Songs of the day: 7/21/09 at 3:36 PM

So this is something I'm going to try to do every day, just to keep me blogging every day. I listen to a lot of music and thought I'd share what I listen to, especially since I'm at work while I do this haha. Here goes:

George Nozuka - "Butterfly"

You might recognize the last name. Around last summeron VH1, they were highlighting an artist named Justin Nozuka and his song "After Tonight". This his brother. He's got a more R&B feel to his music; I like it.



Butterfly - George Nozuka

Kings of Leon - "Use Somebody"

I just heard this song last week and wondered where I've been. The leader singer's voice is incredible and the production and music behind this song really make you feel the lyrics of the song. Good song for sure. Makes me want to pick up the whole album and see them live.



Use Somebody - Kings Of Leon

Drake - "Houstatlantavegas"

Drake's "Best I Ever Had" is ridiculously popular. I remember when I heard this particular song, I thought it was The-Dream, but was surprised to learn it was Drake. I like that Drake can be both a singer and a rapper; maybe someday he'll come up with an album that focuses on either talent. He's going to be an artist to watch (and it does help people know him from Degrassi already haha)



Houstatlantavegas - Drake

Josh Rouse - "Sad Eyes"

I'm not going to lie...I heard this song on Grey's Anatomy and had to download it haha. I don't know what it is about this song, but it's pretty chill and a good song to lay back and enjoy.



sad eyes - Josh Rouse

Let me know what you guys think! It's a little mix of everything; I've never been able to settle on just one style of music. But, if I had to pick one, it'd definitely be soul music.

Random Vent at 2:43 PM

So I've been going through a personal struggle this last week and I'm kind of freaking out. Something happened between me and my old roommate, and let's just say I'm homeless now because he's someone that cannot be trusted. So I have a month left at my current job which thankfully provides me housing, but after the month is over, I currently have nowhere to live. Who does that? Seriously? If he had issues with me, he should've confronted me about the face-to-face ahead of time instead of sending me a message on facebook AFTER going behind my back. But, all this complaining and contempt for him won't solve my issue of finding a new home.

It's a difficult task finding a place to live, but I'm glad I have friends who offer encouraging words and even a few who have offered a couch for a little bit. And a few who said they'd beat my roommate's ass if they could (though I'd advise them not to because frankly, he's kind of big).

I learned the hard way that I shouldn't think highly of everyone I meet or be optimistic about everyone. I'm usually an easy going guy, and it really hurt that someone would go behind my back like that and not even man up to it. I'm sure I'll find a place, with people I know I can actually trust this time. I'm not going to let this happen to me again, because the stress, pain, and anger is not worth my time or anyone else's.

-Ray

Music on Rotation at 12:06 AM

Hey guys,

I know it's been a really long time, but I've been introduced to such good music lately that I feel I should share what's been on repeat on my iPod and you guys can get a sense of what I listen to:


Raphael Saadiq - "The Way I See It"

So I've known that he's been around for awhile, without being in the spotlight too much. I listened to him a little bit when he created Lucy Pearl, but never got into his solo music until this album. This album has a really old-school vibe to it, and I really enjoy it. Tracks I recommend are "Let's Take a Walk", "100-Yard Dash", "Never Gonna Give You Up", and "Hope You Mean It".







Maxwell - BLACKsummers'night

Another artist I didn't start listening until just recently. His last album came out 8 years ago, and it's safe to say that I really didn't relate to it much and at that age I didn't really appreciate the production of music or soul music for that matter. That's definitely changed. This album is so good, I'm still in shock. The production and instrumentation on each track and the way Maxwell delivers his music is so strong and passionate, you can tell why he's still popular even after disappearing for almost a decade. Modern soul music doesn't get as good as this, and I'm glad he's provided this album for people to hear. Tracks I recommend: "Pretty Wings", "Bad Habits", "Love You", and "Fistful of Tears". But really, the whole album is great.

BLACKsummersnight


Then there's a few songs here and there that have caught my ear:

Jason Mraz - "If It Kills Me" (Casa Nova Session)
This song is something I can relate to. It's about a guy who wants to cross that line of friendship with a girl who seems to be his best friend, but he feels he may not be bold enough to do it because of what may happen. I really like the stripped down version of this song, and I feel it's one of his strongest songs. Check it out.

