I'll Take "Jeopardy Audition" for $2000, Alex
Jun 17th, 2012, 01:26 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 11,525
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'll Take "Jeopardy Audition" for $2000, Alex
Some of you asked me to do a trip report about my recent Jeopardy audition - so here goes!
I've taken Jeopardy's online test a couple of times, and this year I got an email inviting me to audition for the show on June 6th in Los Angeles. Providentially, Southwest had a great sale that coincided with my travel dates, and I found an inexpensive car rental with Enterprise.
I left Tuesday, June 5th. My Southwest flight was sold out, and I was offered a seat on the next flight plus a $100 travel credit. But since I was on my own and I had some things I wanted to do in LA, I declined. Thankfully, the majority of the passengers got off at our stop in Las Vegas, and though the continuing flight was crowded, it wasn't bad.
Enterprise was quick and efficient. I rented a Ford Fiesta, which was fun to drive. It came with satellite radio, but that stopped working after the first day - sort of weird.
Tracys2cents mentioned you could use www.yelp.com to find restaurants within a mile of your destination, so I spent some time compiling a list of places I wanted to try. After spending some time driving around Westchester and Playa del Rey, where Mr. Pickle and I met and used to live, it was lunch time.
I traveled down Culver Blvd. looking for a Korean restaurant called Destini Cafe, but it had apparently changed its name, so I decided to visit my second choice, the Burmese Market and Cafe on Sepulveda. I drove past it several times before I realized it too had changed its name to the Jasmine Deli and Halal Meat Market. Fortunately I had change, because I'd forgotten how often you have to pay to park in Los Angeles.
This place is inexpensive - my lunch was about $7 - and delicious. I had lamb curry, vegetables in a korma-like sauce, and really tasty fresh naan. There was a really spicy salad with shredded cabbage, veggies and some kind of chile, too. I like chile, but my mouth was begging for mercy after a couple of bites!
After lunch, I checked into the Rodeway Inn on Washington for the night. It's a small property, but it was just right for me - clean, comfortable, quiet, and inexpensive. I called home to let people know I had arrived safely (my dad, who lives with us, was worried about his little girl being all alone in The Big City) and headed back out.
The weather was beautiful both days of my visit, and I really enjoyed my trip up to Santa Monica. I didn't have a lot planned, but it was nice to see some of my old haunts as I drove. I spent some time at a really nice yarn store, Wildfiber, on 14th Street, and had a very tasty latte at the Funnel Mill on Broadway before I headed down toward the beach.
A couple of people recommended Ye Olde King's Head in Santa Monica, and I decided to have dinner there. It's a pub/restaurant/gift shop about a block from the beach, and they were offering a special Diamond Jubilee tea, which sounded perfect as I wasn't super hungry after my lunch. Tea, of course, with a small sausage roll, a mini-quiche, tea sandwiches, and a delicious little scone with clotted cream and jam. I ordered a Pimm's to go along with my meal, and had a lovely time sitting out on their patio reading The New York Times Guide to Essential Knowledge.
On to the actual audition in the next installment!
Lee Ann
I've taken Jeopardy's online test a couple of times, and this year I got an email inviting me to audition for the show on June 6th in Los Angeles. Providentially, Southwest had a great sale that coincided with my travel dates, and I found an inexpensive car rental with Enterprise.
I left Tuesday, June 5th. My Southwest flight was sold out, and I was offered a seat on the next flight plus a $100 travel credit. But since I was on my own and I had some things I wanted to do in LA, I declined. Thankfully, the majority of the passengers got off at our stop in Las Vegas, and though the continuing flight was crowded, it wasn't bad.
Enterprise was quick and efficient. I rented a Ford Fiesta, which was fun to drive. It came with satellite radio, but that stopped working after the first day - sort of weird.
Tracys2cents mentioned you could use www.yelp.com to find restaurants within a mile of your destination, so I spent some time compiling a list of places I wanted to try. After spending some time driving around Westchester and Playa del Rey, where Mr. Pickle and I met and used to live, it was lunch time.
I traveled down Culver Blvd. looking for a Korean restaurant called Destini Cafe, but it had apparently changed its name, so I decided to visit my second choice, the Burmese Market and Cafe on Sepulveda. I drove past it several times before I realized it too had changed its name to the Jasmine Deli and Halal Meat Market. Fortunately I had change, because I'd forgotten how often you have to pay to park in Los Angeles.
This place is inexpensive - my lunch was about $7 - and delicious. I had lamb curry, vegetables in a korma-like sauce, and really tasty fresh naan. There was a really spicy salad with shredded cabbage, veggies and some kind of chile, too. I like chile, but my mouth was begging for mercy after a couple of bites!
