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Your fireplace provides you with a warm and cozy reprieve from the cold winter weather. But without proper use and care, it can create a hazardous situation–from toxic gases and smoke, to house fires. In this month's blog, the certified chimney professionals at Admiralty Chimney offer tips to keep your family warm and safe all winter long.
1. Invest in some fireplace tools, including a broom, shovel, tongs, and an iron poker. These tools will protect you from accidental burns, keep your fireplace area clean, and ensure your fire is under control.
2. Use a fireplace screen to prevent embers from landing on your rug or furniture.
3. Use the right cleaners when cleaning the glass or bricks around your fireplace. Choose a cleaner specifically formulated for fireplaces. Other cleaners may contain toxic chemicals that release volatile gases or cause a flammable reaction.
4. Test your carbon monoxide (CO) and smoke alarms. These devices, which protect you and your family from toxic fumes and smoke, are especially important during the winter months when windows are closed. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends that you test your smoke and CO alarms monthly and replace your batteries annually. Smoke alarms should be on every level of the home, outside sleeping areas, and inside each bedroom. CO alarms should be installed on each level of the home and outside sleeping areas. To save money and space, consider purchasing combination CO and smoke alarms.
5. Keep a fire extinguisher in the house in case of emergency. Make sure all family members know where it is and how to use it.
6. Practice safe burning.
7. Keep a watchful eye on your fireplace and chimney structure.
To ensure the safe and efficient operation of your fireplace, be sure to have your chimney cleaned and inspected each year by a certified chimney professional. If you have a chimney cap, it should be checked as part of your annual chimney cleaning and inspection. Contact Admiral Chimney to schedule your appointment. Even small cracks can channel water, which will spall bricks and cause structural damage to your entire chimney.
8. Be mindful of your home and family.
When you properly care for and use your fireplace, you will keep your home and family safe all season long. If you notice something amiss with your chimney, or have questions on how to safely use it, contact the certified professionals at Admiralty Chimney. We inspect, clean, and repair chimneys throughout New Hampshire, including the towns of Amherst, Atkinson, Derry, Londonderry, Merrimack, Nashua, and Windham.
Brrrrr. Nothing can take away the chill in the air like a warm and cozy fireplace. But what if your fire is spilling smoke into your home instead of up the chimney? In this month's blog, the CSIA-certified chimney specialists at Admiralty Chimney offer draft troubleshooting tips to eliminate excessive fireplace smoke.
Drafting is when your fireplace eliminates gaseous byproducts up the chimney and into the atmosphere. When there is a disruption in your fireplace draft, these byproducts, in the form of smoke, back up and enter your home.
Occasional smoking can occur when wind gusts are high or blowing from a certain direction. Hillsides, trees, or water located near your house can impact wind conditions. Installing a chimney cap can be helpful in tempering these weather forces.
If your fire is smoking right at the start, your chimney and flue are probably cold. In cool weather, exposed bricks create a cold air mass within the chimney. To eliminate that air, preheat your chimney by lighting one end of a rolled newspaper and hold it up to the damper area. Once the flow of hot air warms the chimney, you can start your fire.
If you've followed these troubleshooting tips and still see smoke, contact the professionals at Admiralty Chimney. You may have a structural problem with your fireplace or chimney, such as:
Make sure your fireplace is ready for the long winter season with an annual chimney cleaning and inspection. Contact the CSIA-certified and Certified Master Chimney Technicians at Admiralty Chimney to schedule your appointment.
Let's face it, heating your home is not cheap. The cost of fuel, including cordwood, continues to rise. To get the most bang for your heating buck, the chimney experts at Admiralty Chimney offer a few tips on collecting, storing, and burning your firewood, so you can get the most from your fuel investment.
Before hiring a wood supplier, or cutting the wood yourself, do your research and plan ahead so you'll have it when you need it most.
If you're cutting your wood:
If you're buying your wood:
Storing your firewood away from the weather elements will help protect your fuel investment. Firewood should be stored in a sheltered location, such as an overhang, and sit slightly off the ground. To protect from direct precipitation, the stacks should be covered with plastic or other waterproof material.
Be sure the ground is level and has good drainage so any water doesn't puddle up. To help prevent rotting, elevate your wood pile on a pre-built wood rack or treated two-by-fours.
How you stack your wood can speed up the seasoning process. There are several firewood stacking structures you can choose from.
Green or "wet" wood that is stacked in a criss-crossed, open-spaced pattern seasons faster than wood piled close together. Stack wood loosely so that air can flow through; yet make sure that all pieces are secured within the pile so they can allow for shifting that occurs when wood shrinks and moves during the drying process. Wood should be stacked in the spring so that it's dry for the next heating season.
Be sure your firewood is well-seasoned before your first burn. For an efficient fire, all firewood should dry for six months. If you buy plastic bundles of wood at a gas station or supermarket, let the wood dry before you use it. When green wood is burned prematurely, the wood's energy is wasted in evaporating moisture and won't burn effectively.
Burning firewood, no matter how seasoned it is, creates by-products, like creosote, that build up in your fireplace and increase your risk of chimney fires. Always keep your fireplace chimney ventilated and have it cleaned and inspected annually.
If you have questions about your firewood or the function of your chimney, contact the experts at Admiralty Chimney. We can answer your questions and help you get your fireplace ready for the heating season. Need an annual chimney cleaning or inspection? Contact the CSIA-certified chimney specialists at Admiralty Chimney to schedule your appointment today.
Thousands of chimney fires occur every year, resulting in costly property damage or worse, injury to families and loved ones. With Fire Prevention Week approaching on October 8-14, the chimney experts at Admiralty Chimney offer timely tips on keeping your home and family safe from chimney fires.
While chimney fires can be caused by defective or improperly installed chimney liners or structures, the most common cause of a chimney fire is creosote build-up. Creosote, a mixture of soot and tar that coats the inside of your chimney when burning wood, should be removed during your annual chimney cleaning and inspection. Otherwise, the creosote can catch fire in your chimney and escape to the combustible areas in your walls, roof, or attic.
There are two types of chimney fires:
A free burning fire is loud and thunderous; it may sound like you have a freight train or airplane in your chimney. Dramatic flames or billowing smoke may accompany the noise, and spill out from your chimney top.
A slow burning fire is a quieter chimney fire, but equally dangerous. You may not even know it has taken place. These undetected fires burn slowly and at high temperatures that can cause structural damage to your chimney and can easily catch flammable parts of your home on fire.
Fortunately, with regular cleanings and inspections, chimney fires can be prevented. So before you start using your fireplace this fall, contact the CSIA-certified and Certified Master Chimney Technicians at Admiralty Chimney to schedule your chimney cleaning and inspection.
Fall and winter in New England is the time of year when we hunker down and stay inside from the abrasive seasonal climate. Unfortunately for homeowners, chipmunks, squirrels, and mice are no different, and look for warm spots, like your chimney, to hibernate. How do you keep these unwanted guests out of your chimney and your home? The experts at Admiralty Chimney discuss the importance of chimney caps in keeping out the critters.
A chimney cap is a stainless steel "hat" or cap that sits on top of your chimney. This finishing element may seem like a frivolous feature, but the benefits of chimney caps can help save you from unnecessary and expensive chimney damage and repairs.
A chimney cap restricts animals from entering your chimney. Wild critters are drawn to the chimney for its warmth and privacy. In many cases, they'll build a nest in the chimney, which can lead to blockage. This makes for a dangerous situation as airflow is restricted, and embers can't freely escape. Animals that inhabit your chimney may also eventually perish, leaving unpleasant odors behind in your home.
The importance of chimney caps are far-reaching. A professionally-installed chimney cap from Admiralty Chimney will help ensure the safety of, and preserve the longevity of, your chimney. Contact the CSIA-certified and Certified Master Chimney Technicians at Admiralty Chimney to schedule your chimney cap installation.
When it comes to home maintenance, most of us probably don't give much thought about our chimney liner. However, a chimney liner is a critical part of the safe functioning of your chimney. Without one, your chimney walls, ceiling, and roof can overheat and catch fire. In this month's blog, the experts at Admiralty Chimney discuss which option is best for you: clay tile versus stainless steel chimney liners.
If you need a new chimney liner, or need to replace an existing one, a number of materials and choices are available to you. Whether selecting a chimney liner for a new construction, or replacing one in an existing chimney, you have two choices: clay tile or stainless steel.
Clay chimney liners have been around since the early 1900s, and continue to be a strong contender when choosing a liner for a new chimney construction. Clay tiles can withstand extremely high temperatures without damaging or hindering the performance of the liner. Clay tiles also hold up against the corrosive materials that are burned in and pass through the flue to leave the chimney. In addition, clay tiles are relatively inexpensive to purchase and once installed, these tile liners can last for 50 years.
However, using clay tiles has some drawbacks. While the materials are inexpensive, installation is labor intensive and can be rather costly. This makes clay tiles an excellent choice for new constructions, where you have easy access to the interior of the chimney during assembly.
Relining with clay tile is difficult, as the old liner is removed by chipping it out with specialized tools removing damaged tiles. Installing new ones requires breaking portions of the chimney every few vertical feet. For this reason, relining your chimney with clay tiles is usually not recommended. If your chimney expert presents it as an option, be sure to ask:
Stainless Steel chimney liners are more expensive than clay, but because stainless steel is corrosion-resistant, you can expect this liner to last for years—virtually problem-free. The complete seal applied to the liner keeps emissions away from your masonry, allowing them to last longer and reducing required repairs. Although the stainless steel liner itself is more expensive than clay, it is easier to install, so the installation costs are less, making it the best choice for chimney liner replacement.
Because stainless steel chimney liners come in different shapes and sizes, you can choose a liner that fits your chimney. Metal liners are also available in a rigid or flexible format.
