Where Did These Dollar Coins Come From?

Posted on September 9, 2014 by brent

Lunchtime rolled around today and I decided to leave the office to eat with the lunch crew (our graphic designers and our editor-in-chief). As we walked out the door I stopped at the vending machine to purchase a bag of Chex Mix. This particular machine is a new model and it accepts $5 bills. Hating to break such a bill in a vending machine but not having any singles, I slipped an Abraham Lincoln note through the slot and made my selection. What came out of the change slot was something I had never seen nor heard about before.

This vending machine was introduced a couple months ago. Each time I used it I always noticed the label announcing that it accepted $5 bills. The question of how change was returned always went through my head. Did it shoot back crisp dollar bills into the change slot? Did it go Vegas style and dump down 16 quarters? These are the stupid things that keep me up at night. Turns out I was wrong on both fronts.

This is the vending machine that I visit on a regular basis and that gave me a surprise today.

When I selected my Chex Mix a clinking sound filled the slot. Okay, part of the mystery is solved, it returns coins. But the sound didn’t signify a whole bunch of quarters. Before opening the door of the slot I thought I either had Sacajawea dollars waiting for me or I had been ripped off. Once again, wrong on both fronts.

What I picked up was something I had never seen before. In my hand were four goldish-looking coins with different cartoonish-looking portraits of the U.S. Presidents on each of them. On the back was a depiction of the Statue of Liberty with the signification that it was worth $1. Since I was a kid I have always loved different types of coins and bills so I was immediately fascinated and also a little confused. How had I never seen these before?

Me holding the four coins I was given from the vending machine.

I caught up with my four lunch partners who had already started walking to the building where we eat at and I showed them my change. Not one of them had ever seen these types of coins. Each one had a different portrait of a President…George Washington, William Harrison, Martin Van Buren, and Abraham Lincoln. My co-workers shared my astonishment as we discussed whether anyone would even accept them if I tried to make a purchase. When I returned from lunch I showed the coins to more people in my office. No one had ever seen them before! It spun my curiosity the whole afternoon.

An up close look at the four Presidential dollar coins I received.

I waited until I got home to do an internet search. I expected to learn that this was a new dollar coin initiative that just started up. So wrong again! I was amazed to find out that the Presidential $1 Coin Program started in 2007!! In a model that resembles the U.S. State Quarters Plan, select coins are introduced annually. Specifically, four Presidents each year come out on the $1 coins. The issuing goes according to chronological order. In 2014, Warren Harding, Calvin Coolidge, Herbert Hoover, and FDR have all been released. Presidents must be dead at least two years before having their image minted so most likely the program will end in 2016 with Ronald Reagan.

For someone who loves the United States Presidents and currency as much as me, I still can’t believe I have been completely ignorant to this program for seven years. However, maybe I should say just four years. You see, in 2011, the government decided to stop minting the coins for circulation, opting to just release smaller amounts for collectors. Although I am a fan of currency, I don’t collect it. My full intention is to spend these coins but the question remains…will retailers look at me with confused faces when I present them as payment?

A look at the front and back of a Presidential dollar coin.

What a cool little lunch discovery today. If you have any experiences with these coins, please let me know. It is crazy how little publicity this program garnered. I will let you know how my transactions with this type of money goes. But, if you want a piece of history and are willing to pay me double for them, I will definitely take your offer. Don’t Blink.

Why Dum Dums Are Special to Me

Posted on September 8, 2014 by brent

Starting this school year, the Coastal Carolina University campus went tobacco-free. While most people immediately think of the students, and as they should, others are impacted as well. In my office I have the privilege of working with a fine editor named Joanna. She is a longtime smoker. When the tobacco ban took effect, she had to figure out some way to make it through the day.

In a drawer in Joanna’s office is a gigantic 300-piece bag of Dum Dums lollipops. When a craving comes she tears the wrapper off one of the suckers and pops it into her mouth. Although I can only imagine how much it pales in comparison to the satisfaction that a shot of nicotine would provide her with, she is making it through the day. Although Joanna doesn’t have plans to quit smoking now, she is doing her part to make our campus tobacco-free while at work.

