile from late President George Washington's historic Mount Vernon estate, looked neat from the outside with manicured lawns and bright flowers, but inside it was overflowing with wild cats, feces and urine.

"Cats were coming out of the cabinets and drawers and were inside the walls. There were hundreds of them," Fairfax County Police officer Richard Henry told Reuters.

He said animal control officers removed 273 cats - 86 of them dead - over the weekend and slapped a condemnation order on the door of the house. The woman, her husband and daughter were told to leave.

Later on, Henry said, the woman returned and attempted to smuggle an additional 30 cats from the house. These animals were confiscated, bringing the total to more than 300.

Possible future modeling job??

2005-07-07T08:56:00.000-07:00

I'm in a newspaper again! The local paper here in San Diego has me in on one of its inside pages alongside an anole. (An anole which unfortunately lost part of its tail.) I think I might have a chance for future modeling gigs. The photo used in the paper is a cutout from below. Luckily Russell was not included in the printed in the paper too.

A cousin

2005-07-04T12:10:00.000-07:00

Actually not my own personal cousin but a cousin to the leopard lizard species. Frida, is a female western collared lizard and has on her full breeding colors. Collared lizards get their name from the black band around their neck. Male collared lizards have a slight blue almost turquoise coloring all year long.

The noticeable difference between collared lizards and leopard lizards is the body shape. To put it nicely, collared lizard have froglike bodies and are quite round as opposed to say, me. Another difference is the habitat that collared lizards can be found. While I like sandy areas with a few bushes around for cover, Frida can be found in rocky areas. They're quite good climbers and can run on their hind legs. But I can run on my hind legs too but not as often as Frida.

Another view of Frida.

Been a bit ill lately

2005-07-01T09:51:00.000-07:00

The lack of posts have been due to a bit of illness. I've been throwing up my food (didn't know I was even able to throw up) and now I need to put on a bit of weight. Especially since my big day is approaching. But I'm taking medicine now, watching what I eat and getting some exercise.

Status of the eggs

2005-06-29T18:28:00.000-07:00

I've been putting this off but the eggs that Paris laid deflated a few days later in the incubator. That means no baby lizards. :(

Paris laying an egg last month.

I greatly dislike you Ms. Jennifer Lopez

2005-06-28T18:12:00.000-07:00

I made an effort not to use the word "hate" just on the sole reason that it's such a strong word especially these days. But I think Jennifer Lopez is confused. A few months back she was promoting her new clothing line with fur prominently being used. Now comes news that she's designing a jewelry line for animals. Dogs specifically. It would be even more outrageous if she were designing clothes for animals made out of animal skins. Story can be found here.

Is that you Sprinkles?!?

2005-06-24T10:41:00.000-07:00

No, no...

Here's Sprinkles ...

Update on Chocolate Sprinkles Royale: He visited for only a week and I'm sure he's doing fine now.

Chickens with a sense of style

2005-06-07T16:30:00.000-07:00

I hate to be judgemental but if chickens want to wear clothes, I suggest they stay away from anything that looks like patent leather especially in something that is red and white. Apparently the chicken jumpsuit shown above is part of a fashion show now touring the world. Story here.

Smuggling goldfish

2005-06-07T12:20:00.000-07:00

And I thought the item on the man smuggling lizards illegally was bad. Now there's this:

Australian customs hear fishy noises, nab woman

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - An Australian woman was found to be carrying 51 live tropical fish after custom officials were alerted by "flipping" noises coming from beneath her skirt as she arrived at Melbourne airport.

On closer inspection, officers discovered the woman had strapped on an apron of plastic water-filled bags containing the fish, the Australian Customs Service said in a statement on Tuesday.

"During the search, customs officers became suspicious after hearing 'flipping' noises coming from the vicinity of her waist," said the statement.

The 43-year-old woman arrived in Melbourne on a flight from Singapore last Friday. Customs are still trying to determine what type of fish she brought into the country and have not yet charged her with an offence.

Introducing...

2005-06-03T09:12:00.000-07:00

...CHOCOLATE SPRINKLES ROYALE!
Yes, this is his name. Nothing common about him: he has a regrown tail (something leopard lizards aren't suppose to do) and a tiny scar on his back. Sprinkles was found in the Nevada desert and is visiting for only a short time.

