| EXQUISITE THINGS AUGUST 2002 | |
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A versatile and
feature-rich professional recipe conversion calculator, the Kitchen
Calc Pro enables chefs, caterers, and everyday consumers to do a
slew of culinary functions. It easily does volume unit conversions
(enter and convert between teaspoons, tablespoons, fluid ounces, cups,
liters, etc.); weight unit conversions (convert between dry ounces,
pounds, grams, and kilograms); and temperature conversions
(one-keystroke Centigrade-to-Fahrenheit ). It also has two built-in
digital timers that can be used simultaneously while operating the
device. And, of course, the Kitchen Calc Pro works as a standard math
calculator. The LCD display is large, as are the numbers that come up on
the display. Like many of Calculated Industries' products, the Kitchen
Calc Pro comes with a full One-Year Limited Warranty.
$34.95/www.calculated.com Whether you're a weekend renovator or a professional builder, carpenter, or architect, the Construction Master Pro DT With Printer will provide you with immediate solutions to both your routine and your intricate measurement problems. Its highlights are too numerous to list. But in addition to performing regular calculator functions, this handsome and rugged machine handles all fractions, has material estimation capabilities, does rafter and right-angle calculations, and offers full trigonometric functions. Its dark and compact body features a bright display and large, easy-to-read numbers. And the built-in printer makes it simple to do everything from record figures to double-check estimates. $129.95/www.calculated.com Tierney Sutton is a splendid jazz vocalist. She appeared at the 2002 Spoleto Festival, in Charleston, South Carolina. Sutton is as laudable in her delivery as she is in her pitch. While her soprano voice might not yet be as strong as some legendary jazz artists, her diction is clear and she sings with quiet enthusiasm. Her debut CD, Unsung Heroes was released in March 2000. Her more recent Blue in Green (July 2001) is a far richer CD, given that Sutton's voice is a bit more seasoned. Also, nearly all of the 14 songs on Blue in Green are written by or associated with the great jazz pianist, Bill Evans. The songs range from "Just Squeeze Me" and "Autumn Leaves" to "We Will Meet Again" and "Old Devil Moon. Both CDs are priced around $17.98. www.telarc.com & www.tierneysutton.com If you only need a cell phone for occasional or emergency use, TracFone--the nationwide prepaid wireless service that doesn't require contracts or monthly bills--has enhanced both its services and its phones. With TracFone, you only pay for the minutes you need. And those minutes don't expire--with active service. (To keep your service active, just purchase and redeem a 30, 60, 150, or 300-minute Tracfone Prepaid Airtime card every 60 days.) Happily, those cheesy-looking Nokia 252, 282, and 918 phones have been replaced by new digital and more stylish Nokia phones from the 5100 series (5180i, 5165, and 5125). The phones have large displays, which show your airtime balance. Features include free voice mail, free caller ID, free call waiting, one-touch dialing, and over 30 distinct rings. The phones' average price is $79.99. A 60-minute airtime card, to cite one example, is $24.95 The costs for the other cards can be found found at the company's thorough Web site. www.tracfone.com The Karim Rashid Chess Set is a resplendent interpretation of the classic chess set. Rashid--an acclaimed New York artist/designer who has designed for Giorgio Armani and Estee Lauder, and who has over 40 objects in permanent collections around the world--imbues his thermal plastic chess pieces with a day-glow orange and lime-green palette. The pieces themselves are comfortable to hold and touch, with the King measuring 4-inches high. And their designs are at once sensual, modern, and graceful . Further, they easily fit inside the gorgeously-constructed acrylic silkscreen chessboard, which measures 14-inches square. $50/www.bozart.com Despite its sassy and whimsical name, the Buttpillow is an ergonomically sound and immensely-practical cushion that takes pressure off the peri-anal area with its patented cantilever support system. Such support not only aids in the relief and prevention of hemorrhoidal problems, but it reduces contact stress, back pain, and uncomfortable postures. Melanie Loomos, a former Florida court reporter, invented the ButtPillow. Darren Salinger, M.D. and William J. Gallway, Esq. are members of her ingenious team. The ButtPillow comes in four versions: Ergo (for people over 5 foot 7 inches and weighing more than 225 pounds), Ergo Jr. (for sitters under 5 foot 7 inches and weighing less than 160 pounds), Executive (its minimal slant is perfect for chairs usually used by