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What are some of the most impressive table decorations you have seen?

Alan Chenkin, I cook for fun – Breakfast is my thing….
While on a cruise ship, (Royal Caribbean Cruise lines), the midnight buffet was among the most outstanding I have ever seen, including ice sculptures and food arrangements that made us pause and take pictures.
Almost too pretty to eat!  After a photo session with the buffet, they opened it up to the famished cruise passengers.  I will spare you any “post-midnight feast” pictures.
Check out these coffee-table books:
I sincerely doubt that these buffets will continue in the post-Covid world.  The opulence and theater of the artwork is like food overload.  My Kudos to the artisans and ice carvers of the Royal Caribbean fleet, especially on the Radiance of the Seas!
I hope to cruise again when it is safe, and loved the experiences – not all of which were food centric.
And – Just for fun:
My second choice for great table decorations are my breakfasts – Great to look at, and great tasting. —-But I have a personal bias. If anyone wants a copy of my basic pancake recipe, I will share on receipt of an email asking nicely!
Here is my morning fried egg breakfast – “looking back at ya”.
Thank you for letting me shamelessly self-promote; The cruise ship chefs clearly are better at their presentation!  The food they present is, in my humble opinion, the most impressive table decoration(s) I have ever seen.
Thanks for reading my blog – Feel free to share!
(Disclaimer: I am a member of the RCL Crown and Anchor Society, and have been on several RCL Cruises)
Footnotes
If you need a Bitcoin wallet, try Coinbase.

 

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What kind of tape/adhesive can I use on walls?

Command Strips are the best. in my opinion.
They have adhesive strips, hooks, and velcro. Just make sure you use the right ones for what you are hanging, to ensure they can support the weight. I usually clean the wall first, so there is no grease or anything that will cause the command strip to fail. I buy them on Amazon, but you can get them at Home Depot, Lowes, Target, Ace, and other stores.
Because the command strips are not permanent, you can pull the adhesive off the wall when you move – with no damage.
If the wall is very smooth, you can use suction cup hooks.
Double sided tapeshould be used with care, as it may permanently adhere and cause problems when you try to remove the item (like pulling paint of the wall).
Enjoy decorating, it makes your house a home!

 

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What is the least expensive thing to buy at Starbucks? Since Starbucks’ reward program gives you a star for every transaction (regardless of $ amount), this seems like a valuable bit of knowledge.

Alan Chenkin, Drinks Starbucks coffee, owns Starbucks stock.
Update: Starbucks modified their rewards program based on Dollars spent, but my answer is still very relevant.
The cheapest thing at Starbucks is not on the menu.
It’s the way you feel when a Barista calls you by name and presents you with an awesome, Crafted JUST FOR YOU, Beverage.  Even if the cashier is just handing you a cup of coffee (about $2.00), the feeling is just as good.
It can be elitist, sexy, silly, or just coffee – but that “made just for you” feeling is Starbucks Magic.
Having a down day? Meet me at Starbucks. I am the good looking older guy in shades relaxing and enjoying a Pikes Roast.
Let me tell you – it is not just me:
Why People Love Starbucks? – Life to the fullest
McDonalds is gunning for the Starbucks coffee business, but – and trust me on this – you won’t have the same rush with a McCafe that any Starbucks beverage can give you any day of the week. https://www.ypulse.com/post/view/mcdonalds-is-gunning-for-starbucks-the-friday-dont-miss-list.  McDonalds may sell more coffee than Starbucks, but the experience just does not compare. http://time.com/money/3028578/dunkin-donuts-mcdonalds-starbucks-coffee-wars/
Disclaimer: I own Starbucks stock. And I drink Pikes Roast, and Sometimes Verona.

 

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What is the best design to use for a small bridge made out of thin balsa wood popsicle sticks?

