Alrighty...
I'm an 09 architecture graduate, working as an architect/project manager at a firm in Blacksburg.
I grew up a tech fan and have been to a home football game every year of my life (*2020......... stupid 2020....). I was in a shootout contest at a basketball game in my very young days. I missed every shot. Until about 6 years ago, I thought I was the second hokie in my family, after my dad. But then I found out my great great grandfather attended in the 1890's.
I'm a musician with an interest in a lot of styles and music. But am more of a Jack of all trades, master of none. I should probably focus on it more, but I have kids and other obligations.
I have two kids. One is four, the other 16 months. I haven't slept properly in four years.
I have far too many hobbies and obligations.
I know of at least three people, including one client, who have figured out who I am in real life. And I'm sure this thread will lead to more.
After me, I'd nominate Stineydraw, or someone else willing to let it out they were in the football program. If Stiney doesn't take up a thread in a day or so, and another player is out there and willing, throw your hat in the ring. Otherwise, I'll nominate someone else. I'd love to get some insight into the inner workings of such things.
Comments
Why did you pick Bluto from Animal House as your handle.
What instruments do you play?
What's your first name?
Why couldn't you pick cake or pie and what is your favorite pie.?
Belushi was a master of telling a story with facial expressions. And I've always thought it was hilarious. I was in need of a screen name, on a few different forums, that didn't link me with any prior screen names. This one popped into my head and I ran with it.
I was taught guitar, and primarily played that for the first decade or so of my public performing. Later I realized good guitar players are everywhere and there is more demand for other instruments. I've mostly performed on upright and electric bass for the last decade. I slip in guitar, lap steel, mandolin and a few others from time to time. I can make decent noise with most stringed instruments, but struggle with anything with a bow. Also can't play drums.
My first name is Adam, but that doesn't help much with my identification.
First... I'm team milkshake. Joe just hasn't made it an option. Favorite pies are pecan, French coconut, and key lime.
Do you have a go-to shake at cookout and if so what is it?
Peanut butter. Five Guys' peanut butter shake is probably the king of chain PB shakes though.
...so parenting philosophy?
Side note: I regret that I didn't ask this question of hokietopher. I hadn't conceived of it until DC's ama
Bar1990 did ask me this in my AMA. Sorry on mobile can't link very well rolight now.
I'll find it. 😊
I work in an industry that demands too much of the people in it. It demands overtime and travel that takes away from personal life. I find myself away from my family a lot more than I'd like, and I've been pushing to make sure work doesn't take away the time I have with them. I'm trying to enjoy every moment and find time for more of those moments. In general, just find/make time for them. Other things can wait.
And a second thing, that connects well with the first: don't set unreasonable expectations for yourself and family. Be happy with what you get done, and don't dwell on the things you don't get done. You'll find out pretty quickly if the things that didn't get done were necessary. Honestly, most of them aren't. Having a spotless house is overrated.
From your intro
Substitute 30(years( for "four'-both places) and 29 years for "16 months" and that's me. Sleep patterns permanently altered once I had kids. Makes partying and tailgating on long gamedays easier even at age 58 though!
Absolutely this! When I was a telephone mortgage loan officer in the late 90s and early '00s and rates were extremely low, other LOs would be working 15-18 hour days. I stuck to a 8am-6pm schedule religiously because I wanted to have family time. And still was regularly among top 3 in our division and top 1% in company in total production Could I have made more (money) by working more hours? Absolutely1 Do I regret the choice I made? Not for a moment! All the money in the world can't compare with the feeling you get when you get home and are greeted with smiles and a hug from your wee ones! Work-life balance is crucial, and will give far greater joy and satisfaction in life than a few additional dollars ever can.
The old saying goes "nobody will remember how much overtime you work, or how late you worked, except for your kids."
Was D-Day ever found?
I think this violates CGs?
Edit: NVM I was thinking of "The Germans bombed Pearl Harbor"
Carry on
He's talking about the character from the movie Animal House, played by Bruce McGill, who the end credits list as 'whereabouts unknown'.
I sorta thought Joe had made some rule about any reference to animal house but maybe that's just how my little brain interpreted
When I went to look I realized I was off base
All good buddy! 🤪 I think that reference from Joe was about having some content or discourse relevant to the topic in question.
He's hanging with Elvis somewhere.
My brother is also an 09 architecture grad. And there's one more TKPer whose wife is too.
Anyhow, what's the most almost-arrested you've ever been?
How do you feel about banana pudding?
Edit: light grammar
Oooh... definitely people I'd know then. We all spent way too much time together in studio.
