Episode 30.7 - Two Houses Both Alike in Dignity
July 16

Gordon: And welcome back to WLTI.
Chico: Thanks for being a part of our week and allowing us to be a part of yours. Now last week, we promised an interview with Scott Hostetler, one of the recent TPIR winners
Gordon: Today, we sit down with this champ of champs and ask him... 20 QUESTIONS. 1) Probably a "Mount Everest" question, but you've been on almost every decent show there is. Why TPIR now?
Scott: As a team building activity at DirecTV, I led a group to a taping of TPIR. I coached everyone and one of my co workers was selected (Patrick Tootle 4/13/12,won $1750, evidently I coached him well). I had such a great time that I decided to get tickets and go myself and with any luck win a car!
Chico: 2) Did you think it would be harder or easier to get on this show being who you are?
Scott: It is easier because I follow my own advice outlined in my book, "Winning Secrets". I study the show and see what kind of people get asked to "Come on down!", then I try to be one of those people! It doesn't matter who I am, the experience I have garnered on game shows helps me most. That's why I wrote the book -to share my experiences and give people a head start.
Gordon: 3) You know we wouldn't be GSNN without asking the questions that the die hard fans want to know. And as a die hard fan, A. Why didn't you bid $856 in contestant's row and B. Why didn't you bid $1 in the Showcases when your opponent looked like they went over?
Scott: Sportsmanship is everything - it feeds Karma. Everyone is there to have fun and I think it would be horrible to get to Contestants Row and have your every bid bested by $1. It's rude. Did I really think the exact price was $856? No, before the show I told my daughter that I would bid at least $25 higher, then I went $45 over. I also felt it would be insulting to the show and to Deborah if I bid $1 on the showcase. It's tough up there and she made a mistake, no need to rub it in. If it were football that would draw a flag for taunting and excessive celebration.
Chico: 4) Of all the shows you've been on, which one was your favorite and why?
Scott: My favorite game show is probably Press Your Luck for several reasons. First, it was my first big win, secondly; it was an extremely fun and exciting show to be on and watch at home, also it gave me my most famous line of "Hong Kong, Alright!".
Gordon: 5) How does it feel to be able to go on YouTube and see yourself in game shows as far as close to 30 years ago?
Scott: It has been a joy! Just last night I watched my Match Game 98 on Youtube. What alot of fun memories that brought back. I have been blessed to have terrific friends who search out and then post some of my game shows. It's alot of fun!
Chico: 6) How do people usually react when you meet them and they find out you've been on all of these shows? I have to guess awe-struck.
Scott: I am just a regular guy who loves game shows and has been lucky enough to have a hobby of getting on and winning a few. Everybody likes game shows, so when the subject comes up people are usually interested in how many shows I have been on and how much I have won. It's always a fun conversation and it seems alot of people have a game show story of their own, either themselves or a family or friend.
Gordon: 7) Obviously, you played The Price as Right as well as you could play, so I'll ask this question - if you had the chance to rewind and change any one decision on any game show you have been on, what decision would it be?
Scott: I would have checked that my white shirt was tucked in. The games went pretty well.
Chico: 8) Part of the key to getting on the show is getting the producers to pick you. What was your 'shtick' shall, we say, when you spoke to them?
Scott: I just greeted the Producer with a smile and alot of energy. The natural reaction would be to be nervous, let that nervous energy work for you! Bouncing around, clapping and smiling, trying to be funny. I told him about how I am working on a ventriloquist act with my 5 year old grandson as the dummy! This is covered extensively in my book - watch the show - see what the contestants are like - that's what the Producers picked - be like that.
Gordon: 9) You're known for not just knowing how to get on a game show but for knowing how to win. Did you have a strategy going into the show?
I had two goals - #1 to win a car. My car is 10 years old. #2 to win a tropical vacation. TPIR is a show that combines some pricing knowledge with alot of luck. Some of the games are tougher than others.
I was lucky to get to play Flip Flop, there are only three possible options. By watching and studying the show, I knew Hawaiian vacations are in the $8000 range. So my first choice of 48 or 84 was made for me, That left me with a 50/50 chance on the last two digits! I was lucky. Spinning that wheel (one of the iconic events in all Gameshowdom) is PURE LUCK. The numbers are spread around the wheel so that you are spinning blind every time. I was lucky in the showcase. The first showcase did not have a car; one of the showcases have a car 98% of the time. I passed and not only got a showcase with a car but a wonderful trip to the UK! The luck there was that my opponent overbid and that gave me some leeway for my bid.
Chico: 10) Any plans on what you're going to do with all that stuff you won?
Scott: I'm going to Scotland to watch the USA v France Soccer match in July. I'll drive my new Ford Escape and in the spring I will take the family to Maui! Life is grand! Did I mention that I am the luckiest guy you know?
Gordon: 11) Are you already thinking about the next show you're going to do, or do you want a couple more weeks to just savor this moment?
Scott: I am always looking for my Great White Whale - that big cash score, or a Jeopardy championship whichever comes first!
Chico: 12) For anyone who's ever thought about going to TPIR, what would you suggest doing?
Scott: I would suggest going to TPIR website and getting tickets. It's a carnival in there, lots of fun and excitement, so even if someone in your group doesn't want to be a contestant they will still have a terrific time. There is alot of waiting. Some people brought books or other stuff to occupy their time. I prefer talking to my group and the fun people around me in line. You all have one thing in common - you all love game shows! Although food is available for purchase I suggest bringing a sandwich, some fruit ( I recommend bananas for reasons outlined in my book) and maybe trail mix or candy. Have fun and when the time comes to be interviewed - be upbeat and physically demonstrative.
Gordon: 13) Drew Carey... Been on the job for five years now. Approve?
Scott: Alot of people prefer Bob to Drew. I think Drew does an outstanding job, he's a very nice guy, he is personable and quick with a quip. He moves the game along and keeps everyone involved and entertained. I say, let's keep him!
Chico: 14) So you had a book about how to get on a show and win. Any testimonials you care to share?
Scott: I've had many compliments on how enjoyable and informative Winning Secrets is and over a dozen people who have bought the book have written to tell me about how it helped them win on a game show; $1750 win up to over $33,000! I am working on a Hall of Fame for my website (www.thegameshowguru.com) to honor them.
Gordon: 15) Ever think about producing your own show?
Scott: I am working on a project right now.
Chico: Great. Now it's that time... for... THE FIVE WE ASK EVERYONE. 16) What's your favorite game show, past or present?
Scott: Probably Press Your Luck - lots of fun, and trivia questions with a chance of Big Bucks or a Whammy could take it away in a flash.
Gordon: 17) What's your favorite host, past or present?
Scott: I have met some terrific game show hosts, some of my favorites are Bob Eubanks, Wink Martindale, Jim Lange, Dick Clark, Peter Tomarken, George Grey, Drew Carey, and Todd Newton but the nicest, most gracious host was Donny Osmond. Not only was he a great host during a break he went over to speak to my family and my sister was gobsmacked!
Chico: 18) Let's waive the year-long moratorium. What game show would you like to appear on next?
Scott: Jeopardy! or Millionaire.
Gordon: 19) You're the Executive Producer. What show from the past do you bring back?
Scott: I would love to see Press Your Luck (the original ) revived. Also, I thought I could have had a great run on Jokers Wild and Twenty One! I love the shows that bring you back until you are defeated.
Chico: 20) Finally, it's Scott Time. Anything you want to get off your chest, now's the time to do it.
Scott: I do not like the direction some of the reality game shows have taken. I really enjoyed the first couple of seasons of Hell's Kitchen. But now they have a "formula" that they follow and it is annoying to watch. ( I wonder if Gordon is going to call the "Executive Chef" or the "former fry cook" a Donkey?)
Chico: Thanks Scott... the book is available at thegameshowguru.com. This is WLTI. We'll be back with Read Between the Lines.

