If we're all done snipping at each other, some answers to some burning questions.
No, I don't have any of the prizes anymore. I used the vacuum cleaner and the luggage for years (though truthfully, I didn't travel a lot back then). Honestly couldn't tell you what became of them, but I haven't had them for decades now. The infamous lawn swing never even touched down at my apartment. When it was delivered, I had the driver take it to WKAR, where I donated it to the station for it to be auctioned as part of an annual fundraising event. This was still several years before QuizBusters, and at the time, I was simply a volunteer over there with a lawn swing I needed to dispose of.
Off camera, Jan was quiet and focused, while Melanie and I were goofing around, having fun and yeah, maybe flirting a little. After the game, I didn't get to speak to Jim Perry beyond a brief handshake, but I still have an image in my head about what an imposingly tall man he was up close.
As for the swing purchase, those of you who understand the game know that I was hoping for some cash, and at the time, I was still playing the game pretty well. Also, if I didn't buy the swing and the scores were still close, then maybe Jan doesn't buy her trip later in the game. I've never thought that the Instant Bargain purchase cost me the game, but I certainly understand why others feel that way.