Dr. Tape is lucky enough to have friends (yes, more than one) who have interesting perks attached to them. Golf at fancy clubs is common but others have the ability to get reservations at very exclusive restaurants or great seats to the hottest Broadway show. By far the best perk is the one that comes with Danny. Danny is a good representative of the human race. He is involved in many worthwhile pursuits and philanthropic in many ways.
Danny's family has business dealing with the Songwriters Hall of Fame which has offices in LA and NY. They hold their annual induction ceremonies at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square. It's quite the party. Danny's family always has two tables at the dinner and someone always drops out at the last minute. Danny knows I keep my tuxedo ready to go and he can count on me to fill any voids. This year was no exception. He called on Tuesday for Thursday night. I was in!! A major score.
This is the sixth or seventh one I have gone to and they are fabulous events. You get to see great performances by famous people singing their own songs but also other peoples songs. Billy Joel, Elton John, Dolly Parton, Taylor Swift, John Legend, John Mayer, Hall and Oates, Don McLean, Dionne Warwick and Chaka Kahn are just some of the performers I have gotten to see. I also saw Stevie Wonder but he didn't see me.
You also get to see some bizarre stuff like the time Mary J. Blige forgot the words to a song (they are on the freaking teleprompter for God's sake) and walked off the stage midway through her performance. What would this year bring? I couldn't wait to find out.
Danny sent me a photo of the ticket that listed the inductees. There were some GREAT names. They included Elton John and Bernie Taupin, Mick Jones and Lou Gramm of Foreigner, Holly Knight, JD Souther and last but certainly not least Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith. I was stoked.
Thursday arrived and the time had come. The ballroom was packed with music industry types and hot chicks. I found Danny and his family, we had some drinks and got ready. Danny's sister Jackie was there along with several of her friends. They heard that Steven Tyler was taking pictures and they ran off to see if they would take some with them. They came back shrieking like teenagers. I asked them if they got their pictures and one of them said "Even better, he felt us up!". Ahh, to be a rock god.
The show was amazing with performances by Sting, Petula Clark, Patty Smyth, Holly Knight, Jordin Sparks, and the sublime Alison Krauss. But by far the best were Mick Jones/Lou Gramm and Mr. Touchy Feely/Joe Perry.
The guys from Foreigner sang "Juke Box Hero" that had everyone singing along. They accepted their award and sang "I Want To Know What Love Is". Amazingly good with great audience participation. The only thing missing were the cigarette lighters. I have seen Foreigner several times and this was as good as they have ever been.
Tyler and Perry were going to be inducted next and Nickleback came out and sang "Sweet Emotion". A great rendition that had that haunting quality to the title verse. Steven and Joe accepted their award with Steven admitting that they got into songwriting to meet chicks. Steven brought the point home by asking the crowd how many people had gotten laid the night before. He didn't ask if they had to pay for it but the point was well taken. Then they took the stage and sang the ultimate Aerosmith song "Walk This Way". People were dancing on chairs as he explained that it started with a little kiss like this.
Berry Gordy of Motown was the last to be honored with a Pioneer of Music award. Smokey Robinson introduced him. The night was winding down but Smokey was just getting started. He went on and on and on to the point that they were flashing on the teleprompter to wrap things up. He finally introduced Berry who was grateful and brief. Then the finale came on. The cast of the Broadway show Motown came out and performed a medley of songs from all the great Motown acts. It was kind of like one of those Time-Life music collection commercials. I was ready to buy the boxed set but they didn't flash the 800 number. Then it was out the door until next year.
The piece de resistance occurred on the way out. I was riding down the escalator and I happened to turn around. One of the white hot chicks was several stairs above me. She was wearing a dress that had less fabric than a man's handkerchief and she had gone commando. The view was stellar. A perfect end to a perfect evening.
Seeing Smokey Robinson reminded me of another music industry dinner that honored my cousin and music industry legend Charles Koppleman for raising a boatload of money for the TJ Martell Foundation. For those of you poker buffs out there Charlie's son Brian (my second cousin) wrote Rounders. Anyway after all the speeches Smokey came out to entertain the crowd and a couple at the next table asked me who he was. I was a little taken aback that people in the music industry wouldn't know who Smokey Robinson is but I guess it takes all types.
For all types of adhesive tapes make sure to call TAPE-RITE at 1-800-882-7348 or visit us at www.taperite.com.
“Without music, life would be a mistake.” -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“Play it fuckin' loud!” -- Bob Dylan
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Thursday, June 6, 2013
The House is Burning
It's getting close to Hexayurt season. For the uninitiated the Hexayurt is a temporary structure that was designed to house the victims of war and natural disasters. While it has been used extensively for this purpose, the Hexayurt has become the shelter of choice for those attending Burning Man.
