Search found 128 matches

by Dan Byrom
Thu Dec 21, 2023 10:06 am
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: Co:Liv II - Saturday 24 February 2024
Replies: 31
Views: 14349

Re: Co:Liv II - Saturday 24 February 2024

Any recommendations for super-cheap accommodation on the Saturday night and/or anyone want to share a room?
by Dan Byrom
Sat Dec 09, 2023 5:50 am
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: 6475

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

I think Adam G's comment was fair. But I appreciate people understanding where I was coming from. My comment was directed more towards the stereotype of people who leave university, get a comfortable job and blindly follow a standard career path without stepping back and thinking about the potential...
by Dan Byrom
Thu Dec 07, 2023 4:18 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: 6475

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

Exactly. What I'm asking is, does it really have to come to that or not? If I know the minimum buffer time, I'd be able to determine. If quitting were what I'd need to do then forget it. I'd be a pretty trash human being if I did that. Why would quitting your job to do something you're passionate a...
by Dan Byrom
Fri Dec 01, 2023 8:15 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Unpopular opinions you genuinely hold
Replies: 242
Views: 30311

Re: Unpopular opinions you genuinely hold

Picnic is the best chocolate bar
by Dan Byrom
Tue Nov 28, 2023 9:44 pm
Forum: apterous.org
Topic: Words You Would Have Thought...
Replies: 479
Views: 160718

Re: Words You Would Have Thought...

Andres Sanchez wrote: Sun Nov 26, 2023 2:12 am Is it me or has there been a QUOINER at one point?
There's QUOITER, QUOILER and QUOINED.

Checking lexplorer, many of the game's best players have gone for it but it's never been in!
by Dan Byrom
Tue Nov 28, 2023 2:55 pm
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: FOCAL Finals and MK Open - 25th November 2023
Replies: 48
Views: 16622

Re: FOCAL Finals and MK Open - 25th November 2023

George was fantastic the whole day and I think everybody (except myself!) in the room were saddened to see him come so agonisingly close. Hope to see you get your first event win under your belt soon! Agreed! And to all of the other players in the top 8, it was a pleasure playing against all of you...
by Dan Byrom
Tue Nov 28, 2023 11:27 am
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: Co-Event Suggestion Box
Replies: 137
Views: 12566

Re: Co-Event Suggestion Box

2) Prizes at Events: The variation in prizes between events is fine, and I have no suggestions for improvements. Hosts are doing a great job with prizes. While trophies are a nice reward for winning an event, I understand that sourcing them adds extra time and financial burdens for hosts, so their ...
by Dan Byrom
Mon Nov 20, 2023 6:08 pm
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: FOCAL Finals and MK Open - 25th November 2023
Replies: 48
Views: 16622

Re: FOCAL Finals and MK Open - 25th November 2023

Count me in for food please! Unfortunately the venue have set a capacity which we've met (actually we went over and have had to reject a couple). However Beachy has made alternate meal plans so worth messaging him. Ofc anyone else is welcome to join us for the karaoke (up until 10pm) Ok no worries ...
by Dan Byrom
Mon Nov 20, 2023 10:43 am
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: FOCAL Finals and MK Open - 25th November 2023
Replies: 48
Views: 16622

Re: FOCAL Finals and MK Open - 25th November 2023

Fiona T wrote: Sun Nov 19, 2023 11:23 pm
Dan Byrom wrote: Sun Nov 19, 2023 10:24 pm Count me in for food please!

I'll be coming in on the day - will any parkrunners be staying nearby and wouldn't mind me using their shower ...?
Nominate Todd. But failing that you're welcome to use mine.
<3
by Dan Byrom
Sun Nov 19, 2023 10:24 pm
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: FOCAL Finals and MK Open - 25th November 2023
Replies: 48
Views: 16622

Re: FOCAL Finals and MK Open - 25th November 2023

Count me in for food please!

I'll be coming in on the day - will any parkrunners be staying nearby and wouldn't mind me using their shower ...?
by Dan Byrom
Thu Aug 24, 2023 6:30 pm
Forum: Other game shows
Topic: 1% Club series 2
Replies: 16
Views: 3063

Re: 1% Club series 2

I'd imagine they pick the contestants across a range of scores rather than the highest scoring, right?
by Dan Byrom
Thu Aug 24, 2023 4:07 pm
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: Co:Lon - 26 August 2023
Replies: 27
Views: 10452

