View Full Version : The WAF and How To Get (Around) It
It's been a perennial problem but in these days of Ikea and laminate flooring wives and their asthetic sensibilities are becoming an increasingly difficult obstacle to climb for the man who is seeking no-compromise audio solutions in the home.
This is not exaggeration - One poor fellow on another forum was, just yesterday, bemoaning the fact that he gets grief from SWMBO for not closing the blinds properly. Woe betide him should he one day turn up with a battered pair of TDL Reference Monitors and attempt to install them in the lounge.
Worse still it is ruining value for money hi-fi as no longer will an unfinished metal box blatently screwed together and painted with a tin of hammerite found in the shed be an acceptable accompaniment to domestic bliss. So as well as paying for all the expensive components in the box we are now expected to pay for a fancy box as well.
Loudspeakers have suffered even more. Not only do we have to fork out for real wood veneer when a bare chipboard finish will sound exactly the same, but the speakers must not look 'intrusive', cannot be too wide or too deep, cannot have big drivers; there must be no cables snaking across the floor taped down with gaffer or covered over with an old car mat you found in the garage. In short they must be both expensive and shit otherwise you will return home one night to find out that wifey has packed her bags and gone to her mother's, without even having the good grace to cook your tea and leave it on a low heat in the oven first.
Obviously even if we leave aside the romantic implications this has numerous practical considerations, not least of which is the cost of the divorce.
So what can be done about this sad state of affairs? What tips and tricks do you have to maintain domestic bliss and have a f**k off ugly (but superb-sounding) hi-fi system other than marrying a bird who doesn't give a rat's ass? Your suggestions are welcome.
istari_knight
26-07-2014, 16:33
Convert to Islam ? Those fella's don't take any nonsense from the Mrs'...
awkwardbydesign
26-07-2014, 17:19
A thought just popped into my head. (Plenty of space for it.) Do gay audiophiles have the same problems? Is it a gender thing, or just a partner thing?
MikeMusic
26-07-2014, 17:28
Work out her favourite albums and get her involved with the process by hearing how wonderful it sounds.
Minimise the negative and maximise the positive
Set up how huge, monstrous and ugly something you lust after is and then say you found the smaller, aesthetic and better sounding model at a bargain price
:)
Can never understand why a woman wants to stifle a blokes hobby.
Also don't understand why the bloke ends up being so hen pecked that he can only buy a system that matches everything that she has bought.
Work out her favourite albums and get her involved with the process by hearing how wonderful it sounds.
Minimise the negative and maximise the positive
Set up how huge, monstrous and ugly something you lust after is and then say you found the smaller, aesthetic and better sounding model at a bargain price
:)
Thats always been my way too, works a treat !!!
Gordon Steadman
26-07-2014, 19:10
Live with/marry the right woman - simple.
hifinutt
26-07-2014, 19:19
yes my dear lady does not like my martin logans !!! but as they sound so fantastic and it keeps me happy I am ok so far !!!!
My wife hates the appearance of all my system components and they have to share the lounge with the TV which is planted in between the 1 metre high floor standing speakers.
Recently our rather ancient TV started to go on the blink and I resolved to replace it with a flat screen version with a larger screen. Now she, unfathomably also hates large screen TV's and would prefer to squint her eyes than have a fully open and resolved picture. Interestingly, when she does listen to music, and it is rarely on my system, she listens at a sound level so low, most of the sound dynamics are undetectable.
So I left the old faltering TV in place for a few weeks until she was thoroughly fed up with it and then without consultation, went out and bought a much larger size new TV and stand, very much to my own preference. Whilst I was in the final stages of assembling the new TV and stand, she arrived home from work. I was expecting a blast about lack of consultation and why was it so big etc, but no, she came in, observed I had bought a new TV and then said, "At least it makes the speakers look smaller". :eyebrows:
Result! Not had a negative comment about the speakers or the TV since :)
BTH K10A
26-07-2014, 19:45
It will always be a potential problem if your hifi has to share a room.
I'm lucky, have my own room and a wife who is ok with my hobby and don't have any problems. Not too bad considering all of my speakers would be at the pinnacle of unacceptabilty for most wives. :)
I don't have this problem, the mrs is more of an audiophile than I am :)
For us its about a space we share which means some compromises on both sides. I don't have electrostatics and she doesn't have frilly curtains. I am however planning a dedicated listening space over which I will have complete control.
Do what I did and tell her to f##k off .....find a more amenable replacement who actually understands and supports you in your hobbies and interests .....
I'm not bitter and twisted at all :D
For us its about a space we share which means some compromises on both sides. I don't have electrostatics and she doesn't have frilly curtains. I am however planning a dedicated listening space over which I will have complete control.
The man cave is one of the optimal solutions but you do need to have a big enough place to do it. Attic and garage conversions can also work but you still have to justify the cost to her somehow.
Light Dependant Resistor
27-07-2014, 04:07
WAF is certainly a dilema faced by many, It would be interesting to know the acceptance of the ESL57.
Quad I think predicted these difficulties we face by assisting acceptance with mono single speaker set ups
seen here in this image 12879
and here in an image of beautiful acceptance of the 33 and FM3
12880
Why should we hide in man caves, its only one wall !
12881
Gordon Steadman
27-07-2014, 04:38
WAF is certainly a dilema faced by many, It would be interesting to know the acceptance of the ESL57.
Quad I think predicted these difficulties we face by assisting acceptance with mono single speaker set ups
seen here in this image 12879
and here in an image of beautiful acceptance of the 33 and FM3
12880
Why should we hide in man caves, its only one wall !
12881
My nephew thinks he is going to get the Quads. As it seems likely I will go before my wife, he has a longer wait than he was expecting. Ronnie says he will have to prise them out of her dead, cold hands. Like I said, find the right woman.
Audio Al
27-07-2014, 05:23
I don't have any problems EVER ;)
I don't have a SWIMBO , Result :D
Firebottle
27-07-2014, 07:00
Loving some of these comments, you must have expected a few good replies Martin :eyebrows:
I'm totally with Gordon and Jonboy, plus the other half really appreciates the sound quality and made the suggestion of suspending the electrostatics from the ceiling with excellent results.
