Kelly Clarkson - First American Idol Winner

Kelly Clarkson has not always had it easy, both pre and post Idol. Growing up in Burleson, Texas, she comes from a family of divorce and hardship. Working several jobs, she tried to stay afloat and make ends meet. Ironically, the very gift that changed her life was never her intention. Kelly Clarkson didn't even know she could sing until she was in junior high school when the choir teacher overheard her singing. She originally wanted to be a marine biologist.

Kelly Clarkson - First American Idol Winner

Unbelievable Dubstep Dance Crew | Crave you (Adventure Club) | MUST WATCH!!

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Unbelievable Dubstep Dance Crew | Crave you (Adventure Club) | MUST WATCH!!

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Unbelievable Dubstep Dance Crew | Crave you (Adventure Club) | MUST WATCH!!

Unbelievable Dubstep Dance Crew | Crave you (Adventure Club) | MUST WATCH!!

Unbelievable Dubstep Dance Crew | Crave you (Adventure Club) | MUST WATCH!!

Unbelievable Dubstep Dance Crew | Crave you (Adventure Club) | MUST WATCH!!

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In 2002, Kelly entered a contest after returning home from L.A. not too long before that. She'd gone out to work with a hit songwriter, responsible for Aretha Franklin's "Natural Woman." However, he fell ill and could no longer work with her. The very day she moved into a new apartment, it caught fire while she went to eat. Living in her car for three days, she returned to Texas where her friend Jessica had given her the American Idol contest papers. Having auditioned in Dallas, she was accepted to the next round in Hollywood.

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Kelly Clarkson - First American Idol Winner

When Kelly Clarkson first appeared on American Idol, she had no real sense of style but her voice was as big as many out there and her personality lit up faces nationally each week on TV. Singing songs by artists such as Aretha Franklin, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion and Dionne Warwick, she never saw herself sitting in the bottom contestants while in the beginning, she was considered the underdog. On September 4th, 2002, Kelly Clarkson had become our American Idol. She released her winning song "A Moment Like This" and watched it soar up the charts, beating a record on the Billboard Hot 100 previously held by The Beatles for highest jump to No. 1.

Kelly Clarkson - First American Idol Winner

In April of 2003, Kelly Clarkson released her debut record Thankful. The record saw moderate success as an Idol souvenir as well as an album to kick off an optimistic future in the recording industry. The album has sold over 2 million copies in the U.S. in part to her lead single "Miss Independent," co-wrote by Christina Aguilera. The album combined pop elements with a more R&B style. What was about to happen no one saw coming nor took seriously until Kelly found herself as one of the top female vocalists in the world.

In November of 2004, Kelly released her sophomore effort Breakaway. The title, also a song that appeared in a movie, is appropriately titled for many reasons. Kelly had split with manager Simon Fuller in order to hire a company who would be there to help the budding superstar reach incredible heights. No hard feelings were left. The direction of the album had been changed dramatically to an edgy pop rock sound that allowed her thunderous voice to shine. She also had fought the label suites to include material penned by her as well. She had a lent her love for writing to the first record, however, more than half of the new record was penned by Clarkson herself, including hit singles "Behind These Hazel Eyes," "Walk Away," and "Because of You." The latter being a song written at the age of 16 and was a song the record label, RCA, told her she couldn't include on her first record. The album's lead single "Since U Been Gone" rocked out radio and clubs nationwide and is to date her best selling single. Breakaway has sold 12 million copies worldwide and brought in her parent record label over 0 million in revenue.

With the success of the record come the perks. She embarked on several tours, three in 2005 alone. Two of the tours in the U.S. were sold out and her international world tour was a success as well. 2006 saw Kelly taking home two Grammy Awards and performing for her peers. She beat out some of music's biggest names including Mariah Carey, Paul McCartney, Sheryl Crow and Gwen Stefani. Capitalizing on her success, she ventured out on yet another tour beginning June 30th to preview songs she'd like to include on her follow up to Breakaway. She'd reported that she would be ditching the bubblegum pop and would be writing and recording with her backing band. The idea was embraced largely by the public as she included new songs in each tour she'd written with someone in the band. However, the album that was supposed to be the most anticipated of 2007 turned out to be another one of music's infamous turmoil challenges: the label vs. the artist.

Kelly Clarkson paired up with legendary David Kahne, responsible for songs such as "Manic Monday" and "Walk Like An Egyptian," to produce her third studio effort. Co-writing over 50 songs, her team narrowed it down to 26 songs to record and kept 14 for the standard track listing. The album that would be called My December, took on a more mature, raw and emotional approach. During the Breakaway era, she'd worked herself to death, missing family and friends and having a hard time finding good people to surround herself with. Needless to say, the stress took its toll, including a relationship that ended shortly before the release of her second record. Dating producer and ex-guitarist of Evanescence David Hodges, she found herself being cheated on with his former girlfriend. He'd produced "Because of You," "Addicted," and a track that didn't make the cut titled "Bleed For Me." After he married the former flame two months after Clarkson found out, she penned the song "Never Again" that would become the lead single for her next record 2 ½ years later.

Turning in the material to her RCA label, they were not pleased with the record, especially legendary record producer Clive Davis, responsible for Whitney Houston, Pink Floyd, Janis Joplin, Hall and Oates and many more. Clarkson and her manager at the time were executive producers of the record and that didn't sit well with Davis. He quickly dismissed the record as unsellable, he didn't hear any hits and it wouldn't sell more than 750,000 copies. Shelving the record for four months, he tried every trick in the book to get her to change her mind. He reportedly offered her million to replace or change 5 songs to make them more radio friendly. However, after receiving rip off "Since U Been Gone" compositions and a song from Lindsay Lohan's second record, she stuck to her ground and compromised to release My December as is and she would in turn create a more mainstream record the next time around.

A week before it's June 26th release date, she fired management The Firm and hired Reba McEntire's husband for Starstruck Entertainment. McEntire, Clarkson's childhood hero, had already formed a budding relationship with the American Idol Grammy winner.

