Just curious, Chad: Did you pick the thumbnail picture for the YouTube upload, or did that happen naturally?
I did it myself. My three options were two Wheel logos or Pat with a card.
For those who've sent them, thanks for the kindness. Clearly I had the time of my life. I've written a reflections blog if you care to read it (including my thoughts on my potential letter choices) here.
Read your blog, Chad. I was nervous as all hell when you were spinning during the Prize Puzzle Round. That's just one round where, since it so often determines the winner, I think you just have to solve it, cause the bonus round equity (60% solves, with a median of $40K to win?...just a estimate on my part) is worth so much more than a few extra C's and multiple M's at $700 or $900 a piece. But that's me.
I WHOLEHEARTEDLY agree with your assessment of wanting to win more than what you did, however. It's a once in a lifetime shot ("returning champions"-era, we long for ye....), and so many people win $50-$70K if they solve the bonus puzzle. You'd have been right there with them, with a boatload of cash, if you won the BR.
If you switch the A to an O in your bonus puzzle calls, you get:
_ _ C _ _ _ R D
_ _ _ E _ O
And possibly you've got a shot. I know the first word is a compound word and maybe gives you trouble, but to me, it almost LOOKS like a compound word. I'm so used to seeing those "4 and 4" compound words.
Having said that, I think you still need the B. The H call is the one I'm like "errrrr???" :-D I know H is more common than B, but I always felt like it was because of "TH's" in words. Without a T in the puzzle, I think an H is out as a choice.
I still think you've got a better shot knowing ________ GAZEBO than figuring out BACKYARD ________, especially when you've got the "-RD" sound on the end of the first word....
Having said all this, I know you've probably gone over it a 1,000 times, and since we're missing a suspicious looking De Lorean, we can't go back in time and fix it. Still I was bummed to see you not get the bonus puzzle, if only because I KNOW you're smarter (read: a better WOF player) than 95% of the people on that show.
Thanks for the blog, and you were a great contestant.
