Tile & Basement Finishing - The Weakest Link

Here's another tip that's not just for that basement finishing project you're considering, but for any type of tile project that you may have coming up.

Remember that obnoxious game show, "The Weakest Link?" The name of the show alluded to the colloquial reference that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Put enough pressure on the chain, and the chain will break -- always at the weakest link in the chain.

When it comes to tile and the potential for stressful water prevention problems, the weakest link is any corner.

The potential for disaster becomes even worse in a basement finishing scenario. Basements are already cool, dark, and damp; this is Mecca for mold-related issues.

And most basements will have a shower with at least one, if not two, corners. The corners where tile from two different walls come together is usually simply grouted. In some cases, the grout may have a thin layer of silicone caulk smeared over the top. Either situation is potentially problematic.

First, grout does not hold up well in corners. It cracks and rapidly deteriorates with the gentle expansion and contraction that a corner experiences. Additionally, a thin layer of silicone over the top of cracking grout won't last long. Finally, silicone should ideally have a better surface to bind to as it cures so it will last longer.

You'll want to make sure that your tile is done differently. Do not allow your basement finishing contractor to grout those corners. Or, if you're planning to do the tile project yourself, make sure YOU don't grout those corners. Instead, make sure to caulk the corners with an elastomeric caulk that is matched to the color of your grout.

You'll love this solution to this problem for a number of reasons. First, because the caulk is matched to the color of your grout it makes for a seamless transition from one wall to the next; just as good as grout. Second, because there is no grout underneath it the caulk has a great surface to bind to as it cures, which helps ensure a strong impenetrable corner. Finally, because the caulk is elastomeric it will flex and contract with the subtle movement of the wall without cracking.

Not only should you or your basement finishing contractor use it in corners, but it should be used to caulk other transitions too. Some examples include tile to tub transitions, tile to sink transitions, tile to hardwood transitions, tile to drywall transitions, etc.

The little links in your tile project and basement finishing chain will go a long way in making your project a huge success.

Dungeon Tiles Are a Great Game Tool

Dungeons and Dragons, the table top role playing game, has inspired many wonderful tools available for those of us who play the game. Dungeon tiles are one of the lesser known tools. I'd like to showcase their uses in this article. And remember, they don't have to be limited to only actual Dungeons and Dragons gaming. You can use these versatile tiles in many RPGs.

The tiles are thick cardboard cut into several sizes. The standard square size for a D&D map is a one-inch square, so these tiles are sized that way. The average set is going to have some 8 by 8 tiles, 4 by 4 and 2 by 2. They come in various themes -- themes familiar to any role player. You can find forest themes and dungeon themes and sewer themes. Each side of the tile has a different picture. The artwork is generally top-notch on these and they do a great job of varying the terrain. So in a forest theme, for example, you'll have tiles with a few trees and a few stumps. You'll have tiles with no trees, but a stream and the ruins of a stone wall. Or perhaps there will be a few tiles with giant spider webs (think of the Mirkwood forest scene in "The Hobbit").

What makes dungeon tiles so awesome for the game master is that they are sturdy and cheap (you can get about 30 tiles for $10). It saves you from having to create maps by hand or from having to draw maps on the fly with a battle mat. I prefer to save my creativity for the the story and the non-player characters, so the tiles are perfect for me. It's as though the tiles can set the stage and I can populate it with my monsters, allies and strangers.

For the players, dungeon tiles give them a beautiful window into the imaginary world of the game. That is one of the strengths and weaknesses of D&D -- so much of it happens inside each player's head. So having the tiles (along with your miniature figures, of course) can ground the player's experience. The players have some nice drawings to help flesh out the story.

The designers do a great job of making sure that the terrain is varied and that there are good hiding spots. In this way both the game master and the players can take full tactical advantage of the tiles -- the archer can use a fallen log (to continue with my forest theme) for cover. The game master can use the spot where two trees grow together as an ambush spot.

Overall, for the price, dungeon tiles are a great tool for a GM to have in his or her toolbox. Pick up a pack of them and let your imagination run wild.

