Murphy's Law: Shot with a .38 and lived

#weird

INVENTOR PUTS HIS LIFE ON THE LINE

David Ellis

HOW'S this for putting faith in your product – New York businessman Mr W.H. Murphy, puts his life on the line to prove just how effective is the bullet-proof vest created by his Protective Garment Corporation.

It was in 1923, a time when bullet-proof vests used by American police and criminal gangs alike were simply thick layers of compacted cotton wool and cloth, with luck just able to absorb bullets from light gauge .22 handguns and rifles fired from a distance.

So when the crims began using heavier .38 revolvers and even machine guns in their fights with law enforcers, companies like Mr Murphy's came up with vests better able to protect police officers literally in the line of fire… and close-up.

The one being demonstrated here by Mr Murphy at the Washington City Police headquarters was made from over-lapping steel scales fitted to a leather lining, and as proven by the photo, able to deflect bigger gauge .38 bullets fired from as close as just 3m metres away.

The vest weighed 5kg (11lb,) and although the two .38 bullets had been fired directly at Mr Murphy's chest from such close range, he "had not batted an eyelid."

Unfortunately, however, few police forces appeared interested in the vests – mainly, it's believed, because of their weight – and the Protective Garment Corporation simply faded away… with Mr Murphy living to reminisce with whoever would listen as to how many times he'd lived through being fired at by colleagues and the police.


PHOTO CAPTION:

[] BULLET-PROOF vest maker Mr W.H. Murphy proves just how good is his product, by having a colleague fire two .38 bullets directly at him from just 3m away.

Japan welcomes 2017 Emirates Melbourne Cup

One of the world's most coveted sporting trophies was on show in Japan today, with the 2017 Emirates Melbourne Cup the centrepiece of the Victoria Racing Club's (VRC) racing and tourism engagement lunch in Tokyo.

To coincide with the running of one of Japan's biggest races, the Group 1 Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) (2400m) on Sunday, VRC representatives engaged in market with key racing figures, government officials, tourism operators and media at an event held at Tokyo Racecourse.

The event was attended by guests comprising representatives from the Japan Racing Association (JRA) including Jun Tanizaki (Director), Akihiro Shinoda (GM of International Department) and Hiroshi Ito (Head of International Planning Development)  and members of the Yoshida family, who have been instrumental in crafting Japan's reputation as a global force in thoroughbred racing and breeding.

Speaking at the event, VRC Chairman Amanda Elliott noted that Japan forms an important pillar of the VRC's international strategy, and highlighted the positive relationship that the Club shares with the Asian nation.  

"The Melbourne Cup Carnival continues to experience strong visitation from Asia, and our wonderful relationship with the JRA benefits both our respective international racing events to grow wagering and horse participation in both directions," Mrs Elliott said.

"We are proud to use trade, lifestyle and tourism, and of course, racing, to strengthen that bond further."

Six Japanese horses have joined a large international contingent to contest races during the past three Melbourne Cup Carnivals, with Japanese horse connections embarking on the quest for a second victory in the Emirates Melbourne Cup, following the landmark win of Delta Blues in 2006 at Flemington.

Having tasted success in Australia's greatest race with Delta Blues, prominent owner-breeder Katsumi Yoshida of Northern Farm was represented by son Shunsuke Yoshida who shared with the audience in Tokyo memories from their triumph in 2006. Shunsuke remarked that his father was "most overjoyed by the massive outpour of congratulations from the entire country of Australia. In particular, despite Delta Blues being a foreign bred horse, the congratulations extended beyond the race track to restaurants and even the staff at the airport.

Asked about the importance of the Emirates Melbourne Cup for Northern Farm, Shunsuke commented that "we have always known about the prestigious reputation of Australia's landmark race, having shuttled stallions back and forth between the North and Southern Hemisphere for several decades prior to our win in 2006. Since our win we have enjoyed success at other races around the world, but to win again at Melbourne would be the ultimate prize."

