Australians lap up cardless cash

Loving it .. Australians are lapping up the cardless cash option at ATMs, and Westpac's emergency cash function will be available next. Source: Supplied

AUSTRALIANS who lose their wallets may never be left stranded without cash again.

The need to have a bank card could slowly diminish as thousands of Australians withdraw money from ATMs without using a card.

The Commonwealth Bank was the nation's first bank to introduce cardless cash transactions last month (MAY) and already more than 15,000 transactions had been made using the new technology to withdraw more than $1 million.

All users need is their mobile phone handy to complete a transaction.

At their request on the bank's app an eight-digit cash code and a four-digit cash PIN is messaged to the customer.

They then use an ATM to enter the two codes before walking away with the cash.

Westpac is the next of the big four banks to follow suit, introducing cardless cash which they've dubbed "emergency cash" and designed for customers who are caught short.

Commonwealth Bank's executive general manager of cards, payments, analytics & retail strategy, Angus Sullivan, said they have 2.5 million customers using the bank's app which allows them to withdraw cash without a card.

"We have seen rapid adoption,'' he said.

"As you walk up to ATMs they have the cardless card language with a button next to it which prompts a lot of customers to go, 'what's this, can I get cash out without a card'.

"There's a population of really early adopters who are using the phone to pay and they're now using the phone to get cash out."

The withdrawals are limited to $200 per day.

Strategic relations firm RFi research director, Alex Boorman said cardless cash transactions remove any chance of skimming it and it was as safe as using "tap and go" contactless payments.

"It's no more or less secure than any other element of mobile banking,'' he said.

"You have to be able to log into the app and there's a $200 maximum on the withdrawals which is another thing to help address any security concerns consumers have."

Westpac's chief product officer David Lindberg said the bank was rolling out the "emergency cash" facility progressively this month for customers who are caught without their card.

It will allow them to make withdrawals of up to $1000 per day and a maximum of $2000 per week using this facility.

They need to phone the bank and request a six-digit code which is sent to their mobile and allows them to withdraw the money at an ATM.

He said the bank will eventually look to roll out the facility in the bank's mobile app.

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‘We kill people, that’s what we do’

Game of Thrones extended sneak peak

GAME of Thrones star Kit Harington is no stranger to the regular massacres on the cult show. What he doesn't understand, he says, is why viewers don't expect it.

This is his first-person piece.

Going into this season, Jon and Ygritte (Rose Leslie) had had a bitter break-up. She's (Leslie) a method actress so she hates me at the moment ... I'm joking, I'm joking.

Game of Thrones (GoT) is a pretty brutal world, and love is no different in it.

Jon had to do what he did and I think she felt utterly tricked and duped and that's why she hunted him down and shot him with arrows.

Jon is in a very damaged place right now.

It's not just Ygritte that he is hurting from. He's lost his love, but also news has reached him that his brother is dead and that the Starks essentially are no more.

Basically he's lost his family, as well as his one love.

All he has left, really, are those Brothers of the Night's Watch. That's what he's living for and because of that he's turning into a commander.

It's very dangerous and he knows that the Wildlings are going to attack the Wall so he's got a job to do.

REVEALED: The TV deaths you didn't see coming

HOW HE DID IT: Peter Dinklage made Jennifer Lawrence squeal

In action ... Kit Harington as Jon Snow in Game of Thrones. Source: Supplied

It's finally here ... Game Of Thrones is returning to Showcase. Source: Supplied

I hadn't read the books (the show is based on). I read them after I got the part.

I watch all the episodes. I watch them once, and I watch them on my own.

I loved the Red Wedding (the scene in season three which killed three central cast). I thought they really nailed it.

I'm intrigued by the viewer reaction to things like Red Wedding. I mean, it was the same after season one with Ned Stark's death.

I don't know why people don't expect it by now. I mean come on, this is how GoT works – we kill people – that's what we do.

I think a lot of people root for Jon Snow because he's a good person and you want a good person to rule over everyone else. Which means he's not safe at all.

We've established that goodies don't necessarily win here.

People always think that Daenerys (Emilia Clarke) will be on the throne at the end or Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) or Jon or someone, and I don't know why it wouldn't be Littlefinger (Aiden Gillen) or Varys (Conleth Hill).

That's the sense of realism brought to the show. It's not always the good people on thrones it's the Robert Mugabes or Kim Jong-uns of the world who sometimes end up there."

GAME OF THRONES

MONDAY, 3PM (FAST-TRACKED) and 7.35PM, SHOWCASE

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Muslims call for jihad on Cadbury

Products withdrawn ... A shelving display shows Cadbury Dairy Milk hazelnut and Cadbury Dairy Milk roast almond products are temporarily out of stock after traces of pig DNA were found. Source: AFP

ANGRY Muslims in Malaysia demand a Jihad, or holy war, be declared on confectionary company Cadbury and their parent company after traces of pig DNA were found.

In response Cadbury Malaysia is pulling Cadbury Dairy Milk hazelnut and Cadbury Dairy Milk roast almond from shelves in the Islamic country, Reuters reports.

A group of more than 20 Muslim organisations condemned the UK-based company, owned by Mondelēz International, saying "it has crossed the line."

Jihad call from some Muslim groups ... Cadbury Malaysia has vowed to find the source of the PIG DNA that got into two products. Source: YouTube

"They have betrayed us Muslims by putting 'haram' elements through the foods we consume in our body, to weaken us Muslims," said Abu Bakar Yahya, chief of Muslim group, Perkasa Selangor, at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaymailonline reports.

Some Muslim organisations even called for a Jihad to be declared against Cadbury for its "betrayal."

The Malaysian Islamic Development Department was urged to take legal action against Cadbury.

The Malaysian Health Ministry confirmed that traces of porcine DNA had been picked up in a routine check for non-halal substances in Cadbury products. According to Islamic law, Muslims cannot consume pork or any products derived from it.

"Ensuring that all our products made here in Malaysia are halal is something we take very seriously," Cadbury Malaysia said in a Facebook posting.

Malaysian Health Minister Subramaniam Sathasivam told press that Cadbury was now cooperating with the Ministry and sharing samples to ascertain where the porcine DNA came from.

"We want to know how the product became contaminated with pig DNA. The health ministry will also do additional tests," said Subramaniam.

Cadbury Malaysia sales are a small fraction of the around 15 per cent of the company's revenues that come from the Asia-Pacific region, but concerns over halal standards could jeopardise sales in bigger Muslim markets, such as Indonesia and the Middle East.

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Shocking sledge against Socceroos

The Bank of Chile have released a stirring commercial ahead of the World Cup, with the 33 Chilean miners rescued in 2010 telling their team that nothing is impossible.

This deluded gaucho thinks llamas are tougher than kangaroos. Source: NewsComAu

IT'S the most beautiful, inspirational World Cup video you've ever seen, but it's also a spectacularly brutal sledge against the Socceroos.

A Chilean bank has made a World Cup ad featuring survivors of the 2010 Copiapo mine accident, in which 33 Chilean miners were trapped underground for 69 days. The ad features footage of the mine rescue, spliced with snippets of the Chilean national football team.

This TV grab taken from a video released 29/08/2010 by Chile's Government shows some of the 33 trapped miners inside the San Jose Mine in Copiapo, Chile. They were all rescued. Source: AP

Towards the end of the ad the survivors, known as "Los 33", fill jars with dry soil from the mine site, which they will take to Brazil and scatter on their training pitch for inspiration. Classical music plays, the leader of the miners bellows and it's all very emotive and uplifting.

Then the snub to Australia comes.

"Spain is hard, Holland is hard but we are not scared of the death group because we have already beaten death before," the leader of the miners declares boldly.

So if Spain is hard, and Holland is hard, the question must be asked: what about the other country in Chile's group of four — Australia?

Are we not hard? Are we, indeed, soft? Australia meets Chile in the first World Cup match for both nations on June 13 in Cuiaba, Brazil. Has Chile already banked the points for that game?

Chile reckons playing the Socceroos will be a walk in the park. AFP PHOTO/William WEST Source: AFP

This is not the first time Australia has suffered a sledge like this at the hands of South Americans.

In 2006, before the FIFA World Cup in Germany, Japan's Brazilian coach Zico said this: "We are in a very tough group. Croatia and Brazil are very good."

Just like those Chileans, Zico made no mention of Australia. And how very wrong he proved to be. Australia beat his Japanese team 3-1 in 2006 and advanced out of its group.

Here's hoping the same thing happens this time. This was going to be one of those simple stories where we share an inspirational video. But after having it translated by our excellent Paraguayan data analyst Blas Prieto, we're going the other way.

This video is arrogant. Socceroos, we urge you to rub the Chileans' noses in the dirt, so to speak.

Here's the full text:

Location: Atacama desert

In this place we were trapped for 70 days. The earth has swollen us.

It was there where we had to prove what we were made of.

We knew that outside millions of Chileans believed in us.

And this sand/dirt was the witness of everything,

This is why we are taking this dirt to Brazil and place it in the field where our team is going to train,

To fill them with hope and courage so we can show the world that for a Chilean person nothing is impossible.

Spain is hard, Holland is hard but we are not scared of the death group because we have already beaten death before.

Chilean Bank

Sponsor of the National team

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Success: Reynolds free to play Origin II

Josh Reynolds faces the judiciary at NRL Headquarters. Source: News Corp Australia

NSW five-eighth Josh Reynolds is free to play State of Origin II.

