GM's Thread About Everything/GM's Thread About Nothing (9 Viewers)

[Hawks64]

I need a new surround sound system and don't want another POS one in a box like I have now and the B-ray isn't working correctly. Anyone? GM, can you check with your Best Buy connections for me?

Drifter was my guy for this info.

I asked some questions and I either missed the answers or our GB hasn't yet answered.

 

[Hawks64]

I think surround sound is a bit overrated. I'm pretty happy with my Sony soundbar and subwoofer for watching tv/movies/sports.

I have this one: http://www.amazon.com/Sony-HTCT260H-Sound-Wireless-Subwoofer/dp/B00E3AKF1C

http://www.cnet.com/products/sony-ht-ct260/

but I'm sure there are others that are better if you wanted to spend more.

Then you need to come over and watch a movie at my place.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

I think surround sound is a bit overrated. I'm pretty happy with my Sony soundbar and subwoofer for watching tv/movies/sports.

Then you need to come over and watch a movie at my place.

don't get me wrong. I'm not saying it's not awesome...just not sure it's needed for most everyday tv sports watching, which I thought Bob was mainly going to use it for.

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

I "need" a new receiver one of these days.

 

[Hawks64]

I need a new surround sound system and don't want another POS one in a box like I have now and the B-ray isn't working correctly. Anyone? GM, can you check with your Best Buy connections for me?

Drifter was my guy for this info.

Drifter knows stuff, lots and lots of stuff.

I'm not up to date on the latest and greatest in audio these days unfortunately. The advance of soundbars and the like has passed me by. I will echo what was said earlier - Center channel is the most important unless you are looking fora dual purpose to play music. The smaller your center and other channels the better your sub has to be

I need a new surround sound system and don't want another POS one in a box like I have now and the B-ray isn't working correctly. Anyone? GM, can you check with your Best Buy connections for me?

Late to the party, but how much do you want to spend and what are you looking to accomplish with the final result?

ETA I saw 1-2k. Question do you want to use a receiver (equipment that takes the sound from the cable/sat TV, BluRay, Xbox/PS, etc and amplifies it to your speakers) or do you want something simple with a single speaker that you plug your TV into for the sound?

Kinda of my hobby, I used to use Paradigm speakers like tommyboy until they went to #### and now am using GoldenEar (the founder of Polk Audio and then Definitive Technology).

I'm up for suggestions. I generally just watch sports and the occasional movie.

Thanks guys!

Simplest will be a soundbar, let me come up with some options for you. Guessing you prefer a big box store or Amazon vs an audio shop?

 

[General Malaise]

You mean I should be listening to the sound of my TV with more than just the volume that comes out of it?

yes. yes you should.

Easy to install?

I think so, but sounds like you have bigger things to worry about these days, gb.

Like the hole they found in Baby B's heart?

 

[Hawks64]

You mean I should be listening to the sound of my TV with more than just the volume that comes out of it?

yes. yes you should.

When watching football, does the sound bar make it sound like a linebacker is going to crush you from the blind side?

Depends on the audio feed from the network, but it can.

 

[Tiger Fan]

If you have two zones (want to play two different things at once - typically indoor/outdoor) look for something That allows digital on zone two.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Like the hole they found in Baby B's heart?

that happened?

 

[Hawks64]

I think surround sound is a bit overrated. I'm pretty happy with my Sony soundbar and subwoofer for watching tv/movies/sports.

Then you need to come over and watch a movie at my place.

don't get me wrong. I'm not saying it's not awesome...just not sure it's needed for most everyday tv sports watching, which I thought Bob was mainly going to use it for.

Nothing like watching a Hawks game with a good audio feed on it and with the occasional movie it's a must IMO. But I am an obsessed nut about it.

 

[Thorn]

You mean I should be listening to the sound of my TV with more than just the volume that comes out of it?

yes. yes you should.

Easy to install?

I think so, but sounds like you have bigger things to worry about these days, gb.

