March 2008 Archives
March 30, 2008
Penguin Feather: A Real Vienna History Covered Up By "Historic Vienna, Inc." Comments (12)
"I bet Maud got her high on at Penguin too."
Sure we know it is a broken record that Maudasaurus has been around for a long time, but she has been around long enough that it is worth observing her hypocritical behaviors over the years. Back in the day, back in the late 1970s there existed a record store in Vienna called "Penguin Feather". Well before Apple's iTunes, the internet and even CDs you had to buy vinyl records. Penguin Feather sold records, but that was not the only thing they sold. Penguin Feather's main business was the selling of drug paraphernalia. This was not some secret business, rather Penguin Feather sold pipes, bongs and any other device you could use to smoke pot or coke in the open in front of kids. That ladies and gentleman is the Vienna history supported and promoted by Maudasaurus, not this new found Freeman Store/Town Green fantasy she has found in her old age. In her prime, when she was in her 50s, Maud did nothing to stop Vienna kids from getting high. The fact that she is 85 now doesn't excuse her political behaviors then.
March 28, 2008
True Historicity Comments (4)
How out of touch is Maud Robinson with anyone under 20 in Vienna? Here are some events and happenings from 1939 when Maud was a teenager:
January 1, 1939 - The Hewlett-Packard Company is founded.March 13, 1939 - Hitler advises Jozef Tiso to declare Slovakia's independence in order to prevent its partition by Hungary and Poland.
April 1, 1939 - Spanish Civil War comes to an end when the last of the Republican forces surrendered.
May 2, 1939 - Major League Baseball's Lou Gehrig, the legendary Yankee first baseman known as "The Iron Horse", ends his 2130 consecutive games played streak after contracting amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The record will stand for 56 years before Cal Ripken, Jr. plays 2131 consecutive games.
August 2, 1939 - Albert Einstein writes President Franklin Roosevelt about developing the Atomic Bomb November 15 - In Washington, DC, US President Franklin D. Roosevelt lays the cornerstone of the Jefferson Memorial. December 15: Gone with the Wind premieres. December 14, 1939 - League of Nations expels the USSR for attacking Finland.
Ongoing we had the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), the Great Depression (1929-The Late 1930s) and World War II (1939-1945).
Why can't Maud be declared a historic structure? She is keen to declare everything else in Vienna historic. She has taken people's rights at her whim with no evidence of historical anything her entire career. However, the evidence says that she is the only verified historic structure in Vienna.
March 27, 2008
The Fun Never Stops Comments (6)
From the Sun Gazette:
Vienna officials will host a dedication ceremony for the Northside Park Connector Trail on Saturday, April 5 at 10 a.m. The connector consists of a 125-foot boardwalk-style trail, elevated in sections, and a 50-foot asphalt pathway connecting the W&OD Regional Trail and the Richard Black Bridge to the northeast quadrant of Vienna. In addition to the dedication ceremony, a tree will be planted near the trail, in commemoration of Arbor Day. Northside Park can be reached from Mill Street, N.E., or Glyndon Street, N.E. Parking will be available at the Northside Property Yard, 600 Mill St., N.E. For information, call Vienna Parks and Recreation Department director Cathy Salgado at (703) 255-6356, or e-mail csalgado@viennava.gov.
Following the dedication ceremony all 7 people in attendance will go to the Freeman Store to rest up after planting the big tree. Then they will share stories of Vienna as it was in the 1850s during Maud's youth.
"We have waited years for this dedication. We feel safe with Maud."
March 26, 2008
Only in Vienna Comments (4)
From the Sun Gazette:
Vienna Mayor M. Jane Seeman has proclaimed Tuesday, April 8 as “Volunteer Recognition Day” in the town, to celebrate and promote volunteerism in the community. A special meeting of the Mayor's Advisory Committee will be held on April 8 at 8 p.m., to recognize individuals and organizations that were nominated as outstanding volunteers to attend. Those who will be honored include Terry Bachmann, Walter Basnight...
Cheers!
March 25, 2008
What Buildings Have Been Built Since 1980? Comments (11)
Another way to look the problem of run down and empty commercial space in Vienna: What buildings on Maple were built after 1980? Go down Maple Avenue from Nutley to East Street. Here is the initial list:
1. Whole Foods (retrofit of an old Lowes).
2. Starbucks, etc. (retrofit of an old Southern States).
3. Taco Bell.
4. Chevy Chase Bank
5. Wachovia Bank
6. Rite Aid
7. Anitas (new one).
What else? Is that it over the last 28 years?
