Search found 1471 matches

by Fiona T
Sun Dec 24, 2023 5:46 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Unpopular opinions you genuinely hold
Replies: 277
Views: 32631

Re: Unpopular opinions you genuinely hold

Mark Deeks wrote: Sun Dec 24, 2023 5:11 pm Women, generally, are worse drivers.
Yeah that must be why they have cheaper insurance...
by Fiona T
Sun Dec 24, 2023 8:53 am
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: Co-event lunch arrangements
Replies: 20
Views: 3319

Re: Co-event lunch arrangements

Marc Meakin wrote: Sun Dec 24, 2023 6:53 am Do you think if there were prize pots it would be more popular?
No No no. And No.
by Fiona T
Sat Dec 23, 2023 3:25 pm
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: Co-event dictionary
Replies: 34
Views: 3948

Re: Co-event dictionary

Back to the intended topic - I guess that consistency across co-events is definitely a very desirable thing, and given the majority of attendees do not have access to premium, the ability to check words quickly and easily at a table really does depend on the availability of a consistent checking too...
by Fiona T
Sat Dec 23, 2023 2:47 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Politics in General
Replies: 1641
Views: 1705179

Re: Politics in General

by Fiona T
Sat Dec 23, 2023 2:43 pm
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: Co-event dictionary
Replies: 34
Views: 3948

Re: Co-event dictionary

Yep the word is in the spoilers thread - my vagueness in the opening post was deliberate! Still. Its spoiled the bit of excitement I would have had watching along and seeing a new word being allowed. Just remember, some people want no information at all about recent episodes :) Apologies Jack, I'll...
by Fiona T
Sat Dec 23, 2023 11:38 am
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: Co-event dictionary
Replies: 34
Views: 3948

Re: Co-event dictionary

JackHurst wrote: Sat Dec 23, 2023 9:28 am Also, please keep spoilers to the spoilers threads. Not everybody is able to watch episodes right away :(
Yep the word is in the spoilers thread - my vagueness in the opening post was deliberate!
by Fiona T
Fri Dec 22, 2023 4:35 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Spoilers for Friday 22nd December 2023 (Series 88 Grand Final)
Replies: 18
Views: 3314

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

Excellent final - lovely 6s solve from Viraj to go ahead keeping things exciting! Many congratulations to Harry - kept your cool and played brilliantly. Loved the jumper too :)
by Fiona T
Fri Dec 22, 2023 4:33 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Spoilers for Friday 22nd December 2023 (Series 88 Grand Final)
Replies: 18
Views: 3314

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

For Gavin -

ANTIPOLE was the word that is not currently valid in apto (on Ray's big ticket for inclusion). I don't think I was the only one who was surprised when it was declared to be valid.
by Fiona T
Fri Dec 22, 2023 3:58 pm
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: Co-event dictionary
Replies: 34
Views: 3948

Co-event dictionary

One of the contestants on today's final declared a word that isn't on apterous but is in ODP. Most events use the 'apterous dictionary' which has the plus side of being definitive and available to the majority of players. But it does mean some words that should be allowed won't be, and vice versa. M...
by Fiona T
Fri Dec 22, 2023 10:11 am
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Questions you've always wanted answered
Replies: 1615
Views: 656402

Re: Questions you've always wanted answered

Mark Deeks wrote: Thu Dec 21, 2023 11:46 pm I think he's hitting on you Fiona
He's welcome to join co:Reading parkrun!
by Fiona T
Thu Dec 21, 2023 11:01 am
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Questions you've always wanted answered
Replies: 1615
Views: 656402

Re: Questions you've always wanted answered

Tops sold for cycling have pockets.

