National was Re: WMATA Metrorail Largo Extension

[The Robinsons]

Brian et. al. National Airport was renamed by Act of [Republican] Congress.
WMATA not only had to print new Metro maps, they also had to repaint the signs
in the Metro stations, etc. The National Park Service also had to repaint the
signs on the GW Parkway, etc. Renaming National Airport cost several million
dollars, as I recall reading in the Post. But I still call it National
Airport, and have not set foot there since.

Isn't that a bit excessive? Nobody in DC calls it "Reagan" National
Airport unless forced to, e.g. unless forced to by Don Graham, so
silent protest is unnecessary, methinks.

After all you can't effect change except through engagement.
This does not of course apply to institutions which deserve
not change but disillution, like certain businesses I refuse
to give business to..... and there are people who boycott
National because they hate it and are scared to fly there and
want it shut down.

In the case of National, if National went out of business (or if the
Nationals were to set up shop in Dulles, which is unlikely to happen
since VA isn't about to pay 100% of the cost of a new stadium)

the result would be terrible for DC in the inner suburbs, as yet
more impetus to develop the bulk of the metro area out west
towards Dulles Airport would surely occur.

So you should give National your business when it is reasonable
to do so, after all, the airport workers and airline employees
there surely are not to blame for the push to call it "Reagan".

BTW, it is not accurate to call it "Reagan National" like the post does.

That's like calling Dulles "Washington International". The only gramatical
shorthand for the official airport name is either "Washington National" or
"National Airport" or, to be bipartisan, "Reagan Washington".

since the Airport is still officially a memorial of President Washington
and Reagan's name was tacked on later. The official name is
"Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport"

to which "Washington" refers to George Washington.

"Reagan" is grammatical but totally outre. I hear talking heads from
CATO institute call it National on TV, so only people who just fell off
the turnip truck call it "Reagan". :-)

so "Reagan National" is plain incorrect.

-BER

[eric h]

Post by The Robinsons
That's like calling Dulles "Washington International". The only gramatical
shorthand for the official airport name is either "Washington National" or
"National Airport" or, to be bipartisan, "Reagan Washington".

I usually call it National, but if someone really forces the issue, I'll
meet 'em halfway and refer to the airport using the ex-prez's name as I
use it: Ronald F#ck!#g Reagan Airport.

I mean, it's not as if the country's rolling in airports named after
Democrats, JFK notwithstanding.

[The Robinsons]

Post by eric h

Post by The Robinsons
That's like calling Dulles "Washington International". The only gramatical
shorthand for the official airport name is either "Washington National" or
"National Airport" or, to be bipartisan, "Reagan Washington".

I usually call it National, but if someone really forces the issue, I'll
meet 'em halfway and refer to the airport using the ex-prez's name as I
use it: Ronald F#ck!#g Reagan Airport.
I mean, it's not as if the country's rolling in airports
named after Democrats, JFK notwithstanding.

Rock, Rock, Roll, National, Roll Over!

Once Upon the Southwest Airlines
The social structure steamed upon WMATA...

President Reagan, just look what you done,
done...to the church of George Washington!

[Icono Clast]

Post by eric h
Ronald F#ck!#g Reagan Airport.
I mean, it's not as if the country's rolling in airports named after
Democrats, JFK notwithstanding.

I think you're missing the point. The airport was named after a
president. Changing the name to that of another president is
unconscionable and probably unpatriotic.

Post by eric h
Ronald F#ck!#g Reagan Airport.

_________________________________________________________
Remembering Ronald Reagan: Let Us Remember Lest We Forget
http://geocities.com/iconoc/Articles/rReagan.html#t

[John R Cambron]

Post by Icono Clast

Post by eric h
Ronald F#ck!#g Reagan Airport.
I mean, it's not as if the country's rolling in airports named after
Democrats, JFK notwithstanding.

I think you're missing the point. The airport was named after a
president. Changing the name to that of another president is
unconscionable and probably unpatriotic.

The airport was named for the city it served. Adding Ronald Reagan
to Washington National Airport is no different then Atlanta Hartsfield
International Airport or Chicago O´Hare Airport International Airport.

[Sarah Banick]

Post by John R Cambron
The airport was named for the city it served. Adding Ronald Reagan
to Washington National Airport is no different then Atlanta Hartsfield
International Airport

Which has been renamed to Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
Both men are former mayors.

[Steven M. Scharf]

Post by eric h
I mean, it's not as if the country's rolling in airports named after
Democrats, JFK notwithstanding.

