Good night's snooze a web click away

A new online program has had success teaching people new behaviours that can help them get a better night's sleep. Picture: Thinkstock Source: Supplied

DO insomniacs dream of electric sleep?

The answer may not be that far off, with a new online program set to help thousands of restless Aussies get that much-needed night of shut-eye.

A US web-based training course, SHUTi, is being brought to Australia as part of a study into the effects of insomnia and depression.

It's been touted as one of the world's first online treatments to help people get a good night's sleep by changing their behaviour.

While it may sound like self-help, the program has been clinically-proven in a US study which found a number of adult insomniacs reporting significant improvement in their sleeping patterns.

Through tutorials and modules, the web course trains people to change their sleeping habits and the way they think about snoozing.

Techniques range from encouraging people to avoid sleep-blocking stimulants like caffeine and alcohol; reading or watching TV before bed; and ways to shut that annoying voice that warns of the doom that awaits insomnia.

A local version of the study was launched to coincide with the 2012 International Black Dog Lecture, hosted by mental health body the Black Dog Institute.

The institute aims to recruit about 1600 volunteers to take part in the study, which will research the link between insomnia, depression and other mental health issues.

The Australian study will be much bigger than the US one because it's based on a population study, and aims to prevent, rather than treat, mood disorders, anxiety and depression.

The institute's Helen Christensen, who is leading the study, said while taking an online approach to mental health was not new, the research is the first which applies psychological intervention for insomnia and depression.

Professor Christensen said that the findings of the research could have global repercussions.

"If we are able to show this (program) effectively reduces the development of depression and other disorders, then it really is a major weapon in the war against depression," she said.

"That's because it can be developed to the population at large and that it can be disseminated globally."

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Man yelled 'Help me!'' when shot

There are reports a man has been shot in Sydney's inner west

A crime scene has been established. Picture: Bill Hearne Source: The Daily Telegraph

Source: The Daily Telegraph

A SECOND Comanchero bikie has been gunned down in just three days in what police suspect is a brutal internal conflict between members of the outlaw motorcycle gang.

The 28-year-old man was shot four times in the stomach just before 5am inside a carpark at Rhodes, in Sydney's inner west. 

Residents rushed to the man's aid after hearing his repeated calls of "help me help me''.

Police were called to Rider Boulevard in Rhodes around 4.50am after a man was shot outside the Rhodes Shopping Centre.

It is believed the man was shot about 400m further up the road with a blood trail marking his desperate attempts to reach help.

The attack comes two days after fellow Comanchero Faalau Pisu, 23, was fatally wounded outside a wedding reception in Canley Vale.

The acting head of the Organised Crime Squad, Arthur Katsogiannis, said police didn't believe a rival club was responsible.

"We don't believe ... that it is a conflict between rival gangs," acting Detective Chief Superintendent Katsogiannis told reporters in Sydney.

"We believe ... that it is a contained conflict within the Comanchero."

He called for calm, saying the public shouldn't fear a gang war.

"The important thing for us is to reassure the community that we're not looking at open gang warfare," he said.

Today's victim was to undergo surgery at Westmead hospital and early reports from doctors to police indicate he will survive.

The man, who's described as being of Middle Eastern appearance, left a trail of blood before he collapsed in front of a construction site, just metres from Rhodes Waterside shopping centre.

Police marked a path of 44 blood spatters that led past the Rhodes train station, cafes and unit blocks.

"There was a man was on the ground and screaming,'' a construction worker at a nearby building site, who asked not to be named, told AAP.

"He was shot in his chest, on the upper-right hand side. Blood was pouring out and he was screaming.

"The cops told me it was a bikie shooting.''

Detectives are currently investigating two crime scenes - one near where the man was found near a construction site in Rider Boulevarde - and the second near a carpark in Walker St.

Earlier, paramedics treated the man in the back of their ambulance while a police officer drove the vehicle to Westmead Hospital.

A second ambulance was called to assist before they reached the hospital.

