Welcome! - Post here first

Charlie Reams · Post by **Charlie Reams** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 11:09 pm

Ian Volante wrote:I'm here under my real name now after a long time of disavowing forums (sorry, fora) in general. Maybe see you all a bit more often as the dark nights draw in!

Welcome back

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 11:52 pm

Hi, Ian!

Welcome back!

How are you?

Jon Corby · Post by **Jon Corby** » Tue Sep 09, 2008 12:23 pm

Helen James wrote:Well, all can say is, what kind of cheese do you eat Charlie?

Jono's nob cheese, if the rumours are to be believed.

David O'Donnell · Post by **David O'Donnell** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 12:38 pm

A delightful image, cheers Jon.

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 5:08 pm

Jon, how are you?

Ian Volante · Post by **Ian Volante** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 6:07 pm

Jason Larsen wrote:Hi, Ian!

Welcome back!

How are you?

Busy it seems! Not too bad thanks, glad to be back. Now I've just got to remember to look in more than once a fortnight...

Next task is to find an avatar that fits with the damn restrictive dimensions enforced here.

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 6:27 pm

Ian, I'll never forget you because you beat Bradley Cates!

He's a great little guy, but you were an equally good sport!

Ian Volante · Post by **Ian Volante** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 6:38 pm

I'm a nice bloke really, but at that moment I would have greatly preferred to have been leaping around the studio

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 6:54 pm

You should take a trip to the US and go on our version of The Price is Right there!

Drew Carey, from US Whose Line is it Anyway, is our host.

He is a lot of fun, and at times the contestants have just as much fun as he has!

Michael Simmonds · Post by **Michael Simmonds** » Wed Oct 01, 2008 11:02 am

Hi! Been meaning to post my introduction on here for sometime, but never quite got round to it! I'm Michael, 54, and have watched Countdown since it first aired. I have been a Betting Shop Manager for the first 34 years, and therefore love the numbers element of the show, but, being not so good at the words part, have never considered myself strong enough to apply to be a contestant.

As the name isn't that common, I suspect many of you will realise I am related to Lee Simmonds, contestant on the current series, who is in fact my Son.

Depending on work commitments, I will post occasional answers to numbers games which have not been solved on the programme, providing I can solve them myself of course! Apart from that, I just hope to enjoy the forum for all the varied news, gossip and comments. Long may it continue, and keep up the good work Charlie!

Charlie Reams · Post by **Charlie Reams** » Wed Oct 01, 2008 11:26 am

Michael Simmonds wrote:Hi! Been meaning to post my introduction on here for sometime, but never quite got round to it! I'm Michael, 54, and have watched Countdown since it first aired. I have been a Betting Shop Manager for the first 34 years, and therefore love the numbers element of the show, but, being not so good at the words part, have never considered myself strong enough to apply to be a contestant.

Ah, a man after my own heart. Welcome!

Michael Simmonds wrote:Depending on work commitments, I will post occasional answers to numbers games which have not been solved on the programme, providing I can solve them myself of course! Apart from that, I just hope to enjoy the forum for all the varied news, gossip and comments. Long may it continue, and keep up the good work Charlie!

This sort of thing makes me happy. Thank you

Julie T · Post by **Julie T** » Wed Oct 01, 2008 1:13 pm

Welcome, Michael!

I haven't been on the show yet, either, so you're not alone.

They're quite friendly here, though - even let me make an idiot of myself in an online tournament!

roko · Post by **roko** » Mon Oct 06, 2008 4:24 pm

norg.

Debbi Flack · Post by **Debbi Flack** » Mon Oct 06, 2008 4:29 pm

Hi Roko - welcome to the board.

roko · Post by **roko** » Mon Oct 06, 2008 4:34 pm

Ralph Gillions · Post by **Ralph Gillions** » Mon Oct 06, 2008 4:47 pm

Hello Roko and welcome.
It would be good to see you on the programme one day.