If It Kills Me (From The Casa Nova Sessions) - Jason Mraz


John Mayer - "Split Screen Sadness"
For some reason, I didn't really listen to John Mayer's music when it came out, so it took me a while to get around to his 2nd album, "Heavier Things". I was really missing out, especially because of this song. It's about two people in a relationship that's taken the energy out of both of them and they both don't know what went wrong. I think it's bold when he says " "All You Need is Love" is a lie". In a way, he's calling out the Beatles for giving some false line in a song since his relationship isn't working. Production's great, lyrics are great. If you haven't heard this song yet, I definitely recommend it.

Split Screen Sadness - John Mayer

I think that's it. If you want, let me know what you think of the music I've listed and give some recommendations. I'm always down to listen to new music. Until next time.

-Ray

Late Sessions at Pedro Arrupe at 12:30 AM

Hope you guys enjoy it! It's me singing a few songs. (The ones on top are the most recent. You can see how much shorter my hair is now compared to when I recorded the first video haha)

In this one, I'm singing "Simple, Starving to be Safe" by Daphne Loves Derby.Instrumental by some user on YouTube hahaha.



This one's "Don't Speak" by No Doubt.


This ones "To Make You Feel My Love" by Bob Dylan


And this last one is "Ain't No Sunshine" by Bill Withers


Let me know what you think or if you have any suggestions for what to do next!

Spring Break and Random Thoughts for the Day at 4:36 PM

I vowed to make this Spring Break awesome for me. My freshman year, I went home and did nothing. Sophomore year, I stayed at USF and did nothing. This year, I had to stay because I needed to work, but it actually turned out to be my best spring break. Highlights (and lowlights):

MONDAY: Work...work...work.

TUESDAY: 9 hour shift (3am-noon). Worst shift in the history of the world. BUT...birthday dinner for one of my best friends and a mini-reunion with high school friends. Slightly awkward at first but it felt like old times by the end of the night

WEDNESDAY: SIB came to visit! His name's Chip...from UCSC. He's my Bigs' little from UCSC ( have one too but she went home to LA) and a bunch of us hung out. Probably the most spontaneous day I've had in awhile. Original plans: Academy of Sciences and party. What actually happened: Drive and hike to Stinson Beach, drive to San Jose and have dinner at Smoke Eaters/Cluck U with Mu Zeta, Gamma Beta, and OZ...and being too tired to party haha. Best day in awhile!

The WIND family over at Cluck U's (along with John from MZ haha)

The Sibs (Me, Chip, and Tim) and our Bigs (Eivette)! Yeah....we're a little strange

THURSDAY: Back to work....but went to Popscene for the first. Probably the best time I've had clubbing in college.

FRIDAY: Finally had a chill day. From this day on...just studied and got ready to go back to school.


Random thoughts:

I fell asleep for about an hour at work...

I arrive 30 minutes late to my only class...yet I don't miss anything. Awesome.

Ok...I officially sat in the most awkward lecture I've ever experienced. Didn't need to know why hyenas masturbate in comparison to why humans do.

I wish I was there more for my littles, Cristina. If only I had a car and if Santa Cruz was just a little bit closer :/.

Monday was probably the worst day I had in awhile....but I'm glad these last two days have made up for it since.

I've learned that not having a laptop is difficult, but manageable

My top 3 from AI this week (in order): Kris Allen, Allison Iraheta, Danny Gokey. I'm probably in the minority here...but I think Kris can win this thing. Adam Lambert is too much for me.

Songs on Repeat:
Kelly Clarkson - Save You
Sara Bareilles - Gravity
Day 26 - Got Me Going

I Love You, Man: Definitely the funniest movie I've seen in awhile.

'Til next time,

Ray

Home at 6:33 AM

I miss home. I know I'm always working so I can make ends meet...but it doesn't mean I don't miss home and my family. As of right now...next time I'm going home is August for one weekend...4 whole months from now. Gotta make the best of the city I guess.

-Ray

AI Top 11 at 1:22 AM

After watching tonight, I'm convinced this is the best group AI has put together in a long time. Aside from maybe 2 or 3 singers...anyone can pretty much win it at this point.

Top 3:
1. Matt Giraud: "So Small"
2. Anoop Desai: "Always on My Mind"
3. Kris Allen: "To Make You Feel My Love"

Man, Matt killed it again for me. I know everyone loves Gokey...but I think Matt can win it if he keeps it up. I'm also pulling for Allison...I think she's the best girl left.

LEAST FAVORITE:
1. Matt Sarver: "Ain't Goin' Down 'til the Sun Comes Up"
2. Scott McIntyre: "Wild Angels"
3. Alex Grace: "Jolene"

Who I think will go home? Matt Sarver (PLEASE!)
Who do I think will win? Gokey or Adam Lambert at this point still
Who do I want to win? Matt Giraud of Allison Iraheta

Drops from the Sky at 1:06 AM

The rain fell the other day...
Stopped over, looked at the rose in the corner
Drops of rain still lingered on the petals,
just as it lingers on the side of the road.

