Daily Dosage: The Windy City Blows

Ozzie loooooves his White Sox fans! (via Photobucket)

The White Sox took two of three from the Cubs this weekend in the battle of whack Windy City baseball. These teams might play a make-up game at Wrigley in September, setting up a situation where one team could theoretically serve a blow to each other's playoff chances. But we won't talk about that until both teams are over .500.

Ozzie Guillen continues to live in bizarro world. First, he welcomed the Cubs to the world class facilities of the South Side, which included meth labs, crack spots and the ever so popular 35th Street underpass. Then he goes on to say Sox fans are not stupid like Cubs fans. (Remembers the Ligue's jumping Royals first base coach Tom Gamboa. Then other fans jumping umpire Laz Diaz. Then other fans harassing Craig Biggio's wife at teh 2005 World Series.) You're right Ozzie, White Sox fans aren't stupid. They're just embarrassing. [Chicago Tribune, Paul Sullivan]

Phil Rogers' stupidity continues. "Get Carlos Zambrano out of here, even if the Cubs have to give him away. He's not the guy you want as the ace of a curse-busting team, and at this point, it's wishful thinking that he'll ever mature into that guy. Proving that I did not attend Kellogg, Wharton or even the Acme School of Business, I offer this proposition for Jim Hendry: First thing Monday morning, put Zambrano on waivers. If anyone claims him and the $62.75 million left on his contract, which runs through 2012, immediately trade him for whatever is being offered, from a bag of balls to a 32-year-old minor-leaguer."

I won't even justify that with a witty response. [Chicago Tribune, That One Idiot]

Random Thought: This tidbit in the Trib suggests Aaron Miles could go on the disabled list soon. The former Cardinal is batting .203 this season with the Cubs, which begs the question: When was he ever able? Just cut bait.

Random Thought II: In theory, the Cubs traded Mark DeRosa for Aaron Miles and three minor leaguers. And unless those minor leaguers become Hall of Famers, Cubs fans will never live this down.

Daily Dosage: Dipsy-do, Dunk-A-Roo Edition

We're trading Song Girls for Laker Girls ... God I wish I was in L.A.

It's been a while since we've revived the Daily Dosage, one of the most popular segments in TBDS history. But with the NBA Draft lurking this evening, I thought it would be a good time to bring it back. Now starring the Laker Girls, because that is what USC Song Girls aspire to be, right?

Quality Linkage:

• Some ladies say size doesn't matter (holds back laughter), but apparently, the Bulls aren't going by that mantra. [Chicago Tribune]
• Brian Hanley runs down the Bulls' draft options, should they choose to keep their picks. [Chicago Sun-Times]
• For TBDS NBA scribe Jeff: The Bucks are keeping their options open ... which means if J-Flynn isn't there at 10, they'll screw it up. [Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel]
• The different paths to the NBA Draft. [NY Times]
• What you need to know about tonight's draft coverage on the WWL. [Awful Announcing]
• The perfect team to execute Orlando's conference-winning offensive system. Beware of copycats *coughSpurscough* [The Sports Geeks]
  
• Hot NBA wives. [The Big Lead]
  
• Want more hot chicks? Sure you do. Here's a Megan Fox gallery. [MadeMan via Chickipedia]
  

Jon, Kate Plus 8 Things You Should Read Today

What better way to get hits than with a Megan Fox pic to go along with a Jon & Kate Plus 8 headline?

So much drama in the LBC ... er ... TV land ... yeah, that's more like it. Bothered by the Jon, Kate drama thanks in part to the overload of Facebook and Twitter, I've decided to turn back the hands of time here at TBDS and bring back the Daily Dosage.

If only for one lunch break.

1. The man responsible for 'Boom goes the dynamite' has hit the open market. [Awful Announcing]
2. Finally, a good book is made into a movie and Hollywood scraps it. (Flips double-bird toward the West Coast and shouts expletives.) [E!online]
3. A fight breaks out at Marlins-Yankees game, answering the question whether or not people actually go to Marlins games. [The Sports Hernia]
4. Nick Saban does not approve of your recruiting whispers. [The Wiz Of Odds]
5. Who wants a Natinals shirt? [Zazzle via Vegas Watch]
6. So, what is Albert Pujols' market value? [Crain's]
7. Joe Morgan would be a terrible eye witness. [SportsbyBrooks]
8. Joanna Krupa does to T.O. what Tony Romo shoulda done a long time ago. [With Leather]

Oh, and something about Erin Andrews, too. She became part of the topic of conversation today in the press box in Marion, Ill., only one year and six months after gracing Saluki Nation with her presence. Erin, please come back.

