Search found 476 matches

by Conor
Wed Nov 23, 2016 11:22 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: Is this the oldest ever Countdown related forum topic?
Replies: 9
Views: 4615

Re: Is this the oldest ever Countdown related forum topic?

Gavin Chipper wrote:Good find.
Is the old channel 4 forum topic still hosted somewhere? I think it was archived on gevincountdown, but Yahoo thinks there's something fishy when I log in and my secondary email no longer exists. It might also be an idea to archive the gevincountdown and c4c yahoo boards.
by Conor
Fri Nov 04, 2016 12:10 am
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Questions you've always wanted answered
Replies: 1615
Views: 631810

Re: Questions you've always wanted answered

In a nutshell, it is correct to look at the change in velocity rather than the overall velocity. But I could increase a vehicle's velocity by 2m/s or by 1m/s twice. Is there a difference? Not as far as I can see. To increase its velocity by 1m/s takes the same amount of energy whether it's going at...
by Conor
Wed Oct 26, 2016 11:30 pm
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: Exactly how official is a "CO-event" permitted to be...
Replies: 20
Views: 7142

Re: Exactly how official is a "CO-event" permitted to be...

Screw it. I'm thinking about asking my university's administrators for permission to do school by distance for two weeks so that I can come over for either a CO-event or a taping. Do you think I should go through with this? Can't you do an exchange programme in the UK? Otherwise, it's a long way to...
by Conor
Sun Sep 25, 2016 11:59 am
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Coincidence
Replies: 224
Views: 78642

Re: Coincidence

This was the biggest coincidence ever. I wonder what the biggest coincidence ever could be Sometimes I wonder if you could get a number (like pi or something but not necessarily pi) that should be irrational, but somehow ends up as rational by some sort of infinite coincidence. So instead of all th...
by Conor
Sat Sep 03, 2016 12:47 am
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: IRC Countdown...in 2016?
Replies: 36
Views: 13073

Re: IRC Countdown...in 2016?

I quite like it. If anything, it shows us just how spoilt we are by apterous.
by Conor
Thu Aug 25, 2016 9:52 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: Best ever televised game?
Replies: 31
Views: 15410

Re: Best ever televised game?

For me, still nothing has quite topped the series 52 final: Paul Gallen vs Mark Tournoff. My favourites from watching in the studio are the two 117 losing score games: Matt Shore vs Mark Tournoff and Chris Davies vs David O'Donnell, closely followed by Kirk vs Innis and Jack W vs Jono. Innis vs Chri...
by Conor
Wed Aug 24, 2016 10:12 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: The Mandela Effect
Replies: 49
Views: 7974

Re: The Mandela Effect

All makes sense so far, I think. It's all just mis-remembered stuff and the memory filling in gaps when needed. NOTHING TO SEE HERE FOLKS. Except...oh, I don't know. There's something to it, I just can't quite "get" it yet. I think some of these are quite interesting (e.g. the Berenstein ...
by Conor
Wed Aug 24, 2016 10:03 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: What films have you watched lately?
Replies: 429
Views: 241528

Re: What films have you watched lately?

http://metro.co.uk/2016/08/23/quiz-how-many-of-the-100-best-films-of-the-21st-century-have-you-seen-6086105/ Only seen 17 and didn't like a third of them. There's also some I've seen bits of but not the whole film. Loads on the list I have no intention of seeing and some biggies I think should be o...
by Conor
Tue Jul 26, 2016 9:29 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: What TV programmes have you been watching lately?
Replies: 761
Views: 566683

Re: What TV programmes have you been watching lately?

Also thought it was generally very watchable. The format is of course poor, though I can see the thought process leading there: if in each heat there are good robots and some shit robots and the good ones beat the shit ones in the early elimination round, then we should get lots of high quality ente...
by Conor
Sat Jun 04, 2016 10:41 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Who would be the biggest deaths?
Replies: 236
Views: 50715

Re: Who would be the biggest deaths?

the Greatest...RIP Nuff said.....close the thread It has set a precedent, certainly, but we're only halfway through the year. Ali will have been trumped by somebody else before the year is out, you mark my words. Is that a veiled way of saying you think Donald Trump is about to die? Cos that would ...
by Conor
Sat Jun 04, 2016 10:15 am
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: IMDB top 250
Replies: 57
Views: 17558

Re: IMDB top 250

There is also a list of the Bottom 100 rated films: http://www.imdb.com/chart/bottom

I have only seen one - Epic Movie - at it remains the only film where I have walked out of the cinema.
by Conor
Sat Jun 04, 2016 10:11 am
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: What books have you been reading lately?
Replies: 58
Views: 19545

Re: What books have you been reading lately?