In a verdict that will infuriate Queensland, Reynolds was successful at an NRL judiciary hearing in seeking a downgrade for a dangerous throw on Maroons winger Brent Tate during Wednesday night's Origin opener.

Reynolds won't miss a single game now and will play for Canterbury against Manly at Brookvale in round 13.

Josh Reynolds tackles Brent Tate and gets put on report. Source: News Corp Australia

Had Reynolds failed in his bid for a downgrade, he would have missed three games.

Last night was a huge gamble.

Reynolds pleaded guilty but sought to have a grade two dangerous throw charge downgraded to grade one.

The NSW five-eighth was placed on report in the 28th minute of a match NSW won 12-8.

He is now ready to play before 82,500 fans in Origin II on June 18 at ANZ Stadium.

The verdict was a wonderful boost to Laurie Daley and his team.

Brent Tate is picked up in the tackle by Josh Reynolds and Beau Scott. Source: Getty Images

"We are really pleased with the result," said Bulldogs CEO Raelene Castle.

"It was a great decision to challenge the grading. It's great Josh is available for the Bulldogs and for State of Origin.

"Josh always plays with passion but it is never his intent to injure anyone."

The judiciary panel of Sean Garlick, Paul Whatuira and Micheal Vella took ten minutes to reach their verdict.

Nick Ghabar, representing Reynolds, was long winded in his defence, saying NSW team-mate Beau Scott played a key role in the tackle.

Josh Reynolds of the New South Wales Blues waits for the start of an NRL Origin judiciary. Source: Getty Images

Scott was charged with a grade one dangerous throw for the same tackle but escaped suspension with an early guilty plea.

"The lift got out of control, no doubt about that," Gharbar said.

On Scott's contribution, Ghabar said: "There was a shift in momentum."

Scott, according to Ghabar, "pulled Tate to the ground in a dragging motion".

NRL judiciary - Josh Reynolds faces the judiciary at NRL Headquarters. Source: News Corp Australia

"Player Scott takes over control of the tackle," Ghabar said.

"Player Reynolds loses control of the tackle. There was no driving into the ground."

Ghabar showed six similar tackles in his evidence. Reynolds did not give evidence, nor did he speak after the hearing.

Former NSW halfback Brett Kimmorley reviews a pulsating State of Origin opener and discusses Josh Reynolds' challenge against a lifting charge.

NRL counsel Peter Kite told the panel they had "assess the degree or risk in this tackle.

"He (Reynolds) lifted and achieves a dangerous position," Kite said.

"Reynolds is the player lifting and putting player Tate into a dangerous position."

Kite said Tate's head hit the ground "with some degree of force."

NRL judiciary - Josh Reynolds faces the judiciary at NRL Headquarters. Source: News Corp Australia

The NRL has already had to deal with 17 lifting tackles this season.

"That shows a very worrying trend," said Kite, who did concede Scott played a role in the tackle.

Tate told of his fears after the game.

"I have never been more frightened in all my life," Tate said. "My legs were shaking for the next 10 minutes after that.

"If we are serious about trying to stamp this out they will crack down on it. I was legitimately shaken up about it. I didn't know where I was."

Re-live all the action from the judiciary as it happens in our live blog below:

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Success: Reynolds free to play Origin II

Josh Reynolds faces the judiciary at NRL Headquarters. Source: News Corp Australia

NSW five-eighth Josh Reynolds is free to play State of Origin II.

In a verdict that will infuriate Queensland, Reynolds was successful at an NRL judiciary hearing in seeking a downgrade for a dangerous throw on Maroons winger Brent Tate during Wednesday night's Origin opener.

Reynolds won't miss a single game now and will play for Canterbury against Manly at Brookvale in round 13.

Josh Reynolds tackles Brent Tate and gets put on report. Source: News Corp Australia

Had Reynolds failed in his bid for a downgrade, he would have missed three games.

Last night was a huge gamble.

Reynolds pleaded guilty but sought to have a grade two dangerous throw charge downgraded to grade one.

The NSW five-eighth was placed on report in the 28th minute of a match NSW won 12-8.

He is now ready to play before 82,500 fans in Origin II on June 18 at ANZ Stadium.

The verdict was a wonderful boost to Laurie Daley and his team.

Brent Tate is picked up in the tackle by Josh Reynolds and Beau Scott. Source: Getty Images

"We are really pleased with the result," said Bulldogs CEO Raelene Castle.

"It was a great decision to challenge the grading. It's great Josh is available for the Bulldogs and for State of Origin.

"Josh always plays with passion but it is never his intent to injure anyone."

The judiciary panel of Sean Garlick, Paul Whatuira and Micheal Vella took ten minutes to reach their verdict.

Nick Ghabar, representing Reynolds, was long winded in his defence, saying NSW team-mate Beau Scott played a key role in the tackle.

Josh Reynolds of the New South Wales Blues waits for the start of an NRL Origin judiciary. Source: Getty Images

Scott was charged with a grade one dangerous throw for the same tackle but escaped suspension with an early guilty plea.

"The lift got out of control, no doubt about that," Gharbar said.

On Scott's contribution, Ghabar said: "There was a shift in momentum."

Scott, according to Ghabar, "pulled Tate to the ground in a dragging motion".

NRL judiciary - Josh Reynolds faces the judiciary at NRL Headquarters. Source: News Corp Australia

"Player Scott takes over control of the tackle," Ghabar said.

"Player Reynolds loses control of the tackle. There was no driving into the ground."

Ghabar showed six similar tackles in his evidence. Reynolds did not give evidence, nor did he speak after the hearing.

Former NSW halfback Brett Kimmorley reviews a pulsating State of Origin opener and discusses Josh Reynolds' challenge against a lifting charge.

NRL counsel Peter Kite told the panel they had "assess the degree or risk in this tackle.

"He (Reynolds) lifted and achieves a dangerous position," Kite said.

"Reynolds is the player lifting and putting player Tate into a dangerous position."

Kite said Tate's head hit the ground "with some degree of force."

NRL judiciary - Josh Reynolds faces the judiciary at NRL Headquarters. Source: News Corp Australia

The NRL has already had to deal with 17 lifting tackles this season.

"That shows a very worrying trend," said Kite, who did concede Scott played a role in the tackle.

Tate told of his fears after the game.

"I have never been more frightened in all my life," Tate said. "My legs were shaking for the next 10 minutes after that.

"If we are serious about trying to stamp this out they will crack down on it. I was legitimately shaken up about it. I didn't know where I was."

Re-live all the action from the judiciary as it happens in our live blog below:

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Killer ‘hooked on muscle pills’

Elliot Rodger details the reasons behind his mass shooting, the day before carrying out the horrific attack. WARNING: Some viewers may find disturbing.

A FRIEND of "virgin killer" Elliot Rodger has revealed he was addicted to a muscle-building supplement, which could have triggered his anger before his shooting rampage.

Chris Akin, a friend of Rodger, told the Mirror that the Isla Vista murderer started taking the supplement Creatine after a mutual friend died in a bodybuilding accident, while trying to lift a 250kg weight.

Akin, who used to Skype regularly with Rodger, 22, said he observed a change in his attitude after he began allegedly taking the supplement daily.

Akin, who lives in Chicago, told the Mirror Rodger was trying to build muscle mass to attract girls and get over his grief from losing his close friend.

While not illegal or a steroid, Creatine, an organic acid which is "typically bought in flavoured powders and mixed with liquid — increases the body's ability to produce energy rapidly. With more energy, you can train harder and more often, producing faster results," Men'sHealth.com reports. It can also be bought and consumed in a tablet form.

IN FULL: Elliot Rodger's final retribution transcript

BLAME GAME: Elliot Rodger targets his sweet childhood crush

CONNECTIONS: His links to the Men's Rights activist movement

Lost and depressed ... Elliot Rodger who went on a shooting rampage before taking his own life. Source: Supplied

Side effects of Creatine can include "weight gain, muscle cramps, muscle strains and pulls, stomach upset, diarrhoea, dizziness, high blood pressure, liver dysfunction, and kidney damage, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Muscle-building supplement ... Creatine Plus powder. Source: News Corp Australia

It is also understood it can cause mood swings and depression, but some dispute this. Bodybuilders have reported getting angry easily and hyper in online forums on the Bodybuilding.com website where Rodger regularly contributed while he was alive.

Akin said he was bullied on the website for being a loner and having a lack of women in his life.

Emotional memorial ... a student writes chalk messages on a memorial wall for slain students on the Day of Mourning and Reflection for the victims of a killing spree at University of California, Santa Barbara Picture: David McNew/Getty Images Source: AFP

Akin claimed Rodger's mass shooting rampage, death, supplement use and online bullying were linked to Rodger killing six and injuring 13 before committing suicide.

Rodger explained his deadly act in a near 140-page manifesto and chilling videos posted to YouTube where he shared his fury over still being a virgin.

The alleged Isla Vista shooter, Elliot Rodgers wrote a chilling 140 page document providing graphic details of his murderous plot. Courtesy: Fox News

"The more I dwell on this the more I realise that it may have set him off and made him turn to Creatine to drown his feelings," Akin said.

"He wasn't very different at first, but after a while it seemed like he was getting into dark places emotionally," he added.

