c4countdown

Mike Brown

Great stuff, Gary. Really enjoying these... looking forward to the next one! How's the avian flu?

Mike Brown

I assume today's calendar conundrum COLINHOLT is in honour of everyone's favourite tournament... pity it was a week late, but a nice thought!!

Mike Brown

Yep. I said this already too, but Demi is really cool. She also gave me the real letters distribution as used on the show, so I'll update Apterous with that soon (at a glance it looks like we deduced it very accurately, but you can never be sure of the exact numbers of Es and so on.) I think Kirk g...

Mike Brown

You don't see the 4 numbers that were written down, so really all that trick relied on was Rachel saying a 5-digit number, therefore I think Rachel knew the 5-digit number beforehand and just had to remember it. Entirely possible, I agree, and it did cross my mind. However, I hope Innis's suggestio...

Mike Brown

Nice work! Only way I can think of that the first trick could be done would be if Rachel got handed a different piece of paper than the one the numbers were written on. And didn't Nick only declare PIPE or something in R13? Ah, good thinking... that was almost certainly what he did. Apologies for t...

Mike Brown

Countdown recap for Tuesday 27 January 2009 (C of C QF4). C1: Champion Kai Laddiman (10 wins, 1001 points.) C2: Champion Nick Wainwright (12 wins, 1131 points.) DC: Susie Dent and Paul Zenon. RR: Rachel Riley. OT: Other words or solutions. The last quarter-final of the Championship of Champions betw...

Mike Brown

According to my dictionary, FEINT is only a noun or a verb, not an adjective. Dunno what ODE2 says. ODE2r states it is (also) an adjective referring to the type of writing paper containing faint lines. Although I personally think the comparative and superlative are pretty iffy ("this paper is ...

Mike Brown

Howard Somerset wrote: Round 12: F N R C E I H T E

C1: HERETIC (7)
C2: feinter
DC: FRENETIC (8) REINFECT (8)
Score: 82–52 (max 91)

I'm not sure if it's allowed by CountMax/Apterous, but surely FEINTER is acceptable under the "comparative of monosyllabic adjective" rule, even if it does sound a bit dodgy?

Mike Brown

Charlie Reams wrote:Also I'd like to apologise for the conundrum NAKEDSHIP, which was apparently too hard.

Apology accepted!

Mike Brown

What can I say? Absolutely ******* (insert your favourite word) brilliant! Roll on CONOT, be it 9 rounds, 15 rounds or blindhyperfrenchgoatdown. Thanks to Ben, Jill (sp?), Sue, Charlie and any others who helped to make the day run so smoothly. Great to see everyone again and to meet quite a few new ...

Mike Brown

FETTUCINI "should" (in my view only) be allowed because it is the plural of FETTUCINE, and we always eat more than one strand of any type of pasta - hence MACCHERONI (sing. MACCHERONE), SPAGHETTI (sing. Lo SPAGHETTO). FETTUCCINE is in fact the plural of FETTUCCINA. Not sure where the alte...

Mike Brown

Charlie Reams wrote:So it looks like I lost on a conundrum that isn't even valid

Lost being a relative term...

Mike Brown

Charlie Reams wrote:Yeah, I guess they edited that out. HARD-WIRED is in (but hyphenated); nothing else similar.

Just FTR, HARD-WIRE (vb.) is also listed.

Mike Brown

Also, as for the conundrum, that was spot of the game for me. I (sadly) clapped out loud at home. I'd never heard of the word and was such an awesome spot. However, upon checking in the dictionary, I couldn't find it! It's only listed as FETTUCCINE. However, it's listed in Countmax so I assume it's...

Mike Brown

Charlie Reams wrote:Also I quite often write Mom anyway, it looks cool.

And more importantly, MOM is a valid word on Countdown, whereas FAVORITE isn't.

Mike Brown

Perhaps scarily, the best-selling niner of all time appears to be Heartbeat by Steps.

Mike Brown

Thanks, Katherine.

Some great comments from Damian - well worth a listen!

Mike Brown

Michael Wallace wrote:Mike?

Did you call?

Mike Brown

I met Richard Whiteley and Carol Vorderman when I went to a recording of that Celebrity Countdown in 1998. the Jo Brand V Arthur Smith one, with Bamber Gascoigne in Dictionary Corner with who I THINK was Susie Dent. Just for the record, Katherine: it was Susie in Dictionary Corner for that recording.

Mike Brown

Charlie Reams wrote:A recap as swift and accurate as an arrow from a longbow.

Longbows are really cool.

Thanks, Charlie! (cue the first 'error' posting...)

Mike Brown

Eeeeeeeee the first Sfyris and Brown recap of the Stelling era (or is it Brown and Sfyris I never can remember) Nice work. Already looking forward to recapping next week, even though I've seen the game in question. Ah, my partner in crime! Must admit I enjoyed getting back into the swing of this re...

