Rachel Riley Unveiled.

All discussion relevant to Countdown that is not too spoilerific. New members: come here first to introduce yourself. We don't bite, or at least rarely.
Jennifer Turner
Acolyte
Posts: 127
Joined: Thu Feb 28, 2008 12:56 pm
Location: East Hell

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Jennifer Turner »

Charlie Reams wrote:
Jennifer Turner wrote:
Ben Hunter wrote:Nowt wrong with a slim girl.
Just don't sneeze in the same room or she may break.
Jealous of the new girl already?
It was a generic "size zero" joke. Got the new girl on a pedestal already?
User avatar
Ian Volante
Postmaster General
Posts: 3963
Joined: Wed Sep 03, 2008 8:15 pm
Location: Edinburgh
Contact:

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Ian Volante »

Jennifer Turner wrote:
Charlie Reams wrote:
Jennifer Turner wrote:
Just don't sneeze in the same room or she may break.
Jealous of the new girl already?
It was a generic "size zero" joke. Got the new girl on a pedestal already?
Susie's still cuter.
meles meles meles meles meles meles meles meles meles meles meles meles meles meles meles meles
User avatar
Charlie Reams
Site Admin
Posts: 9494
Joined: Fri Jan 11, 2008 2:33 pm
Location: Cambridge
Contact:

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Charlie Reams »

Jennifer Turner wrote:It was a generic "size zero" joke. Got the new girl on a pedestal already?
You really are a tedious turd. I suspect you only watch the show to fill yourself the latent anger required for you to have anything to post here. May I suggest the Daily Mail as an excellent alternative outlet for your frustrations?
Ian Volante wrote:Susie's still cuter.
Not to disagree with you, but I think everyone who attended CoC would agree that Rachel is even prettier than the press photographs suggest, so reconsider your position in a few months' time :)
User avatar
John Evans
Rookie
Posts: 66
Joined: Wed Dec 10, 2008 3:04 pm
Location: Huntingdon

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by John Evans »

Charlie Reams wrote: Not to disagree with you, but I think everyone who attended CoC would agree that Rachel is even prettier than the press photographs suggest, so reconsider your position in a few months' time :)
For those who missed out: build up your expectations, on all fronts, as high as possible. You won't be disappointed.
User avatar
Jon Corby
Moral Hero
Posts: 8021
Joined: Mon Jan 21, 2008 8:36 am

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Jon Corby »

John Evans wrote:For those who missed out: build up your expectations, on all fronts, as high as possible. You won't be disappointed.
This.

I thought she looked pretty in the press photos, but I was genuinely amazed when I saw her for the first time at just how stunning she was. Add the fact that she is a ridiculously lovely person (she missed not one but two trains back home after filming to hang around in a bar drinking with us lot after filming) and it's a winning combination :)
User avatar
Matthew Green
Devotee
Posts: 716
Joined: Mon Jan 28, 2008 12:28 pm

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Matthew Green »

Please tell me this wasnt the Monday night after i rushed home, please no.
If I suddenly have a squirming baby on my lap it probably means that I should start paying it some attention and stop wasting my time messing around on a Countdown forum
User avatar
Charlie Reams
Site Admin
Posts: 9494
Joined: Fri Jan 11, 2008 2:33 pm
Location: Cambridge
Contact:

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Charlie Reams »

Matthew Green wrote:Please tell me this wasnt the Monday night after i rushed home, please no.
Fear not, it was Tuesday evening.
Jennifer Turner
Acolyte
Posts: 127
Joined: Thu Feb 28, 2008 12:56 pm
Location: East Hell

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Jennifer Turner »

Charlie Reams wrote:
Jennifer Turner wrote:It was a generic "size zero" joke. Got the new girl on a pedestal already?
You really are a tedious turd. I suspect you only watch the show to fill yourself the latent anger required for you to have anything to post here. May I suggest the Daily Mail as an excellent alternative outlet for your frustrations?
For fuck's sake. I watch the show because I like the game. I don't necessarily like all the other stuff that goes on around it. I have criticisms of the show, like a lot of people have. Harry wrote "I just can't imagine how all of the essential plumbing can fit through her waist." and I responded in what was intended to be the same spirit, because if the feedline's there, of course I'm going to go for the punchline. And I am certain that if one of the male denizens of this forum had posted it, you wouldn't even care. But if a woman posts what isn't even a criticism but merely a very mild joke then you don't like that, do you?
User avatar
Ben Wilson
Legend
Posts: 4543
Joined: Fri Jan 11, 2008 5:05 pm
Location: North Hykeham

