An Upbeat Thursday Rundown

Posted on September 17, 2015 by brent

Sometimes I downplay my Thursday Rundowns. I would be lying if I said that my weekly blog post counting down five random topics always drums up a lot of excitement and relevance. However, I like tonight’s subjects. With that said, let’s get going.

The Best Recognition – Last Thursday I shared with you an article that was written about me for the faculty/staff newsletter here at Coastal Carolina University. That was awesome and made me feel good but a different piece that came out yesterday really made me smile. I have a job primarily because of students so when that demographic is celebrating what I am doing it is the ultimate compliment. The student newspaper here, The Chanticleer, did a feature on me that made the front page. The fact that I was spotlighted in the student paper meant enough but the way the article was written just added even more icing on the cake. I think Kara Thomas did a fantastic job pretty much explaining me. To read the article, click here.

I really enjoyed this article by Kara Thomas of The Chanticleer.

Back to Mentoring – I had the opportunity to participate in a brand new program last year called CINO Legacy. What this program did was pair a student at Coastal with a staff member at Coastal. The student served as the mentee and the staff member served as the mentor. When I was asked to participate again this year I jumped right at the chance. This afternoon I had my first meeting with my mentee. Please meet Chelsea, a senior from Columbia, S.C., studying sport management. We sat down for the first time today on the outdoor porch at our campus Einstein Bros. As the time goes on we will discuss topics such as resume building, interview skills, and professional development. What a great program!

I met with my mentee, Chelsea, for the first time today.

Spot-A-Chant – Today I revisited my high school days and wore a football jersey to school…ummm…I mean work. In a way to promote and build excitement for the first home #CCU football game, certain staff members were asked to wear old jerseys for the day. The wardrobe push also coincided with the main event of Spot-A-Chant. From 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., students could come to the front of our main dining hall and take selfies with the football players. Designed to allow our students to get to know our student-athletes better, the second annual Spot-A-Chant had a lot of our football athletes perfecting their selfie skills with members of our student body. Despite the lighthearted jabs that came my way because of the jersey on my back, I enjoyed wearing it!

The photo in the upper right is an image of staff and football players. Can you spot me? The bottom photo is of our Vice President for Student Affairs Debbie Conner, myself, and our Food Service Director Jeff Stone.

New Snapchat Filters – Those new Snapchat filters though. Man, Snapchat rolled out quite the update this week with brand new filters. They are colorful, scary, crazy, and kind of cool. They make for some pretty neat still images but the capabilities of utilizing them with video is the really rad part. I think Snapchat is doing what they can to get away from the reputation of offering grainy, low quality images. This new rollout is a step in the right direction.

These are some of the new Snapchat filters.

The Second Republican Debate – I thought “Big Brother” last night was entertaining…then I started to watch the Republican debate. I never knew debates could make me laugh and drop my jaw so much. CNN did all they could to sling all the mud they could across that stage. They definitely “outfoxed” Fox News when it came to pitting candidates against each other and starting drama. Not that I am complaining. Sidney and I sat on the couch just eating up the whole thing. If you tuned in to watch a traditional debate filled with policy, strategy, and civility you would have been very disappointed.

A tweet from Sidney regarding us watching the debate.

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That will wrap it up. I am excited to watch the Chanticleer football team take the teal turf on Saturday to open up the 2015 home season. It will be a great ending for what has been a crazy week for me. Don’t Blink.

Lemonade Stand Competition

Posted on September 15, 2015 by brent

Many summer days of my young childhood were devoted to Kool-Aid stands. We lived across the street from a park and we would constantly stand at the corner of it and sell the sugary drink for ten cents a cup. It gave us business insight and taught us customer service. However, the real winner were my parents. They would gladly buy us unlimited Kool-Aid packets and sugar to get us off their front lawn. We played whiffle ball every day during the summer and absolutely tortured the grass.

Anyway, I am not kidding you, Kool-Aid stands have a big spot in my memory bank of fond childhood memories. Because of this, as I grew older I always followed the stories that would make news centering on lemonade stands. A kid would raise a bunch of money for a good cause, someone would have their stand robbed, or a sweet little girl would receive an outrageous tip. Pretty much all this stuff is cliché by now in lemonade lore.

