The RSPCA are very powerful in Australia, and they have strict laws about killing animals for tv entertainment. 
I heard on the news that the show would of had RSPCA advisors. So imo the producers should of been aware of the Austalian law, and if they weren't, then they weren't doing their job properly, or they should of asked if they were in doubt.

Seems a bit unfair that the 2 contestants are being charged, but the producers have got away scot free.
And these weren't wild vermin type rats, because the area it is filmed in, is a national park, that would of had to be cleared of any wild rats or snakes before filming for the contestants safety. . They were tame rats.
Don't know how that lot could of eat it.  They didn't need it, they had protein with the beans, and it was only a very small animal, so hardly likely to fill them up.

Evening.
Was a lovely morning, but the rain came on at about 1pm, and it's still raining now.
Think it's supposed to be dry from now on though?

Your OH must be pleased that he's had an offer of work Mollie, but obviously it would be better if it was closer to home. I'm sure you don't want him to go away for months on end?  

If I decide to keep the Jag, I definitely wouldn't buy another car at the same time. Decadent enough having two vehicles?

I bought Love It mag today, and read it in my lunch break. Ash makes a good Mary Poppins, and Chantelle and Nikki look pretty as well.
Ash says she would love a Bentley for Christmas, but doesn't think there much chance of that.

I don't have any problem with them eating the rat. Rats are eaten all over the world, though don't think I'd fancy it myself. Certainly not one from this country that has been living off any old rubbish.
But the producers were stupid to release a tame rat into the camp.
I don't think I'll bother with another series of this show if it's on next year.

Hi Mollie.
I was at work today, wasn't too bad really.
It's just been pouring here when I looked out.

There seems to be quite a bit of work in Oz, my lad is going to try and get Nationalised or whatever it is.
The company closes for 2 weeks over Christmas and he has booked a Helicopter flight over the Volcano in Hawaii when he goes.

I think things will get a bit better here soon anway, but the problem is so many are looking for the few jobs that crop up.

Love your Advent pics Mollie, they are great.

Not sure where you get this idea Mollie that the Jungle food they got was stopping them being Hungry.

They were starving, that's why Camilla had to leave, she was just that Hungry and her body went into shock.

Some of the others lost 2 stone, you don't do that unless you are very Hungry.

They never had a meal did they, and the food they got was a joke, it wasn't UK food, it was Jungle food that you would have to eat if you were lost in the Jungle.

Well it's the end of another era in the plant, the 'X' Type is no longer made, just the spare parts, they will be made for 10 yrs but at a separate factory.

To think that my Software code has moved every one of the side-frames and under-bodies and small parts and Bodies around the factory Body Shop since 2000.

That's something to be proud of Hicky.

If they're going to stop making parts for the X-Type in 10 years time, I'll have to make sure I've got rid of it by then.

Jaguar should have made a smaller bodied coupe. They might have had more success.
Even Mercedes makes smaller sports cars. I quite fancy the Merc C-class coupe meself.

Good Morning Emptybox.

It's not bad here today, quite calm with no wind, still a little cloud about though.

It's sad to see the 'X' Type go, but as you say it was in an awkward price range.
Give me the Landrover any day.

Must go and get some food, with being off I forget I have to make it myself.

Good morning all
hooray, the sun is out at last.
Even the dog was keen to go out for a walk today.

Hicky...wow, as Emptybox says, that must of been some clever software code to do all that.   Is it a work day today?

I didnt mean to suggest they weren't hungry whilst they were in the jungle, I know they only give them basics, and they lose a lot of weight. But I don't think eating a small rat would of filled them up enough, to have been worth landing themselves in court for. And my point is that if they didn't know it was illegal to do it, those producers should of made sure they told them before they killed the tame rat, that it was illegal in Australia to do so. Maybe the producers are pleased this court case will keep them in the news next year?  As Emptybox says, I too think the producers have been stupid though.
And like Emptybox, don't think I will bother watching it next year. The interaction of the contestants has always been my fave part of the show, but we didn't  get much of that this year, because many of the celebs were boring characters. And I do not find killing and cooking tame animals entertaining, nor eating live insects, and that seemed to be the main focus this year.

