Search found 6241 matches

by Marc Meakin
Tue Dec 26, 2023 1:51 pm
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: Could a Countdown World Championships be a feasible event
Replies: 6
Views: 1909

Re: Could a Countdown World Championships be a feasible event

Uhhh, no. If former countdown champions wanted to go to an event, there is a plethora of options. Think this has been said before (forgive me if not), but if you are thinking of running a CoEvent, go to a few first to get a taste for what is like I am going to one next year. I dont think I would be...
by Marc Meakin
Tue Dec 26, 2023 9:02 am
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: Could a Countdown World Championships be a feasible event
Replies: 6
Views: 1909

Could a Countdown World Championships be a feasible event

Focal events are great but I wonder if a huge event fairly centrally located would be attended by loads former Countdown champions along with the usual focal attendees.
I guess it would be a huge financial risk without having an idea how many are interested
by Marc Meakin
Tue Dec 26, 2023 8:35 am
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Your favourite Christmas song
Replies: 33
Views: 3894

Re: Your favourite Christmas song

More observations
Just heard Leona Lewis Christmas hit which I forgot
about.
Also, Walking in the Air not a Christmas song in isolation.

Where are You Christmas from the Grinch I completely forgot about as its my kids favourite
by Marc Meakin
Tue Dec 26, 2023 8:18 am
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Your favourite Christmas song
Replies: 33
Views: 3894

Re: Your favourite Christmas song

I think that when Christmas songs from years gone by are churned on the radio, Stay Another Day, gets plenty of airtime. Don't You Want Me was a huge Christmas no1 but don't get played as it's clearly a hit that made Christmas no 1. Without any Christmas lyrics or bells in the song. I think it shoul...
by Marc Meakin
Mon Dec 25, 2023 10:35 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Your favourite Christmas song
Replies: 33
Views: 3894

Re: Your favourite Christmas song

Stay Another Day isn't a Christmas song. Though if anyone had nominated it, we could have discussed it. Anyway, all nominations went on. Tough luck to all you latecomers! Edit - Proper Crimbo was a bit of a joke entry but both Cliffs were Christmas number 1s. I don't think I can alter the poll with...
by Marc Meakin
Mon Dec 25, 2023 8:20 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Your favourite Christmas song
Replies: 33
Views: 3894

Re: Your favourite Christmas song

Not on the list. December Song by George Michael. I didnt want to be critical of the list as I was grateful to Gev for doing it, largely at my behest but I'm pleased it's proved popular. But yes East 17s Stay Another Day is more deserving than Bo Selecta and Cliff but I'm not sure how big a hit Dec...
by Marc Meakin
Mon Dec 25, 2023 10:46 am
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: Co-event lunch arrangements
Replies: 20
Views: 3225

Re: Co-event lunch arrangements

There's a big Scrabble Event next year the MGI at Leonardo in Milton Keynes and amongst the huge prize money there is a raffle and the winner gets accommodation for the following years event which is a nice touch
by Marc Meakin
Mon Dec 25, 2023 10:31 am
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: REALLY obvious things you've just realised
Replies: 630
Views: 275872

Re: REALLY obvious things you've just realised

Marc Meakin wrote: Mon Dec 25, 2023 8:23 am Russia still use the Julian Calendar
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-67816987
by Marc Meakin
Mon Dec 25, 2023 8:23 am
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: REALLY obvious things you've just realised
Replies: 630
Views: 275872

Re: REALLY obvious things you've just realised

Russia still use the Julian Calendar
by Marc Meakin
Mon Dec 25, 2023 8:20 am
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Old Meakins Almanac ( predictions for 2021)
Replies: 4
Views: 3494

Re: Old Meakins Almanac ( predictions for 2021)

I would have just bumped this thread rather than start a new one. OK I'm bumping it. Personal ones. (Ones I can influence) Attend a Co:Event Get Married Win a division at a Scrabble Event (I always play in A division like a masochist) Lose at least 3 stone by next Christmas Make a Will. Straight pr...
by Marc Meakin
Mon Dec 25, 2023 7:47 am
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Unpopular opinions you genuinely hold
Replies: 248
Views: 30658

Re: Unpopular opinions you genuinely hold

Mark Deeks wrote: Sun Dec 24, 2023 9:42 pm
Fiona T wrote: Sun Dec 24, 2023 5:46 pm
Mark Deeks wrote: Sun Dec 24, 2023 5:11 pm Women, generally, are worse drivers.
Yeah that must be why they have cheaper insurance...
Heh well quite. But nothing is as pervasive as anecdotal evidence.
Is this an example of prejudicial affirmation the kids of today talk about?
by Marc Meakin
Sun Dec 24, 2023 9:38 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Unpopular opinions you genuinely hold
Replies: 248
Views: 30658

