Remembering 9/11 – My Reflection 9 Years Later September 11, 2010
Posted by johnthrasher in Personally John.Tags: 9/11, art, John Thrasher, New York City
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September 11th is always a day that really affects me. I always make sure I spend my day remembering those who were lost 9 years ago. Leading up to this year’s anniversary there has been a lot of controversy surrounding the Islamic center that is apparently being built near ground zero. A lot of people even think it’s going to be built ON ground zero. The bottom line is there was a lot of ignorant racism, and negativty leading up to today, and I wanted to make sure I countered that in any way I could.
This year I am here in New York City trying to get my feet on the ground. I woke up originally intending on visiting ground zero, but turned to the local news to see there were already thousands of people down and around there today. Lower Manhattan is already a rat race as it is, so I decided not to go, and pay my respects by doing some fun things with my friends.
So today, Johnny, Courtney and Ashleigh went to Central Park! It was an absolutely gorgeous day out. Low 70s, no humidity, and the sun shining – eerily reminiscent to September 11th 2001. Johnny went running the whole time while Ashleigh, Courtney and I painted.
I used pastels on canvas and though it didn’t turn out the exact way I wanted I still thought I would share my piece with you guys! The flowers are supposed to represent the Manhattan skyline, if you couldn’t tell.
I hope that wherever you are, whatever nationality you may be, or whatever religion you may be, you shared the common human instinct in mourning the loss of 3,000 innocent lives today.
Ellen DeGeneres Gives Some Serious Model Face September 10, 2010
Posted by johnthrasher in Geek Talk.Tags: Ellen Degeneres, Fashion Week, New York City
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Check out Ellen at Richie Rich’s New York Fashion Week show, where she gave some serious model face. I don’t know what’s better her face or that tiny hat!
11 Foursquare Badges I Am Determined To Unlock While in NYC August 31, 2010
Posted by johnthrasher in App Talk, Apple, iPhone, Lady Gaga, Music, Social Media, technology, ThrasherTechnoTrash, Travel.Tags: Apple, Foursquare, Lady Gaga, New York City, Social Media
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So, this week I am heading to New York City for a variety of reasons. One of the main ones is to create my life there, but I will be doing fun things as well. Like – go to the U.S. Open, prance around Manhattan aimlessly, and people-watch in Central Park.
However, my new extreme addiction to Foursquare has really made me want to become really good at it. If you aren’t on Foursquare, and have a smart phone, you’re really missing out. It’s a lot of fun.
If you are familiar with Foursquare, here are 10 badges that I am determined to unlock during my stay in New York City, and what I need to do to unlock them. Some are easier said than done, but I think I can do it! Also, friend me on Foursquare if you haven’t already!
The “Historian” badge is the most New York-ish kind of badge there is. And I want it. To unlock this badge, you must first be following The History Channel’s Foursquare page. After you’ve started following, you have to check in to 2 historical landmarks to unlock. There’s a lot of history in New York City, so hopefully I’ll be able to find my way to some of these places. I think it would be cool to check in at the Statue of Liberty – just to say I did it!
I’m certainly not a player, but I do crush like one. The “Player Please” badge unlocks when you have checked in with 3 other males and 3 other females. I am pretty sure this happened when I was at the MTV TJ finale a few weeks ago when the Brooklyn Academy of Music was trending while we were live, but maybe not. Either way I am pretty sure I will be unlocking this badge very soon.
Considering I will be staying in Brooklyn, the “I <3 BK” badge shouldn’t be too hard right? This badge unlocks when you’ve checked in to 25+ places in Brooklyn. I’ve had Foursquare for quite some time now, and am sure I am nearing this milestone in my life. This is one of the ones I am really looking forward to unlocking. (PS this is the only image I could find of the badge, so it’s teeny weenie)
The “Jobs” badge unlocks when you have checked in to 3 or more Apple stores. I haven’t checked in to 3 or more Apple stores? I find that hard to believe. However, Apple is supposed to be updating iPods tomorrow so hopefully they’ll be available to play with and I have more of a reason to check in at that giant glass cube on 5th Avenue.