After lunch, I checked into the Rodeway Inn on Washington for the night. It's a small property, but it was just right for me - clean, comfortable, quiet, and inexpensive. I called home to let people know I had arrived safely (my dad, who lives with us, was worried about his little girl being all alone in The Big City) and headed back out.
The weather was beautiful both days of my visit, and I really enjoyed my trip up to Santa Monica. I didn't have a lot planned, but it was nice to see some of my old haunts as I drove. I spent some time at a really nice yarn store, Wildfiber, on 14th Street, and had a very tasty latte at the Funnel Mill on Broadway before I headed down toward the beach.
A couple of people recommended Ye Olde King's Head in Santa Monica, and I decided to have dinner there. It's a pub/restaurant/gift shop about a block from the beach, and they were offering a special Diamond Jubilee tea, which sounded perfect as I wasn't super hungry after my lunch. Tea, of course, with a small sausage roll, a mini-quiche, tea sandwiches, and a delicious little scone with clotted cream and jam. I ordered a Pimm's to go along with my meal, and had a lovely time sitting out on their patio reading The New York Times Guide to Essential Knowledge.
On to the actual audition in the next installment!
Lee Ann
Jun 17th, 2012, 02:39 PM
#2
Hi Lee Ann --
Aloha from Kauai. This sounds so nice--especially the Diamond Jubilee tea.
But I can hardly wait to hear about the audition!!!
FYI, in 1999 I was living in L.A. and was desperately poor. I decided my only hope to crawl out from under the debt was to go on a game show and win lots of money ... So that's what I did!!!
I became a 3-time, undefeated champion on "Wheel of Fortune." I walked away with enough cash to pay off all my debts (with some left over) ... and I won a new car, a cruise to Mexico, and kitchen appliances that I sold.
Later that same week, the break in the music business that I'd worked and struggled for came through. It was a good week ;-) !!!
Hurry up and finish your report. We're all waiting!!!
Aloha from Kauai. This sounds so nice--especially the Diamond Jubilee tea.
But I can hardly wait to hear about the audition!!!
FYI, in 1999 I was living in L.A. and was desperately poor. I decided my only hope to crawl out from under the debt was to go on a game show and win lots of money ... So that's what I did!!!
I became a 3-time, undefeated champion on "Wheel of Fortune." I walked away with enough cash to pay off all my debts (with some left over) ... and I won a new car, a cruise to Mexico, and kitchen appliances that I sold.
Later that same week, the break in the music business that I'd worked and struggled for came through. It was a good week ;-) !!!
Hurry up and finish your report. We're all waiting!!!
Jun 17th, 2012, 03:25 PM
#3
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 20,199
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Lee Ann, I'm enjoying your report! I hope you get to be a contestant!
I once called in to the Regis & Kathie Lee morning show and correctly answered the trivia question and won dinner for four at Mr Changs. That was my only claim to fame, lol.
I once called in to the Regis & Kathie Lee morning show and correctly answered the trivia question and won dinner for four at Mr Changs. That was my only claim to fame, lol.
Jun 17th, 2012, 05:26 PM
#5
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Songdoc,who knew! Good for you.
EP, I am anxious to read your report on the test. I took it many years ago in Atlanta. There were some SERIOUS people there, reading an atlas or Shakespeare cliff notes in the waiting area. You have to be quick as well as informed.
Good stuff.
EP, I am anxious to read your report on the test. I took it many years ago in Atlanta. There were some SERIOUS people there, reading an atlas or Shakespeare cliff notes in the waiting area. You have to be quick as well as informed.
Good stuff.
Jun 17th, 2012, 06:46 PM
#8
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 26,710
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Great Story. If I beleived in reincarnation I would want to come back as Vanna. What a friggin job.
____
Now that I am older, I play Delayed Jeopardy. I still get the right answers but it takes until the next day.
____
Now that I am older, I play Delayed Jeopardy. I still get the right answers but it takes until the next day.
Jun 18th, 2012, 04:48 AM
#9
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 19,230
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
stw, I also called in once and won the trivia question on Regis and Kathie Lee. I was the second caller but the first one got it wrong. My prize was a Day of Beauty at the spa in the Helmsley Palace.
I've taken the Jeopardy test and the Wheel of Fortune test a few times in Atlantic City, but never got any further.
ElendiPickle, I'm anxious to hear about your audition!
I've taken the Jeopardy test and the Wheel of Fortune test a few times in Atlantic City, but never got any further.
ElendiPickle, I'm anxious to hear about your audition!