Most arrested: I was at a party that encompassed multiple townhouses in a complex. Cops showed up and started breaking up the parties. They started in the townhouse I was in, and moved from one to another. I kept staying in front of them. Finally, I ran out of houses and wandered outside. Right in front of me sits a cruiser with the engine running. Having partaken a bit more than I should have, something in my brain says "check the door". Luckily it was locked. Otherwise, I probably would have crawled in and things would have gone downhill after.
Mostly, I've steered clear of the law. I've gotten away with a lot of small pranks now over the years. Most were reasonably harmless. But, I've not done much to end up on the police radar.
Banana pudding is great, but putting whipped cream on top is excessive and contributes nothing to the experience.
Banana pudding is great, but putting whipped cream on top is excessive and contributes nothing to the experience.
^^^^ x 1000
Cooked banana pudding with meringue is amazing.
And now I'm sitting here trying to think of everyone with a brother and with Jersey connections.
An Andrew is the only candidate I haven't managed to rule out. But, I can't recall any conversations about siblings with him.
Marry - f*ck-kill:
Martha Stewart
Kamala Harris
Rosie O'Donnell
What a weird list.
I have trouble putting down a fork. So, I'll marry Martha. She can feed me.
I'm totally indifferent towards Kamala. With the right paper bag, she can have the second slot.
And I generally dislike Rosie, so, she can have the third slot.
Really, beyond Martha, I don't have solid feelings on either of the other two. Can they just mow my yard instead?
We need John Boyer in this AMA
I do like plaid.
Mayonnaise.
Meant to respond to another post.
Nothing more TKP than randomly yelling Mayonnaise in a crowded post.
does your firm work on a regional, state, or national level? I've always been interested in how far these Blacksburg firms reach.
Do architects (like yourself) register their renderings with copyright office? or procure design patents?
Most Blacksburg firms with any geographical reach are firms with multiple offices. Hanbury has a really wide reach, but I'd say it's the company, as a whole, that contributes to that. My office, prior to its acquisition, was doing work all over West Virginia and much of Virginia. Richmond and Tidewater were the only Virginia markets we didn't have much success in. Historically, the company had done work all over the region. I've seen projects listed in Nc, Ga, Md, Tn, and others. They held contracts with the Navy for a while that took them to Cuba and anywhere else the navy might have bases in the south east us. Virginia is a tough market. There are a lot of firms. It's tough convincing someone in Richmond we can provide better services to them than the 30 firms in their back yard.
Intellectual property is a bit wonky in architecture. The companies I've worked at have had two cases where someone tried to push an issue. It typically arises from actual ownership of the design. Some client contracts stipulate they actually own the designs. The state of Virginia, for example, requires this. If they want to take my work, hand it to someone else, they can. Usually, someone gets fired on a job, the owner goes elsewhere, but doesn't want to start over. The original firm files suit because they use some portion of the original design that was their IP.
Most of us aren't out here patenting or trademarking anything. There are copyright signs on our docs. That's about it. Unless we've concocted a new system, most of us are out here replicating assemblies that have existed for a long time. I can think of only one detail I've ever generated that might be unique enough to protect. But, it's such a niche need that I can't imagine it's use ever being widespread.
Maybe starchitects are out here protecting their designs/product more than we are. But, your average joes definitely aren't.
Sound track to your life?
Every day is different. I'd be bummed if it were limited to a single volume.
I did go most of my abroad semester with Remedy by the Black Crowes and Wicked Garden by Stone Temple Pilots stuck in my head. So, I guess they're required to be on there.
But with the day to day variation in mood and surroundings, it's hard to nail down specifics. Maybe by album. Some days are Sweet Tea by Buddy Guy. Some days are Pink Moon by Nick Drake. Burnside on Burnside by RL Burnside. Days of Future Past by Moody Blues. 6 and 12 String Guitar by Leo Kottke. Attack and Release by the Black Keys. Bath Salts by Highly Suspect. Maybe some Dwight Yoakam. STP is my favorite band. So, a smattering of their stuff (but not sour girl. When someone finds out they're my favorite, and then follows up with "I love sour girl", I think to myself, "we won't get along").
Edit: should have added in A New Danger by Mos Def. There are days that would be a solid addition.
The soundtrack doesn't much matter. As long as the movie is narrated by Alan Rickman's depressed robot voice in Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, all is well.
Sticking w the music theme:
First concert?
Favorite concert?
Favorite venue?
Been to any music festivals? Recommend y/n?
Favorite Tina Turner song?