Interest from Japan in the Emirates Melbourne Cup continues to soar, with 2016 marking the first year that the race was broadcast into Japan via The Green Channel. This was also the first time Japanese racing enthusiasts were permitted to bet on the Emirates Melbourne Cup, with approximately A$1.92 million wagered on the race.

The Emirates Melbourne Cup is the pinnacle of the four-day Melbourne Cup Carnival, which injected more than A$427 million of gross economic benefit into the Victorian economy in 2016.

In 2016, there were over 80,000 visitors from interstate and international to the Melbourne Cup Carnival, such is the attraction of Australia's original home grown event.  

The 157th edition of the Emirates Melbourne Cup (3200m) will be run at 3pm (Australian EDT) on Tuesday 7 November, featuring A$6.2 million in prizemoney and the $200,000 18-carat gold Emirates Melbourne Cup trophy.

The 2017 Melbourne Cup Carnival runs from 4 November to 11 November. Visit flemington.com.au for tickets and information.

Image:         Models wearing Myer and Kim Fletcher Millinery and the Emirates Melbourne Cup in Japan.

Ultimate car collection up for sale

IS THIS THE ULTIMATE IN BOYS' TOYS?

David Ellis

WHEN a European car enthusiast got serious about collecting classic sports cars in the 1950s, he decided he would need somewhere large enough and suitable enough to store and admire his ever-growing multi-million-Euro assemblage.

And after a bit of searching he found the only place really suitable to his needs: it was a castle in Switzerland, and in whose grounds was a separate building that could be converted to house his motoring playthings.

So he bought the castle and by the time of his death had gathered together a formidable dozen of the world's most sought-after vehicles. They included a 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante that back then was amongst the world's fastest convertibles, a 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster described as "arguably the most influential post-war car ever created," a 1981 Mercedes-Benz 500 SLC Coupé, a couple of Maseratis (one a Ghibli SS that was Maserati's fastest-ever car,) and 1970 and 1972 E-type Jaguars.

He also picked up a 1967 Maserati Series II Quattroporte, a 1973 Ford Mustang for a bit of everyday reality, and for classic comfort when speed came second, a 1921 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Double Phaeton and a 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II.

The man's son inherited the collection in 1990 on his father's death, but didn't use the cars for some years, and somewhat unbelievably since 2005 they've been in full-time storage.

He's now decided to sell the lot, with famous international auction firm Bonhams conducting the sale on May 21 at the legendary Francorchamps race circuit in Belgium. The twelve cars are expected to fetch a total between them of around 2.5m Euros (just over AU$3.5m.)

If you're interested making a bid, hop onto  https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/24132/  

[] THIS dozen classic cars collected by a European enthusiast over several decades from the 1950s, could fetch up to 2.5m Euros when they go to individual auction on May 21.

 

Al Capone's 1928 Cadillac 341a Town Sedan

Hours after Pearl Harbor was bombed on December 7, 1941, the Secret Service found themselves in a bind. President Franklin D. Roosevelt was to give his Day of Infamy speech to Congress on Tuesday, and although the trip from the White House to Capitol Hill was short, agents weren't sure how to transport him safely. At the time, Federal Law prohibited buying any cars that cost more than $750, so they would have to get clearance from Congress to do that, and nobody had time for that. One of the Secret Service members, however, discovered that the US Treasury had seized the bulletproof car that mobster Al Capone owned when he was sent to jail in 1931. They cleaned it, made sure it was running perfectly and had it ready for the President the next day.

And run properly it did. Capone's car was a sight to behold. It had been painted black and green so as to look identical to Chicago's police cars at the time. It also had a specially installed siren and flashing lights hidden behind the grille, along with a police scanner radio. To top it off, the gangster's 1928 Cadillac 341A Town Sedan had 3,000 pounds of armor and inch-thick bulletproof windows. Mechanics are said to have cleaned and checked each feature of the Caddy well into the night of December 7th, to make sure that it would run properly the next day for the Commander in Chief.

Footnote:  The car was sold at auction in 2012 for $341,000.