Alan Chenkin, Owned a cabinet shop for 10 years, is an avid woodworker.
Most engineering schools hold competitions with these sticks, as a training and logic exercise. Apart from some unusual and creative structures, the question is – what is the bridge supposed to support?
If it is load bearing, then strong supports are needed. If it is design, then the look of the bridge is paramount. Answer the “what is it for” question, and you will have your best answer.
Popsicle Stick Bridge – Instructables
Can you believe this is a real book?
You will also need Amazon.com: KINGLAKE 300 Pcs 4.5 Inch Natural Wood Popsicle Sticks,DIY Crafts and of course, bridges – and Amazon.com: Elmer’s E7010 Carpenter’s Wood Glue, Interior, 8 Ounces: Hardware. Clothespins and rubber bands make excellent clamps, to hold sticks in place until the wood dries.
Have fun and enjoy!

 

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Can I sand off one layer of varnish on a floor with a hand sander?

Alan Chenkin, Lifelong Carpenter/Cabinetmaker, owned an AWI certified shop for 10 years.
With fine sandpaper you can even-out the finish, without going all the way down to the bare wood.  You can also apply a layer of finish over the sanded area I would test an inconspicuous place (inside a closet, as an example) with 120 or 150 grit sandpaper, using an orbital sander. Use a 1/2 sheet sander like this

 

Makita BO4900V 2.9 Amp Variable Speed 1/2 Sheet Sander with Paper Dust Bag – Power Sheet Sanders – Amazon.com.  Belt sanders are very aggressive, and these orbital sanders are more forgiving.
I once sanded an entire 8×10 room with two of these, a lot of fresh sandpaper, some serious dust masks, and lots of patience. Not always the best way, but it worked – even though my hands vibrated on their own for almost 2 days afterwards!)
If the test worked out, consider renting a large pad sander. Please wear dust protection, exhaust the dust with a window fan, and keep a shop vac handy to pick up the dust. Be careful when you clean the gaps, as floors do move – and will compress and expand any filler you apply.
Best of luck with your project! – Alan

 

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How can I screw into a particle board after I have removed the screw?

Alan Chenkin, Lifelong Carpenter/Cabinetmaker, owned an AWI certified shop for 10 years.
This issue with IKEA products and most inexpensive RTA cabinets almost universal.  Screws do not hold well in particle board, and cabinets can get loose, or come apart.  My solution is simple and can be done by almost any person with a little knowledge and desire to fix their cabinets.
Here is one of my solutions, which is often the quickest and most practical (IMHO), and can solve the reassembly problem without waiting for glue to dry.  In many cases, a squirt of Titebond glue and a toothpickbroken off in the screw hole will make the screw form new threads in the wood when you put it back in.
This is an ANGLE BRACKET, also known as an “ELL” bracket. It is even stronger when combined with the toothpick and glue fix, and can give an Ikea cabinet a new lease on life.
This will keep an Ikea cabinet box together. I usually use 2 or three on each corner. One caveat – use these screws instead of any that come with the bracket:
Most of the boards are about 5/8″ thick, so 1/2″ screws don’t break out the other side.
You can get these parts at any hardware or big-box store. Most of the time they do the trick.
There are lots of different types of angle brackets.  I use them to attach the sides and top/bottom of cabinets when I can’t fasten it any other way.
Angle brackets come in many sizes, I like the smaller ones for fixing most Ikea products. I like the ones that have 2 screws on each side, more screws equal more holding power.  They are not overly large, and are easy to install with a power screw gun, usually without pre-drilling.
Thanks for reading and feel free to share this!

 

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How can I prevent cold air from flowing underneath a Door?

There are several ways to prevent of limit the flow of air under a door.  the most basic is a “Door Sweep”.  It is a flap of rubber that fastens to the door and covers the opening when the door is closed.  This keeps the draft out.
If you want a temporary solution for the colder months, this is a draft stopper:
All you do is push it against the base of the door, and the insulating material stops the cold from coming in.
But you don’t have to buy one, you can make it yourself!
Tip: many of these use pool noodles or pipe insulation for the insulating core.
Hoping you keep toasty warm,
Alan

 

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How do you paint varnished MDF?

