Search found 3100 matches

by Rhys Benjamin
Fri Mar 01, 2024 11:21 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: Ask Graeme?
Replies: 1740
Views: 682599

Re: Ask Graeme?

As a general rule that seems sensible, but we don't always know that and people change names between appearances too. Do we know whether Jeff ever appeared as Jeffrey? Can't think why the wiki redirect would have been added otherwise! What do we do with people who do change their name - do only the...
by Rhys Benjamin
Mon Feb 26, 2024 10:00 pm
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: Co-Event Suggestion Box
Replies: 137
Views: 12569

Re: Co-Event Suggestion Box

True neutral: Leave the selection column blank. Nobody actually needs it. *cries in recap* Also, with reverse declarations I said after CoLon 2022 that I do 1-2-2-1 as a method: C1: 7. C2: 7. Me: Your word, C2? C2: BANANAS. C1: I also have BANANAS. This just doubly ensures there's no copying going ...
by Rhys Benjamin
Sun Feb 18, 2024 4:04 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: Ask Graeme?
Replies: 1740
Views: 682599

Re: Ask Graeme?

Jeffrey Burgin 8 wins, 1 loss Jeffrey Clayton 11 wins, 2 losses Jeffrey Hansford 10 wins 1 loss 29 wins, 4 losses 29/33 = 87.9% (I am going by Jeffreys on the wiki - Jeffrey Clayton redirects to Jeff Clayton - adjudication required!) (Edit - inability to correctly evaluate 29+4 ) I think it has to ...
by Rhys Benjamin
Tue Feb 13, 2024 9:12 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Politics in General
Replies: 1592
Views: 1635627

Re: Politics in General

"I wasn't a vile antisemite, I just fell for an online hoax."

Well that's all right then, Mr Ali... :roll:
by Rhys Benjamin
Fri Feb 02, 2024 8:54 pm
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: Co-Event Suggestion Box
Replies: 137
Views: 12569

Re: Co-Event Suggestion Box

By the way, a few people at COLIN were emphasing the importance of shuffling the letters well and using e.g. four As coming out in a row as evidence of poor shuffling. However, unless it's a new pack with letters clumped together, it shouldn't really make any difference. Shuffling is good practice ...
by Rhys Benjamin
Sat Jan 27, 2024 1:32 am
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: Co-event dictionary
Replies: 34
Views: 3680

Re: Co-event dictionary

Apologies in advance for splitting this up. It appears as though Charlie no longer has the time/motivation to provide Apterous updates with the frequency that people desire. Obviously was never, ever a problem with a paper dictionary (something something why don’t OUP do an ODE4 and/or COD13) but in...
by Rhys Benjamin
Sat Jan 20, 2024 4:14 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Spoilers for Thursday 18th January 2024 (Series 89, Heat 13)
Replies: 2
Views: 713

Re: Spoilers for Thursday 18th January 2024 (Series 89, Heat 13)

Colin said Alison had been on before. Anyone got any ideas when?
by Rhys Benjamin
Tue Jan 16, 2024 12:23 am
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: Ask Graeme?
Replies: 1740
Views: 682599

Re: Ask Graeme?

Obviously we know about Maus's record for the shortest time to solve all 8 conundrums, but what is the record for 7/7, 6/6, 5/5, etc.? (And I suppose, 9/9, 10/10, etc., if it has been done)

I've noticed Matthew Jenkins managed to solve 4/4 in 8.25, which must be up there?
by Rhys Benjamin
Sat Jan 13, 2024 11:30 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: Worst word ever
Replies: 9
Views: 1375

Re: Worst word ever

Mwahahaha.

The number of "ha"s is so arbitrary, it makes zero sense.
by Rhys Benjamin
Fri Jan 12, 2024 2:11 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Politics in General
Replies: 1592
Views: 1635627

Re: Politics in General

As well as being America's lapdog in joining in with the attacks on the Houthis , Rishi Sunak has spoken out against South Africa's case against Israel . A spokesperson for UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said Mr Sunak believed South Africa's case was "completely unjustified and wrong." &qu...
by Rhys Benjamin
Thu Jan 11, 2024 1:34 am
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: What’s the best three-word phrase formed from the conundrum answers on consecutive days?
Replies: 13
Views: 1395

Re: What’s the best three-word phrase formed from the conundrum answers on consecutive days?

