Game Show Newsnet

Episode 26.1 - Since You've Been Gone...
January 10

Jason: LOL
Chico: Welcome back to the show. Now last month, Who Wants To Be a Millionaire had a contestant on the show named Ross Hewitt, who won over $25,000. He is a bowling teammate of one Gordon 'Haterade' Pepper, who was able to get the interview. Without further ado, our first Game Show interviewee of 2011, Mr. Ross Hewitt.
Gordon: Thank you Chico, and thank you Ross, for your time. 1) How did you find out about auditions for the show?
Ross: I had taken the initial test for the show about two years ago. I passed it, but did not make it past the casting intern, who appeared to be having a really bad day. I figured that because I was doctor and didn't have a sob story (which many contestants do) I would never be selected. This May, near the end of the bowling season, my bowling buddy Gordon thought it would be fun to have our whole team come down and audition. Other than him, I was the only one who showed up. I was convinced I wouldn't be selected, so I was very relaxed about the whole thing.
Chico: 2) Go through the audition process. What happened?
Ross: I got a testing appointment online. I live in NYC so it was very convenient for me. I took the test which consists of 30 questions with four choices for answers in ten minutes. About 125 people or so take it at a time. There were people there who had taken it multiple times, as they allow. They grade the test immediately with computer penciled in answer sheets. The versions of the test are different from the people around you, so you can't cheat successfully by looking at someone else's answers. They then take about 20 or so from that group, presumably the twenty highest scores, and then do a casting interview. From there, one or two are selected for an on camera interview. I talked about a knitting charity that I would like to donate to, and they found that interesting, so I got selected for an on camera interview. Two weeks later, I got a postcard in the mail saying that I had made it into the contestant pool.
Jason: It seemed like you had a great rapport with Meredith on the camera. 3) How was she behind the scenes?
Ross: Meredith was lovely. She really roots for the contestants--she wants everyone of them to win a million dollars! Her brother is an AIDS doctor in New York. She asked me if I knew him (I didn't) but that made her root for me all the more. She also knows how nervous everyone is and works to make you feel comfortable.
Gordon: 4) You got a chance to play the new look of the game. How does that compare to the classic show?
Ross: The new game is more challenging because then order of the difficulty of the questions is completely random, and the toughest questions may come up first. It puts you right on your toes, unable to relax when that happens. The classic format let you settle into it, gaining confidence with each correctly answered easy question.
Chico: 5) Something I have to know, because you’re obviously multifaceted... How do you go from doctor... to bowling... to knitting?
Ross: LOL! I actually went from knitting (I learned when I was 8 years old) to going to medical school (when I was 19) to discovering bowling when I was 35.
Jason: 6) Speaking of bowling, I hear you have one Gordon 'Haterade' Pepper on your team. How is he as a bowler and teammate?
Ross: Gordon is an intense competitor. He just loves to win, which means he hates losing. I think he inspires other people to bowl well against our team because everyone else knows how much he hates losing!
Jason: Who, Gordon? A competitor? Never would have guessed.
Gordon: Shaddup :) 7) Talk more about your charity. How did you get involved with it?
Ross: The charity is called Rwanda Knits. I heard about them at a knitting and crochet show. I loved the idea of empowering women to economic independence through teaching them to use knitting machines.
Chico: 8) A number of people may have questions when they saw your mom in the audience. Can you talk more about it and growing up in that environment?
Ross: Actually she was my stepmother. My father was a light skinned African American while my mother was white. I was born in the last year of the baby boom, and interracial families were rare. it was quite a challenge. The producers and stage hands did a double take when my stepmom said she was with me!
Jason: 9) Taking us back to game day, did you have a plan going in or were you just going to wing it?
