R.I.P Alex Trebek
November 8th, 2020 at 3:46:11 PM
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Alex Trebek has died. I'm so emotionally wrought, I can't say anything. The world was a better place with him in it. R.I.P.
So many better men, a few of them friends, are dead. And a thousand thousand slimy things live on, and so do I.
November 8th, 2020 at 6:18:03 PM
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I have spent much of the last 40 years watching Alex. My love of trivia probably has a lot to do with him and Jeopardy. I have tried and failed to be a contestant on Jeopardy, but at least I saw a taping when our own BBB was a contestant last year. During the commercial breaks, he took questions from the audience and told stories. I'm glad I had a chance to see him while I still could.
We could all see his death coming. He fought cancer courageously and I'm sure fought it as long as could.
In closing, here is one of my favorite moments from Jeopardy.
Direct: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoPFkjF-Bdo.
Look who is in last place.
We could all see his death coming. He fought cancer courageously and I'm sure fought it as long as could.
In closing, here is one of my favorite moments from Jeopardy.
Direct: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoPFkjF-Bdo.
Look who is in last place.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
November 8th, 2020 at 7:11:45 PM
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Yea, this is a sad day for me. Everything Mike said above (with the exception of trying out to be a contestant on Jeopardy) applies to me as well.
From what I read, the episode that will be telecast on Friday, December 25th (Christmas Day) was his last one. I plan on watching it.
From what I read, the episode that will be telecast on Friday, December 25th (Christmas Day) was his last one. I plan on watching it.
November 9th, 2020 at 3:23:05 PM
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The first show Alex hosted was Wizard of odds.
The mountain is tall but grass grows on top of the mountain.
November 9th, 2020 at 3:31:16 PM
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Quote: HunterhillThe first show Alex hosted was Wizard of odds.
....first US show.....
November 9th, 2020 at 3:35:22 PM
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Quote: rsactuary....first US show.....
Yep that’s correct, Just thought it was appropriate for this site
The mountain is tall but grass grows on top of the mountain.
November 9th, 2020 at 10:05:20 PM
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He seemed to be doing ok. I know he discussed having some good and bad days...but I really never heard about him being near death or even very ill. Whatever happened must have come on very fast. He was taping less than 2 weeks ago.
November 9th, 2020 at 11:01:22 PM
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Quote: TDVegasHe seemed to be doing ok. I know he discussed having some good and bad days...but I really never heard about him being near death or even very ill. Whatever happened must have come on very fast. He was taping less than 2 weeks ago.
I’m pretty sure stage 4 pancreatic cancer is pretty much unsurvivable, but he obviously handled it with a huge amount of strength and dignity right up until his death.
Despite appearances, it was obvious how sick he really was when in one of his final interviews, he talked about writhing in pain to the point of tears on his dressing room floor between tapings.
November 11th, 2020 at 12:39:06 PM
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He has this fairly famous gambling quote which I think he said to James Holzhauer.
Quote: Alex TrebekI don't gamble, because winning a hundred dollars doesn't give me great pleasure. But losing a hundred dollars pisses me off.
Have you tried 22 tonight? I said 22.
November 11th, 2020 at 1:05:55 PM
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Quote: GialmereHe has this fairly famous gambling quote which I think he said to James Holzhauer.
I heard it as "winning $1000" and "losing $20", which makes the quote even better.
Casinos are not your friends, they want your money. But so does Disneyland.
And there is no chance in hell that you will go to Disneyland and come back with more money than you went with.
- AxelWolf and Mickeycrimm
November 11th, 2020 at 3:32:13 PM
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Quote: gamerfreakI’m pretty sure stage 4 pancreatic cancer is pretty much unsurvivable, but he obviously handled it with a huge amount of strength and dignity right up until his death.
Despite appearances, it was obvious how sick he really was when in one of his final interviews, he talked about writhing in pain to the point of tears on his dressing room floor between tapings.
I know he discussed pain issues...but in the last interview I saw in July 2020, he spoke of feeling great. I know it’s not really survivable, but whatever transpired between July and now, we never heard anything. He was giving regular updates. The fact that he was taping right up until late October suggests to me that something triggered a very fast turn for the worse.
From July 2020....