Jun 18th, 2012, 06:34 AM
#11
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,622
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My husband and I watch Jeopardy every night, it has become a ritual for us. I am so excited to read that Lee Ann got to try out in person!
A few yrs. ago I was at the Boston Sheraton and they were havi try outs for Teen Jeopardy there. Lots of parents and teens all over, and it was exciting talking to them in the elevators and lobby, they all had their stories of how they got to be there.
And when my son and I toured the SONY tudios in LA a few yrs ago, we got to get a sneak preview of the new Jeopadry set that they are using now. That was exciting! Lol, I know, I am pitiful, right?
Songdoc, love your story! Good for you! You must have ben elated. We watch Wheel too, but not as religiously as Jeopardy.
Now Lee Ann PLEASE tell us about the audition! I am on a road trip in Mexico visiting Mayan ruins and I am going to check back in here tonight to see if you've posted on the audition yet.
A few yrs. ago I was at the Boston Sheraton and they were havi try outs for Teen Jeopardy there. Lots of parents and teens all over, and it was exciting talking to them in the elevators and lobby, they all had their stories of how they got to be there.
And when my son and I toured the SONY tudios in LA a few yrs ago, we got to get a sneak preview of the new Jeopadry set that they are using now. That was exciting! Lol, I know, I am pitiful, right?
Songdoc, love your story! Good for you! You must have ben elated. We watch Wheel too, but not as religiously as Jeopardy.
Now Lee Ann PLEASE tell us about the audition! I am on a road trip in Mexico visiting Mayan ruins and I am going to check back in here tonight to see if you've posted on the audition yet.
Jun 18th, 2012, 01:05 PM
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 11,525
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Songdoc, that's great! I was on Tic Tac Dough over 30 years ago, when I was a broke college student. I won a chunk of money and kitchen appliances; my parents got the kitchen stuff and I, being young and foolish, spent all the money. 
OK, on to the audition!
Rodeway Inn's breakfast consisted of packaged pastries and toast, and I knew I needed some quality caffeine and protein before auditioning. Thanks to Yelp and a practice drive to get to the audition site, I had spotted a place on Inglewood Blvd. called Geo's. They make a fantastic iced Americano, which I enjoyed with...I don't remember the name, but basically it was scrambled eggs with a little Swiss cheese and mushrooms, and some very good bread.
I had plenty of time to kill before I had to be at the Doubletree, so I went ahead and drove down Sepulveda back into Westchester. I found a Trader Joe's and bought a couple of snacks for the plane ride, thinking I wouldn't be at the airport all that long and that I would skip eating there.
Eventually I made my way back to the Doubletree Hotel at Centinela and Sepulveda and headed upstairs to the interview area. We all had to fill out forms stating we had never been on Jeopardy, that we hadn't been on a game show in the last four or five years, stuff like that.
Another auditioner and I were sitting at the first table people saw as they came up the stairs. We were dressed nicely - you're supposed to dress as if you were going to be a contestant that day - so they all assumed we worked for the show and wanted us to check them in.
At 11:30, the contestant coordinators gathered us together, checked us off their list of auditioners, and took our pictures. One of the guys, who was in his late 20s, had never seen a Polaroid camera. I was tempted to fill him in, but competitiveness kicked in and I decided not to give him any information which might come in handy.
We entered a meeting room and sat at several tables. The coordinators introduced themselves and asked who had traveled the farthest to audition. One man came from Hawaii, and he won Jeopardy for the Wii.
Next we had to take a 50-question written test. We had about 15 seconds to answer each clue, and I thought I did really well. There were three or four questions I know I got wrong.
While the coordinators collected all our papers (the form we'd filled out, the test, our pictures, and a list of five "fun facts" about ourselves each of us had to supply), we had a short break, which most of us used to talk over the test and compare answers.
When we came back, we watched a short video on how the mock game would work, and the coordinators gave us some basic information on playing and answering. Then they started tossing out categories and clues and calling on us at random to see if we could speak up and answer quickly.
Finally it was time to play the mock game and do a short interview. I was one of the first three called on to play. This was good, because then I could finish being nervous and enjoy the rest of the morning.
I think I did all right on the mock game; I was able to hit my signal fairly quickly, which is really key to doing well on the show - you can know all the answers, but if you can't ring in first, it doesn't do much good.
We played for a few minutes, then did our interviews. They asked each of us to talk about ourselves for about a minute, then asked a few questions. I introduced myself, talked about what I do, where I live, my family, things like that. They asked me about one of my fun facts and what I would do with the money if I won. Fortunately, I have been studying at jboard.tv, so I was prepared for the question. Mr. Pickle and I have discussed doing some voluntourism in the future, so I talked about that.