Re: Unpopular opinions you genuinely hold

Fiona T wrote: Sun Dec 24, 2023 5:46 pm
Mark Deeks wrote: Sun Dec 24, 2023 5:11 pm Women, generally, are worse drivers.
Yeah that must be why they have cheaper insurance...
In my experience women are no better or worse than men.
Men are more likely to speed however
I have a problem with octogenarians and older drivers
They should only be allowed to drive in daylight
by Marc Meakin
Sun Dec 24, 2023 9:36 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Euthanasia, isn't it time to decriminalise this
Replies: 5
Views: 2050

Re: Euthanasia, isn't it time to decriminalise this

https://youtu.be/l-IO6_cU5jM?si=ioyBKyqr9Wkd7u-9 Well that was a cheery Christmas watch! But yeah 100% agree - I can't see any non-religious argument against a terminally ill person of sound mind who is going to suffer a painful or even just unpleasant death choosing a compassionate and humane alte...
by Marc Meakin
Sun Dec 24, 2023 9:33 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Merry Xmas C4C! 2022
Replies: 15
Views: 2493

Re: Merry Xmas C4C! 2022

Merry Christmas one and all.
Hope you all get what you want
by Marc Meakin
Sun Dec 24, 2023 4:19 pm
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: Co-event lunch arrangements
Replies: 20
Views: 3225

Re: Co-event lunch arrangements

The only thing Scrabble events have over Co Events is probably the ratings system which some people are obsessed with I always like to play up in the top division as I neither care about ratings or cash prizes the only thing I'm slightly obsessed with is finishing the event on time as I'm invariably...
by Marc Meakin
Sun Dec 24, 2023 3:44 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Questions you've always wanted answered
Replies: 1615
Views: 631564

Re: Questions you've always wanted answered

What is "Coffee Bean 100" in Welsh 😂
by Marc Meakin
Sun Dec 24, 2023 11:40 am
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Unpopular opinions you genuinely hold
Replies: 248
Views: 30658

Re: Unpopular opinions you genuinely hold

Die Hard is not a Christmas movie.
If its on the basis of it happening Christmas Eve, you may as well call Eyes Wide Shut a Christmas Movie amongst others
by Marc Meakin
Sun Dec 24, 2023 10:17 am
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Your favourite Christmas song
Replies: 33
Views: 3894

Re: Your favourite Christmas song

When does it close?
by Marc Meakin
Sun Dec 24, 2023 6:53 am
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: Co-event lunch arrangements
Replies: 20
Views: 3225

Re: Co-event lunch arrangements

Huh? How do you mean it will up any prize fund? If lunch is provided then the cost of providing the lunch will affect any prize pot surely Unlike Scrabble tournaments, we don't have prize pots at co-events. Do you think if there were prize pots it would be more popular? I would guess the prize pot ...
by Marc Meakin
Sun Dec 24, 2023 6:49 am
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Unpopular opinions you genuinely hold
Replies: 248
Views: 30658

Re: Unpopular opinions you genuinely hold

The apostrophe and the hyphen are really not needed

Those that get hung up on punctuation are no better than those who want their news presenters to speak in the King's English
by Marc Meakin
Sun Dec 24, 2023 6:47 am
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Unpopular opinions you genuinely hold
Replies: 248
Views: 30658

Re: Unpopular opinions you genuinely hold

"Blood is thicker than water"
What a crock of shit.
Porridge is thicker than blood, so go figure.!
I have figured throughout my life that the people you choose to be with are far more important than those who share your DNA.
I say this with an air of sadness, however
by Marc Meakin
Sat Dec 23, 2023 4:18 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Politics in General
Replies: 1604
Views: 1653729

Re: Politics in General

Fiona T wrote: Sat Dec 23, 2023 2:47 pm Bit of history here Andres

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-44124396
There is a YouTube clip with Rory Stewart talking about the history of Israel, it's pretty factual. (not party political)
by Marc Meakin
Fri Dec 22, 2023 5:51 pm
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: Co-event lunch arrangements
Replies: 20
Views: 3225

Re: Co-event lunch arrangements

Stewart Gordon wrote: Sat Dec 16, 2023 3:10 pm
Marc Meakin wrote: Wed Dec 06, 2023 9:24 pm If lunch is provided the downside is the catering cost will up the entry fee or any prize fund
Huh? How do you mean it will up any prize fund?
If lunch is provided then the cost of providing the lunch will affect any prize pot surely
by Marc Meakin
Fri Dec 22, 2023 12:51 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Questions you've always wanted answered
Replies: 1615
Views: 631564

