Welcome! - Post here first

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Tue Jul 12, 2011 1:33 am

Hi Kieran!

Welcome to the forum!

Your international game show fan and Seattleite,
Jason Larsen

Adam Gillard · Post by **Adam Gillard** » Tue Jul 12, 2011 1:40 am

Jason Larsen - Mon Jan 21, 2008 3:28 pm wrote:Good afternoon, Countdowners everywhere!

This is Jason from Seattle here. I was one of the people who voted for this forum to be here.

I'm hoping that some more familiar faces will join us here very soon.

It is so good to be here!

Jason Larsen - Mon Jan 21, 2008 5:59 pm wrote:I forgot to tell everyone about myself if they don't know anything about me.

Although I do like to use the computer, I don't use it very often because I have a job. I work as a data entry clerk for an archiving firm outside of Seattle that does electronic storage of documents, (A great job for a Countdown fan, don't you think?)

I like game shows of all kinds, and even though I am more familiar with people like Drew Carey, Pat Sajak and Alex Trebek I do know who such people as Des O'Connor, Noel Edmonds and John Humphries are. They are all great!

I like to travel and take looks at nature, and I really enjoy life!

Jason Larsen - Sat Mar 01, 2008 3:27 pm wrote:Hello again, everyone!

I was told to post in this forum every time I come back from a long absence, so I thought I would tell you all that I'm back now.

The reason why I left is because I just came back to work last week.

My name is Jason Larsen. I like US and UK game shows, going places, talking to people and being conventional.

Just discovered your introduction(s), Jason. A good read

. Are you still a data entry clerk / being conventional?

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Tue Jul 12, 2011 4:40 am

Adam, unfortunately, my personal information on you-know-elsewhere has been sadly updated. I have not worked at my current job since October of 2009 because my company went in a whole different direction. It doesn't surprise me that I don't have a job because of the economy. Come on Mr. Obama, you can do it!

(Footnote: I would like to thank Hywel Morgan for reminding me to take care of the much-needed business.)

Bryan Jackson · Post by **Bryan Jackson** » Mon Jul 18, 2011 2:26 pm

Name: Bryan Jackson
Gender: Male
Age: 14
Location: USA
Other aliases: gameshowmaster, themountainclimber
Other websites of interest: google.com, tasteofawesome.com, golden-road.net, explosm.net

Matt Morrison · Post by **Matt Morrison** » Mon Jul 18, 2011 2:29 pm

Bryan Jackson wrote:Other websites of interest: google.com, tasteofawesome.com, golden-road.net, explosm.net

That list reads like someone just googled "watersports" and went in the wrong direction.

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Mon Jul 18, 2011 4:52 pm

Hi Bryan!

Welcome here!

I had no idea you were that young and also I had no idea your name sounded that familiar to me. I never thought that someone else could be interested in one international institution that is so different from another!

I hope you enjoy it here!

Mark Deeks · Post by **Mark Deeks** » Mon Jul 18, 2011 10:35 pm

Hello. My name is Mark, and you may recognise me as the miserable one from Countdown. I am not miserable really, but this has become my Countdown legacy, and thus I might as well pander to it. I am 26 for at least a little bit longer yet, and I am the biggest basketball nerd in Britain. (I am also the only basketball nerd in Britain.) I am looking to meet a girl with a good sense of humour, and hopefully no sense of smell. The ideal candidate for this position will be stunning and generous with at least a 8.9 rating on Hot Or Not, and at least five years minimum of experience on cohabiting with dull people. Candidate may need to travel. This does not affect your statutory rights. Buy early to avoid disappointment.

kieranbray · Post by **kieranbray** » Mon Jul 18, 2011 11:09 pm

Mark Deeks wrote:Hello. My name is Mark, and you may recognise me as the miserable one from Countdown. I am not miserable really, but this has become my Countdown legacy, and thus I might as well pander to it. I am 26 for at least a little bit longer yet, and I am the biggest basketball nerd in Britain. (I am also the only basketball nerd in Britain.) I am looking to meet a girl with a good sense of humour, and hopefully no sense of smell. The ideal candidate for this position will be stunning and generous with at least a 8.9 rating on Hot Or Not, and at least five years minimum of experience on cohabiting with dull people. Candidate may need to travel. This does not affect your statutory rights. Buy early to avoid disappointment.

