sargeque.com

Sargeque on Tumblr.

2009-04-01T15:15:00.001-05:00

Check it out, Hammers. Sargeque is now on Tumblr, a microblogging site. Uh, it's sorta new to me, but from what I've read it's comparable to Twitter - only I'm liking it better. More customization. Anyhow, I encourage you to check it out.

Later, Hammers-

Who Am I?

2009-03-30T10:31:00.004-05:00

Well, against my better judgement, this is out in the news:

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=4026848

Hurm. Seriously, you'd be better off hiring Pat Riley. Just my opinion.

It will be interesting to see how this thing plays out. Especially if Izzo is on the radar, since he's still coaching this weekend. Coach Cal the #1 choice, eh?

Later, Hammers-

First In Initial Quality

2009-03-27T09:09:00.001-05:00

Dear PC (users & marketers):

Your products suck. I was recently reading about a button in IE8 that "allows you to view websites created for earlier versions" of the web. Hey, assholes, why not just make a web browser that works across the board? Ugh....that would be stupid. Or, better yet, you're making your users feel stupid. Either way, you don't get it.

So, PCs cost less than Macs. Duh. You go car shopping, hell, price shopping for anything, and - sorry to break the news - if you buy a cheap product, you're more than likely to be replacing that product before the higher quality item would need replacing. Sounds sooo simple. But that's your marketing plan, so get on with it.

It reminds me of J.D. Power & Associates "First in Initial Quality" awards you'll see on the television commercials....let me know how your KIA is 18 months from now.

If you still have it.

Sincerely,

Mac User

P.S. When people see an mp3 player, they unconsciously call it an "iPod." Even your suck-ass Zune. It's like when I tell you to look something up on the internet, I say, "Google it." Or if you sneeze, "Want a Kleenex?" Notice I did NOT say "internet search engine" or "tissue" for the slower readers out there.

Oh shit, guy in the next office is calling, trouble with Vista & his anti-virus....looks like I'm going to have to clear the rest of the morning to continuously re-starting his PC. Out-

A Quick Thought on Kan-tuck-ee

2009-03-26T11:51:00.000-05:00

Seems as if the college sports world is enthralled once again with Kentucky basketball. I think the whole "will they fire him, will they keep him" deal is a conspiracy, wrapped in an enigma to keep Kentucky hoops on the forefront of the national headlines amidst the biggest sports spectacle in America (in which they are NOT a participant of). But, I digress.

I'm a biased supporter of Billy Gillespie. That being said, he didn't win enough games the last two years to keep the Bluegrass faithful happy. His team doesn't play as a team. Could that be because his style is such a contrast to the former coach's regime? Perhaps. That program was on the decline - sorry Kentucky fans. You just can't get the cream of the crop on name alone anymore.

I'm only writing this because I've heard / read / etc. several names pop up as possible replacements. Other than Billy Donovan, who do you want? No, no, no....Coach Cal can't do what he's done at Memphis and UMass at Kentucky. The SEC is a different animal. Those who disagree with me will say that the SEC is the weakest BCS basketball conference....2 of the last 3 National Champs out of your conference, and its weak? No, I'm talking about the caliber of student athlete Calipari can get into Kentucky. With an emphasis on STUDENT. Any thoughts?

Dwight Howard is a Jayhawk

2009-03-26T08:54:00.002-05:00

I am a little late at posting this, but to anyone who hasn't yet seen it:

There's also KG at UCLA, T-Mac at Louisville, and one other....Pitt. Can't remember the player in that one. Oh well. Enjoy.

Later Hammers-

F.Y.I.

2009-03-18T11:12:00.001-05:00

I came across this story today. Interesting read. Chuck Palahniuk champions on the story here.

I'm looking forward to Pygmy, coming out May 5th I believe.

Later, Hammers-

Was This a Put-On?

2009-02-12T09:12:00.006-06:00

If you ask me, hilarious. Joaquin Phoenix doing his best Andy Kaufman. Take a look for yourself.

Personally, I can't wait for his "hip-hop." Should be equally hilarious.

"Day & Age" Song-by-Song Review

2008-11-25T13:09:00.003-06:00

Surely, this is not the only review of The Killers' new album, Day & Age, that you're going to read. If so, I can attest to pitying you, friend. Anyhow....since receiving my digital copy of D&A Sunday around 10PM (I had a vinyl copy in my possession last Wednesday), I have had it in heavy rotation on my iPod. In fact, as of this writing, it's the only music I have listened to at my desk this week. Officially, I am on my tenth listening from start to finish.

