Welcome Tape-o-philes. It's that time of year again. Yes, time for the Supply Side Show at the Javits Center in the greatest of all cities, New York. What is the Supply Side? That's where you can find all of the supplies you need to create beautiful stationery, invitations or artwork using the latest in papers, foils, embellishments and TAPE!! Yes, tape. And TAPE-RITE is the leading supplier of the specialty tapes used to create theses works of art. Check them out at http://www.taperite.com/Supply-Side/supply-side-stationery-show.html. The Supply Side is located in the National Stationery Show. We are stuck in the back, like a leper colony.
What amazes Doctor Tape is that most of these are created by small, independent operators, usually women, working at their dining room tables. I speak with them every year and I have found that they all seem to have started as crafters making stuff for friends and family. As their fame spread they all took the leap and moved into selling their wares to the general public. This is harder than it sounds and the fact that so many have achieved success is a testament to their skill and persistence. Some of them have grown into large operations but they all know where they came from and they haven't lost their compass.
If you are in the market for fine stationery or fancy invitations I suggest seeking them out for personal service, creative design and high quality. Especially if they are buying tape from me.
If you are in the NYC area from 5/19 to 5/22 come on by and visit us at booth 3085. We'd love to meet you. And if you can't make it please check us out at www.taperite.com.
Minutus cantorum, minutus ballorum, minutus carborata descendum pantorum.
(A little song, a little dance, a little seltzer down your pants) -- Funeral for Chuckles, Mary Tyler Moore Show
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Friday, May 10, 2013
Been There, Done That
Doctor Tape is a creature of habit and one of his favorite habits is going to Wo Hop at 17 Mott St in Chinatown. The one in New York. Down the stairs. I think there may be a Wo Hop in every Chinatown on Earth. In fact there is a place called Wo Hop City at 15 Mott St. I went there once because the line for the true Wo Hop was soooo long I didn't want to wait and it scarred me for life. .Just like skydiving, never again. Anthony Bourdain (Mr Uber cool) once filmed a segment at Hop Kee which is at 21 Mott Street. I am convinced that Hop Kee exists solely to take the overflow from Wo Hop. Wo Hop is open 24/7 so if you want to make sure you avoid the lines go at 3AM. Unless its New Year's. Then it doesn't matter.
99% of the time I go with my best friend Marc. We have been going to Wo Hop for 39 years. I have known Marc since we were 12. We met at summer camp. We immediately became struck on each other as if we had used really strong double-coated tape And remember for all of your tape needs visit us at www.taperite.com. Hey, it is a tape column.
Anyway we went tonight in Marc's new used car. Marc buys lots of used cars. Don't get the wrong idea, it's a 2002 AMG55 convertible. A worthy vehicle for transporting Doctor Tape to his favorite restaurant.The drive in was like all the stars aligned. There was no traffic, Marc drove under control (Marc always drives) and we got a spot half a block from the place. We leapt out and ran into a group of guys also going to Wo Hop. Three were from out of town and one was a native. They were a little lost because 17 Mott is all the way south, almost to the Bowery and the New Yorka had only been there late at night. When he was drunk. And he didn't remember how far down it was.
We got to the stairs and there was NO LINE. At 7:45PM there was NO LINE. I can't stress how rare an occurrence this is. Wo Hop only seats 46 people. We rushed in and there were open tables. Another sign from above. What a great night!! Our favorite waiters were working (Raymond and Feng) and we had a great meal. While we were eating we noticed that a line had formed and there were maybe 20 people waiting for a table. Could it get any better? Actually no. Turns out we didn't read the parking signs correctly and we got a $65.00 ticket. The worst part is its not the first time we did this. Oh well, I guess that's a habit I have to kick.
"Imagination is more important than knowledge" -- Albert Einstein
99% of the time I go with my best friend Marc. We have been going to Wo Hop for 39 years. I have known Marc since we were 12. We met at summer camp. We immediately became struck on each other as if we had used really strong double-coated tape And remember for all of your tape needs visit us at www.taperite.com. Hey, it is a tape column.
Anyway we went tonight in Marc's new used car. Marc buys lots of used cars. Don't get the wrong idea, it's a 2002 AMG55 convertible. A worthy vehicle for transporting Doctor Tape to his favorite restaurant.The drive in was like all the stars aligned. There was no traffic, Marc drove under control (Marc always drives) and we got a spot half a block from the place. We leapt out and ran into a group of guys also going to Wo Hop. Three were from out of town and one was a native. They were a little lost because 17 Mott is all the way south, almost to the Bowery and the New Yorka had only been there late at night. When he was drunk. And he didn't remember how far down it was.
