Growing up in Florida, I was bedazzled by the glamour of
the game shows
eminating from Hollywood. Sitting in my miniature rocking
chair and staring
at the huge console TV set, I dreamed of one day appearing
on a sparkling
game show and being the big winner.
That daydream eventually did come true, more than once,
beginning in
February 2000 with Fox's "Greed:"
"The Series" as opposed to "The Special."
First, the serious contestant pose...
Answer a survey question, and you're off to play with four
teammates...
Next thing you know, you're getting the $100,000 question
correct!
Ready for another question...
And it's correct for $200,000! The team stops while we are
ahead and I take home my share: $40,000!
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The following year, an American version of the hit British
game show "Weakest Link" was set to premiere on NBC and I
applied for the challenge...
The promotional material was everywhere!
Anne Robinson and one of eight contestants.
A behind-the-scenes shot during taping.
From eight, the field is narrowed down to me and
Veronica...
She should have voted me off when she had the chance.
Twenty-nine questions later, another deposit for the
checking account.
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OK, but you can't win every time, right?
Here are a couple of my not-so-successful appearances...
Back when daytime meant game shows, not "Springer."
NBC's "Classic Concentration" - February 1988.
Having a laugh with host Alex Trebek. Note the fab 80's
sweaters. Very "Cosby"-esque.
One of the puzzles. "Buffalo Bill." Too bad I didn't get it
in time.
Much "Concentration," apparently.
My lovely parting gift! Wonder where that thing went? It
was LOUD!
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Then there was "Supermarket Sweep" in 2003...
This one I got to play with a partner...my good friend Al.
Playing a "$20,000 Pyramid" -style clue-giving game.
The answer is "Barilla," as in Italian pasta. And with time
to spare!
Grabbing the giant pack of gum bonus. Sadly, it was later
revealed to be worth only $50.
Throwing the bonus "Eggo Frozen Waffles" into the cart with
30 seconds to go! We lost, though, even with all those fake
frozen turkeys. They were heavy. Very.