Countdowners in the news

Fiona T · Post by **Fiona T** » Tue Jan 31, 2023 12:35 am

typed a long considered response to this then lost it in multiquote/preview hell...

A medical professional can refer to specialists - I guess medication to reduce libido or whatever might be appropriate. Suppressing your sexuality medically is a big ask, but probably better to most than an attraction to children (which if not suppressed could lead to a) abused children and b) long jail sentence)

100% agree that children do not have the capacity to consent.

It is comparable in the context of people being ashamed of their sexuality, hiding it, and historically having been imprisoned for it. Not comparable in terms of consent/harm.

Rhys Benjamin · Post by **Rhys Benjamin** » Tue Jan 31, 2023 10:34 am

Fiona T wrote: ↑Tue Jan 31, 2023 12:35 am A medical professional can refer to specialists - I guess medication to reduce libido or whatever might be appropriate. Suppressing your sexuality medically is a big ask, but probably better to most than an attraction to children (which if not suppressed could lead to a) abused children and b) long jail sentence)

My point is I don’t think this is medically possible. Seriously, look up “conversion therapy”.

Fiona T · Post by **Fiona T** » Tue Jan 31, 2023 11:29 am

Rhys Benjamin wrote: ↑Tue Jan 31, 2023 10:34 am
Fiona T wrote: ↑Tue Jan 31, 2023 12:35 am A medical professional can refer to specialists - I guess medication to reduce libido or whatever might be appropriate. Suppressing your sexuality medically is a big ask, but probably better to most than an attraction to children (which if not suppressed could lead to a) abused children and b) long jail sentence)
My point is I don’t think this is medically possible. Seriously, look up “conversion therapy”.

It is not possible to change your sexuality. It is possible to take drugs that suppress your libido although of course these aren't without their own side effects/problems. It is also possible to be given strategies to help you avoid offending behaviour etc...

Gavin Chipper · Post by **Gavin Chipper** » Tue Jan 31, 2023 12:55 pm

I don't think it should just be assumed that liking young children, particularly being abused, is just an intrinsically part of these people's sexuality.

It makes sense that there is some "hardwiring". Most people are attracted to adults of the opposite sex, which you can understand for evolutionary reasons. But sometimes this happens the other way round, but it's still an attraction that about half the population have anyway, so it's not unrealistic to think this is also "hardwired".

But when it comes to other forms of attraction, it might be that they are not hardwired in the same way. Why would they be? It certainly shouldn't be assumed in any case.

But also teenagers are attracted to other teenagers. Most of these people move on to being attracted to older people as they get older themselves. Maybe with some people they get stuck and don't develop properly, and perhaps this is a psychological thing. Maybe that development could still be kickstarted in some way.

Fiona T · Post by **Fiona T** » Tue Jan 31, 2023 1:13 pm

Interesting article here (albeit a few years old)

https://www.channel4.com/news/factcheck ... iles-cured

Marc Meakin · Post by **Marc Meakin** » Tue Jan 31, 2023 9:40 pm

I have to ask where do you draw the line.
50 years ago a desire to be trans would have been considered an illness at best and morally abhorrent at worst.
Are we now thinking that paedophilia is a legitimate sexual preference and those practicing it should be respected.
Surely not.
Necrophilia? Bestiality?
How low can you go (probably a dachshund)?

But seriously being sexually attracted to children is a crime in my eyes and the only grey area is if both consenting parties are under age or in those rare cases a child probably, 15 who acts like a woman and a man has inadvertently met in an over 18s club for example.

Mark Deeks · Post by **Mark Deeks** » Tue Jan 31, 2023 9:57 pm

The attraction isn't the crime. It's fucked up, but it's not the crime. The acting on it, that's the crime.

Marc Meakin · Post by **Marc Meakin** » Tue Jan 31, 2023 11:29 pm

Mark Deeks wrote: ↑Tue Jan 31, 2023 9:57 pm The attraction isn't the crime. It's fucked up, but it's not the crime. The acting on it, that's the crime.

