Tonesky

OK, shifting the discussion a bit, any thoughts on minimum room size/depth to utilize overhead atmos speakers? I guess even with 5.1, I could put a pair above, or maybe slightly forward, of the listening sweet seat. But, to really get the benefit of a 7.1.4 setup, how big of a room do I need to have?

We will not skimp on cat6a cable. That was my thinking. We likely wire for surround at HT location, but otherwise eventually end up with something like Sonos for background/ambient music around the house. Definitely thinking flush mount LED units rather than LED bulbs in traditional cans. Have now stumbled upon Lutron Caseta as a way to smart control them.

When I gave up my dedicated audio space and $10K in stereo equipment a few years ago, I got a firm commitment that I would have full and perpetual control over the HT space in the den. But, we'll see how that goes, because we all know that pussy always wins.

Anyone making a combo gas/induction cooktop, or single or double induction unit that can be built-in next to the gas cooktop?

Current to-be-demoed flood house had rooftop antenna feeding second coax at main TV. It came in very handy during outages.

My primary setup will be wall or stand mounted, not in-ceiling speakers. Would only pull wire for 2 or 4 ceiling speakers, if being positioned for future Atmos channels.

Is this something that will stick and that I will want? We are embarking on new construction and will be pulling wire. But, unless it is to future-proof for Dolby Atmos, I am not likely to run any wire for in-ceiling speakers. My current receiver does not support Atmos and I am not likely to replace it any time soon. When I get to that point, will I want to have wiring in place for Atmos?

Finally getting started on post Harvey house plans…. It will never be easier or cheaper to pull wire, than it will be during construction, but what to do in our increasingly wireless world? We will for sure wire for phone (at least one), TV coax, CAT internet, POE security cameras, and theater. What else, if anything, should we do? Lighting will mostly be LED cans. Are those smart controllable? Or, is it all going to soon be obsolete, as systems like Google Home, Apple HomePod, and Amaon Echo proliferate?

We have been very happy with our Thermador cooktop. It is one of just a handful of gas cooktops that can hold a true simmer. https://blog.yaleappliance.com/top-best-low-simmering-gas-cooktops

Hook 'em!

And, now, I laugh about it. But, holy shit, that was a wild ride.

We are trying to move forward post Harvey and have met with a handful of architects regarding new construction, each of whom has sent a proposal with the same two irritating terms. I am particularly interested in hearing from architects on whether I'm looking at take it or leave it, or there might be room for negotiation on these issues. (1) All proposals reserve plan ownership/copyright to the architect, subjecting me to liability for any use of the plan other than building my house at the specified location, and granting the architect unlimited rights and use. I get that this is intended to protect the architect, but I am paying dearly for the plan, which is supposed to reflect my vision. Why should the architect then have the ability to sell or license the design to others? Is it unreasonable to request a prohibition on the architect using my plan for anything other than advertising or marketing without my consent? (2) All proposals limit the architect's liability to the amount I pay the architect. Most state the architect will carry at least $X in E&O coverage, but that doesn't apply to me if I've agreed to limit damages to the amount I paid to the architect. Some even attempt to shift responsibility to me for third-party claims. Why the limitation if the architect has insurance? Do architect's E&O policies typically have an exclusion or coverage limitation for claims by the client/homeowner? If not, is it unreasonable to expect to have full benefit of the E&O policy if something goes wrong?

In Houston, we used and were very happy with Randy Swearingen / Ultra Windows.

In the late 70s, it was pretty common at The Summit for women to avoid restroom lines by sitting on and pissing in the men's room sinks.

Weekend 2 (again).

In Trastevere, we were blown away at Antico Carlone, Via della Luce, 5. Reservations strongly suggested. And, don't go with plans to be somewhere any time soon.

I did something similar. Same for password.

Sadly, not as often as I did when single.

Not looking back. Surly post count = 1