Video Games
Since I haven't done this already, I think I need to dedicate a post to video games. Why you might ask? Because they are definitely a major part of my life. They consume my free time, prevent me from studying (or as you might call it a "study break"), and all-around provide me with a great sense of enjoyment.
I must admit I am a console gamer and don't do much on the PC, although I am trying to expand my horizons. I've been gaming since the days of Sonic the Hedgehog back on Sega Genesis all the way up until now. I currently own an Xbox 360 and a PS3 Slim, with the PS3 being the most newly acquired. Like I said, I'm trying to expand my horizons.
The following are my favorite games currently or just games I think are definitely worth mentioning...
* Halo 3 (360) - You should all know this one. Great game with others, great game by yourself, and always a classic. I've been playing this the most lately.
* Madden 10 (360) - If you like sports games, you play Madden. Like Halo is the king of FPS, Madden is the king of sports games. I even play in tournaments for Madden because I enjoy it so much (and I'm decent at it).
* COD MW2 (360) - Just came out and it has great reviews. It's actually sitting in my mailbox, but I have a test Thursday and don't want to tempt myself so I'll pick it up at a later date. I will be playing this online for the next few months undoubtedly.
* MGS4 (PS3) - I read many reviews, and this ended up being the first game I bought for PS3. I finally started playing last week, and I am beyond impressed. This game is amazing - the storyline, the graphics, the twists.. all of it. You must go play.
* Borderlands (PC) - Just got this game for PC from a friend, and boy am I impressed. I hadn't heard of it and didn't know what to expect, but this game is definitely a keeper. Try it out for yourself and you'll see what I mean. It's interesting and there's plenty of places to go and explore.
Some other fun games (some of which are classics):
* Gears of War (360)
* Uncharted (PS3)
* Sonic the Hedgehog (Sega Genesis)
* Super Smash (GC/Wii)
Of course there's plenty of others, but I'm not going to list anymore. Go try some games out for yourself!
If you ever want to play, you can add me - GT: seam0suprem0 (those are zeros).
I look forward to seeing you online.
R
Mid-Semester Vacation
So instead of staying in LA for Halloween and going to class on Friday/Monday, I headed out to Providence, RI to visit my girlfriend, Shannon, who goes to school at Brown University there. The travel time was about 10 hours total, which isn't too bad considering I went from coast to coast. I managed to watch "The Proposal" and "Up" from DirecTV in my seat on my flight over which was exciting.
Once in Providence (which I also visited last year while we were both freshman), I met up with Shannon. She soon had to leave for classes so I caught up on some much needed sleep from my redeye flight.
On Friday we went to Al Forno, an Italian restaurant (obviously by the name) down by the river that goes through the city. It was very enjoyable and relaxing. Afterwards we went and saw Law Abiding Citizen. You'll notice that we watch of movies together as a trend.. I'm not sure why this is, but we do. I ended up sleeping 14 hours Friday night 
Saturday (aka Halloween) was a day of missed opportunity. We missed out on tickets to a party. Then Shannon felt sick, took a nap, and we missed out on Waterfire, a show on the river. Hell, USC even missed out on the opportunity to win another Pac-10 Title as they got demolished by Oregon. In the end we settled on renting movies and watching them after going to Johnny Rockets and meeting up with Shannon's friends for a bit. We ended up watching You, Me, and Dupree. It was a good movie and all-in-all a good Halloween even though I didn't do much.
On Sunday Shannon and I worked on homework together and watched "Chocolat" with Johnny Depp. And that was pretty much the conclusion of the trip, although I left early Monday afternoon. I just did a bunch of homework until then and all throughout the plane ride back.
So how was my vacation? It was great (I have even included a picture of Shannon and myself below; as well as a cool picture I took at LAX while waiting for my ride). Relaxing and getting away from USC for awhile is great, whether it be to RI or to a concert or to get groceries. Its a good way to destress from all the work and exams. Speaking of which, I had one today and have another Thursday. On that note (and I realize this post is discombobulated and incomplete), I'm going to go study. Enjoy your week kiddos.