Only caveat is hiding as many wires as possible, so a large piece of furniture and speaker wires in the wall works a treat :D
Cheers, Alan
My HiFi is in my man cave, next to the home cinema room.
I can buy what I like aesthetically, but the budget has to be discussed, as we are still refurbishing the house.
Loving some of these comments, you must have expected a few good replies Martin :eyebrows:
I'm hoping to get enough material for a book ;)
The QUAD ads are interesting. Perhaps some sort of subtle brainwashing is the way to go? Probably not allowed these days, feminism or something.
'Find the right woman' is obviously good advice but what if she is the right woman in every way except her dislike of hi-fi components in the home? Would it be a deal-breaker for anyone? I doubt it.
Those who have split up with their partner, or as they say in the common vernacular 'kicked them to the curb', seem to be enjoying their new-found freedom. Just shows every cloud has a silver lining (or possibly just silver plated copper lining).
I'm hoping to get enough material for a book ;)
Martin, you can have a whole chapter on me. Basically my technique consists of telling ... what shall we say ... half truths. Q: How much did that cost? A: It cost $X (before GST and after subtracting the sale price of the item it replaced).
Yep - deception and misinformation - good tactics ;) What about diversion strategies, anyone using those?
Gordon Steadman
27-07-2014, 09:03
'Find the right woman' is obviously good advice but what if she is the right woman in every way except her dislike of hi-fi components in the home? Would it be a deal-breaker for anyone? I doubt it.
Good heavens - yes.
Love me - love my hifi
oh and car, computer, cats, clothes, books,taste in food/wine.........................................
I suppose if you met your significant other later in life it is a different story. You are both older and more mature, things that were important in your twenties and thirties (like having a 'show home') now seem a bit petty and pointless. You are getting together with someone who already has a life and habits developed over decades and you are more accepting of that.
Some younger married couples I know don't have that at all, the women in particular have a very clear idea of exactly what they want their life to be like and are quite ruthless in pursuing it.
anthonyTD
27-07-2014, 10:03
I met my partner later on in life, i had already been living in my home for almost 20 years!
Fortunetly' She accepted me as i am, although, i do respect that i cannot be allowed to let it take over almost every room as i did when i lived on me own!
I think at the end of the day, its about mutual respect, i have had partners in the past that would have [if i hadnt been the strong character i am] had me get rid of everything they didnt agree with, and that is why they are in the past, my Rebecca puts up with a lot, but she gets a lot of her own way in return, which for me' is what a good relationship is all about! ;) :)
A...
Some younger married couples I know don't have that at all, the women in particular have a very clear idea of exactly what they want their life to be like and are quite ruthless in pursuing it.
Whilst sadly that is undoubtedly true, just how *utterly selfish* is that shit?? :rolleyes:
If you're stupid enough to be such a MUG as to put up living with some vain social-climbing bint, who simply sees you as a tool for procreation and/or a meal ticket to achieve her 'perfect life'/utopian dream, then more fool you. Enjoy spending the remainder of your living days being her doormat!
Marco.
Whilst sadly that is undoubtedly true, just how *utterly selfish* is that shit?? :rolleyes:
If you're stupid enough to be such a MUG as to put up living with some vain social-climbing bint, who simply sees you as a tool for procreation and/or a meal ticket to achieve her 'perfect life'/utopian dream, then more fool you. Enjoy spending the remainder of your living days being her doormat!
Marco.
Marco don't forget that they are young and inexperienced and are 'living the dream'. Whilst a young man's dreams may not amount to much more than being able to lie in for an extra hour on weekends and go to the footy once a fortnight many of today's young ladies are, shall we say, a little more 'driven'.
I think at the end of the day, its about mutual respect...
Spot on, mate! The other thing is having the ability to compromise.
Mutual respect is extremely important in any relationship, but sadly that is often not the reality, and when that's the case, the relationship is quite simply doomed for failure. However, presuming that mutual respect exists, having the ability to compromise is crucial in any marriage or relationship, *if* it's going to last in the long term.
Being happily married to the same person now for 23 years, I think that I'm reasonably qualified to comment on what makes a marriage work, and I can say without question that compromise is the key!
For instance, this morning Del left the house at 9am to go and meet her friends for a 'posh breakfast' and have some girly time with them, while I was at home washing up the dishes from the night before, cleaning the house and preparing the table for lunch, whilst listening to some Jimi Hendrix. I've decanted a nice bottle of Barolo, and when she comes home, she'll cook us both a lovely lunch. I'll be washing her car later.
Last night, we enjoyed having dinner together outside in the patio, when the temperature had cooled down a bit, under candlelight until after midnight, whilst kicking back listening to some tunes on the Celestion 15XRs [which I'd set up outside and listened to during the day whilst cutting the grass], and sipping some Prosecco, watching the sun go down - it was lovely :)
Tomorrow, we'll be doing some gardening together and then at night, I'll be taking her out for a nice meal, along with my dad, who's just been away for two weeks visiting family in Scotland. That's what it's all about: working as a TEAM and introducing a bit of give and take - and in our home that applies to hi-fi considerations, as much as it does to agreeing on which colour of paint to use to decorate the lounge, or how much garlic goes into the pasta sauce!!
If you're not enjoying that type of loving and mutually respectful relationship with your partner, and are stuck in a depressing humdrum existence, kowtowing to 'she how must be obeyed', then my advice is to have a good long hard look in the mirror and do something about it, whilst you still can, as quite simply, life's too short to share it with someone who clearly cares far more about themselves than they do about you.....
Marco.
Marco don't forget that they are young and inexperienced and are 'living the dream'. Whilst a young man's dreams may not amount to much more than being able to lie in for an extra hour on weekends and go to the footy once a fortnight many of today's young ladies are, shall we say, a little more 'driven'.
Sure, Martin, that's why it's usually best to wait until you're a bit older before getting married. Too many young people today get married way too soon, and usually because an unwanted kid is involved, although sometimes the pregnancy is planned and things can work out.
Del and I were 28 and 26 respectively when we 'tied the knot', as it were, so long past our 'daft years', and it became quite clear early on that we were made for each other, and that we were destined for along and happy life together.
Why on earth would one settle for anything less in a relationship?
Marco.
