Amy Writes

A local mall is hosting "The Big People Spelling Bee." I love Spelling Bees. I love movies about Spelling Bees . One time, I won a Spelling Bee. I even got to go to the District Championship or something, but I got kind of bored in the middle and left. Mainly because it was at the County Fair, and who wants to sit inside with a bunch of spelling kids when there are rides to be ridden and funnel cakes to be eaten? I meet the requirements - that is, I am a great speller and I am over 21. And I'm a fan of the Literacy Coalition . At least, I think I am. I'm all for literacy. But am I all for standing up in the middle of the mall and spelling my heart out? Alone? I need a spelling buddy. Anyone in?

50 questions. 15 seconds each. Approximately 10 minutes of "I'm not as smart as I think I am." I would say that I knew 50% of the Jeopardy Online Test answers with confidence. First book of the New Testament? Happen to be studying that one in BSF right now. Politician who played bass guitar on The Tonight Show in January? Thank you, David Kuo , for posting the clips! Tim Gunn hosts what show? Never seen it, but I know the answer! I knew about Barry Bonds' asterisk, the capital of North Dakota and well, a few other things that I can't remember right now. A very intimidating timer ticked away while I read, processed and then, if necessary, Googled the answers. (It's an internet test! What do they expect?) Google helped me learn - in time - that Fidelio was the only opera Beethoven composed. I think that's the only answer I actually made it back in time with. Now, here's the thing. My reading leads me to believe that the test doesn't really mean anyt...

Jeopardy! Online test is tonight. Great scott! I'm a little nervous. But as Matt reminded me last night, if I don't know everything now, I'm never gonna know everything. And I have determined that I am never going to know my British royalty. Wish me luck!

Ultimate Goal: Be a contestant on Jeopardy! One method: Visit the Brain Bus at a local racetrack. Spend all morning alone in a group of a thousand members of the Jeopardy! fan club, jockeying for a 10-question pre-test that qualifies you for...I don't know what. Optional: Bring kids and husband for company and added distraction. Bonus: Maybe get to meet the Clue Crew. Preferred (and chosen) method: In a moment of Brain Bus despair, check Jeopardy! website. Discover the announcement of rare online contestant search test. Determine that this is MUCH closer to the real thing than the Brain Bus. Register immediately. So, update your calendars, folks. Amy takes the Jeopardy! online exam at 8 pm on January 29. Stay tuned!

So, what would you do? I excel at Jeopardy! On good days, I can bang out entire categories while making dinner or setting the table at the same time. I know the tricks. I have that kind of brain. And I heart Alex. What geek hasn't entertained the idea of trying out? It's the only game show that requires any intellect. But I'm a big talker. If I had a dollar for every time I've said: "If Jeopardy ever does a contestant search here, I'm there," well, then, I wouldn't need to collect my winnings. So now, the Brain Bus rolls into town Saturday morning. First 1,000 brainiacs are guaranteed a pre-test. Ten questions and you're through the first round. I'm not sure what that means, but the truth is that now, I am terrified. What if I pass the pre-test, and then whatever other tests, and then find myself standing opposite Alex, asking for "Swords for $1000?" I believe the words "dismal failure" came out of mom's mouth when I ex...