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Ben Wilson »

Charlie Reams wrote:
Matthew Green wrote:Please tell me this wasnt the Monday night after i rushed home, please no.
Fear not, it was Tuesday evening.
Still though, dammit- next time I'm going to remember to actually book more tickets, free up some more time and remember to bring more pants. :) Plenty of Scrabblers I could needle into applying in order to get back on the show... ;)
User avatar
Charlie Reams
Site Admin
Posts: 9494
Joined: Fri Jan 11, 2008 2:33 pm
Location: Cambridge
Contact:

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Charlie Reams »

Jennifer Turner wrote:For fuck's sake. I watch the show because I like the game. I don't necessarily like all the other stuff that goes on around it. I have criticisms of the show, like a lot of people have. Harry wrote "I just can't imagine how all of the essential plumbing can fit through her waist." and I responded in what was intended to be the same spirit, because if the feedline's there, of course I'm going to go for the punchline. And I am certain that if one of the male denizens of this forum had posted it, you wouldn't even care. But if a woman posts what isn't even a criticism but merely a very mild joke then you don't like that, do you?
That's right, I don't like you being insulting about Rachel's weight because I'm secretly a massive sexist. Once again your sparkling intellect leaves me floored!
User avatar
Craig Beevers
Series 57 Champion
Posts: 653
Joined: Mon Jan 21, 2008 10:37 am
Contact:

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Craig Beevers »

Jon Corby wrote:
John Evans wrote:For those who missed out: build up your expectations, on all fronts, as high as possible. You won't be disappointed.
This.

I thought she looked pretty in the press photos, but I was genuinely amazed when I saw her for the first time at just how stunning she was. Add the fact that she is a ridiculously lovely person (she missed not one but two trains back home after filming to hang around in a bar drinking with us lot after filming) and it's a winning combination :)
Good to hear Rachel hung around after filming, something that others in the past haven't done.
User avatar
Lesley Jeavons
Enthusiast
Posts: 320
Joined: Fri Nov 07, 2008 10:05 pm
Location: Brighton, UK

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Lesley Jeavons »

Argh, arguing. :( Not wishing to make myself unpopular (or 'more' unpopular as I already have at least one foe who's vocalised the fact) but I find a lot of the way people treat each other in here quite unfriendly and uncalled for. I accept that we're all different and express ourselves and different views in different ways, but I (maybe wrongly) expect Charlie to rise above it as admin. :|
I KNOW that a lot of you are far more intellectual than me as far as Countdown, Scrabble etc goes, but well when it comes to basic people skills, there's a lot left to be desired. :cry: (*Awaits the wrath...*)
User avatar
Charlie Reams
Site Admin
Posts: 9494
Joined: Fri Jan 11, 2008 2:33 pm
Location: Cambridge
Contact:

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Charlie Reams »

Lesley Jeavons wrote:I KNOW that a lot of you are far more intellectual than me as far as Countdown, Scrabble etc goes, but well when it comes to basic people skills, there's a lot left to be desired. :cry: (*Awaits the wrath...*)
I think you confuse "people skills" with "being nice". Sometimes being nice is not the best option. If people are talking bollocks then I'd rather say so than pretend meekly that all opinions are created equal. In any case, our friend Jennifer Turner wasn't expressing an opinion, she was just being bitchy about someone she's never met, and I don't feel any need to be "nice" in response to that sort of thing.
User avatar
Harry Whitehouse
Rookie
Posts: 66
Joined: Mon Jan 21, 2008 12:49 pm
Location: Scarborough
Contact:

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Harry Whitehouse »

Sorry I provoked some of this.

In my defence, there's something that makes some middle aged bores like me get unreasonably irritated by what they see as females' obsessions with primping themselves. Young males clearly react favourably, which presumably encourages the women in their efforts.

Carol, for some reason, is proud of the fact that her bum sticks out so far, so she wears clothes that accentuate the fact.