Re: Questions you've always wanted answered

Fiona T wrote: Fri Dec 22, 2023 10:11 am
Mark Deeks wrote: Thu Dec 21, 2023 11:46 pm I think he's hitting on you Fiona
He's welcome to join co:Reading parkrun!
Only if I can cycle 😊
by Marc Meakin
Fri Dec 22, 2023 10:47 am
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Your favourite Christmas song
Replies: 33
Views: 3894

Re: Your favourite Christmas song

You are missing something. Tick the boxes to vote. Though I wonder if you have restricted access or something based on what you've previously said about polls. Charlie? Ben? Can this be looked at and potentially fixed. Sorted now So it let you vote? You haven't voted for Jona Lewie of your list by ...
by Marc Meakin
Thu Dec 21, 2023 7:27 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Questions you've always wanted answered
Replies: 1615
Views: 631564

Re: Questions you've always wanted answered

Fiona T wrote: Thu Dec 21, 2023 11:01 am Tops sold for cycling have pockets.

Why don't running tops have pockets?
Can you run comfortably in a cycling top?
by Marc Meakin
Thu Dec 21, 2023 6:30 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Your favourite Christmas song
Replies: 33
Views: 3894

Re: Your favourite Christmas song

Gavin Chipper wrote: Thu Dec 21, 2023 6:15 pm I don't think it was an Elvis song.
Yes you are right
More trivia that I have been fed that is wrong
Blue Christmas was good though
by Marc Meakin
Thu Dec 21, 2023 6:13 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Your favourite Christmas song
Replies: 33
Views: 3894

Re: Your favourite Christmas song

As a discussion topic I didn't realise Lonely this Christmas was originally an Elvis song.
Also those who watched Tuesdays Only Connect pointed out that Marilyn Monroe never recorded Santa Baby
by Marc Meakin
Thu Dec 21, 2023 6:10 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Your favourite Christmas song
Replies: 33
Views: 3894

Re: Your favourite Christmas song

It had occurred to me that I may have been banned previously for voting in polls as well as making new posts.
Which probably explains why you had to do it 😊
by Marc Meakin
Thu Dec 21, 2023 6:09 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Your favourite Christmas song
Replies: 33
Views: 3894

Re: Your favourite Christmas song

Are we voting in the cooments and you update the poll or am I missing something You are missing something. Tick the boxes to vote. Though I wonder if you have restricted access or something based on what you've previously said about polls. Charlie? Ben? Can this be looked at and potentially fixed. ...
by Marc Meakin
Thu Dec 21, 2023 5:33 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Your favourite Christmas song
Replies: 33
Views: 3894

Re: Your favourite Christmas song

My votes are for
Jonah Lewie
Kelly Clarkson
Greg Lake
Nat King Cole
Bob Dylan.

Nice list with no glaring omissions or dodgy inclusions
by Marc Meakin
Thu Dec 21, 2023 5:28 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Your favourite Christmas song
Replies: 33
Views: 3894

Re: Your favourite Christmas song

Are we voting in the cooments and you update the poll or am I missing something
by Marc Meakin
Thu Dec 21, 2023 3:05 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Unpopular opinions you genuinely hold
Replies: 248
Views: 30658

Re: Unpopular opinions you genuinely hold

"genuinely" You've changed Perhaps this is how it starts, you start saying right wing opinions when at a party as a 'joke' and then 10 years later you're a racist. To actually offer something genuine: - Everything Everywhere All at Once might be the worst film I've ever seen. Crazy how ma...
by Marc Meakin
Wed Dec 20, 2023 7:51 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Unpopular opinions you genuinely hold
Replies: 248
Views: 30658

Re: Unpopular opinions you genuinely hold

Martin Hurst wrote: Wed Dec 20, 2023 7:30 pm On Mastermind, those with the most passes should be classified above those with fewer passes. No answer is better than a wrong answer.
Given that passing has no benefit to the contestant I'm shocked they don't guess every time they are not sure
by Marc Meakin
Wed Dec 20, 2023 5:01 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Music
Replies: 295
Views: 84033

Re: Music

Gavin Chipper wrote: Wed Dec 20, 2023 4:54 pm I'll try and do it tomorrow.
No pressure.
Im probably the only one interested.
Im a bit of a list freak.
Normally movies, TV, Actors and Comedian. Lists
by Marc Meakin
Wed Dec 20, 2023 4:28 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Music
Replies: 295
Views: 84033

