OMG - how did these people survive?!

Definitely time to go buy a lottery ticket!

Australian Tarmac Rally: Snowy River Sprint and beyond

Snowy River Sprint, December 4-6

Will you be part of the action?

Will you have bragging rights when it's over?



So many class titles up for grabs.

Come along and be part of the last round of the year, the end of the championship chase.

Book in for 325km of the best driving fun you can have, sharing the camaraderie of competition in a beautiful part of the world.

Join us for an amazing buffet dinner on the Saturday night. The Central Hotel has something very special planned for us - and it's all included in your entry.

Just over two weeks till it happens, so contact Peter now to reserve your spot on the start line.

And while you're talking to him, why not book your starts for next year too - especially with our special deal.

The dates: Mt Baw Baw, February 19-21; Lake Mountain, May 27-29; Snowy River, September 23-25; Great Tarmac Rally, December 9-11.

And the deal? Four events for the price of three!(Fully transferable)

Yes, if you book now, you get four events - the full 2016 series - for $5850.

But be aware, it's a limited offer at this price. A number of packages have already been booked on this deal, and there are just 11 places left.

Don't miss out!

Contact Peter on 0418 337 955 for booking and payment details immediately.

http://www.australiantarmacrally.com

1929 Harley-Davidson JDH Racer

Expected to fetch at least US$50,000 is this 1929 Harley-Davidson JDH Racer from The Larry Bowman Collection. Bonhams January Las Vegas motorcycle auction.

The Olympia Motorcycle Show,1937 Brough Superior 990cc SS100, sold for £208,700

Legendary superbike of motorcycling's between-the-wars 'Golden Age', Brough Superior – 'The Rolls-Royce of Motorcycles' - was synonymous with high performance, engineering excellence and quality of finish. That such a formidable reputation was forged by a motorcycle constructed almost entirely from bought-in components says much for the publicity skills of George Brough. But if ever a machine was more than the sum of its parts, it was the Brough Superior. [Bonhams]

Victory Erbacher Ignition Concept Motorcycle

European drag racer and custom bike builder Urs Erbacher took on the challenge of wrapping a pre-production 1200 cc engine in a package capable of putting the world-class power to the ground. The concept features an aggressive stand and frames the engine with a cast aluminum chassis, performance suspension and brakes with an aggressive Project 156 inspired paint scheme.

The Omega Man

Words: Roderick Eime

Louis Brandt

If you were told one of the world’s most prestigious watch brands was founded by a 23-year-old in 1848, you might raise an eyebrow. But it’s a true story.

A combination of business acumen, attention to fine detail and a pursuit of excellence saw the fledgling “Comptoir d’établissage” formed by the young and brilliant Louis Brandt in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, soar from strength to strength.

Brandt passed away in 1879, but by the turn of the century, his two sons Louis-Paul and César who possessed at least as much flair as their father, had a staff of 800 employed in their La Generale Watch Co. which produced almost a quarter of a million watches each year, among them ‘Omega’ as a special brand using then state-of-the-art production facilities.

The company produced many ‘firsts’, including the first minute repeating wristwatch in 1892, the first full calendar watches with “big date” in 1893 and a new Carillion repetition system in 1894. The Omega watch’s first great success was in 1896, when it won a gold medal at the Swiss National Exhibition in Geneva.

The sons’ marketing and manufacturing skills were a runaway success, in particular with the ‘Omega’ brand and in 1903, hence the company officially changed its name to Louis Brandt & Frére - OMEGA Watch Co. in 1903. But in 1903, tragedy struck and both brothers died, well before their 50th birthdays.

This left the massive company in the hands of their three sons, the eldest, Paul-Emile, a mere 23. But the genes were strong and the boys grew the company in a way that would have made their grandfather proud. History, however, gives greatest credit to Paul-Emile, who grew the company exponentially and became a senior figure in the Swiss watch industry and commerce. He died in 1954.

Such was their accuracy and robust construction that Omega won numerous lucrative contracts especially in the military with the Royal Flying Corps and US Army equipping their servicemen in the field.

1932 pocket chronograph

Omega was called upon in many fields and the medals kept rolling in. But it wasn’t until 1932 when the venerable Swiss brand was appointed Official Timekeeper to the 1932 Los Angeles Olympiad that their reputation for precision sports timing was cemented. Omega supplied 30 certified chronometers and it was the first time in Olympic history that one brand was asked to time all events.

Omega still enjoys this responsibility and their engineering and research talents are now called upon to create even more precision devices for sporting events, not simply for the Olympics alone. These include Scan’O’Vision photo-finish cameras, false-start detection technology and high-speed video systems. Their chronographs are used widely in swimming, sailing and athletics everywhere.

Beyond the sporting field, Omega precision timepieces have enjoyed numerous other places in history on the arms of some of the world’s most famous people.

Beginning with the US Mercury space program in 1962, Omega proved beyond doubt through a series of brutal tests that included extreme temperatures and g-force shocks they were the brand for astronauts. As a result, the “Speedmaster” reference ST105.003 was certified “Flight Qualified for all Manned Space Missions” on the 1st of March 1965 and the watch went into space and on the 21st of July 1969, became the first watch on the moon.