Alan Chenkin, Handyman and fixer of things.
I would definitely sand with 220 grit sandpaper, and use a good primer. Why? Because MDF reacts to a finish like end grain wood, and will soak up the primer. Even if the varnish has good coverage on the wood, primer prevents any reaction between the varnish and the finish paint. once the primer is absorbed into the wood it should seal it, making the finish smooth enough to lightly sand again and apply a topcoat. (Some MDF may require 2 coats of a primer, like Kilz, or a white shellac). Sanding sealer will also work.
Once the MDF is sealed and sanded, lay down a light topcoat of glossy enamel with a good bristle brush (not a cheap brush). Here is a set of Purdy brushes.
If you have to roll a large area of shelving, the same rule applies. I would recommend a roller:
Work clean, the varnish may not come off completely, sanding it smooth and priming. Vacuum up the dust with a damp cloth or shop vacuum, and wear a mask!
You can get paints at a local hardware, paint, or “big-box” store. read all the instructions and drying times!
Best of luck with your project!
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Would a 1980 Camaro Z28 be a bad first car for a 16-year-old?

By Alan Chenkin, Shade Tree Mechanic- Bicycles, Cars, Boats, and more…
A 1980 Camaro is, in my personal opinion, a poor choice for a new driver. Inexperience of the new driver, the age of the car, etc., can make it a poor choice. (caveat – if you got it free and it was roadworthy, and the teen is very responsible).
A better choice may be a reliable Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra, Saturn, etc. One with airbags, good maintenance record, 4 cylinder engine (automatic).
I bought my daughter a 7 year old Saturn when she got her license. She was happy to have a car, and I was happy it had a small footprint (for easy parking), a passenger roll cage and air bags. It was also very affordable and easy on gas. The girl who sold it to us told us how her father gave her a “grandpa car”, and how she added Tinkerbell appointments (mats, seat covers, stickers, key FOB, etc.) to turn the car into her “Tink-mobile”. It lasted about 2 years before it was in an accident (no one hurt, but car totaled). My daughter still talks about that car, and had two more Saturns because “she was comfortable with them and they were good cars”. After that she had a Mitsubishi Galant, A Pontiac Sunfire convertible (inherited from me), and now a Nissan Sentra.
A safe, reliable, and modest car is a smart choice for the new driver, in my humble opinion.
While we may disagree on make and model, The parents of these children may regret letting them have high powered cars:
—The list goes on, but you get the idea; ignoring speed limits, alcohol, and not buckling up. Teens have a feeling of invincibility which can fuel disaster. Go for the safe reliable, and unremarkable car – that is my recommendation.
Please be smart when considering a new vehicle for your new driver!

Thanks for reading my Blog – Feel free to share!

EDIT: Based on a discussion with a friend (Who has a very, very, sneaky and precocious teenage child), I want to add a link for Tracking Devices. They are available from Amazon and numerous other sources, and will track location and some even track vehicle speed. You may not find these necessary, but if you have concerns, it’s about keeping your young driver safe (not looking to start a debate – I only offer this to verify where your driver has been and if local speed limits may have been broken).
Footnotes
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Should woodwork/home maintenance classes be mandatory?

Alan Chenkin, Owned a Cabinet shop for 10 years, and was an AWI Member.
In preparing a teenager for life, understanding the physical nature of things – by taking classes in woodworking, metalwork, Electrical shop, etc. – can better prepare that student for the “real world”.
It will also expose students to fields that they may not have an interest in, but will be valuable in their future.
There is no question that Many will find it boring or not germane to their lives, but how often do you use trigonometry in your daily life?
Since schools have cut shop from many of their curriculum’s, many graduates are compelled to learn everything from hanging a picture to building a deck from internet how-to’s or an orange vested clerk at a “Big Box” hardware store.
They really need to have some practical experience and understanding of tools, so that they can plan a project and see it to completion. Most important, when hiring a skilled handyman or contractor, they will have a better understanding of what they need, and what it will cost.
I would love to see more schools with shops and courses in woodworking and basic home maintenance, but that is a factor of budget and the needs of the student population. We need more graduates who excel and basic math and have fluency in English, as well.

 

I was fortunate to have parents who were educators.  My mother was an art teacher in Brooklyn, at the Ovington School, PS 176, and my Father taught Shop at Thomas Edison High School in Queens.  This gave me a strong belief in the power of public education.  I also learned that building more schools is much cheaper than building more jails, in the long run.
I hope my opinion and the other items I presented give you the basics to form an informed opinion.
Thank you for reading my blog – feel free to share!