Do I come here often? I signed what they called a “standard contract” for the contestants on the show. They made me turn over my cell phone and laptop and checked my luggage. I asked the production assistant what they were looking for, thinking I could help speed up the process, and she said any magazines, music devices, books, or tablets. “I seriously can’t take any of that with me to the house?” “You seriously can’t,” she replied, once she’d done a thorough inspection. I already knew the mansion we were staying in didn’t have any televisions or computers available, but I thought at least I’d be able to keep my personal devices. Losing my phone was sort of like losing a hand. “What do you expect everyone here to do?” “Drink heavily and ‘interact’ with the other competitors. That’s all you can do.” She left with my confiscated items. Thank heavens I’d only be here for one night. I already hated everything about it. I walked over to my window, pressing my forehead against the glass.
