Here's the story...

[<bigskywrtr>]

Day One: Monday, November 4, 2002

Okay. So I arrived in New Jersey on sunday, found a hotel in Fort Lee, and prepared myself for the week.

I was determined to go all out. NOTHING was going to stop me. This was the opportunity I had waited for.

So...
I woke up very early on Monday and carried two cases of boxes (Wow! Books can be heavy!!) with me as I made my way to Times Square.

First stop-The set of GOOD MORNING AMERICA.
I pass out books-about45-everyo ne on line is VERY excited and grateful. I’m invited to join four ladies at the front of the line.
We go inside the studio and prepare for a lot of standing.
Meanwhile I’m autographing books and posing for photos.

Tony Perkins, GMS’a weather guy, comes down and spends some time with us. He was very friendly and talked with everyone. So accomodating!!
I hand him a book and introduce myself.
He’s excited becuase a friend of his was on “Millionaire.” We chat a little.

He goes back upstairs. The show goes on.
Then...
Diane Sawyer, Charlie Gibson, and Tony come back down stairs.

Tony tells me that he has been reading the book while he was upstairs..says it is “very funny” and “can’t wait to read the rest.”

Ok...now I’m really glad I didn’t have the large orange juice earlier.

Diane and Charlie were super. So nice! So patient. Posing for photos, signing autographs. Really super, super, nice!!

At the end of the show, I hand them each a copy of the book and pose for photos with them.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!

I leave times Square and heads towards NBC/Rockefeller Center.
I’m asked by a page if I want to see Caroline Rhea!

SURE I DO!!
So I go inside and get in line, I still have about 15 books with me.
i meet joey Cola-Rosie’s warm-up guy, the warm up guy now for Caroline Rhea and “Millionaire.” Upon hearing the book is about “Millionaire” he introduces me to the audience and talks about the book.
The show starts.
If any of you want a great experience, go the Caroline Rhea show!
It was a blast!
Aside from a bunch of goodies (Sopranos-the entire 3rd season on DVD, Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood on DVD, chocolate, t-shirts, and keychains) the show was a lot of fun.
And yes. Caroline did speak to me. And yes. I gave her a copy.

After Caroline Rhea, I walked down to ABC and the studio for “Millionaire.”
This was like coming home for me.
All those feelings started to surge inside me.

I saw some friends who are still there and we hugged and chatted. Beth and Bobby are so great!!
Joey Cola so me and came over. We talked and he introduced me to the audience.
The show started and it was just like I was in the hot seat all over again.
(God! I’d love to go back!)
During a break, Meredith came over and thanked me for the book that was put in her dressing room and promised she would read it. We shook hands and chatted briefly.
The show ended and she came over and thanked me again.
I said good bye to all my friends, signed a few books, and started the long walk back.

If any of you are bored...let me know...I can stop.
If not...
Tomorrow-LIVE! WITH REGIS AND KELLY AND AN INCREDIBLE DAY!!!!!

:)
bsw

[<PK>]

Don't you DARE stop!!

;0))

PK lovin it...

[<Lmroland>]

More More More!!!

Please don't make us wait til tomorrow!

[<vlanj>]

Are you kidding me? You're making us wait until tomorrow? What the heck? lol

Sounds like you had a terrific first day---

Caroline Rhea was good? Maybe you've talked me into stopping by her show. lol

[<Monica>]

Bored?? No way!! I am ready for more...have you not gone to the Regis show or are you going to make us suffer and wait? LOL We all have been on pins and needles waiting....

[<Scoopsplus>]

OMG!!!! This is very exciting for me BSW, I can only imagine what it was like for you. Definitely we want MORE!!!! I am getting a copy of your book as well. Looking forward to reading it.

[<bettyboop>]

Want to hear more now.....don't want to wait until tomorrow. This is great for you and we want to know all about it.
...boop

[<bigskywrtr>]

Glad you all are enjoying it.
I'm so tired.
I left New york at 8 last night and drove straight back to Virginia.

To recap...

Yes! The Caroline Rhea show is worth seeing. A lot of fun!!! And free! FREE!! HELLOOO!!! She's very fuuny.

Okay..so here's a teaser for my next post.

Regis Phlibin.
Kelly Rippa.
Art Moore.
Michael Gelman.

Ben Affleck.
Kevin Smith.

The ladies of The View.
David Morse.

and then....
some really cool folks over at...
CBS....
(if I wrote a "Top Ten" would that give too much away...)

Till my next post...I've got to get so, me sleelp.

[<ledhead>]

Oh I can hardly wait until tomorrow! This is so exciting!