office workers), and Original (it has slight forward slant and is geared for people with tilted or sloping chairs and who weight up to 225 pounds. These outstanding cushions can be ordered from Loomos's witty and informative Web site. $90 each/www.buttpillow.com The Belkin Bridge Street Koskin Notebook Case is beautifully compact; yet, it's spacious enough for today's large screen notebooks. Measuring 16x12x2.5, this stylish black case features exterior accessory pockets, which are perfect for miscellaneous items; PC card pockets to store and protect PCMCIA cards; holders for your pens, pencils, and business cards, which are located conveniently in your "workstation" area; deskette mesh pockets; and storage for your cell-phone. Dividers create a mobile file cabinet in a three-section accordion manner. The case is exceptionally sturdy. Not only does it have a long-lasting wire frame construction, but solid steel sandstone fittings and zippers. You'll also welcome the non-skid rubber feet. A detachable padded shoulder strap provides comfort and functionality. $85/www.belkin.com At once stylish, colorful, and practical, the Demi Teakettle makes "Tea for Two" a grand yet intimate event. This new 1.1/4 quart kettle (one of Le Creuset's extremely popular teakettle designs) is comprised of enamel-coated carbon steel. The heavyweight metal conducts heat with marvelous evenness across and up the sides of the kettle--which quickly heats water for 1 or 2 cups of tea. It has a unique locking handle that always stays cool. And its tight-fitting lid has a generous heat-proof knob. Even more, it is dishwasher-safe. The Demi Teakettle comes in a resplendent array of colors: red, white, flame, blue, black, citrus yellow, and jade green. $60/www.lecreuset.com Powerful and elegant, the Kasparov Cosmos laptop chess computer has over 500 levels/settings - it will even challenge tournament level players. Even if you're relatively new to chess, the Kasparov Cosmos' Guardian Angel Coach option will help protect you against asinine (okay--tactical) blunders. User selectable computer playing styles--e.g., Selective, Passive, and Brute Force--lets you experience different types of opponents. Also, the Multiple Style Openings Library allows budding Kasparovs to learn and explore different opening strategies. The bright and large LCD display has a chess clock function, which includes the new Brontein timing controls. And the stylish laptop cabinet and Long-Term memory mean that you can enjoy the Kasparov Cosmos anytime, anywhere. $119.95/www.saitekusa.com Fellowes has produced practical and high-quality products for office personnel since 1917. Their PS60-2 Shredder with Basket is a handsome and robust medium-duty shredder that's perfect for the at home or office worker. It can strip-cut up to a dozen sheets per pass, and its durable, all-steel cutting system--which offers a smaller 7/32" cut for increased security--accepts not only paper, but staples, paper clips, and credit cards. The motor is both compact and quiet, and the window on the 6.5 gallon metallic silver/graphite wastebasket lets you see when the basket is full. Identity theft and corporate espionage are common occurences today. (The FTC's Identity Theft Hotline now receives over 850 calls per week.) Shredding your confidential documents is safe, easy, and quick with the marvelous PS60-2 with Basket. $119.99/www.fellowes.com The Screwpull Elegance is easily the finest portable wine opener on the market. This 3-piece lever model set is comprised of a fish-shaped storage stand, a replacement screw, and even a foil cutter. With its smooth, sleek design, the Elegance truly lives up to its name. The handles and lever are made of a beautiful chrome-plated zinc alloy, while the corkscrew is steel. And how well does it work? It only takes a single, easy push-and-pull action to perfectly extract even the most ornery (and aged) of corks. This astutely engineered device is 6 inches high and has 8-inch handles. It weighs just under 2 pounds, and it's rustproof! The Screwpull Elegance is a sterling purchase for all wine lovers. $189/www.lecreuset.com Located near the center of the state on Wassookeag Lake, Dexter, Maine has no taxi service or subway. It doesn't even have a bus. But that's okay, because the town is compact and folks love to walk--which is due, in no small measure, to the Dexter Shoe Company and its line of quality footware. The Adams is a superb flat strap penny loafer. A part of the company's Men's Casual line, the Adams has been updated with soft, tan leather and marvelous toe-to-heel cushioning. The authentic handsewn moccasin construction is smooth and solid, while the lightweigh Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) outsole--with its terrific mini-lug design--offers flexibility and solid footing. The Adams comes