DREAMLAND (official edition)

volume I, issues III and IV

june 2015

RISE

the ramaz creative arts magazine

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front and back covers by Moselle Kleiner ‘17 uncredited imagery throughout the magazine was shot by the editors

dreamland n.1. one’s own perspective of a utopia. an amalgamation of one’s own thoughts and desires.

The Rabbi Joseph H. Lookstein Upper School of Ramaz 60 East 78th Street New York, NY 10075

This publication was generously sponsored by the Ramaz Parents Council in recognition and appreciation for the amazing work that our children produce

Welcome to the third and fourth issues of RISE magazine,

dreamland

celebrating the romantic serenity of these spring and summer months.

We found ourselves enthralled by the beauty of the sun and how it transports us to other lands. How at points, its light is reflected against nature, painting golden colors upon the grass, fashioning for us a dreamlike state of being.

We hope that you enjoy perusing these magical pages and they transport you to your own special place.

mission statement Students of the Ramaz Upper School create all the featured articles, photographs, and artwork you will find here.

Our goal is to present the way each of our participants is inspired by the rich culture of the city.

We encourage individuality with regards to every facet of artistic and intellectual expression.

R I S E magazine Volume I Issues III and IV /// June 2015 editorial board Moselle Kleiner ‘17 Co-Editor in Chief Tamar Sidi ‘17 Co-Editor in Chief Ms. Barbara Abramson Faculty Advisor Ms. Rachel Rabhan ‘92 Faculty Advisor Erica Newman-Corre ‘15 Literary Advisor

contributors

many thanks to our models: Ethan Abraham ‘17, Sonia Dushey ‘17, Rachel Kastner ‘17, and Nancy Toussie ‘17

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Nicole Aboodi ‘17 Jill Adler ‘15 Mollie Adolf ‘16 Gabrielle Amar ‘17 Sarah Ascherman ‘16 Noa Attias ‘18 Hannah Benhamo ‘16 Naomi Bouaziz ‘15 Hannah Blas ‘16 Hadassah Brenner ‘17 Daniel Cahn ‘17 Emily Ellison ‘18 Meira Gilbert ‘16 Joyce Harary ‘15 Matthew Hirschfield ‘17 Olivia Hershkowitz ‘15 Josh Kleinberg ‘15 Isabella Korchnoy ‘15 Julia Krevat ‘17 Adam Lassner ‘15 Abbey Lepor ‘16 Julia Levi ‘18 Michael Low ‘17 Raquel Michel ‘17 Lindsay Munter ‘17 Jordana Offer ‘15 Oren Oppenheim ‘16 Elie Present ‘16 Rachel Russo ‘17 Libby Silber ‘17 Rebecca Silverman ‘16 Louise Sitt ‘18 Jonah Sobel ‘17 Ben Shiff ‘16 Victoria Spero ‘15 Nancy Toussie ‘17 Sara Weintrob ‘15

Summer Guide Senior Studio Art and Interview Writer and Photographer and Summer Guide Writer Photographer Writer and Illustrator Writer and Photographer Senior Studio Art Summer Guide Writer and Illustrator Writer Writer Writer and Photographer Writer Writer Senior Studio Art Senior Studio Art Senior Studio Art Illustrator Senior Studio Art Writer and Photographer Writer Photographer Coordinator and Writer Summer Guide Senior Studio Art Writer and Photographer Photographer Summer Guide Photographer and Summer Guide Writer and Photographer Writer, Assistant Photographer Summer Guide Senior Studio Art and Illustrator Writer Senior Studio Art

TABLE OF CONTENTS editor’s note...........09 look out for............10 interview no.1 richard prince.................16 reviews.................19 denim dreams............28 into summer.............42 summer guide............46 talent board............52 senior studio...........70 behind the scenes.......76 coney island............78 randoms.................91 interview no.2 jill adler....................92 the vegan life..........99 interview no.3 caroline weaver................102 wyoming.................111 journeys................116

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EDITORS’ NOTE a taste of what you’ll find in this issue & more

Dear readers,

Grab a good book and let the sun’s rays hit against

your back for a roof deck afternoon, flip flops off to the side and a squirt of factory 30 on your arm.

Close your eyes and let us take you on a journey to Dreamland. What will it embody for you?

The perfect full-on denim look, also known as the “Canadian Tuxedo,” which is modeled in a photoshoot directed by Raquel Michel ’17 and shot by Michael Low ’17 (pg.28)? The spread features outfits so perfectly trendy-casual that they can be worn to Richard Prince’s new exhibit at Gagosian. With the help of our security guard Dwight, Joyce Harary interviews the acclaimed conceptual artist on pg. 16. Maybe your Dreamland is a day spent frolicking on Coney Island, soaking in the freedom of summertime with a best friend.

Experience this carefree attitude captured in our exclusive spread on pg. 78. Allow us to help choose your Summer Playlist songs (pg. 49) and of course, the

activities to go along with the new soundtrack (bucket list pg. 48). Don’t miss Mollie Adolf’s article on veganism and Hannah BenHamo’s passionate ode to equestrianism, both of which are in the fabulous Randoms section (pg. 91). Finally, make sure to read Tamar’s article chronicling her travels to the plains of Wyoming last summer (pg. 110)– who would have dreamt of such a thing?! Her richly personal tale transitions seamlessly into JOURNEYS, one last photo-essay to send you off towards a summer of exploration.

It is composed of thrilling photography from across the globe that we hope will leave you with a sense of wanderlust. As we close this school year, we invite you to celebrate your dreams and to create your own Dreamland, wherever it may be and whatever it may contain. We are excited to see what the summer brings to each and every one of us.

Best,

Moselle Kleiner ‘17 and Tamar Sidi ‘17

Co-Editors in Chief

broadway in bryant park

performers from select Broadway shows sing 2-3 songs free of charge in Bryant Park.

These events usually last around an hour. The schedule has not yet been released but more info can be found online closer to the summer!

tv show tapings

these take place all around Manhattan.

Tapings are fun because you can see how shows are filmed and maybe even catch a glimpse of some celebrities you like! Tickets for different tapings are available on 1iota.com.

coney island

...is the place to be during the summer.

Located in downtown Brooklyn, Coney Island is home to the wonder wheel and the famous Cyclone. Coney Island not only has great rides to enjoy but also a fantastic beach. The beach is a really fun place to relax during the summer, along with some fresh squeezed lemonade you can purchase there! Also check out Governor’s Island, where you can take a short ferry ride and hang with friends at Picnic Point. You can relax in hammocks with incredible views of the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor.

high line park

buy an ice cream cone from one of the many shops around 14th street before walking along the High Line to 34th street. This is the perfect place to chill thanks to its benches, shade and refreshment booths! The views of the city from here are incredible.

slide the city

hosting many events all across the country, Slide the City sets up a huge slip and slide that’s 1000 feet in length (over 3 football fields)!

You can purchase single, triple or unlimited slides online at slidethecity.com. Dress to impress and be ready to get soaked because there will be tons of photo ops!

Moselle Kleiner ‘17

LOOK OUT FOR

top spring activity picks

by Nancy Toussie ‘17

rooftop pools

...are fun to visit and enjoy with friends during the hot weather. You can buy day passes for some of the hotels that have rooftop pools. The Dream Downtown’s rooftop pool is a celebrity fave.

central park

located in Manhattan, this park is really nice to walk through during the summer. The park is also a great place for a picnic. On Friday mornings, during the summer, Good Morning America hosts free outdoor concerts. Last year there was even a performace by One Direction! Make sure to check out the listings when they are released!

the color run

This run is a 5k, untimed, unique paint race where thousands of runners participate. While running, each participant gets soaked with paint. The race is followed by a festival. There are 2 rules to this fun event: come wearing white and leave plastered in color! Some color runs are night events such as the run taking place in Brooklyn on July 11th! You can register for the events at thecolorrun.com

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ART

Public Eye: 175 Years of Sharing Photography Sharing photos is highly ubiquitous nowadays, with the advent of social media and online journalism; there are even social networks such as Instagram and Snapchat that are almost exclusively dedicated to photos.

But it is not a recent phenomenon. Public Eye shows that the ideas and methodologies behind the sharing of photography has been around for longer than one would think. The text on the wall adjacent to the exhibit’s entrance says it all: “Photography has always been a technology dependent on interaction, mediation, and the public sphere.

Photography has always been social.”

period of the Nazis and photographed people around Germany to showcase the ‘prime Aryan archetype’. A contrasting example is the altruistic work of Frédrick Brenner, who travelled the world to photograph miniscule Jewish communities before they vanished. Documenting Jews from places such as Ethiopia and Beijing, the exhibit says, he determined that his work shows how “there is no ‘one people’”—nations are scattered around the world and cannot be determined simply as whole peoples.

These examples are just the tip of the iceberg of what is on display at the exhibit; there are also pictures from photojournalism and marketing, among other places. For instance, there is a coffee can printed with a picture of a mountain; the can was meant to be something special to be used after the coffee was finished. Then there are a few avantgarde photography projects utilizing modern technology. One photographer’s work is finding and showcasing mysterious people who end up in Google Maps’ Street View.

The exhibit features a blend of pictures from the past and present, namely ones that were meant to be seen and disseminated in different ways to the public. For instance, one of the items on display is a photo album of the last Russian royal family, which was meant to be read by their subjects during World War I. As the family tried to improve their declining reputation, they wanted to garner support and show that they (and particularly ailing son Alexei) were still active, and what better I would strongly recommend this exhibit way to do so than through photography? to anyone interested in photography, journalism, history, or just in unique displays There were also prime examples of how in general. The exhibit is moderately sized photography is often used to make a point, but doesn’t take much time to cover, and intentionally or not. An example that is it’s free to enter and browse. You’re even in display is the insidious work of Erna encouraged to do your own photo sharLendvai-Dircksen, who believed in the racist ing at the exhibit; the library provides a ideas of the German master race during the few areas for prime Instagram photo ops.

