Ep 305: Nick Compton, Nick Terry (October 28, 2011)

Rounds: Here.


In the early banter, David reveals that he likes typewriters, particularly the percussive aspect, and also fonts.  He mentions the book Just My Type by Simon Garfield, which is all about the origins of different typefaces.  This prompts Richard to note that he was slightly disturbed to discover that there is a font called "Poor Richard", which his partner (Alison Mackay) found and loves to use.

There are two new contestants today, after Shaun's retirement, and both called Nick.  Joining us in the champion's seat is Nick Compton, a French teacher who now manages a bakery cafe.

Facing him in the challenger's position is "daredevil accountant" Nick Terry -- he's an accountant and a daredevil, not an accountant to daredevils.  When asked about his adventurous exploits, he noted that in his younger days he jumped out of a plane (with a parachute), did some helicopter flying, has flown a plane, and also done some rally driving.  Top of his wish list to do, if it becomes possible in his lifetime, is to go into outer space.


Referred to throughout the show as Nick C and Nick T, they prove formidable competition, but a failed numbers round early on leaves Nick C trailing by too much to recover; Nick T takes the victory, 71 to 44.

I struggled to better either of them, with Nick T and I particularly being on each other's wavelength.  I fell behind in one letters round, managed to get it back in the next, and ended up equal with him going into the conundrum round.  I got it comfortably ahead of him on time (3-4s, compared to 21s), just squeaking through to victory.

I've still got some work to do, clearly, as I missed some words and fragments I should have found, and a numbers game that was a little difficult but very gettable.  Time to put in some more practice on the numbers, I think.

As usual, details after the jump.