Hi Mark, welcome to the forums

My gut feeling is that you may be waiting a while on the girl front....

P.S. I must say you're one of my favourite contestants for an extremely long time. Possibly ever.
Had to say it, sorry

Jordan Leckonby · Post by **Jordan Leckonby** » Mon Jul 18, 2011 11:48 pm

Im Jordan Leckonby, 25, from London. Been on apterous for a while, hoped to get good enough to go on countdown one day but my level has never really improved, so i'll stick with watching on tv.

kieranbray · Post by **kieranbray** » Tue Jul 19, 2011 12:38 am

Welcome Brian, and welcome Jordan

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Tue Jul 19, 2011 1:54 am

Hi Jordan!

Welcome!

By the way, Bryan, if I were you I wouldn't use such harsh words to describe how Mark Deeks beat you.

Also, Mark, welcome to the forum to you too!

Milosz Meller · Post by **Milosz Meller** » Mon Aug 22, 2011 10:22 am

Hi everyone!
I'm Miłosz Meller, I'm 18 and I live in Poznań, Poland. I've seen my first episode of "Des Chiffres et des Lettres" about 15 years ago and enjoyed watching it from time to time, even when I didn't speak French yet. At least there were number games, which I was sometimes able to solve.

Few years later I've learnt about "Countdown" and watched some episodes on YouTube. And finally, few days ago, I found this forum and Apterous. It's great, but it would be even better with a Polish dictionary - I would finally be able to get over 100 points in a 15 Rounder!

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Mon Aug 22, 2011 3:04 pm

Hi Milosz!

Welcome!

You speak very good English!

Milosz Meller · Post by **Milosz Meller** » Mon Aug 22, 2011 10:24 pm

Thank you!

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Mon Aug 22, 2011 10:53 pm

It's always a pleasure to give complements Milosz!

Barry Bridger · Post by **Barry Bridger** » Fri Aug 26, 2011 8:30 am

Hi everyone. I've finally got around to activating this account!

I've only been watching Countdown regularly for a couple of years, but am hooked on it and then joined Apterous in April 2010. During that time my rating has steadily improved, and my plan is to appear on the show around autumn 2012 after I've finished studying for my Counselling Diploma. By then I hope to be really good, but at the moment I still miss a lot of easy words and am a bit slow on conundrums.

I'm 38 years old and I spent 21 years working for Royal Mail, but now I am a full time carer for my son who has Autism and ADHD.

Hmm what else to write.....I feel like I'm writing a profile for Plenty Of Fish!!!

Any questions, feel free to ask.

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Fri Aug 26, 2011 6:05 pm

Barry, what took you so long to join us?

In any event I'm glad you're here!

Gavin Chipper · Post by **Gavin Chipper** » Fri Aug 26, 2011 6:10 pm

Jason Larsen wrote:Barry, what took you so long to join us?

In any even't I'm glad you're here!

In any eve not I am glad you are here as well.

Barry Bridger · Post by **Barry Bridger** » Sat Aug 27, 2011 6:16 am

Hi Jason,

I had a bit of trouble activating my account when I first registered, and have only just got around to emailing Charlie about it, so that I can compete in the autumn tournament.

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Sat Aug 27, 2011 3:03 pm

Good for you Barry!

I hope to hear nothing but good things about that!

Jack Worsley · Post by **Jack Worsley** » Sun Sep 25, 2011 3:42 pm

Hi Countdowners, I'm Jack, 18 years old from Blackpool, north west England.