Since its announcement, Day & Age has been my most anticipated album of 2008, fairly or not - that is for you to decide. The Killers are, far and away, my favorite band. Hot Fuss, their debut album, is a certifiable classic in my book. Start to finish, that LP is rock-solid. It has that great dance-beat sound that so many Europeans have grown to love from the Las Vegas quartet. Sam's Town, the band's second effort and my personal favorite, had much more of a rock album feel, and was still solid as a whole. There may have been 1 or 2 songs that occasionally I was tempted to hit "skip" when they came on, but still very listenable songs.

Enter D&A. As far as building on the momentum garnered from the previous two albums, The Killers succeeded, inasmuch that they dig deeper into uncharted musical territory as a group. The album starts off with a strong triumvirate of songs that has the listener's ear piqued for more. Unfortunately, for this reviewer, the album doesn't quite soar as high as the build-up lends it to. The latter half of the album meddles in exotic, if not alienating, sound for the casual listener. Hardcore Killers fans, myself included, will revel in hearing the maturing bandmates' discovery of new musical entrails to their repertoire. The following is the official Sargeque.com review, song-by-song:

1. Losing Touch - Classic opening track. The Killers certainly know how to hit the ground running.

2. Human - The first single, you've undoubtedly heard this track 1,000 times by now. If you haven't, you're just not a fan. The song holds momentum nicely, if not pushing it even harder, as one can't but get excited when song #2 is HUMAN!

3. Spaceman - My favorite song on the album (right now). Catchy lyrics, the whole package. I heard this song live at Royal Albert Hall earlier this month, and you really get a sense that this is a song that the band can really unload on.

4. Joy Ride - I am enjoying the beat to this song. The chorus harkens back to The Killers' Vegas roots with the line "When your chips are down." Joy Ride is growing on me - and quickly.

5. Dustland Fairytale - "Cinderella in a party dress." Need I say more? For a song that starts off so softly, it develops into spanning, spinning tale, as the name implies. This song would've easily fit on the Sam's Town LP.

6. This Is Your Life - I felt, if just for a second, that this song stole its opening from Disney's "The Lion King." No such luck, I guess. This song feels right at home playing over a montage of "funny date moment clips" from various romantic comedies, like "Harry & Sally," any Tom Hanks or Meg Ryan vehicle, etc. Or perhaps the one where Kevin Bacon tries to coach the native Africans basketball.

7. I Can't Stay - I don't like Jimmy Buffet. Do The Killers? It seems like a reasonable bet. I actually like the hybrid Buffet-come-Killers vibe here, as the beat lends well to the catchy lyrics.

8. Neon Tiger - Quickly moving up the charts on Sargeque.com's playlists, "Neon Tiger" is a great song. The pulsing drum from the bridge halfway through the song until the end echoes the urgency in the lyrics.

9. The World We Live In - A definitive "skip" on the CD player. "World" sounds like a bad Queen song say, from their Innuendo or The Works albums (full disclosure: only a rabid Queen fan would be able to name said albums off the top of their head). I wanted to like this song as an experiment of a different sound, but every listen gets tougher and tougher.

10. Goodnight, Travel Well - The closing track from Day & Age is to The Killers what "Tomorrow Never Knows" was to The Beatles' Revolver. An experimental track that starts off slow, building momentum similar to "The End" by The Doors. I really like this one. And we all know what album the Beatles released after Revolver, so we've got that goin' for us - which is nice.

I give this album a 4 out of 5 stars, which is an upgrade from the 3.5 I was prepared to give it when I sat down to pen this review. As long as The Killers continue to evolve and put out progressive alternative rock, legions of fans and industry accolades will follow in their wake. I have a feeling that most will put this record a notch below Hot Fuss in popularity, which isn't a bad thing at all. The Killers should get at least a few calls come Grammy time next year for Day & Age.

Yes, I picked up Kanye's 808's and Heartbreak this week as well, but I haven't listened to 10 seconds of it outside of the two previous singles yet. Perhaps at the tailgate this weekend.

And for all of you La Sexorcisto fans out there - check this new release out.

