Monopoly Money vs. Real Money

Yay...I'm a millionaire! Ok, it's not real money but I just won the 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire' on-line game for the first time. It helps pass the time when I don't want to work after a long 14 hr day. However, I did once win $100 at a bar/restaurant that used to play 'Millionaire'. You were given raffle tickets, so first off it was sheer luck of the draw. Then they did a version of the old 'fastest finger' part (which I desperately miss) so you had to beat two other people to get up there. I got in the hot seat and was able to answer all of the questions, using my two lifelines, consisting of 50/50 and 'ask the drunken audience'. So, I happily took my $100 in cash and proceeded to spend most of it that night. I love game shows and actually appeared on 'Wheel of Fortune' for NFL players week almost 9 years ago (could it possibly be that long ago already). I learned at the time that you could only appear on a total of 3 game shows in your lifetime and that you can't reappear on the same game show. Well, apparently there are exceptions to the latter rule because, on several occasions I have heard Mr. Sajak mention that someone had already appeared on the show. It seems that celebrities and sports figures are also exempt, since they play for charity, never mind the fact that the charity is usually in their own freaking name! However, I'm not bitter and was happy to take home my $3,500!

So, ever since I taped the show and learned of this 3 shows and out rule, I have tried to figure out which other game shows to appear on (or attempt to). Of course, Jeopardy would be awesome and I would love nothing more than to appear on it (it is also filmed in the same studio as WOF, right next door). 'Millionaire' had not even started at the time I taped my WOF episode so it wasn't even a thought. However, I now believe I would like to do that show first since my odds are better there. No competition and no signaling buttons to master. I tape both shows daily and am always amazed at the 'phone a friends' that some people have. I am so often left shaking my head, wondering what in hell they were thinking or doing. I will confess, I would not have come close to winning the million this morning were it not for my good friend 'Google'. I would hope that were any of my friends or relatives going to appear on the show, they would call me for help. So many of the questions can be answered within a matter of seconds just by typing in the key words/names, etc onto the google bar. More often than not, I didn't have to click on the link, the answer was right there in front of me! So, it would be more difficult in the 'hot seat' since I wouldn't have that option but for one question, however, at least I could be assured of getting that one. So, someday when I can afford the airfare and hotel, I will try to get on the show and win a few bucks! Since all I got this morning was a stupid note saying they hoped I felt like a million bucks!