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 1:27 am

Roko?

Is that your real name?

Welcome to the forum!

Joseph Bolas · Post by **Joseph Bolas** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 3:09 am

Welcome to the forum Ian Volante, Michael Simmonds and Roko.

Martin Gardner · Post by **Martin Gardner** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 2:47 pm

roko wrote:Hello, my name's Roko and I like to watch Countdown. Thinking of applying to go on the show soon. I am studying mathematique at Hull.

Are you French by any chance, then?

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 3:05 pm

If his name is Roquefort, then yes, he is indeed French!

roko · Post by **roko** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 3:42 pm

Allan Harmer · Post by **Allan Harmer** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 3:55 pm

Welcome to the site Roko.

Countdown is a great experience - you should do it as you are certainly good enough!

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 3:58 pm

Sorry, Roko!

Simon Cooper · Post by **Simon Cooper** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 7:38 pm

Hi guys,

Just found this forum, looks really interesting. In the dim and distant past (well, 1999) I got to the final of series 41 before losing to Scott Mearns on Christmas Day. Still have wonderful memories of the whole thing and some of the people I met . .. been looking to see if any of them are on this forum as it would be good to make contact again (I kept contact with Gary Woodward for a couple of years after the show) and fondly remember a few nights in the bar with Damian after recordings.

Best wishes

Simon

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 3:38 am

Hi, Simon!

Welcome!

Dinos Sfyris · Post by **Dinos Sfyris** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 10:06 am

Welcome Michael, Simon and Roko. Roko good luck applying for the show.

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 5:45 pm

Roko, where are you from?

Julie T · Post by **Julie T** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 8:46 pm

Welcome, Roko and Simon!

Allan Harmer · Post by **Allan Harmer** » Thu Oct 09, 2008 7:36 am

A warm welcome to Micheel and Simon.

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Thu Oct 09, 2008 1:24 pm

Now that I think about it, you haven't introduced yourself either!

Please tell us about yourself!

Allan Harmer · Post by **Allan Harmer** » Fri Oct 10, 2008 10:51 pm

Jason Larsen wrote:Now that I think about it, you haven't introduced yourself either!

Please tell us about yourself!

Oops! You're right Jason.

Hello everybody. Sorry I haven't introduced myself earlier. My name is Allan and I wasn't sure about when to make my introduction, as I am in limbo as regards to appearing on Countdown.

When I was at Leeds recording at the beginning of September, I found out about this site and joined it on my return - I am due to appear on Tuesday Oct 21st.

I have watched Countdown since the very first programme and have always been a big fan of Richard and Carol.

One day I was playing along at home at thought I could do as well as the contestants competing at the time and coincidentally there was an advert for new contestants, so I decided to have a go.

I am pleased to have got on and it was a pleasure to be part of Carol's last series. If anyone has any doubts about applying, just go for it, as you are made very welcome and are well looked after by the Team. In my opinion, the standard on here is much higher than on the show itself!

This is a great site and I have enjoyed the interesting banter on the boards as well as being surrounded by the Countdown Superstars whom I have admired whilst winning their respective Championships.

My interest in Countdown stems from my interest in cryptic crosswords and social Scrabble, as well as having a competitive nature.

One last thing - I have a tenuous link to the late David Elias, the Series 27 winner, who was my English teacher at Havant Grammar School and he taught me to pay chess. He was a very good teacher and it was a privilege to know him.

Allan

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Sat Oct 11, 2008 1:56 am

Howdy-doo again, Allan!

So, you were a contestant on Countdown just recently! I'll have to watch for you!

Does the question you asked hold true for next year as well? I know Countdown will be very different, as it will have a new host and hostess, but you must be saying it will not lose its touch. Right on, Allan! I agree with you!

I just bet that Damian, Kate or Lara will come back here in the near future with a very happy face to announce the name of the new host and hostess on Countdown!

