tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6412900754136064810.post1063992593203507385..comments2024-02-29T14:00:40.184-05:00Comments on Restonian: News blog from Reston, Virginia, the mauve-colored New Town (tm): Restonian: The Motion PictureRestonianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15519884797760354007noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6412900754136064810.post-50622839916730732362010-03-02T18:13:09.522-05:002010-03-02T18:13:09.522-05:00Good points.
No one is superior, only some, like ...Good points.<br /><br />No one is superior, only some, like me, prefer character over anonymity. Not a big deal.Le Pigeonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14160205266478196242noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6412900754136064810.post-62532982083021162312010-03-02T08:01:44.914-05:002010-03-02T08:01:44.914-05:00Yes, there is a technical difference (which I ackn...Yes, there is a technical difference (which I acknowledged) but effectively there is no difference. A persona isn't an identity. As an example, BiCO could be completely full of it and made up everything in his post. I don't think that's the case, but it could just be his online persona's information, not his.<br /><br />Trolls and being anonymous aren't synonymous. IMHO the biggest troll here lately is Rod and he's also the only completely public figure.<br /><br />Our anonymous Restonian has deleted posts on several occasions. So, clearly, the moderator does have control.<br /><br />BTW, at no point am I suggesting anyone should have to post their RL info. It's simply comical to me that posters with an online persona somehow think they're superior to posters without one and dismiss anonymous posters comments as invalid simply because they don't have a persona.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6412900754136064810.post-42160881559182927332010-03-02T07:42:47.509-05:002010-03-02T07:42:47.509-05:00For what it's worth anyone who REALLY wants to...For what it's worth anyone who REALLY wants to figure out my true identity could do so with very limited difficulty. You know I live in Charter Oak, which only has a few hundred residents to begin with out of the 65,000 or so in Reston. You know I'm fresh out of college. You know I'm earning less than half of Reston's median household income. You know I detest sprawl. You know I work in Tyson's Corner. You know I'm an avid runner. You know I love my church and the library. Another clue? I drive a Mazda (which narrows the field down further to perhaps a dozen Charter Oak residents). You know I'm non-heterosexual (gasp!). You know Bob Simon himself helped rescue me when I got stuck inside of my leather coat at a master plan session at South Lakes HS. You know I like Lake Anne. I'm a Democrat who ironically votes Republican half the time. You know I'm somewhat aggressive and dominant. I do NOT post my real name because in the past on politically-charged forums and venues I've had credible threats lodged against me, my employer, and my family, but if someone wanted to stake out a spot in front of my complex today they'd see me pulling in to go home around 3 PM (and likely pull back out to go to my gym shortly thereafter, perhaps followed by Chick-Fil-A so I can use a coupon I received).Broke in Charter Oak (BiCO)noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6412900754136064810.post-43306568333035256092010-03-01T20:24:33.692-05:002010-03-01T20:24:33.692-05:00Actually, if you look back, that wasn't your o...Actually, if you look back, that wasn't your original point. You said there was no difference.<br /><br />There's a reason, for instance, why communities with message boards require people to register and create a unique user name to post in them. Otherwise all the trolls would stroll right in and the moderators would have no control over them.<br /><br />And we all know that trolls are a common and natural consequence of eating at the Macaroni Grill.Le Pigeonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14160205266478196242noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6412900754136064810.post-78132675189461620832010-03-01T19:46:50.602-05:002010-03-01T19:46:50.602-05:00@Le Pigeon, this is 4:12. my point is, quite simp...@Le Pigeon, this is 4:12. my point is, quite simply, there's only one person in this whole thread that isn't anon. rod. that's it. the rest are hiding behind names or being truly anon. yes, the difference between having a profile and not is technically there, but at the end of the day your real identity is unknown. to say someone is "cowardly" when you're not making your real identity know is hypocritical.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6412900754136064810.post-91264907913043684592010-03-01T19:34:33.015-05:002010-03-01T19:34:33.015-05:00BSH = trollBSH = trollAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6412900754136064810.post-49646434542308933282010-03-01T19:14:26.309-05:002010-03-01T19:14:26.309-05:00Link Correction: http://sharpeningscissorsandkniv...Link Correction: http://sharpeningscissorsandknivesinvirginia.blogspot.com<br />Thanks for the tip, Rod!Bob Simon's Hathttp://sharpeningscissorsandknivesinvirginia.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6412900754136064810.post-89505514577521487072010-03-01T18:31:25.685-05:002010-03-01T18:31:25.685-05:00Hey don't forget me. I'm the black thing o...Hey don't forget me. I'm the black thing on top of Bob's head on the left of the pic. The other moron on the right of the pic is Rod. Down with Rod Koomzin! Up with correct spelling!Bob Simon's Hathttp://sharpeningscissorsandknivesinvirginia.blogspot.com/2010_02_26_archive.HTMLnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6412900754136064810.post-88617176628390959272010-03-01T18:12:56.649-05:002010-03-01T18:12:56.649-05:00BSMAE, welcome to the discussion.