Rachel, for her part, feels her slim waist is a plus point, but I should have refrained from flippancy about it.
My home is on the south side,
High up on a ridge,
Just a half a mile from
The Scarborough Valley bridge.
Gavin Chipper
Post-apocalypse
Posts: 13258
Joined: Mon Jan 21, 2008 10:37 pm

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Gavin Chipper »

Charlie Reams wrote:
Jennifer Turner wrote:For fuck's sake. I watch the show because I like the game. I don't necessarily like all the other stuff that goes on around it. I have criticisms of the show, like a lot of people have. Harry wrote "I just can't imagine how all of the essential plumbing can fit through her waist." and I responded in what was intended to be the same spirit, because if the feedline's there, of course I'm going to go for the punchline. And I am certain that if one of the male denizens of this forum had posted it, you wouldn't even care. But if a woman posts what isn't even a criticism but merely a very mild joke then you don't like that, do you?
That's right, I don't like you being insulting about Rachel's weight because I'm secretly a massive sexist. Once again your sparkling intellect leaves me floored!
I think this has been blown out of proportion - and probably more by you than Jennifer, Charlie.
User avatar
Charlie Reams
Site Admin
Posts: 9494
Joined: Fri Jan 11, 2008 2:33 pm
Location: Cambridge
Contact:

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Charlie Reams »

Gavin Chipper wrote:I think this has been blown out of proportion - and probably more by you than Jennifer, Charlie.
Yes probably, but I felt one more whiny comment was symptomatic of a wider problem. I guess I can't really understand the point of people who come on here just to moan and never contribute anything.
User avatar
Lesley Jeavons
Enthusiast
Posts: 320
Joined: Fri Nov 07, 2008 10:05 pm
Location: Brighton, UK

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Lesley Jeavons »

Charlie Reams wrote:I think you confuse "people skills" with "being nice". Sometimes being nice is not the best option. If people are talking bollocks then I'd rather say so than pretend meekly that all opinions are created equal. In any case, our friend Jennifer Turner wasn't expressing an opinion, she was just being bitchy about someone she's never met, and I don't feel any need to be "nice" in response to that sort of thing.
I agree, you're prob right with my choice of words - "people skills".
It's very easy to grasp the wrong meaning from a post, but I didn't read Jennifer's post as being bitchy at all. Perhaps you've found some of her prev posts (no idea if this is the case as don't know everyone well enough yet to know who's posted what) in that vein so assumed this of this one too.
In another forum I spend time in (for a band I like), we all spend too much time kissing each others ass so I guess I'm just not used to what can seem quite blunt to me. Though saying that I do like a certain amount of the fire in here - it shows character and passion! :twisted:
Gavin Chipper
Post-apocalypse
Posts: 13258
Joined: Mon Jan 21, 2008 10:37 pm

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Gavin Chipper »

Charlie Reams wrote:
Gavin Chipper wrote:I think this has been blown out of proportion - and probably more by you than Jennifer, Charlie.
Yes probably, but I felt one more whiny comment was symptomatic of a wider problem. I guess I can't really understand the point of people who come on here just to moan and never contribute anything.
Fair enough. Her posts haven't registered that much with me so I won't comment on that. Although I do remember a few people moaning about some posts of hers in the past.

And that description definitely doesn't apply to me, in case that's what you're also hinting at, but obviously you weren't because it doesn't (apply to me, that is). I hope that's clear!

Edit - Well I say "fair enough" but it might not be depending on what the posts actually are like. And having said that, of the moans I have vague memories about, I don't remember the initial posts actually being that bad. One thing I often notice on forums is people moaning about moaning, but the moaning about the moaning is often far worse than the original moaning!
Last edited by Gavin Chipper on Fri Dec 12, 2008 8:06 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Gavin Chipper
Post-apocalypse
Posts: 13258
Joined: Mon Jan 21, 2008 10:37 pm

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Gavin Chipper »

Lesley Jeavons wrote:In another forum I spend time in (for a band I like), we all spend too much time kissing each others ass
Sometimes you just need to kick each other's donkey.
Jennifer Turner
Acolyte
Posts: 127
Joined: Thu Feb 28, 2008 12:56 pm
Location: East Hell

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Jennifer Turner »

Um, it's me, I'm back. Hi. Shall we continue with the Rachel Riley thread? Unfortunately this next story is from the Daily Mail, but anyway...