Chimney liner installations and relining projects run more smoothly with time and fair weather conditions; making these summer months the right season to get your chimney liner fireplace-ready before the cool fall weather sets in.
If you're looking to install a new chimney liner or reline an existing one, the CSIA-certified professionals at Admiralty Chimney can inspect your chimney and make a liner recommendation to fit your needs. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and inspection of your chimney liner.
this is an endangered bird species, can fly vertical and builds their nests in chimneys. When we find these during inspection, we cannot disturb the nest.
Chimneys are often overlooked when it comes to the routine maintenance and upkeep of the home. But environmental elements, such as snow, water and ice can cause your chimney masonry to deteriorate, leading to costly damage, fire and flue gas hazards, and even chimney collapse. How do you know if your chimney masonry needs repair? In this month's blog, our chimney masonry repair experts share 4 telltale signs:
Mortar joints hold the bricks on your chimney together and keep moisture from getting inside. However, with repeated exposure to snow, ice, and water, the mortar can become saturated with moisture. As this moisture freezes and thaws in bricks, rocks, and cement, the mortar joints deteriorate. Overtime, they may not be able to support the weight of the bricks, which can put your home and safety at risk. Damaged mortar joints should be repaired as soon as possible. Fortunately, the warm weather and fair conditions of the summer season make it an optimal time for chimney masonry repair.
When a chimney crown is cracked, water is able to seep in. Any freezing and thawing will cause larger cracks. A damaged chimney crown allows moisture to seep between the chimney and the chimney liner, as well as into the chimney, which can cause spalling (described below). Cracked chimney crowns can be detected during your annual chimney inspection.
White discoloration on a chimney is called efflorescence and is caused when water-soluble salts are deposited on bricks. Efflorescence is a clear indication of excess moisture in the chimney masonry. While the staining is easily removed, cleaning it doesn't solve the underlying moisture problem. If efflorescence isn't addressed and remedied, other potential problems related to moisture can occur.
Spalling occurs when water enters brick, natural stone, or concrete and forces the surface of your chimney masonry to pop out, peel off, or flake off, and land at the base of your chimney or in your yard. If you notice any of these signs, your chimney masonry has serious damage. Spalling is more prevalent in colder climates, where a freeze-thaw cycle can cause frost to actually break and push off masonry fragments. Spalling bricks also weaken the structure of your chimney, which can be dangerous.
Chimney masonry problems are serious and must be dealt with immediately. If you're unsure about the condition of your chimney masonry, contact the CSIA-certified chimney technicians at Admiralty Chimney. A chimney inspection can help identify any issues and needed masonry repairs and ensure that your chimney is at peak performance before burning season arrives.
The warmer weather is finally upon us and it's probably safe to say that your fireplace will be taking a break for the next few months. Summer is a great time to schedule your chimney cleaning and inspection, offering several advantages to caring for and maintaining your fireplace before the cool weather returns in the fall.
Annual chimney inspections are an important part of your fireplace maintenance, and can help identify damage or deterioration before minor issues turn into major problems. As summer is considered an "off-peak" season for chimney care, scheduling your chimney cleaning and inspection during the summer offers several advantages including:
During the warmer weather seasons, it's easier to schedule an inspection with greater availability.
If your inspection uncovers any repairs that are needed, service appointments can be scheduled and repairs made without delay, well before the weather turns chilly and before your chimney further deteriorates.
In these quieter months, many chimney companies will offer reduced rates and discount incentives on inspections. Schedule your chimney cleaning and inspection with Admiralty Chimney before August 31, and receive our summer rates.
Many chimney repairs, such as replacing flashing and crown repair, require warm, fair or dry weather for best results. Additionally, major chimney work such as complete rebuilding of the chimney and chimney relining, require more time, making it more feasible to do in the summer months.
Masonry repairs are best made during the summer, when the temperatures are well above 40 degrees. The warmer temperature enables materials to cure. Once the masonry is properly cured, waterproofing can also be applied to protect that new masonry for years to come.
In the warmer weather you may begin to notice a bad smell coming from the fireplace. An inspection enables the technician to investigate the cause of the smell, whether it's from creosote and ash build-up from a long winter of fireplace use, or a critter that got inside the chimney. Once identified, the technician can offer a solution.
By inspecting and tending to your chimney needs, you're improving the safety, performance, and efficiency of your chimney, which will extend the life of your fireplace. The CSIA-certified professionals at Admiralty Chimney use the best tools and industry-leading knowledge in their chimney inspections. To avoid the fall rush, schedule your chimney inspection with the chimney care experts at Admiralty Chimney today.
Your chimney may look good on the outside, but when it comes to the safety of your home and family, it's the inside that matters most. In this month's blog, we'll discuss the importance of chimney liners and what you need to know to protect the health and safety of your family.
Chimney liners are vital to the safe operation of your chimney. In fireplaces that burn gas, oil, or wood, a liner helps guide the combustion by-products out and away from your chimney. Without a properly installed and maintained chimney liner, gases and particles can be released into the home, putting your family at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
If your chimney liner is worn or damaged, it can affect your health and leave telltale signs in your home. Here are some signs that you may need to replace your chimney liner:
Every chimney needs a working liner and during your annual chimney inspection and cleaning, your chimney professional can tell you if you need to repair or replace it.
If your chimney liner isn't properly installed or maintained, it can become damaged and dangerous. Be sure to have it installed and maintained by a chimney professional who is certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA).
Because there are many types of chimney liners for different conditions, you should be leery of any company that provides you with a quote over the phone. To properly quote the costs involved in relining a chimney, a certified professional needs to go to your home, thoroughly inspect your chimney, take measurements, assess the conditions of your chimney, and discuss your overall usage.
Chimney liners are vital to the safe operation of any chimney. If you're looking to install a new chimney liner or repair an existing one, the CSIA-certified professionals at Admiralty Chimney are here to help. Contact us today to schedule your no-obligation quote!
Most people know that keeping their chimney clean is essential to the safe and efficient operation of their fireplace. But there are many myths and misconceptions about chimneys and how to keep them in proper, working order. In this month's Admiralty Chimney blog, we'll discuss 5 common chimney myths and misconceptions. Some may surprise you.
1. I don't use my chimney that often so I don't need to have it cleaned or inspected. Although creosote buildup may not be an issue, you might be surprised about the amount of debris that can fall into your chimney, or how quickly your structure erodes over time. While cleaning your chimney, your chimney sweep will remove any debris and check for dangerous cracks the chimney and flue.
Spring is a great time to schedule a chimney cleaning. Hold off until fall and you'll have to wait in line for an appointment with everyone else.
2. I have a metal chimney liner so I no longer need annual inspections. While metal liners help protect the interior of your chimney, they are still subject to soot and creosote build-up. Regardless of your liner type and condition, an annual inspection is still recommended by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA).
3. Cleaning a chimney is easy and something I can do myself. Some household maintenance jobs are best left to the professionals, and chimney sweeping happens to be one of these. For the non-professional, cleaning a chimney can be extremely messy, time-consuming, and dangerous. You need the appropriate equipment, including a respirator (to protect your lungs from soot and creosote). Make it easy on yourself and schedule your chimney cleaning with the CSIA-certified professionals at Admiralty Chimney.
4. Masonry chimneys are indestructible. Unfortunately this is not true. While doing chimney cleanings and inspections, the Admiralty Chimney team frequently finds cracks in masonry chimneys caused by the freezing and thawing of water.
5. Burning pine and other softwoods (which contain large amounts of sap) can cause creosote damage to your chimney. A University of Georgia study put an end to this long-held belief. Creosote forms from burning low-temperature fires, not sap-rich wood. If the wood you burn has dried for at least a year, creosote shouldn't be a concern.
Don't be misled by these common chimney myths and misconceptions. Even if you only use your fireplace just a few times a year, it's important to have your chimney inspected and cleaned annually. Contact the CSIA-certified professionals at Admiralty Chimney today to schedule your annual chimney inspection and cleaning.
Solar chimney, in Iran.
Brickwork taken to new levels.Johnson County Community College, Overland Park, Kansas Performance Piece, Dennis Oppenheim 2000 24' H x 12' W x 12' D Steel, galvanized steel, epoxy, pigments, cement, bugles, fire brick, foam and fiberglass This piece invites one to consider the fusion of architecture and musical performance. A chimney is turned into a wind instrument, suggesting one could play or perform it. The cavity of a functional object (chimney) is considered for its sound producing qualities. In the same way, one could consider playing or performing a building by walking through it.
Ahhh…springtime. There's no better season to get your home in order. When you start your spring cleaning, don't forget about your chimney—it's been working hard for you these past several months! Here are four reasons why spring may be the best time for cleaning and inspecting your chimney:
By scheduling your annual chimney cleaning and inspection during the spring, you avoid the fall rush. Most people don't think about their chimneys until the temperatures start to drop. By scheduling your cleaning now, you won't have to wait for an appointment.
The creosote and ash that's been building up in your chimney can cause unpleasant odors. By having your chimney cleaned after the long winter season, you'll keep your home smelling fresh.
When acidic creosote buildup is combined with the moisture from the rain of spring and summer, it can cause deterioration of your chimney's interior. By removing creosote buildup after the burning season, you can significantly prolong the life of your chimney.
To protect the safety of your home and family, the Chimney and Safety Institute of America recommends annual inspections and cleanings by a CSIA-certified chimney sweep. By having your chimney cleaned and inspected in the spring, you'll have time to take care of any needed repairs before the start of the burning season. Doing so will allow you and your family to safely enjoy the warmth and comfort your chimney all season long.
The CSIA-certified professionals at Admiralty Chimney are here to keep your chimney in good working condition and your family safe. Contact us today to schedule your spring chimney cleaning and inspection.