Joanna and her BIG bag of Dum Dums.

The best part about Joanna’s Dum Dums regimen? She hooks me up with all the suckers I want! That’s right, on my desk I have a supply container that is filled with Dum Dums. I like them because they give my desk area a little bit of color. I like them because when I forget to bring gum they provide me with an alternative breath saver. I like them because in the middle of a long day they provide me with a little bit of relief. But I like them most of all because they let me reminisce.

These are the Dum Dums on my desk that Joanna gave me.

My family owned an Italian restaurant in Walla Walla, Washington. Called the Pastime Cafe, my grandpa and uncle ran the place all through my childhood. Before my grandpa and uncle, my great grandpa operated the place. The restaurant was in operation for over 80 years, all under the ownership of my mom’s family (the Fazzari family…can you get more Italian than that?)

The Pastime Café, the restaurant I grew up in.

Anyway, when you walked into the restaurant there was a glass counter case directly to your right that contained every candy bar you could think of. Sitting behind the glass case was the person who operated the antique cash register (usually my Aunt Becky). The register rested to the left of my aunt, and underneath it was a sliding wooden door. Inside that wooden door were two things: Dum Dums and Andes mints. Now I loved both of those candies, but the Dum Dums hold more sentimental value for me.

This is my great grandpa at the cash register. As you can barely see, the glass counter case is visible at the very bottom of the picture. The wooden door is also visible.

After we ate dinner my mom would let us pick out a candy bar (we could only eat half of it) and also choose a Dum Dums. Back then there weren’t 16 flavors like there are now but it didn’t matter because my brother and I would always pick out the same one over and over: The Mystery Flavor!! Wrapped in paper with purple question marks all over it, my bro and I thought it was the coolest option. Of course I look back on it now and think what idiots we were; why not just choose a flavor we really liked instead of leaving it up to complete chance? Dumb kids.

Me with some Dum Dums.

For the hundreds of times I ate at the Pastime and the numerous times I went with my grandpa on Sundays when the restaurant was closed, I always got a Dum Dums sucker. I became convinced that our restaurant was keeping the Dum Dums factory in business.

As a 27-year old man, I no longer think that Dum Dums are unique to a small Italian restaurant in Walla Walla, Washington. However, you better believe that whenever I suck on one I immediately think of some of the best memories of my childhood. To get some of those sweet thoughts while living 3,000 miles away from “the town so nice they named it twice” is pretty cool and comforting. Thanks for the suckers, Joanna. Don’t Blink.

Mikayla Joy Koutecky

Posted on September 7, 2014 by brent

The chimes rang at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, Washington, at 3 p.m. PT this past Friday. Whenever a baby is born at that hospital the beautiful sound can be heard filling the hallways of the newborn unit. On this particular afternoon the chimes were in honor of Mikayla Joy Koutecky, my first ever niece.

The first ever photo of Mikayla Joy.

My sister, Miranda, gave birth to Mikayla via C-Section, presenting my parents with their first grandchild. The procedure, much like the whole pregnancy, went smoothly. At six pounds, nine ounces, the bundle of “Joy” is a healthy and happy baby. She has dark hair and blue eyes.

My sister and her brand new baby.

Just a couple weeks before I moved out east, I had the opportunity to watch as my sister surprised my parents with news of her pregnancy. Although not there for the months that followed and the birth itself, I did follow along by way of Skype, picture messaging, and phone calls. After work on Friday I hustled home and sat on my couch while I awaited word. Right around 6 p.m. eastern time my mom texted me to tell me that she heard chimes. About 45 minutes after that text I received the first photo of Mikayla.

My mom (Grandma) with Mikayla.

My family is ecstatic about the new addition. Although I will have to wait two and a half more months until I meet my niece in person, I have received plenty of photos to make me feel not so far away. Earlier this week I even sent my sister a Coastal Carolina University dress for Mikayla. It is designed for babies 3-6 months, so maybe when I arrive for Thanksgiving she will just be able to slip into it.