“I am doing well. I have been continuing my treatment and it is paying off, though it does fatigue me a great deal. My numbers are good. I am feeling great.”
November 23rd, 2020 at 6:12:42 PM
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Jeopardy! announced today that they will have a series of "guest hosts" in order to resume taping. First up is Ken Jennings, to no surprise to anyone. No other hosts announced at this time.
November 23rd, 2020 at 7:11:03 PM
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Quote: TDVegasI know he discussed pain issues...but in the last interview I saw in July 2020, he spoke of feeling great. I know it’s not really survivable, but whatever transpired between July and now, we never heard anything. He was giving regular updates. The fact that he was taping right up until late October suggests to me that something triggered a very fast turn for the worse.
From July 2020....
“I am doing well. I have been continuing my treatment and it is paying off, though it does fatigue me a great deal. My numbers are good. I am feeling great.”
If you took a screenshot of him at the podium from now until the last day, we could probably see a noticeable decline. Though I'm sure he has good makeup people working on him.
There's no secret. Just know what you're talking about before you open your mouth.
January 4th, 2021 at 8:30:39 AM
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This is the last week of Trebek episodes. Tonight he evidently gives a stirring speech on the tough times we live in and how we need to come together and support each other.
I assume Jennings episodes begin on the 11th.
I assume Jennings episodes begin on the 11th.
Have you tried 22 tonight? I said 22.
April 7th, 2021 at 6:42:12 PM
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If you haven't seen NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers as a Jeopardy! host, you might want to check him out. He's surprisingly good. A tad bland perhaps but I think this can be chalked up to rookie jitters. Fans are calling him "charming", "handsome", and "funny" so we'll see how he settles into the role as his time progresses.
After only two episodes, I consider him a front runner (along with Ken Jennings). News personality Katie Couric, and Jeopardy! executive producer Mike Richards would make up the middle tier. (While some people consider Richards to be excellent, it isn't clear if he--a former game show host himself--wants the job or was simply holding the fort while the guest host format was finalized.) Dr. Oz drops to long shot status and is probably a sucker bet no matter what odds are given.
Unlike other hosts, Rodgers isn't coy about saying flat out he wants to be Trebek's permanent replacement, and he does have a few aces up his sleeve. Like Jennings and Richards, he's already part of the Jeopardy! family having won the celebrity tournament back in 2015. He's also one of the few scheduled hosts that doesn't bring any baggage to the job: no crass tweets to apologize for, no outspoken political views that might alienate audience members, no embarrassing lawsuits the show might have to deal with et al.
After Rodgers' stint, CNN's Anderson Cooper will begin a hosting run. Cooper is also a member of the Jeopardy! family via a celebrity tournament (although he was utterly dominated by, of all people, Cheech Marin.)
Have you tried 22 tonight? I said 22.
April 7th, 2021 at 6:52:49 PM
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I think all the guest hosts did a fine job and I hate to rank them. I've only seen Aaron's first show where he seemed a bit nervous to me, but I don't count that against him. It should be a huge honor to fill in Alex's shoes and I would be nervous too.
I am looking forward to Anderson's run. As to Cheech Marin, that man is smart. Don't judge him by his role in Cheech & Chong.
I am looking forward to Anderson's run. As to Cheech Marin, that man is smart. Don't judge him by his role in Cheech & Chong.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
April 8th, 2021 at 7:54:51 AM
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Quote: WizardI think all the guest hosts did a fine job and I hate to rank them. I've only seen Aaron's first show where he seemed a bit nervous to me, but I don't count that against him. It should be a huge honor to fill in Alex's shoes and I would be nervous too.
I am looking forward to Anderson's run. As to Cheech Marin, that man is smart. Don't judge him by his role in Cheech & Chong.
I admire his work as the voice of Buck on Married With Children.
At my age, a "Life In Prison" sentence is not much of a deterrent.
April 8th, 2021 at 9:11:50 AM
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Quote: DRichI admire his work as the voice of Buck on Married With Children.
I did not know that!
I forgot to add that Monday's Final Jeopardy was a tricky one. I must confess it fooled me. Here it is, and I'm paraphrasing:
Category: 20th century Americans
Clue: This person made his first decisions as president from a cabin with the shades drawn.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
April 8th, 2021 at 1:44:59 PM
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The clue sounds like there's one obvious possibility that it must be a trick answer to:
Who is Theodore Roosevelt?