Jan

[<MCD>]

How exciting. I can't wait to hear "the rest of the story!"

[<Smashing>]

Okay, we get the idea. You went to Letterman.
I have been concerned about you for weeks, and now you make me wait for the next installment.
Just not fair!!!

Seriously, I am so happy for you. I know how long you have been waiting, and then having problems in the Spring. I am sure this is the turn around for you. Good Luck.
Sandy

[<RnKnS>]

Wow! BSW! I am retracing my steps through Manhattan with you! I saw Rosie when she was there, and I'm glad to know Caroline Rhea is carrying on the tradition of lots of FREE STUFF! That was so fun.

Just remembering that wonderful street (67th) that the Millionaire studio is on. Really cute, actually mostly residential street.

So happy you have had such a good experience! Everyone sounds so lovely. You picked an awesome time to go, too....Sweeps is when everybody is in town and on their game.

Keep the recaps coming! We love it!

[<bigskywrtr>]

Day Two: November 5, 2002

Once again, I wake up, jump on the bus and the subway, and head towards Manhattan.

Destination: LIVE! With Regis and Kelly.
I’ve got a case of books with me.
(Oy! My back!!)
There are a few people in line...so I introduce myself. Everyone seems happy to get a book. I pass out about 25.
Then we are lined up inside. Inside I am asked to stop passing out books. I understand that (the show doesn’t to look like a commercial-not that i asked people to hold the book up or anything-they just don't want to have people trying to sell things from the audience...like I said...I understand that completely)-so-I stopped.

Everyone is excited.
I’m a little dispointed but still hopeful.

I’m seated on the left side of the stage (facing the set)
Gelman comes out and warms up the crowd.
There is excitement in the air.
And then...
It’s Regis and Kelly!!
Wow! They both look great!
I’m a little concerned about the length of Kelly’s pants....Please God! Don’t let her trip!!

They schmooze a little and the show goes on.
It was so much fun.
They were both on-it was a really good time.
In between breaks, R & K came out into the audience to sign things and take photos.
Regis still hasn’t seen me.
I wave to Kelly and she smiles and waves back.
The shows ends.
But wait!!!
It’s not over yet!!!!
They’ve got tape a piece with Dennis Quaid.
So Dennis comes out and does his thing.
It’s a funny interview.
Dennis leaves.
Then during a break...it happens.
Regis sees me.
I see him.
He waves and smiles.
I pee myself.
(only kidding)
I smile and wave back.
He gets up. Walks over.
I’m shaking.
He comes over and extends his hand.
I shake it.
He say’s “hello, jody. it’s good to see you again. how are you?”

Uhhhh....munhfge...b ah bah blurdkf....”
(okay...I brainfarted a little)
Once I learned how to talk again...
We chatted a minute or two.
I hold up the books (one for him-one for Kelly)
He asks, “Is that THE BOOK?”
I say, “Yes it is.”
He takes them.
I say, “You’re mentioned through the whole thing.”
He responds, “I should hope so.”
Everyone around us laughs.
I tell him one is for Kelly, he nods, tells me he will see me in minute or two, and then walks back upstage.

He points me out to Kelly, who smiles and waves again. I smile and wave back. She tells me she will see me in a minute.

I pee myself again.
(only kidding)

Regis tells Gelman and some other people that he wants to do “something” with me (holy crap!) and my book (holy crap again!!)

So they set the cameras up and Regis holds up my book, says the title and introduces me to ...THE WORLD!!!!

I’m about to cry I’m so happy.
This is what I have been waiting for two years!!

It was short....but oh so sweet!!!!

Then after Regis and Kelly leave the set, a producer comes over and asks me to follow her. I do. Like a puppy.

I’m taken backstage to (gulp!) the dressing rooms of R&K!!!

There’s Regis!! There’s Kelly!!!
Gelman! Art!
The whole gang!!!

Regis has big smile on his face. Kelly is reading the back of my book.

We shake hands and chat.
We take pictures. I get autographs.

Let me say this right here and now...in case any of you have any doubts about anyone on that show....
THESE ARE GOOD PEOPLE.
Kind. Friendly. Generous. Accomodating.

I had waited so long for this chance.
My hear was about to burst.
I hugged Kelly-she hugged back-(she’s a good hugger!)
Regis and I shook hands-he said it was good to see me again. I said the same-aboit a 100 times.

And then I left.

Outside I gave the rest of my books away, signed a "few" autographs-and became the center of quite a large and enthusiastic crowd.
People were actually running down the block to see who the “celebrity” was...

Oh Lordy!!! What a GOOD morning!!!!

Well....are you all enjoying my adventure so far?

