c4countdown

Countdown recap for Monday 9 August 2010.

Sorry that this recap is a bit late, I will try to make it up to you. I'm just glad that the PROPER 'Countdown' is back on the teevee and none of this specials shit. God, they were dull weren't they? Only yolking of course

C1: Champion Tom Rowell (2 wins, 187 points.)
C2: Challenger Paddy O'Connor.
DC: Susie Dent and Ken Barlow.
RR: Rachel Riley.
OT: Other words or solutions.

R01: S L G U A E M D A
R02: I A E I S T R S R
R03: V N M O A I S P A
R04: O E I E V P D W T
R05: 25, 9, 2, 7, 6, 8. Target: 268.
TTT: NUDECHAP - "The nude chap can't hide his big belly"
R06: I E O E R X D N S
R07: Y D T A E I U K S
R08: I U A G F T U N T
R09: G W E I O C D R C
R10: 50, 2, 9, 10, 4, 6. Target: 322.
TTT: SNIPEGUN - "Probably Batman's least favourite birds"
R11: T R S N U A E R S
R12: O E I E T R N T L
R13: J M P O U E Q O A
R14: 25, 5, 7, 9, 2, 6. Target: 572.
R15: B A G E L H A U L (conundrum)


And now a brief interlude before our main feature:

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Jeff reads out a poem sent in from a viewer called Dawn from St Agnes in Cornwall. It is called 'Body Parts'.

• I wonder what tales the walls would tell
  if they did have ears.
  And what the potatoes could see through their eyes
  and do they shed any tears?
  
  Could the heart of a cabbage beat like mine?
  Does it fall head over heels in love?
  Will the man in the moon get wrinkles on his face?
  Looking down from above.
  
  I look from the top of a hill so high
  as I wonder if it's 600 feet.
  Where would it go if it took itself off
  and who would it like to meet?
  
  When the soldier lays down his arms,
  will he be able to wave goodbye?
  And after the battle is over and done,
  will they have a hair of the dog with a sigh?
  
  When the car broke down and you made a call
  and the man came to give us a tow,
  I wonder if he's limping now
  and will another one grow?
  
  How do bottles stand on the shelf
  when they don't have feet or legs?
  Do their necks feel choked when they're almost done
  and we shake them to get the last dregs?
  
  These questions may seem silly
  but they just made me think.
  Where do these sayings come from?
  Had somebody had too much to drink?
  
  - Dawn
  St Agnes, Cornwall

Tom Rowell returns to the screen after quite a lengthy break since he last appeared so he has had plenty of time to practise on apterous whilst the horses were racing. NOT. I had the pleasure to meet Tom between the showings of his last show and today and I can safely say he does the best sitting-on-a-chair-like-Rachel impression ever. It has to be seen. There is of course a downside to Tom - he supports Leicester City. Tom says he would like to meet Martin O'Neill and facebook sources this comment as the catalyst for O'Neill's shock departure yesterday.

Paddy O'Connor despite sounding Irish was born in Birmingham (the one in England) and is now living in Northamptonshire. He is an Aston Villa fan, so not only could he be watching his show back today in horror, he will have also found out his manager has left. It could be a dark, dark day for Paddy O'Connor. He did once raise a baby owl though so it's all cool.

Here is a joke about owls.

Owl 1: I got married yesterday.
Owl 2: You-twit-to-whoo?

This joke is pretty shit and doesn't really work, since it's not very funny and apparently the same owl never says "twit-twoo". One says "twit" and another says "twoo".

Enough of that.

Joining Susie Dent today is, well, probably the most recognisable soap character/actor of all time. He is none other than William Roache who plays Coronation Street's Ken Barlow (the longest character in the show's history which has been going 50 years).

Enjoy the show.

Round 1: S L G U A E M D A

C1: DAMAGES (7)
C2: MAULED (6)
DC: MEDAL (5) MEDUSA (6)
OT: GELADAS (7)
Score: 7–0 (max 7)

It's a top start from Leicester City boy Tom as he picks out one of the two available maxes. Ken shows the intellect of Barbie's Ken saying that he has a "four - MEDAL". Good sums. It's early days yet Ken! MEDUSA is a nice word (anagram of AMUSED) and it is I believe a jellyfish as well as being that psycho woman with snakes for hair.

