CONTENTS
Editorial.
Travel: Minicap wallet.
Technology: Nixie drone.
Stationery: Letterpress calendar.
Gadgets: Stowaway key holder tools.
Books and Writing: Shady Characters.
Project of the week: Beautifully Nerdy Deep Space Paintings & Prints.
EDITORIAL
This week PD has spotted some really interesting things. PD will not be taking you anywhere in Travel, but instead will help you survive juggling multiple currencies when traveling. In Technology PD introduces his followers to a handy camera drone that sits on your wrist. In Stationery PD discusses a beautiful desktop letterpress calendar for 2017. The Gadgets featured this week fall into the "I wish these were available before I bought all those bulky ones" category. The book section is not what you think it is - read on. Finally the project of the week is a beautifully designed infuser.
TRAVEL: Minicap wallet
To be precise, this is the Minicap 2 wallet. PD has been using one since it was a Kickstarter project. The creators from Taiwan who came up with this small versatile and inexpensive wallet have listened to their backers' experiences and came back with subtle improvements.
Why this wallet? It is small and you can have several in your bag, each with a different currency. As you change countries just pull out your credit card from the current one you are using and slip it into the next one.
The card compartment has a handy strap that you pull to get your cards out.
Being small you can easily hide it in a small pocket. You can even carry a spare as a "mugger's wallet", the one you hand over when attacked, with only a small amount of money in it.
The bad news? PD is not aware of the wallet being available anywhere for purchase. You will have to wait for their next Kickstarter campaign.
TECHNOLOGY: Nixie drone
Is this the ultimate tool for taking selfies?
This is a drone with a built-in camera that you wear like a watch. When you are ready, release it and it follows and films you.
The Nixie is still in the development stage. There is little more information at present but it sounds interesting. You can follow its development by subscribing at http://flynixie.com/.
STATIONERY: Mr Cup letterpress calendar
Last year PD introduced his readers to the Mr Cup letterpress calendar, an exquisitely designed piece. Fabien Barral from France, aka Mr Cup, is back with another take on his annual release. Each year the design differs and Fabian Barral has done another wonderful job. PD has put in his order.
Some of the monthly designs are seen below (the blank ones are still to be finalised).
For those wanting to get a Kickstarter discount, this project will close very soon.
GADGETS: Stowaway key holder tools
Key holders are a neater way to carry your keys than on a key ring. An example is the Orbit that PD featured previously, but there are other ones that are made out of metal.
The people at Klecker Knives in the USA have come up with a range of tools that fit into these key holders. The range is extensive, with screwdrivers, pliers, tweezers, wrenches, combs, scissors and even a flashlight.
The only problem? If you want them all you may have to get more key holders.
http://stowawaytools.com/stowaway-tools/
BOOKS AND WRITING: Shady Characters
If you are thinking of crooks and other unsavoury people you will be greatly disappointed. If on the other hand you are interested in what all those symbols (characters) on your key board are, read on.
This beautifully designed book is made for delving into rather than reading cover to cover. You probably do not know the names of many of the symbols that you see every day; this book will not only tell you, but will explain all about it, including its history and correct usage. How cool is that?
http://www.shadycharacters.co.uk/
PROJECT OF THE WEEK: Beautifully Nerdy Deep Space Paintings & Prints
This is a first for PD. He has never before presented art. You probably have not heard of Cathrin Machin (PD had not either), who is from far flung Australia. In her own words, "...deep space is totally bad-ass and mind-blowingly beautiful." If you think so check out her project. She is offering prints and commissioned works.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/cathrin/beautifully-nerdy-deep-space-paintings-and-prints
Important disclaimer: Remember that crowdfunding sites are not stores. You may decide to back this project and provide funds, however there is no guarantee that any project will be delivered - the rate of failure is about 10%. PD is in no way accountable for the success or otherwise of any project and writes in this column purely for entertainment purposes, and will in no way be held liable for any failure or money lost by anyone. It is a case of "buyer beware". It is a sad reflection on the era we live in that PD must resort to this type of disclaimer.
Note: photographs and illustrations are from the relevant websites and are the copyright of the respective owners.
Contact Prowling Dog at prowlingdog@protonmail.com
© 2016 Prowling Dog