Speedmaster X-33

In 1995, astronauts stopped wearing ‘off the shelf’ Omega watches and assisted in the design of a special ‘space watch’, the Speedmaster X-33.

Many of these historic and commemorative timepieces can be seen by visitors to the Omega Watch Museum in the company’s home town of Biel, Switzerland.

Some of the watches on display include:

• The Ultra Thin watch worn by President John F. Kennedy at his inauguration as America's 35th president in January 1961.
• The original Speedmaster ‘Moonwatch’ worn by astronauts on the moon in an authentic display that includes items from NASA’s control room as well as a gold Speedmaster Professional (#1 of 1,014) presented to President Nixon to mark the occasion.
• James Bond 007 switched brands to Omega in 1995 and several of the iconic Seamaster timepieces are displayed including the trick Seamaster Professional featured in ‘The World Is Not Enough’
• The first Calibre 19″ that gave the name (Louis Brandt & Frere – OMEGA Watch Co) to their company in 1903.

Beyond this, Omega watches continue to adorn the wrists of celebrities, sportsmen and women, famous explorers and world leaders. Just some of them include Michael Schumacher, Prince William, Ian Thorpe, Jacques Cousteau, George Clooney, Gerard Butler, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt both in their movie roles and their private lives.

Owning an Omega precision timepiece is not just buying a watch, it is entering a world populated by the world’s elite who have relied on the Swiss brand’s accuracy and ruggedness not just for good looks, but often because their lives depended on it.

Watches of the Omega 2016 Olympic Collection

As the world's greatest athletes prepare for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, OMEGA has already set the winning standard in watchmaking. To celebrate the excitement and anticipation of this global event, two new timepieces are topping the podium, inspired by glory and triumph, and the unbreakable unity that brings the world together.


Inspired by the spirit of the Olympic Games, OMEGA created the Seamaster Bullhead Rio - a sporty timepiece that makes use of the colours of the five Olympic rings.

This model, of which only 316 pieces will be produced, features a white dial with a blue 60-minute scale on an inner rotating bezel. There is a 30-minute recorder at 12 o'clock, a small seconds sub-dial at 6 o'clock and a date window at 3 o'clock. The screw-in caseback is stamped with the logo of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

The eye-catching timepiece is presented on a blue leather strap with black, yellow, green and red stitching. At the heart of the Seamaster Bullhead Rio is the OMEGA calibre 3113.


Inspired by the 1969 model of the OMEGA Speedmaster Mark II and created with the excitement of the Olympic Games in mind, the Speedmaster Mark II "Rio 2016" evokes the feelings of glory and triumph that come with a place on the podium.

This model, of only 2,016 pieces will be produced, features a matt black dial with a 30-minute recorder, 12-hour recorder and a small seconds subdial at 3, 6 and 9 o'clock which are decorated with a bronze, 18K yellow gold and 925 silver ring respectively. The transparent tachymeter scale on the sapphire crystal is illuminated from beneath by a fluorescent orange ring filled with Super-LumiNova. The 42.40 mm stainless steel case is presented on a matching bracelet. At the heart of this chronograph is the exclusive OMEGA Co-Axial calibre 3330.

Bose next-generation SoundTouch wireless music systems

BOSE ANNOUNCES NEXT-GENERATION SOUNDTOUCH® WIRELESS SYSTEMS WITH BLUETOOTH® AND WI-FI®

The Easiest Way to Stream Music at Home Adds Little SoundTouch 10 Speaker, Instant Listening through Bluetooth, Full Multi-Room Capability, and

Upcoming Spotify® Integration

With millions of people streaming music every day, Bose ushers in a new era for playing it all at home with its next-generation SoundTouch wireless music systems. Now, every SoundTouch system -- including the new little SoundTouch 10 speaker -- all have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi built right in for the best of both worlds, perfect for instant music and multi-room listening. With Bluetooth, you can stream any song, playlist, music service, and YouTube directly from your phone or tablet. With Wi-Fi, you can broadcast it to as many SoundTouch speakers you have, or use the intuitive SoundTouch app to explore integrated music services, set personalised presets, and enjoy different music in different rooms. Bose also announces two wireless music system “firsts” with Spotify, available soon: In addition to Spotify Connect -- which lets you control any SoundTouch system from the Spotify app -- Spotify will also be integrated in the SoundTouch app. And Bose.com will offer ReadySet with Spotify, a way to preload any SoundTouch system with Spotify playlists.

“SoundTouch has always been about the experience -- what listening to streaming music at home should be like,” said John Roselli, general manager of Bose Wireless Speakers. “We engineered everything around that simple idea. So, SoundTouch systems are easier to use than anything else available, they sound incredible, and now they let you listen to anything from your phone or tablet in as many rooms as you want. There’s nothing else like it, and the SoundTouch 10 is a great way to get started.”