On my last holiday I read Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace. Liquid reading. Recently finished Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters by J.D. Salinger. Tenderly affecting. Currently reading A Decent Ride by Irvine Welsh. A fun read, and it uses the word 'shag' a lot.
by Conor
Fri Jun 03, 2016 10:19 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: What books have you been reading lately?
Replies: 58
Views: 19545

Re: What books have you been reading lately?

Trust me, that grade won't mean shit :) I know :( Employers and job agencies are all about the Countdown these days. Tru dat. But learning words is needed to be good at Countdown, and books are great for learning words. I mean, technically one could learn words like arbitrary strings of letters wit...
by Conor
Fri Jun 03, 2016 9:58 pm
Forum: Games and Puzzles
Topic: A Letters Round Quandary
Replies: 10
Views: 7558

Re: A Letters Round Quandary

Charlie Reams wrote:I attempted this many years ago (probably on the mailing list -- I'll see if I can find it). I was able to get guaranteed 9s in the first two or three rounds I think. After that it gets hard. Might be doable with the new dictionary though.
3 I think. And I think it may have on The Corral too.
by Conor
Fri May 27, 2016 12:04 am
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: IMDB top 250
Replies: 57
Views: 17558

Re: IMDB top 250

I have seen 105. A surprising increase on the last time I counted given that I no longer watch many films. what are your favourites? - Aww, too many. So I'll just say American Beauty, Fight club, The Lion King and Leon. least favourites? - Star Warz, Deadpool ones you think are most overrated (witho...
by Conor
Thu May 19, 2016 11:23 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: People you shouldn't trust
Replies: 921
Views: 395401

Re: People you shouldn't trust

Johnny Canuck wrote:Agreed. In my opinion, "literally" has a legitimate figurative use.
It annoys pedants, which is always a legitimate use.
by Conor
Wed Apr 20, 2016 9:18 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: People you shouldn't trust
Replies: 921
Views: 395401

Re: People you shouldn't trust

Liars.
by Conor
Wed Mar 30, 2016 6:33 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: What films have you watched lately?
Replies: 429
Views: 241528

Re: What films have you watched lately?

The Hateful Eight: 6.5/10 - Decent, but somewhat weak for Tarantino. Overlong, and takes too long to get going (the first hour feels like Tarantino directorially tossing himself off). Last hour saves it, good characters, but the plot is thin in reflection. The Revenant: 8/10 - Long also, with really...
by Conor
Sun Jan 17, 2016 12:55 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: CoC Quarter-Final 2 Spoilers For Friday January 15th 2016
Replies: 30
Views: 11131

Re: CoC Quarter-Final 2 Spoilers For Friday January 15th 2016

George Pryn wrote: I love Dylan and think everyone should pipe down a bit.
everyone?
by Conor
Sun Jan 17, 2016 12:44 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: How many UK cities have you been to?
Replies: 43
Views: 16303

Re: How many UK cities have you been to?

Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Coventry, Durham, Hereford, Leeds, Leicester, Lincoln, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Oxford, Salford, St Albans, Edinburgh, Belfast, Derry. Never even been to Liverpool or Sheffield. Or gone south of London.
by Conor
Wed Jan 13, 2016 10:19 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: How many countries have you been to?
Replies: 172
Views: 82190

Re: How many countries have you been to?

You didn't give your list, Jen.
by Conor
Wed Jan 13, 2016 10:18 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: How many countries have you been to?
Replies: 172
Views: 82190

Re: How many countries have you been to?

UK*, Ireland*, France, Spain, Portugal, Netherlands*, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Czech Rep, Poland, Serbia, Hungary*, Slovakia, America. I have lived in the countries marked *
by Conor
Wed Jan 13, 2016 10:13 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Who would be the biggest deaths?
Replies: 236
Views: 50715

Re: Who would be the biggest deaths?

Michael Jackson's death was pretty big. Fulfils both conditions of being 'legendary' and unexpected. The death (especially assassination) of any highly influential state leader will be high, along with the Queen. Maybe Justin Bieber too.
by Conor
Tue Jan 05, 2016 10:24 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: What TV programmes have you been watching lately?
Replies: 761
Views: 566683

Re: What TV programmes have you been watching lately?