HCKDBSMAE, welcome to the discussion.<br /><br />HCKDHIckory Cluster Knuckle Dusternoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6412900754136064810.post-1300453249058529752010-03-01T17:36:09.799-05:002010-03-01T17:36:09.799-05:00@Peasant at 5:28: Who knows? Maybe they're all...@Peasant at 5:28: Who knows? Maybe they're all missives from Restonian, written under multiple alter egos. <br /><br />I also agree with Le Pigeon. It's nice to attach fictional aliases to people's comments, which is why as a previously anonymous poster, I'll do just that going forward. Now if those punks would just stop spray-painting gang signs on my stomach, I'd be really happy...Bob Simon's Metallic Alter-Egonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6412900754136064810.post-5070638717834927082010-03-01T17:31:29.769-05:002010-03-01T17:31:29.769-05:00If you're the same person as 4:12 (hard to tel...If you're the same person as 4:12 (hard to tell for sure, since they're both anonymous), you said there was no difference between having a handle and being anon.<br /><br />The truth is people with handles are not hiding as much as anonymous people. Yes, you're right that they're similar - both use masks of sorts, of different thicknesses - but you're wrong when you say they're not different.<br /><br />Personally, I enjoy being able to attach an online identity and personality to people, which requires them to have handles. You can't do that with anonymous posters. I couldn't go back to any part of this blog and know that it was you making a comment, but you could with me. That's a difference, you have to admit.Le Pigeonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14160205266478196242noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6412900754136064810.post-20876617920395685922010-03-01T17:28:50.930-05:002010-03-01T17:28:50.930-05:00Thank you, Le Pigeon...exactly the point I was try...Thank you, Le Pigeon...exactly the point I was trying to make. With 23 postings so far in this thread under "anonymous", who knows how many different individuals that really is?Peasant From Less Sought After South Restonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6412900754136064810.post-89439830695248000432010-03-01T17:20:44.399-05:002010-03-01T17:20:44.399-05:00You are still hiding...if you use your real name t...You are still hiding...if you use your real name then there's some chance that we'll meet and have to OWN our words. That's the difference. Here using a handle I can be as rude and mean spirited as I want, I don't have to be accountable, because I'm hidden. I would think this would be obvious to everyone.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6412900754136064810.post-26257066527687288702010-03-01T17:08:58.614-05:002010-03-01T17:08:58.614-05:00Well, it is different. One is a name, to which one...Well, it <i>is</i> different. One is a name, to which one's character as an individual can be attached over time. The other is generic, with no character, and is therefore more secretive, and in many cases, more cowardly.<br /><br />This distinction is really not that complicated. Or is it?Le Pigeonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14160205266478196242noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6412900754136064810.post-84168350609914820402010-03-01T16:12:36.266-05:002010-03-01T16:12:36.266-05:00lol @ people who think having created a profile/in...lol @ people who think having created a profile/internet handle is somehow different from being anonAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6412900754136064810.post-25065797913192654002010-03-01T13:29:55.578-05:002010-03-01T13:29:55.578-05:00Wow, what a thread...this should go to the Nationa...Wow, what a thread...this should go to the National Archives as a "Best of Restonian". It has a little bit of everthing we have come to know and love on Restonian -- some great snark, a couple of political diatribes, the usual good contributions by the regulars, a guest appearance by our favorite troll, Rod's stream of consciousness musings, and another classic BiCO.<br /><br />As for the subject of posting anonymously and/or under a screen name, versus a real name, I really don't see what the issue is. With all the scams on the Internet, plus the fact that anything on the Web now lives in perpetuity, I can see why most IT sceurity experts suggest not using your real name. Restonian is no different in this regard than any other website; even the vast majority of readers who comment on the website of the august New York Times cannot be identified.