RCA had claimed that "Never Again" was too bitter and the public wouldn't accept it as Alanis Morissette already had "You Oughta Know" in the 90's. However, numbers proved them wrong. The song only peaked at No. 8 on the Hot 100 but has since went on to sell just 10,000 copies shy of being a platinum selling single. While the video reached No. 1 on VH1, the song was being pulled from radio while a second single was planned to arrive in July titled "Sober." The label not wanting to promote the record at all did not push the single to radio and it failed to chart inside the 100, peaking at 124. The U.S. received no more singles. Fans were outraged that an artist of such calibre would be treated so disrespectfully. Although the record only has been certified platinum one time in the U.S., it proves that real music is not dead and that you don't need a formula hit song to sell records, especially to your fans. Media was very positive and remained mainly on Clarkson's side throughout the whole entanglement stating she'd "earned the right to call the shots."

Connecting deeper with her fans, Clarkson has stated time and time again that she will not release a record just to sell millions. To her, it's about the music. While many artists need several songs to sell a million copies of a record these days, Clarkson only needed one, proving her to be one of the best in the business today. Her writing ability has been questioned and also put down, stating behind closed doors that she's "25 and a female vocalist." Clarkson immediately hung up from the conference call in disgust. To date, she's won three writer's awards from ASCAP, two of them being for "Because of You," in which one was awarded for her remake of her own song as a country duet with Reba McEntire.

Some may say Kelly Clarkson put her career up as collateral when she released My December while many who have actually heard the record defend her stand. Life is bigger than being No. 1 all the time and in order to be No. 1 on today's music charts, formula songs must be crafted and Kelly has so far stayed true to never releasing the same project twice.

The first American Idol winner will be releasing a fourth record in March 2009, taking elements from her massive sophomore disc, including many of the same songwriters, and injecting it with a more aggressive pop rock. Though Kelly may have been lucky to find Idol when she did, American Idol got lucky to find Kelly's voice and talent. Unfortunately for her, she will have to tread the murky waters of an industry plagued with corruption, dirty politics and a tendency to manufacture and pre-package their acts to rise above circumstance and release music that will create new fans as well as keep the core group that voted her to No. 1 more than six years ago.

Kelly Clarkson - First American Idol Winner

Always Dreamed of Being a Sportscaster? Here Is a Day in the Life of Your Dream Job

I am asked some form of the following questions almost every day:

Always Dreamed of Being a Sportscaster? Here Is a Day in the Life of Your Dream Job

"What's it like being a sports anchor and reporter?" Fun but hard.

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Always Dreamed of Being a Sportscaster? Here Is a Day in the Life of Your Dream Job

"How did you get into this business?" Long story.

Always Dreamed of Being a Sportscaster? Here Is a Day in the Life of Your Dream Job

"Have you always wanted to do this?" Yes. This and more.

But more and more, the individuals who want to enter the sports media world think we spend our days cheering at games, chugging champagne with owners and chest bumping athletes. Not quite.

Take Easter Sunday 2013, for example. Photographer Bill Ellis and I left San Antonio at 10:30am, where the Rangers had just wrapped up their spring training schedule with a two-game series against the Padres. Our final destination? Houston for the season opener between the Rangers and Astros on Sunday night.

Here's a typical "day in the life" that includes everything from stale hot dogs to a drunken Astros fan bum rushing our live shot:

7:30am: Wake up.

8am: Head to the hotel lobby to FaceTime with my daughter and husband.

8:15am: Workout for 45 minutes. I'm always fighting that extra 10 pounds a camera adds.

9am: Breakfast and blogging about things to do in Houston.

10am: Back to the room to pack.

10:30am: Leave for Houston

1:30pm: Arrive at Hilton Americas. Start getting dressed immediately with big hair and TV anchor makeup.

2:45pm: Leave for Minute Maid Park. It's about 8/10 of a mile from the hotel, so we walk.

3pm: Arrive at the park, get credentials, go through security and get lost in the bowels of the facility trying to find the Rangers clubhouse. Talk to producer at the station about our plan for the evening.

3:30pm: Rangers clubhouse opens. We interview David Murphy, Lance Berkman, Mitch Moreland and Ian Kinsler. Adrian Beltre and AJ Pierzynski turn us down for interviews.

4:30pm: Interview Ron Washington amidst a gaggle of reporters in the Rangers dugout. Once done with Wash, we start shooting video and gathering interviews with fans for our story on Opening Day that will air on the Score on CBS11 later that night.

5:15pm: Fight our way upstairs to the press box to see if there is a seat for us to watch the game and space for Bill to set up equipment to begin editing our story. No space, as they are at maximum capacity. Reporters are sitting in the dining room and at spare tables in the hallway. Bill and I go downstairs to find a space to work.

5:30pm: Set up shop in the Astros press conference room on the completely opposite side of the Park from the Rangers clubhouse, about a four-minute walk. I begin logging sound and video to write my story.

6pm: Done writing story. It's time to voice audio. There is no ideal sound proof area to record audio, so we use the Astros cloth press conference backdrop to muffle the sound. A photographer from a Houston station leaves the room in the middle of our tracking session, so I start over. Repeatedly. It takes me three or four attempts to get the audio recorded. By now it's freezing in the press room. Bill and I are shivering. There is no cell service in this room. We have to leave the room and walk to a lobby area for text messages or phone calls. Luckily the building's Wi-Fi signal works in this room.

6:20pm: Both of us are starving. I trudge back to the press room to grab something to eat. Bill is hungry but wants to edit this story and get it done. He asks me to get him a pretzel.

6:30pm: Buy media dinner for . I broke my fork trying to cut the meat offered. I take about three bites of everything: the freezing iceberg lettuce, the hard meat and greasy potatoes. I try the popcorn. It's stale. The frozen yogurt isn't bad. I leave to get Bill's pretzel. Every concession stand is packed. By the time I have waited my 22 minutes and get to the counter for his pretzel, this particular stand has run out of them. I try to text Bill to see if he wants something else. He doesn't get the text because of the bad cell signal. I march back to the press box to grab him one of three hot dogs left on the roaster. It looks like it's been sitting there for four hours.