in three colors: Chili, Black, and Dark Brown. $79.95/www.dextershoes.com Hammering needn't be a aching chore. The RIDGID RoboHammer is innovative hammer that keep those painful vibrations to a minimum. A laser-thin slot has been cut into the head. The slot ends at an oval-shaped hole through the center of the head that contains a shock-absorbing material. Thus, when the hammer strikes a nail, the head flexes, the sides of the slot touch, and the energy usually wasted in the recoil is redirected back into the nail, driving it further. The winningly designed RoboHammer has a triple-layer rubberized grip and a solid steel shaft. The hammer weighs only 18 oz., and it comes in two versions--left hand and right. $29.00/www.ridgidwoodworking.com Johnston & Murphy--that estimable Nashville, Tennessee company whose footwear and clothing are available in more than 3,000 department stores throughout the world and who has been in the footwear industry for 150 years--gives us The Laird. A part of Johnston & Murphy's Tailored Casual line, The Laird is a smooth-toe blucher that winningly mixes style and durability with non-fussiness. The shoe's thick heel and slightly-extending sole give The Laird not only greater balance, but an up-to-date-look. And the shoe's interior cradle's the foot with assured ease. The Laird, a men's shoe, comes in Black Veal and DK Mahogany. It has a medium width (D) and its sizes range from 7-13. $138/www.johnstonandmurphy.com L.L. Bean's Norwegian Sweater is as classic as it is sturdy. This worsted-wool sweater--which comes in Loden and Khaki--is not only comfortable, it's water resistant. Seafaring Norwegians have worn the sweaters for many a decade, praising its warmth, its endurance, and its densely-knit fibers. But the sweater works just as well for anyone, anywhere--especially during Fall and Winter days. And it holds up exceedingly well under rugged travel conditions. Refreshingly, Bean's Norwegian Sweaters have changed little over the years. They have been created, since the turn of last century, by a family-owned knitting company in Norway. The sweater is made of 80% wool and 20% rayon. And it's a winner. $65/www.llbean.com Now that cooler weather has arrived, Lands' End Drifter Crewnecks are a must-purchase. Classic, soft, and amazingly comfortable, this latest line of 100% long-staple combed-cotton crewnecks is even softer than previous ones. Their fully fashioned saddle shoulders allow for greater ease of movement, and the new cleaner neckline--not to mention the trimmer rib at the cuffs and waistband--give the sweaters a handsomer drape, as well as a more contemporary look. The great new colors are Black Forest, Dutch Blue, Golden Yellow, Deep Orange, True Red, and the especially gorgeous Wineberry. The company has Drifter Crewnecks for men and women, with plenty of size options. $34 for Men's Regular Crewnecks/www.landsend.com "Created to walk" was the theme of Havana Joe's visiting card when they first launched into selling shoes in 1989. And that commendable creto continues to serve this company, especially when it comes to their Classic 02s. These rugged lace-ups are stylish enough for casual events but sturdy enough for everyday wear. In addition to being waterproof and crafted with hand-selected Spanish leathers, the Classic 02s have neatly-sealed seams, cushioned lining, non-slip rubber soles, and a splendid shock absorption system. And oh yes--they're incredibly comfortable! There are styles for both men and women, and the colors are Brown Greasy, Black Greasy, and Polished Brown. $149 Large & $199 XL/www.havanajoe1.com From its heralded inception in 1993, Lugz--an urban footwear brand of Jack Schwartz shoes in New York--has been an astute innovator in the footwear market. Everyone from hip hop entertainers to the Gap/Old Navy crowd has applauded (not to mention strutted) their shoes. Even Lugz itself has recently kicked off a $5 million TV and print campaign to justly sing the praises of their men's Bridge. At once classic, stylish, and practical, this sterling shoe enhances any pair of jeans or Khakis. It has a smooth nubuck/nylon upper with a padded collar and a rubber lug outsole. And the Bridge comes in a winning variety of styles and colors: Black Leather, Black Denim, Wheat, and Navy Denim. $67.99 www.lugz.com Located in Hollywood, Florida, Stanton Magnetics has been one of the leading producers of premium products for users in the broadcast studio and recording industry since 1946. Their new DJ Pro 60 professional stereo headphones are as affortable as they impressive. The wide, black, self-adjusting headband ably complements the silver, softly-cushioning ear cups. The colors and styling give the DJ Pro 60 a jazzy retro look. But there is nothing retro about the sound quality, which is smooth, clear, and beautifully balanced. The