Rachel Riley's Boyfriend Unveiled: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/ar ... Q-173.html
User avatar
John Evans
Rookie
Posts: 66
Joined: Wed Dec 10, 2008 3:04 pm
Location: Huntingdon

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by John Evans »

Jennifer Turner wrote:Um, it's me, I'm back. Hi. Shall we continue with the Rachel Riley thread? Unfortunately this next story is from the Daily Mail, but anyway...

Rachel Riley's Boyfriend Unveiled: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/ar ... Q-173.html
Can someone please delete this post. It's far too upsetting on what's supposed to be a family friendly forum. Some people just have no respect for others.
Pete Fraser
Newbie
Posts: 23
Joined: Thu Dec 11, 2008 5:09 pm

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Pete Fraser »

'She’s wonderful at maths. I never understood her work at university – it all looked like random squiggles to me.’

That's a coincidence. My maths looks like random squiggles too.
Gavin Chipper
Post-apocalypse
Posts: 13258
Joined: Mon Jan 21, 2008 10:37 pm

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Gavin Chipper »

John Evans wrote:
Jennifer Turner wrote:Um, it's me, I'm back. Hi. Shall we continue with the Rachel Riley thread? Unfortunately this next story is from the Daily Mail, but anyway...

Rachel Riley's Boyfriend Unveiled: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/ar ... Q-173.html
Can someone please delete this post. It's far too upsetting on what's supposed to be a family friendly forum. Some people just have no respect for others.
I think that's one post too far for Jennifer. She needs to be burnt at the stake!
User avatar
Jon Corby
Moral Hero
Posts: 8021
Joined: Mon Jan 21, 2008 8:36 am

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Jon Corby »

Well I'm certainly not remotely jealous of him in any way.
User avatar
Kirk Bevins
God
Posts: 4923
Joined: Mon Jan 21, 2008 5:18 pm
Location: York, UK

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Kirk Bevins »

Jimmy Gough
Devotee
Posts: 876
Joined: Thu May 22, 2008 4:08 pm
Location: Eastbourne

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Jimmy Gough »

Lesley Jeavons wrote:Argh, arguing. :( Not wishing to make myself unpopular (or 'more' unpopular as I already have at least one foe who's vocalised the fact) but I find a lot of the way people treat each other in here quite unfriendly and uncalled for. I accept that we're all different and express ourselves and different views in different ways, but I (maybe wrongly) expect Charlie to rise above it as admin. :|
I KNOW that a lot of you are far more intellectual than me as far as Countdown, Scrabble etc goes, but well when it comes to basic people skills, there's a lot left to be desired. :cry: (*Awaits the wrath...*)
Please don't take what I said to heart Lesley, I really didn't mean it. My opinion doesn't matter and most people really like you on the forum. I mean I'm deff more unpopular than you on the forum. I guess my "basic people skills" are somewhat lacking. I hope that's why you don't seem to be posting as much :). I disagree that people on here treat each other unfriendlily ( ;)) though. Just my stupid comment. Soz.
Pete Fraser
Newbie
Posts: 23
Joined: Thu Dec 11, 2008 5:09 pm

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Pete Fraser »

Kirk Bevins wrote:http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/ar ... ndrum.html

It was only a matter of time...
Carol wouldn't get many (if any) solutions that the contestants didn't spot in a Champion of Champions series either. And if RR is having problems just checking contestants' working-out, surely that's only to be expected from a maths graduate. I think you automatically fail a maths degree if you can add up 2 and 2 without going through at least eight intermediate stages and assuming the truth of the Riemann hypothesis.
User avatar
Kirk Bevins
God
Posts: 4923
Joined: Mon Jan 21, 2008 5:18 pm
Location: York, UK

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Kirk Bevins »

Pete Fraser wrote: I think you automatically fail a maths degree if you can add up 2 and 2 without going through at least eight intermediate stages and assuming the truth of the Riemann hypothesis.
Haha - I would agree with you but I passed my maths degree and I'm not too shabby at arithmetic ;)
User avatar
Michael Wallace
Racoonteur
Posts: 5458
Joined: Mon Jan 21, 2008 5:01 am
Location: London

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Michael Wallace »