7:45pm: Finally get back to our base in the bowels of Minute Maid Park. Bill gets his cold hot dog. I finally get the chance to watch the game on a TV in the press conference room. I don't actually see a single pitch in person. The Astros radio broadcast is piped through the TV. I use my MLB at Bat app to listen to Eric Nadel and Matt Hicks. In a rush to leave my hotel room, I leave my iPad charger in the room. I have to conserve battery life to use my iPad later in the evening so can't listen to them continuously.

9:55pm: Top of the 9th inning. We walk to the Rangers clubhouse to prepare for postgame interviews

10:05pm: It seems to take longer than usual to get into the clubhouse after the Rangers 8-2 loss. We enter Wash's office. Rangers PR guy John Blake says that TV reporters will ask questions first followed by print media but every media person packs Wash's tiny office. I ask two questions and leave.

10:30pm: Interview Matt Harrison, Derek Lowe and AJ Pierzynski. Get 1-on-1 interviews with Nelson Cruz, Elvis Andrus and David Murphy. Bill points out it's getting late and we need leave for our live shot location.

10:50pm: Arrive to live shot location outside Minute Maid Park. We need to feed back the interviews we gathered. We are working with our Houston "sister station" KTRK. Their technology is not compatible with ours so we must feed our material a second time using our "backup" equipment brought with us from Dallas. The video quality is not that great.

11pm: Touch up hair and makeup for live shot. Begin gathering my thoughts to determine how I am going to introduce my postgame sound and story that we shot earlier in the day. A nice young lady from Dallas starts asking me how to break into the sports broadcasting business. I chat with her for about 10 minutes. I've only spent five solid minutes preparing what to say before I am on television

11:15pm: In place for our live shot. An over-served fan shouts to us "Go back to Arlington!" His wife drags him away. Bill is still feeding material to our station. A photographer from KTRK is shooting my live shot. There is a monster truck cruising up and down the street behind us while sitting on his horn. Once I begin introducing my postgame interviews, I notice the KTRK photographer shaking his head "no". I feel a brush of air over my right shoulder. Out of the corner of my left eye I see Bill rushing towards me. He pushes a drunken Astros fan out of the way. Bill says this guy was charging towards us. I turn around to see briefly what's happening. I think I stumble on my intro.

11:19pm: Our live shot is over. Bill can't believe that guy came out of nowhere. My heart is still pounding because it freaked me out so much. We break down our equipment and walk back to Hilton.

11:45pm: Arrive at the hotel. We're starving. Again. There is a lone Easter basket leftover from the hotel's egg hunt with some Reese's peanut butter cup miniature candies. I grab six of those and go to the room for my "second dinner". Bill later tells me he ordered room service. It finally arrives at 12:45am. .50 for a chicken sandwich and carrot cake.

Monday Morning:

8am: Leave for Dallas and write this post in the car on the way home.

Noon: Arrive home. My daughter runs away when I try to hug her. I think that despite FaceTime, she forgot about me.

While we're not always on the road, we travel a fair amount. In fact our days are jam-packed a little tighter when we're at home. Long days with unexpected surprises and a few speed bumps are the norm. Is this an easy job? No. Is it fun? Without question. We wouldn't have it any other way... except the no-hug part from Jordan.

Always Dreamed of Being a Sportscaster? Here Is a Day in the Life of Your Dream Job

How To Reshingle A Roof - Things You Should Know

When we are starting to begin to get to know about how to reshingle a roof, we always start by asking experts or reading manuals. Our roof is the one that covers us against any kind of weather. From summer to winter our roof protects us 24/7.

How To Reshingle A Roof - Things You Should Know

That's why we need to take care of our roof for us to still enjoy the comfort and solitude of our home. The roof is one of the most significant and valuable foundation of our home. Due to this reason, we must ensure that our roof is in good shape and well fitted particularly its shingles.

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How To Reshingle A Roof - Things You Should Know

This part of the roof is very important therefore it must be well maintained and kept in a good condition. Taking care of our roof and keeping it in a good condition could spare us from future troubles and problems like storms or heavy rain falls.

How To Reshingle A Roof - Things You Should Know

We most likely don't want to experience that our roof is leaking under a heavy storm or rain. The roof is the basis of the value of our property because it is one of the main causes of our comfort and same with our solitude.

First step in re-shingling your roof is through determining if it is the right time for you to re-shingle it. Evaluating the structure itself, particularly the shingles, you will be able to determine if it is time to replace it or just cover any holes on it.

There are so many ways that you could do in reshingling your roof, you could hire a professional to do it for you or if you're the type of person that wants to work on thing in your own way so then you could do it yourself, it's easy.

Professionals know how to reshingle a roof, they are helpful when it turns out that you find it hard to check the shingles or don't know how to reshingle your roof. Hiring someone would be beneficial for you, you could avoid any accidents or any untoward events that may cause you even more money if you land in the hospital, so setting aside a reasonable amount for a professional would more likely spare you from any difficulties.

How To Reshingle A Roof - Things You Should Know

NBA Entertainment Vs NBA Basketball - What Good is the All-Star Game?

Since its apex in the 90s, the NBA has since its popularity rise to a global scale that helped propelled Basketball as one of the most popular sport in the world. Spearheaded by the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona and its iconic Dream Team composed of Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and many other stars, NBA Basketball took the world by storm.

NBA Entertainment Vs NBA Basketball - What Good is the All-Star Game?

From there on, it was just going up, fused with the invasion of Hip Hop culture in mainstream media, Basketball and Hip hop became a marriage to be reckoned with.

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NBA Entertainment Vs NBA Basketball - What Good is the All-Star Game?

The NBA was cool, its merchandise was awesome, and Michael Jordan had just been crowned King of the empire. Jordan's style with baggy shorts, air Jordan sneakers and shaved heads would become like a required uniform to any serious Basketball players, while kids would spend more time practicing their circus shots than their free throws. The 90s were the NBA glory days, and the NBA was proud of its product.

NBA Entertainment Vs NBA Basketball - What Good is the All-Star Game?