Re: Co:Lon - 26 August 2023

I'm staying the night in Finchley. The only parkrun where I can feasibly go from accommodation --> parkrun --> accommodation for shower --> event by 11:30 is Sunny Hill parkrun. So I will be doing that one. (And declare it the official one if no-one else says anything...)
by Dan Byrom
Mon Jun 19, 2023 12:14 pm
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: Countdown In Newcastle upon Tyne (CoNuT) - Saturday 8th July 2023
Replies: 16
Views: 8986

Re: Countdown In Newcastle upon Tyne (CoNuT) - Saturday 8th July 2023

Will anyone be parkrunning and if so which one looks the best?
by Dan Byrom
Wed Jun 14, 2023 4:22 pm
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: Co:Wat?! 2023 - Countdown in Waterford (17/06/2023)
Replies: 7
Views: 4108

Re: Co:Wat?! 2023 - Countdown in Waterford (17/06/2023)

I like the idea of streaming :D

Will enjoy playing along
by Dan Byrom
Fri May 19, 2023 7:57 am
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Eurovision 2023
Replies: 49
Views: 4666

Re: Eurovision 2023

2. I've also listened back to Finland's entry and to be honest I'm even more bewildered by it's success. For anyone who liked it, is it purely just the singer, energy and entertainment value? Or did you actually enjoy the music? But I would wonder what you liked about quite a few of your top choice...
by Dan Byrom
Mon May 15, 2023 4:39 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Eurovision 2023
Replies: 49
Views: 4666

Re: Eurovision 2023

----- Not great but at least unique ----- 19. Germany It might appear unique to you, but this might as well have been track nine on an unremarkable nu-metal/industrial album of 2010, the sort of song that's churned out endlessly by unremarkable bands of the genre. If such a track is going to succee...
by Dan Byrom
Sun May 14, 2023 7:30 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Eurovision 2023
Replies: 49
Views: 4666

Re: Eurovision 2023

Time for Dan's OFFICIAL rankings :D - My overall verdict of this year is that is that, although there were fewer outstanding songs, there were more decent songs and fewer pieces of trash, so I'd say a good year in general. I can at least understand the Swedish victory, even if I wouldn't have gone f...
by Dan Byrom
Sun May 14, 2023 7:14 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Eurovision 2023
Replies: 49
Views: 4666

Re: Eurovision 2023

I think using juries at all seems a bit antiquated. The public's vote might as well be random. The jury means there's a chance that musicianship can still be a factor in the outcome. (E.g. look at the amount of votes given to Croatia and Finland compared with e.g. Estonia, Austria, Australia). Alth...
by Dan Byrom
Sat May 13, 2023 5:16 am
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Eurovision 2023
Replies: 49
Views: 4666

Re: Eurovision 2023

I've listened to the UK entry but otherwise will always wait until the night and have a lot of fun building my own rankings.
by Dan Byrom
Thu May 04, 2023 2:07 pm
Forum: Games and Puzzles
Topic: Nobody in the world could beat you at X Y and Z
Replies: 35
Views: 4043

Re: Nobody in the world could beat you at X Y and Z

1. Countdown
2. 5-a-side
3. Piano improvisation
by Dan Byrom
Sun Apr 30, 2023 10:43 am
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: Co:Brighton - 13 May 2023
Replies: 22
Views: 9236

Re: Co:Brighton - 13 May 2023

If anyone happens to be driving down from somewhere in the Midlands then I'd be very appreciative of a lift (and would pay for petrol!)
by Dan Byrom
Sat Apr 08, 2023 8:10 am
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: Goat:Leeds 2023, Saturday 15th April 2023
Replies: 18
Views: 10033

Re: Goat:Leeds 2023, Saturday 15th April 2023

I'm in for food
by Dan Byrom
Tue Apr 04, 2023 3:46 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Finals Brackets
Replies: 2
Views: 526

Re: Finals Brackets

I think it entirely depends on the level of competitiveness. If it's something casual amongst friends, then random is more fun. But if people care about the result, then I think seeding is the best to try and reduce the influence of randomness in the results. Co:events work beautifully with a bit of...
by Dan Byrom
Sat Mar 18, 2023 8:21 am
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Spoilers for Friday 17th March 2023 (Series 87, Heat 40)
Replies: 8
Views: 1074

Re: Spoilers for Friday 17th March 2023 (Series 87, Heat 40)

Ebonite -> Betonies
and
Niobite -> Bonities

are an interesting and useful pair to remember
by Dan Byrom
Sat Mar 11, 2023 7:17 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Politics in General
Replies: 1592
Views: 1635382

