Flashbacks:
The RNGC Caddyshackpocalypse
Bollards!
Set the controls of the Earth-Toned Wayback Machine to the early 1980s, when Reston was still plying its planned community wares to an unsuspecting public. And what better way to do so than show just how happy happy happy Restonians of all stripes were in this fancy glossy magazine ad? On display, we've got all kinds of sweeeeeeeeet winged 80s hair, soccer, and even a token nod at showcasing diversity (judging by the proportion of photos, they must have wanted to point out that Reston was 1/18 minority at this point). Please to be enjoying some breathless advertising copy:
The fact is, there are certain things about life in Reston that can't be conveyed in words. But are expressed, all the same, with smiles and glances, and sometimes, nothing more than a friendly wave.Lovely. In fact, the prose paints such a vivid picture, it almost erases the indelible memory of the image in the middle right square in this version of
You see, these people live in a community where neighbors are friends, and not just the people next door. Their kids climb trees that are older than Reston itself. And walk to schools that are some of America's best. They find themselves learning to sail, taking ballet, and enjoying things they never thought they had time for. Visit Reston and see why 35,000 people can't seem to say enough about where they live.
"I think I'm gonna BARF...."
ReplyDeleteExcept for that part about the kids walking to school (frowned upon these days, it seems), I think Reston makes a really good attempt to be as advertised in that prose.
ReplyDeleteIf you doubt it, spend some time down in Woodbridge or Falls Church, etc. Having done that this weekend, I can say Reston isn't perfect, but I'm glad I live here and not there!
No mention about people walking right by each other on the paths without saying a word. I always think that a lot of Restonians never learned social graces of greeting each other. It's a sad community for me.
ReplyDeleteIt's as though we all work for the CIA, NSA or some spy group and are afraid to talk to each other. Or we simply don't care.
Actually, a fair number of folks here do work for the alphabet agencies. But that doesn't necessarily preclude common courtesy.
DeleteTo: 8:43
ReplyDeleteI walk the trails and people smile and say hello to me all the time. Maybe you are just creepy looking.
I walk the trails and smile and say hello to myself all the time. Occassionally, I pee back there too when nobody is looking.
DeleteI was wondering if there was something wrong with my face -- maybe I am creepy looking! Thanks for the advice other anonymous! :-)
ReplyDeleteIf you loved that copy, you should read my Kodak Carousel copy.
ReplyDeleteI just love the advertising copy, don't you?
ReplyDeleteAnd to think that some people actually read that preternaturally optimistic bullfeathers and moved here anyway, well...
"The fact is, there are certain things about life in Reston that can't be conveyed in words."
ReplyDeleteLike that feeling you get when you open the mailbox and see that RA assessment notice.