Today on Countdown

Allan Harmer · Post by **Allan Harmer** » Thu Oct 02, 2008 12:17 pm

Has anyone seen this - Looks like we may have an 11 year old Octochamp coming up

Lucky Debbi and Junaid - lol

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstop ... s-old.html

Allan

Jon O'Neill · Post by **Jon O'Neill** » Thu Oct 02, 2008 12:23 pm

Uh oh.. spoilers.

Michael Wallace · Post by **Michael Wallace** » Thu Oct 02, 2008 2:07 pm

"Despite his young age, Kai recently obtained a B grade in AS Level Maths."

I never understand why people do exams early if they're not going to get the top grade, it's just retarded.

Charlie Reams · Post by **Charlie Reams** » Thu Oct 02, 2008 2:08 pm

Very minor spoilers but yes, don't read the link if you don't want to know today's conundrum.

Kate Horton · Post by **Kate Horton** » Thu Oct 02, 2008 2:17 pm

Worry not, chaps.
All of the rounds quoted in the press were from Kai's audition test back in January and not today's show...

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Thu Oct 02, 2008 2:58 pm

Whoa!

Look out Bradley Cates, here comes Kai Laddiman! It'll be the bird, it'll be the plane, it'll be Kai Laddiman!

Lara Searle · Post by **Lara Searle** » Thu Oct 02, 2008 3:00 pm

Michael Wallace wrote:"Despite his young age, Kai recently obtained a B grade in AS Level Maths."

I never understand why people do exams early if they're not going to get the top grade, it's just retarded.

Is it just me or is that a bit of a mean thing to say? Given he's 11 and completed an AS level is maths, I don't think he could be described as retarded......

Michael Wallace · Post by **Michael Wallace** » Thu Oct 02, 2008 3:12 pm

Lara Searle wrote:
Michael Wallace wrote:"Despite his young age, Kai recently obtained a B grade in AS Level Maths."

I never understand why people do exams early if they're not going to get the top grade, it's just retarded.
Is it just me or is that a bit of a mean thing to say? Given he's 11 and completed an AS level is maths, I don't think he could be described as retarded......

I wasn't calling him retarded, I was calling the act of doing exams early when it's ostensibly just so you've done it early (I would hope it is obvious I am allowing for people having a bad day or whatever, as clearly I can't know his particular circumstances) as a bit pointless. One so often sees "7 year old gets a C in GCSE IT", or whatever, and it just seems like such a waste of time.

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Thu Oct 02, 2008 3:31 pm

The fact that I like Bradley Cates doesn't mean I won't like Kai Laddiman, and I won't jump to conclusions!

By the way, Lara, is that you? If so, I'm not surprised you're so sweet and no wonder!

Charlie Reams · Post by **Charlie Reams** » Thu Oct 02, 2008 3:38 pm

Difficult to know how to comment on today's game. I don't think we're looking at the next Allan Saldanha/Conor, but he was pretty exceptional for an 11 year old and it was good to see him win. I suspect his opponent's poor performance was out of embarrassment at taking on a child and he seemed rather sulky about it (although Des was amused so maybe I misread him.) The post-match banter was good.

Lara Searle · Post by **Lara Searle** » Thu Oct 02, 2008 3:46 pm

I have to say James, Kai's opponant took the defeat very well and was a real gent.

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Thu Oct 02, 2008 3:50 pm

Lara, do you mean to tell us you don't feel so bad about today's game after all?

Charlie Reams · Post by **Charlie Reams** » Thu Oct 02, 2008 3:51 pm

Yes, fair enough. It's hard to come across well in that situation (embarrassing whether you win or lose) but he won me round at the end.

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Thu Oct 02, 2008 4:00 pm

Charlie... Charlie Reams? I'm trying to come clean and you...

Charlie Reams · Post by **Charlie Reams** » Thu Oct 02, 2008 4:23 pm

Jason Larsen wrote:Charlie... Charlie Reams?

James Bond's more hesitant cousin.

Dinos Sfyris · Post by **Dinos Sfyris** » Thu Oct 02, 2008 4:48 pm

Jason Larsen wrote:By the way, Lara, is that you? If so, I'm not surprised you're so sweet and no wonder!

The picture doesn't do her justice. She's even more gorgeous in person

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Thu Oct 02, 2008 4:51 pm

You are both funny people!

Damian E · Post by **Damian E** » Fri Oct 03, 2008 9:49 pm

Dinos Sfyris wrote:
Jason Larsen wrote:By the way, Lara, is that you? If so, I'm not surprised you're so sweet and no wonder!
The picture doesn't do her justice. She's even more gorgeous in person

This is nauseating.