I love how this has become "these were from my run". So in keeping with that, from my run, "wandering polluting columnist" is a great descriptor for Owen Jones.

Although not from my run, I do like "disinfect qualified awfulness" from Series 42.
by Rhys Benjamin
Sun Jan 07, 2024 10:07 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Unpopular opinions you genuinely hold
Replies: 242
Views: 30313

Re: Unpopular opinions you genuinely hold

We would be better off as a country if we had kept Boris Johnson as PM.
by Rhys Benjamin
Thu Jan 04, 2024 12:14 am
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: Countdown Finals Seeds
Replies: 4
Views: 2059

Re: Countdown Finals Seeds

You have to remember that until 1998 points was the only criterion for seedings and series were three months long, not six. This often meant a 7-time winner would outscore an octochamp and get a higher seeding, and also the threshold for entering finals was lower.
by Rhys Benjamin
Sun Dec 31, 2023 12:41 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: Improvements to the wiki and Countdown Database
Replies: 1
Views: 600

Re: Improvements to the wiki and Countdown Database

Also, while I'm writing this, I've got a lot of queries about word validity on the wiki, but I don't have any of the correct dictionaries. […] I've also got some queries about whether the words below are valid or not as well: (snip) The short answer is that when the recaps are created (between 2003...
by Rhys Benjamin
Fri Dec 29, 2023 12:08 am
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Spoilers for Friday 22nd December 2023 (Series 88 Grand Final)
Replies: 18
Views: 3286

Re: Spoilers for Friday 22nd December 2023 (Series 88 Grand Final)

Great conundrum, well done Damian. That's very kind - thank you. Glad you enjoyed it - and to everyone, thank you again for your support for the show. Roll on 2024. It's already looking pretty good - and not a badge in sight... You're very welcome! Essentially, this post from Graeme should be hung ...
by Rhys Benjamin
Fri Dec 29, 2023 12:06 am
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Politics in General
Replies: 1592
Views: 1635627

Re: Politics in General

Okay I very much wanna be educated a bit here especially in a space here FOR anything political. As someone that knows nothing about Judaism other than having friends that are in that religion and a small grasp on what Chanukah is (or however you prefer spelling it) along with a few other Jewish ho...
by Rhys Benjamin
Thu Dec 28, 2023 11:59 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Politics in General
Replies: 1592
Views: 1635627

Re: Politics in General

I don't know why Carol Vorderman became a full-time Twitter troll this year but her victimisation of Johnny Mercer and his wife has been appalling. The threats Johnny and his wife have received on the back of her abuse, and no action taken against Vorderman, is ridiculous.
by Rhys Benjamin
Thu Dec 07, 2023 11:03 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: What's the minimum time you have to be resident in the British Isles in order to qualify for Countdown?
Replies: 52
Views: 6477

Re: What's the minimum time you have to be resident in the British Isles in order to qualify for Countdown?

In my job I have become sadly familiar with immigration rules. It is my understanding you will need a BRP and ILR to immigrate to the UK in that way. Obviously I don't know your personal circumstances so I would not be able to comment on the likelihood of success or failure of applications. However,...
by Rhys Benjamin
Thu Dec 07, 2023 10:50 pm
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: Co-Event Suggestion Box
Replies: 137
Views: 12569

Re: Co-Event Suggestion Box

Should be noted that on number ordering, it's only since Rachel took over that the large numbers have always been on the left. Carol always did it in reverse order of how the contestant said it (which I personally prefer) so there are several examples of large numbers NOT being in the middle. Off t...
by Rhys Benjamin
Tue Dec 05, 2023 9:53 pm
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: Co-Event Suggestion Box
Replies: 137
Views: 12569

Re: Co-Event Suggestion Box

Should be noted that on number ordering, it's only since Rachel took over that the large numbers have always been on the left. Carol always did it in reverse order of how the contestant said it (which I personally prefer) so there are several examples of large numbers NOT being in the middle. Off th...
by Rhys Benjamin
Tue Dec 05, 2023 5:11 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Politics in General
Replies: 1592
Views: 1635627