I started watching Countdown regularly when I was about 7 (even though I was useless at it then

). I then watched irregularly until April this year and I haven't missed an episode since. I'm also an apterite and it's been great to play against great players, including former contestants.

Other than Countdwn, I a huge football fan, supporting Chelsea (which can be very frustrating at times

).

It's great to be a part of the forum.

Ian Volante · Post by **Ian Volante** » Sun Sep 25, 2011 4:30 pm

Jack Worsley wrote: from Blackpool, supporting Chelsea

Huh?

Oh, and welcome!

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Sun Sep 25, 2011 7:26 pm

Hi Jack!

Welcome! I'm glad you joined us!

Kai Laddiman would like you!

Jack Worsley · Post by **Jack Worsley** » Mon Sep 26, 2011 3:51 pm

Cheers guys. Why would Kai like me, Jason?

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Mon Sep 26, 2011 4:13 pm

Jack, Kai would like you because he is a supporter of Chelsea Football Club also.

Peter McNamara · Post by **Peter McNamara** » Mon Oct 24, 2011 3:35 pm

Hi - I'm Peter, longtime fan of Countdown but rubbish armchair player (ie rubbish player of Countdown while watching at home - "armchair player" is not some bizarre musical or sporting skill I can lay claim to).

Although I have always liked Countdown, I have particularly enjoyed the programme in the Jeff & Rachel era especially since they settled in and Jeff's comments to Rachel morphed from leering landlord to teasing uncle.

Possibly my best word spot was BENTONITE in Jimmy and Hamish's semi final a few series ago which I saw as a possible with two letters still to come, which they duly did. It would have been rubbish if I'd missed it having spent six months working on a building site where bentonite was used every day in the construction of foundations. Having said that, I frequently miss Countdown staples like leotard and pantiles.

Thanks very much to Charlie and everyone else who makes this forum a fun place to visit.

Charlie Hastings · Post by **Charlie Hastings** » Mon Nov 14, 2011 9:30 pm

Ahoy there, I'm Charlie from Portsmouth and I'm not in the navy.

Apart from Countdown, the only other must-watch programmes at my place are Only Connect, Merlin and Dr Who. Everything else is optional.

My big success was getting VENERATES one day, when DC got less (can't think what now), and have no idea when it was FWIW.

Gavin Chipper · Post by **Gavin Chipper** » Mon Nov 14, 2011 9:44 pm

Charlie Hastings wrote:Ahoy there, I'm Charlie from Portsmouth and I'm not in the navy.

Apart from Countdown, the only other must-watch programmes at my place are Only Connect, Merlin and Dr Who. Everything else is optional.

My big success was getting VENERATES one day, when DC got less (can't think what now), and have no idea when it was FWIW.

Might it have been this game?[/James Robinson]

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Tue Nov 15, 2011 6:53 pm

Hi Charlie!

Welcome!

Charlie Hastings · Post by **Charlie Hastings** » Mon Nov 21, 2011 3:41 pm

The timing is about right, so I think it probably was, Gavin. Well found!

I also beat DC quite recently with JABIRU...

Rose Boyle · Post by **Rose Boyle** » Tue Oct 09, 2012 6:56 pm

Hi, I'm Rose, from Dublin, and will be appearing on Countdown shortly. Just discovered this Countdown community - I'm very impressed!

Ian Volante · Post by **Ian Volante** » Tue Oct 09, 2012 10:13 pm

Rose Boyle wrote:Hi, I'm Rose, from Dublin, and will be appearing on Countdown shortly. Just discovered this Countdown community - I'm very impressed!

Hello, I trust you've discovered Apterous too?

Rose Boyle · Post by **Rose Boyle** » Wed Oct 10, 2012 8:30 pm

I have, also impressed! Just finding my way around it yet.

Adam Gillard · Post by **Adam Gillard** » Sun Dec 16, 2012 4:47 pm

Hi, I'm Adam. I like Countdown and Edward McCullagh.

