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Experiencing life in "Jeopardy!"

As students purchased their books and finalized their new class schedules, fourth-year College student Molly Jesse traveled to Los Angeles to appear on "Jeopardy!"'s College Tournament.

Jesse flew to California Jan. 14, and spent the next two days taping the game show in Sony Studios. While she can't disclose the results of the Tournament, all will be revealed when the show airs Friday, Feb. 11.

Her appearance on "Jeopardy!" came as a result of auditioning for a spot last semester when tryouts were held on Grounds. "Jeopardy!" selected the University as one of four audition locations (and the only college location) based on student performance in the online tournament held last year. While Jesse admitted she only participated in the online version of the game a few times, she appreciates the efforts of fellow classmates who played and made it possible for her to go on television.

Despite having been in college for four years, Jesse had never tried out to appear on "Jeopardy!"

"I was the only contestant on the show who'd only tried out once," she said.

Jesse's lack of experience with the game show process gave her a weekend of surprises. Her most notable memory came from being placed in seclusion for eight hours prior to the show's taping. Because the tournament's format includes wild card games, contestants are not allowed to have any contact with the outside world before they step on the stage in case they should learn their opponent's scores -- information that could influence the way they play the game. Jesse played the very last game, and had to stay alone longer than anyone else.

"I was locked in a room from 8 [a.m.] to 4 [p.m.] with nothing to do but play 500 games of Spades," she said.

Meeting the show's host, Alex Trebek, also left an impression on Jesse.

"He seems really nice on TV, but I was surprised by his dry and sarcastic wit," she said.

Jesse had very little contact with Trebek during the taping process, but can easily recall the few words they exchanged.

Trebek: "Molly. Is that an Irish name?"

Jesse: "No."

Trebek: "Well that's a damn shame."

Rink and roll

The Charlottesville Ice Park on the Downtown Mall will feature more than just slippery escapades tomorrow night.

Second-year College student Nick Zeigler is on a mission to turn the room above the rink into a rave -- and if the event succeeds, he hopes to have dance parties every two months.

Zeigler, who works at the Ice Park, is serving up a DJ, smoke, lights and lasers at the event. Students can get in both the rink and the dance for just $5 from 7 p.m. until the partiers leave.

"In general, it's just trying to give Charlottesville a decent dance club," Zeigler said.

Compiled by Stephanie Batten

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