Peep Show (series 9) - Still not really sure what I thought of the ending. Didn't think it was great, but could it really have finished any other way than with their lives continuing to be disappointing? (Except if they'd just finished it with the wedding episode, which is the best episode.) Scream...
by Conor
Wed Dec 23, 2015 5:03 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Grand Final Spoilers For Wednesday December 23rd 2015
Replies: 44
Views: 11177

Re: Grand Final Spoilers For Wednesday December 23rd 2015

Really good final. I hadn't seen much of the series, but the finals have been top drawer. Could see it being a letters vs numbers shootout and that's how it ended up, with a very difficult conundrum. Liked the contrast between Jonathan visibly frantically searching during the rounds and Matthew look...
by Conor
Wed Dec 09, 2015 9:37 am
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: Plurals of new unmarked Latinate words
Replies: 9
Views: 5183

Re: Plurals of new unmarked Latinate words

If the plural isn't specified, then you just apply normal English plural rules, as much as you may expect otherwise from the origin. So add S or ES, or -Y -> -IES. If it points to a mass noun without being listed as a mass noun, I'd expect it to be disallowed, but it's a grey area. OPALINES iirc has...
by Conor
Mon Nov 23, 2015 11:58 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: What TV programmes have you been watching lately?
Replies: 761
Views: 566683

Re: What TV programmes have you been watching lately?

Really liked Peep Show both episodes. First one is a bit weird but it's got some edge. Finally watched Arrested Development Season 4 - anyone who gives it stick is a nob. It's brilliant - different in style to the rest, but so funny and cleverly done. Started watching Narcos, it's really good. I als...
by Conor
Wed Sep 30, 2015 11:04 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: What TV programmes have you been watching lately?
Replies: 761
Views: 566683

Re: What TV programmes have you been watching lately?

OK a thread. Broad summary of TV over the last year: true detective first season amazing, only watched first two epis of s2. Loved Fargo. House of Cards season 3 a bit of a let down, but discovering the original made up for it. Binged on It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, top top show. Also binged o...
by Conor
Sun Sep 13, 2015 10:59 am
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: The red and white tiles story. Truth or sloblock?
Replies: 30
Views: 7177

Re: The red and white tiles story. Truth or sloblock?

I seem to recall reading about it in "Spreading the Word", which gives it some more credibility.
by Conor
Thu Aug 27, 2015 9:43 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: New changes to the ODO
Replies: 15
Views: 5069

Re: New changes to the ODO

I guess a reason the ODE was restricted by frequency before was just size. Not many people want to buy a 3/4 volume dictionary, and then search among hundreds of arcane entries to find "goat". With an online dictionary, these things aren't an issue, so Oxford may have just included all tho...
by Conor
Sat Aug 22, 2015 9:39 am
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: People you shouldn't trust
Replies: 921
Views: 395401

Re: People you shouldn't trust

People who fan their face.
People who say "touch wood".
by Conor
Fri Apr 10, 2015 2:45 pm
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: COREA15 - Saturday 11th April 2015
Replies: 38
Views: 23632

Re: COREA15 - Saturday 11th April 2015

In for this too, please!
by Conor
Mon Jan 19, 2015 1:01 pm
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: COLIN XI- Countdown in Lincoln, 24-25 January 2015
Replies: 133
Views: 35825

Re: COLIN XI- Countdown in Lincoln, 24-25 January 2015

Heather Styles wrote:Is anyone bringing the trophy? I contacted Jack Hurst and offered to meet him in London on Friday, but haven't heard back...
I should be bringing the trophy up.
by Conor
Fri Jan 09, 2015 6:42 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Spoilers for Friday January 9th 2015 (S72 P5)
Replies: 12
Views: 3349

Re: Spoilers for Friday January 9th 2015 (S72 P5)

MIDWATER is an "Entry from US English dictionary", so unless there's been a change of policy then DC were mistaken to offer it as an alternative in whatever round that was. I foresaw a mistake like this happening: the "Entry from US English dictionary" isn't particularly emphasi...
by Conor
Thu Jan 08, 2015 3:04 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: Countdown Lookalikes?
Replies: 390
Views: 222223

Re: Countdown Lookalikes?

http://images.planetf1.com/13/08/800x600/Philippe-Coutinho-Liverpool-preseason_2984324.jpg Countdown great, Dylan Taylor. https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10473194_665138400236094_3748485822437937516_n.jpg?oh=caf4c91cd848e4492aa9b953da895074&oe=553BD428&__gda_...
by Conor
Thu Dec 18, 2014 5:31 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: The Matt Morrison Computer Corner
Replies: 452
Views: 115279

