The problem: Some PowerPC applications (such as Word) sometimes fail to launch on Intel Macs.
One solution: There is a root process called translated which seems to be launched with PowerPC programs. If this process is killed, then the application can be launched with no troubles. Note that an administrator password is required. translated can be found by opening up the Activity Monitor. Select the process and click on Quit Process.
http://www.macosxhints.com/article.php?story=2006080308222881