Location: New York Public Library (Schwartzman Building, 42nd Street and 5th Avenue) Hours: On during regular library times from now through January 3rd, 2016 Oren Oppenheim ‘16 12

FILM

The Woman in Gold

The Woman In Gold is a film based on a true story about a Jewish refugee.

Together Maria Altmann and her young lawyer fight Austrian powers for her to be reunited with her aunt’s iconic painting.

This painting took 3 years to complete and is made out of oil and gold on canvas.

The Nazis in World War II confiscated the portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer or also known as the Woman in Gold, painted

by Gustav Klimt. The fight for the painting lasted all the way to the Supreme Court, and they ruled in favor. This eminent painting is displayed at the Neue Gallery located at 86th Street and Fifth Avenue.

Adele Bloch-Bauer’s wish before her death was to donate the paintings to the Austrian State Gallery, but most of the paintings were confiscated or sold. After a court battle in 2006 the Austrian judges decided that Maria Altman was the rightful owner of The Golden Woman and various other paintings

by Klimt. The painting was then sold for a record of 135 million dollars to the Neue gallery.

Emily Ellison ‘18

Hadassah Brenner ‘17

It was interesting to watch the movie and understand the background of the painting, and then have a rewarding chance to see it hanging from a museum wall.

Personally, I really enjoyed the movie and appreciated the opportunity to visit an institution I might not have otherwise explored. It was fascinating to learn about a Holocaust survivor embarking on an exciting journey to claim justice on her family’s behalf.

CARS

The New York Auto Show

The New York Auto Show is held in the Javits Center down in Midtown Manhattan every year and often coincides with Pesach, which makes it a popular Chol HaMoed trip for Jewish families. This year I went with a friend knowing that I’d see plenty of other Jews and hoping to see some interesting cars. On both fronts, the show delivered; I’m going to focus on the cars, however. They ran the gamut from affordable and friendly to pricy and extravagant.

Some of the fanciest cars were behind fences, such as the Lamborghini/Bugatti display, and only real potential buyers could come up to them. (There was actually an Arab family that got to go in and see the cars up close. According to one of the men guarding the Bugatti, one of them was a Saudi Arabian prince!) But most of the others allowed people to come up to them and often go inside, including the Maseratis. It was quite novel to sit in the front seat of a car that I doubt I’ll ever afford (or at least bother to spend such a sum on a car).

There were a few interesting exhibits of cars as art pieces There was a car that had a stylized NYC skyline under a sunset painted on its body, and there was also a car that was being outfitted with an artsy 3D printed shell. Basically, there were a few 3D printers printing out various intricate shapes that a man was attaching to a Ford Camaro. It was certainly unorthodox, to

say the least, but also looked pretty sweet.

Another element of the Auto Show is the concept cars, unique prototypes that could mark the future of automobiles (or that might be shelved, who knows). Chevy had an imposing new pickup: the Colorado ZR2, with some new features, according to the company—including a “green” color that often looked more like a gray. A new startup, Elio, showed off their $6800 (yes, it’s that cheap) two-person concept car. It only holds two people, like the well-known SmartCar, but that’s where the similarities end. It’s long, the wheels stick out on both sides, and two people sit in tandem (one after the other).

It’s not ready for primetime, according to the company’s representatives at the show, but it will hopefully be ready this year.

Overall, the Auto Show was a great experienc, one that I am glad to have had, and it also reminded me (in a good way) that I have to start driving soon... and especially thanks to this show, I can’t wait!

Location: The Javits Center (655 West 34th Street) Hours: Unfortunately, at the time of publication, this show had already closed for the year.

However, it will be reopening again next spring, and, in addition, similar programming will take place throughout the coming months.

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Victoria Spero ‘15

Oren Oppenheim ‘16

TECH

The Apple Watch: a preview

Apple recently released its much-anticipated Watch, a wearable device that’s meant to do far more than just tell the time. It can run apps, track workouts, get directions, and receive notifications from your phone. It’s meant to be a useful tool that you can just glance at and get the information you need without having to reach for your phone. It doesn’t replace your phone, but rather supplements it (and looks pretty stylish too).

The Watch ranges in price from $350 for the plastic-and-steel Sport version all the way up to $17,000 for the gold-and-leather Watch Edition. In between are various metal and leather variants, from Milanese loops to modern buckles. It’s clear from this that Apple is trying to reach a massive audience, ranging from the average consumer to those in the highest economic strata. The Watch is a fashion statement, a status symbol, and a useful gizmo all in one (as long as you own an iPhone). But is it actually worth buying?

I tried on the Watch, getting my own private demo at the Apple Store on Fifth Avenue. Given that I requested to try on the Edition, I was ushered into a private room (it was nothing fancy, though), where an Apple Store employee took me on a guided tour of the Watch. It felt a bit dizzying to wear an 18-karat gold watch worth $17,000 on my measly wrist, but asides from its look, I wasn’t quite sold on it.

As a piece of technology, the Apple Watch

falls a bit short. It’s one of the best implementations of the smartwatch idea yet, to be sure; lots of companies have tried to make their own, but Apple’s has a lot of features and great ideas. The Digital Crown, for instance, is a scroll wheel that helps navigate through the tiny interface and is very useful when dealing with the small screen. But pretty much everything on the Watch can be done on the phone itself—which you need anyway.

Why bother buying another device, then?

However, as a fashion object, the Watch is in some ways revolutionary. It’s the first smartwatch to allow so much choice in size and appearance, and it’s stylish enough to feel good wearing even at fancy occasions. If someone’s considering buying an expensive watch—for instance, as a Bar/ Bat Mitzvah present—the Apple Watch is a compelling option because it not only brings the looks to the table but also is genuinely useful beyond just telling the time.

Want to test it out for yourself?

Head to your local apple store, and spend the first 20 minutes perusing the selection of watches before speaking to a sales associate about having the chance to try it on. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to vocalize your desire to go for the gold– i.e. the beautiful watch I adventurously tried on. Get ready and head straight there. You won’t regret it.

Oren Oppenheim ‘16

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the interview no. 1

Joyce Harary ‘15 speaks with artist

RICHARD PRINCE

“Self portrait” by Richard Prince, 1973-2013, copyright Gagosian Gallery

about his work, his influences, and a future fueled by social media

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Just a few weeks ago, I had the privilege of meeting, and interviewing one of my favorite contemporary artists, Richard Prince (thanks Dwight). Richard Prince has greatly expanded and progressed the art world. His pieces range in style from his more classical pieces of jokes, to nurses, Marlboro men, and horses.

q&a

Joyce Harary: I know Jackson Pollock was your inspiration, or your ‘idol’, when you were growing up (mainly because of his individuality), but why did that really hit home– why was he your main inspiration?

subject matter. I was young, so I started looking up things that I could put on a canvas. I also simply thought they were funny. As I got older, I started thinking about the world, and all of its needs. One primarily was The Nurse. No matter who you are there Richard Prince: I started appreciating Pol- is always a need for a nurse, someone to help lock’s work when I was around 18. To me, you medically. A nurse can be there for a he really epitomized the idea of being an diseased terrorist or a child with a nosebleed, artist. I was drawn to his ability to capture they are always needed and it just reminds the real world through his photography, as us that we are simply not indestructible. Also well as his other more creative works aspects leads into another one of my series of the through his splatter paint. cowboys. The nurses which are primarily seen as very feminine figures contrast the very JH: I think art is an expression of the mod- masculine cowboys, and at the end of the ern world, and you can’t describe this day both are truly so necessary for our world. generation without social media, especially Instagram. But what prompted you JH: A lot of your art focuses on homosexto do the Instagram series? uality, can you expand?

RP: As you said art is really just a personal expression of modern times and we now associate so much ourselves with social media. We are constantly taking pictures of ourselves, and posting them on medias such as Instagram. These pictures are our form of portraits, and portraits have always been such a traditional form of art. I was trying to combine the two worlds and that’s how the Instagram series came about.

JH: Do you think everyone will start using social media as a medium?

RP: Yes, I certainly think so.

JH: What were the ideas for your newer bodies of work that deviated from your original jokes?

RP: Well the jokes started out simply as

RP: Politics get very complicated when speaking about homosexuality, and whom one can love. But, at the end of the day there are only three possible ways to make a couple. Either a woman and a man, a man and a man, or a woman and a woman. It shouldn’t be that complicated. We should all be able to love and be loved.

JH: Where do you think art will go in the future?

RP: In terms of mediums, I think there will be a lot more 3D photography, because that is where our world is really going. I also think there will be a lot more art with social media popping up. But at the end of the day, the fundamentals of art won’t change. Art is supposed to be ‘cool, fun, and sexy’. The aesthetics always have to be there, and it has to be pleasing on the eye.

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REVIEWS ART

MUSIC

ACTIVITIES

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ART

Die Hexe: an adventure into haunted interiors 64. The number was painted on the ominous black door. Confused and weary, I expected an obvious sign for the Die Hexe art exhibit. Instead, there was just a townhouse hiding away in the hollows of 77th street. I assumed the address was incorrect; clearly this was a private residential home, and one with a taste for depressing colors at that.

Just as I was about to leave, a sudden determination to see the exhibit overwhelmed me and I resolved to knock, hoping those living there might be of some help, even if it wasn’t the gallery’s actual location.

I lifted my hand to the gold-hand knocker with the blood red ruby ring on its luminous finger.

The door swung open, revealing a darkened room, with flickering candles and an eerie purple glow. Another door, with a crow perched on its top, blocked a steep stairway ascending in a swirl of plaid patterned pink walls. An empty chair rocked two and fro. I continued on, observing the living room’s rocking chair and circular rug. On the carpet, lay a monstrously distorted shape, seemingly a beast settled peacefully by the hearth. The walls remained bare, but for a knife protruding outward, supporting the end of a broom.