Ollie and Sprinkles. Sprinkles must be at least a year older but both are almost the same length from tip to tail.

A view of Sprinkles' back as he's looking out the window. You can't see his wounds here only the small scar in the middle of his back. Possibly a tussle with a snake?!?

In case you wanted to know

2005-05-10T07:56:00.000-07:00

Yes, I'm still afraid of Russell.

Don't count your lizards before they hatch

2005-04-29T08:14:00.000-07:00

Paris in the process of laying out the third egg.

Paris laid three eggs yesterday. Not certain if they're fertilized (Vic's the father) but here's hoping to three baby lizards in six weeks. The eggs are currently lying in wait in a Hova-bator. The size of the egg is roughly one inch and should grow in size in the upcoming weeks. Next lizard to lay eggs... Nicky! Should happen any day now.

Interesting fact: if the incubator temperature is the same temperature, the lizards will all be the same sex. Fluctuating temperatures will produced mixed sexes.

Egg covered in dirt.

Baby pictures

2005-04-25T17:02:00.000-07:00

In anticipation of eggs from Nicky and Paris, I'm posting my first photo. The photo above was taken when I was four days old. (Check the size of the head and the scrawny thighs.)

A bit of information: baby lizards are called hatchlings. A long nosed leopard lizard hatchling is determined by the red spots on the back that extend from the base of the neck to the tail. When the spots disappear, they are considered juveniles or yearlings. A full grown adult is determined by length from snout to tail (10 inches and longer) and age (two years and above). A full grown leopard lizard can sometimes reach 16 inches! For the record I am currently 9.5 inches -- a large leap from when I was less than five inches when I was born.

Another tidbit. My color changes based on how much sun I've received. When I'm dark gray, I need more heat and the dark colors help me absorb more. (Notice how a black car is hotter when it's been sitting outside as opposed to a lighter colored car). When I'm a light gray, I'm fully "charged." My reflexes are better and I'm faster. Well that's enough information for today.

The happiest day of my life

2005-04-21T17:47:00.000-07:00

It's not a reality but it could be true if only she would love me. The only thing I have to offer her is my tiny lizard heart and a box of crickets.

Shedding AGAIN

2005-04-20T22:26:00.000-07:00

Yup. Can ya believe it?!? I'm shedding again. Second shedding for 2005. It's a good thing and not a sign of a skin ailment but means I'm growing even if barely.

Review of my blog

2005-04-14T16:08:00.000-07:00

"Ollie is the Godzilla of Lizard Blogs"
- Steve Adamek-- Baghdad
Bugle entertainment writer

Now that's what I call a cricket!

2005-04-09T22:01:00.000-07:00

This a followup post regarding the guy who combines his two interests: Star Trek and playmates. I'm combining mine: babes and crickets.

I've been nominated

2005-04-07T22:10:00.000-07:00

John Layman, comic book wanna be writer, doesn't like lizards. His wife looks shocked as I do a little Houdini from his mouth.

Apparently, John Layman HATES lizards (including me). But on the other hand, he has nominated me as Laymamerican Idol on his blog.

I'm honored yet offended but I will fight to the end if my odds of winning are 19-1. If you feel so inclined, please vote for me.

Happy spring!

2005-04-04T06:32:00.000-07:00

I can finally feel the sun! Spring has finally arrived here in San Diego. I've been spending a few hours each day soaking up real sunlight (no more relying in bulbs for me) and my appetite has returned. Hopefully it will mean I will pack on a few more pounds and grow a bit more.

Preparations for the impending eggs have been made. Bought an incubator this weekend. The brand is called the Hova-bator. Basically a container with a heating source and temperature contol. It looks chintzy especially since the container is basically a styrofoam box with two viewable windows. The eggs have to be at a variable temperature of 85 degrees. A variable temperature will ensure hatchlings of mixed sexes rather than just all male or female. This is starting to get exciting.

Me digging out in the morning.