I hope so.
Thanks for being so kind.

More later...
:)
bsw

[<PK>]

Sniff....

How great..

;0))

PK

[<Lmroland>]

Congratulations!!!!
I am so happy for you!

And to think you liked BOTH Regis and Kelly...

[<stephanie>]

That's awesome!!!! Can't wait to hear even more!!
It's funny- people think that celebrities are so different and when you meet one and get to spend personal time with them, you realize that they're just regular people who happen to have a job on TV.

[<Roe>]

Bsw that was assume. I'm so happy for you. Great job cannot wait to see you.

[<bettyboop>]

A W E S O M E! A N D ...........

[<Seymour>]

I'm captivated!!! I never read posts that long, and then I said that's the end? More....it's a great story.

[<RnKnS>]

BSW,
So good to hear your story about Regis and Kelly! You came away with exactly the same impression I did. These are hard working and nice people, who take their jobs seriously. So what do you suppose they will use the promo for? I will be watching over the next few days to see if it airs. I imagine they have to get the green light from the Suits at ABC.

Take care!
Susan

[<oddball>]

good for you!!tell us where we can get your book. mail a check to you or is it online?

[<lisac>]

Unbelievable! Great stories, bsw! Can't wait to hear more---

[<Laraney>]

Oh my goodness! Bsw. That is such a happy story. I am happy for you. It was so good that you got to meet everyone at Live. Congratulations.

On another note of topic. I almost jumped out of my chair just now. The was a huge flash of lightning and the biggest crash of thunder. Oh well just thought I would share that with you guys. LOL

[<PK>]

RnK & BSW..

Maybe they will show the promo the same day the Dennis Quaid interview airs??Since they will be dressed accordingly, and Kelly in the less than flattering outfit, will surely prefer to not do yet "another" show in those pants.. She's already expressed her dislike of them...

;0))

PK

[<ledhead>]

BSW, That is an AWESOME and AMAZING Story!!! I'm SO excited for you!!! I can't wait to see you!! I'm so happy they were so good to you!!

[<Smashing>]

Congratulations Jody,
You have finally gotten your foot in the door.
I hope that the publicity that you will receive from this air time will be your ticket to the big time that we all know you are capable of.
I admire your perceverance about this book. Just one chance is all it takes, and finally, it looks really good for you.
Perhaps the next thing we know, you will be writing the top ten for Letterman, plus many other things.
Please don't forget us when you get famous. We believed in you "when"
Good luck,
Sandy

I know this isn't worded properly, but you know what I mean.

[<gailsie>]

How thrilling for you, BSW. I hope we all see you tomorrow, can't wait! Very nice recap, btw.

[<Mia>]

BSW,

Mission accomplished!! I knew that handing out the books would have more impact than mailing. How wonderful that you had time with everyone.

Too bad I didn't "bump" into you to get an autographed copy.

Congratulations!

[<GreenEyes>]

Congratulations BSW. I don't post much but I read a lot and I've always enjoyed your Top Ten lists. Wishing you the absolute BEST.

[<luvreg&kel>]

help- who is bsw?? and what book did she/he write?? i am so confused..
it sounded so exciting but i am so confused!!!!

[<sickofbsw>]

enough already with this crap!go on the home shopping network!this is supposed to be about Live!

[<Monica>]

Excuse me? When do any of us talk about Live here 24/7? We talk about many different subjects and if you do not like the topic then do not read it. Many of us enjoy reading BSW's top ten lists ( which usually include Regis and kelly). We consider him an online friend and as you can tell by the number of responses, we have enjoyed hearing about his trip to NY. He has not tried to sell us anything. BSW seems to be very nice, never has a bad word to say about anyone, anything and many of us enjoy reading his posts.

[<luvreg&kel>]

please someone answer me, who is bsw/jodie and what book did he/she write!!
Thanks.

[<Monica>]

Others can answer this better but BSW is a man who lives in Virginia. He was a contestant on the Millionaire show and he has written a book on that experience. He has his own website, used to post top tens on Regis and kelly quite a bit. Hope this helps some...:)

[<Roe>]

LuvReg&Kel...see under this thread (Ranked 747,000 on amazon.com ) from Nov 7.
Hope this helps.

[<PK>]

luvreg&kel...

BSW is "Big Sky Writer". Jodie is his first name. He was a contestant on Millionaire and wrote a very funny book about his experience.

He originally came here to mention his book, but for whatever reason, (our charming personalities, I'm sure ;0)) he decided to stick around and entertain us with funny posts poking fun at R & K, and some of us, as well.

He had sent a book to Regis, but it was never acknowledged. He was unhappy, but philosophical about that.

