It's at the front desk

I’d love to find an in-person group that doesn’t take themselves so seriously, and is not religious or guru-centric. Does anyone know of any good groups that meet on a regular basis?

Someone recently asked where to get the best apple cider donuts. Apple House was an early contender, and I mentioned my local favorite, Cox Farms. Opinions varied, but we all agreed that SCIENCE would provide the real answer! And my friends: science has delivered.

You can argue I should have rotated the \"B\" donuts better for the photo, but that's just how they naturally positioned themselves. Science!

A double-blind taste test, administered to family visiting from out of town, accompanied by cold apple cider from each place.

THE FIRST, SHOCKING DISCOVERY:

Betrayal by cider?

My wife and I each brought home donuts and cider from one of the places. Looks like the real winner is Rinker Farms, who provides identical cider to both. As a side note, we all agreed it is much better -- thicker and flavorier -- than Wegmans' cider. But I'm not sure we really needed two gallons of it. (Not complaining!)

BACK TO THE DONUTS

Identical plastic packaging. Cox Farms puts a sticker on theirs. Same size, about the same price. (To my shame, I did not write down the prices of either. What kind of a scientist am I?!?) (One who does not quibble over the price of my apple cider donuts. Every donut is magical and worth it.)

APPLE HOUSE DONUT:

https://preview.redd.it/pt3bg5nmvxsd1.jpg?width=2252&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5293b9f6069489b0480363403e7052c4a0dd95d9

COX FARMS DONUT:

https://preview.redd.it/nrvud6nmvxsd1.jpg?width=2252&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cf6f2d36fe40a2bddda3ad3197ef612276410195

The Apple House donuts clearly have more topping. Otherwise, they are the same size and weight and color on the outside.

Once you cut them open, the Apple House donuts have a much richer, caramel color (dare I say "apple cider color?").

The Apple House donuts have more intrinsic flavor in the bread, and the extra coating of topping is definitely effective at conveying extra flavor at the first instant of biting in.

The Cox Farms donuts are a bit denser? I dunno. I'm not a food critic, so I am not going to try and write about toothiness or a heady, nutmeg aroma or anything.

WHO WAS THE WINNER?

https://preview.redd.it/6b0vurudwxsd1.jpg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1ddcf4da03a795dd88fea2580d38397e03292040

That's the result of 6 children and 3 adults taste-testing and voting. (Science AND politics!) That's also the result of the vote form being set in the condensation from one of the cider jugs.

But the results are unanimous: Apple House apple cider donuts are the best!

Are they worth the extra half-hour drive each way?

In the words of one participant: "As long as you are the one doing the drive, Dad, then yes."

Happy apple cider donut season, everybody!

(Like, share, and subscribe! Comment below on YOUR favorite apple cider donuts.)

Have any of you been having this problem lately? For the past 2 months I’ve had people ringing my doorbell to talk about religion. This is getting extremely annoying.

I never open the door but I talk to them through my doorbell and I tell them that I am not interested. They seem to be targeting me for some reason because they are always talking to us in Spanish (Spanish is my native language) and they seem to come to my house and then leave, they don’t go to the neighbors. Some neighbors have mentioned they have had religious people soliciting but none of them are Spanish speakers.

Where are they getting this info? I really would like them to stop… I don’t want anything to do with any religion.

Edit: if they come today I plan on asking them where they are getting my info from.

Hey any ideas for some part time work for a college student? I’m 21M looking for some chill places to work that pays generously around the area. Please no waiter or food related suggestions. Thank you!!!

I’m 36 and currently taking classes to become an electrician, which is a major career shift and I’m mostly just looking to pay the bills while I work towards my license.

I’m currently working night shifts as security, which I’m not loving, but thought maybe it wouldn’t be so bad if I actually got to socialize with folks at the same time. I like to think I’m pretty likable (or at least have been told so), and I used to be a barista at Starbucks, which seems like there would be some overlap.

Are there any certifications or anything required to work in either VA or DC?

And beyond that, how would you actually go about getting your foot in the door? I assume these aren’t going to be opportunities you find posted on linkedin or Indeed, and I’m really not much of a drinker so I don’t frequently visit bars normally.

Would you just call or visit during off hours when they’re not busy? Try to get on at a restaurant that has a bar to try and get your foot in the door? Or is it just insanely competitive and basically impossible unless you already know someone?

Anyone see the random fireworks in the Alexandria are or know anything about it? Maybe an event or just leftovers from the 4th?

I’m hearing VERY loud explosive sounds by Old Town Alexandria. Anyone have any idea what it is?

I haven't gone to a dentist in years and don't have insurance 😭 I have dental calculus and gum recession on the back of my front lower teeth. I'm looking for affordable dentists that offer cleaning and exams.

Hi all! I'm in desperate need of someone who can make a dress from a pattern I have. It's more complex than I could manage on my own. Does anyone have a recommendation for a good dressmaker in the area? Thanks so much!

I know there are multiple vet posts on this sub, but some of the posts are from years ago, and I wasn't sure which vet to choose. The choices I've narrowed down to are Herndon Animal Medical Center (heard good things about them but only downside is they're closed Saturday), Clocktower Animal Hospital, and Countryside Animal Clinical in Sterling.

My cat is over ten years old, and any recent experiences or feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Moved to Nova a few months ago and enjoying the trails and fresh air.

What is a decent percent for a tip, when you sit down at a restaurant?

Don’t want to overdo it or underdo it.

Hi! Anyone know what happens this evening (Fri 10/4 maybe 6 ish) that FFX police have a perimeter set up and the helicopter doing low and slow circles? Thnx

I kinda feel bad (look I'm not sure what his situation was), he waited til I ordered and sat down, then approached and asked for money to order too. I said no but he asked again, and me being shitty after work just said "nah man, you got a nice phone then me".

he spent 5 mins shouting at me, and went to sit in the corner of the restaurant still loudly belittling me. I got up and offered him my tray which seemed to piss him off more. I left, leaving my food and I admit I almost wanted to escalate the situation out of frustration but didn't. Just was really looking forward to that Dave's double I guess.

Aiming to work with a local firm to buy a house. Anyone have a recommendation of a broker that you’ve been able to snag a competitive rate through?

No CUs or anything like that.

Any place recommendations for seeing the Northern lights tonight in NoVA?

Anyone ever attend/ host a private event at the archer hotel in mosaic( Fairfax)? I want to know about your experience. Considering it for a small baby shower.

Anyone have recommendations for the best places to go tv shopping?

Costco, Best Buy, local shops?

Also saw that Manassas has a Best Buy outlet store that sells open box items. Anyone have experience with that store?

Would also appreciate if you all could recommend if one specific Costco/Best Buy location is better than the others.

Guys, I registered to vote on the offical site but once I try to check the status it says I'm not on file.

19 yrs old, first time voting. Pls help, I know it sounds silly.