As our New England winter days are growing longer and warmer, we're reminded that spring is just around the corner. And with the dawn of this season of renewal comes spring cleaning! As you clean and maintain your home in preparation for the warmer months, don't forget about your chimney–it's been working hard for you all winter long. Before you schedule your chimney cleaning and inspection, follow these guidelines for hiring the right chimney sweep:
The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) is a non-profit organization with a mission of educating and protecting homeowners, and a dedication to providing continuing education for chimney sweep professionals. CSIA-certified chimney sweeps pass two exams and renew their certification every three years. Roughly 1,800 chimney sweep professionals are certified nationwide.
In addition to confirming that your chimney sweep is CSIA-certified, be sure to ask the following questions:
1. How long have they been in business? When it comes to the safety and maintenance of your home, experience matters.
2. Do they offer current references? Talk to other customers about their quality of work and level of professionalism.
3. Does the company have unresolved complaints filed against them? An unresolved complaint is, of course, a red flag.
4. Does the company carry valid business liability insurance? Never allow anyone to work on your home without proof of insurance.
5. Does the company ensure that a CSIA-Certified Chimney Sweep will be on the job site? All chimney inspections should be signed off by a CSIA-certified chimney sweep.
Unfortunately, many chimney sweeps lack the education and experience required to protect the safety of your home and family. Following the above guidelines will help you in hiring the right chimney sweep for your home.
At Admiralty Chimney, we take your home and your safety very seriously. We aren't just licensed chimney service professionals, we are certified by and committed to the standards and ethics of the Chimney Service Institute of America (CSIA). Whether your chimney is in need of service or an annual inspection and cleaning, our certified professionals are here to help. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
Baby it's cold outside. During the winter, nothing beats a cozy fire when it comes to bringing warmth and comfort to your home. However, prolonged use of your chimney can lead to creosote buildup, and an increased risk of chimney fires. Preventing chimney fires is easy, though. With a little care and attention, you can safely enjoy the warmth your chimney provides all season long.
When wood burns, creosote builds up in your chimney. Depending on the temperature of the fire and how quickly the air is moving away from the fire, this buildup can look black, brown, gummy, hard, shiny, or even flaky. Certain conditions—improper ventilation, burning of unseasoned wood, or drastic changes in burning temperature—accelerate creosote buildup. Creosote is highly flammable and combustible and if too much builds up in your chimney, a fire can start at any moment. To prevent a chimney fire, the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends "any solid fuel venting" system be annually inspected and cleaned with repairs done whenever needed.
Did you know that most small chimney fires often go undetected? If you've had a small fire, you are at risk of significant chimney damage and danger to your home and family. Preventing chimney fires requires that you pay attention to the functionality of your chimney: Is enough air coming through? Are your fires struggling to stay lit due to lack of air? Is there a hot, burning smell even when the fire isn't lit? Is there a lot of dense smoke? Will your damper not close? (Indicating the safety of the damper has been compromised by fire that's gotten too hot.) If you've answered yes to any of these questions, you may have already had a chimney fire.
According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, there are 9 signs that a chimney fire has occurred in your home:
• "Puffy" or "honey combed" creosote
• Warped metal of the damper, smoke chamber connector pipe, or factory-built chimney
• Cracked or collapsed flue tiles, or tiles with large chunks missing
• Discolored and/or distorted rain cap
• Heat-damaged TV antenna attached to the chimney
• Creosote flakes and pieces found on the roof or ground
• Roofing material damaged from hot creosote
• Cracks in exterior masonry
• Evidence of smoke escaping through mortar joints of masonry or tile liners
If you detect any of these signs, contact a chimney service and repair professional immediately!
The friendly professionals at Admiralty Chimney are here to make sure your chimney is clean, safe, and running properly all season long. If you have questions about preventing chimney fires, or need service, contact us today.
One of the best things about this time of the year is stepping out your door and smelling all of the chimneys gently puffing along. The smell of a wood fire on a winters' morning can bring back great memories and make the holiday season just a little more complete. We at Admiralty Chimney are grateful for the chance to help you prepare your chimney for the holiday season, and the winter that comes with it.
Chimneys are the heart and warmth of your home, and it's important to make sure they are running smoothly. Simple steps like having an inspection completed, making sure the chimney cap is installed and fitted properly, or getting a good chimney cleaning can help keep things working properly. Thank you to everyone who chose to have us provide you with a quality inspection or cleaning this year!
Remember, if you have a larger scale chimney project like a lining replacement, or some old masonry that needs fixing, Admiralty is here for you; give yourself the peace of mind of knowing that your chimney has been taken care of by a quality team that wants to keep your home safe and looking fantastic.
Here at Admiralty Chimney, we take our commitment to service and quality seriously, and we know that we wouldn't be anywhere without our fantastic customers! We'd like to wish everyone a safe and healthy holiday season. May your homes be warm, and your hearts be warmer throughout this season of gratitude. Happy Holidays from our family to yours, and thank you for your patronage—we love serving you!
As the temperature starts dropping, we rely more and more on the warmth and comfort we get from our fireplaces. Many people look forward to these times by the fireplace, helping to keep the cost of gas/oil/electric down and our spirits up. But before you settle in for the long months ahead, it's important that you take the steps necessary to make sure your chimney is safe and clear of any dangers that could cause you trouble. So that when you do settle in front of your warm fire, you will know all is safe.
Every time you light a fire in a wood burning stove or fireplace, the condensation that occurs when the smoke is traveling up the chimney creates a substance called creosote. Creosote is highly combustible, and can be dangerous for you and your chimney.
Depending on the temperature of the fire and how quickly the air is moving away from the fire, creosote can look black, brown, gummy, hard, shiny, or even flaky. However it appears, if too much creosote accumulates in your chimney, a fire can start at any moment whenever the temperature gets hot enough.
Factors that cause creosote to form in your chimney lining faster are: restricted air, burning unseasoned wood, cooler chimney temperatures, and slow moving smoke. All of these factors can create the situation that would allow the creosote to ignite within the chimney.
Depending on how quickly the creosote builds up, you may need more frequent cleanings than you originally planned on. There are ways to avoid creosote developing in your chimney quickly, but you'll never be able to completely stop it from forming.
The most effective way to deal with creosote is to get a trained professional to inspect and care for your chimney. Each home and chimney system is different. Having someone with the knowledge and training to help your chimney stay safe and clean is critical for the safety of your home and family.
Admiralty Chimney is a full-service chimney company, certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America. Contact Admiralty Chimney today and schedule your inspection and chimney cleaning, so you can relax and have peace of mind knowing your chimney is safe and operational.
Believe it or not, your chimney is not as likely to become damaged from heat, smoke, and corrosion as it is from excess moisture. Water can damage your chimney in a variety of ways, which is one reason that it pays to have a regular chimney inspection!
Moisture is always in the air, but it poses a greater threat during prolonged times of humidity or heavy fog. Water seeps into the cracks between brick and mortar over time, softening and eroding these materials. If preventative measures are not in place, your chimney could lose its integrity and develop a tilt, making it unsafe for regular use.
In order to maintain a functional, robust bond between stone, brick, and mortar, moisture must be kept at a minimum. Water can also get inside your chimney and cause rusting on metal fixtures like dampers and hinges. With the added damages of moisture freezing, expanding, and thawing, New Hampshire chimneys have the odds stacked against them!
There are a few options when it comes to protecting your chimney from water damage.
It's no secret that chimney maintenance protects the value of your home. As your New Hampshire chimney specialists, we want to help our fellow homeowners maintain safe and effective chimneys before the coming winter months. Contact Admiralty Chimney today to schedule your inspection, cleaning, or waterproofing appointment!
The fall is a great time of year to start thinking about your chimney and fireplace again. We always recommend a chimney inspection or a cleaning to start your winter season off right. As you get your chimney ready for the colder months, fireplace safety is something you should also be thinking about.
When the temperature dips over the next few months, you'll want your fireplace to keep you warm, but you'll also want it to be a safe and reliable fixture in your home. Never underestimate the value of safety when it comes to fires. It always pays to be prepared and informed!
Install a firebox screen. Having a screen around your open fireplace will ensure that everyone remains a safe distance from the flames, and that no embers will make it beyond the hearth
Build proper fires. Don't use too much loose paper when you start a fire. Instead, keep wood shavings and splinters on hand. They'll light quickly and won't create burning ash.
Burn the right wood. Softwoods like pine and cedar don't burn cleanly. They put out resin in their smoke, which forms creosote inside your chimney. It's best to stick with cleaner burning hardwoods like oak or maple.
When it comes to fireplace safety, everyone in your home should be involved in preventing an accident or a potential tragedy. Make sure your family knows how to operate the fireplace mechanisms such as the flue and damper. Be sure to establish fire safety plans, including escape routes for different areas of your home.
Always remember, common sense is the best way to prevent a fire. Other than the obvious things like keeping kerosene away from open flames, make sure you keep an eye on burning candles. Also, check your chimney periodically to ensure there's a proper smoke flow, and test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide monitors regularly.
Don't hesitate to contact Admiralty Chimney. Be sure to schedule your inspection or cleaning appointment before winter is upon us.
As a homeowner, you probably have a decent idea of how your chimney works. If not, here's a quick run-down:
Fuel is burned in the firebox, and the exhaust and smoke travel through the flue pipe. The flue pipe enters into the chimney body, and is fixed to the chimney liner. The liner travels up the chimney, and the rest is history.
Between the firebox and the chimney top, there are several key features. One of the most important is the chimney damper.
Dampers are flaps that form a tight seal inside part of the chimney, closing off the interior when the chimney is not in use.
Some dampers are made entirely of steel, and others have a rubberized gasket that allows for a tighter seal. Chimney dampers serve two primary purposes: energy efficiency and pest prevention. Let's take a look at the two types of chimney dampers.
