There are people who feel that everything that happens in life is for a reason, that for all our own actions that destiny is in control of things, so you may as well sit back and enjoy the ride. While I must say that it seems odd to me to believe that we're here no for purpose than to follow a pre-determined role, there are times where I do think destiny does kick in, where everything that happens has a purpose and you may as well enjoy the ride.

I've had few moments in my life that have felt this way. But if there has been one common thread throughout all of them, it's that they all turned out to be complex chains - where I look back and think if I did one little thing differently, where if one thing even barely fell out of place, everything would've turned out differently.

May 17, 2007 was my seventh trip to the Bob Barker Studio. As with the previous six, I entered with great anticipation and energy. Even after Jeanette's Corvette Showcase, or Vickiann's Double Showcase Win, I always try to find something unique and special to take home with me, to make each experience unique and priceless.

Believe me, at 2:30 pm on the 17th, I had no idea what was in store for me, or 330 other people.

Get This Party Started!: Rich calls out for Susan, Dennis, Cristel and Jon to come on down, which they all do with a great deal of excitement and energy.

The Man, as he has done for the previous six tapings, makes his entrance through door #2, and is greeted by 330 screaming lunatics - and two giving him the "We're not worthy!" routine. Seven tapings or not, I'm STILL NOT WORTHY!

The first item up for bids on today's show is a hot tub, one I recognized and knew the price of. I kept screaming "$3,495! $3,495!". Nobody took that advice, though, with Jon's bid of $2,300 being the closest.

Just before did reveal the actual retail price, I pulled a Barney Stinson. I looked over to Mike and muttered "$3,495" under my breath - which, sure enough, was the actual retail price... Meaning that while Jon won that hot tub and made his way up stage, he left $500 on the table.

Rats.

Upside Down: Jon makes his way up onto the Stage Of Dreams to play Most Expensive. No, we were not playing for three cars again. This time, it was an HP computer, a wrought-iron cradle and a Rascal Scooter.

I figured the computer was around $2,000. I have seen brass cradles on the show for about $3,000, and figured the iron one would be less. And the only other time I've seen a scooter at one of my tapings, it was just over $3,000.

So, my guess was #3 (the scooter). Most of the audience went with that, as well, and Jon himself eventually did.

So, needless to say, it was a major kick in the gut when they revealed the price of the computer... $3,864. We're screwed.

The cradle was $3,225, only adding insult to injury... Because the scooter was $2,695.

Hey, we would've done great if this was called LEAST Expensive...

Sadly, we are not off to a very good start.

Higher And Higher: Adriane gets the next invite to Contestant's Row and trots on down - complete with her purse! Bob cannot pass up the chance to have fun with this, so he asks "You brought your purse! Why did you do that? You going to carry your prizes in there?!"

Next up for bids is those dreaded Daisy Rock guitars. Everytime I see an "assortment" of them, I think we're dealing with toys, and bid accordingly. I thought they were around $800, and kept shouting as much...

With no bid lower than $1,350, I was convinced we'd hear buzzers because everyone overbid.. So imagine my shock when we learned that Adriane's bid of $1,595 won her those guitars - which were $1,976! - and the chance to play the next pricing game!

I'm a doctor, not a musician...

Adriane soon learns that she is playing Cliff Hangers (one of my favorites, and one I've yet to see in person!) for a dining room group worth $5,720.

I'm thinking "Awesome! I haven't lost this game from home in decades! We've got ourselves a winner!". After all, all Adriane has to do is guess the prices of three small prizes, and not miss by a total of more than $25.

The three small prizes for today's game are a MP3 player holder than "dances" in tune to your music, an apple-shaped bowl for heating caramel, and a "purple" coffee maker.

First up is that MP3 player holder. I'm thinking $25. Adriane goes with $30 (after trying $29.95 and being told to use only dollars). Hans (the mountain climber) takes his two steps, after which we learn the price is $28.

Next is that caramel apple bowl. I've never seen the prize before, but I'm thinking $35 myself. Adriane also goes with $35, and we watch Hans take five more steps to reach 7. The bowl was $30. This means Adriane can miss the coffee maker by as much as $18 and still win. She's in fine shape.

She asks Rich for more info on the coffee maker. Sadly, though, all that Rich has on his sheet is that it's a "purple coffee maker".

While I am personally thinking $45 for the coffee maker, I'm shouting for Adriane to go with $50 - that way, she has a window from $32 to $68 to win. She goes with $50.

We watch - and clap along with the music - as Hans climbs... And climbs... And climbs...

And stops at 17! The coffee maker was $40, and we have our first winner of the day! And we're all hoping this is the start of a winning streak!

(Un)Lucky Star: Gloria, who (along with her husband) is wearing a shirt for the "Great Arkansas Pig Out", is summoned down to Contestant's Row. She and the other three contestants find themselves bidding on a desk.

This desk was another price I'd yet to see, but I'm thinking it looks kind of nice, and fancy, and... $1,495.

Two of the bidders go well above that, with Cristel bidding $1,090. At this point, I'm thinking Dennis (the last bidder) should go $1,091. I was horrified when he bid $1 instead....

Just goes to show I'm not flawless. The actual retail price was only $498, and Dennis wins his way out of Contestant's Row with that $1 bid!

Obviously, having played for three prizes and a dining room so far, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to know a car is coming. I'm just hoping it's a game I know what I'm doing on...

But, that Dodge Caravan comes rolling out on stage, and I know exactly what is coming... Lucky $even.

Okay. I'm trying to think positively. Maybe I'll give better suggestions this time around than I did the last time!

The first number is revealed, which is a 2.

Now, knowing that Caravans usually run between $19,000 and $21,000, depending on options, I know the second number is going to be low. However, Roger Dobkowitz hasn't used 0's in Lucky $even in decades, so I know this is a 1...

Dennis goes with a 4, costing him $3.

I'm thinking a 4 for the third number. Dennis chooses a 6. They slide the door to show that the third number is a 5, costing Dennis another dollar. He now has three dollars left.

While waiting for Dennis to guess the fourth number, Bob notices that Dennis seems to be looking toward two particular people for help. Dennis then tells Bob that he's seeking help from "a couple people he met in line last night". I hear this, and I start clapping for your new friends, hoping they are offering lots of help....

That is, until one of the cameras gets turned around and is aiming directly at two yokels - one of which is wearing a T-Shirt that lets the world know that she has a Madonna Complex!

(At this point, a dozen people on the East Coast, watching this episode while sitting in the golden-road.net chat read my shirt and type up some variation of "HOLY CRAP! IT'S MADDIE!")

Hoo boy. No pressure, Maddy. No pressure. It's just you. And Dennis. And Bob. And that van. And 5.5 million people!

So, at this point, I'm thinking "There's one pretty low number. One middle number. Let's try a high one", and America watches as we stick up seven fingers for Dennis.

Dennis goes with 7...

That door opens...

2.

The game is over. No van for Dennis. We didn't even get a chance to guess the last number. Of course, this van wasn't going to be won, anyway, because the last number was 9 - and nobody in their right mind picks a 9 for the last number in Lucky $even!

I stood there, shaking my head, hiding my face in shame. While doing that, Mike sees Roger Dobkowitz, looking at us, his arms out to this side, with this "I'm so sorry" smile - though you could almost tell that underneath that he was cackling to himself.



I just learned on national television that I CAN'T STOP THE DOB, EITHER!

Though, I swear, if it's the last thing I ever do... I'LL GET YOU NEXT TIME, ROGER! NEXT TIME! *as Mad Cat growls and hisses*

We're now 1 for 3 on the day, with the first Showcase Showdown coming up.

Wheel In The Sky: It's now time for the Showcase Showdown, and I for one am hoping this goes better than the first half has so far... Dennis, Jon and Adriane are spinning for a spot in the Showcases, and possibly as much as $11,000 in cash.

Dennis leads us off, getting 90 cents on his first spin. He obviously stays, feeling like he's in pretty good shape.

Jon takes the next crack at the big wheel. He gets only 55 cents in his first spin, and obviously needs his second spin...