My dad (Grandpa) with his new baby girl.

Congratulations to Miranda and her husband, Jay. Also, congratulations to my parents, who will undoubtedly make the best grandparents ever. Welcome to the world, Mikayla Joy!! I look forward to meeting you. Don’t Blink.

The Latest Happenings

Posted on September 4, 2014 by brent

You all know the drill, it is Thursday! That means I write as quickly as I can about five different topics. Hang on if you don’t want to get left behind, here we go!

BABY – Tomorrow I will become an uncle! My sister will go in for surgery on Friday so doctors can deliver her daughter. Names are narrowed down but it will be a hospital room decision on what the baby is ultimately called. Although I will be very far from my new and first niece, I look forward to Thanksgiving when I get to make the trip back to Spokane and meet her.

My sister will have her baby tomorrow.

Bucky Covington – Remember Bucky Covington? He got a lot of play on country radio one summer for the songs “Different World” and “Good to be Us.” Well, he has fallen in popularity a tad since then. Last Friday night I watched him perform from inches away at the Boathouse, a bar and music venue in Myrtle Beach. The haggard looking Bucky got up on a tiny stage in front of about 80 people and did the best he could. He had two band members with him, including his twin brother named Rocky. He sang his two hits and a whole bunch of covers. He even managed to attract a couple of groupies. After his set a guy named Warren Stone, who was supposedly a strong contestant on “The Voice,” also performed.

My up close view of Bucky Covington on Friday night.

Starbucks on Wheels – Today something arrived on campus that had our whole community rejoicing: A Mobile Starbucks Truck. Coastal Carolina University is just one of three colleges in the nation that gets to take part in this Starbucks pilot experiment. The coffee giant sent us the vehicle which is a fully functioning Starbucks restaurant on wheels! It will move around campus strategically according to different times and when certain events are taking place. When I posted images and video on our social media outlets today our students went bonkers. Now if only I shared their enthusiasm…I hate coffee.

Here are some of the photos I snapped today of the new Mobile Starbucks Truck.

On Assignment – A cool thing about my job at Coastal Carolina University is that I get to work on cool projects that I didn’t have the opportunity to do at my last stop. One of these projects is writing for our alumni magazine. Yesterday I got to visit Sparks Toyota and interview CCU alum Patrick Sparks. I chatted with him for 25 minutes and obtained some great material to write an alumni profile piece. I will submitted my first draft to the magazine editor this evening at the end of work. Pretty soon my writing will be published in a magazine!

Start of the Most Popular League – The NFL season kicks off tonight as my favorite team hosts the Green Bay Packers. I plan to watch the second half of the action as I will be at the Myrtle Beach Pelican playoff game that starts at 7 p.m. I am already bracing myself for the social media onslaught that will occur on my Facebook newsfeed as the Seahawks hit the field. It is great to have the NFL back but I still prefer college football over it any day! By the way, make sure to look for my twin on the field!

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Time to get off to the ballpark for tonight’s game. Hopefully no marriage proposals. Best of luck to my sister tomorrow! You can expect photos and most likely a blog post about my new niece. Have a great evening and weekend. Don’t Blink.

The Retirement of a Griz Legend

Posted on September 3, 2014 by brent

Today, a legendary sports information director announced his retirement. After 37 years as the SID for Grizzly Athletics, Dave Guffey will conclude his tenure on June 30. The University of Montana will never be the same.

Affectionately referred to as “Guff,” the name is and forever will be synonymous with GRIZ. For the better half of my own stint with Grizzly Athletics, I had the distinct privilege of working right next door to the legend. Although it took some time for me to earn his respect, we developed a wonderful working relationship. The personal friendship was just as nice.

Dave Guffey with the Big Sky Conference championship trophy after the men’s basketball team clinched a spot in the NCAA Tournament in 2012.

With the role that I held, Dave and I worked closely each day. He would give me daily notices on all releases he would send out. He routinely asked me to proof his work (a huge honor for me). He would never leave me in the dark on anything. If I had a question about the sports industry or wanted clarification about something that was happening in the department, he would always fill me in. He always made sure I was taken care of when it came to credentials for away events. He graciously would single me out in meetings, both ones where I was present and wasn’t present, for a job well done. He would always stick up for me.