Houston: Hobby
San Jose: Mineta

[John R Cambron]

Post by The Robinsons

Brian et. al. National Airport was renamed by Act of [Republican] Congress.
WMATA not only had to print new Metro maps, they also had to repaint the signs
in the Metro stations, etc. The National Park Service also had to repaint the
signs on the GW Parkway, etc. Renaming National Airport cost several million
dollars, as I recall reading in the Post. But I still call it National
Airport, and have not set foot there since.

Isn't that a bit excessive? Nobody in DC calls it "Reagan" National
Airport unless forced to, e.g. unless forced to by Don Graham, so
silent protest is unnecessary, methinks.
After all you can't effect change except through engagement.
This does not of course apply to institutions which deserve
not change but disillution, like certain businesses I refuse
to give business to..... and there are people who boycott
National because they hate it and are scared to fly there and
want it shut down.
In the case of National, if National went out of business (or if the
Nationals were to set up shop in Dulles, which is unlikely to happen
since VA isn't about to pay 100% of the cost of a new stadium)
the result would be terrible for DC in the inner suburbs, as yet
more impetus to develop the bulk of the metro area out west
towards Dulles Airport would surely occur.
So you should give National your business when it is reasonable
to do so, after all, the airport workers and airline employees
there surely are not to blame for the push to call it "Reagan".
BTW, it is not accurate to call it "Reagan National" like the post does.
That's like calling Dulles "Washington International". The only gramatical
shorthand for the official airport name is either "Washington National" or
"National Airport" or, to be bipartisan, "Reagan Washington".
since the Airport is still officially a memorial of President Washington
and Reagan's name was tacked on later. The official name is
"Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport"
to which "Washington" refers to George Washington.
"Reagan" is grammatical but totally outre. I hear talking heads from
CATO institute call it National on TV, so only people who just fell off
the turnip truck call it "Reagan". :-)
so "Reagan National" is plain incorrect.

WTOP radio regularly calls it Reagan National when reporters are doing
stories related to that airport.

[Miguel Cruz]

Post by John R Cambron
WTOP radio regularly calls it Reagan National when reporters are doing
stories related to that airport.

WTOP is a Salt Lake City station that just happens to have a transmitter and
a few token staff in the DC area.

miguel

[rich hammett]

Post by Miguel Cruz

Post by John R Cambron
WTOP radio regularly calls it Reagan National when reporters are doing
stories related to that airport.

WTOP is a Salt Lake City station that just happens to have a transmitter and
a few token staff in the DC area.

Despite their ownership, I don't know anybody who covers the
city better, especially outside the beltway traffic.

rich

[Miguel Cruz]

Post by rich hammett

Post by Miguel Cruz

Post by John R Cambron
WTOP radio regularly calls it Reagan National when reporters are doing
stories related to that airport.

WTOP is a Salt Lake City station that just happens to have a transmitter and
a few token staff in the DC area.

Despite their ownership, I don't know anybody who covers the
city better, especially outside the beltway traffic.

See, that's not the city, but rather some suburban trivia of interest to the
market that Salt Lake City radio station tycoons are targeting.

Which is fine, in itself, but it ain't DC.

miguel

[rich hammett]

Post by Miguel Cruz

Post by rich hammett

Post by Miguel Cruz

Post by John R Cambron
WTOP radio regularly calls it Reagan National when reporters are doing
stories related to that airport.

WTOP is a Salt Lake City station that just happens to have a transmitter and
a few token staff in the DC area.

Despite their ownership, I don't know anybody who covers the
city better, especially outside the beltway traffic.

See, that's not the city, but rather some suburban trivia of interest to the
market that Salt Lake City radio station tycoons are targeting.
Which is fine, in itself, but it ain't DC.

Lessee, the station is in the suburbs, and they target
the suburbs where most potential listeners live. And
they provide constant news updates about the city from
local reporters, as well as the suburbs, they have
regular talk and question-and-answer sessions with
DC as well as suburban leaders...

What does that have to do with Salt Lake, exactly? You
sound upset that the station isn't all about YOU.

rich

[Miguel Cruz]

Post by Miguel Cruz

Post by rich hammett

Post by Miguel Cruz

Post by John R Cambron
WTOP radio regularly calls it Reagan National when reporters are doing
stories related to that airport.

WTOP is a Salt Lake City station that just happens to have a
transmitter and a few token staff in the DC area.

