Countdowners in the news

[Jon Corby]

Rachel Riley has made the news for her Tweet about the Sydney stabbings. It is also unfortunate for her that people are putting her in the same bracket as Julia Hartley-Brewer. Because whatever one thinks of Rachel Riley, this isn't something you'd wish on anyone.

They've tempered that slightly, I'm positive when I first read that story they simply referred to it (repeatedly) as her "racist tweet".

[Gavin Chipper]

Rachel Riley has made the news for her Tweet about the Sydney stabbings. It is also unfortunate for her that people are putting her in the same bracket as Julia Hartley-Brewer. Because whatever one thinks of Rachel Riley, this isn't something you'd wish on anyone.

They've tempered that slightly, I'm positive when I first read that story they simply referred to it (repeatedly) as her "racist tweet".

You're right. It did.

[John Garcia]

Rachel Riley has made the news for her Tweet about the Sydney stabbings. It is also unfortunate for her that people are putting her in the same bracket as Julia Hartley-Brewer. Because whatever one thinks of Rachel Riley, this isn't something you'd wish on anyone.

Blaming the Sydney attack on Palestinians and their supporters (in the middle of a genocide) is pretty sick to say the least.

[John Garcia]

Here she is whipping up more hatred against Palestinians:

https://twitter.com/StevePowers_/status ... 9529047461

"We now know that there was a pregnant woman, who had her belly cut open and the baby was removed from her stomach and beheaded in front of her. There's videos of this. ... I know many people who have seen it. These videos are in existence."

History will judge her as a pernicious propagandist for Zionism.

[Marc Meakin]

Vorders on HIGNIFY tonight

[Martin Hurst]

https://x.com/iangbland/status/1803897830337319231

Very clever stuff from Series 69 quarter finalist Jonathan Liew (warning: contains football)

[Marc Meakin]

Susie Dent has written a mystery novel.
Guilty By Definition .
Comes out in August

[Andres Sanchez]

Don't know if this counts or not but found Zubair on The Cryptic Mystic: https://youtu.be/6rAUjgxyqA0?si=VHc4s2mLSsAHfSbf

[Martin Hurst]

Andrew Hulme has made it to the final six in a poker tournament in Barcelona where the first prize is over €1.5m, and is already guaranteed to win 300k euros.

https://www.pokernews.com/tours/ept/202 ... 687979.htm

[Martin Hurst]

Andrew Hulme has made it to the final six in a poker tournament in Barcelona where the first prize is over €1.5m, and is already guaranteed to win 300k euros.

https://www.pokernews.com/tours/ept/202 ... 687979.htm

Looks like he finished 2nd and won €944k

[Paul Worsley]

He finished 2nd for €1.165 million....class act.

[Thomas Cappleman]

According to this that took him up to 34th on the English all time money list for poker (overtaking a certain Victoria Coren Mitchell among others): https://pokerdb.thehendonmob.com/ranking/201/#340

[Graeme Cole]

This has now been made public: John Cowen charged with stabbing at Blackpool tournament.

Quick reminder to everyone, especially those who were there, not to post anything about the suspect or the incident which might prejudice the trial. Journalists know the complex laws about what is allowed to be published and when - we generally don't.

[Gavin Chipper]

Does that mean a criminal or their lawyer could post stuff online (under some other name or names presumably) about their crime to get the trial thrown out?

[Graeme Cole]

Does that mean a criminal or their lawyer could post stuff online (under some other name or names presumably) about their crime to get the trial thrown out?

They could try, but presumably they'd be running the risk of adding perverting the course of justice to the charge sheet if they were found out.

[Marc Meakin]

This has now been made public: John Cowen charged with stabbing at Blackpool tournament.

Quick reminder to everyone, especially those who were there, not to post anything about the suspect or the incident which might prejudice the trial. Journalists know the complex laws about what is allowed to be published and when - we generally don't.

Presumably using the word allegedly won't work.
I do hope the victim is ok

[L'oisleatch McGraw]

Does that mean a criminal or their lawyer could post stuff online (under some other name or names presumably) about their crime to get the trial thrown out?

