Monday, June 25, 2012

The end of Letters and Numbers

By now most of you have probably heard, SBS Letters and Numbers is due to come to an end, as announced both on their Facebook page and the official website.

Whilst this blog has been updated sporadically at best due to real-life commitments, I can't begin to express how saddened I am by this decision.

I urge everyone to visit the 'Help Save Letters and Numbers' website that has been set up by past contestant (and daily L&N blogger) Geoff Bailey - yep, this Geoff whose episodes I covered! - which has an online petition and outlines what other steps fans can take to try and show their support for the show.

Especially now given the circumstances, I hope to do a post eventually about the currently airing Masters series, and a wrap-up of Letters and Numbers in general.

Again, I am really depressed about the end of Letters and Numbers. It's a great, Australian-made show with a fantastic following; educational and entertaining with some of my favourite people on TV. Let's do everything we can to try to change SBS's mind.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Episode 330 - Friday, 2 December 2011


Nothing like a Douglas Adams reference to brighten up a Letters and Numbers episode.


A sassy pink on a blue shirt. Well, you can't say he's boring. I like the crosshatch pattern.


Besides maybe the blue of his shirt, Richard and him aren't really matching this time. Oh well, it can't be Christmas everyday. I like this, it's a small print like David prefers, but employed in a much nicer way than yesterday. Blue is my favourite colour, so I might be biased, but I think it's a good colour for him. It's a nice shade too, and just different enough from the background so he doesn't blend in.


An interesting twist on a classic LBD. There's not much I can say about this, just that it's great. The only way it could be improved is if she mentioned the top webbing bit was a sort of homage to Spider-Man, then it would be perfection. #1 Fashion tip: Clothes are always improved if they allude to a superhero and/or pop culture icon in some way.*

*Not a real fashion tip.


At least Brett had a good showing this episode and left with his head held high. I continue not to be a fan of the goatee, but the glasses are actually growing on me? Slightly better colour choice, but it still washes him out.


Wouldn't change a thing.

Friday, December 2, 2011

Episode 329 - Thursday, 1 December 2011

Remember Geoff, from yesterday's episode?


This guy.

I liked him, too bad he just missed out. Whilst going through the SBS Letters and Numbers website to make screen caps, I noticed Geoff has actually been commenting on some of the videos (click to enlarge).


It's always nice to know the hosts and everyone running the show are friendly in real life. And Geoff seems nice too, replying to everyone. I hope wherever he is, he is basking in his new-found popularity from his status as Letters and Numbers contestant. And also wearing an appropriately coloured polo shirt.

Onto this episode!


Nothing to complain about.


A little to complain about. Richard favours bold stripes, whilst David likes the small, busy prints, which matches him better, but doesn't always work out. This shirt is a little too busy. Understandably, he wanted to match Richard (again matching, is this heaven), but I think the colours here are what's really letting him down, they wash him out.... and also the fact that his shirt is made of flowers. My sister said she'd wear a dress out of this shirt material. I don't know if this says more about the shirt or my sister.



I'm not sure how I feel about this. From far it looks cute and young, but up close the top (particularly the neckline) is a little matronly, as is the print on the skirt. And although the green is really rich, its a little off-trend. I guess I like the general style and shape of the whole outfit but there's just bits and pieces which could be changed to make it better? Hair is flawless, of course. It's so shiny. She could be on a Pantene commercial.


Forget what I said last time, he should be changing, this look clearly isn't helping his game. Poor Brett was so nervous today compared to his stellar performance the day before, luckily he managed to scrape a win otherwise I'm sure he'd be kicking himself. So, please shave, and a different colour shirt, something brighter maybe! And I preferred the shorter sleeves on him, it just looked a bit more comfortable.


Yay, it's a girl! She looks a bit pale here, probably just because she's nervous. Hair is nice but no-fuss, which is what you need when trying to a) look good on national TV but also b) do well in the game. I like the shape of her top. I like the colour too, but I'm not sure if it's right for her- it sort of matches her hair and skin a bit too closely, so she looks almost all one colour.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Episode 328 - Wednesday, 30 November 2011

When I first started watching Letters and Numbers today, I saw that Lily was wearing a dress that I already talked about (weird coincidence, given how few posts I've done), so I was thinking I wouldn't bother writing up the episode, but then something a few seconds later changed my mind completely.


HAHAHAHAHAHA. Oh David, never change. (And by that do I mean do change. Out of that shirt. ASAP.) That shirt is ridiculous. And I love it.


Richard and David are matching again! <3


And Lily is sort of matching David too! I already covered this dress, though last time I noted Lily should wear more exciting shoes, and this time she's got red ones on. It's like they read my mind.


Poor Geoff, pipped at the post. Still needs a hair cut, and gurl, grey is not your colour. I like how he made sure to point out that Richard was referring to his bridge partner, as opposed to romantic partner. Just to make sure the ladies know.

(Too bad he wasn't there enough nights to get into the legendary 8+ club, they'd be lining up at his door.)