March 24, 2008
Emtpy Stores? Comments (26)
We would like to inventory all empty stores on Maple Avenue and can use your help! Please add a comment and or address for each store vacant on Maple Avenue.
"As You Say Maud, 'F*** Vienna Businesses!'"
March 19, 2008
Who Is to Blame for the Vienna Police Station Waste of $? Comments (14)
From the Sun Gazette:
"The Vienna Police Headquarters building has proved problematic ever since it was built in the mid-1990s. Now, with the expanding need for heat-generating computer servers, town police need another heating-ventilation-and-air-conditioning (HVAC) system to keep the equipment functioning. The Vienna Town Council on March 17 awarded an up-to-$12,000 contract to Tri-Tek Engineering of Herndon to study which HVAC system would best meet the station's needs, now and in the future. Town police converted a former photography room into a computer-server area several years ago and now may use another room, which used to house photo-red-light camera servers, for the same purpose. The station's current HVAC system cannot provide the necessary cooler temperatures for the server room, and is not connected to the station's natural gas generator, which provides uninterrupted electricity if commercial power supplies fail, said Vienna Police Chief Robert Carlisle. Council member Edythe Kelleher questioned if the required HVAC equipment could not just be purchased for less than the study would cost. Vienna Town Manager John Schoeberlein said town officials estimate the police station will require about $30,000 worth of heating-and-cooling equipment for the station. Smaller, cheaper HVAC units likely will not meet the station's requirements, he said. Council member Laurie Cole said the station's ongoing travails underline the need for proper design and construction. “The life story of that building has been, ‘don't do anything on the cheap,'” she said.
So who was the Vienna politician who masterminded this building? Who was the Vienna politician who could have cared less about wasting money to build a bad structure in the early 1990s? That would be Charlie Robinson (Maud's husband). This boondoggle lays at his feet.
Note: John Schoeberlein was Town Manager for the planning of the current Police Station. And clearly he will be around to help waste money to fix the first mistake.
One Step Closer to the Nut Farm Comments (8)
From the Sun Gazette:
[The Town of Vienna] Narrowly approved the purchase of $1,500 worth of “Town of Vienna, Va.” decals that residents may display in the side or rear windows of their vehicles. Town officials still are working out the best way to distribute the 15,000 green-and-white decals, which are designed to promote town pride. Council member Michael Polychrones questioned why, during a tough budget year and the recent elimination of Vienna's auto-tax stickers, the council would spend taxpayer money for more decals. The motion passed by the closest of margins, a 4-3 vote. Council members Polychrones, Kelleher and Daniel Dellinger voted nay, while Mayor M. Jane Seeman and Council members Cole, George Lovelace and Maud Robinson voted in favor. “Civic pride overrules good judgment,” [Maud] Robinson said.
Former Vienna Mayor Jim Martinelli, Who Was Not Hinged to Reality, Was A Maud Supporter
March 17, 2008
Maud Gives Dick DeAngeles a Big Sloppy Historic Kiss Comments (2)
From the Town Council minutes in December 07:
Councilwoman Robinson spoke on remarks that had been made sometime ago by a citizen of the Town about Dick DeAngeles, who lived for many years on West Street; and who had performed meticulous research on all the dwellings on the hill, which comprise the Historic District. The remarks that had been made referred to Mr. DeAngeles as a “mere meteorologist with no credibility in the process he had performed for the Town of Vienna on his own time. Councilwoman Robinson further stated that Mr. & Mrs. DeAngeles had moved to Snow Hill, Maryland, which the Maryland Historical Trust has called the most historically intact Town in Maryland. Mr. DeAngeles spent endless hours developing material for a comprehensive walking tour, and is currently the Chairman, of the Preservation Commission, which has been charged with establishing the guidelines to protect the historic nature of the Town. Due to his efforts the Preservation Commission has received a grant of $15,000.00 from the Maryland Historical Trust to fund the cost of the project. Councilwoman Robinson stated that she felt his accomplishments in Maryland validate his competence and dedication which he had given to the Town of Vienna.
Dick DeAngeles was a loyal Maud machine member. He would do or say anything to help Maud prop up her phony historic district. Now ten years plus after living in Vienna Maud uses Town Council time to fawn over one of her former sock puppets. Nothing DeAngeles ever did regarding Vienna's farcical Windover Heights Historic District was certified by any authority. One day soon we can only hope that crazy old people lost in distant decades will not run Vienna.
Note: It should be noted that the individual (Sue Allard) who moved into Dick's former home in the Windover Heights Historic District once chained herself to a tree to support Maud. These really are sick people.
