It’s Cyber Monday, the worldwide web’s version of Black Friday. That means everyone who hasn’t already scored an XBox, “DJ Hero” or e-reader thingy from the Best Buy in Wheaton will be scouring the internet in search of the same shit with free shipping.
Among those revving up their credit cards: everyone at Penguin HQ. As an intellectual collective of geeks, nerds and desk jockeys, we don’t do malls. We prefer the gentle whir of a computer fan over the cacophony of holiday songs, raucous shoppers and mall buzz.
Expect plenty of activity (but no actual work) in the newsroom today. And once all the shopping’s done, we might check out this action in Silver Spring:
Monday
9:30 a.m. The county council’s transportation and environment committee discusses a proposal to give public alleys in Fenton Village to a developer. At issue is whether shops in that neighborhood will still have access to their loading docks if the alleys are redeveloped.
This free event takes place at the county council’s office building (100 Maryland Ave, Rockville), seventh floor, and is open to the public.
Tuesday
7:30 p.m. Silver Spring’s transportation and pedestrian safety committee meets at the Silver Spring regional center (8435 Georgia Ave). This free event is open to the public.
Thursday
9:30 a.m. The county’s planning board reviews proposed changes to The Galaxy, a mixed-use development project planned for Eastern Avenue in South Silver Spring. This free event takes place at the board’s headquarters (8787 Georgia Ave) and is open to the public.
Read 
What the hell are they building now? Learn more from 
Boxed wines and rosés are back in vogue. Just ask The Penguin's sommeliers.
If you are working late or shopping late and taking Metrorail, here is what the Post sez:– Red Line: Trains will share one track between the Medical Center and Grosvenor-Strathmore stations from 8 p.m. through closing. Customers should add at least 20 minutes to their travel times. Similar work will be performed Dec. 7-10; Dec. 14-17; Dec. 20-23; and Dec. 27-30.
Blue & orange are also affected, here is the official word:
http://www.wmata.com/about_metro/news/PressReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=4164