What is Burning Man and why does Dr. Tape give a hoo-hah about Hexayurts? Good questions. Burning Man is the culmination of a series of festivals where people go to celebrate whatever it is they celebrate. The finale takes place in the Nevada desert at the end of the summer. They burn a giant effigy and then everyone goes their merry way. My friend Lynne (who's opinion I value greatly) has declared that Burning Man is waaaaay past it's expiration date. It has become the lair of the painfully hip and therefore should be avoided at all costs. I don't hold this opinion but in the interest of fairness I try to get all sides.
As far as the Hexayurts go, well they use a special kind of tape to construct them. What kind of tape? Why Hexayurt tape of course. You can check it out here: http://www.taperite.com/Showcase/hexaturt-tape.html. Last year Dr. Tape got bad advice from Adhesoman (my trusty sidekick) and we ran out of tape. I assure all of you that will not happen this year. In addition we are holding the price from last year.
For those of you that actually read my posts you know that 1) I am in the process of renovating a house and 2) that I have threatened to try and build a Hexayurt. Well along with the house I now have my own backyard, the perfect place to build a Hexayurt. What will I do with it? Hard to say, but I will find a good use for it. If I had a pool I would use it as a pool house. In fact the house came with a disgusting aboveground creation that took up the entire back yard. It's gone now and I feel much better for it.
That's all for now. Remember that It's TAPE-RITE (www.taperite.com) for all of your tape needs.
"Art is the signature of civilization" -- Beverly Sills
What is Burning Man and why does Dr. Tape give a hoo-hah about Hexayurts? Good questions. Burning Man is the culmination of a series of festivals where people go to celebrate whatever it is they celebrate. The finale takes place in the Nevada desert at the end of the summer. They burn a giant effigy and then everyone goes their merry way. My friend Lynne (who's opinion I value greatly) has declared that Burning Man is waaaaay past it's expiration date. It has become the lair of the painfully hip and therefore should be avoided at all costs. I don't hold this opinion but in the interest of fairness I try to get all sides.
As far as the Hexayurts go, well they use a special kind of tape to construct them. What kind of tape? Why Hexayurt tape of course. You can check it out here: http://www.taperite.com/Showcase/hexaturt-tape.html. Last year Dr. Tape got bad advice from Adhesoman (my trusty sidekick) and we ran out of tape. I assure all of you that will not happen this year. In addition we are holding the price from last year.
For those of you that actually read my posts you know that 1) I am in the process of renovating a house and 2) that I have threatened to try and build a Hexayurt. Well along with the house I now have my own backyard, the perfect place to build a Hexayurt. What will I do with it? Hard to say, but I will find a good use for it. If I had a pool I would use it as a pool house. In fact the house came with a disgusting aboveground creation that took up the entire back yard. It's gone now and I feel much better for it.
That's all for now. Remember that It's TAPE-RITE (www.taperite.com) for all of your tape needs.
"Art is the signature of civilization" -- Beverly Sills
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
The House Strikes Back
In an earlier post I spoke about renovating my house. At the time I felt that the project was progressing nicely and would be finished soon. HA!! The house has other ideas. It seems that it has been lying in wait, using my confidence against me. I realize that house are inanimate objects incapable of thought or action but this is different. IT'S ALIVE!!!
What has it done you ask? Leaks have sprouted and mysteriously disappeared when I go to fix them. Wallpaper refuses to come off even after the addition of copious amounts of chemicals that may have shortened my life by several years. Windows that were working perfectly are suddenly balking at my touch.
The real kicker is that half my cabinets came in damaged or badly assembled. And while the cabinet company is getting me replacement cabinets it is slowing everything down by another week. I can't order a counter top until the new cabinets are installed. I can't do the finish electrical work either. All I can do is look at the carcasses of my future kitchen, mocking my confidence that I would be done by now.
And then there is the painting. In the last column I revealed that I was being defeated by bad painter's tape and that I was a moron for not hiring a professional painter to do the work. Well here I can say that I have prevailed. At least for now. On a very small scale. The final outcome is still in doubt but I feel as though I have gained some traction. I will be facing a major test in the next few days when I try to paint over the lime green paint in the second bedroom. I am tempted to just leave it and blame it on a bad reaction to cold medicine.
Thanks for you compassion in all of this. I can feel the love from here. I will keep you posted.
Oh yeah, for all of your tape needs visit us at www.taperite.com or contact us at sales@taperite.com.
"A true friend stabs you in the front" -- Oscar Wilde
What has it done you ask? Leaks have sprouted and mysteriously disappeared when I go to fix them. Wallpaper refuses to come off even after the addition of copious amounts of chemicals that may have shortened my life by several years. Windows that were working perfectly are suddenly balking at my touch.
The real kicker is that half my cabinets came in damaged or badly assembled. And while the cabinet company is getting me replacement cabinets it is slowing everything down by another week. I can't order a counter top until the new cabinets are installed. I can't do the finish electrical work either. All I can do is look at the carcasses of my future kitchen, mocking my confidence that I would be done by now.