(Extended) family photo

2005-03-29T13:31:00.000-08:00

That's me on the bottom up front. Behind me (from left to right) is Paris, Vic (middle) and Nicky. The pose would be is similiar to Charlie's Angels if one of the girls had a gun and was doing a karate kick. But these girls are pregnant and will pop eggs out any day now...

Who green lighted this project?

2005-03-27T22:27:00.000-08:00

I only caught the last half hour or so of Anonymous Rex, a made for TV movie on the SciFi network. The movie is based on a novel by Eric Garcia. The tv guide information description goes like this: In a world where dinosaurs diguise themselves as human beings, a detective tries to uncover his partner's untimely death. The movie looked as bad as the description. If the premise weren't so absurb, I would guess that John Layman ghost wrote it.

Daniel Baldwin and his partner, a dinosaur in disguise.

Replace your chocolate bunny this year...

2005-03-24T16:56:00.000-08:00

...with chocolate covered insects. Or crickets if you want to be like me. NUMMY!!

Blog? Anyone???

2005-03-23T07:32:00.000-08:00

Have you ever just clicked 'NEXT BLOG' at the top of the blogger bar? I have and ran across some interesting sites. Many were in foreign languages. Many had anime characters but one that caught my eye has photo manipulations. Unfortunately I did not bookmark the page but took a quick glance at the address. Apparently not close enough because I can't locate the page.

The address was something like 'maxspad.blogspot.com' or ... err... I'm embarrassed to type this address in... 'maxipad.blogspot.com'. Neither of the addresses were valid so I'm thinking it was either taken off for content or I'm completely off base as to what the URL was.

Why a desperate search for the blog? They were photo manipulations as mentioned above but photo manipulations of Playboy models with drawn in Star Trek uniforms. That was it. No text just photos. I had to do a double take at the uniforms and noticed immediately that many of the models did not have support and many were in compromising positions. It stuck me as funny and then oddly sad when I imagine a lone single guy, wtin interests in Star Trek and Playboy, spending his down time doing this.

I'm thinking of doing my own photo manipulations. Of what? Wait and see... wait and see...

Questions I must ask

2005-03-21T21:53:00.000-08:00

Why do crickets come in a bag?

Why did Charlie Sheen leave Denise Richards?

Why am I stuck at nine inches when I should be 12?

When will this reality tv phase stop?

Why is Punch mesmerized by hotdogs?

How is it that everyone I know voted for Kerry but Bush was still elected?

Is this really the Man of Steel?

Is Paris (pictured above) my mom?

Why do women flock to him?!??

Cheering up a friend

2005-03-20T18:54:00.000-08:00

I'm happy to report that my bestest friend, Paul has successfully recovered from surgery to reduce the size of his kidney stones. He's been in a lot of pain and endured shock wave lithotripsy Monday morning. He was in pain for two days straight after and is now almost at 100%. I go through this every day when I pass crickets!

Here's a song I dedicate to him:
If you're out on the road
Feeling lonely, and so cold
All you have to do is call my name
And I'll be there on the next train
Where you lead, I will follow
Anywhere that you tell me to
If you need, you need me to be with you
I will follow where you lead

The return of Nicky

2005-03-14T09:20:00.000-08:00

Nicky has returned but with orange spots on her face and down her sides. The color is almost neon and she's FAT!

Either means she's carrying eggs or is preparing to carry eggs. Imagine 2-8 little Ollie clones running around!

From Australia's Miss Wired

2005-03-13T10:03:00.000-08:00

Miss Wired sent me a photo of a North Coast Skink from Northern South Wales in Australia. Don't know the name of the lizard (I'll call him 'Buddy' for now) but I appreciate seeing other lizards from downunder!

Uncanny!

2005-03-08T22:58:00.000-08:00

Had me laughing uncontrollably before bedtime.

iTunes confession

2005-03-08T09:09:00.000-08:00

I've been buying from iTunes regularly now. The first few buys were to fill out missing parts of my CD collection, unfortunately now I'm buying questionable music. I feel that if I reveal them here, that there might be some sort of penance for buying them in the first place. Among the songs I bought include:

-Europe "The Final Countdown" (Only because it was featured in Fox's Arrested Development and the opening chords ring through my head.)
-Mr. Mister "Kyrie" (A BIG mistake... my memory fooled me into thinking this was a cool song at some point.)
-REO Speedwagon "Can't Fight this Feeling-Live" (This was really, REALLY an accident because I wanted the album version not the live. But I guess both versions don't justify why I bought this. )
-Ashlee Simpson "Pieces of Me" (I got lured into buying this because there was nothing else on MTV but the Ashlee Simpson show one weekend. She's such a fraud!)
-Meco "Star Wars Theme/Cantina Song" (... silence ... crickets chirping in the background...)
-Neil Norman "Godzilla" and "Monster Zero March" (Admittedly, these songs are better than the original but still embarrassing to own nonetheless.)