Now that that's over with, it's time to sit back, relax and watch the hits come in.

Daily Dosage: The 'Stay Classy, Carbondale' Edition

Carrie Underwood apparently is fond of ducking cameras.

The paparazzi won't follow us around Carrie.

Just saying.

Busy day for me as I have class at 9 a.m. but am still prepped for a day full of blogging.

That's just how I roll.

Let's get this day started right with today's Dosage.

Salukis host streaking Sycamores. While the SIU men's basketball team is coming off back-to-back 20-plus-point losses, Indiana State has won three-in-a-row. Sounds like a mismatch, but the Salukis beat the Sycamores handily in Terre Haute, Ind., last month.

But what happens without Bryan Mullins in the mix? [Daily Egyptian]

Addressing Saluki Nation. The column is self explanatory. But here's the background: As a former Dawg Pound member (for four years!) I was upset with the way certain members of the student section acted and when I got a chance to watch the game replayed, it bothered me even more. It's as simple as this: Stay classy, Carbondale. [Daily Egyptian]

Another audio edition of one of Carbondale's favorite staples, The Sports Lounge. [siuDE.com]

Quality Linkage:

• Eric Gordon made a good decision choosing the NBA over Indiana. [LA Times]
• Carlos Zambrano has lip fur. [Mouthpiece Sports]
• What's wrong with Duke? Everything, for starters. [ACC Sports]
• Buffalo Bills cheerleaders invade Iraq in a good way. [Busted Coverage]
• A-Rod's presser about roids. [Awful Announcing]
  

Daily Dosage: The 'I'm sad no one responded to my column' edition

SIU's men's basketball team got routed, and we'll get to that in just a minute. The women's swimming and diving finished in third place. The women's basketball team also got handled by Creighton.

Damn.

But more important than that, I did not get one response to Friday's column.

Of course not until Saturday night when the Missouri Valley Conference's most fashionable sports writer hit the bar scene.

I'll tell stories one day.

One day.

'Til then, I can resume crushing on Amanda Bynes.

Salukis slammed by high-flying Bluejays. Where else can I go with this story? Creighton's really good. They've got senior leadership, young stars and the Missouri Valley Conference's best coach.

82-60 kinda says it all. [Daily Egyptian]

No-no duo powers SIU softball. Alright, enough gloom and doom from the Saluki basketball world and let's talk about softball.

My new favorite Saluki team is off to an 8-0 start as a pair of Saturday no-hitters from Nikki Waters and Katie McNamara sparked the Salukis to a four-game sweep of the Samford Bulldog Bash in Birmingham, Alabama.

SIU spanked Austin Peay and Gardner-Webb in the double-round robin tournament. I really can't wait 'til this team returns to C'Dale. [Daily Egyptian]

Quality Linkage:

• Jeff Allen and I have similar Valentine's Day sentiments. [DC Sports Bog]
• Julian Jones (no, not the running back) will help you avoid any Plaxidents. [Wall Street Journal]
• Michael Jordan's still got game. [Bossip]
• Welcome to Twitter, Lance Armstrong. [Twitter via Deadspin]
  

Daily Dosage: Best of the Rest Part V

I will always have a crush on Mariah Carey. Always.

I don't care that she's married. Nick Cannon might have money, talent (somewhat) and a nice paycheck from Drumline, but he's just not me.

I'm still trying to figure out how Jeter got her and then why he dumped her. I guess when Jessica Biel and Minka Kelly follow, you've gotta move on.

Speaking of moving on, we're a day closer to Valentine's Day. Raise your hand if you're ready for it.

(Crickets).

On that note, here's your Daily Dosage.

Saluki softball seeks to still streak. SIU got lotsa media love this week. They opened the season 4-0 with wins over the then-No.20 Long Beach State and then Oregon State of the Pac-10.