His second spin stops on 60, giving him $1.05 and putting him over by a nickel! All I could do after that was shake his hand as he walked by to fill out his paperwork and say "I'm sorry, man. Just hasn't been your day."

He took it better than I did.

Next up is Adriane, the only winner from the first half. Her first spin stops on 30 cents, and she took needs to spin again.

Her second spin gets to 60, and the flapper just barely holds onto that peg, giving her 90 cents and forcing a spinoff with Dennis.

Dennis' spin gives him 60 cents - a decent, but not great score for a spinoff.

Adriane's spin is another one that flirts with fate - but this time, not in a good way. It stops on 30 cents - a bit harder, and she would've had 65 and the spot in the Showcases. Instead, it is Dennis who will be in the Showcases at the end of the show.

Poison Arrow: After Bob points out the mother of 9 daughters in our audience, Jeffrey gets the next invitation to Contestant's Row, and this time around we're bidding on a set of luggage.

I was thinking $899 myself. The contestants themselves didn't even think it was that much, as the highest of the first three bids was $576.

Susan wisely bid $577. Bob told us that the actual retail price was $970, and Susan took the southpaw steps up to the stage for our next game.

Susan got the chance to play Bullseye for a day sailer, worth $9,955.

Just like with Cliff Hangers, I'm stoked! Another game I'm good at! I know grocery prizes! Please listen to me, Susan! I know exactly how to get you between $10 and $12!

Rich finishes describing the grocery items. Susan then turns to the audience for help after Bob asks her what she wants to try first. I am loudly screaming for her to take the soup, which she chooses with some hesitation.

Bob then asks her "How many soups do you want to get between $10 and $12?" I'm holding up all ten fingers and screaming "10! 10! 10!".

At first, though, Susan thinks I'm saying five, holds up five fingers and mouths "Five?" at me. I shake my head frantically, start wiggling my fingers, and again scream for 10 soups.

Susan gives me this "Are you crazy?! Ooooookay." look, then tells Bob she wants 10 soups.

Just before Bob reveals the price, I mutter "$1.07", then start giggling as Bob lifts the cover to reveal that the soup is indeed $1.07, meaning 10 soups is $10.70, and we have ourselves another winner!

The Advisor has redeemed herself!

We're now 2 for 4, with more coming up in the second half!

Never Enough: Daniel is called on down to join the party, and next up for bids is an English wall clock. Another prize I've yet to see, but I'm thinking it looks fancy and expensive, and go with $1,700.

That was closer than any of the four bids than counted, though, as the clock was $2,160. Jeffrey (a soldier in the Army) wins the clock and the next trip up the steps with his $800 bid.

Jeffrey not only gets the chance to play for a truck, but plays a pricing game that should be perfect for him: THAT'S TOO MUCH!. After all, Bob wants contestants to tell him "That's too much!" with vim, vigor and vitality - and who better to do that than a soldier?!

Thinking that we are playing for a Dodge Dakota (which is not a Ram), the price of $19,000-20,000 comes into my head.

Unfortunately, that price didn't come to Jeffrey - he stopped clear back at $15,206. I am sorry to say this is a Dakota, not a Ford Ranger, and this doesn't look good...

And it wasn't. Jeffrey stopped way, WAY too soon (even I would've), as this truck was $22,854. OUCH!

We just can't seem to get a streak going. Lose, win, lose, win...

Opening Credits: Debi (the wrong Debi/Debbie) is the last contesant for the day. She joins the three remaining holdovers in bidding on on a treadmill.

I've seen some fairly expensive treadmills on the show. This, sadly, was not one of them. My $1,599 bid would've been way too high on this particular $1,299 treadmill.

Daniel, though, didn't make that mistake. He bid $1,201, earning himself some exercise equipment and the chance to play the last pricing game of the day.

Daniel got to play Credit Card, for a recliner, floor lamps, chainsaws, crystal stemware and Igloo coolers. All he needed to do to win all five was pick the three that would total less than his $2,000 credit limit (in other words, pick the three least expensive).

Hey, I should be good at this! I picked the least expensive in Most Expensive, right?!

I knew the coolers (I was guessing around $600) and the chainsaws (which I knew were less than $450) were gimmes. Daniel did indeed go with both of those, too, leaving $977 for his credit limit.

At this point, I knew it was not the recliner. I have seen stemware packages for less than $977, so I was having a tough time deciding between the stemware, and the lamps.

Finally, figuring the lamps looked less expensive than the stemware, I urged him on to go with them, which he did...

The lamps were... $750, leaving a credit limit of $227, and not only giving Daniel all five prizes, but our third win of the day!

And, as Bob put it, three out of six is not a bad day's work.

Dreams: During the commercial break between the last pricing game, and the second Showcase Showdown, Mike raised his hand - not to ask a question or to make a joke...

Mike, of course, knew my birthday was coming up. He also knows that my birthday comes in a rough time of the year for me, and knew this one would be especially rough - because Bob's final taping will come nine days after my birthday.

Bob called on him, and here is what was said:

Mike: "My friend Deborah has her birthday coming up. In fact, it's the Sunday after this episode airs."
Bob: "I'm not kissing Deborah. Only one kiss a day!" (see: The kiss Barkerism in the last post)
Mike: "No, not a kiss. I was just wondering if she could come up and shake your hand?"
Bob: "You know I'm busy up here! I have things to do!" *someone at that point says "Ten seconds", to let Bob know they're about to resume* "Duty is calling me now, you see?", but then Bob turns around, smiles and says "Happy Birthday, Deborah!"

I yelled back "Thank you, Bob!", and I was touched. Genuinely touched. Touched not only by Mike's efforts, but Bob's birthday wishes. I knew it was a longshot - because if Bob let me shake hands, there would be 330 hands popping up, wanting a handshake, or an autograph, or a hug, or a kiss.

But, at the same time, I didn't know (and still don't know) if that will be the last time I'll step into the Bob Barker Studio for Bob Barker's Price Is Right - especially with just 14 tapings left after today.

I know at this point I won't be a contestant on today's show. I know I couldn't get a handshake during that commercial break. Deep down inside, I'm wondering if the dream - the dream I've had for 28 years - has indeed passed me by.

At this moment, I'm a mixture of touched, and shaken up. I understand, yet I was disappointed. I'm thinking "Maybe fate has another chance for me", yet "Maybe the dream is over."

Or, as Ray Kinsella put it in Field Of Dreams: "...For five minutes you came within... Y-you came this close. It would KILL some men to get so close to their dream and not touch it. God, they'd consider it a tragedy."

Right now, though, I need to get it together. This show isn't over, and I still owe it to everyone to be my loud, enthusiastic self.

Spinning Wheel: It's time for Showcase Showdown #2. We have Jeffrey, Daniel and Susan vying for that second spot in our Showcases.

Jeffrey leads off, getting a mere 20 cents in his first spin. To nobody's surprise, he spins again, getting 75 cents this time around for a total of 95 cents - a very tough score!

Daniel is up next. Getting only 45 cents in his first spin, he must spin again... Sadly, for the second time this show, he goes over painfully - getting 60 cents for $1.05, and ending his day.

Last up is Susan - she of the Bullseye win - and her first spin earns her only 40 cents. She takes her second spin - and wouldn't you know it! - hits 65 cents, becoming the third person today to go over by a nickel!

Jeffrey moves onto the Showcases, while I again find myself shaking hands and giving condolences to two more contestants who had a rough day at the famous Big Wheel.

Over And Over: And now, once again, it's Showcase time on The Price Is Right! The time where I have seen so much magic in my past trips, and where I'm hoping to see some more...

Of course, as the top winner, Jeffrey has the choice to bid on the first Showcase, or pass it to Dennis and go for Showcase #2.

The first Showcase involved the desk as "Consumer Retorts". It consisted of a dishwasher, a 42" plasma television, and a 2007 Ford Fusion.

Jeffrey, to nobody's surprise, decided he wanted this Showcase. I was thinking $20,500 would be a good price. Jeffrey instead went with $23,600, which I felt was over.

