For now they’re only available for the city of London, or at least its downtown core, but these paper maps are a great update to traditional maps, particularly since we’ve all grown accustomed to being able to zoom-in with Google Maps and GPS navigation devices.

The map is broken into 4 quadrants which can be individually zoomed/unfolded to give an enlarged and more detailed view of that part of the city, and thanks to its clever design, when the map is folded to its minimum size you still have the ability to zoom in on any two sections for quick access.

It comes printed on tear-resistant paper and includes a clear PVC wallet to keep it protected, and is available from TheZoomableMap.com for about $13. (£8.00)

[ohgizmo]

Much the way French wellness shop HOJO aims to help keep senior citizens healthy and independent for as long as possible, so UK home renovation firm Ruby Slippers hopes to help them enjoy their homes for as long as they can.

Launched just last week, Ruby Slippers specialises in combining good design with practical functionality that can help people enjoy their home throughout their retirement years. At the heart of the Ruby Slippers service is a concept it calls “ageless design,” which essentially boils down to accommodating the effects of aging in an invisible way through smart design features that are not just stylish but also geared toward safety and comfort. Kitchens, for example, can be redesigned with colour-contrasting work surfaces and flooring for enhanced visual orientation; effortless single-lever taps; and a flush hob with level burners for safer transfer of hot pans. Bathrooms, meanwhile, can be redone to feature European-style level-access showers, stylish grab rails and an outward-opening bathroom door to ensure emergency access in case someone falls.

Far from diminishing a home with ugly tools focused purely on functionality, Ruby Slippers instead aims to make homes not just more livable for seniors, but also more attractive. An “Ageless Home” audit service is available from Ruby Slippers at a special introductory price of GBP 250 including a full home audit and a written report of recommendations. Also available are design review—priced at GBP 250 as well—and handyman service for GBP 30 per hour.

There were more than 519 million people aged 65 and over around the world last year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and that's expected to triple to 1.53 billion by 2050. Time to tailor some services to seniors in your part of the world...? (Related: Helping seniors relocate — Driving service for seniors — Supermarkets for seniors.)

[springwise]

Snow-capped mountains are glistening with the season’s first snowfall and they beacon the avid skiers to slide over its untried, whitish veneer. For those who have decided to pick up the call, take a look at this new Aston Martin range of skis made from latest material including composites, aluminum and carbon.

The ski, designed to allow ultimate control for slalom and freestyle skiing, is well suited to the needs of a casual skier. While the ski is available in four different colors: Morning Frost White, Quantum Silver, Almond Green and Silver Blonde, one can personalize the color, which is just a phone call away.

[bornrich]

GQ.com is partnering with Burberry Prorsum to stream live footage of the designer's Autumn/Winter 2010 Menswear fashion show in Milan.

Viewers will be able to watch the show in real time on GQ.com. Content will also be streamed simultaneously on live.Burberry.com on 16 January, at 6pm

The non-commercial partnership will include live show footage followed by further exclusive content from Burberry’s menswear show including specially recorded video messages from Burberry’s chief executive Christopher Bailey, as well as behind the scenes footage featuring face of the brand, face Harry Potter actress Emma Watson. Some content will also be shown on Vogue.com’s ‘Daily News’ and Twitter.