Sophomore Danielle Glosson was named MVC Pitcher of the Week and the Salukis were moved into the USA Today Top-25 and now rank No. 24. They'll look to continue that positive trend this weekend in Birmingham, Alabama. [Daily Egyptian]

SIU-Creighton to make love on "The Deuce." The Salukis and Bluejays square off Saturday at 4:05 p.m. on ESPN2 in the continuation of the MVC's most heated rivalry. Fine and dandy.

It's Valentine's Day and I'll be working. Maybe this column will land me Ms. Perfect. [Daily Egyptian]

Quality Linkage:

• Mentioning Erin Andrews gets this blog 100 extra hits. Mentioning Erin Andrews won Playboy's America's Sexies Sportscaster gets me 200. Mentioning Erin Andrews said last year she wanted to be my Valentine. Priceless. [Playboy]
• NBA legend Elgin Baylor sues Clippers, claims racism. [LA Times]
• An A-Rod story that doesn't involve steroids. Does involve nipple. [The Sports Hernia]
• How to avoid choking. [Scientific American]
  

Daily Dosage: Best of the rest part V

Some people said my first Top 10 celebs list was to vanilla. Too expected.

So I drop this Tina Fey on the folks and I get questioned. Tina Fey is great, don't hate.

So today I went with Kristen Bell, the other half of the Forgetting Sarah Marshall starlet cast.

Let's get some Dosage.

Panthers pound Salukis to secure season sweep. I'll be honest, I didn't see this one coming. SIU just played two solid games without its floor general, Bryan Mullins, and had standout games from their young guards (Kevin Dillard, Justin Bocot). Well, UNI showed why it is sitting atop the conference with a 26-point win.

From Sweet 16 to playing on Thursday in St. Louis has officially become a distinct possibility. [Daily Egyptian]

Close the 'Book' on that one. In a bit of happier news, freshman forward Anthony Booker isn't going anywhere. When freshman guard Torres Roundtree left the team when the New Year started, rumors swirled that Booker, his life-long best friend, would follow. In this feature story, he puts that all to rest. [Dawg Tracker]

Roundtree booted from JUCO. In a related story (only in the sense that it relates to a former Saluki basketball player) Roundtree, who recently enrolled at JUCO power Southern Idaho, was dropped from the team after reportedly failing a drug test.

It's been quite a dramatic fall for Roundtree, who started several games for SIU. I hope he gets his life back on track. [Magic Valley]

Quality Linkage:

• Jenks: Drunk, violent, flame thrower according to bio. [Midwest Sports Fan]
• Donald Fehr doesn't want those other 103 PEDophiles to get the A-Roid treatment. [USA Today]
• Straw to pen tell-all about NY Met-sexcapades. [NY Post]
• Crashing D-Wade's party. Kind of. [Ramblings of the Unmotivated]
• How to land Erin Andrews on Valentine's Day. [Awful Announcing]
  

Daily Dosage: Best of the Rest Part II

I've always had a thing for Jamie-Lynn Sigler.

Kind eyes. Sparkling smile. Great body. And that little New York-New Jersey accent with a little bit of swag to boot.

Upon further review, she deserves to be in my Top 10 list somewhere.

But I'm not sure where.

Maybe I should let the people decide.

Well, until that day comes, here is your Daily Dosage.

A glimpse at the future. It's been a week since the news that Southern Illinois senior point guard Bryan Mullins was out indefinitely. SIU has split the two games since, but at this point of the season, it isn't about the results.

Now the Salukis will get a chance to see what the future holds as Kevin Dillard, Ryan Hare and Justin Bocot man the backcourt that B-Mull once dominated. [Daily Egyptian]

Hot Shot Bocot. A blog-turned-column that discusses the rise of the slender sophomore guard. After a women's game, I shot a few airballs with JB in my dress-casual work-clothes and talked a little. It's a different perspective. [Daily Egyptian]

Quality Linkage:

• I can't wait 'til Weezy battles Mariotti on Around The Horn. [Awful Announcing]
• Burress in trouble before the Plaxident. [Yahoo! Sports]
• The A-11 Instruction Manual is now for sale. [Deadspin]
• Ichiro's throwing heat from 60-feet-6-inches. [SportsbyBrooks]

Daily Dosage: Snow Day Edition

I spy with my little eye someone who will be getting a day off.

And that guy needs to shave.

Jessica Alba is always gracefully beautiful. Always.

Sports. Snow. And midday naps.

That's what I'm talking about!

And of course your Daily Dosage.