337alant
27-07-2014, 11:05
To be fair SWIMBO is very tolerant about my HIFI fetish :eyebrows:, I do have my own room which is full of my old ebay junk and DIY bodge up so she just shakes her head as she passes though :rolleyes:
I initially had my HIFI in the same room as the TV lounge with SWIMBO and 3 sons the telly won every time I wanted to listen to some music :scratch:
So I built a half house extension pretending it was all about the nice new huge kitchen for her and a new dining room :eyebrows: which quickly be came my hifi room once built :D as we already had another dining room.
Anyway when I was away working for my crust she decided my hifi room would be better as a 2nd lounge for the 3 teenage boys so they could watch what they wanted or play video games so she moved MY HIFI into the dining room in-between a table and six chairs FFS :mental:
So whilst she was visiting the mother in law and always hating this table and chairs I sawed it up into little pieces and went to IKEA an bought to nice lounge chairs for my new HIFI room :D result ! she wasn't happy and I didn't get any S*X for a full week but it was a small sacrifice and Im over it now, after a bit of counselling :rolleyes:
The floor is a bit boomy in the new room but its my man cave now and she has been TOLD NEVER EVER touch the HIFI again (er please:D)
One of the grand children pushed my soft dome tweeter in once and I was trying to get it out and resorted to sucking it out, she walked in the room just as I had my hands around the speaker and my lips around the tweeter, she said I know you love your hifi but that just going too far you'll be sticking your d*ck in the port next :lol:
Anyway happy days :)
Alan
I try to respect her ideas and she mine. I dont bring ugly stuff into the living room..well apart from myself. Geg a shed and turn it into a den for the ugly stuff...marriage is simple. 2 way respect.
Anyway when I was away working for my crust she decided my hifi room would be better as a 2nd lounge for the 3 teenage boys so they could watch what they wanted or play video games so she moved MY HIFI into the dining room in-between a table and six chairs FFS :mental:
Perish the thought!! :eek:
If my wife did something like that, as they say up in Scotland: she'd be 'given her jotters'!
Marco.
Sure, Martin, that's why it's usually best to wait until you're a bit older before getting married. Too many young people today get married way too soon, and usually because an unwanted kid is involved, although sometimes the pregnancy is planned and things can work out.
Del and I were 28 and 26 respectively when we 'tied the knot', as it were, so long past our 'daft years', and it became quite clear early on that we were made for each other, and that we were destined for a long and happy life together.
Why on earth would one settle for anything less in a relationship?
Marco.
26 is still pretty young to get married. For me, anyway. I could have got married at that age to a wonderful woman who had no problem with the h-fi or large DIY speaker projects in the living room for that matter. She wasn't too keen on watching the telly though, which is my other love. Still I passed it up; thought I would have a few more years running around instead. I've never been very good at spotting which side my bread is buttered.
Shame about that, Martin - still, you've got plenty of time left yet! :)
I'd say that 26 is a decent age to get married - it's certainly better than doing it at 18 (with a sprog) for all the WRONG reasons... The "driven young ladies" you referred to earlier should have a bloody health warning stamped on their foreheads!!
Marco.
To be fair SWIMBO is very tolerant about my HIFI fetish :eyebrows:, I do have my own room which is full of my old ebay junk and DIY bodge up so she just shakes her head as she passes though :rolleyes:
I initially had my HIFI in the same room as the TV lounge with SWIMBO and 3 sons the telly won every time I wanted to listen to some music :scratch:
So I built a half house extension pretending it was all about the nice new huge kitchen for her and a new dining room :eyebrows: which quickly be came my hifi room once built :D as we already had another dining room.
Anyway when I was away working for my crust she decided my hifi room would be better as a 2nd lounge for the 3 teenage boys so they could watch what they wanted or play video games so she moved MY HIFI into the dining room in-between a table and six chairs FFS :mental:
So whilst she was visiting the mother in law and always hating this table and chairs I sawed it up into little pieces and went to IKEA an bought to nice lounge chairs for my new HIFI room :D result ! she wasn't happy and I didn't get any S*X for a full week but it was a small sacrifice and Im over it now, after a bit of counselling :rolleyes:
The floor is a bit boomy in the new room but its my man cave now and she has been TOLD NEVER EVER touch the HIFI again (er please:D)
One of the grand children pushed my soft dome tweeter in once and I was trying to get it out and resorted to sucking it out, she walked in the room just as I had my hands around the speaker and my lips around the tweeter, she said I know you love your hifi but that just going too far you'll be sticking your d*ck in the port next :lol:
Anyway happy days :)
Alan
Funny story Alan, gave me chuckle that did.
Mrs B thinks my planned HiFi room will be a 'guest' bedroom with ensuite. Boy will she be in for a shock lol.
I mean the only guests we ever have here is the odd mate of mine who usually pass out on the sofa after a bit of a session even though we have a second bedroom. They certainly dont complain about the standard of digs so I see no reason to give them an effing ensuite.
HiFi room it will be, and a comfortable one at that.
Gordon Steadman
27-07-2014, 14:22
Its not the WAF factor we have to worry about in our household but the HAF.
If Ronnie for one instant thinks she wants to put one of those bloody great screens in any of our rooms, its orf. Friends of ours said we could have their spare 50" and we said thanks but no thanks. They looked at us as if we were mad. How can you live without a TV?? All too easily ta:lol:
Heinlein had it right "goddam noisy box"
First time I went to France I put on the telly and there only seemed to be one channel with a bird sat in a garden swing talking in French (with no subtitles). Fortunately I was in Paris and had other diversions. Got back to the hotel much later and put the telly on again. Same bird in the swing. I can only assume that is what telly comprises of in France so I don't think you are missing much.
After midnight, she gets her kit off, and it all turns into a weird game show....
Marco.
PaulStewart
27-07-2014, 14:39
Live with/marry the right woman - simple.
Plus 1 to that, find a woman who is as into music as you are and wants it to sound as good as you do. That was my solution, they downside was that after we struggled the Lockwoods into our first floor flat and she heard them and loved them, when I suggested that maybe we could sell them at a tidy profit and use something like the BC1s or some IMFs, she hit me :(
Mrs B thinks my planned HiFi room will be a 'guest' bedroom with ensuite. Boy will she be in for a shock lol.