Like the hole they found in Baby B's heart?

what

 

[Hawks64]

I "need" a new receiver one of these days.

Denon all day every day IMO. What kind of speakers do you have? Pioneer or Yamaha may be a decent choice as well. I would stay away from Onkyo, to me they really jack with the sound in a bad way.

 

[St. Louis Bob]

You mean I should be listening to the sound of my TV with more than just the volume that comes out of it?

yes. yes you should.

When watching football, does the sound bar make it sound like a linebacker is going to crush you from the blind side?

Depends on the audio feed from the network, but it can.

Thanks GB.

I don't want to spend a fortune but love the surround sound experience for sports in particular.

 

[Hawks64]

You mean I should be listening to the sound of my TV with more than just the volume that comes out of it?

yes. yes you should.

Easy to install?

I think so, but sounds like you have bigger things to worry about these days, gb.

Like the hole they found in Baby B's heart?

what

This. Seriously?

 

[St. Louis Bob]

You mean I should be listening to the sound of my TV with more than just the volume that comes out of it?

yes. yes you should.

Easy to install?

I think so, but sounds like you have bigger things to worry about these days, gb.

Like the hole they found in Baby B's heart?

what

 

[Idiot Boxer]

Make them sit through the movie Home. They'll crack.

Does this mean the movie is good or bad?

 

[Idiot Boxer]

Reading this makes me want to give my ex-wife a big hug.

I'm always down to give your ex-wife a big hug.

Is "a big hug" a euphemism for something?

 

[Hawks64]

You mean I should be listening to the sound of my TV with more than just the volume that comes out of it?

yes. yes you should.

When watching football, does the sound bar make it sound like a linebacker is going to crush you from the blind side?

Depends on the audio feed from the network, but it can.

Thanks GB.

I don't want to spend a fortune but love the surround sound experience for sports in particular.

Soundbar with some wireless rear speakers would be ideal. Just need to find the right model for you. I have a Vizio in our living room and it's nice (no wireless rear speakers) but it's a PITA to change inputs and what not.

What kind of TV do you have?

 

[General Malaise]

Like the hole they found in Baby B's heart?

that happened?

Yeah. Not uncommon and chances are it closes on its own in utero, but we need to meet with the doctors Thursday to look at it some more and discuss it. Reading up on it is encouraging so not a huge worry right now, but again, we'll know more Thursday.

Been a hell of a year so far.

 

[Tiger Fan]

GLGBGM

 

[Hawks64]

GLGBGM

This.

 

[Frostillicus]

Like the hole they found in Baby B's heart?

that happened?

Yeah. Not uncommon and chances are it closes on its own in utero, but we need to meet with the doctors Thursday to look at it some more and discuss it. Reading up on it is encouraging so not a huge worry right now, but again, we'll know more Thursday.

Been a hell of a year so far.

Man, serious thoughts heading your way.

 

[RedmondLonghorn]

All of this hurts so much. My previous wife, who is a real piece of work, left me, but somehow two of my kids have ended up behaving as if they hate me and blame me for everything. They hate my new wife, who is the best partner I could ever ask for. The stress of all of this has made her so unhappy and has caused massive strain in our relationship. I would never do it, but for only the second time in my life I understand how people become desperate enough to take their own lives.

I think if you just told this to each of your kids independently, would be the best start towards mending fences and feeling empathy on both sides. Your children, independent of your or your current wife, are probably feeling pain as well. Pain created by broken marriages, pain from wife 1.0, pain that maybe they aren't as important to you as your new wife is, and unimagined pains that may or may not make any sense to a seasoned adult. Bottom line, you're all in pain, you're all suffering but having an open/honest/heartfelt conversation is a great way to start the empathy train rolling in all directions.

good luck

This has been done. It seemed at the time to make an impression on all of them, but it only made a lasting impression on my youngest, who has been a peach since he apologized.

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

Like the hole they found in Baby B's heart?

that happened?