THE LITTLE SOUNDTOUCH 10 SPEAKER JOINS GROWING FAMILY

The SoundTouch® family of products is the most comprehensive in the industry, and today it welcomes the new SoundTouch 10 speaker. It’s ideal on its own, you can add more over time, or mix and match with other SoundTouch systems. The SoundTouch 10 speaker joins the new SoundTouch 20 and 30 Series III speakers, new SoundTouch soundbars, and new SoundTouch home theatre systems. They’re all friendly and compatible, they all talk to each other through walls and ceilings, and now they all include Bluetooth® and Wi-Fi®.

SoundTouch 10

The new SoundTouch 10 wireless speaker measures just 21.2cm H x 14.1cm W x 8.5cm D. It combines Bose’s digital signal processing with the new Unidome transducer, a 2.5" powerhouse that produces the highest excursion for any transducer of its size in Bose history. The resulting performance is remarkable. The SoundTouch 10 plays cleaner, deeper, and louder than any single speaker of its stature.

SoundTouch 20

The new SoundTouch 20 and 30 Series III speakers are the updated big brothers to the SoundTouch 10 speaker. The SoundTouch 30 Series III is Bose’s best-performing one-piece solution, and the SoundTouch 20 Series III delivers rich, room-filling sound from a more compact enclosure.

New SoundTouch soundbars and home theatre systems are also available, including two soundbars, the SoundTouch 120 and 130 systems; and a 5.1 system, the SoundTouch 520 home theatre system. They’re all immersive for movies and TV and double as wireless music systems.

SoundTouch takes you outside, too. A new, more efficient SoundTouch SA-5 amplifier powers weatherproof speakers for patios, balconies, and backyards.

INSTANT MUSIC STREAMING AT HOME, EASIER THAN EVER

SoundTouch® systems are effortless -- the easiest, most versatile home wireless music systems available today. With Bluetooth®, they connect directly to your phone or tablet right out of the box. And with Wi-Fi®, they’ll send whatever’s playing to multiple SoundTouch speakers at long range.

SoundTouch also has the world’s most popular music services built in -- Spotify®, Pandora®, iHeartRadio™ and Deezer -- each accessible through the intuitive SoundTouch app. With just a few taps, the SoundTouch app turns your phone or tablet into a powerful controller, letting you listen to the same music everywhere, or different music in different rooms. But there’s even more freedom with SoundTouch systems. The app lets you set six personalised presets to any music service playlist, artist or internet radio station, and change them whenever you want. Each time you do, every SoundTouch speaker in your home remembers them automatically -- so when you don’t want to use the app, you don’t have to. Just press a corresponding button on the SoundTouch speaker or the included remote, and with that one touch, your music starts playing -- no phone needed. Charge it, text, take a call, turn it off, or never take it out. Filling the room with your tracks takes a second, as fast and simple as turning on a light.

Through new 802.11n dual-band Wi-Fi, the SoundTouch connection is stronger and more reliable with less interference and drop-outs. The addition of 5 GHz compatibility also offers a better streaming option in crowded environments like apartment buildings in the city.

SOUNDTOUCH AND SPOTIFY

Early next year, Bose will offer features to make SoundTouch® systems the best way to listen to Spotify® at home.

SoundTouch systems will have new in-app integration with Spotify alongside Spotify Connect. From the SoundTouch app you’ll be able to search for any song, album, artist, or playlist from Spotify or Spotify users. And from the Spotify app, you’ll control SoundTouch systems directly. Switching from the SoundTouch app to the Spotify app is seamless; you’ll pick up wherever you left off.

The new ReadySet with Spotify feature will also be available on Bose.com with any SoundTouch system purchase. With ReadySet, you can use your existing Spotify account or sign-up for one, pre-load SoundTouch presets with Spotify playlists, and have your SoundTouch speaker arrive customised, programmed, and ready-to-go.

“The home is one of the places where we want to deliver music fans innovative experiences,” said Jorge Espinel, VP, Global Business Development at Spotify. “This partnership with Bose enables us

to provide users with a ready-to-use music experience in the home, which blends Spotify's favourite features and playlists with Bose's innovative technology and incredible sound quality.”

“SoundTouch systems are a great example of what we care about,” said Roselli. “We obsess over the big and little details that no one else has, and that includes our integration of Spotify. With

SoundTouch, you’ll be able to play it through Bluetooth, from our app or theirs, or at the touch of a button. And that gives the millions of Spotify users all over the world more flexibility and control than they’ve ever had before.”

Shoemaker to the giants: Worlds tallest men find their feet

At 251 centimetres (8 ft 2 3/4 in) the world's tallest man, Sultan Kosen and at 2.46 m (8 ft 1 in) second tallest man Brahim Takioullah pose for photographs with Wilhelm Moerchen, Rolf Mayer, shoemaker Georg Wessels and Abdramane Dembele in Vreden, western Germany, Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2015, after they got shoes in European size 60.

 Images: www.picture-alliance.com

World's smallest hotel? Too small to swing a cat

IN his continuing search for the more weird and wondrous in the world of travel, David Ellis says the world's smallest hotel has just one room – and that's a mere 8ft by 10ft (2.43m X 3.04m.)

But small as it is, this miniscule room has a double bed, ensuite with shower and toilet, a stocked mini-bar, flat-screen TV and a stereo unit with iPhone connectivity.

