Areas USA (the 95 travel plazas) apparently hire a bunch of thieves - because 3 times now they have given themselves a $5 tip and no receipt, so when we caught that we were charged wrong it was way too late. After the 2nd time we started demanding a receipt and lo and behold another $5 tip on a lemonade. If she does that to everyone she's making some bank. It's happened at Wendys (guy cashier) and Auntie Annies (twice, both female) who knows how many more.

Demand the receipt and check it. Because 3 times with 3 different cashiers is not a one-off.

If you want to give a $5 tip, fine, good for you, but I think you should get to choose that!!

Hi all,

I’m looking for recommendations for a reliable, fairly-priced HVAC technician or independent company.

The situation: Our carbon monoxide alarm’s batteries leaked acid fluid into our thermostat, which completely severed the connection for both our HVAC and heating. 🙃 Since Snell installed our AC system just a year ago, we called them out first to diagnose it. The tech told us the main circuit board needs to be replaced and quoted us $1,800 for the repair.

Based on initial research, that quote seems high (?). I’ve seen posts on here mentioning that Snell marks up their labor and parts. Has anyone had a similar circuit board replacement done by a technician who won’t overcharge? Any local companies you’d recommend we call for a second quote? We live in Alexandria’s West End.

Thank you and appreciate any advice. 🙏🏼

Looking for a goalie to play on our FXA soccer team. The team consists of a bunch of guys in their mid-20s who play on Monday nights in Fairfax. Our previous goalie is going to ophthalmology school so we need a replacement. Hit me up if you’re interested.

(copied from their email)

This weekend we are celebrating STAR TREK's 60th anniversary!!

Here's the scoop:

STAR TREK films I, II, III, and IV will be shown this weekend. The fun thing is they are paired with the TV episode that inspired each film, and these are the directors' cuts. Fantastic, right?

STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE (1979) is rated G and will play 3:45pm and 7:10pm on Friday (with Season 2, Episode 3: "The Changeling");

STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN (1982) is Saturday at the same showtimes (with Season 1, Episode 22: "Space Seed");

STAR TREK III: THE SEARCH FOR SPOCK (1984) is Sunday at the same times (with Season 2, Episode 1: "Amok Time");

STAR TREK IV: THE VOYAGE HOME (1986) is Monday, also at the same showtimes (with Season 1, Episode 28: "The City on the Edge of Forever").

On Tuesday, they will all play in order at 10am, 1pm, 4pm, and 7:10pm, with no TV episodes included.

Tickets are $15 for all showings.

Anyone have recommendations for instructors or orgs that do group or private lessons or clinics? Would love to hear from someone with firsthand experience. Thanks!

Looking to learn and at some point get one; don’t know anyone to teach me so next best option.

I’m around Woodbridge if anyone has anything anywhere from Sterling to Arlington and back to Woodbridge would be great!!

I’m in a townhouse right now looking to buy a single family home. In NOVA, that’s a million dollar decision. But one thing I’ve learnt is that it goes way beyond just affordability. You could have 20% down saved up, and the income to support the monthly mortgage payments, but your skin has got to be thick enough to deal with all the other bullshit that’s been going on right now.

1. Agents: these people do very little work and expect to be paid 5% of the sale. On a $1.5M home, each agent can expect to be paid $30-40k. And their incentives are totally misaligned with the buyers. I want to buy a home at the lowest price possible. But their comp is tied to the price so they constantly try to beef up the sale price. They tend to have zero sense of value, and any home I’ve ever been interested in, no matter how long they’ve been sitting, the agents always push you to offer at asking price or better. So if you’re trying to negotiate and get the best value, you have to do that homework yourself.

2. The lenders: mortgage rates are absolutely brutal right now. You’re looking at 6.5%+ with perfect FICOs. ARM or even interest only rates aren’t much better either. Now one thing you need to know is that the agents all work with local lenders because obviously they share commissions. I bring clients to you - I screw them once, then you screw them on the rate. And we screw them together and share the commission. They will badmouth any lender that can beat their offers (typically the big banks, the Zillow/rockets). And all lenders will seem super friendly and timely at first but when origination is done and you’re working with underwriting, that’s when you become their bitch. Meetings and followups are on their schedule. You play the waiting game. And they all collude on the rate as well - “I’ll match the lowest rate”. But if everyone’s saying that then there is no lowest rate anymore is there? And then they do the whole “I’m disappointed you didn’t choose my high rates and points buydown even though I wrote a letter for you so I’m not going to work with you again” emotional blackmail.