"I could notice the anger and changes every time we spoke on Skype," he said.

In his manifesto, Rodger described a "day of retribution", on which he planned to "wage a war against all women and the men they are attracted to".

"If I can't have it, I will destroy it. I will destroy all women because I can never have them. I will make them all suffer for rejecting me," he wrote.

Thousands mourn ... people fill the bleachers at a public memorial service on the Day of Mourning and Reflection for the victims of a killing spree at University of California, Santa Barbara. Picture: David McNew/Getty Images Source: AFP

The 22-year-old student stabbed dead three male roommates in a coastal enclave in Santa Barbara County, California, before driving through his university campus on a shooting spree, killing two sorority sisters and another male student and injuring at least eight people.

As disturbing details about Rodger's misogynistic manifesto surfaced, a conversation began on Twitter over the underlying cause of gender-based violence that women experience every day.

Soon, the hashtag Yes All Women was trending in many countries, with more than 1 million short messages posted and re-tweeted as women shared their experiences and pain from sexual violence and societal inequality.

For help with emotional difficulties, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au

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Hockey’s time-twister on uni fees

Video of Joe Hockey protesting as a student against university fees from 1987. Courtesy: Nine News

THEN: Joe Hockey in 1987 protesting the introduction of 'administration fees' on the then free university system. Source: Supplied

Job ID: PD281493. The Prime Minister Tony Abbott with The Treasurer Joe Hockey, during Question Time in the House of Representatives in Parliament House Canberra. The last day of Question Time for Budget week, in the House of Representatives in Parliament House in Canberra. Pic by. Gary Ramage Source: News Corp Australia

OH, the innocence of youth. The year was 1987. The event a student protest against the introduction of university fees. The protester ... Joe Hockey.

Back then the villain was Labor Prime Minister Bob Hawke.

The politicians said they needed to spread the pain of skyrocketing education costs.

This 22-year-old University of Sydney student wouldn't have a bar of the $250 "administration fee".

Up to that point, his education had been at no personal expense.

The protest? Well, this fee was a threat to the principle of a free education for all Australians. Wasn't it?

That student is now the Treasurer.

This treasurer, like the one then, doesn't see things from the same perspective as a mere student.

This 27-year-old news report from Channel Nine is sure, however, to cause embarrassment.

Where, now, is the idealist appeal for equal education opportunities for all?

"We continue to go out onto the streets and to protest, and actively encourage the public to support us in our campaign for free education," the young Hockey said.

The older Hockey is more likely to besmirch such action and ideals.

But he did attempt to explain to Channel 10 recently that his protest, back then, was about having to pay upfront fees. There was no learn-now, pay-later HECS debt back then either.

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The secret life of Jamie Gao

Police are investigating whether a body found off a Cronulla beach could be missing man Jamie Gao.

Security vision showing a man, believed to be Jamie Gao, and two others getting out of a vehicle last Tuesday on Arab Rd, Padstow. Source: Supplied

TO HIS family and friends Jamie Gao was a normal young man with no links to the drugs or crime.

So when he vanished last week after a mysterious meeting, police initially treated it as a possible kidnapping for ransom.

The 20-year-old had spoken excitedly about the meeting but was vague on details. His friends though were left in no doubt it had great significance to him.

It is starting to become clear exactly why he was vague on details of the meeting, on Arab Rd, Padstow last Tuesday.

Police revealed today he had drugs on him and went to the meeting as part of a major drug deal.

He was last seen, via CCTV footage, getting into a white car after talking with two men.

Police say 20-year-old Jamie Gao has been murdered. Source: Supplied

"We believe there was a drug transaction. Mr Gao had drugs with him when he went to the other car," police said today.

Three kilograms of methamphetamine have been seized by police from a car the investigation team is examining.

A body, thought to be Mr Gao, has been pulled from the water at Cronulla and police have charged former Kings Cross detective Glen McNamara, 55, with his murder.

The body was wrapped in a blue tarpaulin and recovered by police this morning.

Friends of Mr Gao initially took to social media to find him but have told news.com.au they don't want to comment out of respect to his family.

Students at the Sydney University where Mr Gao studied have been shocked by his death and alleged drug involvement.

Former detective Glen McNamara is escorted to prison after appearing at Kogarah Local Court for the murder of Jamie Gao. Source: News Corp Australia

Andy Zephyr, the student association president at the University of Technology where Mr Gao studied, didn't want to be speculate on the circumstances surrounding his death before they had been confirmed by police.

There were already a lot of rumours, he said.

But the drug link was troubling.

"It is a shock … For those [at the university] that know him, it would be a shock."

However he did say something that could be done to assist students was to educate them about drugs and drug culture.

Mr Zephyr said armed with that information students could make decisions that could benefit them and their safety.

As part of the university's duty of care to students anyone upset about Mr Gao's death would be offered counselling.

Among the last conversations Mr Gao had with his friends was his excited talk about an upcoming meeting that had great significance to him.

"Jamie told friends the meeting was really important, was excited about it but wouldn't say much else," Robbery and Serious Crime Squad head Detective Superintendent Luke Moore told The Daily Telegraph.

The Commander of the Robbery and Serious Crime Squad, Detective Superintendent Luke Moore, talks to media about murder victim Jamie Gao. Source: News Corp Australia

But it appeared he wasn't fearful for his safety.

"And when he talked to friends he indicated he would be seeing them later in the day.

Until last week there was nothing in Mr Gao's background to suggest he was involved with drugs or any criminal activity.

He didn't have lots of money or a lavish lifestyle.

But Supt Moore warned: "That is not to say he may not have gotten involved in something way above his head."

Mr Gao is an only child and his mother, who owns a business in Hurstville, has cut short a trip to Hong Kong to return to Sydney.

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MasterChef ‘foodmare’ comes true

The former carpenter feels out of his depth reconstructing Christy Tania's mango dessert. Courtesy of Channel 10

Poor serve ... MasterChef Australia's Scott stresses out on camera. Source: Channel 10

MasterChef might be famous for making food dreams come true, but Monday's elimination saw Adelaide carpenter Scott Yeoman's nightmare become real.

Tasked with replicating Christy Tania's Mango Alfonso, from Melbourne restaurant Om Nom, Yeoman made mistake after mistake as he attempted to put together the 'female Zumbo's' complicated 10-element recipe.

RELATED: Emily Loo eliminated after slipping on banana dish.

"I had a dream the night before (the elimination) about a 25 page recipe with all these different elements and I couldn't believe it when I rocked up. This is coming true? What the hell?" he says adding he still has "foodmares" about the elimination, months after filming.

Tough pastry: The Mango Alfonso dessert. Source: Channel 10

Yeoman says he felt completely out of his depth as he reading through the seven page recipe for the "hardest pastry challenge ever" with its ten different cooking techniques and equipment and terms he'd never encountered before.

"It drove me insane, I was so thrown by the recipe and the fact I'd dreamt it the night before it just threw me and when you're in that deep it's really hard to get out," he says.

MORE: MasterChef confirmed to be coming back next year.

Yeoman struggled from the beginning, forgetting the lemongrass in his coconut and lemongrass foam, straining gelatine out of the mix before it had a chance to set and leaving the stabiliser out of his sorbet.

Smiling assassin: Christy Tania at least seemed to be having a good day. Source: Channel 10

Even the choux pastry disasters of his competitors, NSW bartender Jamie Fleming and WA commerce student Steven Peh, who both had to remake their dough twice, couldn't save him.

Yeoman was so far behind he was unable to remake his own choux pastry dough for a second time and he missed out on other crucial elements including the tempered chocolate. The judges called his pastry "awful" during the tasting

"I never want to look at another profiterole in my life," he says with a laugh.

Despite a glimmer of hope when Jamie's dessert collapsed off the plate, Yeoman says he knew his time was up.

"He was like 'I'm going home' and I was like "that was three hours of pain for me, and I have a gut feeling it's going to be me."

Judgement Day: The three contestants up for elimination. Source: Channel 10

The judges decided to taste all of Jamie's dish as it had all been on the plate when time was called. That meant Scott's dish was so obviously the worst of the three tasted that they didn't even bother dragging out the announcement in the usual fashion.

Since filming concluded the 32 year old carpenter from West Lakes Shore has been helping build a new restaurant and bar in Waymouth Street, Adelaide called Bread and Bone (the upstairs restaurant) and Maybe May (the downstairs bar). Expected to open in early June, Yeoman will work part time as a sons chef in the kitchen.

Building a business: Scott Yeoman working on the new Bread and Bone restaurant in Adelaide. Source: News Corp Australia

He also intends to fit out a food truck called Food Truck Fantasies which he'll tour around Australia with a little help from various mates he met on MasterChef, incorporating local ingredients into the menu.

Yeoman can't speak highly enough about his MasterChef experience and says he's excited about his career change.

"If you're passionate about something in life follow your dreams," he says. "You've got to take a risk and MasterChef opened so many doors for me. My life is changing dramatically."

Starting again had both Jamie and Steven in a panic. Courtesy of Channel 10

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‘I will slaughter every blonde s**t I see���

The alleged Isla Vista shooter, Elliot Rodgers wrote a chilling 140 page document providing graphic details of his murderous plot. Courtesy: Fox News

Scene of the shooting ... in California. Picture: France Kirsten, Twitter Source: Supplied

LESS than 24 hours after Elliot Rodger carried out the deadly rampage that left six innocent victims dead in a Caliornia college town, a 140-page manifesto penned by the mentally disturbed 22-year-old arrived at a local TV station.