For everything that he gave me, I tried to do what I could to pay him back at least a little bit. I helped him out with website graphics, filled him in on breaking news that came out via the digital avenue, set him up with social media accounts, and gave him crash courses on topics such as Photoshop and Twitter. Light stuff compared to what he did on my behalf.

Dave up in the press box just this past spring serving as the public address announcer for one of the spring football scrimmages.

Dave taught me a lot too. With just a wall separating us, I observed a lot and learned a lot. I learned about media relations. I learned about long hours. I learned about accuracy. I learned about pressure. I learned about people who think they are always owed tickets or a credential. I learned about the intricacies of being the point person for nationally recognized football and men’s basketball programs. I learned that the job of a sports information director doesn’t just revolve around writing game recaps.

You know, some people might say that Guff could be a hard-ass. Well, if you are a sports information director for an athletic department such as Montana you kind of have to put up that front. But the truth is, Dave Guffey is one of the kindest, warmest, most loyal people you will meet. Remember how above I said that beyond the working relationship there was a friendship?

I fondly remember our many talks on the sidelines during football practices both about sports and not about sports. I look back and smile at the various nights where we got to share cocktails together. I remember late nights after basketball games in the office with us bantering back and forth. I remember the unwavering support he gave me when I moved on from Grizzly Athletics. I remember even the little things such as how well he treated my visitors who came by the office to the $50 gift card he gave me to the Montana Club at Christmas. They don’t come much classier than Guff.

Dave and I watched the conclusion of a Griz basketball road game in his office during the 2013-14 season.

When the day comes for Dave Guffey to be enshrined into the Grizzly Sports Hall of Fame I hope I am there. I want to hear his speech, see his plaque, and witness all of the past coaches/players/administrators who attend it. Mostly though, I want to attend the killer party that I know will follow.

Enjoy the last several months on the job, Dave. You have meant a lot to me and helped shape who I am as a professional. Don’t Blink.

What I Need to Really Enjoy a Movie

Posted on September 2, 2014 by brent

When I watch my four or five movies per week at my apartment during the wee hours of the night, I always have a certain option turned on…closed captioning!. If it is available with the certain DVD, I will no doubt let the captions roll across the screen for the duration of the film. For me, it greatly enhances my viewing experience.

I admit, my hearing isn’t my best sense. I much rather celebrate my superb vision. While I can see the ESPN sports ticker crystal clear from 100 feet away, I commonly ask people to repeat what they say. With some movies, no matter how loud I turn it up, the tone is sometimes so soft that I would need to rewind a couple times to completely understand what was being said. With captions turned on I understand everything the first time through. Yes, I utilize captions for their most basic intended purpose.

However, closed captioning does more than just help the hearing impaired follow the dialogue in movies. It also enables the viewer to pick up on much more than if the captions were turned off. Many times for movies the closed captioning is not just well done, it is also very in depth and all-encompassing. Character mutters, random background conversations, and even song lyrics are all spelled out across your screen. Things that weren’t even meant to be picked up by the most observant, best hearing individuals are made available to anyone who has captions turned on. Sometimes these “hidden” comments made visible by closed captioning are funny, sometimes they are dark, and sometimes they reveal important information. They provide better understanding to the movie, a behind-the-scenes type feel almost.

Finally, just because it is my nature, I like closed captioning because it puts you one step ahead of everything. Most captions appear right before the actor speaks them. If you are at a 6th grade reading level you can read the entire line of what someone is going to say before they even begin to speak the first word. Now I know this bugs the heck out of some people who watch movies with me but I love it. I like to brace myself for what is coming and if I know the dialogue before the character actually engages in it, I feel much more at ease.

People say I totally defeat the purpose of watching a movie when I am pretty much reading it at the same time. But I don’t think they understand me. Like I said above, following along with closed captioning increases my enjoyment of watching films. It helps me relax more and it assures me that I am getting the most out of the movie. If you despise closed captioning, stop by my apartment when I am watching a football game instead. Don’t Blink.