Re: Politics in General

Fiona T wrote: Tue Dec 05, 2023 8:19 am
Marc Meakin wrote: Tue Dec 05, 2023 7:33 am I find it hilarious that Gevs mate Owen Jones being so outspoken as a gay man who would be thrown off the nearest roof in Gaza just for being gay.
citation needed
Well, given Hamas have no tall buildings left…
by Rhys Benjamin
Mon Dec 04, 2023 8:35 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Politics in General
Replies: 1592
Views: 1635627

Re: Politics in General

First of all, Hamas likely exists in the form it does because of the oppression by Israel on the Palestinians for decades. It breeds terrorism. Also far more Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces over the decades than vice versa. Does it make such a difference that Hamas killed a lot of I...
by Rhys Benjamin
Tue Nov 28, 2023 2:13 pm
Forum: Other game shows
Topic: Deal or No Deal with Stephen Mulhern
Replies: 5
Views: 2481

Re: Deal or No Deal with Stephen Mulhern

The addition of an extra offer at 3-box is good. The reduced prizes, not so good. Most of the time people didn't win 5 figures anyway.
by Rhys Benjamin
Mon Oct 30, 2023 11:04 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: U.S. Countdown Pilot Chat
Replies: 5
Views: 1968

Re: U.S. Countdown Pilot Chat

It's a bit "generic ITV 80s gameshow" in the same mould as Take Your Pick, Play Your Cards Right, et al. The final round for the money is hugely on the clichéd side. But yeah, not terrible.
by Rhys Benjamin
Sat Oct 14, 2023 8:54 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: You Are The Ref
Replies: 345
Views: 146838

Re: You Are The Ref

As per David, really. Bizarre tactics from C1, but really it's C2's fault for not playing the safe 8, which is the best choice in this circumstance.
by Rhys Benjamin
Sat Oct 14, 2023 8:41 pm
Forum: Countdown - Historical recaps
Topic: Thursday 27 October 1983 (Series 3, Prelim 24)
Replies: 6
Views: 4681

Re: Thursday 27 October 1983 (Series 3, Prelim 24)

That'll teach me for being such a cynic! Apologies!
by Rhys Benjamin
Mon Sep 18, 2023 4:15 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Trial by media (Russell Brand etc.)
Replies: 19
Views: 2077

Re: Trial by media (Russell Brand etc.)

Andrew Neil has got it spot on. Lot of nonsense spouted about “trial by media” re Russell Brand. The media has no power to try and/or convict. Rightly. But it has a responsibility to research, reveal and expose wrongdoing. Which it has in the Brand investigation by @Channel4 @thetimes — responsibly ...
by Rhys Benjamin
Wed Aug 23, 2023 5:41 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Politics in General
Replies: 1592
Views: 1635627

Re: Politics in General

If you commit a crime, you get arrested.

Unless it’s illegal immigration, in which case you are waited on hand and foot by taxpayers’ money.

Lock them up. Stop the boats.
by Rhys Benjamin
Sat Aug 19, 2023 9:58 am
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Spoilers for Tuesday 15th August 2023 (Series 88, Heat 33)
Replies: 27
Views: 3265

Re: Spoilers for Tuesday 15th August 2023 (Series 88, Heat 33)

Ronan M Higginson wrote: Wed Aug 16, 2023 11:50 am
samir pilica wrote: Wed Aug 16, 2023 11:14 am Wonder what his motivation for going on the show was ? No doubt a successful, intelligent man in real life, bothered to fill in the form, auditioned, travelled to Salford and then...
Got himself a free hotel...
There's other ways to get a free hotel in this country. #satire
by Rhys Benjamin
Mon Jun 26, 2023 8:20 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Politics in General
Replies: 1592
Views: 1635627

Re: Politics in General

Gavin Chipper wrote: Mon Jun 19, 2023 7:00 pm
Rhys Benjamin wrote: Sun Jun 18, 2023 8:09 pm I wasn't talking about Boris's riposte here, and nor was the committee.
What were you talking about?
They (and I) were referring to the MPs who had criticised the committee throughout.
by Rhys Benjamin
Sun Jun 18, 2023 8:09 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Politics in General
Replies: 1592
Views: 1635627

Re: Politics in General

This suggests that criticism of how the Committee has operated is to be censured, and I think that is fundamentally wrong. A Select Committee cannot be prosecutor, judge, and jury with a blank cheque as they currently are. MPs who have expressed concerns about the committee throughout the process -...
by Rhys Benjamin
Thu Jun 15, 2023 9:10 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Politics in General
Replies: 1592
Views: 1635627