Re: Politics in General

Graeme - you've done an amazing job of outlining a clear, well-constructed and evidence-based counter to Rhys' comments, but I fear it was a waste of time. I doubt it will be effective at changing his mind, as reason and logic tend to fail against such people - and I imagine the rest of us on this f...
by Dan Byrom
Thu Mar 09, 2023 6:26 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Eurovision 2023
Replies: 49
Views: 4666

Re: Eurovision 2023

Apparently this is the UK's entry: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRaVGKk4k6k I strongly dislike it. Generic and boring, not much character, feeling or musical interest. I tend to be at odds with the general public (I still haven't gotten over Italy beating France in 2021) and perhaps most people w...
by Dan Byrom
Sat Mar 04, 2023 9:58 am
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: CoRugby 2023
Replies: 31
Views: 13750

Re: CoRugby 2023

Thanks for your generosity Tim! It looks like I've managed to get things sorted, so you won't have to worry about it.
by Dan Byrom
Thu Mar 02, 2023 7:24 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: This house believes Countdown is the greatest gameshow of all time
Replies: 26
Views: 3558

Re: This house believes Countdown is the greatest gameshow of all time

Mark Deeks wrote: Thu Mar 02, 2023 5:26 pm
The 'skill' in quizzing is just knowing more stuff.
Eh, there's a fair bit more to it than that. Quizzing is the intersection of knowledge, logic and deduction.
I do appreciate this - I'm just bitter that I don't know anything except lots of obscure anagrams
by Dan Byrom
Thu Mar 02, 2023 5:10 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: This house believes Countdown is the greatest gameshow of all time
Replies: 26
Views: 3558

Re: This house believes Countdown is the greatest gameshow of all time

Any general knowledge quiz isn't in the question for me. You either know stuff or you don't, and most of the time I don't. The 'skill' in quizzing is just knowing more stuff. I'd give it to something that has elements of skill and strategy I absolutely love the 1% club. Anyone can get any question r...
by Dan Byrom
Mon Feb 27, 2023 6:50 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: How do you absorb your literature?
Replies: 8
Views: 1190

Re: How do you absorb your literature?

I think that I naturally read very fast but pause/slow down every so often to process, which is harder to replicate than just speeding up Also, 2x speed is still slower than reading and faster than that sounds unpleasant to me. Of course, this is just personal preference. Not trying to tell anyone e...
by Dan Byrom
Mon Feb 27, 2023 2:43 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: How do you absorb your literature?
Replies: 8
Views: 1190

Re: How do you absorb your literature?

I love reading. I split my time between kindle and physical. Physical is nicer but kindle allows for ease of travel which is important to me also. I've tried a few audio books but they're just not right for me: (a) significantly slower, (b) mind wanders more easily meaning I will rewind or lose thre...
by Dan Byrom
Mon Feb 27, 2023 1:20 pm
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: CO:parkrun Recaps
Replies: 579
Views: 287478

Re: CO:parkrun Recaps

Woohoo! Number 1 parkrunner of the season :)

Thanks for sorting Gevin :)
by Dan Byrom
Sun Feb 26, 2023 1:35 pm
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: CO:parkrun Recaps
Replies: 579
Views: 287478

Re: CO:parkrun Recaps

Just me, as far as I can tell!
by Dan Byrom
Sun Feb 26, 2023 1:13 pm
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: CO:parkrun Recaps
Replies: 579
Views: 287478

Re: CO:parkrun Recaps

Please can we make sure Manchester gets a parkrun recap hehe :)
by Dan Byrom
Fri Feb 24, 2023 4:34 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: ChatGPT
Replies: 37
Views: 3462

Re: ChatGPT

'the storm' made me genuinely laugh out loud. And there are loads of other hilarious bits from these
by Dan Byrom
Thu Feb 23, 2023 5:48 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: ChatGPT
Replies: 37
Views: 3462

Re: ChatGPT

That countdown one is hilarious 🤣
by Dan Byrom
Thu Feb 23, 2023 10:45 am
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: CoRugby 2023
Replies: 31
Views: 13750

Re: CoRugby 2023

It's quite frustrating living so close to Rugby but having train travel cancelled! Will anyone be driving through the Warwick/Coventry/Leamington area on their way (and way back) on the day? Happy to contribute fuel costs. I'll probably end up just skipping the parkrun but on the off-chance that any...
by Dan Byrom
Thu Feb 23, 2023 10:35 am
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: Countdown In Manchester (COMAN) - Saturday 25th February 2023
Replies: 12
Views: 8177

