This woman has the weirdest job

1000 flies are killed by Ruan Tang a day. Source: Austral International Press Agency

THERE is a woman in China who knows the definition of hard work.

Every morning she gets up and devotes eight hours a day to swatting flies.

Ruan Tang is 80 years old and has been killing the annoying insects for 14 years in the Changmingsixiang Community in eastern China's Hangzhou City.

Once she retired, she wanted to help the community.

"I was looking around for something to do to help the community and prove useful, and I noticed how much flies were troubling people in the summer. I decided that killing flies was the best way for me to be useful — and I've been doing it now every day since," she said.

Chinese media is praising her for her dedication, with the local paper claiming flies, which are hard to kill and breed quickly, are the "enemy of the people, noisy, disease spreading and revolting".

The flies are killed in an environmentally friendly way, locals believe. Source: Austral International Press Agency

The local newspaper said: "She manages to kill them in an environmentally friendly way. Who knows how many flies there would be in the area if she was not in action?"

It is estimated that she smacks down up to 1000 flies a day and the community has placed her on a pedestal. One neighbour, Jian Hsiao, described her as "our heroine".

"She is really a fly-killing specialist. Just imagine how many of these pesky insects would be there if she had not been wiping so many out every day," he said.

Speaking to local television Ruan Tang said she feels privileged to get up in the morning and do her duty.

"I feel it is a great honour to help neighbours to wipe out disgusting flies. It is also great to have a meaningful role me to do so in my age, and it helps me to keep fit," she said.

It's a labour of love for this 80-year-old woman to rid her town of flies. Source: Austral International Press Agency

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Skeleton key to missing man

Using DNA to solve a mystery ... Marvin Clark went missing before the Great Depression in 1926. Picture: Department of Justice National Missing and Unidentified Persons System Source: AP

HE is America's oldest missing person. Now after 88 years, a skeleton may unlock the mystery of how he vanished on Halloween.

Marvin A. Clark disappeared during a short trip to Portland on Halloween weekend 1926.

Clark's disappearance is one of the oldest active missing-person cases in the nation, according to a federally funded database of missing persons.

Investigators know Clark is not alive — he'd be more than 160 years old — but they believe they have his remains.

Now, they need DNA samples from Clark's hard-to-find descendants to close the case.

Despite the age of the remains, investigators were able to get a good DNA profile, said Dr Nici Vance of the Oregon state medical examiner's office. Volunteer genealogists then found three great-great-grandchildren on the paternal side.

The results were encouraging, but not definitive, Vance said.

Now, "they're looking for a maternal link, someone on his mother's side, and following that lineage to shore it up and make the statistics a little better," she said. "There's an association there, but it's not strong at this point."

Vance entered Clark's name into the database of the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, which provides a central repository of information about missing persons and unidentified decadent records. The free online system can be searched at findthemissing.org.

"There might have been an item of jewellery that was found with that person that could trigger a memory of a family member," she said.

The database, funded by the National Institute of Justice, consists of nearly 10,000 cases. Among the oldest active ones are cases involving a farmer in his 30s who went missing in Oklahoma in 1902, a 2-year-old who disappeared in 1930 in Chicago and a 22-year-old hiker who vanished in Rocky Mountain National Park in 1933.

Missing for 90 years ... Marvin Clark, who is one of the oldest missing persons cases in the US. Picture: Department of Justice National Missing and Unidentified Persons System Source: AP

As might be expected in Clark's case, which dates back to just before the Great Depression, some facts are sketchy and conflicting. According to the database, he was in his early 60s when he vanished while taking a stagecoach ride to see his Portland doctor in 1920.

But contemporaneous articles from The Oregonian newspaper show Clark was 75 and went missing on a bus trip in 1926. The old clippings say the "well-known" Tigard, Oregon resident left home on Saturday, October 30, to visit his daughter, Mrs Sidney McDougall, in Portland.

A frantic search began two days later when Clark's wife called McDougall and learned he never completed the trip that's about 10 miles.

McDougall, an article says, had not been expecting a visit from her father because he returned to Tigard from her home only a few days before his disappearance. The newspaper said Clark had been traced to a terminal in downtown Portland, near McDougall's place.

McDougall offered a $100 reward — more than $1,300 in today's money — for information about his whereabouts, but nothing turned up. Police across the Pacific Northwest were asked to be on the lookout for Clark, who had partial paralysis on the right side, a "halting gait" and couldn't use his right arm.

Missing pieces ... Marvin Clark and an unidentified woman. Picture: Department of Justice National Missing and Unidentified Persons System Source: AP

Then, on May 10, 1986, loggers clear-cutting an isolated section of Portland discovered the remains of a man who had been dead for at least a half-century.

Near the skeleton, investigators found an 1888 V nickel, a 1919 penny, a pocket watch, leather shoes, wire-rimmed glasses, a Fraternal Order of Eagles pocket knife and four tokens with the inscription "D&P." A historian told The Oregonian in 1986 that those where likely tavern tokens, which were awarded in card games and could be used to buy food or alcohol.

Police also found a corroded revolver, and an expended .32-caliber bullet. A single shot had entered the skull at the temple. Medical examiners at the time said it was the oldest case they ever had. They ruled the unknown man's death a suicide. Investigators were sceptical that his identity would ever be learned.

Clark's name surfaced a couple days later when a woman told detectives it might be her grandfather.

The woman, Dorothy Willoughby, said Clark had once been the town marshal from Linnton, which was annexed by Portland in the early 20th century and is near the secluded ravine where the man chose to end his life. She said her grandfather went missing around 1920 and was said to have been depressed over medical problems and sometimes used a cane.

Where he came from ... a historical photo of Marvin Clark's home in Tigard, Oregon. Picture: Department of Justice National Missing and Unidentified Persons System Source: AP

The granddaughter's hunch, however, wasn't enough to solve the disappearance. She died in 1991.

When Vance discovered a file about Clark and the 1986 remains, she realised the case number might be in the storage unit where the remains of unidentified people are kept. "And I was like: 'Oh my gosh, I still have this guy. This is fantastic,'" she said.

With the advances in DNA, she sent a sample in 2011 to the Center for Human Identification at the University of North Texas, which also manages the database of missing and unidentified people. Now, they are searching for more of Clark's descendants.

"I don't like the word closure, I kind of think resolution," said Janet Franson, a regional NamUs administrator whose territory includes Oregon.

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Five tech skills every worker needs

To be a successful office worker (so maybe not The Office's Michael Scott), you need more than just phone manners and proficiency in Microsoft Word. Source: AP

IN TODAY'S job market, it's not only IT job applicants who need tech skills.

With technology quickly and constantly changing, employers everywhere are looking for tech-savvy job candidates for non-tech related positions. This means that administrative, creative, sales, marketing and other non-IT job seekers are required to have relatively strong tech backgrounds and skill sets to stay competitive.

Christopher Justice, chief marketing officer at content management system (CMS) provider Magnolia, said: "Tech skills like basic software development, fundamental graphic design and elaborate web publishing are no longer restricted to tech-heavy positions. They are now expected in a much wider range of roles."

Modern employees are expected to be much more tech savvy than previously. Source: ThinkStock

This can be seen in all types of positions, Mr Justice said. For instance, with the massive growth of online publishing, journalists today are required to do more than write stories — they must also be able to produce them online using coding skills, he explained.

Similarly, marketing teams also have to be able to juggle design tools, use HTML and create digital campaigns with their CMS, he added.

"The underlying trend here — and the common denominator in all of these positions — is the ability to work in exceptionally agile environments," Mr Justice said. "It means that to stay competitive, candidates need to be able to adapt to new tools and trends — such as the cloud, mobile development and big data — before these become must-haves."

Moreover, given the rapid pace at which technology is advancing, job candidates are also expected to evolve along with it.

"Candidates have to be able to learn fast, creatively think outside the box, and be ready for new tools that might traditionally not be a part of their job description," he said.

If you're looking for a job, here are five of the most sought-after tech skills employers are looking for.

SOCIAL MEDIA

"Generally speaking, no matter the role, it's valuable for people to be social media savvy. Online communities are important places to share and access information, and to engage with customers and prospects." — Xari Chartrand, human resources business partner at Halogen Software.

Social media skills are a foundation. Source: News Limited

MICROSOFT EXCEL

"Having well-developed technical skills is no longer just a nice little add-on for job applicants. Many employers now expect candidates to demonstrate proficiency in a variety of technical areas. Currently, [one of the] most sought-after tech skills is competency with Microsoft Excel, including the ability to construct and use pivot tables." — Bob Myhal, chief executive of NextHire.

MOBILE DEVELOPMENT

"Finding professionals with iOS, Android, Windows and Web-based app development experience has become an industry race as companies expand their mobile capabilities to help streamline processes. Candidates specialising in mobile development can be expected to be hired within days, thanks to their in-demand skill set." — David Morgan, president of IT for Addison Group.

ABILITY TO TROUBLESHOOT

"My must-have tech skill when hiring someone really involves being able to troubleshoot your own technical issues. It also shows that you're not afraid to think critically, do some research and take initiative to find a solution on your own.