"with the shades drawn" must have a deeper meaning.
Who is Theodore Roosevelt?
"with the shades drawn" must have a deeper meaning.
April 8th, 2021 at 2:56:15 PM
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Quote: smoothgrhThe clue sounds like there's one obvious possibility that it must be a trick answer to:
Who is Theodore Roosevelt?
"with the shades drawn" must have a deeper meaning.
"Who was Theodore Roosevelt?" was my guess, too. I know he was visiting Mt. Marcy in the Adirondacks at the time and would have been staying in a cabin.
But I saw Final Jeopardy and learned it was a different vice president in a different cabin.
April 8th, 2021 at 3:41:51 PM
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Quote: WizardI did not know that!
I forgot to add that Monday's Final Jeopardy was a tricky one. I must confess it fooled me. Here it is, and I'm paraphrasing:
Category: 20th century Americans
Clue: This person made his first decisions as president from a cabin with the shades drawn.
Didn’t get it right either. I’m sure Rodgers appreciated a well executed misdirection play, but I thought it was kinda cheap.
"Truth is ever to be found in the simplicity, and not in the multiplicity and confusion of things."
-- Isaac Newton
April 8th, 2021 at 4:13:42 PM
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Quote: JimRockfordDidn’t get it right either. I’m sure Rodgers appreciated a well executed misdirection play, but I thought it was kinda cheap.
I groaned at the time, as Jeopardy usually doesn't play tricks like this. However, later I thought it was my bad for interpreting the question the way I did.
On a related topic, is it just me or does it seem like there are more Daily Doubles at the top of the board now? During Alex's reign, they were almost always on the bottom two rows.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
April 8th, 2021 at 4:50:22 PM
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Quote: WizardI groaned at the time, as Jeopardy usually doesn't play tricks like this. However, later I thought it was my bad for interpreting the question the way I did.
On a related topic, is it just me or does it seem like there are more Daily Doubles at the top of the board now? During Alex's reign, they were almost always on the bottom two rows.
Yes I think they are mixing up the daily doubles more.
It Seems that Aaron Rodgers is getting more comfortable since his first episode.
The mountain is tall but grass grows on top of the mountain.
April 8th, 2021 at 5:20:49 PM
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Quote: ChesterDog"Who was Theodore Roosevelt?" was my guess, too. I know he was visiting Mt. Marcy in the Adirondacks at the time and would have been staying in a cabin.
But I saw Final Jeopardy and learned it was a different vice president in a different cabin.
I looked it up.
Cabin. As in a plane cabin.
Cheap, indeed.
April 8th, 2021 at 6:56:11 PM
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Quote: smoothgrhI looked it up.
Cabin. As in a plane cabin.
Cheap, indeed.
The clue also described the cabin as sweltering which further throws you off the trail. Why would you expect Air Force One to be sweltering?
"Truth is ever to be found in the simplicity, and not in the multiplicity and confusion of things."
-- Isaac Newton
April 8th, 2021 at 7:58:43 PM
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Quote: JimRockfordThe clue also described the cabin as sweltering which further throws you off the trail. Why would you expect Air Force One to be sweltering?
I forgot about the "sweltering" part. You would think Air Force I has good air conditioning. Here is the exact wording:
Quote: JeopardyFINAL JEOPARDY! CATEGORY
20th CENTURY AMERICAN HISTORY
FINAL JEOPARDY! CLUE
A biography of him: "In a sweltering, dimly lit cabin, its window shades closed… his first presidential decisions were made"
Also, this was the April 6 show. I think they didn't have a show on Monday because of the NCAA championship game.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
April 9th, 2021 at 6:19:18 AM
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Actually, they did show Jeopardy last Monday, at least on the East Coast where there was no time conflict with the Championship Game. It was Rodgers' first as host. Yes, he did appear very nervous, but I think he is doing better as the week goes on.
The Final Jeopardy! for Monday, April 5:
Category: Daytime TV Personalities
Clue: Accepting a Lifetime Achievement Emmy, he said, “Just take… 10 seconds to think of the people who have helped you become who you are”
Mrs. Joeman got this one; I did not.