Kirk Bevins wrote:
Pete Fraser wrote: I think you automatically fail a maths degree if you can add up 2 and 2 without going through at least eight intermediate stages and assuming the truth of the Riemann hypothesis.
Haha - I would agree with you but I passed my maths degree and I'm not too shabby at arithmetic ;)
Yeah, we have to know about countable infinites and stuff, that's counting, right?
User avatar
Lesley Jeavons
Enthusiast
Posts: 320
Joined: Fri Nov 07, 2008 10:05 pm
Location: Brighton, UK

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Lesley Jeavons »

Jimmy wrote:Please don't take what I said to heart Lesley, I really didn't mean it. My opinion doesn't matter and most people really like you on the forum. I mean I'm deff more unpopular than you on the forum. I guess my "basic people skills" are somewhat lacking. I hope that's why you don't seem to be posting as much :). I disagree that people on here treat each other unfriendlily ( ;)) though. Just my stupid comment. Soz.
Aw, thank you Jimmy. *kiss* (BTW why's there no 'kiss' smilie here? I guess there's not much use for one eh, with all the fighting! ;) Though I'm suprised we don't have the one with a mallet over the head. :P )
That little thing called 'Christmas' has kept me away. And people here, even when being gits to each other, are hugely entertaining. It's just that I don't have a very thick skin - call me a wuss - but as I'm hanging around, I'm sure it'll develop. :lol:
User avatar
Lesley Jeavons
Enthusiast
Posts: 320
Joined: Fri Nov 07, 2008 10:05 pm
Location: Brighton, UK

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Lesley Jeavons »

I've just read Jason's 'Dear me! Please!' thread on Rachel's maths ability, but it's locked so can't reply there, so replying here...

... all I can say is poor Rachel hasn't been given a chance, and this is just crap tabloid fodder. I am very much in the 'I love, worship and adore Carol and won't hear a word against her' brigade, as you all know, BUT FFS Carol hasn't get solutions on numerous occassions recently. Given that Rachel is new to TV and has big shoes to fill, just as contestants often don't perform as well in the studio as they do at home, then why should she be any different under pressure and whilst nervous? :roll:
User avatar
Joseph Bolas
Fanatic
Posts: 2446
Joined: Mon Jan 21, 2008 9:19 am
Location: Liverpool, UK

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Joseph Bolas »

Lesley Jeavons wrote:I've just read Jason's 'Dear me! Please!' thread on Rachel's maths ability, but it's locked so can't reply there, so replying here...
I think the two threads should be merged, to make it easier to reply to Jason's posts (although Kirk posted the link before him :lol:)
Kathleen Batlle
Acolyte
Posts: 144
Joined: Wed Oct 15, 2008 9:59 pm

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Kathleen Batlle »

Joseph Bolas wrote:
Lesley Jeavons wrote:I've just read Jason's 'Dear me! Please!' thread on Rachel's maths ability, but it's locked so can't reply there, so replying here...
I think the two threads should be merged, to make it easier to reply to Jason's posts (although Kirk posted the link before him :lol:)
I personally can't wait for the new programme to start and we really must give Rachel a chance. Poor girl, she must have been very nervous recording those first few shows so it's understandable that she's going to make mistakes. This makes the whole show so much more 'human'. Carol often got stuck with the numbers, but I never once thought of her as incompetent. The fact that Channel 4 have managed to set the whole programme up again is to be commended and I really hope the new hosts do as well as the old ones did. I'm really not expecting to spend my time comparing the old show with the new one and just want to get cracking, join in and enjoy the return of Countdown.
User avatar
Charlie Reams
Site Admin
Posts: 9494
Joined: Fri Jan 11, 2008 2:33 pm
Location: Cambridge
Contact:

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Charlie Reams »

kathleen batlle wrote:Poor girl, she must have been very nervous recording those first few shows so it's understandable that she's going to make mistakes.
Before my game she asked me how I was feeling. I said "terrified". She said "me too".
User avatar
Jon Corby
Moral Hero
Posts: 8021
Joined: Mon Jan 21, 2008 8:36 am

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Jon Corby »

Pete Fraser wrote:And if RR is having problems just checking contestants' working-out, surely that's only to be expected from a maths graduate.
FTR, I don't remember her "having any trouble checking contestant's working-out." She may have once written down a slightly inaccurate answer to a multiplication and then corrected herself, but Carol did that too, and you make the pertinent point that missed answers in a CoC are by definition not going to be easy. Article = rubbish, she'll be just fine.
User avatar
Jon Corby
Moral Hero
Posts: 8021
Joined: Mon Jan 21, 2008 8:36 am

