5 Tribute Shows Glee NEEDS To Do! November 29, 2010
Posted by johnthrasher in Lady Gaga, Movies/Film, technology, Television.Tags: Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, Cole Porter, Glee, Joey Fatone, John Thrasher, Lady Gaga, Madonna, Michael Jackson, New Kids on the Block, NSync, Spice Girls
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We’re about half way through season 2 of Glee, and we’ve already had our fair share of Glee tribute shows. The Power of Madonna, Lady Gaga, the Britney episode and Rocky Horror. So, I thought what are some tribute shows that Glee, being a show all about musicals and entertainment, should definitely do? Below are 5 tribute episodes I want to see VERY soon!
1. Rent – Rent was arguably the biggest musical of the 90′s. It just makes sense that Glee would eventually do this. We already saw Idina Menzel as Rachel’s mother, so maybe she could find her way back to the show? I think a Rent show would be just as exciting as a Madonna, Britney, or Rocky Horror show! They could even tie it in with someone getting kicked out of their house and trying to get their own place. May be a bit mature for high school students but I could totally see Finn getting kicked out of the house for doing something stupid and swearing he’s going to get his own place, only to realize he can’t do it on his own, and ends up coming back. Yes, Ryan Murphy if you would like to hire me as a writer gimme a ring.
2. The Great American Songbook – This isn’t as glamorous and probably wouldn’t build as much excitement, but considering it was one of the best times in American musical history, it just seems right. Maybe even a whole tribute to Cole Porter!? This would get a lot of musical Glee fans excited…but maybe not the viewing public in general. They’ve already done a few Songbook songs, but a whole tribute show would be amazing!
3. Boybands/Girlbands – With a talented, good-looking cast, it seems like this would be the next great tribute episode. After seeing the Britney episode, Joey Fatone said that he would love to have an NSync tribute show. Yes, NSync was big, but they’re not relevant at all anymore. Something like Backstreet Boys, NSync, New Kids, Boyz II Men. The girls could get in on it too – Spice Girls, All Saints, En Vogue (OMG just had a flash of Mercedes singing Free Your Mind), Destiny’s Child! This could really be a fantastic episode. Plus with New Kids and Backstreet Boys touring together, they could make an appearance to promote their tour! NKOTBSB!
4. Spice Girls – I could actually see a whole Spice Girls episode happening. I mean they DID have their own movie, and gigantic huge successful reunion tour. There’s no doubting the Spice Girls had a huge influence on pop culture and music. Being one of the biggest (if not THE biggest) Spice Girls fan I know (I ain’t got no shame), a Spice Girls tribute show would only make sense. And seeing as how they’re all laying pretty low (minus Mel B) at the moment, I’m sure they would all love to be on the show. How fun would that be!
5. Michael Jackson – I don’t even know if they can get royalties to songs like this, but a Michael Jackson episode seems inevitable. With all the different iconic images of Michael, it seems like it would fit perfectly for this show. I could totally see them doing Thriller! Maybe this will be next year’s Halloween episode! I would love to see Kurt or Finn do the moonwalk, would you? It seems they’re doing Thriller for the post-Superbowl show but I want to see a whole tribute!
Are there any tribute shows you would like to see happen on Glee?
MTV TJ Challenge 3 – Musical Moment 1 of 3: Spiceworld July 13, 2010
Posted by johnthrasher in Movies/Film, MTV TJ, Music, Personally John, technology, Television.Tags: MTV, MTV TJ, Say You'll Be There, Spice Girls
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MTV TJ Challenge 3:
Personal: What three musical moments have impacted your life most?
I’ll be posting one impact per day over the next 3 days.
Today, let’s start with girl power. I do not suggest that driving (I’m the driver in the hat) and dancing to the Spice Girls is okay, but sometimes you just have to dance with your friends. My friends LOVE the camera, but I get a couple of bars of the song in somehow:
Okay before you go and start judging me because I like like the Spice Girls, let me tell you that growing up in the 90s it was hard to find a tween who didn’t know every single lyric to “Wannabe.” I am proud of who I am and how I got there, and yes Sport Spice helped me get there.
My first true love was the Spice Girls, as bizarre and discrediting as it may be to most music snobs. I was OBSESSED with them. I of course had their first 2 CDs, 2 posters in my room, all the bubblegum that had their stickers in the wrappers, and of course bought a Chupa-Chup every single time I saw one, because Baby Spice ate one in Spiceworld.