I look up at the sky, to its gloomish hue of blue
No matter how ominous the sky may look, it reminds me that water will fall again.
A wonder how much of a blessing and a nightmare the rain can be.
Rain brings life to the green earth...and tends to soothe others into a restful slumber,
but can also bring upon destruction and misery to other, unfortunate ones.

Rain...today you are on my side. I am able to go about my business...just a little bit more wet.
May I never have to feel the wrath and anger that you internally possess.

American Idol at 1:51 PM

So I do have somewhat of an addiction to American Idol. I think I've watched every season haha, and I've been okay at picking the winners. The ones that I've liked that I said would win are: Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jordin Sparks, and David Cook. (ie...the good ones! haha) With that said...these are my picks for this year's American Idol:
:

My personal favorites:
Allison Iraheta: raw voice, definitely think she can sing anything if she tries hard enough
Matt Giraud: ridiculously soulful, good at the piano
Danny Gokey: I like his voice a lot. While people may think his story is unfair, you can't deny his voice.

Who would probably make the finals:
Lil Rounds: Favorite of the judges.
Adam Lambert: While I'm not a huge fan, his voice is off the charts, no doubt.

I think I might update this every week, with my favorite performance (videos to come soon) and who I think will go home.

Last week (Michael Jackson Week)
My favorite: Matt Giraud - "Human Nature"
Least: Matt Sarver - "You Are Not Alone"
Who I thought would go home: Jorge Nunez, Matt Sarver
Who went home: Jorge Nunez, Jasmine Murray.

'Til next time...Ray

Sectionals at 1:46 PM

SECTIONALS.

Wow...definitely a day I will never forget. While planning it was kinda crazy, I'm glad everyone had fun. Below is probably one of my favorite pictures of the day.

This is me and Katrina, one of the other coordinators. She's holding the Service Gold Pan, which her chapter, Mu Zeta, at SF State won. And I'm holding the Overall Gold Pan, which my chapter, Alpha Epsilon Nu, won. Congrats to both our chapters for having great programs this year!

Other highlights include:

• Meeting and shaking hands with Maggie Katz, our National President
• AEN'S Roll Call. Rave anyone?
• Seeing Interchapter friends whom I haven't seen in a long time as well as meeting others.

This was probably one of the more challenging experiences I've had, but I'm glad I did it. I've grown as a leader and as a person through it, and I've met so many people and (as corny as this sounds) made so many memories that I will remember for a very long time. If anyone in Alpha Phi Omega is reading this, thanks for coming out and I hope you all had fun.

-Ray

How Do You Measure a Year in the Life? at 12:38 AM

So I just bought the new RENT DVD. The last performance on Broadway was filmed.

Now, if you knew me in high school...I was on the whole RENT hype when it came out, thought it was amazing. And I still do. It means more to me now than it did four years ago, and I understand what the show is trying to say. To live for today. Yes, you do have a future...and yes, you have a past. But they are not something to dwell on. The hope is that you live every day of your life like it is your last, and just enjoy it. A few of my favorite quotes from the musical are:

"Give in to love...or live in fear"

"There's only us, there's only this. Forget regret, of life is yours to miss. No other road, no other way, no day but today"

"Let's find a bar, so dark we forget who we are, all and all the scars from the nevers and maybes die"

"There's something I should have told you, when I looked into your eyes. Why does distance make us wise? You were the song along"

Yes, the show is pretty EMO. But...I do think it sends a strong message that many people can relate to. I personally have been listening to the soundtrack nonstop since I watched it ago :D. Check it out if you haven't seen it.

Thoughts at 3AM at 3:44 AM

I feel that I try too hard sometimes. Too hard to hang out with the in crowd, too hard to fit in...and no matter what, I'm still left behind sometimes..most times actually. I feel like I'm reliving high school.

I also don't know how to say no. No matter how much I might not like someone...if they ask me a favor, I don't have the heart to say no. And I don't know why.

Call me emo...call me foolish...whatever you may say, it still doesn't stop what I feel. The hurt, the confusion. Try being the one that people forget about.

Sometimes I wonder what would happen if I decided to just hibernate, to be a hermit for one week...even just one day. Would anyone notice? Would anyone care? I know I usually do if I notice...but I don't know if it'd be the same if we switched roles.