As the name implies, these dampers are fixed to the very top of your chimney. They come either as individual units (as seen on the left), or housed within specialized chimney caps. After they're installed, top sealing dampers require very little maintenance. A thin steel cable attaches to the shifting mechanism and runs the length of your chimney, allowing you to open or close the damper from inside your home.
Top sealing dampers are considered to be the most effective for preventing wildlife and insects from entering and nesting in your chimney during the off-season. They compliment chimney caps nicely in this aspect, and provide a secure, airtight seal.
Throat dampers are located much closer to the base of your chimney. In gas or pellet stoves, they're usually fixed just outside the firebox, inside the steel pipe that enters the chimney. In older brick fireplaces, throat dampers are usually not visible, but are operated in a similar way to top sealing dampers.
Because throat dampers are located nearest to the interior of the home, they allow for greater energy efficiency. Rather than allowing your entire chimney to fill with warmth from your home, these dampers create a seal before heat can enter the chimney. When you're not actively using the fireplace, it's best to keep throat dampers closed in the winter.
In a word, both. The type of chimney damper you use should be based on where you live. In New Hampshire, both wildlife and energy efficiency are top concerns when it comes to chimneys. With a top sealing damper, your chimney is most effectively sealed off from any type of infestation during the off-season. With a throat damper, your home remains warmer for a longer period of time after each use.
Many New Hampshire homeowners choose to install both types of dampers, and we can't argue with the best of both worlds! If you'd like more information before you decide, or if you'd like to have a damper professionally installed, give us a shout. Our crew at Admiralty Chimney Service is always happy to help!
Have you ever taken the time to really look at your chimney? Not too many people do. That's the thing about chimneys…when they're working like a charm, they're all but invisible. And during the summer months? Most folks don't give them a second thought.
When summer comes to a close though, people begin noticing their chimneys again. They realize the masonry looks a bit crumbled in places. The flue is stiffer than it used to be, and there's an awful lot of creosote inside the fireplace. And what's that on top of the chimney? Did that really used to be a cap?
If a chimney cap is all rusted away, it's not doing you any good. Here are the main purposes that a chimney cap serves:
Chimney caps are important for the structural health of your chimney, for preventing moisture damage, and preventing roof fires. They serve so many important safety functions, we believe it's important for every homeowner to have a chimney cap.
At Admiralty Chimney, we have a saying. You can't go wrong with a chimney cap. Catchy, right? It's just plain true. They protect your chimney and your home in so many different ways, and summer is the perfect time of year to install them.
There are several types of caps, and once our experts take a look at your chimney, we'll know exactly which one is perfect for your needs. The collage above will give you an idea of what chimney caps can look like. Depending on your local climate, type of chimney, and budget, certain caps will be better than others.
Don't worry, you really don't have to think much about your chimney this summer. Just give us a quick call at 603-594-0400 to have a cap installed. If you already have one, great! Saftey's the word, and having a chimney cap is a big step in the right direction.
One of the great aspects of living in New Hampshire is the abundance of old Colonial houses. They stand tall and resolute as testaments to the living history of New England, stretching back for hundreds of years. The problem with houses built over a century ago is that, well, they were built over a century ago.
Before 1900, there were hardly any building regulations, and certainly none to compare with the extensive chimney safety codes of today. When it comes to chimneys and fireplace apparatus, old houses are usually lacking in the safety department. Let's take a look at some specific chimney issues that are often present in old or unused houses.
Take a look at this image to get an idea of the inner workings of an old, multi-story Colonial chimney. Then keep in mind that the codes of today, such as height and depth dimensions and other safety features, were not common practice in chimney building.
Do you live in a beautiful old Colonial house? Maybe you've been eyeing that walled-off fireplace for some time, but you always thought it would be impossible to bring it into working condition. Give us a call, and we can help you find out. At Admiralty Chimney, we know our stuff. Give us a call at 603-594-0400 or contact us online to get started!
Now that the weather is finally warming up, you can start thinking about stowing your chimney for the off-season. At Admiralty Chimney, we recommend that you have your chimney inspected and cleaned as part of your off-season chimney storage.
Close the damper. If you have a wood burning fireplace, the damper should be closed throughout the summer months. If you have a gas stove, it's best to leave the damper open slightly during the off-season to prevent the buildup of toxic gasses in your home.
Install a chimney cap. Chimney caps are great all year round, as they improve the safety of your home and chimney. They prevent pests from entering the chimney, and they help to
contain sparks and flaming debris during usage.
Clean the hearth. The ashes and soot in your fireplace create
airborne particles that can be dangerous to inhale. Cleaning your fireplace early in the off-season eliminates this issue.
If you haven't had your annual chimney inspection yet, don't delay! Give us a call at 603-594-0400 or contact us online today to schedule your inspection or
cleaning. We look forward to hearing from you!
Now is the time to take action. Schedule your chimney cleaning and inspection in the Spring. Now is the perfect time to get your chimney cleaned and inspected to be ready for the next winter season.
Admiralty Chimney Service, along with the National Fire Protection Association, recommends having a thorough chimney inspection and cleaning every year. Most of us homeowners have spring cleaning rituals, a time when the weather allows us to get to those "hard to reach" places. Why not check your chimney off the list this spring, too?
Call the Admiralty Chimney Service experts at at 603-594-0400 or contact us online today to schedule your inspection or cleaning. We'll see you soon!
March is the time of year when we begin restoring chimneys. Although this winter has been tamer than some, the temperature around New Hampshire has constantly fluctuated above and below freezing. Because of this, chimney mortar and masonry has experienced constant freezing, thawing and refreezing.
Mortar holds up most efficiently when the weather is consistently above 40 degrees. During the winter, the moisture trapped inside chimney mortar freezes and expands, creating tiny cracks and fractures. While this damage isn't severe enough to ruin a chimney's masonry in one season, over time it causes serious structural damage.
Each winter, chimney mortar erodes a little more. With the inconsistent temperatures of this past winter, chimney mortar has certainly experienced this effect. When it comes to masonry issues, it's important to act before your chimney becomes dangerously unsound.
During your annual chimney inspection, the experts at Admiralty Chimney Service will thoroughly examine and assess the condition of your chimney's mortar and masonry.
We can point out to you areas of your chimney that are experiencing cracking damage. If masonry repairs are required, we will do the job thoroughly and efficiently. Fresh masonry repairs performed in early spring are ideal, as the weather allows for mortar to harden properly, without freezing.
After every masonry project, we spray the surface of your chimney with ChimneySaver, a sealant and water repellent for masonry. This final touch increases the lifespan of your chimney by preventing water absorption and offering freeze/thaw protection.
Got questions? Call Admiralty Chimney Service at 603-594-0400 for more information or a free service estimate. You can also contact us online to schedule your appointment.
Did you know February, March and April are when most chimney fires occur?
At Admiralty Chimney, we try to educate our customers in the proper care of their fireplace, wood, gas, or pellet stoves and furnace flues so chimney fires never have to happen. The National Fire Protection agency (NFPA) strongly urges an annual inspection for all fuel combustible appliances.
When was the last time you had your fireplace, stove or furnace flue inspected?
If you're not sure, you probably need one – soon! Do you hear falling debris noises in the flue, or has water gotten into your chimney and turned it white? These are indicators of serious problems that need immediate attention.
This cold weather means more burning, more smoke going through the chimney, more creosote, chemical and soot buildup. We provide inspections and cleanings year round. We come to your home and not only provide a service but give you "peace of mind" in knowing that your chimney is in safe working condition.
Don't wait until you have a serious issue, contact Admiralty Chimney today to schedule an inspection and/or cleaning of your wood, pellet or gas stove, as well as fireplaces and furnace flues.
You can contact us online to schedule your appointment or call our office at 603-594-0400 and our staff will set you up with an appointment. See you soon!
Believe it or not, a lot can happen to your chimney in the winter! In New Hampshire, chimneys go from being unused to being constantly relied upon within a matter of weeks. This sudden constant use can affect chimneys in different ways, particularly if the chimney had existing damage before the winter.
A damaged chimney is dangerous for many reasons, and any problems that arise during the winter should be dealt with quickly. Some of the issues may include:
Our experts will identify issues early on through chimney inspections. You shouldn't wait until your chimney falls apart, or worse, before calling your local chimney company. Admiralty Chimney is here to keep your chimney safe and efficient, all winter long.
Because of the nature of mortar, we usually perform large masonry repairs when the weather is consistently over 40 degrees. But we are a year-round, full service chimney company, and we're ready to do what it takes to inspect, clean, or repair your chimney during the long NH winter.
Don't wait until it's too late. Schedule your appointment, or call us with your emergency chimney repair needs at 603-262-1245.
During the wintertime, everyone wants to just curl up by the fire on a cold December day. It's important, however, to learn the proper uses and potential safety hazards before starting up that fire. Here are some burning practices for creating that perfect cozy winter atmosphere, while keeping both your fireplace and your home safe.
It's best to burn wood that has been stored outdoors and kept off the ground. The wood should also be shielded by a tarp or other protective covering.
Use newspaper, dry kindling, or an all-natural fire starter. You can also install a natural gas or propane log lighter in your open fireplace.
Most wax and sawdust logs are made for open hearth fireplaces only. Check the instructions for your wood stove or fireplace before using artificial logs. If you are using manufactured logs, be sure that they are made of one-hundred percent compressed sawdust.
With limited time during a high-pressure situation, it is important for your family to plan ahead by coming up with a fire escape route for your home. Here are some basic fire escape planning tips in case of an emergency.
Draw a map of your house and plan out the different ways your family will be able to exit safely. Review this map with your children so that they will know how and where to exit in case of a house fire.