With increased revenues, and popularity, the league kept expanding, branching out and perfecting its successful formula. By the late 90s, a new breed of players was emerging, and the NBA was witnessing a new type of mentality. By the time the time the 21 century was unveiled, playing in the NBA was like stepping in a studio to record a Rap album. Hip Hop was the NBA's soundtrack, and it became increasingly hard to differentiate between the music artist and the ball players. It was after all, the same culture, the same age groups, and the same type of fun. NBA players loved Hip Hop music, and Hip Hop artists enjoyed playing Basketball. Shaquille O'Neal had already released, Allen Iverson came with a style only seen so far in playgrounds, while dunks were starting to defy reality and look a lot more like video games. By that time the NBA had reached new heights, and was a prolific business with revenues that transcended the field of Basketball.

While the NBA money machine was in full force, there were also some troubling signs; there was an increasingly number of fights on court, games were becoming more aggressive, and outbursts of violence became more frequent. Now Basketball is a physical game, so one is expected to see temper flare, plus there was nothing that a fine or a suspension would solve.

As the year 2000 progressed, the NBA came into the limelight for many other reasons; on one side there was the extension of its market base propelled by the rise of China, which accelerated the momentum of the NBA desire to go global, and plan more NBA games overseas. On the other side there were the social movements that saw the rise of High school kids jumping straight to the NBA and the ever rising mixture of NBA players into popular culture. The issue became that NBA players, Hip Hop and Entertainment was bound to bring the remaining element always attached to them: Scandal.

From frequent arrests, questionable entourage, reports of improper conduct that included several traffic offenses, NBA players were getting a bad rap; granted it was not just the NBA players, but let's stick to the subject at hand.

It didn't take long before NBA players reputation began to be negatively portrayed by the media were many will present them as spoiled ingrate millionaires who do not value their opportunities. Players cited for DUI, drug related charges or weapon possession became somehow like a norm; there were even several cases of domestic violent disputes and sexual assault. Increasingly for many, there were no big difference between the lives of NBA athletes and the universe of gangsta rap.

There was nonetheless hope in the horizon with the arrival of High school phenom Lebron James, the one man show produced by Kobe Bryant who offered the best incarnation of Michael Jordan, and the confirmation of China as one of NBA most lucrative markets. All this however would not eliminate the decline in ratings capped by the Spurs-Cavaliers finals, and the ongoing battle between the NBA and its workforce in terms of Identity.

On November 19, 2004, a brawl erupted during the game between the Indian Pacers and The Detroit Pistons in Detroit. During the commotion, Pacers Ron Artest was hit with a cup of drink by a fan, and responded by going into the stand to discipline the culprit. The incident drew massive criticism from every side, from fans to media, to politicians, etc...The palace brawl as it is known today is still the NBA biggest black eye.

The NBA response was swift and clear; putting aside the heavy punishments to all involved in the brawl, the league was determined to redefine its product and eliminate any association with Hip Hop culture and the categorization of its players as Thugs and immature.

First came the dress code, the NBA was set on sending a message to all that playing in the NBA is first and foremost an employment opportunity, and therefore Athletes when not on the court should adopt and present themselves in a professional manner. The age limit was next, where the NBA eliminated the possibility for High school graduates to jump directly in the NBA; a move the league hoped would better prepare kids to the rigor and professionalism of the higher level.

In 2006, another brawl took place in New York during a game between the Knicks and the Nuggets; then there was the Tim Donaghy gambling scandal that ignited controversies regarding the fairness of the game.

It doesn't matter that the NBA has put in place several rules such a video replay to increase fairness, and a team bench clarification rule to prevent the escalation of fights. The truth is that the NBA has done a very poor job in defining its product, and often either enjoys toying with the line of ambiguity, or is simply reactionary.

The recent near controversy regarding Tracy McGrady selection among the starters of the Western Squad at the 2010 all-star game in 2010 without a question caused a few sleepless nights to David Stern. Tracy McGrady has played less than 10 games in during the 2009/2010 season, has been persona non grata to his team the Houston Rockets, and yet was almost voted into the all-star game. Allen Iverson who has played a few more games than McGrady however was voted in as a starter for the East team.

There are many calls from both players and the media to reform the All-star game voting procedure because of cases such as McGrady and Iverson selection. The problem does not lie with the All-Star game voting system; the problem lies with the definition of the "All-Star game".

The NBA needs to seriously reevaluate many of its parameters, and probably tone down its zealous desire to include or involve both the media and the fans.

Along with the bench clearing rule, the NBA has also instituted a "No tolerance rule", which allows a referee to give a technical foul to a player who complains too hard about a call. Those who criticize the rule remind us that Basketball is a physical emotional game, and preventing players to release those emotions is unfair.

The NBA prides itself on having fans so close to the game as what defines the NBA experience, the players are accessible.

Now something got to give, if players are into that emotional, physical and high stake game is it reasonable to allow so close to them people who will curse, insult and heckle them?
On the other hand, wouldn't be more successful to contain those emotions if they're not accentuated by fans that have the complete freedom to raise signs and chants of provocation that far surpass the level of cheering for your own team?

The whole thing is a bad combination, if players and fans are to be this close, to ensure a great experience for all; the NBA ought to moderate both the court and the stand.

Additionally, if the NBA wants its players to act and dress properly, as well as regulate their off court offenses; the league better increase the level of protection on the court and in the arena. If the league wishes its player to seriously consider their Basketball careers as a job, then the league must push the envelope of rules on the field as well. A fight on the court should be considered an assault or violence in the workplace, and treated according to the law governing such acts. The league should be liable for event like the Brawl in the palace, as Artest could rightfully claim that it was the result of an unsafe work environment. Furthermore, shouldn't some players feel endangered by the league allowing former convict in their workplace, after all should any be safe if that situation was in an office?

Finally, that All-Star game system is a fraud. On one side, the media complains that the fans got it wrong by voting some players into the all-Star game; yet, the media use those same selections to define a player as an "All-Star". So tell me, what is an all-Star, someone with incredible skills, or incredible popularity? What to make of players who sign or request big contracts? you often hear general managers refer to those big amounts as "All-Star contracts". So if I get it right, a player receives big contracts because they are popular? If it wasn't the case, so there will be no shame giving a player a max contract although they have never been in the all-star game.