This left Showcase #2 to Dennis. Dennis found himself with a fireplace, a living room group, and a trip to Buenos Aries. Despite not getting a shot at that car, Dennis was quite excited and happy to see these prizes. Not that this surprises me, as Dennis just seemed to be thrilled to be there!

Dennis at first looked to some others for help, perhaps a little leery after that Lucky $even disaster earlier in the show. Someone, or something, at first gave him the idea to bid $26,000 - which I loudly and animatedly tried to talk him out of. Fortunately, it worked.

For years, I swore that if I was ever a contestant, and reached the Showcases, and I thought my opponent overbid, I would bid $1 - unless I thought I had a reasonable shot at a Double Showcase Win.

This was one of those moments.

I kept shouting to bid $15,500. I knew it'd be close.. DAMNED close. Yet, at the same time, it wasn't a do-or-die bid - I felt it left enough wiggle room that if it didn't lead to a DSW, it'd only be $400-500 short - and still give Dennis that Showcase.

Dennis, after thinking some more, offered a bid of $15,750.

Now, I was nervous. Damned nervous. That bid took the wiggle room out. I didn't feel this Showcase would reach $16,000, so this meant Dennis was either going to go home with both Showcases.... Or overbid.

It's now time for one last commercial break. I'm thinking this is a real good time for a smoke, but of course, I can't light up in there... And this would be a dumb time to walk outside.

Bob starts off with Jeffrey's Showcase. The actual retail price is... $21,587. Jeffrey is over.

Bob then walks over to Dennis... He points out that as long as he doesn't go over, he is a winner. And, the actual retail price of Dennis' Showcase is.....

$15,655! It's a Double Overbid! Dennis was over by a mere $95!

I stood there, shell-shocked. The ladies in Dennis' group are staring at me, in shock, thinking had he used my bid, he would've won BOTH Showcases.

All I could do was shake my head in a state of shock, wishing more than anything that I could've turned the clock back five minutes, could've more forcefully told Dennis to go with $15,500.

This is the first time I'd ever witnessed a DOB in person, and I'm in pain for Dennis' sake. He seemed like such a nice kid, so thrilled to be there, and it truly would've made me day to see him win both those Showcases.

Instead, it was the 15th double overbid of the season.

Bob then offered some words of consolation to both contestants, before signing off with his spay and neuter plug.

At which point, I found myself shocked, for another reason...

Miracles: I don't know exactly when the tradition began. I don't know if it dates back to 1972, or came later, but for nearly 30 years now, whenever we have a double overbid in the Showcases, Bob climbs down those steps, walks down the right aisle, and shakes hands with the people in the audience.

And, so, after signing off, Bob took that walk that he had taken so many times before.

He reached over and shook hands with a few of the people in the front row - the people who got into line at 5:30 am on the 16th.

He then reached the second row, where he shook hands with one of the VIP's who attended today's taping.

Then he reached the third row, stuck his hand out, and gave one of those million dollar smiles of his - not only his face, but his eyes. A genuine, heartfelt smile - as if he was as thrilled to be shaking hands as the other person is.

I had seen so many of these handshakes over the years, but this wasn't an ordinary handshake. This wasn't an ordinary moment....

Because at 3:28 pm, on Thursday May 17, 2007, a dream - a moment that took 28 years to occur, had finally became reality.



There were 330 people cheering and screaming. There was a television camera aiming at me. And while I knew this was going on, I was oblivious to it.

Because, at that moment, the only thing I was conscious of was Bob Barker looking me right in the eyes. His left hand reaching out to Mike for a handshake, his right hand between both of mine.

And the flood of emotions. Gratitute. Euphoria. Relief. I want to laugh, smile, and cry - all at the same time.

A million things run through my mind - things I want to say, want to express. For a few seconds, it's a moment I want to last forever. I'm caught up in a moment that is a million times sweeter than my dreams ever were. A moment I had dreamt of since 1979, a moment that I'd flirted with, one that had eluded me, one that I sometimes worried would never come, and a moment that would be one of the most overwhelming of my life.

But, I know there are others waiting. Others who deserve their priceless moment. So, I reach over and pat Bob on the shoulder - not only out of affection, but to lean in so he can hear me over all the chaos...

"Thank you, Bob. Thank you for 35 amazing years, and the best of luck to you!"

The whole moment lasted about 10 seconds, but while it was going on, time stopped - literally and figuratively. For not only was I oblivious to everything going on around me, but I felt in my heart that this moment, this handshake across time, wasn't just for me. I felt I was shaking Bob's hand for my mother and my grandparents, none of which ever had this chance, none of whom were still on this Earth.

Alongside February 15, 1992... Alongside October 21, 1999... Alongside June 3, ***6... May 17 will always remain a day I will never forget.

And, to think back on the chain of events: Gutting out that day in Los Angeles despite grueling pain. Getting that aisle seat. The low-point of wondering if my dream would remain a dream. Dennis' painful overbid. It's just overwhelming to look back at everything, look back at what felt into place.

It was almost as if fate decided "You waited long enough. It's time."

I'd had a dream, a wish, a hope since I was 4. I'd be called down to Contestant's Row. I'd make that perfect bid. I'd run up on stage - touching the floor, the turntable, the big doors. I'd greet Bob Barker, and experience my moment in a show that has brought me so much joy. I'd spin that big wheel. I'd get into those Showcases.

Maybe that is all destined to happen. Maybe not. Only time can tell.

All I know is this... On May 17, 2007, I ended up walking out of Television City with a "prize". A truly priceless prize. I didn't get called down to Contestant's Row. I didn't make my way up on stage. I didn't get to putt a ball or give a price or play a game. I didn't win a car, or a living room, or a refrigerator. I didn't touch that big wheel, or stand behind that Showcase podium.

But, if that was my last trip to see Bob Barker host The Price Is Right, I will spend the rest of my life with no regrets...

The prize I left with was the prize I wanted to win all along.

John Kinsella: "Is this heaven?"
Ray Kinsella: "No... It's Iowa!"
John: "That's funny... I could've sworn this was Heaven?"
Ray: "Is there a heaven?"
John: "Oh, yes.. It's the place where dreams come true."
Ray: "Maybe this IS heaven..."

Labels: Barker Worship, Camp Barker, You Will NEVER Stop The Dob

Quite bluntly, there are days I wonder how Bob Barker has done what he has for so long, and is still doing it (well, for 19 more days, sadly).

Because when I woke up Wednesday morning, my hip was killing me, my back was killing me, and my toe (which I accidentally cut up on Monday) was a mess. Drinking quite a bit on Tuesday night to try to settle my nerves made Wednesday morning a bit of an adventure, too.

I have to admit that the first thought I had dragging myself out of bed is "I am too old for this" - and I'm not quite 32 yet! Another 50 mile trip to Camp Barker? Another night of semi-homelessness? I didn't even want to take a trip to my own bathroom that morning!

But, I did - and nearly regretted that, too. When we climbed off the Metrolink at 12:30 upon hitting Union Station, I felt even worse. Hotel room or not, I was ready to just head right back home.

Mike rather wisely talked me into heading the rest of the way, and at least taking a nice long soak in the tub and/or getting some sleep before waving the white flag.

For this, I will be eternally grateful.

Camp Barker - Population 17 (so far): We made our arrival at Television City around 1:30 pm, and decided to go check out the line for laughs. We were, quite honestly, shocked that there were only 15 people ahead of us.

The original plan was to get to the room and relax before going out in line, but after seeing how short the line was, I decided "Fuck it. Let's mark our territory. I'll wait in line, you go get the red tape done with the room."

I was also, honestly, trying to motivate myself to carry on with all of this, and nice, close seats would do more to help me grit my teeth and keep going than the Ueckerville seats we had for the last show.

While Mike did that, I set my bag down and began chatting it up with the people around me - not only discussing the show, but finding out when they got into line.

The people at the front of the line? 5:30 am! Meaning they would spend 24 1/2 hours in line just to get their order of arrival slips...