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Jon Corby »

Rachel and I share the same birthday :D :D :D


Edit: Oh. Apparently not. Wikipedia lied to me :(
User avatar
Phil Reynolds
Postmaster General
Posts: 3329
Joined: Fri Oct 31, 2008 3:43 pm
Location: Leamington Spa, UK

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Phil Reynolds »

Jon Corby wrote:Rachel and I share the same birthday :D :D :D

Edit: Oh. Apparently not. Wikipedia lied to me :(
You need to consult Wikipedia to find out when your birthday is? :shock:
Vikash Shah
Rookie
Posts: 59
Joined: Thu Jan 15, 2009 7:56 pm

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Vikash Shah »

Just wanted to say as someone who's just registered on the forum, I am finding this thread hysterically funny! I love the way a seemingly nerdy TV gameshow can illicit such brilliantly wicked banter :D FWIW, I am thoroughly jealous of Charlie and you other guys who have had the pleasure of being in the same room as Rachel Riley; on the TV she looks jaw-droppingly gorgeous and everything I read about her suggests that would be an understatement. She's obviously a brainiac to have got the gig in the first place, and I'm just waiting to see this fantastic personality you contestants have had first-hand experience get a chance to show itself on camera. Apologies to any less-attractive forum members who may be overcome by jealousy after this public expression of appreciation. :lol:
User avatar
Phil Reynolds
Postmaster General
Posts: 3329
Joined: Fri Oct 31, 2008 3:43 pm
Location: Leamington Spa, UK

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Phil Reynolds »

Vikash Shah wrote:I love the way a seemingly nerdy TV gameshow can illicit such brilliantly wicked banter
Illicit is not a verb.
User avatar
Matt Morrison
Post-apocalypse
Posts: 7822
Joined: Wed Oct 22, 2008 2:27 pm
Location: London
Contact:

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Matt Morrison »

Phil Reynolds wrote:
Vikash Shah wrote:I love the way a seemingly nerdy TV gameshow can illicit such brilliantly wicked banter
Illicit is not a verb.
I think some people are going way too far when it comes to correcting spelling and grammar.
Fair enough if you've got OCD and you absolutely HAVE to point it out, but it's a bit wrong when it comes at the expense of making any sort of appropriate response to the post in question.

If you had at least pointed out the difference between 'elicit' and 'illicit' (or 'compliment' and 'complement' in that other thread) then I would wholeheartedly approve but this way it just feels like smug superiority. At the end of the day, isn't it great that people who don't have perfect spelling/grammar are watching and enjoying Countdown and getting into the forum? They should be encouraged, not ridiculed.
That said, I find far worse the posts that are correcting insignificant spelling mistakes, which are often innocent keys-next-to-each-other typos.

You're by no means the worst offender Phil but just mentioning as I like you, and like your wit, and I think you've get plenty more to add to this forum than this sort of post suggests.
User avatar
Phil Reynolds
Postmaster General
Posts: 3329
Joined: Fri Oct 31, 2008 3:43 pm
Location: Leamington Spa, UK

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Phil Reynolds »

I agree with you, Matt, about posts picking on insignificant typos. However, if I see an example of a common confusion between two words (typically homophones), I feel I'm giving the poster an opportunity to learn and improve if I point it out. I'll admit my style could sometimes benefit from being less abrupt as it creates the impression I'm being intentionally sarcastic, which (usually) isn't the case - I just feel it's sufficient for me to point out the mistake, after which the original poster (or anyone who else who cares) can look the word up for themselves. Perhaps I'm wrong. Anyway, feedback noted and genuinely appreciated.
User avatar
Matt Morrison
Post-apocalypse
Posts: 7822
Joined: Wed Oct 22, 2008 2:27 pm
Location: London
Contact:

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Matt Morrison »

To be honest that rant was brewing for quite a while, I almost made a new thread of it as it really gets my goat, and must be putting people off becoming regular forum types, but then I'm not so loony that I think I have any chance of changing people's attitudes and forum approach.
But yeah, glad you didn't take offence as none was intended! :)
Vikash Shah
Rookie
Posts: 59
Joined: Thu Jan 15, 2009 7:56 pm