Mark Deeks · Post by **Mark Deeks** » Sun Dec 16, 2012 5:49 pm

You're forcing it too much, honestly. You'll never top mine and Graeme's bromance. We've even got ourselves a Brangelina name. We're team Greeks. And you're so jel it's ridic.

Jennifer Steadman · Post by **Jennifer Steadman** » Sun Dec 16, 2012 9:22 pm

Andy flew over to Germany to see Dan - I think they're winning the bromance battle at the moment. Soz guys.

Mark Deeks · Post by **Mark Deeks** » Sun Dec 16, 2012 9:51 pm

FUCK YOU ALL. *picks up ball and leaves*

Keith Walton · Post by **Keith Walton** » Mon Dec 31, 2012 5:56 pm

H - i'm Keith and i only found the site a few weeks back and have just got round to registering. I don't anticipate posting regularly (but that may change). I appeared on the programme in November.

Kevin Steede · Post by **Kevin Steede** » Thu Jan 17, 2013 10:50 pm

Hi, I'm Kevin. I've been floating around Apterous for a few months trying to improve and crawl my way up the ratings. I'm 22, originally from the west of Ireland, but now studying in Plymouth. I'm considering applying for the show in future but I'd like to get more skilled before doing so. I like reading, hiking, wasting time looking at internet memes, and the Big Bang Theory.

Bring on the rest of the 30th Birthday Championship! So far it's been amazing.

Adam Gillard · Post by **Adam Gillard** » Fri Jan 18, 2013 1:06 am

In the absence of the Welcomer-in-Chief (Jason Larsen), I'd just like to say welcome to Keith and Kevin. I hope you enjoy sharing in the Countdown community - now is a great time to get involved, what with the 30th Birthday Championship attracting some of the all-time greats to this forum and to apterous.

Edit: Not sure what compelled me to use italics there; it looks odd.

Kevin Steede · Post by **Kevin Steede** » Sat Jan 19, 2013 10:28 pm

Cheers Adam, and good luck in the Championship (I don't know if you've recorded yet, so retroactive luck if so!).

Anthony Endsor · Post by **Anthony Endsor** » Sun Jan 20, 2013 5:21 pm

Hi everyone

My name is Anthony Endsor. I was a contestant in series 53 back in 2005.

Some of you will already know me as I used to post quite regularly on countdown forums about that time. I was already registered to this site, and I've just looked and it's 5 years since I last looked on here. Where has the time gone?

Well I'm back now, hoping to go to COLIN this Saturday weather and time permitting. Happy days are here again

Jon O'Neill · Post by **Jon O'Neill** » Mon Jan 21, 2013 12:53 am

Nice to see a familiar name/face. Welcome back!

Johnny Canuck · Post by **Johnny Canuck** » Mon Jan 21, 2013 2:12 am

Kevin Steede wrote:Hi, I'm Kevin. I've been floating around Apterous for a few months trying to improve and crawl my way up the ratings. I'm 22, originally from the west of Ireland, but now studying in Plymouth. I'm considering applying for the show in future but I'd like to get more skilled before doing so. I like reading, hiking, wasting time looking at internet memes, and the Big Bang Theory.

Wait... the show, or the thing?

Jon Corby · Post by **Jon Corby** » Tue Jan 22, 2013 10:58 am

Adam Gillard wrote:Edit: Not sure what compelled me to use italics there; it looks odd.

Phil Reynolds must be rubbing off on you.

Kevin Steede · Post by **Kevin Steede** » Fri Jan 25, 2013 11:43 pm

Johnny Canuck wrote:
Kevin Steede wrote:Hi, I'm Kevin. I've been floating around Apterous for a few months trying to improve and crawl my way up the ratings. I'm 22, originally from the west of Ireland, but now studying in Plymouth. I'm considering applying for the show in future but I'd like to get more skilled before doing so. I like reading, hiking, wasting time looking at internet memes, and the Big Bang Theory.
Wait... the show, or the thing?

