Let's hope it goes this well on Sept. 9!

[Winnamill]

I played my standard three games of Millionaire online today and got to the $!M question twice!!! The other was about $250,000. Unheard of! I've probably seen the $1M question less than five times in all the years I've been playing this game. Sadly, I did not get either of them right as I had no lifelines left, but just getting that high makes me happy. My usual outcome is about $25K and sometimes worse if I rush too fast. I'll settle for even 1/4 of the $1M on Sept. 9 and think THAT was a miracle.

[secondchance]

Good job, Winnamill! Keep up that confidence level, and "envision" it happening - now and while you're in the chair. It's your time.

Have you ironed out your travel plans yet?

[frogman042]

Plus on the online version that is on the website - it is timed so you get some practice doing it with a clock!

BTW, I offered to provide them with a question set, just to save them the trouble of having to write questions for me, but they decided to pass on my offer - maybe you can convince them to reuse some of those questions for your game.

---Jay

[Winnamill]

Thanks for the offer, Frogman! Just send those questions along, and I'll be happy to give it another whirl. Be sure to include the answers.

Yes, I think the travel plans are pretty well set. I'm taking the red eye out of SFO on Sat. night, going via Dallas, and arriving about noon in NYC. Almost one full extra day and no extra hotel expense!

Despite the cost for the Lucerne, I broke down and booked a room there. I realized, after twisting into a pretzel finding something else, that for the quality and location of the hotel, it was a good deal. I might have found something cheaper, but it would have been tiny or much farther away. Then, of course, it seemed as if I blew my chance on that deal because when I first called (after diddling around), they were out of rooms for the Millionaire special. Later that day, I decided to try again and beg, if necessary, but somehow a room was available. Snapped it up and learned my lesson.

I thought I would be a solo act in NYC, but a childhood friend offered to be my manager. I told her I probably didn't need a manager, but a keeper would not be out of the question. She's going for most of the time so we can do the town together. One big thing I plan to do is to pay my respects to the WTC and its victims on Sept. 11. I expect it to be a very meaningful experience.

[sunflower]

The Lucerne is a great hotel. You're going to be happy you did it!

[madamemeisha]

Despite the cost for the Lucerne, I broke down and booked a room there. I realized, after twisting into a pretzel finding something else, that for the quality and location of the hotel, it was a good deal. I might have found something cheaper, but it would have been tiny or much farther away. Then, of course, it seemed as if I blew my chance on that deal because when I first called (after diddling around), they were out of rooms for the Millionaire special. Later that day, I decided to try again and beg, if necessary, but somehow a room was available. Snapped it up and learned my lesson.

This is funny...I could have written this paragraph. Exactly the same thing happened to me as I was arranging my hotel for my Sept. 16th taping. I thought I'd blown my chance because they were out of rooms, but I called at 5 am (Pacific time) the next day to double check and they had one for me. Strange!

[sunflower]

If either of you like Indian food there is a fabulous place almost directly across the street.

There are lots of nice restaurants in that area, actually. Some more pricey than others. We ate in another good one that I can't remember the name of, it was only about a block away.

Plus there is a Duane Reade (sp?) across the street that I believe was open til midnight, so if you forget anything or want drinks/snacks, it's a good place to go.

[frogman042]

If either of you like Indian food there is a fabulous place almost directly across the street.

There are lots of nice restaurants in that area, actually. Some more pricey than others. We ate in another good one that I can't remember the name of, it was only about a block away.

Plus there is a Duane Reade (sp?) across the street that I believe was open til midnight, so if you forget anything or want drinks/snacks, it's a good place to go.

There is a really good and really reasonable place that we ate at called I think either Cafe Arte or Arte Cafe. It was on the southwest corner of Columbus and the low 70's (73rd maybe) - very reasonable priced- I would highly recommend it.