The offender has not yet been found.

Police established a crime scene and blocked off Rider Blvd and Mary St.

A discarded pair of work boots and a bloodied shirt has been found in the middle of the Rider Blvd.

Anyone with information on this incident should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Four share in record lotto draw

A few very lucky people are pinching themselves this morning after winning a share of a record Oz lotto jackpot.

Lotto trade was disrupted at a Logan newsagency after ramraiders smashed their way in

Date/Time: 2012:11:06 20:03:52 Source: news.com.au

A WOMAN thought she was the victim of a prank when told she had won almost $28 million in Tuesday night's $100m Oz Lotto draw.

The mother, who scooped $27,993,037.76, received a phone call from Tattslotto last night alerting her to her Division 1 prize, The Herald Sun reports.

But Tatts Group spokeswoman Elissa Lewis said the woman did not initially believe she had won, saying "are you serious?" several times.

"If I accidentally hang up, call me back please!", said the winner, who does not want to be identified.

"I don't drink often but I'll be popping a bottle of champagne now!"

A group of 80 punters in a Victorian syndicate also claimed a chunk of the $100 million draw, sharing their own $27,993,037.76 windfall - along with other divisional prizes.

Each member will claim a first division share of $349,913.

The woman was one of lucky Aussies have become instant multimillionaires after claiming a chunk in the record $100m Oz Lotto jackpot.

The four golden-ticket holders were spread across Victoria, Queensland and NSW and will pocket a ritzy $27.9m each.

An ACT family bought their ticket while on a family holiday in NSW.

The Queensland winner has yet to be notified.

The record lottery crashed websites across the country as people logged on to check their numbers.

The winning numbers are 29, 43, 8, 7, 15, 2, 13. The supps are 21 and 20.

Tatts Group public relations manager Elissa Lewis said winners had not yet been notified.

"It was a new Australian record we have set tonight,'' Ms Lewis said.

"We don't know a lot of detail yet because there are so many entries but we urge anyone who thinks they have a Division One ticket to call.''

A further 64 lucky Aussies held the winning ticket for Division Two

Almost 3.5 million Aussies will share in the prize pool which rocketed from $100m to almost $112m after people flocked to buy tickets in the biggest lottery in Australian history.

The $112m jackpot beats the 2009 record when a guaranteed jackpot of $90 million surged to just over $106m.

Roughly one in every two Australian adults -- about 7.5 million people -- were expected to buy a ticket in tonight's draw.

Next weeks draw will fall back to $2 million.

People who believed they had won the jackpot should call 1300 556 646.
 

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Melbourne Cup too racy for the Brits

Source: HWT Image Library

UPDATE: RACEGOERS pictured pole dancing and passed out amongst rubbish at the Melbourne Cup have stolen the headlines in the UK, prompting British readers to suggest Aussies are rough and mannerless.

While Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, enjoyed the sights of the race, The Daily Mail online said they would have been "shocked" if they saw the behaviour of some of the crowd.

The website splashed images of men and women flaked out on the grass and one doing an impromptu pole dance with an umbrella across its website, with the headline: "And you thought Ascot was going to the dogs! Things get a little messy at Aussies' big day out at the Melbourne Cup''.

Are you one of the revellers pictured on the Daily Mail? Contact our newsdesk on (03) 9292 1226 or email us here

"Down by the course, men and women were flaked out on the grass after a boozy day, girls drank straight from champagne bottles - one even staged an impromptu pole dance - while the detritus from the day built up shamefully around them,'' the website says.

The images prompted hundreds of comments on the website, calling it "disgusting behaviour".

VIP to the stars Melissa Hoyer chats with Delta Goodrem, Kyly Clarke and Sophie Monk and talks fashion at this years Melbourne Cup.

Was the Daily Mail out of line? Scroll below to have your say

"But that's the point, dear, we DID ship the rubbish out and got rid of them!'' wrote one person, and another wrote: "It is Australia, what do you expect?".

