c4countdown

Mike Brown

Great to see this arrive on the day with some nice little comments to boot, Liam.

Mike Brown

In fairness to the makers of the dictionary, I think it's fair enough that the appearance of a word like QUOTER is a judgement call based on usage, whereas QINTAR has to be in even if it's used less. What is someone who quotes called? There isn't really a word for it, or even the need for a word fo...

Mike Brown

Countdown recap for Friday 25 November 2011 (Series 65, Prelim 105). C1: Champion Dudley Lidiard (1 win, 77 points.) C2: Challenger Kirsten Thompson. DC: Susie Dent and Tim Vine. RR: Rachel Riley. OT: Other words or solutions. It’s almost the end of November and the weather finally seems to be turni...

Mike Brown

James Robinson wrote:You might think that people who quote are quoters..................., but you'd be wrong

Loved Jeff's quip: "It's about common usage - that's the reason that qintars, the Albanian currency's in there."

Mike Brown

Mike Brown

Countdown recap for Friday 18 November 2011 (Series 65, Prelim 100). C1: Champion Paul Keane (6 wins, 538 points.) C2: Challenger Jane Wrightson. DC: Susie Dent and John Parrott. RR: Rachel Riley. OT: Other words or solutions. It’s the 100th episode of the series and Paul Keane is in the champion’s ...

Mike Brown

It's an 8 out of 10 cats special. Jeff isn't involved. I was under the impression it was the first recordings with the new host, with more to follow on December 12 (also with Paul Zenon in DC), and the 8/10 Cats special was another day, but I may have got it wrong. Whatever, I hope the ID of said p...

Mike Brown

James Robinson wrote:Well, when the notes said a tick next to US for TOWELING on the notes, I assumed that meant it was fine on that basis.

I agree the notes are a bit ambiguous. No offence meant, sir!

Mike Brown

Countdown recap for Friday 11 November 2011 (Series 65, Prelim 95). C1: Champion Paul Keane (1 win, 90 points.) C2: Challenger Siobhan O'Shea. DC: Susie Dent and Ken Bruce. RR: Rachel Riley. OT: Other words or solutions. Remarkably it’s that time of the week again already, so let’s see what happened...

Mike Brown

C1: toweling - should have been given, as it's OK as an American spelling, which were OK back then :oops: DC were right this time, as the American spelling wasn't listed until the COD8. Well spotted, Clive, probably a misinterpretation of my notes by James (who doesn't make many mistakes, to be fai...

Mike Brown

Rhys Benjamin wrote:Round 10: 1, 10, 6, 5, 8, 7. Target: 919.
RR: 919. (10 + 6 + 7) x 8 x 5 - 1 (10)

Should be noted that Rachel got this late. Sorry to have to point it out, but if you will put pictures of Boris in your recaps...

Mike Brown

Thomas Carey wrote:
Douglas Wilson wrote:Where did Innis come?
12th.

Thought it was me that came 12th, but may have go it wrong, as it was only from a quick glance at the laptop before it went AWOL. Hopefully we'll know the results soon!

Mike Brown

Countdown recap for Friday 4 November 2011 (Series 65, Prelim 90). C1: Champion Clive Barham (1 win, 72 points.) C2: Challenger Barry Morris. DC: Susie Dent and Mark Durden-Smith. RR: Rachel Riley. OT: Other words or solutions. After the run of octochamp reigns ending on a Thursday that kept occurri...

Mike Brown

James Robinson wrote:OT: REALTORS (8) RELATORS (8) ROSTRATE (8) STARTLER (8)

No STARTLER in the ODE3, I'm afraid. Still, RATTLERS is a useful anagram...

Mike Brown

James Robinson wrote:ACEDIA is another name for sloth, as in the deadly sin, as opposed to the lazy creature.

And, as such, a mass noun, and therefore invalid in the plural. (it's another name for ACCIDIE.) Consider it ticketed.