One of the people I met had come from Baton Rouge to finally get his chance to see Bob, and was quite knowledgable and passionate about the show himself. He just seemed to be thrilled with the whole experience - even the fun of camping out on a Los Angeles street.

We also had the fun of shocking the hell out of people walking or driving by, thinking we were there for the American Idle show being broadcast that night - people who could not believe people would camp out that long just for The Price Is Right!

Mike finally returned about an hour later, and I made a dash (about as quickly as I could move) back to the room for a nice, long soak and to pop a Tylenol with codeine.

I don't know if the psychological thrill of making it back to Camp Barker did it, or the 60 minute soak in the tub, or the Tylenol, or all of the above, but I returned feeling far better, now thinking "I think I can do this. I may really hate myself tomorrow afternoon, but I think I can hold out."

While I was gone, we had a group of 10 from DC show up, not only full of energy (the advantages of youth!), but with a rather novel idea: Chalk. They marked their territory with chalk, they wrote things all over the sidewalk, such as "WE *heart* BOB! HONK IF YOU DO TOO!", and all signed their names.

We spent the next 90 minutes or so chatting with our neighbors, chatting with and applauding people leaving WEDNESDAY'S taping, and slowly watching the line grow. Quite honestly, the 40 or so people in line were slowly becoming intrigued with us, after finding out we had attended six previous tapings and followed the show religiously.

However, around 4:45 pm, we would no longer be the ones holding court - and deservedly so.

You can't stop The Dob, but you can MEET him!: Roger Dobkowitz, the show's longtime producer (and, along with Bob, the only person from the show who has been there since August 1972) came out to check out the line and make the rounds at Camp Barker. I had heard that he was doing this (and, apparently just missed him at last month's taping), but the chance to meet The Dob himself was quite a thrill.

I had certainly seen my share of Roger on TV over the years, with some of his memorable moments being the 1980 Cliffhangers blunder, as well as being "abused" by Gene Rayburn on Match Game (Roger was a production assistant on MG at the time as well). And, of course, we got Roger on camera several times a season, such as when Bob asks Roger if that is a historic moment, or tries to figure out when the last time an odd occurance had happened.

The most unstoppable force in television (my play on "Can't stop The Dob!", a regular statement on G-R.net's forums) slowly made his way up the line - chatting, shaking hands, and even signing autographs and hugging people.

Roger finally reached us, and we greated him in the only way that seemed right.. "Dob! Dob! Dob!"

Roger got this huge smile on his face and said "You know the name!" - him having no doubt at this point that we are members of golden-road.net, as that's where the nickname originated.

He shook both our hands - very sincere, genuine two-handed handshakes, then we spent a few minutes discussing the show, Bob, and us crazy fans who spend a day on the streets just to see Bob. He was also pleasantly surprised when we told him that everytime we saw him in the studio before the show started, we were chanting "Dob! Dob! Dob!" - he must have assumed we were shouting "Bob! Bob! Bob!".

I was just amazed the whole time - not only amazed that I was meeting someone who played such a huge role in creating the magic of this show, but how truly nice Roger is (not that that SHOULD have amazed me, as I've been told that for years!).

Roger worked his way down the line, shaking more hands, signing more autographs and genuinely enjoying his visit to Camp Barker. But what surprised me is after he reached the end of the line, he worked his way BACK toward the front - some more handshakes, some more hugs, a few last words with everyone.

When we got back to him, we thanked him and everyone else for all their hard work, saying that while we all love Bob and he is the high-profiled "captain" of the team, this show would never work the way it does without the work of the people like him, "Fingers" Greco, Rich, Stan Blits, and the pages.

There was certainly a flash of sadness in Roger's eyes, though, when we briefly touched on all these people coming to see Bob before he retires. Roger recently admitted in an interview he is "in denial" still about it, and there is no doubt that June 6 is going to hurt him more than it'll even hurt me - he is about to watch someone he greatly respects professionally, and considers to be a friend, call it a career.

He promised us he would do everything he could to fight any efforts to drastically change the show, because he knows that as much as they love Bob, they love the simple, fun, retro feel of the show as well.

We shook hands one last time as I "promised to tell his friends on the Internet that he said 'hi'", and thanked him for coming out to spend time with us.

You want to talk about an adreneline boost? For years, I've gone on and on about wanting a chance to be part of the show. And while the thrill of playing a pricing game would be awesome, the true prize for me would be getting to meet Bob, and then after walking off the stage to get to meet Roger and "Fingers" and the people who work so hard behind the scenes to make what we see on camera work so fluidly.

And there, at about 5:10 pm, I got to cross one of them off my list - without even being called down to Contestant's Row, without getting up on stage.

I was absolutely thrilled and in a state of awe just after meeting Roger. And, of course, I felt pretty much the same way after meeting Rich last August.

At this point, I am thinking "If I'm this overwhelmed meeting The Dob, what would it feel like to meet The Bob?"

All I know is it's not even 5:30 pm, we're still 21 hours away from showtime, and I already feel like a winner.

Roger, again, thank you! Thank you for all you do for the show, and thank you for your love and respect toward us crazy fans!

Going to LA - to see TPIR on TV?: Mike and I made the decision that I would go ahead and take the first sleep shift, and told me to go ahead and make use of the hotel room to watch Wednesday night's MDS while he held down the fort at Camp Barker.

I sent him off around 5:45 pm to go take care of his dinner, take a break, whatever, and that I'd keep our spot warm for awhile.

He returned a little after 7:00, and I shuttled off to grab dinner at Subway and get comfortable while waiting for Bob's final MDS. The MDS itself was pretty good, though it was disappointing to not see someone win $1,000,000 on the Big Wheel, meaning that Bob would never get the chance to give away a million dollars on television.

I returned to line just after 9:00 to fill everyone in on the MDS, then spent a bit of time trying to relax and unwind.

Around 9:45 pm, Mike had asked me when I wanted to go to sleep, because he wanted to grab more food for his stakeout. I said "About 45 minutes or so. Go ahead, take care of what you need to. I'll hold out while you do so."

During that time, I chatted with the group behind us - discussing the show, and helping them come up with crude and crazy Mad-Libs. Not only were we laughing it up, we had everyone else around us laughing it up.

I certainly was hoping that everyone could keep that up come tomorrow afteroon, and that they wouldn't wear themselves out before showtime.

I made my way back to the room around 10:30 for a quick shower and three hours of sleep, with the line not yet reaching the corner of Beverly and Fairfax. Mike was concerned about me oversleeping, so I told him "If I'm not back by two, get someone to keep an eye on our spot and come knock on the door."

I'm back: Thank goodness for internal alarm clocks. I woke up out of a dead sleep after a weird dream, rolled over, and checked the clock..

1:44 am.

I got up, grabbed a couple things and got back into Camp at 1:55 am (it had now stretched to the first bus stop on Beverly), where I asked Mike to give me 5-10 minutes to buy a bottle of water, then he was "relieved of duty" to get some sleep himself.

The next few hours started off fairly slowly. With little to do but stare across the street, meditate and play Madonna songs in my head, time was not going by too quickly at that point.

I did overhear one of the people who got into line just before us trying to check up on her daughter on her cellphone. All I know is that her daughter was "passed out on the bathroom floor" - either from getting sick or drinking too much. When her aunt returned around 4:00 (where we killed the next hour chatting), she was not sure her niece could make it down at 6:00 am.

Fortunately, she did.

One of the young ladies from the DC group returned around 5:00, and started having more fun with the chalk - writing "GOOD MORNING BOB" on the sidewalk, and "From DC to LA, let us play!" on the street right in front of them (I later found out that the nine girls from the group wrote that on their shirts).

Around 5:20, a little worried that Mike hadn't shown up yet, I headed to the room (one last bathroom break before 6 would help, too). I ran into him along the way, took care of nature, then got back.

Get the ball rolling: 6 am finally rolls around, with loud cheers (the DC group chanting "We want Bob!", no less). Greeting us this morning were Joe and Markus, which killed our chances of chanting "Chuck! Chuck! Chuck!" at 6 am.