"I don't ever want to hear anyone say how disgraceful the British can act at times. This bunch of reprobates put us to shame on so many levels!''

In pictures: Melbourne Cup - the race to have the most fun

Tens of thousands of people headed to Flemington to celebrate the biggest race of the year!

There's a faller at Flemington! A racegoer takes a tumble after the Melbourne Cup at Flemington Racecourse. Getty Source: Getty Images

A racegoers dances on the roof of a shelter after the Melbourne Cup. Source: AFP

The Royals seemed to enjoy themselves on the big day, which drew a massive and mostly well-behaved crowd.

Of the crowd of 106,000 people, just four people were arrested for drunkenness and only 78 were evicted.

Long before the mighty thoroughbreds throttled up the main straight, punters shuffled into Flemington hoping for a win.

Prince Charles and Camilla take a closer look at all the action at Flemington. AP Source: Getty Images

Racegoers dance as a band plays music after the Melbourne Cup at Flemington Racecourse . Getty Source: Getty Images

Most pinned their hopes on backing a talented sprinter, but just as many others had their hearts set on success of a different kind.

The stakes to look and feel great on Cup Day are high.

It is one of few chances us ordinary folk get to feel a little royal.

Having an each way bet on whether to wear shoes or not Source: Herald Sun

All too much for Captain America at the end of the day. Source: Herald Sun

Pictures: Melbourne Cup aftermath

So, as Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall politely shook hands and exchanged pleasantries, the Flemington flock tipped their hats and raised a glass for Melbourne's big day out in style and etiquette.

For the 152nd year, it was our chance to be seen through the eyes of others and the world. Some did it in glamorous fashion. Others did not. It was no Royal Ascot out there.

Highland fling at Flemington. Getty Source: Getty Images

The fascinators were elaborate, the suits sharp. And it wouldn't be Flemington without the more elaborate expressions of individuality.

Alex Moller, 28, of Elwood, wore a crown. "I'm a humble guy," he said. "So today I thought I would be the opposite. That's the thing about the Cup ... it's a chance to be somebody else for the day."

Pictures: Inside the Birdcage

Pictures: Fun before the long run

Pictures: Fashion lovers frock up

Hannah, Jessica, Niamh, and Susan, all from Ireland, try to keep dry at the Melbourne Cup. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: Herald Sun

There's a bloke queuing for the ladies loo. Getty Source: AP

It was undoubtedly the reason Carolyn Heaney, 35, of Taylors Lakes, walked in with a model of the Eiffel Tower clasped firmly to her head. "Everybody has been asking me for photos," she said. "It's nice to be noticed."

Elsewhere, a 10-strong group of Kiwi mates wore matching sunflower suits for the fifth consecutive year. "None of the ladies would speak to us in a normal outfit," Matt Reid, 41, of Wellington, said. "Now, hundreds of them do."

Sydneysiders Greg Millard and wife Deslys Dubois came dressed as jockeys with their own horses. "Aussie riders," they declared. "But the horses are imports. We bought them online."

Racegoers make the most of wet conditions by setting up a slip n' slide Source: Herald Sun

Racegoers showcase colours of season

Right day of royal magic

Cup punter turns 8c into $77,000

Spring colours pop in the rain

In previous years, Pete Larson and his mates have rolled up dressed as everything from Mexicans to judges and even nuns.

Yesterday, as Green Moon stormed across the finish line in race seven, they were a group of dubious-looking superheroes fist-pumping the air.

They probably didn't win. But then on Melbourne Cup day, nobody really has to.

Ian, David and Dallas, all from Hobart, enjoy the festive spirit at the Melbourne Cup. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: Herald Sun

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Gillard wants 'cruel' sheep cull probe

A still from the leaked footage of Australian sheep being culled / Four Corners/ABC Source: The Daily Telegraph

PRIME Minister Julia Gillard has demanded a new investigation into the culling of Australian sheep in Karachi, during a meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Pervez Ashraf.