Mike Brown

Countdown recap for Tuesday 13 January 2009 (C of C XIII Game 2). C1: Champion Junaid Mubeen (11 wins, 1098 points.) C2: Champion Tony Warren (10 wins, 932 points.) DC: Susie Dent and Andrew Sachs. RR: Rachel Riley. OT: Other words or solutions. Series 59 champion Junaid takes on Series 55 runner-up...

Mike Brown

Ben Wilson wrote:Incidentally most of my songs are bought off of iTunes and then burnt onto CD to be ripped into windows media player, which is a non-shit media player

At least until it b*****s up the track info that you've just spent time updating.

Mike Brown

I seem to remember that the public car park I've always parked in (Burley Road) costs a few quid for four or five hours, so you might want to bring several coins to feed it! In my experience, there are usually plenty of spaces, so hopefully you shouldn't have any parking hassles. To get to it, turn ...

Mike Brown

Countdown recap for Monday 21 January 2002 (Series 47 Prelim 19). As requested by Martin and Kirk; a classic game which ultimately led to Terry Rattle being allowed to return for a second crack at the teapot. Enjoy. C1: Champion Chris Wills (5 wins, 560 points.) C2: Challenger Terry Rattle (from Sta...

Mike Brown

Kirk Bevins wrote:Reveal, reveal! The more practice the better!

How can I deny the Bevatron? I'll see what I can do later today...

Mike Brown

I could do only a partial recap from notes of that programme, but I'm sure that somebody like Mike Brown will have much more comprehensive details of the game. What I can say, though, is that Terry Rattle got two niners, to Chris's one. I do indeed have full details for the game. I'm not sure, thou...

Mike Brown

Howard Somerset wrote:
Jon Corby wrote:Actually after a little more thought (8+4) * 75 + (25 * 2) looks like it might be the best bet.
Looks good. Thanks, Jon

This is cool, it's like a puzzle!

Just checked my notes for that game and can confirm that your suspicions are correct, Jon.

Mike Brown

Same as Michael, Lucy & Gavin, I think, i.e.

David O'Donnell
Junaid Mubeen
Jon Corby
Kai Laddiman
Nick Wainwright
Jonathan Coles
Charlie Reams
Steven Briers

Mike Brown

Another example of the same contestant appearing twice may be Garry Preston from Eccles, who may have been in both Series 18 and 59 - some 19 years apart!

Mike Brown

Pete Fraser wrote:Why yes, it's almost as if the programme had somehow been edited down from a longer recording.

The recording certainly was longer than the final broadcast version, but the apparent speed with which Carol lost her composure was for real.

Mike Brown

Pleased to hear you're still going to be my partner in crime for the Tuesday recaps. Have a happy hibernation!

Mike Brown

Howard Somerset wrote:
Mike Brown wrote: Round 5: 25, 50, 75, 100, 9, 2. Target: 678.

C1: 679. (9x75)+2+(100/25) (7)
Any idea what the actual offering was by C1? Was the 2 missed out, or was the final division actually 100/50?

Just re-checked this, Howard... it should be (9x75)+(100/25).

Mike Brown

You're definitely not alone Mike. There are very few recappers who don't make a mistake from time to time when writing down the numbers solutions. Indeed, I've just put a recap onto the wiki and had to change three of the numbers solutions. It's the section I always check most, because, from experi...

Mike Brown

KateHorton wrote:Thanks.That was my doing!

You're welcome. I didn't realise Damian was letting others loose on the Teasers these days!

Mike Brown

Steven Briers.

Mike Brown

Stewart Holden wrote:It certainly was a rather suntanned looking Mr Brown.

This was obviously down to the extremely sunny weather in Leeds during the quarter-finals!

Mike Brown

Kai Laddiman wrote:Doesn't C2's numbers ((4+4)x8)+(9x6)-9=109?

There's always one eagle-eyed sod, isn't there? It should be correct now. And, impressively, it's already correct on the Wiki.

Mike Brown

Phil Reynolds wrote:Did anyone else think the clue to the first TTT was ludicrously obscure?

Muat admit I did think it was a bit obscure, but quite clever. Personally, I think it's good to have a mixture.

Mike Brown

http://www.tellyads.com/show_movie.php?filename=TA7896 Nice jumper, Des, but my favourite bit was in the text at the bottom of the page: "quite often the adverts form the most enjoying part of an evening in front of the box". Reminds me of the instruction manuals you get that are written ...

Mike Brown

Countdown recap for Tuesday 2 December 2008. C1: Champion Denis Kaye (3 wins, 271 points.) C2: Challenger Lynne Cavanagh (from Blurton, Staffs.) DC: Susie Dent and Phil Hammond. (hurrah! Dr Phil is back!) CV: Carol Vorderman. (only nine more shows to go...) OT: Other words or solutions (no DC-beater...