The Final Jeopardy! for Monday, April 5:
Category: Daytime TV Personalities
Clue: Accepting a Lifetime Achievement Emmy, he said, “Just take… 10 seconds to think of the people who have helped you become who you are”
Mrs. Joeman got this one; I did not.
I do not think it was coincidence that the correct FJ answer occurred on this host's first show!
"Dealer has 'rock'... Pay 'paper!'"
April 9th, 2021 at 6:30:58 AM
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Quote: JoemanCategory: Daytime TV Personalities
Clue: Accepting a Lifetime Achievement Emmy, he said, “Just take… 10 seconds to think of the people who have helped you become who you are”
My hero -- Fred Rogers
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
April 9th, 2021 at 8:21:54 AM
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Correct!Quote: WizardMy hero -- Fred Rogers
a beautiful day in the neighborhood!
"Dealer has 'rock'... Pay 'paper!'"
April 9th, 2021 at 9:26:57 AM
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Quote: WizardI groaned at the time, as Jeopardy usually doesn't play tricks like this. However, later I thought it was my bad for interpreting the question the way I did.
On a related topic, is it just me or does it seem like there are more Daily Doubles at the top of the board now? During Alex's reign, they were almost always on the bottom two rows.
Because it was a quote from a biography, using the word “cabin” from the biography wasn’t tricky, if that was written at the time.
There's no secret. Just know what you're talking about before you open your mouth.
April 9th, 2021 at 4:28:26 PM
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I like the TV one. It's a very well written clue. At first glance it appears impossible to answer. (Who in the hell watches the Daytime Emmys?) But, if you think about it, you're actually given a lot of information.
You know from the category that the person is a daytime TV personality. You know from the clue that the person is a he. You know he had a prestigious career to receive such an accolade. Still, this could be anyone from an Al Roker type on the morning news, to a soap opera star, to a Bob Barker type game show host.
The quote, however, seems to come from a gentle soul. This at least suggests a children's TV show. But which one? Buffalo Bob Smith on Howdy Doody? LeVar Burton (who's now lobbying to be added to the Jeopardy! guest host list) on Reading Rainbow? Bob Keeshan on Captain Kangaroo perhaps? It's still a guess.
Except that....
Lock down pop culture to the rescue! You may have noticed last year (while searching for the next thing to watch) that one person who fits the bill had a nostalgia boom including books and documentaries on his life. There was also a full-blown Hollywood film starring Tom Hanks in which he says to another character pretty much the same quote. Ding ding ding!!!
Now, can you ride that train of thought and still have five seconds left to write down the person's name in the form of a question?
You know from the category that the person is a daytime TV personality. You know from the clue that the person is a he. You know he had a prestigious career to receive such an accolade. Still, this could be anyone from an Al Roker type on the morning news, to a soap opera star, to a Bob Barker type game show host.
The quote, however, seems to come from a gentle soul. This at least suggests a children's TV show. But which one? Buffalo Bob Smith on Howdy Doody? LeVar Burton (who's now lobbying to be added to the Jeopardy! guest host list) on Reading Rainbow? Bob Keeshan on Captain Kangaroo perhaps? It's still a guess.
Except that....
Lock down pop culture to the rescue! You may have noticed last year (while searching for the next thing to watch) that one person who fits the bill had a nostalgia boom including books and documentaries on his life. There was also a full-blown Hollywood film starring Tom Hanks in which he says to another character pretty much the same quote. Ding ding ding!!!
Now, can you ride that train of thought and still have five seconds left to write down the person's name in the form of a question?
Have you tried 22 tonight? I said 22.
April 23rd, 2021 at 11:40:14 PM
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Well, Anderson Cooper is also getting good reviews from fans. I find him to be a bit dry, but what do I know? Back in the day I was doubtful that Alex Trebek could fill Art Fleming's shoes. At any rate, it seems doubtful that Cooper will give up his king of the hill status at CNN to become a quiz show host but ... stranger things have happened.
In other news, the campaign to let LeVar Burton join in has been successful. He and a few others have been added to the parade of 2021 guest hosts. Here is the current list...