In the rambling document, titled "My Twisted World", Rodger outlined his plans to take vengeance against those the female students who had rejected him.

He had sent the document to a friend who then passed it on to KEYT-TV Channel 3 in Santa Barbara, which provided a copy to The Los Angeles Times.

In cold blood ... Elliot Rodger killed six people before taking his own life. Source: Supplied

FULL TRANSCRIPT: Read Rodger's hate-filled YouTube rant

'WHY DID CHRIS DIE?': Father lashes out

KILLER WAS A 'VERY DISTURBED BOY': grandmother tells of fears

"All of those beautiful girls I've desired so much in my life, but can never have because they despise and loathe me, I will destroy," wrote Rodger, the son of Peter Rodger, an assistant director on The Hunger Games.

Elliot Rodger details the reasons behind his mass shooting, the day before carrying out the horrific attack. WARNING: Some viewers may find disturbing.

"All of those popular people who live hedonistic lives of pleasure, I will destroy, because they never accepted me as one of them. I will kill them all and make them suffer, just as they have made me suffer. It is only fair."

Rampage ... a Facebook selfie of Elliot Rodger, who stabbed to death three of his room-mates before killing three students in a drive-by shooting in Santa Barbara. Source: Supplied

The Santa Barbara City College student took his own life after his deadly rampage, which began in his own apartment.

"I would have to kill my housemates to get them out of the way," he wrote in his manifesto. "In fact, I'd even enjoy stabbing them both to death while they slept."

In his manifesto, Rodger divided his rampage up into three parts.

Deadly ... Elliot Rodger in his black BMW, which he drove during his killing spree. Source: Supplied

"On the day before the Day of Retribution, I will start the First Phase of my vengeance: Silently killing as many people as I can around Isla Vista by luring them into my apartment through some form of trickery," he wrote.

'I WILL SLAUGHTER YOU LIKE ANIMALS': chilling video

His Second Phase, he said, would represent his "War on Women".

"I will punish all females for the crime of depriving me of sex. They have starved me of sex for my entire youth, and gave that pleasure to other men," he wrote.

"In doing so, they took many years of my life away.

"I cannot kill every single female on earth, but I can deliver a devastating blow that will shake all of them to the core of their wicked hearts. I will attack the very girls who represent everything I hate in the female gender: The hottest sorority of UCSB."

Senseless killing ... student Chris Martinez was shot dead in the gun rampage. Source: No Source

The final phase, he said, would be his "ultimate showdown in the streets of Isla Vista".

In this section, he spoke of killing his family and using his parents' Mercedes SUV as "killing machines against my enemies."

Rodger also spoke of his plans for "retribtution in a chilling video posted on YouTube.

"On the day of retribution I am going to enter the hottest sorority house ... and I will slaughter every single spoiled single stuck up blonde s**t I see inside there," he said.

Earlier, Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown detailed how the horror of Rodger's rampage unfolded.

Rodger "repeatedly stabbed" three male victims at his apartment prior to the shootings in the town of Isla Vista, near the University of California's Santa Barbara campus.

Grief ... students attend a candlelight vigil in the college town of Isla Vista. Source: AFP

Once outside, Rodger targeted three women from across a street, killing two of them aged 22 and 19, Brown said.

Driving in his car, a black BMW, Rodger found his next victim, a 20-year-old student named Christopher Martinez, shooting him dead.

Police then went after him, Brown said, as Rodger shot indiscriminately at passers-by - injuring at least 13 - and drove all over the road.

Rodger was shot in the hip in a shootout, before zooming off once more and hitting a cyclist, throwing him onto the hood of his car.

"The suspect's vehicle then collided with several parked cars and came to a stop," said Brown, but Rodger "was obviously dead with an apparent gunshot wound to the head."

So much grief ... Students gather at the University of California's Santa Barbara campus in Isla Vista to pay tribute to the victins. Source: AFP

Three nine-millimeter semi-automatic handguns were recovered from the BMW — all legally purchased and registered — and Rodger had dozens of unused rounds of ammunition.

It has emerged that police had "contacts" with Rodger on three separate occasions before Friday's killings, the first time in July 2013, Brown said.

Richard Martinez, father of Christopher, choked up several times as he paid tribute to his son and blamed politicians and the gun lobby, asking in an emotional and at times angry speech:

Father's pain ... Richard Martinez, whose son Christopher was killed in the mass shooting, breaks down as he talks to the media. Source: AP

"When will this insanity stop?" "Our family has a message for every parent out there: you don't think it'll happen to your child until it does," he said, his face contorted with despair and rage.

"Chris was a really great kid, ask anyone who knew him. His death has left our family lost and broken." His voice shaking with emotion, Martinez rounded on politicians and the powerful National Rifle Association.

Hollywood family ... Elliot Rodger's father, British director Peter Rodger. Source: Getty Images

"Why did Chris die? Chris died because of craven, irresponsible politicians and the NRA," Martinez said, raising his voice.

"They talk about gun rights. What about Chris's right to live? When will this insanity stop?"

The bloodshed was just the latest in a string of gun massacres that have rocked the United States in recent years and is likely to trigger more passionate debate about gun rights.

Horrific ... Elliot Rodger took his own life after his deadly rampage in Santa Barbara. Source: Supplied

Anti-gun campaigner Michael Moore responded to the massacre by posting a statement on his Facebook profile describing America's national symbol as "the gun, not the eagle".

"With due respect to those who are asking me to comment on last night's tragic mass shooting ... I no longer have anything to say about what is now part of normal American life," Moore wrote.

A community in mourning gather for a candlelight vigil to honour the victims of Friday night's mass shooting in Santa Barbara, California. Courtesy: Instagram

"Everything I have to say about this, I said it 12 years ago: We are a people easily manipulated by fear which causes us to arm ourselves with a quarter BILLION guns in our homes that are often easily accessible to young people, burglars, the mentally ill and anyone who momentarily snaps."

Devastated students from the University of California's Santa Barbara campus hugged each other and wept as they gathered at a candelight vigil for those killed in the rampage.

Katie Cooper, shooting victim. Picture: Facebook Source: Facebook

Veronica Weiss, shooting victim. Picture: Facebook Source: Facebook

Earlier, residents at the Alpha Phi sorority reported hearing loud and aggressive banging on the front door that lasted for about two minutes. Shortly afterwards witnesses reported seeing young women standing outside shot by Rodger from across the street.

Those inside who refused to open the door were saved from certain death.

"He [Elliot] banged on the door, but no one opened the door so he just drove off and opened fire everywhere," said one student.

Alan Schifman, the lawyer for the Rodger family, said the 22-year-old was being treated by several therapists. He added that his parents and a social worker knew of his difficulties and had been so alarmed by his behaviour they had reported him to police.

Schifman said Rodger was a high-functioning patient with Asperger syndrome who had faced bullying through his schooling and had difficulty making friends.

Mass shooting ... bodies are seen covered on the ground after the mass drive-by shooting. Picture: AP Photo/KEYT, John Palminteri Source: AP

In the YouTube video, Rodger man rants about women who have allegedly rejected him, saying he doesn't understand why he is a 22-year-old virgin and wanted to seek his revenge.

He says: "Tomorrow is the day of retribution, the day in which I will have my revenge against humanity, against all of you.

"For the last eight years of my life, ever since I hit puberty I've been forced to endure an existence of loneliness, rejection and unfulfilled desires all because girls have never been attracted to me.

"Girls gave their affection and sex and love to other men, but never to me.

"I'm 22 years old and still a virgin. I've never even kissed a girl.

"I've been through college for two and a half years … and I'm still a virgin. It has been very torturous. I've had to rot in loneliness. It's not fair.

"Girls have never been attracted to me. I will punish you all for it. It's an injustice, a crime.

"On the day of retribution I am going to enter the hottest sorority house ... and I will slaughter every single spoiled single stuck up blonde s**t I see inside there."

Murder ... paramedics at the scene of the rampage next to the University of California. Picture: NOOZHAWK Source: Supplied

Bloody scene ... Seven people, including the suspected gunman, died during the shooting rampage. Picture: AP//KEYT, John Palminteri Source: AP

A student said he saw shots fired from a BMW, fatally striking one woman and critically injuring another woman.

"I heard shots, scream, pain," Michael Vitak said.

"All emotions. I hope she is going to be fine."

Wrecked car ... a BMW sedan sits wrecked on an Isla Vista sidewalk after the driver — who allegedly gunned down six people during a blocks-long shooting rampage Picture: Urban Hikers Source: Supplied

Andrew Jun, a third year economics and accounting student who witnessed the rampage, told AFP the situation was "pretty surreal." "It's unbelievable that this kind of thing can happen," he said. Other witnesses said they initially mistook the gunshots for fireworks or firecrackers.

Sienna Schwartz, her voice breaking, recalled how she came face-to-face with the gunman.

At first, she mistook the attacker's "little black pistol" for an airsoft gun. "I turned around, and I started walking the other way. He shot, and I felt like -- I just felt, like, the wind pass right by my face," Schwartz told CNN as she choked back tears.

