Five Things You Need to Know Today

Last week was interesting, right? It was sorta like a work week, except everyone seemed focused on the magnificent feast they'd prepare for Thanksgiving day. Then, if you had enough energy, maybe you'd do a little Black Friday shopping at midnight.

Well, that's over and it's time to get back to the grind. At least until Christmas. Now that you've eaten all the turkey you can handle, here are five things you should know about Upper Marlboro today.

Happy holidays!

1. Are we living in Maryland, or California? Yesterday was hot and today promises to be another outstanding day. I mean, 67 degrees in late November? You can't beat that. If you have a chance, go outside and enjoy it. There's no telling what the winter will be like.

2. It looks like the NBA is on its way back, which can be welcomed news for such a basketball-savvy town. On Saturday, the NBA players and owners reached a tentative agreement to end the lockout and begin the season on Christmas Day. While you wait on the pros to hit the hardwood, check out the girls varsity squad at Dr. Henry A. Wise, Jr. High School. 

3. The 25th annual Festival of Lights runs at Watkins Park through Jan. 1. . There are more than one million lights at the park. The cost is $5 for cars and vans, $15 for mini-buses and limos, $25 for buses and $10 for multi-visit passes for cars and vans.

4. Small Business Saturday has come and gone, but you should still give praise to Upper Marlboro store owners.

5. If you didn't get the deals you wanted on , fret not. Today is Cyber Monday, and stores are slashing prices for items bought online. Go wild.