But Countdown will still be Countdown, and we will all recognize it as Countdown!

Allan, I like your attitude!

Dinos Sfyris · Post by **Dinos Sfyris** » Sat Oct 11, 2008 10:33 am

aagharmer wrote:I am due to appear on Tuesday Oct 21st.

Ooh so if Charlie makes it that far you will be his opponent in his 5th game! How exciting! Good luck!

aagharmer wrote:...he taught me to pay chess...

A very useful currency technique in this economic crisis!

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Sat Oct 11, 2008 1:32 pm

I don't remember if we've ever had a Countdown forum battle before!

Charlie Reams · Post by **Charlie Reams** » Sun Oct 12, 2008 10:51 am

Jason Larsen wrote:I don't remember if we've ever had a Countdown forum battle before!

Ross Allatt vs Mike Brailsford springs to mind. There have been others in finals and CoC's but that's the only main-series clash that I can remember.

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Sun Oct 12, 2008 1:23 pm

Has Mike Brailsford's birthday already passed this year?

David Wrightson · Post by **David Wrightson** » Wed Oct 15, 2008 3:28 pm

Hi! I am David, an avid Countdown watcher. I have recently retired from teaching, which allows me to watch most days. Congratulations on your first win on the programme today. You look like you could go far! (Anyone knowing 'treenails' must go far).

Joseph Bolas · Post by **Joseph Bolas** » Wed Oct 15, 2008 3:30 pm

Welcome to the forum David

EDIT: Welcome to the others who have joined today

Dinos Sfyris · Post by **Dinos Sfyris** » Wed Oct 15, 2008 3:34 pm

Welcome David, and all new users that might flood the site today!

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Wed Oct 15, 2008 3:36 pm

Hi, David!

Welcome!

Kai Laddiman · Post by **Kai Laddiman** » Wed Oct 15, 2008 3:43 pm

Hi, I'm Kai Laddiman. Hello to everybody on the forum!

Joseph Bolas · Post by **Joseph Bolas** » Wed Oct 15, 2008 3:48 pm

Kai Laddiman wrote:Hi, I'm Kai Laddiman, the Octochamp. Sorry if you don't believe me, but I am. Hello to everybody on the forum!

Welcome to the forum Kai

Congratulations on becoming an Octochamp. Good luck to you as well in the QF's

Ben Hunter · Post by **Ben Hunter** » Wed Oct 15, 2008 3:58 pm

Hello countdowners everywhere. Thought I'd sign up since I'm planning on applying to appear on the show

. I've had an on-and-off obsession with Countdown for most of my life, which results in me spending my spare time thusly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftfaHXKJR8c

My favourite CD contestant is Julian Fell, though Kai's antics this week made me reconsider briefly

.

Joseph Bolas · Post by **Joseph Bolas** » Wed Oct 15, 2008 4:04 pm

Ben Hunter wrote:Hello countdowners everywhere. Thought I'd sign up since I'm planning on applying to appear on the show . I've had an on-and-off obsession with Countdown for most of my life, which results in me spending my spare time thusly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftfaHXKJR8c

My favourite CD contestant is Julian Fell, though Kai's antics this week made me reconsider briefly .

Welcome to the forum Ben

Nice work on the MIDI too.

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Wed Oct 15, 2008 4:09 pm

Hi, Kai!

Welcome to the forum! You write very well!

And welcome to you too, Ben! I had seen your Countdown clock music arrangement on Youtube before, but I didn't know that you uploaded it! It sounds very retro!

I hope you both enjoy posting here!

Ian Volante · Post by **Ian Volante** » Wed Oct 15, 2008 4:20 pm

Dinos Sfyris wrote:Welcome David, and all new users that might flood the site today!

Has this place got some publicity or something?