Located in the trendy Vesterbro district of Denmark's capital Copenhagen, the Hotel Central and Café began life in 1905 as a shoe repair shop, the shoemaker adding a 2nd floor and moving into that in 1920. The shoemaker's later became a goldsmith's and then a café, and in June 2013 the second floor flat became the world's smallest hotel.

Guests arrive to find fresh flowers, fruit and a welcoming bottle of wine in their room, and downstairs a tiny café that takes them back in time with vintage signs and various other bits of historic paraphernalia.

It costs 1,800 Danish krone a night (currently approximately AU$384) which includes breakfast for two at the Granola Café that is a half block away and owned by the same people who own the Hotel Central and Cafe.

If you're interested in booking a night, email  mail@centralhotelogcafe.dk


PHOTO CAPTIONS:

[] THE downstairs café at Copenhagen's Hotel Central and Café takes visitors back in time with vintage signs, knickknacks and historic paraphernalia…

[]  SMALL as it is the hotel room has an ensuite, stocked mini-bar, flat-screen TV and stereo with iPhone connectivity.

(Photos: Hotel Central & Café)

Mosquito and Spitfire flypast - Merlins galore!

I dare you to watch this and not have chills! (turn sound up loud)

Posted by Bernard Jackson on Monday, 20 April 2015

Restored Porsche 917K returns to US race track after 40 years

This Porsche 917K, the legendary victorious car of the 1,000-kilometre race at Spa in 1971 experienced its roll-out at Porsche Motorsport North America and can now be admired at the “Rennsport Reunion”, the world’s largest event featuring historic Porsche race cars held from September 25-27 at Laguna Seca in California.

 The race car was also successfully campaigned in the USA, for instance at Watkins Glen, before it was finally put into storage at the museum in Zuffenhausen.

In 2009, the vehicle was painted in the famed Gulf colours and exhibited in the museum. In 2012, Porsche Motorsport North America was commissioned to restore the race car to its 1971 condition and get it back on the track.

World-First Coldwater Creek Restaurant & Bar Debut New Food Concept

Diners will get a chance to experience a new food concept when SilverNeedle Hospitality opens its world-first Coldwater Creek Restaurant & Bar at Sage Hotel Wollongong today.

Drawing inspiration from laid-back modern gastro pub dining, the team at Coldwater Creek has taken old favourites and transformed them into new and exciting offerings. The popular Beer Battered Chips have become No Ordinary Fries, it is a signature item on the menu with the addition of juicy, slow cooked pulled pork, melted smoked mozzarella and jalapeno peppers.

“We have put a twist on traditional favourites and come up with something familiar yet different. Another signature item is our apple pie shake where we have combined two all-time favourites into something completely extraordinary, creating fond food memories,” said Mr Sean Flynn, EVP, Hotels Division, SilverNeedle Hospitality

“It is increasingly important to have a place that reflects warm and genuine hospitality, has a sense of awareness of its produce and understands affordability. Coldwater Creek is such a place and we hope it will resonate well with the local community,” added Mr Flynn.

Whilst the club sandwich was a must-have on hotel menus, it has in recent years been usurped by the gourmet burger. At Coldwater Creek, diners can expect premium Wagyu beef, melted mozzarella, double smoked bacon with sunny side up egg in a Brioche bun.

“We are very excited to have this new outlet debut at our hotel,” said Paul Wilsher, General Manager of Sage Hotel Wollongong. “This is the ideal place for families to enjoy meals together, friends to gather for drinks, sports fans to cheer their sporting heroes and business leaders to network.”

The opening of Coldwater Creek Restaurant & Bar completes the renovations that had been undertaken as part of the re-branding of the hotel to Sage Wollongong.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Sage Wollongong Hotel and at Coldwater Creek Restaurant & Bar.

For more information on Coldwater Creek Restaurant & Bar, visit www.cwcrestaurants.com

Facebook www.facebook.com/CWCWollongong

Instagram #CWCWOL

Warrior Elite: A compelling account of Australia's intelligence organisations and special forces

This September Hachette Australia is pleased to be publishing Warrior Elite, the latest work from established Canberra author Robert Macklin.

In the past, Robert has written very extensively on Australia's military history, focusing particularly on the stories of former elite soldiers from the late 1990s to today. He has had countless exclusive interviews with sources within the Special Forces and key intelligence agencies. This has made him one of Australia's foremost experts on Australia's elite forces.

In this new work, Robert brings together a complete history of Australia's special forces, from the notorious Z force, to today's cyber warfare. Featuring a foreword written by Peter Jennings, the former Director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, Warrior Elite's real strength is Robert's ability to link the importance of these histories to the future of new warfare and the challenges that Australia's defence forces currently face. He also looks at key organisations such as the Australian Security Intelligence Service, the Australian Signals Directorate and ASIO.

Robert has cemented his place as one of Australia's leading Special Forces experts, and will be giving interviews around the publication of Warrior Elite. If you'd like to arrange to talk to him, please do get in touch.