Despite their ownership, I don't know anybody who covers the
city better, especially outside the beltway traffic.

See, that's not the city, but rather some suburban trivia of interest to
the market that Salt Lake City radio station tycoons are targeting.
Which is fine, in itself, but it ain't DC.

Lessee, the station is in the suburbs, and they target the suburbs where
most potential listeners live. And they provide constant news updates
about the city from local reporters, as well as the suburbs, they have
regular talk and question-and-answer sessions with DC as well as suburban
leaders...
What does that have to do with Salt Lake, exactly?

WTOP is one of many stations that used to provide at least vaguely in-depth
coverage of city issues, and has moved to cursory, formulaic pap
interspersed with traffic reports, directed from a control room in Salt Lake
City, and run by staff who may never have even been within a thousand miles
of DC.

You sound upset that the station isn't all about YOU.

I live in Malaysia. My expectations that WTOP will report about traffic
congestion on Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman are moderate at best.

miguel

[Pan]

Post by Miguel Cruz
WTOP is one of many stations that used to provide at least vaguely in-depth
coverage of city issues, and has moved to cursory, formulaic pap
interspersed with traffic reports, directed from a control room in Salt Lake
City, and run by staff who may never have even been within a thousand miles
of DC.
I live in Malaysia. My expectations that WTOP will report about traffic
congestion on Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman are moderate at best.
miguel
--

90% of WTOPs listening audience are there for the traffic and weather. Like
you said, the news coverage is very light and not in depth. For that kind
of coverage on local developments and politics on the radio, you'd have to
go to the public radio stations on the FM dial.

Pan

[rich hammett]

Post by Miguel Cruz

Post by Miguel Cruz

Post by rich hammett

Post by Miguel Cruz

Post by John R Cambron
WTOP radio regularly calls it Reagan National when reporters are doing
stories related to that airport.

WTOP is a Salt Lake City station that just happens to have a
transmitter and a few token staff in the DC area.

Despite their ownership, I don't know anybody who covers the
city better, especially outside the beltway traffic.

See, that's not the city, but rather some suburban trivia of interest to
the market that Salt Lake City radio station tycoons are targeting.
Which is fine, in itself, but it ain't DC.

Lessee, the station is in the suburbs, and they target the suburbs where
most potential listeners live. And they provide constant news updates
about the city from local reporters, as well as the suburbs, they have
regular talk and question-and-answer sessions with DC as well as suburban
leaders...
What does that have to do with Salt Lake, exactly?

WTOP is one of many stations that used to provide at least vaguely in-depth
coverage of city issues, and has moved to cursory, formulaic pap
interspersed with traffic reports, directed from a control room in Salt Lake
City, and run by staff who may never have even been within a thousand miles
of DC.

What do they use their control room in Wheaton, MD for?

Post by Miguel Cruz

You sound upset that the station isn't all about YOU.

I live in Malaysia. My expectations that WTOP will report about traffic
congestion on Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman are moderate at best.

I think they're up to a half-dozen repeaters in ever-further suburbs.
Malaysia's only a matter of time.

As an American, I know that every place is a suburb of 'Merika.

rich

[Miguel Cruz]

Post by rich hammett

Post by Miguel Cruz

Lessee, the station is in the suburbs, and they target the suburbs where
most potential listeners live. And they provide constant news updates
about the city from local reporters, as well as the suburbs, they have
regular talk and question-and-answer sessions with DC as well as
suburban leaders...
What does that have to do with Salt Lake, exactly?

WTOP is one of many stations that used to provide at least vaguely
in-depth coverage of city issues, and has moved to cursory, formulaic pap
interspersed with traffic reports, directed from a control room in Salt
Lake City, and run by staff who may never have even been within a
thousand miles of DC.

What do they use their control room in Wheaton, MD for?

Tetris competitions? I'm sure there are some aspects that have to be managed
locally.

Post by rich hammett

Post by Miguel Cruz

You sound upset that the station isn't all about YOU.

I live in Malaysia. My expectations that WTOP will report about traffic
congestion on Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman are moderate at best.

I think they're up to a half-dozen repeaters in ever-further suburbs.
Malaysia's only a matter of time.
As an American, I know that every place is a suburb of 'Merika.