Different glasses and a change in facial hair could do wonders. Though if I played that well I wouldn't be wanting to change anything, in case it somehow detracts from my game. Like new glasses might not be as comfortable! Or the lesser amount of facial hair makes the air friction less when he turns his head, and he's not used to the added speed so he gets slightly disorientated! Ok, maybe that's less likely, but definitely the glasses thing.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Episode 326 - Monday, 28 November 2011

Both the contestants were pretty good this episode, and a nice full monty from David (as in a nine-letter word, not as in the other meaning, which I personally would not find nice. I enjoy how SBS now has put up a mini slang dictionary to help people get with the 'lingo'. When they first started using it on the show I did have an irrational hatred for it, but now I've chosen to embrace it fully. I look forward to using said lingo in the streets to help identify other Letters and Numbers afficionados. I actually say this with no sarcasm. Possible conversation that could occur:
Random stranger: "I know it's dumb, but for my lotto ticket I always fill out six small numbers, even though it's a long shot."
Me: "Like a 'rat pack'?"
Random stranger: "You watch Letters and Numbers too??"
I could find true love using Letters and Numbers lingo. We could be like three large and three small numbers - a perfect match. You never know.)

Anyway, onto the clothing...


I really like this on Richard. The blue is nice and the bold stripe adds a bit of his personality without going overboard (see: anything neon). I like how the stripe matches the colour of the tie as well, it would be too much if they were contrasting. And the white brings out his hair (just kidding).


Classic David print. At least the colours are pleasant (though it washes him out a little), and he matches Richard!


The dress is from Jigsaw. I'm not sure if I like this or not. I like the bold graphic print but it feels a bit much, with the high neckline and length. Though I don't want to be echoing Michael Kors and Nina Garcia in any way regarding the Project Runway Mondo dress (forever maintaining Mondo was robbed). I remember when I was first watching this I thought it was a little shapeless, but in the caps it does seem to have been pulled in at the waist a bit. I think if it was shortened just a bit that would resolve its issues. Actually the more I write about it the more I'm talking myself into liking the dress. Hair is a little flat at the top but still cute.


He was really good, hope he turns out to be one of those insanely smart contestants like Jacob, Tony etc. I like the polo shirt on him (as opposed to a button-up, which I can't see matching him) but the green plus his red hair comes off a little festive-y. I guess it is getting close to Christmas? It's a nice green though. A hair cut wouldn't go astray.


He was pretty good, he would probably win if pitted against someone a bit weaker. I like the colour, and for him the David Astle (aka button-up shirt) was a good choice.

Next time on Letters and Numbers: Conundrums! Anagrams! Couture!

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Episode 313 - Wednesday, 9 November 2011

Happy Birthday David Astle!


This was super cute. And as Lily's Facebook tells us, she went to his birthday party. Given how long the David segments are, I wonder how long his speech was...

During the explanation of the origin of the word 'birthday'

At least he got a fitting present:


The awkward moment when I was really proud to get the word 'anointed', only to later see this staring me in the face.

But onto the birthday clothing!


Bit of a snazzy red get-up. Guessing this is another Ted Baker, given his past track history, but SBS doesn't show the clothing providers in the credits anymore. I hope this doesn't mean the sponsors have dropped them. I don't understand who wouldn't want Lily Serna wearing their clothes.


David's birthday suit (ha). I like it when he and Richard sort of match, it's like they called each other in the morning when getting dressed. Pink is actually an ok colour on him, and I like the spot detail.




Super pretty. Hair and makeup are perfect. I'm pretty sure this is from Dangerfield. I'm glad she opted not to put on an unnecessary belt in a classic Lily move. Though the shoes match here, she could go for some more interesting ones at other times. Anyway. I love her, she is my idol, who I want to be when I grow up etc etc etc.


Poor Colin, down and out. Clean button-up shirt, David Astle is probably his style icon. I'm looking forward to the day a Richard Morecroft fan shows up in a full-on suit, with a dashing white streak in their hair.


David Astle, Purple Edition. Was it just me or were neither of these guys that good? Then again, I've watched the next day's already and (spoiler) he loses, so, there you go. Could be to do with the hair.

Saturday, April 30, 2011

Episode 191 - Monday, 25 April 2011

First post! I love how they work even on Anzac Day.


Richard's ye olde favourite, Ted Baker. Lily has been favouring Sportsgirl the last few weeks but I don't know if it has been working for her.



Oh, Richard. This is not how you do contrasting prints.



David dresses himself and I think this shirt has made an appearance a couple of times. Solid colours look better on him than the ridiculous prints he loves. Black isn't the best colour for him but it's not too bad.





Hair covet. This is a bit of a difference for Lily as she doesn't usually go for full length skirts. The dress is cute. The shoes are both neutral in colour and their impact on the outfit. The vest and the belt, however, aren't talking to each other. And by 'not talking to each other', I mean they're pretty much heading for a divorce based on irreconcilable differences. Props to her trying not to be matchy-matchy, but look in the mirror and take one item off before you leave. Preferably the belt. Actually just take that belt off.

Quote: "Yeah, bit tricky isn't it? ... I'll talk you through the answer". Love condescending Lily :D



Not sure how she keeps managing to scrape through. The print on the top is cute. The hair ages her.



This is actually my nightmare of what would happen if I ever went on Letters and Numbers- zero points. Whilst wearing the outfit and hair of a 12 year old.