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Vikash Shah »

Phil Reynolds wrote:
Vikash Shah wrote:I love the way a seemingly nerdy TV gameshow can illicit such brilliantly wicked banter
Illicit is not a verb.
Obviously I knew that and was testing you. Well done, you passed, you clever sausage :D
Gavin Chipper
Post-apocalypse
Posts: 13258
Joined: Mon Jan 21, 2008 10:37 pm

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Gavin Chipper »

Phil Reynolds wrote:IHowever, if I see an example of a common confusion between two words (typically homophones), I feel I'm giving the poster an opportunity to learn and improve if I point it out.
I can see why that would be a sore point for you. Those bloody homophones!
User avatar
Jon O'Neill
Ginger Ninja
Posts: 4545
Joined: Tue Jan 22, 2008 12:45 am
Location: London, UK

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Jon O'Neill »

I think, if you really want to help the guy improve his grammar, these things are better placed in a PM, as it is generally of no use to everyone else.

Also, Rachel Riley illicits happiness from me.
Gavin Chipper
Post-apocalypse
Posts: 13258
Joined: Mon Jan 21, 2008 10:37 pm

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Gavin Chipper »

Not a criticism (it adds to the entertainment), but I find it hilarious the way Rachel pronounces some of the vowels when the contestants are picking letters.
Ralph Gillions
Devotee
Posts: 557
Joined: Wed Jan 30, 2008 3:53 pm
Location: South Yorkshire

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Ralph Gillions »

Gavin Chipper wrote:Not a criticism (it adds to the entertainment), but I find it hilarious the way Rachel pronounces some of the vowels
Yes. I know what you mean. But I find her voice a bit hard and harsh. Not sweet-sounding to my ears sadly.
User avatar
Jon Corby
Moral Hero
Posts: 8021
Joined: Mon Jan 21, 2008 8:36 am

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Jon Corby »

Gavin Chipper wrote:Not a criticism (it adds to the entertainment), but I find it hilarious the way Rachel pronounces some of the vowels when the contestants are picking letters.
Um.... which ones?
Gavin Chipper
Post-apocalypse
Posts: 13258
Joined: Mon Jan 21, 2008 10:37 pm

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Gavin Chipper »

Jon Corby wrote:
Gavin Chipper wrote:Not a criticism (it adds to the entertainment), but I find it hilarious the way Rachel pronounces some of the vowels when the contestants are picking letters.
Um.... which ones?
I can never seem to remember afterwards. I'm fairly sure A and O and possibly I. Maybe the others too! I'll have to make a note.
User avatar
Jon O'Neill
Ginger Ninja
Posts: 4545
Joined: Tue Jan 22, 2008 12:45 am
Location: London, UK

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Jon O'Neill »

I thought this was just my East London upbringing which made me immune to this hilarity, but Gavin's from Essex, so I'm stumped.
User avatar
John Bosley
Enthusiast
Posts: 380
Joined: Fri Oct 17, 2008 3:52 pm
Location: Huddersfield

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by John Bosley »

She is rather strong on the first vowel she picks up and especially on 'u'.
Vikash Shah
Rookie
Posts: 59
Joined: Thu Jan 15, 2009 7:56 pm

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Vikash Shah »

In yesterday's ep, when Rachel nearly dropped a tile, she interjected with something along the lines of "... if I can keep it up ...", which kinda made me smile :lol:

(I do know that "kinda" isn't a valid word, before any pedants try to correct me.)
User avatar
Jon Corby
Moral Hero
Posts: 8021
Joined: Mon Jan 21, 2008 8:36 am

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Jon Corby »

Vikash Shah wrote:(I do know that "kinda" isn't a valid word, before any pedants try to correct me.)
SELF-MERK!

