Search found 214 matches

by Chris Philpot
Sat Feb 20, 2016 8:49 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: How many Numbers puzzles are there in total?
Replies: 134
Views: 39969

Re: How many Numbers puzzles are there in total?

Also, who is this (on the left) from the solver page that Jim linked to: http://www.crosswordtools.com/images/inner_top5_img.jpg ? Please pardon the shamefully slow reply! I'm still a rather occasional lurker around these parts, and I stumbled across your post via the Impossible Rachel thread. That...
by Chris Philpot
Sun Apr 27, 2014 11:45 am
Forum: Games and Puzzles
Topic: Quiz show TV theme tune quiz
Replies: 5
Views: 4058

Re: Quiz show TV theme tune quiz

Very good, Neb! 19/21 over here.
by Chris Philpot
Sun Nov 17, 2013 11:35 am
Forum: Games and Puzzles
Topic: CONUNDRUM game
Replies: 55
Views: 19669

Re: CONUNDRUM game

DRWHORANT = NORTHWARD
DRWHOARSE = SHOREWARD

SACHINTON
WEETARDIS
SUNDAYHOR
by Chris Philpot
Fri Nov 15, 2013 10:23 pm
Forum: Games and Puzzles
Topic: CONUNDRUM game
Replies: 55
Views: 19669

Re: CONUNDRUM game

HOTLADDUO = ADULTHOOD
NNICEGIRL = RECLINING

PENISTALY
MONPUDSEY
DONATECIN
by Chris Philpot
Sun Aug 18, 2013 12:07 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: Ask Graeme?
Replies: 1740
Views: 682602

Re: Ask Graeme?

The recent discovery of the new species Olinguito got me thinking: what's the closest we've come to a letters selection where OLINGUITO was available, had it been a valid word at the time?
by Chris Philpot
Fri Apr 19, 2013 8:48 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Spoilers For 8 out of 10 Does Countdown (19th April 2013)
Replies: 23
Views: 4736

Re: Spoilers For 8 out of 10 Does Countdown (19th April 2013

I just about burst a blood vessel when she asked, "Shall I write it up the shaft?"
by Chris Philpot
Thu Apr 18, 2013 2:12 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Spoilers for Thursday April 18th 2013 (Series 68 Prelim 28)
Replies: 18
Views: 5553

Re: Spoilers for Thursday April 18th 2013 (Series 68 Prelim

3rd Numbers Alt: 50 x 7 + 100 + 75/25 + 2 = 455
by Chris Philpot
Wed Apr 17, 2013 2:03 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Spoilers for Wednesday April 17th 2013 (Series 68 Prelim 27)
Replies: 8
Views: 2563

Re: Spoilers for Wednesday April 17th 2013 (Series 68 Prelim

Victoria: don't let SEABOND^ denture confidence!
by Chris Philpot
Tue Apr 16, 2013 3:02 pm
Forum: Other game shows
Topic: Countdowners On Other Quizzes
Replies: 253
Views: 164643

Re: Countdowners On Other Quizzes

Andy Wilson wrote:Just flicked onto challenge over breakfast and was greeted with Ryan Taylor on Blockbusters! It's on right now.
Such is Ryan's quizzing popularity that he now has impersonators. One such doppelgänger is on today's Tipping Point.
by Chris Philpot
Mon Apr 15, 2013 2:00 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Spoilers For Monday April 15th 2013
Replies: 14
Views: 3448

Re: Spoilers For Monday April 15th 2013

I was one the other side with (75 + 5 - 1) × (6 + 4) + 3.
by Chris Philpot
Sat Apr 13, 2013 7:12 am
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Predictions for Giles'
Replies: 18
Views: 3793

Re: Predictions for Giles'