Why I Hate Third Down Songs

Posted on September 1, 2014 by brent

With the first full weekend of college football now in the books, I can say that my ears have become well-accustomed once again to certain sounds. No, I am not talking about the roar of the crowd, the collision of big hits, or the tunes of the band. Rather, I am talking about the playing of songs such as Sandstorm, Zombie Nation’s “Kernkraft 400”, and Crazy Train. More specifically, I am talking about third down songs…

I hate third down songs.

As a former stadium DJ, I have always held a disdain for programs that use a certain song for each time the down marker has a big number three showing. I prefer playing different, yet appropriate, third down songs throughout the game. I feel this lets you engage the audience more, utilize some of the more powerful song selections for more crucial third downs, and to keep things fresh. I do have a few major reasons on why I strongly discourage against sticking to a third down song:

First, I think third down songs are annoying. No, not just for the visiting team, visiting fans, or television crew…but for the home folks too. Sorry, but hearing Ozzie’s maniacal laugh twenty times a game gets really irritating. Even if your team has a big third down coming up in the fourth quarter by that time the song has played itself out. “Turn Down For What” all of a sudden isn’t as fun anymore.

Like I said above, I made it a point to change the third down song selection when I was the stadium DJ because I felt I could get more out of the fans in doing so. If you have a big, rocking pump up song that means a lot to your fan base, maximize it. Don’t give it to them every single third down through the course of the game. That will lose the impact of the song very quickly. Instead, keep them guessing. Play the kick-ass song on a big third down and inches play in the second half of a close game. When that powerful song hits for the first time in a crucial situation it will energize the crowd and the players in a way that would never occur if you played it frequently. As for other third downs, play rocking selections as well, just make sure to build up and always include a wide variety.

Finally, I HATE third down songs because they can grow to be jokes and symbols for losing. I have to pick on the rival of my former school, Montana State. For every third down in Bozeman they would play “Hells Bells.” I had the opportunity to be on the sideline for the past two Brawl of the Wild football games in Bozeman (Griz-Cat rivalry game) and even when the Griz would be kicking the snot out of the Bobcats, “Hells Bells” would be playing late in the game. It was garbage time, the stadium was half full, and you could hear a collective groan from the Bobcat fans in the seats when the song was played. It totally turned a decent AC/DC song into a mockery. No one was into it. Whenever I hear the song, a melody that was supposed to conjure up a big play for the Bobcats, I just think of Montana State getting their clocks cleaned.

Of course, when it all comes down to it, the stadium experience should be all about the student-athletes. If the football team is dead-set on a third down song then you have to honor their request. But this never happened at Montana and I know it doesn’t happen at many other schools. Most football teams are concentrated on the actual game, not the music being played over the public address system. I caution stadium DJs not to turn the game day experience into an automated bore. Get the fans pumped up for every third down, but do it in a way that will maximize and keep the integrity of the music. Don’t Blink.

Watching College Football at The Citadel

Posted on August 31, 2014 by brent

Yesterday I had the opportunity to go on a little road trip to watch some college football. With Coastal Carolina opening the season against The Citadel, a military college in Charleston, South Carolina, I knew I wanted to make the short two hour drive. At around 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sidney and I hit the road.

We arrived in Charelston at around 3 p.m. that afternoon. With kickoff at 6 p.m., Sidney and I went to a neighborhood bar called Moe’s to pass the time. In between appetizers and drinks, the bar staff was nice enough to turn on the Montana-Wyoming football game for us. It was a thrill for me to watch the first half of the game and see players, coaches, and athletic department officials who I used to see on a daily basis but hadn’t seen in over four months.

When the second quarter of the Montana game concluded, we made the walk to Johnson Hagood Stadium, home of The Citadel Bulldogs. We arrived right in time to watch the cadets march inside the stadium. As we entered the front gate of the facility we were greeted by the fierce bulldog sculpture that stands guard. We walked inside the stadium and after some confusion in the concourse we got re-directed to the opposite concourse where we eventually found our seats.