Ah yes, the 'guests' that never come, eh? :eyebrows:
How about this nonsense of creating a 'guest lounge', separate from where you actually live in, which once draped in finery and decorated to within an inch of its life, and then kept surgically clean, is never EVER used! What's that pish all about? :scratch:
I don't get the 'show home' thing either... Sounds to me like folk with serious insecurities, pretending to be someone that they're not. Fook that - you take us as you find us!!
Also, another thing I've always found bloody weird.... Hands up if your wife or partner 'dresses you'?
Yes, you qualify for that particular honour if she buys all your clothes, under the premise that 'men have no fashion sense', yes YOU THERE in the M&S polo shirt and Farah slacks, come on, fess up!! :lol:
Honestly, I think when some guys get married they're simply looking for a replacement for their mothers! Ah well, I guess it's better than buying a 'Russian bride' on the Internet....
Marco.
Ah yes, the 'guests' that never come, eh? :eyebrows:
How about this nonsense of creating a 'guest lounge', separate from where you actually live in, which once draped in finery and decorated to within an inch of its life, and then kept surgically clean, is never EVER used! What's that pish all about? :scratch:
.
I don't know about Glasgow but in Liverpool that used to be quite common practice in working-class homes. Even though there would only be two rooms and a kitchen downstairs one would always be kept for 'best'. In other words it would only be used on Christmas Day or if there was a wedding, a christening or a funeral. I used to think it was a bit odd even when I was a little kid.
Gordon Steadman
27-07-2014, 15:09
First time I went to France I put on the telly and there only seemed to be one channel with a bird sat in a garden swing talking in French (with no subtitles). Fortunately I was in Paris and had other diversions. Got back to the hotel much later and put the telly on again. Same bird in the swing. I can only assume that is what telly comprises of in France so I don't think you are missing much.
Most other UK people we know out here have Sky boxes (illegally I understand) and don't watch French TV.They sit in front of their huge screens for half the day with the glass in hand and grow slowly more moribund. Oh and fat.
French TV is, as you say, not very good. Every time I see it on, it seems to be game shows or 'reality' whatever that means.
Seriously, its become a disease. There is plenty to do if you came here to be French apart from staring at the gogglebox screaming English at you. I do wonder exactly why some of them bothered. Holidays are one thing but to live here takes some adjusting.
All the French people we know have womens' speakers though:lol:
Gordon Steadman
27-07-2014, 15:11
Plus 1 to that, find a woman who is as into music as you are and wants it to sound as good as you do. That was my solution, they downside was that after we struggled the Lockwoods into our first floor flat and she heared them and loved them, when I suggested that maybe we could sell them at a tidy profit and use something like the BC1s or some IMFs, she hit me :(
"dats my kind of woman" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VoIZQh1IjI8
Gordon Steadman
27-07-2014, 15:13
I don't know about Glasgow but in Liverpool that used to be quite common practice in working-class homes. Even though there would only be two rooms and a kitchen downstairs one would always be kept for 'best'. In other words it would only be used on Christmas Day or if there was a wedding, a christening or a funeral. I used to think it was a bit odd even when I was a little kid.
Same in our house when I was at home. There was always a best lounge. The only time I was allowed in there was to play the piano. All other times (bar special occasions as you said) it was actually locked up.
Same in our house when I was at home. There was always a best lounge. The only time I was allowed in there was to play the piano. All other times (bar special occasions as you said) it was actually locked up.
Yes they actually used to lock them! Bizarre, really. My Nan's house was a tiny little terrace but they still set a room aside for best. My parents didn't bother with that since my father had grown up in the Americas and had no concept of such behaviour. But if I went round to some of my schoolmates houses there was often a best room, sometimes locked, sometimes you could look in. Heavy smell of furniture polish. If you tried to go in then your friend would get all agitated.
Eagle owl
27-07-2014, 16:24
Are you a hen-pecked man ? well, ask for your trousers back and man the feck up. :lol:
I don't know about Glasgow but in Liverpool that used to be quite common practice in working-class homes.
I don't believe that I've frequented any, old chap... ;)
So has no-one fessed up yet to having their pants bought by their wife? :eyebrows:
Marco.
Ah yes, the 'guests' that never come, eh? :eyebrows:
How about this nonsense of creating a 'guest lounge', separate from where you actually live in, which once draped in finery and decorated to within an inch of its life, and then kept surgically clean, is never EVER used! What's that pish all about? :scratch:
I don't get the 'show home' thing either... Sounds to me like folk with serious insecurities, pretending to be someone that they're not. Fook that - you take us as you find us!!
Also, another thing I've always found bloody weird.... Hands up if your wife or partner 'dresses you'?
Yes, you qualify for that particular honour if she buys all your clothes, under the premise that 'men have no fashion sense', yes YOU THERE in the M&S polo shirt and Farah slacks, come on, fess up!! :lol:
Honestly, I think some guys are simply looking for a replacement for their mothers! Ah well, I guess it's better than buying a 'Russian bride' on the Internet....
Marco.
I do have a couple of mates who have their wives buy their outfits for them... This is probably not a bad thing as they would look like total parrafins otherwise. They seem happy enough with the situation as it is an expense they also avoid. Mrs B hates shopping so that would never happen round here.
The Grand Wazoo
27-07-2014, 17:14
For me the whole 'problem' of wife acceptance factor is very straightforward to address - find a wife that is acceptable. Job done!
I do have a couple of mates who have their wives buy their outfits for them... This is probably not a bad thing as they would look like total parrafins otherwise.
Lol - bless, I can just imagine! :eyebrows:
I assure you, however, that it's pretty much a uniquely British thing. No Italian, Spanish or French men I know would dream of doing such a thing. Futhermore, they're usually not too bad at successfully choosing underwear or clothes for their wives...
Another tip for a successful marriage: know what clothes size your wife is, what colours and styles she likes, and buy her some now and then - or at the very least, take her shopping and spoil her.... The same applies with flowers. Trust me, the 'brownie points' you'll gain from that will be well worth it!! ;)
Marco.
For me the whole 'problem' of wife acceptance factor is very straightforward to address - find a wife that is acceptable. Job done!
:lolsign:
Marco.