Re: The Matt Morrison Computer Corner

Is it not possible to log-in to BT and get some analytics for where or at least when the data is being used? (If not, there should be.)
by Conor
Thu Dec 18, 2014 5:22 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Spoilers For Wednesday December 17th 2014
Replies: 24
Views: 7040

Re: Spoilers For Wednesday December 17th 2014

Just watched this. Congrats both on a really high quality game. Welcome to the club, Dan.
by Conor
Tue Dec 16, 2014 6:51 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: C4C/Apterous Twitter list
Replies: 17
Views: 6853

Re: C4C/Apterous Twitter list

https://twitter.com/ConorTravers/

I'll say something sometime.
by Conor
Wed Dec 03, 2014 4:52 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Spoilers for Wednesday December 3rd 2014 (S71 P99)
Replies: 26
Views: 6003

Re: Spoilers for Wednesday December 3rd 2014 (S71 P99)

Steven M. McCann wrote:MEGAPOD in the MOATED/POTAGE round.
I don't think this is valid, unfortunately.
by Conor
Tue Dec 02, 2014 2:54 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Spoilers for Tuesday December 2nd 2014 (S71 P
Replies: 10
Views: 2741

Re: Spoilers for Tuesday December 2nd 2014 (S71 P

Jon Corby wrote:
Jordan F wrote:If she loses, she's still in decent shape
FFS Jordan, have you not read Friday's spoiler thread?
lol
by Conor
Wed Nov 26, 2014 2:46 pm
Forum: Games and Puzzles
Topic: Done gone done made a quiz
Replies: 26
Views: 20366

Re: Done gone done made a quiz

This is amazing.
by Conor
Tue Oct 14, 2014 3:54 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: Marathon
Replies: 4
Views: 3756

Re: Marathon

To go from a 10k to a 42k is great ambition and great achievements. Really awesome!
by Conor
Tue Aug 26, 2014 3:49 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Spoilers for Tuesday August 26th 2014 (S71 P33)
Replies: 11
Views: 2989

Re: Spoilers for Tuesday August 26th 2014 (S71 P33)

Round 13: Don't understand why Susie allowed CAPITOLS? Although listed in all lowercase, it's also listed as *US* on the ODO ... plus it neither lists it as a verb nor noun. ??!!?? Mauro When the ODE was used, American words were fine (SIDEWALK, MAILBOX etc.) but American spellings were not (COLOR,...
by Conor
Fri Aug 08, 2014 2:17 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Spoilers for Friday August 8th 2014 (S71 P24)
Replies: 11
Views: 3124

Re: Spoilers for Friday August 8th 2014 (S71 P24)

Tony Atkins wrote:Anyone get the 8 in the CHORINE+IN round?
Yep.
by Conor
Sun Jul 27, 2014 3:02 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: You Are The Ref
Replies: 345
Views: 147386

Re: You Are The Ref

1. Disallow C2's word. I agree that pronunciations are not important, and whilst one can make the case that the two pronunciations of MINUTE constitute different words, allowing C2's offering could lead to murkier distinctions, even where the pronunciation depends on regional dialects. 2. This is a ...
by Conor
Wed Jul 02, 2014 4:47 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Spoilers for Wednesday July 2nd 2014 (S71 P3)
Replies: 11
Views: 2977

Re: Spoilers for Wednesday July 2nd 2014 (S71 P3)

Also with the new on-line version aren't contestants trying words (laggier, mahoods) just because they may get away with it? Mauro Contestants have always being trying that. It's a (good) part of the game. Also, I think utopia has enough of a generic usage to warrant being now listed with a lower c...
by Conor
Wed Jun 25, 2014 2:20 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: £27,000 for getting beat...........
Replies: 21
Views: 6567

Re: £27,000 for getting beat...........