And then there is the painting. In the last column I revealed that I was being defeated by bad painter's tape and that I was a moron for not hiring a professional painter to do the work. Well here I can say that I have prevailed. At least for now. On a very small scale. The final outcome is still in doubt but I feel as though I have gained some traction. I will be facing a major test in the next few days when I try to paint over the lime green paint in the second bedroom. I am tempted to just leave it and blame it on a bad reaction to cold medicine.
Thanks for you compassion in all of this. I can feel the love from here. I will keep you posted.
Oh yeah, for all of your tape needs visit us at www.taperite.com or contact us at sales@taperite.com.
"A true friend stabs you in the front" -- Oscar Wilde
Monday, May 27, 2013
It's All Over Now
Well the Stationery /Supply Side Shows are over and I have finally recovered. The stress and strain on my body is severe and it's a miracle that I survive every year. But the effort is well worth it. I get to meet some of the most creative people who produce beautiful, elegant, humorous, poignant cards and invitations. The level of quality always amazes me.
Even though we do lots of business during the 3-1/2 days of standing around the best part is meeting the incredibly interesting people that attend and exhibit. Listening to their ideas, seeing their products, finding out about their goals is inspiring and exciting. Unfortunately most of them have the lifespan of fruit flies and are never seen again. Why? Because it is very difficult to capture the imagination of the public. Just because you have a great idea doesn't mean people will give you money for it. Most consumers don't bother to seek out the new and unusual. I say that they should and support the creative process. And you will wind up with unique and beautiful items that will impress you friends.
One of the unusual things I have noticed about the people at the show is that a preponderance of them have suitably quirky names that seem to exude creativity. I have met women named Isley, Dabney, Clothilda and Genevive. The men were up there as well but not to the same extent. I guess a cute, artsy name goes better with a girl than a guy. I guess your name does influence your future.
At the show we had a couple of special deals and we are running them until the end of June. If you need a new ATG dispenser we are offering the ATG-50 dispenser ($27.50 list) for $20.00 if you buy a full case of any type of ATG tape. But wait, there' more! If you buy 2 cases of any type of ATG tape (you can mix and match) you get a FRE ATG-50.
Our other deal is for the popular ZCM-1000 electric dispenser. This dispenser is designed for non-ATG tapes. It automatically feeds the tape out and cuts it to a pre-cut length. This is great for putting the tape on envelopes or other pieces of paper where you want the consumer to remove the backing paper. Normally this beauty sell for $698.00. But until the end of June it is only $598.00. It sounds like a lot but if you are doing serious taping it will pay for itself very quickly.
You can check out all of our products for the stationery industry at www.taperite.com. Just click on the Supply Side tab on the left side of the screen and you are there. Any questions you can always call us at 1-800-882-7348.
Only those who see the invisible can do the impossible. -- Bernard Lown
Even though we do lots of business during the 3-1/2 days of standing around the best part is meeting the incredibly interesting people that attend and exhibit. Listening to their ideas, seeing their products, finding out about their goals is inspiring and exciting. Unfortunately most of them have the lifespan of fruit flies and are never seen again. Why? Because it is very difficult to capture the imagination of the public. Just because you have a great idea doesn't mean people will give you money for it. Most consumers don't bother to seek out the new and unusual. I say that they should and support the creative process. And you will wind up with unique and beautiful items that will impress you friends.
One of the unusual things I have noticed about the people at the show is that a preponderance of them have suitably quirky names that seem to exude creativity. I have met women named Isley, Dabney, Clothilda and Genevive. The men were up there as well but not to the same extent. I guess a cute, artsy name goes better with a girl than a guy. I guess your name does influence your future.
At the show we had a couple of special deals and we are running them until the end of June. If you need a new ATG dispenser we are offering the ATG-50 dispenser ($27.50 list) for $20.00 if you buy a full case of any type of ATG tape. But wait, there' more! If you buy 2 cases of any type of ATG tape (you can mix and match) you get a FRE ATG-50.
Our other deal is for the popular ZCM-1000 electric dispenser. This dispenser is designed for non-ATG tapes. It automatically feeds the tape out and cuts it to a pre-cut length. This is great for putting the tape on envelopes or other pieces of paper where you want the consumer to remove the backing paper. Normally this beauty sell for $698.00. But until the end of June it is only $598.00. It sounds like a lot but if you are doing serious taping it will pay for itself very quickly.
You can check out all of our products for the stationery industry at www.taperite.com. Just click on the Supply Side tab on the left side of the screen and you are there. Any questions you can always call us at 1-800-882-7348.
Only those who see the invisible can do the impossible. -- Bernard Lown
Thursday, May 16, 2013
It's Show Time!!
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
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
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
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