My Top 5 Pop Culture Moments I’ll Never Forget June 30, 2010
Posted by johnthrasher in Geek Talk, iPhone, Movies/Film, MTV TJ, Music, Personally John, Political, technology, Television, Travel.Tags: Apple, Barack Obama, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, iPhone, Michael Jackson, New York, New York City, Steve Jobs, This Is it, Washington D.C.
add a comment
5. Original Apple iPhone Release – Though I didn’t end up buying the original iPhone for about 2 months after it came out, it was still EXTREMELY exclusive to have one at the time. Back then, when I showed people the pinch to zoom feature, it always ended in “oohs” and “ahhs.” 
The iPhone really changed more than just the way people use the internet, it changed entire industries. Music, internet, email, in your pocket really ended up paving the way for the app store and many third party companies to become filthy rich overnight. The iPhone set the new standard for what a smart phone was and currently is.
4. Christina Aguilera’s “Back to Basics” Album and Tour – I still owe Johnny $50 for the extra ticket he had for this show, but frankly, I should pay him $5,000 because this show was far and beyond the best pop music experience I have ever seen. 
I haven’t been to a ton of concerts in my life, but this one has still held its spot as “Most Mind Blowing Talent in a Concert Ever.” I think Christina lip-synched a few songs, but definitely not all. The overall feel of the 20s throwback, the soul in the music on this album, and the experience of seeing it all with my best friend really changed my perception of what pop music could be. This album wasn’t her most radio friendly, but in my opinion it’s one of the best of the last decade.
3. Britney Spears “Circus” Tour – To the same degree Christina blew my mind out of the water with Back to Basics, Britney actually made a perfect example of what drugs can really do to someone’s entertainment career. I went to this concert with my friend C’Anna, both excited to see some classic Britney before we die.
Britney freaking out at a show when a fan ran up on stage to dance with her.
We both left Pittsburgh that night lethargic and unimpressed. This was a train wreck from the moment she stepped on to the stage until the moment she left…and even after that. Besides not singing an entire song, her choreography seemed lethargic and dizzy – not exactly something you would expect from a Britney Spears concert. I wasn’t heading in to the concert expecting a HUGE spectacle (I read reviews before I went), but I was expecting to be entertained, and I wasn’t. I learned to just jam to Britney on the radio, and enjoy all the work the producers must put in to making her music sound worthwhile.
2. The Inauguration of Barack Obama – I am lucky enough to live 2 hours from Washington, D.C. Because of this I am able to experience historic things like the Inauguration of Barack Obama. I actually went on the eve of his inauguration for the concert that was held on the National Mall. I stood in a sea of people from literally all over the world. The people to my right were from Ireland, and the people to my life were from Africa. There was a feeling of camaraderie and joy that I’ve only read about in history books. I knew when I was there that I was really experiencing something life-changing.
1. Michael Jackson’s Death – Michael Jackson’s name is synonymous with success. He was the example of pure talent. Though his death was very tragic, it actually wasn’t his death that affected me – it was being in New York City when it happened, and experiencing so many people lifting him up and celebrating his life. I’ve written about this before on my site, just the other day, on the one year anniversary of his death. Being in the city he was discovered the day he passed away was surreal. Everyone was remembering him, some people mourned, others celebrated his music. However, it was very clear on the streets of Manhattan that Michael’s legacy was going to live on. To be a part of the soul of New York City and this pop culture phenomenon was something I’ll never forget.
9 Important Memories Of My 2009 January 2, 2010
Posted by johnthrasher in Geek Talk, iPhone, Movies/Film, Music, Personally John, Sports, technology, Television, Travel.Tags: Barack Obama, Department of Energy, Fame Monster, friends, HRC, Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey, Monster, National Equality March, New York, New York City, Nick Cannon, Ohio, Serena Williams, Spice Girls, Venus Williams
1 comment so far
I always spend this time of the year reflecting on the last 12 months (like everyone else), and have realized that I had a lot of amazing things to experience in 2009. Here are 9 things about 2009 that I will always remember, in a somewhat chronological order:
- The Inauguration of President Barack Obama
I was very lucky to be able to drive to Washington, D.C. with for two very important reasons this year. First was in January for the inauguration of our current President, Barack Obama. Being in D.C. with my friends Danny and Jackie, on the National Mall, at the Washington Monument, and seeing the amount of love, happiness, and sincere joy of millions of people was truly something that I don’t think I could ever successfully explain. I hope one day to tell my children that I was there to experience that, and that it was one of my most amazing experiences of my life at the time.
The sea of people at the Washington Monument during the Inauguration in Washington, D.C.
