JGoods Sneaker Restoration Kit

You have that favorite pair of kicks in your closet, but they look like they’re on their last life. Before your wife lives up to the threat to toss them in the trash, make them wearable again with the JGoods Sneaker Restoration Kit. The company that created customized shoes for Jay-Z offers this kit, which has everything you need for sneaker revitalization and a comprehensive guide to sneaker care, cleaning and restoration. The box includes:

* The JGoods Guide to Sneaker Restoration

* 12” by 12” white towel

* Stiff poly scrub brush

* Melamine foam pad

* JGoods finish remover

* White and black JGoods leather paint

* High quality paint brush

* Cotton swabs

* Scourer sponge

To see before-and-after examples and order the $35 kit go to JGoods Online .

Sanctuary by Sirtified

It seems that every year or so men have to add one more thing to the daily collection of stuff (keys, pen, wallet, watch) we tote around. And in recent years, most of the additions (phone, iPod, bluetooth earpiece) need to be recharged at night. For many of us, that means our bedside tables or dressers look like a high-end garbage dump at the end of the day – expensive items strewn about chaotically. Fortunately, there is another way, and it is appropriately named Sanctuary.

The Sanctuary, by Sirtified, is a valet for the 21st century. Sleek and simple, the white or black box with its felt floor offers a variety of cords and connections – neatly arranged – to charge all your portable electronics, while also leaving room for your money clip, watch, pen and other personal items. While it is pricier than the free, faux leather substitute you received as a groomsman’s gift several years back, we suggest it may be time for an upgrade. $120.

Spherical Ice Trays. Image courtesy of MoMAstore.org

Japanese mixologists have recently created an art out of hard-carving ice into 2-inch spheres to perfectly chill drinks. The thinking is that the single ice ball has a lower surface area to volume ration than multiple ice cubes. This means that the heat from your hand doesn’t melt the ice as quickly, thus preventing a watered down drink, which is especially important with a fine Scotch. Several companies have jumped in the market offering a way to have the round ice ball at home:

- The MoMA Store has the most affordable option in a $16 ice tray.

- A U.K. company, Drinksology, sells the premium ice ball maker but it will cost you about $780. It’s worth at least watching the process on their website.

- Another option is to order a bag of 5 purified spheres delivered to you for $40 from Glace Luxury Ice Co..

Top: Time e-reader, photo credit: Sports Illustrated. Middle: Skiff e-reader. Bottom: iPad, image courtesy of Apple

With the rise of the public’s expectation of free internet content, the world of newspapers, magazines and books has struggled to make pace – and break even – with technology. However, innovation is happening and ushering in some of the most dynamic tech products since the unveiling of the iPod: new and improved e-readers, interactive devices appealing to a new generation of readers. Three in particular have caught our eye.

Time Inc.’s magazine tablet, unlike Amazon’s Kindle, is demonstrated as bright and filled with cool virtual technology. Unlike the static content of paper mags, the gadget allows publishers to pack in behind-the-scenes images and video, while also giving the reader the freedom to rearrange and dig deeper into content to their liking. Advertisements, no longer locked in a freeze-frame, can also come to life: a Weber ad, for example, features not only the page print, but video clips to accompany it. The Wonderfactory, has helped create a unbelievable video demo of the Time offering, which can be seen here.

Another soon to be released e-reader, the Skiff, is about the size of a magazine and will properly host magazines and newspapers, though only in black and white at this point. It is however remarkably thin, completely shatter resistant, and flexible. Its resolution surpasses other e-readers, and pages turn instantly at the swipe of a finger. Content can be loaded quickly via the Sprint 3G network, WiFi or mini-port, and there are 4 gigs of memory built into the device. Its battery power will last for about a week’s worth of reading. The Skiff also offers a cool search feature, allowing readers to scan for specific terms throughout the gadget’s contents or in one specific article.

Finally, the Apple iPad was announced just yesterday and will begin shipping in March. With a 9.7 (diagonal) inch screen, specially-made Apple processor and the remarkable touch screen interface found on the iPhone, this e-reader will be hard to beat. Apple announced a third store as well (iTunes and the App store being 1 & 2) – the iBookstore. For more photos and specs, go here. Starting price $499.

Peter Drucker Book

Many in the business world recognize Peter Drucker as the father of modern corporate management, but Drucker was also a source of wisdom on personal management. Many of his writings on the subject were scattered throughout his books and articles, but Bruce Rosenstein, who studied and interviewed Drucker, has compiled his ideas into a book that challenges us to consider life holistically.

Drucker believed that a fulfilling life was achieved by “living in more than one world” and having a diverse set of interests, activities, and pursuits. He believed this eclectic exposure helps us gain new insights, see the world from fresh perspectives and become inspired by new sources. Rosenstien uses Drucker as both a source and an example, navigating readers through his thoughts on honing your core competencies, developing your main talents, clarifying your values, and managing your time. The short and practical book is a unique presentation of Drucker and his thinking on how to lead a more meaningful life. Amazon, $13.67