Find an outside location where you can all meet that is a safe distance away from the house. Mark this location on your escape map so that you will all know where to meet.
Double check that all of your smoke alarms are equipped with working batteries. It's important that your children can easily wake up to the sound of the smoke alarm going off.
Practice your escape route with your family so that they will know how to respond if there is a real house fire. Planning ahead will prevent you or your family members from being unprepared during a dangerous situation.
In the case of a real house fire, do not go back into the burning building under any circumstance! If someone is missing, let your fire dispatcher know when you make the call. For your safety, allow firefighters with the proper equipment and training to enter the house during an emergency.
Chimneys add to the beauty of a home, but they also protect your family from harmful smoke and gases that would otherwise remain in your house. Many homeowners take steps to protect themselves by having a chimney installed in their home, but chimneys also need to be protected in order to remain functional and safe.
One way of protecting your chimney is by installing a chimney cap. A chimney cap is a stainless steel device fitted to the top of a chimney to improve the airflow. We recommend that homeowners have them installed because of their many benefits.
A properly installed chimney cap will protect your crown and help to prevent harmful moisture from rain, snow, and ice from getting into the chimney cavity. Moisture entering the chimney can lead to rapid deterioration, expensive repairs, and safety issues.
Chimney caps are designed to redirect water away from the top of the chimney and over the sides of the chimney.
Chimneys make a great place for small animals and birds to nest because of their warmth and safety from predators. This can cause serious problems for both the homeowner and the critter. Once they get in, they can't get back out.
Birds, squirrels, raccoons and other animal nests will block the path of smoke and force the smoke to settle back into your home. This can cause soot damage or even carbon monoxide poisoning. Installing a chimney cap with mesh siding will prevent animals from entering your chimney and your home.
Debris such as leaves, twigs, and trash can easily enter a chimney and clog the flues and the pathway of the smoke. This can lead to blockages or even chimney fires. If you have the proper chimney cap installed, leaves and other debris will not get past the wire mesh, keeping your chimney clear and safe.
Embers and large sparks from fireplaces can travel up and out the chimney flue. A large enough spark could easily exit the chimney, causing a roof fire or the nearby brush or leaves to catch fire. If this happens, it can also cause internal damage to the chimney itself. The wire mesh of a chimney cap keeps these sparks contained until they eventually burn out.
If you want to maximize the lifespan of your chimney and protect your valuable investment, installing a chimney cap is a great place to start. Admiralty Chimney Service recommends and installs stainless steel caps, and all our caps come with lifetime warranties. Give us a call today at 603-594-0400 to learn more!
As a homeowner, having your chimney inspected every year is one of the smartest moves you can make. There's no substitute for an expert pair of eyes identifying hazards before they become destructive.
Chimney inspections are important for proper fire safety.
Chimney fires are always unexpected and can be devastating. Even when contained, chimney fires can cause massive structural damage to both mortar and chimney linings.
A regular chimney inspection will identify potential fire hazards such as pest infestation, chimney swift nests, soot and creosote buildup, and damage to your chimney lining before these things cause any serious damage.
Chimney inspections are important for your health.
Creosote is a highly flammable, oily brown material that cakes onto a chimney's interior lining. Creosote can be either crusty or tar-like, and is a byproduct of the combustion of firewood or pellets. Over time, creosote builds up in chimneys, creating a carbon residue that is both a fire hazard and a health threat. If not inspected and removed regularly, creosote can cause skin and eye irritation as well as respiratory disease.
Chimney soot is also formed from the incomplete combustion of firewood or pellets. Made from small particles of carbon, soot is very dangerous to inhale and can cause a variety of respiratory diseases.
Chimney swifts are small birds that prefer to nest in chimneys, as they offer safety from predators. Chimney swifts, like many birds, have been known to carry a fungus that causes histoplasmosis, a dangerous and potentially deadly flu-like infection. Chimney swift droppings often collect inside chimneys over time, releasing airborne pathogens that can infect you or your family.
Carbon monoxide is another silent killer that can originate from a dirty chimney. Carbon monoxide is a byproduct that is released when wood or fuel does not burn completely. While a carbon monoxide detector can alert you when the gas is present, an annual chimney inspection can identify the flaws in a chimney, preventing the gas from ever being present in your home.
It's never wise to put off your annual chimney inspection. With the winter months approaching, now is the time to identify and address the hazards lurking in your chimney.
Call us at 603-594-0400 to learn more. View our Chimney Inspections page or request a chimney inspection today.
12 Rancourt Street
Nashua, NH 03064
2312 Columbia Circle
Merrimack, NH 03054


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Dems Press Fed, OCC For Info On Foreclosure Abuse Deals
The revised settlements over banks' botched foreclosure proceedings, the first of which were announced Jan. 7, have drawn criticism from both lawmakers and housing advocates as being inadequate and lacking proper oversight. Those concerns were highlighted in a Thursday letter sent to...
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No products
₹ 6,999 Décathlon
Good service, good delivery and easy to put together.
Very good quality easy to put up fast delivery exactly the same as the picture
the top screw which you hang the bag chain from isn't a real screw. The grooves around the screw don't spiral like a normal screw but are spaced out evenly and parallel to each other. You can improvise and find some way of getting your bag to hang on the frame but then there's the problem of the frame itself no being able to handle the weight of a bag even with weight plates added on the weight pole. yiu then need bags of sand of something similar to keep both sides of the stand to stay grounded when you're throwing hooks, kicks and elbows. For the price I paid I wasn't expecting the world best boxing frame.. but I can't say I'm not disappointed with the product. It came with a faulty screw (most important one) and the frame it's self is barely functional with the bag on it.
Thanks a lot to let us know your feedback on Free-Standing Punch Bag Stand. I m really afraid to hear your experience building that frame. We don t receive many feedbacks on faulty items but I ll send yours to the product manager in order to avoid future problems with the screws.
Don t forget you can claim a total refund or a product change in your nearest Decathlon Store.
Kind regards
Easy to assemble and sturdy. Very please with this purchase
good item, needs weighting down but otherwise good
The stand was really easy to assemble, but I would recommend that you secure it to the floor. I found the weights di not hold it down enough.
Very sturdy, well made frame. The amount of weight needed to stabilise depends very much on on the strength of the user - an excellent product
Works well. Takes the punchbag well
It's a great bit of kit, but the person taking photos for the website clearly didn't read the instructions. Photo 6 shows a pair of top hat fittings the wrong way out and no thread in the nyloc nut. That's dangerous and at some point your bag will come off.
Sturdy, easy to assemble
The photos on the website are wrong
I took a risk and bought this over the Everlast stand and I am so glad I did. It's about £60 cheaper and it is a good, sturdy stand. My son hits it very hard so we've had to put a lot of weight on it to keep it from moving about but there's a pole to put the round weights on. Very happy with it and would definitely recommend. Be aware that it takes up a lot of room.
Easy to build
Needs a lot of weight to keep it steady


text: As many of us are now finished up for the season - what are the business related projects that you cannot wait to get started on. I have a list so long I will never get finished up before the season starts back up with this broken arm I have. However, have been able to get a jump start on repainting the trailers. Found a great paint that covers well, is very thick, and holds up against the dings a trailer gets throughout the season. I am extremely pleased with how well they are looking. Shooting to get new scheduliong software figured out and names, routes, etc. entered in. And the list goes on... what are all of you up to?


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I want you to sit with your deepest pain, your most inescapable suffering. Call it forth even now. Be with it for a few moments if you can. I want you to see it, to see it clearly. I want you to become friends with it. No, I wish for something greater. I want you to see that this one you have called your "enemy" is and has always been your friend and your deepest confidant. And when you meet Pain along life's path, I want you to call Pain "love waiting to be revealed." I want you to dance with her, and then tell me of her kiss, which awakened you from the dream you called your life.
I would like to announce my new book project, from which the above quote been taken.
Truth is Dancing: An Invitation from the Other Side of Consciousness
This project has been inspired by my thirty-year spiritual journey, especially the very difficult journey of the past year, which began a year ago today with one of the more traumatic events of my life, perhaps the most traumatic I've ever experienced. Very much in the spirit of many of my blogs since last summer, this work will be a poetic and contemplative exploration of love, awakening, and God.
I decided on this project primarily for three reasons.
First, in the course of the past year I've received lots of emails from people who have thanked me for my blogs on eastern spirituality and the philosophy of love. It seems that these blogs have really helped people in their own journey, and a number of readers have asked me to write a book along these lines. While there's much to be said for scholarly writing, my latest project is intended for a general audience, a gift of sorts to all seekers. In this way I wish to acknowledge not only the persons whose lives I've touched in some way through my writing but the many people who have touched my life in the past year.
Second, in the past month I've been struck with how many friends and acquaintances of mine are, as I did a year ago, undergoing a painful marital divorce, breakups with their partners, or who are otherwise deeply challenged by struggles in their relationships with a significant other. Right here, in this confusion and pain, there is a profound invitation coming to us, and so an opportunity for consciously owning the transformation that is taking place. None of what is happening, however painful, is separate from the path we are walking, nor the spiritual aspirations to which we are committed.
Finally, when my fiancée of three years walked out on me never to be heard from again, I knew that I would eventually write about my experiences. Waiting a year has given me some important clarity but also a deep gratitude for the large residual of mystery that remains. During this past year, I've gone through the whole spectrum of emotions, in their various cycles and epicycles, punctuated at various times with a widening of understanding of myself. Most importantly, despite the range of emotion and thoughts, there has been to this hour an undeniable and recurring gratitude for everything I was blessed enough to share with Autumn, which really made it the best relationship I ever had. From where I stand now, I offer this work in the spirit of compassion, not only for my ex fiancée, but for everyone who has been compelled to choose, sometimes the unthinkable, because they had to choose from a place of a deep suffering.