With more and more technology in our workplaces, successful candidates are expected to have a wide range of skills. Source: ThinkStock

"And if you're not able to, at least you can tell the IT folks what you've already tried so they aren't starting from scratch. So many companies expect you to be able to work from anywhere, whether you're at the office, at a coffee shop, at home or on a business trip in Vegas. It's really important to have the ability to troubleshoot technical problems on your work equipment.

"Being able to problem-solve minor technical issues on your own, rather than having to burden the IT department with simple requests, is a huge plus in my eyes. Especially in small businesses and start-ups where there may only be one IT person, it's critical to be able to rule out common problems before escalating them. — Sara Sutton Fell, chief executive and founder of FlexJobs.

UP-TO-DATE WITH LATEST TECHNOLOGY

"The skills employers demand today often depend on the size of the company and, sometimes, the industry. Start-ups tend to be on the cutting edge of what's either very popular now or what's on the rise. Great candidates show they are staying relevant, current on new trends and always learning." — Mason Blake, chief technology officer and co-founder of UpCounsel.

This article originally appeared on Business News Daily and was reprinted with permission.

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The best auto-correct prank ever?

SINCE the beginning of auto-correct times, there have been auto-correct pranks. They may have started with a simple word swap, but now the art of auto-correct pranking has evolved into replacing words with entire passages.

One Twitter user decided to play an epic prank on his mother by telling her phone to replace the words 'dirty laundry' with an extract from Ulysses by James Joyce.

So when poor @MrBilkferd's mother tried to ask if he had any dirty laundry she responded with the passage. When she was then asked what was wrong, she fell into the same trap and the extract was sent again.

Other people have since caught on.

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Families to cop it in Budget

Prime Minister Tony Abbott is a man with a plan. But do you like what's in store? Source: News Corp Australia

MIDDLE-income families will be denied rises in tax concessions compensating for inflation in the Budget two weeks from Tuesday which Prime Minister Tony Abbott tonight said would be a first installment of spending cuts.

But the Prime Minister has pledged these and other measures would clear the way for income tax cuts in five years.

The age pension will not be lowered now but Mr Abbott will seek a mandate for a reduction in the pension's indexation and tougher means testing at the 2016 election.

And the Budget will contain programs to get the disabled, the elderly and women with young children off welfare and into the workforce.

The Prime Minister called the Budget politically risky. However, the pain would be short term and necessary to hack back debt of potentially $667 billion Mr Abbott said had been left by Labor governments.

He outlined some of the Budget's measures in a Sydney speech designed to complement the warnings about runaway spending issued by Treasurer Joe Hockey last week.

Walking the talk in a fortnight's time. Joe Hockey has flagged mega austerity. Source: News Corp Australia

Mr Abbott said the objective was to reduce debt and return the Budget to surplus over at least five years but would not put a target date for balanced finances, saying it would be achieved within a decade.

"This Budget will not change everything with one stroke," Mr Abbott said.

"It won't offer a spurious guarantee of a surplus by a particular date. This Budget will by no means be the only instalment in the long-term restructuring needed to restore our economic health."

The Prime Minister pointed to changes in welfare for families, which mostly is the Family Tax Benefit A and B. Indexation of these means tested concessions was frozen under Labor but the cost of living adjustments were set to return this year.

Mr Abbott's comments indicate that won't happen.

"But the best way to help families on $100,000 a year is long-term tax relief and more business and job opportunities, not social security,'' he said in the speech.

"The change in this Budget will make personal tax cuts more likely in four or fine years' time.

"Come Budget night, I suspect that there won't be many without a potential grumble — but involving everyone in reaping Labor's spending binge is the only way to be fair.

"The Budget pain will be temporary but the economic improvement will be permanent."

Short-term pain for long-term gain, Mr Abbott says. Source: News Corp Australia

Mr Abbott said changes to the age pension was essential and unavoidable because it was rapidly becoming too expensive. But he said the Government would keep his promise not to touch the pension rate — at least in this term of office.

"To keep our commitments, there will be no changes to the pension during this term of Parliament but there should be change to indexation arrangements and eligibility thresholds in three years time," he said.

"There are other social security benefits where indexation arrangements and eligibility thresholds could be adjusted."

Mr Abbott made no reference to speculation a one-off levy could be imposed on wage earners to cover short-term expenses.

The Government has been firmly told by business it does not want a temporary levy to cover immediate bills which the Business Council of Australia fears could be a bid to "let governments off the hook on the structural steps needed to fix the budget properly".

"Temporary tax increases are no substitute for the reforms that are needed to bring spending back under control and put the budget onto a more sustainable footing," said BCA chief executive Jennifer Westacott.

More is needed that temporary tax incentives, says business council chief executive Jennifer Westacott. Source: News Limited

Ms Westacott said the Budget's focus should be elimination of waste and inefficiency, and better targeted government programs and payments.

"Australia needs comprehensive tax reform implemented over the medium term, rather than ad hoc levies in this budget," she said.

"Raising Australia's already high dependence on personal income tax will place an increased burden on workers and could weigh down an already sluggish economy. If we are serious about lifting our productivity and competitiveness, we should be lowering taxes, not increasing them."

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten accused the government of scaring pensioners with talk of cuts and wage earners with speculation about the deficit levy.

"Here's a couple of ideas for Joe Hockey and Tony Abbott — don't break your promises," Mr Shorten told reporters.

"Here's a couple of ideas for Tony Abbott and Joe Hockey — don't say nine times in a 32 day election period when you're chasing people's votes that they won't touch pensions, and then as soon as you get elected have twisted priorities and broken promises and introduce a new deceit tax.

"No bigger broken promise than saying to pensioners before the election that your pensions are safe, then after the election starting to scare Australia's pensioners by talking about messing around with aspects of the pension."

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MKR shock: Grand final decided

Made it into the grand final ... My Kitchen Rules contestants, South Australian mums Bree May and Jessica Liebich. Source: Supplied

IT will be one of television's biggest nights of the year, with predictions the grand final of My Kitchen Rules on Channel Seven may top the 3 million viewer mark.

In tonight's grand final, Bree May and Jessica Liebich are set to go into battle against Chloe James and Kelly Ramsay.

MY KITCHEN RULES: Fans rage show rigged after Chloe and Kelly get to final

CHLOE AND KELLY: My Kitchen Rules' arch-enemies are best of friends

Cook off ... My Kitchen Rules' grand finalists Bree May and Jessica Liebich are against Chloe James and Kelly Ramsay. Source: Supplied

And the war of words has already started much to the delight of judges Pete Evans and Manu Fiedel.

MANU FIEDEL: What happened to MKR judge's hair?

Who will win the MKR Grand final

The showdown comes after the South Australian mums Bree and Jessica crushed rivals Helena and Vikki Moursellas on the cooking show tonight.

Bree and Jessica scored 52 out of 60 for their three-course semi-final menu, ten points above the Victorian twins on 42 out of 60.

Knocked out ... My Kitchen Rules' twins Vikki and Helena Moursellas. Picture: Mark Stewart Source: News Corp Australia

"Now it's down to us and Chloe and Kelly," Bree said after the win. "Those girls have got their work cut out for them because we're going to be fighting."

Chloe and Kelly hit back with a salvo of her own.

"Our good can beat Bree and Jess's best," Kelly said.

"We think we can easily beat them in the Grand Final," Chloe added. "Of course we're going to win. We're special."

Teams will have to plate up a total of 100 meals for a full restaurant in the Grand Final.

Betting agency Sportsbet is already predicting that the My Kitchen Rules Grand Final will top 2.5 million viewers and might even punch through the 3 million viewer mark.

Last year, the grand final on Seven attracted 2.9 million viewers.

The grand final marks the end of the fifth series of My Kitchen Rules which began on January 27.

Ringing up a TV ratings monster ... My Kitchen Rules judges Pete Evans and Manu Feildel. Source: Supplied

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Sonny Bill got married in secret

FOOTY superstar Sonny Bill Williams has secretly married a stunning 20-year-old Muslim girl he met and fell in love with last year.

The 28-year-old Roosters heart-throb wed part-time model Alana Raffie in August after a six-month ­relationship.

Immediate family and a handful of his closest friends, who were all sworn to secrecy, attended the wedding ceremony as he was preparing for last year's NRL finals.

Sonny Bill Williams with his niece and partner, Alana Raffie check in at Sydney International airport. Picture: Bradley Hunter Source: News Corp Australia

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Wanderers into back-to-back deciders

The Wanderers celebrate a grand final berth. Source: Getty Images

IF Tony Popovic found it hurtful to hand back the Premier's Plate, then his Western Sydney side now stands on the brink of the ultimate painkiller.

A goal in each half from Youssouf Hersi and Iacopo La Rocca sent Western Sydney charging into the grand final on Saturday night, now just 90 minutes from redeeming their loss to the Mariners in last year's climax to the season.

That it should be the Central Coast who were vanquished at Pirtek Stadium simply added to the home side's sense that this year they will go one better than their debut season and be crowned as champions.