It was fun watching everyone else play (most of us pulled our mock signaling devices, aka our ballpoint pens and played along silently) and interview.
We were finished around 1:30, so I changed my clothes for the flight home and decided to find some lunch. For nostalgia's sake, I went to Tito's Tacos and had one. It was decent, but I think my younger self liked them better. Maybe I'm just spoiled by the tasty New Mexican food I can make or buy here!
As I drove down to Costco to fill up the car, I made a detour through Mar Vista, where my mother-in-law lived, to see what the house looks like now - new paint but pretty much the same otherwise.
I was a little early dropping off the car, but I am the kind of traveler who likes to be early when I need to catch a flight, so that was OK.
After I went through security and called Mr. Pickle to let him know how the audition how gone, I noticed my flight was going to be delayed. I had to change planes in Phoenix, so I checked at the Southwest desk and they said they didn't think it would be a problem.
About 20 minutes later, they asked anyone who was flying to Albuquerque to come to the desk. Yup, we were all going to miss our connection in Phoenix after all. Providentially, there was a nonstop flight leaving later, and they had plenty of room for us. Unfortunately, that meant I had two more hours to kill at LAX than I had thought. There is no free Wi-fi, and my regular Kindle with 3G seems to be having issues with my email provider, so I couldn't get online as I had planned.
At this point, dinner and a margarita sounded really good. I called Mr. Pickle to let him know I would be late, found some food, and finally got an open seat at one of the lounges. Between the basketball and hockey games, all the restaurants and bars were pretty packed with spectators.
My substitute flight was also delayed by a few minutes, but it was pretty empty and I had a row to myself. Hurray!
At this point, I am in the contestant pool for 18 months. I really hope I make it on the show, but if not, I had a fantastic experience!
Lee Ann
OK, on to the audition!
Rodeway Inn's breakfast consisted of packaged pastries and toast, and I knew I needed some quality caffeine and protein before auditioning. Thanks to Yelp and a practice drive to get to the audition site, I had spotted a place on Inglewood Blvd. called Geo's. They make a fantastic iced Americano, which I enjoyed with...I don't remember the name, but basically it was scrambled eggs with a little Swiss cheese and mushrooms, and some very good bread.
I had plenty of time to kill before I had to be at the Doubletree, so I went ahead and drove down Sepulveda back into Westchester. I found a Trader Joe's and bought a couple of snacks for the plane ride, thinking I wouldn't be at the airport all that long and that I would skip eating there.
Eventually I made my way back to the Doubletree Hotel at Centinela and Sepulveda and headed upstairs to the interview area. We all had to fill out forms stating we had never been on Jeopardy, that we hadn't been on a game show in the last four or five years, stuff like that.
Another auditioner and I were sitting at the first table people saw as they came up the stairs. We were dressed nicely - you're supposed to dress as if you were going to be a contestant that day - so they all assumed we worked for the show and wanted us to check them in.
At 11:30, the contestant coordinators gathered us together, checked us off their list of auditioners, and took our pictures. One of the guys, who was in his late 20s, had never seen a Polaroid camera. I was tempted to fill him in, but competitiveness kicked in and I decided not to give him any information which might come in handy.
We entered a meeting room and sat at several tables. The coordinators introduced themselves and asked who had traveled the farthest to audition. One man came from Hawaii, and he won Jeopardy for the Wii.
Next we had to take a 50-question written test. We had about 15 seconds to answer each clue, and I thought I did really well. There were three or four questions I know I got wrong.
While the coordinators collected all our papers (the form we'd filled out, the test, our pictures, and a list of five "fun facts" about ourselves each of us had to supply), we had a short break, which most of us used to talk over the test and compare answers.
When we came back, we watched a short video on how the mock game would work, and the coordinators gave us some basic information on playing and answering. Then they started tossing out categories and clues and calling on us at random to see if we could speak up and answer quickly.
Finally it was time to play the mock game and do a short interview. I was one of the first three called on to play. This was good, because then I could finish being nervous and enjoy the rest of the morning.
I think I did all right on the mock game; I was able to hit my signal fairly quickly, which is really key to doing well on the show - you can know all the answers, but if you can't ring in first, it doesn't do much good.
We played for a few minutes, then did our interviews. They asked each of us to talk about ourselves for about a minute, then asked a few questions. I introduced myself, talked about what I do, where I live, my family, things like that. They asked me about one of my fun facts and what I would do with the money if I won. Fortunately, I have been studying at jboard.tv, so I was prepared for the question. Mr. Pickle and I have discussed doing some voluntourism in the future, so I talked about that.