Re: Politics in General

And here we all are at last. The 30,000-word diatribe which will make for a shredder's field day in Westminster next week has finally been published. If nothing else it will make for a lovely supply of toilet paper for some others. I will try to keep this brief. The intention of my piece is not to c...
by Rhys Benjamin
Wed May 31, 2023 10:15 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Politics in General
Replies: 1592
Views: 1635627

Re: Politics in General

Well, no, it’s more like this (admittedly unfunny) sketch. https://youtu.be/AcNLHfaHb1M

If you underpay for your goods and the shopkeeper goes “fine” that’s not on you, surely?
by Rhys Benjamin
Tue May 30, 2023 6:45 am
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Politics in General
Replies: 1592
Views: 1635627

Re: Politics in General

Do you remember the expenses scandal? Six MPs and peers were given prison sentences . If you do remember, it seems you are in the minority. Four MPs have claimed their driving fines on expenses and just been asked to pay the money back . Where's the outcry? Where's the call for them to at least res...
by Rhys Benjamin
Mon May 29, 2023 7:03 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Politics in General
Replies: 1592
Views: 1635627

Re: Politics in General

Do you remember the expenses scandal? Six MPs and peers were given prison sentences . If you do remember, it seems you are in the minority. Four MPs have claimed their driving fines on expenses and just been asked to pay the money back . Where's the outcry? Where's the call for them to at least res...
by Rhys Benjamin
Thu May 25, 2023 9:58 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Politics in General
Replies: 1592
Views: 1635627

Re: Politics in General

Mark James wrote: Thu May 25, 2023 3:04 pmHere's the BBC being "left on social issues".
You must have missed this then. https://order-order.com/2023/05/19/bbc- ... -coverage/
by Rhys Benjamin
Sun May 14, 2023 8:20 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Eurovision 2023
Replies: 49
Views: 4668

Re: Eurovision 2023

Thoroughly recommend the Eurovision mosh pit. I Wrote A Song was an experience.
by Rhys Benjamin
Sat May 13, 2023 8:47 am
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Eurovision 2023
Replies: 49
Views: 4668

Re: Eurovision 2023

Not sure what the bookies know that we don’t but the UK has been absolutely tanking in the last week or so. They’re now favourite to be last (surely that’ll be Spain?).

In fairness Mae’s rehearsals have been pretty rubbish, although I’m told she was better last night.
by Rhys Benjamin
Tue May 09, 2023 9:10 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Eurovision 2023
Replies: 49
Views: 4668

Re: Eurovision 2023

9/10 for me.
by Rhys Benjamin
Tue May 09, 2023 8:20 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Eurovision 2023
Replies: 49
Views: 4668

Re: Eurovision 2023

Predictions for this semi:

Norway, Malta, Serbia, Portugal, Switzerland, Israel, Moldova, Sweden, Czechia, Finland
by Rhys Benjamin
Sat May 06, 2023 2:20 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Politics in General
Replies: 1592
Views: 1635627

Re: Politics in General

Turns out the UK is a police state then . Surprise surprise. (Anti-monarchists arrested for no apparent reason.) A significant police operation is under way in central London. We have made a number of arrests in the area of Carlton House Terrace. The individuals have been held on suspicion of breac...
by Rhys Benjamin
Mon Apr 24, 2023 8:07 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: ChatGPT
Replies: 37
Views: 3462

Re: ChatGPT

Thought I'd have my own bash at this. After asking it about the Cones Hotline (which was a mistake) I asked it for who the best Countdown contestant is. Who is the most successful Countdown contestant of all time? The most successful Countdown contestant of all time is currently believed to be a man...
by Rhys Benjamin
Wed Apr 19, 2023 1:05 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Politics in General
Replies: 1592
Views: 1635627

Re: Politics in General

The protestor at the Crucible was on GB News last month saying having children was morally wrong due to the climate.

I wish his parents had felt the same way.

Before long someone will die at one of these protests - it's a miracle it didn't happen at Silverstone.
by Rhys Benjamin
Wed Apr 12, 2023 7:23 pm
Forum: apterous.org
Topic: Words You Would Have Thought...
Replies: 479
Views: 160797

Re: Words You Would Have Thought...