(Brought to you by The Unamazing Race across the GWB. With the Bridge down for repairs, the question isn't who's getting across the fastest,. The question is can you get across at all. Gordon Pepper hosts.)

Jason: You are not a happy Gordon
Chico: Once again, BIG thanks to Scott Hostetler for hanging out with us... Meanwhile... I have to see your bridge... and raise you a flood. TWICE. in a Week. Today, I saw something big and yellow in the sky for the first time in a while. I asked Gordon if I should give it money or something.
Gordon: It wasn't a big bird.
Chico: So that would be a no, then.
Gordon: Aw. But I do have some Read Between the Lines.
Chico: I like Read Between the Lines.
Gordon: Do you? Good. Start it off.
Chico: Okay...

OWN's "Are You Normal, America?" is getting another shot on Saturday nights.

Jason: Translation: It's being burned off on a place where no one watches.
Gordon: Translation. If you're normal, then you'll be saying the same amount of attention to it as when it was on the air.
Chico: Translation... It's Saturday. Who's watching us anyway? Seriously... WHO'S WATCHING US?
Gordon: Oprah's family? Next one... From CBS...

Last night's premiere of BIG BROTHER swept its time period in viewers and key demographics matching its second best adult 18-49 rating for a premiere episode since February 2008, according to Nielsen preliminary live plus same day ratings for Thursday, July 12.

Chico: Translation: Eat it, Glass House. We got the VIEWERS.
Jason: Translation: Hey, Glass House...suck on this.
Gordon: Translation: Everything else on TV that night? Sucked. HARD.
Chico: Well, second was Wipeout, then the rest was meh.
Gordon: Wipeout sounds accurate.
Chico: Next is from Alexander Armstrong, the host of ITV1's "Prize Island".

"Prize Island is the kind of show every presenter dreams of - inventive, clever, funny, absolutely compelling. Oh, and set on a tropical island in the middle of the ocean. With prizes. I am so excited about this."