Yeah. Not uncommon and chances are it closes on its own in utero, but we need to meet with the doctors Thursday to look at it some more and discuss it. Reading up on it is encouraging so not a huge worry right now, but again, we'll know more Thursday.

Been a hell of a year so far.

Man, serious thoughts heading your way.

Like, thoughts about China's improving position in the global market?

 

[General Malaise]

All of this hurts so much. My previous wife, who is a real piece of work, left me, but somehow two of my kids have ended up behaving as if they hate me and blame me for everything. They hate my new wife, who is the best partner I could ever ask for. The stress of all of this has made her so unhappy and has caused massive strain in our relationship. I would never do it, but for only the second time in my life I understand how people become desperate enough to take their own lives.

I think if you just told this to each of your kids independently, would be the best start towards mending fences and feeling empathy on both sides. Your children, independent of your or your current wife, are probably feeling pain as well. Pain created by broken marriages, pain from wife 1.0, pain that maybe they aren't as important to you as your new wife is, and unimagined pains that may or may not make any sense to a seasoned adult. Bottom line, you're all in pain, you're all suffering but having an open/honest/heartfelt conversation is a great way to start the empathy train rolling in all directions.

good luck

This has been done. It seemed at the time to make an impression on all of them, but it only made a lasting impression on my youngest, who has been a peach since he apologized.

Tell them the youngest is the only one in the will until they make changes.

 

[RedmondLonghorn]

Like the hole they found in Baby B's heart?

that happened?

Yeah. Not uncommon and chances are it closes on its own in utero, but we need to meet with the doctors Thursday to look at it some more and discuss it. Reading up on it is encouraging so not a huge worry right now, but again, we'll know more Thursday.

Been a hell of a year so far.

Holy ####.

Now I feel like an ###. This is some real stuff.

Thinking of you, Mrs. GM and the baby...

 

[General Malaise]

Like the hole they found in Baby B's heart?

that happened?

Yeah. Not uncommon and chances are it closes on its own in utero, but we need to meet with the doctors Thursday to look at it some more and discuss it. Reading up on it is encouraging so not a huge worry right now, but again, we'll know more Thursday.

Been a hell of a year so far.

Holy ####.

Now I feel like an ###. This is some real stuff.

Thinking of you, Mrs. GM and the baby...

Thanks, but I honestly think this will end up being okay. If not, well...we'll figure out the next steps with the doctors and plan accordingly. Sounds a lot worse than it is, though not hearing it at all would be preferred.

Of course, not hearing the word "TWINS" would be really REALLY preferred.

 

[heckmanm]

GLGBGM

This.

No kidding. I missed the news until just now.

 

[RedmondLonghorn]

This Cheered Me Up

"If humans could fly, we would consider it exercise and never do it."

 

[St. Louis Bob]

You mean I should be listening to the sound of my TV with more than just the volume that comes out of it?

yes. yes you should.

When watching football, does the sound bar make it sound like a linebacker is going to crush you from the blind side?

Depends on the audio feed from the network, but it can.

Thanks GB.

I don't want to spend a fortune but love the surround sound experience for sports in particular.

Soundbar with some wireless rear speakers would be ideal. Just need to find the right model for you. I have a Vizio in our living room and it's nice (no wireless rear speakers) but it's a PITA to change inputs and what not.

What kind of TV do you have?

Sharp Aquos, thanks again GB.

 

[St. Louis Bob]

GLGBGM

This.

 

[Hawks64]

You mean I should be listening to the sound of my TV with more than just the volume that comes out of it?

yes. yes you should.

When watching football, does the sound bar make it sound like a linebacker is going to crush you from the blind side?

Depends on the audio feed from the network, but it can.

Thanks GB.

I don't want to spend a fortune but love the surround sound experience for sports in particular.

Soundbar with some wireless rear speakers would be ideal. Just need to find the right model for you. I have a Vizio in our living room and it's nice (no wireless rear speakers) but it's a PITA to change inputs and what not.