My first concert was probably Steppenwolf, but I don't really remember it. The first one I remember was ZZ Top. I've seen them twice. They put on a good show.
Robert Randolph was probably one of the most entertaining shows I've seen.
Best venue is tough. I've been to a bunch where the venue would have been killer if the sound man hadn't sucked. It's like they don't listen to the room, and only sit there with the headset on. When you've got destructive interference going on, it's probably time to turn things down a bit. Elmwood Park in Roanoke is actually a solid venue. I seem to remember the amphitheater at the Knoxville fair being pretty good, but haven't been there in 20 years. Memory is getting fuzzy.
Festivals:
Floyd fest is fine. Parking situation sucked. Not sure how the new place will be.
Went to the first Carolina Rebellion. That was a logistics nightmare. Festival was ok.
Did an Ozzfest in Charlotte in 2005 or so. That was a pretty well run festival.
I played the Cincinnati Appalachian Festival. That seemed like it would have been cool if it hadn't piss poured rain the whole time.
Played Bristol Rhythm and Roots a couple times. That one is pretty nice.
Roanoke used to have a few Blues and BBQ festivals each year. Those were usually good. The only downside was Kerry Hurley as the emcee. That guy is insufferable.
River rock in Richmond was cool. I haven't been to it since 2011 or so?
My first was STP circa 1994. Played all the hits and had 30ft tall lava lamps on either side of the stage.
First concert without parents anyways. Went w a buddy and his uncle. Uncle was cool - he drove and rolled lefty's for us.
Did you grow up in Blacksburg? What are some pros and cons to making Blacksburg your permanent residence?
My wife and I have thought about going back a handful of times, but I don't think she could be that far from the beach for that long.
I grew up on a farm outside of Rural Retreat, and still live there. My daily commute is 129 miles round trip...
Everywhere I've been has it's pros and cons. SWVA just manages to find a balance that works for me. I can't abide the traffic of more urban areas. It's nice to be able to walk out in my yard and take a leak while staring at the stars. I'm close to my family and my wife's family. The support there is great.
woof, i was doing about 80 miles round trip and it totally drained the life out of me (albeit in greater NYC metro area commuter traffic). but ~130 miles is wow. how long timewise is that drive?
65 minutes each way.
wow - so about the same as my old commute just much longer distance
traffic'll get after ya for sure
I always seem to get the long commutes.
In Hampton Roads 55 miles each way Chesapeake to Williamsburg.
For 4 years 89 miles each way Richmond to Quantico. 4 days a week with 13 hour shifts. A newborn 1/2 way through that.
Since going remote for Covid-and SOMEHOW being allowed to remain remote not hybrid even now-, I believe I have the shortest commute; I sit up and move forward about 6-12" to my laptop!
I recently moved to the outskirts of Richmond and can see the stars again. It has been one of my favorite things about the new place.
That is not underrated. I concur.
One of the reasons I love where my house is.
I love this about my house too, I have pissed in my backyard so many times that I have to be careful to not kill the grads.
I dont see stars though too many lights in northern va.
Turf management majors I assume?
it is fantastic. It is also not mutually exclusive with a 65 minute one way commute. I'm 20 minutes from work and if I'd been willing to pony up a little more cash when we moved, we probably could have been 10 minutes closer to town with a similar feel.
Have you lived in Blacksburg since graduation or did you come back to the area?
See above. I lived in Blacksburg during school but have lived in Wythe County otherwise.
I ended up working in Blacksburg when an opportunity presented itself. But was too established to move, and don't think I want to. Many of my clients are farther southwest in the state. So, I can serve them from where I live.
It's time for a potluck (with people you like): what dish are you bringing?
See, I always bring something good to potlucks with people I do/don't like, that way I know I have something tasty to eat.
Most of my potluck experiences are top tier, there a few that made me question other people's life choices.
Growing up on a farm, I've always had an abundance of meat products, and produce. So, it's going to be something we produced. I cure my own bacon, can tons of vegetables. If I have time, a meat is the go to. If I don't, everyone is probably getting green beans.
Haven't seen a response from StineyDraw....who else are you thinking of?
I was really hoping someone else was going to own up to having been on a team.
If that doesn't happen, maybe someone like ltrepeter.
Let's see if he answers the bell....
Will stand by
OK Lieutenant - i guess you're up for AMA #5. Feel free to start a thread and give your background info and next nominee!
DC - thanks for participating!
And thanks senjohnblutarsky for participating, too!
I'll be happy to keep going. We haven't even gotten to the hooch questions yet.