Perhaps this is why I was so excited when I saw a new dimension brought to the lemonade stand concept this morning right here at Coastal Carolina University!

This morning lemonade stands took over Prince Lawn at Coastal Carolina University.

The professor of one of our Management 309 classes split the students up into teams. The eight teams then set up lemonade stands around the most scenic and busiest part of campus, Prince Lawn. The students had a budget ($30 I think) and about an hour to generate as much revenue as possible. All proceeds would go to a local animal shelter but the prestige from creating the most successful lemonade stand would swell in the prideful hearts of the victorious students.

I covered the event for #CCUSocialMedia and went around to each stand where I talked to the students. I got a real kick out of the tactics used by the various teams.

One group gave their lemonade a unique texture by mixing and blending it. They decided to strategically forgo a set price and accept donations only. Another group brought an actual dog out as a prop to sway customers. They also had the economical idea of selling their lemonade in cans so people wouldn’t fret about taking it to class or in their vehicles.

This team sold lemonade in cans and brought a dog out as a prop.

The third lemonade stand I went to added an ingredient…iced tea. Yup, this specific team decided to stand out by offering Arnold Palmers. The next group I encountered had candy poured all over its table. If you bought a cup of lemonade you received a complimentary mini candy bar and the option to play water pong.

This was the group that blended its lemonade.

I went on to the next group and they proudly informed me that their lemonade stand stood out because they had recruited a marketing team to boost sales. Sure enough, the two guys behind the table pointed to Wall Bridge where a few enthusiastic individuals were encouraging students walking across to the Prince Lawn side to splurge on an ice cold lemonade. I then walked the short distance to the next stand where the designated spokesperson for the group told me they had an “incentives program.” If you bought a cup of lemonade or a cup of PINK lemonade you would receive a souvenir cup or a sticker.

If you purchased either regular or PINK lemonade from this group you received an incentive such as a cup.

I hustled over to the final two stands. The first one on the final stretch was selling TEAL LEMONADE! Not only did that simple fact win my heart over but the color of the liquid was extremely close to the actual official #CCU teal color (it is very hard to replicate). The final stand wasn’t too shabby either. They offered frozen lemonade fresh out of the blender.

Competition over. In my mind, the teal lemonade was the best idea out on Prince Lawn.

Although I didn’t get to actually sample any of the different lemonades, I definitely enjoyed conversing with the students and hearing their sales tactics. My award for best stand (not based on taste of course) definitely goes to the teal lemonade team. What an absolutely genius idea.

You know the best part of all this? The other Management 309 class will be out on Prince Lawn this Thursday at the same time to give their best shot at selling lemonade. I can’t wait to see what they come up with. Maybe this time around I will actually buy a cup. Don’t Blink.

Change

Posted on September 14, 2015 by brent

This semester I started a social media campaign at Coastal Carolina University titled #CCUwisdom. It is very simple. I ask students to provide me with quotes and each morning I tweet out one of the quotes over our main account. I also film them saying the quote and post that on Instagram.

Follow #CCUSocialMedia for your behind-the-scenes pass to Coastal Carolina University.

I am not much of a quote guy so I didn’t know how much personal enjoyment I would get out of the campaign. I implemented it primarily because quotes on social media generate retweets and favorites. Little did I know that I would be surprised. I must have listened to the wrong quotes growing up because the ones our students are providing me with actually contain a lot of substance and meaning.

I grew up in awe of John F. Kennedy and because of this I knew several of his famous lines from speeches. However, at the end of last week I met with a student to film her quote. In the small talk before I recorded her, I asked her who her quote was from and she replied JFK. I thought I knew what was coming but when the student recited the quote my brain raced realizing that I had never heard this particular line before.

Tess Emiroglu, a transfer student from Myrtle Beach, offered this bit of wisdom from our 35th President:
“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.”

Tess brought us this insightful quote from JFK.

For all the faults I have, this is actually wisdom that I embrace and try to practice as much as possible. In under three decades of life, I have watched people react to change in different ways. The ones who I have watched accept this law of life thrive while those I have seen reject this law fall behind. I don’t really know if it is the positive or negative examples that have really motivated me to always be receptive of change.