<br /><br />I think it is useful, though, to adopt a distinct screen identity when commenting on this "filthy Web-log" for a couple of reasons. When there's a long thread like this one and multiple readers posting as "anonymous", it does get confusing to figure out which anonymous is which in all the back and forth. I also have enjoyed coming to know the viewpoints and personalities of my fellow posters who, like me, have adopted a screen name, and I think it contributes to the sense of community here. Probably by now you all know how great a fan I am of the DRB. In turn, I know that, among other regulars here, Convict is not a big fan of the "gulags" of South Reston but is of roller derby; that Hickory Cluster will defend Lake Anne with passion; and that BiCO is a great devotee of urban planning, more sidewalks and street lights, and greater density, but not of us damn NIMBY-istic baby boomers.<br /><br />And if our esteemed Restonian himself can adopt a screen name for legitimate reasons, as he explained in his recent radio interview, then I think we all can as well.Peasant From Less Sought After South Restonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6412900754136064810.post-25963869842499370312010-03-01T09:36:57.283-05:002010-03-01T09:36:57.283-05:00Rod,
Please edit your posts. Why don't you wr...Rod,<br /><br />Please edit your posts. Why don't you write these long posts on your own blog and you can plug them with a link posted here? <br /><br />Your constant hijacking of threads is disrespectful.<br /><br />-HCKDHickory Cluster Knuckle Dusternoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6412900754136064810.post-52483184958462808792010-03-01T09:16:02.884-05:002010-03-01T09:16:02.884-05:00Rod, your numerous long and pointless posts in the...Rod, your numerous long and pointless posts in the comments section of this blog actually reduce the likelihood I'll vote for you. <br /><br />Just sayin'Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6412900754136064810.post-36282578108363296832010-03-01T05:38:52.527-05:002010-03-01T05:38:52.527-05:00Well I got another email from Richard Chew. The la...Well I got another email from Richard Chew. The last time (I very much think given the devious and clumsy nature of Richard Chew) it was a official email from RA Urging volunteers to help shovel snow at area schools and endorsing the purported organizers, Mike Collins, Kevin Danaher, and David Robinson who the email pointed out are Reston Association members and this project is not an RA sponsored event the email pointed out. What it didn't say was that they were also candidates for three separate contested seats in the current Reston election. Citizens were urged to bring their shovels and their cameras. Why their cameras? Anyway Chew arrived with his favored candidates as did a lot of Reston citizens where he started giving a speech for the waiting cameras.<br /><br />I next saw Chew at the RCA meeting this past week where he was seen busily scampering about the corners of the room doing his business.<br /><br />Well last night I got another email from Chew endorsing this time the election and offering to give his knowledge on the various candidates. <br /><br />I first meet Chew when He tried to get me to resign as a candidate when I was running for the same board seat he was a few years back. (This is apparently well known as Leighton told he he knew of it) I didn't; I'm don't backs down. We both lost the election, I came in third and Chew came in fifth. If Chew is successful in getting other candidates to win this race maybe he can face me again when he tries to run next year. Won't that be fun? <br /><br />Here's Chew's most recent email. Maybe some will want to reach out to him and find out what he knows about each of the candidates and they could then post it here:<br /><br />Dear Reston Friends and Neighbors<br /><br /> <br /><br />Every year Reston Association Members have an opportunity to shape the future of Reston by participating in the election to fill vacancies on the RA Board of Directors. This year, ballots will start arriving in your mailboxes this coming Friday, March 5.<br /><br /> <br /><br />This year, we are fortunate to have three contested races where Members have well-defined choices for each seat to be filled. <br /><br /> <br /><br />All RA Members have a choice of four candidates running for an At Large seat on the Board. <br /><br /> <br /><br />Members living in the North Point area of Reston will also be able to select from three candidates seeking to fill the Lake Anne/Tall Oaks District Director seat currently held by Frank Lynch who is not running for re-election. <br /><br /> <br /><br />Members living in the Lake Anne/Tall Oaks area of Reston will also be able to select from three candidates seeking to fill the North Point District Director seat currently held by Robin Smyers who is leaving the Board after serving for six years.<br /><br /> <br /><br />The Directors elected to the Board will be called on to make critical decisions regarding the quality and cost of living in Reston. This year they will also play a significant role in selecting the Board leadership and setting Board priorities for years to come. <br /><br /> <br /><br />I want to encourage all of you to take the time to learn more about all of the candidates running this year for the RA Board. Here are some suggestions for doing so:<br /><br /> <br /><br />· Attend the Alliance for Reston Clusters and Homeowners (ARCH) Candidates’ Forum this Wednesday evening, March 3, at 7 p.m. at the Lake Anne Elementary School.