MATCH CENTRE: STATS AND VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

RE-LIVE THE ACTION FROM THE WANDERERS' WIN

Shinji Ono was fabulous in his final A-League appearance at Pirtek Stadium. Source: News Corp Australia

It took a mighty contest to decide the Wanderers' passage - if the visitors looked in danger of being swept aside bya red and black tide at times, they mustered enough second half defiance to push Western Sydney to the end.

Now either Brisbane or Melbourne Victory await, with the whole of Western Sydney suddenly Victory fans for a day, as defeat for Brisbane would bring the grand final to Sydney.

To their credit, the Mariners began with intent and a desire to get on the front foot. Only a fine headed clearance from Adam D'Apuzzo, almost under his own bar, cleared a waspish cross from Nick Fitzgerald, and the normally unflappable Matthew Spranovic miskicked entirely a clearance across his own goal.

Pirtek Stadium was a sea of red and black. Source: Getty Images

But there was a familiarity about the Wanderers that spoke of a gathering storm. Six of their starting XI had begun last year's grand final, and another three would have done but for injury or suspension.

So their wresting control was only a matter of time, and would have come earlier had Nikolai Topor-Stanley's header not cannoned off the Mariners' bar and away with 14 minutes gone.

Iacopo La Rocca of the Wanderers celebrates with Shinji Ono. Source: Getty Images

But before the half-hour mark regular chances began to come for the home side - Mateo Poljak tested Liam Reddy from distance, then began a move with Shinji Ono that deserved a better finish from 15m than Hersi's tame shot.

On 31 minutes, the winger was not so forgiving. Brendan Santalab twisted and turned in the box to create space for Mark Bridge to shoot low - though Reddy palmed the shot away it fell straight to Santalab whose intelligent, instant cross was forced home at the far post by Hersi.

Western Sydney Wanderers celebrate their opening goal with the RBB. Source: News Corp Australia

The Mariners retreated ever deeper, but still were hopeful on the break - Mitch Duke showed power to race half the length of the pitch, but shot wide of the near post. Back came Western Sydney, and only Reddy's agility denied the home side a second with a wonderful save from Ono's freekick.

Increasingly out of sorts, the Mariners' tempers rose - Bosnar was booked for an ugly lunge on Hersi, while John Hutchinson and Iacopo LaRocca treated each other's ankles with the delicacy of a cut-price butcher.

Iacopo La Rocca of the Wanderers scored the match-sealing goal. Source: Getty Images

To compound the Coast's displeasure, they were gifted a golden chance by Polenz's miskick, only for Bernie Ibini to slip over horribly on this wretched pitch. Bosnar then tried his luck from distance with a freekick that rebounded from the Wanderers wall with a crack.

Tired legs became obvious, but the Mariners strained every sinew to get back in the game - Rose struck a fine shot charged down by Topor-Stanley, and Duke's follow up was straight at Ante Covic.

Tensions threatened to boil over between the teams. Source: Getty Images

Desperate for the kill, Western Sydney thought they had it as D'Apuzzo danced down the left and dropped a cross on Hersi's head - the stadium seemed in slow motion as his delicate header crawled millimetres the wrong side of the post.

The Mariners soon had a similar sense of despair as Kim Seung-jong's freekick brushed the top of the bar - then the Korean's foot did more than brush the leg of Poljak, earning him a yellow card.

Finally, with 10 minutes remaining, the decisive moment came. La Rocca was the instigator and executioner, surging upfield and laying off a pass to Hersi - their one-two carved the Mariners apart, and La Rocca finished with a confident low shot into the bottom corner.

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Drunk passenger sparks flight drama

The pilot of a Virgin Australia plane flying from Brisbane to the Indonesian holiday island of Bali reports a hijacking attempt, after a passenger tries to enter the cockpit. Sarah Toms reports.

Allegedly tried to enter cockpit ... Australian Matt Lockley, 28, is escorted by Indonesian Air Force officers at Ngurah rai Airport in Bali.

A DRUNKEN passenger on board a Brisbane to Bali flight sparked a major alert, causing Denpasar airport to close and flights to be diverted after initial reports he was a hijacker.

Authorities in Bali said Matt Christopher Lockley was arrested by military police and taken in for questioning after the Virgin Australia flight landed safely at Ngurah rai airport.

Arrested after hijacking alert ... Matthew Christopher Lockley is led off the Virgin Australia plane in Bali. Source: Supplied

NEAR MISS: JETSTAR, SINGAPORE AIRLINES COME WITHIN 305M

Indonesian authorities rushed their hijack plans into action after initial reports that the Virgin Australia plane, on a flight from Brisbane to Bali, had been hijacked.

As the drama unfolded, air traffic control in Bali diverted incoming flights to Surabaya, in East Java, and others were stopped from taking off.

Attempted to enter cockpit ... Matt Lockley, 28 was arrested and is taken to police at the airport in Denpasar, Bali. Source: News Corp Australia

The man was arrested after the plane landed and was taken into the custody of the military police.

Police have yet to decide if they will charge Lockley.

Initial reports from Indonesian military and media and suggested the plane had been hijacked. But this was quickly dismissed when it became apparent the would-be cockpit imposer was a drunken Australian passenger.

The in-flight incident occurred when the plane was about one hour away from its scheduled landing time in Bali of about 2pm local time.

One source told News Corp Australia that somehow an emergency button was pressed, which communicated with air traffic control who understood it to mean a hijack was underway.

But this was quickly dismissed.

Virgin's Bali manager Heru Sudjatmiko said it was a "miscommunication".

"I repeat, this is just a miscommunication. How the miscommunication occurred, I cannot answer because I wasn't there. But it's not true to say that the plane was hijacked," Mr Sudjatmiko told indonesia's Metro TV station.

"I don't know exactly what happened when the pilot communicated with the air traffic controller at Ngurah rai,"he said.

The plane was carrying 139 passengers on the busy Brisbane to Denpasar route.

The Denpasar City Police chief Adj. Commissioner DjokoHariutomo told Kompas media that a drunk passenger tried to enter the cockpit of the Boeing B737-300 plane.

"We deployed a lot of personnel because we are informed that an aircraft was hijacked," Djoko said.

Mid-flight emergency ... The licences of Matt Christopher Lockley who was arrested on a Virgin Australia flight to Bali. Source: Supplied

A witness told News Corp Australia: "Just watched the Virgin plane taxi into airport with 10 armoured and police vehicles following ... it appears as though the doors are open therefore presuming passengers disembarking."

Drunk passenger sparked hijacking alert ... Armed Indonesian Air Force soldiers outside the Virgin Australia 737-800 plane at Denpasar airport. Source: AFP

Palani Mohan, a passenger on a Garuda flight that was about to take off from Bali, said they were told an alleged hijacking had taken place at first, which would delay their flight.

"I saw at least five vehicles including military-style trucks, filled with men in uniform, rushing towards the plane.

"Then the Virgin plane taxied away, followed by the convoy of security forces. The flight attendant said it's been taken off to a different part of the airport.

"Bali airport seems to be in lockdown, we've been told no planes will be departing or arriving. The pilot's not allowing anyone off our plane."

A Virgin Australia spokesman said one other flight was affected en route from Sydney to Denpasar, and was diverted to Darwin Airport.

It was a decision made by the Indonesian authorities to shut Denpasar Airport, leaving multiple flights in the lurch.

"It depends on crew hours, but it is most likely that the plane will be refuelled tonight and then continue on to its destination," the spokesman said.

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Facts and myths of flight 370

Authorities have yet to find any signs of MH370's wreckage despite examining almost all of the search zone.

Search will go on ... Flight Lieutenant Phil Wade manning the Mission Commander station during the search for missing 370. Source: AFP

THE fate of MH370 has been shrouded in mystery, misinformation and more myth than fact in the 50 days since it disappeared.

FACT — Malaysia Airlines flight 370 departed from Kuala Lumpur airport at 12.42am on Saturday March 8, the pilot signed off to Malaysian air traffic control at 1.19am and at 1.30am it disappeared from civilian radar. Last detected by military radar at 2.15am near Penang in the Malacca Straits.

MISSING PLANE: The Flight 370 conspiracy theories you haven't heard

MYTH — Various reports have suggested that the plane flew up to 45,000 feet, down to 12,000 feet and even plunged to 5000 feet to fly like a stealth fighter jet to avoid radar detection. None of these reports have been confirmed as true.

FALSE HOPE: Debris washed up on WA beach not from Flight 370

FACT — None of the passengers on board have been confirmed to have attempted to make a mobile telephone call from the time the plane took off to its disappearance.

FLIGHT 370: Prime Minister Tony Abbott vows to keep searching

MYTH — Reports that the chief pilot made or received a phone call from a mystery woman using a SIM card purchased in a fake name in the moments before the plane took off have been denied by Malaysian authorities. So too have reports that the copilot's phone was turned on and tried to connect with a tower at some stage as the plane flew over the Malaysia peninsular after turning around.

FACT — The pilot, Capt Zaharie Ahmad Shah, had a homemade flight simulator at his home which was examined by police and aviation experts. It showed "nothing sinister".

