I doubt I'll be online most of the day, so here's an open thread, all topics welcome.

At last, after interminable auditions, American Idol tonight gets down to naming the finalists. Update: Now that's how to put on an American Idol show. Almost riveting. There were 33 million votes. And both America's votes and the Judge's wild card picks were spot on. This will be a great season.

Nicolette Sheridan knows how to dress for court. (Rear view here.) She testified today in her civil trial against Desperate Housewives creator Marc Cherry and ABC. The dismissed Housewife is seeking $4 million in damages (I think that's one year's pay) for her wrongful termination from the show. She alleges Marc Cherry slapped her hard in the head, apologized, and then killed off her character. Or something like that.

Cherry and ABC say they decided to kill off her character before the "slap" incident (which they say wasn't a slap but a "light tap". ) Nicolette demonstrated the slap in court today by smacking her lawyer. It had been reported the other Housewives would testify for Cherry and ABC, but lawyers told the court today they won't be called. The trial seems to be of interest to Hollywood media because of the rarity of a single star taking on a network -- David vs. Goliath.

This is an open thread, all topics welcome.

Bill Simmons with a huge get - President Barack Obama.

Open Thread.

We're due for an open thread. What's on your mind? All topics welcome.

Pierce on The War on Drugs: PED Edition.

Open Thread.

FARC has announced it will free its hostages and cease economic kidnapping.

Since I will shortly be turning my attention to the Oscars, here's an open thread for other news, all topics welcome.

It's 65 degrees in Denver today, way too nice to stay at a computer. For those of you not as fortunate, here's an open thread, all topics welcome.

I'll be offline today. Here's an open thread, all topics welcome.

Busy Day. Here's an open thread, all topics welcome.

I'm not watching the Republican debate, but if you are, feel free to comment. (Added: I'm following a bit on Twitter which is much more entertaining. A huge number of people are associating Newt's describing himself as cheerful with his multiple marriages and sex life. Not too many favorable comments on any of them at #CNNDebate.)

28 prison guards, and the Director, Deputy Director and Security Chief of Apodaca Prison in Mexico have been arrested in connection with the riot, escape and slaughter of 44 inmates there last week. The guards are accused of far more than helping with the escape:

Investigators say they have evidence that guards helped plan the killings....Prison guards plotted with the Zetas gang to organise the mass escape and slaughter members of the rival Gulf Cartel, the authorities said. ...The 44 dead prisoners were stabbed, strangled or beaten to death.

Guantanamo Detainee Majid Kahn will plead guilty as part of a plea deal next week.[More...]

Dominique Strauss-Kahn has been released from custody after two days of questioning in the investigation of alleged organized prostitution, misuse of corporate funds and police corruption. No charges have been filed against him. He was given a summons to appear again in March, possibly as a witness and possibly for the filing of charges.

I'm still looking for the text of the 13 page written bail decision for Kim DotCom who was released yesterday. The media describes it but doesn't bother to upload it so we all can read it for ourselves. If you run across it, please let me know where in comments.

Say hello to the Wrongful Convictions blog by law profs and innocence project members, offering an international perspective.

Welcome Back, BTD.

This is an open thread, all topics welcome.

DEA prosecutions were down in 2011. Mexican prison guards at Apodaca Prison have admitted being paid for their involvement in the Zetas jailbreak that killed 44 Gulf Cartel members.

Bruce Springsteen has released the second song from Wrecking Ball, Shackled and Drawn.

This is an open thread, all topics welcome.