Later Hammers-

Bill Self Video Essay

2008-11-19T13:20:00.003-06:00

Later Hammers-

Royals as Chiefs

2008-10-06T14:47:00.009-05:00

A suggestion by Chez Barkman on Saturday got me thinking late Sunday night - what if the a few of the Royals suited up and played for the Chiefs this winter? Here's a taste of where I think some of the guys would fit in:

Gil Meche, QB - Heard this guy's got a great arm. Pukes fans have yet to see the fruits of his $55 million contract.
Ryan Shealy and Billy Butler, OL - Supposed "big sticks" may be more physically suited blocking. They can't do much worse than the current Chiefs line, anyway.
Alex Gordon, TE - A perfect fit. There are no called third strikes in football.
Joey Gathright, WR - Speedster can catch; he just can't hit.

Sweet! I think Barkman may have something here. What do the readers think? Suggestions, corrections, and additions welcome.

Later Hammers-

Turn Around, Stick It Out

2008-10-03T12:20:00.005-05:00

First, I'd like to thank that boy Sir Mix-a-Lot for coming up with the post title today. It fits like, however the heck you think it should. Let me get to the point.

[Things you need to know about me; (1) I have been a Sirius Satellite Radio subscriber since December of 2004 and (2) I am an avid electronics and / or video game junkie.]

Here's the "stuff" that got me all in a fuss this morning. That awesome satellite radio conglomerate known to the public as Sirius-XM released their new "a la carte" offerings today....and CURRENT SIRIUS SUBSCRIBERS GOT HOSED. The short version: as an XM subscriber, you can add "Best of Sirius," Howard, NFL, etc. for $4. Sirius subscribers, you can add "Best of XM," Oprah, etc. for $4. What's missing? NO MLB for current Sirius subscribers. Horseradish. Seriously, everyone can have the NFL, but not all can have MLB? Makes no sense. Apparently, Sirius wants me to cancel, sign up for XM, and add the Sirius content at the additional pricing. If this injustice isn't rectified soon, I may just go that route. I have sent an inquiry into the Sirius customer service (no cursing, scathing yelling, or the like) asking for an explanation. I'll let you know what I find out.

Next....and this really chaps my thighs, is that I come to find out that a new feature in NBA LIVE 09 (a.k.a. the ONLY worthwhile feature), Live 365, doesn't come as a standard feature to the game, but as a $20 add-on! EA Sports is damn lucky I didn't pre-order this title for $5 cheaper at Amazon.com. The only reason I was remotely interested in the NBA this year was the former KU players being in the league....this just brings me back down to earth and realizing why I don't care that much about it after a few days of mild interest.

Next thing you know, I'm going to find out my iPhone doesn't have cut-and-paste....oh wait, DAMN IT!

Later Hammers-

Been a Long Time Since We Rock and Rolled....

2008-09-29T09:24:00.006-05:00

Hey hammers, so sorry for the long dee-brown-lay between posts. Been so damned busy of late, haven't even smoked a stack of short ribs in forever. WTF?? Holla back youngin.' Let's get down to business....

Did you see The Dark Knight? Heath Ledger's performance really lived up to all the hype....

Okay. Now I've got the obligatory inside-joke out of the way, we can commence henceforth. B. West training camp begins in earnest this week. Check BremertonWest.com starting Wednesday for updates on my quest to get back into playing shape for the season. Sunday pick-up games start November 2nd.

NBA Live 09 is coming to a gaming system near you on October 7th. Do yourself a favor; pick up a copy. I just spent the better part of last Saturday playing the demo on PS3 - it kicks NBA 09: The Inside's moneymaker, believe me. For those stat junkies like myself, the "Live 365" feature is sweet. And the game plays as fun as any EA hoops game ever did on the Sega Genesis, Hammers.

For those of you wondering, my iPhone 3G is running TTRT. Thanks for your concern, but no, I don't want an "Android" phone.

One last thought today - for those Yankee haters out there - see what a team can do when they are a little healthier than they had been all season. The Yanks and (gasp) Royals ended the season as the two hottest teams in baseball. So long, Yankee Stadium. You will be sorely missed. That building was more than just the Yanks home. I am grateful to have had the chance to attend a game there before they closed the doors....as for the playoffs, you know how it goes. Here's to an Angels sweep in the Division Series.