I know. Good point Gev, which helps highlight the extent to which Graeme's paranoia on this issue is OTT.
Anyone can pretty much say anything about it now, without there being any repercussions...

[Ryan Lam]

This has now been made public: John Cowen charged with stabbing at Blackpool tournament.

Quick reminder to everyone, especially those who were there, not to post anything about the suspect or the incident which might prejudice the trial. Journalists know the complex laws about what is allowed to be published and when - we generally don't.

This is just incredibly unbelievable to hear and I am in such disbelief. I remembered his performances on the show with the 6 Small rounds all the way; his fall from grace is just spectacular not to say the least.

Thanks Charlie for also helping to take down his photo on the Apterous Wiki in view of the news, I certainly didn't want a screenshot I took years ago to be misused out there by anyone else as well.

[Fiona T]

Thanks Charlie for also helping to take down his photo on the Apterous Wiki in view of the news, I certainly didn't want a screenshot I took years ago to be misused out there by anyone else as well.

That horse may have bolted...

[Ryan Lam]

That horse may have bolted...

I mean to be fair, it's better than leaving his photo and information up there on the Wiki and pretend nothing has happened given the story has already circulated across the nation in many media outlets, with most of them using that particular image.

Who knows, they may replace his face with a mugshot in due course...

[Marc Meakin]

Does that mean a criminal or their lawyer could post stuff online (under some other name or names presumably) about their crime to get the trial thrown out?

I know. Good point Gev, which helps highlight the extent to which Graeme's paranoia on this issue is OTT.
Anyone can pretty much say anything about it now, without there being any repercussions...

One assumes there are one or two independent witnesses ?

[David Roe]

Does that mean a criminal or their lawyer could post stuff online (under some other name or names presumably) about their crime to get the trial thrown out?

I know. Good point Gev, which helps highlight the extent to which Graeme's paranoia on this issue is OTT.
Anyone can pretty much say anything about it now, without there being any repercussions...

It's a criminal offence to make any report about a crime that someone has been charged with and not yet tried; the exception being that once the trial has started, you can report what has been said at the trial, but nothing else.

[Gavin Chipper]

What about all the news reports that have come out recently?

[David Harrison]

The identity of the victim has now been made public https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity- ... 4-33883390 (wasn’t exactly classified information)

Note: much of the detail in the report is inaccurate.

[David Harrison]

The identity of the victim has now been made public https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity- ... 4-33883390 (wasn’t exactly classified information)

Note: much of the detail in the report is inaccurate.

Sharing the statement made by FOCAL on social media in response to this article:

[Marc Meakin]

Indeed what was his motive ?

[Marc Meakin]

Indeed what was his motive ?

[Moderator edited to remove speculation- don't do this, folks]

[David Harrison]

Edited to remove speculation- mod

[Marc Meakin]

Can we have an update on the alleged victim.
Is he OK?

[David Harrison]

Can we have an update on the alleged victim.
Is he OK?

Yes, he’s ok. He even returned to complete the final 4 games of the day ans has since participated in events in Dublin and Glasgow.

[Marc Meakin]

Can we have an update on the alleged victim.
Is he OK?

Yes, he’s ok. He even returned to complete the final 4 games of the day ans has since participated in events in Dublin and Glasgow.

Yeah I saw his name down for Glasgow but assumed that was an old list.

[Ben Wilson]

Please don't speculate in this thread about motives or anything best saved for a trial. Repeat offences will result in a time out from the forum.

[Marc Meakin]

Please don't speculate in this thread about motives or anything best saved for a trial. Repeat offences will result in a time out from the forum.

Been there done that and got several T shirts but I won't post anymore on this or the other thread

[Marc Meakin]

Apropos of nothing in particular , Vorderman is on HIGNIFY this Friday

[Gavin Chipper]

Please don't speculate in this thread about motives or anything best saved for a trial. Repeat offences will result in a time out from the forum.

I'd say that's quite a generous sentence.