But she has stopped short of endorsing animal rights activists' calls for an end to the live export trade, saying the industry was already acting on the shocking slaughter footage.

Her intervention came as outrage over the culling of thousands of Australian sheep in Pakistan sparked division in the federal government, with Agriculture Minister Joe Ludwig at loggerheads with his backbench.

Labor MP Kelvin Thomson yesterday rejected Senator Ludwig's claims the slaughter was "isolated" and slammed the system set up following last year's Indonesian cattle controversy.

The industry has voluntarily suspended exports to Pakistan and Bahrain pending a government investigation into new footage showing 21,000 sheep being killed, including some being buried alive. Pakistani officials said it was necessary because of health concerns but Australia rejected the claims.

After meeting Mr Ashraf in Laos, Ms Gillard said she was concerned by the "graphic and very cruel images".

"I explained to him that Australians are distressed to see these acts of cruelty and that I want the matter investigated," she said. "He responded that he would investigate."

The opposition attacked Labor's "knee-jerk" halt to the live cattle trade to Indonesia, saying it threatened the livelihood of Australian farmers and harmed relations with Jakarta.

Farmers have branded a mass cull of sheep in Pakistan as 'extremely distressing' but not ready for full ban.

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Police storm suburban home to 'rescue' baby

Adrian Everett with his boys Peter and Paul.

• NAB collections department calls at 6.30pm
• Family with screaming baby say it's not a convenient time
• Argument unfolds over the phone
• Ten minutes later three police arrive in bulletproof vests

ARMED police stormed a suburban home to 'rescue' a baby after a phone call with the National Australia Bank went wrong.

Adrian Everett says his two children were scared "s***less" and suffered nightmares after they were woken by police in bulletproof vests. 

Police were called to the house by a bank telephone operator who believed Mr Everett had threatened to shoot his 18-month-old son, Peter. 

Mr Everett, 32, was home with wife Emma at 6.30pm Monday, juggling a screaming baby and toddler when the NAB collections department called about a forgotten a credit card payment.

The recruitment company director says he explained to the telephone operator it was not a convenient time.

"I was being smart because (the woman on the phone) was threatening legal action ... I admit to being smart. At no stage was I offensive or anything like that," Mr Everett said.

"At the end of the call my baby was still screaming so I said to her I'd recorded her call to prove the harassment.

"At which stage she said she was going to end the call – which I was quite happy with.

"Ten minutes later three police arrived."

Mr Everett says his two children were woken by police in bulletproof vests. He said he was told by police the NAB reported that he had threatened to kill his three-year-old son, Paul.

"The police said they'd had a report I was going to shoot my baby then asked me if I owned a gun or had a firearm. Then they said they couldn't leave without checking that my kids weren't shot – although they'd realised I wasn't a threat," he said.

"Then I noticed one of the officers actually had a second bulletproof vest under which he had something I thought was a taser. I asked if they were going to taser me he said 'no, it's the black one' and motioned to his Glock (gun).

"I had to go in to my children's room with the police to show they were OK."

Mr Everett, from Sydney's north shore, who with his wife founded and directs recruiting company Everflow, tried to obtain the recording of the phone call but was told it was unavailable due to a technical difficulty.

However NAB spokesman George Svigos told news.com.au it would review the situation and provide audio of the phone conversation to police.

"When our people feel they have cause to be concerned for the welfare of a child, the appropriate thing to do is to refer the matter to the relevant authorities," he said.

"These are complex judgement calls. Like all similar matters, this will be reviewed.

"Police have requested the audio of the phone conversation, which will be provided."

A police spokesman confirmed officers from Harbourside Local Area Command attended an address in Wollstonecraft, on Sydney's north shore on Monday night  "after receiving a report about threats allegedly made by a man during a phone call".

"Inquiries into the alleged incident are continuing."

Mr Everett said his two boys, Peter and Paul were up all night with nightmares, and he and his wife would seek an apology.

