Spoilers For Friday September 25th 2009

James Robinson · Post by **James Robinson** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 12:28 pm

Well, it's the end of the week and also the end of Jeffrey Burgin. Not literally the end of course, but today is his 8th show. So, will he leave on a high or not

Of course if he does lose, he would be the first person in the Stelling/Riley era to lose on their 8th show.

We all hope he wins today of course. Well, except for his opponent whoever he/she is. As has been mentioned before, Jeffrey's total score isn't the best. I actually checked it's one of the worst since the show went into the 15-round format. Although he shouldn't have the worst as Jeffrey only needs around 30 points to makes sure his isn't the worst. Chris McHenry currently holds the record, I believe.

Anyway, good luck Jeffrey.

Phil Reynolds · Post by **Phil Reynolds** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 12:32 pm

Sorry, I nodded off there.

Kirk Bevins · Post by **Kirk Bevins** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 12:36 pm

Phil Reynolds wrote:Sorry, I nodded off there.

Haha. *throws a bucket of cold water over Phil*

Michael Wallace · Post by **Michael Wallace** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 12:36 pm

'cold water', eh?

Charlie Reams · Post by **Charlie Reams** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 12:44 pm

James Robinson wrote:Not literally the end of course, but today is his 8th show. So, will he leave on a high or not Of course if he does lose, he would be the first person in the Stelling/Riley era to lose on their 8th show.

We all hope he wins today of course.

Of course!

PS I always wipe my mouth after the end of course.

Ralph Gillions · Post by **Ralph Gillions** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 1:15 pm

Oh dear. All this use of the word "worst".
And there was me thinking that as an entertaining contestant he is one of the best.

Charlie Reams · Post by **Charlie Reams** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 1:20 pm

Ralph Gillions wrote:Oh dear. All this use of the word "worst".
And there was me thinking that as an entertaining contestant he is one of the best.

I thought you were supposed to be good with autistic dudes?

Ralph Gillions · Post by **Ralph Gillions** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 1:34 pm

Ok Charlie. You're right (this time.)

I did say "as an entertaining contestant" though.
I hope my reputation can be repaired.

Ian Dent · Post by **Ian Dent** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 2:00 pm

James,

Your opening post is quite offensive to me.

Ben Hunter · Post by **Ben Hunter** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 2:06 pm

James,

Your opening post is quite boring to me.

James Robinson · Post by **James Robinson** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 2:16 pm

Ian Dent wrote:James,

Your opening post is quite offensive to me.

Why

Ben Hunter wrote:James,

Your opening post is quite boring to me.

Well, I can't please everyone, can I

Douglas Wilson · Post by **Douglas Wilson** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 2:19 pm

At least he has the chance to become an octochamp, oh and after only one attempt.

D Eadie · Post by **D Eadie** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 2:26 pm

James,

Your opening post is one way of seeing what is in the envelope.

D Eadie · Post by **D Eadie** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 2:32 pm

Rd 1 - RETABLES as a DC equaller.

(Just wanted to sample life from the other side and it sucks)

Sue Sanders · Post by **Sue Sanders** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 2:39 pm

Alt numbers - 50 x (5+6) - (8/2 x 7)

Aw come on Damian, give us a smile

D Eadie · Post by **D Eadie** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 2:41 pm

Smile

PS - did anyone notice that the letter I was upside down in Rd 3, i think some sort of explanation is in order.

Oh and the large timpany drum that bangs at the end of the clock music was about .27 of a semitone higher in key than usual. I've noticed this for sometime, at least 25 years in fact, if you count September, although there are still 5 days left in the month, so i'll have to check the leap years later for confirmation.

And if Jeffrey wins, he'll have one worst scores ever in Countdown history, that's if you exclude all of 4600 people who lost their first game, plus all the others who ONLY managed to win up to 6 games. I don't think the standard is as high as it used to be. I blame Apterous.

Phil Reynolds · Post by **Phil Reynolds** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 2:47 pm

D Eadie wrote:Your opening post is one way of seeing what is in the envelope.

Nice gerund.

Charlie Reams · Post by **Charlie Reams** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 2:52 pm

Douglas Wilson wrote:At least he has the chance to become an octochamp, oh and after only one attempt.