WARRIOR ELITE

Robert Macklin

Published by Hachette Australia in September 2015, Trade Paperback, RRP $35.00, Ebook RRP $17.99

WARRIOR ELITE is a unique and compelling account of Australia's special forces and intelligence operations - ranging from the early special forces of World War II to the establishment and development of the SAS and Commando Regiments as the elite fighters of today, and from the Australian Security Intelligence Service to the Australian Signals Directorate and ASIO. It is an authoritative, gripping and thoroughly up-to-date account of both the history and current state of our special forces and intelligence bodies - and gives a unique glimpse into the warfare of the future. Our future.

ROBERT MACKLIN has conducted dozens of exclusive interviews and uncovered incredible, daring and sometimes heartbreaking stories of the elite troops that guard our nation and engage in secret operations around the world. He has had significant cooperation from numerous sources within the special forces and the various intelligence agencies.

Both thoroughly researched and colourfully written, WARRIOR ELITE will attract the reader of action memoirs as well as those interested in broader military history and espionage.

ROBERT MACKLIN was born in Queensland and educated at Brisbane Grammar School, Queensland University and the ANU. He began his journalistic career on The Courier-Mail and subsequently wrote for The Age, The Bulletin and was Associate Editor of The Canberra Times until 2003.

He is the author of 26 books, including four novels and major works of history and biography, including three memoirs of recently retired SAS Operators. He is a graduate of the Australian Film and TV School and has written and directed documentary films in 33 countries of Asia and the South Pacific.

He now lives in Canberra and Tuross Head and divides his time between his screenplays and books.

www.hachette.com.au

Automobili Lamborghini's new Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce Roadster

Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce Roadster makes global debut in California, USA

Sant'Agata Bolognese/Carmel, Calif. 17th August 2015 – Automobili Lamborghini unveils the new Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce Roadster in occasion of the Monterey Car week in California. The Roadster, presented at the famous event 'The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering', is available in a limited series of 500 units worldwide and is the first series produced, open-top Lamborghini to bear the name Superveloce.

''The Superveloce is the purest, most sports-oriented and fastest series production Lamborghini ever. The Roadster version represents our commitment to satisfying our passionate clients with immensely emotional driving dynamics combined with an extraordinary open air experience,'' Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini said during the press conference at The Quail.

As a member of Lamborghini's storied Superveloce family, the car offers greater performance with a power increase of 50 hp to 750 hp and a dry weight of 1,575 kg (3,472 lb), that is 50 kg (110 lbs) lighter compared to the Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster. This leads to an exceptional power-to-weight ratio of just 2,1 kg/hp (4,6 lb/hp).

The Roadster maintains the coupe's breathtaking acceleration, sheer power and handling prowess. In an enhancement to the Superveloce coupé experience, the Superveloce Roadster's features a power rear window that allows the free-flowing engine sound to fill the cabin with invigorating tones and harmonics during spirited driving.

The naturally aspirated, 6.5-liter V12 produces 552 kW (750 hp) at 8,400 rpm and 690 Nm (509 lb-ft) of torque. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) happens in 2.9 seconds with a top speed of more than 350 km/h (> 217 mph).

Lamborghini's highly innovative 7-speed ISR transmission delivers an incomparably emotional gear shift and transfers the engine's power to all four wheels through a Haldex Generation IV 4WD system. Of course, as in the SV coupé the car takes advantage of adaptive Magneto Rheological Suspension, a pushrod damping system and Lamborghini Dynamic Steering (LDS) for improved driving dynamics

And as with the Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster, the SV Roadster comes with a two-piece hardtop made from carbon fiber featuring technologies such as RTM and Forged Composite®, which deliver a perfect surface finish, allow complex design shapes and the highest possible component stiffness combined with extremely low weight. Thus, the two roof parts each weigh less than six kilograms (13.2 lb) and can be stowed easily in the luggage compartment. They provide the perfect complement to the monocoque, which is entirely made from carbon fiber.

Deliveries of the Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce Rodster begin in early 2016 with base pricing of 357,000.00 Euros (excl. VAT) or USD 530,075.00 MSRP.

 

Big Boys Toys Expo Canberra

Imported American vehicles & gyrocopters

In a first for the East Coast of Australia, Canberra is set to host the first ever Big Boys Toys Expo on 22-23 August, with tickets available for purchase now.

“Big Boys Toys Expo is a two day highly interactive event which will be the ultimate playground for big boys (and girls of course) to see, touch, experience and buy all the toys, tools, gizmos, gadgets, sports and hobbies they’ve always dreamed of,” said Expo Director, Steve Rohan-Jones.

“We currently have over 50 amazing exhibitors locked in with more coming on board almost daily. It will be a huge event onsite at Canberra’s Exhibition Park, and we’ve got some awesome names locked in to exhibit including Defence Force Recruiting, Recreational Aviation Australia, Pure Scuba, Aussie Boats Sales and Shannons Insurance.

“We’re filling over 10,000 square metres at Exhibition Park and will have a great sports lounge and bar for visitors to take a break from checking out all the gear on offer,” Steve continued.

Visitors to the expo can wander through interesting and highly interactive exhibits and really immerse themselves in whatever takes their interest. The expo will feature product demonstrations and sales, and the crowds can really get involved – take a ride in a flight simulator, hop in the dive tank, check out fly fishing demos, an American cars display, vintage cars, off-road vehicles, electric skateboards, gym equipment, golf displays, trailers and a huge remote control presence with cars, helicopters, semi-trailers, trucks, drones and planes.