[Martin Hurst]

https://dartsnews.com/pdc/just-gets-wor ... m-of-darts

Kirk Bevins involved in a minor spat at the darts. Not sure he will be entirely happy with that photo!

[Thomas Carey]

Slightly less traumatic way to make the news (well, the facebook reels of the local rag) this time around - the time I wore the Lidl jumper to the Aldi Christmas market #madlad https://www.facebook.com/reel/1083741992905334

[Fiona T]

Slightly less traumatic way to make the news (well, the facebook reels of the local rag) this time around - the time I wore the Lidl jumper to the Aldi Christmas market #madlad https://www.facebook.com/reel/1083741992905334

1 Euro for gluhwein! Went to Winchester Christmas market on Thursday - £5.50 for a small cup and it was really horrible - disgustingly sweet and no flavour!

[Ian Volante]

https://dartsnews.com/pdc/just-gets-wor ... m-of-darts

Kirk Bevins involved in a minor spat at the darts. Not sure he will be entirely happy with that photo!

What, with someone else's hand in his pocket?

[Marc Meakin]

Warning spoilers for series champ result

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9dp6lv1008o

[Callum Todd]

Warning spoilers for series champ result

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9dp6lv1008o

Great stuff this, as much as [REDACTED]! Thanks for sharing, Marc.

[Thomas Cappleman]

Warning spoilers for series champ result

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9dp6lv1008o

Great stuff this, as much as [REDACTED]! Thanks for sharing, Marc.

Can you edit this to not be a spoiler itself please?

[Ben Wilson]

Have edited both of the above posts. No spoilers before midnight outside of the spoilers forum, please.

[Callum Todd]

Oops, sorry guys. I'm a bit out of touch with TV show and spoiler sensitivity etc. my bad.

[Gavin Chipper]

Have edited both of the above posts. No spoilers before midnight outside of the spoilers forum, please.

Midnight seems a bit early. I'd give it about a week! I think we had a discussion once but don't recall a particular resolution.

[Ben Wilson]

Funnily, I recall the resolution being 'midnight after the episode' but can't recall the discussion. Might've been on Facebook.

[Gavin Chipper]

On Facebook anything goes.

[Callum Todd]

I had no idea when the episode had been broadcast to be honest so didn't even think. I do think it's a bit crazy to have a spoilers embargo on a dedicated forum for a show. I've avoided spoilers for TV shows before and it seems obvious to me if a show has already broadcast and you want to avoid spoilers it's just about the most obvious thing in the world that you shouldn't go to an internet forum all about that show before watching it if you don't want spoilers. But rules is rules!

[Philip A]

I had no idea when the episode had been broadcast to be honest so didn't even think. I do think it's a bit crazy to have a spoilers embargo on a dedicated forum for a show. I've avoided spoilers for TV shows before and it seems obvious to me if a show has already broadcast and you want to avoid spoilers it's just about the most obvious thing in the world that you shouldn't go to an internet forum all about that show before watching it if you don't want spoilers. But rules is rules!

I think this exposes the flaw in Countdown’s regular graveyard 2:10 pm time slot, which has been the mainstay since 17th October 2016. That’s 8 years ago now.

2:10 pm is an awful premiere, especially as Channel 4 is now officially a digital first service – prioritising streaming over time slot TV in other words. This has been an issue which has dogged Countdown for some time now.

Nobody even knows what time it’s on!

Nobody notices “traditional” time slot TV anymore but a better time slot, especially for a Grand Final, would have at least reduced the modern-day issue on spoilers. They could have put it at 3:10 pm up against repeats of Tipping Point: Lucky Stars.

[Gavin Chipper]

I had no idea when the episode had been broadcast to be honest so didn't even think. I do think it's a bit crazy to have a spoilers embargo on a dedicated forum for a show. I've avoided spoilers for TV shows before and it seems obvious to me if a show has already broadcast and you want to avoid spoilers it's just about the most obvious thing in the world that you shouldn't go to an internet forum all about that show before watching it if you don't want spoilers. But rules is rules!