Spoiler in the subject line! …on the “Countdown - Spoilers” forum? Surely not! ;) Whilst Giles is set to amass around 970pts or so, in itself blindingly good, is it conceivable that someone could score 1,000 points across an octochamp run? Only Mark Deeks has achieved this on an Apterous mocktorun,...
by Chris Philpot
Fri Apr 12, 2013 8:57 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Spoilers For 8 out of 10 Does Countdown (12th April 2013)
Replies: 26
Views: 3905

Re: Spoilers For 8 out of 10 Does Countdown (12th April 2013

James, can I request that the recap has a sideways L? :)
by Chris Philpot
Thu Apr 04, 2013 10:58 am
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: Rachel Riley to join The Gadget Show
Replies: 0
Views: 1426

Rachel Riley to join The Gadget Show

News is just coming through on Twitter that Rachel Riley will be a presenter on the next series of Channel 5's The Gadget Show. I wish her every success!

Press release
by Chris Philpot
Mon Apr 01, 2013 7:37 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: New and improved! Wiki featured articles and did you know...
Replies: 7
Views: 3259

Re: New and improved! Wiki featured articles and did you kno

Cheers Andy! Hope it gave a few of you a laugh. Normal service has now resumed.
by Chris Philpot
Mon Apr 01, 2013 10:33 am
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: New and improved! Wiki featured articles and did you know...
Replies: 7
Views: 3259

Re: New and improved! Wiki featured articles and did you kno

Zarte Siempre wrote:Love the gag, although wasn't it Barry Norman that said that to Mikey Lear, not Barry Cryer?
Oops! Fixed now. :)
by Chris Philpot
Mon Apr 01, 2013 7:27 am
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: New and improved! Wiki featured articles and did you know...
Replies: 7
Views: 3259

Re: New and improved! Wiki featured articles and did you kno

Under "Did you know?" it says "...that, speaking statistically, a choice of 2 large in the numbers game offers the easiest solutions?" - is that right? I didn't think it was. And I still don't. From memory, this was based on some research which showed 2 large games could be solv...
by Chris Philpot
Sun Mar 31, 2013 11:00 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: New and improved! Wiki featured articles and did you know...
Replies: 7
Views: 3259

New and improved! Wiki featured articles and did you know...

A quick heads-up for those of you who haven't checked out The Countdown Wiki for a while! Two of the wiki's longest-standing features—the featured article and "Did you know..." boxes on the Main Page—have been refreshed with a year's worth of new and updated material. They'll tick over aut...
by Chris Philpot
Sat Mar 30, 2013 9:55 am
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: Ask Graeme?
Replies: 1740
Views: 682602

Re: Ask Graeme?

Brilliant stuff as ever, Graeme!
Clive Brooker wrote:Moving to the next hardest, in the 119 89% games, 5 of the 238 attempts have been successful.
Out of interest, do you have the rounds themselves available/wiki links? Great bit of research!
by Chris Philpot
Fri Mar 22, 2013 9:23 am
Forum: Games and Puzzles
Topic: The Mystery of Time and Space
Replies: 8
Views: 4077

Re: The Mystery of Time and Space

Each screen of 12 items has an odd one out which designates the correct button to press. In the case of the smiley faces, one is not smiling.
by Chris Philpot
Thu Mar 21, 2013 1:50 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: Ask Graeme?
Replies: 1740
Views: 682602

Re: Ask Graeme?

Dave's question about Carol v Rachel is very interesting. I hope you don't mind if I pose one of my own.

What is the closest that a letters selection, in the order displayed on the board at the start of the 30 seconds, has come to matching a conundrum scramble from elsewhere in Countdown history?
by Chris Philpot
Wed Mar 13, 2013 10:16 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: Best ever contestants
Replies: 508
Views: 350726

Re: Best ever contestants

Andy's right, Dave, but in a good way. I miss the days when everyone had personal websites, before Facebook and Twitter made it so that any old dimwit could have a corner of the internet for themselves. Martin Gardner used to have an interesting site, Nebagram.co.uk was full of useful info (if you d...
by Chris Philpot
Wed Mar 13, 2013 7:02 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: Countdown words spotted in real life
Replies: 122
Views: 54656