"I am really concerned that the image of police coming into my young children's room may stick with them for a long time and could have lasting effects on them," he said.

"To be accused of something like that ... the actual events are unbelievable and it's very much a slanderous claim."

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Gillard: Leaders liked misogynist speech

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has said she will 'not be lectured about sexism and misogyny' by Tony Abbott.

PRIME Minister Julia Gillard says she has won global support for her attack on Tony Abbott as a misogynist.

Ms Gillard today said several world leaders, including female ones, had congratulated her on the controversial parliamentary speech about the Opposition Leader's attitude to women during the Asia Europe Summit in Laos this week.

This included French President Francois Hollande and female Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt.

Ms Gillard said there was "some approval".

"The President of France congratulated me on the speech, as did the Prime Minister of Denmark and some other leaders just casually as I've moved around have also mentioned it to me," she told ABC Radio this morning.

"So some approval here from some leaders at the Asia-Europe Meeting."

Prime Minister Julia Gillard said she wouldn't support Tony Abbott's call to have Peter Slipper removed as Speaker and said she would not be lectured on "sexism and misogyny" by the Opposition Leader. Picture: Kym Smith

Last month, a video of Ms Gillard's speech went viral and won praise from women for ripping into Mr Abbott's history of comments about females.

The clip has had 2.1 million views.

But the speech was also criticised given Ms Gillard was defending Peter Slipper to stay in the chair as Speaker at the time.

Mr Slipper resigned only hours after Labor voted to support him over inappropriate text messages about female sexual organs.

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Desert death: Decision costs Mo his life

A young man has died in the Simpson desert and another is in hospital after a desperate trek for help.

SEARING temperatures and a decision to abandon a bogged four-wheel-drive and walk through the Simpson Desert have claimed the life of an Outback station worker.

Experts believe Mauritz "Mo" Pieterse, 25, would have died in little more than two hours after losing litres of water and succumbing to heat exhaustion and dehydration after a routine maintenance check in rural southwest Queensland turned fatal.

On Monday morning, the experienced conservation fieldworker and his colleague Josh Hayes, 30, set out for an easy routine maintenance check on a spring from their posting at Ethabuka Station, heading across the border of the Simpson Desert.

But 16km into the half-day trip, their vehicle became bogged and after several attempts to get it out, the pair made the ultimately fatal decision to walk back.

Mauritz "Mo" Pieterse was located in the Simpson Desert in Queensland.

Just hours into the walk, Mr Pieterse was overcome and collapsed under a tree but told Mr Hayes to keep walking.

Mr Pieterse's body was found just before midnight and Mr Hayes was found severely dehydrated 2km away.

"We were told his last words were 'tell my family that I love them, I'm not going to make it but you have to keep going'," Mr Pieterse's devastated mother Geraldine Pieterse said.

A Facebook image of Mauritz.

The news of Mr Pieterse's death has left his family stunned as Workplace Health and Safety investigators begin their inquiries.

The Pieterse family are now travelling from their Western Australian home to take his body home.

"He was the best son ever . . . it's just so absolutely unbelievable," Ms Pieterse said.

A file image of Queensland's arid south-west near Birdsville.

The pair were supposed to have an emergency kit that held vital survival equipment but the compulsory kit was not believed to be in their four-wheel-drive.

Outback survivor teacher Bob Cooper, who trains rural workers like Mr Pieterse said he was contacted by Bush Heritage on Tuesday and told of the fatal accident.

"It's a mishap that turned into a tragedy," he said.

The men got bogged near Ethabuka Station in far western Queensland. One man died as they tried to get back to civilisation. Pic: Google Maps

"All they were were bogged and they just made some poor decisions based on fear . . . that's what gets you - the fear."

"The loss of two litres of body fluids in this condition in an hour to two hours would cause a loss of 30 per cent in rational thinking."

"It's heart wrenching but it's not the first time this has happened.

"Every single time you go for a walk or a drive or a horse ride you should be prepared."

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