Odd, I thought to myself, entranced by the combination of such unusual perplexities.

In the next room, a glass coffee table split the figurine of a woman into halves, supporting the weight of its surface. I then approached a pantry in which piles of sand were juxtaposed with jars of peanut butter and jelly. A doll grasping a candle radiated and smiled crookedly.

Other odd figurines and anomalies, as well as simple jugs of water and filled containers joined it.

I found myself wondering what I had walked into: A dollhouse or a haunted house?

A daydream or nightmare?

Sometimes the line between good and evil, fear and joy, past and present, and chaos and brilliance isn’t so clear. That is precisely what Die Hexe displays in its otherworldly walls.

Die Hexe (The Witch) is located at 64 East 77th St in New York City, converting its townhouse quarters into an enthralling array from February 26th until April 11th, Tuesday trhough Saturday from 10am-5pm. While the exhibit is no longer taking place, it was thoroughly enjoyable to attend.

Hadassah Brenner ‘17 20

Hadassah Brenner ‘17

Alex Da Corte’s Die Hexe Exhibit on East 77th street integrates fantasy with reality by arranging both normal and peculiar objects in fascinating scenes of art. Playing with memories of fear and delight, Da Corte creates a sense of nostalgia and wonder throughout the galleries of this transformed townhouse. It depicts the diversity of city life and the constant swing of emotions within each of its dwellers.

Modern Art in the Digital World BJORK @ MoMA + the Triennial @ the New Museum The exhibit simply titled “Bjork,” is a retrospective on the work of the Icelandic pop singer for whom the show is named. The exhibit begins with some musical instruments placed in the lobby of the museum, then her music videos are shown in adjacent rooms upstairs. In between and behind these two rooms, is a small showcase of her, including her photoshoots, and small pieces of information about her exceptional and unique music videos.

Not knowing anything about Bjork before I walked into the exhibit, I was truly surprised. In the first room, an 11 minute sound piece or music video is displayed. If you have never heard about Bjork before going to the exhibit, like me, you will be frightened when you first enter the room. The video is not the typical music video. Her singing is layered with heavy sounds and it seems to play forever. It takes place on a volcano mountain, first in a cave and then outside, on the vast open land. The camera angles and the gray sky make the video even more eerie. Also, she is the only person in the video; it is her and the big open land, and the volcano erupts once in a while. Another film shown that lingers with me is one that was essentially the complete opposite of the first one. It has a very fast and pressuring beat, and it is very loud as she, Bjork, yells her song into a microphone in what seems to be a factory.

Also, this video contains countless people (working in the factory).

Outside of the video rooms is a wall with photographs of Bjork and information about her music. I feel that this section of the exhibit is lacking; there should have been at least a room to display objects and photographs of Bjork’s life. The MoMA should have given the exhibition more space as it would to any other exhibit. I feel that the MoMA does not do the best job in showing how great of an artist Bjork is, by making the exhibit so small and limited.

Particularly unsettling is Josh Kline’s piece, “Freedom”. It is four giant Teletubbies dressed as SWAT team policemen, with screens on their stomachs showing real people talking to us.

In the back, there is a video playing of an avatar version of President Obama speaking to us.

Victoria Spero ‘15

The New Museum recently opened its annual triennial,“Surround Audience,” an exhibit collecting works of 51 artists from 25 different countries. This show exhibits artwork of contemporary artists as they ‘grow’ in the art world, rather than being a retrospective. All the work revolves around the common theme of our new, digital world and our society. As Holland Cotter said in his New York Times article, the show is “terrain composed almost entirely of border crossings: between genders, mediums, disciplines, ethnicities, and species.” The art is supposed to be “risky”; one is supposed to feel a little on edge as they walk through the galleries, because the artists’ intentions are to cross the border with their art.

Also, most of the art is made in some digital way, including a 3-D printed sculpture that has been hand painted, films, and avatars of real people speaking through a screen.

“SOHO”, by Aleksandra Domanovic, is also fascinating yet chilling. It is a see-through plastic curtain with red blood cells and small red bugs on it. It is interesting, as many people walked through it and look at the rest of the exhibit through the lens of the curtain with the blood cells in the image. On a different floor, there is a transgenderist theme, showing more border crossings: the borderline between male and female. The gallery begins with Frank Benson’s sculpture of a hermaphrodite, that was 3D printed and then painted a shiny green color by hand.

As a whole, I found most of the exhibit disturbing, but there were some pieces I enjoyed, such as the red blood cell wall. Even though it was disturbing at first glance, it was interesting to see the exhibit through the plastic and to walk inside the coated area that the plastic surrounded. Although the majority of the pieces are troubling, it was a good window into what many contemporary artists are doing nowadays.

BJORK Location: The Museum of Modern Art, 11th West 53 Street Hours: (M-T, S) 10:30 through 5:30; (F) 10:30 through 8:00, on until June 7th SURROUND AUDIENCE Location: The New Museum, 235 Bowery Hours: (S-W) 11:00 through 6:00; (T) 11 through 9:00, on until May 24th [by the time this went to print, this exhibit is sadly partially closed] Julia Levi ‘18

MUSIC

Nashville @ the Beacon Theatre I may be a subway-riding, taxi-hailing, eye-rolling New Yorker, but that doesn’t mean I don’t wish I had a bit of country in my blood. I’ve been watching Nashville on ABC since the first episode aired and I haven’t missed one yet. At the time, I was just starting to craft my love of country music, a foreign genre to many in this city, but I have stayed with the show because it has given me a whole different world to indulge in. I love watching these singers perform at the Grand Ole Opry or the Bluebird… it transpires the genuine feel of Music City. The songs on the show are mostly not “country twang,” however, they work to portray the alternate side to country music. Each song communicates a story, one that is always honest and bursting with emotion. Even for those who do not watch the show, I reccomend you listen to its music.

This is not just a program for music lovers to fawn over; the writers of the show do an exemplary job at keeping this drama exciting, always throwing obstacles behind the leading actors’ musical careers and personal lives. The show also works to provide countless opportunities to those actors, singers, and songwriters who have been searching to find their niche. It is also a place where already established musicians such as Zac Brown Band have had a chance to debut their new music and it has even brought in pop stars such as Christina Aguilera to be a part of the storyline.

So, imagine my excitement when I heard that the Nashville Cast would be touring the east coast and be playing their first show here, in Manhattan, at Beacon Theatre. I immediately booked two tickets and called up a fellow Nashville enthusiast. Thursday, March 30th finally arrived and my friend Mae and I made our way to the sold out show. I won’t bore you with all the in depth detailing’s of each performance, though I will say that it was by far the best concert I’ve been to. There was a certain feeling of “hominess” throughout the evening. I think it was because the people who performed were so appreciative to be given the chance to tour. Lennon and Maisy Stella are a Canadian music duo age 15 and 11 who are new to the performing world. Their parents were watching from the audience and didn’t stop dancing and cheering the whole night; it was all so lively and authentic.

Many of the actors have started personal albums and they were given a chance to perform some of their original music in this intimate way, giving the chills to us all. For one and a half hours the songs remained heartfelt and the set kept the audience on edge. Every once in a while there would be a rowdy number and Chip Esten would yell “I know ya’ll paid a lot for those seats, but hell, doesn’t mean you have to use them!” and then he’d go ahead to shred his guitar, as the audience got up to dance and cheer him on. I can’t wait to see what the rest of season 3 will bring and I urge everyone to listen to the soundtrack of this wonderful show!

Tamar Sidi ‘17 24

ACTIVITIES

Pillow Fight Day @ Washington Square Park An estimated 40,000 New Yorkers gathered in Washington Square Park to let loose and forget their worries throughout the morning of April 4th, otherwise known as National Pillow Fight Day! The only rules asked of the participants were not to hit too hard, not to smash cameras, and to leave feathered pillows at home. It was planned so that after you had finished the mad act of frantic pillow waving, you could dispose of your pillows at a donation truck where it would go to a person in need.

Although it was a little dicey to trust that no one would stuff a brick or two into their pillowcases, it was amazing fun and an unforgettable day. There were many policemen who offered to take pictures of friend groups while they made sure everything went smoothly. Kids from 3 years old, the disabled, and even the borderline elderly participated in this event.

It was an extremely inclusive experience and every person shared at least one thing in common: the joy of pillow fighting. One teen with bright green hair, ran through the masses of people in her wheelchair attacking, pillow in hand. I was laughing the whole time; my friends and I didn’t want to leave. We would recognize kids from surrounding high schools and it was a great place to meet new people and get to know others in your neighborhood.

Everyone was so kind, full of positive energy, and no one got drastically hurt. A couple dozen people arrived in onesies, while others looked like they were coming from a lavish restaurant or were heading to a Broadway show. I was happy to go home at the end of it, as curly hair doesn’t seem to cope at all impressively when buried under pillows.

Tamar Sidi ‘17

Inside Sotheby’s: experiencing a live Impressionist and Modern Art auction Sotheby’s, a multinational corporation and one of the world’s largest auction houses, offers private sales and auctions to serve their diverse clientele. Sotheby’s is originally British, but its headquarters are now found in New York City. It is known for being the largest brokers of art, real estate, jewlery, etc. I had the pleasure of having a private tour of the Impressionist and Modern Art Auction, which is held every two years. The Co-Head of Sotheby’s Worldwide Impressionist & Modern Art Department, Simon Shaw, explained that in this auction “we united artworks, many of which had been off the market for over half a century, with a new generation of collectors… it’s clear that today’s collectors come from all corners of the globe and seek quality in all corners of the market.”

(continued next page)

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The Impressionist & Modern Art Evening Sale featured multiple collections which have been unseen on the market for over one hundred years.The auction included the collections of a Hollywood family, the Goldwyns and is composed of works by Léger, Alberto Giacometti and Joan Miró, which were collected directly from the artists’ dealers in the 1950s-60s, in addition to Claude Monet’s water lilies– the star of the show, Van Gogh’s unsigned autumnal landscape,as well as an impressive contemporary selection of artists such as Andy Warhol.