Even though I am accepting of change it doesn’t always mean that the implementation is easy. Perhaps this is a reason, besides stubbornness, as to why many people fail to welcome life’s most sure thing. Change brings with it bumps in the road and a learning curve. The transition is definitely not seamless.

One thing I can’t do though is give myself too much credit for being open to change. If I want to eat, it is necessary that I am able to make 180 degree turns every day. When you have a career in social media you are constantly tracking the next trend and preparing yourself to react to the latest bombshell. You see, while some professions might allow for people to adapt a little more slowly, new media demands that you accept change RIGHT NOW. So basically my good habit of not hiding from change really isn’t because of my own merit but rather because of the job I work in.

The second half of Kennedy’s quote is equally important. Wayne Gretzsky said (paraphrasing) that he skates to not where the puck is, but where it will be. If you dismiss impending change and believe that things will always be how they are, it is tough to make necessary adjustments and be successful in the long term. Of course it goes without saying that those stuck in the past are in an even more troublesome state.

Change can be hard but it is absolutely necessary. Not only is it “the law of life” but it is also the key ingredient for progress and success. Don’t Blink.

Coastal Carolina Moving to the Sun Belt Conference

Posted on September 1, 2015 by brent

Today was a very historic day at Coastal Carolina. After much talk, rumor, and anticipation, the big announcement was finally made to confirm that the college I work for would join a new conference. However, this wasn’t a lateral move or a charade to jump off of a sinking ship. Rather, It was a move that offered great testament to the stature, progress, and potential of Coastal Carolina University.

It was announced at this afternoon’s press conference that our institution would join the Sun Belt Conference (effective July of 2016). As I mentioned, this just isn’t our university jumping from one conference to the other…it is so much more. By making this move, Coastal Carolina is now an FBS school. Or, in another words, CCU is now at the big boy table.

Today the announcement was made that Coastal Carolina University would join the Big South Conference (photo courtesy of Bill Edmonds, Coastal Carolina University).

Today the announcement was made that Coastal Carolina University would join the Sun Belt Conference (photo courtesy of Bill Edmonds, Coastal Carolina University).

It is no secret, Coastal is a university that is on the rise from just about every aspect. With the insane growth, exposure, and recognition consistently generated by our college it made sense to take an offer that will multiply all of these great things even more. The Sun Belt naturally wanted the Chanticleers and our administrators made the strategic move to accept the invite.

Commissioner Karl Benson said today that the decision to add our university was a “student-athlete decision.” This is exactly how it should be. Of course Coastal has the facilities, the structure, and the means to be a perfect fit but in the end it all comes down to the student-athletes. To know that our students who come here to compete for the Chanticleers will have a solid conference to compete in is comforting.

I took this photo today of President David DeCenzo, Sun Belt Commissioner Karl Benson, and Athletic Director Matt Hogue during the press conference.

I snapped this photo with my phone today of President David DeCenzo, Sun Belt Commissioner Karl Benson, and Athletic Director Matt Hogue during the press conference.

From a complete selfish standpoint, I am so jacked up about this move. To say that I now work for an FBS school (or at least a transitioning FBS school) as opposed to an FCS school makes me feel good. Whether or not you want to admit it, there is no better place to be than at the highest level of competition.

I am so pumped that the college I work for is going FBS and joining the Sun Belt Conference.

When I was working in the athletic department at Montana an invite was offered to join the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). The move would have taken the Griz to the FBS level as well. The president opted not to accept. I remembered feeling so disappointed that the program would remain at the FCS level in a less than glamorous conference. Now the WAC ended up dissolving its sponsorship of football so perhaps the right decision was made but who knows what would have happened if Montana joined and added stability. Bottom line, I am glad I don’t have the bad taste in my mouth of not moving up again.

Coastal Carolina can undoubtedly prosper at this next level. In fact, most of our athletic programs are already succeeding at this level through membership in the Big South Conference (besides football, our other sports play in the top tier NCAA championships). But the move to the Sun Belt will be a complete game changer. The switch in conferences will bring a sizeable boom that will bolster our athletic program and campus like nothing we have seen before.

I give much credit to President DeCenzo and Athletic Director Matt Hogue for making this all happen. If you can believe it, Coastal Carolina University has now become an even more desirable place to go to school and to work at. Go Chants! Don’t Blink.