The question is "who is the all-star game for?" you often hear the media praise some players as a "2 time all-star" or "5 time all-star"; what this tells me is no more than "2 times among the most popular players, or like by the coaches". The issue becomes when those "All-star" selections are used to define the elite in the game. The truth is that at this time, being in the all-star game has absolutely no bearing as far as how good a player you are among your peer, but more on how good your agent, sponsor and commercials are.

To offer a certain amount of money to a player based on all-star selections simply says that the team who signs the check is investing more on the potential merchandise sold, rather than on court performances.

If the All-Star Game is for the fans, then there shouldn't be any controversies whether T-mac, Iverson or even the 12th man on the New Jersey Nets squad is voted; it should be all about the fans, therefore statistics, team record shouldn't be taken in consideration. If however, the all-star game is meant to offer a spectacle of the best in the league of a given year, then maybe only experts, fellow players and the media who eventually vote for the MVP should participate in the selection process.

When all is said, it is the NBA's role to clearly explain what and who is the All-Star game for. If it is for the fans, then let the fans select, and keep the numbers sealed so the media would not influence the voting process as they probably did in the McGrady case. If however, it is to showcase the best in the league, then let the players, coaches and media vote for the starters. If all this is done, the reserves selection probably should be reviewed, otherwise how to explain that a McGrady who was almost voted by the fans, is shunned by the coaches? It almost looks like the All-star game is composed of two teams, The Fans team, and the coaches' team.

So far, the NBA has enjoyed playing along the line of entertainment and professional sport in its marriage with Hip Hop culture without setting effective boundaries

It will be pointless to even go into the season MVP requirement, but what is important is for the NBA to clearly define its product, because failure to do so will only create cracks in the structure that in the long run will increase the ambiguity and the perception of unfairness. With each controversy and the NBA effort to do some damage control, the game suffers. Until the league soundly decides if it wants to be an entertainment organization or a sport organization, it will someday look like the WWE, and others like the FIBA; however playing both is bound to create problems in the long run.

NBA Entertainment Vs NBA Basketball - What Good is the All-Star Game?

Is Olefin Carpeting Right For You?

So your old carpeting is finally beyond the point of rescue and you have decided to replace it. Now you are faced with an endless supply of choices to choose from. How can you decide which type of carpet to replace it with? You have to consider all of the different options and choose the one that fits your needs the best. One choice is Olefin or Polypropylene. This article will give you some information on this carpet and the advantages and disadvantages to using it.

Is Olefin Carpeting Right For You?

Girl on Fire - Alicia Keys (Emily Louise Cover)

Video Clips. Duration : 3.37 Mins.

Girl on Fire - Alicia Keys (Emily Louise Cover)

I'm not this Girl! I'm just a Big Fan! And I don't earn money with this! All Credits Goes to Emily Trueman & Alicia Keys! Emily's Facebook Page: http://www.f...

Girl on Fire - Alicia Keys (Emily Louise Cover)

Girl on Fire - Alicia Keys (Emily Louise Cover)

Girl on Fire - Alicia Keys (Emily Louise Cover)

Girl on Fire - Alicia Keys (Emily Louise Cover)

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MLB Mascot Races - The "Running Of" at Baseball Stadiums

Most all baseball teams have mascots, but a few teams have very special ones. The Milwaukee Brewers, Pittsburgh Pirates and the Washington Nationals have something that few teams in the major leagues have: mascot races. Though these are the three big racing teams, in recent years other teams have joined them: the Tampa Bay Rays have a Pepsi/Aquafina/Sierra Mist race, the Texas Rangers have a Dot Race, the Houston Astros have Hot Sauce Races, the Braves a Tool Race, and the Orioles, Indians and Royals all have hot dog races. The Cincinati Reds, who have three mascots, race each other each game.

MLB Mascot Races - The "Running Of" at Baseball Stadiums

Houston Dynamo Fans at Opening Game 2013

Video Clips. Duration : 1.38 Mins.

Houston Dynamo Fans at Opening Game 2013

B-Roll of Houston Dynamo Fans at Opening Game 2013 vs DC United.

Houston Dynamo Fans at Opening Game 2013

Houston Dynamo Fans at Opening Game 2013

Houston Dynamo Fans at Opening Game 2013

Houston Dynamo Fans at Opening Game 2013

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Trivia Questions and Answers - Sports Trivia Questions

Looking for something fun to do at your next party or family event? Why not try trivia? It is entertaining, exciting and everyone can get involved. Age, sex and the number of people does not matter. Trivia is for everyone and it can be played anywhere.

Trivia Questions and Answers - Sports Trivia Questions

Whitney Houston Nothin' But Love

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Whitney Houston Nothin' But Love

Whitney Houston Nothin' But Love

Whitney Houston Nothin' But Love

Whitney Houston Nothin' But Love

Whitney Houston Nothin' But Love

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MLB Mascot Races - The "Running Of" at Baseball Stadiums

Most all baseball teams have mascots, but a few teams have very special ones. The Milwaukee Brewers, Pittsburgh Pirates and the Washington Nationals have something that few teams in the major leagues have: mascot races. Though these are the three big racing teams, in recent years other teams have joined them: the Tampa Bay Rays have a Pepsi/Aquafina/Sierra Mist race, the Texas Rangers have a Dot Race, the Houston Astros have Hot Sauce Races, the Braves a Tool Race, and the Orioles, Indians and Royals all have hot dog races. The Cincinati Reds, who have three mascots, race each other each game.

MLB Mascot Races - The "Running Of" at Baseball Stadiums

Whitney Houston - I DIDN'T KNOW MY OWN STRENGTH (with Lyrics) (Dani Nicole)

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Whitney Houston - I DIDN'T KNOW MY OWN STRENGTH (with Lyrics) (Dani Nicole)

Whitney Houston fan and vocalist, Dani Nicole, singing the penned power ballad "I Didn't Know My Own Strength" off Whitney's comeback album "I Look To You" s...