Geico lizard envy!

2005-03-03T13:57:00.000-08:00

The spokesman for Geico Insurance is a gecko lizard. He has no name but has been featured on quite a few commercials. It makes sense since gecko sounds like Geico so it wouldn't surprised me if they don't want to hire a leopard lizard like me. But the thing that took me off guard is that he has his own blog! His other commercials can be found here.

My best impersonation of that Geico lizard.

I'm not from outer space...

2005-02-27T09:42:00.000-08:00

... but I do enjoy the new Battlestar Galactica.

It' hard to believe that some people think there are lizard people. Why lizards?? Why not racoons? Or furry rabbits? Further, this photo of lizard aliens or 'reptilians' is just insulting to me!

I'm nekkid!!

2005-02-25T18:05:00.000-08:00

Not dandruff but I'm shedding. Little bits of me are all over the place!

Kind thanks go to Jim and his daughter for visiting my blog and leaving a message. He likes Godzilla too!

Welcome back, neighbor!

2005-02-15T22:05:00.000-08:00

Been busy lately with a return of my neighbor, Punch, after one year away in San Francisco! She likes hot dogs as much as I like crickets. Welcome back, Punchy!

Punch begging for food.

I'm in the news!

2005-01-31T10:40:00.000-08:00

Check out this clipping from the University Heights News (a local community newspaper).

Still waiting to see if I'll be featured as 'Critter of the Month' at Meomi.com.

Nicky's antics

2005-01-29T08:15:00.000-08:00

Nicky (left) preparing to jump. Please don't jump on me!

It's been enjoyable having Nicky around but the fear of her stepping on me hasn't gone away. She's at least a good two years older than me and two inches bigger. But now Nicky has hurt herself by her aerobic jumping as evidenced by the scab on her nose.

Somehow follows up the last post...

2005-01-27T14:41:00.000-08:00

Behold! The ultimate nightmare (Not counting the recurring cricket nightmare.)! Almost threw up my super sized breakfast!!!

"Those bulges in my pants aren't lizards, sir"

2005-01-26T17:26:00.000-08:00

I was doing some geneological research and found this old news brief (hee hee -- I'm FUNNY). My gosh!!

December 9, 2000
Man who hid lizards in underwear fined
LAS VEGAS -- A 31-year-old Las Vegas man found at the airport with lizards in his underwear was fined $500 and sentenced to three years' probation for smuggling.

Don D. Astorga, an auto detailer and reptile collector, offered no explanation before or after sentencing yesterday about being found with nine dead and three live lizards in his crotch at McCarran International Airport.

Two of the lizards were monitors -- a federally protected species.

But Astorga protested U.S. District Judge Philip Pro's order that he let federal probation and Fish and Wildlife officers check his Las Vegas home without a warrant for protected or endangered species.

Astorga was arrested June 9, 1999, at the airport by a Las Vegas police detective who later testified he became suspicious about strange bulges in Astorga's crotch.

A voluntary search turned up 12 young lizards and an egg wrapped in tube socks. The longest of the animals was about 12 inches, police said. The three that survived the airplane trip later died.

Associated Press

"Lost" and visitors

2005-01-25T08:54:00.000-08:00

I'm addicted to "Lost" and not hibernating until I can figure out what's going on that show! And where are the lizards?? So far there have been polar bears and boars but no sign of lizards at all. I think there's some discrimination going on at ABC!! And what is the creature that's out there in the jungle?? I hope it's not a giant CRICKET!!! Argh!

