The "So What Are My Chances?" Story

It was an ordinary day. Thinking of trying out for Jeopardy. Would love to travel to California and meet Alex Trebek. Do I have what it takes? If the categories are things that deal with my interests and knowledge, I guess I could make it. My wife sent me an email a few days ago from work that said that Brad Rudder, former high school student where I taught and the biggest money winner ever on Jeopardy, will donate one-half of his winnings to the "Lancaster County Community Foundation" from the upcoming Jeopardy challenge on February 14-16. That is when Brad and Ken Jennings, another big winner, will compete against Thomas J. Watson, the IBM computer that was developed to compete on Jeopardy. Top prize is $1,000,000 while second is $300,000 and third $200,000. The Foundation can count on at least a $100,000 donation. They have to be excited and the members of the foundation will be watching the contest. Kate, one of the Community Foundation members, traveled to New York for the taping of the show, so she knows already how much they will get. Won't disclose it until after the show airs on TV. They are having a party the night of the 16th. Excitement is in the air!! Now, getting back to me. I got on my computer and found out that I can tryout online on February 8 at 8:00 PM. That's right after Jeopardy airs on TV around here. I'm excited already. I'm working on a story for my minute or two that I can share with the viewers when Alex interviews me during the Jeopardy round. I'm also hoping that some categories that I will see during the online test will maybe be: Famous Photographers, Guinea pig traits, Islands in the Caribbean, DIY tools, Basic Cooking Ingredients, Printing Technology, American Idol Winners, Colors, Songs from the 60s, Bald-headed People, and Words with "CLASS". My guess is that the only way I will qualify is if I get categories that I'm familiar with. That's how most people win when they do get on the show. They run through a few categories and build up a nice lead. Or .... are lucky and wager all their money on a "Double Jeopardy" answer and come up with the right question. Brad was famous for that. I hope I'm at least half as much fun to watch as Brad was when he was a contestant. Wish me good luck! It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.