Round 2: I A E I S T R S R

C1: RARITIES (8)
C2: STAIRS (6)
DC: resister SATIRISE (8)
OT: TARSIERS (8)
Score: 15–0 (max 15)

This was brilliant from champ again leaving Paddy rooted to nil, zilch, nada, nought, fuck all, wank. Ken, Bill, William, the Barlow, Deidre's Shagpiece, Mr Roache (whatever you want to call him) thought he had RESISTER but unfortunately you need two E's. Things are looking promising though.

Round 3: V N M O A I S P A

C1: MAINS (5)
C2: MOANS (5)
DC: PAISAN (6)
OT: ANOSMIA (7) MOPANIS (7) PAISANO (7)
Score: 20–5 (max 22)

And Paddy scores. Victory jig. A few relatively routine apto words to go at here, ANOSMIA means you can't smell MOPANIS I think is a tree/plant and if DC stuck an O on PAISAN they could have had PAISANO. Both words derive from the French paysan meaning peasant.

Round 4: O E I E V P D W T

C1: PEEWIT (6)
C2: PIVOTED (7)
OT: EPIDOTE (7)
Score: 20–12 (max 29)

Paddy is a lover of birds and will have probably spotted PEEWIT or maybe even DOVE but he went one better and found the max with PIVOTED, possibly a turning point for the game? The only thing I know about PEEWIT is that it is another name for lapwing (bird) which comes up as a quiz question from time to time. I think I've mentioned that before.

Round 5: 25, 9, 2, 7, 6, 8. Target: 268.

C1: 268. (9+2)*75-7 (10)
C2: 268. (9+2)*75-7 (10)
Score: 30–22 (max 39)

Easy numbers game for both lads despite the horror 25 appearing. I KILL YOU.

DC Guest Time: Ken Barlow (William Roache) tells quite frankly the longest anecdote I have heard for some time. To cut a long story short...he was on a train, there was a weird psycho ninja man in his carriage, he got a one-liner in a Norman Wisdom film. I think that just about covers everything you need to know and I will let your imagination fill in the gaps. I didn't get bored of his anecdote though because I do actually like Will.I.Am's voice.

Teatime teaser: NUDECHAP -> PAUNCHED

Round 6: I E O E R X D N S

C1: ENDORSE (7)
C2: DINERS (6)
DC: SENDER (6) INDORSE (7)
OT: INDEXERS (8)
Score: 37–22 (max 47)

I was stuck with OXIDES here, one of those selections that just seemed to draw me into the X but Tom worked aorund it and found a good 7 with ENDORSE beating Paddy once again to extend his lead. INDORSE was also there and Ken is interested to know the meaning (it means the same as ENDORSE). Ken had SENDER too in this round so tied with Paddy and Ken does not look out of place in that chair.

Round 7: Y D T A E I U K S

C1: SUITED (6)
C2: STAKED (6)
DC: STEADY (6) DUTIES (6)
OT: DYKIEST (7)
Score: 43–28 (max 54)

Lots of 6's kicking about but there was a brilliant 7. And I was surprised to find out that it was in fact what I thought. Kate Richardson was no doubt sat at home (on a rug ) and spotted this one.

Round 8: I U A G F T U N T

C1: TUFTING (7)
C2: -
DC: FATTING (7)
Score: 50–28 (max 61)

Good 7's which I only just learnt over the weekend to be words so was pleased to spot both when they came out. But it's not about me, it's about Tom who managed to also spot one of the maximum 7's. Paddy unfortunately blanks and says something (probably just "lost it" or something) but I couldn't tell precisely what. Liam Tiernan could presumably point me in the right direction

Round 9: G W E I O C D R C

C1: WIRED (5)
C2: CROWD (5)
DC: WIDER (5) CROWDIE (7)
OT: ERGODIC (7)
Score: 55–33 (max 68)

A bit of extra knowledge from Paddy could have let him get 7 but instead he still scores with his 5. Ken also gets 5 and I think Ken vs Paddy would have been a pretty close scoring affair. CROWDIE is a soft Scottish cheese (as seen on pencam) and ERGODIC I have no idea because I cannot make any sense of the definition so won't even try. JFGI.

