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 I haven't heard all the details of today's Countdown show, except that Paul was beaten. Nick sent some pictures he took of the TV (one pictured here). Ricky text messaged me to say that they wouldn't accept one of his words: SCROOGE. I'd like to know why not. Merriam Webster online spells it with a small "s".
I'm feeling quite miffed. But then, I don't know all the facts here, so will hold back on sending my letter of complaint to the Countdown organization.
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| Friday, February 06, 2004 |
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| "Often" capitalized, damnit! | Log-in or register a new user account | 8 Comments |
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| Comments are statements made by the person that posted them.
They do not necessarily represent the opinions of the site editor. |
Re: "Often" capitalized, damnit!
by rhabershon on Feb 06, 2004 - 07:14 AM
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I am happy to watch the video of Paul's excellent TV appearances and let you have a detailed run down of the events but perhaps Paul should do the summary as it will be much more accurate. A couple of gems from Paul however were :- from TEPFAEBSD he got defeats and his opponent was not allowed beasted. From YALRDIETL, he got trilled and she got reality - a draw. Paul's peak was this one :- from these numbers 75,3,8,9,5,1 they were given a target of 481. In 30 seconds and with an irritating clock noise buzzing in his ears he got 75 minus (5 times 3) equals 60. 60 times 8 equals 480. Add the 1 and he got 481!!!! He didn't need to use the 9.
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Re: "Often" capitalized, damnit!
by paulhabershon on Feb 07, 2004 - 10:19 PM
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Just to give you the inside story of SCROOGE. I thought the name had become 'naturalised' with a small s, but even in Chambers (the Scrabble bible) it has to be capitalised when it refers to a miser. However, it is allowed in Scrabble because Chambers gives the verb SCROUGE (to squeeze) with an alternative spelling of SCROOGE (with a small s). To be fair, I did not know this during the game, but of course the rules do not require you to know meanings. It is possible that the dictionary they use did not have that obscure entry; or they could have missed it. Anyway it did not affect the final result because I lost by a huge margin.
I am glad they edited out Whiteley's surprise question to me at that juncture: 'You're an English teacher; yes, Ebenezer Scrooge. Do you remember the last words of 'Christmas Carol'?
Needless to say I could not dredge them up there and then, but recognised them when he said them: 'God bless us everyone' (Tiny Tim). I am glad that my professional incompet
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Re: "Often" capitalized, damnit!
by paulhabershon on Feb 10, 2004 - 03:44 PM
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All Countdown contestants take away a 'goody bag', win or lose. However, if you win even one game you are called a Countdown Champion and receive the coveted(?) Countdown teapot (not available in shops).
I reckon the goody bag is worth about £200: Two-volume Shorter Oxford English Dictionary (£95), Oxford Dictionary of English, Countdown electronic game (hand-held), Countdown alarm clock, sweatshirt, mug; two Countdown books (latest quiz book of the game and a history of the programme). I also took away my name card (as seen on TV) and Richard Whiteley's cue card (i.e. what he read from when introducing me).
They do not record every week, but they do five shows a day on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. I was there on a Tuesday. The audience are all provided with pad and pen to play the game themselves. There is also an ever-present warm-up man (Yorkshire type comedian) who conducts the applause and generally keeps the audience jolly with feeble wisecracks.
I watched
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