The Cadets marching in and Sidney and I outside by the bulldog.

What stands out about Johnson Hagood Stadium is the castle-like structure built behind the south endzone. Or, as Sidney corrected me, the fortress looking structure. Castle or fortress, it looks really cool and definitely gives a distinguishing look to the stadium. Besides looking sweet it serves a very practical role as it houses locker rooms and athletic department offices. Another unique part about the stadium are three sections located in the southwest corner. This area serves as the cadet section and as all of them are dressed in their white uniforms, it looks really neat. Finally, there is a lot of history with Johnson Hagood. As I read on its Wikipedia page, soldiers were once buried underneath the stadium. If you have time, read the history.

A photo I snapped of the south endzone.

As far as the fan experience it was very traditional. Until the very end of the game there was no canned music. The bands played the whole time. They don’t incorporate very many video board elements and in-game advertisements over the public address were kept to a minimum. It was pretty much just football.

The Cadets filled the three sections last night.

Some other things to note: The stadium seats 21,000 and the playing surface is grass. After the game Sidney and I walked around on it. Although I never heard an official attendance number, I would estimate that there were probably 13,000 people there. Coastal Carolina traveled really well, both in fans and students. Thanks to two buses that took our students to the game free of charge, a whole section was filled just with them. Fans filled up another section plus some of another.

A look at some of the game action.

As for the game, Coastal Carolina controlled the contest the whole way through and won 31-16. Afterwards the public address announcer gave the cadets instructions on when they had to report in for the night. He gave a time for the seniors and juniors, a slightly earlier time for the sophomores, and then told the freshmen to retire back to the barracks immediately. It drew laughs.

Sidney and I on the field after the game. We had a good time. GO CHANTS!

I had a good time yesterday supporting my new university on the road. I am eager to travel to other away sites as well and cheer on the Chanticleers. Being able to do these things as a fan is a new concept for me and I am relishing the opportunity. Go Chants! Don’t Blink.

Worst Marriage Proposal EVER + Gators

Posted on August 28, 2014 by brent

It is Thursday night so that means it is time for me to zip through five topics. It is also opening night of college football so that means I have to go even faster than usual. So just like a wide receiver trying to get past that cornerback it is time to fly!

Tacky Proposal – This was beyond bad. This past Tuesday night, Sidney and I went to the Myrtle Beach Pelicans baseball game. After one of the innings a man brought his girlfriend on top of the home team dugout, got down on one knee, and proposed to her. Playing over the public address system was “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston. I hate to criticize but my idea of a classy proposal is not in the middle of a Single A minor league baseball game. Kudos to him because she said yes, but I think that marriage is probably doomed.

Alligator on the Loose – Our students blew up social media this past week when an alligator crept out from one of our ponds on campus. Students took photos of the gator and posted on Twitter with captions such as “My college has a pet gator, how about yours?” and “I literally almost jumped into this pond last night.” For me, this was just another reminder that I no longer live in the northwest. While I know that I am living in gator country now, I didn’t realize they would be on campus! I must say it is pretty cool.

This was one of the pictures taken of the gator. It is much bigger up close but this was the only photo I could find after doing a quick Twitter search (photo courtesy of @LHSfootball67).

Finding A Needle in a Haystack – After the baseball game on Tuesday night, Sidney and I stopped at a gas station. I went inside the store to purchase a bottled water when suddenly I saw something that made me freak out. On the bottom of the energy drink section was a fully stocked row of Xyience energy drinks. As I have explained before, there is no energy drink that comes even remotely close to the effect and taste of Xyience. Headquartered in Las Vegas, I thought I would never see one again when I moved to the South. Let me tell you, it was like Christmas for me on Tuesday night! I consume energy drinks on a sparingly basis so I haven’t cracked one open yet but when I do it is going to be a nice taste of home.

I was so excited when I found Xyience that I had to take a selfie with it outside of the gas station.