Sako TRG 22 “Finland 100” sniper rifles with white camouflage

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Sako is manufacturing a limited edition of numbered Sako TRG 22 "Finland 100" sniper rifles with white camouflage, designed in the spirit of Finnish persistence to celebrate fFnland's 100 years of independence. This jubilee model will become a collector's item.

SAKO, which started as a gunsmith's shop for the White Guard's joint chiefs of staff and has evolved into a globally renowned manufacturer of rifles and ammunition, has been an important element of the history of independent Finland. Now SAKO wants to pay homage to its traditions and above all to its 100-year old homeland by manufacturing a numbered series of 100 Sako TRG 22 "Finland 100" sniper rifles.

The TRG 22 "Finland 100" jubilee model is offered in .308 Win caliber. The white snow camouflage colouring of the stock and barrelled action of this real collector's item reflects the severity of the Finnish winter, and, also pays homage to the heroes of the Winter War who saved Finland's independence in demanding conditions – and relied on Sako products even then.

The Sako TRG 22 "Finland 100" sniper rifle has the text "Finland 100", and the gun's serial number is laser-engraved on its frame. The rifle is packaged in a carry case with a jubilee knife with the same engravings as the rifle itself. The jubilee model also comes with two magazines, bipod, muzzle brake and removable open sights.

Sako is retaining part of the series for its own use, for example to be sold in charity auctions. However, part of the series of 100 guns will also be available for sale. Those interested in the Sako TRG 22 "Finland 100" collector's item should enquire from the importers of Sako products in their respective countries.

SAKO, Salomonkatu 17b, Helsinki, 00100 Suomi

Deer Jet Named "World's Best Private Jet Company"

Deer Jet has been named the "World's Best Private Jet Company" at the 2017 World Tourism Awards, highlighting the world-class, distinctive design and excellence in service of the brand.

Regarded as one of the most prestigious accolades in the industry, the World Tourism Awards are held each year under the sphere of the World Tourism Forum Global Meeting in Istanbul.

Recognized as the "Davos of tourism", the high level meeting convoked a collective of renowned travel and tourism leaders from more than 85 countries to share insights and outlooks on the future of the industry.

The awarding committee had considered Deer Jet's outstanding commitment towards innovation and excellence, stating that: "Deer Jet is the first private jet company to evolve into a luxury and art brand, having introduced pioneering products and services such as the world's first Dream Jet. Furthermore, the company launched a renewed brand image with the vision of - Making Travel an Art, aiming to rewrite the history of private aviation by creating Art Aviation."

At the awarding ceremony Deer Jet has showcased the very foundations of its brand values of elegance, performance and distinction.




Deer Jet Co. Ltd was established in 1995 as the very first private jet company in China providing with a comprehensive range of services comprising private jet charter, aircraft management, air medical and rescue, aircraft brokerage, maintenance, FBO/MRO, ground handling, helicopter and luxury yacht charter, and luxury travel. To date, the company operates and manages a diverse fleet flying to 820 airports across 180 countries and territories, including the world's first and only Dream Jet.


SOURCE: DEER JET (Beijing) CO. LTD

Ayrton Senna exhibition at the Lamborghini Museum until October

Stefano Domenicali, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Automobili Lamborghini, inaugurated the Ayrton Senna exhibition at the Lamborghini Museum in Sant'Agata Bolognese.

The event welcomed the participation of Ercole Colombo and Giorgio Terruzzi, curators of the photographic record, and Mauro Forghieri and Daniele Audetto, who attended the test drive in 1993 when Senna drove a McLaren fitted with a Lamborghini engine on the Estoril circuit.

Every race car ever driven by the Brazilian champion is on display, from his debut outing to his tragic accident, heightening the appeal of the "Ayrton Senna. The last night" photography exhibition. The cars on display include the white MP4/8, identical to the one tested at Estoril, along with its engine.

The exhibition is open daily from 12 April to 9 October, including Sundays, from 9.30 am to 7 pm, and runs alongside the Lamborghini Museum's permanent collection.

For more information on Automobili Lamborghini:
www.lamborghini.com