Truth is Dancing will include the poetic, contemplative, and photographic expressions of the invitation I've received from what I'm calling the "other side of consciousness," as well as my response to this invitation. Of course, I can't say what this other side of consciousness is, for the main objective of the book is to help readers explore their own experience, meet this "other side" for themselves, and discover its invitation to them.
It's going to be a bit like Rumi meets Gibran meets Jung meets Oriah Mountain Dreamer meets Zen meets bhakti meets Muse meets Black Sabbath.
My projected completion date is fall 2015. While I will continue to write scholarly material related to my forthcoming book on postmortem survival, stay tuned for more on the new writing project.
Michael Sudduth


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Kobe vs. Lebron. LeBron vs. Kobe. It's not quite Magic vs. Bird. Or even Wilt vs. Russell. But NBA fans love arguing over who is the better player. What characteristics define who the better player is? Kobe's the better scorer. LeBron's the better all-around player. Kobe has a mean streak. LeBron's doesn't match Kobe's. One supposedly is the game's ultimate closer, while the other doesn't have the closing mentality (however, that may very well be wrong). LeBron has won 11 of their 13 head-to-head match-ups. But Kobe has the rings. And they've never faced each other in the NBA Finals.
In 2007, LeBron got his first taste of the NBA Finals, but his Cleveland Cavs were swept by the San Antonio Spurs. The following season, thanks to the acquisition of Pau Gasol, Kobe was back in the finals, losing to the Boston Celtics. In 2009, it seemed to be inevitable that we'd finally see a Kobe vs. LeBron finals. But LeBron's Cavs were upset by the Orlando Magic and Kobe was able to win his first ring without Shaq. In 2010, LeBron failed to keep up his end of the bargain again as the Boston Celtics beat the Cavs in the NBA Eastern Conference Finals. Kobe would win yet another ring that season. And last year, LeBron took his talents to South Beach and in his first season with the Miami Heat, they clinched the Eastern Conference championship and headed for the finals. Yet it was Kobe's Lakers who struggled with the eventual NBA champion Dallas Mavericks, getting swept in the second round of the NBA playoffs.
Will this finally be the year that we see a Kobe vs. LeBron NBA finals? Let's hope so.
Big Money, Mike A., Charles, Jay, and myself poptificate on this very issue.
GG: I want to get into this Kobe/LeBron deal that seems to be the one of the stronger storylines in the NBA season for the last three or four years.
Who do you believe is the overall better player today? Not Kobe at 27 vs. LeBron at 27. But how both are today. And give me your reason why.
Big Money: That's a rough one.
I think in terms of actual all-around skill set, I'd probably go with LeBron. He could theoretically give you a 35-10-10 on any night with a few steals and a blocked shot or two thrown in. Kobe's a better scorer, but LeBron is a more *efficient* scorer and I'd argue he probably makes his teammates better, which isn't necessarily something you can say for Kobe, who has so far (at least) almost always had one other superstar on a team with him.
However, one thing LeBron lacks so far that Kobe has in abundance is the killer instinct. LeBron will give you better stats, but Kobe will stab, shoot and maim to win a championship.
So, I really haven't answered the question, have I?
GG: I think you've answered it, but that's why it's a question that probably won't go away. People are still arguing over who was better between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. That debate never ended. If LeBron wins a few rings, I think this debate will be similar, at least to non-biased NBA fans. LA Lakers fans feel like Kobe will always be the better player. And LeBron allows that by coming up short in big situations, which is so weird to me because when he was a young player, he had a ton of big moments. I remember that fourth quarter against Detroit when he went insane (scoring 29 of the last 30 points for the Cavs).
Kobe on the other hand… look, I'm not comparing the two, but when I watch Kobe play I see Jordan 'lite'. I think Mike makes a point that can't be ignored… can Kobe make teammates better? The great ones always do, but Kobe hasn't shown that consistently yet. It seems he can't separate the killer mentality and his need to do it himself. He's done it in flashes, but it's definitely not an attribute you would say he has. Kobe is lethal offensively, and one of the few players in my life I've feared going against my Celtics. As time on the clock nears 0.0 I expect Kobe to hit game winning shots while I expect LeBron to kick the ball out.
I sure wrote a lot without answering anything, haven't I?
Big Money: I guess what I'm trying to figure out here is what exactly qualifies the ultimate basketball player? Is it someone who has the whole package as far as skill set? Is it someone who lives for big moments? I don't think there's a real answer for it, but it's certainly a question worth tossing around.
GG: I think that definition depends on whether you prefer MJ's style of winning to Magic and Bird's style of winning. Jordan was win at all costs, I'll take money from the poor if they bet against me. Bird and Magic did multiple things excellently and were more so the kind of guys you wanted to play with if you were also a good player.
But in the end, a lot of it comes down to simply winning. Who do you want on your team if you needed to win a game? It's the Wilt vs. Bill Russell argument right? Wilt was the most dominant player of his era, yet Bill Russell had all the rings.
Right now, Kobe has two rings since Shaq left. LeBron has zero. When we talk about who is better right now, it's not a one-on-one contest. It's who would we rather have on our team if we needed to win a basketball game. At least I think that's what it's about.
Big Money: I'd hate his guts, but I would probably say Kobe.
Jay: Ultimately, it's a team sport and Kobe's proven he can lead a team to the championship. LeBron is good at making ads and generating publicity.
GG: But is Kobe necessarily a team player? He sort of, kind of ran Shaq out of town, though Shaq gave him good reason. But here's what people have forgotten about Kobe:
When he was given scraps (from 2004/05-2006/07) he couldn't even win a playoff series. His own coach wrote a book about him and called him uncoachable. And he was at his absolute best at this point, scoring 81 points in one game, and just killing everyone. He was the single best player in the league by far. In a deciding playoff game against the Suns, he took three shots in the second half and most people said it was because he was upset. He may have tanked on his own team. He was unhappy that they didn't trade Andrew Bynum for Jason Kidd. He went on the radio and asked to be traded. For whatever reason, now that he has two more rings, people forget about that.
At the same time, LeBron was given scraps and his team was consistently in contention. So what does that all mean? I really have no idea.
He's really an enigma. Amazing talent plus the killer instinct makes him unstoppable. Yet he has also shown himself to be both self destructive, and 'cancerous' to the locker room. (I hate using that cancer analogy, but I can't think of anything else right now.) He's shown that he can be both invaluable to his team, and in the case of him tanking… quite less than valuable. He's been a bit of a contradiction throughout… but man, still… game on the line, season on the line he's sticking that J. He's a tough nut to crack.
Jay: I don't like him, but you've gotta count the rings.
GG: Is it that simple? If LeBron was able to play with Shaq in his prime would he have won the same amount of rings? Maybe more?
Big Money: Easily as many, probably more.
Charles: Don't want to go off topic, but just close your eyes for a sec and think about LeBron and Shaq, together in their primes. Yikes. Sorry, couldn't resist.
If its all about rings, as we've always been told it is, (and I believe it to be) Kobe has to be in the conversation for, dare I say it… one of the greats. He's got the rings, plus the ability to boast of being the league's dominant player for a good chunk of time. LeBron has been a hype machine since high school, and the world bought in. A lot of it was deserved. I mean, fourth quarter shrinking aside, he is a supreme talent and dominant player, someone any team would love to build their team around. But it don't mean a thing if you ain't got that ring.
Here's my question for you guys, and it may be a bit of a loaded one:
Does the fact that LeBron teamed up with this new version of a Big 3 hurt his legacy, even if he wins a few rings? I know he was criticized in many circles when it went down, but does the fact that he orchestrated the moves of D. Wade, Bosh and himself to the Heat still hurt him should they win a ring or 2? Or 3. Or 4. Or 5. Or 6. Or 7.
Big Money: The Heat won't win more than 1 or 2 championships, tops. If age doesn't get them, karma will.
Had the Pistons not knocked off the Super-Lakers in 2004 (Shaq, Kobe, Mailman and Payton) would the Lakers have been looked at as a fraud because they loaded their roster with superstars (even if two of those superstars were in the twilight of their careers)?
GG: If playing with one great player and one really good one hurts LeBron's legacy, then it hurts the Celtics (Bird, McHale, Parrish), Lakers (Magic, Kareem, Worthy), Bulls (MJ, Scotty, Horace/Rodman) and even Kobe's last two championship teams (Kobe, Gasol, Bynum/Odom) legacies.
Also, I really think I've changed in the last few years with this one. When Kobe got his team back into contention thanks to the shrewd trade that netted them Gasol, I had him ahead of LeBron. But when LeBron won his MVP and also after the season he had last year, I thought LeBron was the better player. This year, even with the bad knees, the bad wrist, and everything that comes with Kobe (Gasol and Bynum look frustrated as all hell this year), I think he's the better player right now. Then again, when they just played recently, LeBron looked so much better than Kobe did.
Big Money: Probably not easy to go from "the man" into slightly more of a complementary role.
GG: I kind of think LeBron is more comfortable in a 1A role than simply a 1 role. I think he would've catered to Shaq and maybe even gotten more out of Shaq. But he could've gotten less out of Shaq too. There were some shady things Shaq was doing back then as it pertained to him getting in shape. He didn't seem to use the offseason to want to get in shape. He'd use the regular season to get in shape. I think Kobe was both good and bad for him at that time. Seeing how Kobe carried the team when he was out of shape probably made him want to get in shape, but it also probably made him think Kobe was trying to show him up.
Could LeBron completely get the best out of Shaq and be able to push him enough? Or would they have been in all the LA clubs?
I do have another question for y'all. If it's about rings, and Kobe has many of them (and two without Shaq), how many would LeBron have to win before it wouldn't be about rings for him anymore?