3. The sellers - these motherfuckers think it’s still 2021. They haven’t put any money into their homes, and they expect top dollar when they list their homes. The kitchens are old. Bathrooms are old. Windows need replacing. HVAC unit is on its final Odyssey. You haven’t even bothered to pay some guy $200 to power wash the patio on a $1.5m listing. The zestimate is $1.4m btw. And thankfully the market is slowing down. They’re finally realising this and inventory is starting to pile up, some sitting for 2+ months and have already gotten 2-3 price reductions.

On top of this, you’re also dealing with inspection people, appraisal people, contractors, and getting clapped left and right along the way.

So after six months of dealing with all the bullshit, as Michael Corleone once said: here’s my offer. Nothing.

Looking for a pick-up / delivery laundry service that services Arlington. Any recommendations?

I am looking into/interested in getting into the real estate appraisal industry in VA, and I am just looking for advice, tips, and personal experience. Or if it is something you do recommend or don't?

I have a Bachelor's degree in commercial real estate development, and I am bit lost on what job path to take.

Got a townhome that needs roof replacement. If you guys have any tips/recommendations of roofing companies, please feel free to share! Much appreciated!

Parents visiting from FL and are requesting some amazing BBQ. Any gems? Thanks!

Has anyone here tried a preschool co-op school or considered one for their kids? Is it worth it? And does it feel like an actual school, or is it basically just a glorified daycare?

I need help! I’m getting place in Alexandria, no choice unfortunately😔 and there’s no parking here. I need my car I’m trying to find parking nearby but I’m struggling I’m right next to Francis C. Hammond middle school does anyone know where I can park overnight nearby🙏. It’s kinda an emergency lol

Systems Security Engineer with almost five years of experience, undergrad is in Cybersecurity, and I have held a Secret Clearance in the past, back in 2021. I do not believe it is active anymore. I do currently hold a Public Trust though.

In a nutshell, I am acting program management support in the Aerospace sector and help maintain the authority to operate (ATO) process.

I am severely underpaid for my role, at $80k/yr. We just had a contract extension and are supposed to receive a raise which I haven't seen.

Honestly, while money is important obviously. I just don't foresee any room for growth opportunities here and I'd like to be more active with the prime contractor and get the ball rolling, whatever position that may be.

My minimum is $114k which I understand is still average for this area. If it's a clearance role, I expect more.

Hi everyone,

I'm hoping the community can help me identify veteran-owned restaurants, diners, cafés, or other food establishments in Manassas, Gainesville, Haymarket, or the surrounding area.

Our office is planning to take a small group of veterans out for breakfast or lunch on Veterans Day as a way to thank them for their service. I found one veteran-owned business that looked like a great fit, but unfortunately they're closed on Wednesdays this year, which won't work for our event.

We're looking for:

• Veteran-owned restaurant or food service businesses
• Open on Veterans Day (Wednesday)
• Able to accommodate a group of fewer than 10 people
• Located in or near Manassas, Gainesville, Haymarket, or Bristow area

If you know of any veteran-owned establishments or even veteran-owned catering options, I'd appreciate the recommendations.

Thank you for helping us support local veteran-owned businesses while recognizing the veterans on our team! 🇺🇸

I'm looking for overnight adult supervision for older, independent kids for three upcoming school nights. This would be very light-duty care, they handle their own meals, routines and get themselves to and from their school buses.

No transportation, meal prep, pet care, or household duties needed. Mainly looking for a trustworthy adult presence overnight and someone to make sure everyone is awake in the morning.

I'd especially appreciate recommendations from parents who have personally used someone/service for overnight care. References and a background check are important to me.

Please DM me if you have a recommendation. Thank you!

A long, but good read on the current state of our electricity grid and why electricity bills keep rising. I also read a separate analysis today that suggested the models used to price electricity in our region are riddled with errors and as a result, consumers are paying more than they actually should.

https://thenewenergycrisis.com/series/part-1

...Her return marked a rapid reversal at South Lakes after Fairfax County eliminated crossing guards at high schools as part of budget reductions. It was not immediately clear Tuesday afternoon whether guards had been returned to other Fairfax County high schools.

Would it be possible to get a list of property management companies going that don’t pay their contractors? Like the ones that are on net 90 and net 90 turns into net 360?