The Silver Spring Penguin

Fresh strips of duct tape all over The Penguin newsroom means only one thing: We are back in business!

Holler back if you experience problems with some of the site’s new bells and whistles. Otherwise, enjoy what this week has to offer:

Monday

7:00 p.m. Elizabeth Marlowe, assistant professor of art with the University of Maryland, talks about Trajan’s column, a symbol of ancient Rome’s badass-ness. The free gig goes down at the Gateway Heliport Gallery (8001 Kennett St) and is part of its current exhibit, “Italy: Past and Present”.

Tuesday

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Potbelly Sandwich Works (917 Ellsworth Dr) fixes ‘em up all nice and toasty warm, then donates a portion of its receipts to the AFI Silver Theatre.

7:00 p.m. Burn off that Italian sub with a four- to seven-mile fun run. The free gut busting starts at Pacers Running Store (8535 Fenton St). In case of shakey weather, call (301) 495-7811.

Thursday

7:00 p.m. Ultimate fighting comes to the Silver Spring Public Library (8901 Colesville Rd) when YMCA Youth & Family Services teaches loving couples better communication skills. Participation in this bloodsport is free; call (301) 229-1347 or email parenting@ymcadc.org to register.

7:30 p.m. Historic preservationists take another whack at Silver Spring’s central business district, this time with the Perpetual Building (8700 Georgia Ave). The county planning board hears testimony on whether the 50-year-old office building should be listed under the master plan for historic preservation. The public hearing drops on the planning board’s HQ (8787 Georgia Ave). Speakers must sign up to testify.

NEXT WEDNESDAY (JAN 16, 2008)

5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.The Silver Spring Penguin celebrates its first anniversary while raising money for injured troops at Walter Reed and Bethesda Naval medical centers. The dirty deeds go down at Ceviche Silver Spring (921 Ellsworth Dr).

There’s no cover charge, and if you donate online to the Yellow Ribbon Fund, your first drink is on the house. Get the full scoop.