Ross: The producers encouraged us to talk through questions out loud, and I was a little hesitant at first to do that, but having that freedom really helped me. My game plan was to take a deep breath, try to stay grounded, and think things through. I was just grateful to have the opportunity.
Gordon: 10) Did you have a strategy going into the show that you want to share?
Ross: The most difficult thing to do is to trust when you know the answer and when you don't. Lots of time you may feel like you should know the answer and you can beat yourself up for that and cause yourself to guess when you really don't know it.
Chico: 11) If you could go back in time and change one thing that you did during the show, what would it be and why?
Ross: Life gets in the way! I wish the week of the show I could have just relaxed, but the stress of everyday life, things you have to do because they couldn't wait, got in the way. I ended up only getting about four hours of sleep before the show. You have to be there before 7:30 AM and I was not rested.
Jason: 12) At the end of the first day, the last question that came out was worth $25,000. Then the tape stopped and the episode ended. What was going through your mind? Did that calm you down or get you more nuts as the second show started?
Ross: The break was very helpful, because I was already successful by that point. I knew that if I did walk away, it would not be empty handed, so I could relax and enjoy myself a little more.
Gordon: 13) Now in addition to me, you also had Jason Block (who won $125,000 on the Prime Time version of Millionaire) helping you out. What advice did he give you that you relied on the most?
Ross: Jason told me the object at the beginning is to stay in the game, not guessing wrong. If you don't know the answer to the first question, jump it. That is exactly what happened to me. He also told me to practice playing along at home as if I were on the show, standing up and working the question. That helped teach me when I knew the answer versus when I did not know it.
Chico: 14) What was going through your mind when you stopped and quit?
Ross: I really did not know the answer. I had a guess and I knew I had a lifeline left, so I asked the audience, knowing that it would be a difficult question for the audience. When I got a percentage that was only minimally above guessing, It was a very easy decision for me to walk away. I was told that I made that decision fairly quickly compared to others who competed that day.
Jason: 15) Any plans for the cash?
Ross: Because I am already in a high tax bracket, I plan to donate a third of it to charity, pay a third of it in takes, and pay some business expenses that I can deduct. If I have anything left over, I might fix up my bathroom!
Chico: Ha! And now, for the 5 questions we ask everybody...16) Favorite game show, past or present?
Ross: I loved game shows as a child. My Aunt Doey was very good at Jeopardy, so that has a soft place in my heart, but I would have to say I liked Hollywood Squares. I loved Paul Lynde in the center square. He was hilarious.
Chico: 17) Favorite game show host, past or present?
Ross: What was not to like about Bob Barker? Surrounded by all those beautiful girls? Actually I loved how Richard Dawson would kiss all the women on Family Feud. He made that show fun to watch.
Chico: 18) Let's say you want to try out for another game show as a contestant. Which one do you go for?
Ross: I think about Jeopardy, but I am not strong on history and literature and those topics are huge on that show. I seem to get the answer after most contestants do on wheel of Fortune, so I don't think I would do well on that, and I know nothing about prices to do the Price is Right. I think I am done with game shows for now.
Chico: 19) If you could remake one show from the past, which one would it be and why?
Ross: I used to enjoy "What's My Line" because it challenged people's perceptions. I would like to see that come back in some new form.
Chico: 20) Finally, it's Ross time. Anything you want to say or add that we may have missed?
Ross: Don't live with regrets. If you want to be a contestant, try out! Life is too short not to do the things you enjoy.
Gordon: Thanks again to Ross Hewitt for his time.
Jason: I happen to know Ross. Great interview from a great guy. Congrats on his success.
Chico: "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" continues weekdays. Hopefully with more guys like Ross. From bowling we go to bowls of the toilet variety. That's next. This is WLTI. Stay there.