Mike Brown

Yet another great Co-Event, so (witch's) hats off to the organisers for providing such a well-run day. Well done to Matt for a typically modest victory in the final and to Thomas for being a worth runner-up. As usual, it was great to see everyone (again) and I will treasure my apterous mug for the '...

Mike Brown

Countdown recap for Friday 28 October 2011 (Series 65, Prelim 85). C1: Champion David Butcher (3 wins, 244 points.) C2: Challenger Kyle McGrory. DC: Susie Dent and Cheryl Baker. RR: Rachel Riley. OT: Other words or solutions. Delayed a little bit (but not too much to be fair) by the mega-event yeste...

Mike Brown

Countdown recap for Friday 21 October 2011 (Series 65, Prelim 80). C1: Champion Beryl Upshall (2 wins, 157 points.) C2: Challenger Sam Weissman. DC: Susie Dent and Les Dennis. RR: Rachel Riley. OT: Other words or solutions. It’s Friday again and two-times champion Beryl Upshall takes on newcomer Sam...

Mike Brown

I went for Edinburgh style, but I like 'em both. Long may they both live, despite their respective failings.

Mike Brown

James Robinson wrote:
James Robinson wrote:MEGA NOTE: WHY DOES IT SAY THIS ON THE TITLE:

Rhys Benjamin wrote:Monday 17 SEPTEMBER 2011

P.S. It still says this, Rhys.

Not any more it doesn't. But there's still only 2 N's in denizen.

Mike Brown

But I don't think so, as although Lynemouth is in close proximity to Newcastle, which is what was said, they probably would have said Lynemouth if she was from Lynemouth. But what if she came from Lynemouth, moved to Todmorden, and then went to live in Newcastle? I agree that the jury's still out, ...

Mike Brown

Rhys Benjamin wrote:However Susie made the same mistake - you need 3 N's, not 2.

Sorry to pick... don't you mean "2 N's, not 1"?

Mike Brown

The 1998 Anne Haley was from Todmorden, originally Lynemouth. Could well have returned "home" in the intervening years. If I had to guess I'd definitely go for her being the same person. Yes, seems plausible. Unfortunately, I can't recall her from last time, even though she won a few prog...

Mike Brown

Countdown recap for Friday 14 October 2011 (Series 65, Prelim 75). C1: Champion Nikki Roberts (6 wins, 515 points.) C2: Challenger Jack Gregson. DC: Susie Dent and Phil Hammond. RR: Rachel Riley. OT: Other words or solutions. Nikki’s week has been a bit up and down (with a respectable top score of 1...

Mike Brown

James Robinson wrote:Shame to lose you, Ryan.

Yes, I too will miss the Ryan Recaps, but I guess all good things come to an end...

Mike Brown

Even though Mike likes to normally give his take on the guests when it's his recap, I'd just like to say that Anneka has been a brilliant addition to DC this week and I hope she returns in the near future. ;) :) :D :mrgreen: 8-) Plagiarism alert! Agree with you, though. There seem to be more good a...

Mike Brown

Rhys Benjamin wrote:
James Robinson wrote:ME ON POINTLESS: Friday 14th October, 17:15, BBC1

It's officially BBC One

Can I nominate you for Pedant of the Week?

Mike Brown

Countdown recap for Friday 7 October 2011 (Series 65, Prelim 70). C1: Champion Nikki Roberts (1 win, 79 points.) C2: Challenger June McGregor. DC: Susie Dent and Anneka Rice. RR: Rachel Riley. OT: Other words or solutions. New champion Nikki Roberts takes on newcomer June McGregor in this Friday gam...

Mike Brown

John Douglas wrote:R1 AUBRIETA for 8

Somewhat bizarrely, the ODE only allows AUBRETIA and AUBRIETIA. Apparently it's not happy that AUBRIETA is the name of the genus, rather than one of the names now commonly given to the plant. Wikipedia (the fount of all knowledge) seems to disagree.

Mike Brown

Countdown recap for Friday 30 September 2011 (Series 65, Prelim 65). C1: Champion Jayne Wisniewski (5 wins, 431 points.) C2: Challenger Suzanne Osen. DC: Susie Dent and Kate Humble. RR: Rachel Riley. OT: Other words or solutions. Since last Friday’s debut, Jayne Wisniewski has held on to her place i...