Whitney Houston - I DIDN'T KNOW MY OWN STRENGTH (with Lyrics) (Dani Nicole)

Whitney Houston - I DIDN'T KNOW MY OWN STRENGTH (with Lyrics) (Dani Nicole)

Whitney Houston - I DIDN'T KNOW MY OWN STRENGTH (with Lyrics) (Dani Nicole)

Whitney Houston - I DIDN'T KNOW MY OWN STRENGTH (with Lyrics) (Dani Nicole)

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Whitney Houston fan and vocalist, Dani Nicole, singing the penned power ballad "I Didn't Know My Own Strength" off Whitney's comeback album "I Look To You" s...

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In the early 90's, after the retirement of mascot Bernie, the Brewers were looking for something to keep fans excited. What they came up with was a race of various styles of sausage held before the bottom of the sixth inning of each home game. Sponsored by a local sausage company, a bratwurst (Brett Wurst), kielbasa (Stosh), Italian sausage (Guido), hot dog (Frankie Furter) and chorizo (Cinco) fly from third base around home towards first base on the warning track as the official Klement's Racing Sausages. Current standings put Brett Wurst in the lead with 18 wins.

Fan Houston

MLB Mascot Races - The "Running Of" at Baseball Stadiums

The Pittsburgh Pierogis were introduced a few years later, in 1999. Jalapeno Hannah, Cheese Chester, Sauerkraut Saul and Oliver Onion run the same lines as the sausages, even traveling to Milwaukee for a five on four food competition when the Pirates play the Brewers.

MLB Mascot Races - The "Running Of" at Baseball Stadiums

The Pierogies also made a stop at National's Park in DC, where President Teddy chased the snacks with a fork and knife in hand. Teddy is one of the four national leaders that runs the race in Washington, all of whom are found on Mount Rushmore: Washington, Lincoln, Jefferson, and Roosevelt. The mascot racers wear period costumes and have caricature heads. Since the beginning of the races, Abe is far in the lead.

MLB Mascot Races - The "Running Of" at Baseball Stadiums

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Sports trivia is a great choice because almost everyone knows something about sports. You may not be a hockey fan, but what do you know about skating or sailing? Almost everyone has knowledge or information about some kind of sport. You do not have to be the world's biggest fan to enjoy sports trivia. You can print and enjoy these fifty questions that I have compiled about all different kinds of sports and sports figures. Test your knowledge or that of your friends. Enjoy!

Fan Houston

Trivia Questions and Answers - Sports Trivia Questions

1: Britain's Linford Christie was banned from competing for two years in which sport?
A: The 100m dash because he tested positive for drugs.

Trivia Questions and Answers - Sports Trivia Questions

2: Which country's entire team was barred from competing at the Paralympics in Sydney?
A: Spain, they were caught entering non-handicapped athletes into the games.

3: Which sports figure holds the record for appearing the most times on the cover of Sports Illustrated?
A: Michael Jordan, he has been on the cover 47 times.

4: Who is the only man to play both a NFL game and a MLB game in a single day?
A: Deion Sanders

5: Which two countries have not missed one of the modern day Olympics?
A: Greece and Australia

6: Which goalie holds the record for the most wins in regular season play?
A: Patrick Roy

7: What is the maximum weight for a golf ball?
A: 1.6oz

8: In Olympic badminton how many feathers does the bird have?
A: 14

9: What professional sport did bank robber John Dillinger play?
A: Baseball

10: Who was the only person elected to both the football and the baseball hall of fame?
A: Cal Hubbard

11: Wayne Levi was the first golfer to win a PGA tournament using a colored ball. What color was the ball?
A: Orange

12: Which track and field event is banned in high schools in every state except Rhode Island?
A: The hammer throw

13: The world Cup of Soccer has only been won by three European countries. Who are they?
A: West Germany, England and Italy.

14: Which NHL team was once called the St. Patricks?
A: The Toronto Maple Leafs

15: What sport, other than baseball uses the word 'homerun'?
A: Cricket

16: What sport awards the Maurice Podoloff Trophy?
A: Basketball, it is awarded to the most valuable player

17: How many panels make up a soccer ball?
A: 32

18: How many stitches are there on a baseball?
A: 108

19: Who was the first female parachutist?
A: Jean Genvieve Granerin in 1799, she jumped from a hot air balloon.

20: What is the most watched sport in the world?
A: Soccer (football).

21: Which sport has the largest number of participants in the world?
A: Fishing.

22: In what year did boxing become a legal sport in the US?
A: 1901

23: What edible substance was found in golf balls?
A: Honey

24: Who holds baseball's record for the most stolen bases in a single season?
A: Rickey Henderson

25: Who holds the record for the longest hitting streak in baseball?
A: Joe DiMaggio, 56 games.

26: Who holds the record in basketball for the most career rebounds?
A: Wilt Chamberlain

27: Who holds the record in basketball for the most fouls?
A: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, 4657.

28: Who holds the record in basketball for the most blocked shots?
A: Hakeem Olajuwon 3830.

29: In what year was the Ice Dancing included in the World Championship?
A: 1952, in Paris.

30: Who holds the record for the most homeruns in a single season?
A: Barry Bonds he set the record in 2001.

31: Which woman took silver in the men's World Figure Skating Championship in 1902?
A: Madge Syers-Cave, there was no women's events and no rule in the men's saying a woman could not compete.

32: Who was the first woman to win the woman' s World Figure Skating Championship?
A: Madge Syers-Cave, she won it in 1906

33: What is the name of the stadium where the Houston Astros play?
A: Minute Maid Park

34: What sport do the Houston Astros play?
A: Baseball

35: Which country won the gold medal in men's beach volleyball at the 2008 Summer Olympics?
A: USA, the team of Rogers/Dalhausser defeated the Team from Brazil to win the gold.

36: Who holds the record for the most goals in the NHL?
A: Wayne Gretzky, he scored 894.

37: In which sport would you use the terms reefing and furling?
A: Sailing

38: Which sport awards the Ryder Cup?
A: Golf

39: Who holds the records for the most goals in one season in the NHL.
A: Wayne Gretzky, in the 81-82 season he scored 92 goals.

40: How many players are on the field for each team in American football?
A: 11 there are 12 in Canadian football.