Who knows. Tomorrow's another day. Another day to go about my business, and do what I do. Hopefully I can just get through it with a smile, genuine or fixed, on my face.

100 Books in 335 Days at 1:23 AM

So...I really want to read more books...and I got a good start. Today, I bought two books (one's a graphic novel)...Watchmen and Revolutionary Road. When I told one of my friends...she said she was doing the 100 Time List..reading every book on that list by the end of the year. While it may be a goal that I might not be able to accomplish with school, work, and all....I do want to attempt it. Also...if I've read the book in the past, I'll cross it off. If I have time, I'll read them again! So...I'm starting with these two books (which are on the list) and going from there. I put the Time List at the bottom right. Books I've read are in green while the ones I'm currently reading. Who knows...by 2010 I may have read 100 new books.

The List:

The F Word at 6:05 PM

Living in San Francisco, when you go downtown, I expect to see a few homeless people...people that don't have it as a good as I do, and people that have rough times. I try to give whatever change I have, but if I don't, I do my best to not make eye contact and go about my business. It may sound heartless or that I don't care, but I'd rather look at the person and be able to give something back and not make them feel disappointed since I didn't have anything. But today...as I was heading for the bus, some guy was holding a sign. I'm used to the unlawful sex sign, the "Jesus Christ Loves You" sign. But this guy was intentionally trying to get people's attention. Not where some of the homeless people just sit there, and occasionally someone one will ask for change. No, he goes up to people or stands in a position where people see him at his side, and instead of a sign like mentioned above, his sign says "F*** YOU". First time I saw it...I just couldn't believe it. Who does that? Really? And it's not as if this guy has it bad. He's dressed fine...and he smiles every time someone looks at it. WTF. Man...I've never seen anything like that. I'm sure that whenever people do pass the less fortunate people or don't give them a second or time (which I'm guilty of), they probably say "f*** you" in their heads once in a while. But this guy? Seriously? He enjoys pissing people off. I understand that people are can be a**holes from time to time...but this was downtown by the Westfield mall. Not only to adults, but to the kids and teenagers that were around. I didn't know what to think. But it's the only thing on my mind the entire bus ride home. Why would someone do that? Was he really that angry? Or just that eager to piss off everyone in sight? Who knows.

Journey to Ivalice at 4:32 PM

I don't know what it is about RPGs, or videogames in general...that makes me love them so. Since I started college I haven't had much time for videogames, which is a good thing mostly haha. Don't have any of the new systems, and I usually just play my DS at work or when I have downtime. Well...this is my first time being back in the city for work...so I have a lot of downtime since a lot of people aren't back. I dusted off my PS2 and decided to buy Final Fantasy XII. When it first came out I was skeptical..it didn't interest me. But I had nothing to do at work so I popped it in and played for a good three hours....and now I'm hooked hahaha. Hopefully I can finish this by the time break is over....

Games to play next:
Final Fantasy XII
Final Fantasy IV
Chrono Trigger
Xenosaga II and III

Heals the Eardrum at 11:40 PM

Decided to recommend some more songs.

"By Your Side" by Sade
Love this song. It was my cousin's song for her first dance with her husband...and I haven't been able to stop listening to it. The love that the narrator of this song sings about...that devotion...I hope to find that in someone some day.


"Makes Me Wonder (Just Blaze Remix) by Maroon 5
This song is still my favorite Maroon 5 song...and I never expected it to ever sound like this. Just reminds me of how complex music can be and how much you can accomplish with it if you have that creativity and patience.


"(Another Song) All Over Again) by Justin Timberlake
I always like the stuff he puts out that is different from what ends up going out into the radio as a single. I digg the lyrics...the easiness of the song, and he's an artist that, while yes, he used to be in a boy band, and yes, he's not the best singer in the world, he's an artist. It's amazing to me that a guy who can put out a song like "SexyBack" is capable of delivering a song completely opposite song.


"No Other Love" by John Legend feat. Estelle
This song just hooks you from beginning to end. And having Estelle on featured and backup vocals was a nice touch. Gotta listen to it. One of my favorite...if not favorite track from him.


"Sad Eyes" by Josh Rouse
I'm sure this song hasn't been heard by many people. Not gonna lie...I first heard this song on Grey's Anatomy haha. But I like how it's kinda different...but still makes you feel good. Also..the album that it's on, "Nashville", is one of the better reviewed albums from 2005. Worth checking out. And by the way...the only video I could find with this song is a video montage to Derek and Addison from Grey's haha.