Pleased that all that effort paid off by getting numbers 16 and 17 (and told to return at 7:30), we headed back to the room for breakfast and to spend an hour in more pleasant weather than we endured throughout the night.

After killing an hour, we made our way back around 7 am (why take crazy chances after camping out for 16 1/2 hours?!), and spent the next 30 minutes checking out shirts and chatting with some of the other Campers.

Just after 7:30, Joe begins to explain the whole process - while battling with a cranky microphone. The darned thing acted up more often than not - when it wasn't giving us feedback, it was buzzing. Even stepping away from the metal detector just didn't help. Joe did make a valiant effort, and was rewarded with - you guessed it... "Joe! Joe! Joe! Joe!"

We were seated in order on the benches when we noticed something quite unnerving - the DC group wasn't back! We were looking around for them, shaking our heads and thinking "Did they all collapse? Did they just camp out all the time for nothing?!"

They returned around 7:50, and had it not been for Joe's problems getting people in the low to mid 100's seated ("For some reason, we just can't fit 50 of you on this bench. Too much cheesecake last night?! Okay, then let's get 45 of you on that bench..."), they probably would've NOT been there to get their priority numbers! They had made the mistake of thinking they needed to be back by 8, and almost got left in the cold by doing so.

Needless to say, they did not make that mistake again.

While receiving our priority numbers, we were once again told to direct all our questions at Markus - clearly, this is an inside joke at CBS. And, you know, I can't resist temptation like that... So, when we reached Joe and Markus, I hit Mr. Answers with:

"Markus, tell me. Does YOUR chewing gum lose its flavour on the bedpost overnight?!"

Markus' response, sadly, was "That's not my area of expertese." The youth of today!

Now with priority numbers in hand, we return to the room for one last of relaxation, last-minute cleaning up, and to checkout.

Come 9:00, we've done all we can with the room, and turn ourselves over the CBS for the next several hours.

10:00 rolls around, and now it's ticket collecting/ID checking/nametag time. Knowing they usually assign four pages for this, we're hoping that someone we all know and love shows up to join us. Sadly, though, he was not. Assisting Joe and Markus were two female pages (one named Vanessa. I didn't catch the other.)

Figuring we needed to have our fun, we started with "Joe! Joe! Joe! Joe!" (which caught-on somewhat) and "Mar-kus! Mar-kus! Mar-kus!" (no such luck. I am starting to think it only works with one syllable names). Joe took it in stride and had fun with it - waving, raising his arms, and high-fiving us. I joked around that "Since Chuck isn't here for us anymore, I need to create a new Chuck."

Joe certainly had some spirit himself - commenting as he gave out contestant cards, commenting on everyone's names ("D-E-B... O-R-A-H? That's the cool spelling of it!"), and having fun while fighting with the "exploding microphone".

But, it just felt like something was missing.

After getting my famous yellow price tag (#7 now), I went off to kill some time - potty breaks, smoking, chatting with some of the other crazies. We had some more crazies (sitting outside the restroom) shouting out names and cheering everyone who walked by.

Ahh, the advantages of youth.

HE'S HERE!: Just after 11:30, one of the pages picks up the microphone (just around the corner from us) to make an announcement. For a couple seconds, I was trying to pay attention to WHAT he was saying, as opposed to HOW he was saying it.

"HELLO! And WEEEEEEEELLLLLCOOMMEE to CCCCCCCBBBBBBBSSSSS!"

That voice... That delivery... It can't be.

Mike looks at me and asks "Is that who I think it is?!"

I sit there, listening and giggling, until we hear the following: "My name is Chuck Du...."

CHUCK! CHUCK! CHUCK! CHUCK! CHUCK! CHUCK!

And if you don't believe me when I say the Legend Of Chuck has grown, all I have to say is this... "Mar-kus!" didn't catch on. "Joe!" kinda caught on... But when we started shouting "CHUCK! CHUCK! CHUCK!", 300 people immediately joined in!

Chuck went on to tell us how he normally isn't here in the afternoons to do Price, and how thrilled he was to be there (he obviously wasn't the only one!). He explained the whole contestant interviewing/selection process, and urged us all to have fun (like that would be a problem now?!) before coming around the corner to do his warm-up for us.

The second he came around the corner, he was greeted with a thunderous chant, high-fives, handshakes and even a few hugs. He grabbed our hands and said "Great to see you two again!"

He told us the story about how he came to love the show, how he got his job after being a contestant ("That doesn't mean if you win that you'll work at CBS, too!", to which I replied "There's only one Chuck Dukas!"), and told us about his experience as a contestant (I think he was shocked when he asked us if we knew what game he played, and I shouted "IT'S IN THE BAG!"). He talked about the thrill he had greeting such great fans when he worked Price (while pointing at Mike and myself, no less), and even autographed a woman's shirt (telling her "Now, I don't want to see this shirt listed on eBay tonight!") .

He talked about why we were all here - to see the one and only Bob Barker (of course, I just had to yell out "And we're here for you, too! Chuck! Chuck! Chuck! Chuck!"), as he went on about the World's Greatest Master of Ceremonies.

He spoke of life-changing wins, like what it would mean if Stephanie (sitting right next to me) won a new car, or if a "loyal friend and true" like Deborah (Who? Little ol' me?!) needed money to pay off her debts and won $50,000 on Plinko (Or $50,000 to go boot shopping? :P) However, after one contestant said they "wanted to win enough to retire on", Chuck burst their bubble by telling them "Not off what we give away!"

And, of course, he preached the greatness of TPIR and it's 35 years on television, and coached us on how to greet The Man when he entered at 2:30 as he played Rich, introducing Bob.

Once again, like with the season premiere, the place was going nuts, proving once again the greatness of Chuck!

And, of course, the last time The Chuck and The Maddy got together, amazing things happened. You just had to figure that once again, there was greatness destined for this day.

Finished with our side, he made his way over to the other side as Stan came out for interviews. And, figuring "why the hell not?", I tried to start up a "Stan! Stan! Stan!" chant.

Just being myself: It was now time for attempt #7 to wow them over with my contestant interview.

When Stan said it'd been a while since I was there, I said "You're right. It's been a whole month!", and when asked what I'd been up to, I laughed and said "Sleeping on streets, watcing too much Price Is Right. You know, the usual!".

Mike's interview was also pretty off-beat, then Mike surprised me by reaching over to shake Stan's hand afterwards. At this point, not knowing if this is my last chance to visit Camp Barker as we know it, I reached over and also shook his hand.

Why not? Even though my previous six interviews had yet to pan out, Stan is a hilarious guy and I do enjoy our brief little chats.

It was now time to make our way around the corner and pass through the metal detectors as Chuck was waiting for us. After giving him another little chant, he smiled and said "You're alright. Thanks!" before making his way into the studio.

A few minutes later, we got the chance to start cheering on other potential contestants as they came around, and yet another chance to give some love to Roger, as he came out of the studio and walked across the alley... "Dob! Dob! Dob! Dob!"

Emboldened by the woman who had Chuck sign her shirt, and pumped up that showtime was just around the corner, I sneak off for one last smoke and decide "If Chuck comes back out, I'm having him sign my contestant card!" Thirty minutes later, he came out, chatted with us some more, so I held my contestant card up so the back was to him and asked him to sign it - which he did, complete with urging me "not to list it on eBay tonight!"

We got The Dob, we got The Chuck... Now if we can just get The Bob...

After another hour of chanting, cheering, chatting and having fun, it's now that time. Time to climb those 22 steps into Mecca itself.

The return to The Temple: We make our way in, with Chuck ushering people to their seats. I give him another chant, and he gives a wave as I make my way toward the front of the audience.

The last time we had numbers like these, we were seated in the middle of the first full row (behind the fourth spot in Contestant's Row). However, this time around, thanks to a large number of VIP's, we ended up being the first people on the second full row - with me sitting right next to the left aisle.

As Chuck continues to file the crowd in, we try to get everyone fired up - cheering, clapping, chanting "Dob! Dob! Dob!" and "Chuck! Chuck! Chuck!" and "Jeff! Jeff! Jeff!" for Jeff Thisted. Jeff, sadly, seemed to think we needed to save it for the show.