This show was the first major auction taken place during the spring season and brought a grand sum of $368 million, the second-highest sale of Impressionist and Modern Art in the auction house’s history.

Roy Lichtenstein’s “The Ring”, a contemporary piece, sold at $41,690,000, portrays the romantic gesture of a marriage proposal and resembles Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam, which influenced art historians’ view on Lichtenstein’s ideology of marriage. Both paintings portray a point of contact or something about to happen that portray and they both symbolize the strength of vows and relationships. Lichtenstein captures the cultural meaning of a proposal during the height of the pop era. Even though, the stance on marriage has drastically evolved since 1962, but Lichtenstein’s depicture of the stereotypical “magic moments,” essentially, of a proposal possess the ability of capturing viewers’ attentions.

Noa Attias ‘18

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Moselle Kleiner ‘17 znd Tamar Sidi ‘17

Van Gogh’s “L’allée Des Alyscamps” was bought by a private Asian collector at Sotheby’s art auction for an outstanding price of $66.3 million, when it was only expected to be sold at $40 million. In 1888, Vincent van Gogh painted this landscape of an ancient Roman necropolis in Arles, France, which is known as “L’allée Des Alyscamps,”which had been previously been sold for only $12 million. After finishing this landscape, Van Gogh did not sign the piece because it was not included in the bunch of paintings his brother would take to Paris to sell. Rather, Van Gogh gave it to his landlady, who sold it once he became famous.

In addition, Claude Monet’s water lilies of Giverny,“Nymphéas”, an oil on canvas in uncracked condition from his private collection, was sold for $54 million, exceeding its expectations of $45 million. Another Monet, “Le Palais Ducal,” painted in 1908 from a gondola in Venice, was bought for $23 million, which was part of the collection of Jakob Goldschmidt, which was confiscated by the Nazis in 1941 and returned in 1960.

The night sale’s highest-selling Picasso, sold by the Goldwyn family, Hollywood royalty with two of the Goldwyn’s Academy Award statues were on display. Sotheby’s senior vice president of evening sales in impressionist and modern art, Jeremiah Evarts Jr., said “The Oscars are not for sale,” Picasso’s 1948 portrait of his wife, Françoise Gilot, “Femme Au Chignon Dans Un Fauteuil,”was sold for $29.9 million instead of its estimated price of $18 million. Mr. Shaw explained “You’re not just buying a Picasso, you’re buying a collecting vision of someone’s personal taste.”What is so special about this particular Picasso is the fur coat Gilot is sporting that Picasso had bought her from Warsaw, as he frustrated her by leaving her while she was pregnant. Gilot was against Picasso selling her beloved painting and was reunited with it after many years during an auction while wearing the exact coat.

DENIM dreams

after a long period in fashion exile, the ‘Canadian Tuxedo’ makes its much awaited comeback, just in time for spring photography: Michael Low ‘17 director: Raquel Michel ‘17 models: Ethan Abraham ‘17 and Sonia Dushey ‘17

IN THE HALLS the little denim jacket

Inspired by Bill Cunningham’s iconic photography, Meira Gilbert ‘16 covers the latest and greatest fashion trends that have taken over the floors of Ramaz First of all, I’d like everyone to know how awkward it is to ask fellow Ramazees for a picture of their jackets. Some haughtier students had the nerve to reply with an almost snobby “no,” while nicer girls abashedly asked if their faces could be cropped out. Still others stuck a confident pose, full of either humor or vanity (you decide for yourself). However, while the attitudes and my level of embarrassment may have varied, the style did not, and I like to believe that my hard work has cumulated in a worthy cause: the discovery of the spring trend.

After thinking for a few moments as to what that trend might be, my eyes soon focused in on a piece of clothing that hasn’t been so rampant since the 00’s: Denim jackets! They’re all over school, the streets, and your favorite (and hopefully fashionable) celebrities. Versatile and cool, blue jean jackets are offering us a gentle reminder that there’s only so much longer that we can pretend that our army jackets are still edgy. So here’s to you, girls of Ramaz, for being so “on trend!”

Meira Gilbert ‘16

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COACHELLA style

One of the most famous music concert series, Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, is held annually at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. There are multiple stages that continually host live music consisting of genres such as rock, indie rock, hip-hop and EDM. The Coachella artists range from well known to emerging artists. Aside from the amazing music at Coachella, there is an entirely diametric world: the world of Coachella Fashion. The style of the shows’ attendees range from wearing all white to sporting the classic flower crown, crop top and jean shorts.

Similar attire will be found at this spring’s NYC-based Governor’s Ball. Before you read the list below of the hottest fashion trends at these festivals, here are some do’s and don’ts that you should be aware of. [sidebar right]

festival do’s & don’ts Fun sunglasses? a DO Crop tops? a DO Aztec print? a DO Funky accessories? a DO Hair chalk? a DO Boots? definitely a DON’T Indian Headresses? a DON’T Super short shorts? a DON’T

the outfit breakdown Head To Toe White: White is the most clean, serene and highly impractical color to wear to a music festival. But, wearing white from head to toe, either as a dress or t-shirt and skinny white jeans, is a classic summer choice. And so, even though a little while ago a person wearing all white was a rare sight at a music festival, Coachella brought back this classic summer outfit with numerous celebrities dressed chicly in linens and beiges.

Denim Dresses: Whether it is tailored and fitted or messy and fringy with a rock feel, a denim dress is an excellent choice to wear to an outdoor concert. Denim is timeless and cool, and also keeps the person wearing the garb nice and dry in the blazing summer sun.

The Printed Jersey Flare: This is definitely the hardest outfit to pull off at Coachella. Approach with caution. The printed jersey flare is legging-like on the thigh of the leg and flares past the knee. Usually the pants are high wasted and worn with a cropped top or a fancy bandeau. Even though it is the most difficult to wear properly, it is definitely the outfit most commonly spotted at every summer music festival, though certainly prevalent at Coachella.

Abbey Lepor ‘16 38

Libby Silber ‘17

Lady/50’s Chic: The thought of wearing a maxi dress to an outdoor concert never crossed my mind until many fabulously dressed women and young girls were spotted wearing some form of a maxi dress. The most popular kind of the 50’s-inspired midi/maxi outfits is a cropped top and an A line midlength skirt. Usually, the maxi-styled outfits give off a more 20th century vibe than modern, but outfits from both time periods are definitely a do!

FASHION FINDS the dollhouse

spring and summer style echoing the bubblegum and sky blue hues that remain trademarks of our favorite childhood toys

by Raquel Michel ‘17

collage no. 1 (clockwise): 1. Finds + Building Block Disc shoulder bag $325, net-a-porter.com; 2. Stila Jewel Eye Shadow- single rose quartz $20, beauty. com; 3. Slim-Fit Light Wash Jan Jeans $54, mango. com; 4. Alexander Wang pleated mini-skirt $576, farfetch.com; 5. Wildfox Couture Pink Round Belair Sunglasses AS SEEN ON Ariana Grande $134.50, tradesy.com; 6. Alexander Wang Gabi Leather Ankle Booties $650, fwrd. com; 7. Acne Studios Mock Scratched Leather Jacket $1, 750, lagarconne.com; 8. T by Alexander Wang striped denim top $292, stylebop.com -----------------------

Victoria Spero ‘15

collage no. 2 (clockwise): 1. Raf Simons for Adidas Flat Lace-Up Low Top Stan Smith Trainers $480, bloomingdales.com; 2. LPD New York ‘Team Wang’ t-shirt $105, neta-porter.com; 3. Topshop Moto Short Overalls $70, nordstrom.com; 4. Maxi Low Juju Jelly sandals $30, office.co.uk; 5. Wildfox ‘My Resume’ Hippie Crewneck Tee $91, veryexclusive. com; 6. Wildfox Deluxe Lolita Sunglasses $199, shopbob.com; 7. UNIF pleated check skirt $130, farfetch.com; 8. UNIF Nara Bag $138, unifclothing.com 41

INTO SUMMER transitioning temperatures a photo essay by Elie Present ‘16

Michael Low ‘17

e s re

p E

S I R

s t n

A STUDENT’S GUIDE TO SUMMER ft. bucket lists, playlists, creative DIY activities for long afternoons and more

THE BUCKET LIST Summer plans from kids around school 1. bungee jumping - Nicole Aboodi ‘17 2. ziplining in Costa Rica - Libby Silber ‘17 3. seeing tigers - Lindsay Munter ‘17 4. BBQing - Gabe Klapholz ‘17 5. Venice Biennale - Moselle Kleiner ‘17 6. jumping into the Trevi fountain- Rachel Russo ‘17 7. making another bed out of tree logs - Tamar Sidi ‘17 8. exploring the city on long runs in Central Park and by the Hudson and East rivers - Mollie Adolf ‘16 9. experiencing the work life - Josh Kleinberg ‘15 10. Dead Sea swimming - Hannah Blas ‘16

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SUMMER PLAYLIST

Jam out to these songs selected by our contributors 1. anchor (Mindy Giledhill) - Tamar Sidi ‘17 2. electric love (Borns) - Abbey Lepor ‘17 3. life is a highay (Rascal Flatts) - Hadassah Brenner ‘17 4. love vibration (Josh Rouse) - Hadassah Brenner ‘17 5. the downeaster “Alexa” (Billy Joel) - Moselle Kleiner ‘17 6. happily (One Direction) - Libby Silber ‘17 7. seven nation army (Zella Day Cover) - Hannah Benhamo ‘16 8. california (Phantom Planet) - Ben Shiff ‘16 9. summer (Calvin Harris) - Matthew Hirschfield ‘17 10. where the boat leaves from (Zach Brown Band) - Matthew Hirschfield ‘17

Julia Krevat ‘17

SUMMER DIY

Cute and funky ways to spice up your summer 1. Flavored Fruit Tea chop up strawberries, blueberries, oranges and lemons, slicing them into a mason jar or bottle of your choice. Combine peppermint tea with water and pour inside the bottle, serve with a cute straw and a sprig of mint as a garnish.