D Eadie · Post by **D Eadie** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 2:52 pm

Phil Reynolds wrote:
D Eadie wrote:Your opening post is one way of seeing what is in the envelope.
Nice gerund.

Thanks, you should see it when its hard.

Sue Sanders · Post by **Sue Sanders** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 3:01 pm

D Eadie wrote:
Phil Reynolds wrote:
D Eadie wrote:Your opening post is one way of seeing what is in the envelope.
Nice gerund.
Thanks, you should see it when its hard.

I better be in the room when Phil sees it - so it can't get blown out of all proportion.

Charlie Reams · Post by **Charlie Reams** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 3:07 pm

Ralph Gillions wrote:Ok Charlie. You're right (this time.)
I did say "as an entertaining contestant" though.
I hope my reputation can be repaired.

I totally agree with you by the way, and whatever the scores in his first few games, the current Jeffrey would slaughter a lot of other octochamps. I'd say he's my second favourite Jeffrey ever.

Sue Sanders · Post by **Sue Sanders** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 3:07 pm

Jeffrey missed BEAVERING - like we're gonna let THAT lie!!!!

Well done Kiddo - really well played and sooo Mr Showbiz today.

Jojo Apollo · Post by **Jojo Apollo** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 3:14 pm

Well done on becoming an Octochamp, Jeffrey.

Good luck in the quarters.

Ralph Gillions · Post by **Ralph Gillions** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 3:16 pm

Congratulations Jeffrey.
A splendid run. It has been a treat.
I liked the nice words from Colin Murray too.
Thanks for the pleasure.

Craig Beevers · Post by **Craig Beevers** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 3:24 pm

Sue Sanders wrote:Jeffrey missed BEAVERING - like we're gonna let THAT lie!!!!

Well done Kiddo - really well played and sooo Mr Showbiz today.

Yea I'm a friend of Richard (today's challenger) so he really should have got it too.

Junaid Mubeen · Post by **Junaid Mubeen** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 3:25 pm

Nice one Jeffrey. Well done on becoming an, wait for it, Oxfochamp. Look forward to seeing you in the finals.

GODETIAS was a beater in Rd 4 I think.

D Eadie · Post by **D Eadie** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 3:27 pm

Surprised nobody has mentioned that BEREAVING, however weird and unlikely, should have been accepted as the correct answer. BEREAVE is given as a verb, although the usage of BEREAVING is questionable to say the least.

We've added 10 pts to JB's points tally retrospectively, plus a 200pt smile bonus, so he'll be No 1 seed for the finals.

Darren Carter · Post by **Darren Carter** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 3:34 pm

Good stuff Jeffrey, very pleased for you. Being an octochamp is a great achievement, regardless of what score you rack up. I'm sure most people on here would be pleased with 8 wins regardless of the score, hell I would have been pleased with one!

And no matter what Jeff says, don't try to chat up girls at Oxford with "I'm a Countdown Octochamp don't you know...."

Charlie Reams · Post by **Charlie Reams** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 3:35 pm

Darren Carter wrote:And no matter what Jeff says, don't try to chat up girls at Oxford with "I'm a Countdown Octochamp don't you know...."

This works on Cambridge girls, I can assure you.

Alec Rivers · Post by **Alec Rivers** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 3:47 pm

D Eadie wrote:Surprised nobody has mentioned that BEREAVING, however weird and unlikely, should have been accepted as the correct answer. BEREAVE is given as a verb, although the usage of BEREAVING is questionable to say the least.

We've added 10 pts to JB's points tally retrospectively, plus a 200pt smile bonus, so he'll be No 1 seed for the finals.

The Lexplorer says BEREAVED is in. Surely Jeffrey's answer should have been accepted? And aren't conundra supposed to have no anagrams?

Charlie Reams · Post by **Charlie Reams** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 4:00 pm

Alec Rivers wrote:
D Eadie wrote:Surprised nobody has mentioned that BEREAVING, however weird and unlikely, should have been accepted as the correct answer. BEREAVE is given as a verb, although the usage of BEREAVING is questionable to say the least.

We've added 10 pts to JB's points tally retrospectively, plus a 200pt smile bonus, so he'll be No 1 seed for the finals.
The Lexplorer says BEREAVED is in. Surely Jeffrey's answer should have been accepted? And aren't conundra supposed to have no anagrams?