Believe me, I had plenty left for the show.

Two rows behind us, a guy named Michael - attending his first taping - starts shouting "I don't believe it! I'm really here! I'm in Game Show Mecca!". I reached back, grabbed his hand and said "Believe it! You're here! You really are in Mecca! CHERISH THIS!"

Finally, we're all seated (or at least assiged to seats). We're clapping, we're dancing, we're screaming "Chuck! Chuck! Chuck!" as he runs around the audience carrying the airdate sign (May 25, 2007). I'm high-fiving Chuck everytime he runs by. Hell, I even gave him a "We're not worthy!" one of the times he passed by!

This party is pretty much in full swing now. All it needs is two more guests to make their way in...

Rich has entered the building!: Fire up Crystal Waters, because he comes the voice of The Price Is Right himself!

Rich is greeted once again with a standing ovation, a chant, and two idiots doing "We're not worthy! We're not worthy!"

After giving us today's dance team (and all that fun), he tells us to take a seat. Noticing two particular lunatics in the audience, he points at us and smiles.

He then tells us how he heard that "some of you have been waiting outside for... an hour?!". After everyone starts shouting, he adds "That isn't true. You haven't been waiting an hour?!", so some of us shout out how long we had been in line... Rich then looks down at the first people in line.. "Over 24 hours?! That's psychotic!"

I scream back "Hey! That's the nicest compliment anyone has ever given me!"

After some last minute jokes and instruction, we're now ready to go. Fire up Pink. Watch Jeff grab the cue cards.... Once more unto the breach, dear friends.

Showtime!: Bob enters to the thrill and delight of 330 lunatics - standing, chanting, screaming, and of course us two and our "We're not worthy!", which he noticed and seemed to get a kick out of.

It's hard to believe he (including this taping) is now 15 shows away from the final page on a 50 year career...

Despite that, I try to have fun, give all the energy I ever can, and enjoy this experience. The fact that this may be my last chance is still in my mind.

Over the next 60 minutes or so, we of course get prizes, games, fun, our time with Bob, and of course, those Barkerisms.

And, here are the ones shared with only those of us in the studio:

During the first commercial break, a guy asked Bob if he could come down and give his mother a kiss. He did, then said "I've been waiting a long time for that kiss!"

When a guy later asked if he would kiss his girlfriend: "No more kissing! I only pucker up once a day. At least, I only try to. Though at my age, sometimes I wind up puckered up anyway!"

On the camera and it's red light (when it's taping): "I've been trained over the years to smile whenever I see a red light. So, the other night, I was driving home, and a cop pulled up behind me, flashing his lights. I started smiling and kept going. He finally pulled me over and said 'That'll be $60', so I looked and him and said 'Lower!'"

Bob was asked what he would do after he retiring: "Drink!" After the audience went nuts: "I get the feeling some of you like booze!", which brought on more screaming and cheers.

Someone asked Bob his favorite drink: "Depends on what you're going to give me!"

On who will take over: "When I retire, The Price Is Right will be history. Television will be history. You'll all have to read books, or use your set for potted plants!". Perhaps that means it's time for you to write some books then, Bob? :P

Someone asked Bob about Happy Gilmore: "I guess I can finally tell you now. Tonight at 8 pm on CBS, they will air the celebration of my 50 years on television, and Adam Sandler surprised me and came out from behind a piece of scenary. Adam was being a smart aleck, so I had to knock him out again!". After rubbing his hand, he said "I'm kidding. Adam is really a nice guy, and he read a very nice poem that he had written for me!"

After Bob saw a small group of officers: "Is anyone else here in the service?" After a woman in the Air Force - and in an orange shirt instead of her uniform - said she was, Bob commented "That is the strangest uniform I've ever seen!"

Bob tried to coach us on ooh'ing and aah'ing for the Showcases. When we couldn't perform to his satisfaction, he asked a woman who had nine daughters (all in the audience) to do so, saying "A mother of nine should have perfected ooh'ing by now!"

After Bob made a blunder at the start of the Showcases, saying "That isn't right!", we all "oooh!"'d him. He looked at us and said "Not now! You're supposed to 'ooooh' for the prizes! Let's start over!"

And as for the last Barkerism... No. Not yet. This one ties into something that happened on-camera, and I can't spoil this. You'll have to watch the episode for yourself next Friday and wait for the rest of this story.

I wish I could tell you all, but I don't post spoilers. You'll just have to wait a few more days...

After the close of another fun, special hour, Bob once again asked for applause for the best announcer in the business. Someone left with $100 and the DVD game as a door prize, and we made the slow trek out of Mecca as Rich re-recorded part of the description for the Showcases (and when he finished, Mike and I cheered him as he bowed at us).

Yet another trip to Camp Barker is now in the books, as we all made our way home with special memories.

I repeat: FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2007. Be there!

I'm glad I was.

Labels: Barker Worship, Camp Barker, Chuck, You Will NEVER Stop The Dob

While we're still 19 days away from Bob's retirement party, this week may very well go down as Bob Barker Week.

Well, at least it will for me: Two final prime time shows, and of course my own trip to Camp Barker (which, depending on two last two ticket requests, could be my last trip to Camp Barker as we know it).

Believe me, I have so much to share from my latest adventures of being semi-homeless in Los Angeles, but you'll have to wait for that (some of which you'll hear tomorrow or Sunday, and some of which you'll hear on Friday the 25th). The reason is that first and foremost, I must share the experiences of "celebrating 50 years on television for Bob Barker", which the rest of America finally got to see last night.

And, all I can say is this: When the members of golden-road.net are calling this the greatest (or "most special") episode in the show's history, that says something, considering that this forum is filled with people almost as addicted to TPIR and Bob as I am!

Game Show Mecca - as she was meant to be!: I hinted to all of you that the set got a one-show makeover that blew me away. I was not kidding...

After climbing those 22 steps and turning left, I did as I always do: I looked into the studio at those big doors. This time, though, those big doors left me speechess.

Because this time, those big doors were not blue with the TPIR logo and scattered stars, as they were in season 34...

They were not the rainbow doors with the TPIR "35 years" logo...

Tonight's doors were purple. Instead of the famous TPIR logo, each door featured a giant star, and officially declared this show "A Celebration Of Bob Barker's 50 Years In Television"... But most amazing of it all, each door had six different pictures of Bob painted on them! Everything from Airman Bob Barker, circa 1944, to Bob with the two most special people in his life (his wife Dorothy Jo, and his mother Tilly), to Bob beating the crap out of Happy, to recent pictures of The Man.

In between each door were three more photos of Bob, "framed" inside televisions. Even the audience area was decked out - it also featured the giant star/50 years artwork and even more pictures - including a baby picture of Bob!

The turntable was in on the fun, too: Instead of the classic multi-color theme, it was purple and featured Emmys - after all, you cannot spell Daytime Emmy without Bob Barker anymore!

They truly spared no expenses for this. There was no doubt that for Bob's prime time sendoff, he would be given a proper stage and set for the occasion.

Marc and John of G-R.net have yet to upload all their pictures of this special set. I assure you when they do, I WILL share them with you. Words cannot do justice for how Mecca was decked out for this special show!

Here He Comes!: We have the set, we have Rich, we have The Dob, we have Jeff, and of course we have Marty. Finally, at 2:30 pm (or 8:02 pm, for the rest of America), we have The Man himself, as he enters Mecca through that very special door #2.

Bob entered after a very special intro, which showed many pictures of Bob throughout the years, set to not only the MDS opening theme, but parts of the main theme and various prize cues. A special opening for a special night.

And how else can we greet him, but with "Bob! Bob! Bob! Bob!" and "We're not worthy! We're not worthy!"

One of the things so many people in the forum have mentioned was how touched they were over the love the "peanut gallery" showed Bob. I am tickled pink I could help touch you.. And Bob.

As I told Stan Blits during the interview, I was there to pay tribute to Bob. And, believe me, I gave him everything I could over that next hour...