Captain Zaharie Ahmad Shah. Source: Supplied

Captain Zaharie Ahmad Shah with his family. Source: YouTube

MALAYSIA AIRLINES FLIGHT: 'Thrown around like jet fight' to avoid radar — claim

FACT — The plane was carrying mangosteen fruit and lithium-ion batteries in its cargo hold. The full cargo manifest has not been released.

JETLINER LOST: Tony Abbott says a search rethink will occur

MYTH — The plane was rumoured to be carrying tonnes of gold bullion in cargo.

FACT — Investigators used technical and complex methodologies, never used before, to work out the Boeing 777-200's flight path after it disappeared from radar but continued communicating with an Inmarsat satellite.

Minisub ... Bluefin-21 being recovered from the Indian Ocean after another fruitless search. Picture: Australian Defence Source: AFP

MYTH — Investigators now believe the plane may have landed somewhere and not be in the Indian Ocean at all.

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Kate’s Aussie dressing down

PM Tony Abbott describes the royal couple as 'bigger than Kelly Slater' at the Parliamentry reception for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

English rose ... the Duchess of Cambridge will plant an oak tree at the National Arboretum in Canberra. Picture: Arthur Edwards Source: Getty Images

THE Duchess of Cambridge met with a group of Australian designers today, but has failed to step out in a locally made dress again tonight

Kate was dressed in an American Lela Rose cocktail dress as she arrived tonight at Government House in Canberra, with a loose chignon and drop earrings.

The lack of love for Australian designers while she has been touring Australia has been duly noted by followers on social media.

Today, she met with designers including Carla Zampatti, Bianca Spender, Kym Ellery, Camilla Franks, and sisters Nicole and Simone Zimmermann were there, as well as milliner Nerida Winter.

So far she has only worn one local dress from the Zimmermann label.

Her choice to wear her hair up has also got her fans talking.

VOGUE EDITOR: What happened when we met Kate in Canberra

FAMILY TRAGEDY: Camilla's brother dies in New York

ROYAL EFFECT: Visit a massive boost for Aussie tourism

The latest frock chosen by the Duchess, comes as the Royal couple surprised followers on their royal tour by signing off using just their first names.

Prince William and Kate visited the National Arboretum in Canberra this morning, where they

Before they left, they signed a guest book and in keeping with royal tradition used only their first names.

HRH ... Catherine and William caught the attention of onlookers when they signed a visitors' book using only their first names. Source: News Corp Australia

Senior members of the royal family with the title HRH do not need a surname and often use their Christian name only as their signature.

The use of their first names "Williams" and "Catherine" caught the attention of some on social media, who wrote: "Who do they think they are, Madonna!"

Earlier this evening, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge met three of Australia's surviving Victoria Cross recipients at an intimate reception hosted by the governor-general.

Prince William and his wife Kate arrived back at the residence of Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove, where they have been staying with their son Prince George.

They walked down from their suite at government house in Yarralumla to the drawing room where a hundred guests from the arts, business, charity, conservation and sporting fields stood by to greet them.

The royal couple mingled with the likes of Football Federation Australia CEO David Gallop, footballer Harry Kewell, cricketer Ellyse Perry, former pro-surfer Layne Beachley, INXS rocker Kirk Pengilly and sailor Jessica Watson.

They also met Australia's three serving Victoria Cross recipients - Daniel Keighran and Benjamin Roberts-Smith and SAS Trooper Mark Donaldson. They were among four Australians awarded the honour for their actions in Afghanistan. Corporal Cameron Baird was awarded the VC posthumously earlier this year.

They love Kate ... all eyes are on the Duchess of Cambridge as she arrives at Parliament House, accompanied by Margie Abbott, the wife of the PM. Source: AFP

Australia's fourth surviving VC recipient, Keith Payne, was not in attendance.

In a speech saluting the royal couple, the governor general said it was fortunate that Australia would have their company on Anzac day services in Canberra on Friday.

"I'm so pleased, I am delighted, that you will be here in Canberra to take part," Sir Peter said.

He also paid tribute to the "eminent" young Australians attending the intimate gathering.

"They are looking forward to meeting you," Sir Peter told the duke and duchess.

Earlier, the royal couple shook hands and chatted with the crowd who had spent the day waiting outside the National Portrait Gallery this afternoon.

Valerie Malone and her family arrived about five hours before the royal couple, eager to get a glimpse for themselves.

Her granddaughter Zoe, 11, gave the Duchess some flowers and shook her hand.

"I mentioned about her beautiful baby so her face lit up," Valerie said.

"She asked Zoe about if she'd been to the Portrait Gallery and which was her favourite."

"It was really worth coming early."

Australia's love affair with the royals reached a whole new level today when Tony Abbott described the royal couple as "bigger than Kelly Slater".

Welcoming William and Catherine to Parliament House for a lavish reception, Mr Abbott said: "This visit has meant a lot to millions of Australians, thank you for the joy you have given us."

The PM drew laughter from the crowd when he compared the young royals to surf legend Kelly Slater.

Canberra visit... Prince William and Catherine in th nation's capital. Source: Getty Images

"A couple of years back, Kelly Slater visited Manly in my electorate. There were over a thousand screaming fans as you'd expect when the world's greatest surfer visits the world's greatest beach.

GALLERY: William and Kate visit Manly

"But as I have seen with my own eyes, sir, ma'am, in Manly, you are bigger than Kelly Slater."

Prince William says he and younger brother Prince Harry will attend next year's Anzac centenary celebrations at Gallipoli.

In his speech, Prince William spoke of how Australians "make their own luck".

"Australia may be known as the lucky country, but often the harder you work, the luckier you get," he said.

He also joked that while he and Catherine would leave their Australian tour with "wonderful memories", Prince George would leave with his cuddly toy wombat.

William also revealed that he and younger brother Prince Harry will be taking part in next year's Anzac centenary celebrations.

The royals were then treated to a performance by award-winning singer Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu, who has played for the Queen and Prince Philip in both Australia and Britain.

PICTURES: Wills and Kate charm Canberra on royal tour

Interestingly, the PM did not take heed of the line made famous by the film The King's Speech when referring to the Duchess of Cambridge.

"Your grace and warmth, ma'am, have been abundantly on display," Mr Abbott said in a nod to the Duchess's efforts during her Australian visit.

While the slip might have left sticklers aghast, but it didn't seem to faze Kate.

In the 2010 film starring Geoffrey Rush as King George VI's speech therapist, then Queen Elizabeth instructs Rush's character: "It's 'Your Majesty' the first time. After that, it's 'ma'am', as in 'ham'. Not 'ma'am', as in 'palm'".

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten followed protocol, referring to "her royal highness"

.

Fashion designer Camilla Franks and Westpac CEO Gail Kelly were among those who attended the royal reception.

Guests feasted on a lavish menu that was typically Australian. Canapes included deep fried scallop and prawn balls as well as rare roast beef with a truffle and horseradish mayonnaise. There was a even a modern twist on an old-school classic - a lemon myrtle spiced prawn "cocktail" with fennel and purple micro basil.

Tasmanian sauvignon blanc as well as beers provided the refreshments.

Earlier, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge left a touch of England in Canberra by planting an oak tree at the National Arboretum.

The ever-glamorous Catherine grabbed a spade to join William in turning the soil — despite her emerald-green Catherine Walker dress and sky-high nude heels.

The couple had a sad start to the day after the death of Camilla Parker Bowles's younger brother Mark Shand in New York.

Mr Shand, 62, slipped and smashed his head outside the city's famed Gramercy Park Hotel, after leaving a charity fund-raiser.

Symbolic ... William and Kate take part in a tree-planting ceremony as they visit the National Arboretum. Source: Getty Images

A spokesman for William and Catherine said they were "saddened" by the news.

"The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were saddened to learn this morning of the tragic death of Mark Shand," the spokesman for the couple said.

"Their thoughts are with The Duchess of Cornwall and her family at this time."

Before planting the tree this moring, the royal couple signed the official visitors' book at the arboretum, which was built in the wake of the devastating 2003 Canberra bushfires.

Official duty ... Catherine grabs a shovel to lend a hand with the tree-planting in Canberra. Source: Getty Images

With a backdrop of the famous Black Mountain tower and with the flag of Parliament House dotted in the distance, Willian and Kate greeted local twin six-year-old brothers Oliver and Sebastian Lye.

Kneeling down, the Duchess greeted Sebastian, who has Down Syndrome as well as hearing and vision impairments.

"Hi guys," William greeted the pair.

In her high heels, Kate walked into a bark grass area, grabbing a spade to join William in turning soil around the English oak tree.

The boys then used little red watering cans to shower the dirt, helped by the couple.

It will be a "very healthy tree" the Prince said, as the boys emptied their cans.

The pair seemed taken back by the rolling hills dotted by young trees, both remarking how "beautiful" and "pretty" the skyline was as they spoke to students from a local school.

Then it was playground time, with the grinning Prince standing out in the 'Pod Playground', amongst the noisy children.

Kate wandered around receiving flowers from adoring fans before making her way into a replica Banskia Cone structure, with her nude heels showing through an opening at the side.

Next stop is a tour of the National Portrait Gallery and then a reception on Thursday night at Government House attended by 100 guests across the spectrum from sport to the arts to business to charity.