What kind of TV do you have?

Sharp Aquos, thanks again GB.

Do you by chance now the model or at least when you bought it?

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Make them sit through the movie Home. They'll crack.

Does this mean the movie is good or bad?

CQ was correct. Very disappointing imo

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Like the hole they found in Baby B's heart?

that happened?

Yeah. Not uncommon and chances are it closes on its own in utero, but we need to meet with the doctors Thursday to look at it some more and discuss it. Reading up on it is encouraging so not a huge worry right now, but again, we'll know more Thursday.

Been a hell of a year so far.

:( gllll GB. Thoprawishes and all that jazz.

 

[belljr]

FIL released today

T&P GM

 

[Ditkaless Wonders]

Damn GM. Stay strong Buddy.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Like the hole they found in Baby B's heart?

that happened?

Yeah. Not uncommon and chances are it closes on its own in utero, but we need to meet with the doctors Thursday to look at it some more and discuss it. Reading up on it is encouraging so not a huge worry right now, but again, we'll know more Thursday.

Been a hell of a year so far.

Yeah, every case is different...but hole in the heart is not all that uncommon. Which is not to make light of this, it's pretty ####### freaky, but my nephew had that condition 35 years ago, as did a friend's baby about 5 years ago. In both cases they were looking at having to schedule heart surgery - but in both cases, the hole closed up on it's own. In fact my friend's son they were going in for like the final checkup and the surgery was a few days away, and they did the test thing (ultrasound? not sure) & well, ####, no more hole.

That shouldn't influence you one way or another, if she still has a hole in her heart after she's born, you gotta go with whatever the doctor advises. But there is a chance this will resolve itself.

GL GB, I know it's weighing on you. Be thankful they found out and GL dealing with it. Not easy.

 

[St. Louis Bob]

You mean I should be listening to the sound of my TV with more than just the volume that comes out of it?

yes. yes you should.

When watching football, does the sound bar make it sound like a linebacker is going to crush you from the blind side?

Depends on the audio feed from the network, but it can.

Thanks GB.

I don't want to spend a fortune but love the surround sound experience for sports in particular.

Soundbar with some wireless rear speakers would be ideal. Just need to find the right model for you. I have a Vizio in our living room and it's nice (no wireless rear speakers) but it's a PITA to change inputs and what not.

What kind of TV do you have?

Sharp Aquos, thanks again GB.

Do you by chance now the model or at least when you bought it?

I think I bought it 6-7 years ago so old in TV years. I was considering upgrading to a 4K or something but I'm just GM.

 

[BobbyLayne]

TL; DR summary: My kids are breaking my heart

I am sorry to dump this crap here, but I need to vent to somebody who isn't neck deep in it. The stuff with my two older kids has gotten so bad, I am at the end of my rope.

Yesterday was my daughter's 12th birthday. By a cruel twist of fate, it also happens to be Wife 2.0's birthday. Daughter clearly hates here step-mom and step-mom isn't crazy about daughter. She came over to our house at noon. She had nothing new to say, so got to do chores around the house for 4-5 hours, before company arrived. What a terrible way for her to spend her birthday, yet she has chosen that path, over and over again.

Older son returned from out of town baseball tourney while family was here for birthday observances. Was jovial and sociable while others were around.

After family left, we asked both why they have refused to take any of the steps they need to take to resolve the situation. Asked them how we are supposed to interpret their inaction, in light of other things they have said (i.e. that they know they have done wrong, that they don't hate me, that they want things to be better): blank stares in return. Asked them a number of other questions, hoping to drive a conversation, ranging from the complex to the mundane and received either blank stares or mumbled, unilluminating answers. My tone was quiet and respectful of them as people, because things have become loud and angry recently and I thought maybe ratcheting the tension back down might work. It did not. They clearly want to continue to push my buttons and/or they have been well coached in how to do so. They also showed no real concern over the impact of their actions on me or my wife.

