Here is a bit of administrative crap to start your day. I am not a fan of political discussions, mostly because I find them boring. But y'all are one of the most civil groups to discuss politics that I've ever seen, so I haven't made it a taboo subject here. But let's make it clear, political discussions are ONLY acceptable in open threads. That's been a general rule around here and I'm going to make sure it is spelled out in the community guidelines from here on out. Thanks and enjoy your Thursday! -Stacey
Family says Simon offered money - DominicanToday.com
The family of the man killed on New Year's Eve alleges Alfredo Simon offered them money to not press charges. Simon's lawyer says as many as 15 people may have shot into the air during the celebration, and that police planted the "thesis" that it could be Simon.
Prosecutor calls Simon "trigger happy," says he might have swapped gun barrel - baltimoresun.com
"A Dominican prosecutor handling the case of Alfredo Simon called him "trigger happy" Wednesday and said the pitcher might have changed the barrel of the gun he turned over to authorities as a way of disguising his involvement in the crime." I'm having a hard time buying that one. I could be wrong, but I believe ballistics could match the hammer strike on the shell to the hammer on the gun, right, fellow firearms experts? Swapping out the barrels wouldn't be enough.
Orioles Insider: Lee completes physical; headed back home (added Liz note)
Derrek Lee took his physical, and Radhames Liz was released by the Padres.
School of Roch: Alomar on Alomar
Wait, isn't that what got him sued a few years ago? Oh, it's Roberto Alomar's COMMENTS about making the Hall of Fame. So it's safe for work after all.
Orioles Insider: Rafael Palmeiro on being snubbed by HOF voters
Rafael Palmeiro wasn't surprised by being snubbed in his first year of eligibility, but he was shocked he garnered only 11% of the vote.
Orioles Insider: Orioles make Izturis signing official
Cesar Izturis is officially an Oriole, again. Let the celebrating begin.
Steve Melewski: Pondering a few Orioles questions
Steve Melewski asks himself questions and answers them. You can do that as a blogger. In real life, as Steve points out, that would be weird.
School of Roch: FanFest set for Jan. 29 at Convention Center
FanFest looks like fun. If you can, you should go. I bet Stacey will be there. You could say "Hello!" But don't be all stalkerish.
Orioles owner Angelos bids for Rosecroft track, seeks slots - Washington Post
Well, now we know why we didn't have the cash to go after Adam Dunn - PGA was saving it to buy a horse track.
Wicomico comes out on top | The Daily Times
"The Wicomico wrestling team secured a Bayside South victory, and evened its record in the process, downing Mardela 45-16 on Wednesday." Hey...how'd that get in here? Because it's my day to do clippings, that's how. My boys wrestled hard last night!
I have to believe in a world outside my own mind. I have to believe that my actions still have meaning, even if I can't remember them. I have to believe that when my eyes are closed, the world's still there. Do I believe the world's still there? Is it still out there?... Yeah. We all need Open Threads to remind ourselves who we are. I'm no different.