Why don't running tops have pockets?
by Fiona T
Wed Dec 20, 2023 9:43 am
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Questions you've always wanted answered
Replies: 1615
Views: 656402

Re: Questions you've always wanted answered

What was with that "steal your hubcaps" stereotypical joke about Scousers? Why would anyone steal hubcaps? To sell 'em to people whose hubcaps have got lost/stolen. There was a kid round here who you'd see riding his pushbike round with strings of hubcaps that he'd supposedly found at the...
by Fiona T
Tue Dec 19, 2023 2:54 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Spoilers for Monday 18th December 2023 (Series 88, Quarter Final 3)
Replies: 5
Views: 1777

Re: Spoilers for Monday 18th December 2023 (Series 88, Quarter Final 3)

Ryan Lam wrote: Mon Dec 18, 2023 4:15 pm Not sure where everyone went today on Apterous
Many of us couldn't connect yesterday. All OK for me today!
by Fiona T
Tue Dec 19, 2023 2:21 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Strange things you used to believe as a child
Replies: 32
Views: 6140

Re: Strange things you used to believe as a child

Ian Volante wrote: Tue Dec 19, 2023 2:08 pm Confirms its an utterly shite name too.
It's getting it talked about - you've heard of it now!
by Fiona T
Sun Dec 17, 2023 10:25 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Unpopular opinions you genuinely hold
Replies: 277
Views: 32631

Re: Unpopular opinions you genuinely hold

Dunno if it's unpopular, but definitely un-PC

I find Rosie Jones very hard work to listen to - she makes me turn the telly off.
by Fiona T
Sat Dec 16, 2023 11:40 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Strange things you used to believe as a child
Replies: 32
Views: 6140

Re: Strange things you used to believe as a child

Adam Gillard wrote: Sat Dec 16, 2023 7:58 pm Watching golf on the TV I'd occasionally see players sporting the brand 'Tit-leist', which I parsed similarly (second half rhyming with 'heist').
That's how it's pronounced in our house.
by Fiona T
Fri Dec 15, 2023 6:18 pm
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: December Decathlon: 9th December onwards in the App
Replies: 23
Views: 4262

Re: December Decathlon: 9th December onwards in the App

It's been good fun - thanks Jack!
by Fiona T
Wed Dec 13, 2023 9:57 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: 6806

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

I'm kinda with Dan - if you really want to do it that much, then try do it when you're young and fit. If you haven't got commitments - partner/kids/elderly parents that need you, and you can get work in the UK (did I remember rightly you're in IT? Must be opportunities via some of the consultancies?...
by Fiona T
Wed Dec 13, 2023 9:52 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: 6806

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

When I was in school I was hamstrung by my school being in a certain city. Now that I have a job I'm hamstrung by my job being in a certain city. But what hamstrings a retired person? Well immigration laws I guess! Retired people do move, but perhaps they have dual citizenship or other right to liv...
by Fiona T
Mon Dec 11, 2023 7:03 pm
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: Co-Event Suggestion Box
Replies: 181
Views: 15495

Re: Co-Event Suggestion Box

You can often get slightly striped effects when printing blocks of colour, so really does depend on what the host has available. I know when I made my cards I got through a couple of crazy expensive blue ink cartridges, so will be avoiding colour backgrounds going forward!
by Fiona T
Mon Dec 11, 2023 5:53 pm
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: Co-Event Suggestion Box
Replies: 181
Views: 15495

Re: Co-Event Suggestion Box

I think slightly bigger slips help with both manhandling and ease of use
by Fiona T
Sun Dec 10, 2023 6:04 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: 6806

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

I hate it. Yes, the sentiment is valid, but in most cases it's not really necessary and paints the person, who in most cases is a decent, nice and generally considerate as entitled and unaware of social issues. We're all privileged in some way compared to others in the world. Occasionally it does ne...
by Fiona T
Sun Dec 10, 2023 5:52 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: The Countdown Android App is now out!
Replies: 155
Views: 29600

Re: The Countdown Android App is now out!

Having managed it again this morning, it's the back to menu top left I'm pressing on autopilot, so a confirmation there would work if it's a more common issue than just me! Thanks for pointing this one out, I've fixed this. I've also fixed the 6 small issue reported by Phil and Graeme. Thanks for a...
by Fiona T
Sun Dec 10, 2023 5:51 pm
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: December Decathlon: 9th December onwards in the App
Replies: 23
Views: 4262

Re: December Decathlon: 9th December onwards in the App

Andres Sanchez wrote: Sat Dec 09, 2023 10:39 pm Will say also, there's a bit of me that feels like this event should be on the wiki. Anyone else?
Haha not really. Doubt anyone cares apart from those involved. No objection if you wanna do it tho :)
by Fiona T
Sat Dec 09, 2023 7:14 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: REALLY obvious things you've just realised
Replies: 640
Views: 284633