We got to the stairs and there was NO LINE. At 7:45PM there was NO LINE. I can't stress how rare an occurrence this is. Wo Hop only seats 46 people. We rushed in and there were open tables. Another sign from above. What a great night!! Our favorite waiters were working (Raymond and Feng) and we had a great meal. While we were eating we noticed that a line had formed and there were maybe 20 people waiting for a table. Could it get any better? Actually no. Turns out we didn't read the parking signs correctly and we got a $65.00 ticket. The worst part is its not the first time we did this. Oh well, I guess that's a habit I have to kick.
"Imagination is more important than knowledge" -- Albert Einstein
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Tamper Tape Makes It Evident
With all of the unrest in the world today many companies and governmental agencies are turning to tamper evident tapes for help in preventing and identifying tampering with shipments, documents and equipment. There are many types of tape (and labels) that provide visible evidence of tampering. They can't prevent it but you will be aware of it. TAPE-RITE offers a complete line of products to help you with compliance in this area. Check it out here: http://www.taperite.com/Showcase/tamper-evident-tapes.html
The most basic type is printed tape either with a pattern or a logo. Available as gummed tape or plastic tape these products provide a low cost solution to provide a minimal level of tamper evidence. They also serve as an easy way to identify shipments.
For small packages or retail items the package opening can be sealed with a self-destructing labels. These labels can't be peeled off in one piece making them almost impossible to replace. Another type of tamper evident label will leave behind a pattern (dots, checkerboard, etc.) and then it can't be replaced because the adhesive loses it stick. These labels can be further customized with logos or other information. This provides a very high level of package security.
There are also case sealing tapes that have the same characteristics. They are available in small rolls for hand held dispensers or long length rolls for automatic case sealers. These tapes can be custom printed with logos and serial numbers. The serial numbers change every 9 inches and allow you to record the numbers on each case giving you the highest level of evidence.
Recently we worked with a Fortune 500 company that builds large equipment in Mexico. They were told by Homeland Security that they had to make these truck-sized thingies tamper-evident so that people or contraband couldn't be smuggled in them. After shrink wrapping the units they used custom printed tape to create a seal between equipment, shrink wrap and pallet providing clear evidence if it was tampered with.
If tamper evidence is a concern of yours give us a call at 1-800-882-7348 or e-mail sales@taperite.com
The most basic type is printed tape either with a pattern or a logo. Available as gummed tape or plastic tape these products provide a low cost solution to provide a minimal level of tamper evidence. They also serve as an easy way to identify shipments.
For small packages or retail items the package opening can be sealed with a self-destructing labels. These labels can't be peeled off in one piece making them almost impossible to replace. Another type of tamper evident label will leave behind a pattern (dots, checkerboard, etc.) and then it can't be replaced because the adhesive loses it stick. These labels can be further customized with logos or other information. This provides a very high level of package security.
There are also case sealing tapes that have the same characteristics. They are available in small rolls for hand held dispensers or long length rolls for automatic case sealers. These tapes can be custom printed with logos and serial numbers. The serial numbers change every 9 inches and allow you to record the numbers on each case giving you the highest level of evidence.
Recently we worked with a Fortune 500 company that builds large equipment in Mexico. They were told by Homeland Security that they had to make these truck-sized thingies tamper-evident so that people or contraband couldn't be smuggled in them. After shrink wrapping the units they used custom printed tape to create a seal between equipment, shrink wrap and pallet providing clear evidence if it was tampered with.
If tamper evidence is a concern of yours give us a call at 1-800-882-7348 or e-mail sales@taperite.com
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Politics and Poker
Many of you know that Dr. Tape is a big fan of poker. Playing it, watching it on TV and reading the latest books or magazines about it are among my favorite pastimes. Back in December I actually came in 8th out of 858 entries at a World Series of Poker circuit event at Harrah's in Atlantic City. Here is the link showing the results; http://www.cardplayer.com/poker-tournaments/4017-2012-wsop-circuit-harah-s-resort-atlantic-city/1096979/results. So far it is the highlight of my poker career.
Recently the topic of legal, on-line poker has become very hot in this country. Some states are moving towards legalization while others are "exploring" the possibility. Is this a good thing? I am not quite sure. The allure of being able to play poker from home in my underwear is very appealing. Just boot up and join in. No more 2 hour drives to Atlantic City or Foxwoods. But the potential for malfeasance looms large. Can they prevent cheating on-line? I am not an expert so I don't know what the story is but there are rumors abounding that the hands weren't actually random and that there is software that allows one player to see what cards the other players were dealt. Can this be true? And of course there are the politicians.