DJ Pro 60 has a frequency range between 3 and a whopping 28,000 Hz, and it comes with a stereo jack and an eight-and-a-half foot cable. $45/www.stantonmagnetics.com Though beautifully sleek and lightweight, the Wide-Screen Laptop Sleeve is as strong as nails. My jet black one is made of a material that the company--Timbuk2--calls Ballistic, which is a nylon fabric similar in water/abrasion-resistance to cordura, but with a tighter weave and brighter finish. The sleeve also very well-padded, with smooth, one-half inch foam cushioning. This Wide-Screen version (the bag comes in four sizes) is designed to fit most laptops, including Apple's new Titanium G4. In addition to the tough exterior and top-notch padding, the Wide-Screen Laptop Sleeve features a buckle top closure and cushioned webbing handles. $40/www.timbuk2.com Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, Johnston & Murphy has made shoes for every U.S. president since Millar Fillmore. (They will be providing footwear for the six leading male cast members in the new season of NBC's "The West Wing.") The company's precise craftsmanship is certainly evident in their Heidelberg, a classic and exceptionally comfortable penny loafer. This popular shoe has a rich burgundy veal sheen. It can be worn with either casual wear or with classic dress. And it comes in widths A though E. The Heidelberg can be found more than 100 retail stores and 24 factory outlets across the U.S. $150/www.johnstonmurphy.com The Folding Vision is a handsome and innovative pair of sunglasses. They feature Microvision's patented stainless steel telescoping temples and silver frames with built-in hinges for extraordinary comfort. The nosepads can be easily adjusted to fit the bridge of any nose by using gentle inward or outward pressure. And the Folding Vision frames were designed so that you can have prescription lenses (up to -3.00) placed inside of them. And speaking of frames, they come in oval and square. The lens are gray and have 5 levels of correction (+1.00, +1.50, +2.00, +2.50, and +3.00). A beautiful wood gift box is included. $120/www.microvisionoptical.com The mission at MicroVision Optical is to provide new and inventive products for vision correction. They have certainly succeeded at their objective with their two latest products. The Pen Reader Classic II is a sleek and handsome pair of reading glasses that uses a pen as a case. The reading glasses have stainless steel frames and spring-hinge temples for comfort. They come in five colors and five levels of corrections (+1.00 thru +3.00). The Folding Vision Reading Glasses feature a silver stainless steel frame with top-quality polycarbonate reading glasses in five levels of correction. The shapes are oval and square, and you can get them with or without nosepads. The package includes a chrome case, an attractive mahogany gift box, and a microfiber cleaning cloth & pouch. $59.95 and $120 respectively/www.microvisionoptical.com The Legal Size Urban Tote is a sleek, practical, and sophisticated carrier for professional women. Its black microfiber body weighs a mere two-and-a-half pounds. Yet--as with most Coldwater Creek products--its solid construction ensures that it is both strong and durable. A zip-around gusset expands the already spacious interior compartment to hold legal-sized folders without having to jam them in or worry that they will fold or crease. Four outside pockets can carry, say, newspapers, magazines, reports, presentations, and a cell phone. The tote measures 16" x 11 3/4" x 5 1/2". And the wide, adjustable strap expands to 49 inches. $68/800-262-0040/www.coldwatercreek.com Stylish and compact, the Stainless Steel Stovetop Espresso Pot will quickly become one of your favorite kitchen applicances. It's hard to believe that this shiny 9 1/2-inch cylindrical pot produces 6 cups of delicious and eye-opening java. An aluminum disk on its bottom encourages the water to heat rapidly, brewing its flavorful elixir. And the Expresso Pot is made in Italy! $49.95/800-243-0852/www.surlatable.com In addition to its sleek one-quart design and gorgeous stainless steel finish, the Chef's Choice Electric Tea Kettle has a powerful 1500-watt heating unit that automatically shuts off when the water boils. Since you lift the Kettle off its base to pour and fill, the heating element is never in contact with the water. So there is no build-up of nasty mineral deposits on it. Also, the heating unit has non-stick rubber feet to protect your table or counter. Other contemporary design features include a stay-cool handle, an easy-to-pour spout, a corded base (with the cord adjusting to your desired length), and a double boil-dry safety shutoff operation. $69.95/800-243-0852/www.surlatable.com At once handsome and affordable, Fossil's Silver Dial is perfect for men who love