Nine crime scenes ... night-time drive-by shooting in a student enclave next to the University of California. Picture: NOOZHAWK Source: Supplied

By grisly coincidence, in 2001, the son of Ally McBeal and The Wire television series director Daniel Attias ran down four pedestrians with his car on a crowded street just a block away from the scene of Friday's assault.

Witnesses said that part-time college student David Attias got out of the car after his deed and shouted "I am the angel of death." He was ruled insane and locked up in a state hospital after being initially convicted of second-degree murder.

If you or someone you know may be at risk of suicide contact Lifeline 13 11 14, Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36, or Salvo Care Line 1300 36 36 22.

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Hyundai recalls top-selling SUVs

Safety fears ... Hyundai is recalling all ix35s built from January 2011 to December 2013 because the airbag in the steering wheel may not be secured properly and the horn may not work. Source: Supplied

HYUNDAI is recalling every ix35 — Australia's biggest-selling small SUV — made over the past three years.

The South Korean car maker is recalling 32,525 examples of its ix35 built from January 2011 to December 2013 because the airbag in the steering wheel may not be secured properly and the horn may not work.

It is the second recall for the same model so far this year and part of a global recall of more than 137,500 Hyundai vehicles announced last week.

In January, Hyundai recalled 6193 of its ix35 SUVs due to a potentially faulty seatbelt pre-tensioner.

RELATED: Hyundai recalls 227,000 cars for brake light switch

MORE: Toyota recalls 300,000 vehicles

A statement from Hyundai about the latest safety issue said: "An incorrectly tightened bolt could result in the misalignment of the airbag module, possibly affecting its deployment, and could also affect the operation of the horn."

Hyundai says there have been no reported incidents in Australia but customers may notice a rattle in the steering wheel.

"It will not cause the airbag to deploy unintentionally," says the Hyundai Australia statement. "(But) the effectiveness of the airbag could be reduced if the bolt is not tightened properly."

Vehicle recall ... Hyundai says ix35 owners may notice a rattle in the steering wheel. Source: Supplied

A safety bulletin has been published on recalls.gov.au and Hyundai customers will be notified by mail in the coming days to have their cars checked free of charge and the bolts tightened if necessary.

During preliminary inspections only four vehicles have needed to have their airbag bolts tightened, the company says.

In April 2013, Hyundai called 227,000 cars back to dealers to fix a faulty brake light switch that affected eight models, most of its range, after News Corp Australia exclusively unearthed the fault 15 months earlier.

But that incident was not documented on recalls.gov.au because Hyundai successfully argued with authorities that potentially faulty brake lights were "not a safety issue" and the repairs could be done as a "dealer service campaign".

In its formative years Hyundai refused to issue a recall even after the front suspension assembly of 46 Hyundai Excel cars collapsed while in traffic and/or on the move in 1998.

The latest Hyundai ix35 safety campaign is the 33rd vehicle recall so far this year, including one for nine different types of Aston Martin models.

The biggest recalls so far this year were Toyota's bulletins issued in April which affected almost 300,000 vehicles: 118,600 Yaris small cars because the seats could slide forward and 179,000 HiLux utilities for a potential airbag failure.

Weird car recalls :

Land Rover: "assorted models" recalled because the indicators don't flash enough times with one touch (May 2014)

Chinese Foton ute: 316 vehicles recalled to replace the wheel jack (May 2014)

Aston Martin: all models made between 2007 and 2013 recalled because the accelerator pedal arm may break (January 2014)

Ford Falcon LPG sedan: 372 vehicles recalled because the wrong size wheels were fitted (February 2013)

Great Wall Motors: 23,000 utes and SUVs recalled because some gaskets contained asbestos (August 2012)

Holden Commodore ute: 34,432 vehicles recalled because the tailgate could pop open (July 2010)

This reporter is on Twitter: @JoshuaDowling

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This is Australia’s greatest football moment

One of Australia's greatest celebrity exports, Hugh Jackman, believes the Socceroos' World Cup opposition can underestimate them at their own peril, claiming the underdog tag will play into Australia's hands.

The Aussies celebrate John Aloisi's third goal by ripping each other's faces to shreds. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) Source: AP

FOR the next few weekends, as part of our build-up to the 2014 FIFA World Cup, we're going to bring you some exclusive extracts from one of the best Australian books ever written about football.

The book is called World Party, its author is respected freelance football writer Jesse Fink. and its subject is the Socceroos' brilliant Germany 2006 campaign. Fink travelled to Germany as both fan and reporter, recording all the colour and excitement, while gaining direct access to the players.

His hard copy book, entitled 15 Days in June, was published soon afterwards. It has since been rebadged as World Party, updated and made available in digital format. World Party just hit #1 on iTunes, and when you read some of the passages we're running, you'll understand why.

THIS WEEK: Our amazing first ever win in a World Cup finals match.

LET'S SET THE SCENE: Australia played Japan in the city of Kaiserslautern at its first match in the World Cup finals since 1974. We had never scored a single goal at the finals. Halfway through the first half, Japan notched a dodgy goal despite what appeared to be interference against Aussie goalie Mark Schwarzer.

Shunsuke Nakamura denies Mark Schwarzer a fair chance to defend a goal. In fairness, though, Australia should have conceded a penalty later through Tim Cahill which the ref somehow overlooked. Source: AP

Things were looking grim, until … we'll let Fink pick up the action with about 10 minutes to go.

THE E-BOOK EXTRACT: With just ten minutes left on the clock, it seemed Australia's great adventure was already over. Hiddink had run out of options. The Socceroos had promised so much, fought for so much territory, but there was no getting away from the gnawing feeling that they'd been shown up as pretenders by a team they'd expected to beat. The Australians weren't letting the Japanese rest for a second. Even if they nabbed a late goal, a draw wasn't going to be enough now. They'd left it too late. Or so they thought.

In Japanese Rules, former Japan coach Dettmar Cramer explained what the samurai called zanshin: 'It looks good if you take a sweeping cut [with a sword] at someone, and then just turn your back. But the fallen victim might summon up his last morsel of strength, and come back at you. So after you've taken a sweeping cut, you must remain alert until he has taken his last breath. That is zanshin. Japanese soccer does not have that.'

Typing furiously and barely raising their eyes to look at what was happening on the field, the correspondents for Australia's dailies began finessing the doomsday dispatches they'd started writing even before half-time. Where was Hiddink's famous luck? He had a nickname in Holland — 'Guus Geluk' or Lucky Guus. But the Aussies couldn't take a trick. Were we instead seeing 'He Stinks!', the inglorious nickname Korean fans had given him before his miracle run in 2002?

Then, almost on cue, it happened. Eight minutes of mayhem. The sort of eight minutes a football fan would be happy to have once in a lifetime.

This was before the game. He was hopping crazy afterwards. (AP Photo/Jorge Saenz) Source: AP

In the centre of it all was one man, Tim Cahill, a player who just years before couldn't even get a game for Australia. The son of an English father and a Samoan mother, he'd been persuaded to turn out for a Western Samoa under-20 side as a substitute when he was 14, playing just a handful of minutes. That was enough for FIFA to declare he'd never represent Australia, the country of his birth, the country he'd grown up in, scampering around the suburban fields of Sydney. For close to a decade he'd fought for the right to wear the green and gold, even threatening to go to court. He'd been on the scrapheap. One of those what-if players, like Craig Johnston, Tony Dorigo and Josip Simunic, who could have played for Australia but didn't. Then it all changed. A policy backflip. An FA Cup goal. A contract with Everton. A call-up against South Africa. When Cahill ran onto the field in the 53rd minute to replace Bresciano, he was still surfing a wave that he didn't want to get off.

Now, there were just six minutes of normal time left on the clock. A long throw-in. A scuffed shot. A scramble in the area. Goal. Cahill ran to the left corner flag, sucked the screams of 20 million Aussies into his cheeks and shadow-boxed like a champion whipping up the crowd before a title fight.

Corner flags across the world shudder in fear when Tim Cahill is near. AFP PHOTO / TORSTEN BLACKWOOD Source: AFP

He didn't overdo the celebration. He knew the battle had only just begun.

A kid who'd come up through Millwall, the toughest club in England, with five reds and 70-odd yellows in his club career, Cahill had never been afraid to ride his luck. He returned down the ground and almost instantaneously chopped down Komano on the edge of the box after the winger had jinked in off the goal line. It was a foul. But Essam Abdel Fatah, the harried Egyptian ref, was probably still trying to figure out if he'd been right awarding the first goal to make a decision. Minutes later, Takashi Fukunishi was played into space by Shinji Ono. He steamed into the box, sidestepped Neill and let rip. The ball missed the inside netting by inches. Now there were just 60 seconds left. The play returned to the Australian half. John Aloisi, on for Wilkshire, collected the ball on the edge of the box, and laid it up square. Cahill was there. He tapped the ball forward with the bottom of his heel and swung his leg back like a golfer chipping onto the lip of a green. Goal. Australia had the lead for the first time in the match.

Cahill has now scored 31 times for Australia in 67 appearances. Source: News Limited

Now it was Japan that had run out of time.

The third from Aloisi, a left-footed, defender-boondoggling slalom, was just too much for Japan to process. What had they done to deserve such misery? What had we done to deserve such fortune?

