Just like magic..

The application 'Word Lens' for the iPhone combines optical character recognition with translation software - the result? Instant translation while looking at signs and printed material. Cost: 4.99 USD







Details via iTunes:
itunes.apple.com

Sake bombed..

If you need your sake set to look like a World War II vintage sea going mine, you'll enjoy 'The Sake Bomb'. This sake set stores and servers your favorite cold and hot sakes. Cost: about 100 USD




Available from 'The Sake Bomb Store':
www.sakebombstore.com

Hand cranked...

Here's a decidedly low-tech solution to an age old problem - 'The Hand Paper Shredder'. Just crank by hand and your old papers are shredded. Cost: about 24 USD.





Hand Shredder from ThinkGeek.com:
www.thinkgeek.com

The Classics...

'Barbour' has been making classic British casual clothing for over 75 years. It's really all about the details. They've just opened a store in New York. If you're not in the neighborhood, you can always order online.






The online shop for Barbour:
www.barbour.com

Bad day at the office..

Things are pretty tough at the office if you need one of these: 'The Bulletproof Ballistic Clipboard'. It will keep your papers in order and work as a small shield for small caliber rounds. Cost: about 40 USD






Available from ballistic systems:
www.ballisticsystemsco.com/products

Tanked hard drive...

If you tend to be a little hard on your electronic equipment, LaCie is trying to help. 'The Tank' enclosure promises military grade protection for transporting your hard drive. Cost: about 30 USD






Order via LaCie:
www.lacie.com

Short cut...

If you're a bit busy to work out there's good news: 'The Four Hour Body' is coming out next week. Smart-Guy Tim Ferris (author of 'The Four Hour Work Week') shares his insights on fitness with some surprising twists. Cost: about 15 USD






Available for pre-order from Amazon.com:
www.amazon.com

Filtered...

One thing you can't really live without is water. The 'Katadyn Pocket Water Filter' is a good way to make sure there's always clean water available. The ceramic based filtration system can hand pump up to a liter of water per minute. Cost: about 235 USD.

Available from Backcountry.com:

www.backcountry.com

Flasks of Steel...

Classic design comes together with function in Dalvey's Stainless Steel Flask. It includes a collapsable stainless cup that nests into the body of the flask. Cost: about 121 USD.




Available from Dalvey Online:
www.dalveyonline.com

Evolution of the suitcase...

Two years of research have yielded the 'Travelteq Trip'. It looks like a stylish suitcase, but it has some interesting features. The front opens as a kangaroo pouch for your electronics, it has it's own electrical system for either charging gadgets or powering it's speaker system. The case made of honeycombed aluminum converts into a chair that can hold up to 300 lbs. Cost: between 595 and 795 GPB (based on options)





Details, tech specifications, and order via Travelteq:
www.travelteq.com

Land yacht...

If you want your support vehicle to match the decor of your yacht, you might want to talk to German tuning company Startech. Their 'Land Rover Defender 90 - Yachting Edition' adds nautical styling queues to the classic off road vehicle. Touches include teak deck interior, illuminated running boards, and navy blue interior leather.







Details and photos via Autoblog:
www.autoblog.com

Suite...

In Paris,, the Seven Hotel is offering the '007 Suite'. Room features include a private turkish bath, mood fragrances, and retro chic styling. The hotel is located in the Latin Quarter. Cost: 485 EUR





The Seven Hotel homesite:
www.sevenhotelparis.com

Ex Libris...

Every Playboy from 1953 to 2010 - available in digital format on a branded hard drive. Really. Cost: 300 USD



Available from Playboy Archive:
www.playboyarchive.com

EBay...

If you're looking for an interesting holiday gift to bid on - consider this: 'The HMS Invincible'. For as little as 1.5 million, you could have your own aircraft carrier. Built for Harrier Jump Jets (not included), the original cost was in the billions. Houses 22 jets. Quite a bargain, really.



Details and bidding via Edisposals:
edisposals.com

Cutting corners...

If you're planning on skiing some difficult slopes this year, you might want to check out these: The 'Nezza' (blade) carbon fiber composite skis from Zai. Working out of an old monastery in Switzerland, the company has created a 173 centimeter ski that only weighs 3.1 pounds. Cost: about 7,000 USD.





Details from Zia;
zai.ch