I personally think BEREAVING should have been accepted, however weird and unlikely. Although the usage BEREAVING is unusual, BEREAVE is given as a verb. What does everyone else think?

D Eadie · Post by **D Eadie** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 4:03 pm

Lost for words.

Bereft in fact.

Junaid Mubeen · Post by **Junaid Mubeen** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 4:16 pm

Charlie Reams wrote:
Darren Carter wrote:And no matter what Jeff says, don't try to chat up girls at Oxford with "I'm a Countdown Octochamp don't you know...."
This works on Cambridge girls, I can assure you.

It doesn't work in Oxford

Alec Rivers · Post by **Alec Rivers** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 4:36 pm

Charlie Reams wrote:
Alec Rivers wrote:
D Eadie wrote:Surprised nobody has mentioned that BEREAVING, however weird and unlikely, should have been accepted as the correct answer. BEREAVE is given as a verb, although the usage of BEREAVING is questionable to say the least.

We've added 10 pts to JB's points tally retrospectively, plus a 200pt smile bonus, so he'll be No 1 seed for the finals.
The Lexplorer says BEREAVED is in. Surely Jeffrey's answer should have been accepted? And aren't conundra supposed to have no anagrams?
I personally think BEREAVING should have been accepted, however weird and unlikely. Although the usage BEREAVING is unusual, BEREAVE is given as a verb. What does everyone else think?

Sorry, I meant BEREAVING is in.

Jeffrey Burgin · Post by **Jeffrey Burgin** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 4:42 pm

James Robinson wrote:As has been mentioned before, Jeffrey's total score isn't the best. I actually checked it's one of the worst since the show went into the 15-round format. Although he shouldn't have the worst as Jeffrey only needs around 30 points to makes sure his isn't the worst.

Mentioned by you, yes. No-one else gave a shit. And, surprisingly enough, neither do I. Maybe it was because I considered myself thoroughly lucky to be an Octochamp in the first place, a feat that has not been achieved by legions of players far better than myself including yourself, having managed to scrape through against some very talented players such as Bob, Darren and Mhairi. I'd rather be known as a nice guy who won't particularly be remembered in the annals of Countdown history apart from the fact he smiled quite a lot- I preferred to approach the game with a 'enjoy it while you can and try not to come across as a knob' attitude rather than a 'make sure you get as many points as possible while you can' attitude. For some people, the latter is important to them, and I fully respect that- it's just not my priority.

Charlie Reams wrote:I'd say he's my second favourite Jeffrey ever.

I am thoroughly happy to sit between Hansford and whoever third place is. I'm guessing it's a toss-up between Stelling (presenter), Kenna (ex-Birmingham City footballer) and Winter (ex-ref). There really need to be more famous Jeffreys.

Darren Carter wrote:And no matter what Jeff says, don't try to chat up girls at Oxford with "I'm a Countdown Octochamp don't you know...."

I was gonna go with sidling up to them and saying, "I can get a hard 9-er for you in under 30 seconds, babe."

Or, alternatively, "I'd have two big ones from your top rack and one from the bottom darling."

Or, furthermore, "If I could rearrange the Countdown vowels pile I'd put U and I together."

Or, additionally, "I can get my tongue round a tricky 9-er...can you?"

Or, alternatively, "I can keep my performance high for eight days straight."

Or, furthermore, "Non-Countdowners just see you as A BUUT FILE. I see you as BEAUTIFUL."

I'm actually quite proud of the last one.

Jeffrey Burgin · Post by **Jeffrey Burgin** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 4:46 pm

Oh, many thanks for all the congratulations and what like as well. A bit cut out of the show was me telling how when I came out of my audition and rang my Dad to tell him how it went, I said to him that on my gut feeling I didn't think I'd made it. To be sitting here and getting congratz from legends like Eadie, Reams and Mubeen is a real thrill.

JackHurst · Post by **JackHurst** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 4:46 pm

Well done Jeffrey, you seemed like a really decent lad, so I'm glad you won.
I still cant believe you didn't get a century, a good few of your 8 wins were good enough performances to warrant one.

