Unassuming people enter the “Cash Cab” as simple passengers taking a normal taxi ride, only to be shocked when they discover that they’re instant contestants on Discovery Channel’s innovative game show!
This time, the unassuming people were three BMCC faculty members, Kathleen Elaine Saavik Ford, D. Barry McKernan, and Dennis Robbins. The science faculty members were picked up on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and were finally dropped off at the New York Public Library on 42nd Street.
Ben Bailey, comedian, host, driver of Cash Cab, and nominee for an Emmy for the “Best Game Show Host,” then offered them the following proposition:
The Cash Cab will drive them all the way to their destination and will ask general knowledge questions along the way. The questions will start out on the easy side, and then get harder along the way – the harder the question, the more money it’s worth. The first four questions are worth $25 for each correct answer. The next four are worth $50 and then every question after that is worth $100. Depending on how long the trip is (Bailey told the faculty members beforehand how many blocks they are away from their destination), the contestant could earn over $1000 in the Cash Cab or kicked out without a dime if they either freeze or provide three incorrect answers.
Assistant Professor Robbins says, “The three of us worked well as a team but some of our best stuff ended up on the cutting room floor. We had great fun and were proud to represent the college. For a couple of days now I’ve been answering emails from former students who saw the show.”
Mckernan added that Bailey was surprised when the group was able to answer what a “Worm Hole” is. By the way, Worm Holes are holes in space and is an astrophysical term. When Bailey was wowed by the answer, the group shouted out, “Well, we should know that, we’re teachers of astrophysics and physics at Borough of Manhattan Community College.”
Then, once the cab reached its destination, Bailey offered a choice to the three: either exit the cab with the money right then and there, or risk it all on a slightly more difficult video bonus question. They chose to take the risk and were shown a video clip and then asked a question about it. The correct answer would double their winnings, but an incorrect answer would leave them with nothing. Their winnings up to that time were $1,500.
They were shown a video clip moss-like substance and they quickly answered, “It’s Spanish Moss.” Bailey then belted out, “Way to go Borough of Manhattan Community College.”
When they arrived at the 42nd Street Public Library, they doubled their money and became the record winners, with $3,000.
This episode of Cash Cab (Episode: 155) was aired on June 13 and will be repeated on Discovery Channel August 10 (Friday) at 6:30 pm.