Saluki tennis near the top. It's not every day where SIU tennis gets top billing, but when you get some preseason love (projected second-place finish in the MVC) and take home a couple of individual titles by Eric West and Anton Leonenko ... it means you've earned it. [Daily Egyptian]

3-ball doesn't fall, stalls SIU men. The Salukis men's basketball team has been one of the premier 3-point shooting teams in the nation. Yes, the nation. SIU ranks ninth in the nation in 3-point shooting percentage. But the team's inability to knock down the big three was one of the reasons it was unable to pick up a road win against Illinois State on Sunday. [Daily Egyptian]


Qualiy Linkage:

• Benchwarmers and blogging. [Redshirt Year and Beyond]
• A breakdown of Joe Torre's "controversial" book. [NY Times]
• Add Martellus Bennett to the list of athletes that can't rap. Some language NSFW [Landry Hat]
• The Stanford Tree is a P.I.M.P. [Deadspin]
• SLATE's big words aren't welcome in the sports world. [With Leather]

VIDEO LINKAGE presents objective reporting by the Big Ten Network:



"Big Ten basketball ranks right up there … arguably, could be the best conference in basketball right now. ... Tell you what, it's certainly the most entertaining.” [The Big Lead]

More on this to come...

Daily Dosage: Confessions

I want Marissa Miller to be the mother to my children.

There, I said it. Now I can get back to business.

There's nothing like sleeping in after driving to and from Terre Haute, Ind., which I felt was very reminiscent of Indianapolis ... and not in a good way.

I'm glad SIU was able to walk away with a victory because road trips that end with losses truly aren't fun for anyone involved ... except the home team ... which brings me to poor Indiana State.

Nice building. Nice people. I really wish they were better because the Hulman Center is too nice of an arena to host a team that's 4-15.

That's it, here's the rest of your Dosage.

Saluki 'D' brings down Sycamores. A solid defensive effort reminiscent of the good ol' days of SIU basketball helped spring the team to a 58-47 win against Indiana State. The Salukis shot 52.8 percent from the field, but turned the ball over 22 times. It's as simple as this: cut down on the turnovers and you'll score more points.

Southern's guards (Dillard, Hare, Mullins, Clemmons, Bocot) combined to score 48 of the team's 58 points. Now that, my friends, is backcourt production. [Daily Egyptian]

Quality Linkage:

• Bloggers (myself included) beware. Calling out big brother in your blog isn't a good idea. Bye, Kyle Whelliston. [The Big Lead]
• So you're saying there's a chance? Gisele isn't engaged yet! [BH: Inside Track]
• Jay Mariotti is not fond of the Sun-Times. [Real Clear Sports]
• I'm sure Vinsanthe Schiancoe got the invite for this Vikings Party. [Deadspin]
• Top 10 wreslters of all time. [Sun Sentinel]
• If Stanford's cutting back, what about the rest of the athletic depts. [The Sports Economist]
  

Daily Dosage: Back to business

Didn't Mariah Carey look absolutely stunning last night?

Wait. Doesn't she look that good all the damn time? Yeah, that's what I thought.

One day I will need to ask Nick Cannon how he was able to land Christina Milian, Vanessa Minillo and Mariah Carey in the same lifetime.

Unreal.

Call this canned Dosage because I'll drop some posts on you throughout the day as I prepare for a trip to Terre Haute, Ind., tonight.

Salukis against the State(s). The SIU men's basketball team will take on a pair of ISUs as the Salukis travel to Indiana State and Illinois State. The road trip starts in Terre Haute where SIU was upset last season when Marico Stinson hit a game-winning 3-pointer in overtime.

Good news: Stinson is no longer with the team.

More good news: the Salukis seem to be coming together at the right time. Let's see how this one works out.

SIU hoops hopes to continue streak at Indiana State; Lowery: We're doing it the right way [Daily Egyptian]

Quality Linkage:

• The Sports Lounge presents DE Pulse Editor Luke McCormick and yours truly dishing on how President Barack Obama can improve the sporting world. [DE Sports]
• Well, BJ Mullens got half of that trash talk thing done right. [The Big Lead]
• Video Game SportsCenter. [College Humor]
• The HighLife goes brief with its commercials. [Awful Announcing]
• The Boston Red Sox's new acquisition: PapelBonds! [Deadspin]
  

Daily Dosage: Obamamania lives here

Michelle Obama, who will soon be known as The First Lady, is without a doubt the classiest woman to ever grace the pages of The Big Dead Sidebar. Hence, the use of the "Classy Girls" tag.