Game Theory - Or How Playing by the Rules Results in Defeat

When it comes to almost every element of life, there is a tragic reality that playing by the rules isn't going to lead you to victory. It's a tough lesson that we try and teach children the opposite of, but unfortunately, it quickly becomes evident that it is the case. The reason for this challenge is that even if you are willing to play by the rules, there is always someone going against you who is willing to break them.

The challenge here lies in a similar problem that is seen in interrogations of criminals. When you place two criminals in separate interrogations, each one will fear that the other is going to rat them out. As a result, each criminal will rat out the other so that they are not the only one losing. In much the same way, many people, in fear that their opponents are not playing by the rules, will also not play by the rules.

This problem becomes a circular challenge. By fearing that your opponents won't play by the rules, you yourself won't play by the rules, thereby validating the same fears in them. However, strategy-wise, cheating offers the best course of results. If you cheat and your opponent doesn't, you have an increased chance of winning. If you don't cheat but your opponent does, you have a decreased chance of winning. Finally, if you both cheat, you have an equal chance of things turning out well for you.

As a result, it seems the harsh reality of things is that playing by the rules simply doesn't benefit you. To optimize your performance, it is ideal to break the rules, as there are no circumstances in which this can penalize your performance.

Mahjong Mah-Jongg Key Chain ''Joker'' Tile

Product Details

Bring good luck to your mahjong game with this lovely key chain. It makes a great gift for members of a mahjong club!

• Mahjong tile is made of fiberglass
• Tile measures 1-3/16'' H x 7/8'' W x 1/2'' Thick (30mm x 22mm x 13mm).

E-Z Tiles: Wilderness Set 1 (CD-ROM)

Product Details

Dorm and Apartment Decorating on a Student Budget

Welcome high school graduate or returning scholar to the fantastic world of college. Continuing your education in the institution of higher learning in hopes of making more money, acquiring universal knowledge and perhaps evening finding out whether you have what it takes to survive college life is an honor that should be fully recognized by all. But to make money you have to spend money, which is the first lesson you'll come to terms with when paying for tuition, parking, books, and other expenses you may accrue. If you reside on campus or in an apartment close by, the first thing you may want to do is make your den as livable as possible while on a tight student budget.

A few tips to help you on your way to make your apartment or dorm just like home:

If you can spare to loosen up the purse strings, try to invest in a bed or comfortable sofa or futon bed. Beds can be expensive, and sometimes you can only afford the mattress and boxspring, but it's really not recommended to just leave them sitting on the floor. Moisture can develop under the mattress and boxspring, which can result in an unsanitary and nasty growth known as mold. Now unless you're a biology student and you're growing culture samples to fulfill your lab requirements, I advise against keeping your mattress on the floor and suggest that you buy a bed frame.

Sofa and futon beds are an option to buying beds. Easier to transport than a full on bed, these alternatives double as lounge chairs in the day, and beds at night (or between classes). Perfect for studying or playing video games, sofa and futon beds will give you your money's worth, something that you'll appreciate throughout your college career.

Additional lights like table lamps, floor lamps and maybe even some pendant lighting will bring some personality into a somewhat lifeless dorm or apartment can be affordable if you know what you want and where to go. Places like second-hand stores carry a wide selection of lights, from Tiffany-styled lamps to desk lamps.

Now that you've got the basics of home decorating down, you'll be able to turn your dorm or apartment into a living space even your mom would be proud of, so long as you don't leave the laundry on the floor. Just remember college scholar, decorating and living on a budget are skills do you will master during the duration of your college career.

Double 6 Professional Color Dot Domino Set

Product Details

High quality double 6 color coded dominoes packaged in a black, cowhide grained leatherette case with a snap lock closure. Dominoes measure 1" x 2" x 3/8" thick. You get rules for eight popular domino games including Straight Dominoes, 42, Moon, 84 (takes 2 sets), Solitaire, Chickenfoot, Mexican Train and Super Dominoes.