Jay: Well, one would be a good start. Probably once he's won more than one, nobody could say he's a bust. Although there have been plenty of great team players in every sport who haven't won a ring for one reason or another. Shouldn't take away from how great a player he is. But certainly when you look at the greatest, you count the rings.
Charles: For me, after that horrible showboat routine they pulled onstage before they ever played a game talking about winning 6 or 7, he better get that or he gets an F from me!
Ha, nah really I think he needs to get that first one ASAP, then at least 1 more. Dominant player with 2 rings is a very nice career. Not everyone can be Russell or Jordan… or Robert Horry!
GG: Okay, time to make your pick and back it up: Kobe or LeBron.
Charles: Killer instinct, unstoppable desire to win, complete game and rings give Kobe the nod for me.
Big Money: Yeah, I'll second what Chuck said. LeBron has the complete game, but Kobe has the "dagger" mentality. If you're on a basketball team, you want the guy who has the skills AND the competitive attitude.
Jay: As much as it pains me, I'd take Kobe. He's a winner. LeBron hasn't proven anything yet other than the fact that he's ridiculously talented and fairly obnoxious.
Mike A.: As a Pistons fan, I have my own personal reasons for hating LeBron. That 2007 playoff series still haunts me. But, to me, when it comes to superstars it is all about the rings. Kobe gained my respect once he got that first, post-Shaq championship. The fact he won another after that just further cemented his legendary status.
LeBron, for all the hype, all the talent, all the ability, has to win a title before he reaches the same level as Kobe in my eyes. And even then, I would have had a lot more respect had he stuck around in Cleveland and tried to finish the job. Yeah he's free to go where he wants but going to Miami and hoping to surround himself with a Dream Team was the easy way out and won't impress me as much as sealing the deal in Cleveland as a true leader would have.
I still personally feel Stern will find a way to eventually get LeBron his ring anyways if BronBron can't seal the deal himself (sarcastic winky).
GG: As a basketball fan, I'd rather watch LeBron play. He's much more easy on the eyes with his ability to see the floor, handle the basketball, and maybe the best play in all of hoops today is when he breaks up a fast break with a block that comes out of nowhere. He's like a hawk. But today, all things being equal, I think you have to lean toward Kobe. Basketball is his life. But if Bron wins a title, preferably soon, it completely changes the game. We won't be able to use the same reasons any longer.


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A statement released earlier today by BNP PARIBAS about Merck (ETR:MRK) bumps the target price to 114.00EUR
- Updated: September 30, 2016
Boasting a price of 95.86EUR, Merck (ETR:MRK) traded 0.81% higher on the day. With the last close up 7.67% from the two hundred day average, compared with the S&P 500 Index which has decreased -0.01% over the date range. Merck has recorded a 50-day average of 62.79EUR and a two hundred day average of 57.96EUR. Volume of trade was up over the average, with 13,605,282 shares of MRK changing hands over the typical 9,618,610
BNP PARIBAS bumped up the target of Merck (ETR:MRK) to 114.00EUR stating a potential upside of 0.19%.
On 09/29/2016, Citigroup Corp. released a statement on Merck (ETR:MRK) bumped up the target price from 0.00EUR to 115.00EUR that suggested an upside of 0.20%.
Performance Chart
With a total market value of 0 EUR, Merck has price-earnings ratio of 34.23 with a one year low of 47.97EUR and a one year high of 64.00EUR .
A total of 20 brokers have reported on the stock. 2 equity analysts rating the company a strong buy, 7 analysts rating the company a buy, 13 brokers rating the stock a hold, 0 brokerages rating the stock a underperform, and finally 0 analysts rating the company a sell with a 12-month price target of 61.60EUR.
Brief Synopsis About Merck (ETR:MRK)
Merck KGaA is a Germany-based company engaged in the pharmaceutical industry. The Company diversifies its activities into four business divisions: Merck Serono; Consumer Health; Merck Millipore, and Performance Materials. Within the Merck Serono division, the Company focuses on therapeutic areas and prescription drugs of chemical and biotechnological origin. The Consumer Health division comprises the over-the-counter products for preventive health care and self-treatment of minor ailments. The Merck Serono and Consumer Health divisions form together the Company's Pharmaceutical business sector. The Merck Millipore division comprises the activities of the Millipore Corporation. The Performance Materials division consists mainly of the Liquid Crystals and Pigments & Cosmetics business units. The Company operates through numerous subsidiaries, including Peer+ BV, AZ Electronic Materials (AZ) and Ormet Circuits Inc., a material supplier for the semiconductor industry.
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What is Testadrox?
Testadrox is a testosterone boosting supplement that helps in making the most of exercises together with better power and improved sex drive. It improves the potential for your exercise. This formula helps to increase your energy level and strength, and quality. Sexual drive and performance additionally increase with the supplement consumption.
Testadrox Ingredients
Testadrox contain all natural ingredients therefore it is shown to be highly strong and helpful testosterone boosting formulation.
- L-Arginine HCL– this component is helpful in improving blood flow in penis therefore help to make long-lasting erection of penis.
- Tribulus Terrestris– It is an excellent organic herb which has medically been known to increase the amount of testosterone that is truly important for improving the sexual performance. It eliminates all kinds of excess fats from the body and it more gives you the lean and good muscles
- Maca Root– this component found in on mountains which usually helps in improving libido as well as improves hormones in your body.
- Horny goat weed– this ingredient boosts the sexual power and allows you to be more sexually strong.
- Yohimbe– it assists in enhancing, flow of blood and all round sexual power.
How Testadrox work?
Effectively verified by more than 60+ healthcare research done by a experts , the combination of Arginine , named the "Miracle Molecule" and Ornithine increases the production of testosterone and development of hormone, accelerates rejuvenation following workout , reduces the ranges of stress , as well as to enhance the standard of relaxation and handle metabolic rate .
Take 1 capsule before workout and 1 capsule during workout and follow a proper diet plan together with a normal exercise routine. 1000's of consumers globally certify to its effectiveness. Within the USA, over sixty-seven medical study was carried out with individuals between 18 and 50 with positive results.
Are there any Testadrox side Effects?
Testadrox is a testosterone booster that constitutes 100% consistent fixings which are therapeutically shown and lab tested. This supplement is absolutely free from each type of concoction, synthetics, fillers, fasteners, or folios. It is described under the supervising of acclaimed scientists and that is the factor it's been recommended by different wellbeing experts. Along such outlines, it's a solid dietary supplement which is helpful to use on an ordinary premise.
Testadrox Pros
- Boost in the testosterone level
- Improved sexual performance
- Improvements in hormone development
- Destroys fat material from the body
- Enhances testosterone at a faster rate
Is Testadrox a Scam?
Testadrox is a genuine supplement and suppliers are also registered. So, there must be no worries in the mind about the same. We certainly have read the tests and noticed that the makers do not just create supplement, their each supplement is backed by medical trials carried out by their pair of popular experts only. The same is stated on the official website too.
Testadrox Precautions
- Never exceed its recommended dosage.
- Place it away from of children.
- Only for Men.
- Not for less than 18.
- Keep it in a cool and dry place.
- If using your prescribed medicine then talk to your physician before using Testadrox.
Is Testadrox Safe?
Yes the capsule is 100% safe for everybody to consume. But you need to not exaggerate with its usage. Consult a physician prior to take this supplement. Indeed, if you study the Testadrox testimonials you will discover that the supplement is labeled as ideal for all.
Where to Buy Testadrox?
Testadrox can be purchased from its official website.


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Newt Gingrich Former Speaker of the US House of Representatives and the Presidential candidate for 2012 election
Let me first thank all of you for being here. When the dictatorship finally collapses, when the people of Iran are finally free, your work, your commitment, and your voice will have been a serious part of why that happened. As an American, I'm here to tell you how much we need your voice. For 35 years we have followed a failed strategy of appeasement. We've tried to appease a religious dictatorship which has said again and again that its goal is to defeat us. We focus now temporarily on a nuclear weapon issue, but there's a deeper fundamental issue. We will never be safe until the dictatorship is replaced and a free government exists in Iran.
Syria will never be peaceful as long as the dictatorship [in Iran] continues to fund and to help sustain the civil war. Iraq will never be peaceful as long as the dictatorship [in Iran] is continued to fund, and remember for all the talk about American advisors, there are more Iranian advisors in Iraq today than American and in fact it is the Iranians who dominate Maliki and he is their puppet.
Finally, we need your help in getting across to the American State Department that it has to be clear about who its friends are and who its enemies are. The people at Camp Liberty are our friends. They're our allies. They deserve our support. They deserve our help. And we must convince the American State Department that it has it exactly backwards. It keeps finding excuses to work with Maliki, excuses to tolerate the dictatorship in Iran, excuses to do a whole range of things that are destructive. Not just to the United States, but to the future of freedom across the planet. What you're doing is vital. I urge you don't despair, don't get frustrated, and don't get impatient. Continue to fight for freedom in Iran.
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Ora-pro-nobis – Benefits and properties
Ora-pro-nobis from the Latin "pray for us" is a climbing cactus with leaves. It has thorns and can be used in hedge rows developing well both in the shade and in the sun.
Originating in the Americas are native varieties of this vegetable perennial rustic and resistant to Florida's drought in the United States the Southeast region of Brazil. According to popular tradition the name would have been created by people who gathered to plant in the yard of a priest while he prayed in Latin: Ora pro nobis.
It is believed that the large-scale cultivation of ora-pro-nobis could represent a revolution in food resources of humanity due to its easy cultivation high production and high nutritional value.
It is a vegetable rich in iron helps heal the most serious anemias. It is used as oregano in the form of dry leaf and ground. Also used in the preparation of multiple flour nutritional supplement in combating hunger.