Here’s another one that blows my mind. The “Barista” badge unlocks when you’ve checked in to 5 or more different Starbucks locations. As much as I love Starbucks, how have I not unlocked this badge? Either way, there is a Starbucks every 10 feet in NYC, so I will be on the lookout.
I love Brooklyn and I love art, so the “BK Art Star” badge is obviously one I am going to work on unlocking. To get this badge you have to be following the Brooklyn Museum Foursquare page, and check in to the Museum 3 times. This might be a little harder to do because I am not the type of person who checks in when they see a venue as they drive by – I like to actually be at the place I am checking in. I am hoping I get to check out this museum when I am in NY – and it will help with my “I <3 BK” badge as well!
The “Far Far Away” badge is pretty straight-forward: check in to any venue above 59th street in Manhattan. I’ll probably check out that hot dog place on 72nd that Gaga always talks about. Plus, I’ll be looking for apartments in the ghetto, so this really should be no problem.
The “Swarm” badge is an awesome badge to add to your collection. You have to have checked in somewhere where 50+ people have checked in within the last hour. Seeing as how I am going to the U.S. Open this week, I shouldn’t have a real problem.
The “Super Swarm” badge is the same as the “Swarm” badge, except you have to have checked in somewhere that 250+ people had checked in within the last hour. This one might be a little more difficult to get, even at the U.S. Open. I’ll be at both a day and night session this week, so I’ll have a few more chances. Otherwise, it might be a while before I get another go at unlocking this badge!
The “Gossip Girl” badge seems like a fun one to have. I am not a fan of the show, but that isn’t to say I don’t like it – I have just never seen it. However, it is said that this badge unlocks when you have checked in to at least one place where Gossip Girl has been filmed in NY or San Francisco. I don’t watch the show, so if you know of any popular places from the show, please leave me a comment!
The “WSJ Urban Adventurer” badge unlocks when you check in to 3 spots in the financial district of New York City. I’m surprised that I haven’t unlocked this already seeing as one of my very good friends, Neall, lived one building from Ground Zero for the last year. I had checked in a lot down there. Either way, I will be stopping at Century 21 or maybe that damn mosque that everyone is crying about.
My U.S. Open 2010 Predictions! August 29, 2010
Posted by johnthrasher in Geek Talk, Personally John, Television, tennis, Travel.Tags: Caroline Wozniacki, Kim Clijsters, New York City, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Serena Williams, U.S. Open, Venus Williams
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Though I am not entirely sure yet, there is a very high possibility that I will be attending the U.S. Open this year again! I’m really excited and will definitely be reporting on it when I am there. Click here to see my pics, and review of the Open last year.
But, for now I wanted to post my thoughts on who will win this year’s U.S. Open – both men and women. I used USOpen.org’s Bracket Challenge to plan out my quarterfinals, semis, finals, and champions. So without further ado.
Serena withdrew last week as she recovers from a freak accident a few months ago where she cut her foot on a glass at a restaurant and required emergency surgery. With Serena out of the mix, the field is actually very wide open. For the women’s side I have:
1 Caroline Wozniacki def. 2 Kim Clijsters in the final.
Caroline has been on absolute fire this summer and is the U.S. Open series winner, which means she will add a million dollar bonus to whatever prize money she makes during her run this year. Kim has been doing well this summer, but there is a bit more of a spark in Caroline’s play. Caroline doesn’t possess any major weapons but her consistency seems to be enough to really make it far in this tournament. Here’s how I think the women’s draw will go:
As for the men, Rafael Nadal goes in to the U.S. Open as the No.1 seed…though this is the only major he hasn’t won. I got to see Rafa play last year when I went to the Open. He definitely has what it takes to win this tournament – there’s no doubt about that. With Federer aging, and a not-s0-hot draw, I predict:
1 Rafael Nadal def. 19 Mardy Fish in the final.
Mardy has never played like a champion until this summer. He won a couple of tournaments and is in the best shape of his life. It’s a long shot to have him beating Federer – the greatest player of all time – but Federe has proved that he is not infallible. Here’s how I think the men’s singles draw will go:
In 2 weeks we’ll know the winner of both! Will someone surprise us (like Del Potro did last year) or will we see the No.1 seeds win? I’ll be back after the fortnight to analyze my usually accurate predictions! 