Kinda is very much an allowable word in Countdown :D
User avatar
Charlie Reams
Site Admin
Posts: 9494
Joined: Fri Jan 11, 2008 2:33 pm
Location: Cambridge
Contact:

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Charlie Reams »

Jon Corby wrote:Kinda is very much an allowable word in Countdown :D
There's slang in the dictionary????
User avatar
Rosemary Roberts
Devotee
Posts: 555
Joined: Thu Dec 11, 2008 5:36 pm

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Rosemary Roberts »

Charlie Reams wrote:
Jon Corby wrote:Kinda is very much an allowable word in Countdown :D
There's slang in the dictionary????
Indeed, DesO, there's lots of slang in the dictionary! :)
Albert Vennison
Newbie
Posts: 1
Joined: Wed Jan 21, 2009 10:32 am

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Albert Vennison »

Thinking back to my schooldays, surely Rachel is grammatically incorrect in referring to a multiplication as "times by". In this context "times" means "multiplied by" so she is saying "multiplied by by" which is tautology. Carol never made this mistake - perhaps they taught better English at Cambridge than they do at Dxford.
Junaid Mubeen
Series 59 Champion
Posts: 574
Joined: Sat Jul 19, 2008 4:26 pm

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Junaid Mubeen »

Albert Vennison wrote:Thinking back to my schooldays, surely Rachel is grammatically incorrect in referring to a multiplication as "times by". In this context "times" means "multiplied by" so she is saying "multiplied by by" which is tautology. Carol never made this mistake - perhaps they taught better English at Cambridge than they do at Dxford.
Er...not quite. To 'times' is to multiply. So 'times by' is 'mutiply by' and 'timesed by' is 'multiplied by' and a perfectly fine alternative. This is obviously a very important point so let's spend all day discussing it. Or not.

Anyway, I'm fairly sure Rachel was taught English long before she arrived at Oxford. It's a fairly useful skill for one to have before embarking on an undergraduate course there. Judging by your post, I'm assuming you went to neither Oxford or Cambridge, or even a very good school for that matter.
User avatar
Jon Corby
Moral Hero
Posts: 8021
Joined: Mon Jan 21, 2008 8:36 am

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Jon Corby »

Albert Vennison wrote:Thinking back to my schooldays, surely Rachel is grammatically incorrect in referring to a multiplication as "times by". In this context "times" means "multiplied by" so she is saying "multiplied by by" which is tautology. Carol never made this mistake - perhaps they taught better English at Cambridge than they do at Dxford.
Words fail me.




No, wait - one's coming....





Cock.
User avatar
Charlie Reams
Site Admin
Posts: 9494
Joined: Fri Jan 11, 2008 2:33 pm
Location: Cambridge
Contact:

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Charlie Reams »

Junaid Mubeen wrote:
Albert Vennison wrote:Thinking back to my schooldays, surely Rachel is grammatically incorrect in referring to a multiplication as "times by". In this context "times" means "multiplied by" so she is saying "multiplied by by" which is tautology. Carol never made this mistake - perhaps they taught better English at Cambridge than they do at Dxford.
Er...not quite. To 'times' is to multiply. So 'times by' is 'mutiply by' and 'timesed by' is 'multiplied by' and a perfectly fine alternative. This is obviously a very important point so let's spend all day discussing it. Or not.

Anyway, I'm fairly sure Rachel was taught English long before she arrived at Oxford. It's a fairly useful skill for one to have before embarking on an undergraduate course there. Judging by your post, I'm assuming you went to neither Oxford or Cambridge, or even a very good school for that matter.
See, this is the sort of post that deserves a "me too". So here is one.
Vikash Shah
Rookie
Posts: 59
Joined: Thu Jan 15, 2009 7:56 pm

Re: Rachel Riley Unveiled.

Post by Vikash Shah »

Junaid Mubeen wrote:
Albert Vennison wrote:Thinking back to my schooldays, surely Rachel is grammatically incorrect in referring to a multiplication as "times by". In this context "times" means "multiplied by" so she is saying "multiplied by by" which is tautology. Carol never made this mistake - perhaps they taught better English at Cambridge than they do at Dxford.
Er...not quite. To 'times' is to multiply. So 'times by' is 'mutiply by' and 'timesed by' is 'multiplied by' and a perfectly fine alternative. This is obviously a very important point so let's spend all day discussing it. Or not.

Anyway, I'm fairly sure Rachel was taught English long before she arrived at Oxford. It's a fairly useful skill for one to have before embarking on an undergraduate course there. Judging by your post, I'm assuming you went to neither Oxford or Cambridge, or even a very good school for that matter.
Could the study of Rachel's perceived tautology and its correllation to how well or not she was taught at Oxford be called "taught-ology"?
Post Reply