Well, within a 10 minute walk of my home there are six 7-Elevens, five
Starbucks, three McDonalds, two Kenny Rogers Roasterses, a Burger King, an
Outback Steakhouse, and a Pizza Hut. So how dare you insinuate this is a
suburb of America? It IS America.

miguel

[John R Cambron]

Post by rich hammett

Post by Miguel Cruz

Post by Miguel Cruz

Post by rich hammett

Post by Miguel Cruz

Post by John R Cambron
WTOP radio regularly calls it Reagan National when reporters are doing
stories related to that airport.

WTOP is a Salt Lake City station that just happens to have a
transmitter and a few token staff in the DC area.

Despite their ownership, I don't know anybody who covers the
city better, especially outside the beltway traffic.

See, that's not the city, but rather some suburban trivia of interest to
the market that Salt Lake City radio station tycoons are targeting.
Which is fine, in itself, but it ain't DC.

Lessee, the station is in the suburbs, and they target the suburbs where
most potential listeners live. And they provide constant news updates
about the city from local reporters, as well as the suburbs, they have
regular talk and question-and-answer sessions with DC as well as suburban
leaders...
What does that have to do with Salt Lake, exactly?

WTOP is one of many stations that used to provide at least vaguely in-depth
coverage of city issues, and has moved to cursory, formulaic pap
interspersed with traffic reports, directed from a control room in Salt Lake
City, and run by staff who may never have even been within a thousand miles
of DC.

What do they use their control room in Wheaton, MD for?

Actually the WTOP studios are in Broadcast House on Brandwine Street
in Northwest Washington DC. The complex in Wheaton on University
Boulevard is the 1500 mhz transmitter and directional tower array.

Post by rich hammett

Post by Miguel Cruz

You sound upset that the station isn't all about YOU.

I live in Malaysia. My expectations that WTOP will report about traffic
congestion on Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman are moderate at best.

I think they're up to a half-dozen repeaters in ever-further suburbs.+

WTOP AM 1500 khz Washington DC
WTOP AM 830 khz Fredrick MD
WTOP FM 104.3 mhz
WTOP FM 107.7 Warrenton VA

Post by rich hammett
Malaysia's only a matter of time.
As an American, I know that every place is a suburb of 'Merika.

[Keith F. Lynch]

... there are people who boycott National because they hate it and
are scared to fly there and want it shut down.

There are millions of people who "boycott" all airports because we
refuse to be treated as suspected terrorists. When airlines want our
business back, they know what to do.

... the result would be terrible for DC in the inner suburbs, as yet
more impetus to develop the bulk of the metro area out west towards
Dulles Airport would surely occur.

Not unless we finally get Metro to Dulles. That seems to be about ten
years away -- as it has been for the past forty years or so.

[The Robinsons]

Post by Keith F. Lynch

... there are people who boycott National because they hate it and
are scared to fly there and want it shut down.

There are millions of people who "boycott" all airports because we
refuse to be treated as suspected terrorists. When airlines want our
business back, they know what to do.

I hear where you are coming from (assuming you're reading this message
since you just plonked me.) :-)

Post by Keith F. Lynch

... the result would be terrible for DC in the inner suburbs, as yet
more impetus to develop the bulk of the metro area out west towards
Dulles Airport would surely occur.

Not unless we finally get Metro to Dulles. That seems to be about ten
years away -- as it has been for the past forty years or so.

No, they're making sure to start developing "Metro-oriented Edge Cities"
decades before the stations open, like what's happening at Morgan Blvd.
and Largo Town Center, not to mention (ahem) the I-395 corridor in
Alexandria, which got upzoned decades ago in anticipation of a line that
got cut out of the ARS. This way they assure ease of permit approvals
with no pesky fights over what is and isn't suitable way to develop
next to a Metro station. People only begin to worry about pedestrian
friendliness after the station is open. Foresight is no longer an
American trait, it seems.

--Brian R.

[Steven M. Scharf]

Post by The Robinsons
Isn't that a bit excessive? Nobody in DC calls it "Reagan" National
Airport unless forced to, e.g. unless forced to by Don Graham, so
silent protest is unnecessary, methinks.

I try not to go to the main airport in Houston anymore either, the Bush
paraphanelia on the concourses turns my stomach. In the Washington D.C.
area you have three choices. Last time I used BWI, and I liked it very
much. The observation lounge is awesome!

Although, as you point out, no one calls National Airport, "Reagan Airport."

[The Robinsons]

Post by Steven M. Scharf

Post by The Robinsons
Isn't that a bit excessive? Nobody in DC calls it "Reagan" National
Airport unless forced to, e.g. unless forced to by Don Graham, so
silent protest is unnecessary, methinks.

