A newspaper reporter from Chicago, Illinois...

Kara Spak

Has anyone recognized you from your previous appearance?
Yes, a few people have recognized me from my original run on Jeopardy! I actually--I got many e-mails and letters from people who had seen the show who I hadn't heard from in awhile, and I live in Chicago and was at a concert near my house, and a family recognized me that watched Jeopardy! every night, and I was--also, one day--well, I'm a newspaper reporter--walking to a Rahm Emmanuel event when he was running for mayor, and a woman sought me on the street and asked me if I was just on Jeopardy!

Did you prepare more or less this time around?
I'm kind of embarrassed to admit this, but I definitely prepared more this time. I've only read three books in the last year that I did not think were specifically related to something that I might need to know for the tournament. So, um... if I blow it today... [laughs] then it'll be, like, embarrassing that I admitted that, but I actually--I gained a lot of knowledge along the way, so...

What are you most looking forward to about this experience?
You know, I can't wait to play Jeopardy! again. I had a great time the first time I was here, and I'm just basically here to have a great time, and see... let the--let the chips fall where they may.

2011 Tournament of Champions wildcard semifinalist: $10,000.
Season 27 5-time champion: $83,401 + $2,000.