Julie T · Post by **Julie T** » Wed Oct 15, 2008 4:25 pm

David Wrightson wrote:Hi! I am David, an avid Countdown watcher. I have recently retired from teaching, which allows me to watch most days. Congratulations on your first win on the programme today. You look like you could go far! (Anyone knowing 'treenails' must go far).

Welcome to the Countdown forum, David.

Although you should leave mentioning recent game words to the spoilers threads.
I haven't watched today's game yet, and many other forum members don't watch Countdown live either.

Hope you enjoy chatting about Countdown on here. I certainly do.

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Wed Oct 15, 2008 4:26 pm

As soon as I asked myself, "Kai Laddiman?," my mouth almost dropped open!

Julie T · Post by **Julie T** » Wed Oct 15, 2008 4:28 pm

Kai Laddiman wrote:Hi, I'm Kai Laddiman, the Octochamp. Sorry if you don't believe me, but I am. Hello to everybody on the forum!

Welcome, Kai, and congratulations on your wins!

My youngest son is your age. He's very bright, but he prefers numbers to words.

Julie T · Post by **Julie T** » Wed Oct 15, 2008 4:32 pm

Ben Hunter wrote:Hello countdowners everywhere. Thought I'd sign up since I'm planning on applying to appear on the show . I've had an on-and-off obsession with Countdown for most of my life, which results in me spending my spare time thusly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftfaHXKJR8c

My favourite CD contestant is Julian Fell, though Kai's antics this week made me reconsider briefly .

Welcome, Ben!

Good luck with your application - I'm planning to apply at some point. Maybe I'll get around to it eventually!

Cool video.

Blushing yet, Julian??

Joseph Bolas · Post by **Joseph Bolas** » Wed Oct 15, 2008 7:53 pm

Ian Volante wrote:
Dinos Sfyris wrote:Welcome David, and all new users that might flood the site today!
Has this place got some publicity or something?

That's a joke, right?

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Wed Oct 15, 2008 8:08 pm

Yes. Kai and Ben are here for a reason.

Debbi Flack · Post by **Debbi Flack** » Wed Oct 15, 2008 9:03 pm

Welcome Kai and Ben, I'm sure you'll enjoy being on this forum.
Congratulations Kai, you played extremely well.

Junaid Mubeen · Post by **Junaid Mubeen** » Wed Oct 15, 2008 9:49 pm

Hello everyone! Junaid Mubeen here; I was on the show a couple of weeks back. I've actually been a member here for a while but never got round to posting...until now, as I've been inspired by the sudden influx of new members after Charlie's awesome debut today.

Some random info about me for anyone who cares or has nothing better to do...

I'm currently studying for a PhD in Mathematics at Oxford, which basically mean I spend my days staring at a whiteboard and not having a clue what I'm looking at. Ah, the joys.

I've been watching Countdown since 1996. In fact the first game I ever saw was the Supreme final between Allan Saldanha and Harvey Freeman. I appeared on the show in 1998 but lost on a crucial conundrum. Then I cried for 10 years until I was finally allowed a second shot, which I'm massively grateful for and have enjoyed immensely.

I love Football (watching) and Pool (playing), both of which keep me busy...but not half as much as my students at university. My sporting heroes are Muhammad Ali, Eric Cantona and Rafa Nadal. And Julian Fell, who's Countdown prowess terrifies me to this day.

I'm quite sure I've met Joseph Bolas before....did we battle on Brainteaser a few years back? I remember taking on a Joseph from Liverpool who was a bit good at anagrams...how many can there be?

Anyway, I'll be going up for the finals next week...very much looking forward to meeting the other finalists (whoever they are). Although Kai and I crossed paths in the heats. It was a pleasure watching your octochamp run...good work on those conundrums!

Awesome site...great work Charlie and everyone else who has contributed. I didn't realise Countdown had such a thriving online community, excellent stuff!

Bye for now,

Junaid

Allan Harmer · Post by **Allan Harmer** » Wed Oct 15, 2008 9:54 pm

Welcome to Ben and Junaid.