Hicky...,
good idea for your lad to get nationised. Even if he comes back here, you never know when he might need it. I know of a lot of people who regretted not doing that, before coming back here. My family all have duel nationality, so can come and go over there workwise.  I read there were 100,000 jobs created over there in the last 3 months alone, and considering such a small population, that is a lot of jobs going.  It is their summer break period there now, so my OH may go over there in February when the new projects start up, if he feels he needs to. Not ideal, but better than no work.
Your lad's helicopter trip should be fun.  
OH is out in the garden doing our outside Christmas lights right now,

December 10th advent piccy..You know these red Christmas plants in the piccy... well I love them, and always have one. Last December I bought one in December and kept it going for 11 months!  And they only cost £2 from the supermarkets.

Hi Mollie.
Day off today and tomorrow, but baby sitting in the morning.
Am picky little lad and his Mum up before 9am and taking them to Hoylake, his Mum is going for a Hair cut and i'm going to my MIL's to re-register her free Avast Anti Virus software, you have to register it every 12 months.
There are toys there to keep little one amused and food, so he should be fine.

Dual nationality seems a good idea as you say, he also said he wants to try and get a Masters Degree, and will be easier to sort out over there if he's nationalised.

Lovely Piccy Mollie.


Buy 1 get 2 Free.

I'm just watching the Restaurant. then there's another bit of the IAC on ITV2 at 9pm.

LOL Hicky... I love what you have done to the Christmas teddy pic. 3 of them together look good.

Sounds like you had a busy day lined up.
Hope you got your MIL's pc sorted out ok.
That would be handy if your lad can get his Masters over there. And like you say, if he gets nationality, it will be easier to get that done.

I watched Gavin and Stacey tonight, I had to   at them in Cardiff, I recognised the pub they were filmed at. And some was filmed in Barry, where we sometimes take the dog for a walk.

Hope Emptybox had a dry day today, so he could keep up to date.

Hi.
Was dry here, but frosty.
Looks like there might be freezing fog tonight.

I've got Avast on all my Windows partitions. Haven't had any problems with it, but it is a bit of a faff to keep re-registering it. Specially as I've got 5 different partitions which come up at different times.
Least it's free.

Bet your outside lights look good Mollie.
That's something we've never bothered with, even when we were living in hotels (the ones my Dad owned (one at a time)).
Although, thinking about it, the hotel in Norfolk that I was born in, had a large statue of a white stag on the flat roof of the porch above the entrance, and I think that was decorated at Christmas, though can't remember how?
I was only wee at the time.

Got some of my Christmas cards written today, although I haven't put them in the post yet.

Also the guy came with a large van to pick up the bike.
It's left a big space in the garage.
Ah well! I've still got photos of it.

Good Afternoon Everyone.

Plans changed this morning, car wouldn't start, rang AA, my lad dropped little one here and took his partner for hair wash/cut.

Had email about Holiday flights, changed to later times, O/H not amused.

Must renew passport as well.

Hi Hicky.
It's been very frosty here. The fog is lifted now, but everything still white, so no gardening this morning anyway.

Is this your magnificent Land Rover that won't start?
Blasted nuisance for you though.

Where are you off to on holiday? I'm sure you've said, but I forget.

Hi Emptybox.

AA man opened the Bonnet, and yes, it started then.
It ended up being a fuel pump in the engine compartment, the one at the rear by the tank is ok.
Might need a new pump, think it's a solenoid type, will probably have to get a new one.
Will ring the garage and see what they say.

We are off to Portugal, forgotten the place now but I think we fly into Lisbon.

Good afternoon all
a lovely day here today, hope it is where you are too.

Hicky... what a nuisance the car wouldnt start. Good job it wasn't a work day for you. Sounds like you may of been busy drawing and playing with the toy cars againt today?
Was it Portugal you are going to? have they changed it to a bad time? They changed ours too when we went to Rome. I read they are often doing this now, because they can't fill so many flights now with the recession. Was it Portugal you are going to? 

Emptybox
fairly cool here, but not cool enough for frost today.
Are you having a break from the gardens today?
We only did outside lights last year for the first time. We have these white iceicle lights, some blue fairly lights, and a row of mini lit up Christmas tress down the front garden path.

tonight me and daughter are going to see Lilly Allen in concert, we like her.  

