Monopoly originated from an educational game called The Landlord’s Game in 1906, but was re-imagined during the Great Depression. Tokens were not included in early sets, but since the 1940s, classic tokens such as the top hat and boot have been included. However, some tokens will be phased out in the newest version and replaced […]
Go is an ancient Chinese board game with simple rules but complex strategy. It is also known as baduk, igo, wei ch’i or weqi. Players place black or white stones on a grid to gain control of territory and capture their opponent’s stones. The game is also a form of art and is played silently […]
“The Campaign for North Africa” is a military simulation board game released in 1979, requiring 10 players and up to 1,500 hours to complete. It features authentic WWII fighting in Egypt and Libya, with ridiculous detail. Despite poor sales, it is considered a classic by some and sells for up to $600. War is hell, […]
Ridge boards are horizontal panels that connect the rafters of a roof to create a durable structure. They can be made of wood or metal and determine the slope of the roofline. Shingles or other materials are used to cover the area, and the board can also create visual interest in the roofline. Ridge boards […]
Backerboard is a sub-material used in construction projects, especially for tiling. It comes in two types: compressed concrete with fiberglass and waterproof greenboard. Backerboard doesn’t add structural strength, but it makes tiling easier. Greenboard is water-resistant but not waterproof, while concrete backing board is stronger and impervious to moisture. However, it’s heavy and difficult to […]
Centerboards are retractable keels that add stability and control to sailboats. They can be raised to navigate shallow waters and reduce drag. Centerboards come in various styles and can be retrofitted to a boat. However, they can be difficult to service from inside the vessel. A centerboard is a type of moving keel that fits […]
The Italian Tourist Board spends most of its budget on salaries, leading to a lack of marketing and a decline in tourism. Italy was the most visited country in the 1970s, but dropped to fifth place by 2013. The official tourism website cost $50 million. Italy earned over $45 million in tourism in 2011, but […]
Particleboard is a cheaper alternative to plywood and hardwoods in furniture manufacturing. It is made by combining wood chips, shavings, and sawdust with resin and pressing the mixture into boards. The wood fibers are mixed with resin, pressed into sheets, and cured in ovens. Veneers can be added for appearance. Particleboard has been in use […]
Butting panels assist construction crews in orienting foundations and structures. They can be made from wood or reusable products and require careful measurements to position accurately. They are used for survey lines, footings, and outlining proposed foundations. Mistakes in placement can cause problems with the foundation. Reusable cardboard products are also available. A butting panel […]
Foam panels provide insulation for vehicles and structures, but exposure to UV light, chemicals, and humidity affects longevity. Foil-backed foam panels reflect UV light, while SIPs sandwich foam between sheet metal for structural support. Maintenance is necessary to ensure insulation effectiveness. Foam panels are made up of closed cell compressed foam that provides insulation for […]
Breadboards are hand-built circuit boards used for prototyping without soldering, allowing for easy component repositioning and cost-effective research. Once complete, it serves as a blueprint for a soldered printed circuit board. Basic models have two areas called streaks with terminals and a notch for safety. Jump wires can be manually made or mass-produced. Breadboards are […]
Self-healing cutting boards made of wood or cork have a malleable surface that allows it to snap back together after being cut, preventing gouges and dulling knives less. The natural materials used may also have antibacterial and odor-resistant properties. The healing effect is an illusion created by the material’s natural properties. Cork cutting boards are […]
Printed circuit boards are used in modern electronics and made from a non-conductive substrate. Copper is laid on the board and unwanted material is removed using milling, screen engraving, or photoengraving. Holes are drilled for mounting and electrical components, and the board is tested for functionality. A printed circuit board is the structure used for […]
Rigid insulation board is a hard insulation made of synthetic or natural materials used on exterior walls and foundations. It is durable, expensive, and provides superior insulation. It is commonly used in small spaces and as part of structural insulation board. Rigid insulation board is a form of hard insulation. This insulation is typically a […]
The Federal Reserve System regulates and monitors the US banking system, manages monetary policy, and acts as the central bank. The Federal Reserve Board of Governors oversees the system, and its members are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The system was created to deal with banking panics and prevent future crises, […]
Oriented strand board (OSB) is a cost-effective type of lumber made up of wood chips aligned to maximize strength. It is used in construction as cladding, foundation, and footing pad. OSB comes in different varieties for different applications, but excessive moisture can cause problems. Despite this, OSB is considered environmentally friendly and offers consistent construction […]
Precast concrete panels are increasingly popular in construction due to their reliability, durability, and weather resistance. They are made of a blend of Portland cement and aggregate, and can be manufactured with an insulating foam backing. The controlled curing process results in stronger, less porous structures that can be erected in a shorter period of […]
Cement board is a strong building material made from fiberglass and cement, used for tiling walls and floors or on the outside of buildings. It is water-resistant, but not waterproof, and requires carbide-tipped cutting tools. Waterproof Portland Cement board is available for areas constantly in contact with water. Cement board is heavier and more expensive […]
Duct panels are made of fiberglass and foil, used for heating and air conditioning insulation. They are lightweight, durable, and easy to install. The fiberglass insulates the air passing through and prevents the spread of mold, while the foil acts as a vapor barrier. Duct panels also reduce noise from HVAC systems. A duct panel […]
Whine buffets are popular for family events and restaurants, with similar items placed together, cold salads and dressings at one end, hot vegetables, meats, and breads in the middle, and desserts and drinks at the end. The arrangement allows guests to choose their own food and avoid any they shouldn’t be consuming. As a popular […]