(Brought to you by Tic Tac Moe. You have to get 3 larrys or curlys in a row, across, vertical or diagonally. But watch out in the bonus round for Rapping Shep!)

Jason: YIPE!
Chico: That's just a double whammy of bad.
Gordon: So we've reset up the room. Ross is no longer here, but we do have a toilet, a set of plungers, and an Oompa Loompa.
Jason: Oh boy Lets do this!
Chico: What do we do with an Oompa Loompa?
Gordon: We plunge a bad show down the toilet chute. The Oompa loompa then takes the bad show and puts it with the rotten girls and boys. And then he sings about it.
Chico: Ah. That makes sense. Let's start with a couple from this week that we missed.

IRON CHEF AMERICA Food - 10p ET Sunday
CHICO	GORDON	JASON	PUSH
PUSH	PUSH	PUSH

Jason: The format still works. Love it, love the show. PUSH.
Chico: Agreed.
Gordon: It's a great show and I like the new blood concept. PUSH.
Chico: Push. They didn't change a darn thing. (FF victory cue) Next...

POKER AFTER DARK NBC - 2:05a ET Weekdays
CHICO	GORDON	JASON	PUSH
PUSH	PUSH	PUSH

Chico: It's the same show, but in a new home.
Gordon: Still the same show. PUSH.
Chico: I wanna go to the Aria Resort & Casino, daddy.
Jason: Exactly. Worth the DVR. PUSH
Chico: PUSH. (FF victory cue)
Jason: http://www.arialasvegas.com/ If you care :)
Chico: IF I care. =p Next...

DONALD J. TRUMP'S FABULOUS WORLD OF GOLF Golf - January 31
CHICO	GORDON	JASON	JIGGLE
PASTRY	JIGGLE	PASTRY

Gordon: Unfortunately, there's an audience for this, so I won't flush it. Jiggle though.
Chico: Pastry. It's not a bad show. It's just not for everybody.
Jason: Pastry. Its ok...not great.
Chico: Next...

SURVIVOR: REDEMPTION ISLAND CBS - February 16
CHICO	GORDON	JASON	PUSH
PUSH	PUSH	PUSH

Gordon: It's Survivor. Push, Hope we get good casting this season though. And not just Rob Mariano and Russell Hantz.
Chico: I've seen some of the casting.
Jason: And?
Chico: ... Well...
Jason: I am going to push the show, but lets hope game play trumps feelings
Chico: IF IT'S TO BE BELIEVED, it's an interesting twist to an already interesting game. Hopefully they'll make something of it. PUSH (FF victory cue) Next...

THE AMAZING RACE: UNFINISHED BUSINESS CBS - February 20
CHICO	GORDON	JASON	PUSH
PUSH	JIGGLE	PUSH

Jason: Of the two big shows. This is the one I am waiting for. PUSH HARD.
Chico: Same here. I want to see what happens when these former losers are pushed to the limit... and beyond. PUSH. Plus it's in HD.
Gordon: Gordon: Can't flush it because it's the race, but can't push it because these aren't the All-Stars I want to see. Jiggle. I want the good all-stars. I want the winners.
Chico: Then the joke would be lost =p Just saying.
Gordon: I don't want a joke. I want great racing. I don't know if we find it here.
Chico: Next...

AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL The CW - February 23
CHICO	GORDON	JASON	PASTRY
FLUSH	PUSH	PASTRY

Gordon: The show for me doesn't get old. Push.
Jason: You know what...getting old for me. PASTRY. They need a revamp somehow.
Chico: It gets old for me. Flush. Seriously, from a high of 6 million to a low of 2 million, and it's opposite Survivor... it's starting to show its age.
Gordon: Next one?
Chico: Next..

THE MARRIAGE REF NBC - March 6
CHICO	GORDON	JASON	FLUSH
FLUSH	FLUSH	FLUSH

Chico: Seriously, NBC. Why. FLUSH.
Jason: Agreed. This stinks. FLUSH
Gordon: I think we hay have some Oompa Loompa Movement. FLUSH
Jason: OK...you know what to do ONE
Chico: TWO...
Gordon: THREE....
Chico: PLUNGE!
Gordon: Weeeeeeeeeeee!
Jason: Nasty.
Gordon: Hey! It's a singing Oompa Loompa!

Oompa Loopma Doopity Dum

Chico: Got the DUMB part right.

Couples who fight for profit are dumb.
Vapid celebs are stupid too.
Why this got renewed? Haven't a clue.

Chico: HA!
Gordon: I like him. He can stay.
Jason: ROFL
Chico: Next...

THE CELEBRITY APPRENTICE NBC - March 6
CHICO	GORDON	JASON	FLUSH
JIGGLE	FLUSH	JIGGLE

Gordon: You know my thoughts on him The Donald has gotten wack and his decisions for the past 2 seasons have been terrible. FLUSH on principle.
Chico: I think it's going to do well, but not well enough to warrant a new season. Jiggle.
Jason: I cant Flush the show because I like the Donald. And we will see Bret Michaels again. Jiggle.
Chico: Five more shows...

AMERICA'S NEXT GREAT RESTAURANT NBC - March 16
CHICO	GORDON	JASON	FLUSH
FLUSH	PASTRY	FLUSH

Gordon: I smell the xerox fumes on this already, but I'll give it a chance. Pastry.
Jason: This failed last year as Last Restaurant Standing. Sorry. FLUSH
Chico: They say what happened twice will happen three times. FLUSH. Last Restaurant Standing. 24Hour Restaurant Battle. Next...