<br /><br /> <br /><br />· Attend the Reston Association Candidates’ Forum on Thursday evening, March 18, at 7 p.m. the new Walker Nature Education Center (11450 Glade Drive).<br /><br /> <br /><br />· Reach out to me and I will be happy to share with you what I know about each of the candidates.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Ballots must be cast by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 2. Members have the choice of casting their ballot online through the Reston Association website or by mail. If you have any questions regarding the election process, you can contact me directly or call 703-435-6512.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Richard Chew<br /><br />rc4ra@c2va.com<br /><br />703-264-0707Rod's Sharpening Service or Sharpening in Restonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01869788632442156971noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6412900754136064810.post-36073743780375292122010-02-28T20:27:04.066-05:002010-02-28T20:27:04.066-05:00How ironic, 11:33, cajoling others about posting a...How ironic, 11:33, cajoling others about posting as Anonymous while ...wait for it ...posting as Anonymous yourself.<br /><br />Equally ironic, you accuse others of not contributing to the community either on-line or off-. Yet, what are you doing? You're leaving our on-line community instead of posting by a moniker and contributing to the discourse on the website. What is it that you are likely to do instead of visiting here? Well, I suspect that instead of running for office or even going outside and picking up trash, you'll probably just find another blog and post there. Herndonian, maybe?<br /><br />Or this could just be another clever ruse by the Troll.The Convict in the Gulaghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02530536432165645618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6412900754136064810.post-14066947654167640742010-02-28T18:27:37.732-05:002010-02-28T18:27:37.732-05:00BiCO wrote:
"...so in 2011 I'm moving els...BiCO wrote:<br />"...so in 2011 I'm moving elsewhere---most likely to Winchester."<br /><br />You'll be missed.Hickory Cluster Knuckle Dusternoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6412900754136064810.post-71829287774491490642010-02-28T12:27:48.354-05:002010-02-28T12:27:48.354-05:00In regards to this thread make no mistake that whi...In regards to this thread make no mistake that while I am personally rather unhappy living in Reston I still do wholeheartedly sing its praises to others pondering relocation here. While a community like Winchester or Fredericksburg is more to my liking---sidewalks, tree-lined narrow low-speed streets, interesting (i.e. not communist-looking) architecture, a REAL downtown (not a fake afterthought of over-priced corporate chains catering to the Ashburn crowd), and a sense of neighbors truly knowing and CARING ABOUT most of their neighbors---Reston still has some brilliant elements that would make it a perfect place for retirees, families, and those who generally just seek a compromise between the rowdiness of Arlington and the ugliness of Ashburn. I love the trail system. Call me crazy, but I also really like Lake Anne. I like the proximity to my office in McLean. However, these benefits, to me, don't justify the very high rental prices in Reston, which is why I'm thinking of doing the unimaginable and power-commuting in from Winchester, a town that actually has an IDENTITY, charm, character, and SOUL. I don't see the allure of a place like Tysons Corner, Ashburn, or Reston to justify the outrageous cost-of-living. Contrary to popular belief Reston isn't "one-of-a-kind." Take the dense tree canopy away, and you have a carbon copy of many other suburbs---traffic congestion on wide high-speed roads that pedestrians fear crossing, ugly architecture, chain restaurants, surface parking lots, elitists/NIMBYs, etc., etc. That's all Reston would really be if not for its lush vegetation. <br /><br /> Reston is far too "suburban" for me to ever consider it a nice place to live, but if that's your cup of tea, then you'll love this place. Any efforts to promote more pedestrian-friendliness and cyclist safety via sidewalks and bike lanes, the gradual increase of density to fit more people in less land to increase the availability of open space, the arrival of a new mass transit option that will BENEFIT the community, etc. are are shot down and disparaged. Reston has shown itself to be FAR too "NIMBY" for my tastes, so in 2011 I'm moving elsewhere---most likely to Winchester. The Baby Boomers who dominate this community and this forum honestly don't care what the under-30 crowd really wants in a community, so you'd rather us all just move out. I'm one of several early-20s newbies to Reston who has already tired of this place, so you can keep kissing us good-bye as long as you all attempt to silence us.Broke in Charter Oak (BiCO)noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6412900754136064810.post-48794542560477884372010-02-28T11:33:49.146-05:002010-02-28T11:33:49.146-05:00Dear Restonian Posters,