They are so lacking in empathy and unaccountable, I have no idea what to do. They are clearly being coached by my ex-wife to not engage and she clearly continues to provide them interpretations of what is going on that takes all of the responsibility off of their shoulders. Whether she does this out of just being an enabler or out of spite towards me and Wife 2.0, I don't know. But it is probably both.

We feel like the only option we have is to continue to ratchet up the consequences, until they can at least break out of the pattern out of self-interest. Then maybe we can have some real discussion and make some progress. We told my oldest that baseball is a privelege, not a right, and that unless he takes some steps, he simply will not go to any baseball activities while he is in our care (about 1/3 of the time). I also told him I would explain to his coach (who he respects and loves) just what is going on so he understands. He did not like that one bit, but didn't lose his cool: his stare just went from blank to angry and resentful for a moment, then back to blank.

I was busy working this morning, but my son came in and gave me an apology that was limited in scope, but at least felt somewhat sincere. My daughter came in and gave me something that was nowhere near as good as that. My son said that he felt he remained tongue-tied because he and my daughter have apologized in the past only to be told that it wasn't good enough and get yelled at. He said he felt as if Wife 2.0 and I were "baiting a trap" for them. I illustrated to him why that wasn't true by pointing out that once his little brother gave us a real apology, things changed rather dramatically. He was forced to concede that was accurate.

But the "baiting the trap" comment was significant to me in a couple of ways. First it tells me that they are clearly being coached/confused by my ex-wife, because that seems like a phrase that would have come from her. Second, it suggests that he still blames me for the situation, rather than admitting to himself that he caused it. Still, he actually seemed like he was sorry and that wall that he has up came down at least a bit. I told him he needs to say his piece to Wife 2.0 too. I was very busy with work this AM and she was giving them all a ride to school.

After she dropped the kids off my wife comes home and tells me neither my son or daughter said a word to her. I can't help but get a little optimistic every time they show even the slightest sign of things getting through to them, but I am disappointed every time. I figure my son bought himself this afternoon to prevent me from calling his baseball coach (he doesn't have a practice or game tonight, so it can be put off a little). It is the last thing I want to do but I feel like I don't have any choice.

All of this hurts so much. My previous wife, who is a real piece of work, left me, but somehow two of my kids have ended up behaving as if they hate me and blame me for everything. They hate my new wife, who is the best partner I could ever ask for. The stress of all of this has made her so unhappy and has caused massive strain in our relationship. I would never do it, but for only the second time in my life I understand how people become desperate enough to take their own lives.

I've tried to respond this a couple times and realized the dynamics and layers to this are just too complex. I would strongly encourage counseling (and know it's a crap shoot, the first one you go to might not be a good fit.) It might help you to develop strategies for dealing with the older two. I don't know if they're going to be open or if would do any good.

This is really heart breaking, Red. I wish you well. I don't have any spare pixie dust and I'm not really qualified to offer advice. But I do think you might be looking at making some real hard choices. Take control of your life, to the extent you can. You have to be fully committed to making it work with 2.0 and her kids and if that means harsh decisions that are going to impact your relationship short term with the 15 and 12 year old kids, well tough ####, they made their own bed.

GL GB

 

[-fish-]

Sorry Red, sounds awful. Seems like you clearly need family counseling.

Yeah, absolutely get some family counseling yesterday. I don't know what the right course of action is, but in my unprofessional opinion it sounds like you are running the risk of alienating your kids altogether with draconian penalties for not meeting your requirements with Wife 2.0...and that means they will view Wife 1.0 as the good guy and begin to push for more time with her and less time with you. You guys need professional help asap.

And my two cents, do NOT get the baseball coach involved in this.

I hear you. But they have both admitted to being intentionally cruel to her for years and to ignoring my requests that they change their behavior, requests that they call me when they are not here (since my calls to their mom's house often go unreturned) and my requests that they occasionally phone my parents (who are in their mid-80s and absolutely adore them). They admit to this and can give no justification or reasons, however weak. They refuse to rise in their own defense even.