The thing that is currently holding up progress is the politicians. With the economy in the tank and our municipalities in over their heads (like Stockton, CA) politicians are always looking for new sources of tax revenue. When they smell potential new taxes its like a group (herd?, flock?) of Great Whites attacking a wounded seal. They all want a piece of the action and they will fight to protect this turf. After all that's what they live for. Right now if you win less than $5000.00 in a casino (at least the casinos that I go to) nobody (ie the taxman) knows about it. The way things are shaping up with on-line play is that you will be taxed from the very first dollar. I think this is being lost on the people that are advocating on-line play.
What will the result be? I fear that legalized on-line poker will become a vast wasteland similar to off-track betting on races. It will become a patronage job given to some well connected political lackey that will mismanage it into oblivion while squeezing every penny out of it that they can. That's why its a casino for me. Or a good home game.
Recently the topic of legal, on-line poker has become very hot in this country. Some states are moving towards legalization while others are "exploring" the possibility. Is this a good thing? I am not quite sure. The allure of being able to play poker from home in my underwear is very appealing. Just boot up and join in. No more 2 hour drives to Atlantic City or Foxwoods. But the potential for malfeasance looms large. Can they prevent cheating on-line? I am not an expert so I don't know what the story is but there are rumors abounding that the hands weren't actually random and that there is software that allows one player to see what cards the other players were dealt. Can this be true? And of course there are the politicians.
The thing that is currently holding up progress is the politicians. With the economy in the tank and our municipalities in over their heads (like Stockton, CA) politicians are always looking for new sources of tax revenue. When they smell potential new taxes its like a group (herd?, flock?) of Great Whites attacking a wounded seal. They all want a piece of the action and they will fight to protect this turf. After all that's what they live for. Right now if you win less than $5000.00 in a casino (at least the casinos that I go to) nobody (ie the taxman) knows about it. The way things are shaping up with on-line play is that you will be taxed from the very first dollar. I think this is being lost on the people that are advocating on-line play.
What will the result be? I fear that legalized on-line poker will become a vast wasteland similar to off-track betting on races. It will become a patronage job given to some well connected political lackey that will mismanage it into oblivion while squeezing every penny out of it that they can. That's why its a casino for me. Or a good home game.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
My Life Is My House
Back in 2001 when Dr. Tape was still married my wife and I saw a movie called My Life As A House. It told the story of a man who was diagnosed with some untreatable form of cancer and his quest to build a house before he died. It was actually quite good and featured lots of gratuitous sex. I mean LOTS of it.
I am thinking of this because I have recently purchased a new house. Well, new for me anyway. It was actually built about 60 years ago. I am currently in the process of renovating it. My goal is to finish it before I die. Which is hopefully 20 or more years away.
My days have become filled with anticipation of that call from my contractor telling me of some newfound issue that needs to be addressed before anything else can be done. Nothing major or house threatening but still a pain in the butt that eats into the day. I just found out that the front of the house is leaking. Badly. It needs to be torn off and re-sided. With new windows and front door. Well, the door doesn't really count because I needed one anyway. Oh wow, I just got a call from my contractor saying the siding I want isn't in stock and it will be 2 weeks to get it. Just another bump in the road.
The fact that all this is happening to me is quite a shock. I mean I watch all those home improvement shows on TV. I love Home Depot and Lowe's. I built my own deck for Pete's sake. (Who is Pete anyway?). I shouldn't have these issues. They are for people that don't do their homework. I guess you never know what you will find behind door #2.
I an effort to help speed completion of this venture I said that I would do the painting. Let's just say that it isn't going quite as smoothly as I had hoped. The big problem is the blue painter's tape. It seems to be very finicky and it is giving me headaches out the wazoo. I find it difficult to believe that I, Dr. Tape, is having an issue with TAPE. The irony is immense. I think next time I will just keep my mouth shut and hire a painter. Or leave the walls bare. The way things are going either way looks much more appealing than painting.
I will keep you posted on the progress we are making. After it's all done there is a big BBQ at my place.
"There is a big difference between kneeling down and bending over" -- Frank Zappa
I am thinking of this because I have recently purchased a new house. Well, new for me anyway. It was actually built about 60 years ago. I am currently in the process of renovating it. My goal is to finish it before I die. Which is hopefully 20 or more years away.
My days have become filled with anticipation of that call from my contractor telling me of some newfound issue that needs to be addressed before anything else can be done. Nothing major or house threatening but still a pain in the butt that eats into the day. I just found out that the front of the house is leaking. Badly. It needs to be torn off and re-sided. With new windows and front door. Well, the door doesn't really count because I needed one anyway. Oh wow, I just got a call from my contractor saying the siding I want isn't in stock and it will be 2 weeks to get it. Just another bump in the road.
