INSIDE TODAY
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING
TODAY'S SUN COLUMNISTS
Target: Microsoft Office
Some powerful challengers are chipping away at the Microsoft Office edifice. They have significant outside backing, they're compatible with Office documents, and they're free - something that Office definitely is not.
Business
baltimoresun.com/himowitz
Words of Jamal Lewis
Maybe Jamal Lewis didn't put it quite right - or maybe the message got garbled - but his comments about facing his former Ravens teammates kicked up a bit of a ruckus.
Sports
baltimoresun.com/schmuck
OTHER VOICES
Childs Walker on fantasy football -- Sports
Rashod D. Ollison on Q-Tip -- Live!
Sam Sessa on McCracken's -- Live!
Karen Nitkin on Zella's Pizzeria -- Live!
5 THINGS TO DO TODAY
Fantastik film -- See a screening of Cosmic Voyage at 9 p.m. at the Charles Theatre, 1711 N. Charles St. The film is part of the Russian Fantastik Cinema Film Series. $8. 410-727-3456.
Steinbeck classic -- John Steinbeck's classic Of Mice and Men comes to the stage tonight through Oct. 21 at Olney Theatre Center for the Arts, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road. The play tells the story of Lennie and George, two friends of opposite physical and mental attributes, as they try to find employment during the Depression. Times vary. $15-$46. 301-924-3400 or olneytheatre.org.
Concert -- Metalcore band Unearth performs at 7 p.m. at Towson's Recher Theatre, 512 York Road. Darkest Hour, August Burns Red and Suicide Silence are also slated to perform. $15. 410-337-7210 or 410-547-SEAT or ticketmaster.com.
Alsop's start -- Baltimore Symphony Orchestra conductor Marin Alsop's inaugural concerts will be at 8 p.m. at the Music Center at Strathmore, and at 8 p.m. tomorrow and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. $15 to $84. BSO ticket office, bsomusic.org or 410-783-8000.
TV hit returns -- Grey's Anatomy returns at 9 p.m. on ABC (WMAR, Channel 2), and viewers will find out how Cristina deals with being left by Burke, and whether George really is going to repeat his entire internship.
UP NEXT
Out with the vines
Spend a day picking grapes at a local vineyard and reap the pleasures of Maryland's wine scene.
Saturday in Go Today
5 THINGS TO LOOK FOR @BALTIMORESUN.COM
Sessa's hot weekend picks
Entertainment writer Sam Sessa helps you plan your time off with his top options for the weekend.baltimoresun.com/midnightsun
Alsop takes the reins
Sun Classical Music Critic Tim Smith weighs in as Baltimore Symphony Orchestra conductor Marin Alsop officially begins her tenure at Strathmore.baltimoresun.com/criticalmass
McCormick earnings
Spice maker McCormick & Co., based in Sparks, is scheduled to release its third-quarter earnings this morning.baltimoresun.com/business
Asti's settlement
After the attorney general's office rejected the settlement agreement for Alison L. Asti to resign as Maryland Stadium Authority executive director, the authority will meet in closed session this afternoon and is expected to discuss the issue.baltimoresun.com/sports
O'Malley continues on deficit
Gov. Martin O'Malley will talk to business and community groups about his solution to the state's structural deficit at 4:30 p.m. today at the Annapolis Elementary School gymnasium.baltimoresun.com/maryland
SUN BLOG BLOGS.BALTIMORESUN.COM
Comparing tunes -- David Zeiler compares Apple's iTunes store and a similar new release from Amazon.baltimoresun.com/appleaday
Weather -- Frank Roylance explains the warm spell and previews cooler days ahead.marylandweather.com
MOST VIEWED STORIES YESTERDAY AS OF 8 PM
1. Teen dies after accident -- A 15-year-old boy who fell after holding onto a cement truck while riding a skateboard in South Baltimore has died, police said.
2. Ravens nicknames are no nonsense -- Ravens players are known by such nicknames as "Doorknob," "Scrill," "Pork Chop," "Catfish" and "T-Sizzle."
3. Man struck by car -- A man was in grave condition after he was struck by a car downtown, police said.
4. High school results -- Sports include soccer, field hockey, volleyball, golf, tennis and cross country.
5. Body identified -- A woman found dead in Savage was identified as Debbie Ann Anderson of Baltimore.