I don't believe that I've frequented any, old chap... ;)
So has no-one fessed up yet to having their pants bought by their wife? :eyebrows:
Marco.
pretty much the opposite as i usually buy her clothes ;)
Smart chap - the problems only start when you look better in them than her!! :lol: :D
Marco.
fortunately she's an 8, and i'm an 80 so that'll not happen......damn shame too; chiffon is lovely in summer:D
awkwardbydesign
27-07-2014, 18:06
So whilst she was visiting the mother in law and always hating this table and chairs I sawed it up into little pieces and went to IKEA an bought to nice lounge chairs for my new HIFI room :D result ! she wasn't happy and I didn't get any S*X for a full week but it was a small sacrifice and Im over it now, after a bit of counselling :rolleyes:
Alan
You have sex every week? :eek: Obviously not that week.
fortunately she's an 8, and i'm an 80 so that'll not happen......damn shame too; chiffon is lovely in summer:D
Heh heh... Del's a 6 - it's a freakin' nightmare getting anything for her, as she's teeny-tiny! Actually she buys a lot of her clothes in France (we often go there by car, sometimes en-route to Italy), as French women are usually petite. She likes the styles too, especially little 'floaty' dresses, which she wears a lot of :)
Marco.
Heh heh... Del's a 6 - it's a freakin' nightmare getting anything for her, as she's teeny-tiny! Actually she buys a lot of her clothes in France (we often go there by car, sometimes en-route to Italy), as French women are usually petite. She likes the styles too, especially little 'floaty' dresses, which she wears a lot of :)
Marco.
funny but I usually got Irene's from France as well. my Daughter is tiny and was a 6 too...she wore kids stuff sometimes. after 2 kids she is now an 8 so not so much of a problem.....shit I'm starting to sound like Mr Teasyweasy here.:doh:
....now, do you like ...em, boxing??:rolleyes:
awkwardbydesign
27-07-2014, 18:18
So has no-one fessed up yet to having their pants bought by their wife? :eyebrows:
Marco.
That'll be me then. Mind you she knows what I like and I can't be arsed (sic) doing it myself. I usually get my clothes from charity shops (not pants, BTW), I think Primark is expensive now! Although I seem to be in a brogues phase.
http://www.egelnickandwebb.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/trickers-junya-watanabe-man-shoes-1.jpeg
Gordon Steadman
27-07-2014, 18:28
Heh heh... Del's a 6 - it's a freakin' nightmare getting anything for her, as she's teeny-tiny! Actually she buys a lot of her clothes in France (we often go there by car, sometimes en-route to Italy), as French women are usually petite. She likes the styles too, especially little 'floaty' dresses, which she wears a lot of :)
Marco.
The women might be like that in the bits you visit but in the ten years since we first came here, we have seen a gradual er....spreading. Looking at the supermarket trolleys show a definite shift to US style shopping. Full of ready meals and fizz quite apart from the usual bottles of proper liquid.
Ronnie is size 8 and looks half the size of the average women we see nowadays. French women in this area tend to come from the more 'stocky' end of the human spectrum but even so, the trend is ever outward.
walpurgis
27-07-2014, 18:35
That'll be me then. Mind you she knows what I like and I can't be arsed (sic) doing it myself. I usually get my clothes from charity shops (not pants, BTW), I think Primark is expensive now! Although I seem to be in a brogues phase.
You don't actually go out in those do you Richard? :D
Themz ee's dancin' shoes! :D
Marco.
The women might be like that in the bits you visit but in the ten years since we first came here, we have seen a gradual er....spreading. Looking at the supermarket trolleys show a definite shift to US style shopping. Full of ready meals and fizz quite apart from the usual bottles of proper liquid.
Ronnie is size 8 and looks half the size of the average women we see nowadays. French women in this area tend to come from the more 'stocky' end of the human spectrum but even so, the trend is ever outward.
That's very interesting Gordon, and sad to hear..... I can tell you the same thing is also happening in Italy. Don't get me started on that sort of stuff though, as it's a pet hate of mine! :rolleyes:
The 'stocky' thing is also interesting...
I don't doubt what you're saying, but it must be a regional trend, as only last year Del was in various French ladies boutiques, which were full of clothes in small sizes - unfortunately leaving with more than a few carrier bags (to the detriment of my bank balance)! Mind you, designer clothes tend to be mostly available in small sizes, which I would hasten to add, is the main reason she buys them. The others being style and fit - she couldn't give a toss about labels.
Bear in mind that when we're in France we avoid big (what one could also call 'trendy') cities like the plague, so I'm talking here about rural (north eastern to mid eastern) France, and shops in quaint little country villages. The women going around certainly weren't fat... Maybe round your way they have too much of a liking for foie gras, or is it McDonalds? ;)
Marco.
Gordon Steadman
27-07-2014, 19:16
That's very interesting, Gordon, and sad to hear... I can tell you the same thing is also happening in Italy. Don't get me started on that sort of stuff though, as it's a pet hate of mine! :rolleyes:
The 'stocky' thing is also interesting...
I don't doubt what you're saying, but it must be a regional trend, as only last year Del was in various French ladies boutiques which were full of clothes in small sizes - unfortunately leaving with lots of carrier bags (to the detriment of my bank balance)! Mind you, designer clothes tend to be mostly available in small sizes, which I would hasten to add, is the main reason she buys them.
Bear in mind that when we're in France we avoid big (what one could also call 'trendy') cities like the plague, so I'm talking here about rural (north eastern to mid eastern) France, and shops in quaint little country villages. The women going around certainly weren't fat... Maybe round your way they have too much of a liking for foie gras, or is it McDonalds? ;)
Marco.
We are two thirds down on the left!!. As you say, there is a lot of regional variation in build. My immediate neighbours are fairly typical. He is a farmer and built like the proverbial brickhouse but only about 5'6" tall. His wife is the same height but rather broad but its firm :eyebrows:. Her mother and sister are the same build. Its the younger women that worry though. Rolls of flab hanging out of stupidly tight clothes. Yuck basically. OK one shouldn't generalise but its definitely a trend.
There are two MacDonalds within easy reach. That sort of stuff plus the move towards massive supermarkets is just accelerating the move to poor diet.