You guys have given us great entertainment over the last few weeks and good luck to you both in the Finals.

Also, welcome to the other newcomers.

I hope you all enjoy the site as well as I do.

Allan

Jon Corby · Post by **Jon Corby** » Wed Oct 15, 2008 10:23 pm

Welcome Kai & Junaid, and congratulations to both of you on your very impressive octochamp runs!

I'm often a 12 year old girl on MSN Messenger if you ever want to chat Kai

(Hi to everyone else too)

Kathleen Batlle · Post by **Kathleen Batlle** » Wed Oct 15, 2008 10:42 pm

Hi everyone,

Decided to join today when Charlie mentioned the website as I've been watching Countdown for years and love it. Can't imagine the show without Carole, but there must be plenty of likely candidates for the job amongst past contestants. I've loved Des O'Connor as host as he always has interesting anecdotes because of his long showbiz career. I sometimes come up with a better/longer word than the contestants, but not very often. When it happens I'm shouting at the screen, now I can comment here instead. Would never be good enough to compete with people like Kai, a great young man, in fact he's younger than my grandson. Looks like Charlie is in for the long haul too. Good luck Charlie, I'll be watching.

Martin Gardner · Post by **Martin Gardner** » Wed Oct 15, 2008 10:44 pm

Jon Corby wrote:Welcome Kai & Junaid, and congratulations to both of you on your very impressive octochamp runs!

I'm often a 12 year old girl on MSN Messenger if you ever want to chat Kai

(Hi to everyone else too)

That's just sick lol

Joseph Bolas · Post by **Joseph Bolas** » Wed Oct 15, 2008 10:56 pm

Junaid Mubeen wrote:Hello everyone! Junaid Mubeen here; I was on the show a couple of weeks back. I've actually been a member here for a while but never got round to posting...until now, as I've been inspired by the sudden influx of new members after Charlie's awesome debut today.

Welcome to the forum Junaid

Junaid Mubeen wrote:I'm quite sure I've met Joseph Bolas before....did we battle on Brainteaser a few years back? I remember taking on a Joseph from Liverpool who was a bit good at anagrams...how many can there be?

I haven't watched that game in years

It was on the 24th October 2002 IIRC. It was the day of Concorde's last flight I think

I thought I was quite good at the anagrams round. My opponent only buzzed in once, right at the beginning, and then I solved all 14 anagrams in a row

. I still remember being in the Green Room and coming up with BIRDCAGE, when there was only 9 seconds left on the clock

Junaid Mubeen wrote:I've been watching Countdown since 1996. In fact the first game I ever saw was the Supreme final between Allan Saldanha and Harvey Freeman. I appeared on the show in 1998 but lost on a crucial conundrum. Then I cried for 10 years until I was finally allowed a second shot, which I'm massively grateful for and have enjoyed immensely.

Congratulations on your Octochamp win and also for being one of the very few to able to get a second shot at becoming an Octochamp

Good luck to you Junaid in the quaterfinals

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Wed Oct 15, 2008 11:20 pm

Hi, everyone!

First off, Junaid, I do realize how extremely well you did!

Since you're a member here, I thought I should ask you a question. What nationality is your first name? I didn't detect an accent when you spoke, and I'm really curious to find out! By the way, Junaid, if Jeff Stelling is named the new host of Countdown in Series 60, you'll be a very happy man! Come on, Junaid! Chant it with me! Jeff! Jeff! Jeff!

Kathleen, the show will go on without Carol and I hope you'll continue watching! Countdown is Countdown and I think it's all about the game! That is why it's lasted so long. Then again, if you're an American like I am, you would be scratching your head. You would say to yourself, "I'm surprised so many American game shows are more about fun and less about book smarts!"

I know you're not an American, Kathleen, but I was just giving you an example.

Again, everyone, welcome to the forum! I hope you all enjoy it here!