Re: Music

Gavin Chipper wrote: Wed Dec 20, 2023 3:54 pm
Marc Meakin wrote: Wed Dec 20, 2023 3:32 pm
Gavin Chipper wrote: Sat Dec 16, 2023 7:21 pm Also I'll be running the poll with the same sensible voting system as the greatest episode poll. Basically you can vote for more than one option and also change your vote until the deadline.
Drums, fingers.....
I've been busy!
Sorry dude.
I had it in my head it was the 22nd today lol
by Marc Meakin
Wed Dec 20, 2023 3:32 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Music
Replies: 295
Views: 84033

Re: Music

Gavin Chipper wrote: Sat Dec 16, 2023 7:21 pm Also I'll be running the poll with the same sensible voting system as the greatest episode poll. Basically you can vote for more than one option and also change your vote until the deadline.
Drums, fingers.....
by Marc Meakin
Wed Dec 20, 2023 2:32 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Questions you've always wanted answered
Replies: 1615
Views: 631564

Re: Questions you've always wanted answered

What was with that "steal your hubcaps" stereotypical joke about Scousers? Why would anyone steal hubcaps? Back in the 70s/80s cars just came with standard wheels. Hubcaps were an accessory. They were easy to remove and had a resale value. Stealing car badges were a thing in my neighbourh...
by Marc Meakin
Tue Dec 19, 2023 5:14 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: REALLY obvious things you've just realised
Replies: 630
Views: 275872

Re: REALLY obvious things you've just realised

Snakes can't blink
by Marc Meakin
Tue Dec 19, 2023 10:52 am
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: What TV programmes have you been watching lately?
Replies: 761
Views: 566430

Re: What TV programmes have you been watching lately?

Watched the last Series of the Crown, season 6.
Was a bit dubious about watching it as with other shows they have resorted to killing off a lot of main characters.
Hoping for a spinoff series
by Marc Meakin
Tue Dec 19, 2023 9:11 am
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Euthanasia, isn't it time to decriminalise this
Replies: 5
Views: 2050

Euthanasia, isn't it time to decriminalise this

After reading this https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-67756506 I feel it's time for a debate. As I have said in the unpopular opinions thread, that people should be allowed to choose when they die if they are suffering Obviously there is a lot of legislation to go through and nobody should be allowed to ...
by Marc Meakin
Mon Dec 18, 2023 6:57 am
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Unpopular opinions you genuinely hold
Replies: 248
Views: 30658

Re: Unpopular opinions you genuinely hold

It's time to end the commonwealth.
I think when the queen died the need for a commonwealth died too.
We are living in an age where talk of the British Empire is embarrassing at best and shameful at worst and The Commonwealth is a reflexion of this history.
by Marc Meakin
Mon Dec 18, 2023 6:50 am
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Unpopular opinions you genuinely hold
Replies: 248
Views: 30658

Re: Unpopular opinions you genuinely hold

Fiona T wrote: Sun Dec 17, 2023 10:25 pm Dunno if it's unpopular, but definitely un-PC

I find Rosie Jones very hard work to listen to - she makes me turn the telly off.
Me too, not because of her cerebral palsy, she just isn't funny.
by Marc Meakin
Sat Dec 16, 2023 9:15 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Strange things you used to believe as a child
Replies: 32
Views: 6041

Re: Strange things you used to believe as a child

Gavin Chipper wrote: Sat Dec 16, 2023 9:03 pm
Marc Meakin wrote: Sat Apr 01, 2023 6:29 am I used to think that canned laughter was real.
A lot of the time the laughter on comedy shows is real isn't it?
If its taped before a studio audience the yes.

Here is a list of shows with a laughter track, (canned laughter.)
https://www.imdb.com/search/keyword/?ke ... augh-track
by Marc Meakin
Sat Dec 16, 2023 8:12 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: What films have you watched lately?
Replies: 429
Views: 241393

Re: What films have you watched lately?

Just watched Leave The World Behind on Netflix.
Very enjoyable., also divisive, my stepdaughter didn't like the ending it but myself and my partner did.
I think it's because I have spent a greater part of my life, in the pre-nternet age.
by Marc Meakin
Sat Dec 16, 2023 8:07 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Politics in General
Replies: 1604
Views: 1653729

Re: Politics in General

Cop 28. Hopefully in a year or two Electric cars will be more viable, by which I mean every main petrol station will have fast charging ports, the cost of Buying Electric cars will fall Mind you this doesn't help https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-67693935 Automatic driving features aren't reall...
by Marc Meakin
Sat Dec 16, 2023 6:30 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Music
Replies: 295
Views: 84033

Re: Music

Mine will be a countdown. Play "Pick of the pops theme tune" 5 is Must Be Santa by Bob Dylan (still a tune that's not played enough) 4. Elton John Step into Christmas (again not overplayed and takes me straight back to my childhood, yes I'm old) 3.Stop The Cavalry by Jonah Louise (getting ...
by Marc Meakin
Sat Dec 16, 2023 12:56 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: What films have you watched lately?
Replies: 429
Views: 241393

Re: What films have you watched lately?