Later Hammers-

New Killers Jams

2008-08-01T11:16:00.002-05:00

"Spaceman"

"Neon Tiger"

Royals Are Laughing Stock of Pro Sports

2008-07-22T09:32:00.003-05:00

Believe me, that statement isn't THAT harsh. Didn't you hear about the game last night? Oh my, kids, I was there. In the heat. Spending my hard-earned kaesh on frozen lemonades, bronsons, and peanuts. And, frankly, I'd like some of my money back. Or at least a voucher for a free ticket. Let me, if you will, break down what the ticket increase at "The K" this year has added to your local baseball "experience," if I may:

1. There is a damned flag team now. Yessir, before the game, four males of questionable merit wave flags as the team comes out on the field. Apparently, they've been working on their flagsmanship and running figure-8's, because this is the first time I've seen this routine all season. I guess they wanted to have something for the fans to get excited about after the All-Star break.

2. Give us a rest between innings. Although I may disagree, this isn't a minor league baseball game. I don't need the jackass on the loudspeaker hosting contests and making wisecracks an eighth grader wouldn't waste his time with a comeback on. I came out to see baseball, NOT some sweet graphics depicting the John Deere lawnmower race. If I wanted to see shenanigans, I'll take my ars to a T-Bones game, thank you much.

I haven't even touched on the game....been to about 10 games this year, and think the team is 1-9 in those, and I realize it isn't exactly fair to make generalizations, but I also watch on TV. Is it just me, or has the starting pitching been nonexistent since the 3rd week of the season? WTF? How long are we going to keep Yimmy Yobble on the roster? PLEASE tell me a 10-run eighth inning last night did the trick. He makes Hideous Nomo look like the Quiz. I want Tomko back! And seriously, how long are we going to go with strikout machine Alex Gordon, light-hitting Billy Butler, Joey "infield single" Gathright, Ross "might as well be Keith Lockhart" Gload and Mark "remember those 3 months in 2006" Teahan? Please, we've had the scouting department from the Bad News Bears on loan for long enough. Let's go out and make some new hires (please, no Atlanta retreads).

I'm spent. Maybe I'll watch Soria's performance in the All-Star game on DVR. At least there is some hope for us, if we ever take another lead into the ninth again (Notice I didn't mention Tony Pena, Jr.'s EPIC pitching performance in the ninth on Monday. Maybe he should do the opposite of Ankiel and BECOME a pitcher. That way he wouldn't have to bat.).

Later Hammers-

New & Noteworthy

2008-07-03T11:26:00.008-05:00

I thought it appropriate to post a few new pictures since the last post (so sorry for the layoff - but, you know, with the Lenexa BBQ Kansas State Championships last weekend, Sargeque has been putting in lots of overtime). Without further delay, "Wrote a song 'bout it. Like to hear it go!"

Note the fancy headwear acquired in Chicago (Fukudome is my boy since his days back in the homeland).

New I-70 signage hoisted this week. Is niiiice.

Have a great Fourth. You know me - I'll be getting my fill of Will Smith in "Independence Day" when I'm not watching baseball tomorrow.

Later Hammers-

Google Really IS Taking Over

2008-05-12T16:11:00.004-05:00

Will Google ever stop innovating? Here's some exciting news about a new service they are set to unveil tonight - "Google Friend Connect" - read about it here.

So, perhaps we'll turn our sister site Bremerton West into a social media hub after all?! Who knows....

Later Hammers-

Strength & Honor

2008-05-05T22:12:00.004-05:00

Picture taken outside of Chipotle in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Picketers - picketing, well...women's suffrage? Something about worker's rights, PITA, or another "worthy" cause. Looks like they are having a good time, eh? Oh well, at least it provided suppertime entertainment for today.

Gotta run. "Gladiator" is playing on the free HBO in my hotel room, just started twenty minutes ago. Get it while you can!

Later hammers-

Sargeque.com Contest: Win Xonbi

2008-05-01T16:06:00.002-05:00

After weeks of suffering on the waiting list, I finally received the Beta release of Xonbi. I installed it today, and so far, so good.

Along with the Xonbi software came six (six!) invites for lucky friends to get their own copy. Since I'm far too biased to choose the proper six invitees, it has been decided that a contest will determine the recipients. Remember, in order to qualify, you need to be running Outlook 2003 or later.

Send an email to the contest chairman (me) here detailing why you should be one of the lucky six. And good luck to all!