Susie's Origin of Words: Susie was apparently discussing eponyms last week (which is of course bullshit since Kai and Dinos was the only show) but we'll let that one pass us by. Today Susie continues in that manner informing us that Bluetooth (that thing on your phone that lets you send things) was named after Harold Bluetooth, once king of Denmark. Also shrapnel is named after Henry Shrapnel which I didn't know and thought was a bit cool.

Round 10: 50, 2, 9, 10, 4, 6. Target: 322.

C1: 322. (50+4)*6-2 (10)
C2: 322. 6*50+2*9+4 (10)
Score: 65–43 (max 78)

Good work by both guys again on the numbers. Relatively straight forward but it's still gotta be done. Tom took the infamous drink from his glass at around 20 seconds. Stylish.

Teatime teaser: SNIPEGUN -> PENGUINS

Round 11: T R S N U A E R S

C1: SAUNTERS (8)
C2: TURNERS (7)
DC: NATURE (6)
Score: 73–43 (max 86)

Tom it seemed to me fished for that final S and was rewarded by getting the darren - SAUNTERS whilst Paddy again is just not on the same level as Tom.

Round 12: O E I E T R N T L

C1: RETINOL (7)
C2: RETINOL (7)
DC: ORIENT (6) TRIOLET (7)
OT: ENTITLE (7) NOTELET (7) RETITLE (7) TERNLET (7) TRITONE (7)
Score: 80–50 (max 93)

Paddy shows promise here with a great word RETINOL but it is a bit too late in the day to think of a comeback as only a nine in the next round would save him. RETINOL is the scientific name for vitamin A which lots will know as I'm sure many of you have learnt your list of vitamins and their proper names (even all the B1, B2 ones etc.)

Round 13: J M P O U E Q O A

C1: JUMP (4)
C2: JUMP (4)
DC: POOJA (5) OPAQUE (6)
Score: 84–54 (max 99)

That chance of a comeback was never on the cards especially when a J came out first then a Q came along to dick on Paddy. Just some miserable 4's to leave the final letters game on a downer although on the upside Ken has beaten everybody as he spotted the only available 6 - "O-PACK". Win!

Round 14: 25, 5, 7, 9, 2, 6. Target: 572.

C1: 574. (7*2+9)*25-6+5 (7)
C2: 575.
RR: 572. (25*6-7)*(9-5) (10)
Score: 91–54 (max 109)

Tough numbers game at the end and Tom copes better with it, those 7 points he gains takes him into the 90's for the 3rd time in 3 games but will he make his first century?

Round 15: B A G E L H A U L

C2 buzzes on 5 seconds to say LAUGHABLE which is correct.
Final Score: 91–64 (max 119)

Sadly he won't because Paddy sprang into life again and solved it dead on 5 seconds leaving Tom still on 91. The score is made slightly more respectable and Paddy tells all just how good a day he has had and how well looked after he has been, which is probably true. He looked like he did enjoy it but of course was struck by a bit of nerves. He showed skill with some spots of PIVOTED and RETINOL and managed the conundrum but sadly these were infrequent whereas Tom was frequently hitting the gas.

Well played Tom, enjoying you on the show, good spots, decent banter, we have a good guest (in my opinion) and the week ahead looks very grand indeed.

Oliver Garner will probably do tomorrow's recap so join him, although me, him and Dinos have lost track of who does what and when so maybe I might end up doing it for ease. Either way, Tuesday's recap will rock your socks.

Goodnight!

Further summaries are at:
http://www.apterous.org/cdb/series.php?series=63

This recap is finally up. Errors to the usual address please.

Ryan Taylor wrote:This recap is finally up. Errors to the usual address please.

Nice recap, apart from the owl joke.
Here's a better one:
Two owls are playing a game of pool when one of them accidentally knocks the white off the table.
Tho first owl says thats two hits.
the second owl says two hits to who?

I was in fits of giggles as opaque came out lol. That pathetic pronounciation will never be forgotten i predict lol

Scott Gillies wrote:I was in fits of giggles as opaque came out lol. That pathetic pronounciation will never be forgotten i predict lol

I'm forever thankful. It allows me to get a cheap laugh out of it. You did laugh?