I don't want to get the baseball coach involved at all, but he needs to know he can't count on one of his team captains and better players not being available a third of the time.

I would be spending the rest of your day looking for a family counselor for you, Wife 2.0 and your three kids. You guys are on a precipice right now and you need professional help. Forget your ex-wife. Good luck.

Actually, maybe start with Rover's counselor who helped with his daughter...

she's in Tacoma, but maybe she could give a referral.

 

[belljr]

I think my father has a death wish. We have tickets for Bama at Auburn this fall but he wants to go wearing Bama gear. Note we are not fans of either

 

[Tiger Fan]

There will be plenty of folks in auburn gear there

 

[belljr]

Well yah

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

There will be plenty of folks in auburn gear there

at a home game?

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

ool

 

[Hawks64]

You mean I should be listening to the sound of my TV with more than just the volume that comes out of it?

yes. yes you should.

When watching football, does the sound bar make it sound like a linebacker is going to crush you from the blind side?

Depends on the audio feed from the network, but it can.

Thanks GB.

I don't want to spend a fortune but love the surround sound experience for sports in particular.

So this Yamaha will likely give you one of the better surround experiences from a soundbar, while still giving great sound. This is going to be pretty easy to hookup (HDMI cable out of BluRay, Cable/Sat TV, etc into the Yamaha and then the Yamaha out to the TV) and it has a calibration mic to set it up for your room.

Ask any questions just ask.

 

[Captain Quinoa]

Good news: after 6 weeks of chemo and radiation, DadQ's main lung tumor shrunk over 50%, and 3 of 4 nodes are 100% clean.

Bad news: the tzatziki sauce on the frozen gyro that I just heated up and ate was really iffy.

 

[RedmondLonghorn]

Good news: after 6 weeks of chemo and radiation, DadQ's main lung tumor shrunk over 50%, and 3 of 4 nodes are 100% clean.

Bad news: the tzatziki sauce on the frozen gyro that I just heated up and ate was really iffy.

On balance, I would call that a fairly positive report.

Thoughts and prayers related to the yogurt sauce doe.

 

[Osaurus]

You mean I should be listening to the sound of my TV with more than just the volume that comes out of it?

yes. yes you should.

When watching football, does the sound bar make it sound like a linebacker is going to crush you from the blind side?

Depends on the audio feed from the network, but it can.

Thanks GB.

I don't want to spend a fortune but love the surround sound experience for sports in particular.

So this Yamaha will likely give you one of the better surround experiences from a soundbar, while still giving great sound. This is going to be pretty easy to hookup (HDMI cable out of BluRay, Cable/Sat TV, etc into the Yamaha and then the Yamaha out to the TV) and it has a calibration mic to set it up for your room.Ask any questions just ask.

Have had the 2200 for a few years and have been very happy.

 

[Tecumseh]

Like the hole they found in Baby B's heart?

that happened?

Yeah. Not uncommon and chances are it closes on its own in utero, but we need to meet with the doctors Thursday to look at it some more and discuss it. Reading up on it is encouraging so not a huge worry right now, but again, we'll know more Thursday.

Been a hell of a year so far.

Holy ####.

Now I feel like an ###. This is some real stuff.

Thinking of you, Mrs. GM and the baby...

Thanks, but I honestly think this will end up being okay. If not, well...we'll figure out the next steps with the doctors and plan accordingly. Sounds a lot worse than it is, though not hearing it at all would be preferred.

Of course, not hearing the word "TWINS" would be really REALLY preferred.

From what I understand, as you said above, this is fairly common, and will more likely than not remedy itself. All babies have a hole in their hearts, as it has to do with circulation in the womb. Most close right at birth, but others take longer. Best wishes to you guys, but a positive (and non-invasive) outcome is highly likely.