Re: Countdown In Manchester (COMAN) - Saturday 25th February 2023

I have a cheeky question: Is anyone parkrunning, and wouldn't mind letting me have a lift to and a very quick shower at wherever they are staying before the event starts...? I'll be able to make my own way to the parkrun venue from the fringes of Greater Manchester in the morning, but wouldn't have ...
by Dan Byrom
Tue Feb 21, 2023 9:56 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: Countdown adjudication dictionary
Replies: 103
Views: 12120

Re: Countdown adjudication dictionary

Aside from it not being free of charge, i'm yet to see what the problem is with Oxford and have nothing of any concrete value that would make me think to change to CSW. Still happy to listen, but there's not much of a voice it seems. I don't feel particularly strongly - and I'd rather not have to r...
by Dan Byrom
Tue Jan 31, 2023 9:30 am
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: You Are The Ref
Replies: 345
Views: 146828

Re: You Are The Ref

I was in this spot. I had the word and buzzed first but my opponent said the word first. The host opted to redo the conundrum. I can understand why, and was happy to go with the host's judgement in the moment and since it's just fun and friendly competition and best kept without tension I had no rea...
by Dan Byrom
Wed Jan 25, 2023 4:38 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Veganism Discussion
Replies: 117
Views: 11031

Re: Veganism Discussion

My friend was employed by a lab-based meat company last year. He told me that the big guys in the business had done a brilliant job of winning over investors and pumping in lots of money but they were actually still very far away from a finished product, inconsistently creating minimal quantities of...
by Dan Byrom
Wed Jan 25, 2023 8:05 am
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: COLIN XVIII- Countdown in Lincoln, 28-29 January 2023
Replies: 52
Views: 13087

Re: COLIN XVIII- Countdown in Lincoln, 28-29 January 2023

A lift would be amazing from either Adam or Fiona. I'm very excited for what will be my first ever parkrun! :D Going to make sure to go slow so I can improve at future events hehe I'm not staying at the Travelodge - I'm not too far away so happy to meet people there to head over, but was wondering i...
by Dan Byrom
Fri Jan 20, 2023 8:53 am
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Spoilers for Thursday 19 January 2023 - CoC XVI, SF 2
Replies: 21
Views: 2364

Re: Spoilers for Thursday 19 January 2023 - CoC XVI, SF 2

There's all this talk about Ahmed being scared of the numbers. This is BS. He's just as good at the rest of them. He simply doesn't need to take the risk of tricky numbers because he knows he has the edge on the letters. His weakness at numbers has definitely been exaggerated. Ahmed is strong at th...
by Dan Byrom
Fri Jan 20, 2023 8:39 am
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Spoilers for Thursday 19 January 2023 - CoC XVI, SF 2
Replies: 21
Views: 2364

Re: Spoilers for Thursday 19 January 2023 - CoC XVI, SF 2

It might sound crazy, but out of all my fourteen games on TV, despite losing this one, it's the one I'm most proud of, and the one where I left the studio happiest! I really was buzzing and on a big high when I left the studio! I couldn't ask for anything more. I played Countdown to the absolute pea...
by Dan Byrom
Sun Jan 15, 2023 4:19 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: The Countdown Android App is now out!
Replies: 153
Views: 28544

Re: The Countdown Android App is now out!

Perogie is invalid!

Pierogi, pirogi, perogi, perogies, pirogies are all the variations afaik

Congrats on the max!
by Dan Byrom
Fri Jan 13, 2023 10:06 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Spoilers for Friday 13th January 2023 - CoC XVI QF 2
Replies: 29
Views: 3259

Re: Spoilers for Friday 13th January 2023 - CoC XVI QF 2

R10 I think Dan made a mistake picking 5 vowels with that being Elliott's strength and there also being a Y in the selection. Funny you should say this. In preparation for the game, Adam had suggested to me to avoid 5 large because Elliott is good at it. However, in that moment, I thought it would ...
by Dan Byrom
Thu Jan 12, 2023 12:41 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: Next Champion of Champions series
Replies: 197
Views: 27549

Re: Next Champion of Champions series

Before filming, I estimated roughly:
Florence 30/70 Sam
Adam 50/50 James
Luke 20/80 Ahmed
Elliott 90/10 Me
by Dan Byrom
Wed Jan 11, 2023 5:55 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Spoilers for Wednesday 11th January 2023 - CoC XVI Prelim 8
Replies: 17
Views: 1574

Re: Spoilers for Wednesday 11th January 2023 - CoC XVI Prelim 8

Some great games so far. Tom Stevenson going out was the only shock result so far, though that's going by TV performances. Presumably on Apterous Adam is much better than he used to be anyway. Having played both a lot and being at a similar level to both, I had it extremely close to 50/50 before th...
by Dan Byrom
Wed Jan 11, 2023 10:54 am
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: Colin Murray’s future at Countdown
Replies: 34
Views: 5012