Of course - you can keep going if people keep asking ya stuff!
oops - I meant senjohnblutarsky- haven't had my coffee yet!
I lived with a few preferred walk-ons during my time at tech. I tried with no luck to get one to participate, sorry man.
This is fun because I always thought alot of y'all were way younger.
I only seem youn because I act immature
I think he thinks we are childish. I'm hurt. Hurt I tell you!
Yes, we were way younger.
What other sports/leagues/teams do you follow/support?
If you drink bourbon, what are your top three favorites?
What are you reading at the moment?
If you could erase one other school from existence, which one and why?
I don't pay any attention to anything other than VT sports. I'll watch something in passing, but don't have any strong attachment to a team. My dad was a Unitas-Colts fan, Steelers fan, and Yankees fan. I was raised around other Yankees fans. But, that's the closest thing I have to anconnection to anyone. Mostly, I just antagonize fans of other teams by pretending to be a fan of their rivals.
I do drink bourbon, but prefer Rye. I keep Angel's envy and Bulleit on hand I picked up a Sagamore Spirit rye a few weeks ago that is nice. Whistle Pig is nice. Pendleton 1910 is another I'll pick up when I find it. Generally, I just pick up whatever rye shows up with the VABC limited product drops. Bourbon-wise, I like things that have been finished in other barrels. Breckenridge port barrel is solid. Woodford double Oaked. Angels envy port barrel bourbon. Occasionally I'll get into some bookers, IW Harper or something along those lines. I also think Old Forrester Bottled in Bond is underrated.
Edit: I don't get the demand for Blantons and buffalo trace. They are solid products in their price range. But, they really don't deserve the weird obsession people have.
I don't get to read as often as I'd like. The last few things I read were Dune, The Jungle Book, and a bunch of Sherlock Holmes stories.
Erase ECU. I didn't have a high opinion of them before. But after the cancellation and the subsequent painting is as the bad guy, I'm over them. For those expecting the UVA answer, I think it's a fine school, that is among the best in the state for certain things. Their fan base and alumni aren't all bad, but the school certainly doesn't deserve the ones that seem to represent them. The state of Virginia has a lot of fine schools, and you'd be hard pressed to not find one that has a good program for most any career.
Good call on the Sagamore Spirit. Their Double Oaked is a great dessert pour. If you like ryes, Alberta Premium Cask Strength has started popping up in ABCs, either with the Canadians or the what's new section. Highly recommend.
I've been somewhat surprised by the variety of answers to which school people would eliminate, but ECU definitely makes sense and would be high on my list too.
If you like Rye, but hate rye bite...I know that's really hard to find...I got a bottle of Springbrook Adirondack Straight Rye the other day. The softness of the water calms the bite of the rye a lot. And it has a clean finish. Would recommend.
The double oak is what I have.
I use the Sagamore Rye to make a great Black Manhattan.
I forgot to mention, I'm a big tequila fan.
The availability of good tequila makes such fandom a bit difficult.
Do you butcher your own livestock? If so what types? Any family recipes you like or hate for using the parts that most people won't eat?
We raise cattle and sheep, and have butchered both. Typically, we have it done at a processor as it's a lot of cleanup for a one-off killing. However, we are preparing to have to do our own more regularly, as we are seeing signs of losing processor availability. We're in the process of building two walk-in coolers now for hanging. Our family butchers 9-13 hogs each year, in one sitting. It's a big gathering to do it. My family of four usually gets one hog out of the deal.
Traditionally, my family used Morton's sausage and meatloaf seasoning for our breakfast sausage. That has been discontinued. But, I've managed to clone it pretty accurately; I just won't be sharing my secrets on that one.
I really dislike old plantation sausage seasoning.
As far as the bits people won't eat: scrapple is the king. I've used hog head, necks backbones, and other bits that were too much effort to process. And it's glorious. Our family's recipe is corn meal, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and something else. I'm blanking on the last bit. It's really a taste as you go thing. Keep adding until it's right.
If you had to pick only one football game to go to:
VT stomps ODU at home on a beautiful night.
VT toys with blowing it against Miami at home for the whole second half but somehow manages to hang on to win a nooner on a cold a rainy day.
A mid tier bowl game where we lose a nail biter to an SEC team that was projected to crush us.
Losing is never the answer. And beating people we are supposed to beat doesn't move the needle in the public eye. If we want to be seen and remembered , the Miami game is the game. Much like the 6ot UNC game, it's the excitement of the nail biter that gets people's attention. You win that game, and people remember.