The royal couple will attend the national Anzac Day ceremony at the Australian War Memorial on Friday, arriving at 10.30am.

Baby love ... William and Catherine have been reunited with Prince George. Source: News Corp Australia

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Toll of 3 months in a Bali jail

The New Zealander who is facing serious drug charges in Bali is expected to be interviewed by police today.

Not charged ... Leeza Ormsby leaves a psychiatric assessment with her hands free. Source: Supplied

HANDCUFFED and wearing orange prison garb, Sydney woman Leeza Ormsby is showing the strain of being jailed for almost three months in Bali.

The 37-year-old Ormsby was photographed by News Corp Australia as she was brought from her cell for a psychiatric assessment.

It was the first time she has been seen publicly since her arrest on February 12 and her time in custody, at the police jail at the Denpasar City police station, has clearly affected her.

LEEZA ORMSBY: Sydney DJ denies involvement in drug accused case

DRUGS IN BALI VILLA: Leeza Ormsby says they were not hers

Ormsby has yet to be charged and Bali drug squad police have been told to find more evidence and beef up their case against her.

Prosecutors have twice sent the case back to police for more work and officers have now been given another 30-day extension.

Handcuffed, jailed for almost three months and not charged ... Sydney woman Leeza Ormsby arrives for a psychiatric assessment in Bali. Source: Supplied

The New Zealand citizen who lived in Paddington in Sydney was arrested after police found MDMA and hashish inside a villa which she had not rented but to which she had the key.

She has consistently denied any knowledge of the drugs inside the north Kuta villa and has admitted only that she owned a joint of marijuana found inside her handbag. The 132.2 grams of MDMA and 26.06 grams of hashish were found inside a drawer in the bedroom wardrobe of a one-bedroom villa.

Shadow of her former self ... Leeza Tracey Ormsby arrested for drugs found in a Bali villa. Picture: INFphoto.com Source: News Corp Australia

This week police asked for a psychiatric assessment of Ormsby, who was medically examined and required to answer a 500-question long psychiatric questionnaire.

Sources say she is struggling in custody where she often bangs her head against the wall in frustration at her situation and the uncertain future she faces.

Dr Nyoman Hanati and two staff, from the addiction assessment team at Sanglah Hospital, assessed Ormsby "from the tip of her hair through to the tip of her feet" and interviewed her about her drugs use and family history.

Feeling the strain of being in jail almost three months ... Sydney woman Leeza Ormsby pictured during a psychiatric assessment in Bali. Source: Supplied

Denpasar drug squad chief, Agus Tri Waluyo, told News Corp Australia that police were now planning to use laws for drug addicts against Ormsby, in addition to drug possession which carries a 12-year maximum sentence.

He said the police need a medical assessment to reveal if Ormsby is a drug user and therefore a "victim" of drug abuse which, under Indonesian law, carries only a four-year maximum term.

An Australian man detained with Ormsby in Bali, Sydney DJ Marco Mazzucco, was subsequently let go and police have made little progress on initial plans to have Sydney musician Azaria Byrne, who had rented the villa where the drugs were found, interviewed. Both men returned to Australia and have denied being involved in using drugs.

Mr Byrne and his girlfriend had rented the villa, at the Askara Villa complex, for three days but left about 8pm on the third night. Having already paid for that night the key was left with a friend.

When Ormsby went to the villa the next day to collect her clothes and laptop, police were waiting and arrested her. The drugs were found inside the bedroom wardrobe and a battered old microwave was seized from the villa, along with a set of electric scales, plastic bags and tape.

Ormsby's lawyer, Ary Soenardi, says that police have continuously tried to get her to admit ownership of the drugs but she refuses to do so. He said she had so far been interrogated three times — for up to four hours at a time. There were now suggestions of further interrogations to come.

"They tried to get Leeza's acknowledgment of the drugs that were found at the villa. But she didn't (admit them). She kept saying that she doesn't know anything about the drugs. Since the beginning I have reminded the police that it will be hard to prove the case, especially as the key witness is not here anymore," Mr Soenardi said, referring to Marco Mazzucco.

Mr Soenardi said the only thing his client admitted was ownership of the marijuana joint in her handbag.

He said given the lack of further evidence about the drugs inside the villa, police will have a hard time proving the more serious allegations against Ormsby.

Prosecutor Oka Ariani said police had yet to put forward a dossier or brief of evidence with sufficient evidence pointing to guilt.

She said it was possible that the case against Ormsby relating to the greater amount of drugs could be discontinued but the case involving the marijuana joint would continue.

Still not charged ... Leeza Ormsby has always denied any knowledge of drugs in the villa. Source: Supplied

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Debris washes up near WA beach

All the news you need to know.

DEBRIS washed up on a West Australian beach is being examined and photographed in a bid to find out if it has anything to do with missing Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370.

The debris was found washed ashore on a beach 10km east of Augusta and was reported to police.

Authorities say it is now at Bussellton police station where it has been photographed.

The images have been sent to Malaysian officials and to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.

Mystery jet ... A shadow of a Royal New Zealand air force P-3 Orion aircraft involved in the search for the missing plane. Picture: Rob Griffith

The Australian-lead Joint Agency Coordination Centre said the photos were being examined "to determine whether further physical analysis is required and if there is any relevance to the search of missing flight MH370".

But the JACC would not comment further and Malaysia's acting Transport Minister Hishammuddin Hussein is due to give a press conference in Kuala Lumpur tonight.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is also investigating the debris which was found this afternoon.

The debris will be given to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority later tonight.

Investigators are urging people to be cautious of the debris and its origin, saying the more they look at it, the "less excited" they are.

Another report claimed aircraft debris had been found in the Scott River in the the south-west of WA.

Nine News reports three objects have washed up, one is believed to be the length of a car with "distinct rivets".

WA INVESTIGATION: Is it MH370 plane debris? Follow the updates.

The news comes as Prime Minister Tony Abbott has declared Australia won't be abandoning the search for MH370, even if no wreckage is located during the underwater search.

Is it MH370? ... Debris has been found near the coast off Western Australia. Source: News Corp Australia

The air search for the missing Malaysia Airlines plane has been suspended for the second day in a row due to poor weather.

Officials say heavy seas and poor visibility are making the air search ineffective and potentially hazardous.

The Prime Minister said he had "no advice whatsoever" to suggest there is any truth in claims the plane may have landed somewhere.

"Our expert advice is that the aircraft went down somewhere in the Indian Ocean, we have identified a probable impact zone, which is about 700km long, about 80km wide," Mr Abbott told reporters in Canberra.

Despite not finding any trace of the plane yet, the search isn't finished, he said.

"Australia will not rest until we have done everything we humanely can to get to the bottom of this mystery," Mr Abbott insisted.

"We are not going to abandon the families of the six Australian citizens that were on the plane. We are not going to let down the families of the 239 people on that plane by lightly surrendering while there is reasonable hope of finding something."

He said even if at the end of scouring the underwater search area crews locate nothing, it won't be abandoned.

"We may well rethink the search but we will not rest until we have done everything we can to solve this mystery.

"We owe it to the families of the 239 people on board, we owe it to the hundreds of millions, indeed billions of people who travel by air, to try to get to the bottom of this.

"The only way we can get to the bottom of this is to keep searching the probable impact zone until we find something or until we have searched it as thoroughly as human ingenuity allows at this time."

The New Straits Times quoted sources close to the investigation saying that the failure to turn up any debris at the current southern Indian Ocean search site was causing a rethink among investigators.

The latest report comes as authorities prepare to send the robotic vehicle underwater today for mission number 10.

More than 80 per cent of the underwater search zone for Flight MH370 has been scoured by Bluefin-21 and so far no contacts of interest have been found.

After being suspended yesterday, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority has planned a visual search today about 855 kilometres north west of Perth.

But again the weather may affect the effort, with heavy rain, widespread low cloud and south easterly winds predicted.

Visibility is expected to be limited to one kilometre.

Sources told the New Straits Times that they were considering revisiting the scenario that the plane had landed at an unknown location.

"The thought of it landing somewhere else is not impossible, as we have not found a single debris that could be linked to MH370. However, the possibility of a specific country hiding the plane when more than 20 nations are searching for it, seems absurd," the sources said.

The sources told the paper that another possibility was that the plane had crash landed in a remote spot.

Anguish ... Relatives of the missing MH370 passengers at the Metro Park Hotel in Beijing. Picture: Wang Zhao Source: AFP

MH370 went missing March 8 on a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing along with its crew and 227 passengers, most of them Chinese.

The hunt for the jet has focused on a search area about 1500km north west of Perth after pings believed to be from the plane's black boxes were detected there.

The air search has been suspended due to bad weather as a result of Tropical Cyclone Jack.

"It has been determined that the current weather conditions are resulting in heavy seas and poor visibility, and would make any air search activities ineffective and potentially hazardous," the Joint Agency Coordination Centre said in a statement.

Up to 10 military aircraft were part of the visual search. The 10 ships involved in the search will be able to continue their planned activities.

The unmanned submersible Bluefin-21 is still scouring the ocean depths on its ninth mission trying to locate wreckage from MH370.