Mike Brown

Countdown recap for Friday 23 September 2011 (Series 65, Prelim 60). C1: Champion Andy Royce (3 wins, 232 points.) C2: Challenger Jayne Wisniewski. DC: Susie Dent and Dave Spikey. RR: Rachel Riley. OT: Other words or solutions. Well, thank Countdown it’s Friday, and it’s time to see whether Andy Roy...

Mike Brown

Countdown recap for Friday 16 September 2011 (Series 65, Prelim 55). C1: Challenger Peter Metcalfe. C2: Challenger Nick Theobald. DC: Susie Dent and Paul Zenon. RR: Rachel Riley. OT: Other words or solutions. Apparently I seem to be getting all the joy (if that’s what it is!) of doing all the recaps...

Mike Brown

James Robinson wrote:
Mike Brown wrote:Round 14: 50, 100, 25, 75, 5, 3. Target: 370.

C1: 370. (3x100)+75-5 (10)
C2: 370. (3x100)+75-5 (10)
Score: 84–57 (max 122)

(Almost) everyone in the world gets 375...
Maybe so, Mike, but 370 was the target.......

I'll get my own back soon, Robinson...

Mike Brown

R2: I guess Carl wrote down the slightly risky RECOUNT (possibly hyphenated?). and just as he was about to declare, saw that COUNTER wasn't a risk at all :!: Although, of course, if he hadn't got COUNTER written down, he should have declared "seven, not written down". People have been pun...

Mike Brown

Countdown recap for Friday 9 September 2011 (Series 65, Prelim 50). C1: Champion Carl Williams (3 wins, 284 points.) C2: Challenger Stefan Clarke. DC: Susie Dent and Gloria Hunniford. RR: Rachel Riley. OT: Other words or solutions. Would you believe it’s the end of the week again already and it’s ti...

Mike Brown

BONEY and ODORISER aren't valid I'm afraid, James. The wiki's been amended.

Mike Brown

Thomas Carey wrote:It's the 7th of September today.

So it is; thread title fixed.

Mike Brown

Countdown recap for Friday 2 September 2011 (Series 65, Prelim 45). C1: Challenger Martin Steel. C2: Challenger Russell Tompkins. DC: Susie Dent and John Inverdale. RR: Rachel Riley. OT: Other words or solutions. Well, Dave Taylor has now retired as an undefeated contestant until the finals and it w...

Mike Brown

Countdown recap for Friday 26 August 2011 (Series 65, Prelim 40). C1: Champion Dave Taylor (3 wins, 254 points.) C2: Challenger Tony Wilkins. DC: Susie Dent and William Roache. RR: Rachel Riley. OT: Other words or solutions. Hurrah, Countdown has been back for a week and it’s time for me to dust dow...

Mike Brown

Liam Tiernan wrote:Round 12: L I T P E N O C I

OT: LEPTONIC (8)

No LEPTONIC any more, I'm afraid, which brings the max down by 1. OT words on this round should be: CIPOLIN LECTION.

Mike Brown

James Robinson wrote: Round 2: D A S O M Z I E T

Hmmm, now where have I seen these letters before Ah yes, they were the same as round 2 yesterday

Round 4, surely?

Mike Brown

Graeme Cole wrote:
Charlie Reams wrote:Hope that helps!
Very informative, thanks. Looking forward to when it's all shiny and complete.

Agreed. When it's all done, I will have to buy you a very large drink.

Mike Brown

I've often wondered the same thing myself (and came to much the same conclusions), but never got around to asking Charlie. Care to comment, Mr Reams?

Mike Brown

Someone tried to use Mike Brown's Dictionary Corner tool on his Countdown page, but they said it was of no help to them. Granted, Mike was busy a few months ago but he had committed to updating his Countdown Page a lot more frequently from now on. Can anyone make sense of this? Hopefully I can... I...

