Mr. Smartypants and I had a nice little trip to Phoenix last weekend. We arrived on Saturday and were picked up at the airport by our friend, the TallMan. We picked up his new Ladyfriend and proceeded to one of the best restaurants on the planet and stuffed our faces. It was wonderful to see our friends there.
We stayed here, and it was just right. A nice room, vats of icy fruit water in the lobby, and a summertime in Phoenix price. Not to mention it was walking distance to the hotel where the auditions were being held on Monday. The heat didn't seem too bad (108 or so), just a bit tiring.
Sunday was a knockaround day--drove by the old homestead and visited a favorite bookstore (I used to work here when the girlie was a babe in arms--would love to again!)
Stats from the Jeopardy! folks:
# of people who sign up for the online test: 20,000
# of people who actually take the online test: 10,000
# of people called in for the next step/audition/test: 2,500
# of people invited to LA who might get on the show 400
That last one is might because it depends on how the players are doing--a champ with a winning streak will take up a place that a new player would otherwise fill!
On Monday, there were about 19 people in my group, equally split female/male, and more than half had been through the audition phase before. We took another 50 question test, similar to the on-line test, and then moved on to the mock game and interviews, both of which were filmed. All involved stressed that they wanted us to have fun and enjoy ourselves--the game in game show being the critical descriptor.
It was fun, and the crew was great and the time flew by. We all made the cut to the pool, if I understood correctly, and so could be called up any time over the next 18 months.
Whatever happens or doesn't happen, I'm happy! It was a great little getaway and we had a blast.