R
PS: It's my little brother's 17th birthday tomorrow (Nov 4th), so here's a birthday shout out - HAPPY BIRTHDAY BROSKI!
-
- On my trip to Brown
-
- cool picture
Zombieland
I just saw Zombieland over the weekend with some friends and I must admit that I didn't expect much from the movie. We've all seen movies like Dawn of the Dead, played video games like Dead Rising, and been through haunted houses. Usually it's the same thing - zombies, death/destruction/fear, and nothing more.
With Zombieland, however, something is different. What starts off as another typical zombie movie turns into a thrill ride with an actual moral message. As the main character and his comrades travel around the country killing zombies and sharing plenty an awkward moment, they develop bonds of friendship and companionship.
In fact, when it comes down to it (and yes, I am doing my best right now not to spoil the ending for readers), these main characters become a sort of family together. It is amazing how the transformation comes about in the movie and even more amazing to apply the concept to real life. This movie really made me think about what its like to share a bond with someone else and what it means to your life and theirs. It also even made me miss my family (arguably the movie even influenced me to call them on Sunday to say hi and stay current).
If you haven't seen the movie, please go see it and see for yourself. You'll laugh, maybe be scared a bit, and, in the end, will likely be as thoroughly wow'ed as I still am now.
Besides Zombieland, I of course went to the USC v OSU game and clenched the edge of my seat as USC hung on for the win. I haven't had a midterm in over two weeks (which has left me plenty of relaxation time and time to catch up on work) . Of course things will start up back again next week, but until then I'll keep enjoying myself. This weekend is Halloween - should be exciting. I hope you all enjoy and dress up as something totally awesome.
Happy (early) Halloween
R
Oh, the College Life
My inspiration to write this blog is what's on my mind. I don't have any specific topics to write about today (as I haven't done much in the past week), but at least I'm finally out of midterm season. I have this whole week to catch up on school work. Anyway, without further distractions, I ramble onward below...
* Food: I currently have 0 groceries in my fridge. I have eaten Subway 6 times in the past 96 hours (subway isn't bad, but I mean after a while...). A grocery trip to Superior/Costco in the very near future is definitely in order.
* Laundry: Every weekend I tell myself I'll get it done - and yet every Monday it seems like I don't have my laundry done. Gotta get on that.
* PS3 - Just got a PS3 slim and can't stop playing it. I absolutely love xbox 360 so I know I'm kindof a traitor here, but I am enjoying the PS3 as well.
* The number seven: Two things in particular here; Windows 7 and USC's BCS ranking. First, the official release of windows 7 is this week. I hope you all pre-ordered. It is an awesome OS and I can't say enough good about it. As for the BCS ranking, I am speechless. I am appalled the computers have us 11th. I almost want to write this blog on paper and submit it just so I'm not using a dang computer. Ugh. Disgusting. I'm sure things will turn around but for now its frustrating.
* Transportation: I got a new longboard after my old one got run over. I'm glad I am no longer walking campus every day. Its awesome.
* MATLAB: I have MATLAB assignments due in 3 of 5 classes this week. It's starting to become my new best friend. I feel more and more powerful by the day 
Not sure what else to write. Maybe I'll add more later if I get the urge. This weekend is OSU and parents' weekend so I'm sure I'll have more stories come next week. Have a good weekend and fight on!
R
Too Much of Nothing
So I ended up doing a large amount of sitting around and not really accomplishing much this weekend. It was actually pretty nice, albeit somewhat disappointing - I bought Seasons 1-5 of Entourage of DVD and didn't get them until Monday sadly. Oh well, I can watch next weekend!
On Thursday I (of course) attended EA Sports Game Night and managed to win the Need for Speed: Shift tournament and another free game! I've been playing it this weekend and although not like other NFS games, I'd recommend it still because it is different and yet still highly addictive.