College Football Begins – When it comes to sports, there is nothing that I love more than college football. In my opinion, I don’t think there is anything better. Making this season extra special is the fact that for the first time in five years I won’t be pouring my soul into working for one team. While I will still be rooting hard for the Griz, I won’t be working hard for them anymore. I am a fan now. The stress-free fun starts tonight!

These are the college football teams I root for.

Movies Watched – Since last Thursday I have watched the following movies: “Sin City 2: A Dame to Kill For,” “When the Game Stands Tall,” “The Quiet Ones,” “Cheap Thrills,” and “Fugitive at 17.” All those listed movies were either bad or mediocre except for “Cheap Thrills.” Much like the movie “13 Sins,” the film chronicles the crazy and harmful things people will do for money. You have to understand my twisted brain though. While I did enjoy the movie, it made Sidney sick to her stomach. Let’s just say “Cheap Thrills” is unrated for a reason.

I saw “Sin City” and “When the Game Stands Tall” on the same night in different theaters last Friday.

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College football season here we go!! Go Chants, Go Griz, Go Cougs, and Go Irish!! Who do you got? Don’t Blink.

My Current Three Most Favorite, Most Hated Songs

Posted on August 27, 2014 by brent

Between commuting back and forth to Coastal Carolina, working out in the gym, and just paying attention to the background noise in public places, I hear a lot of music. In fact, I become quite familiar with the modern music of today based on my daily routines. This is both a blessing and a curse because I hear some great songs and then some really awful songs as well. For tonight’s blog post I want to recognize my top three favorite current songs out right now and my top three most hated current songs. Here we go.

Top Three Favorites (no particular order)

“Boom Clap” by Charli XCX – Catchy hook with straight forward lyrics I immediately liked this song the first time I heard it. Not only is the original version a winner but I have heard really cool remixes of this song too. I am looking forward to hearing more from Charli XCX.

“Where’s It At (Yep, Yep)” by Dustin Lynch – My favorite country song out right now. I don’t think this can be categorized anything less than a feel good anthem. This is a song I can sing out loud in my car on the way to campus at 5:30 a.m. each morning. This melody contains pride and happiness, two elements that are evident throughout the whole track.

“Break Free” by Arianna Grande featuring Zedd – A great arrangement with an incredible voice makes this song a winner. Does anyone in music right now have a more distinctive and powerful singing voice than Arianna Grande? I really don’t think so. Lyrics roll out of her mouth perfectly and effectively. Of course any track that is produced by Zedd is going to be gold. Two current big players in the music industry combined to make “Break Free” an awesome song.

Top Three Most Hated (no particular order)

“Wiggle” by Jason DeRulo – I haven’t heard a song that I hate more than this one in a long time. “Wiggle” by Jason DeRulo is flat out garbage. Degrading and stupid, I get severely uncomfortable listening to this song with anyone close by. I think it is just disgusting. The beat itself sounds sleazy even without the raunchy lyrics. Listening to this song makes me angry. I hate the music industry for allowing it to become a single.

“Rude” by MAGIC! – Overplayed songs are one thing. Overplayed songs that also happen to be incredibly annoying are another. I never came around on this track, in fact the exact opposite occurred…I just continued to hate it more and more. The song is just too slow and it comes across to me as four minutes of complaining. I can’t turn the radio fast enough when it comes on and it SUCKS as a workout song. I can’t wait until this disaster finally dies out.

“Anaconda” by Nicki Minaj – Speaking of annoying songs, how many out there have reached the limit of hearing the phrase “Oh my gosh, like at her butt”? and “My anaconda don’t…my anaconda don’t”? I am a huge Nicki Minaj fan but this song is brutal. A couple weeks ago one of those stupid lists came out highlighting songs that are played on repeat to make prisoners of war go insane. Well, they can add this one to the mix. It drives my head bonkers to hear the repetitious trash of this track. I would rather hear “Super Bass” played ten times in a row over “Anaconda” once.

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I am through with being a music critic tonight. I don’t think I have much more to say other than I really, really hate “Wiggle.” Don’t Blink.

Don't Blink

By Brent Reser