Aug. 25: Five Things You Need to Know Today

1. Thursday is Alley Pond Environmental Center's annual blood drive, and anyone 17 or older is eligible to participate. Get more info if you want to give a pint for a good cause.

2. You're a New Yorker, but when was the last time you visited the Statue of Liberty? If you're due for a visit, check out this week's

3. For this week's Happy Cycling column, we explored Queens' own mecca of relaxation, Spa Castle. Read more about it here. 

4. Hurricane Irene may wreck your weekend plans, but we'll have some suggestions anyway up later today.

5. The weather is expected to creep back up from earlier this week to the mid-80s, with the possibility of thunderstorms lingering throughout the afternoon.