- NYC with C’Anna For Spring Break
Though it was cold, and we had some hurdles to jump, it was so fun to be in New York City with C’Anna, her aunt, and her nephew. She finally got to meet my other best friends, Johnny and Courtney, which really made me happy! Tons of pictures, tons of laughs, tons of good food. It was definitely one of the highlights of 2009.
A screenshot of me and C'Anna in the front row of the audience at the Colbert Report during our Spring Break in NYC.
- Getting My First Real Job
It wouldn’t be 2009 if I didn’t remember getting my first real job at the Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Lab in Morgantown. Though it kind of put a damper on my usually very exciting, energetic summer, it did a lot for me in the long run. Knowing how professional offices work, especially ones connected to our government, is priceless and valuable experience that I know I will carry with me throughout my career. Also, meeting Rachael, and becoming very good friends with Andrea made this experience 10x more enjoyable!
My name plate on my desk at work!
- Friends!
This year, I have made quite a few VERY close friends that have really impacted my life in ways that I had never thought were even possible. My friends are my family, and they know that. So, to add even more positivity to my life, I was more than happy. Phillip, Neall, Kim, Danny, Robby, Andrea, and Rachael, just to name a few! You guys really make me happy and thankful that I have been blessed with the positivity and love that you provide.
Me and some of my favorite people at Phillip's apartment in June of this year!
- Headlines: Friendship Never Ends Tour / Cedar Point
This kind of meshes in to No.2 a little but but it is a separate thought from just talking about the friendships I made. It was also the trips! This year, we all visited each others homes (for the most part). I came to New York, they came to Cumberland, and we all went to Akron, Ohio, where Phillip lives. Between dancing our faces off at a club in Akron, and our trip to Cedar Point where Phillip’s nose started bleeding after a roller coaster, this summer was full of laughter, happiness, memories and most importantly love.
A picture of us outside of Phillip's house in Ohio during our Headlines: Friendship Never Ends Tour.
- U.S. Open / Walking Out of Louis Armstrong Stadium with Venus and Serena Williams.
Not a lot of people realize how amazing and unbelievable my experience at this year’s U.S. Open was for me. Being the biggest tennis and Serena Williams fan that any of you know, getting to the U.S. Open has been a dream of mine since I was 16. I finally made it happen this year (with a hefty pricetag) and not only saw Venus and Serena’s singles matches, but their doubles match as well! If you read my blog at all, you probably know this already. But the best part of the night was leaving to go back home, and walking out of Louis Armstrong stadium with Venus and Serena literally right behind me!! I, of course, took pictures, and it will be a memory in my head that I know I will never forget.
A picture I snapped with a dying camera of Venus and Serena Williams walking out of Louis Armstrong Stadium!
- National Equality March
I didn’t blog about this, but being in D.C. again in October for the National Equality March was something I know that I’ll never forget. Being a part of history is very rare, and to do it twice in 2009, and both times in D.C. makes me very grateful. Though the people that were marching had every reason to be pissed off, upset, and depressed, everyone was in a very positive and optimistic mood. C’Anna and I both knew how important this march was, and we were both very excited to have shared the experience together, with my friends Laura and Elysa.
The massive amounts of protesters at the Capitol Building.
- Lady Gaga’s “The Fame Monster“
For those of you who know me, this should come as no surprise. Lady Gaga and her latest album, The Fame Monster, definitely made 2009 a year to remember. It has been a long time since an artist has come along and changed the way I think, eat, dream, walk, talk, and smile. This album has not only made me happy musically, but has brought a lot of very important people in my life for various reasons. On top of the fact that every song is a monster hit (pun intended), it’s no wonder Lady Gaga is John Thrasher’s Woman of the Year for 2009!
A photo of my painting inspired by Bad Romance from The Fame Monster
- New Year’s Eve 2009 in New York City!
This is only a few days ago, but I already know that it is a day and an experience that I will always remember. My very good friend Phillip got tickets for Mariah Carey’s New Year’s Eve concert at Madison Square Garden and invited me to go along with him! I can’t say I’m the biggest Mariah fan, but he definitely is, so I knew either way I was going to have a blast with him. I got there, and had soooo much fun ringing in 2010 with him, Mariah, and Nick Cannon! The confetti, the music, the dancing, everything was just so fun. After the show we met up with the rest of our friends and continued to fun for a while longer. Definitely one of my favorite memories from New York City.
Mariah Carey in the foreground with Nick Cannon DJ'ing in the background, after midnight!
2009 was definitely a year to remember. Like all years, it had its ups and downs, but overall, I have to say that I am blessed to be able to experience the things that I love, with the people that I love. Already 2010 is setup to be one of the best as well. I have a lot of goals, milestones, and expectations to uphold, so it will be interesting to see how it pans out. I hope a year from now I am writing about my successful job, successful move to New York, and a whole slew of new friends that I hope will change my life the ways the ones I met this year have.
Happy New Year, and make 2010 the best year of your life!