Noah hits into a Triple Play: TPIR has what we call its three "big ticket" games - games that are played rarely for very expensive prize packages.

There is 3 Strikes, played for cars over $30,000 - which I of course got to see during the 35th season premiere.

There is Golden Road, played for prizes over $50,000 - which I've yet to see.

And you have Triple Play, where you can't win one car. You can't win two cars. You can only win all THREE cars that they offer!

At first, I was a touch disappointed that we got Triple Play and not Golden Road (which was on Wednesday night's Million Dollar Spectacular). But, then again, it made sense to me why WE got Triple Play...

Triple Play takes all three doors to play, meaning it gave them an excuse to show off all three doors and their amazing artwork!

Noah was playing for a Dodge Avenger SXT, a Ford Mustang Convertable, and a Cadillac PTS - over $92,000 worth of cars. All he would have to do is guess which of the choices of prices for each car was closest without going over...

Have no fear, though, for Santa Dob was here - this clearly was a game that they wanted won.

Noah correctly chose $21,550 from the two choices for the Avenger (which was $23,110), giving him the chance to move onto that Mustang.

He then chose $25,985 out of the three choices for the Mustang, which was $27,106, taking us over to that Caddy.

Unfortunately, I did not know at first what that Caddy might me (I had general guesses for the first two, even before seeing the choices). Fortunately, Santa Dob made this one real easy: $29,621, $35,640, $41,321 and $52,992.

Gee... An $11,000 gap between two of the choices?! Wonder which one to take here...

Noah went with $41,321. Bob pulled that tag to reveal a YES, and the place went nuts! The Avenger, the Mustang, and that $42,210 Caddy were now Noah's! Congratulations, and enjoy your THREE new cars!

And chalk up another thrilling moment for me. I've now seen two of the Big Three, and seen both won. Plus, that is the second time I've seen three cars won on the show...

Following that big win, it's clip time, as we get to watch some of the memorable moments through Bob's 50 years on television. The first walk down memory lane not only gave us memorable moments from TPIR, but also a look at Bob guest starring on Bonanza in 1960 as Mort, a "Cowboy Romeo". Sadly, though, thanks to how long the show ran, they had to snip down this clip for television - we in the audience saw far more of "Mort" than viewers did last night.

1/2 Off for 250%!: Nicole wins her way up on stage, and has the chance to play 1/2 Off - not to $10,000 this time, but for $25,000!

Santa Dob was once again at it, offering an insanely easy setup for the small prizes (there are three sets of two small prizes. Each time you chose the one with a price that is half off, they remove half the boxes to increase your chances). After taking those 16 boxes and narrowing them down to 8, then 4, then 2, we were left with only box 11, and box 14.

Of course, all I could do was shrug at poor Nicole at this point. I may know which prize is half off, but I have no idea which box Roger hid $25,000 in.

And, of course, neither does Bob - Nicole tried to ask him which one she should take, and he just told her "I can't help you here."

She finally chose #11, which was brought out to her. Bob then ran us through the drill - that the audience is to count "1... 2... 3..." then shout "NOW!", at which point Nicole is to yank the top of that box, hopefully causing $25,000 to scatter all over the stage.

1... 2... 3... Nicole jumps the gun and lifts the top a second early.... As $25,000 falls to the floor!

Well, some of it. Some of it stayed in the box. Nicole reached in and threw some of it in the air. Bob reached in and threw some of it on Nicole.

We're now two for two. Congratulations, Nicole! However, I have good news, and bad news...

The good news is, you just won $25,000!

The bad news is, you were penalized five yards for that false start!

Following our second big win of the day, it was time for another walk down memory lane - including, of course, Yolanda Bowsley coming on out in 1977.

Les is one of us?!: We return from commercial with Bob standing near the big doors while surrounded by cameras, introducing the CEO of CBS, Les Moonves.

The first thing I thought was "Oh my god. Are they going to announce who the new host is, right here?" Fortunately, they did not. I am not sure I could've taken it...

After the battles between Les and Howard Stern, I had mixed emotions at first, but I have to admit that my feelings for Les thawed quite a bit. What he said, what he did, was so genuine and heartfelt that I left that taping thinking "Les Moonves loves Bob as much as we do, and he's going to miss him as much as we do!"

Les' voice cracked and he was clearly choked up while he told us (and the rest of America) how much Bob meant to him, and how much he enjoyed their business relationship and friendship.

Les talked about his relief when every year Bob told him "one more year" - until this one, and not only said October 31 was one of the saddest days of his life, but then desperately tried to beg Bob to change his mind. That got us going - shouts of "Bob! Bob! Bob!" and "One more year!". But what was so incredible about that was that as 330 people chanted "Bob! Bob! Bob!", Les Moonves stood there, pumping his fists in time with our shouts!

Les wouldn't give up, though. He tried again to woo Bob out of retirement, telling him that he would give him anything he wanted if he came back (bless you, Les).

He went on to talk about how he would be amazed to see people sleeping on the streets and lining up just to see Bob, and how he too valued and treasured the love us fans gave to Bob.

He closed it out by saying again how much he would miss Bob, and thanking him for all he has done over the last 35 years.

All I can say is that as Les left the stage, my cheers were very genuine and very sincere. Thank you, Les, for the genuine display of love and gratitude. Thank you for trying to give Bob an offer he couldn't refuse to change his mind. And, thank you for voicing what the rest of us feel.

Only luck can stop The Dob: After another montage of clips and interview segments - Bob on his campaign for animal rights, his dear wife Dorothy Jo, and retirement (the point where I became very choked up), Robert wins his way up on stage and has the chance to play Plinko for $100,000!

Though, as powerful as The Dob is, he cannot control luck.

Robert would only win 4 out of his 5 possible chances, giving him a chance to win $80,000.

Sadly, this would not happen. Robert wasn't even able to drop a chip into the middle slot once (which is $20,000 in prime time). His four chips would find their way into $500, $1,000, $500 and $1,000 yet again, for a mere total of $3,000.

It was not Andrew's disaster, nor was in Kimala breaking five figures, sadly.

Ringside seats: If Yolanda was the most talked about moment in TPIR history, there is one moment that may go down as the most talked about moment of Bob's career...

Happy Gilmore.

Imagine my delight and shock when Bob introduced one of the greatest fight scenes in movie history.

How delighted was I? When Bob got up after Happy sucker-punched him and started unleashing his barrage of punches on Happy, I started shouting "Bob! Bob! Bob! Bob!" - and imagine my shock last night when I watched the show on television and found out the microphones picked that up!

And they didn't cheat us this time around, like they often do when Happy Gilmore is shown on network television. When Happy head-butted Bob, we heard Happy, in all his glory, declare "The price is WRONG, bitch!"

But, as we know, it doesn't end there. One choke-hold, one Undertaker glare, three punches and one kick to the head later, Happy is out cold as Bob says "I think you've had enough... No. Now you've had enough... bitch!"

You would've thought Ali just knocked out Frazier with the way we went nuts. It couldn't have gotten any crazier unless... Unless...

Unless someone stepped out from behind the Plinko board.

Ladies and gentlemen, ADAM SANDLER HAS ENTERED THE BUILDING!

We greeted Adam himself with a standing ovation as he went on to express his love for Bob, and his sadness over his retirement. He then read a poem he wrote for Bob, titled "Ode To Bob Barker" (I will have to watch the episode again and transcribe the poem for you).

We were expecting a celebrity cameo or two - like maybe Larry King and/or Chuck Norris like we got for Bob's 80th birthday. But I'd have to say that on this day, with this crowd, Adam Sandler was the perfect choice.

Adam, thank you for being there, and thank you for turning Bob Barker into a cult hero for a new generation of teenagers by creating a truly priceless movie scene!

Showcases - only bigger and better!: It was my hope coming into this taping that I would finally get the chance to see the prime time Showcase podiums with the six digit displays - and sure enough, I did indeed get that chance. No doubt, we were going to see some big, BIG showcases for this show.