Ken Jennings -- Complete
Mike Richards -- Complete
Katie Couric -- Complete
Dr. Mehmet Oz -- Complete
Aaron Rodgers -- Complete
Anderson Cooper -- In Progress
Bill Whitaker -- “60 Minutes” Correspondent
Buzzy Cohen -- This former Jep champ will host the Tournament of Champions
Mayim Bialik -- Neuroscientist, "Blossom", "The Big Bang Theory", "Call Me Kat"
Savannah Guthrie -- NBC's "Today" show Co-Anchor
Dr. Sanjay Gupta -- Neurosurgeon, CNN Chief Medical Correspondent
George Stephanopoulos -- ABC’s “Good Morning America” Co-Anchor
Robin Roberts -- ABC’s “Good Morning America” Co-Anchor
LeVar Burton -- "Roots", "Star Trek: TNG", "Reading Rainbow"
David Faber -- Co-host of CNBC’s “Squawk on the Street”
Joe Buck -- Fox Sportscaster
Place your bets.
In other news, the campaign to let LeVar Burton join in has been successful. He and a few others have been added to the parade of 2021 guest hosts. Here is the current list...
Ken Jennings -- Complete
Mike Richards -- Complete
Katie Couric -- Complete
Dr. Mehmet Oz -- Complete
Aaron Rodgers -- Complete
Anderson Cooper -- In Progress
Bill Whitaker -- “60 Minutes” Correspondent
Buzzy Cohen -- This former Jep champ will host the Tournament of Champions
Mayim Bialik -- Neuroscientist, "Blossom", "The Big Bang Theory", "Call Me Kat"
Savannah Guthrie -- NBC's "Today" show Co-Anchor
Dr. Sanjay Gupta -- Neurosurgeon, CNN Chief Medical Correspondent
George Stephanopoulos -- ABC’s “Good Morning America” Co-Anchor
Robin Roberts -- ABC’s “Good Morning America” Co-Anchor
LeVar Burton -- "Roots", "Star Trek: TNG", "Reading Rainbow"
David Faber -- Co-host of CNBC’s “Squawk on the Street”
Joe Buck -- Fox Sportscaster
Place your bets.
Have you tried 22 tonight? I said 22.
April 24th, 2021 at 5:33:00 AM
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I'm looking forward to Mayim Bialik.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
April 24th, 2021 at 8:39:11 AM
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I am rooting for David Faber although I think they will want a bigger name as host.
At my age, a "Life In Prison" sentence is not much of a deterrent.
April 24th, 2021 at 11:18:06 AM
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I would love to see LeVar Burton become the permanent host
April 27th, 2021 at 4:13:02 PM
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Here's yesterday's odds for "Next Jeopardy! Host". Punters are currently jumping on the LeVar Burton bandwagon...
LeVar Burton +150
Ken Jennings +250
Aaron Rodgers +500
Mike Richards +1000
Alex Faust +1200
Mayim Bialik +1400
Anderson Cooper +1800
Bill Whitaker +2000
Sanjay Gupta +2000
Savannah Guthrie +3000
LeVar Burton +150
Ken Jennings +250
Aaron Rodgers +500
Mike Richards +1000
Alex Faust +1200
Mayim Bialik +1400
Anderson Cooper +1800
Bill Whitaker +2000
Sanjay Gupta +2000
Savannah Guthrie +3000
Have you tried 22 tonight? I said 22.
May 8th, 2021 at 12:57:20 PM
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"60 Minutes" correspondent Bill Whitaker completes his first week of hosting to mixed reviews. Some feel that he lacks presence and personality, like an old college professor giving a boring lecture. Most, however, felt this was an asset. He doesn't keep getting in the way of things to make the show more about himself. Unfortunately, there isn't much video on him, but here is a small taste. (And good luck getting that Final Jeopardy! question.)
Have you tried 22 tonight? I said 22.
May 8th, 2021 at 2:19:24 PM
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Quote: Gialmere"60 Minutes" correspondent Bill Whitaker completes his first week of hosting to mixed reviews. Some feel that he lacks presence and personality, like an old college professor giving a boring lecture. Most, however, felt this was an asset. He doesn't keep getting in the way of things to make the show more about himself. Unfortunately, there isn't much video on him, but here is a small taste. (And good luck getting that Final Jeopardy! question.)