Mike Brown

Oi grass! Yeah I didn't send any anagrammy love from Dinos. I was also told to say hi to everyone from Dan McColm and some other people too and I just totally forgot. I was really tired though and lacked a bit of energy on Saturday so forgive me all. I'm sure I can forgive you, but only cos you do ...

Mike Brown

Dinos Sfyris wrote:I texted Ryan though telling him to send everyone some anagrammy love on my behalf. Did he? He'll be getting a punch in the face if not

No, he didn't, of if he did it was selective.

Pity you couldn't make it, hopefully you'll be able to come to whatever CO-event comes next!

Mike Brown

Controversial stuff in this thread today! Anyway, just wanted to thank Ben and Gill (or is it Jill?) for another well-organised event. As usual, it was great to meet everyone (again) and as well as some enjoyable and competitive games there was some enjoyable conversation to be had as well. As well ...

Mike Brown

Gavin Chipper wrote:How old was George Greenhough? He was about 120 and fucking excellent to boot.

Not sure, 65 to 70, I guess, but he was certainly a good player and a nice chap too.

Mike Brown

Marc Meakin wrote:I think you should lobby to get her on the show.
Which begs the question, who is the oldest contestant ?

Bertha Bourne, surely, was the oldest contestant to win a show - at 87. Can't believe you got that wrong, James.

Mike Brown

Marc Meakin wrote:I think you should lobby to get her on the show.
Which begs the question, who is the oldest contestant ?

Bertha Bourne, surely, was the oldest contestant to win a show - at 87.

Mike Brown

Ryan Taylor wrote:Sadly PARSONIC has nothing to do with Sonic the Hedgehog. It relates to clergymen.

And sadly it's also slipped out of this edition of the ODE. OT words should therefore be: CURIOSA PARISON PICAROS. I'll change the wiki accordingly. Great recap, btw.

Mike Brown

Matt Coates wrote:is utopia not allowed? it is capitalised, but next to it it says utopia without the capital

Not in ODE3, it doesn't...

Mike Brown

Thanks for spoiling the fact that Mark wins his first seven games by having a specific (but admittedly amusing) thread title.

EDIT: I'm sure it wasn't deliberate, but felt I ought to make the point, nevertheless.

Mike Brown

Countdown recap for Friday 22 July 2011 (Series 65, Prelim 35). C1: Challenger Peter Staniland. C2: Challenger Shireen Ahmed. DC: Susie Dent and Mark Durden-Smith. RR: Rachel Riley. OT: Other words or solutions. Well, thank Countdown it’s Friday and it’s time for another recap from the wilds of Norf...

Mike Brown

Rather more dully than the other posts, re Round 13: can I just point out that INLAYER(S) is no longer valid?

Mike Brown

Ryan Taylor wrote:Round 13: D I G S E Z P A I

OT: AZIDES (6) ZAIDES (6)

ZAIDES looks like another typo that's been in JimDic right from the start, I'm afraid, so needs removing. Sorry and all that.

Mike Brown

James Robinson wrote: Making sure that all the wiki pages are spick and spam is my big task.

That'll keep me going for a bit.

No worries, just didn't want to think you were having too much of a rest... and I sincerely hope you're not going to spam the wiki.

Mike Brown

COMPLETION!!!!! Well, I'm all out of recaps. My work is done. ;) :) :D :mrgreen: 8-) So, tidy up on the wiki will be by next job, which will take me many, many hours, but will be nice to have an even more relaxing job to do. 8-) S'pose you could add the max words for the Series 2 progs as they get ...

Mike Brown

James Robinson wrote:Unless I'm not mistaken, Mike, that only adds up to 608. I think you need to add "+25" to the end of that.

Thanks James, as effective a proofreader as ever.

Mike Brown

Now, if only there was an online database of all of the previous teasers... :) I'm afraid I can't quite read you here, Mike. Are you saying "wouldn't this be nice, shame it will never happen"? I'm not aware of any database which enables the sort of search you're alluding to. I wouldn't re...

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