One of the posters that I had in my room was the one that had their printed autograph. Mel B signed her name with a peace sign, so I went through my middle school years writing notes to friends (like we did before text messaging was ever a thought in our heads, or before parents let children have cell phones) where I would sign EVERY note with a peace sign. Here is the exact poster I had with Mel B’s signature (center with a peace sign), and the back of a school picture I gave to my best friend in probably 7th or 8th grade:
I am pretty sure Brittney did end up “keeping it real.”
Anyway, most people remember where they were when they heard Geri left the group. And though I was obsessed with them, for some reason I can’t remember where I was or even what my reaction was. I think my brain was trying to protect me, so I just spiraled in to a deep phase of denial.
Geri released Schizophonic in 1999 and I ordered it with 9 other full-length CDs from a BMG Music House catalog that I was supposed to pay 99 cents for, and never did. To this day I still love that album. Mi Chico Latino, Bag It Up, Sometime: all pop music gold!
Then, my prayers were answered when the four-remaining members released an R&B album Forever, which I remember going to Wal-Mart at midnight to buy (keep in mind I was like 14 – LOL!). The album was produced by Rodney Jerkins (I think*) and I remember reading on a Spice Girls message board that it only sold 11,000 copies in the United States! And, frankly, I’m glad I could contribute to being one of the 11,000 who never gave up on the good times. The album is fun, but very different from the pop culture staples of Spice and Spiceworld.
After that commercial disaster, Mel C released Northern Star the very next year, and I could NOT stop listening to it. I still do! I had the physical CD for about a year until my brother shot it with his BB gun. 
It was so hard to find a copy of the CD back then because there wasn’t iTunes, and Lars Ulrich of Metallica was on MTV News every 15 minutes screaming about how he’s going to sue me if I use Napster. Anyway, I eventually caught back up with Northern Star a few years ago, and Mel C has released a couple of decent albums. Her latest, This Time is by far her best though.
Emma had a few songs that weren’t even released in the States that are still on my iPod: Free Me, Crickets Sing for Anamaria, I’ll Be There, Maybe.
Mel B’s solo career kind of tanked but when she had that cover of I Want You Back with Missy Elliot, I couldn’t stop playing it. In fact, (don’t cringe when you read this), I remember trading my friend my No Doubt Tragic Kingdom CD for the Austin Powers soundtrack that that song was on! WHAT WAS I THINKING!? Looking back now, I would have loved to have my original Tragic Kingdom album.
Moving on, you could imagine my excitement when pretty much completely randomly the Spice Girls announced a return. I freaked out, I cried, I threw babies, I honked vuvuzelas (no I didn’t), I screamed! I obviously HAD to see them, and luckily did when they came to D.C. on a perfect weekend for me!
It was a very magical weekend that I tried to capture on my not-so-great digital camera and before I knew how to edit! Here is the a video from 3 years ago, which feels like A CENTURY ago:
The Spice Girls, no matter which way I try to slice it, will always be a huge part of my musical upbringing. Thanks girls!
MTV TJ Contestants Lip Dub Spice Girls’ “Wannabe” July 8, 2010
Posted by johnthrasher in Geek Talk, Movies/Film, MTV TJ, Music, Personally John, technology, Television.Tags: MTV, MTV TJ, Spice Girls, Wannabe
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Okay, I had forgot to post this video (or did I just not want it shown!?) but I am putting it all on the line for this MTV TJ job.
Friend from college, and fellow MTV TJ contestant Elizabethany asked us all to send some video of us singing Wannabe by the Spice Girls.
Needless to say, the creativity sparked, and 13 of us came up with a really great video. I had a lot of fun doing it, and regardless of what happens in this competition, I think we’ll all look back at this video and laugh at how crazy this summer has already been!
Spoiler alert: I filmed my first shower scene!
Check it out!
What Was Your First CD/Cassette Single? July 6, 2010
Posted by johnthrasher in Geek Talk, Movies/Film, Music, Personally John, Polls, technology, Television.Tags: Backstreet Boys, Celine Dion, Kris Kross, Music, Space Jam, Spice Girls, Twitter
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I asked this question to my Twitter followers the other day and the responses had me laughing hysterically!
Me personally? *Sigh
I hate to say it but I vividly remember purchasing “It’s All Coming Back To Me Now” on cassette at Camelot Music, back home in Cumberland, Maryland. I am not sure how on Earth that song connected with me in any single way, but I remember falling asleep listening to it in my uncle’s Walkman.
Nothing against Celine, but it’s like…why would a 10 year old boy find that song so amazing?!