41: James Naismith is credited with inventing which sport?
A: Basketball. When the game was first played there were only 13 rules.

42: Which sport has a three in the key rule?
A: Basketball, it was introduced in 1936 to cut down on contact between players.

43: In basketball how far is the free throw line from the net?
A: 15 feet or 4.6m.

44: How long is a football game?
A: 60 minutes.

45: In which sport might you find a dagger and a trapeze?
A: Sailing.

46: Which country held the 2008 Olympics.
A: The Olympics were in Beijing China.

47: Which sport awards the Winston Cup?
A: NASCAR

48: In which sport did Sonny Liston participate?
A: Boxing, he was a heavy weight.

49: Affirmed, won the triple crown in 1978, who was his regular jockey?
A: Steve Cauthen and he was the youngest jockey ever to win the triple crown.

50: Who eight gold medals at the 2008 Summer Olympics?
A: Michael Phelps in swimming.

Trivia Questions and Answers - Sports Trivia Questions

B-Roll of Houston Dynamo Fans at Opening Game 2013 vs DC United.

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In the early 90's, after the retirement of mascot Bernie, the Brewers were looking for something to keep fans excited. What they came up with was a race of various styles of sausage held before the bottom of the sixth inning of each home game. Sponsored by a local sausage company, a bratwurst (Brett Wurst), kielbasa (Stosh), Italian sausage (Guido), hot dog (Frankie Furter) and chorizo (Cinco) fly from third base around home towards first base on the warning track as the official Klement's Racing Sausages. Current standings put Brett Wurst in the lead with 18 wins.

Fan Houston

MLB Mascot Races - The "Running Of" at Baseball Stadiums

The Pittsburgh Pierogis were introduced a few years later, in 1999. Jalapeno Hannah, Cheese Chester, Sauerkraut Saul and Oliver Onion run the same lines as the sausages, even traveling to Milwaukee for a five on four food competition when the Pirates play the Brewers.

MLB Mascot Races - The "Running Of" at Baseball Stadiums

The Pierogies also made a stop at National's Park in DC, where President Teddy chased the snacks with a fork and knife in hand. Teddy is one of the four national leaders that runs the race in Washington, all of whom are found on Mount Rushmore: Washington, Lincoln, Jefferson, and Roosevelt. The mascot racers wear period costumes and have caricature heads. Since the beginning of the races, Abe is far in the lead.

MLB Mascot Races - The "Running Of" at Baseball Stadiums

I'm not this Girl! I'm just a Big Fan! And I don't earn money with this! All Credits Goes to Emily Trueman & Alicia Keys! Emily's Facebook Page: http://www.f...

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Olefin carpet is the second most popular type of carpeting sold. Only Nylon carpet is more popular. It is used in both commercial and residential applications and is also commonly used to form artificial turf in sports fields.

Fan Houston

Is Olefin Carpeting Right For You?

One of the advantages of Olefin carpet is that it is almost always solution dyed. This means that the color is added when the fiber is made and it runs all the way through the fiber. This makes it impossible to bleach or fade Olefin. Another advantage of this fiber is that it does not absorb much moisture. Because of this, it does not stain easily and it can be easily cleaned. The last advantage of Olefin is that it is relatively inexpensive. It is one of the cheapest carpets available.

Is Olefin Carpeting Right For You?

The disadvantage to Olefin carpets is that they will wear easily. It is a soft fiber that will crush and mat easily. Because of this, it is best used in loop construction carpets where the construction will give it added strength. Another negative of this type of fiber is that it attracts oil and grease like a magnet. Because of this, it is not uncommon to have an Olefin carpet with dark traffic areas. Dark areas that are not easily cleaned.

As you can see, there are numerous advantages and disadvantages to this carpet. If you do not need a carpet that will last forever and want one that does not stain easily and is relatively inexpensive this may be for you. if you however do not mind spending more money and want a carpet that will last longer, it is probably not your best choice for you.

Is Olefin Carpeting Right For You?

Always Whitney Houston

Video Clips. Duration : 68.97 Mins.

Always Whitney Houston

RELEASE TIMED WITH WHITNEY HOUSTON'S BIRTHDAY (8/9)! The iconic legend, Whitney Houston may have died on February 11, 2012 but she will live on forever through her music and films. Considered the best pop vocal singer of her generation, in 2009 Guinness Book of World Records declared her the most awarded female act of all time. Selling over 170 million albums, Whitney Houston is the only artist to chart seven consecutive number one Billboard hits. MPAA Ra.

Always Whitney Houston

Always Whitney Houston

Always Whitney Houston

Always Whitney Houston

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Is Olefin Carpeting Right For You?

So your old carpeting is finally beyond the point of rescue and you have decided to replace it. Now you are faced with an endless supply of choices to choose from. How can you decide which type of carpet to replace it with? You have to consider all of the different options and choose the one that fits your needs the best. One choice is Olefin or Polypropylene. This article will give you some information on this carpet and the advantages and disadvantages to using it.

Is Olefin Carpeting Right For You?

Olefin carpet is the second most popular type of carpeting sold. Only Nylon carpet is more popular. It is used in both commercial and residential applications and is also commonly used to form artificial turf in sports fields.

Fan Houston

Is Olefin Carpeting Right For You?

One of the advantages of Olefin carpet is that it is almost always solution dyed. This means that the color is added when the fiber is made and it runs all the way through the fiber. This makes it impossible to bleach or fade Olefin. Another advantage of this fiber is that it does not absorb much moisture. Because of this, it does not stain easily and it can be easily cleaned. The last advantage of Olefin is that it is relatively inexpensive. It is one of the cheapest carpets available.

Is Olefin Carpeting Right For You?

The disadvantage to Olefin carpets is that they will wear easily. It is a soft fiber that will crush and mat easily. Because of this, it is best used in loop construction carpets where the construction will give it added strength. Another negative of this type of fiber is that it attracts oil and grease like a magnet. Because of this, it is not uncommon to have an Olefin carpet with dark traffic areas. Dark areas that are not easily cleaned.

As you can see, there are numerous advantages and disadvantages to this carpet. If you do not need a carpet that will last forever and want one that does not stain easily and is relatively inexpensive this may be for you. if you however do not mind spending more money and want a carpet that will last longer, it is probably not your best choice for you.