True story. When John Aloisi's daughter was little, she used to run around the room with her shirt over her head because she'd seen her dad do it so often on the telly. Source: News Limited

Goal. Goal. Goal. 3—1 to Australia. Zico dipped his head. Three points, his three points, had been stolen from him by a team he hadn't rated at all. When the whistle blew, the sound of delete keys being tapped frenetically on journalists' laptops was only drowned out by the cheering.

Want to read the rest of Jesse's book? Just $3.99 and it's all yours!

TITLE: Our three goals. Enjoy.

SIZE: 650x366px

CAPTION: Hope this happens again in Brazil

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Vivid drowning victim named

Investigators are retracing the final steps of a man who drowned at the Vivid Festival on Sydney Harbour.

Distraught ... A woman who helped the police search talks to officers: Gordon McComiskie Source: News Corp Australia

FRIENDS and loved ones of a man who fell and drowned in Darling Harbour during the first night of the Vivid Festival have paid emotional tribute to the "greatest guy" they knew.

Brendan Hickey, an Irishman based in Randwick, died after accidentally plunging into the water at Cockle Bay Wharf at about 11pm on Friday.

Two friends jumped into the harbour fully-clothed and desperately tried to save the 34-year-old before water police arrived.

Divers recovered the body at 1:30am yesterday.

34-year-old Brendan Hickey. Source: Supplied

The tragic death has prompted an outpouring of grief on Facebook, with Hickey described as "the greatest guy I knew" by Suzanne Colgan.

"I cannot believe this sad news," wrote Fiona Syombua. "Brendan Hickey (was) very happy, ever smiling, gone too soon. I will always live to remember you."

Another friend, Joanne Pizel, wrote: "I just heard the news. Totally shocked. So terrible :-(. Can't imagine what you are going through. Thinking of you all."

Hickey's family did not want to comment yesterday when contacted by The Sunday Telegraph but believe his death was an accident.

Police said there was no suggestion of "skylarking" with witnesses saying they heard a splash and then saw a man in the water.

It has not yet been established if alcohol or other substances were a factor.

"We haven't been able to confirm (whether it was) a trip, a fall or a push," Marine Area Command Acting Superintendent Joe McNulty said.

Officers are examining CCTV footage.

The frantic search for Hickey played out as the Vivid light show with blaring dance music continued with thousands of people seemingly unaware of the unfolding tragedy.

Vivid organisers said they were "shocked and saddened ... by this tragic incident and express our condolences to the family and friends of the deceased man".

Police and partygoers look on as the search starts. Picture: Gordon McComiskie Source: News Corp Australia

The scene last night. Picture: Gordon McComiskie Source: News Corp Australia

Police sealed off the area as divers moved in. Picture: Gordon McComiskie Source: News Corp Australia

The scene where the tragedy occurred. Picture: Gordon McComiskie Source: News Corp Australia

There were reports that the man was a poor swimmer, but Acting Superintendent Joe McNulty, Commander of the Marine Area Command said that has not been confirmed.

"His friends have been very emotionally affected by the incident which hasn't helped us with the investigation to date," he said.

"We haven't been able to confirm a trip, a fall or a push. There is no suggestion of skylarking at this stage.

"Witnesses said they heard a splash and they saw the 34-year-old man in the water."

A full-scale helicopter search was launched to look for the man who fell into the water and disappeared outside Home Nightclub about 11pm.

In tears ... The man's friend who dove in the water to join the search Picture: Gordon McComiskie Source: News Corp Australia

Police at the spot where the man fell. Picture: Gordon McComiskie Source: News Corp Australia

Emergency services scour the pier for the missing man. Picture: Gordon McComiskie Source: News Corp Australia

The victim's friends, a man and a woman, dived in after him fully-clothed before water police arrived and divers entered the water and searched under the wooden pier he had fallen from.

The frantic search played out as the Vivid light show with blaring dance music continued with thousands of people besides those close by seemingly unaware of the unfolding tragedy.

"At first I thought someone had lost their wallet, and then it got really urgent with people jumping in," Stephan Odisho said.

James Harb said "no one saw him go in but then a guy and a girl jumped in after him screaming his name. They should've stopped the performance."

The enormity of the situation became apparent to those crowding the harbour's edge as police pushed people back and an Ambulance NSW helicopter descended and shone its light into the water.

Police and the public scour the water's edge. Picture: Gordon McComiskie Source: News Corp Australia

A police diver in the water. Picture: Gordon McComiskie Source: News Corp Australia

A diver searches an area next to the pier where the man fell. Picture: Gordon McComiskie Source: News Corp Australia

Police said they could not yet confirm if the victim was affected by alcohol or other substances until toxicology tests are undertaken.

"Our investigators are looking into events that led up to the incident , where they were during the evening," Acting Superintendent McNulty said.

Police are keen to speak to any person who saw the man who entered the water. Investigators are also examining CCTV footage from nearby venues to determine how the man ended up in the water.

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Kim and Kanye: A love story

As 'the wedding of the century' edges ever closer, high profile guests have began flocking into Paris for the Kimye extravaganza that is Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's wedding.

WHETHER you love them or hate them, the Kim Kardashian, Kanye West wedding is set to have the world talking this weekend. What will Kim wear, where will they exchange vows, how big will the reception be, and will the groom crack a grin ...

But long before they were Kimye and parents; before they were lovers, or a mega couple, they were just good buds.

Eye on the prize ... Kim Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian and Kanye West in 2008. Source: Getty Images

GALLERY: Kardashian wedding fever

GALLERY: Kimye's most unguarded pictures

Let's take a look at how it all began.

Beginnings

Socialite Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian at North Bondi Beach in Sydney. Picture: Toby Zerna Source: News Corp Australia

Cast your mind back to 2006 when Paris Hilton was the 'It' girl of the day, the millionaire socialite whose fame grew immeasurably after the release of her sex tape with former boyfriend Rick Salomon.

Hilton took a trip down under where she frolicked in the warm waters of Bondi Beach with her bestie, none other than Kim Kardashian.

Kim Kardashian drew a crowd on Bondi Beach in 2006. Picture: Toby Zerna Source: News Corp Australia

Kim, herself, was a girl about town in L.A. Her father Rob Kardashian was the main defence lawyer at the O.J. Simpson murder trial in the early 90s. Her mother Kris Jenner had married former Olympian Bruce Jenner.

In 2000, at the tender age of 19 Kim married music producer Damon Thomas. Sadly the relationship didn't last, but it was around this time that Kim first became friends with Paris Hilton.

Rumours begin

In 2007, just prior to the premier of E! Entertainment's Keeping Up With The Kardashians a sex tape was leaked of Kim and former boyfriend, rapper Ray J. Kim was dating footballer Reggie Bush at the time.

It was around this time that reports linking Kardashian and West start ...

2009: NFL Player Reggie Bush and Kim Kardashian. Source: Getty Images

In 2008 West breaks off his engagement with fashion designer Alexis Pheifer, who he'd been with since 2002.

2007: Alexis Pfeiffer, Kanye West and Kim Kardashian an event in L.A. Source: Getty Images

A tangled affair

Kanye starts a relationship with model Amber Rose, the pair are pictured looking happy and in-love, but Rose maintains she was undermined by Kim who repeatedly tried to start affairs with West.

On the rocks ... Kanye West and model Amber Rose in 2009. Source: Getty Images

Kanye West and Amber Rose in 2009. Source: Getty Images

Awkward double date ... Kanye West, Milla Jovovich, Kim Kardashian and Reggie Bush attend New York Fashion Week in 2009. Source: Getty Images

Kim's relationship was complicated by her sex-tape, with Ray J. Both couples broke things off in 2010 but Kim and Kanye publicly maintained they were 'just friends'.

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West pictured hanging out inside the future Dash store in Soho, downtown Manhattan. Source: Splash News Australia

She fell in love with 'him'

2011 ... Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries. Source: Getty Images

Kardashian started seeing NBA basketballer Kris Humphreys in October 2010.

In his song, Way Too Cold, West penned the lyric:

"And I'll admit, I had fell in love with Kim

Around the same time she had fell in love with him' alluding to Kim's relationship with Humphries, who was playing with the New Jersey Jets, which was owned by West's close friend, rapper Jay-Z.

The line is followed by: "Well that's cool, baby girl, do ya thang

Lucky I ain't had Jay drop him from the team".

Looking back, Kanye needn't have worried. Kim famously filed for divorce after just 72 days citing 'irreconcilable differences'.

Kim and Kanye make it official

Finally the scene is set for 'Kimye' to bloom.

Happy in love ... Kim Kardashian and Kanye West talk from their courtside seats at the 2012 NBA Playoffs. Source: Getty Images

Power couples. Singer Beyonce, rappers Jay-Z and Kanye West and television personality Kim Kardashian attend the 2012 BET Awards. Source: Getty Images

Obviously ecstatic over finally being in his dream relationship West famously told his future mother-in-law Kris on her talk show: "There's times when I wasn't with [Kim], I wanted to be with her so bad I thought about taking up sports".

Late in 2012 rumours swirled that Kimye was expecting a bundle of joy, which only fuelled the world's obsession with the famously public, yet somehow private pair.

In May, while heavily pregnant, Kim copped a savaging from fashion writers everywhere for her custom-made Ricardo Tisci floral dress.

Floral fail ... Kim Kardashian and Kanye West attend the 2013 Costume Institute Gala. Source: Getty Images

Cheating rumours

The pair stuck together that year amid claims by a Canadian model that she'd slept with West during Kim's pregnancy. The Kim look-alike alleged Kanye had said his relationship was "for publicity and nothing serious."