Mark James wrote: Thu Dec 14, 2023 1:16 pm I was away on holidays with a group of lads and we thought it would be a laugh to check it out but it wasn't. 2.7 is generous.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-67734397
Lets hope he wasn't watching Blackbird at the time 😂
by Marc Meakin
Fri Dec 15, 2023 8:25 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: REALLY obvious things you've just realised
Replies: 630
Views: 275872

Re: REALLY obvious things you've just realised

I've always pronounced LinkedIn as Linkydin
by Marc Meakin
Fri Dec 15, 2023 1:49 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Music
Replies: 295
Views: 84033

Re: Music

I've forgotten how you make a poll here (maybe it's been removed since the spate of polls in the noughties) I was thinking of favourite Christmas Song. Surely only 8 titles plus other would suffice I could create a poll for this. I can include any songs people nominate (unless it gets to a ridiculo...
by Marc Meakin
Thu Dec 14, 2023 4:38 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Unpopular opinions you genuinely hold
Replies: 248
Views: 30658

Re: Unpopular opinions you genuinely hold

Cranberry sauce does not belong with Turkey.
Im ok with Bread Sauce.
Brussel sprouts are the Devils testes.
Mince pies should be available all year round (not sure if this is unpopular or not)
by Marc Meakin
Thu Dec 14, 2023 5:16 am
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: What films have you watched lately?
Replies: 429
Views: 241393

Re: What films have you watched lately?

Watched the Michael Flatley movie Blackbird. Was hoping it would be a so bad it's good kind of movie but it was just bad. The opening few scenes raise a chuckle because they're chock full of cliché and there's a hilarious hat switch moment but other then that, it was dull as ditch water. Michael Fl...
by Marc Meakin
Wed Dec 13, 2023 9:17 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: What films have you watched lately?
Replies: 429
Views: 241393

Re: What films have you watched lately?

Cat Person. Very good film about modern dating and the pifalls Men are always worried women will laugh. Women are worried that men are serial killers. So said Margaret Atwood. This explores texting dating and preconceived ideas. Nicholas Braun (cousin Greg from Succession) and Emilia Jones are very ...
by Marc Meakin
Wed Dec 13, 2023 12:53 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Politics in General
Replies: 1604
Views: 1653729

Re: Politics in General

Cop 28. Hopefully in a year or two Electric cars will be more viable, by which I mean every main petrol station will have fast charging ports, the cost of Buying Electric cars will fall Mind you this doesn't help https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-67693935 As a knock on, Electric bikes wil be des...
by Marc Meakin
Wed Dec 13, 2023 12:38 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Music
Replies: 295
Views: 84033

Re: Music

I've forgotten how you make a poll here (maybe it's been removed since the spate of polls in the noughties)
I was thinking of favourite Christmas Song.
Surely only 8 titles plus other would suffice
by Marc Meakin
Wed Dec 13, 2023 12:31 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Music
Replies: 295
Views: 84033

Re: Music

Some of us did a tournament for Christmas songs. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Slade one won. We did something similar at work and The Waitresses won (that's the band not the cafe staff) I had to look it up . I'm amazed it won when it's a song I'm not sure I've even heard before. But one of the comme...
by Marc Meakin
Tue Dec 12, 2023 5:33 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Music
Replies: 295
Views: 84033

Re: Music

OK, if you take 7 members of one family, get them to pick 8 songs each, then pick a few more between you to get it up to 64 and then do a knockout voting tournament, which song do you think wins? It may surprise you, but the answer is Instant Crush by Daft Punk featuring Julian Casablancas (from Th...
by Marc Meakin
Mon Dec 11, 2023 7:41 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Deathwatch 2017
Replies: 467
Views: 210425

Re: Deathwatch 2017

Shirley Anne Field not to be confused with Sally Ann Field (which I did)
by Marc Meakin
Mon Dec 11, 2023 9:53 am
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Supposedly Common expressions or sayings you've never heard before
Replies: 13
Views: 3328

Re: Supposedly Common expressions or sayings you've never heard before

One I've only heard recently.
Not my Circus, not my monkeys