Mike Brown

Hi Jeff There was a discussion about this some time ago. The mix has changed a bit in the past few years, but not that much. http://www.c4countdown.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=23&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&hilit=u6 If I may be so bold, you may also find the Letters Page at my site ...

Mike Brown

Not sure I can add much to what has been said already. Terribly sad news and the loss of another Countdown legend. At Damian's request, I have added a small note to my site. The least I can do, really.

Mike Brown

Which guests seem uninterested? Curious to know. Yeah, anaylsis-overkill is all about what happens on here, sure. But there is analysis and then there is scrimmaging for negatives for the sake of it. Given that we make 250 shows a year, i think variety is important, whether it be something good or ...

Mike Brown

Sure, i get what you are saying Mike, but how does synonymy relate to being a better presenter? And bear in mind, time marches on. The world turns. How many people under 25 have ever heard of Esther Rantzen, Timmy Mallet, Kilroy-Silk and some crooner from a 70's band called Dollar? Nostalgia someti...

Mike Brown

Damian E wrote:How do you know they are lying?

I think its analysis-overkill that claims your head on these matters.

Not saying they all do, but some of the guests seem so uninterested in the game and they then come up with some obscure nine-letter word. And isn't analysis-overkill part of what we do on here?

Mike Brown

Charlie Reams wrote:Filming is 7 - 9 December (Sunday to Tuesday.)

Meant to ask this earlier. Will this be the first ever recording session to take place on a Sunday? Or for that matter, a weekend? Is nothing sacred any more?

Mike Brown

A little bit surprised at some of the players included and some of the ones left out. But I think I should wait until the end of the Series to bring that up; not that I know what happens but I don't see how Charlie, Kai (etc) can answer without providing a spoiler. Don't know who you're thinking of...

Mike Brown

Did anyone else except me notice an error in the title of the dailymail article (the first link Damo posted)? It repeats Oxford. Must admit that I didn't. It reminds me of that well-known test where you are shown a sign that says "I Love Paris In The The Spring" (with a new line separatin...

Mike Brown

Damian E wrote:Yes, brand new set. New chairs, new cue cards, new titles, new potatoes.

New letters and numbers? If so, maybe you could sell off the old ones for charity? I'd give you a few quid for one and I'm sure Charlie would pay at least a pony for the letter K.

Mike Brown

That said, we know plenty about him and i personally think he'll be the best presenter we've ever had. I'm sure you do know plenty about him and I certainly respect your ability to choose someone good! (and I presume you had quite a say in the proceedings). Best presenter ever? That's quite a state...

Mike Brown

No change to the format, apart from that Jeff will intro the guests. I may not be sure about Mr Stelling yet, but a big hurrah from me for that! And I agree with David, the more guests that appear to play along, don't obviously lie about how they got the long words, and show a degree of humility, t...

Mike Brown

Hmm, all very interesting, but it will take me a while to get used to Jeff I think, so at present I don't share the enthusiasm of most posters (sorry, Damian). As I'm not a fan of Sky Sports, I don't really know much about him, but I will certainly be tuning in and giving him a try. As for Rachel, s...

Mike Brown

If my understanding is correct: would ALUMINUM be allowed? Logically, you would think it would as it's pronounced differently to ALUMINIUM (and, like AEROPLANE/AIRPLANE, it's not just a difference in stress - the words have different syllable counts); but, for some reason, gut feeling tells me it w...

Mike Brown

Countdown recap for Tuesday 18 November 2008. C1: Champion Mark Redhead (1 win, 66 points.) C2: Challenger Paula Rogers (from Chadwell Heath, near Romford. Des O was born there, apparently.) DC: Susie Dent and Pam Ayres. (double hurrah!) CV: Carol Vorderman. (sadly not for much longer...) OT: Other ...

Mike Brown

Gavin Chipper wrote:I did consider the typo option as well but it was too boring.

Fair comment. I know you enjoy a good conspiracy theory!

Mike Brown

rob heeney wrote:Interestingly, why are old men always touted as the new host? When Whiteley started he was just 38. Armstrong is the only one in that age bracket to have ever been considered.

That we know of, Rob. Actually, come to think of it, Rory Bremner isn't that old, either.

Mike Brown

I might well do that, Kirk. It'd be good to get some more octochamp stats up to date, especially Mr Fell's. I did wonder whether Julian might want to do them himself when we start filling in the gaps for Series 48, but now that he has gone into early retirement, it seems that may well not be the cas...

Mike Brown

Yeah, from what I understand the final must have been recorded on the 13th November and the spoiler put up on the 14th. If it is as I understand, it seems a bit of a schoolboy error! Or maybe it was just a typo. Yes, the final was recorded on the 13th, as has been widely reported, but that doesn't ...

Mike Brown

The reason I mention this is that there was a Garry Preston (again double R) who appeared on the show back in 1989. It's unlikely that it's the same person, as usually the only people brought back are those who made their first appearances as children, and this Garry looks rather too old to have be...

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