CONTENTS
Editorial: TVR's resurrection.
Travel: Leed's Castle.
Technology: Tinger Track ATV.
Stationery: Octaevo.
Gadgets and Gear: Scorkl.
Books and Writing: The Illustrated Art of Manliness.
Project of the week: The Case of the Gilded Lily.
Contact Prowling Dog at prowlingdog@protonmail.com
EDITORIAL: TVR's resurrection.
For those old enough to know, TVR was a small British car company that put out sensational sports cars. It was started in 1947 by Trevor Wilkinson. The cars had unique engineering however they had problems with reliability and the company's fortunes worsened in the late 1900s, the cars eventually fading from production. Now the phoenix rises.
With the involvement of two famous and successful names, Gordon Murray Design and Cosworth Engineering, the reborn company should thrive.
The new car is set to be unveiled on September the 8th at the Goodwood Revival meeting in the United Kingdom.
For the curious: Goodwood is a famous racing circuit near Chichester in England. It was the perimeter track of the Royal Air Force's Westhampnett airfield. The first race was held in 1948.
TRAVEL: Leed's Castle
Leed's Castle is in Kent in Southern England, not to be confused with the town of that name in Northern England.
It is named after the Saxon Chief Led, who owned the land in 879 and built the wooden manor of Esledes on two islands in the River Len. In 1088 the land was confiscated and in 1119 Robert de Crevecoeur built a stone castle on the site. The site was again confiscated in 1265 and from then on saw ownership by various royals and it was subsequently renovated, added to and rebuilt. It saw wars and sieges. The newest part of the castle was built in 1823.
The castle is charming and certainly worth a visit.
TECHNOLOGY: Tinger Track ATV
This looks like a lot of fun. PD has previously featured the Howe and Howe Technologies Ripsaw EV2 tank (see PD 05 June 2015, GHOST_URL/civilian-tank/). Here is another track vehicle that looks like a lot of fun, the Tinger Track ATV.
http://tingeratv.com/models/track/trackc500/
A note from PD: It is Russian made.
STATIONERY: Octaevo
PD loves the bright colours of these notebooks and undated diaries made by Octaevo in Barcelona. Although the notebooks are blank the covers have themes, such as "Travel" and "Philosophy", and all come in a selection of colours.
Above: Notebook.
Above: Notebook.
Above: Agenda
Above: Agenda.
There even some whimsical bookmarks.
GADGETS AND GEAR: Scorkl
What on earth is a Scorkl? This is one of those "Why didn't they think of it before?" things, a mini scuba tank that is refilled by a hand pump.
It offers ten minutes of air, which is enough for a bit of fun of inspecting something under water. There is a built-in pressure gauge.
It is intended for use in shallow water only, not for diving deeply as you would with normal scuba gear. Think of it as a better snorkeling experience.
Virtually anyone can use it however remember that all water sports need care and attention, and always follow safety instructions for the unit.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1897301425/scorkl-breathe-underwater-with-total-freedom
BOOKS AND WRITING: The Illustrated Art of Manliness
"The Art of Manliness" is a long-standing website offering men practical advice on everything from dressing and grooming to how to survive a mountain lion encounter. PD particularly loves the illustrated instructions, such as this one on treating jellyfish stings:
The people behind The Art of Manliness have collected some of their wisdom in this new book. The things that you will learn include how to:
Survive a Bear Attack
Shave with a Straight Razor
Pick a Lock
Fight an Active Shooter
Be the Coolest Uncle
Run a Great Meeting
http://illustrated.artofmanliness.com/book/
http://www.artofmanliness.com/
PROJECT OF THE WEEK: The Case of the Gilded Lily
Are you a fan of Humphrey Bogart? Even better, are you a fan of the hilarious 1940s-private eye film spoof "Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid"?
Then this project is for you.
What is it about? In the creators' own words, "Shipwrecked Comedy has got a hot take on a cold case, see? It's a classic Hollywood whodunit, but private dick Ford Phillips can’t solve it without your help! A young starlet [Wilhelmina Vanderjetski] is in trouble. What gives with her suspicious co-star? Will that sultry lounge singer be singing to the coppers? How deep does this rabbit hole go? We got plenty of questions, but we only get the answers if we hit our Kickstarter goal, see? And if we don’t, we'll have to pack up our hat boxes and get out while the getting's good".
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1029702011/the-case-of-the-gilded-lily?ref=category_popular
Contact Prowling Dog at prowlingdog@protonmail.com
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.
© 2017 Prowling Dog