Re: REALLY obvious things you've just realised

The redeye as in a flight from an airline refers to the colour of the plane lights at night rather than your eyes being red because of tiredness Does it? That doesn't make sense. The tiredness one does make sense. On reflexion, yes it does mean tiredness as the flight isn't long enough for a night'...
by Fiona T
Thu Dec 07, 2023 9:52 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Unpopular opinions you genuinely hold
Replies: 277
Views: 32631

Re: Unpopular opinions you genuinely hold

Yeah I was thinking about this recently and found this BBC article

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-61111915
by Fiona T
Wed Dec 06, 2023 10:12 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Unpopular opinions you genuinely hold
Replies: 277
Views: 32631

Re: Unpopular opinions you genuinely hold

I think if anything I've become more left leaning as I've got older. But I do abhor wasted money (stereotypical Scot!) and the public sector (as well as much of the private sector) has massive inefficiencies. You wouldn't need to raise taxes if you took a holistic co-ordinated view and stopped pouri...
by Fiona T
Wed Dec 06, 2023 9:39 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Spoilers for Wednesday 6th December 2023 (Series 88, Heat 114)
Replies: 7
Views: 1916

Re: Spoilers for Wednesday 6th December 2023 (Series 88, Heat 114)

Johnny Canuck wrote: Wed Dec 06, 2023 9:21 pm
Gavin Chipper wrote: Wed Dec 06, 2023 8:48 pm It was just multiplication by 9. There was no split.
Does the (100-7) prior to the multiplication not count as a split?
My understanding is that split multiplication is something like

target 394
(100x2-3)x2

your split is making the adjustment between the two multiplication operations
by Fiona T
Wed Dec 06, 2023 8:46 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Spoilers for Wednesday 6th December 2023 (Series 88, Heat 114)
Replies: 7
Views: 1916

Re: Spoilers for Wednesday 6th December 2023 (Series 88, Heat 114)

Split multiplications by 9 are in no way a "kick yourself" situation. Agree. Yeah I think that's the sort of solution where if she was to explain the thought process it would be really useful to lots of viewers. Most of us mere mortals couldn't instantly tell you it was 93x9 but if you st...
by Fiona T
Wed Dec 06, 2023 8:48 am
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: Co-event lunch arrangements
Replies: 20
Views: 3319

Re: Co-event lunch arrangements

We've had two events recently with lunches organised - Edinburgh where the bridge club had lovely sandwiches, soup and cakes, and Newcastle where there was a cafe where we pre-ordered. Both were great (for someone with no special dietary requirements!) but if we restrict the choice of venues to thos...
by Fiona T
Tue Dec 05, 2023 9:34 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Politics in General
Replies: 1641
Views: 1705179

Re: Politics in General

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… Well yeah there is that. https://www.humandignitytrust.org/country-profile/palestine/ &qu...
by Fiona T
Tue Dec 05, 2023 1:56 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Unpopular opinions you genuinely hold
Replies: 277
Views: 32631

Re: Unpopular opinions you genuinely hold

Top quality stuff from Conor!
by Fiona T
Tue Dec 05, 2023 1:26 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Unpopular opinions you genuinely hold
Replies: 277
Views: 32631

Re: Unpopular opinions you genuinely hold

And I'm pretty sure a "member" that has spent its day fermenting in sweaty underwear in close proximity to a bumhole isn't quite as clean as you might imagine. (Note to self - take hand sanitiser to my next scrabble tournament)
by Fiona T
Tue Dec 05, 2023 8:19 am
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Politics in General
Replies: 1641
Views: 1705179

Re: Politics in General

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
by Fiona T
Sun Dec 03, 2023 10:59 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Politics in General
Replies: 1641
Views: 1705179

Re: Politics in General

It's quite a shame that once you choose to identify with one side, you seem to ignore facts, or try to downplay or twist them to match your agenda. There's no discussion if you're resorting to this. I can't imagine what it must be like to be directly affected by this and my thoughts are with you Ta...
by Fiona T
Fri Dec 01, 2023 10:08 am
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Trade Secrets
Replies: 155
Views: 43615

