cdcool,
I spoke with Markus about this. Unfortunately, there is not any way for the game to continue simming (in the "background") while you look at other information.
The only other option at this point is to check the "pause after each play" checkbox whenever you wish to look up information.
You're more than welcome to put this in as a suggestion for future versions, but this will not be changed in a patch to OOTPB 2006.
Sorry I couldn't give better news.
Thanks,
Steve