Rolls of flab hanging out of stupidly tight clothes. Yuck basically.
We also see plenty of that 'look' round here. It's bloody hideous. One wonders if they check themselves in the mirror first before leaving the house... My conclusion is that they get dressed in the dark!
Interestingly, some German cousins visiting us remarked that in Wrexham, the fatter the women, the shorter the skirts!! :D
Too true....
Marco.
at least they are wearing skirts...around here they pour themselves into a pair of black tights.....fair gies yi the dry boak
...fair gies yi the dry boak
:lol: :lol:
Aye, Scottish vernacular always did have a rather 'brutal' way of quickly getting to the point!!
Marco.
at least they are wearing skirts...around here they pour themselves into a pair of black tights.....fair gies yi the dry boak
C'on mate, giv us the translation.
pour themselves into a pair of black tights
More likely leggings that are too small, happens a lot in Romford :stalks:
walpurgis
27-07-2014, 22:24
Its the younger women that worry though. Rolls of flab hanging out of stupidly tight clothes. Yuck basically.
Try visiting Chelmsford. It's 'The Look' there. But then, you still see families decked out in shell suits there. :eek:
C'on mate, giv us the translation.
it means that it makes you feel like vomiting..:eek: yes legging; I got the terminology wrong.....nice enough on a pretty gal with a figure, but some people really should know better....the woman across the road was wearing them last week............she really shouldn't have.....put me right off my lamb casserole.:eyebrows: might add she is over 50 too, and no looker.
More likely leggings that are too small, happens a lot in Romford :stalks:
I don't get the motivation, though... Why wear a pair of leggings three sizes too small that simply serve to accentuate your big fat arse, which neither makes YOU look good or attractive to men, should one be 'on the pull', (unless said men have a fetish for sweaty rolls of cellulite shoved inside a sausage skin) :spew:
Talking of which, Brenda forgot to look in the mirror before going to work:
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/661/6x8f72.jpg
Marco.
Not so much Camel toe, more like Elephant toe. You can almost see what they had for breakfast
unless said men have a fetish for sweaty rolls of cellulite
They're called 'feeders' :D
walpurgis
27-07-2014, 22:37
I don't get the motivation, though... Why wear a pair of leggings three sizes too small that simply serve to accentuate your big fat arse, which neither makes YOU look good or attractive to men, should one be 'on the pull', (unless said men have a fetish for sweaty rolls of cellulite shoved inside a sausage skin) :spew:
Talking of which, Brenda forgot to look in the mirror before going to work:
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/661/6x8f72.jpg
Marco.
I recognise her, it's Norma Sarse. At least her fella's got somewhere to park the bike.
it means that it makes you feel like vomiting..:eek: yes legging; I got the terminology wrong.....nice enough on a pretty gal with a figure, but some people really should know better....the woman across the road was wearing them last week............she really shouldn't have.....put me right off my lamb casserole.:eyebrows: might add she is over 50 too, and no looker.
Hahahaha... To keep things fair though, lest we be accused of unkindness to women, it's no worse than some bloke with a massive beer belly, sporting a pair of jeans, hanging down way below his gut, with the belt fastened at a 'strategically positioned' point, kidding himself on that he still takes a size 32" waist!! :lol:
Marco.
I recognise her, it's Norma Sarse. At least her fella's got somewhere to park the bike.
Lol... Let's just say there's certainly not much there to impede the path of a botty burp! :D
Marco.
I recognise her, it's Norma Sarse. At least her fella's got somewhere to park the bike.
Aye; A motor bike .....
....and agreed Marco...I have a bit of one myself, but dont wear clothes that accentuate the problem. more that I try to attenuate it so as not to offend......I have the excuse that I am getting on a bit and cannot do very much physically, but when younger, was pretty fit. No doubt that now, people exercise way too little and eat way too much.. I have a plate of soup for lunch and a one course main meal for tea.
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/661/6x8f72.jpg
Marco.
Gee Marco, I feel really honoured - you sharing your private porn collection with us an' all.
....and agreed Marco...I have a bit of one myself, but dont wear clothes that accentuate the problem.
Yup, that's the key! We all get a bit 'chunkier' in our old age, but why 'showcase the flab', like a badge of honour? Some of the sights you see on beaches, from both men and women, beggar belief!! :eek:
Marco.
Gee Marco, I feel really honoured - you sharing your private porn collection with us an' all.
Hehehehe... A quick search of Google Images can pay dividends! ;)
{and anyway, there were no donkeys...}
Marco.
Some of the sights you see on beaches, from both men and women, beggar belief!! :eek:
http://i.ytimg.com/vi/17_Wjh2o9mU/0.jpg
Hahahahahaha... What exactly is that green 'hammock' thing there for?? You wouldn't be able to see his 'wee bobby' anyway!! :lol:
Marco.
http://i.ytimg.com/vi/17_Wjh2o9mU/0.jpg
I would have been at a loss for words but I know what to say now:
Fair gies yi the dry boak!
walpurgis
27-07-2014, 23:31
I have the excuse that I am getting on a bit and cannot do very much physically, but when younger, was pretty fit.
I don't know your age Grant, but "getting on a bit" is an excuse I only give myself. I 'celebrated' my 66th yesterday and have no belly at all. I've had a few health problems, but seem to have worked (and I mean work) my way through them. We get less energetic over the winter and admit I felt unfit and slow this spring. I've since been forcing myself to undertake proper hard work around the house and garden and must say I feel pretty fit now. Oh and I don't eat like most blokes. Plenty of fruit, no meat, salad most days, cereal, etc., (still enjoy a beer and a fag though). I'm not big, 5ft 6" on a good day and currently weigh 11st (still 54" around the chest though).
walpurgis
27-07-2014, 23:34
I would have been at a loss for words but I know what to say now:
Fair gies yi the dry boak!
I didn't realise you looked like that these days Andrei.
I would have been at a loss for words but I know what to say now:
http://i.ytimg.com/vi/17_Wjh2o9mU/0.jpg
Fair gies yi the dry boak!
You're learning fast! Yon wee lassie's landit a right growler, wi bigger paps than hur heid...
;)
Marco.
Growler mean something else entirely round this way. I.e. the butchers dustbin.