Today's advent pic is the fun snowman...

Hi Hicky.
Looks like you might have to shell out some money on the car then? When are you off to Portugal?


Stayed icy, and the fog returned, so no work today.

Have a great time at Lilly Allen Mollie.
She'll probably swear a bit though?

Thanks for that snowball. Got me right on the nose.

Your outside lights sound nice.

Hi Mollie & Emptybox.

Yep, off to Portugal in May.

Had a good time with little one, some toast, half a cup of milk, a few sweets a tub of coloured crayons and some paper and a few cars, trucks, vans etc and he'll be happy as larry.

I'm sure the Holiday flight was in the morning now it's at night, oh dear, they must think it's nicer to spend more time at home.

Have only got the lights around the gutter that we had last year, should have more really, we'll see.

Love the Snowman.
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Good afternoon all

Hicky...Sounds like the little lad will of had a good time with you. They are so easy to entertain at that age. I bet you end up getting some more lights for your house, so you can show the littlies.   Don't you go climbing on the ladder though.

Well Lily Allen was really good.   Yes some swearing Emptybox, but a great singer, with such a powerful voice....She looked good too, and she was definately not wearing a lot, at the end of the show, ..... I think you and Hicky would of approved.   She kept walking up and down these lit up, very steep stairs. Good job she was used to her very high heels.    The concert was a sell out.... absolutely packed with people, because they had made it all standing downstairs. We went on the bacony though, so we could have a seat.

Hope you both have the nice sunny weather we have here today.
Cool but not frosty. I bet it looks so pretty by you now in that frost Emptybox. I'd like to live further up north for the colder weather, too warm down here most of the year.
According to the forecast, we have a cold week to come though.

Good because I'd prefer the cold to that mild constant rain anytime.

Hope you are both having a good Saturday.

Advent day 12...

Hi Mollie.
It's not too bad today.
Had a few little ones here this afternoon, they brought some food to heat in the Oven.

They are coming next weekend and want us all to make some biscuits in shapes, Christmas type.shapes, should be fun anyway.

Lily Allen is lovely, have seen her singing but haven't seen what you saw of course.

Nipped out for the paper and some more orange juice.

It's a big night tonight, had to go and top up my phone again.
Think they all sing 3 songs tonight, 1 is a duet though.

Would love Stacey to get through tonight into the final 2 tomorrow.
Then they go head to head tomorrow,

Will have to record SCD, X-F is too critical tonight.
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Just read that Lily Allen is singing on SCD tonight.

Evening.
Very frosty and foggy here all day. No sign of the sun Mollie.
Glad you enjoyed Lily Allen. I would have liked to see her costume. You guessed right,

Pity Stacey didn't get through tonight.
I gave her a couple of votes.
(on me Dad's mobile phone. He left a few pounds credit, so waste not want not. )

I thought Ollie should have gone really, cos he was totally overwhelmed singing with Robbie Williams, and they both fluffed that song IMO.
Ah well.


Wish you'd stop with those blasted snowballs.
They're melting all over my keyboard.

Good evening all
Hicky... I love the way you join those piccies together.
What a coincidence that Lily Allen was on Strictly tonight.Thanks for telling me. I have just watched it on youtube. She looks far less raunchy on that show, than she did last night.
I bet that will be fun making Christmas biccies with the littles next week.

Emptybox
Yes pity indeed about Stacy going, I agree, it should of been Olly going. I think Stacy sang really well tonight, in fact I preferred her to the last 2 females who ended up winning x factor. I dont think Olly was that good, not bad, but not that good either to be in the final.
at you using your dads mobile, I am sure your dad would of been glad to hear you did not waste his credits. (imo voting for Olly would of been a waste).

As you are enjoying those snowballs....

Hi Emptybox and Mollie.

I'm shocked Stacey went tonight.
Don't understand why, the voting was awful, most of the time I couldn't get through, then they said it was closed, but Dermot said it was open, they still said it was closed.
So how on earth you can get a figure from that mess I don't know.
They just didn't have enough time to vote.

Only liked Stacey's songs anyway, don't like fellers singing.
They should stick to telling jokes.

Well I won't be voting tomorrow that's for certain, and I don't think a lot of Stacey's fans won't either.
Simon has rigged it for Joe & Olly to win as he didn't want a girl to win this year.

