About Me

Most people call me Flagg. I'm from a small town south of St. Louis and just graduated from the University of Missouri. Photojournalist by trade, I use this blog to visualize my life and surroundings. Aside from photo, my great loves are my family, food, the St. Louis Cardinals and Queen. I'm open to go anywhere in the world and experience everything.

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Boyz II Men Concert: NYC

My dear friend Adam Liebman had the genius idea of seeing Boyz II Men in concert at the BB King in NYC. Just in case you've lived under a musical rock for the last 20 years, Boyz II Men is the origin of boy bands and pop soul music. The concert was amazing- they sang classics as well as new songs and covers of songs like "Amazed" and "I Can't Make You Love Me." In other words: they brought down the house. The concert was small but mind blowing- they still have the moves.
Serious dance moves and fresh wardrobe
Oh, and when they sang, "I'll Make Love to You," they handed out roses. So classy.

NYC Part Deux

I've gotten much more comfortable in the city after the first week. And despite the disgustingly hot subway stations, I like the ease of getting around the city. This week I went to the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) and shot my first assignment for CPL. I've had pizza almost every day since I've gotten here and found some other cool places to hang out around my neighborhood. Here are some more random sights:
The night view from Pier 1, a gorgeous outside bar on the pier off 68th St.
Oh, and two random pianos on the end of the pier.
Somewhere in Brooklyn, on assignment for CPL
MOMA, and all it's free on Friday night wonder. It was the last weekend to see the Henri Cartier-Bresson exhibit. Absolutely inspiring. The strangest part? A 'No Photography' sign right outside the exhibit.
Jackson Pollock was there along with Andy Warhol.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Biting the Big Apple

So it's been a while, I know. Yes, I graduated. I didn't think it was real until I actually walked into Mizzou Area and realized my college years had mere hours until death. I had an amazing last weekend with my friends and parents and started packing up my life in Columbia. I have an internship for the summer in New York City, so I moved out there June 13. I start work on the 16th, so here are some images and thoughts from my first two days walking around and exploring.
I've already made friends with the local grocer, "I give you good specials and meat and fruit, you have hair like me Elsie." I can only hope that Elsie is a daughter or wife and not his dog. There are several cute little grocery stores in my area, expensive and tiny. The isles made me a little claustrophobic and everything is completely packed to the brim. However, the second day, I found my grocery store. Cheap and massive, this was an indoor farmers market very comparable to London. It's across Central park at 78th and Broadway and called Fairway Market. I'll have a trek getting it home, but it will be worth it.
Right away, I noticed the subtle similarities between New York and London.
People are always on the streets and most have been friendly. Everyone has a dog. Fortunately, my clothes and I do not stick out near as much as they did abroad. From what I can tell, my neighborhood is mostly ethnic, with very little English spoken on the streets, but safe and quaint. I haven't found any restaurants or staple eating places, but I have much more to explore.
To put it academically, my places exceeds expectations. It's pretty much a dorm with a workout center and laundry room. If I didn't have MizzouRec to compare it to, I'd say the workout room is exceptionally nice. My room is spacious and I have enough places for the abundance of clothes I brought. I have a roommate, Erika, who is very sweet. Compared to London, it is a palace. Compared to Juniper, it is a closet. The place- which I'm going to call 1760, is going to work out great. Except for the kitchen which in reality is a sink and one, single burner. One. My Iron Chef skills will have to be put on the shelf for a few months while I'm here.

As I was wandering aimlessly through Times Square, I noticed a swarm of people in bleachers under the Coke-Cola sign. When I asked a tough looking security guy what was going on he told me it was the unveiling of the new Volkswagen Jetta. I like cars, so I stuck around for a little while. He let me go into the VIP area because, 'my camera makes me look important.' WIN!
Oh yea, and then Katy Perry performed. Welcome to NYC?
New York drivers seem to think honking your horn is as natural as a turn signal. People honk if they're going to change lanes, or if they're even thinking about changing lanes. It's loud- and strange. For my first few days, I stalked where I'm going to work, went to the garment and food district, all through Times Square and Central Park, Columbus Circle, Museum Mile, Hell's Kitchen, Upper West Side, Park Avenue and have eaten more pizza than I care to admit. I feel like I have a lot more to see- my two main goals are Ellis Island and a Yankees game for now. Wish me luck at work tomorrow- Sarah in the City... Out.
Two Bros Pizza- 2 slices and a soda for $2.75. Beat that- I dare you
Central Park on a cloudy day
And last, back by popular demand...GNOME!
 
Camping in Wales