Canberra Café Racers (CCR)

“Big Boys Toys will be an awesome cross-generational family day out – perfect for sons, dads and grandads, or for the girls to check out with their guys or fathers just two weeks ahead of Father’s Day, and see some amazing interactive exhibits. And whether it’s a love of cars, big trucks, brewing, golf, fishing, tech gadgets, recreational vehicles, pinball…there really will be something for everyone.

“The expo has been confirmed to run in Canberra for the next three years and there is way more to come. So stay tuned for more detail on the Big Boys Toys Expo,” Steve concluded.

Big Boys Toys Expo is on 22-23 August 2015 at Exhibition Park in Canberra. Tickets to the expo are on sale right now at pre-show prices online at only $10 for adults, or at the ‘Mates Rates’ deal of four tickets for the price of three, at $30. For more information, or to buy tickets online and save, visit www.bigboystoyscanberra.com.au Find Big Boys Toys Expo on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bigboystoyscanberra

DIARY DATE

What: Canberra Big Boys Toys Expo
When: 22 – 23 August 2015
Where: Exhibition Park in CanberraMore info & Tickets: www.bigboystoyscanberra.com.au

Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce Roadster

First look: Aventador Superveloce Roadster

Automobili Lamborghini has announced a roadster version of its Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce,  limited to 500 units.

The Aventador Superveloce coupe version made its UK debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed this weekend, on display and running 'up the hill', with Lamborghini President and CEO Stephan Winkelmann in attendance.

First look: Aventador Superveloce Roadster

Speaking at Goodwood, Stephan Winkelmann confirmed production of the Superveloce Roadster. "The Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce is the most pure, sports-oriented and emotional incarnation of a Lamborghini, and all 600 units have been sold, with first deliveries starting now. We will also produce a roadster version, which our dealers worldwide are now taking orders for."

The Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce was shown at Geneva motor show earlier this year. The Superveloce accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 2.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of more than 350 km/h (217 mph). Compared to the Aventador LP 700-4 the power output of the Superveloce has been increased by 50 hp and the weight reduced by 50 kg.

[video] Helicopter crashes at Russian airshow - can pilot escape burning wreck?

A state-of-the-art Russian Mi-28 'Havoc' helicopter has crashed dramatically at the Aviamix air show on Sunday. Russia's Air Force Commander-in-Chief Viktor Bondarev has ordered the grounding of all Mi-28 assault helicopters.



The Apache lookalike helicopters, which cost upwards of $US15 million have been in service for a decade and are also used by several foreign air forces including Iraq and India.

Parramatta's Restaurant 317 welcomes new head chef

Parramatta's favourite dining destination, Restaurant 317 is thrilled to welcome new Head Chef Brian Campbell to the team. To mark his arrival, Brian has launched a number of new dishes on both the main menu and dessert menu.

Brian has created a number of new beautiful trattoria-style dishes using the very best seasonal produce and perfect for the cooler months.

Some of the new dishes include: Slow Roasted Lamb Shanks, with fresh garlic, rosemary and thyme; Slow Roasted Pork Belly with crispy crackling finished with caramelised pear & glazed balsamic; Linguini Slipper Lobster with fresh garlic, sage & roast pumpkin in a butter sauce; Baked Sea Perch with herb, lime aioli and served with sweet potato mash & seasonal vegetables; and Roast Pumpkin & Beetroot Pizza with buffalo and mozzarella cheese, topped with fresh baby spinach & crumbled fetta.

"Our new menu has stayed true to good combinations of flavours. We have ensured we use premium cuts of meat and the freshest seafood. I've also focused on using locally sourced fresh produce and introduced some new slow cooked items which are perfect for winter," Brian said.

The new dessert menu features Apple & Rhubarb Crumble, Baked Passion fruit Cheesecake and Rocky Road Nutella Crepes. Restaurant 317 has also ensured that they have kept a selection of their most popular menu items.

With nearly 20 years experience in top Australian restaurants including Bilsons, Park Royal, Gunya, Dry Dock Hotel and Hayman Island's Yeppoon Sailing Club, Brian brings a wealth of experience and passion to the Restaurant 317 kitchen.

Restaurant 317 will be celebrating 10 years of service this year and is regarded as Sydney's premier gluten free restaurant with over 90% of its meals suitable for those with coeliac disease or those who avoid eating gluten for health reasons.

"Our new menu adheres to our restaurant's food philosophy of using fresh, beautiful produce with Mediterranean influences," Restaurant 317's Owner, Pierre Sande said.

Located in the heart of Parramatta's entertainment and dining district, Restaurant 317 is renowned for its distinctive atmosphere, quality service, award-winning menu and its ability to continually innovate.

Restaurant 317 has a range of dining and entertaining options from their stylish designer bar and popular restaurant to their exclusive Oyster Bar and alfresco and private dining areas.

Sourcing wines from the finest producers across the country and keeping the menu in mind, Restaurant 317 features a hand-selected wine and innovative cocktail menu.