But truth be told, if I could hibernate for four years until the end of George Dubya Bush's reign is over, I would. But it's best to face facts, try to make the best of it and make sure another Republican doesn't make it into office. I fear for the next four years... not even food can't make me forget that.

Other news, I'm eating again. Don't know what happened to me but everything seems to be normal with the exception of some visitors: Nicky and Vic. They're so much older than me and larger to boot. Nicky is staying with me for a while and it's nice to have some company. She's a bit hyper. Always jumping and not watching where she's landing regardless if my head happens to be there or not! But she is nice to snuggle up to!!

Me and Nicky (left) after a nap. She's pretty cute even if she does have a frog-like head.

Me on top of cranky, old Vic. Seems like someone needs wrinkle cream...

Dirt nap for Ollie

2005-01-14T17:46:00.000-08:00

Not THAT kind of dirt nap but the hibernation kind. One to two months to be exact. Just haven't had desire to eat and I can't even look at a cricket or even chomp on a few. This has been going on for a second week and starting tomorrow, I won't be getting heat. But I do have a surprise guest who will be filling in for me while I'm away... DUN DUN DUUUUNNNNN!!

Hubba hubba!

2005-01-12T07:40:00.000-08:00

My poster girl: a female leopard lizard in her full breeding colors!
This guy takes beautiful photos.

Post holiday doldrums

2005-01-11T17:38:00.000-08:00

Seems like I'm stuck in post holiday doldrums. Nothing much new to report except I'm down to my fighting weight. But that is mostly due to the fact that I haven't been eating. Just no desire to eat --even when there are crickets hopping around my cage and annoyingly so! Don't know if this is a way of my body telling me to go into hibernation for a few months. Truth be told, if I were in Nevada now, I would be under a few feet of snow sleeping until March. Possibly even April. But hibernation scares me...

New Year's Resolutions v.1.0

2005-01-04T19:21:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! Didn't get a chance to ring in the new year but managed to catch up on my video rentals. I especially enjoyed Day After Tomorrow.

I've been thinking of my resolutions and here is a brief outline:
-Lose weight (see previous post). I look back at the previous photos and I was in tip top shape. WHAT HAPPENED??
-Exercise more. Should help me lose weight if not make my legs stronger. They look like little twigs.
-Eat a variety of foods. I loves them crickets but I need more roughage.
-Confront Russell. Running away isn't helping and might conquer my nightmares.
-Learn parcheesi. Might meet new friends this way.

Winter weight gain and Russell

2004-12-28T22:26:00.000-08:00

So I've been on this high protein diet consisting of crickets and water but can't seem to shake off this winter weight gain. In addition, I have another worry and it goes by the name of RUSSELL. He's a big green iguana and almost three times my size. He shows up around my place every so often and I have to admit, still scares the bejabers out of me. If I had an archnemesis, it would be Russell.

Me (with an extra tire around the gut) and Russell's head in the foreground.

GASP! That bastard Russell!!

One note of thanks to Miss Wired from downunder and Jess, fellow bloggers who dropped me a line. Hope you both had a happy holiday and yes, I did get a Gilmore Girls DVD set for season two. Yahoo!!

It's my first Christmas ... EVER!

2004-12-23T21:06:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited! I can hardly wait to see what I get. Hopefully a few box DVD sets and if I'm lucky... crickets. Ooo...

One more thing... I have my very own email address now: ollie_lizard@hotmail.com. Yay!

Five months old!!

2004-12-20T23:06:00.000-08:00

Today is my five month birthday.
To celebrate I just moved into an even bigger pad and I'm almost double the size of when I was hatched. (I was barely five inches long compared to the nine inches I am now.) Looking back on those past five months, I've seen a lot and overcame a lot. (Did I mention I'm potty-trained??) In particular a brief illness in mid-September which forced me to see a doctor. In comparison, the survival rate for leopard lizard hatchlings in the wild is less than 25%. But I'm off medication now and much stronger than I was before. YIPPEE!

My favorite online comic

2004-12-11T07:47:00.000-08:00

Cool Jerk by my bestest friend Paul Horn.
It's doesn't hurt that he lets me crash at his place in a posh cage with tons of space.
But he sure draws cute girls especially ones named Puppy!!

