Has anyone inspected the chimney ? Muffler tape will work but the thing is it was never intended to wrap furnace pipes because furnace pipes do not normally spill out grit. Are your flue pipes galvanized ? If kept up a 20 year old furnace is not old. They actually made a good furnace in those days. i wouldn't blame the furnace just yet. there might be something else causing this. I've seen one insident that is very rare might not be your problem but i was with my journeyman on a call. White grit was on the flue pipes. took us 8 months to figure it out. The basement was very damp. Very hard ground water in the area. As the moist air condensed on the flue pipes it left behind the calcium from the water. The flue pipe turned white. you don't say where the furnuce is located. If the grit collects underneath i'd think, Moisture ? It's a stab in the dark. See what your oil guy says. Oh yah. You might not want to do this but taste it. Is it chalky ? If it is chalky it's calcium. Actually if you can write your name in it it is calcium. As i said before see what your oil guy says. After all he is the one you are paying.

Can't say much about Nikon's camera since I never owned one. I do however, once owned the Canon XT and now the Canon 40D. Both are Digital SLR cameras (DSLR). The reason I stick with Canon is not only for its quality but also for its interchangeable lens. Lens can be expensive to invest. With Canon, I don't mind investing in their lens knowing that when I upgrade the camera body, the same lens would fit. I have an old EF zoom lens that I purchased in the mid 80's and it still work well with the Canon XT and 40D. As for DSLR a "must have", well, it depends what you're shooting at. If you have kids and/or shoot for sports, you should consider a DSLR. Once you press the shutter button, it's an instant shot. You won't lose that "kodak moment" when your child make that funny face as you would with the slow shutter lag (delay) of a point and shoot digital camera (digicam). DSLR also has continous shooting for sport events or quick actions. The only cons about a DSLR is they're big and bulky which may be an inconvenient for traveling. Then again, once you use it, you seem not to mind dragging it everywhere you go. Also, it doesn't do video clip. Though, I have an inexpensive point-n-shoot to do just that. If you're a serious photographer that want to learn further about photography, then, I strongly recommend purchasing a DSLR. Have fun with your purchase! Natalie

Search in the Photography forum and you'll get plenty of answers. In the mean time, I'll try to give you my 2 cents worth. Cameras are like cars. There's a maker for each person's individuality. 1st, You'd need to determine what is his level of photography knowledge? In any brand, there's intermediate, medium and professional level cameras. If he's a pro, you may just want to ask him what he'd like. A pro knows what he wants and mostly will not settle with just anything. If he's not, most intermediate and medium level cameras has both features: auto focus and manual focus. They're made for those that want to grow and learn about photography beyond autofocus features. 2nd, Does he owns any previous 35mm camera lens? Would these lens capable to be mounted on the new DSLR body? Such brand as Canon has been a favorite for many because of its interchangeable lens. Meaning, we can invest into the more expensive lens knowing that if we ever upgrade the camera, the old lens would still work with the new camera body as well. I have a few that I owned from the mid 80's and still work very well with the new DSLR. 3rd, The camera body and weight must feel comfortable in one's hand. It makes a different with the result of a photo. If all possible, take him to a camera store and let him play around, ask questions and make a choice of the Digital SLR (DSLR). Then, go online and purchase from one of the reputable online store. Normally, their prices are less expensive. Watch out for import (gray market) vs. US warranty cameras (price varies). Personally, I've always owned Canon. I had several Canon 35mm cameras and had since upgraded to digital: from the Canon Rebel XT to currently the Canon 40D (had it for a little over a month). As mentioned, I have a few lens from the 35mm cameras that works well with both DSLRs. I've upgraded to the Canon 40D because it has some image stabilizer built into the camera. Although, Canon also makes some lens with Image Stabilizer (IS). The lens kit of the Canon 40D camera comes with a 28-135mm lens that has the IS feature (mainly in the US). I don't plan to upgrade the camera body for a long while. I'm quite satisfied with the Canon 40D. Instead, I'm investing on better lens. And, that's what I'd recommend for you to do. If money is not an object, buy a medium price range camera but invest the rest on a good lens with low aperture capability such as f/2.8 or less. Good lens give the flexibility to take crispy clear photos in low light situation. I strongly recommend to read reviews from the 2 websites that Susan posted above. They also has forums in categories of camera brands. You may find some useful information from the users. Good Luck! Natalie

Tina, I think if you search my name lesmis you'll find other pictures of my kitchen. I am working on putting together an album on Photobucket of the "before" and "after" but have been too busy finishing up the rest of the house remodel to get to it. You can send me an email at swlesmis@hotmail.com if you need other pics, I can send them to you if you need something in particular. I think people are afraid to email someone directly...not sure why, but I won't send out ANY chain mail, not funny, sad/guilt provoking, political or any other chain mail...I personally HATE it, so I promise all I'll send is what you ask for! :) I do have exposed hinges and they are non-mortised, my cabinet guy insisted on those too because they are much easier to install I think. I hunted high and low for simple hinges and either couldn't find them or they were outrageously expensive. I ended up using Amerock ones that my cabinetmaker suggested, they are actually their antique finish and not the ORB because the ORB didn't match my darker ORB knobs as well. I think you are right, the Blum or hidden hinges don't require any sort of magnet. My cabinetmaker made sure that I would like the little tug you need to open the exposed hinge doors with the magnets, and it's fine, even with glass in the cabinets it's no big deal, but it might be to some people I guess. Let me know if you need any other pics. Kat :)