It was fun watching everyone else play (most of us pulled our mock signaling devices, aka our ballpoint pens and played along silently) and interview.
We were finished around 1:30, so I changed my clothes for the flight home and decided to find some lunch. For nostalgia's sake, I went to Tito's Tacos and had one. It was decent, but I think my younger self liked them better.
Maybe I'm just spoiled by the tasty New Mexican food I can make or buy here!As I drove down to Costco to fill up the car, I made a detour through Mar Vista, where my mother-in-law lived, to see what the house looks like now - new paint but pretty much the same otherwise.
I was a little early dropping off the car, but I am the kind of traveler who likes to be early when I need to catch a flight, so that was OK.
After I went through security and called Mr. Pickle to let him know how the audition how gone, I noticed my flight was going to be delayed. I had to change planes in Phoenix, so I checked at the Southwest desk and they said they didn't think it would be a problem.
About 20 minutes later, they asked anyone who was flying to Albuquerque to come to the desk. Yup, we were all going to miss our connection in Phoenix after all. Providentially, there was a nonstop flight leaving later, and they had plenty of room for us. Unfortunately, that meant I had two more hours to kill at LAX than I had thought. There is no free Wi-fi, and my regular Kindle with 3G seems to be having issues with my email provider, so I couldn't get online as I had planned.
At this point, dinner and a margarita sounded really good.
I called Mr. Pickle to let him know I would be late, found some food, and finally got an open seat at one of the lounges. Between the basketball and hockey games, all the restaurants and bars were pretty packed with spectators.My substitute flight was also delayed by a few minutes, but it was pretty empty and I had a row to myself. Hurray!
At this point, I am in the contestant pool for 18 months. I really hope I make it on the show, but if not, I had a fantastic experience!
Lee Ann
Jun 18th, 2012, 02:04 PM
#18
BRAVO!!!!
What a great report--and good for you for going for it! I hope you'll be hearing from them soon.
Also ... good for you for being prepared for the interview questions.
When I went on "Wheel ..." I not only prepared by doing word puzzles; studying the frequency of different letters; and watching tapes of the shows; I had rehearsed what I would say when they said, "Tell us about yourself ..." It certainly paid off!
Being energetic & enthusiastic was NOT a problem for me ;-).
What a great report--and good for you for going for it! I hope you'll be hearing from them soon.
Also ... good for you for being prepared for the interview questions.
When I went on "Wheel ..." I not only prepared by doing word puzzles; studying the frequency of different letters; and watching tapes of the shows; I had rehearsed what I would say when they said, "Tell us about yourself ..." It certainly paid off!
Being energetic & enthusiastic was NOT a problem for me ;-).
Jun 18th, 2012, 02:32 PM
#20
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,622
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Lee Ann, how inspiring! I feel like I am on pins and needles now, waiting to hear if you wil make it.
What does "being in the contestant pool" for 18 months mean? Can they call you any time in the next 18 m. and you have to fly out to L.A., and if so, will they pay for that trip? I hope so!
If you get back out to Santa Monica, and since I now know you like margartias, and I would presume Mexican food also, please go to Lula's on Main St. in Santa Monica! I travel to L.A. for work and pleasure, and I stay in Santa Monica and I ALWAYS make a point of going to Lula's. It is like being in a great restaurant/bar in Mexico. All the waiters and bartenders are from Mexico. They have a fantastic happy hr. w/many great apps at for $4, and cheap and VERY GOOD margaritas. and I have always had a lovely time at happy hr. in the bar, chatting w/the bartender who has been there forever who is from Puebla, etc.
OMG, their green corn tamales and chile rellenos at happy hr. are SO GOOD.
http://www.lulacocinamexicana.com/
What does "being in the contestant pool" for 18 months mean? Can they call you any time in the next 18 m. and you have to fly out to L.A., and if so, will they pay for that trip? I hope so!
If you get back out to Santa Monica, and since I now know you like margartias, and I would presume Mexican food also, please go to Lula's on Main St. in Santa Monica! I travel to L.A. for work and pleasure, and I stay in Santa Monica and I ALWAYS make a point of going to Lula's. It is like being in a great restaurant/bar in Mexico. All the waiters and bartenders are from Mexico. They have a fantastic happy hr. w/many great apps at for $4, and cheap and VERY GOOD margaritas. and I have always had a lovely time at happy hr. in the bar, chatting w/the bartender who has been there forever who is from Puebla, etc.
OMG, their green corn tamales and chile rellenos at happy hr. are SO GOOD.
http://www.lulacocinamexicana.com/