Or downloading content, which is, also a crime, regardless of acting on it or not.
I'm just being pedantic. ( note I did actually spell check this, there's always a first time)

Fiona T · Post by **Fiona T** » Tue Jan 31, 2023 11:40 pm

Marc Meakin wrote: ↑Tue Jan 31, 2023 11:29 pm
Mark Deeks wrote: ↑Tue Jan 31, 2023 9:57 pm The attraction isn't the crime. It's fucked up, but it's not the crime. The acting on it, that's the crime.
Or downloading content, which is, also a crime, regardless of acting on it or not.
I'm just being pedantic. ( note I did actually spell check this, there's always a first time)

Downloading illegal content is an act. Not acting on it is not downloading illegal content.

I'm not sure who you think has suggested that "paedophilia is a legitimate sexual preference and those practicing it should be respected". Those practising it should be prosecuted. Those not practising but who feel they are in danger of committing abuse should be able to access help.

Thomas Carey · Post by **Thomas Carey** » Thu Feb 09, 2023 3:01 pm

And now for something completely different.

About a month ago the Metro did this interview with Colin, who used to work there. The filming day the guy saw had Jo Brand in DC, so it's this week's episodes. https://i.imgur.com/hCLOpIs.png

Adam S Latchford · Post by **Adam S Latchford** » Thu Feb 09, 2023 4:25 pm

Thomas Carey wrote: ↑Thu Feb 09, 2023 3:01 pm And now for something completely different.

About a month ago the Metro did this interview with Colin, who used to work there. The filming day the guy saw had Jo Brand in DC, so it's this week's episodes. https://i.imgur.com/hCLOpIs.png

nice to see none nonce news

Martin Hurst · Post by **Martin Hurst** » Tue Mar 07, 2023 11:29 am

James Haughton apparently almost gets into a fight on Mastermind - talk about click-bait journalism and hyperbole!!!!

https://www.mylondon.news/news/tv/bbc-m ... s-26403914

Gavin Chipper · Post by **Gavin Chipper** » Tue Mar 07, 2023 11:53 am

He did seem pretty annoyed though!

Marc Meakin · Post by **Marc Meakin** » Wed Mar 08, 2023 9:36 am

Gavin Chipper wrote: ↑Tue Mar 07, 2023 11:53 am He did seem pretty annoyed though!

Annoyed with himself surely.
Though I did feel for him as his opponent was rushing Clive Mirie and consequently he had at least one more question than everyone else in the General knowledge round

Thomas Cappleman · Post by **Thomas Cappleman** » Wed Mar 08, 2023 4:38 pm

Given his opponent's annoyance on "only" scoring 10 on his specialist subject, the other way round at the end could have been quite something.

samir pilica · Post by **samir pilica** » Wed Mar 08, 2023 5:14 pm

James must have been slightly unsettled by briefly looking at the eventual winner as he sat in the chair for his GK round and seeing him agonizingly holding his head in his hands. Shame they gave up on repechage.

Philip A · Post by **Philip A** » Wed Mar 08, 2023 5:17 pm

Judging by his body language, the winner was taking it way too seriously in my view. Feel sorry for James, especially as he chose a subject that was congruent with his PhD studies.

A few weeks ago, a heat winner previously appeared 45 years ago, and was a fantastic advert for Mastermind.

Gavin Chipper · Post by **Gavin Chipper** » Wed Mar 08, 2023 5:51 pm

Philip A wrote: ↑Wed Mar 08, 2023 5:17 pm Judging by his body language, the winner was taking it way too seriously in my view.

Makes two of them.

Matt Morrison · Post by **Matt Morrison** » Fri Mar 10, 2023 11:35 pm

https://kitchener.ctvnews.ca/tim-horton ... -1.6307122 MW / raccoon interview

Gavin Chipper · Post by **Gavin Chipper** » Tue Apr 04, 2023 7:55 am

Some geezer got into trouble for declaring "Paki" in an online game of Countdown on the Sidemen YouTube channel.