Bill was rather dry but did a solid job and kept the spotlight on the players. I met him once and we chatted about five minutes. He is a very down to earth nice guy.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
May 22nd, 2021 at 3:22:13 PM
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Former champion Buzzy Cohen has completed his first week hosting this year's Tournament of Champions. Reviews for him have been mostly positive. He's said to be "energetic", "knowledgeable" and "excited about the game." Why not? He certainly knows his way around the Jeopardy! set. And he got along great with Alex Trebec who dubbed him "Mr. Personality". Still, some complain that when he gets too excited he starts reading the answers too quickly.
Here is night #1...
In other Jeopardy! news, the show has started slipping in the ratings. (Perhaps the guest host gimmick is starting to wear thin.) It's ratings have dropped below "Family Feud" in the Nielson numbers.
Here is night #1...
In other Jeopardy! news, the show has started slipping in the ratings. (Perhaps the guest host gimmick is starting to wear thin.) It's ratings have dropped below "Family Feud" in the Nielson numbers.
Have you tried 22 tonight? I said 22.
May 22nd, 2021 at 3:36:10 PM
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Buzzy and Katy Couric certainly provided a lot of enthusiasm. I like how Buzzy and Ken Jennings will sometimes explain why an answer is wrong.
Don't forget that Jason Z is still in it. In case you forgot, he was the player who beat our own BBB. I can't begrudge him for that, but Barbara said he was rather cocky.
Don't forget that Jason Z is still in it. In case you forgot, he was the player who beat our own BBB. I can't begrudge him for that, but Barbara said he was rather cocky.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
May 23rd, 2021 at 2:40:14 PM
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Quote:
Don't forget that Jason Z is still in it. In case you forgot, he was the player who beat our own BBB.
Wow, I'm late to the party. Congrats on your appearance, BBB!
That makes two internet friends I have who had the unfortunate luck of playing Jeopardy against a megachamp.
Casinos are not your friends, they want your money. But so does Disneyland.
And there is no chance in hell that you will go to Disneyland and come back with more money than you went with.
- AxelWolf and Mickeycrimm
June 1st, 2021 at 10:52:59 PM
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Mayim Bialik is hosting this week, so I tuned in today in time for the start of Double Jeopardy. I enjoyed her as a host. It's weird to scrutinize every little thing about the host — something I never did with Alex. That is, until some comedian pointed out "It's the cards! Without the cards, he's Chuck Woolery!"
Anyway, I've become a big fan of Bialik after I learned that she is an actual neuroscientist, which I didn't know until after "the Big Bang Theory" went off the air. I also didn't know she was the star of "Blossom," which was a show that I never watched. I recently watched "Beaches," the Bette Midler movie, with my wife because she always teased me about "The Wind Beneath My Wings," a song that I used to hate, but now because we joke about it so much, I actually like it. It's so bad, it's good. But I digress. Mayim Bialik, in her first acting role, appeared in "Beaches" as the child version of Bette Midler's character.
I haven't watched "Jeopardy!" in years, so a few observations:
• They punctuate with commas and periods outside quotation marks, which seems to be a scientific or non-U.S. style.
• Instead of em dashes ( — ), they use a double-hyphen ( -- ) which really bugs me — the em dash is elegant punctuation!
• I correctly knew the Final Jeopardy question, but figured I must be wrong because it seemed too obvious.
• Bialik is endorsing some kind of pharmaceutical product that aired during a commercial break in my market — has this kind of thing been happening with any other host?
Anyway, I've become a big fan of Bialik after I learned that she is an actual neuroscientist, which I didn't know until after "the Big Bang Theory" went off the air. I also didn't know she was the star of "Blossom," which was a show that I never watched. I recently watched "Beaches," the Bette Midler movie, with my wife because she always teased me about "The Wind Beneath My Wings," a song that I used to hate, but now because we joke about it so much, I actually like it. It's so bad, it's good. But I digress. Mayim Bialik, in her first acting role, appeared in "Beaches" as the child version of Bette Midler's character.
I haven't watched "Jeopardy!" in years, so a few observations:
• They punctuate with commas and periods outside quotation marks, which seems to be a scientific or non-U.S. style.
• Instead of em dashes ( — ), they use a double-hyphen ( -- ) which really bugs me — the em dash is elegant punctuation!