Thursday Potpourri

Posted on August 27, 2015 by brent

Thank you for once again choosing to read my writing. Let me finish my Pop-Tart so I can start this latest Thursday Rundown.

#CCU Guest Snapper – With our Snapchat account here at Coastal Carolina booming, I decided to let our students get in on the fun as well. This week I introduced our #CCU Guest Snapper program. Each day I have allowed a different student to completely takeover our Snapchat account from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. I chose the lucky five through an application process. I then had them agree to a contract and met with them personally to set ground rules prior to letting them loose. The first four days went well as the students all brought out their own personal Snapchat touch. I am excited to see what our final Guest Snapper brings to the table on Friday as I know he has big plans!

A look at my five #CCU Guest Snappers.

Big FCS Showcase – This Saturday, the college football season kicks off. The best time of the year starts with an ESPN matchup between two Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) heavyweights. The Montana Grizzlies will host the North Dakota State Bison in front of a national television audience with Brent Musburger and Jesse Palmer calling the action. This type of exposure is incredible for the overlooked FCS, the division that Coastal Carolina plays in. Of course my enthusiasm for this game is heightened because I get to watch the Griz play. As I worked in the University of Montana athletic department previous to my time here at Coastal, I am still very supportive of the program up in Missoula. For those who love an amazing game atmosphere, make sure to tune in at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday as Washington-Grizzly Stadium is truly a one of a kind venue.

I had the privilege of helping to put on the Gameday Experience while at the University of Montana. This is Christie and I up in the control room of the press box on Military Appreciation Day.

Proposal Disaster – Oh man this made me sick to my stomach. A guy proposed to his girlfriend in a very similar way I did, on a pier overlooking the water as dusk started to set in. When he got down on one knee and opened up the box the ring fell out, slipped through the cracks, and sunk into the ocean. You better believe that this scenario went through my head more than a few times when I was planning my proposal. I think the situation even showed up in my nightmares. I will let you read the news story to find out how the situation was resolved but let me say this…I would have done a lot more for those Good Samaritans than just buy them a round of shots.

I am so glad I was luckier than the guy on the right and didn’t drop the ring into the water.

Club Recruitment Day – At the beginning of each semester, Coastal Carolina University holds Club Recruitment Day out on Prince Lawn. A day for student groups to showcase what they have to offer and recruit new members, it is one of the busiest afternoons at CCU during the year. With such a prominent event, adequate social media coverage is necessary. As I did previously, I set out to take a photo of every single group with a table on Prince Lawn. I was successful, taking photos of 100 different groups. With heavy rains that switched off with periods of high humidity and scorching sun, I was drenched with both sweat and rain when I left the event.

I personally got a kick out of the Pope Francis cut out that the Coastal Catholics group brought with them.

Wedding Update #8 – I am told this one is a big deal…Sidney has picked out the bridesmaid dresses! Hopefully she doesn’t make me wear one. In other news, earlier this week my parents went ahead and bought airfare for the big wedding week!

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Thank you to God for blessing me with a great life, wonderful loved ones, and dedicated readers. You all have a terrific weekend. Don’t Blink.

Another Fun Thursday Rundown

Posted on August 20, 2015 by brent

Good evening, readers! I hope your week has been as fun as mine. If it hasn’t, don’t worry, it is just about to get better. Why you ask? Because it is time for the Thursday Rundown. Here we go!…

Golf Lesson – Last night, Sidney and I took our first golf lesson together. I have had a desire to learn how to play properly for a long time now and when I asked Sidney to join me she didn’t hesitate in saying yes. We are taking “couples lessons” through the Golf School of Myrtle Beach at River Oaks Golf Plantation. Our first hour lesson was fun. Although it rained for the first half of it, the weather cleared up for the last 30 minutes. Our instructor is great and hopefully we will continue to learn a lot. In case you are wondering it wasn’t even close, Sidney did much better than me.

Live Look at College Learning – One of the social media campaigns I have implemented for the academic year at Coastal Carolina University is an “Inside the Classroom” initiative. Each Tuesday I will go inside a classroom here at CCU and document it through our social media channels. If things go as well as they did for the debut of the program this past Tuesday, I am going to have a lot of fun. I started off in a black and white photography class taught by a man named Easton Selby. He was totally welcoming to me and let me do whatever I wanted while class was in session. The access was great but what I enjoyed the most was just getting inside a university classroom again and listening to a professor interact with students. Hearing the natural way Easton chatted with his students made me want to be in college!