My Black President Is 48 Today August 4, 2009
Posted by johnthrasher in Geek Talk, Personally John, Political, technology.Tags: Barack Obama, Department of Energy, DOE, happy birthday, Rolling Stone
add a comment
A special Happy Birthday goes out to Barack Obama, my black President, today on his 48th birthday. You’re looking good Barry, though I have already noticed your hair getting grey. Also, thanks for creating my job for me this summer and giving me the opportunity to make great money, get internship credit for college, and gain amazing experience in the work-place.
Though his approval rating is below 50% for the first time ever or something like that, and though I have disagreed with a lot of his opinions in the last couple months, I am still grateful and hopeful for what the future of America looks like. Working at the Department of Energy and seeing a lot of the promises he has made first hand has been very interesting and eye-opening for me. I wish everyone in the planet could work here to see what kind of stuff gets done. I can’t wait to see America rebound!
Happy Birthday to my black President!
Cheney 2012: Fail January 21, 2009
Posted by johnthrasher in Geek Talk, Political, Television.Tags: 2012, Barack Obama, Dick Cheney, George Bush, inauguration, Obamicon.me, President Bush
add a comment
Here is a photo I found on obamaicon.me , a site where you can turn your own picture in to the famous Obama poster. I tried it but couldn’t find one I liked. Maybe I’ll do it again later.
2009 Australian Open Predictions! January 19, 2009
Posted by johnthrasher in Movies/Film, Political, Sports, Television, tennis, Travel.Tags: 2009, Andy Murray, Australian Open, Barack Obama, Beyonce, inauguration, Serena Williams, tennis, We Are One
1 comment so far
It’s that time of the year again! Time for me to start school, celebrate my birthday, and stay up until 6a.m. so I can watch the live matches from Melbourne at the Australian Open!
I haven’t had a lot of time to get excited about the Australian Open this year as I usually do. My nephew’s surgery, school starting, and going to see the We Are One inauguration concert today (photos and blog to come!), it has been quite a whirl wind.
Nevertheless, I am so excited to see how this year’s Aussie Open turns out.
Based on what I have seen regarding certain players, and looking at the draw, I think I can make a fair conclusion as to who the winners will be this year.
The 2009 Australian Open Women’s Singles Champion will be: Serena Williams.
The 2009 Australian Open Men’s Singles Champion will be: Andy Murray.
You heard it here first!
Meet Me In D.C. on Sunday!? January 16, 2009
Posted by johnthrasher in Geek Talk, iPhone, Movies/Film, Music, Personally John, Political, Television, Travel.Tags: Barack Obama, Beyonce, Bruce Springsteen, D.C., inauguration, Jamie Foxx, Lincoln Memorial, Queen Latifah, Twitter, Usher, Washington, We Are One
add a comment
Are you going to the We Are One concert in Washington, D.C. on Sunday?
COOL ME TOO!!!
I just planned it all out and I’ll be in D.C. from about noon on Sunday, until whenever I feel like driving home. Danny and I just planned it all out and I’m so freaking excited. I know it’s supposed to be hella cold on Sunday but a lot warmer than it has been.
I don’t know about you but I am most excited to see Beyonce, Jamie Foxx, Queen Latifah, Bruce Springsteen, and Usher. This event is going to be airing live on HBO this Sunday! Don’t worry, if you don’t pay for HBO because it has been commissioned to be free on local carriers, so call your local cable provider or whatever, and find out how you can watch it.
If you are going to be in the Washington, D.C. area, then make sure you come check the concert out. There are going to be tons of celebrities and musical acts!
For those of you with Twitter, I will be tweeting, blogging, video blogging, texting and phone-calling my entire time down there. I was thinking about hosting a tweet-up but I’m sure there are tons of those going on anyway. To follow me, I’m http://twitter.com/jthrasher
The Lincoln Memorial is gonna be on fire!!!
Official Presidential Portrait of Obama Released January 14, 2009
Posted by johnthrasher in Geek Talk, Political, Television, Travel.Tags: Barack, Barack Obama, Canon, Change.gov, Economy, Obama, Pete Souza, Presidential portrait, recession, White House
add a comment
Today, Change.gov , the online office of the President-elect (I can’t wait to start calling him President next week), released the official presidential portrait of the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama. Interestingly, he decided not to flash his bright, white, trademark smile in this photo. Not sure why. Maybe to display the state of the country when he entered office (sad, mourning, sorrowful, loathesome, sullen, etc.)?
This is the first presidential portrait to be taken using a digital camera. The official White House photographer, Pete Souza, used a Canon EOS 5D Mark II. That has too many words in it.
Also of interest, is the fact that the last President to have a toothless smile was Nixon. What are the significances of this? I really want to know. If anyone reading this has any theories please let me know!