I try not to go to the main airport in Houston anymore either, the Bush
paraphanelia on the concourses turns my stomach. In the Washington D.C.
area you have three choices. Last time I used BWI, and I liked it very
much. The observation lounge is awesome!
Although, as you point out, no one calls National Airport, "Reagan Airport."

Which Bush? Do they memorialize them interchangeably? Just think of the
cost savings when Jeb runs! :-)

As for BWI, did you know BWI used to be called "Friendship International
Airport" because a MD politician liked the sound of it? Sort of a
"You are my Sunshine" type of thing. I like it. Too bad more airports
are named for localities instead of emotions...

The only problem with BWI is its inconveniently located for non-Baltimoreans.

[David Lesher]

Post by The Robinsons
The only problem with BWI is its inconveniently located for non-Baltimoreans.

Less so than IAD. In either case, however, a Metrobus takes me there
or back for $3.00; and that's less than half a day's parking.

[rich hammett]

Post by The Robinsons

Post by Steven M. Scharf

Post by The Robinsons
Isn't that a bit excessive? Nobody in DC calls it "Reagan" National
Airport unless forced to, e.g. unless forced to by Don Graham, so
silent protest is unnecessary, methinks.

I try not to go to the main airport in Houston anymore either, the Bush
paraphanelia on the concourses turns my stomach. In the Washington D.C.
area you have three choices. Last time I used BWI, and I liked it very
much. The observation lounge is awesome!
Although, as you point out, no one calls National Airport, "Reagan Airport."

Which Bush? Do they memorialize them interchangeably? Just think of the
cost savings when Jeb runs! :-)
As for BWI, did you know BWI used to be called "Friendship International
Airport" because a MD politician liked the sound of it? Sort of a
"You are my Sunshine" type of thing. I like it. Too bad more airports
are named for localities instead of emotions...
The only problem with BWI is its inconveniently located for non-Baltimoreans.

No kidding. We live in Germantown, just about centered between the
three airports. You can't get to BWI from here.

rich

[John R Cambron]

Post by rich hammett

Post by The Robinsons

Post by Steven M. Scharf

Post by The Robinsons
Isn't that a bit excessive? Nobody in DC calls it "Reagan" National
Airport unless forced to, e.g. unless forced to by Don Graham, so
silent protest is unnecessary, methinks.

I try not to go to the main airport in Houston anymore either, the Bush
paraphanelia on the concourses turns my stomach. In the Washington D.C.
area you have three choices. Last time I used BWI, and I liked it very
much. The observation lounge is awesome!
Although, as you point out, no one calls National Airport, "Reagan Airport."

Which Bush? Do they memorialize them interchangeably? Just think of the
cost savings when Jeb runs! :-)
As for BWI, did you know BWI used to be called "Friendship International
Airport" because a MD politician liked the sound of it? Sort of a
"You are my Sunshine" type of thing. I like it. Too bad more airports
are named for localities instead of emotions...
The only problem with BWI is its inconveniently located for non-Baltimoreans.

No kidding. We live in Germantown, just about centered between the
three airports. You can't get to BWI from here.

Sure you can. Just not directly by transit.

[rich hammett]

Post by John R Cambron

Post by rich hammett
No kidding. We live in Germantown, just about centered between the
three airports. You can't get to BWI from here.

Sure you can. Just not directly by transit.

Actually, transit is just about the most direct route--bus to Shady Grove,
Red Line to Green Line to Greenbelt, shuttle to BWI.

That's just slightly longer than the recommended driving route
(which is 50 miles long, via the Beltway). For a place that's
probably only 30-35 miles direct.

rich

[John R Cambron]

Post by rich hammett

Post by John R Cambron

Post by rich hammett
No kidding. We live in Germantown, just about centered between the
three airports. You can't get to BWI from here.

Sure you can. Just not directly by transit.

Actually, transit is just about the most direct route--bus to Shady Grove,
Red Line to Green Line to Greenbelt, shuttle to BWI.
That's just slightly longer than the recommended driving route
(which is 50 miles long, via the Beltway). For a place that's
probably only 30-35 miles direct.

As one that use to do a courier run from Linthicum just north
of BWI to Gaithersburg I never made used of either the Capitol
Beltway MD I-495 or MD I-270. I used the state and county roads
west MD I-95 in Howard County to the state and county roads in
upper eastern Montgomery county.