Good luck in the finals, I'm glad its you who might have to play Andrew in the semi finals and not me!

And on another note, a girl from my school was telling me that her Dads cousin was on countdown today. Thats my biggest claim to countdown fame.

Jeffrey Burgin · Post by **Jeffrey Burgin** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 4:49 pm

Craig Beevers wrote:
Sue Sanders wrote:Jeffrey missed BEAVERING - like we're gonna let THAT lie!!!!

Well done Kiddo - really well played and sooo Mr Showbiz today.
Yea I'm a friend of Richard (today's challenger) so he really should have got it too.

You're right Craig, Richard couldn't believe it when the conundrum came up and he missed it, he'd been telling me before as well about you guys going to the Scrabble championships.

I'm also sorely tempted to adopt Mr. Showbiz as my nickname now as well Sue!

Phil Reynolds · Post by **Phil Reynolds** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 4:51 pm

Alec Rivers wrote:Sorry, I meant BEREAVING is in.

We know. I think Charlie's point was, why are you posting to express an opinion on the matter when Damian has already told us the definitive answer?

Ralph Gillions · Post by **Ralph Gillions** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 4:52 pm

Jeffrey Burgin wrote: I preferred to approach the game with a 'enjoy it while you can and try not to come across as a knob' attitude ...

You succeeded.

Phil Reynolds · Post by **Phil Reynolds** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 4:59 pm

Congratulations Jeffrey, a thoroughly enjoyable run. I'm looking forward to seeing you in the QFs and, who knows, maybe even meeting you if I can make it to the finals again. Also, thanks for being such a good sport and taking all the observations about your personal appearance in the complimentary spirit in which they were intended!

Jimmy Gough · Post by **Jimmy Gough** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 5:16 pm

Congratulations on completing your Burgination. You're a great contestant.

Darren Carter · Post by **Darren Carter** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 5:18 pm

Alternative first numbers:

(7 x 5) + 2 = 37 + 50 = 87

87 x 6 = 522

Ian Dent · Post by **Ian Dent** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 5:35 pm

Well done Jeff. I saw your phone call live.

See you at the finals.

Chris Davies · Post by **Chris Davies** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 6:10 pm

Junaid Mubeen wrote:Nice one Jeffrey. Well done on becoming an, wait for it, Oxfochamp. Look forward to seeing you in the finals.

GODETIAS was a beater in Rd 4 I think.

It was - I was surprised when DC missed it.

Congratulations Jeffrey! Look forward to meeting you at the finals.

Kai Laddiman · Post by **Kai Laddiman** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 6:17 pm

Didn't Richard say fitted in Rd4? (TGTOEISAD)

D Eadie · Post by **D Eadie** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 6:19 pm

More 'ahem' senior readers might recall Jeffrey from kids cult TV show Rainbow. He used to hang around with Bungle, George and Zippy.

On a more serious note, many congratulations Jeff. Let nothing detract from your achievement and thanks for making a splendid contribution to the programme.

Richard Priest · Post by **Richard Priest** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 6:42 pm

Well done Jeffrey, very enjoyable run, you played well and also came across very well.Good luck.

James Robinson · Post by **James Robinson** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 6:49 pm

D Eadie wrote:More 'ahem' senior readers might recall Jeffrey from kids cult TV show Rainbow. He used to hang around with Bungle, George and Zippy.

Damian, wasn't it Geoffrey in Rainbow. And strictly speaking, Stelling's first name is Robert, so he's not even a Jeff(rey).

Very well done, Jeffrey. If my tickets aren't unreserved like they are for the week after next, I'll hopefully be in the audience for the finals cheering you on again.

That does go for everyone else who has qualified too. So, that goes to Innis, Andrew & Chris too.
I'm not sure about Bob yet, since 5 isn't really safe yet at this time.

Having said that, strictly speaking, none of you have qualified yet. So, really it was almost pointless saying it really.

Alec Rivers · Post by **Alec Rivers** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 7:02 pm

Phil Reynolds wrote:
Alec Rivers wrote:Sorry, I meant BEREAVING is in.
We know. I think Charlie's point was, why are you posting to express an opinion on the matter when Damian has already told us the definitive answer?