The show. I think there was a suggestion of Sheldon Cooper as a character in Dictionary Corner on Apterous. That would be great!

Mark Murphy · Post by **Mark Murphy** » Sat Feb 02, 2013 9:28 pm

Evenin' all.

I'm Mark Murphy, best known for getting WANKER in my first game in January last year.
I was happy to have just avoided Jack Worsley in the preliminaries, only to come up against him in the quarter final!

Had a great time on Countdown. I suspect I won't be asked back unless they do a special on people who have made rude words... Unless I get my arse into gear and start practicing on Apterous.

Neil Bellers · Post by **Neil Bellers** » Thu Feb 07, 2013 9:27 pm

From Neil B: Regretfully it has taken me so long to discover this tremendous post-match analysis online, considering that I have been watching Countdown for years.
A real privilege to watch Jack with his 143 score, and thanks to Conor for his ‘not written down’ joke.

I needed cheering up as I have been watching recently before going to visit my Dad in hospital every day; soon hoping to get back to our regular Scrabble matches if he feels able (he is 83).

Remember the delightfully “Elastic” Loz Sands in 2001? Maybe she was the most cheerful, and had the cheek to (be the first to?) wave to the camera and the audience.

In her quiet way, Heather was really admirable and it took nerves of kryptonite for her to start writing the letters out during the December crucial semi-final conundrum, when such a good opponent was very likely to be about to buzz-in any second. Time was stationary in her ‘zone’, or stationery in her case(publishing). According to www.apterous.org/cdb/ H. has the honour of being the latest winner this time in the list of champions…?….and going back over the years, the emotion of CV’s last appearance has affected the score for the final of series 59 at www.apterous.org/cdb/series.php?series=59 Charlie Reams is shown as the winner by 88-84 in the central column… Of course, he is one of the moderators / recappers, so why not give him an ongoing moment of glory…and certainly an achievement to be proud of, getting to the final. Sorry about “aliener”… is it in the dictionary by now? That OXFORD one, against a Light Blue contestant?

In fact, those two December 2012 semis were truly tremendous and well done to everyone involved. Ro-Bo, best of the west, nearly made it to the top but PaJama is the worthy overall champ. While he is in a good mood, is there any chance of him writing his own recap for his previous appearance?
“Wednesday 29 April 1998.
C1: Champion Ged Hayes (2 wins, 113 points.)
C2: Challenger Paul James.
DC: Mark Nyman and Toyah Willcox.
CV: Carol Vorderman.”

Most times with the letters challenges, I am strictly an observer who feels as if the thirty seconds is over in three seconds, before I even have my brain into gear (I am now 53 yo and past my peak, which was probably even before Countdown began!).
I feel slightly more comfortable with the numbers, now and again, and I give myself a ‘bonus’ biscuit from the tin at home if I can use all six numbers which does liven up the ‘easier’ selections, eg. First December semi, round ten: 423. (2+3)x75=375; add (2x4x6) 48: is that right, PJ?

Can the rules be clarified if one of the top contenders is somehow going to be personally unavailable for any more recordings? Should they be invited back for another chance? Yes.
Thanks for the superb Countdown coverage, and congrats also to all at the C4 studios.

Matt Morrison · Post by **Matt Morrison** » Thu Feb 07, 2013 11:33 pm

That's possibly the best first post ever Neil, thank you.

Peter Fenton · Post by **Peter Fenton** » Tue Feb 12, 2013 2:38 pm

Unfortunately, I can't really compete with Neil's first post above.

I''ve been using Apterous since about mid-November now and passed an audition in January to appear on the show. Received a phone call last week asking if I'd like to be a reserve contestant for next Monday (18.2). I should probably be frantically practising right now but have reconciled myself with the fact that I'm not likely to make much improvement in a week, so I'm trying to take a kind of c'est la vie attitude. Will no doubt be crapping myself if/when I get into the chair!