Noah, as the top winner, had the option, and chose to bid on Showcase #1, commemorating Bob's milestones: 17 one ounce gold bars, a trip to Melbourne, Australia, a Lincoln Navigator and an Eliminator 210 Eagle powerboat. He bid $75,000 on his Showcase (which I thought was a little low).

Nicole, as the second biggest winner (no Showcase Showdown today) was the runner up. Her Showcase, on how life has changed since 1956, was a game room (World Poker Tour pinball game, a Murrey Amidor pool table, and a Madden Season 2 arcade game), a 52" LCD HDTV, and a Corvette convertable. She bid $50,000 (which I also thought was very low).

Nicole's Showcase was $80,953, giving her a difference of $30,953.

Noah was even further off, sadly. His Showcase was $124,491, giving him a difference of $49,491.

Nicole ended up taking home $110,379 in prizes (and also made it three for three with contestants winning a Corvette that they have been offered with me in the audience).

And with that, Bob closed out his final prime time show by once again urging us to help control the pet population, putting the cap on a truly special day for us (and a special night for the rest of America).

Once again, I must thank Boco from the G-R.net forums for making this all possible!

At some point this weekend, I will also be sharing the stories from this week's trip to Camp Barker. I figure this is plenty for you all to digest... for now!

Labels: Barker Worship, Camp Barker

And, no, I'm not talking about BALCO Man in San Francisco, either...

I think it goes without saying that the last week or so hasn't been easy for me. The reality that a 50 year career now has about four weeks left in it (less than four weeks until the final taping, and roughly four weeks until the tenative airdate for the final show) is already beginning to affect me.

I find the experience of watching the show to be more and more bittersweet with each passing day. Of course it's fun. Of course Bob is still The Man. But it's now triggering questions and sadness.

"Is this the last time we'll hear Bob give a contestant the business over Check Game?"

"Is this the last time he'll groan when a contestant gives a guess in Ten Chances that doesn't end in zero?"

And, of course, the countdown to the inevitible... "Soon, he's going to walk through that big door for the last time". "Someday soon, he'll tell television viewers to have their pets spayed or neutered the last time."

The last few days - since hitting the one month mark until his final taping - has brought about sadness, and a flood of memories.

I keep thinking back to watching the show throughout the years. Some of my earliest memories were of me, sitting on my mother's lap, while I watched The Price Is Right. She, too, was a huge fan of the show, as were her parents. And the upcoming retirement is really causing me to think about these three dearly departed loved ones, and the time we shared - more than a little of it consisted of our daily doses of Bob Barker, Johnny Olson and Rod Roddy.

I am thinking back to Price through the years. How the set colors would be changed. How pricing game sets would change. How new games came along, and old games were retired. How we've gone from the incomporable Johnny Olson, to the flamboyant Rod Roddy, to the energetic Rich Fields. How Bob's hair went from dark brown, to salt and pepper, to grey. How Bob went from just saying "Goodbye, everybody!" to urging us to help control the pet population.

But he was the one constant through it all. Everything would change around him, but Bob would still be there - cheering on contestants to win, prodding them when they didn't seem to know what they were doing, making us laugh and putting a smile on our face every morning.

I haven't had much use for mornings, or television, outside of The Price Is Right in recent years. What on Earth would I want to wake up at 10:00 am for? And my television may as well have potted plants in it in a month or so...

And, of course, it's hard not to look back at my own life over the years. The energetic and upbeat childhood (at least until I hit 9). The troubled teen years. The lost early adult years. Loved ones that have left this world. Friends who have come and gone.

I think back to entertainment that I've enjoyed that has come along, left, or both. Television shows I was/am passionate about like Wonder Woman, The Greatest American Hero and Quantum Leap. Music like Styx, Journey and of course Madonna. I think back to how in 1979 (when I first started watching religiously) that Madonna was the drummer for The Breakfast Club, and everyone was blown away by the Atari 2600 and Apple II.

Computers that run at over 2 GHz? HDTV? The DVD? The compact disc? All pipe dreams.

Madonna rolling around in wedding dresses, sharing the spectacle of her breasts with everyone, and taking over the world? I don't even think Esther Madge herself had thought up any of that yet!

In a weird way, June 6 isn't just the end of an era, and will be a sad day because television will be deprived of the wit and wisdom of Robert William Barker. No, as strange as it sounds, he has been like a thread, tying decades of my life together. A part of the tapestry in the background of my life.

He has been one of the last remaining links to my childhood. He has been the Rock of Gilbraltar in a life full of chaos and far too much change.

There was a recent article in the Washington Post, discussing Bob's retirement and the upcoming prime time specials (Wednesday May 16, and Thursday May 17, both at 8:00 pm. BE THERE!). The article touched on Bob's lack of family - that wife Dorothy Jo passed on in 1981, that he and DJ never had kids.

But, then, the writer went on to suggest that maybe Bob does have a family, in a sense - that he has millions of grandchildren who grew up sharing breakfast and coffee with him via television.

I'd have to say that sums it up quite well. In a way, I have three grandfathers. One I was very close to (Jack, whom we lost to Alzheimer's in 1997). One I wasn't close to (Wilbur, whom affected me more in death than in life). And one beamed to me through television - Grandpa Bob.

Further fueling the melechony is the fact I will be in LA yet again next week, for the May 17 taping. We have also requested tickets for June 5 and June 6, but have heard no news yet on them, one way or the other.

When I board the Metrolink on Wednesday (unless we are surprised with ticket news before Mike heads down here), it is facing the reality that this could MY last time seeing Bob Barker in person. That I will be stepping into Game Show Mecca with Dr. Bob (Bob received an honorary doctorate on Saturday from his alma matter, Drury University) holding court for the last time.

It's a sad, sobering thought. To think of all the wasted oppotunities of not going down there regularly from the day I turned 18 until November ***5. To think of all the time I took for granted. It's a mistake I've made far too often in my life, not just when it comes to telling Bob "I'm not worthy!" and laughing my ass off at "The price is right, bitch!".

Time slips away, as Julie Brown once sang (Please, Madge, don't kill me for liking her, too!). And it's slipping away far too fast now.

What also breaks my heart is seeing that Bob's upcoming retirement has spurred expected greed that seems to run some people's lives.

There are a number of auctions on eBay where for $100, you can own your very own "lucky" paperclip. For $200, you can own a corkscrew keychain. For $250, you can own a blue highligther. And the best buy of them all - for $100, you can own a staple! All of these bargains come complete with "free" tickets to The Price Is Right!

It is, needless to say, illegal to sell these tickets at any price (and even says as much on the back of them).

What burns my ass is these are supposed to be FREE tickets. What makes me even more angry is that golden-road.net's forum is filled with people who are disappointed that they requested tickets in late May and were told they were out - while jackasses out there requested tickets for the sole purpose of scalping them on eBay.

There are people out there who wanted tickets because "I've never seen Bob in person, and now I want to before it's too late!" or "I want to see Bob one last time before he retires!" and can't because people want to make several hundred dollars by selling $150 Jim Tracy baseball cards that come with "free" tickets!

Yeah, I'm disguted. I'm disgusted with people who can't seem to go one second without thinking up ways to make more money, people and their emotions be damned.

Capitalism? Ain't it wonderful?

If there is anyone out there reading this who wants to miraculously get into one of these final tapings, don't go to eBay and deal with the parasites. Go to golden-road.net, go to the Forums, and enter the Ticket Requests & Taping Meetings forum. Read the posts. Ask around. We're happy to help people out with any extra tickets we might have - FOR FREE, NO LESS!

It's a shame that it's already hard enough to go see Bob's Farewell Tour as it is - more demand than actual tickets, the insanely long lines. Why does it have to be even harder because people consider several hundred extra dollars to be more important than someone having their dream fulfilled?

I'll get off the soapbox now.

Anyway, I will be sharing the fun of my upcoming trip when I get back (Chuck, you better be there!), as well as the "50 Years In Television" show after it airs Thursday night. DON'T MISS IT!

Labels: Barker Worship, Camp Barker, Corporate Assholes, Mi Vida Loca