I was this close to putting Sarah Palin on here, but she will get her time four years from now. I hope this blog is still around to cover that event.

Are you ready for a full day of posts revolving about how her hubby will squash the BCS and do other sports related things? I hope so.

Until then, here is the rest of your Daily Dosage.

Bradley shuffles out of SIU Arena with loss. I couldn't help but to put that in a headline. For most of the game, the SIU men's basketball team beasted on Bradley. They outhustled and outplayed the then-first place Braves.

The Salukis 21-point lead turned into a six-point win as tired legs fell upon the team down the stretch.

All in all, a win is a win.

SIU beats Bradley, bounces Braves from first; Saluki hoops feels the love. [Daily Egyptian]

Quality Linkage:

• Once questioned about his journalistic integrity by a certain sports writer, Bob Kravitz drops a good read on us about Pacers star Danny Granger. [Indy Star]
• Donovan McNabb's 'Zona crib vandalized. Can't be worse than his Philly pad, right? [Yahoo!]
• Who wants to get on the Twitter bandwagon with me? [NY Times]
• Brenda Warner got kinda hot. [Deadspin]
  

Daily Dosage: Friday Night Hype

Minka Kelly is a sexy young woman. So happy Friday to you.

One week down as DE Sports Editor and hopefully a few more to go. SIU has a pretty darn important game to play Sunday night against Bradley and I love me a "white out." The Salukis will be looking to erase the bitter taste of that Creighton loss and avenge being smoked at Bradley last month.

In the mean time, enjoy a big win by the women's swim team over archrival Missouri State.

And Happy Friday from The Dosage.

Quality Linkage:

• The premier of "The Sports Huddle" my newest brain-child. [DE Sports]
• Bradley's MVC Shuffle gets remixed. +1000 [You Tube]
• That Michael Irvin story needs re-affirming. [Deadspin]
• Woman blames failure of online classes on new computer. [WKOW]
• Headline: Manchester City offers AC Milan $146 million for Kaka. Ewww! [The Big Lead]
• Woman sells virginity and you can't do sh*t about it. It's just Nevada being Nevada! [FOX News]
• Former NFLers are paid in the shade. [CNBC]
• Devin Harris' girl is attractive. [With Leather]
• I'm sure this school is trying to figure out how to score the 94-point play. [Coloradan]
• Miguel Paul needs to check that family tree. [Missourian]
• I'll take "Hoodie Enthusiasts" for $100 with video! [Simon On Sports]

• 
  

Daily Dosage: Cheer me up, please

I'm still reeling from SIU's loss to Creighton last night. Games like that really sting.

I figure Mariah Carey might help me get over it, if only for a few minutes.

(aside: FU Nick Cannon!)

Honestly, nothing hurts more than a loss to a heated rival. Well, nothing in sports. Get blown out. It happens. Get yourself into a Plaxident. Happens to the best of us. But when you lose a nail-biter to the team you despise ... there's no getting over that until you square off again.

See you on Valentine's Day motherf****ers!

The great Creighton escape. Down by four points with two minutes to go in regulation should spell doom for the trailing team. It didn't. Down by four again with under a minute ago should have done the same. It didn't.

The SIU men's basketball team was one dagger shot short of its biggest win of the season. Instead, it was met with denial and the toughest 'L' I've been a part of since the Sweet Sixteen loss to Kansas. [Daily Egyptian]

Quality Linkage:

• The Detroit Lions won't be able to select Sam Bradford with the No. 1 overall pick. [Tulsa World]
• Michael Crabtree, on the other hand, is willing to take that risk. [Star-Telegram]
  
• Vin Scully on Vin Scully. [LA Times]
• Sam Smith enters his infamous trade machine and somehow trades Steve Nash to Toronto. [Bulls.com]
• Barry Zito and Paris Hilton. I guess $126 million can get you a lot of penicillin. [With Leather]
  
• The best sportscasters ever. [Farther Off The Wall]
  

Daily Dosage: Premier Week

Big things are happening in my life.

I usually don't get personal, especially during the Daily Dosage, but cool things are happening and I have to share them.