Re: Top Tips, Cheats and Life Hacks

Mark James wrote: Fri Dec 01, 2023 9:33 am Top tip for theatre designers. Don't build theatres that contain areas with restricted views.
Yeah the Romans had this nailed
by Fiona T
Thu Nov 30, 2023 11:42 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: Letter Shuffling Algorithms
Replies: 15
Views: 7148

Re: Letter Shuffling Algorithms

BTW, something which I added a long time ago, but since the original post is factional letters to the packs. The motivation is that there are a couple of letters where 1 in the pack seems like a shame, but 2 every time would be annoying. So when the Consonant stack is made, three of the letters are...
by Fiona T
Thu Nov 30, 2023 5:18 pm
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: Co-Event Suggestion Box
Replies: 181
Views: 15495

Re: Co-Event Suggestion Box

Can the Countdown app be modified for face to face games making organising a Co event much easier Personally not a big fan of this - if you're gonna play on an app you might as well play on apterous. Edit to say that the app (or similar) generating the letters/numbers selections seems reasonable (a...
by Fiona T
Thu Nov 30, 2023 1:33 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: Welcome! - Post here first
Replies: 1961
Views: 1054242

Re: Welcome! - Post here first

Hello from me to you all. Very pleased to have discovered Apterous recently; it seems like a great online community and obviously it's a lot of fun to play some Countdown when I should be working! I used to enjoy watching Countdown as a youngster, mid to late '90s, and then didn't watch it at all f...
by Fiona T
Thu Nov 30, 2023 1:32 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: Welcome! - Post here first
Replies: 1961
Views: 1054242

Re: Welcome! - Post here first

Hello from me to you all. Very pleased to have discovered Apterous recently; it seems like a great online community and obviously it's a lot of fun to play some Countdown when I should be working! I used to enjoy watching Countdown as a youngster, mid to late '90s, and then didn't watch it at all f...
by Fiona T
Thu Nov 30, 2023 1:28 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Unpopular opinions you genuinely hold
Replies: 277
Views: 32631

Re: Unpopular opinions you genuinely hold

-It would be better for people to save having sex until after marriage (not that I will judge anyone who does not) I don't understand why enjoying a particularly fun activity, and fundamental biological function, should be avoided until committing to one person for life. It seems to me the equivale...
by Fiona T
Thu Nov 30, 2023 1:15 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Unpopular opinions you genuinely hold
Replies: 277
Views: 32631

Re: Unpopular opinions you genuinely hold

Shamima Begum was a child victim who was groomed by a terrorist organisation, and should be treated as such (that is not saying she should be absolved of any responsibility for any crimes she committed, but that she is also just as much a victim as a the children who were groomed by Harvey Weinstein...
by Fiona T
Wed Nov 29, 2023 7:44 pm
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: Co-Event Suggestion Box
Replies: 181
Views: 15495

Re: Co-Event Suggestion Box

On the note of prizes... All of the Scrabble tournaments I've attended have had cash prizes. Some charge very high entry fees and have very substantial prizes. The recent Malta tournaments I attended had a prize fund of 4.5K euros across the 4 events (2K for each of the two main events) - personally...
by Fiona T
Tue Nov 28, 2023 5:10 pm
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: Co-Event Suggestion Box
Replies: 181
Views: 15495

Re: Co-Event Suggestion Box

Marc Meakin wrote: Tue Nov 28, 2023 5:01 pm Is the target revealed BEFORE the numbers are chosen?
No, it's the same as the show
by Fiona T
Tue Nov 28, 2023 3:09 pm
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: Co-Event Suggestion Box
Replies: 181
Views: 15495

Re: Co-Event Suggestion Box

the superior method. *superior in your opinion So far in this thread we've had 2 against and 2 for your idea. If we end up with a clear majority agreeing that your system is superior, then let's go for it. Otherwise, the tried and tested stays. I genuinely believe you should just get better at writ...
by Fiona T
Tue Nov 28, 2023 10:09 am
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: FOCAL Finals and MK Open - 25th November 2023
Replies: 48
Views: 16940

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

[*] ASYNDETON: Good pick! It missable, but if you know it it's quite a fast solve, and most players at finals levels would know this word. Personally I would expect something harder for the overall final of the year. Interesting that you think this. It's only been on the Asecension list since 2020 ...
by Fiona T
Mon Nov 27, 2023 10:52 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: 6806