DANCING WITH THE STARS ABC - March 21
CHICO	GORDON	JASON	PUSH
PUSH	PUSH	PUSH

Chico: Push. Easy.
Gordon: You have to push the new #1 show of the season.
Jason: This is going to blow Idol out of the water. Bank on it. PUSH. (FF victory cue) Repeat. Blow Idol Out of the water.
Chico: Next...

AMERICA'S BEST DANCE CREW MTV - April
CHICO	GORDON	JASON	PUSH
PUSH	PUSH	PUSH

Chico: another easy one. Push.
Jason: The show keeps getting better. PUSH
Gordon: They regained their footing last season. PUSH.
Chico: (FF victory cue) Next...

WWE TOUGH ENOUGH USA - April 11
CHICO	GORDON	JASON	PUSH
PUSH	PUSH	PASTRY

Chico: It worked for MTV. PUSH.
Gordon: Good pickup for USA Network. It did work for MTV and it will work here also. PUSH
Jason: I am going to Pastry this. Let me explain why.
Chico: Explain why.
Jason: If they truly open up the business and do it like season 1 of TE This will be awesome. But if they keep the doors semi-closed and script the ending...it will be bad. I LOVED the first season of this show. One of the best reality shows ever. But They need to be More TUF, and less WWE NXT. You know?
Chico: I know. And finally...

CASH CAB Discovery - Spring
CHICO	GORDON	JASON	PUSH
PUSH	PUSH	PUSH

Chico: You don't get a one-two in the Daytime Emmys for sucking. PUSH.
Jason: Nope. PUSH
Gordon: Good show. Push (FF victory cue)
Jason: I am also interested Cash Cab Chicago as well
Chico: That'll be rated at the end of this season. But up next... the end of this show. Something we call the Speed Round.
Jason: Cant wait for that...

(Brought to you by America's Best Trance Crew. It's like America's Best Dance Crew... only with more moshing and glow sticks... And yes, medics will be on standby)

Gordon: That whole area around the stage is perfect for that.
Chico: It really is. BTW the music.... Mixed by this guy right here. *points to Gordon*
Jason: He's good like that
Gordon: That's me. Let's mix up some Speed Round...now! MDMD: Will we see anyone walk off with at least $100,000?
Chico: No.
Jason: MDMD?
Chico: Money go down the hooooooooooooooooooole.
Jason: Oh yeah. Pretty much. Nope.
Gordon: 1 Vs. 100: Do we see a season 2?
Jason: I think so.
Chico: Yep. It's cheap. It's easy.
Gordon: Me too. Not a lot given away.
Chico: And Carrie Ann is actually... good.
Jason: She's ok.
Gordon: I won't go that far. Passable.
Chico: She's good... enough. Who whould've thought. Pictureka! is closing in on its 65. Do we see another?
Gordon: Sure do.
Jason: Oh yeah.
Chico: Winter Wipeout launched this week... and it set a record for itself. Now can it keep up the momentum?
Jason: How long is it going to be on for?
Chico: Eight weeks, last I checked.
Jason: Just in time for it to leave when Survivor comes in. Smart move by ABC. Then yes.
Gordon: It'll keep it until Idol shows up. I like it when Mail shows up, What do we got?
Chico: No mail, but we do have a Facebook response ... at facebook.com/wlti.gsnn. First, the mail from Lee DiGeorge

“

Lee DiGeorge
As a new father, I had to invent a lullaby for my new daughter. The one I created (yes, Game Show Geeks never change their stripes) uses the theme to Merv Griffith's Crosswords (with added lyrics) So, the question I pose for WLTI... which theme is best suited for a lullaby?

”

Jason: The Jeopardy theme of course
Chico: Of course
Gordon: I'll add Wheel of Fortune to it - the old 80's version.
Chico: I'll say the Savers. aka the theme music to the Joker's Wild. Gordon's faaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaavorite quiz show of all time
Gordon: Blech. So answer this on Facebook.

“

BIG FACEBOOK QUESTION!
What game show theme is best suited for a lullaby?

”

Gordon: So that ends the show. Special thanks to Jason for joining us today.
Jason: Always fun to be around. Happy New Year everyone!
Chico: Next week, ... the only week we can legally get away with picking apart Oprah.
Jason: You sure?
Chico: Someone's gotta review that show. You'll want to be there for that. Until then for Gordon and everyone at GSNN... Game over... and spread the love.