I'm a busy man with a new school schedule with some pretty interesting classes (bowling included) and some classes that downright scare me. But I figure I'll be fine. After four years, any challenge should be met and pwned over time.

As for premier week? Well, we changed some font sizes, colors and types to give the reader a more legible product. And professionally, the Daily Egyptian has unveiled a new Web site.

Oh yeah, and Salma Hayek is hot. Carry on.

Quality Linkage:

• The Sports Lounge makes its debut. [DE Sports]
• Cowboys fan points gun at Michael Irvin. Proceeds to talk football. [Dallas Morning News]
• Chris Cooley rocks the Kiss Cam [DC Sports Bog]
• Yo momma so fat she had to get an MRI at a zoo ... sorry, couldn't help it. [My FOX KC]
• Why not Wake? [Vegas Watch]
• SIU looks to conquer Creighton at the Qwest Center. [siuDE.com]
  

Daily Dosage: Links for breakfast

There is at least one person I know will appreciate waking up and seeing Kate Hudson in the morning.

Kind of a slow morning. The full-strength Bulls are still not really good enough to beat anyone of substance. I know it is easy to call out a coach, but something has to give here. Just be thankful for Derrick Rose or this would have been the worst Bulls team ever.

The Cubs sale is almost done, but now there's an extension ... so our long national nightmare continues. Maybe they're trying to give Mark Cuban one last opportunity to place his bid.

Oh yeah, how about a shameless cross-promotion link with a story about how the four-guard lineup saved SIU against Evansville.

Quality Linkage:

• Baby Mangino is your Sports Human Of The Year! [Deadspin]
  
• Quarterbacks get all the girls, even ones that played in the NAIA. [Sports By Brooks]
• Advice for your extra-curricular life, courtesy of Washington, D.C. athletes [DC Sports Blog]
• Erin Andrews has a sister who probably isn't interested in hooking up with you, either. [Busted Coverage]
• PacMan Jones explains his love for making it rain. [Sporting News]
• The Phillies have a problem picking the wrong sibling. [We Should Be GM's]
• White athletes are all the rage, according to Jason Whitlock. [Kansas City Star]
• Eddy Curry's problem's have extended off the court. [NY Post]
• Talk about fuel efficiency: the new Prius will get 50(!) MPG. [Chicago Tribune]
• Packer, Knight analyze from a Vegas sports book. I analyze from the clubs. [SI.com]
• Will Stephen Curry be going pro? An interview with a high school student makes me think so. [Daily Duckets]
• Nerds learning how to flirt. Sounds like a bad movie plot. [Yahoo! News]
  

Daily Dosage: Gettin' schooled

Look whose favorite feature is back for another semester of greatness.

Welcome to the return of the Daily Dosage, where The Big Dead Sidebar's beloved readers are treated to sports information via links and paragraph briefs.

And how do I get said readers to stick around for the sports info that will help their daily lives? Drop a picture of a beautiful celebrity.

Duh?

So today we'll talk a little bit about Saluki hoops, NFL playoffs and the future of sports journalism.

Sound good?

Don't care. Rihanna sounds good and looks good. That's why she is today's eye candy for the return of the Daily Dosage.

SIU aces Evansville test. The SIU men's basketball team implemented a four-guard offense to combat the quickness of Evansville's players. The calculated risk turned into a success as the Salukis turned a nine-point first-half deficit into a 70-63 win at SIU Arena.

After starting the MVC portion of its schedule 0-3, the Egyptian Hunting Dawgs have bounced back with back-to-back wins. SIU has scored 70 points in back-to-back games and that has got to make someone other than myself happy.

Favorites fall in NFL playoffs. Seriously, what's the deal with home field advantage? Maybe it's because the home teams truly weren't better than their traveling opponents. Either way, the Baltimore Ravens and Philadelphia Eagles each won their second straight road playoff game and will find themselves traveling at least one more time.

The Eagles will fly out west to Arizona to face the Cardinals in another battle of the birds and the Ravens will flock to Pittsburgh to face the Steelers in a throwback game that will likely feature Hines Ward getting lit up by former SIU linebacker Bart Scott.

Here's hoping for an entertaining championship week.