stylish yet classic dress watches. This solid stainless steel timepiece features a fine tank-shaped case with a sturdy stainless steel bracelet. It has three-hand quartz movement, and the numbers are large and very easy to read. There is also a handy date function. The watch has water-resistant construction and comes with an 11-year warranty. For women, Fossil offers the elegant Mother of Pearl. Its splendid square case displays three-hand quartz movement and easy-to-view Roman numerals. A croco embossed thin leather strap enhances the watch's beauty. The Mother of Pearl also comes with Fossil's 11-year warranty. $95 and $50 respectively/www.fossil.com Thirty Things is an ingenious Massachusetts company that successfully modifies household objects and personal accessories by energizing them with simple but elegant designs. That's certainly the case with the Canvas Wine Tote, which is at once graceful, sturdy, and practical. It is doubled-walled, with integral reinforcing at the top and bottom, and made of 24-oz natural canvas duck. There are eight styles and it can be used not just for wine, but for champagne or gourmet dressing and vinegar. If the bag is ever misshapen, a quick ironing will restore it to its original form (which measures 11 1/2"x4 3/4"x5". With the Canvas Wine Tote, you'll never have to "brown bag" a gift again. $30/617-864-7235/www.thirtythings.com Astutely balanced and constructed, the Cross Townsend Ball-Point Pen Lustrous Chrome is a stellar writing instrument. It combines the art of the jeweler with the precision of modern design engineers. During his first days in office, President Bush signed a series of executive orders and inaugural documents using pens from the Cross Townsend series. The ball-point opens quickly and smoothly; and the black ink goes on with even richness. And Cross sends the pen in a lovely forest-green gift box. Both affordable and practical, the Cross Townsend Ball-Point makes a fine present for a friend or a family member. Or better yet, for yourself! $55/www.cross.com With its singular, eye-catching configuration by New York Zoom (a Manhattan think-tank whose designs capture a new global attitude), the Spoon Nooka Watch differs from standard analog and digital timepieces. There is no radial dial. Instead, there is an extending horizontal bar that displays progressing time. And because the bar measures in increments of twelve, the date, month, and hour can be shown on the same display axis. The non-glossy black leather strap is wide without being overly retro; and though the stainless steel casing has a bit of heft to it, it is thoroughly stylish and functional. The Spoon Nooka features calendar, an alarm and an illuminating light. And it's water-resistant up to 100 meters. $165/www.virtualspoon.com Sur La Table--that glorious retail store and E-Commerce kitchenware company in Seattle, Washington--has two items that will definitely liven up your table. Red Plates are just that: A set of four richly hued dishes. Given that they are 11-inches in diameter, they can easily be matched with other patterned dishes for resplendent table settings. And they are dishwasher and microwave safe! Cobalt Glass bowls will enhance your kitchen and table even further. This trio of stunningly blue containers--which are 5 1/2", 8", and 10 1/4"--can be used to hold everything from apple and pears to berries and beautifully-wrapped candy. $34.95 and $15.95 respectively/800-243-0852/www.surlatable.com For serious outdoor explorers, the Silva Landmark Compass is a laudable-purchase. Its contoured design features a heavy-duty locking pin for attaching to clothing, which enables hands-free use while on the trail. The compass contains a lifetime magnetized Tungsten steel needle, friction-free sapphire bearing, permanently clear anti-static liquid, and luminous points for easy use in the dark. The dial offers 5-degree graduations, and the inch and millimeter scales make simple mapping and plotting. Given its holdable snuggness and translucent blue color, the Silva Landmark Compass is both handsome and immensely-practical. $34.95/www.silvacompass.com The Chaney Atomix Clock sports a classic yet contemporary design, with its 10-inch round, brushed-aluminum silver frame. And it's accurate to the millisecond. Its radio receivers gather, decode, and synchronize with the United States government's atomic clock in Fort Collins, Colorado. So once set, the clock never has to be changed! This means, of course, that you won't be able to use the excuse of your clock being wrong again. This marvelous timepiece--which automatically adjusts for daylight savings time--is powered by one AA battery (which is included). Signals are received throughout North America, excluding Alaska and Hawaii. $39.99/www.atomixtime.com
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