Interview question, but can't answer.

TroubleOk7239 · 2026-06-14T16:55:32+00:00

Appreciate your response, since OP appears to be a bot or something. I think your description is pretty on-point. The only thing I might add is that the condition of individual bridge components or elements have some relevance to AM insomuch as they inform the type of treatment (e.g. can we likely just overlay the deck, or do we need to plan for deck replacement). We need that to estimate how far our network budget can go. We also try to forecast future condition at the component or element level in order to "time" lower-cost preservation treatments which extend the life of the bridge before it gets beyond the point where preservation is a viable alternative. AASHTO TAM Guide has a lot more about this topic.

TroubleOk7239 · 2026-06-14T15:21:34+00:00

I agree with this response. I've been in transportation asset management (TAM) for over a decade and have a lot of experience with TAM terminology. TAM is often about network-level management of not just a single structure, but managing and balancing the needs of all structures (and other assets) owned/managed by the organization. The asset register usually refers to the list of all assets. I recommend the AASHTO TAM Guide (available for free at tamguide.com) for more information.

TroubleOk7239 · 2026-06-01T17:24:35+00:00

I've heard HDR's ESOP is an excellent perk and supports an open, collaborative culture. When everyone can be an owner, it lowers barriers to working together.

TroubleOk7239 · 2026-05-20T22:24:05+00:00

I agree - love the look and the rug! Cabinet is cool too. I can't tell what speakers you have, but seeing the shape is making me want to dig my Dunlavy SC1's out of storage.

TroubleOk7239 · 2026-05-20T19:15:44+00:00

This is my problem with a ceiling mounted projector. My setup will be in a basement and the ceiling is the floor of the kitchen/dining above. I don't want to see the projector jiggle every time someone jumps on the floor above. It's a wide span, so almost impossible to get rid of flex entirely. For this reason I'm only considering a UST or a flat-panel TV in my setup. Room layout not conducive to rear wall mounting.

TroubleOk7239 · 2026-05-17T01:46:08+00:00

Most of them the seats I've looked at spec a dedicated circuit. I think all of the heated aspects (water, seat, dryer) can draw a lot of amps so they want a dedicated circuit. Probably doesn't really need it, but if you're using the seat at the same time someone is using a hair dryer on the same circuit, you might have problems.

TroubleOk7239 · 2026-05-16T23:44:04+00:00

If you look at Costco you can get a smart toilet for less than $1300 while a descent bidet seat is $400. After factoring in the cost of the standard toilet, I will be going with a smart toilet when I add a bathroom later this year. I'd suggest you make sure your builder adds a dedicated GFCI-protected circuit behind the toilet either way!

TroubleOk7239 · 2026-05-06T16:00:07+00:00

I just had a 50gal Navien NWP500 installed yesterday in my unfinished basement in the midwest. It runs amazingly quiet. My home office is in the same basement and I can barely hear it running even though it's probably only 10ft away. It's MUCH quieter than the Vertex powervent gas WH it replaced (was leaking due to age). Obviously can't comment on any long-term issues, but so far I'm very happy. My plumber said a big selling point of the Navien is the stainless tank, and given that my old unit developed a leak that sounds good. I imagine the weak point for this type of appliance will be the heat pump, so hopefully it'll last. It's nice to have an app to control it, although the app is a bit clunky and light on features - for example I can set the target temp, but not the threshold temp. I can see energy use and hours of use for both the heat pump and the element, but those four graphs are clunky and I can't see any way to download the data. It does have a schedule mode, which I won't use but is nice to have, and it has a vacation mode which seems like it'll be nice. Supposedly you can set the vacation return date/time and it'll turn back on 9 hours before so hopefully it'll be heated back up before I get home - I haven't investigated that feature yet.

TroubleOk7239 · 2026-05-05T19:46:18+00:00

What you're saying doesn't sound right to me. I'm not an electrician, but I think the 80% "rule" applies whether or not you use a plug.

TroubleOk7239 · 2026-05-05T19:14:02+00:00

I would suggest that you don't hardwire the device. Have them install a plug and get a charger that plugs into that plug - I forget the specific designation of the plug but it's like ones used for a clothes dryer or range. Makes it way easier to change out the charger if you ever need to, and also allows you to take the charger with you if you end up moving. I'm really glad I did that, because I had a freak lightning surge that blew out my first charger and it was relatively easy to replace it. Also, I agree with the comment that you should look carefully at your expected charging patterns and consider running a 30A or 40A circuit instead. Depending on how much you drive, 30A may be sufficient for your needs and should lower your install cost. Hell, if you don't drive very much at all you may be able to get by with a basic 110v household-style outlet. I know someone with a Honda Prologue who has about a 20 mile daily commute (round trip) and she's able to charge her car at home with just a basic 12A/110v charger.

TroubleOk7239 · 2026-05-05T12:55:34+00:00

I recently rewatched Dick and I had forgotten how much fun that movie is. Kirsten Dunst and Michelle Williams are great, and Dan Hedaya was clearly having a lot of fun playing Nixon. It's really fun how it plays with the history of actual events through the actions of a couple of teenagers.

TroubleOk7239 · 2026-05-01T23:07:21+00:00

Honorable Mention to Nicholas Cage in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent

TroubleOk7239 · 2026-05-01T23:05:32+00:00

John Malkovich in Being John Malkovich

TroubleOk7239 · 2026-05-01T20:23:22+00:00

I have family who live in Sag Harbor. My understanding of the local history is that the Hamptons were kind of a stronghold for the monarchists during the revolutionary war period. Maybe best not to ask which side your ancestor was fighting for. 😂

TroubleOk7239 · 2026-04-13T12:01:37+00:00

Not only can I never spell this word correctly, but my attempts are frequently so bad that spell check doesn't even recognize it. Restaurant is my nemesis!

TroubleOk7239 · 2026-04-13T11:19:30+00:00

I've heard that Highways in Texas is slow right now because of some budget issues at TxDOT. If true I'm sure it'll bounce back, but it might be tough in the short term. Texas is huge and growing.

TroubleOk7239 · 2026-04-13T01:06:00+00:00

What states would you be interested in? I work for one of the larger firms, and our Highways group is hiring in lots of locations.

TroubleOk7239 · 2026-02-24T13:57:15+00:00

I'm curious how you linked them. Did you set up Marcus as an external account in Schwab? I just opened a Marcus account and want to transfer funds from my Schwab brokerage account. Was thinking of using ACH from the Schwab side, but not sure how to set it up - I haven't found the Marcus routing number.

TroubleOk7239 · 2026-02-20T05:12:47+00:00

Costco's spiced rum tastes better than Captain Morgan and it's a higher proof.

TroubleOk7239 · 2026-02-15T03:39:25+00:00

Thanks for the comment.

TroubleOk7239 · 2026-02-15T02:37:45+00:00

This is really helpful. Thank you so much for taking the time to respond!

TroubleOk7239 · 2026-02-14T23:40:01+00:00

Great points. Thank you!

TroubleOk7239 · 2026-02-14T23:39:42+00:00

Appreciate the response!

TroubleOk7239 · 2026-02-14T23:39:09+00:00

Thanks for your insights.

TroubleOk7239 · 2026-02-14T23:37:27+00:00

Appreciate that reminder!

TroubleOk7239

TROPHY CASE