JackHurst · Post by **JackHurst** » Tue Apr 04, 2023 1:20 pm

Gavin Chipper wrote: ↑Tue Apr 04, 2023 7:55 am Some geezer got into trouble for declaring "Paki" in an online game of Countdown on the Sidemen YouTube channel.

For those who have the Android app, you can click here to play the round. Spoilers: The offending word isn't even valid, so don't declare it!

Gavin Chipper · Post by **Gavin Chipper** » Fri May 19, 2023 9:41 pm

There's a thing about Susie Dent on the BBC.

Gavin Chipper · Post by **Gavin Chipper** » Thu Jun 08, 2023 11:20 am

I was listening to this, which is Carol Vorderman talking on James O'Brien's show. And I was thinking that I always found Carol Vorderman really annoying on Countdown but she's grown on me over the years. By contrast, the sum total of Rachel Riley's contribution to life outside Countdown is wearing a T-shirt saying that Jeremy Corbyn is a racist endeavour. She's essentially an airhead who happens to be good at maths.

Joseph B · Post by **Joseph B** » Thu Jun 08, 2023 3:16 pm

Where as my opinion on Carol Voderman has lowered over the years.

Ronan M Higginson · Post by **Ronan M Higginson** » Mon Jun 19, 2023 4:44 pm

Nothing huge, but a local news report if anyone's interested in reading. https://theisleofthanetnews.com/2023/06 ... own-champ/

Gavin Chipper · Post by **Gavin Chipper** » Mon Jun 19, 2023 5:43 pm

Nice.

Matt Morrison · Post by **Matt Morrison** » Mon Jul 10, 2023 10:30 am

Dave Garda

Mark Deeks · Post by **Mark Deeks** » Mon Jul 10, 2023 3:25 pm

1,517 players left, 1,507 places paid - Andrew Hulme is incredibly close to cashing in the World Series of Poker Main Event. In fact, he's 12th in chips at the end of day three.

https://www.wsop.com/tournaments/chipcounts/

Martin Hurst · Post by **Martin Hurst** » Mon Jul 10, 2023 7:18 pm

Mark Deeks wrote: ↑Mon Jul 10, 2023 3:25 pm 1,517 players left, 1,507 places paid - Andrew Hulme is incredibly close to cashing in the World Series of Poker Main Event. In fact, he's 12th in chips at the end of day three.

https://www.wsop.com/tournaments/chipcounts/

Wow - that is awesome!

To demonstrate how huge this is (to anyone who doesn't understand this achievement), if he finishes 12th he would win over half a million dollars ($535k). If he wins, he gets $12.1m. Things can change very quickly in poker however!

Ryan Lam · Post by **Ryan Lam** » Tue Jul 11, 2023 7:36 am

Matt Morrison wrote: ↑Mon Jul 10, 2023 10:30 am Dave Garda

Stunned by this not least to say if the rumours turn out to be true that his persona was faked and that the actual person was a former Countdown contestant. Never knew a photo I uploaded years ago would turn out to be well part of his downfall? I don't know what else to say...

Gavin Chipper · Post by **Gavin Chipper** » Tue Jul 11, 2023 12:22 pm

Ryan Lam wrote: ↑Tue Jul 11, 2023 7:36 am
Matt Morrison wrote: ↑Mon Jul 10, 2023 10:30 am Dave Garda
Stunned by this not least to say if the rumours turn out to be true that his persona was faked and that the actual person was a former Countdown contestant. Never knew a photo I uploaded years ago would turn out to be well part of his downfall? I don't know what else to say...