Hi Hicky Sorry Stacey went I thought it would be her and Joe to stay 
  I like Joe but I couldn't get through either so I just kept phoning (but to no avail)
   I don't know if it's because I'm up in Glasgow as my  friends couldn't get through either Some peeps must have got to vote otherwise he wouldn't have got to the final tomorrow I think Simon wanted a guy to win this year but I can't see how he fixed it.

 Hi Emptybox hope you're all sorted for Christmas

 Hi Mollie  I'm still rooting sp for you and OH (i don't always read back)

 I'm going to try the blueberry crumble . I'll pop in and let you know how it turns out

Good morning all
Nice sunny day here today, hope it is wherever you are.
Winter seems to of gone again here, and it is mild, so hope the rains don't arrive again.
I am going to try and finish my Christmas cards today, don't want to miss 2nd class last posting date.

Hicky
yes shame Stacy went. Like you and GrannyG, I too guessed Simon and the producers did not want a woman in the final this year, after having had 2 women win previously, even though I think Stacy has more personalility than Leona and Alex put together. I also prefer the way she sings to the way they sing. A shame for her because she was on a lose lose situation coming after those 2 female winners, even though she is a better all rounder than them imo. 
Not bothered which of the 2 men win, could be either.  I do think Joe is the better singer, but maybe Olly will get more female votes.  I like both male and female singers depending on how good their voice is,and if it is to my taste.  I think we need male and female singers, it brings a nice contrast to music.... eg.. both Tom Jones and Lily Allen were great in concert, and I enjoyed both.

Gosh 13 December already..... thought I'd give Emptybox's keyboard time to dry out, so no snowballs today.  Today's pic is...
I love winter, especially if we are lucky enough to get frosty or snowy days.

GrannyG
thanks, we are still hoping my OH can find work here in the new Year. Not easy now though.

Hope you are keeping well.
And hope you enjoy the crumble. Depending on the blueberries, sometimes it takes longer to cook than others. So just make sure the blue fluid has come to the surface and the blueberries are soft and burst, else it is not ready.
Hope you are having a good weekend.

Hello in here, hope you're all well. Can't wait to break up this week for two weeks.


Bad day for you Hicky with both Ali and Stacey going out of XF and SCD i've had good luck for a change with both Joe and Ricky remaining in the respective shows. Stacey done well to make it that far and was dignified in defeat, same goes for Ali i'm gutted she went but I know that Chris will win but i'm just happy I get to see Ricky's Showdance and he finishes runner up.


Hope Joe wins tonight. Heard that JLS might be on the show later, they are my favourite contestants by a mile but I can't wait to see the Twins, Danyl and Lucie back.


Had some lovely chicken, pizza and chips while watching the final.

Hi Grannyg, Mollie & Darloboy.

Gutted that Ali and Stacey went home.
Not a good day for me.

The public have a strange idea of getting justice.

I had a job getting through to vote for Stacey as well.
I was even told the voting was closed when it was supposed to be open.

Not bothered who wins either show now, they are welcome to it.

The weather is lovely here today, was very icy early on but very Sunny now.

Simon defo fixed it so that his and Cheryl's acts get the best show on stage.

Love the Christmas winter scene Mollie.

It should be a good show tonight, but it won't be from the top 2.

Sounds like this will be Dannii's last show, tbh now I don't blame her for getting fed up of the whole thing because Simon just totally ignores her she's the best judge and deserves more respect but he's stuck up Cheryl's backside and in love with his ego.


She's meant to be leaving to start a family apparently with her boyfriend, if she does good luck to her because she's lovely, hope she gets to make some more music or an album also.

Hi Darloboy.

I think Dannii and maybe Cheryl want to leave, they don't need the money now surely.
They should have a blow and get some little ones sorted, that's what life is all about, not judging.

There has been talk about who he wants as judges next, it's probably those who are nearing the end of their career and need a job.

 Hi Mollie  Thanks for the tips ^^ above I honestly wouldn't have known
  Should turn out ok (hope)

Evening.
A better day here as well, with a bit of sunshine.
I only ventured out as far as the shop in the nearest village, to get the papers.