Friday night some friends and I went to Wing Shack on Venice Blvd. This place is literally a shack on the side of the road that makes hot wings. However, do not underestimate it! If you ever have some free time in LA, go! It is quite possibly one of the best places I've ever eaten at and I cannot wait to go back again (and I say the same thing every time). I still haven't been to Korean BBQ this year; I think that will have to change soon!
Saturday I managed to wake up at the (*cough* ridiculously early) time of 7:00am and worked at the Viterbi Career Conference! A preparatory event for this Thursday's Career Fair (which is always a blast), the Career Conference was enjoyable and seemed to be a success. It provides students with workshops of their choosing which will help them (in the long run) get a real job. In addition, employees (and generally alumni) come from large companies so the event is great for networking! Some fellow VSAs and I ate lunch with an employee from Microsoft which was awesome!
It was odd not having a football game this Saturday for USC. We have a tough 3-game stretch coming up but if we can get through it.. Now that would be sweet.
As for right now, I have a huge midterm tomorrow (because the class only has one midterm this semester). Wish me luck! Off to study at the library until
Wait, one more thing. Have to mention because it really makes me mad. Check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHp0cdKn67E (you may have already seen this on ESPN). they filmed with stinking FLORIDA's head coach on OUR CAMPUS. What a disgrace. Put Pete on there Gameday!
I'm also in the latest Webisode! Check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIkX0Ceh-_s&feature=channel
Alright, enough ranting and not enough studying..
Carpe Diem
R
The Weekender
Considering that the majority of all I’ve done in the past week is schoolwork and go to the Weekender, this post will be dedicated to the Weekender for the reader’s pleasure.
Some friends and I left early Friday morning to make the trip up to NorCal for this past weekend’s USC v. Cal game in Berkeley. Since I live up north, it was not only a trip for me but also a return home to see my family and friends. I slept most of the drive up (because I luckily wasn’t driving) and got home around 3pm on Friday.
That night I went to see my younger brother’s football game against De La Salle. For those of you who don’t know, De La Salle has been a high school football powerhouse in Northern California for the past two decades (for proof of their greatness, the past two weeks before my brother’s team played them they were on ESPN2). My alma mater Amador Valley High School gave them a game, but ended up losing 32-21. After the game I saw some friends from home and even played some N64 because my Xbox 360 was still down here at USC.
On Saturday it was time for game day. Since I wasn’t able to sit in the USC student section (because the lottery sucked), I went with my family. My mom bought the tickets as a surprise for my dad’s birthday so we had great seats right behind the USC bench! I have posted some of the pictures (which are awesome and show how close we are) from the game below. The 30-3 thrashing was amazing! FIGHT ON!
After a great time at the game, the Weekender basically came to a close. I woke up Sunday, worked out, had some lunch, and then got back on the road to USC. Overall the trip was a great success and I enjoyed it thoroughly. It was a great break from doing homework (since I did none during my time away from USC) and just as great seeing old family and friends. I look forward to being able to going again next year.
Other than that, I took 2 midterms last week; this week I take another; and next week two more. Back to hitting the books!
R
-
- I was that close…
-
- D. Williams catching some passes as warm-up
Bronze
Phew. It's been a long week. And the next one will be just as long as this one.
I managed to get the assignments I needed to done - but there's still more to do that are due next week. I just had my first midterm yesterday but I think it went well! I can't let my guard down though because I have another midterm Wednesday! But I'm sure you all don't really want to hear to much about school or hear me whine about how I've been up past 4 for 5 days in a row now, so I'll digress.
Between all the schoolwork and such, I managed to really only do two things:
* EA Sports Game Night - This week I avenged my loss from the previous week and won the Madden Tournament! I gave the copy to a friend of mine (since I already have it - otherwise how would I practice? ). I also won a copy of Trivial Pursuit for Wii and got some free Monster energy drinks! Put all that together and its the formula for a great time and an excellent study break.
* In-N-Out and Diddy Riese - Let's face it. All of us here at USC dislike UCLA, but when it comes down to it, we are jealous of them for two main things - they have In-N-Out Burger and Diddy Riese Cookies right next to their campus. Always a great burger and delectable treat for dessert, my friends and I had a great time making the trip over to Westwood and snagging the best of what our enemy has to offer.