2. Shrinky Dinks Purchase plastic shrinky dink sheets at your local crafts store, and color the rough side of the paper with colored pencils or permanent markers. Pull from your own inspiration and imagination or choose an image to trace. Cover a tray with non-stick aluminum foil, heat the tray in the oven, place your Shrinky Dinks rough side up on the tray and don’t let them curl up! Take them out as soon as they’re flat and put them somewhere to cool. You can punch holes to make them into key chains, give them to friends as gifts, or make little charms.

3. Gummy Popsicles Get creative with your popsicles this summer with a classic twist on the typical fruity treat.

Throw in gummy bears or worms into your popsicle tray until it is almost filled and then pour in sierra mist for the liquid base and add your popsicle stick. After they freeze, enjoy the cool, gram-worthy effect.

4. Pool cooler To do this, you’ll need a bucket, a noodle float, something to cut with, a large board, some twine, and a marker. First take the noodle and measure out the length you need each piece to be in relation to the bucket, and then cut down your pieces so that you have four pieces per the four sides of the bucket. String the twine through the four pieces of noodle around the bucket and then double-knot the two ends together. Don’t worry about the noodle staying up, because once placed in the pool it will be fine. Pour in your ice and drinks and you’re done. Relax in the pool with your cooler by your side, and even add some extra string to grasp your cooler from afar.

5. Cinderbox Coffee Table Paint your cinder blocks and use them as an outdoor coffee table or flower box.

READING LIST

from your editors

Some top reccomendations to captivate curious readers 1. Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail– Cheryl Strayed 2. Elsewhere Perhaps– Amos Oz 3. The Sun Also Rises– Ernest Hemingway 4. 1Q84– Haruki Murakami 5. How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accent– Julia Alvarez 6. Hallucinations– Oliver Sacks 7. Suddenly, A Knock on the Door– Etgar Keret 8. The Property– Rutu Modan 9. My Year with Eleanor: A Memoir– Noelle Hancock 10. An Object of Beauty– Steve Martin 11. Delicious– Ruth Reichl 12. We Were Here– Matt De La Peña 13. The Unthinkable Thoughts of Jacob Green– Joshua Braff 14. Where’d You Go, Bernadette: A Novel– Maria Semple 15. Where Things Come Back-–John Corey Whaley

Hadassah Brenner ‘17

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THE TALENT BOARD Featuring the artwork, poems, and stories of Ramaz’s creative student body The theme–

dreamland

with writing & photographs inspired by it

Oren Oppenheim ‘16

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gumballs It’s crowded in here, I want to get out It’s crowded in here, I just want to shout They ask me why I want to leave They ask me why I want to die I ask them why they want to stay But I am left with no reply I hear the cling: I know its time now, Praying that I am the one who glides out.

I see the fear on everyone’s face But all I can think is get me out of this place Raquel Michel ‘17 previous:Tamar Sidi ‘17 above: Oren Oppenheim ‘16 right: Abbey Lepor ‘16

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summer fling The unintentional swift touch of a stranger Brushing the tingling of my arms Followed by an unwavering glance and The faint lurch of a whizzing heart beat – Stirring.

Digging a bottomless pit waiting. Longing. Desire.

To reveal a taste of the tempting attraction Under the vibrant moon, blanketing us from view We shared whispering secrets set adrift In the depths of hazy stillness Unearthing enticing mysteries of blissful youth, The feel of another’s steamy air on my neck As the knoll of intertwined grasses our only audience Shallow breaths keeping pace with mine as Twinkling stars infinitely marked each. Passing. Moment.

His beautiful finger caressing the intricate Traces of my inside palm.

Cool, trickling sensations vibrating through my scrunched toes Yearning forever, yet never fully satisfied, The faint ringing distant Of an hourglass dangling there But the sunset was upon our fallen souls And a chilling breeze swept away the weaves of my tangled hair Along With the forgotten whispers of our love Standing there with a single Wet Crystal Sliding down my sodden cheeks Fading memory of our brief impression upon the listening grass Silently staring as we mumbled our quiet goodbyes And walked away to disappear Deeply inhaling The last whiff of summer.

Rebecca Silverman ‘16 left: by the author next: Abbey Lepor ‘16

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60

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the descent She wanted to soar Long after her blue feathers became silver tuna fish scales, She thought the air would lift her to the clouds To retrieve her mind.

Adrift it was, Perhaps caught up in a storm.

She believed in sorcery, magic.

There was a soul in every star, Aliens on the moon.

So with a smile stitched, A wand and a frozen clock, She flew only to kiss the dirt.

The flowers ate the rest of her.

Gabrielle Amar ‘17 left: Elie Present ‘16

right: Sarah Ascherman ‘16

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rain dance Dancing shadows Tip toe drum Feel the rain Crawl up your thumb Prancing hours Too much rum Where we last lain Pricks stick so numb Entrancing sky show Strikes a hum Feet mark their stain Thus its’ begun Rebecca Silverman ‘16 left: Jonah Sobel ‘17 right:Tamar Sidi ‘17 next: Jonah Sobel ‘17

FACES OF SENIOR STUDIO ART

Rachel Rabhan ‘92

an inside peek into the artwork and the personalities behind the artwork that together define the unique spirit of the 12th grade’s honors art course

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jill adler artist’s statement

Most of the art pieces that I’ve made have been based on photographs or still lifes. My art tends to look more realistic and get more detailed as I get older and learn new techniques; some of my paintings have been described as trompe l’oeil (French for “deceive the eye”). I have been trying to venture out of my comfort zone by attempting to do some abstract pieces with less detail and bringing more emotion into the art that I make.

naomi bouaziz artist’s statement

This year I have been interested in working with lights and darks. My interest began with a project in which we had to zoom in on a piece of art and focus on the different forms and the lights and darks of that specific area.

I then decided to make a study of Matisses work by doing the project of zooming in and finding the lights and darks of the pieces.

olivia hershkowitz artist’s statement

My work focuses on the skins of art and the specific patterning created within all my pieces. My work began with the patterning in an accordion book, but has evolved and become a skin to all of my work. All artwork has a skin; layers, depth, and complex details: natural patterns that reoccur. This year I have explored different materials and subject matter using the natural skin and patterning that developed in my artistic practice overtime.

josh kleinberg artist’s statement

My main focus this semester has been on silhouettes– not only forms with an interesting contour, but also the negative space from them.

I wanted to create these pieces by combining an interesting silhouette with a nice background that would really showcase the beauty of it.

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isabella korchnoy artist’s statement

It was time for a new project, and while I was waiting to hear back from Ms. Rabhan about some ideas she had for me to focus on this year, I started doodling with charcoal on a piece of paper. I actually got inspired by this mini-course I was taking, Guns and Provolone (about Italian mobster-themed cinema), to then create, using charcoal, drawings of characters from the different movies we had watched. I’m kind of attracted to drawing good looking people, actors and actresses from these films, but the images are only based off of them, they aren’t really meant to look like those specific people, but rather to capture their essence.

adam lassner artist’s statement

I have produced a wide variety of works this year often around myself, inspirational ideas, and sometime soccer. I have also enjoyed working with a variety of colors and new techniques. Although I have not had a concentrated practice quite like the other students in my class, I have tried a lot of different new things and jumped around with my work which has been great for me.

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jordana offer artist’s statement

In my work, I chose to focus on human anatomy from the perspective of an artist. I have always been fascinated by science, especially biology. The idea of examining the inside of the human body by drawing it was really exciting to me. I learned a lot about the body parts that I chose to draw just by looking at them and drawing them. I tried to depict them as accurately as possible. There is a certain tangibility that comes from drawing something. I really felt like I was holding a heart, lungs, intestines, and a brain in my hands, and that was so cool! It was an experience unlike any other.

victoria spero artist’s statement

This year I created a new technique that I use to marble paper. To do this, I shave down pastel chalk, and sprinkle it on top of water, I then drip ink onto the water; at this point a design has appeared and I can place a piece of paper on top. The image then transfers directly onto the paper.

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sara weintrob artist’s statement

My art is definitely a learning process but there are recurring themes of an infinity that I’m working towards. I’m still discovering what exactly that means but I’ve been using circles to try and visualize a world beyond a world, like a lens.

The ideas of eternity and resurrection are ones that I very much look forward to exploring more.

Well, here we are at the end of our school year, feeling a mixture of pride and relief. We had no idea how many hours it would take us behind the scenes, but we loved interlocking our personalities to create this magazine for you to enjoy.

The germ of a simple idea between two sophomores led to RISE, which has bloomed into a school-wide collaboration. With each issue we are fortunate enough to receive increasing numbers of creative work from our talented fellow students.

The two of us have learnt so much in this first year of the magazine. If there is one message we would like to share with you it is this: keep pushing your creative limits and something true will emerge.

As editors, we always make a point of photographing the front cover together and for this double issue, we planned a shoot on an East Village rooftop. We hoped to capture the dreams that we all have, with a sense of imagination and humor.

Though these exact hopes were not satisfied in this particular shoot, the results of our roof session were many of the images dispersed throughout the magazine (recognizable by the metallic turquoise shoes that we borrowed from Ms. Abramson). As for the cover? We would find the perfect picture another day. But all in all, it was not a simple process, though it is a process we have come to respect. And to highlight one spread we are incredibly proud of, in which this process was key to its success: “Dreamland Coney Island� (pg. 79).

ew th at M H ld fie ch irs 7 ‘1

BEHIND THE SCENES

the editors reflect on the making of the magazine

When faced with the task of transforming a vision into real life, you are confronted with a considerable amount of work.