I have followed this blog...Dear Restonian Posters,<br /><br />I have followed this blog off and on for a year or so. I rarely post. I know that blogs tend to have self-selecting audiences, the satirical and sarcastic tone of Restonian is no exception. Comments are often amusing-- biting but amusing. It seems though that now you have all reached a new low; that the anonymity of posting under monikers or as anonymous has simply given people permission to be rude, and deliberately hurtful. Its all become very, very tiresome and incredibly unproductive. At the risk of sounding trite…(wait for it as Restonian would say…), I can’t help but wonder what each of you could contribute to your community if you were to focus your energy on doing what you could do for good rather than spending so much time frothing over the efforts of others. If you are going to disparage others, calling for firings, making accusations of fraud and whatever else you imagine I think you should sign your names, be honest, be willing to stand by your commentary.<br /><br />Of course that’s not what the Restonian is all about—since none of the article writers are willing to come out of their closets there is no reason to expect any more courage from the posters—so I’ve decided to give up the Restonian—this neighborhood has become a really unpleasant place to hang out.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6412900754136064810.post-89866193558421923082010-02-28T08:25:34.350-05:002010-02-28T08:25:34.350-05:00I had said earlier that I would not appear at ARCH...I had said earlier that I would not appear at ARCH Wed at 7:00 Lake Ann Annex of RCC but I have since decided that I would advocating instead for my ideas rather than my candidacy. I think all candidates should be for my ideas and heard some articulating them at the recent RCA meeting. Vote for what ever flavor of candidate you want I say but be for Reston. I favor lines of communication that goes both ways and do not want any expensive feasibility studies unless the citizens of Reston really want it.<br /><br />ARCH has sent out five questions<br /><br />1- I favor more citizen volunteering as a recreation. I think citizens could and should be allowed to run Reston. If citizen volunteers were in charge of the equipment during the recent snow storms everything would of been cleared off better. Volunteering for work instead of the pic up stick kind of volunteering could be a kind of recreation saving hundreds of thousands of dollars in Reston and actually lowering the annual dues!<br /><br />2-I favor better communication between the board and citizens. The Browns Chapel thing went too far without it. I think the sitizens simply feared what the RA would do with thier money.<br /><br />3- I couldn't imagine anyone in RCIG wanting to join the RA voluntarily unless maybe they exempted them from having to pay dues for fifty years and instead paid them a large fee for joining.<br /><br />4- I think that the master plan should encompass a orderly and good inclusion of the needed infrastructure and aesthetic qualities needed to be a viable community. I have heard more about successful revitalization plans then I have of communities growing 50,000 new residents. I think one brilliant planner is needed to over see the plan.<br /><br />5- I do not like Executive Secession which really means secret session. I had the experience of addressing the Reston Community Center Board a few years ago and they reacted very negatively. I couldn't believe it! Then a few months later I went back again a lone citizen in a room full of board members just to watch. They went into executive session I always thought afraid of me and I had to leave.<br /><br />Executive session is proper when discussing personal matters. I hope the new board goes into executive session to discuss the dismissal of Milton Mathews for his shameful using the RA email to endorse the candidates that he (and maybe Chew) preferred during the recent snow gate and his insincere inarticulate and misdirected apology.Rod's Sharpening Service or Sharpening in Restonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01869788632442156971noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6412900754136064810.post-7237279906517134712010-02-27T19:28:52.707-05:002010-02-27T19:28:52.707-05:00What took you so long?
There is only so much mauv...What took you so long?<br /><br />There is only so much mauve one can stand...and then there is smyers -- who makes everyone hate Reston!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com