Restaurant 317 is located at 317 Church Street, Parramatta and is open Monday- Sunday from 11.30am until late.

Restaurant 317 is committed to their local community and is proud sponsors of the Western Sydney Wanderers, Parramatta City Titans and is a supporter of Coeliac NSW & ACT and Make a Wish Foundation.

To find out more information on Restaurant 317 CLICK HERE

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Restaurant 317
www.317.com.au
A: 317 Church Street, Parramatta
P: 1300 317 317
E: enquiries@317.com.au
   

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Panel At San Diego Comic Con - Comic-Con International 2015

Following the `Star Wars` Hall H presentation at Comic-Con International 2015 at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, Calif., 501st Legion member, Kevin Doyle and the audience of more than 6000 fans walked to a surprise `Star Wars` Fan Concert performed by the San Diego Symphony, featuring the classic `Star Wars` music of composer John Williams, at the Embarcadero Marina Park South on July 10, 2015 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images for Disney) *** Local Caption *** Kevin Doyle

Byline: Michael Buckner

Copyright: 2015 Getty Images

WATERFRONT by Duncan McNab: graft, corruption and violence on Australia's crime frontier

In August, Hachette Australia is excited to publish WATERFRONT: Australia's Crime Frontier from 1788 to Now by investigative journalist and former police detective Duncan McNab.

 

Ever since the First Fleet dropped anchor, Australia's ports have been our opening to the world. They are also the breeding ground for many of Australia's most notorious criminals, and a magnet for local and overseas criminal syndicates. WATERFRONT is the exciting story of the crimes, the politics, and the larger-than-life characters of our nation's ports.

 

Duncan McNab is a former police detective, private investigator, investigative journalist and media adviser to government and the private sector. An expert on organised crime, he is the author of several books, including Outlaw Bikers in Australia and The Dodger: Inside the World of Roger Rogerson. His first-hand experience in Australian law enforcement is evident in this fascinating and compelling analysis of the ways in which criminal elements have always found ways to thrive and profit on the waterfront, despite more than a century of Royal Commissions, reports and crackdowns.

 

From Phillip and Bligh to Michael Hurley, from the gold rushes to the modern-day ice trade, Duncan McNab lifts the lid on the intriguing and chequered history of Australia's waterfront.

www.hachette.com.au

 

        

 

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World's richest woman, Christy Walton

IN his continuing search for the more weird and wondrous in this world, David Ellis says that to keep it all in the family, two of the world's three wealthiest women are sisters-in-law, and between them worth a cool US$81.1-billion (AU$106-billion) from their links with discount retail giant Walmart.

The just-released Forbes Magazine's list of World Billionaires says that Christy Walton, widow of John Walton whose father Sam founded Walmart in 1962, has been the world's richest woman for five of the last six years, with a current worth of US$41.7b (that's AU$54.5 000,000,000.)

And her sister-in-law Alice Walton is worth just slightly less – US$39.4b or AU$51.55b, even though she is the daughter of the late Sam, whose empire now embraces 11,000 stores in 27 countries and with some 200,000,000 customers a week.

Between these ladies is Liliane Bettencourt who as the main heiress to the L'Oreal cosmetics fortune is the world's second wealthiest woman with a worth of US$40.1b (AU$52.6b.) However at 92 years of age she has nothing to do today with the running of the French company that her father founded, having been replaced on the board by her son Jean-Victor Meyers in 2012.

Forbes Magazine says there are 1,826 billionaires in the world today, of whom just 187 are women, and with only 26 of these self-made. The rest gained their billions through marriage or inheritance.

                                                                  ………………..

PHOTO CAPTION:

[] FIFTY-FOUR billion reasons to smile: the world's wealthiest woman for five of the past six years.

(Images: Forbes Magazine)

1998 MERCEDES-BENZ CLK GTR Roadster - snap this up

When Mercedes-Benz first unveiled its CLK GTR Roadster in 1998 it sold for an astonishing $1.5 million dollars, making it the most expensive production car ever, a figure only recently exceeded by the Ferrari FXX.
 
Bonhams Festival of Speed sale will offer the very first example of the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster ever built, estimated at £1,400,000-1,800,000.
James Knight, Bonhams Group Motoring Director, said: "The car was retained by the Mercedes-Benz company until 2014 when it was acquired by the current owner. It is effectively a new car with just eight kilometres on the odometer, and it is the only one of the six roadsters to be finished in black. We rarely see a car with these credentials come to market."
 
An open topped variant of the already super-exclusive CLK GTR Coupe – only 25 road going cars were ever produced – the Roadster was made in a very limited edition indeed. The company had the simple but effective idea of removing the roof and installing two roll-over bars and additional strengthening, plus the Roadster engine boasted an engine increased to 640bhp (40 horsepower more than the Coupé) and a Formula 1-style, sequential six-speed transmission controlled by paddles on the steering wheel.
 
At the end of the 1996 racing season, Mercedes-Benz switched from racing touring cars to sports cars, a decision that left precious little time to develop a challenger for the FIA's (International Automobile Federation) new GT Championship. The latter's regulations stipulated that 'GT1' category cars had to be production based, so development was entrusted to Mercedes-Benz's official performance division, AMG. Amazingly, just 128 days after design work had commenced in December 1996, the first Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR took to the track at Jarama in April 1997 for its initial test.
 