1. I like to be thorough and I corrected myself because I noticed my error.
2. That wasn't Charlie's point at all. Maybe it's yours and you're trying to shift it onto him.
3. I'm perfectly within my rights to show my agreement with someone's comment by adding a similar one of my own.
4. And anyway, who are you to question my posts in this way?

D Eadie · Post by **D Eadie** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 7:13 pm

James Robinson wrote:
D Eadie wrote:More 'ahem' senior readers might recall Jeffrey from kids cult TV show Rainbow. He used to hang around with Bungle, George and Zippy.
Damian, wasn't it Geoffrey in Rainbow.

I've no idea James, i watched it as a kid about 34 yrs ago, but i am sure you are right otherwise you wouldnt have posted it.

Oliver Garner · Post by **Oliver Garner** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 7:17 pm

Ian Dent wrote:Well done Jeff. I saw your phone call live.

See you at the finals.

I was sitting next to him during his phone call.

Matt Morrison · Post by **Matt Morrison** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 7:18 pm

Oliver Garner wrote:
Ian Dent wrote:Well done Jeff. I saw your phone call live.

See you at the finals.
I was sitting next to him during his phone call.

I was the switchboard operator who connected the phone call.

Kai Laddiman · Post by **Kai Laddiman** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 7:35 pm

Matt Morrison wrote:
Oliver Garner wrote:
Ian Dent wrote:Well done Jeff. I saw your phone call live.

See you at the finals.
I was sitting next to him during his phone call.
I was the switchboard operator who connected the phone call.

I was your mom on the other end of the call.

Charlie Reams · Post by **Charlie Reams** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 7:40 pm

Alec Rivers wrote:
Phil Reynolds wrote:
Alec Rivers wrote:Sorry, I meant BEREAVING is in.
We know. I think Charlie's point was, why are you posting to express an opinion on the matter when Damian has already told us the definitive answer?
1. I like to be thorough and I corrected myself because I noticed my error.
2. That wasn't Charlie's point at all. Maybe it's yours and you're trying to shift it onto him.
3. I'm perfectly within my rights to show my agreement with someone's comment by adding a similar one of my own.
4. And anyway, who are you to question my posts in this way?

Phil is correct.

Craig Beevers · Post by **Craig Beevers** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 7:47 pm

Jeffrey Burgin wrote:
Craig Beevers wrote:
Sue Sanders wrote:Jeffrey missed BEAVERING - like we're gonna let THAT lie!!!!

Well done Kiddo - really well played and sooo Mr Showbiz today.
Yea I'm a friend of Richard (today's challenger) so he really should have got it too.
You're right Craig, Richard couldn't believe it when the conundrum came up and he missed it, he'd been telling me before as well about you guys going to the Scrabble championships.

I'm also sorely tempted to adopt Mr. Showbiz as my nickname now as well Sue!

Aye, we've got the National team final tomorrow after the individual semis a couple of weeks back.

Good luck in the finals.

Matt Morrison · Post by **Matt Morrison** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 7:50 pm

You guys. It would have been pretty simple and much more friendly to read Alec's post as "so WHY wasn't it accepted, and am I right or wrong in thinking that conundrums shouldn't have anagrams?" and then gone on to answer his questions, which it didn't take a genius to work out was basically what he wanted to know. And he's new round here, he won't have seen these arguments before.

And, for the sake of balance, Alec - don't make angsty lists having a go at popular forum members, it won't go down well. Oh, and no one else here says 'conundra'.

Just call me Peacekeeper Morrison.

Ian Dent · Post by **Ian Dent** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 7:53 pm

Are you Phil Makepeace in disguise?

Matt Morrison · Post by **Matt Morrison** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 7:55 pm

Ian Dent wrote:Are you Phil Makepeace in disguise?

Yeah, every so often I loan my body out to Phil so that he can lumber around twice his body weight in a frame more suitable for the Co-limp-ics than the Co-lympics. He finds it refreshing and new.

Rosemary Roberts · Post by **Rosemary Roberts** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 8:50 pm

Charlie Reams wrote:
Darren Carter wrote:And no matter what Jeff says, don't try to chat up girls at Oxford with "I'm a Countdown Octochamp don't you know...."
This works on Cambridge girls, I can assure you.

It would be an awful lot of commuting, though,