• I correctly knew the Final Jeopardy question, but figured I must be wrong because it seemed too obvious.
• Bialik is endorsing some kind of pharmaceutical product that aired during a commercial break in my market — has this kind of thing been happening with any other host?
Last edited by: smoothgrh on Jun 2, 2021
June 2nd, 2021 at 6:38:14 AM
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Quote: smoothgrh
• Bialik is endorsing some kind of pharmaceutical product that aired during a commercial break in my market — has this kind of thing been happening with any other host?
I have not seen another host with a commercial appearing during the show. My guess is that it was just a coincidence as that commercial of hers has been airing a lot on multiple channels.
At my age, a "Life In Prison" sentence is not much of a deterrent.
June 4th, 2021 at 4:43:44 PM
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Yeah. I can't find a single negative comment about her. It's all "rave reviews" online. Why not? She's smart; she can tell a joke; she's comfortable in front of the camera; she wants the job. She'd be a very acceptable Trebek replacement. The only fly in the ointment for her is she got into some trouble for a tweet she made during the Weinstein scandal.
--------------------------------------------
Another thing I'm having trouble finding is updated odds for the new host position. I did find one site with an interesting ranking system. Here are the top three contenders so far (it does not include those who have yet to appear including Bialik)...
Ken Jennings
-Hosted from January 4, 2021 to February 19, 2021
-Received 44,275 unique Twitter mentions including “Ken Jennings” and “Jeopardy”
-Shows he hosted had the highest average Nielsen rating of all guest hosts so far with a 6
-Mentioned in 8,840 news stories and blog posts
Aaron Rodgers
-Hosted from April 5, 2021 to April 16, 2021
-Received 76,129 unique Twitter mentions including “Aaron Rodgers” and “Jeopardy”
-Shows hosted had an average Nielsen rating of 5.5
-Mentioned in 10,006 news stories and blog posts
Mike Richards
-Hosted from February 22, 2021 to March 5, 2021
-Received 4,146 unique Twitter mentions including “Mike Richards” and “Jeopardy”
-Shows hosted had an average Nielsen rating of 5.9
-Mentioned in 5,278 news stories and blog posts
Full story at bookies.com
--------------------------------------------
Another thing I'm having trouble finding is updated odds for the new host position. I did find one site with an interesting ranking system. Here are the top three contenders so far (it does not include those who have yet to appear including Bialik)...
Ken Jennings
-Hosted from January 4, 2021 to February 19, 2021
-Received 44,275 unique Twitter mentions including “Ken Jennings” and “Jeopardy”
-Shows he hosted had the highest average Nielsen rating of all guest hosts so far with a 6
-Mentioned in 8,840 news stories and blog posts
Aaron Rodgers
-Hosted from April 5, 2021 to April 16, 2021
-Received 76,129 unique Twitter mentions including “Aaron Rodgers” and “Jeopardy”
-Shows hosted had an average Nielsen rating of 5.5
-Mentioned in 10,006 news stories and blog posts
Mike Richards
-Hosted from February 22, 2021 to March 5, 2021
-Received 4,146 unique Twitter mentions including “Mike Richards” and “Jeopardy”
-Shows hosted had an average Nielsen rating of 5.9
-Mentioned in 5,278 news stories and blog posts
Full story at bookies.com
Have you tried 22 tonight? I said 22.
June 21st, 2021 at 11:09:48 AM
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Savannah Guthrie begins her second week as Jeopardy! host. Reviews for her have been mixed. Some describe her as "engaging" and able to "think on her feet". Many, however, find her "wooden", "monotone" and "bleh". After a correct response, she seems to use the phrase "you got it" too much for the hardcore fans.
Surprising, I suppose, considering news personalities often make great game show hosts, consider Pat Sajak. Anyways, Guthrie has made it clear she's not in the running for permanent host. Like some of the other guests, she's just doing it for fun/honor/bucket list reasons.
Quote: Twitter“Another dreadful Jeopardy guest host...if Savannah Guthrie said ‘You got it’ one more time...I was ready to scream!"
Surprising, I suppose, considering news personalities often make great game show hosts, consider Pat Sajak. Anyways, Guthrie has made it clear she's not in the running for permanent host. Like some of the other guests, she's just doing it for fun/honor/bucket list reasons.