The CLK GTR first won at the challenging Nurburgring in June 1997, going on to win five more of the 11 rounds to take the GT Championship in its debut year. With a new CLK LM (Le Mans) waiting in the wings, the CLK GTR raced just twice in 1998, before being retired from active duty after little more than a season's racing, but with an impeccable record.

During 1998 and 1999, Mercedes-Benz duly completed 25 road going CLK GTRs. These closely resembled the racing version but had 'only' 550bhp and dispensed with the racer's separate rear wing in favour of a body-integral design. They were also better equipped and kitted out with more creature comforts than the racer. With a headline-grabbing price tag of over $1,000,000, the CLK GTR's exclusivity was surpassed only by its incredible performance.
 
Bonhams Festival of Speed Sale takes place on 26 June in Goodwood, Chichester. For more information visit https://www.bonhams.com/departments/MOT-CAR/.
 

Lamborghini presents the 1968 Miura Roadster and the 2013 Veneno Roadster

Lamborghini's One-Off Roadsters at Techno Classica 2015 in Essen

On the occasion of this year’s Techno Classica in Essen, Automobili Lamborghini presents two truly special cars in Pavilion 7 under the theme "One-Off Roadsters by Lamborghini".

1968 Miura Roadster

Lamborghini’s 1968 Miura Roadster, an open-top version of the legendary Lamborghini Miura, is the only one of its kind in the world. The car on display, privately owned, can be admired in its original color and equipment.

Lamborghini’s 2013 Veneno Roadster

Lamborghini’s 2013 Veneno Roadster is an open-top racing prototype fully homologated for road use, captivating in its extreme design and breathtaking performance. The car on display comes from a large collection of classic Lamborghini models preserved in the Lamborghini Museum at the company headquarters in Sant’Agata Bolognese.

Lamborghini Miura Roadster 1968 Lamborghini Miura Roadster 1968 The Lamborghini Miura Roadster, as a concept car carrying chassis number 3498, made its first appearance at the Brussels Motor Show in January 1968.

An evolution of the Miura P 400, it confirms the ambition of Ferruccio Lamborghini, who just five years after establishing the company continued to propose innovative new models. Despite the public’s enthusiasm, the Miura Roadster never went into production. It remains one of a kind in the world and is thus counted among the most significant classic Lamborghini models.

The aerodynamic body of the Miura Roadster was designed by Nuccio Bertone along with young designer Marcello Gandini following in-depth aerodynamic and aesthetic research. It differed from the design of the Coupé in a number of ways. The larger side air intakes ensured optimized inflow of outside air to the 4.0 liter 350 HP V12 mid-engine, for the first time mounted transversally. The lower roll bar, re-shaped rear bodywork, and total absence of the roof and side windows make the Miura Roadster perfect for savoring the exhilaration of high speed driving in fair weather.

In 1969 the Miura Roadster was purchased by the New York-based International Lead Zinc Research Organization (ILZRO). Then coated with a zinc-based paint and equipped with other zinc elements, it was presented with the name Zn 75 at a variety of expositions around the world with the aim to convince public opinion on the versatile and modern nature of zinc use in the automotive industry. After changing hands a number of times, the Miura Roadster is now privately owned. Faithfully restored with the utmost attention to detail, the car on display was returned to its original condition, including the luminous light blue metallic paint and the white interior with red carpeting.

Lamborghini Veneno Roadster 2013 Lamborghini Veneno Roadster 2013 The Veneno Roadster is consistent with the design philosophy of all the super sports cars that come out of Sant’Agata Bolognese: optimum aerodynamics and cornering stability, giving the Roadster the dynamic experience of a racing car prototype, though it is fully homologated for the road.

The Lamborghini Veneno Roadster is equipped with a 6.5 liter 12-cylinder powertrain. With maximum power of 750 HP, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.9 seconds, and top speed is 355 km/h. The lightweight structure in carbon fiber assures a dry weight of just 1490 kg, a determining factor in its extraordinary performance features. The Lamborghini Veneno Roadster is one of the most exclusive automobiles in the world: in 2014 no more than nine examples were sold, each with a price tag of 3.3 million euros (excluding tax).

Visitors to the Essen show can admire the Veneno Roadster in the special color "Rosso Efesto" developed expressly for this car.

Spy - New movie with Melissa McCarthy, Jason Statham, Jude Law and Rose Byrne

SPY

Release: 21 May 2015

Directed by: Paul Feig

Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Jason Statham, Jude Law, Rose Byrne, Bobby Cannavale, Allison Janney, Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, Miranda Hart

Genre: Comedy / Action

Susan Cooper (Melissa McCarthy) is an unassuming, deskbound CIA analyst, and the unsung hero behind the Agency's most dangerous missions. But when her partner (Jude Law) falls off the grid and another top agent (Jason Statham) is compromised, she volunteers to go deep undercover to infiltrate the world of a deadly arms dealer, and prevent a global disaster.