---Jay

[Winnamill]

Thanks for the info. on Duane Read. I'm not familiar with them, but I've heard the name and know they are either a drug store or grocery store. That's very handy info. to know as I've been debating about checking or not checking a bag, in part because of the whole 8oz. bag of liquids, etc. I wasn't sure how readily available supplies would be without a lot of random running around. This could help make that decision.

Speaking of good places to eat, I'm a pizza-a-holic. Are there any pizza places, good or otherwise, in the vicinity of the Lucerne?

[sunflower]

Thanks for the info. on Duane Read. I'm not familiar with them, but I've heard the name and know they are either a drug store or grocery store. That's very handy info. to know as I've been debating about checking or not checking a bag, in part because of the whole 8oz. bag of liquids, etc. I wasn't sure how readily available supplies would be without a lot of random running around. This could help make that decision.

Speaking of good places to eat, I'm a pizza-a-holic. Are there any pizza places, good or otherwise, in the vicinity of the Lucerne?

Yeah you'll pay NYC prices, but it's better than stressing about it. If you feel better carrying on to make sure your stuff gets there with you, Duane Reade is a good option. It's a drug store but I believe it had a grocery aisle or two (drinks, snacks, etc). I found a hair product I can't find in CT so I was psyched but other than that I think we just bought bottled water.

I didn't go for pizza so I can't attest to their quality...but I did see several pizza places. I just don't remember which direction (we were there two separate nights so we walked a lot)...if no one else here has info, just ask at the desk or the bellman. They're super helpful. There were places within 1 - 2 blocks, definitely.

[Winnamill]

A Lucerne rep (the concierge?) actually CALLED me yesterday to ask if I needed help with anything! The Motel 6 has never called me to my knowledge.

I wasn't home at the time, but I may be checking in with them regarding transport to/from the airport. I'm debating taxi for two or taking the shuttle -- any recommendations?

[sunflower]

A Lucerne rep (the concierge?) actually CALLED me yesterday to ask if I needed help with anything! The Motel 6 has never called me to my knowledge.

I wasn't home at the time, but I may be checking in with them regarding transport to/from the airport. I'm debating taxi for two or taking the shuttle -- any recommendations?

JFK, LaGuardia or Newark?

[frogman042]

Here's an update on the place we went to (my niece who lives in NYC found it and recommended it).

It is the Arte Cafe located on 106 West 73rd, just off the west side of Columbus. It serves Italian food, they have a nice 'prix fixe' lunch and dinner menu - with quite a few selections. The food was very good.

Lunch (includes soup or salad and an entree) is only $9.95 - served from 12-4 PM

Dinner (includes soup or salad, and an entree, dessert and coffee or tea) for only $12.95 (its a bit of an ealy bird 4-6 pm for that price)

For a real nice sit-down resturant in NYC this prices are amazing and it is very close to the studio.

You can see their full menu at their website: http://www.artecafenyc.com

Manga!

---Jay

[Winnamill]

Flying into LaGuardia and meeting my guest there so that would be the two person trip. I fly out of JFK, but she will be leaving the day before I go.

[geoffil]

Don't order room service. We got 2 hamburgers and 2 sodas and it was over $50. There are restaurants within walking distance and WWBAM provides breakfast anyway. The rooms are teeny tiny.

[sunflower]

Flying into LaGuardia and meeting my guest there so that would be the two person trip. I fly out of JFK, but she will be leaving the day before I go.

I am a taxi person but it will cost you probably $30, maybe more.

An airport shuttle van will be between $10 - $15 a person (roughly) so that's almost the same.

Subway/bus will be the cheapest but difficult if you have luggage.

I guess my personal vote is taxi but be prepared to drop $50 with fare, tolls and tip - it might be less but you want to be prepared!

Don't order room service. We got 2 hamburgers and 2 sodas and it was over $50. There are restaurants within walking distance and WWBAM provides breakfast anyway. The rooms are teeny tiny.

My rooms weren't tiny at all! The first one was normal size. The second time we were upgraded to the honeymoon suite and it was like the size of 4 hotel rooms!!! I think each and every room there is different. I agree don't order room service or eat in their restaurant.