Stupid thread. Getting beaten in the first round at Wimbledon and acceding to England manager both require a lot of previous success.
by Conor
Thu Jun 19, 2014 8:05 am
Forum: Games and Puzzles
Topic: Ten-letter conundrums
Replies: 22
Views: 9417

Re: Ten-letter conundrums


ASTRONOMIC
METALLURGY
BEWILDERED


AQUAKTHREE
TAILSCHOIR
POODUDLICS
by Conor
Sun Jun 08, 2014 12:29 pm
Forum: Games and Puzzles
Topic: Childbirth: The Crossword
Replies: 5
Views: 2732

Re: Childbirth: The Crossword

That was enjoyable; got there in the end - spent ten minutes thinking there was one clue too few, but there wasn't. Had to use some help for #32 (no way would I have otherwise got it, though it didn't affect inserting the words so much). I also didn't know 42 until the surrounding words all fit (tho...
by Conor
Fri May 02, 2014 7:52 am
Forum: Countdown - Current recaps
Topic: Thursday 1st May 2014 (Series 70, Prelim 77)
Replies: 10
Views: 2378

Re: Thursday 1st May 2014 (Series 70, Prelim 77)

Round 3: 1, 7, 5, 1, 3, 75. Target: 788. Neil: 780. (75+5) - 1-1 x 10 (5) Gary: - RR: 788. (1+1) x 75 + 7 x 5 + 3 (10) Score: 19–0 (max 24) Round 9: 1, 1, 9, 4, 4, 50. Target: 711. Neil: 710. (9+1+4) x (50+1) -4 (7) Gary: 705. RR: 711. (50+9) x 4 + 1 x (4-1) (10) Score: 65–23 (max 74) There are a f...
by Conor
Tue Apr 08, 2014 4:40 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Mondegreens
Replies: 127
Views: 33305

Re: Mondegreens

Chips Ahoy, by The Hold Steady. Instead of "it came in six lengths ahead", hearing "I came with six wanks I had". Don't like the song as much any more.
by Conor
Mon Mar 03, 2014 6:41 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: I'm not easily shocked...................
Replies: 38
Views: 9544

Re: I'm not easily shocked...................

That is an appalling payout tbf. Were there an unusually high number of winners or something, and if so was there an obvious reason for this? From here (or pen and paper), the probabilities of matching the required numbers are roughly: 3 1/57 4 1/1000 5 1/55,000 5+B 1/2,300,000 6 1/14,000,000 Using...
by Conor
Mon Feb 17, 2014 7:26 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Spoilers For Monday February 17th 2014
Replies: 19
Views: 3480

Re: Spoilers For Monday February 17th 2014

Callum Todd wrote:Scramble for the con looks familiar. Has that been on the show before?
Twice, actually.

CoC IX Final: http://wiki.apterous.org/Episode_2177

and, erm: http://wiki.apterous.org/Episode_3981
by Conor
Thu Nov 28, 2013 2:11 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: The best films of all-time?
Replies: 102
Views: 19920

Re: The best films of all-time?

Dave Preece wrote:1-0 to Gavin?
I think we need a panel of appointed experts to give awards to the winners of these arguments.
by Conor
Thu Nov 28, 2013 9:55 am
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: The best films of all-time?
Replies: 102
Views: 19920

Re: The best films of all-time?

A top 20 or so (in no order), which is fairly fluid: Trainspotting Pulp Fiction Reservoir Dogs Inglourious Basterds The Usual Suspects Serendipity Airplane Die Hard Equilibrium American Psycho American Beauty Se7en The Shawshank Redemption The Big Lebowski Withnail & I Léon Fight Club Super Mari...
by Conor
Thu Nov 28, 2013 9:27 am
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: The Mathmo Test
Replies: 33
Views: 6209

Re: The Mathmo Test

Conor wrote:39 for me.
22, having since done a maths degree.
by Conor
Thu Nov 21, 2013 5:22 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Spoilers for Thursday November 21st 2013 (S69 P97)
Replies: 9
Views: 1873

Re: Spoilers for Thursday November 21st 2013 (S69 P97)

Susie disallowed the Apterous-valid INDORSE. Can someone with the relevant dictionary clarify who's correct? Not that I don't trust her! Edit - the online dictionary says US and Law, which would make it fine. But that might not be the same. From memory (and ODE2 at that), when you look up INDORSE i...
by Conor
Fri Nov 08, 2013 5:30 pm
Forum: Countdown - Current recaps
Topic: Tuesday 5th November 2013 (Series 69, Prelim 85)
Replies: 4
Views: 1975

Re: Tuesday 5th November 2013 (Series 69, Prelim 85)

Jack Worsley wrote: Round 4: L E N R I F U L D

C1: UNFILLED (8)
C2: DULLER (6)
OT: URNFIELD (8)
Score: 20–15 (max 32)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkjeorS12F0#t=57s