Might as well have a link to something relating to this. I won't quote the whole thing here because it's a bit long, bit here's the end bit:

tl;dr - man uses his own picture for his online alter-ego, fakes alter-ego's death from cancer, sets up fundraisers, quizzers stick their noses in it, fundraisers disappear”

Mark Deeks · Post by **Mark Deeks** » Tue Jul 11, 2023 12:51 pm

Fairly good moving day for Hulme; 441 players remaining, and he's still 29th. Guaranteed a minimum payout of $37,500.

Tracey Anne Mills · Post by **Tracey Anne Mills** » Tue Jul 11, 2023 1:03 pm

Ronan M Higginson wrote: ↑Mon Jun 19, 2023 4:44 pm Nothing huge, but a local news report if anyone's interested in reading. https://theisleofthanetnews.com/2023/06 ... own-champ/

Lovely article

Mark Deeks · Post by **Mark Deeks** » Tue Jul 11, 2023 10:32 pm

Hulme is up to second!

Paul Worsley · Post by **Paul Worsley** » Wed Jul 12, 2023 10:02 am

Andrew Hulme, known on the poker circuit as "Stato" is 4th out of 149 at the end of day 5. He's guaranteed $67,700, but unlikely to be busting out any time soon! This years WSOP pays the winner $12,100,000

Mark Deeks · Post by **Mark Deeks** » Wed Jul 12, 2023 8:56 pm

Hulme now playing on stream.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRvDxesFEac

Mark Deeks · Post by **Mark Deeks** » Wed Jul 12, 2023 9:07 pm

Guaranteed a minimum of $67,700 but that number is definitely going up. Remains seventh in chips.

Noel Mc · Post by **Noel Mc** » Thu Jul 13, 2023 8:10 am

I'm a bit hooked on Andrew's progress now, despite not knowing him.
He's now sitting in 24th, but only 50 players left. Guaranteed to win at least €188,400 now.

Callum Todd · Post by **Callum Todd** » Thu Jul 13, 2023 4:30 pm

Incredible achievement from Andrew!

Mark Deeks · Post by **Mark Deeks** » Thu Jul 13, 2023 10:50 pm

FIFTH PLACE with 32 left. Amazing.

Noel Mc · Post by **Noel Mc** » Fri Jul 14, 2023 7:47 am

Finished 18th. A cool $345,000.

Gavin Chipper · Post by **Gavin Chipper** » Fri Jul 14, 2023 8:40 am

Cool.

Paul Worsley · Post by **Paul Worsley** » Fri Jul 14, 2023 3:09 pm

Noel Mc wrote: ↑Fri Jul 14, 2023 7:47 am Finished 18th. A cool $345,000.

I wouldn't be surprised if he's sold some of his action, but this is a great result for Andrew, and confirms him as a world class player, in my opinion. I've been fortunate enough to play with him a couple of times, and he does come across as being an elite player.

Oliver Garner · Post by **Oliver Garner** » Sat Jul 29, 2023 7:41 pm

Chris Rogers, runner up of Series 29 and CoC 8 champion is currently 3 wins away from being World Champion in backgammon.

Callum Todd · Post by **Callum Todd** » Sun Sep 03, 2023 6:55 am

This is Countdown news.

Ben Wilson · Post by **Ben Wilson** » Sun Sep 03, 2023 11:09 am

Callum Todd wrote: ↑Sun Sep 03, 2023 6:55 am This is Countdown news.

'Construction work is expected to start in November 2025 and the road is scheduled to open by the end of 2028.'

It's also ridiculously optimistic knowing the state of the local authorities around here.

Gavin Chipper · Post by **Gavin Chipper** » Sun Sep 03, 2023 12:36 pm

Oliver Garner wrote: ↑Sat Jul 29, 2023 7:41 pm Chris Rogers, runner up of Series 29 and CoC 8 champion is currently 3 wins away from being World Champion in backgammon.

Did he win?