Richard Priest · Post by **Richard Priest** » Fri Oct 03, 2008 10:11 pm

KateHorton wrote:Worry not, chaps.
All of the rounds quoted in the press were from Kai's audition test back in January and not today's show...

Yeah, I thought so because those rounds came up in my audition which was also in January.

Just out of interest, as Junaid had just gone, was James a standby contestant? The fact of him being from Sheffield made me wonder.

Charlie Reams · Post by **Charlie Reams** » Fri Oct 03, 2008 10:25 pm

Damian E wrote:This is nauseating.

I wouldn't say the photo was that bad.

Kate Horton · Post by **Kate Horton** » Mon Oct 06, 2008 10:02 am

Just out of interest, as Junaid had just gone, was James a standby contestant? The fact of him being from Sheffield made me wonder.[/quote]

No flies on you Mr Priest! Yes, James was a standby (and I bet he wishes he wasn't now!)

Allan Harmer · Post by **Allan Harmer** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 1:05 pm

No one has mentioned that Kai is a very unusual boy's name in the UK.

The only one I have ever heard of before is Kai (or Kay) in the Hans Kristian Andersen tale and the 2002 film version.
p.s. I played a woodpigeon in a 1964 junior school production of it

Anyone know of any others?

Al

Ben Wilson · Post by **Ben Wilson** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 3:13 pm

aagharmer wrote:No one has mentioned that Kai is a very unusual boy's name in the UK.

The only one I have ever heard of before is Kai (or Kay) in the Hans Kristian Andersen tale and the 2002 film version.
p.s. I played a woodpigeon in a 1964 junior school production of it

Anyone know of any others?

Al

It is gaining popularity, slowly but steadily. Dunno why anyone would name their child after a character from Lexx though.

Kirk Bevins · Post by **Kirk Bevins** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 4:37 pm

My cousin's son is called Kai - not sure what relation he is though - anyone know?

Jon O'Neill · Post by **Jon O'Neill** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 5:17 pm

Second cousin to you. Probably not related to Kai.

JimBentley · Post by **JimBentley** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 5:19 pm

Kirk Bevins wrote:My cousin's son is called Kai - not sure what relation he is though - anyone know?

Second cousin? That might be completely wrong, mind.

Anyway, according to the scintillating statistics.gov website, Kai was the 62nd most popular boy's name in England and Wales in 2007, and had been there or thereabouts for the previous five years. I don't think it was very popular before the 1990s though; I've definitely never met a Kai and can't think of any famous Kais.

Ben Wilson · Post by **Ben Wilson** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 5:35 pm

Kirk Bevins wrote:My cousin's son is called Kai - not sure what relation he is though - anyone know?

First cousin once removed iirc.

Quick way of working it out- number of generations back to find a common ancestor-1 (e.g. shared grandparents= first cousin, shared great-grandparents= second cousin). The 'removed' part is how many generations apart you are.

Jon O'Neill · Post by **Jon O'Neill** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 5:40 pm

Oh yeah, sorry.

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 5:47 pm

Kai is usually an Asian name!

Paul Howe · Post by **Paul Howe** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 5:47 pm

I remember it as second cousin is the grandchild of your great aunt or uncle , as this naturally extends the familiar aunt/uncle/cousin relationships.

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 5:48 pm

Paul, how do you know Ben's family?

Kirk Bevins · Post by **Kirk Bevins** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 5:49 pm

Jason Larsen wrote:Paul, how do you know Ben's family?

Read carefully.

Paul Howe · Post by **Paul Howe** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 5:52 pm

Well I've met Ben's mum at various Countdown tournaments but apart from that I don't know Ben's famiy, not sure where you got that from.

Just out of interest is there a collective word for your aunt and uncle just like your mum and dad are your parents?

Jon O'Neill · Post by **Jon O'Neill** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 5:57 pm

Paul Howe wrote:I remember it as second cousin is the grandchild of your great aunt or uncle , as this naturally extends the familiar aunt/uncle/cousin relationships.

I think the confusion came from you saying "your" when you meant to say "one's". Easy mistake.

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 6:00 pm

I bet Ben's mom is a lovely lady!

Paul Howe · Post by **Paul Howe** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 6:33 pm

Jon O'Neill wrote:
Paul Howe wrote:I remember it as second cousin is the grandchild of your great aunt or uncle , as this naturally extends the familiar aunt/uncle/cousin relationships.
I think the confusion came from you saying "your" when you meant to say "one's". Easy mistake.

I suppose that's true if you, I mean one, reads it very literally. I don't think it's bad grammar if it's contextually clear I'm speaking to you, whoever happens to read this message, and not you, a specific individual. Or maybe it is. I haven't got a clue really

Ian Volante · Post by **Ian Volante** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 7:57 pm

I used to play rugby with a Kai. His brother was an Iron Maiden fan too. This is irrelevant.