I'm pretty sure the midnight rule is brand new for this forum. But in any case this is more than just a Countdown forum. We discuss loads of things and have a dedicated subforum for spoilers, so it makes sense not to post details of recent games outside of this. I don't want to be locked out of the parkrun chat because I'm behind on the Countdown episodes!

I think midnight at the end of the broadcast day is actually too early and think a week is probably better, though I'm not sure it needs to be a hard and fast rule as it generally works anyway.

[Callum Todd]

I had no idea when the episode had been broadcast to be honest so didn't even think. I do think it's a bit crazy to have a spoilers embargo on a dedicated forum for a show. I've avoided spoilers for TV shows before and it seems obvious to me if a show has already broadcast and you want to avoid spoilers it's just about the most obvious thing in the world that you shouldn't go to an internet forum all about that show before watching it if you don't want spoilers. But rules is rules!

I'm pretty sure the midnight rule is brand new for this forum. But in any case this is more than just a Countdown forum. We discuss loads of things and have a dedicated subforum for spoilers, so it makes sense not to post details of recent games outside of this. I don't want to be locked out of the parkrun chat because I'm behind on the Countdown episodes!

I think midnight at the end of the broadcast day is actually too early and think a week is probably better, though I'm not sure it needs to be a hard and fast rule as it generally works anyway.

That's why there's an off-topic section though right? It's a different area. Anyone coming to this area of the forum to read the newest posts, having not seen the latest Countdown episode and not wanting to know the result, is choosing to access a forum specifically about Countdown, and in this case about Countdown news, while purportedly being quite invested in... not hearing the latest Countdown news. It seems obvious that's a silly thing to do. I often miss live sport events like UFC and F1, so I take great care to avoid websites I would normally visit frequently until I have had chance to watch the replay. I've done the same for TV shows in the past too, such as Game of Thrones and Sherlock.

To be clear, I'm not trying to justify my mistake earlier. That was just me being a bit thick and not thinking. This forum does have a label on it specifically saying content should not be "too spoilerific" so I should have thought a bit more and realised what I was posting may have fallen foul of that. But I know if I really cared about not having the Countdown final result "spoiled" for me, I wouldn't be reading new posts on a Countdown forum (especially the latest news about the TV show section) until I'd watched the show.

[Gavin Chipper]

I suppose "Countdowners in the news" is probably one to be avoided.

[Thomas Cappleman]

But I know if I really cared about not having the Countdown final result "spoiled" for me, I wouldn't be reading new posts on a Countdown forum (especially the latest news about the TV show section) until I'd watched the show.

Yes, in hindsight this was not a safe thread to come to, having deliberately avoided the specific spoiler threads. And the fact that there's even a BBC article about it should have been enough of a giveaway. I blame it being the last hour of work for the year.

[Marc Meakin]

I posted it because the BBC spoiled it for me but I did put a spoiler warning albeit more subtle than I realised

[Thomas Carey]

Fiona and James Burley chat a bit in today's BBC South Today at the UK Scrabble thingy. Fiona's rather rude word is visible on the TV...

[Marc Meakin]

Fiona and James Burley chat a bit in today's BBC South Today at the UK Scrabble thingy. Fiona's rather rude word is visible on the TV...

ITV are coming down today

If you want to play where's Wally the back of my head can be seen on the BBC South/London report

[Gavin Chipper]

Fiona and James Burley chat a bit in today's BBC South Today at the UK Scrabble thingy. Fiona's rather rude word is visible on the TV...

Is this available anywhere?

[Martin Hurst]

Fiona and James Burley chat a bit in today's BBC South Today at the UK Scrabble thingy. Fiona's rather rude word is visible on the TV...

Is this available anywhere?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m ... s-07012025

Jump to 22 minutes

[Gavin Chipper]

Cool, thanks. I spotted Tony Atkins there too. And the first guy to speak at about 22:50 - was that Barry Grossman, the series 21 champion?

[Marc Meakin]

Also was on News at 10 tonight or so I believe as I'm not home yet