So far it has searched about two thirds of the underwater area, with no contacts of interest found to date.

Unhappy with investigation ... Sarah Bajc with her boyfriend Philip Wood, a passenger on MH370. Picture: Facebook Source: Supplied

Meantime, family members of passengers lost on the missing flight have criticised the Malaysian government for an investigation they say has been mismanaged.

Appearing on US morning television, Sarah Bajc, the girlfriend of MH370 American passenger Philip Wood, told Today host Matt Lauer passengers' loved ones all just "wanted to go back to square one".

"We just don't believe they're using proper evaluative techniques to check the data," she said. "It's day 45 and we're basically on the same position we were on the first day."

Ongoing search ... The unmanned submersible Bluefin-21 is still scouring the ocean depths. Source: Getty Images

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MKR’s final four teams revealed

My Kitchen Rules contestants Helena and Vikki Moursellas are in the final four. Source: News Corp Australia

IT'S been a long haul, but MKR's grand final week teams have finally been revealed.

Victorian twins Helena and Vikki, SA mums Bree and Jessica, WA besties Chloe and Kelly and QLD surfer dads Paul and Blair are your top four teams for 2014.

The very last team to cook in tonight's ultimate instant restaurant round, Helena and Vikki, were trailing top scorers Paul and Blair, sitting comfortably on the top of the leaderboard with 70 points.

While the twins' overall score of 65 couldn't trump the dads, it was enough to signal elimination for Tassie girls Thalia and Bianca.

Sent home: Thalia and Bianca were eliminated during Wednesday night's episode. Source: News Corp Australia

"We came with a love of food, but we are leaving with a true passion and we know that this is what we want to do with the rest of our lives," Bianca said of her time on the show.

Thalia added: "I got to cook alongside my best friend. I'm so glad we got to do this together."

Sticking to a mostly Greek menu, the twins went in fairly confident tonight. An early hiccup with the octopus entree saw Helena rattled and forced to head back to the shop to buy more seafood.

But the girls regained their composure and were given a near perfect score from the judges for their first dishes of the night. Pete said his kataifi wrapped prawns with zucchini salad were"a celebration of all of produce the ladies used."

Their mains - lemon and oregano lamb with Greek beans and Piri Piri quail with saffron rice - were less of a hit but Manu said the quail was cooked to perfection.

Helena and Vikki's desserts, a hazelnut mousse cake and galaktoboureko with ice cream and grilled figs, also failed to find favour with the judges. Pete said his mousse cake was his least favourite dish of the night and that the use of macadamia nuts on top puzzled him.

The girls scored 24 out of 40 from their guests, with Chloe and Kelly unsurprisingly awarding them just five out of 10.

Chloe James and Kelly Ramsay have scored a spot in MKR's top four. Source: News Limited

The battle for MKR's $250,000 prize money begins on Sunday night, with Paul and Blair facing off against Chloe and Kelly in the first semi-final. The winning team will head straight to Tuesday night's grand final.

Monday night's second semi-final pits mums Bree and Jessica against twins Helena and Vikki to determine the second grand final team.

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Boy from Oz is big ... in Korea

Meet rising K-Pop star Hanbyul and his band Ledapple... how did a boy from Brisbane make it big in South Korea's music industry? Courtesy: SBS/Dateline

Led Apple are the latest band to hit the K-Pop scene in Korea. Source: SBS

HE IS the Aussie superstar with fame, a gruelling schedule and an adoring fanbase under his belt.

But Jason Jang lacks one thing — the rock star pay packet that comes with being a superstar.

Brisbane-born Jang, or Hanbyul, as his fans refer to him, is the little-known Australian singer causing massive waves in his parents' native country.

The 23-year-old, who moved to Korea to pursue his singing career more than two years ago, is now firmly entrenched in the lucrative industry that's turned Korea into the pop capital of Asia as the lead singer of Led Apple.

It's ironic that the K-pop world that has made him a star also determines the size of his pay packet.

While Led Apple may be wowing the crowds, until they are considered beyond massive, they aren't paid very much, especially compared to their counterparts in the west.

Despite being the hottest boy band on the market at the moment, Led Apple are only on the cusp of superstardom and that big payday still eludes them.

Jason Jang is the Aussie artist making huge waves in Korea. Source: SBS

But while he may not be making the fortune that superstar bands make, the Aussie-raised star said the move has been worth it because it was difficult for Asian artists to make it big in the west.

"The reason why I looked into the K-pop industry instead of a singing career back in Australia was because of the perspective that Aussies have for Asian artists, and how difficult it is for an Asian artists to be successful in a western country," he said.

"That's the only reason I came back to my parents' home country."

But his story, which features on Dateline , SBS, tonight, will reveal how growing up in Australia is actually a massive advantage to him and his band mates.

Jang, or Hanbyul, as his fans refer to him, in action with his band Led Apple. Source: SBS

As the only fluent English speaker in the hit boy band, he is able to speak with international media and help build Led Apple's base outside Korea.

The five-piece regularly perform to sell-out audiences in Korea and have gruelling schedules, but wouldn't have it any other way.

Date line journalist Jeannette Francis travelled to the country to meet the singing sensation and immerse herself in the K-Pop culture, which she described as like "Backstreet Boys on crack".

The Sydney-based SBS video journalist told news.com.au that K-Pop culture was bigger than we think and has been around for years.

She said Hanbyul seemed to have adjusted to the big move overseas fairly well because a career in K-pop was something he really wanted.

The band has even notched up some Australian fans thanks to its lead singer's link to the country. Source: SBS

"The hardest thing was being away from his parents," she said, revealing they had followed his son back to Korea around eight months ago in a massive show of support.

Ms Francis said having travelled around Korea she could see the massive appeal the genre had as the stars had a coveted look and a huge following.

"Looks play a huge part in K-pop culture," she said.

"K-pop stars are held in high regard with their porcelain skin and chiselled features — people in Asia covet that look."

In K-pop culture, young men and women are scouted from all over Korea and transformed into pop stars by record labels.

Ms Francis said the music was also catchy, always about love, and the videos were full of dance moves and colour.

"You're drawn in whether you love it or hate it," she said.

And while it may be "a little cheesy and catchy" Ms Francis isn't sure K-pop, or even Hanbyul's local link will be enough to catch on and stay here in Australia.

"There's a lot of intrigue around it but I'm not sure there's enough interest to sustain it in Australia," she said.

"I think a lot of Australians see it as a novelty, but it's generally those with an Asian background who really engage with it the most."

To see more of Jason Jang's story tune into Dateline tonight at 9.30pm on SBS ONE.

The boy band may have fame but lack the rock star pay packet. Source: SBS

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United sacks Moyes, Giggs to take over

Manchester United have confirmed the sacking of manager David Moyes, effective immediately. Fox Sports football correspondent Daniel Garb discusses the decision and what the future holds for the club.

Manchester United's Scottish manager David Moyes has reportedly been sacked. Source: AFP

MANCHESTER United has confirmed the sacking of manager David Moyes, with club legend Ryan Giggs to take over until the end of the season.

The club confirmed Moyes's exit and the appointment of veteran Giggs on Tuesday.

"Manchester United has announced that David Moyes has left the club," it read.

"The club would like to place on record its thanks for the hard work, honesty and integrity he brought to the role."

"Following the departure of David Moyes as manager, Manchester United has announced that Ryan Giggs, the club's most decorated player, will assume responsibility for the first team until a permanent appointment can be made."

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 22, 2014

Red Devils chief executive Ed Woodward gave the Scot his marching orders in a meeting at the club's training ground on Tuesday morning (UK time).

News of Moyes's exit comes a day after widespread reports in the British media that he was facing the sack, just 10 months after succeeding Alex Ferguson as manager of the world-famous club.

Ryan Giggs will take over from David Moyes. Source: AP

The 50-year-old Scot endured a torrid debut campaign at Old Trafford, with United falling to seventh place in the Premier League and being eliminated from both domestic cup competitions and the Champions League.

Moyes's last game in charge was a 2-0 loss at his former club Everton, which confirmed that United would not compete in the Champions League next season for the first time since 1995.

The defeat, United's 11th of the league campaign, left the defending champions 13 points below the Champions League places and 23 points behind leaders Liverpool.

WHO SHOULD REPLACE MOYES?

THE 10 THINGS THAT DECIDED MOYES'S FATE

MOYES MEMES SURFACE AFTER SACKING

"There is no disguising that the football this season has been poor, the results have been poor," said former United defender Gary Neville, whose younger brother Phil was an assistant manager to Moyes.

"The performances have got worse and worse."

After David Moyes's sacking as Manchester United boss, we take a look at some of the unwanted records he set during his short tenure.

Louis van Gaal, the current Netherlands coach, has been installed as the favourite to succeed Moyes on a permanent basis by British bookmakers, with Jurgen Klopp of Borussia Dortmund another rumoured contender.

Giggs has long been regarded as a future United manager, having established himself in the pantheon of United greats by winning 13 Premier Leagues, four FA Cups, three League Cups, two Champions Leagues, one UEFA Super Cup, an Intercontinental Cup and a Club World Cup as a player.

