“Kingston woman’s show tapes today, airs within two weeks. KINGSTON – Who wants to be a millionaire? Crista Walker does. The 29-year old Kingston resident will try for the seven-digit jackpot today when she and nine others vie for a chance in the hot seat of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire with Regis Philbin. Walker flew to New York City Tuesday to tape the game show which airs on ABC (Channel 4). The whole process has been really surreal. I feel like I am outside of myself floating above this situation. I’m thinking ‘This is not happening,’ she said Friday afternoon in the quiet calm of the Kingston Barber Shop. As for strategy, Walker said she plans to keep cool as a cucumber under pressure and keep going for the million bucks as long as she has a 50-50 chance to get the question right. Past $32,000 it’s all gravy. ($32,000) pays all the bills, puts something in savings. I came to play, she said. Let’s just say she becomes the nation’s newest millionaire. I would hire a financial planner, buy a house and take care of my daughter’s future. And, have some fun, Walker said. First things first. The biggest decision Walker has ahead of her is her introductory gesture all contestants give as the show begins. The royal wave, the look of surprise, point and nod and the classic Isaac from the Love Boat point are all front runners Walker said. But she won’t know what her two seconds on national television will look like until the actual moment arrives, she said. As a former television reporter, the lights and camera don’t intimidate her and neither does the idea of meeting Regis Is that your final answer? Philbin. As for her phone a friend lifeline, Walker has enlisted the help of the creator of uselessinformation.com and four friends. Even if she doesn’t have the fastest finger to try for the million, getting chosen for the show is a feat in itself with hundreds of hopefuls competing for a handful of slots, she said. Luck and skill were on Walker’s side though, she was selected from more than 400 hopefuls in a Seattle talent contest held in December. Like thousands, Walker called the show’s 800 number and answered trivia questions. She then got a call to attend the talent contest held at Seattle’s Fisher Plaza. Walker and the others were given a general knowledge test of 30 questions to answer in 12 minutes. The questions were patterned after the show’s fastest finger questions where contestants put items in a certain order. Next Walker was chosen to be interviewed by the producers. They couldn’t have been more than 25 years old and they asked questions like ‘Who is you favorite cartoon character and do an impression of them,’ Walker said. The group was then pared down to about 15 people she said. After the show is taped, Walker is sworn to secrecy about how she fared. You’ll tell me, won’t you, her mother Karen Becker asks. Walker will join her grandmother, who is a Philbin fan, in New York City. They plan to spend an extra day and see the sights. The show is expected to air within two weeks of being taped. “