Canadian model Leyla Ghobadi has been linked to Kanye. Pictures: Leyla Ghobadi Facebook Source: Facebook

Ghobadi later backtracked on the statement saying her affair with West actually happened years before he was with Kardashian.

Meanwhile the couple welcomed their daughter, North.

Now a mum, Kim wasted no time in reminding everyone of her most famous asset.

Picture: Kim Kardashian/Instagram Source: Supplied

And sharing their love for the world to see on social media.

Kimye went from strength to strength as Kanye romantically proposed to Kim at a baseball game.

US rapper Kanye West rents out an entire baseball field as he proposes to reality star Kim Kardashian. Courtesy mels239/YouTube

On the cover of Vogue Magazine

Kim and Kanye on the cover of Vogue Magazine. Source: Supplied

The duo appeared on the cover of Vogue Magazine, which broke sales records around the world, much to the disgust of many who felt that Vogue had lowered their standards by featuring the reality star on its iconic cover.

Kanye hit out at naysayers: "t here's no way Kim Kardashian shouldn't be on the cover of Vogue. She's like the most intriguing woman right now."

But the pair looked loved-up and happy as they posed for the photoshoot.

The wedding of the year

Now as we enter the countdown to the wedding. The streets of Paris are filled with excitement, love and above-all Kardashians as they plan the final parts of the wedding.

Kardashians hit fever pitch

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Live: Geelong v North Melbourne

Brent Harvey and Joel Selwood clash in the second quarter. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Corp Australia

A BLISTERING first half has Geelong well placed against North Melbourne at Simonds Stadium.

Looking to defy the Perth curse, the Cats have been full of running and lead 10.9 (69) to 5.4 (34).

The Kangaroos haven't been able to get near the ball but are doing just enough to stay in touch.

FOLLOW THE ACTION AND JOIN THE CONVERSATION IN OUR LIVE CHAT

Geelong full forward Tom Hawkins is in top form and his kicked three goals while setting up several others for his teammates.

James Kelly and Jimmy Bartel are leading with way for the Cats with 23 and 17 touches respectively.

Levi Greenwood and Brent Harvey have 15 possessions each while Lindsay Thomas has two goals.

Both teams have been hit by early injuries.

Geelong lost key defender Tom Lonergan to concussion and he was subbed out for Mark Blicavs.

Kangaroos defender Joel Tippett suffered a suspected torn pectoral muscle with Ryan Bastinac poised to replce him.

GEELONG v NORTH MELBOURNE

Friday 23 May at Simonds Stadium, 7.50pm (EST)

CATS

B: J.Rivers, T.Lonergan, C.Enright

HB: A.Mackie, H.Taylor, C.Guthrie

C: M.Blicavs, J.Selwood, M.Duncan

HF: T.Varcoe, H.McIntosh, M.Stokes

F: J.Murdoch, T.Hawkins, J.Bartel

Foll: D.Simpson, J.Kelly, G.Horlin-Smith

I/C: J.Bews, J.Sheringham, S.Motlop, J.Stringer

Emg: T.Hunt, J.Jansen, J.Walker

INS: M.Stokes, J.Stringer

OUTS S.Johnson (suspended), T.Hunt

KANGAROOS

B: L.McDonald, J.Tippett, L.Hansen

HB: N.Dal Santo, S.Thompson, L.Greenwood

C: S.Gibson, A.Swallow, R.Nahas

HF: L.Thomas, A.Black, L.Adams

F: M.Daw, D.Petrie, B.Harvey

Foll: T.Goldstein, J.Ziebell, B.Cunnington

I/C: R.Bastinac, M.Firrito, S.Atley, S.Wright

Emg: L.Anthony, S.McMahon, M.Wood

INS: M.Firrito

OUTS S.McMahon

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Thai general declares coup official

In control ... Thai army soldiers have surrounded a building containing the nation's leaders after their general declared a coup d'etat. Picture: Nicolas ASFOURI Source: AFP

Coup announced ... General Prayuth Chan-Ocha announces on national television that the army has now taken control of all government functions. Source: Supplied

THAILAND'S army has officially staged a coup, saying it is taking control of the country's government.

As troops moved to surround a building where government talks on the nation's crisis were scheduled to begin, General Prayuth Chan-Ocha declared the coup d'etat on national television.

"In order for the country to return to normal quickly the National Peace Keeping Committee comprised of the army, the Thai armed forces, the Royal Air Force and the police need to seize power as of May 22 at 4.30 pm," the army chief said.

The opponents in Thailand's political were meeting today for a second round of talks being mediated by the country's army chief.

Martial law was invoked on Tuesday and the nation's politicians summoned in what the general said was an effort to end six months of turmoil.

The closed-door talks at an army facility in Bangkok were taking place after the army gave itself expansive powers and broadly censoring the media. Most Thais had been watching the talks with a mix of scepticism and hope.

Suthep Thaugsuban, who has been leading more than six months of anti-government protests, was led away as hundreds of extra troops surrounded the venue.

"All Thais must remain calm and government officials must work as normal,'' the general said.

Other protest leader present at the talks were also later seen being taken away by the army, although it was unclear whether they had been formally detained.

Many of the country's highest-profile figures were summoned for the gathering of political enemies. They included the acting prime minister — who declined to attend Wednesday's first round of talks but sent four representatives in his place — and anti-government protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban, as well as Suthep's rival from the pro-government Red Shirt group, Jatuporn Prompan.

Also summoned for the negotiations were leaders of the ruling Pheu Thai party and the opposition Democrat Party, as well as the five-member Election Commission and representatives from the Senate, which has anti-government members pushing a plan to replace the government with an appointed leader.

In a televised announcement on Thursday, the army said the ``meeting to solve the political conflict'' would enter its second phase later in the day, and that the army chief ``would like to invite'' the political leaders to return.

Background

The long-running political crisis broadly pits a Bangkok-based royalist elite and its backers against the billionaire family of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

Thaksin, a former tycoon-turned-populist politician, was ousted by the military in a coup in 2006 but still enjoys strong support, particularly in rural northern Thailand.

His sister Yingluck Shinawatra was dismissed as prime minister earlier this month in a controversial court ruling after months of protests seeking her overthrow.

Her supporters have warned of possible civil war if opposition demonstrators achieve their goal of seeing an unelected interim premier take power to oversee vaguely defined reforms widely seen as a bid to cripple the Thaksin family's political power.

The military intervened three days ago when it declared martial law - but denied the takeover was a coup.

The English-language Bangkok Post ran a commentary Thursday titled ``Coup or No Coup, Task Ahead Is Huge.'' The column questioned the military's intentions and its stated goal of imposing martial law to bring about a democratic solution.

``Will the army chief be able to persuade politicians to bridge their differences and start talking, to place the national interest beyond that of their own? No one knows,'' the column said. ``At this stage, the people realise they have no choice but to place their trust in the army chief.''

Suthep's anti-government movement, which started in November, had blocked elections and vowed to overthrow the Thai government. Thousands of his supporters were gathered in Bangkok's historic district near the prime minister's office compound, which has been vacant for months due to security concerns.

Tensions high

Thousands of the pro-government Red Shirt protesters are holding their own rally on the outskirts of Bangkok and say they will not tolerate the removal of the elected government.

One of the army's explanations for declaring martial law was to avoid feared clashes between the two sides, and more violence in a crisis that has already left 28 people dead and hundreds injured, many by drive-by shootings and grenades hurled at protest sites.

Highlighting the threat of violence, the army announced Thursday that it had made five seizures of weapons this week in the provinces, including grenades, semiautomatic rifles and ammunition. The army said it had no immediate proof the weapons were related to political violence.

Thailand has been gripped by bouts of political turmoil since 2006, when the army toppled then-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra after he was accused of corruption, abuse of power and other charges levelled by the country's ruling elite.

His overthrow triggered a power struggle that in broad terms pits Thaksin's supporters from the country's rural majority against a conservative establishment in Bangkok that felt threatened by Thaksin's popularity.

The latest round of unrest started in November, when demonstrators took to the streets to try to oust Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, Thaksin's sister. She dissolved the lower house of Parliament in December in a bid to ease the crisis, and later led a weakened caretaker government until a court dismissed her for nepotism. The ruling was viewed by her supporters as politically motivated.

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MasterChef’s banana disaster

On tonights MasterChef Australia, Emily gets knocked out of the competition. Courtesy: Network Ten

Banana split ... Masterchef Contestant Emily Loo. Picture: Martin Philbey Source: Channel 10

EMILY Loo is the fifth contestant eliminated from MasterChef and it comes after a banana disaster of epic proportions.

The 31-year-old resort sales co-ordinator slipped up big time in a sudden death cook-off against Sean Baxter and Steven Peh. Loo's exit follows that of Nick Doyle earlier in the week.

Loo crashed into the bottom three after a crab/apricot jam/honey combo was panned by the judges.

Worse was to come when Loo grabbed bananas, panko crumbs and condensed milk for the elimination challenge where the bottom three had to cook a dish with three ingredients in ten minutes.

Everyone assumed that Loo would make banana fritters and be safe. Instead, she deep-fried the bananas and then coated them in condensed milk and the crumb. The dish was a debacle.