He is still in the squad, but has had a bit-part role on the pitch, as he turns his focus on life after his playing career and earning his coaching licences.

United denied reports last month that Van Gaal met with a member of the Glazer family, but he will be free in the summer and has the experience of coaching at big clubs that Moyes lacked, having been in charge of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Ajax in a 23-year managerial career.

Read our blog with all the reaction from around the world.

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Kim Novak admits face work, slams Oscar bullies

From Vertigo to now, Hollywood hottie Kim Novak as she looks today on stage at the Oscars.

Kim Novak on the Oscars red carpet earlier this year. Source: NewsComAu

VETERAN actress Kim Novak has lashed out at the "bullies" who mocked and criticised her appearance at the Academy Awards last month.

The 81-year-old, star of Alfred Hitchcock's 1958 masterpiece Vertigo, said she was too humiliated to leave her house after the wave of ridicule and jokes made about her slow speech and rigid appearance while presenting an award alongside young actor Matthew McConaughey.

In an open letter on Facebook, she said she regretted taking medication to help her relax before the Oscars because "it affected my behaviour."

Kim Novak has a message for those shocked by her appearance at the Oscars: Mind your own business. Picture: AFP Source: AFP

"However, I will no longer hold myself back from speaking out against bullies. We can't let people get away with affecting our lives. We need to stand up to them in a healthy way by speaking out, working out and acting out.

"I am speaking out now because I don't want to harbour unhealthy feelings inside me anymore." Addressing what she called "the elephant in the room," she added in the posting: "Years ago, I walked away from Hollywood partially because I didn't stand up to the bullies.

Novak as she appeared in the 1958 film "Vertigo". Source: News Limited

"I caved in to the pressure instead of fighting for what I felt was right ... and I didn't have the courage to prove myself to my peers through my work." She continued: "After my appearance on the Oscars this year, I read all the jabs. I know what Donald Trump and others said." Trump had tweeted, "Kim should sue her plastic surgeon!" after her appearance at Hollywood's biggest occasion on March 2.

Novak said she would not deny that she had had fat injections in her face.

"They seemed far less invasive than a facelift," she wrote. "In my opinion, a person has a right to look as good as they can and I feel better when I look better."

She contrasted the negative reaction in the US to that when she was honoured at the Cannes Film Festival last year.

"I received an overwhelming standing ovation. Yet, in Hollywood, after the Oscars, I was bullied by the press and the public on the internet and TV," she wrote.

Novak presented an award with Matthew McConaughey in one of the most talked-about segments of the night. Picture: AP Source: AP

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Now THAT’S a top day of footy

Tom Hawkins has booted five goals with Geelong, trumping reigning premiers Hawthorn by 19 points.

The Wests Tigers have edged out Parramatta to win 21-18 in front of more than 50,000 fans at ANZ Stadium.

That's 12 of the last 13, for the record. And Hawthorn reckons there's no such thing as the Kennett curse. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

WOW. Anyone got something for a sore thumb? Your reporter has just spent the most fantastically entertaining afternoon surfing the remote between two of the best football games you'll ever see.

The football season, which in both the AFL and NRL had sort of bumbled and stumbled along with no clearly defined storyline to date, is now officially on.

Here's what we know after an epic Easter Monday afternoon of footy action.

We know that the two teams who came last and second-last respectively in last year's NRL – the Wests Tigers and Parramatta Eels – are both the real deal in 2014.

And we know that the AFL premiership does not belong exclusively to Hawthorn, and that Geelong, the most consistently excellent team in football since 2007, is still as genuine a threat as ever.

In the NRL, the Tigers won 21-18. In truth, the Eels were the better team. They outscored the Tigers four tries to three. Jarryd Hayne is a genius. He is both playmaker and dangerous runner, and NSW could do a lot worse than consider him for the number six jersey.

Hayne was both a train and a plane tonight. And a real pain for the Tigers defence. Pic. Phil Hillyard Source: News Corp Australia

Chris Sandow is also finally actually earning the big bucks he's been pocketing for years now, while the outside backs and forwards are big, fast and skilful.

All that still somehow wasn't enough. Before a brilliant crowd by Sydney standards of 50,000 at ANZ stadium, the Tigers gutsed a win out in a manner which, let's be honest, was largely out of character for a team which has always been known for excitement rather than grit.

The Tigers scored two tries from intercepts and/or loose balls, with the boot of the evergreen Pat Richards and nerveless 19-year-old pat Richards ultimately proving the difference. It was a win grabbed rather than earned. But win they did.

Luke Brooks kicks the winning field goal. The teenager has poise beyond his years (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

So this we can now say with confidence. Both the Eels and Tigers are going places this year. Not saying either team will jog a victory lap, but there was nothing flukey about the play by both teams today, nothing sketchy, nothing overly loose. It was tough, entertaining football of a type which symbolised not just the rise of last year's dual cellar dwellers, but the genuine premiership aspirations of just about every team in the competition.

Manly, Melbourne, the Roosters and Rabbitohs no longer have this thing to themselves. That's the ultimate take home.

In the AFL, Geelong and Hawthorn entered today's match as competition front-runners. Whoever won would remain unbeaten and probably tear away from the pack. Most people thought that would be Hawthorn. They didn't reckon on a force of nature, who Bruce McAvaney, in his inimitably excitable and slightly drooling way, calls "Stevie J". The Cats went on to win 15.16 (106) to 12.15 (87)

He's getting better with age. Picture Jason Edwards. Source: News Corp Australia

Every time you thumb-flicked the TV back to the AFL, Steve Johnson had the ball and did something intelligent with it. With him and Hawkins and Bartel and Selwood, there is still much to love about the Cats' premiership chances. The bookies aren't yet convinced. The Cats remain third favourite behind the Hawks and Dockers, but you know that old saying about betting against champions…

So now we have a narrative in the AFL as well. We've got two or three standout teams at the top with an honourable mention to the rising Port Power. Then there's a pack of willing chasers who may or may not improve. The competition is still not as open as the NRL. But at least we know the Hawks are beatable.

Whatever the long term ramifications, this afternoon's action has really kick-started the season in both codes.

It's been hard to get a handle on the footy this year, no matter which code you follow. But now we've got something to chew on. In Australia's two biggest cities, in our two biggest stadiums, in a season when crowds have been at times disappointing, our two biggest codes today stood up and showed why so many people care – and why we should keep caring.

Here's hoping we see a few more afternoons like it.

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Former premier Neville Wran dead at 87

Dead at 87 ... former NSW premier Neville Wran. Source: News Limited

FORMER premier of NSW Neville Wran has died after a long battle with dementia.

Tributes began flowing from both sides of the political arena following the news of his death.

Mr Wran, 87, the long-serving Premier of New South Wales who led the Labor government from May 1976 to July 1986 died just before 6pm Sunday in a nursing home in Elizabeth Bay where he was being cared for.

His wife Jill was with him and all his family were close by.

Mr Wran has been suffering from dementia and has been under special care for the past two years.

"This is of course a very sad time for us all, but in fact a blessed release for Neville,'' his wife Jill said in a statement.

"Dementia is a cruel fate and I have been grieving the loss that comes with it for some years.

But I hope now, especially this political climate, people will join me in celebrating the life of a great man, a true political hero."

Mrs Wran paid special tribute the nursing staff of Lulworth House who had been caring for the former Premier.

"They really are angels, " she said.

NSW Premier Mike Baird expressed his sadness at the news of Mr Wran's death.

"I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Neville Wran, who was Premier of NSW between 1976 and 1986," he said.

Neville Wran in 1978. Source: News Limited

Neville Wran in 1981. Source: News Limited

"In the 1970s and 1980s Mr Wran was a towering figure in the NSW Labor Party and in the state. His legacy is positive and lasting.

"Kerryn and I pass on our deepest condolences to the Wran family."

Jill Wran and husband Neville circa 1983. Source: News Limited

Jamie Clements the General Secretary of the Australian Labor Party said Mr Wran was one of the greatest NSW Labor Premiers of all time.

"He was beloved by the people of NSW,'' he said.

"He had style, penash and was a great social reformer, '' he said.

Neville Wran in 1978. Source: News Limited

Neville Wran in his later years. Source: News Limited

Neville Wran dominated NSW politics for a decade and gave Labor new heart in one of its blackest periods.

Neville Wran in 1988. Source: News Limited

Nifty Nev., as he was known, was NSW premier from May 1976 to July 1986 and ALP national president for six years.

Neville and Jill Wran circa 1983. Source: News Limited

Neville Wran in 1982. Source: News Limited

The worldly lawyer from working class Balmain, for whom winning was everything, never lost an election and was a political rarity in deciding when to retire undefeated.

His success was built on ruthlessness, authority in party and parliament, an unerring instinct for what the voters wanted and pioneering exploitation of television's political clout.

Farewell ... former premier Neville Wran. Source: News Limited

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Royals unwind at Waratahs match

Will and Kate at the Waratah's game at Allianz Stadium. Picture: Attila Szilvasi. Source: News Corp Australia

HOW does one unwind after a day spent being mobbed by thousands of well wishers and back-to-back official functions?