Quality Linkage:

• The Daily Egyptian gets a re-design. Check it out. [siuDE.com]
  
• How to save sports journalism. [Columbia Journalism Review]
• Urban Meyer, drugs and headlines. [The Big Lead]
• CJR knocks another one out of the park as it flags down the guy who "forgot" to vote Rickey Henderson into the Hall of Fame. [Columbia Journalism Review]
• Peter Griffin must be happy. Mustaches are on the come-up. [NY Times]
• Mythbusting: The need for a salary cap. [Baseball Prospectus]
• For those of you in need of more eye candy: Amanda Bynes and Katy Perry in one pic. Yum. [Popoholic]
  

Daily Dosage: Crazy like a Fox!

Welcome to the first installment of Daily Dosage for 2009. A few members of the staff here at The Big Dead Sidebar has a busy week ahead of them at the Daily Egyptian. So I've decided to put some posts in the can and let them post automatically.

If you don't like it, oh well. That's why Megan Fox accompanies this post. It's a formula that has worked to success time and time again. It will continue to work as long as I write this blog.

Another part of the recipe of success, links to other good pieces of writing.

On with the Dosage!

Quality Linkage:

• Milton Bradley is one crazy sonofabitch! [Chicago Sun-Times]
• Who will win the chance to bid on the Cubs? [Chicago Tribune]
• Colt McCoy's girlfriend is attractive, even when she looks upset. [The Big Lead]
• Bob Kravitz (a personal old nemesis of mine) thinks Tony is Done-gy. Seriously, stupidity. [Indy Star]
• Sooners scrub CB: Tim Tebow ain't that good. [Swamp Things]
• Jason Whitlock wants a blog police. No deal. [FOX Sports]
• Carrie Underwood and a hockey goon? Yuck. [Just Jared]
  

Daily Dosage: Ho! Ho! Ho!

I bet you this young lady got everything she wanted for Christmas.

And really, the point of this Daily Dosage is just to post this picture from the New Jersey Star Ledger from a recent Nets game. It's pics like the one above that make me wish I had the power to give every pretty girl whatever they wanted for Christmas in exchange for them sitting on my lap.

I might as well drop a sports nugget while I'm at it, so here goes nothing.

Tonight marks the first time Derrick Rose and Michael Beasley will share the floor in a meaningful game. The No. 1 and No. 2 overall picks in the June draft, respectively, will square off tonight in Miami as Rose's Chicago Bulls face Beasley's Miami Heat.

Rose is playing out of his mind as he continues to make people like me who were clamoring for the Bulls to take the former Kansas State star over the local boy done good. Beasley, meanwhile, is averaging only 13 points per game and has yet to be the force fans and hoops experts expected him to be.

Prediction: Heat 107 Bulls 103 ... it won't be D-Rose's fault or Beastley's doing ... Chicago just can't win on the road and Dwyane Wade (Rose's future teammate?) has been scoring the ball like his childhood idol.

Quality Linkage:

• Talk about a hung jury. It might lead to a new trial for this Missouri man. [Metro.co.uk]
• Red River recruiting battle [NY Times]
• The blogosphere v. Shaun King [Mitchell Blatt]
  

Daily Dosage: Saturday Special

It's not often I do a Saturday edition of the Daily Dosage, but today it was necessary.

I'm spending the weekend in Indianapolis with my primary responsibility being to cover the SIU men's basketball team take on Saint Mary's College in the night cap of the Wooden Classic. And while covering Stephen Curry and Davidson go up against Purdue should be the highlight of the show, last night took the cake, no matter what happens today.

We were blessed with the opportunity to cover an NBA game Friday night as the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Indiana Pacers 119-107 in double-overtime.

So why Christina Applegate as today's Daily Dosage choice? Edyta, one of the wonderful photographers of the DE staff, approves.

The NBA punchline takes 2 OTs to defeat the shorthanded, Reggie Miller-less home team. [Daily Egyptian, Luis C. Medina]

Big guys played big as Zach Randolph and Roy Hibbert stole the show in Indy. [Daily Egyptian, Jeff Engelhardt]

Alabama defensive lineman learns why it's a bad idea to leave your Facebook open. [SportsByBrooks]

Turning Wrigley in to an ice rink. [Mouthpiece Sports]

Matt Vasgersian and the city of St. Louis. [Awful Announcing]

Skip Bayless has some QB crushes. [Deadspin]

Sports blogger of the Year and we're not in the running. What gives? [Busted Coverage]