First we picked our team. A photographer who would be able to help us in our mission and would work well with our selected models. Models who would be able to “let-loose,” while staying on track.

Then it was on to Whatsapp, where we dealt with the stress of multiple group chats, wardrobe choices, prop shopping, location settings, and calendar clashes.

When shooting day finally came there was a feeling of exhilaration.

If everything went according to plan and we succeeded in our initial goal, we would be faced with hundreds of photographs to sort through and lay out. So we worked with many people, made compromises, had arguments, and came up with a truly special spread.

Thank you to our readers. Your support has kept us motivated and we look forward to resuming RISE after the summer. Keep your eyes out for the stories and shoots you want to help come about.

A special thank you is due to Mr. Miller for believing in this magazine from the start.

Thank you to Ms. Rabhan for providing us with endless guidance and an open door.

DREAMLAND might be a metaphor to us now, but once upon a time it stood as another great escape on Coney Island. come discover our portrayal of dreamland

models: Rachel Kastner ‘17 and Nancy Toussie ‘17 79

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round

and

round we go, up

up

and

away

Dreamland might be a metaphor to us now, but once upon a time it stood as another great escape on Coney Island...

It was a utopia colored cream and red, which emanated a carefree spirit. From 1904 to 1911, Dreamland served as one of New York’s famed playgrounds. The generation of the turn of the century enjoyed the many attractions and admired it for what it was: a home of eclecticism.

After burning down in a devastating fire, Dreamland left a void in the hearts of many. Luna Park soon became the primary source of entertainment for the Manhattanites who spent those hot summer months by the beach.

In the hopes of celebrating this rich history, we chose to recreate for this issue our own variation on Dreamland– a photo-shoot highlighting the blissfulness of a summer’s day spent at Coney Island.

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RANDOMS FOOD INTERVIEWS

PSYCHOLOGY

EQUESTRIANISM

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the interview no. 2

Moselle Kleiner ‘17 speaks with senior

JILL ADLER

Jill Adler ‘15

about developing her love for baking and the whimsy that she brings to her edible creations

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Jill Adler ‘15 is known around school as a talented artist, but especially inside the kitchen.

Her frequent baking endeavors, which typically garner over 50 likes on facebook, result in beautiful, hyper-realistic, and delicious treats that delight the eye and the stomach.

Moselle Kleiner ‘17 sits down with her to talk desserts.

q&a

Moselle Kleiner: When and how did you took a lot of trial-and-error testing and a begin baking seriously? Were you always LOT of failed attempts, but I learned what I passionate about baking? can do and have mastered certain recipes.

Jill Adler: I began baking seriously in 2012.

I saw those typical shows on Food Network like Cupcake Wars or Challenge and always wished I could bake things like that, and one day decided to actually try it. My parents were always into cooking, so I have always had a connection to food. I didn’t really discover cake design and dessert art until I saw it on tv/online.

MK: When did you start/are you planning on continuing selling your baked goods professionally? How has your business grown/come to being?

JA: Around this time last year I received the official trademark documents for my baking company The Artful Baker llc. Currently, I bake custom cakes and other baked goods by request. I definitely get more MK: How do you think your skills as a orders and more requests for baked goods baker have developed over the years now than I did last year. As far as actually and do you think your artistic sensibili- growing, my business is still just me baking ties have contributed to the way you ap- and designing everything, but I now have proach baking? my own instagram account and website for my business. [instagram is @theartfulJA: My artistic sensibilities definitely baker and website is theartfulbakerllc.com] contribute to how I approach baking. Most chefs would approach a dish with an idea MK: Do you see baking as something you of what ingredients they want to feature want to continue doing professionally, or and how they want it to taste, but the way do you prefer baking in a casual setting I approach a meal is more like “how do I more? want this to look?” or “what can I turn these JA: I want to continue to bake professioningredients into?”. Just looking at the bak- ally, but since I’m going to college this fall ing/cooking itself, I would say that I have I’m not completely sure how I’ll go forward, improved a lot over the years. It definitely but I’ll still be baking no matter where I go.

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FOOD

NYC runs on coffee We know New York City as the city that never sleeps. It is no coincidence that this nickname has stuck given that our bustling metropolis contains myriads of coffee shops. I think it is safe to say that wherever you are, in a five or so block radius, there is at least one coffee shop. To each their own aesthetic preference of hot or cold caffeinated beverages, here is a list of the best places to get your daily dose of coffee.

Starbucks: Starbucks is probably the most ubiquitous coffee place in the city. I am sure we all can recite their drink menu by heart. It is one of my favorites because it is only a five minute walk away from school. My go-to drinks there are pretty simple– either a chai tea latte or, if I need an extra kick, I would get an iced caramel macchiato.

Le Pain Quotidien: Compared to Starbucks, I feel that their coffee is much stronger. At Le Pain, I always get their hot coffee. I usually add skin milk to hot coffee and two or three splendas, depending on how strong its taste is. Le Pain’s coffee is so smooth that I do not need to add any sugar or milk to make it taste better. If you think it cannot get any better than that, if you sit at one of their tables, you get an adorable little coffee pot to refill your mug.

Joe’s Coffee: Out of all the other coffees, Joe’s is by far the smoothest and most refreshing.

Even though Joe’s Coffee’s iced coffees are not the most flavorful, a little bit of milk or sugar will do the trick. The lack of flavor adds delicacy to their coffee.

Aroma: The selection for coffee at Aroma is overwhelming. From all of their tasty iced drinks to hot drinks I always find that I am indecisive whenever I’m next in line. I usually stick to the iced aroma. It is almost similar to Starbucks’ coffee Frappuccino, but it is much lighter. Even though I go there for the coffee, I absolutely love getting the little piece of chocolate along with my drink. It adds an extra bit of sweetness to my day.

The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf: I am very stubborn when it comes to the Coffee Bean. This is the only place where I refuse to try something new because I love love love their iced hazelnut coffee. Just make sure that when you go to the Coffee Bean, ask for light ice. They usually fill up the cups with crushed ice with little room for their tasty coffee. Similar to Aroma, Coffee Bean’s coffee is so light that sugar and sweeteners are not necessary. 10/10 would recommend.

Bluestone Lane Collective Café: Since this coffee shop is located in the West Village, you know that it is a hot place to get something good to drink. Their coffee is by far my favorite.

I love their flat white; it is delicious. I would definitely recommend this coffee shop without hesitation. In all, everything comes together, the food, people; atmosphere makes the Bluestone Lane Collective Café an amazing experience.

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Irving Farm: Located right across Central Park on 79th street, this is a great and refreshing place to get your daily dose of coffee. Aside from their drinks, the interior design of this café is absolutely beautiful. I also love that is no Internet service because it is a conducive environment to be productive, but I digress from their great coffee. Probably one of the greatest espressos I’ve ever had because it has the perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness.

Chalait: A little digression from the average cup of caffeine. I’m also a big fan of green teas of any kind and they have great matcha lattes. I actually discovered Chalait on Instagram when I searched up “#matchalattes”. Even before I tasted the drink I knew that I would love it. Their lattes are a little too milky but that is a nominal criticism. It is definitely a great place to visit in the West Village.

Abbey Lepor ‘16 (photos by the author)

Louise’s Recipes Choc O’ Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe

ingredients

directions

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar 1/4 cup granulated sugar 2 tablespoons milk 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup mini chocolate chips Nonstick cooking spray Quart cookie dough ice cream, softened to spreadable consistency

1. For the cookie dough, in a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter with the brown and granulated sugar. Stir to combine. Stir in the milk, vanilla, and salt until well blended. Stir in the flour until completely smooth. Let the mixture cool completely (so the chocolate chips don’t melt) then stir in the chocolate chips.

2. Line an 8X8-inch baking pan (preferably with very straight sides) with two pieces of parchment paper (cut into 8-inch strips) so they extend well beyond the edges of the pan on all four sides; this will help to lift up and easily remove the frozen sandwiches.

3. Scatter half of the dough into the pan and use your hands to press it into an even layer.

4. Top with a second set of parchment strips that extend over each side. Lightly coat the parchment with nonstick cooking spray. Scatter the remaining dough over the top and press into an even layer.

5. Fold the overhanging parchment over the dough and freeze for at least an hour (can be frozen for several days in advance.)

6. Use the parchment strips hanging over the edge to lift out the top layer of cookie dough.

Then remove the second layer.

7. Place another set of parchment strips in the pan. Peel the parchment from one square of cookie dough and set it inside the pan with the smoothest side down.

8. Spread the softened ice cream over the top into an even layer. Peel the parchment from the remaining square of cookie dough and place it, smoothest side up, on the ice cream.

Gently press it into the ice cream.

9. Cover the pan (with the parchment overhangs, if desired) and freeze for at least 2-3 hours but preferably 6-8. Using a long, sharp knife, run it under hot water, wipe dry, and slice the cookie dough ice cream sandwiches into squares, repeating with hot water after each slice.

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Lemon Sorbet Recipe

ingredients

Victoria Spero ‘15

1 and 3/4 cups water 2 cups sugar 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 to 2 tablespoons freshly grated lemon zest

directions

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the water and sugar, and boil until the sugar dissolves, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest, then pour into the bowl of an ice cream maker. Churn according to manufacturer instructions. When the sorbet has frozen into ice crystals (it will still seem quite soft), transfer to a storage container, cover tightly and freeze until ready to serve. The sorbet will solidify in the freezer. If you do not have an ice cream maker, you can transfer mixture to a 9x13 metal baking pan. Freeze until firm (about 2 to 3 hours), stirring with a fork every half hour.