Early this year he had some personal problems and he left our company for a long while. He moved cross country and is now in Virginia instead of Montana. He has popped in every now and then with a new top-ten list devoted to R & K.

He decided to make one last attempt to get his book out "there", and took a full week and lots of books to NYC.

Hope that background information is reasonably accurate and enables you to enjoy his "Talk Show" saga even more..

;0))

PK

[<RnKnS>]

Luvregandkel,
Millionaire Boy: The Adventures of a Game Show Contestant by J.E. Matzer is available for $12.95 on amazon. Or you can go to J.E. Matzer's website at monkeyboypublishing dot com to order a copy directly from the source.

Jody, did you notice they have coupled your book with John Carpenter's (another famous WWTBAM contestant) book for those die-hard fans of the show? Also, amazon's site says they only have 2 books in stock. If Regis is going to give you a plug, I just thought I would let you know that you might want to restock amazon's shelves quick! Still hoping to see the promo soon...

[<bigskywrtr>]

THANK YOU ALL FOR ALL OF YOUR POSTS.....
Here's th rest of my story...

PLEASE Enjoy!


Day Three: Wednesday, November 6, 2002

Ok....We’re getting down to the wire now.
I have a V.I. P. ticket for The VIEW.
I’m wondering...”Will I be the only guy there?”.....”
And...
"Is THAT necessarily a bad thing?”

I go to the Today Show early.
It’s cold and rainy. Kind of a small crowd.
I pass some books out. About 30.
Al Roker comes out. Of course he’s on the OTHER side. I call to him and he is kind of rude. Very disapointing!
On the plus side though, when he does the weather with the crowd behind him, the guy standing to his left has my book in his arms and the cover is very clear!
Yeah baby!!!!

Ok....So I make my way down to the View.
On the way I run into the actor who plays the doctor/Ed’s friend on ED.
We exchange pleasantries.
Passing the Hard Rock Cafe I run into director/actor Kevin Smith (“Silent Bob”)
We exchange pleasantries.
Then I see actor/producer Ben Affleck.
I say “Hello.”
He’s a busy guy.
Things to do.
No exchange of pleasantries.

Ok...I’m heading to the VIEW now.
Really.
Sorry for the delay.
It’s a looooong walk.

I arrive and folks who were in the audience for LIVE! recognize me and congratulate me for having Regis interview me.
They’re very kind and they tell the other folks in line who I am and what’s going on.

We go inside.
I am directed upstairs and into the studio.
I see a friend-the stage manager-who used to work on “Millionaire.” Rob and I talk but he was very busy.
It was amazing to see the show come together.

The comedian who warms up the audience asked who I was....I was in the audience-front row-right next to the “ViewMaster.”
She introduced me to audience-everyone applauds.

Then the ladies of the VIEW come out.
Meredith recognizes me and says “hello” with a great smile and a wave.

The show goes on and I flirt with Lisa Ling AND Star Jones.
(It was mutual, I think.)

Turns out that my exchange with Star about Christmas trees was aired....I have several friends call and tell me that they saw me on The View.

(Coool!!)

The show goes on and actor David Morse (one of my fave’s-ever see Green Mile? A GREAT actor!) and i make eye contact. After the interview he comes right over-I stand up-and we shake hands and exchange pleasantries.

Joy and I joke a little.
she tells me I’m funny.

Thr show ends and Meredith says “Thanks for the book, sweetie. I’ll read it.”

I leave.
Ready to go home.
No more V.I.P tickets.
No more shows to see.
No more books to pass out.

As I make way pass the Ed Sullivan theater, I see an intern for the Late Show.

I take a chance and ask if they have any tickets for that’s night show.
They do.

Let me just say this...

I wound up in the front row-ten feet from Dave.
The band is rocking!!!
They really are incredible!!!

Dave comes out.
There’s time for only one question.
I raise my hand.
DAVE CALLS ON ME!!
DAVID LETTERMAN IS TALKING TO ME!!!

I make him laugh.
The show goes on.
It’s great!!
As I’m leaving i pass the band-and being not-so-shy I introduce myself to Paul and the band.
We chat a little.
I leave.
I take the subway and bus.
Although I probably could have flown...as happy as I was.

So that’s it.
I drove all night and fell asleep.

I’ve been making phone calls to thank everyone and “talking” to you all.
It’s been a very good week and I thank you all for listening.

I hope I wasn’t too long winded.

We’ll see what happens now.
Especially when Regis holds the book up on national television.

THANK YOU everybody for being part of my magical week.

Stay tuned.

This isn’t over yet!