How is HAPHAZARDOUS not in!?
by Rhys Benjamin
Tue Apr 11, 2023 3:58 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Politics in General
Replies: 1592
Views: 1635627

Re: Politics in General

If a Tory acted like this we'd never hear the end of it from the BBC and the left-wing media. https://youtu.be/zU1Dx5PYV9Y
by Rhys Benjamin
Sat Apr 08, 2023 11:07 am
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: Countdown Memorabilia
Replies: 31
Views: 3309

Re: Countdown Memorabilia

What we don't know is that's what Sky's show "Succession" is all about: who will succeed Eadie to become the next series producer of Countdown?
by Rhys Benjamin
Wed Apr 05, 2023 7:27 am
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Politics in General
Replies: 1592
Views: 1635627

Re: Politics in General

The 5 around me - three Conservatives all include the party and one of two Labour.

There’s not some big conspiracy going on from Tory MPs. It’s desperate stuff from Carol.
by Rhys Benjamin
Tue Apr 04, 2023 1:32 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Politics in General
Replies: 1592
Views: 1635627

Re: Politics in General

That’s a template that’s been available for years. Theresa May certainly doesn’t need to masquerade as a Green.

Also a majority of MPs don’t put their party in their bios (from all parties). Nor do Brown or Blair.
by Rhys Benjamin
Tue Apr 04, 2023 10:16 am
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Politics in General
Replies: 1592
Views: 1635627

Re: Politics in General

She’d always been a floating voter but it’s disappointing to see Carol Vorderman lurch to far-left conspiracies on her Twitter feed.

https://twitter.com/lukerobertblack/sta ... 89922?s=20
by Rhys Benjamin
Fri Mar 31, 2023 1:53 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Spoilers for Friday 31 March (Series 87, Prelim 50)
Replies: 5
Views: 885

Spoilers for Friday 31 March (Series 87, Prelim 50)

9 x 8 x (8 + 3) - 6 was staring in the face there and everyone missed it?
by Rhys Benjamin
Fri Mar 31, 2023 1:52 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Spoilers for Thursday 30 March 2023 (Series 87, Heat 49)
Replies: 6
Views: 815

Re: Spoilers for Thursday 30 March 2023 (Series 87, Heat 49)

Well isn’t it all CGI these days anyway?
by Rhys Benjamin
Thu Mar 30, 2023 7:40 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: E Scooters
Replies: 9
Views: 1114

Re: E Scooters

It's just badly-written laws and legislation, really. They're classified as motorbikes but obviously don't fulfil any motorbike safety criteria. You can *own* one but you can't ride it publicly at the moment, either on road or pavement.
by Rhys Benjamin
Mon Mar 27, 2023 12:06 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Eurovision 2023
Replies: 49
Views: 4668

Re: Eurovision 2023

Not a prediction, merely my own preferences of the songs.
by Rhys Benjamin
Wed Mar 22, 2023 1:14 am
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Politics in General
Replies: 1592
Views: 1635627

Re: Politics in General

I've written a long thing here which sums up my thoughts in detail.
by Rhys Benjamin
Tue Mar 21, 2023 9:14 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Politics in General
Replies: 1592
Views: 1635627

Re: Politics in General

I'm not reading 52 pages of lies. How do you know it's lies if you haven't read it? The chances are that Boris Johnson, as he was the Prime Minister, knew what the laws were (people talk about them as "rules" like they're some lesser thing, but they were the law), and his claim that he di...
by Rhys Benjamin
Tue Mar 21, 2023 8:23 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Politics in General
Replies: 1592
Views: 1635627

Re: Politics in General

If you have, like me, insisted on reading the Gray Report and now Johnson's submission to the Privileges Committee in full, there's a huge conspiracy that went on whilst the media are too busy focusing on the political soap opera. The Gray report made it clear Boris Johnson was assured repeatedly th...
by Rhys Benjamin
Mon Mar 20, 2023 6:27 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Eurovision 2023
Replies: 49
Views: 4668

Re: Eurovision 2023

I ranked all the songs. Go watch. https://youtu.be/X-C809dj8TE
by Rhys Benjamin
Sun Mar 19, 2023 4:05 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Politics in General
Replies: 1592
Views: 1635627

Re: Politics in General

They’ve been working on this since lockdown 1. Not a surprise.

On the other hand I bloody hope the test alert makes it clear it’s a test.