Feeding Disease-Infested Pigeons in Brooklyn July 24, 2010
Posted by johnthrasher in Personally John, Uncategorized.Tags: Brooklyn, New York City, Pigeons
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Pigeons have feelings too. And bellies.
Why Is Twitter Failing Every…Single…Day? July 2, 2010
Posted by johnthrasher in App Talk, Geek Talk, iPhone, MTV TJ, Personally John, technology.Tags: MTV, New York City, NYC, Twitter
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Have you been trying to send out really important, imperative Tweets to your minions but haven’t been able to because every single day you try to sign on and see THIS:
Literally every single day for the past 2 weeks I have seen the fail whale, as it is affectionately titled.
Hey Twitter…I don’t know if you know, but my dreams of moving to NYC, working for MTV, and enjoying a beautiful salary are sorta kinda in YOUR hands, so can you FIX THIS PROBLEM IMMEDIATELY!?
Love, John
My Face on a Giant Screen in Times Square! June 30, 2010
Posted by johnthrasher in Geek Talk, Movies/Film, MTV TJ, Personally John, technology, Travel.Tags: MTV, MTV TJ, New York City, Times Square
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Fellow MTV TJ competitor (and friend!) Dan Chiz snapped this picture of our MTV promo that is airing on the network, as well as this giant screen in Times Square!
TIMES FREAKING SQUARE!
I am so giddy about this! Click on the picture to see it full size.
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.
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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.
Where I Was When Michael Left June 27, 2010
Posted by johnthrasher in Movies/Film, MTV TJ, Music, Personally John, technology, Travel.Tags: Michael Jackson, New York City
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I took this pic June 25, 2009 in Manhattan, the night Michael died.
One year ago today, I was in the most American of all cities, when America’s biggest and brightest star was pronounced dead. It was such an absolute shock to me and I remember exactly where I was and what was going on when it happened.
I was in New York City, visiting Johnny, Courtney, Phillip and the crew. I think Johnny had to work, and I had been begging Courtney to come to the USTA National Tennis Center in Queens because I had never been there. We had the day to do whatever we wanted so she went with it. We had toured the grounds, and I got really excited about tennis and just being there in general. After spending a few hours there, Courtney got a phone call from her Mom as we were walking back to my car to leave. Courtney says, “Nuh uh!” I look over at her and she mouths, “Michael Jackson died.” The one time I’m not checking Twitter and the news, and the biggest story of 2009 breaks.
It was one of those moments that I know I’ll never forget.
Later that day, as the sun was setting and sky was orange and humid, we drove from Brooklyn in to Phillip’s place on 41st and 10. Coming off the Williamsburg bridge we heard every bar in the lower east side playing Michael Jackson as we walked by. There was a buzz. But, it wasn’t mourning. It was celebration. A celebration for the King of Pop, and the legacy, catalogue, and messages that he left behind in what is easily the most successful career in music history.
That night at Phillip’s we hung out, talked about Michael, listened to Michael, and speculated that his albums were going to dethrone the Black Eyed Peas, and who better to do that than Michael.
There was something special about being in the city where Michael was discovered, when he died. New Yorkers lifted him up, celebrated his life, and refused to let his history fade.
In the world today, people look to find the differences in everyone. People look for labels, and the reasons others aren’t just like them. However, Michael Jackson’s music was the one piece of thread that was woven through nearly every person in some capacity or another.
20 Minutes In the Lower East Side of Manhattan May 1, 2010
Posted by johnthrasher in Geek Talk, iPhone, Movies/Film, Personally John, technology, Travel.Tags: lower east side, New York, New York City, Photography, Starbucks
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