Chico: Translation: "I've NEVER seen the Diamond Head Game."
Gordon: Translation: I'm hoping that you all don't remember about that show with Jeff Probst and half naked people.
Jason: Translation: I was paid to say that.
Gordon: Next one... This is from Howard Stern, to Howie Mandel on the inclusion of Big Barry in the Top 48.

I gotta tell you, Big Barry, this isn't about you. This is about Howie and how he treats the show. This is about the apology you owe Flo Jo's daughter (Mary Joyner), Andrew DeLeon -- all the people who could have gotten through instead of Big Barry. It's offensive.

Jason: Translation: You have no judge of talent and I do. I am better than you and always will be. And I have bigger cojones than Piers Morgan ever will.
Chico: Translation: America's got DRAMA!
Gordon: Translation: Howie likes to press buttons, and that's a guarantee that we'll see Big Barry again during the WIld Card Round. Mark it down.
Chico: Gordon calling it again. Okay next one from Steven Tyler.

"After some long...hard...thoughts...I've decided it's time for me to let go of my mistress 'American Idol' before she boils my rabbit," said Tyler. "I strayed from my first love, AEROSMITH, and I'm back - but instead of begging on my hands and knees, I've got two fists in the air and I'm kicking the door open with my band. The next few years are going to be dedicated to kicking some serious ass - the ultimate in auditory takeover...On Nov. 6, we are unleashing our new album, Music from Another Dimension on the Earth, Moon, Mars, and way beyond the stars...IDOL was over-the-top fun, and I loved every minute of it...Now it's time to bring Rock Back. ERMAHGERD.

Chico: Translation..... ...... I got nothing.
Jason: Translation: Idol wasn't going to pay me enough and I didn't want to lose my street cred with the boys.
Chico: He was on Idol for two years...  Just let it go.
Jason: Sorry
Gordon: Translation: I was crying when I met you, now I'm crying that you're not paying me enough money to stay on the show.
Chico: Well played. Last one?
Gordon: Last one...

It's now being reported by The News & Observer that academic advisors assigned to the University of North Carolina's athletic department are under criminal investigation for enrolling athletes into classes that did not exist.

Gordon: The four-year investigation has led so far to the resignation of the Tar Heels football coach (Butch Davis) and retirement of athletic director Dick Baddour.
Chico: Dude, if you're going to throw me to the coals, at least do it with a CURRENT STORY!
Gordon: July 9, 2012 isn't current enough for you?
Chico: Get to the part form July.
Gordon: Ok This is From NEW UNC AD Bubba Cunningham in a July 12th News Conference.

“Obviously, we’ve got a lot of issues going on at Carolina right now off the field,” Cunningham said during his talk. “… We’re working as hard as we can internally to change our policies and procedures to make sure that we have checks and balances in place to minimize the mistakes that we had.”

Chico: Translation: Yes, we're covering things up. But damn it, we're going to do a better job of it than that other guy. YOU KNOW THE GUY.'
Jason: Translation: We got caught. Not like the other Division 1 schools aren't doing it.
Gordon: Translation: Next time we hold fake classes, it will be 'How To Be a Better Game Show Host', 'The benefits of applying to the College of New Jersey a Durham' and 'How to locate Chico Alexander when he is carrying a 'I Hate You Gordon Pepper sign'".
Chico: *carries said sign* *flips it over* "Speed Round Next!"

(Brought to you by Are You Normal, Jersey? Depends... What exit?)

Jason: Agreed :-)
Gordon: The ones that aren't near the toxic Medaowlands swamp.
Chico: So would they be the normal ones or no?
Jason: Oh no LOL
Chico: So what exit would be find the Speed Round?
Gordon: Probably not. And on that, the Speed Round starts...NOW! AGT: Give me a Week 3 advancer
Jason: Light Wire Theatre
Chico: Wordspit, the Illest!
Gordon: I'll go with Wordspit. Jeopardyl; Uneventful week this week. Will we get any big wins before the end of the season?
Chico: Nope.
Jason: Nope.
Gordon: No sounds good. The Bachelorette: Who will Emily choose?
Chico: Fame! Sorry, I meant... Attention! ... Sorry! Jay?
Gordon: I'll say Jef - though she seemed really upset when she found out that Arie was shtupping a producer beforehand. There could be a very good reason why she was upset
Chico: We'll see. The Men Tell All on Monday.
Chico: Judges? (DING!)
Jason: Can I say neither guy?
Gordon: any email?
Chico: Nope.
Gordon: How do we get email?
Chico: They can email to wlti@gameshownewsnet.com. OR find us on Facebook and Twitter.
Gordon: That ends this week's show. Special thanks to Jason Block for joining us.
Jason: Always fun.
Chico: Next week, someone's going to win Duets... but Big Brother's going to be on, so we'll tlak about that.
Jason: Jeopardy ends Season 28. And the judge search for Idol continues....
Gordon: Nothing like an uneventful Summer :) So for Jason and Chico, this is Gordon saying Game Over and Spread the Love
Jason: GOOD NIGHT!