Re: Countdown words spotted in real life

BBC News - Rome conclave: New Pope chosen by cardinals

"After his name is read out, the new Pope will emerge from the loggia overlooking the square to deliver his first speech."
by Chris Philpot
Wed Mar 13, 2013 2:45 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: Best ever contestants
Replies: 508
Views: 350726

Re: Best ever contestants

[Kirk Bevins was a step up because he was the first to get to a level where a max game became a serious possibility I suppose this is the main bit I'd take issue with. He was certainly the first to make a max game an actuality (in the 15-round era), but I don't think he was playing any better than ...
by Chris Philpot
Sun Mar 10, 2013 11:30 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: Ask Graeme?
Replies: 1740
Views: 682602

Re: Ask Graeme?

Who needs a database when you have James Robinson? :)
by Chris Philpot
Sun Mar 10, 2013 11:12 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: Ask Graeme?
Replies: 1740
Views: 682602

Re: Ask Graeme?

A quick question that occurred to me last night (I've only just rediscovered the Post-it note with it scribbled down on): Susie Dent's contribution to Countdown history has been acknowledged via the conundrums SUSISDENT and SUSIEDANT. But given her nine letter name, made of up a valid selection of c...
by Chris Philpot
Thu Mar 07, 2013 7:57 pm
Forum: Games and Puzzles
Topic: The Common Denominator
Replies: 3
Views: 3372

Re: The Common Denominator

It's rubbish. Joking aside, I like the concept but agree that some of the questions seem a lot fairer than others. The steak v moon question from today was especially dubious. Though at least in round two the 'shared' element of the questions lends itself to evening out any variations in difficulty...
by Chris Philpot
Thu Mar 07, 2013 8:57 am
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: Countdown mentions on other shows
Replies: 315
Views: 136780

Re: Countdown mentions on other shows

I watched this too – and for what it's worth, I thought it was lousy. Their fake talking heads were particularly embarrassing, and the sort of thing that Charlie Brooker does much, much better, But the Countdown – or rather "Küntworts" – rounds were interesting, supposedly the German versi...
by Chris Philpot
Wed Mar 06, 2013 5:45 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: Ask Graeme?
Replies: 1740
Views: 682602

Re: Ask Graeme?

Graeme, I hope you don't mind but I have cherry-picked the awesome facts from this thread to freshen up the "Did you know..." box on the homepage of the Wiki. :)
by Chris Philpot
Sun Mar 03, 2013 2:34 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: 30BC Grand Final Spoilers For Friday March 1st 2013
Replies: 132
Views: 36801

Re: 30BC Grand Final Spoilers For Friday March 1st 2013

Marvellous post, Conor. I think your Countdown ability and general amenity are best summed up by that Tina Turner song... Nutbush City Limits. While we're doing front page fixes, can you install Paul in his rightful place as current series champion? Well spotted, and sorted. Missed that one on my mi...
by Chris Philpot
Sat Mar 02, 2013 9:53 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: 30BC Grand Final Spoilers For Friday March 1st 2013
Replies: 132
Views: 36801

Re: 30BC Grand Final Spoilers For Friday March 1st 2013

They were chosen each month originally, but I grew characteristically lazy and thought an annual loop wouldn't hurt.
by Chris Philpot
Sat Mar 02, 2013 8:19 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: 30BC Grand Final Spoilers For Friday March 1st 2013
Replies: 132
Views: 36801

Re: 30BC Grand Final Spoilers For Friday March 1st 2013

BTW someone should edit the part of the apterous wiki main page where you click on The Highest Score Ever. Good shout, will sort that in a moment. I updated some of the records either yesterday or earlier but someone with a better memory for stats than I may like to check it through. (Oh and Scott ...
by Chris Philpot
Sat Mar 02, 2013 8:41 am
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: Countdown for Comic Relief
Replies: 205
Views: 45988