At the rugby of course.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge jetted back into Sydney earlier this evening after spending the day in Brisbane and headed straight to Allianz Stadium to watch the NSW Waratahs take on the South Africa Bulls.

Hours earlier Kate had a what was a bittersweet private moment on such a public day — meeting privately with war widows.

Nicole Pearce said her meeting with the Duchess was a surreal and privileged experience but desperately wished it could have been under different circumstances.

It's been almost seven years since a roadside bomb claimed the life of her husband, Trooper David Pearce, just two weeks into a tour of Afghanistan.

Will and Kate at the Waratah's game at Allianz Stadium. Picture: Attila Szilvasi. Source: News Corp Australia

Her daughters Stephanie and Hanna lost their father. She lost the man she loved and, for too many years, any sense of a normal life. Nothing can bring her 41-year-old husband back but she was touched by the Duchess's heartfelt concern.

Kate and Prince William spoke with four families who lost loved ones in Afghanistan and Iraq during their tour of Queensland's Amberley RAAF base.

"She asked how long David had been in the military for and how long he'd been overseas when he was killed," Mrs Pearce said. "She was sincerely quite sad for us to think David was only over there for two weeks when he was killed. She seemed very, very genuine and she was very sweet."

It was a sad but heartwarming occasion for the family.

The Duchess of Cambridge meets the locals in Brisbane. Picture Glenn Hampson Source: News Corp Australia

"I'd rather have Dave here. The reason we're here is because he's not," Mrs Pearce said.

"But I think he would be really proud, really honoured to think we had an opportunity like this." The royal couple also spoke with the grieving families of Lance Corporal Stjepan "Rick"

Milosevic — one of three Australians killed by a rogue Afghan soldier in 2012, Private Matthew Lambert and Flight Lt Paul Pardoel, who died in Iraq.

In a nod to the military's symbol of remembrance, the Duchess wore an elegant white and blue poppy print dress by one of her favourite labels, L.K. Bennett, which was teamed with a clutch bag by Australian designer Oroton.

The dress, which retailed for about $440, was sold out online before the visit, but within minutes of Kate's appearance, versions were being offered on eBay for up to $747.

Earlier the couple had bowed their heads after planting a tree at a memorial garden, in honour of the service and sacrifice of Royal Australian Air Force personnel. But they also made time for some lighter moments.

The Duchess of Cambridge receives flowers from 9 year-old Ashleigh Kearnan Source: Getty Images

There was some banter over just who would sit in the hot seat of a F/A-18F Super Hornet.

"Do you fancy jumping in the back?" were William's not-so-smooth words to Kate as the pair inspected the machines.

Instead of taking up her husband's offer, the Duchess hopped into the cockpit and got to know the controls of the fighter jet while William squeezed into the back seat.

The couple were then whisked to Brisbane's Convention Centre for a lunch reception with 200 people, including dignitaries Premier Campbell Newman and Governor Penelope Wensley, as well as rugby league player Johnathan Thurston and former Olympian Natalie Cook, before they greeted fans outside.

They were almost an hour late and it was more like a royal sprint than a walkabout but, for the estimated 10,000 people who lined the streets in the blistering heat, it didn't matter — they still got a taste of what the British call Katemania.

Their Royal Highness The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive at RAAF Base Amberley Source: News Corp Australia

"I never thought anyone could emulate Diana but I think Kate can," Jacinta Strake, 17, said.

Their royal highnesses worked as a team, walking separately down the lines, but always, it seems, in step with each other, the Prince regularly checking his wife's whereabouts.

Among the British press who follow Kate and Wills is Arthur Edwards, the man Princess Diana called her favourite photographer. "Kate has exactly the same quality Diana did," Mr Edwards said.

"That ability to make everyone she comes into contact with feel very special."

While Kate was the star attraction, Prince William still had his own fans in the crowd, including Rebecca Morriss, 40, from the Gold Coast, wrapped in a Royal flag and beneath a Union Jack umbrella.

"He's still my fairytale Prince,'' she said.

Prince George's absence didn't stop some mums in the crowd from touting their baby daughters as possible future wives, including nine-month-old Sophie Trewin sporting a cute smile and a "One day I'm going to marry Prince George" romper suit.

Sadly, the little Prince George was tucked up in Sydney with his nanny.

He will hopefully make an appearance in Sydney on Sunday when his parents visit Taronga Zoo's new bilby enclosure, which is named after him.

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Penis-cutting rapper ‘on Angel Dust’

A suicide attempt goes from bad to worse. Courtesy: Fox News

MORE details have emerged about a rapper linked to the Wu-Tang Clan, who cut off part of his penis before jumping from a second-storey balcony.

The rapper, Andre Johnson, used a steak knife and was under the influence of drugs when the shocking incident occurred, E! News reports.

E! News also reports he was under the influence of the drug PCP (otherwise known as Phencyclidine or Angel Dust) when he jumped off a second story balcony in North Hollywood.

He also cut off the tip of his penis first, then removed his testicles and the remainder of his genitalia.

FANS SHOCKED: Rapper tries to cut off penis

Seriously injured ... rapper Andre Johnson. Picture: Wedgle's Music and Loan Source: Supplied

The 40-year-old music artist, who performs under the name Christ Bearer, was taken to the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

He was found lying on the sidewalk with critical injuries.

He is still undergoing medical treatment.

Johnson performs with Northstar, a group affiliated with the Wu-Tang Clan.

For help with emotional difficulties, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14

For help with depression, contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36

The SANE Helpline is 1800 18 SANE (7263)

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Kate puts wrong foot forward in fashion fail

AN excited crowd has greeted the The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at Sydney's Royal Easter Show.

Duchess Kate preparing to board a helicopter with Prince William to visit the 2013 bushfire affected residents in the town of Winmalee in the Blue Mountains. Source: AFP

THE Duchess of Cambridge was so dazzling in a simple dress by Aussie label Zimermann today that we can probably overlook a minor wardrobe fail this afternoon.

We know there are few opportunities to go to the beach back home, but what were you thinking, Duchess?

Please remove shoes from feet, then walk on the beach. So awkward.

Someone get the lady a pair of pluggers, would you? Source: AFP

The well-heeled Duchess Kate and Prince William were at Manly Beach in Sydney this afternoon for a demonstration by the local surf club.

And there was a bit of a fuss on social media about the un-Australian choice of footwear.

That hair though. Flawless as always. Source: Getty Images

Could the formal footwear look any more out-of-place? Source: Getty Images

We can assume these youngsters were more polite than us and didn't say a word about the shoes. Source: Getty Images

Earlier, the Royals continued their royal Aussie tour with a visit to the Royal Easter Show in Sydney.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived at the showground in Homebush, and social media quickly went into overdrive at the sight of Kate's dress choice for the outing.

The stylish royal opted for a cream lace dress by Australian fashion label Zimmermann and teamed it with a pair of tan wedges and a simple clutch.

It is the first Aussie designer she has worn since arriving Down Under.

Kate Middleton arrives at the Sydney Easter Show wearing a dress by Aussie label Zimmermann. Source: INF

The Roamer Day Dress is from the upcoming Summer Swim 2014 range and retails for $495.

ROYAL WATCH: Kate wows in wattle-coloured frock

It was due to arrive in stores worldwide this June but the release date has been moved forward in response to overwhelming demand.

Within minutes the Zimmermann website was struggling as online buyers rushed to snap up the garment. No doubt Sydney sisters Nicole and Simone Zimmermann will be thrilled.

Actress Naomi Watts modelled the sleeved dress in Zimmermann's upcoming campaign.

Naomi Watts wearing the Zimmermann Roamer Day Dress. Source: Supplied

Kate Middleton arrives at the Royal Easter Show. Source: News Corp Australia

The royal pair took in the sheep shearing and wool handling, met the 2013 Wool4Skool program winner — who designed a dress for the Duchess of Cambridge — and signed the visitors book.

It's unclear whether they had time to sample a Dagwood Dog before departing.

Wills and Kate visit Fred, a super fine wool Merino from Wellington. Source: News Corp Australia

Kate meets a young fan on her visit to the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Source: News Corp Australia

Prince William and Kate watch a shearing demonstration at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Source: Getty Images

This afternoon they traded the show bags and rides for a visit to Manly's Bear Cottage palliative care hospice, where they met young patients, families, volunteers and staff.

The Duchess sings with the children. Source: Getty Images

Speaking with a patient. Source: Getty Images

Prince William at Manly's Bear Cottage. Source: Getty Images

Sydneysiders were able to catch a glimpse of the royals when they visited Manly beach and watched Surf Lifesaving activities on the sand.

Prince George was left behind at Admiralty House with his nanny while his mum and dad tour around Sydney. Our next scheduled sighting of the royal bub won't be until his visits Taronga Zoo on Sunday.

The Duchess of Cambridge and Prince George arrive at Sydney Airport on April 16, 2014. Source: Getty Images

Over 200,000 excited fans arrived at the showground to catch a glimpse of the couple who spent the day yesterday talking with fire fighters and local residents of the Blue Mountains.

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