"I really only listen to music when I'm exercising or walking around," University President Pastides admitted when asked about his favorite songs and music listening habits. "I definitely don't have music on when I'm working." Despite his new status as university president, Pastides truly is a normal guy when it comes to the music playing in his highly educated mind.
USC's new president carefully thought about his top five favorite songs, and without the aid of his iPod Shuffle he was able to decide on the five listed below:
1.Ain't Wastin' Time No More - The Allman Brothers Band
2.Tupelo Honey - Van Morrison
3.Longing in Their Hearts - Bonnie Raitt
4.Love's in Need of Love Today - Stevie Wonder
5.Give Me One Reason - Tracy Chapman & Eric Clapton
"I enjoy all genres of music really; there isn't one I particularly dislike," Pastides said. He mentioned that he was fond of classic rock, blues and modern jazz. Pastides said he is very into The Allman Brothers Band at this moment, but he later added that The Beatles are his favorite group of all time, though.
"You can't go wrong with the Beatles," Pastides said. Like everyone else, though, Pastides does have his guilty pleasure songs. After admitting that he loves to listen to J.Lo's "Get Right," he immediately regretted telling the Gamecock about it.
He was even familiar with the music video. "It's the one where she is dressed up as a bunch of different people and dances on a bar."
Pastides enjoys attending concerts as well. The last one he attended was Jackson Browne's in Charleston.
"It was either May or June; I don't really remember," Pastides said. "But I loved it. My wife and I love attending USC's School of Music performances," Pastides said.
They are great supporters of the USC Theatre Department and also likes to go to the dance programs hosted by the school. In addition to listening to music and attending shows, like any other human being, Pastides enjoys going to the movies.
"I can't think of the last movie I saw, but my wife and I are hopefully going to one tonight," he said. He did mention that one of his favorite movies is "Shakespeare in Love," and he makes sure to note that it's "the one with Gwyneth Paltrow."
When asked what movie he thinks every student should see, he considered long and hard and ultimately decided on "Freedom Writers."
"It's just such a great movie," he said after finally coming up with the title. Pastides eventually remembered that the last movie he saw in a theater was "Once," and he said he really thought it was great. There is no doubt that Pastides must be a well-read person, so it was a bit of a surprise when he mentioned that the last book he read was "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert.
"It was very soulful. I enjoyed all the travelling stories, since I love to travel myself," Pastides said. He also mentioned reading the draft of his wife Particia Moore-Pastides's new book about Greek cooking and lifestyle. Pastides's favorite book is "The Magus" by John Fowles, and he recommends that every student read "Planet India" by Mira Kamdar.
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