Re: Countdown for Comic Relief

I think the idea of a stupid number of points for the conundrum would have rendered the competition part of it meaningless. Why bother? Why not allow the player with the most points to just win? I'd guess because of the need to play out the conundrum in front of a live audience. We purists would kn...
by Chris Philpot
Fri Mar 01, 2013 5:42 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: 30BC Grand Final Spoilers For Friday March 1st 2013
Replies: 132
Views: 36801

Re: 30BC Grand Final Spoilers For Friday March 1st 2013

Clive Brooker wrote:The one thing I noticed today that wasn't up to standard was Nick's
I fully expected the next word in this sentence to be "tie".
by Chris Philpot
Fri Mar 01, 2013 3:30 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: 30BC Grand Final Spoilers For Friday March 1st 2013
Replies: 132
Views: 36801

Re: 30BC Grand Final Spoilers For Friday March 1st 2013

Incredible! Commiserations Jack but so very well done Conor! I think matching Julian's record is a very fair way to end undoubtedly the greatest series in the history of Countdown.
by Chris Philpot
Mon Feb 25, 2013 10:28 pm
Forum: Games and Puzzles
Topic: A Puzzle Series
Replies: 18
Views: 6151

Re: A Puzzle Series

I happened to remember Ben Wilson's was SANTASITS, and that he was around the Series 46 mark.
by Chris Philpot
Mon Feb 25, 2013 5:00 pm
Forum: Games and Puzzles
Topic: A Puzzle Series
Replies: 18
Views: 6151

Re: A Puzzle Series

They're all series finals, Mark. :)
by Chris Philpot
Sun Feb 24, 2013 3:43 pm
Forum: Games and Puzzles
Topic: A Puzzle Series
Replies: 18
Views: 6151

Re: A Puzzle Series

Why thank you! It'll take me a while to download all that cream. One more, if I may indulge myself?

Despite an early header from [28a], a [28b] double put West Ham [32a] and inevitably they [32b] at home.
by Chris Philpot
Sun Feb 24, 2013 3:26 pm
Forum: Games and Puzzles
Topic: A Puzzle Series
Replies: 18
Views: 6151

Re: A Puzzle Series

My new hen is such a disappointment. I wish it would just [51]!
by Chris Philpot
Wed Feb 13, 2013 3:42 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: B'day Championship Spoilers For Wednesday February 13th 2013
Replies: 44
Views: 11671

Re: B'day Championship Spoilers For Wednesday February 13th

Astonishing stuff, Conor! Hard luck to Chris for coming up against a player in such staggering form. But another max game? Jeepers.
by Chris Philpot
Mon Feb 11, 2013 2:58 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: Ask Graeme?
Replies: 1740
Views: 682602

Re: Ask Graeme?

I'll echo everyone's comments to say that this thread, and Graeme's work herein, is most impressive. Inspired by the nominative similarities between Kirk Bevins and Sweyn Kirkness, what string of four consecutive characters was won the most episodes of Countdown? Do the collective "John"s ...
by Chris Philpot
Fri Feb 08, 2013 3:11 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Birthday Championship Spoilers For Friday February 8th 2013
Replies: 20
Views: 7040

Re: Birthday Championship Spoilers For Friday February 8th 2

The alphabetically-linked teasers conspiracy theory, as raised the other day, holds true! How exciting.
by Chris Philpot
Wed Feb 06, 2013 1:35 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Birthday Championship Spoilers For Tuesday February 5th 2013
Replies: 86
Views: 25513

Re: Birthday Championship Spoilers For Tuesday February 5th

So guys, there's a lot of things been said, and I want to respond to as many of them as I can, but that would mean I'd have to sit here for hours typing up my lengthy response. I'll try and keep it short(ish): [not at all short(ish) response] I'm with Heather above – you haven't answered the all im...
by Chris Philpot
Tue Feb 05, 2013 3:04 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Birthday Championship Spoilers For Tuesday February 5th 2013
Replies: 86
Views: 25513