One of the photos I took in Easton Selby’s Intro to Black and White Photography class on Tuesday.

School is in Session – This week both Sidney and I welcomed back students. I did so with my role here at Coastal Carolina University. Sidney, however, did so in a more significant way. The first day back for the Horry County School District was today. Sidney returns to Palmetto Bays Elementary as a second grade teacher. While she has prepped for the school year to start for the past couple weeks and while she met her students at an open house a couple days ago, nothing compares to that official first day of school. Let me tell you this, those students who walked into her classroom this morning are in for a treat over the next 180 days. I can’t wait to have Sidney guest blog about her teacher experiences!

First day of class selfie on the left and Sidney’s class on the right.

Pasta Night – Every now and then I like to share an example of my apartment complex doing a cool thing. This evening, Alexan Withers Preserve treated us residents to a pasta dinner. We were all invited to the clubhouse and allowed to dish up our plates with a few different varieties. I have enjoyed nice gestures such as this since I moved in almost 16 months ago. Although I can’t wait to live in a house with Sidney once we marry, I am going to enjoy the remaining time I do have here at AWP.

My big plate of pasta at the Alexan Withers Preserve Pasta Night.

Wedding Update #7 – You can now check wedding invitations off the list! Sidney and I decided upon our design last week. From the Reser family front, my mom and dad explained details of the trip to Myrtle Beach with other immediate family members over dinner last night. My mom also went dress shopping at Nordstrom and I hear she found something that she liked.

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As always, I thank you all for taking time to read my blog. If you will now excuse me I have to let this pasta settle while getting ready for tonight’s “Big Brother” episode. Don’t Blink.

An Unpredictable First Day

Posted on August 17, 2015 by brent

I love it when the academic year starts! If you read my blog post last night you already know that. However, after working the first day of the 2015 Coastal Carolina University fall semester it just reinforces my passion even more. I guess what makes my job so much fun, especially during the school year, is that no day is the same. Let me just take a few examples from today to illustrate.

Last week I made arrangements to get access to an area of campus that most people don’t ever venture out on. Our business building has an outdoor balcony located outside of the structure’s big boardroom that is seldom used. A super nice employee of the College of Business opened the glass doors for me and let me go out on it. I then climbed over the balcony and stood on the lower roof of the building. Although I say lower roof, it is still many feet up. For someone who isn’t that crazy about heights, standing right on the ledge was a little bit nerve-wracking. But the view was awesome and I was able to take some cool photos and video. Later in the day a student who happened to look just at the right time all the way from Prince Lawn and spot me up high on the roof mentioned how bizarre it looked to see me hopping over the balcony.

I had the opportunity to watch the first day of classes from the best seat on campus this morning.

Another not-so-ordinary event occurred mid-morning when it turned into a very memorable day for a couple of Coastal Carolina alumni. A 2013 grad proposed to a fellow 2013 grad on our campus. Because Bruce Turman and his at-the-time girlfriend Erin Dooley had so many positive experiences while at Coastal, he set up a scavenger hunt for her on campus. Erin was sent all around to different significant spots on our grounds before ending her odyssey at Wheelwright Auditorium. When Erin entered the venue and went up to the stage where Bruce was waiting, I was hiding in the balcony with a co-worker from the Office of Alumni capturing the special moment. You definitely don’t take part in documenting a proposal on a frequent basis. The images proved to be a big hit on social media (oh yeah, she said yes).

I had the opportunity to cover a proposal today.

Although in my job I get to interact with students on a daily basis, I never know exactly who all I am going to talk with and cover. Today I had the opportunity to visit with students I met last year and students I met for the first time today. With the academic year now here, it also means that I get to work with our student-workers more. I went out with our video intern as we strolled around campus chasing a couple of stories. To be able to interact once again with students felt good. You just never know who will brighten your day.

Adrianna is a student who I got to feature today for a social media campaign I kicked off.

Adrianna is a student who I got to feature today for a social media campaign I debuted today. In the future I will explain more about this specific initiative.