Ryan Taylor wrote: The score is made slightly more respectable and Paddy tells all just how good a day he has had and how well looked after he has been, which is true.

How do you know? Were you there?

Kirk Bevins wrote:

Ryan Taylor wrote: The score is made slightly more respectable and Paddy tells all just how good a day he has had and how well looked after he has been, which is true.

How do you know? Were you there?

An argument straight from the Creationist's Playbook.

Charlie Reams wrote:

Kirk Bevins wrote:

Ryan Taylor wrote: The score is made slightly more respectable and Paddy tells all just how good a day he has had and how well looked after he has been, which is true.

How do you know? Were you there?

An argument straight from the Creationist's Playbook.

How do you know? Were you there?

Kirk Bevins wrote:

Ryan Taylor wrote: The score is made slightly more respectable and Paddy tells all just how good a day he has had and how well looked after he has been, which is true.

How do you know? Were you there?

Were you? Oh wait, this is Kirk Bevins. OF COURSE YOU WERE!!!!!!!

Marc Meakin wrote:

Ryan Taylor wrote:This recap is finally up. Errors to the usual address please.

Nice recap, apart from the owl joke.
Here's a better one:
Two owls are playing a game of pool when one of them accidentally knocks the white off the table.
Tho first owl says thats two hits.
the second owl says two hits to who?

I couldn't give two hoots.

Gavin Chipper wrote:

Marc Meakin wrote:

Ryan Taylor wrote:This recap is finally up. Errors to the usual address please.

Nice recap, apart from the owl joke.
Here's a better one:
Two owls are playing a game of pool when one of them accidentally knocks the white off the table.
Tho first owl says thats two hits.
the second owl says two hits to who?

I couldn't give two hoots.

I'll have a v-owl please Rachel!!!

Charlie Reams wrote:

Gavin Chipper wrote:

Marc Meakin wrote:Two owls are playing a game of pool when one of them accidentally knocks the white off the table.
Tho first owl says thats two hits.
the second owl says two hits to who?

I couldn't give two hoots.

I'll have a v-owl please Rachel!!!

I'll have a con-son-ant please Rachel!!!!! *

* My son is an owl.

Matt Morrison wrote:

Charlie Reams wrote:

Gavin Chipper wrote: I couldn't give two hoots.

I'll have a v-owl please Rachel!!!

I'll have a con-son-ant please Rachel!!!!! *

* My son is an owl.

Because you're shagging a bird?

Matt Morrison wrote: I'll have a con-son-ant please Rachel!!!!! *

* My son is an owl.

Curious, my son is an ant. Anti-war that is!!!!!!


Hey, remember when this used to be a proper discussion board?

Charlie Reams wrote:

Matt Morrison wrote: I'll have a con-son-ant please Rachel!!!!! *

* My son is an owl.

Curious, my son is an ant. Anti-war that is!!!!!!


Hey, remember when this used to be a proper discussion board?

Another n-owl in the coffin.

BUMP

When I was sorting through my Countdown notepad I came across this poem that I'd written down. I managed to find which recap it belonged to by matching up the pen colour and ink it was written in with the same pen colour and ink used when I recapped this game.

I felt Dawn would like her work to be showcased and there is no better place to showcase shit than the internet. So enjoy Dawn's poetry as it may have been completely lost forever...

Ryan Taylor wrote:BUMP

When I was sorting through my Countdown notepad I came across this poem that I'd written down. I managed to find which recap it belonged to by matching up the pen colour and ink it was written in with the same pen colour and ink used when I recapped this game.

I felt Dawn would like her work to be showcased and there is no better place to showcase shit than the internet. So enjoy Dawn's poetry as it may have been completely lost forever...

Really you should include an entire transcript of the show in the appendix. But good work!

Gavin Chipper wrote:

Ryan Taylor wrote:BUMP

When I was sorting through my Countdown notepad I came across this poem that I'd written down. I managed to find which recap it belonged to by matching up the pen colour and ink it was written in with the same pen colour and ink used when I recapped this game.

I felt Dawn would like her work to be showcased and there is no better place to showcase shit than the internet. So enjoy Dawn's poetry as it may have been completely lost forever...

Really you should include an entire transcript of the show in the appendix. But good work!

So that's what the appendix is for.