MikeMusic
28-07-2014, 07:23
So has no-one fessed up yet to having their pants bought by their wife? :eyebrows:
Marco.
The other half buys just about all of my clothes. Not sure how that started. Possibly as my interest in clothes is that they are comfortable. I am bought stuff because I "need" whatever it is. Fashion icon I ain't
Beobloke
28-07-2014, 08:10
I can categorically state that I wear the trousers in our house. Obviously Mrs. B buys them, picks them out every morning and helps me put them on, but I definitely wear them...
Regarding the whole WAF speaker acceptance thing, I think I've stumbled onto a great money-making scheme, involving the Leak 3090 loudspeakers that I own which, as most of you probably know, are a tad on the large side and not exactly famous for their sleek styling. It goes like this:
1) Person selects new loudspeakers the he suspects will be given short shrift by the wife.
2) Assuming said loudspeakers are smaller than the Leaks (most are, to be fair...), said person contacts me and for a cost of, let's say £50 plus petrol, I bring the Leaks round and install them in their lounge.
3) SWMBO come in, sees them, goes mad.
4) Argument ensues which ends with speaker buyer "begrudgingly" saying he'll compromise and go for something smaller and selects the speakers he really wants.
5) Given the 99% chance that these will be smaller and prettier than the Leaks, SWMBO accepts.
6) I return, collect the Leaks. Job done.
:D
The other half buys just about all of my clothes. Not sure how that started. Possibly as my interest in clothes is that they are comfortable. I am bought stuff because I "need" whatever it is. Fashion icon I ain't
Lol, Mike... At least you're honest! Anyway, I think a lot of it is a generation thing :D
I simply couldn't imagine Del going out and buying me clothes - for starters, she'd tell me to fook off, stop being such a lazy git and do it myself! I think the last time anyone bought all my clothes for me, was my mum, when I was about ten.
Marco.
I don't know your age Grant, but "getting on a bit" is an excuse I only give myself. I 'celebrated' my 66th yesterday and have no belly at all. I've had a few health problems, but seem to have worked (and I mean work) my way through them. We get less energetic over the winter and admit I felt unfit and slow this spring. I've since been forcing myself to undertake proper hard work around the house and garden and must say I feel pretty fit now. Oh and I don't eat like most blokes. Plenty of fruit, no meat, salad most days, cereal, etc., (still enjoy a beer and a fag though). I'm not big, 5ft 6" on a good day and currently weigh 11st (still 54" around the chest though).
My left hip is pretty much gone now so moving around is difficult thus the belly...that and good scotch...on some new meds so am feeling a bit better. Hoping to limp about a bit more ..lol.
I was always big built but the belly appeared when my mobility reduced. Determined to remove it though.
I can categorically state that I wear the trousers in our house. Obviously Mrs. B buys them, picks them out every morning and helps me put them on, but I definitely wear them...
Regarding the whole WAF speaker acceptance thing, I think I've stumbled onto a great money-making scheme, involving the Leak 3090 loudspeakers that I own which, as most of you probably know, are a tad on the large side and not exactly famous for their sleek styling. It goes like this:
1) Person selects new loudspeakers the he suspects will be given short shrift by the wife.
2) Assuming said loudspeakers are smaller than the Leaks (most are, to be fair...), said person contacts me and for a cost of, let's say £50 plus petrol, I bring the Leaks round and install them in their lounge.
3) SWMBO come in, sees them, goes mad.
4) Argument ensues which ends with speaker buyer "begrudgingly" saying he'll compromise and go for something smaller and selects the speakers he really wants.
5) Given the 99% chance that these will be smaller and prettier than the Leaks, SWMBO accepts.
6) I return, collect the Leaks. Job done.
:D
It's a cunning plan but the Leaks, whilst big, are not really ugly enough. For maxiumum effectiveness we will need something that us both enourmous and hideous. Most domestic vintage speakers won't do because of the quality wood veneer finishes - even my Akais look pretty respectable with the grilles on.
So, what loudspeaker has the lowest WAF ever?
My left hip is pretty much gone now so moving around is difficult thus the belly...that and good scotch...on some new meds so am feeling a bit better. Hoping to limp about a bit more ..lol.
I was always big built but the belly appeared when my mobility reduced. Determined to remove it though.
There's a difference, though, between having a somewhat 'chunky stomach' and a beer belly - the best examples of the latter make you look as if you're 9 months pregnant!! :D
[And it is caused solely through excessive supping of ale].
Marco.
It's a cunning plan but the Leaks, whilst big, are not really ugly enough. For maxiumum effectiveness we will need something that us both enourmous and hideous. Most domestic vintage speakers won't do because of the quality wood veneer finishes - even my Akais look pretty respectable with the grilles on.
So, what loudspeaker has the lowest WAF ever?
My Lockies? :eyebrows:
Can't imagine too many domineering and house-proud "driven young women" sanctioning the use of those babies in their 'show-home lounge', for the benefit of their weak-willed and subservient other halves! Can you? ;)
Marco.
Very true! Mine is too big and will go..I'll just cut out the whisky for a while....its even more belly producing than beer
Is it? I didn't know that... I presumed that the 'pot' resulted from gassy lagers, etc. Interesting! :)
Marco.
Is it? I didn't know that... I presumed that the 'pot' resulted from gassy lagers, etc. Interesting! :)
Marco.
The higher the alcohol, the higher the sugar content. When I gave up alcohol temporarily I lost 1 Kg in a week so mums have been drinking a fair bit then. Only half bottle of wine a day and an odd beer though.
The higher the alcohol, the higher the sugar content.
That's true. I just didn't realise that drinking too much whisky gave you a beer belly! :eyebrows:
Marco.
Remember seeing a pair of Bose speakers that were hideous. They had multiple drivers and were on stands..looked and sounded terrible
That's true. I just didn't realise that drinking too much whisky gave you a beer belly! :eyebrows:
Marco.
Interestingly your body burns the calories consumed from alcohol first before it burns the food calories, so technically its not the alcohol that makes your fat, its the food calories which are not being used.
Didn't know that... Ok, Jim, your nickname is now 'Captain Factoid'! :D
Shall I add it to your profile?
Marco.