Yes, work is more intense now but I know most staff members here at Coastal wouldn’t trade it. This is when the fun starts. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow will bring. Don’t Blink.

The Start of Classes at Coastal Carolina University

Posted on August 16, 2015 by brent

A main reason why I choose to work in higher education is because of the people I get to serve. In my opinion, there is no better group to keep you positive than college students. I get to go to campus each day and be around people who are driven, happy, healthy, and optimistic. How do you beat that combo?

Working at Coastal Carolina University has exposed me even more to this special demographic. When I was at the University of Montana I worked exclusively with student-athletes. While athletes no doubt excel at the characteristics I mentioned above (you won’t find a harder working group), I immediately became introduced to a much broader scope of the college population when I started work at CCU. It was very refreshing.

Last academic year I had the amazing opportunity to personally interview over 100 students for a social media campaign I took on. By connecting with so many students on this personal, face-to-face level, I seemed to really get a special feel for the pulse of this university. Besides the 100+ students I did features on, I met countless more through the work I do on a daily basis for #CCUSocialMedia. The people I met and the experiences I went through made one thing clear to me about Coastal Carolina: I really like it here.

With that said, I am very excited for the start of the academic year tomorrow. Although I worked this whole weekend and am already in “full blast” mode, there is just something about that first day of classes. I liken it to opening day of Major League Baseball. There is just a special feeling in the air that is full of excitement and optimism.

The campus of Coastal Carolina University is beautiful, even when students aren’t around. But…

When it all comes down to it, I am mostly excited for campus to come alive. Students bring an indescribable energy to the table. Without students, none of us at CCU would have jobs. I personally prefer to have the people around who make it a possibility for me to enjoy a paycheck. I am also pumped to see the individual students I got to know and work with last year. They keep me young!

…I prefer when Coastal Carolina University is full of students.

From a professional standpoint, I am ready to unveil all I have planned for #CCUSocialMedia this year. Last year was an incredible, record-breaking couple of semesters but that means nothing starting tomorrow. The plan is to continue to push the envelope, grow our brand, tell our story, and stay ahead of other universities. Luckily I have a passionate student body of 10,000 Chanticleers who are really the ones who make our social media program such a success.

I have a feeling it is going to be another great year for #CCUSocialMedia.

Best of luck to all students returning to campus tomorrow. Thank you for motivating me. I have a feeling it is going to be another great year. Don’t Blink.

The 8-13 Thursday Rundown

Posted on August 13, 2015 by brent

I would like to wish a pleasant good evening to you all. It is Thursday so that means I am able to make my opening paragraph very short. Here we go with the rundown…

International Flavor – This week I helped organize a photo station for Coastal’s international student orientation. I brought our large press conference backdrop over (thanks to Ron for helping me set it up!) and supplied a few props. The students had a blast dressing up and posing for photos. I enjoyed the opportunity to hang around such a group. Because the students had literally just arrived on American soil the day before, it was cool to see them start to become accustomed to their new surroundings. This year’s international contingent is large and diverse and will greatly add to the positive environment on campus.

Photos that I took of our international students having fun at the photo station this past Tuesday.

Fire It Up! – Speaking of Coastal Carolina, we embark on the busiest weekend of the year tomorrow. With classes starting on Monday, students and faculty alike will return to campus over the next few days. Freshmen will arrive for the first time and my university will do all it possibly can to make them feel welcome. With events, presentations, and ceremonies going on, it will be a packed time for me. The next 72 hours will be busy and fun!

Lizard Man – Did you know there is a Bigfoot of the South? I didn’t until last week. Called Lizard Man, this walking seven-foot-tall amphibian with red eyes and scales will occasionally come out of the swamp and spook South Carolinians. Since the late 1960’s, many reports of Lizard Man sightings can be found documented in city logs. Last week, after a hiatus that spanned several years, Lizard Man supposedly re-emerged in Bishopville, South Carolina. The woman who saw the creature had the presence of mind to snap a photo with her phone. Myrtle Beach is much too touristy for someone like Lizard Man to enjoy, but he might do himself a favor by coming here. I am pretty sure that even our most disgusting Goodwill location has costumes better than that. The funny thing about this is that this sham of a photo actually appeared in national news stores.