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 8:11 pm

Is that right?

Ian, did they let people of all ages play rugby where you were?

Ian Volante · Post by **Ian Volante** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 8:21 pm

Jason Larsen wrote:Is that right?

Ian, did they let people of all ages play rugby where you were?

The local rugby league leagues generally start at under-eight level.

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 8:53 pm

My, my, my!

Dinos Sfyris · Post by **Dinos Sfyris** » Thu Oct 09, 2008 9:58 am

There is a Cai in my Chem class at Sheffield and other than Kai Laddiman I've seen one other person called Kai on tv (fictitious though)

As for a collective word for aunt and uncle, using the aforementioned logic, how about second parents?

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Thu Oct 09, 2008 1:25 pm

I don't understand you, Dinos.

I'm sorry.

Gavin Chipper · Post by **Gavin Chipper** » Thu Oct 09, 2008 5:16 pm

Dinos Sfyris wrote:There is a Cai in my Chem class at Sheffield and other than Kai Laddiman I've seen one other person called Kai on tv (fictitious though)

As for a collective word for aunt and uncle, using the aforementioned logic, how about second parents?

Would a sibling be a second self?

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Fri Oct 10, 2008 12:54 am

Maybe

Dinos Sfyris · Post by **Dinos Sfyris** » Fri Oct 10, 2008 10:19 am

Gavin Chipper wrote:
Dinos Sfyris wrote:There is a Cai in my Chem class at Sheffield and other than Kai Laddiman I've seen one other person called Kai on tv (fictitious though)

As for a collective word for aunt and uncle, using the aforementioned logic, how about second parents?
Would a sibling be a second self?

I like it

Especially for a twin. In fact I often call my younger brother "Little Dinos"

Jon Corby · Post by **Jon Corby** » Fri Oct 10, 2008 12:53 pm

Dinos Sfyris wrote:I like it Especially for a twin. In fact I often call my younger brother "Little Dinos"

When you say "younger brother", you mean "cock", right?

Dinos Sfyris · Post by **Dinos Sfyris** » Fri Oct 10, 2008 12:55 pm

No that has another affectionate name which I wont be sharing!

Debbi Flack · Post by **Debbi Flack** » Fri Oct 10, 2008 1:06 pm

Dinos Sfyris wrote: No that has another affectionate name which I wont be sharing!

Oh, go on!

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Fri Oct 10, 2008 1:49 pm

Your family must be very special, Dinos!

Michael Wallace · Post by **Michael Wallace** » Fri Oct 10, 2008 4:09 pm

Dinos's little brother is a cock?

Dinos Sfyris · Post by **Dinos Sfyris** » Fri Oct 10, 2008 7:06 pm

DebbiF wrote:
Dinos Sfyris wrote: No that has another affectionate name which I wont be sharing!
Oh, go on!

No way. Well maybe I will if I win the plate

Maybe

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Sat Oct 11, 2008 1:48 am

No, no, no, Michael!

You've just won a doggie bag, Dinos!

Kai Laddiman · Post by **Kai Laddiman** » Wed Oct 15, 2008 8:31 pm

Rich Priest wrote:
KateHorton wrote:Worry not, chaps.
All of the rounds quoted in the press were from Kai's audition test back in January and not today's show...
Yeah, I thought so because those rounds came up in my audition which was also in January.

Just out of interest, as Junaid had just gone, was James a standby contestant? The fact of him being from Sheffield made me wonder.

Yeah, he was a stand-in. Rich, are you actually going on the show?

Kirk Bevins · Post by **Kirk Bevins** » Wed Oct 15, 2008 8:54 pm

Kai Laddiman wrote:
Rich Priest wrote:
KateHorton wrote:Worry not, chaps.
All of the rounds quoted in the press were from Kai's audition test back in January and not today's show...
Yeah, I thought so because those rounds came up in my audition which was also in January.

Just out of interest, as Junaid had just gone, was James a standby contestant? The fact of him being from Sheffield made me wonder.
Yeah, he was a stand-in. Rich, are you actually going on the show?

I hope that's a joke!

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Wed Oct 15, 2008 11:06 pm

Kai, I don't know what a guy like you is doing up so late at night, but I must commend you for pulling a lot of all-nighters!

Good young man!

Dinos Sfyris · Post by **Dinos Sfyris** » Thu Oct 16, 2008 3:34 pm

Kirk Bevins wrote:
Kai Laddiman wrote:Rich, are you actually going on the show?
I hope that's a joke!

Yeah he sucks! He'd probably blag his way to the finals with about 6 wins before being beaten by an Irish drag queen!

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Thu Oct 16, 2008 3:47 pm

I don't think Kai knows, Richard was the runner-up in the last series!