The fact that all this is happening to me is quite a shock. I mean I watch all those home improvement shows on TV. I love Home Depot and Lowe's. I built my own deck for Pete's sake. (Who is Pete anyway?). I shouldn't have these issues. They are for people that don't do their homework. I guess you never know what you will find behind door #2.
I an effort to help speed completion of this venture I said that I would do the painting. Let's just say that it isn't going quite as smoothly as I had hoped. The big problem is the blue painter's tape. It seems to be very finicky and it is giving me headaches out the wazoo. I find it difficult to believe that I, Dr. Tape, is having an issue with TAPE. The irony is immense. I think next time I will just keep my mouth shut and hire a painter. Or leave the walls bare. The way things are going either way looks much more appealing than painting.
I will keep you posted on the progress we are making. After it's all done there is a big BBQ at my place.
"There is a big difference between kneeling down and bending over" -- Frank Zappa
Monday, June 18, 2012
BURNING MAN!!!!
Yes, it's that time of year again. Time to get ready for the
annual series of Burning Festivals culminating with the ultimate non-conformist
gathering that is BURNING MAN!! While Doctor Tape has never experienced any of
these I live vicariously through the tales told by my more adventurous and
Avant-Garde acquaintances. They make it sound very inviting. For more information on "What is Burning Man?" check out the link http://www.burningman.com/whatisburningman/
I am actually interested in letting all of you Burning Fanatics know that Doctor Tape has your tape for HEXAYURT construction. Don't know what a HEXAYURT is? It is a durable, temporary shelter invented by Vinay Gupta as a means of housing victims of war and natural disaster. It's also quickly becoming the housing method of choice for those attending the Burning Festivals. You can build it with a few sheets of plywood and some tape. Just type Hexayurt Project into Google or the search engine of your choice and you can get all of the details.
The tape used for building a HEXAYURT is a very strong tape for holding it together. If you don't use the special, super strong HEXAYURT tape it won't hold together. I am proud to say that I am the supplier of this tape to most of the people building HEXAYURTS at these festivals. If you are going to be building a HEXAYURT and you need the tape just go to www.taperite.com/Bi-di.html and then give us a call. I suggest that you try to get a bunch of people together and combine your orders into a single larger order. That way you get the quantity discount and you can save big on shipping. We take Visa or Master Card (No Amex or PayPal, sorry).
If any of you has a tale about Burning Man or the other Burning festivals that you would like to share please e-mail us at Sales@taperite.com I will post them on a future blog.
Happy Taping!
I am actually interested in letting all of you Burning Fanatics know that Doctor Tape has your tape for HEXAYURT construction. Don't know what a HEXAYURT is? It is a durable, temporary shelter invented by Vinay Gupta as a means of housing victims of war and natural disaster. It's also quickly becoming the housing method of choice for those attending the Burning Festivals. You can build it with a few sheets of plywood and some tape. Just type Hexayurt Project into Google or the search engine of your choice and you can get all of the details.
The tape used for building a HEXAYURT is a very strong tape for holding it together. If you don't use the special, super strong HEXAYURT tape it won't hold together. I am proud to say that I am the supplier of this tape to most of the people building HEXAYURTS at these festivals. If you are going to be building a HEXAYURT and you need the tape just go to www.taperite.com/Bi-di.html and then give us a call. I suggest that you try to get a bunch of people together and combine your orders into a single larger order. That way you get the quantity discount and you can save big on shipping. We take Visa or Master Card (No Amex or PayPal, sorry).
If any of you has a tale about Burning Man or the other Burning festivals that you would like to share please e-mail us at Sales@taperite.com I will post them on a future blog.
Happy Taping!
Monday, March 5, 2012
TAPE OF THE WEEK: GUMMED TAPE
Gummed Tape is a great, beneficial, permanent tape, sealing tape. Gummed tape is a water-activated tape where there is adhesive on a paper backing and becomes sticky when moistened.
Some have heard of Reinforced Gummed Tape which is a type of gummed tape. With this gummed tape, the backing consists of a piece of paper, then a cross-pattern layer of fiberglass filaments and then another layer of paper.
Some say that gummed tape is better to use than pressure sensitive tape. Pressure sensitive tape never creates that permanent bond. The tape only attaches to the surface. With gummed tape, the glue sinks into the ridges making a more permanent bond between the tape and the carton.
Gummed tape is an easy to use, last long and is cheap to purchase
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