Sorry to cut this one short but I need to get back to work. Hopefully the picture I've included of a giant cockroach some friends and I found makes up for my shortness of time and thought. Enjoy...
R
-
- GROSS
Second the Best
The last week has been so awesome up to about.. right now. I'm still awake doing hw and trying to knock out some assignments from the large list I have. It's probably my fault for bad time management (by opting to go have fun at things like baseball games instead of doing hw) but who can blame me? College is supposed to be fun! And, looking at the bright side, even though the hw is piling up I enjoy my classes so I can try to enjoy the hw too! Here's my week in a nutshell...
On Thursday I went to EA Sports Game Night. Put on by EA, the event features a Madden '10 Tournament and free prize giveaways! Last Thursday I went and managed to make the championship game and was sadly defeated. However, I took a consolation prize by winning NCAA Football '10 in a raffle! The sponsor says the event will be held weekly, so I will be there again next week (and the week after and the week after and...). I posted a picture of me playing below.
On Friday a friend of mine that goes to Pomona College and I went to see the San Francisco Giants play the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Naturally, since were both from northern California, we were Giants fans. Although not warmly received by Dodger fans, we thoroughly enjoyed the game and getting to hang out (not to mention enjoyed the Giants thrashing the Dodgers 8-4). All in all it was a very fun time and I even attached another picture from the experience!
I must mention here (because I am an avid fan of all sports and love USC football) that Saturday was a quite depressing day. Hopefully the Men of Troy will be able to bounce back and take the Pac-10 and maybe get a spot in the 'ship. If they somehow make it, I will have to get some tickets to the game (because the Rose Bowl AND the BCS National Championship Game are both nearby in Pasadena this year!). My final word on the topic: Barkley >> Corp. (in case you didn't know, >> signifies one thing is much much greater than the other)
Sunday was awesome as all of us VSAs went to Hermosa Beach for some beach volleyball and swimming in the ocean. It was another great time for me in a week of fun.
In the end, classes are going well despite the large workload (19 units of all engineering-related courses) and I know I will be able to dominate my classes in the long run if I put in the effort. So, I will close on note that because my effort direly needs some work.
Take it easy,
R
-
- Playing some Madden!
-
- Hanging out at the game
InBlogural Address
Since this is my first post, I figured I might as well evaluate how the year has been so far... and that is a resounding AWESOME. Coming back down to SC, living in an apartment, taking fun classes, going fun places on the weekend, football - it has all been so much fun! Things I've done/Places I've been so far:
* San Diego - Got to visit the city for the night (thanks dad for being a businessman and getting free nights); the picture is of me eating my dessert in SD!
* Magic Mountain - Awesome roller coasters and a great time (not to mention free with my season pass!)
* STK - Hands-down my favorite restaurant. If your parents are ever in LA and you can convince them to pay, GO (link here)
* El Cholo - A USC tradition and a great place to eat (link here)
* Saw Inglorious Baterds - Good good movie
* Costco - Had to put it on here because stocking up the room is always a necessity
* USC v SJSU game - So glad the season has started back up; see the picture where I was cheering on the trojans! FIGHT ON!
Of course I've done other things besides those listed above (mainly go to class), but those have been the highlights. It has been great coming back to school and getting all settled in and seeing friends again. Summer was far too long and I look forward to the semester ahead (although it will probably end up seeming far too short).
Now it's time to go get crackin' on some hw. I only have one class Friday so my weekend will be starting oh so soon even though the week has just begun.
Until next week...
R
-
- Cheering on the Trojans!
-
- Eating a dessert far too large for my stomach
-
- USC Marching Band playing at the game!
Tweets
- ryanseams: To be completely honest I myself am headed out to see twilight at midnight as well
- ryanseams: The girlfriend comes to visit tonight :)
- ryanseams: Hardest lab of the semester checked off before I leave class? Check.
- ryanseams: entourage is highly addictive. beware
- ryanseams: definitely still awake.. all nighter mode is in full swing