Re: Colin Murray’s future at Countdown

Damien told me himself a couple of weeks ago on apto, and was happy to let me share it. 100% confirmed to stay for two more years
by Dan Byrom
Tue Jan 10, 2023 9:54 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Spoilers for Tuesday 10 January 2023 - CoC XVI, Prelim 7
Replies: 25
Views: 2152

Re: Spoilers for Tuesday 10 January 2023 - CoC XVI, Prelim 7

Those numbers games were challenging but gettable. On top form after a good night's sleep sat at my computer without pressure, I could hit all of them. On an average day, maybe one or two. With the cameras on, time seems to pass so quickly!
by Dan Byrom
Wed Dec 28, 2022 12:08 pm
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: COLIN XVIII- Countdown in Lincoln, 28-29 January 2023
Replies: 52
Views: 13087

Re: COLIN XVIII- Countdown in Lincoln, 28-29 January 2023

Anyone willing to share a hotel room if not I will happily stay on my own. I've just booked an Airbnb with a second bed and I'm looking for someone to share with, Friday and Saturday nights. Cost me £94 for the two nights so would ideally like to be paid back £47. It's less than 15mins walk from th...
by Dan Byrom
Wed Dec 07, 2022 2:59 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Do you keep a personal diary?
Replies: 16
Views: 1201

Re: Do you keep a personal diary?

Yes. I use Day One which is just a basic diary app but the cool thing is that having used it for 2+ years it tells me what I did 'On This Day' on previous years, which is really nice to look back on.
by Dan Byrom
Tue Dec 06, 2022 10:49 am
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: Is Colin Murray making Countdown too competitive?
Replies: 42
Views: 4662

Re: Is Colin Murray making Countdown too competitive?

It's my favourite thing about him, and the main reason why I love him as a presenter.

He's so engaged and invested in what's going on
by Dan Byrom
Fri Dec 02, 2022 4:59 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Religion
Replies: 548
Views: 140470

Re: Religion

Don't worry about me Fiona. I'm not currently close to that point. Heh - your bumping of this post prompts me to just add that I no longer consider myself a Christian and haven't for about a year and a half or so now. My environment played a big part - finishing uni, where the church community was ...
by Dan Byrom
Wed Nov 23, 2022 4:57 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: The Countdown Android App is now out!
Replies: 153
Views: 28544

Re: The Countdown Android App is now out!

What did he say? When CoC was being filmed, he told me he was playing with the official one. I told him to get Jack's. I don't know if that prompted him to get it or if he even remembers the conversation as I'm sure he has loads on his mind, but tbh I think it's just really cool that he enjoys playi...
by Dan Byrom
Wed Sep 14, 2022 5:37 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: Next Champion of Champions series
Replies: 197
Views: 27549

Re: Next Champion of Champions series

L'oisleatch McGraw wrote: Wed Sep 14, 2022 4:14 pm I don't think anyone here is naïve enough to believe any trolling comments that the draw is already made, and that the participants know but are keeping it 'secret'. I expect it will be published in due course, like last time.
I certainly wouldn't be so naive hehehe *taps nose*
by Dan Byrom
Fri Sep 09, 2022 9:02 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Spoilers for Friday 9 September 2022 (Series 86, Heat 60)
Replies: 12
Views: 1014

Re: Spoilers for Friday 9 September 2022 (Series 86, Heat 60)

Sam Cappleman-Lynes wrote: Fri Sep 09, 2022 7:50 pm
Dan Byrom wrote: Fri Sep 09, 2022 6:44 pm All 4 is very resistant to adblock :(
Get uBlock Origin, it will change your life.
Ooh ok thank you
by Dan Byrom
Fri Sep 09, 2022 6:44 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Spoilers for Friday 9 September 2022 (Series 86, Heat 60)
Replies: 12
Views: 1014

Re: Spoilers for Friday 9 September 2022 (Series 86, Heat 60)

Gavin Chipper wrote: Fri Sep 09, 2022 5:56 pm Nice to have no adverts today. There was always the worry that the Queen's death would ruin television but it made Countdown better!
Adverts are the main reason I barely watch countdown except when people I know are on. I should have watched today! All 4 is very resistant to adblock :(
by Dan Byrom
Fri Sep 02, 2022 1:23 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: The Countdown Android App is now out!
Replies: 153
Views: 28544

Re: The Countdown Android App is now out!

I notice there are now 100 max games on the leaderboards. Good stuff everyone!