Avocados = squishy feeling

2004-11-20T22:46:00.000-08:00

I love fruit. These avocados are right outside my cage and I can't help but be drawn to them everytime I'm out. They sort of remind me of being in an egg again.

On another note, someone called me "wall eyed." Should I be concerned??

U2 can't sing in Spanish

2004-11-06T17:10:00.000-08:00

You've either been skipping through the commercials or not watching television entirely to have missed the latest iPod commercial featuring U2 singing their latest single "Vertigo." The song starts out with Bono counting down in Spanish "Uno ... dos ... tres ... catorce"

CATORCE?? What happened to the numbers between 3 and 14? Did Bono just think saying catorce sounded better than cuatro? Or was his intention to have us notice it and thus bring it up the next day at the water cooler?

Monchichi and me

2004-11-02T16:58:00.000-08:00

"Monchichi Monchichi
oh so soft and cuddly
with your thumb in your mouth you're really sweet
love to wiggle those little feet
la la la
la la la
happy happy Monchichi"
"I LOVE YOU MONCHICHI!"

Take a look at these numbers

2004-09-19T10:40:00.000-07:00

I'm up one inch!

Does this banana make me look fat?

2004-09-18T10:06:00.000-07:00

My megacolon

2004-09-12T22:48:00.000-07:00

"Forget the White Cloud, I need a Bounty towel" - Fischerspooner

Believe it or not ... I'm potty-trained. And on Bounty towels!!

Things I'm looking forward to...

2004-09-07T20:18:00.000-07:00

Gilmore Girls
Trying to catch up with the reruns and that rat bastard Dean apparently slept with the virginal Rory! And apparently he's STILL married. I'm on the edge of my seat with this one folks.

Identity Crisis
WHO is the killer? Too many red herrings in this book to count. Well written but has ruined my opinion of Dr. Light. I hope the last book isn't a disappointment.

Halo 2
'Nuf said. I need to take out my aggression somehow. Only wished that they had the option to shoot against crickets. Now THAT would be a game! BOOYAH baby!

What are leopard lizards?

2004-09-06T19:53:00.000-07:00

I've gotten quite a few emails asking about my breed. I'm actually a long-nosed leopard lizard with the latin name Gambelia wislizenii. There isn't much on the internet about leopard lizards but a few good references can be found at The Colorado Herpetological Society web site.

Here's a brief run down about leopard lizards from the Colorado Herp site:

Leopard Lizards are rather large lizards that are found throughout the southwest ... Leopard Lizards are robust large-headed lizards that can reach a total length of 16 inches. Their color can range from a silver-white to dark brown and sometimes encircled with white dots. These stout lizards are usually found on sandy or hardpan ground with creosote or other scattered vegetation. They can also be found in rocky areas basking in the morning sun. I most often find Leopards in arroyos and alongside dirt roads.

Leopard Lizards are ambush predators. They position themselves under a creosote bush, motionless, blending into their surroundings, and then surprise their unsuspecting prey. Leopard Lizards are notorious lizard eaters, even making a meal of their own kind. They have been known to choke to death trying to swallow lizards too large to eat. They will also eat pinkie mice and a variety of insects.

San Diego weather

2004-08-20T13:15:00.000-07:00

San Diego weather seems to agree with me. The sunshine is plenty and the air is clean.

There haven't been too many cool nights (whew!) but I do wish the town wasn't so darn Republican!!!

Go Kerry!!

2004-08-12T17:03:00.000-07:00

I'm a Democrat. What else can I say??

Crickets!

2004-08-11T17:51:00.000-07:00

Had my first meal (ever) and I've discovered the delicacy called crickets.

Pet Kingdom by the Sports Arena sells 20 crickets for about $1.20 in either pinhead, small, medium or large. I'm going to stick with the small for now and see how my stomach handles it.

Me in my home

2004-08-10T09:42:00.000-07:00

Ollie's new digs

2004-08-09T15:16:00.000-07:00

Just moved from a tupperware to new digs. A whole 15 gallon cage for me!

The move from Nevada to San Diego was quite a journey. Almost got sick few times but what can you expect of a 3 day old hatchling?? I haven't had a bite to eat since I popped out of my egg. The stress!