I've actually got all my cards posted. Unless I get some unexpected cards that need replying to?

Did some housework today, and got some ironing to do now (as usual).
I think I might put on a stew or casserole for supper?
(I wrote this afternoon but couldn't get on, so I'm posting it now.
I did have a casserole, and wasn't bad. )

Not bothered who wins X-Factor now, though I'll probably still watch the show.
It's obvious they didn't want a female winner, because they were always getting Stacey to sing male songs.
(Joe won....deservedly)

I like male and female singers, though if it's a solo vocal I usually prefer females. Males are better in bands I think. Although there are plenty of exeptions.

Hi Grannyg. Not sure if you could say I was 'sorted'? I've got my cards done, and presents bought for the nephews, but I haven't thought about decorations yet.
I suppose I will put some up? If only to give the cat something to destroy?

Hi Emptybox.
That casserole sounds good anyway.


Gutted Stacey lost though.
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Corrie stars get rich from Poundland

Great story in yesterday's News of The World about how Coronation Street's stars are earning £3000 a time plus expenses from opening Poundland stores.

Apparently between them the Corrie stars have opened up a whopping 48 stores with Andy Whyment (Kirk) and Antony Cotton (Sean) topping the Poundland Premier league having opened 16 stores each. Sales at Poundland have rocketed because of the recession and the chain has been able to expand thanks to taking over on the high street from Woolworths.

Good to see the cast using their celebrity status to top up their salaries. Hope they use their money to buy their friends and family some nice expensive presents this Christmas, rather than going to Poundland for the bargains!!

Coronation Street star Craig Charles was almost shot dead by a police sniper during the filming of a gangland movie.

The 45-year-old Corrie actor - who plays cabbie Lloyd Mullaney in the soap - was taking part in the filming of The Dealer on the River Medway when armed cops surrounded the set.

Filming of the movie, directed by former BBC music composer Tony Royden, had to be stopped when the Red Dwarf actor realised there was a infrared laser dot on his chest as a police marksman took aim.

Cops were called out after shocked members of the public thought they had witnessed a series of daylight murders as people had the their throats slit and were pushed off a boat into the river.

They only called off the operation when they spotted that the target was the Corrie actor and when an officer spotted Cold Feet star John Thompson rehearsing his lines in a nearby boatyard.

Mr Royden revealed how he had forgotten to tell cops about the filming of the gangland movie and that it was a moment 'which could have seen a tragic death'.

He said: "We had been trying to conceal the filming but apparently the police got five different calls telling them someone was being murdered.

"Luckily, Craig Charles was such a professional that the situation was diffused very quickly but it could have been a tragedy."

Mr Royden, who also wrote the book The Dealer, revealed the 2005 incident this week at a booksigning in London.

Made a nice fresh soup with a Sainsbury's Winter Veg Soup mix pot, they are £1 each but it makes enough for three at least.
It only takes 15 minutes so it's pretty quick and you can have it while the dinner is cooking.

Just did a Lamp/Duck roast dinner, with carrots and peas, love the roasties done in the Goose grease., mind you I par boil the spuds for 5 minutes to soften them up a bit.

Good evening all
Had a hectic day, so nearly missed my advent piccy today... but here it is just in time for Dec 14th...


GrannyG... hope you enjoy the blueberry desert.

Darlo... Not long to go till you have your well deserved college break now.

Emptybox.. I am most impressed that you have posted all your cards, I still havent done all mine. And glad to hear you did get that casserole, sounds just the type of food you need in this weather.

Hicky... I will have to try and buy some of those veg next time i go to Sainsburys. i really like home made soup.  Glad you enjoyed your roast.

I have been busy today, trying to sort out the kids gifts, and write my Christmas cards. Interesting link about Poundland, I like Poundland, especially now we have to be on a budget. Thanks for the Corrie links again.

We went to see the Chuckle Brothers Christmas show tonight. They are so funny, we all enjoyed  it and we walked round Winter Wonderland in Cardiff, they is a big wheel, icerink, fair rides and stalls, and it all looked very pretty.

Hi Hicky.

Not sure what a lamp/duck might be? But it sounds delicious.

Very wet here all day.
In the morning I went to one town to see my solicitor, then in the afternoon I went to another town to do my banking.