The judges taste Emily's Sweet and Sour Chicken. Courtesy: Network Ten

"The problem was a lack of self-confidence," Loo says. "During that time I was pretty upset that I wasn't doing a good job and I started thinking 'what's happening to me?'

"Partially that was because of the stress but I was also sleep deprived and that meant I couldn't think well.

"Lack of sleep was a big issue. If I don't get at least five hours sleep I'm not able to think straight.

"There is nothing wrong with MasterChef pushing me harder because they have high expectations. Making the Top 24, I also had high expectations. I was quite disappointed to go home."

Contestant Emily Loo had a major banana slip-up. Source: Channel 10

Loo says her elimination hasn't dented her future restaurant plans. She is currently working at a Brisbane eatery The Black Bird Bar and Grill.

Loo wants to open her own open-air restaurant specialising in Asian fusion cuisine on Moreton Island.

"Up until now my cooking style has been very traditional but I want to learn some new skills and techniques.

"I want to work in French and modern Australian restaurants to learn those new techniques. It is very important to get those techniques right if I want to open my own restaurant."

"MasterChef has been a wake-up call for me. It has given me a better sense of direction for the future."

Peh stayed in the competition despite some bad filleting of his John Dory. Fortunately the fish was perfectly cooked and the combination of roasted peanuts and salty samphire was a hit.

Baxter plated up liver, bacon and raisins. The judges picked up on some inconsistencies after Baxter stewed one lot of liver and cooked the other in a different pan. Despite that, it was a flavoursome dish.

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Abbott forced to defend daughter

Tony Abbott has been forced to defend his daughter Frances, pictured left on election night. Photo by Gary Ramage Source: News Limited

PRIME Minister Tony Abbott is strongly defending the career of one of his daughters after questions were raised over whether she had benefited from favours to her father by a friend.

Frances Abbott in 2011 won a $60,000 scholarship to the Whitehouse Institute of Design whose chairman Les Taylor is a longtime friend and supporter of Mr Abbott.

She graduated in 2013 with a bachelor degree, The Guardian reported today.

Frances, 22, is now working for Whitehouse in Melbourne as a teacher's aide and aims to study for her masters degree later this year.

There is no evidence she did not earn her degree on merit or that she was not entitled to her current job. And Mr Abbott's office said, in a statement to news.com.au, that Frances won the scholarship "based on her application and art portfolio".

Tonight Mr Abbott's office said the Clerk of the House of Representatives had confirmed there was no requirement for the Prime Minister to have declared the scholarship.

"The Clerk of the House has further advised that there are no obvious provisions in the Members' interests that would require the declaration of such a scholarship nor is there any reference in the more detailed notes provided to members for their guidance in making declarations that such scholarships need to be declared," said a statement.

Frances Abbott (right), pictured with sister Bridget, won a $60,000 scholarship to the Whitehouse Institute of Design. Picture by Robert Wallace/Splash News Source: Supplied

However, The Guardian today raised questions about the awarding of the scholarship and whether Mr Abbott should have declared it on his register of interests.

He had declared a gift of suits from Mr Taylor in February 2012 and April 2013.

"Members of Parliament are required to disclose gifts above specified threshold limits with additional requirements for ministers where a gift is retained," a statement from Mr Abbott's office read.

"Mr Abbott has known Mr Les Taylor for many years and when in Opposition, he received clothing from him as a gift.

"While gifts from personal friends do not require disclosure, for the avoidance of doubt, Mr Abbott elected to declare the clothing.

"While the exact cost of the gifts were not known, it was clear they were higher than the $300 threshold and were appropriately disclosed with Mr Abbott providing all the information required by an Opposition member."

Sisters Bridget and Frances (far right) with their parents Margie and Tony Abbott and Prince Harry. Source: Supplied

The statement confirmed Frances had won a chairman's scholarship and said this had been "based on her application and art portfolio".

"Under the Statement of Registrable Interests, a scholarship is not a gift, it is an award based on merit and disclosure is not required," the statement said.

"If alternative advice is provided, Mr Abbott will meet the amended requirements.

"Frances graduated with distinction-level results from Whitehouse in December 2013. She has since moved to Melbourne where she works for Whitehouse as a teacher's aide and hopes to study for her Masters later this year."

Institute director Leanne Whitehouse was quoted by The Guardian saying "Frances definitely was a student with us and received a chairman's scholarship".

The Guardian said Ms Whitehouse "declined to detail how many times the chairman's scholarship has been awarded previously, but the institute's website makes no references to the scholarship and states the institute 'does not currently offer scholarships to gain a place into the Bachelor of Design'."

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McIllroy-Wozniacki wedding called off

Former world No. 1 golfer Rory McIlroy has broken off his engagement to tennis star Caroline Wozniacki. Source: Getty Images

Former world No.1 golfer Rory McIlroy on Wednesday announced he had broken off his engagement to Danish tennis player Caroline Wozniacki only days after sending out the wedding invitations.

The 25-year-old Northern Irishman and two-time major champion said the issuing of the invitations had made him aware that he was not ready for marriage.

"There is no right way to end a relationship that has been so important to two people," he explained through a statement issued by his Dublin-based communications consultants.

"The problem is mine," McIlroy said.

"The wedding invitations issued at the weekend made me realise that I wasn't ready for all that marriage entails.

"I wish Caroline all the happiness she deserves and thank her for the great times we've had. I will not be saying anything more about our relationship in any setting."

Wozniacki is a former world No.1 on the WTA tour but sits 14th in the latest women's rankings.

McIlroy has dropped to 10th in the latest men's golf rankings.

Rory McIlroy and Caroline Wozniacki at the Olympic Village in London in 2012. Source: Getty Images

The golden sporting couple announced their short-lived engagement last New Year's Eve.

They posted pictures of themselves on Twitter with a diamond ring.

"Happy New Year everyone! I have a feeling it's going to be a great year!! My first victory of 2014 #shesaidyes!!" McIlroy wrote.

Wozniacki posted: "Happy New Year everyone! Rory and I started 2014 with a bang! ... I said YES !"

The engagement came after rumours of a split in 2013.

McIlroy captured his first major title at the 2011 US Open and added another at the 2012 PGA Championship.

Wozniacki, 23, still seeks her first grand slam title, her deepest run in a major being to the 2009 US Open final.

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Why we all love Ricky ‘The Seducer’ Martin

He's the latin sensation with all the moves, but is Ricky Martin still seducing viewers as a coach on The Voice Australia?

Ricky Martin has struck a chord with Aussie viewers on The Voice. Source: Getty Images

HE'S one of the world's most successful entertainers, has sold over 70 million albums and is charming Aussie viewers on Nine's The Voice.

This is Ricky Martin's second season on the panel, and the spunky coach — who has been dubbed 'The Seducer' by fellow coach will.i.am — is proving more popular with contestants and viewers than ever before.

WHOA! Ricky posts rig-tastic shirtless pic

STORY TIME: will.i.am's weirdest one-liners

So, what is it about the Puerto Rican pop star that has everyone wanting him to swivel his chair in their direction?

Ricky has the moves to make us all swoon:

Anyone who witnessed the Latino superstar's high energy performance at this year's Billboard Music Awards will agree — at 42, he's still got it.

Ricky Martin performs his hit song Vida at the 2014 Billboard Music Awards. Source: AFP

He's been in the game for 30 years:

At just 12 years of age Ricky joined the Puerto Rican boy band Menudo, ready to take on the music world. He describes his time with the band as "five years of intense discipline". He conquered the English-speaking music market and today is credited with helping to bring Latino music to the rest of the world.

Ricky is the ultimate doting dad:

The handsome star has adorable five-year-old twin boys who travel the world with him. Valentino and Matteo were born via surrogacy in 2008 and Martin revealed in an interview with 60 Minutes that he would love to have more children. "I want daddy's little girl," he said.

Ricky Martin spends some father-son time with his twins in Sydney. Source: Splash News Australia

Ricky is ageless:

Ricky Martin might be in his 40s, but he doesn't look a day over 25. We'll have what he's having!

Ricky Martin on the set of The Voice. Source: Supplied

Ricky Martin back in 2005. Source: AFP

He inspired fans around the world by coming out:

Martin made the decision to tell the world he was gay in 2010, ending years of speculation about his sexuality. He often says he wishes he could come out all over again, to encourage those who are struggling with their own sexuality.

"It really feels amazing, and then when it happens you realise all your fears were in your head. At least the amount of support I received not only from the media, obviously my fans, my family was amazing, and unfortunately society just pushes us to believe that out feelings are evil", he told Kiis FM's Kyle and Jackie O last week.

The smile that melts the hearts of fans worldwide. Source: Getty Images

Ricky loves Australia:

How can we not have a soft spot for a celebrity who openly declares their love for our great nation? Martin toured Down Under in 2013, playing 11 incredible shows and describes Australia as "an addiction."

"The love and the passion of Australians really is beautiful," he told Fairfax Media earlier this year.

"It's an addiction. You guys are a vice. I'll always be thankful for anything I've done in Australia. My kids have been around the world with me and all they ever ask is, 'When are we going back to Australia?'"

The recently single superstar, who split from his longtime partner Carlos Gonzalez Abella earlier this year, is the first coach to fill his team this season. Only time will tell if Martin can lead one of his contestants to Voice victory.

The smile that melts the hearts of fans worldwide. Source: Getty Images

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