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Sugar Mocktail Recipe

ingredients 1 cup or more (depending on glass size) 7-up or sprite

2 to 4 drops of India Tree natural food coloring Amount of gummies and lollipops and chewy candies of your choosing Lots of ice

directions

Lately there has been a craze for sugar-factory inspired “mock” cocktails using soda and other sugary substances to create a perfect non-alcoholic dessert drink. Grab a glass and fill it with 7-up or Sprite, put a few drops of natural food coloring (such as India tree), and add ice for cooling. Complete your drink by adding your favorite gummies! Also, frosting glasses by glazing the rims of cups and then coating them with sugar makes for a nice, cute touch.

For additional fun, invite friends over for a contest to see who can fish out the candy first.

Tamar’s Recipes

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how to

EAT WELL and

LIVE HAPPY a guide to becoming a healthy human being

writing and photography by Mollie Adolf ‘16

Sarah Ascherman ‘16

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We tell ourselves that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and we know that mealtime is important, but what we neglect to realize is that what we eat at any point in the day has an enormous impact on everything we do. Think about it. When you have a big plate of pancakes on a Sunday morning with syrup and a scoop of ice cream on top you probably won’t be so productive afterwards; whereas if you eat an egg-white omelet with spinach and mushrooms you’ll feel ready to take on your day.

Things like diets and weight loss programs aren’t great for you either. First of all, they make you feel like the way you are right now isn’t good enough, and a change needs to be made. It’s an awful way to see yourself. Moreover, the diet comes to govern your life— you’re hungry, and have cravings; maybe you binge, and end up feeling guilty. It’s an uphill battle that seldom works out. What I’m suggesting isn’t a diet; it’s a lifestyle. I found veganism a few months ago and it changed my life.

First, research reality!

Scientific research has shown that because of vegans’ higher intake of fiber, magnesium, folic acid, vitamins C and E, iron, low caloric food, saturated fat, cholesterol, fatty acids, vitamin D, calcium, zinc, and vitamin B-12, vegans have a lower risk of heart disease (CVD), obesity, stroke and Type 2 Diabetes.

Second, you are what you eat!

If you over-indulge in oily, sugar-filled foods it will show! A lot of pimples, frizzy hair days and broken nails are the results of junk food.

Veganism promotes raw foods. That means uncooked fruits and vegetables at almost every meal. Evidence shows that people who consume more raw fruits and vegetables (like spinach, apples, and ginger) have shinier hair, stronger nails, and clearer skin than those who indulge in processed, artificial foods. It’s important to note that a vital part of the vegan lifestyle is protein! Vegans get their protein from black beans, seitan, tofu and tempeh.

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Third, food affects your mood!

If you’ve ever seen Juno, you know that the “food baby” is oh so real. Bloating can occur within 20 minutes of your last meal. Chips and candy leave their mark on your body immediately after consumption. The good news is that fruits and vegetables do the same! Healthy meals don’t leave you feeling sluggish like pizza and macaroni do. A well-balanced meal makes me feel ready to take on whatever challenges I might face that day. My food gives me the energy I need to do homework and extracurricular activities, and still enjoy myself afterward.

Fourth, healthy eating promotes healthy living!

All of that positive energy can leave me feeling antsy after a long day at school. I used to come home and need to take a 10-minute power nap; now I come home energized ready to go to the gym, or run around the East River for an hour.

Utilizing the amazing power of healthy foods has definitely increased my productivity level and has succeeeded in making me a better, happier, and healthier version of myself.

Veganism taught me that mealtime isn’t the only time food comes into play. Food is our superpower, but it is just as often a super-villain. The more you know about what you’re eating, the better off you are. If you can’t pronounce the crazy chemicals in your pack of Sour Sticks, chances are you shouldn’t be eating it.

Veganism is a challenge; I didn’t know how many foods were made with eggs until I became a vegan. It’s important to recognize your comfort zone and figure out the right meal plan for you. A little salmon, or a chicken salad once in a while can be so good for you! Veganism is one of many methods of healthy living.

For more info on veganism/maintaining a healthy lifestyle, check out some of my favorite websites, including: - thisrawsomeveganlife.com, - maxigoesvegan.blogspot.com - parisbyvegan.com and enjoy!

some tips for the road -Don’t get obsessive. Healthy living is important, and that includes your mental health. Eat right when it’s time to eat, and let it take care of you for the rest of the time— you shouldn’t be thinking about your food intake 24/7.

-Raw foods are important! What could be healthier than eating something that came directly from the earth— no chemicals, no sweeteners, just produce. Be sure that you have a side of fruit and vegetables with all your meals!

-Moderation. Let yourself eat until you are full and then stop. Even vegetables can make you feel lethargic if you have too many.

below: pomegranates are one of the healthiest fruits in the world, full of vitamins and anti-oxidants, but they are also extremely aesthetically pleasing, as you can tell by the inside flower design. right: dragon fruit is also another yummy alternative to traditionally carb-filled snacks, though it is an acquired taste and not for everyone.

the interview no. 3

Tamar Sidi ‘17 speaks with entreprenuer

CAROLINE WEAVER

about her passion for pencils that manifested into the creation of her quirky little shop, CW Pencil Enterprise

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There are many hidden gems in this city; Moselle and I enjoy sifting through the streets each day with the hope of discovering something new to submerge ourselves in. On one of those happy spring mornings, we went out on a whim and made our way down the Lower East Side to Forsyth Street. This small cramped street would have been easy to ignore had it not been for the giant pencil hanging overhead: CW Pencil Enterprise. Immediately filled with a hunger to explore, we fed our curiosity and walked on the patterned tile through the cube of sunshine which is this pencil shop. All around us were jars of pencils, varying in color, size, shape and texture. The smell of wood enveloped us and begged for a smile as we rushed to touch our graphite friends. It had been quite a while since I came in contact with a #2 pencil, as soon as school gave me the freedom to choose I went with ink. There was a sense of nostalgia amidst the framed vintage posters and mustard Eames chairs. After a brief introduction and explaination of our mission, we found ourselves seated in front of Ms. Caroline Weaver, herself, with the hope of learning more about this quirky and adorable safe haven.

q&a RISE Magazine: How did you get started selling pencils?

Caroline Weaver: At first I had built a website to test out the selling process, and when it took off quickly, I was surprised and encouraged. With pencils you can go to Staples or to an art store but people don’t realize how so many pencils aren’t available in the U.S. Some of the best are actually made by foreign brands, as there are only 3 remaining pencil factories in America. I found this space and moved in, happy to be done with my boring corporate job. Everyone has two answers when asked “what do you want to do when you grow up?”

I was able to be my own hobbyist.

RM: How did your love for pencils grow?

CW: Well my mother has always loved pencils and I think that definitely influenced me to start collecting them I’ve just always collected and used pencils, I really appreciate physical objects and pencils are one of those things– you have to sharpen it in order to use it, you have to erase it. It’s part of the reason I dislike mechanical pencils so much, they are much less tactile.

RM: Do you have a favorite pencil?

CW: No, I really don’t. I pick a new one to write with each day. Today I’m using the Palomino HB, which I find to be a very serious pencil, great for exams with a good eraser.

RM: What are your feelings towards your location; how did people find you?

CW: I know it sounds crazy, but I opened up without telling anybody. In the beginning I was a one-woman business and I didn’t want to get carried away too quickly. In terms of the neighborhood– I didn’t want to be in a shopping district. I want people to come in and discover the store; we are a special place located in this genuine area. Everyplace has their own story and I find people love to learn ours.

RM: What do you feel the overall response has been?

CW: I’m doing a strange thing here and many people come right in and tell me so, which at first was hard. However, I have found there are so many pencil fanatics just like me who understand and share my passion.

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Moselle and I left carrying our tied parcels of customized RISE pencils, a Vintage Multiplication Table pencil, a State Capital pencil, a Magic FX Jumbo, and our Japanese Tombow pencils.

Location: 100a Forsyth Street, New York, NY 10002 Hourse: Tues-Sat 11am-7pm, Sunday 12pm-7pm, closed on Monday photos by Tamar Sidi ‘17 and Moselle Kleiner ‘17

DREAMCATCHER A Favorite Object

To many, the dream catcher is a symbol of protection. The Ojibwe, creators of the dream catcher, have an ancient myth about its derivation. Asibikaashi, otherwise know as the “Spider Woman” served as the caretaker for her community. Eventually, the Ojibwe people spread across America and Asibikaashi could not physically be there to care for all of the children.

The Ojibwe nation, resourceful as they were, weaved mystical webs out of willow hoops and sinew, or plant based cordage into dream catchers, which they hoped would compensate for Asibikaashi’s absence. The idea was that any bad dreams or thoughts that entered one’s mind would get trapped in the catcher’s web, and ultimately shield and protect children in the way Asibikaashi did. Good dreams would slip through the crevices of the web, slide down the dangling feathers of the catcher, and finally reach the sleeper. Many believed that when a dream catcher’s dangling feathers quivered it was a sign that a good dream just passed through. Anything caught in the webs would disappear once the sun rose. My own dream catcher is made from the disc of a record album with turquoise string for the web; a modern spin on a once highly utilized device. I am one of many who continue the tradition of the Ojibwe people today. America– keeping the bad dreams out for centuries!

Mollie Adolf ‘16

PSYCHOLOGY Word of the Issue

metamemory

implicit or explicit knowledge about memory abilities and effective memory strategies; cognition about memory.

Robbers’ Cave: color war and discrimination In 1954, psychologist Muzafer Sherif performed what would become the famous camp study (also known as The Robbers Cave study) which left the world profound implications about the root of discrimination and the path to end it.

The experiment began with a group of children, all boys, all around 11-12 years old, all with the same kind of background, two parent households, above average intelligence, they all had the same socioeconomic status, religion, culture, education, grade level, etc. and none of them knew each other in advance. The kids were brought by bus to a special remote 200 acre summer camp in Oklahoma, Robbers Cave State Park. (continued next) 105

At the start they were randomly split into two groups by the researchers and were encouraged to bond. In the beginning, the cabins were far apart and the groups didn’t even know of the others. To encourage bonding, the researchers gave them goals to pursuit, achievement of which required co-operative discussion, planning and execution. After five or six days, the two groups of boys tended have a sense of acceptance of common membership to their group and even developed their own status hierarchies. The groups spontaneously named themselves “The Rattlers” and the “The Eagles” and put the names on shirts and flags.