Light Dependant Resistor
28-07-2014, 10:22
Remember seeing a pair of Bose speakers that were hideous. They had multiple drivers and were on stands..looked and sounded terrible
Yes not a very high WAF with the Bose 901. if you happen to own a pair of Series 4 which are fairly popular, the the only thing that works well is the Series 6 equalizer, and with very careful placement of the speakers reasonable and quite interesting audio can be obtained from them. The best ones are the very early models that did not using foam for the drivers,
walpurgis
28-07-2014, 10:37
Remember seeing a pair of Bose speakers that were hideous. They had multiple drivers and were on stands..looked and sounded terrible
That description sounds like the Bose 901, although they have made other multiple driver speakers. The first 901 was a truly remarkable speaker and could sound amazing on the right system. It needed bags of power and grip to work properly. We're talking of the seventies here and I recall being at an audio exhibition and visiting the Tannoy, Celestion and IMF stands which were most impressive, then going to the Bose demo and being completely blown away with the sheer clarity and monstrous power of the 901s, so potent. Four were being used in a quadrophonic setup and the extended, tight and very deep bass was stunning. I've always fancied a pair of the first ones, it's the only thing from Bose that ever impressed me.
That description sounds like the Bose 901, although they have made other multiple driver speakers. The first 901 was a truly remarkable speaker and could sound amazing on the right system.
..... it's the only thing from Bose that ever impressed me.
Agreed - the 901 was the only thing that Bose made that was any good. Not sure I would be interested in a pair these days though.
MikeMusic
29-07-2014, 10:10
Lol, Mike... At least you're honest! Anyway, I think a lot of it is a generation thing :D
I simply couldn't imagine Del going out and buying me clothes - for starters, she'd tell me to fook off, stop being such a lazy git and do it myself! I think the last time anyone bought all my clothes for me, was my mum, when I was about ten.
Marco.
I have told her a few times I'm not wearing that ! and it went back
Think she has adapted to me rather than the other way round.
There is stuff she has bought I have never worn.
Thinking on. Most of this must come from my utter dislike of going shopping
awkwardbydesign
29-07-2014, 11:27
Thinking on. Most of this must come from my utter dislike of going shopping
Trying on clothes is something I hate. Especially one piece leathers, with all the armour, in summer. With a broken collar bone. At least I can get the pretty assistant to help me get them on!
Trying on clothes is something I hate. Especially one piece leathers, with all the armour, in summer. With a broken collar bone. At least I can get the pretty assistant to help me get them on!
Crikey, a pretty assistant in a bike shop, not round here there isn't! I once had a nurse cut me out of a set, she wasn't pretty but I appreciated what she was doing!
awkwardbydesign
30-07-2014, 19:53
Crikey, a pretty assistant in a bike shop, not round here there isn't! I once had a nurse cut me out of a set, she wasn't pretty but I appreciated what she was doing!
GT Motorcycles, Plymstock. Eat your heart out.
Firebottle
31-07-2014, 06:17
:worthless:
:) Alan
awkwardbydesign
31-07-2014, 08:00
:worthless:
:) Alan
Here you go.
http://img.izismile.com/img/img3/20100225/most_beautiful_men_05.jpg
I never said it was a woman! :eyebrows:
Wrong. Wrong on so many levels. Please post a picture of an attractive biker chick to make up for it.
Gordon Steadman
31-07-2014, 11:31
Would my wife do?:lol:
Sorry about all the clothes but its mine all mine............I hope:eyebrows:
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5571/14790213981_91c779edba_o.jpg
awkwardbydesign
31-07-2014, 11:39
Haven't got a biker chick pic, but I also longboard. Will this do?
http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m604/awkwardbydesign/longboard2_zpsdd519f5d.jpg (http://s1134.photobucket.com/user/awkwardbydesign/media/longboard2_zpsdd519f5d.jpg.html)
So, what loudspeaker has the lowest WAF ever?
Ureis....by a country mile. Huge, matt black chipboard space eaters. Industrial aesthetic?
No bloody aesthetic whatever.
But in mitigation, M'lud, they do work well tight into corners.
Acceptable ;)
Your a hard man to please Martin...she can run her board down my path anytime:lol:
stupinder
31-07-2014, 15:58
Well...when me and Mrs Stupinder first met up I was using a PA i used for parties as the main set of speakers. IIRC there was a pair of bass bins, set of 2 x 12" mids and a set of tweeters all powered by really ugly pro amps with no tops on them...safety first chaps!!! So now she's desensitised I get away with just about anything in the house stereo-wise. If you haven't had the good sense to do this there's a series of tips (http://hifipig.com/thedeviousaudiophile/) I wrote a while ago
(Mods - remove if deemed overly spammy).
wee tee cee
31-07-2014, 16:15
shoes, handbags or underwear of equal daft aspiration on yer other halfs part works for me. Give and take.....sitting in front of bare 63s on stands-that was a nice trip to paris when we got yer loubitons!!!!
I get away with atheistic murder but always try to balance the books. Im very fortunate my good lady loves and plays music...surely our ace bargaining tool?
awkwardbydesign
31-07-2014, 21:20
shoes, handbags or underwear of equal daft aspiration on yer other halfs part works for me. Give and take.....sitting in front of bare 63s on stands-that was a nice trip to paris when we got yer loubitons!!!!
I get away with atheistic murder but always try to balance the books. Im very fortunate my good lady loves and plays music...surely our ace bargaining tool?
Yeah, my wife was into music before I was. I just make stuff, some of which is hifi.
CornishPasty
31-07-2014, 22:52
I've told my wife that owning IMFs is a big responsibility and she must be careful when she's polishing them :)
stupinder
01-08-2014, 15:04
Would my wife do?:lol:
Sorry about all the clothes but its mine all mine............I hope:eyebrows:
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5571/14790213981_91c779edba_o.jpg
She's not changed a bit, G :-)
Gordon Steadman
01-08-2014, 15:30
She's not changed a bit, G :-)
I'll tell her you said that.
She may or may not pleased as the case may be:eyebrows:
Perish the thought!! :eek:
If my wife did something like that, as they say up in Scotland: she'd be 'given her jotters'!
Marco.
or be booted in the fud. (sorry ladies)
Nah, she'd boot ma boz! :eek:
Marco.
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