Re: Birthday Championship Spoilers For Tuesday February 5th

A brief pop out from lurking just to say that Jack's sweater is fantastic. May I ask where it's from?
by Chris Philpot
Wed Jan 25, 2012 6:52 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: Countdown in the news
Replies: 217
Views: 63260

Re: Countdown in the news

Jon Corby wrote:How many quids did they place?
Not entirely certain, but I think it was somewhere in the region of £10–20. Certainly a nice little earner, either way.
by Chris Philpot
Wed Jan 25, 2012 3:02 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: Countdown in the news
Replies: 217
Views: 63260

Re: Countdown in the news

Keep meaning to congratulate you on your success, Kirk. The only person I know who did better from Kist's victory had heard of his Dutch dominance and placed a few quid on him to win - at 66/1.
by Chris Philpot
Sat Jun 04, 2011 9:21 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: Who Do You Want In The COC?
Replies: 24
Views: 4373

Re: Who Do You Want In The COC?

I have little doubt it's already been mooted, but I think a strong compromise would be a long-form CoC over non-consecutive days. There might be, say, 'regular' games from Monday through to Thursday, and then a 15-game CoC competed on Fridays over the course of 15 weeks. Whilst I can foresee issues ...
by Chris Philpot
Mon Aug 02, 2010 9:23 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: Australian Countdown!
Replies: 60
Views: 14020

Re: Australian Countdown!

Have Elaine and Mel Giedroyc ever been seen in the same room at the same time?
by Chris Philpot
Wed Jul 14, 2010 9:30 pm
Forum: Countdown - Historical recaps
Topic: Wanted: Awesome Dudes
Replies: 144
Views: 14562

Re: Wanted: Awesome Dudes

I would be willing to recap a handful from Series 47. In the meantime, can someone please confirm whether or not SIMURGS was in the NODE, and if so what it means? I can answer half of that for you: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simurgh Yes it is in :) Brillo, thanks - the last of my series 48 recaps...
by Chris Philpot
Wed Jul 14, 2010 9:26 pm
Forum: Countdown - Historical recaps
Topic: Monday 18th November 2002 (Series 48, Prelim 86)
Replies: 0
Views: 997

Monday 18th November 2002 (Series 48, Prelim 86)

Countdown Recap - Monday 18th November 2002 (Series 48, Prelim 86) Champion (C1): Campbell Laurie (1 win, 97 points) from Scotland Challenger (C2): Ian Courcoux from Nether Wallop in Hampshire DC: Susie Dent and, making his debut, former goalkeeper Bob 'The Cat' Bevan CV: Carol Vorderman OT: Other ...
by Chris Philpot
Wed Jul 14, 2010 4:26 pm
Forum: apterous.org
Topic: You know you're playing too much apterous when...
Replies: 114
Views: 55836

Re: You know you're playing too much apterous when...

...you spot 12 fridge magnets on a friend's freezer and immediately rearrange them as if it's a Hyper letters round.

(AEHIILOPRRSVY, if anyone fancies a go. I think I maxed it with a 9 but I'd be pleased to hear otherwise.)
by Chris Philpot
Wed Jul 14, 2010 3:09 pm
Forum: Countdown - Historical recaps
Topic: Wanted: Awesome Dudes
Replies: 144
Views: 14562

Re: Wanted: Awesome Dudes

I would be willing to recap a handful from Series 47. In the meantime, can someone please confirm whether or not SIMURGS was in the NODE, and if so what it means?
by Chris Philpot
Tue Jul 13, 2010 5:42 pm
Forum: Countdown - Historical recaps
Topic: Thursday 14th November 2002 (Series 48, Prelim 84)
Replies: 2
Views: 1543

Re: Thursday 14th November 2002 (Series 48, Prelim 84)