"Hollywood" by Jay-Z feat. Beyonce
Gotta throw a hip-hop track in here somewhere haha. The song is sick...and I like what Jay-Z talks about. Plus the production is really good on this track. Don't like many rappers, but he's definitely one I can keep listening to.


Hope you enjoy the songs. Let me know what you think! 'Til next time...


-Ray

Fear at 4:37 PM

I fear bridges.
I fear driving.
I fear planes.
I fear flying.
I fear death.
I fear wasting my breath.
I fear the future
But I fear dwelling in the past.
I fear failing,
But I fear peaking too early.
I have fears, this is true.
I have fears, but you do too.
I have fears that I may never overcome,
but hopefully I can conquer one.
I have fears…but who doesn’t?
I wouldn’t be human if I didn’t have at least one.

Love 'em Apples at 5:04 PM

I usually don't go to expos, conferences...stuff like that. But when the opportunity came to go to the MacWorld expo for $5...I couldn't pass it up.

Never seen so many Mac enthusiasts like I did this past week. Now, I'm not as hardcore as most of these people...I just got a MacBook a few months ago. And I'm not using this post to bash PCs or whatnot...but it's amazing to see the new things different developers and companies are making for Apple products. From seeing new Macbook skins to the new iLife suite....it was so overwhelming that it took me two days to take everything in. Thankfully there was this cool lounge spot in one part of the exhibit that lets people rest for a little bit.

Yeah....tried playing with that new Rubiks Cube Revolution...couldn't figure it out. Hahah

And...being a Macworld Expo...Apple had huge displays up.

Yep....theyre making the MacBook Pro 17''.



The big screen they used to show off new stuff....and how to use certain apps like Google Earth. So big....kinda overwhelming actually

I'm always diggin' Apple's ads for their products. First the nanchromatic ad...and now this one. Hella catches your attention. Plus....it was really big.

Forgot I took a picture of this....so nice hahaha

Don't know what this had to do with Apple products...but it was nice to look at haha.

Hope you enjoy the pictures! Til next post....peace. -Ray

Blood's Thicker than Water at 10:33 PM

Getting caught up with school, work, and everything that comes in between...I sometimes forget how good it is to be around family. Foolish...I know...but it took one weekend and my cousin's wedding to remind me that if I ever need anything...family's there.

My cousin is finally married!


Looks like my cousin Arthur is trying to give me advice under the influence. Ahh well...I was too so I listened haha. Known him for almost 15 years...no matter how much time passes without seeing each other, it's always chill. Known him longer than most people. Thinking about...don't think I'd make it through family parties if he wasn't there hahaha

Been through times that I thought I couldn't turn to family....but I was all wrong about that. I think it took being away for almost 10 months to realize that I'm at most peace when I'm at home. Yeah...they can get on your nerves and sometimes be your worst critic...but I love for that anyway. Gotta love the family, always.

PRIDE OF THE SUNSHINE at 10:21 PM

FLORIDA GATORS = BCS CHAMPIONS. Gotta represent the home state (Yeah...born in Florida if you didn't know haha)

Late Nights at Pedro at 2:02 PM

If you don't know already, I work at a residence hall at the front desk that's open 24/7. I'm usually stuck with the graveyard shifts, so there's not much to do when no one's around. That's when I decided to record a few videos of me singing using just my laptop haha. They're all kinda rough, but I hope you enjoy them. They're all a'capella.

I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack


This one's kinda short...
In My Life by the Beatles

Fearless on My Radio at 1:55 AM

I've been listening to two albums heavily during winter break. They've been "Fearless" by Jazmine Sullivan and "Onmyradio" by Musiq Soulchild. Thought I'd recommend a song from each.

FEARLESS....this album is dope. Fresh voice...good sound...it's sick. If you haven't listened to it, you should. Here's "Fear".






Onmyradio...I like this album a lot. It's going back to his past sound. I liked Luvanmusiq a lot too...but I didn't think it was as good as his old material and it was becoming more commercial, so I'm glad this album's starting to sound like his old material. Here's "Ifuleave" featuring Mary J. Blige






Hope you all enjoy it. Peace.

Intro to Something New at 1:08 AM

Sitting down...I realize that I'm always saying that I'm bored during break...or have nothing to do. So I figure that this maybe something I need...a way to let anyone that reads this what I think on certain things or any random s**t I decided to put down here. Those that know me also know that I'm down to listen to whatever kinda music...so probably most of my posts will be reviewing music or giving music suggestions...I don't know...we'll see haha. Hope you enjoy what I put down though. That's it for now. Until next post...

-Ray