Is Olefin Carpeting Right For You?

RELEASE TIMED WITH WHITNEY HOUSTON'S BIRTHDAY (8/9)! The iconic legend, Whitney Houston may have died on February 11, 2012 but she will live on forever through her music and films. Considered the best pop vocal singer of her generation, in 2009 Guinness Book of World Records declared her the most awarded female act of all time. Selling over 170 million albums, Whitney Houston is the only artist to chart seven consecutive number one Billboard hits. MPAA Ra.

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Cleaning Fire Smoke Damage Smell

Cleaning fire and smoke smell is one of the most important activities that is required after the fire has damaged your homes and its contents. It is important to take immediate and appropriate action. Carpets, draperies, upholstered furniture and clothing usually can be refurbished after a fire, unless they have been scorched or severely water damaged. The most iportant thing to do is get professional help from a experienced fire smoke damage company.

Cleaning Fire Smoke Damage Smell

DRAKE- HOUSTATLANTAVEGAS

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DRAKE- HOUSTATLANTAVEGAS

CHEK DIS SONG OUT!!!

DRAKE- HOUSTATLANTAVEGAS

DRAKE- HOUSTATLANTAVEGAS

DRAKE- HOUSTATLANTAVEGAS

DRAKE- HOUSTATLANTAVEGAS

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Choosing A Color Of Carpet

When it is time to consider which color of carpet to use there are many factors to consider. In this article you will learn about the pros and cons of carpet colors.

Choosing A Color Of Carpet

Toby Keith Fan Club Party - Houston, 2008

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Toby Keith Fan Club Party - Houston, 2008

My husband was chosen to ask Toby Keith a question. He asked why Toby chose to risk his own life to perform overseas (many times on the front lines) for our ...

Toby Keith Fan Club Party - Houston, 2008

Toby Keith Fan Club Party - Houston, 2008

Toby Keith Fan Club Party - Houston, 2008

Toby Keith Fan Club Party - Houston, 2008

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My husband was chosen to ask Toby Keith a question. He asked why Toby chose to risk his own life to perform overseas (many times on the front lines) for our ...

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Lets start with light colors such as white or off white. People are often tempted to purchase white carpet because it makes rooms look bigger and brighter. This is of course true, it will make a small dark room seem brighter and bigger. The problem with light carpet is that it shows everything. Because of that fact it is best left for rooms that are seldom used or for homes that do not have kids or pets.

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Choosing A Color Of Carpet

Bright colors such ar reds are popular in more modern homes. If you want a bright color keep in mind that they could be subject to sun fading and the color might become tiresome over time. For these reasons bright colors are best left for rooms that do not receive intense sunlight and for rooms where you don't expect to keep the carpet for a great deal of time.

Choosing A Color Of Carpet

Dark colors such as dark blue or even black are often used in rooms such as media rooms. It will help to darken the room to enhance your television or movie viewing. This color of carpet would be best left for large rooms since they could make smaller rooms seem even smaller. The plus about dark carpet is that it does not show soiling as much and it is therefore good for media or game rooms.

Lastly you have neutral colors such as tan or brown. These colors are the most popular because they strike the balance between brightness and soil hiding capabilities. They also tend to go well with all decors so they are goof for homes that you may not plan on keeping for a long period. If you have children, pets or think you might be selling your home in the near future you probably want to go with a neutral color.

Whatever you decide on be sure to examine how the carpet will work in your situation. Be sure to take the time, do the research and choose the color that works best for you.

Choosing A Color Of Carpet

CHEK DIS SONG OUT!!!

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Smoke odor could remain in clothing, upholstered furniture, carpets and draperies unless it is properly deodorized. Fire restoration professionals and some dry cleaners use a deodorizing process for cleaning fire and smoke smell. They actually break up the smoke molecule to eliminate the odor. This deodorization process is called the ozone treatment. The ozone treatment produces an oxidizing agent that creates the same sweet smelling air associated with a rain storm. The ozone treatment can be done by a fire restoration professional at the home with an ozone generator. Sometimes household textiles are deodorized in an ozone room. If the process is done at home, clothing, upholstered furniture and other textile items are put under a tent while the ozone generator is operating. It is an effective method for cleaning fire smoke damage smell. Clothing and other textile items should be deodorized before they are cleaned; otherwise, the smoke odor could be set in the fabric.

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Cleaning Fire Smoke Damage Smell

Smoke can enter and remain in and between the walls of the living space. If it is not properly removed, the smoke odor reoccurs from time to time, particularly during damp periods. Therefore, action should be taken to properly remove all smoke odors. Fire restoration professionals can help you in cleaning fire smoke damage smell and eliminating the smoke odor with a process called thermal fogging. This process opens the pores in the walls and neutralizes the smoke odor. There is probably no process a home owner could use that would work as effectively as thermal fogging. If the attic has been insulated prior to the fire, it may be necessary to remove the insulation. Insulation cannot be cleaned; unfortunately, it will need to be replaced because insulation retains smoke odors. Also cleaning the walls and ceiling and painting them is a good idea depending on the amount of smoke damge.

Cleaning Fire Smoke Damage Smell

Soiled clothing is cleaned by a variety of laundry methods. Cleaning fire and smoke smell from all clothes with same method is not possible. To effectively remove soot and smoke damage from household textile items such as carpet, draperies and upholstered furniture, it is necessary to use the appropriate chemicals, the right equipment and judgment that come from experience. Properly trained fire restoration professionals have the knowledge and materials to refurbish household textiles after a fire.

The most important guideline for home owners to remember while cleaning fire and smoke smell is not to begin cleaning until the visible soil and smoke odor are removed. In the long run, money can be saved by contacting a fire restoration professional immediately. These experts can be identified through friends whom may had to go through this, or in the yellow pages under water and fire restoration and generally are willing to travel several miles to restore a home.

For more information about fire smoke damage please have a look at this link: Fire smoke damage | Dallas | Houston | San Antonio | Austin | Fort Worth

Cleaning Fire Smoke Damage Smell