Mark James · Post by **Mark James** » Wed Oct 11, 2023 5:21 pm

https://twitter.com/fesshole/status/1710798417805394113

Not quite in the news but what do we think? Someone claims to have cheated on Countdown. I agree with the reply that says no one who has been on Countdown would call the numbers game the maths section.

Gavin Chipper · Post by **Gavin Chipper** » Wed Oct 11, 2023 5:23 pm

Mark James wrote: ↑Wed Oct 11, 2023 5:21 pm https://twitter.com/fesshole/status/1710798417805394113

Not quite in the news but what do we think? Someone claims to have cheated on Countdown. I agree with the reply that says no one who has been on Countdown would call the numbers game the maths section.

Maybe no-one on this forum or Apterous etc. would but I'm sure lots of contestants would call it the maths section. But yeah, could easily be bollocks.

Philip A · Post by **Philip A** » Fri Oct 13, 2023 9:23 pm

Mark James wrote: ↑Wed Oct 11, 2023 5:21 pm https://twitter.com/fesshole/status/1710798417805394113

Not quite in the news but what do we think? Someone claims to have cheated on Countdown. I agree with the reply that says no one who has been on Countdown would call the numbers game the maths section.

It’s a tongue-in-cheek account, mate.

David Williams · Post by **David Williams** » Fri Oct 13, 2023 11:35 pm

When you consider the number of times a contestant is unable to reproduce what they claim to have written down, you'd have to assume that there are times when such a solution is passed to their opponent for confirmation. But I've never heard anyone say "I can't make head nor tail of this". And that would be an honest mistake. I'm sure there are occasions when people declare something in the hope they will get it before they have to spell it out. If you don't manage it and you're called first you just say "Sorry, I've made a mistake". If you're second and you have a blank sheet of paper you say "I forgot to say I'd not written it down". Or if you've a partial solution and a lot of scribble . . .

Marc Meakin · Post by **Marc Meakin** » Sun Oct 15, 2023 12:15 pm

Gavin Chipper wrote: ↑Wed Oct 11, 2023 5:23 pm
Mark James wrote: ↑Wed Oct 11, 2023 5:21 pm https://twitter.com/fesshole/status/1710798417805394113

Not quite in the news but what do we think? Someone claims to have cheated on Countdown. I agree with the reply that says no one who has been on Countdown would call the numbers game the maths section.
Maybe no-one on this forum or Apterous etc. would but I'm sure lots of contestants would call it the maths section. But yeah, could easily be bollocks.

I would call it the section I am shit at

samir pilica · Post by **samir pilica** » Mon Oct 23, 2023 11:16 am

Peter Steggle, Series 70 contestant , finished a gallant 2nd in this year’s The Times Cryptic Crossword Championship. Ahead of another former Countdowner, David Webb.

Callum Todd · Post by **Callum Todd** » Wed Jan 03, 2024 8:25 am

https://youtu.be/tYFZwYMoLOE?si=N44WnR7ij0WIGNcA

Mark James · Post by **Mark James** » Wed Jan 03, 2024 10:35 am

Callum Todd wrote: ↑Wed Jan 03, 2024 8:25 am https://youtu.be/tYFZwYMoLOE?si=N44WnR7ij0WIGNcA

Excellent

Gavin Chipper · Post by **Gavin Chipper** » Wed Jan 03, 2024 11:51 am

That's Kirk by the way!

Mark James · Post by **Mark James** » Thu Mar 14, 2024 7:08 pm

Probably doesn't count as news but nevertheless...

https://twitter.com/Morbidful/status/17 ... 5721840890

Gavin Chipper · Post by **Gavin Chipper** » Thu Mar 14, 2024 10:34 pm

"He received some positive feedback" - that's news.

Marc Meakin · Post by **Marc Meakin** » Tue Mar 26, 2024 10:06 pm

https://www.facebook.com/reel/379298445016075
Not so much in the news but on the podcast

Gavin Chipper · Post by **Gavin Chipper** » Tue Apr 16, 2024 10:59 am

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.