Have you tried 22 tonight? I said 22.
June 21st, 2021 at 3:09:13 PM
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Much like Katie Couric, Savannah is too upbeat for me. I think it also shows when the host doesn't understand the clues and responses, which is the case here. Finally, her pronunciation of Mount Iztaccihuatl made the hair on the back of my neck stand up.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
July 3rd, 2021 at 4:56:52 PM
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Dr. Sanjay Gupta has completed his first week of hosting Jeopardy! to mostly positive reviews. Viewers found him to be "Trebek-ish", "calm, cool, collected" having a "nice voice" and a "gentle style". They also liked his big smile. There were calls for him to immediately be named permanent host.
Detractors, however, felt that his style and smile made him come across like a "used car salesmen". He was "smart" but "not very entertaining". Gupta himself was rather critical of his first few episodes...
Hardcore fans were also annoyed that he would often not phrase the correct response in the form of a question if none of the contestants knew it.
Still, I would say he has a chance -- a long shot perhaps but still a chance -- to be offered the permanent host position. Unfortunately, current betting odds are hard to come by. Ken Jennings and Mayim Bialik are probably the the front runners. Aaron Rodgers is now handicapped by his contract dispute. LeVar Burton is yet to be seen.
Note that Gupta is the last 2 week host. After him, starting with George Stephanopoulos, all guest hosts will be 1 week affairs.
Detractors, however, felt that his style and smile made him come across like a "used car salesmen". He was "smart" but "not very entertaining". Gupta himself was rather critical of his first few episodes...
Quote: Dr. Sanjay Gupta“My pacing was off. My language skills suddenly declined. I forgot to walk to certain parts of the set at the right time, and I repeated the cardinal sin of calling a response an answer.”
Hardcore fans were also annoyed that he would often not phrase the correct response in the form of a question if none of the contestants knew it.
Still, I would say he has a chance -- a long shot perhaps but still a chance -- to be offered the permanent host position. Unfortunately, current betting odds are hard to come by. Ken Jennings and Mayim Bialik are probably the the front runners. Aaron Rodgers is now handicapped by his contract dispute. LeVar Burton is yet to be seen.
Note that Gupta is the last 2 week host. After him, starting with George Stephanopoulos, all guest hosts will be 1 week affairs.
Have you tried 22 tonight? I said 22.
July 3rd, 2021 at 7:46:16 PM
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Quote: GialmereDr. Sanjay Gupta has completed his first week of hosting Jeopardy! to mostly positive reviews. Viewers found him to be "Trebek-ish", "calm, cool, collected" having a "nice voice" and a "gentle style". They also liked his big smile. There were calls for him to immediately be named permanent host.
So far everybody has done a good job, including Sanjay. However, if your forced me to rank the guest hosts, he would not make my top half. Somehow I don't feel hosting the show is his calling. Maybe a lack of charisma and he seems a bit nervous and uncomfortable, trying to mask it with smiling too much.
If you put a gun to my head, I'd go with Mayim and Bill Whitaker as my top two.
Also, on another topic, is it just me or has the show had a lot more women since Alex left?
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
July 3rd, 2021 at 8:06:09 PM
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Quote: Gialmere
Hardcore fans were also annoyed that he would often not phrase the correct response in the form of a question if none of the contestants knew it.
Well that's pretty silly, considering Trebek often did the same thing.
Casinos are not your friends, they want your money. But so does Disneyland.
And there is no chance in hell that you will go to Disneyland and come back with more money than you went with.
- AxelWolf and Mickeycrimm
July 3rd, 2021 at 10:25:50 PM
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Quote: WizardAlso, on another topic, is it just me or has the show had a lot more women since Alex left?
Perhaps before. I remember BBB picking up on the producer's "we need more women" vibe when she was a contestant.
For this season, the big topic (apart from guest hosts) has been the 3-fingers hand gesture. A tempest in a teapot I suppose but too political to discuss here.
I find myself growing tired of guest hosts. On the other hand, I find myself tuning in much more often to see how the host du jour is progressing. So what do I know about how TV works? Then again, I am old enough to remember Trebek getting raked over the coals when he first started for falling shy of the Art Fleming standard.
Have you tried 22 tonight? I said 22.