:)
bsw

[<happy>]

BSW. I have truly enjoyed reading about your fun week. Has you segment aired yet on regis and Kelly? When you were on Millionaire did you win?

[<PK>]

All ears, here...

Wow!

;0))

PK wishing I had known you were on the view!!!

[<vlanj>]

Did you get a ham from Dave? lol

Great, great stories. Glad you got in to see Letterman.

I forsee another book in the making.............. ...

Keep us posted,
V.

[<Roe>]

BSW that was a great story. I enjoyed your story all week. Have a great weekend.

[<bettyboop>]

Wow....what a week you had. Very happy for you and your successful connections. Great that you shared with us too. Wishing you Good Luck.
...boop

[<LLuccy>]

BSW, you get a standing ovation!! What a super week you have had!! I have enjoyed reading about your week. Great networking and fun all at the same time. Definately keep us posted!

[<bigskywrtr>]

Well...looks like next Thursday could be the day.

(fingers crossed.....legs crossed...eyes crossed....)

Dennis Quaid is listed as a guest for 11/14's guest.

I wanted to try and answer some of the questions that were tossed my way....
I hope I get everyone.

Let's see...

Caroline Rhea. Worth seeing!! LOTS of fun!!!!

To sickof bsw- Did we date in high school or something?
(and thanks Monica!)

I did not get a ham from Dave. In fact, he apparently get so many requests from audience members that they axtually ask you NOT to ask Dave for a ham...or a kiss...or a hug.....DAMN!!! Strike 3!!!

Thanks &lt;RnKnS&gt; and &lt;PK&gt; and &lt;Monica&gt; for the information you provided to the others......I'm always afraid Trevor is going to boot me off (or you all are going to get sick of me) if I mention my web site or other info....so thanks for passing that along.....I'm grateful....

If I haven't conveyed my appreciation sufficiently to this point, I just wanted to say thanks again to everyone for letting me share my story.

My phone has not stopped ringing because of my brief appearance talking to Star Jones on The View....I can only imagine what's going to happen next Thursady...I only hope that they don't edit me out.... :(

Have a nice weekend everybody!!!!

:)
:)
:)

Jody aka/BSW

[<mackey>]

Good morning Early Bird,You never bore us,and we revel in your success.... Best Joss to you on Thursday,and the day after ...and the day after...

[<ledhead>]

BigSkyWriter, very appropriate name I have a feeling for your future as an author. I really REALLY enjoyed your account of your experiences in NYC!!! I wish you so much luck!!!

I take it though, judging by someone's reaction to my inquiry a week or so ago, that you are not from Montana, and never have been? You never mentioned it in any of your posts, so I assume it WAS a foolish question? I just thought you might have been, since Big Sky Country is a nickname for Montana, and a very appropriate one I might add. It certainly would be no disgrace to come from Montana. Not all people who make it in the entertainment, literary, etc. business come from the more populated areas of the country. And Montana is a very beautiful place to come from.

Congratulations on your success!!! I have a feeling your books will find their way into many libraries, public and private, across the country. I know I plan to be looking for it!!

Jan

[<bigskywrtr>]

Today is my "cutting firewood day."
Besides....it is a BEAUTIFUL day here in Stanardsville/The Blue Ridge mountains/Virginia!!
The sky is big and blue...
The leaves are on fire with orange's and red's and yellow's....
WOW!!!!!

I love the FAll!

And I have lots of business today....lots of thank-you's to send out.
Lots of plans to make...
I'm heading back to NY in December....

I've got to keep this rolling!!!!

:)
bsw

[<gailsie>]

Can't wait for Thursday, BSW, I'll definitely have the VCR working that day. As far as keeping "things rolling," you better be thinking agent, business manager and all the rest. When they ask you, "who do we negotiate with?" you have to say something other than, "um, ahh, um..." Just a heads up, lol!
Hope you have voice mail, too, have a feeling you may be getting some phone calls while you're out and about in old Virginny; keep us posted and don't dare leave anything out! Remember, WE knew you when, lol!

[PK...]

Bumping just cause it's such a good read, and ties into the audience thread...

;0))

PK

[Laraney]

Thanks for bumping that thread PK, I thouroughly (sp)? enjoyed rereading it.

[bdsma]

omg....aahhh just reminiscing... VLANJ? Gailsie...Lisac...Roe..Betty Boop...and RnKnS! omg...omg....the memories....Like our Regis says....

"that's when we had fun........." *giggles.... I think I would have liked BigSkyWriter....*smile.....he could teach me how to WRITE...hehe......

[DKLA]

H e l l o, bsw!! Good to see you again!!