Adding wood furnace to old house (1850s)

I have a question. We recently moved to Michigan and our home is large (3600sqft) with old steam boilers. Our windows are all old single panes and fairly leaky (I have tried to seal as best at possible). The natural gas boiler system is from the 1960s and works ok. But with a 3 year old and a new born. I can't keep the temp inside up without costing an arm n leg. We have 3 fireplaces but keeping them going is a chore (I mainly keep 1 in my office going). In the basement I have access to a flue opening that was used for a trash incinerator (now plugged)... I'd like to add a wood furnace to the basement (into the empty hole) but we have no ducting. This home doesn't have central HVAC.... My question is should I add ducting (fairly easy for the first floor via basement)... Will the heat get to the second floor where the bedrooms are? Should i just add mini splits to supplement my boiler and allow AC in the summers? Thanks.



I can add photos if need be. I'm very handy and would enjoy this project. I also enjoy burning wood and have lots available to me in Michigan for a good price.

Tips for Building a New Home

My wife and I are planning to build a new home and are looking for advice to save money on this process. So many new builds in Iowa are going for $200/square foot and that is entirely out of our price range.

We don’t need/want anything fancy at all—-1500-1700 total square footage with 3BR, 2.5BA with 2 car garage, standard cabinets, and a partially finished basement. Any tips, tricks, things to keep in mind to cut costs?

I know the house description is vague, but we are in the beginning stages of this process and want to eliminate things from the get go if it’s going to jack up the price.

FYI - Screen shots will no longer work for ticket entry at games

Per ISU Email.

All fans are required to enter MidAmerican Energy Field at Jack Trice Stadium using a mobile ticket. The easiest way to access your mobile tickets is via the free ISU Cyclones App. You can also access your tickets online using Account Manager.

If you haven't logged into your account recently you may need to reset your password. Simply follow the prompts on the screen to reset the password and verify your contact information.

ISU Athletics has implemented Ticketmaster's SafeTix for all events. With SafeTix, your phone is your ticket! It is designed to provide the best possible entry experience and cut down on fraudulent tickets. When using SafeTix, printouts and screenshots will not be accepted at entry.

These tickets are powered by a new and unique barcode that automatically refreshes every 15 seconds so it cannot be stolen or copied, keeping your tickets safe and secure. Also, Apple Wallet and Google Wallet tickets will not have a barcode- you will simply tap your phone on the scanning device at the stadium entrance.

On That Note: I Don’t Wanna Lose You

As we near the end of another calendar year, we want to pay tribute to notable music artists who died in 2023.

Post favorite songs from those we lost this year. In addition to performers, you may include songwriters, producers, promoters and anyone who had impact in the music industry or whose work has special meaning for you.

Repeated references to an artist are allowed, but try not to duplicate a track somebody already has posted. Similarly, although no limit to # of songs a person may select from a given performer (try not to “hoard”) — post your top choice, then give others a chance.

You may use songs with the performer as member of a group, of course, but we prefer it was recorded/performed when the person was an active member. Exceptions may apply. Also counts: member of duets, soundtracks, et. al.

A couple of links for reference:


I'll being my selections with a follow-up post.
“On That Note” is presented each week at Cyclone Fanatic, co-hosted by @MeanDean, @CycloneRulzzz and cyclones500.
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BEYOND AMAZING: That's how TJ Otzelberger describes former Tyrese Haliburton's meteoric rise in the NBA

MBB: Big East/Big 12 Battle

DATETIME (CT)TVMATCHUPRESULTBIG 12BIG EAST
Thu. 11/305:30FS1Texas Tech at ButlerBUT, 103-95 (ot)01
Thu. 11/308:00ESPN2Creighton at Oklahoma StateCREI, 79-6502
Fri. 12/15:30FS1Houston at XavierHOU, 66-6012
Fri. 12/16:00ESPN2St. John's at West VirginiaSJU, 79-7313
Fri. 12/17:30FS1Iowa State at DePaulISU, 99-8023
Fri. 12/18:00ESPN2UConn at KansasKAN, 69-6533
Sat. 12/24:30FS1TCU at GeorgetownTCU, 84-8343
Tue. 12/56:00ESPNUProvidence at OklahomaOKL, 72-5153
Tue. 12/56:00ESPN2Villanova at Kansas StateKSU, 72-71 (ot)63
Tue. 12/58:00ESPN2Seton Hall at BaylorBAY, 78-6073
Wed. 12/67:00FS1Texas at MarquetteMARQ, 86-6574

RECRUITING: Marcus Neal to take official visit to Ames this weekend before signing day

RECRUITING: Marcus Neal (@marcusneal0705) will take his official visit to Ames this weekend before signing with Iowa State next Wednesday.

Cyclonefanatic shop

Hey there! Has anyone bought anything off the Cyclonefanatic shop? I bought a few things yesterday and was just wondering if anyone had any idea what the normal turnaround time on getting the merchandise. They’re Christmas presents, so was hoping to get them by late next week, but can’t get a response on what the possible arrival time would be. Thanks!

Women’s Team

Just saw an ad on Facebook for Iowas women’s team. Has anyone heard anything about the potential of adding a women’s team. Especially with the new facility I didn’t know if adding another locker room was feasible or if they could take over the current facility.

Just wondering as I don’t want us to start behind in the sport because we didn’t get it going at the start.
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RECRUITING: Carson Van Dinter ready for new role behind Iowa State star Beau Freyler

RECRUITING: @CarsonVandinter is ready for the new role that he will have after signing with Iowa State.

@cfchangs9 caught up with the Wisconsin prospect before he starts working behind Iowa State star Beau Freyler:

RECRUITING: Wade Helton blocks outside interest, will sign with Cyclones next week

RECRUITING: Wade Helton has had his phone ring ad nauseum since committing to Iowa State, but he and his twin brother have remained fully committed to signing with the Cyclones next week.

"We might really have a chance to dominate - especially with the new playoffs - and have a chance to play for a national championship."

Liberty Bowl We Will Pre-Tailgate Tailgate

Hey all! We Will is renting out a bar for Cyclone fans to congregate the morning of the Liberty Bowl in Memphis. It's a short walk from the stadium. Open to all Cyclones from 9am-noon. Details here:


Tailgate Map.jpg

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