Thumbs up to Black Friday in Alexandria. Many shops are opening at 6 a.m. with discounts as much as 30 percent off on merchants’ goods. The King Street trolley also will start at 6 a.m. and City Hall is opening up municipal lots and garages for free parking. This is so much nicer than going to the mall on the day after Thanksgiving.

—Patrice Culligan

Thumbs up to turkey! Thanksgiving is a day that we usually enjoy a wonderful meal with family and friends. It also is a day to be thankful for all that is good in our lives. I hope you all have something to be thankful for this year.

— Patrice Culligan

Thumbs down to the woman who attempted to rob the Bank of American branch at 600 N. Washington St. on November 14. She gave a teller a note demanding money then fled when the teller backed away from the window. Though we know firefighters and police officers risk their lives in the line of duty, so, unfortunately, do bank tellers and cab drivers. Anyone with information on the attempted robbery should contact the Alexandria Police department.

— Denise Dunbar

Thumbs up to the third-best thing about Thanksgiving — college football’s rivalry weekend. After gathering with family and stuffing ourselves with turkey, we get to enjoy the action on the gridiron. Several games, such as Georgia vs. Georgia Tech, could have national title implications, while others have bragging rights on the line. So, here’s hoping you enjoy the company, the cuisine and the college football. Go Dawgs!

— Denise Dunbar