Later Hammers-

"Classic" Vinyl

2008-04-23T09:50:00.006-05:00

I was reminded over the weekend of the absolute genius of Adam Sandler's early CD releases....I don't know anyone who can't at least recite a few lines from "The Goat" by heart. Here's one of Sandler's videos from the What the Hell Happened to Me! album, the aptly titled "Steve Polychronopolous." I'll be damned if he didn't show for that Yankees game....enjoy.

Music Video:STEVE POLYCHRONOPOLOUS (by Adam Sandler)

Music Video Code provided by Video Code Zone

Later Hammers-

Three, NOT Two, Truths for Tuesday, April 22nd

2008-04-22T14:48:00.004-05:00

FACT: Running up and down hills can severely effect your time trials when training for a half-marathon.

FACT: The casket business isn't "dead." People are "dying to get in." But it is rather "morbid" around the office this week.

FACT: Kriss Kross will make you JUMP! JUMP!

Well, the 10-year-olds start baseball practice with ol' Carolina Sarge this evening at Baldwin High (no funny business - it's a CLOSED PRACTICE!!). Anyways, got me thinking I should be getting a haircut and fresh shave. Which is where Barkman's keen investigative eye comes in. Great reporting to find the following information on my next razor purchase here. Enjoy.

Later Hammers-

2008 NFL Draft Approaches....

2008-04-22T08:51:00.001-05:00

Yeah, right?! Like I was going to "break down the NFL Draft!" Chew on this instead pokes:

Later Hammers-

Ahh....the Moment We've All Been Waiting For

2008-04-17T10:30:00.002-05:00

Well, the NBA playoffs are smack-dab in front of us, gearing to start up this weekend. This, of course, signals that 3/5 of the NBA season is complete. Your NBA champion will be crowned sometime before or around the 4th of July. Make sure your fireworks correspond with your favorite to take the title!

Perhaps I will even catch a late game during the week - that is, if the Yankees are playing on the east coast (game ends early), Bale is pitching for the Royals (guaranteed loss), and I've seen all three CSI episodes on SpikeTV starting at 10PM.

I'm sponsoring a "make your NBA picks and see if you can remember them by the time the finals roll around" pool. I've got the Suns and the Celtics. Who knows? Maybe it'll happen. Hope they let us tune in to the action at the retirement home if it does.

Later Hammers-

McRib is Back! McRib is Back!

2008-04-16T10:09:00.008-05:00

Just kidding, Jack Osbourne - McRib is NOT back. But the hallowed return of one of my favorite original NES video games IS - hello to the Wii Virtual Console, Bases Loaded!

For you ingrates out there who aren't familiar, let me tell you - all baseball video games owe their stake to the Bases Loaded franchise. The game was a monster, with revolutionary pitcher / batter interface, Pennant mode, and (YES!) players even charged the mound. I get goose bumps when the theme music plays....okay, maybe that's a little overboard, but hey, there'd be no MLB '08 The Show if there wasn't Bases Loaded in the first place.

My team is L.A., and my favorite player, Wales, will crack the starting lineup to bat fourth (typical). And Oko, cleanup hitter for Philly, doesn't scare my submarining starting pitcher in the least. Play ball!

Later Hammers-

Ramblings....

2008-04-14T16:05:00.002-05:00

I've got 6 email accounts hitting my BlackBerry as of this morning. I set up my corporate email today for #6. Feels like I've got a pocket rocket in my khaki pants most of the day, but I'll deal.

I'm ready to get out and hit the links. Hopefully I can get a game this weekend, or something that resembles a game at least. I'm open to playing the 18 at Smiley's even (the only place I know where sleeves are optional).

The Royals are slipping. I'm a dreadful 0-2 at The K this year already - OUCH! The Yanks don't look too much better, either - showing every bit of their age, as we have been saying for the last 2.5 years or so. At least Jeter's back in the lineup tonight. It's a long season, we shall see.

The big 08/08/08 party has been put on the afterburner. Apparently I'll be out-of-town at EBK's bachelor party that weekend. So, mark your calendars for the big 09/09/09 sargeque. I'll bring the Brass Monkey.

Oh! The NBA playoffs starting soon? BFD. I'll start paying attention around Independence Day, when the Finals are gearing up. Jagshemash!

Later Hammers-

One Week Later

2008-04-14T12:30:00.001-05:00

One week later, this hasn't gotten old yet....

Later Hammers-