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

Anyway - from eligibility requirements "You must be legally resident in the United Kingdom or Republic of Ireland and have a current address within the United Kingdom or Republic of Ireland." Legal residency doesn't sound straightforward https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ways-in-w...
by Fiona T
Mon Nov 27, 2023 10:41 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: 6806

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

Well I think, aside from the residency requirement, the whole thing can be an extended process. Some people wait upwards of 6 months for auditions after applying, and filming can be weeks or months after that. I think Ronan was well over a year between applying and filming. You could be appear at th...
by Fiona T
Mon Nov 27, 2023 10:03 pm
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: FOCAL Finals and MK Open - 25th November 2023
Replies: 48
Views: 16940

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

One other thing - if there's a grand final at the end of a tournament and no screen with the scores, it's important to announce the scores at the end of each round. My bad. I was a complete scatterbrain and overcome with nerves during the final. My board was intended to be used a score display but ...
by Fiona T
Sun Nov 26, 2023 10:28 pm
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: FOCAL Finals and MK Open - 25th November 2023
Replies: 48
Views: 16940

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

Also, I think 11:30 or even just 11:15 is a better start time than 11:00. 11:00 is still a bit early and it can be quite tight if you are engaging in other activities in the morning and having breakfast after. But still, it was great event and these are minor considerations really. *Graeme Cole onc...
by Fiona T
Sun Nov 26, 2023 4:53 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: Letter Shuffling Algorithms
Replies: 15
Views: 7148

Re: Letter Shuffling Algorithms

Bumping this - the tool that was used for hosting the finals yesterday implemented "algorithm 2" as outlined by Jack (although with 9 or 15 rounders (code bugs excepted!) we're never going to get near the end of the pack so algorithm 1 is probably fine!) I think it felt about right - there...
by Fiona T
Sun Nov 26, 2023 8:08 am
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: The Countdown Android App is now out!
Replies: 155
Views: 29600

Re: The Countdown Android App is now out!

Might be just me .... Quite often after one of the challenges, I end up accidentally abandoning rather than submitting. It is largely lack of concentration, but I think because the 'submit' screen looks so like that 'done' screen it's easy just to automatically press the back button to get back to ...
by Fiona T
Sat Nov 25, 2023 6:46 am
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: FOCAL Finals and MK Open - 25th November 2023
Replies: 48
Views: 16940

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

Marc Meakin wrote: Sat Nov 25, 2023 6:43 am Can't today sadly as I have had some kind of reaction to my Covid Jab yesterday
Weak and I'll today
If anybody here wants to take my place they can with my blessing
Have fun
Get well soon!
by Fiona T
Fri Nov 24, 2023 8:15 am
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: The Countdown Android App is now out!
Replies: 155
Views: 29600

Re: The Countdown Android App is now out!

Might be just me .... Quite often after one of the challenges, I end up accidentally abandoning rather than submitting. It is largely lack of concentration, but I think because the 'submit' screen looks so like that 'done' screen it's easy just to automatically press the back button to get back to t...
by Fiona T
Tue Nov 21, 2023 4:44 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Unpopular opinions you genuinely hold
Replies: 277
Views: 32631

Re: Unpopular opinions you genuinely hold

I like Mrs Brown's boys
by Fiona T
Tue Nov 21, 2023 8:05 am
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Supposedly Common expressions or sayings you've never heard before
Replies: 13
Views: 3344

Re: Supposedly Common expressions or sayings you've never heard before

Yeah def one I heard a lot growing up. Used for someone (male obv) who expected to by waited on - "see if his nibs wants a cup of tea"
by Fiona T
Mon Nov 20, 2023 3:28 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Supposedly Common expressions or sayings you've never heard before
Replies: 13
Views: 3344

Re: Supposedly Common expressions or sayings you've never heard before

Mark Deeks wrote: Mon Nov 20, 2023 3:26 pm There was a £100 question on Who Wants to Be A Millionaire once where the answer was His Nibs. Nope, never heard of it. Woulda have to have lifelined.
:!:
by Fiona T
Sun Nov 19, 2023 11:23 pm
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: FOCAL Finals and MK Open - 25th November 2023
Replies: 48
Views: 16940

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

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.