A Government Crooked Down to the Smallest Things Comments (3)
From the minutes of Vienna's Commercial Architectural Review Board comes this:
Ms. [Laine] Hyde stated that the color of the sign is fine but thought that the arrows shown on the proposal for the replacement tenant panel did not need to be added. It may give it a jumbled look. Chairwoman Damon stated her agreement with Ms. Hyde’s comments. Mr. Layer thought that the arrows served to emphasize the words “music” on the sign. Additional discussion followed.
So what do you think was really said? These are the edited meeting transcripts designed to make Maud's flunkies look competent. Could you imagine going before a governmental body and hearing some goof say that your professionally designed sign was "jumbled"? Especially since there is nothing in Vienna's Code that refers to design specifics, colors, or "jumbled" anything?
March 16, 2008
Mclean Beating Vienna Too Comments (3)
From the Sun Gazette:
Two “Main Street of McLean” forums to discuss the future of the revitalization of downtown McLean will be held on Thursday, April 3 at 7 p.m. and on Friday, April 4 at 9:30 a.m. at the McLean Community Center. The sessions will be hosted by the McLean Planning Committee. A summary session will be held on Wednesday, April 30 at 7:30 p.m. The “Main Street” area is bordered by Old Dominion Drive, Chain Bridge Road, Beverly Road and Ingleside Avenue. For information, call Mary Baker, president of the McLean Planning Committee, at (703) 356-5214.
What does Vienna have? An empty Town Green.
March 14, 2008
Historic Boob Laine Hyde Recuses Herself Comments (3)
From the Town minutes comes a request from the Town to the Town (digest that one for a second) to approve a marker for the destroyed Moorefield house:
Request for approval of signage for The Town of Vienna located at 900 Moorefield Court, SW, (Docket No. BAR-80-07), in the RTH Town House zoning district; filed by Cathy Salgado, Director of Parks and Recreation. Ms. Catherine Salgado, Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation came forward. Ms. Salgado stated that they are proposing to install a marker sign at the former site of the Moorefield House, which is located within the Townes of Moorefield. The marker is part of the overall plan from when it was dismantled. It was the Town Council who decided that something should be installed to indicate the location of the Moorefield House. She presented a photograph of another marker that is located in front of the Community Center. The photograph shows a marker sign that is embedded in stone and will be similar to proposed marker. Chairwoman Damon asked if the stone is at the site. Ms. Salgado answered yes, explaining that there is currently a pile of stones at the site. They will use the largest of the stones to imbed the marker into. The stone will be placed where the front door had been located. Ms. [Laine] Hyde stated that she is recused from the item.
Why is Laine recused? We are not sure. We do know she is the boob leader of Historic Vienna Inc. Under her guidance she led the crusade to destroy and throw away Vienna's one and only historic structure (Moorefield was on the National Trust). Do we think the Vienna Town Attorney requested Hyde recuse herself on this silly vote for this silly board? Doubtful. No, this was probably Hyde trying to show that she is ethical. Nice try, no cigar! So when you read Town minutes for assorted meetings and you see an innocuous statement such as "Hyde recuses herself"...stop, pause and ask what are the real details. Unfortunately, since the Town of Vienna uses a practice of minutes that does not accurately reflect what takes place in meetings, since the Town has refused to video tape their meetings, we are left with morons like Hyde taking every liberty with the public trust they can.
Even Though Hyde Randomly Rules Against the Color Red, She Wears It
March 13, 2008
Mayor Jane Seeman: Xenophobe or Mentally Challenged? Comments (6)
From the Sun Gazette comes Seeman's foot stuffed into her mouth:
Vienna Town Council members at their March 10 work session narrowed down options for a laser show at this year's Fourth of July celebration, but some worried the show's cost would be excessive. Vienna officials began considering a laser show after 11 people were injured during last year's show at Waters Field. The accident occurred when a Chinese-made, multi-shot firework failed catastrophically. Vienna paid about $10,000 for its fireworks show last year. The new 22-minute show, which would feature lasers, images projected onto a giant screen and close-proximity pyrotechnics, would cost about $23,000, said Andy Suehle, vice president of Image Engineering. The town's review-and-selection committee rated the Baltimore-based company as the one best capable of providing such a laser-light show. The company's credits include ceremonies for the 120th anniversary of the Brooklyn Bridge and the unveiling of the renovated Washington Monument. Image Engineering uses air-cooled lasers that do not require water, Suehle said. The company also has a inflatable projection screen that is seven stories tall and 110 feet wide, and can supply pyrotechnics that are safe for spectators as close as 15 feet away, he said. Parks and Recreation Department officials will work out details of the laser-light show and the Town Council likely will vote on the proposal at its April 7 meeting. Council member Maud Robinson said she would like the show to be appealing, but would vote against it if its cost exceeded $15,000. Council member Michael Polychrones concurred with Robinson's assessment. Suehle said the town could defray some costs by projecting event sponsors' logos onto the large screen. But Mayor M. Jane Seeman said she was loath to see the celebration commercialized. Council member Laurie Cole said she already has come under family pressure regarding the show's entertainment content. "My 16-year-old told me, 'No Celine Dion, please!'" Cole said. Seeman chimed in, "She's Canadian. Get her out."