This grainy photo of a person in a lizard suit portraying Lizard Man was circulated nationally this past week.

Reaction to Trump’s Debate Performance – In last week’s rundown I wrote about how excited I was to watch the Republican debate and see if The Donald could shine. After watching it, I wholeheartedly agree with the majority of political analysts and Twitter all-stars…Trump did not have a strong showing. To me he looked inexperienced, out of place, and not very prepared. I was kind of pulling for the guy but that doesn’t mean I will lie on his behalf. To me, he was underwhelming. Despite the poor debate showing he is still leading the polls and he is still as outspoken as ever. The roller coaster goes on.

Wedding Update #6 – I have a couple informative updates from this front. First, if you look at a countdown clock, we are now at single digits month-wise until our big day. On Tuesday it was exactly 10 months until our wedding. Now we are at 9 months and 29 days! Also, my parents booked a beach house for the week of my wedding. Technically it is a three-bedroom condo but this news got me really excited. It makes me feel good that my parents and other family members will have the opportunity to come down to Myrtle Beach and have a memorable vacation while staying in a nice place.

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Have a wonderful weekend, especially to those who will be going back to school, either as a student or a teacher, this upcoming Monday. I will catch back up with you all soon. Don’t Blink.

Another Thursday, Another Rundown

Posted on August 6, 2015 by brent

It is time for the Thursday Rundown! Are you excited for the five topics that I am about to write about? Or are you just excited for me to finish so you can look forward to Sidney’s post on Sunday? Whatever the case, let’s get started.

Tax Free Weekend – The state of South Carolina stages a pretty cool event. Once a year, sales tax is suspended for a whole weekend. Shoppers can go nuts purchasing clothes, schools supplies, big screen televisions or whatever without paying tax. This is the weekend where those pesky cash register add-on charges are thrown out the window. When I lived in Montana, there was nothing I liked more about the state than not paying sales tax. Knowing that the $10 bill I had in my pocket was going to cover the $9.99 item I had in my hand was beautiful. I totally get the allure of Tax Free Weekend and I hope my South Carolina friends with a lot of purchasing to do take full advantage of it.

Sweet Digs – Today our Director of Housing here at Coastal Carolina University took a small group of us on a tour of the brand new residence halls recently built on our growing campus. With four new buildings in all, two of them will be ready for classes starting on August 17. The other two will open next year. As you can imagine, the two finished structures are amazing. The new era of residence halls nationally is all about technology, community spaces, and beefed up security. I assure you that Coastal has made a big splash in this “new era.”

This is what the “new era” of residence halls look like. I took this photo of Tradition Hall at Coastal Carolina University this morning.

Atlanta Bound – After a few weekends sticking around Myrtle Beach, I will be getting out of the state on Saturday. After working the Coastal Carolina summer commencement that morning, Sidney and I will make the five hour drive to Atlanta. We will meet her family who are spending a little more time in the city than we are and then attend the Braves vs. Marlins game that night. On Sunday we will visit the aquarium. I am really looking forward to this.

Sidney and I at Turner Field in Atlanta last year.

Television Choices – Tonight at 9 p.m. I will have a tough call on what to watch on TV. The crazy thing about my conundrum? Not one sporting event is involved. Sidney did what she set out to do and got me addicted to “Big Brother.” Sad, I know. This evening is an eviction episode! But competing with it for my viewership is that Republican debate. I really want to see Donald Trump’s performance while taking in the spectacle of ten different candidates up on stage at once. Of course if Sidney was around it would be a total non-issue as we would be watching “Big Brother.” But she is attending a teacher event tonight that stretches until 10 p.m. so I will have a little bit of freedom with the remote. There will definitely be some flipping back and forth. ***To those asking why I just don’t record one or the other you have to understand that I am a social media nut and must watch things live.***

Wedding Update #5 – This is a big development…Sidney has selected her dress! Actually, she has had it picked out for a few weeks now. But do you know what she is waiting on?! Tax Free Weekend!! The purchase, minus the sales tax, will be made this weekend.

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Have a fantastic weekend, everyone! Time to see if Shellie or Clay will go home and whether Donald Trump can live up to expectations. Don’t Blink.

Don't Blink

By Brent Reser

Tag Archives: Coastal Carolina University