With the groups now distinctly formed, the researchers set up a four day “color-war”like competition between the two with promised prizes to the winners. Throughout the competition, prejudice was apparent between the two groups through verbal expression through taunting and name calling. As the competition progressed, things got worse: the Eagles burned the the Rattlers’ flag; The Rattlers’ ransacked the Eagles’ cabin, overturned beds, and stole private property. Eventually, the groups became so aggressive with each other that the researchers had to separate them physically.

After the “color war,” researchers gave the boys a two day cooling-off period, and asked them to list characteristics of the two groups. Each group tended to evaluate their own group positively, and characterized their opponents in extremely unfavorable ways.

Sherif attempted to reduce the prejudice between the two groups. He found that by simply increasing the contact of the two groups, the situation was only made worse. Sherif’s solution was to force the groups to work together to reach superordinate goals. A superordinate goal is some kind of goal the groups would get where they need to work together to accomplish something, and without cooperation, they couldn’t achieve it. Sherif found that use of superordinate goals eased the prejudice and tension between the groups.

Sherif’s experiment is often seen as a sort of Lord of the Flies type of study, observing human nature in the wild as expressed through 12 year old boys, but what Sherif proved was something greater. Sherif’s experimental results are often confirmed for the common people through observation of color war events at summer camps and schools across the world. Sherif’s conclusion of his study was what he called Realistic Conflict Theory which “accounts for inner group conflict, negative prejudices, and stereotypes as a result of actual competition between groups for desired resources.” Sherif showed how competition can not only bring people together as a group, but cause us to form the same kind of prejudices and stereotypes often considered exclusive to racism. His conclusion, the rejection of the classic idea that just putting people in the same room will reduce tensions in favor of his more complete Contact Theory or theory of the Superordinate Goal, is something that is sure to influence research on the solution to modern social conflicts.

Daniel Cahn ‘17 106

EQUESTRIANISM A Longtime Love

Equestrianism is regarded as the elegant, stylish pastime of the leisurely, and from the spectator’s view, I suppose that’s true. Like ballerinas, equestrians aim to make the most laborious of exercises appear effortless; perfection is an alluring but elusive ideal. Nonetheless, I would more quickly associate equestrianism with the interplay between struggle and success.

I know equestrianism as the dichotomy between weeks of strenuous conditioning exercises and a two-minute performance in the arena, as the difficulty of salvaging what feels like a devastating mistake on course. I know the sport as the dialogue between my mount, a talented but temperamental Thoroughbred, and me. Equestrians are graceful, not because of their posture or polished boots, but because they respond to the ever-changing challenges of the sport with composure.

At the Hampton Classic, one of the most prestigious shows in the nation, the spectators in floppy hats and tea-length dresses put on as much a show watching the event as do the competitors. The riders, meanwhile, past the meticulously trimmed hedges and hydrangea bushes of the main arena, warm up in a dusty ring unseen to the spectator. The warm-up ring is a hectic place: rails from fences clatter to the ground, riders call out where they are going in frantic hollers, and collisions between horses are inevitable. The brief walk over from that chaotic ring back to the main arena, during which I remind myself of my posture and give my horse a calming pat, has always represented the quintessence of equestrianism for me.

Hannah BenHamo ‘16​(photo courtesy of the author)

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The one who follows the crowd will usually get no further than the crowd.

The one who walks alone is likely to find himself in places no one has ever been.

– albert einstein We have worked to put together a collection of various locations around the world– spiritually and physically– which Ramaz students have had the opportunity to enjoy and experience over the past year. To start this series, Tamar wanted to give you an eye into her summer of 2014 and hopefully inspire you to reach out during this vacation in attempting to do something you may be hesitant about or feel trepidation towards.

Ultimately this risk may provide you with valuable gratification and sense of fulfillment.

Michael Low ‘17

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a chance to

ROAM FREE

a tale of discovery and reflection in the wide, open plains of Wyoming, USA writing and photography

by Tamar Sidi ‘17

from the left (clockwise) : view from one of our beautiful stopovers en route to Yellowstone; my horse for the summer, Cassidy; a day spent building Rob’s cabin; what we dubbed “Steamboat” mountain, an afternoon view from Marvin’s Ridge, pictorial memories from a favorite all day ride

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this is the story of my summer at Elk Creek Ranch in Cody, Wyoming.

The mountains weren’t daunting, instead, soft and beckoning. Sitting on top of Cassidy, my tall marron brown leading mare, and just breathing. Breathing in the yellow wildflowers and the crisp air, the broad sky and the silhouettes of friends in the distance; we roam in a “fox trot” through the vast meadow looking up at snow-topped mountains and behind us at herds of congregating cows. It felt as if until this point my vision had been obscured by a plastic bag, which had just now released me. The first ride of the summer.

Before mealtimes we sat out on Big House Porch, relaxing our legs after they spent the day clenched up against our horses. Country music would blast from the speakers and a guitar would be brought down for everyone to crowd around until the bell from Cook House rang and we scampered down the hill for some of Connie’s notorious cooking.

We would get up early to put on our plaid shirts and boots; the first part of the day began with work.

Some of us went “haying,” stacking 70-pound bundles one on top of another, until the room was filled from floor to ceiling. Others went to “wrangle” or to work on irrigation and pull foxtails. The fences were fixed, cabins stained, logs stripped, roofs were made and tables crafted. We all toiled in building Rob’s Cabin. This was Work Crew.

Sometimes we filled free time by sitting on the tailgate of Cam’s truck shooting targets with our rifles out near “Steamboat” mountain, reading in the shade or jumping into the lake. We played soccer out on one of the greatest fields and stayed until we saw the sun alter the blue sky into shades of magnificent pinks and purples, finally setting above the few homes below the ranch.

Nights were lit up by “Sings” down in the campfire pit, poetry was recited, stories were told, and ancient tribal hakas performed (by enthusiastic Hawaiian ranchers). Friends played the mandolin, saxophone, harmonica, keyboard, and pipe; I played guitar. Hap and Susan Ridgeway (the founders of the camp) would come down and teach us old mellow country tunes, songs they have been singing together for decades. Debbie used to push the dreadlocks from her eyes to recite an old Irish ballad (which we all picked up over time,) and then we would end on famous folksongs, which at the core is just advice passed down with a tune. Before heading back to the cabins, we would all lie down to gaze up at the phenomenal bright lights scattered in the black sky. I felt exposed. The galaxy, in its entirety, was right before me; the milky way and constellations enveloped me, transporting me. It made me antsy, the beauty before me had previously been inconceivable. I could have stayed forever; it was like being wrapped in a warm blanket on a chilly fall night.

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We each got the chance to float on the peaks of mountains. This was Freedom. No phone, no clock, and no fussing. I was being dangled down by a string able to hear my own thoughts, so different from the stifling city-life. I was content. I could close my eyes and let my horse lead me on trails she had covered countless times before. I remember riding her bareback, how I would lean forward, clutching her mane as she ran up the hills. It was exhilarating, I trusted her completely. Just me, a horse, and the country. I felt like sinking into the view and getting eaten up by my surroundings. Loping around aimlessly, my hair floating behind me as the wind whistles in my ears, eyes squint and mouth clinks my horse along.

One memory will always stay vibrant in my mind, we were on the way back from a six- hour day ride up to Marvin’s, when all the ranchers had to dismount from their horses so we could walk them down the incredibly steep mountain. We began the distance, but Cassidy soon became agitated as the other horses invaded her space, she reared, but by now I was used to dealing with that. I continued to walk with her, struggling to keep her behind me as she stepped on my feet making marks in my boots. She was one of the tallest and heaviest horses. I must have given off a sense of fear because the next thing I knew I was pushed down on the floor, literally on the edge of the mountain, if I rolled over once I would have been airborne. I quickly got up, locating my lead rope and pushed her back. I looked down at where I could have been and for a fleeting moment I found myself paralyzed by the view before me: it looked like a watercolor- patches of orange, yellow, green and blue were covering the canvas as far as you could see.

It was a summer of firsts. I went to a rodeo, I learned to lasso, I square danced with all my friends, and Cassidy and I loped through barrels every Thursday. I went on a caravan trip through Yellowstone National Park, enjoyed huckleberry pancakes and fish the boys caught fly-fishing. I hiked the Beartooth mountains (and survived camping out with a tent-full of mosquitos.) I went on a four-day pack trip with Cassidy and the others, all the gear we needed for camping in the forest on the backs of our horses, I learnt to rinse toothpaste from my mouth out over cliffs. I took part in a belly flop contest and later a gymkhana, an equestrian event of speed pattern racing. Most importantly I discovered even more about myself and made friends from all over America, and all over the world. I will always treasure the memories I made at the ranch and keep in touch with those friends who were part of the invaluable experience.

The bad news is that time flies.

The good news is you’re the pilot.

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from the left (clockwise): Debbie driving the camp car out to Yellowstone– the road boasts gorgeous views, too; waiting with Cassidy to barrel-race and looking out onto the mountains, pondering the evolution of my journey from NYC to Wyoming; trying my hand at shooting a gun for the first time (though I didn’t do so well on my first try); one sunset from our evening Pack Trip; an image from an afternoon of irrigation– an unexpectedly fun activity for a New Yorker with a side of Country

JOURNEYS

a visual travel diary from across the world memories by Michael Low ‘17, as he leaves on another journey for next year

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Location: South Africa

Location: Panama

Location: South Africa

Location: Morocco

dreamland n.2. rise’s double issue in which we wish you a wonderful summer. see you in the fall!