Wonder if Seeman learned her xenophobia hanging out at LoboTommy's Red Hunter site?
Seeman, Seeman, Seeman, Seeman, Seeman, Seeman!
What Is Vienna's Grade? Comments (0)
From the 'Project for Public Spaces' comes this checklist to see how great your town is. How many check marks Vienna would get?
"Maud, do not let these uppity subjects of yours distract you with their ideas and checklists. You must stay on your mission. Never forget that you are omnipotent. Your subjects must always remain in fear and scared of you. Keep up the good work! Your comrade, Hugo"
March 12, 2008
"That's Amore" Out of Business Comments (18)
We have a nice new road in front of where "That's Amore" restaurant used to be. Operative term - used to be. When you have moronic politicians leading the way, politicians who have spent the better part of their careers railing against success and money making (regardless as to whether that actually helps the whole community or not), when you have lazy, freeloading contractors who seem to be on perpetual bath room breaks and when time to completion is no object, is it really a surprise this happened? Wasn't it just last week the Vienna Town Council members lined up like retarded sock puppets in front of That's Amore and did a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new road? Our real fear is that when Maud goes she really won't go. Like her hero she will live on.
March 11, 2008
George Creed Talks Comments (1)
From the Connection...Residents Reflect on Tysons Future, Planning Process:
George Creed, Vienna "They’re hearing our voices, but are not listening. I believe the planners’ minds are made up. We keep asking questions about transportation and those are not being addressed …. at least, not so far. "The first thing they have to fix is the problems we have now. "To make any of this planning work, you need Metrorail and right now, that’s questionable. I don’t think either of those plans [A or B] will work without rail, preferably underground. "We need the higher amount of green space and civic amenities."
That clarified everything. Thanks George. When you hear the noble George speak out in the local paper don't forget his conflict of interest and self serving use of the government to benefit his grandkids.
March 10, 2008
Shirley Damon: Example of a Corrupt Public Official Comments (3)
Shirley Damon, one of Maud's oldest crony friends, is the Chair of the Commercial Architectural Review Board. At a recent meeting of that board we noticed this interchange from the Westwood Country Club as they proposed an enclosure for their pool filter:
Mr. Bill Pfunder representing the application was present to speak. Mr. Pfunder stated that he is the owner of the swimming pool company that takes care of the swimming pool at the Westwood Country Club. The filter room has been in existence for well over forty years. As a result it is falling apart so that they would like to replace it. A sample of materials was passed around for the Board to review. Chairwoman Damon asked if they will treat the wood. Mr. Pfunder answered that they will paint the structure gray to match the existing facility. Chairwoman Damon stated that the Board needs to know the exact shade of gray. Additional discussion followed regarding the proposed shade of gray.
Additional discussion about the shade? This is disgusting. There is NOTHING in the Vienna Code that references or even mentions a color. There is no acceptable color list. Gray? There is nothing that says the shed can't be red, green or polka dots. But Damon goes the extra mile of a power hungry lunatic - she asks for the shade of gray. Think about that for a second. We have this nut Damon leading a board that decides property rights and she makes up the law on the fly at her whim. Now imagine an entire Town government trained to take these kinds of liberties with the law every step of their daily governance and you have the twisted and dirty Vienna Town government ladies and gentleman.
More of Damon idiocy here including video.
Maud supporter on the loose.
March 09, 2008
Machine Trivia Question Comments (1)
Can anyone name the ONE Town resident to win a Town Council seat by knocking off a machine member in the last 31 Town elections?
March 06, 2008
Another Stabbing at Cedar Lane. Is that News? Comments (5)
From Vienna Citizens Group:
Hi Everyone, Want you to be aware that there was a stabbing at the Cedar Park Shopping Center this morning. This is what we've been able to find out: The Vienna Police reported the first call about the incident at 8:40am this morning, and the Fairfax County Police assisted the Vienna Police with apprehending the assailant, who had fled the scene and ditched the knife somewhere on Patrick St. The Vienna police continued to search this afternoon for the weapon. The victim is in the hospital, and the assailant is in jail. We don't know the names of either yet, or if there was a robbery or gang member involved. Thank goodness our neighborhood schools were put on lock-down during the search for the assailant. However, we are disappointed that there was no reverse 911 call to notify neighborhood residents. Will let you know more as we know it. Thanks, VCG
Now if the stabbing took place behind Magruders...Rip Van Maud might wake up from her daily siesta.