Its leaves are rich in mucilage which contributes to the proper functioning of the intestine.
The dried and ground leaves are used in different recipes especially in soups omelets pies and stews. Many people prefer to consume the raw leaves in salads accompanying the main course. Others use them as a mixture to enrich flour pasta and bread in general. It is served daily in the historic cities of Minas Gerais where the plant is more popular.
There is also the use for the production of honey and has 25.4% protein and is therefore known as "poor meat" vitamins A B and C as well in addition to iron minerals like calcium and phosphorus.


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A Viennese Christmas
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Amanda meets Henry at the Christkindlemarkts and there is an instant attraction between two people damaged by previous relationships. This develops quickly until interrupted by Henry's ex-fiancé, his older brother, and Amanda's parents. All this sets the scene for Henry's final surprise. This book proves that good intentions do not always make great books. The romance is sweet and there is some depth to the characters, but they do not always react truly. The character development is hidden from the reader until it is revealed by actions. This is a short story that might have been better as a novel In spite of all that, I enjoyed it as a piece of light reading and a memento of the Wien I visited years ago.
This wonderful novella will transport you to Vienna during the Christmas season, making you feel the chill in the air while the aroma of hot drinks surrounds you. Amanda has been living in Vienna but has never truly connected with her new home. When she meets Henry one evening while strolling through one of the many Christmas markets, the beginnings of an attraction take hold. Henry, also an American, has embraced the foreign countryside, prompting Amanda to open her heart to this magical place as well as to the new man in her life. When Henry's ex-fiancee suddenly appears, Amanda must finally decide what she really wants...and it's definitely Henry. A Viennese Christmas is an enjoyable and quick read that will make you feel as if you've taken a European vacation.
A Viennese Christmas is a sweet romance in novella form. Heroine Amanda Kranz is alone in Vienna where she works at the UN as a sign language interpreter. Her life there is solitary until she meets another American, Henry Jager, an attractive and friendly young man who also works for the UN. Sparks fly between them, and they happily spend some time together, chatting exploring the city, and building the foundation for a relationship. Author Lynn Crain makes excellent use of her own experience of living in Vienna to describe various places and customs, including the Christkindlemarkts, or Christmas markets that spring up all over the city in the weeks before Christmas. There are some heartfelt discussions about both the good and the bad points of it's like to live in another country where you don't speak the language, particularly during the holidays (Having had this experience myself, I could relate!) The novella is well written, with many evocative phrasings that do justice both to the genre and to the charm of Vienna at Christmastide. The dialogue between Amanda and Henry sparkles. The only flaw I noted was that there is not much conflict during the first half of the story. The heroine does have a couple of events in her past that makes her disinclined to allow anyone too close to her, but these don't interfere much with the developing romance. In the second half, conflict is introduced in the form of the hero's ex fiancée, who wants him back. I wondered why the hero would ever have hooked up with such a ditzy woman, much less wanted to marry her. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the way the heroine dealt with this threat to her relationship, and her growth as a character. I also enjoyed the hero's thoughtfulness and understanding of his lover's past family history. Together they made an appealing couple. All in all, I would warmly recommend this novella to anyone who enjoys a sweet romance.
REVIEW – A VIENNESE CHRISTMAS – LYNN CRAIN This was a charming Christmas story, set in Vienna. At a Christkinde market, (Christmas market), Amanda Kranz meets a fellow American Henry Jager. They both work at the UN Headquarters, but did not know each other before their chance encounter. There is an attraction between them, but what I found especially appealing is their romance proceeds at a slow, gentle pace. The author's description of Vienna makes me want to visit there. Jenna Gordon, Henry's ex arrives on the scene hoping to rekindle their romance, but Henry by this time is smitten with Amanda. This is a lovely, feel good Christmas novella. Margaret Tanner


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Think you know which models make up the list of the best-selling crossovers of 2010?
While some may be a no-brainer, others may come as a bit of a surprise. Crossovers are car-like SUVs, also called CUVs – and the crossover segment is huge. If your favorite isn't on the top 10 list, it's probably not much further down the list of best-selling vehicles of all kinds.
Today, Family Car Guide covers the first five best-selling crossovers in 2010:
Honda CR-V – No doubt about it, with 2010 sales of 203,714, the Honda CR-V reigns supreme at number one spot of best-selling crossovers in 2010. In fact, the CR-V is up 7.2 percent over 2009 sales of 191,214. An abundance of standard convenience and safety features, plus Honda's outstanding reliability and good vehicle resale value, are other compelling reasons consumers buy this compact CUV. Check out Bengt Halvorson's review of the 2011 Honda CR-V in The Car Connection.
2011 Ford EscapeEnlarge Photo
Ford Escape – Ford's Escape compact CUV offers good ride quality in all versions, with a compliant suspension that can easily accommodate potholes and road surface irregularities. The Escape comes in at the number two spot with sales of 191,026 in 2010, compared with 173,044 the year prior (an increase of 10.4 percent). The Escape is also available as a Hybrid.
2012 Toyota RAV4 EVEnlarge Photo
Toyota RAV4 – Long one of America's favorite compact CUVs, the Toyota RAV4 is roomy enough for people plus cargo, especially with available third-row seat. The optional 269-horsepower V-6 engine provides added get-up-and-go. Sales of 170,877 in 2010 kept this compact CUV in number three spot, while the numbers were 15.4 percent higher than 2009 sales of 149,088.
2011 Chevrolet EquinoxEnlarge Photo
Chevrolet Equinox – The mid-size Chevrolet Equinox is ratcheting up the sales charts with a 74.1-percent increase in year-over-year sales. In 2010, the Equinox sold 149,979 units, versus 86,148 in 2009. What's the attraction? The powertrains are quiet, passenger and cargo accommodations flexible, and the price is affordable. Hint for part two of this series: Chevrolet has another best-seller in the top ten list in the number seven-place Traverse. For more information on the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox, be sure to read The Car Connection review.
2011 Ford EdgeEnlarge Photo
Ford Edge – Ford's second CUV in the best-seller list is the mid-size Ford Edge. Sales last year of 118,637 were up 34 percent from 2009's 88,548 units sold. The Dearborn automaker spruced up the front and rear of its popular crossover, added more chrome and power for 2011. See why The Car Connection editors give the 2011 Ford Edge an 8.0 (out of 10) overall review.
Be sure to check out Best-Selling Crossovers in 2010, Part Two tomorrow.
Stay up-to-date on all Family Car Guide news by signing up for our free newsletter.


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Ronaldo Equals Lewandowski's European All-time Record
Cristiano Ronaldo Equals Robert Lewandowski's European All-time Record
Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo had to come from the bench to keep Portugal's chances of direct World Cup qualification alive, equaling a European all-time record along the way.
Click through the gallery to see Europe's top goalscorers of the current qualification campaign.
The 32-year-old started his side's 2-0 win over Andorra on the sidelines after picking up minor injury problems in training and in order not to risk another yellow card, which would've seen miss the crucial clash against Switzerland through suspension.
The hard-fought victory, Andre Silva netted Portugal's second goal, was the eighth of the 2016 UEFA European Championship winner's in the current qualification campaign, who only lost to group B leaders Switzerland.
The Swiss still have a 100% record and both sides will meet eachh other in a showdown on Tuesday, where Portugal need a win in order to gain direct qualification for the showpiece in Russia.
Ronaldo's goal was already his 15th strike in the current World Cup qualification campaign, equaling Lewandowski's tally for Poland.
Fifteen strikes in a single qualification campaign is a new European all-time record, which both players now jointly hold with one more qualifier to be played.
Lewandowski has since added another strike to his tally, and is now on 16 goals in the current World Cup qualification - breaking the record again
Read: The 10 Most Dangerous Trios In Europe So Far
Poland are currently leading group E with three points over Denmark and a point in their final game against third-placed Montenegro on Sunday will see them secure their direct ticket for Russia.
Lewandowski or Ronaldo – who do you think will finish the European qualification as top scorer? Have your say in the comments section below.


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- Aural Courtesan
- Favorite Things
- One Thousand Words
- Make My Day
- Contact Me
- Events & Appearances
Testimonial from an addicted FinDom…
I just wanted to take a moment to thank Tonya for inserting herself into my life on a regular basis. I know this may sound strange to many of you but I am speaking from the heart – you must believe me. It started slow (that was by my design) once I knew it got to this point I knew things would be too late.
I have a confession to make. I get wallet wood – wallet boners to be exact. Tonya has now gotten herself into my mind and I have reached an unfortunate, or fortunate, place depending on point of view. I can no longer get, or maintain an erection without Tonya being inside my wallet. It was difficult at first to accept, but I am getting there. Every day is a bit of a challenge. The more I try and stay away, the deeper and harder I come back and fall. It is strangely a very linear equation.
I know there are others out there like myself. Some live in denial, other guilt and shame, while a select few actually embrace the challenge. I am not sure which category I am but for as wrong as it may be, it feels even more right. It is a challenge to be sure. There is no gun to my head. It all happens willingly. Well willingly with a brain that at times I will admit feels all heady and floaty. I don't know how it started, and as Tonya can attest I fought it at first. I fought it for good reason as I knew the control she would ultimately yield.
I do this knowing it is a double edge sword and ultimately potentially makes it more difficult for me to call her and ask her to take my money for nothing in return, but to others wondering, try with an open mind. You may find the thrill of your credit card erection far exceeds any type of actual sex you may have.
I am actively seeking a second job with the hopes of being able to work out a budget for that paycheck with Tonya. We will see how that goes. I just wanted to get this out there to let others know: you aren't alone. If you head down this path as a newly enabled financial domination addict, realize Tonya will know what is best. She always does. Thank you again Tonya for taking my money.