Have been thoroughly enjoying the scarily high standard of the 30th anniversary series so far - they've been some great games so far and can't wait to see the latter stages

Dave Preece · Post by **Dave Preece** » Fri Feb 22, 2013 2:51 pm

Hi all.

This is my first post on here, looks like a very nice forum, loads of 'Countdown Celebs' and I must admit, a few of my favourite contestants post on here, so I'm keen to interact.

I've been watching the show since I was at Primary school (more-or-less when it stated), I record it every day and watch nearly every episode - although I do run it through the picking process!

I've complied an all-time ranking list which I’m going to post shortly; I hope it's received well.

I'm absolutely addicted to this 30th Birthday Series 68, and it's what has inspired me to collate the ranking list.

Thanks for letting me on...

Dave
Crewe

Gavin Chipper · Post by **Gavin Chipper** » Fri Feb 22, 2013 11:11 pm

Dave Preece wrote:I've complied an all-time ranking list which I’m going to post shortly; I hope it's received well.

My kind of guy.

I'm absolutely addicted to this 30th Birthday Series 68, and it's what has inspired me to collate the ranking list.

Are you going to do another one when it finishes?

Dave Preece · Post by **Dave Preece** » Sun Feb 24, 2013 5:36 am

DEFO Gev x

Arthur Bennett · Post by **Arthur Bennett** » Mon Feb 25, 2013 10:44 am

Forgot you had to post here first...

Anyway, hi everybody!

My name is Arthur Bennett, and I'm from Broadstairs on the east Kent coast. And I've been following Channel 4's first programme in one way or another for all but the first four of my 27 years.

I've visited this great site many times, yet only now - with the show on its fifth host, with Rachel into her fifth year, and with the 30th Birthday Championship entering its final week - have I got the urge to join it.

Away from Countdown, I like the Simpsons (well, mostly the first nine seasons) and South Park. My favourite sports are darts and snooker. I much prefer to listen to classical music rather than (the vast majority of) the stuff that makes the Top 40 these days. And I'm still looking for Mrs Right - naturally long dark hair, curves, a bubbly personality...

Mark Deeks · Post by **Mark Deeks** » Mon Feb 25, 2013 10:45 am

You probably won't find her here. It's mostly a sausage fest. But hello anyway!

Jon Corby · Post by **Jon Corby** » Mon Feb 25, 2013 11:04 am

Arthur Bennett wrote:And I'm still looking for Mrs Right

Philanderer

Albert Tatlock · Post by **Albert Tatlock** » Thu Mar 21, 2013 6:59 pm

Hi Guys - Thought I'd join the forum - have loved Countdown from the original 'Calendar Countdown' days - love the words but maybe not the medical chemical ones. Have an audition in a few weeks - hope the nerves do not let me down. Richard Gammon - but henceforth I'll be Albert

Grant Waters · Post by **Grant Waters** » Thu Mar 21, 2013 7:06 pm

Welcome Albert - it is a shame the filming has moved up to Salford as you would have felt right at home in the Granada TV studio canteen, with pictures of Hilda Ogden and co all round the place!

Guy Barry · Post by **Guy Barry** » Sun Apr 07, 2013 1:51 pm

Hi - I've been following Countdown on and off since the early days but sort of lost interest when Richard Whiteley died. As I've had some time on my hands recently I decided to catch up with the show again. Unbeknownst to me I started watching in the middle of the 30th birthday championship and thought "bloody hell, the standard's gone up a lot in the last few years!" Now that the "mortals" are playing again I can just about keep pace with them

I had no idea that such a community had built around the show and have enjoyed reading many of the threads here. Hope I can contribute something of interest.

Andy Platt · Post by **Andy Platt** » Mon Apr 08, 2013 2:44 pm

Welcome dude, impressive if you can keep up with this Giles guy too.

Who is online