Check out some of my followers’ responses! So interesting!
@MXD
@jthrasher Smashing Pumpkins – Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadnessjcoop05
@jthrasher P.S. My first CD single was either Blackstreet “Don’t Leave Me Girl” or Busta Rhymes feat. Janet Jackson “What’s It Gonna Be?”therealcharlie
@jthrasher Aquarium – Aqua, hahaha oh goshthetmose
@jthrasher if i remembered correctly it was ‘get down’ by Backstreet Boys! i feel like dancing now! ^_^magnolia2010
@jthrasher [blushing in advance] “i adore mi amor,” color me badd. sigh.thatsagrayarea
@jthrasher backstreet boys millenium on cassette!love4duke7blue
@jthrasher I believe my first cd was kris kross? Jump jump! That or MJ’s dangerous…schillertara
@jthrasher My first cd was the Space Jam soundtrack.underthestars
@jthrasher Backstreet Boys – Millennium was my first cdThe_Hoods
@jthrasher Mariah Carey Music Box was my 1st CD ever!GHchick84
@jthrasher – BSB “All I Have to Give” – just had to have the Conversation remix, LOL_Kaitie_
@jthrasher The Animal Song – Savage Garden… At least that’s the first I remember.herblackballoon
@jthrasher Britney Spears- ..Baby One More TimeDannyLamas
@jthrasher my first cassette single was Waterfalls by TLC or Another Night by Real McCoy – not sure which was 1st, but amazing either wayRajahReid
@jthrasher whoops misread the question lol. It was actually Usher’s 8701glamour_gal54
@jthrasher black & white. michael jackson. epic. ps. good luck with the mtv vj contest!!ParkingLotNinja
@jthrasher my first cd single was men in black by will smithd0000dle
@jthrasher If I remember correctly imy first cassette was Wannabe – Spice Girls =] GIRL POWER!!!jenjarvis
@jthrasher it wasn’t my first, but Smashing Pumpkins, 1979 Single CD is awesome. Still have it.kentology
@jthrasher My 1st cassingle: George Michael ‘Freedom’LuisLeanos
@jthrasher god the first CD I ever got was The Bodyguard Soundtrack!Mar_bolous
@jthrasher mine was Ace of Base’s The Sign
nicolelgabriel
@jthrasher Of course I had cassette singles and I think I still have a bunch…Quad City DJs and NKOTB for sure!maritza_cardona
@jthrasher I can’t remember my first but I do remember buying the CD single of The Backstreet Boys “As long as you love me,” lol.GHchick84
@jthrasher – omg I totally had CD singles, LOL … first one was probably BSBz00here
@jthrasher yes! it was some britney spears track on CD (because i’d already recorded it on a tape off the radio)Yamil
@jthrasher Shakira! When she was still a teenager.ambersorensen
@jthrasher Michael Jackson’s “You Are Not Alone.”
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
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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!
Spice Girls Plan Return…Minus Posh October 5, 2009
Posted by johnthrasher in Geek Talk, Music, Personally John, Travel.Tags: Emma Bunton, Geri Halliwell, Mel B, Mel C, reunion tour, second reunion, Spice Girls, Victoria Beckham
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Some interesting news for Spice Girls fans.
According to The Sun, the Spice Girls plan on being on the road this time next year…minus Victoria!
Apparently the Mel B, Mel C, and Geri are meeting with Emma next week to convince her because she’s a bit hesitant herself.
I’m not sure how I feel about this. Though I would never pass up a chance to see any combination of the Girls, I definitely think some charisma would be lost without Victoria. When I saw the reunion tour back in January of 2008 in D.C., the crowd definitely responded to Victoria with loud screaming and applause compared to the others. Why do another reunion without all of you.
The only way I can see this being justified is if the 4 of them (Mel B, Mel C, Geri, and Emma) record a new album of just them. Otherwise, they might come off as a bit desperate.
Either way I can’t wait to see whatever combination reunites!
Spice Girls Planning ANOTHER Reunion!?! September 22, 2009
Posted by johnthrasher in Geek Talk, Movies/Film, Music, Personally John, technology, Television, Travel.Tags: comeback, Emma Bunton, Geri Halliwell, Melanie Brown, Melanie Chisolm, Perez Hilton, reunion tour, Spice Girls, Victoria Beckham
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Could it be true!? According to Geri Halliwell, Ginger Spice, it very well could be true.