*nods* It was the O and the first T to be precise, leaving C N INENT as the answer.
by Chris Philpot
Tue Jul 13, 2010 5:38 pm
Forum: Countdown - Historical recaps
Topic: Friday 15 November 2002 (Series 48, Prelim 85)
Replies: 1
Views: 967

Friday 15 November 2002 (Series 48, Prelim 85)

Countdown Recap - Friday 15 November 2002 (Series 48, Prelim 85) Champion (C1): Mary Sexton (2 wins, 161 points) from London Challenger (C2): Campbell Laurie from Scotland DC: Susie Dent and the wizard that is Geoffrey Durham CV: Carol Vorderman OT: Other words, solutions and tripe Test yourself wi...
by Chris Philpot
Tue Jul 13, 2010 4:21 pm
Forum: Countdown - Historical recaps
Topic: Wanted: Awesome Dudes
Replies: 144
Views: 14562

Re: Wanted: Awesome Dudes

That's good enough for me - thank you very much. :)
by Chris Philpot
Tue Jul 13, 2010 4:14 pm
Forum: Countdown - Historical recaps
Topic: Thursday 14th November 2002 (Series 48, Prelim 84)
Replies: 2
Views: 1543

Thursday 14th November 2002 (Series 48, Prelim 84)

Countdown Recap - Thursday 14th November 2002 Champion (C1): Champion Mary Sexton (1 win, 89 points) from London Challenger (C2): Ronald Goodman from Wakefield DC: The bewitching Susie Dent and the magical Geoffrey Durham CV: Carol Vorderman OT: Other words, solutions and suchlike R01: N E I U L R ...
by Chris Philpot
Tue Jul 13, 2010 9:25 am
Forum: Countdown - Historical recaps
Topic: Wanted: Awesome Dudes
Replies: 144
Views: 14562

Re: Wanted: Awesome Dudes

Quite probably, Ryan! Apologies for miscopying it.
by Chris Philpot
Mon Jul 12, 2010 9:17 pm
Forum: Countdown - Historical recaps
Topic: Wanted: Awesome Dudes
Replies: 144
Views: 14562

Re: Wanted: Awesome Dudes

Peter Mabey wrote:I've a NODE (reprinted 2001 with corrections) too, and am willing to help if required.
Would you be able to confirm whether or not CAPEJUT was available in the NODE? (And, if it is, what on earth does it mean?! ;)) Many thanks!
by Chris Philpot
Sun Jul 11, 2010 12:23 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: What's your skin colour?
Replies: 37
Views: 8006

Re: What's your skin colour?

I much prefer Prosilver, though it's a shame that the photo of Jeff and Rachel at the top of the page has been replaced recently by a default phpBB graphic.
by Chris Philpot
Sun Jul 11, 2010 11:59 am
Forum: Countdown - Historical recaps
Topic: Wednesday 13 November 2002 (Series 48, Prelim 83)
Replies: 0
Views: 894

Wednesday 13 November 2002 (Series 48, Prelim 83)

Countdown Recap - Wednesday 13 November 2002 (Series 48, Prelim 83) Following the end of Reverend George Greenhough's octochamp run, we have two new challengers today. Challenger (C1): Mary Sexton from London, who solved yesterday's conundrum [MENZAMATE]. Challenger (C2): Norman Goodale from Lincol...
by Chris Philpot
Sun Jul 11, 2010 10:26 am
Forum: Countdown - Historical recaps
Topic: Wanted: Awesome Dudes
Replies: 144
Views: 14562

Re: Wanted: Awesome Dudes

I've posted my first recap, Shiela Furse 70 - 68 Lucy Guile . Hopefully there'll be at least one more done today, as well. Edit: Another one bites the dust - Mary Sexton 89 - 63 Norman Goodale . Here's number three: Mary Sexton 72 - 67 Ronald Goodman . Four down, one to go: Mary Sexton 91 - 97 Campb...