Since there seems to be
a bit of interest around here (not by everyone, I know, but by some) in my appearance on
Jeopardy!, I thought perhaps some folks might like a break from the pre-election hubbub for a daily memoir ... hmmm, does that give away that, say, I was on for more than one day? You'll have to see for yourself! I'm sworn to secrecy ... although you
can watch
my promo online if you want.
Anyway, I'll say at the outset that being on Jeopardy! was a terrific experience. The crew couldn't have been more supportive and helpful, and they really made sure everyone had a good time. What was truly remarkable, though, was the camaraderie among the contestants. I've heard it described as kind of a "hostage mentality," where everyone bonded due to their shared stressful experiences.
Mostly, though, I went to L.A. just wanting to have a good time, and I think I definitely achieved that. Join me below the fold for more, or see the article about my Jeopardy! experience in today's Palm Beach Post ...
A little background: I had been saying for years since graduating from an excellent but
expensive law school that I wanted to pay off my student loans on
Jeopardy!, but I never really expected to have that chance. So, when the very first online contestant qualification test was launched last March, I took it with a grain of salt, figuring I'd give it a shot, but it was unlikely to go anywhere. The test was 50 questions with 15 seconds to answer each question. It went by quickly and I thought I did okay, but they never reveal the results ... so it was time to wait.
Then, in May I got an e-mail asking me to attend a personal audition in Orlando in June. The audition consisted of another written test, a personality interview (à la what Trebek does on the show), and a mock game. I was in a group of 15, one of eight groups seen that week in Orlando alone. At the end of the session, we were told that we all were members of a 1,600-person pool of potential contestants for 2006-07, from which about 400 would be selected to appear on the show (based presumably on game skill and how good you might appear on TV).
In August, I finally got "The Call." I was asked to travel to L.A. - at my own expense, mind you - to be a contestant. They tape five shows a day, and they tell you to bring "several" changes of clothes. If you win, you have about ten minutes to change. "Alex does it, so can you," says the confirmation letter.
After three hours of preparation, including two rounds of rehearsal for the twelve contestants (including the returning champion) present, we were informed who would go on stage first. Naturally, I was one of the two new contestants picked for the first show taped. I barely had time to be nervous before I found myself on stage being introduced by announcer Johnny Gilbert. Then, there was Alex, and the game was afoot ...
Watch me tonight on your local affiliate (I'm on the third podium tonight) ... and stay tuned for at least one more diary ... ;)
(In the meantime, check out Blast Off!, my blog, which regrettably has been somewhat neglected the last few days because I've been so damn busy. So sue me.)