After Perez Hilton.com posted a picture of the Spice Girls (minus Victoria) together last week, Geri Halliwell appeared on a morning radio show and had this to say about the future of the Spice Girls:
“We always talk about creative plans. Whatever happens afterwards is a bonus. Right now, I’ll be honest: we are gathering information about a possibility…[but] when you are evolving a plan, you don’t want to share it with the world.”
Kind of vague, but considering Geri has nothing else going for her, of course she is out running her mouth, hoping it happens. She wants paid!
A second reunion tour should garner a new album of material, if you ask me. Are we going to see light-hearted, spunky, Spice Girls songs on the Billboard Hot 100 again? I hope so!
Victoria Beckham to Replace Paula Abdul on American Idol! August 6, 2009
Posted by johnthrasher in Geek Talk, Movies/Film, Music, Sports, Television.Tags: American Idol, Armani, Emporio, Fashion, Paula Abdul, Spice Girls, Victoria Beckham
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Well my day definitely started out with a bang this morning.
According to the radio and OK! Magazine, Posh Spice Victoria Beckham has been slated to replace Paula on American Idol.
At first it was reported that she would be replacing her for the whole season, but OK! Magazine says she’s only appearing on 2 episodes. I think Victoria would be a perfect replacement for Paula! Victoria had MASSIVE success with the Spice Girls and even had a few solo hits, and was able to cross over in to America with the Girls which is something that every foreign artist dreams of.
I say if things go well with judged taping (which started either yesterday or today), then keep her on! I can’t wait to see her on the show, and will definitely be tuning in come January. Maybe we’ll se a cameo from David and their boys!
The Circus Came to Town! March 28, 2009
Posted by johnthrasher in Geek Talk, Movies/Film, Music, Personally John, Television, Travel.Tags: Back to Basics, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Circus, Mellon Arena, Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, Pussycat Dolls, Spice Girls, Womanizer
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Just got back from the Britney Spears concert in Pittsburgh! It was an absolute blast! C’Anna, her friend Kendra, and Kendra’s boyfriend and I went together.
I have to say that I definitely did have a great time and it was a great show, but it wasn’t earth-shatteringly amazing by any stretch. In 2007 I saw Christina Aguilera’s Back to Basics tour, and since then nothing has really stacked up. The Pussycat Dolls opened for Christina in 2007 and opened tonight for Britney and they were definitely a ton better this time than they were in 2007. I think they had 6 members back then too, but I don’t remember.
Before we headed in to the show C’Anna used the wig (that she bought me for my birthday last year) and was wearing it through the arena. She saw this guy standing around with his wig, and screamed “Excuse me!” and gestured to her head. Obviously I needed to take a picture of it. 
Britney sounded looked really good. She didn’t sing live, and the entire show was done to a vocal track, which I knew going in. I mean if the Spice Girls can sing live, I think Britney Spears can, right? The show had a lot of cool things, such as the sideshows. They had different acts come out and entertain the crowd for a few moments between songs and costume changes. The most amazing one of the night was this girl who was being catapulted in to the air by two guys and a beam. I took video of it which you can see below.
A really cool part of the show was during an interlude when the monitors came down to stage level and a video of Britney in a very sexual orgy-esque room singing to “Sweet Dreams” (…are made of these), came on. It went from club dancing Britney Spears to grunge rock Britney Spears and the entire crowd went crazy for it!
Though the concert as a whole was very sensory overload and exciting, I can’t say that Britney herself was anything amazing. I mean how hard is it to walk and dance around on stage without singing? I guess I’ll never know. All in all, Britney’s still my girl though.
Here’s the crazy video of that girl flipping around on the balance beam. Watch all the way through because she just keeps doing more and more crazy stuff!
Steve Wozniak Competing On Dancing With the Stars! February 9, 2009
Posted by johnthrasher in Geek Talk, iPhone, Movies/Film, Music, Sports, Television.Tags: ABC, Apple, Dancing With the Stars, Geek, MacBooks, Melanie Brown, Spice Girls, Steve Wozniak
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Steve Wozniak, an extremely large man and co-founder of Apple, has just been confirmed as one of the celebrities on Dancing with the Stars!
This should be a very interesting aspect of the show. First of all he’s not a star, and if you’re not a geek then odds are you probably don’t know who he is. Secondly, he’s very large and obese. Does he have some sort of dancing past?
Anyway, he’ll probably be gone after the first couple of episodes…unless he gives out free MacBooks to everyone watching.
Dancing With the Stars season 8 starts March 9, @ 8p.m. on ABC.