The Machine Marches On Comments (3)
From the Fairfax Times:
Last year, Vienna's Town Council elections were contentious, expensive, and filled with drama, complete with election day irregularities and a dismissed poll worker. This May, three town council seats and the post of mayor are up for election, but sitting incumbents Michael Polychrones, Edythe Kelleher, Laurie Cole, and Mayor Jane Seeman are all running unopposed. "I like to think it's because we've been doing a great job," said Cole. Despite the lack of competition, the Fairfax County office of elections says it will still be keeping a close eye on Vienna's town election this year, to prevent a repeat of 2007. On May 2 last year, a poll worker at the Vienna community center was accused of misinforming voters about their choices, and reportedly filled in voters' ballots for them. The scandal has caused a change in the way Vienna's poll workers are selected. In previous years they were chosen from a list created by the sitting town council, but now they will be entirely chosen by the Fairfax Board of Elections. "Our office will be cracking down a little on the people in the polling place," said Judy Flaig, of the Office of Elections. According to Flaig, the training of Vienna's poll workers will also be emphasized. In an uncontested election, it can be hard to determine what issues are most important to voters. Virtually all of the running incumbents seemed to agree that the two most important issues were Vienna's budget and growth in Tysons Corner. The four candidates for Vienna's election are also the only four members of town council to join the newly formed Greater Tysons Citizens Coalition, an organization formed to monitor the Tysons Land use taskforce. "What happens there affects us," said Polychrones. Vienna's budget, affected by falling real estate prices and rising fuel costs like the rest of Virginia, is expected to be the focus of a lot of attention in coming weeks. "It's going to be very hard," said Kelleher.
Public Corruption Comments (1)
From the papers:
[The Town Council voted to] renew the town's five-year lease with Historic Vienna Inc. to allow the non-profit group to operate and maintain the historic Freeman Store, the original Vienna Library building and the grounds at 131 Church St., N.E. The group will pay the town $1 in annual rent.
Said another way? Maud votes to allow her group of personal buddies (led by Laine Hyde) a free club house to play in. Is there any other local government that leases out millions of dollars of public assets for $1 a year with no outside competition? Is this behavior legal? When the history is written of Vienna politics Maud will go down as a dirty and corrupt public official.
This Is How The Maud Uses Our Police For Her Own Petty Political Purposes Comments (4)
Know the one way section of Church Street behind the Marco Polo? It is one way because we have an 85-year old Maud who wants it that way. It's not one way for ANY logical, definable reason. And of course it has been that way for some time. Recently, however, Maud has been deploying the Vienna Police to stake out and "catch" people violating the this one way nonsense. Don't you think our Police feel stupid enforcing a petty and silly law that actually limits Town traffic flow when they could be doing much more important work?
Vienna citizen ordered to stand trial by the Maud.
March 02, 2008
Hey Maudasaurus What is Your Plan for This? Comments (3)
A new city is envisioned for Tysons and what is Vienna planning to do in response? Complain, whine and ultimately do nothing? Why are we expecting an 85 year old Maudasaurus with absolutely no experience in these matters to lead Vienna? If Maple Avenue is gridlock now, what happens in 5 years when Maud hits 90? Maud what is your solution? Connecticut Avenue's reversible lanes in DC sure offers ideas for solutions. Maud's strategy of not easing traffic in Vienna, hoping people would use different routes, has failed. Maybe Howard Springsteen Vienna's Weenie of the Year, the guy who sits on the Transportation Safety Commission, has some ideas?
Fannie Travis was part of the group that served the machine over the years. She was a member of Maud's Commercial Architectual Review Board. She was loyal.
March 01, 2008
The Snail Government Takes Action Comments (12)
From the Town website:
"At the Town Council's request, the Planning Commission is conducting an analysis of parking issues in the Church Street Pedestrian District (between Lawyers Rd and Dominion Rd). As part of this analysis, comments are being collected from Church Street Property Owners and Business Owners/Managers, as well as from the general public. Please see below to select the appropriate survey for your situation. Responses should be submitted by March 16."
Here is the survey. Look, if we were Seeman or Robinson this is exactly what we would do too. They have made their Council positions "for life". They don't have a clue how to run lead or even run a government, but "surveys" make them feel good.
NOTE: Don't miss Seeman's letter on the subject.
